News Flash

Todd Mohn’s Wrap Up for April 23, 2024 County Commissioner Meeting

1. Travel and Tourism Advisory Committee Reappointment

The Board unanimously agreed to reappoint Eric Hoffman to fill the vacancy on the Travel and Tourism Advisory Committee.  This term will expire on March 31, 2027. 

Swearing In Ceremony - The Board had a swearing in Ceremony for Mrs. Stephanie Jarrell for the position of “Executive Assistant to the County Commissioners & Administrator” which will be effective June 1, 2024. 

PRESENTATIONS

1. Ms. Julie Kille, Opioid Education & Prevention Coordinator and Mr. Warren Wright

Ms. Kille and Mr. Wright showcased the 2024 Opioid Awareness Poster Winners, High School Theater Commercial Competition Winners and 2023-2024 QAC Drug Free Student Ambassadors and presented them with certificates. 

2. Mr. Ward Slacum, Nutrient Credits/Oyster Recovery  

Mr. Slacum, Executive Director of the Oyster Recovery Partnership, presented “Implementing and leveraging nutrient reduction credit’s using oyster BMP’s”.  

3. Ms. Kristy Mirando, Director of Victim Services at For All Seasons, Proclamation 

Commissioner McLaughlin read Proclamation #24-11 for “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”.

4. Ms. Katelyn Widness, Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and Mr. Steve Chandlee, Director of Parks and Recreation

1. Ms. Katelyn Widness, Project Coordinator of Kimley Horn and Mr. Steve Chandlee, Director of Parks and Recreation presented an overview of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as a guide for future trail planning and development.  It will serve as a guide to achieve continued connectivity.  Here is a link to view the full plan:  Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.  Staff recommended the adoption of the plan. ADOPTED 4-0

5. Mr. Dave MacGlashan, Kent Island Estates Community Check Presentation 

Mr. MacGlashan and Commissioner Corchiarino presented a check to the Kent Island Estates Community Association President, Mr. Bill Doucet. This check was the sale proceeds of the unbuildable surplus lots and was donated by the Commissioners to be used for the purchase of new playground equipment at the community’s public beach property on Queen Anne Road. 

LEGISLATION

1. County Ordinance #24-09 – Short Term Residential Rentals 

A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT CONCERNING Short-Term Residential Rentals in Queen Anne’s County; FOR THE PURPOSE of regulating short-term residential rentals in Queen Anne’s County; revising certain definitions and adding a definition for “Short- Term Residential Rentals” in Chapter 18:1 App of the Code of Public Local Laws of Queen Anne’s County; generally regulating and providing for short-term residential rentals; providing for the location of same; providing for overnight occupant and guest capacity; regulating amplified music; requiring parking on-site; requiring inspections and zoning approvals and zoning certificates for such use; prohibiting special events unless a conditional use is granted; requiring compliance with the County’s hotel rental tax; providing for enforcement of these provisions; and generally dealing with, providing for and regulating short-term residential rentals in Queen Anne’s County.

Staff recommended that the Board refer the ordinance to the Planning Commission for investigation and recommendation. APPROVED 3    ABSTAIN 1

2. County Ordinance 24-10 - Executive Assistant 

A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT CONCERNING the Executive Assistant and Deputy Executive Assistant to the County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County; FOR THE PURPOSE of eliminating the provision that the Executive Assistant and Deputy Executive Assistant to the County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County shall serve at their pleasure; making such positions merit system employees; and generally revising the employment status of such employees. The Bill was introduced by Commissioner Corchiarino, and a Public Hearing will be held on May 14^th.

PUBLIC WORKS

Administration and Engineering

1. Noxious Weed Cooperative Agreement 

This is the annual Cooperative Agreement between the County and Maryland Department of
Agriculture (MDA) for the control and eradication of noxious and certain invasive weeds for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Staff recommended the execution of this agreement. APPROVED 4-0

Sanitary

1. Bay Bridge Marina LLLP - Request for Sewer and Water Allocation 

Bay Bridge Marina purchased the existing Bay Bridge Marina complex, which consists of a restaurant, four 1-story commercial buildings, a boat maintenance facility and 235 boat slips. The developer proposes to demolish two of the existing commercial buildings and construct 28 townhomes and a 32-room hotel. The site holds 10,422 gpd of sewer and water allocation to support the existing uses. The proposal would require an additional 7,008 gpd of allocation. Staff recommended granting 7,008 gpd of sewer and water allocation to Bay Bridge Marina LLLP for their proposal. APPROVED 4-0

ACTION ITEMS

1. Proclamation #24-14 Celebrate Trails Day 

Proclamation #24-14 was read by Commissioner Dumenil proclaiming April 27, 2024 as “Celebrate Trails Day” in Queen Anne’s County.

1. Proclamation #24-16 National Public Safety Dispatchers Week    

Proclamation #24-16 was read by Commissioner Corchiarino declaring the week of April 14^th  through 20^th to be “National Public Safety Dispatcher Week” in Queen Anne’s County in honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our county and citizens safe. We are thankful for all our Queen Anne’s County Public Dispatchers. 

1. Comcast Cable Franchise Agreement 

Queen Anne’s County has negotiated a proposed Cable Television Franchise Agreement with Comcast of Delmarva, LLC. The Agreement is designed to maintain competitive equity with the incumbent cable provider, Breezeline, while at the same time enabling the new operator to enter the Queen Anne’s County marketplace to establish viable cable competition. The County and its cable consulting team of CBG Communications, Inc. and Cohen Law Group, recommended conditionally approving the agreement, with the condition that all necessary sureties be submitted.  APPROVED 4-0

1. Difficult to Serve Properties Program Agreement 

At the March 12, 2024, Commissioners meeting the County Staff and Broadband Advisory Committee (BAC) presented and was awarded approval for the request of funds in the amount of $1M to continue the implementation of the Queen Anne’s County Long Driveway Program.  This allocation will provide the necessary match to maximize the benefit of the $1.1M State grant. This agreement between the County and the Department of Housing and Community Development Office of the Statewide Broadband Home Stretch will secure the grant funds. Staff recommended approval of this agreement for signature by the Commission President.   APPROVED 4-0

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

1. Pilot Program Town Hall Rt 8 Ramp Closure Citizen Letter 
2. Planning Commission EDC Monthly Report - March 2024 
3. Planning and Zoning Project Status Updates 

You can also watch the meeting here https://www.youtube.com/live/ffXlCOnwnaU?si=SPjThKwdxKCzaVDN