News Flash

Todd Mohn’s Wrap Up of the February 13^th County Commissioner Meeting

The February 13th meeting started at 5:00 p.m. with a closed session for Consult with Counsel & Boards and Commissions.

Bicycle And Pedestrian Advisory Committee the Board unanimously agreed to reappoint Mr. Bob Zilling, Ms. Leslie Sandoz and Mr. Nicholas Newell to fill the vacancies on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. These terms will expire February 28, 2027.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board the Board unanimously agreed to appoint Ms. Barbara Dawson to fill a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. This term will expire on December 31, 2027.

LEGISLATION

1. Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan Informational Meeting Foxx Farms Subdivision within the Town of Sudlersville – The amendment request is to upgrade the sewer and water service map designation to S-2/W-2. The proposal is a map amendment request for a property located within the incorporated boundaries of Sudlersville. The request is to upgrade the service map designation from S-3/W-3 to S-2/W-2 of a property to be known as Foxx Farms. This property, owned by the Foxx Farms LLC, is predominately vacant agricultural lands which reside within the incorporated limits of the Town of Sudlersville. It is shown on Tax Map 13G as Parcel 17, it is approximately 96 acres in size, and it is zoned Single Family Residential. The proposal is to allow for the construction of 98 townhomes and 125 single family lots. The property currently holds a sewer and water service map designation of S-3/W-3. The amendment request is to upgrade the sewer and water service map designation to S-2/W-2 (which equates to service on demand). Flows from the use are anticipated to be approximately 55,750 gpd. Sewer and water service will be provided via the Town of Sudlersville’s sewer and water system. A Public Hearing will be held on February 27th.
2. County Ordinance #24-01 - Non-water Dependent Structures on Piers. AN ACT CONCERNING non-water-dependent structures on piers in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area of Queen Anne’s County; FOR THE PURPOSE of permitting non water-dependent structures on piers on State or private wetlands by meeting specific standards and adding a definition for non water-dependent project and pier in Chapter 14:1 of the Code of Public Laws of Queen Anne’s County. The Board agreed to introduce and conceptually approve County Ordinance #24-01 as presented. The Board further moved that through the execution of the drafted letter to the Critical Area Commission that this ordinance be conveyed to the Critical Area Commission for its consideration and approval as a local program refinement. APPROVED 5-0
3. County Ordinance #24-02 - Camping Cooperative in Suburban Residential (SR) Zoning District A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT CONCERNING the Camping Cooperative use in the Suburban Residential (SR) Zoning District in Queen Anne’s County; FOR THE PURPOSE of amending the permitted uses in the Suburban Residential (SR) Zoning District to include camping cooperatives; to establish a minimum site area; to establish minimum setbacks; and to define a camping. The Bill was introduced, and a Public Hearing will be held on March 12th.
4. County Ordinance #24-03 - Pier Greater Than 150 feet Requiring a Variance A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT CONCERNING the pier length extension review by the Queen Anne’s County Board of Appeals; FOR THE PURPOSE of amending the accessory pier use to require a variance rather than a conditional use by the Board of Appeals in order to construct a pier at a length greater than 150 feet, as measured from the mean high water line. The Bill was introduced, and a Public Hearing will be held on March 12th.
5. County Ordinance #24-04 – Cannabis Regulation in Queen Anne’s to amend the existing provisions for medical cannabis licensed grower, processor and dispensary to include recreational cannabis AN EMERGENCY BILL ENTITLED AN ACT CONCERNING Cannabis Regulation in Queen Anne’s County; FOR THE PURPOSE of regulating the consumption, growing, processing and dispensing of cannabis and the location of cannabis dispensaries and processors in Queen Anne’s County; prohibiting on-site cannabis consumption establishments; permitting Cannabis Licensed Growers as a conditional use in the Agricultural (AG) District; permitting cannabis licensed processors as a conditional use in the Suburban Commercial (SC) District, the Urban Commercial (UC) District, the Suburban Industrial (SI) District, and the Light Industrial Highway Service (LIHS) District in Queen Anne’s County; permitting Cannabis Licensed Processors in the Suburban Industrial Employment (SIBE) District; permitting cannabis licensed dispensaries in the Grasonville Gateway and Medical Center (GGMC) District in Queen Anne’s County; providing setbacks for such uses; providing additional standards for cannabis related conditional uses; providing definitions of Cannabis, Cannabis Concentrate, Cannabis Infused Product, Cannabis Licensed Grower, Cannabis Product, Cannabis Licensed Dispensary, Cannabis Licensed Processor and On-Site Cannabis Consumption Establishment, and generally regulating and providing for the processing and dispensing of Cannabis in Queen Anne’s County. BY AMENDING Sections 18:1-13, 18:1-14, 18:1-21, 18:1-22, 18:1-23, 18:1-24, 18:1-35, 18:1-35.1, 18:1-95 and 18 App-1 Definitions of the Code of Public Local Laws of Queen Anne’s County. The Bill was introduced, and a Public Hearing will be held on March 12th.

PRESENTATIONS I. Ms. Janet Salazar, Director, QAC Libraries – Annual Report Ms. Janet Salazar, Director QAC Libraries met with the Board and gave an update on the Queen Anne’s County Libraries. The following was highlighted: Circulation of Materials, Attendance in their Programs, Customer Feedback, Statistics on Library Visits, Computer/WiFi Use and Meeting Room Use, Mobile Library.

II. Ms. Cathy Willis, Director, Community Services Community Services Update Ms. Cathy Willis, Director, Ms. Anne Sparks, Chief Area on Aging and Transportation, Mr. Mike Clark, Chief Housing, Community Services met with the Board and gave an update of her department the following was highlighted: Home Delivered Meals Program, Ombudsman visits, Senior Centers Special Events, County Ride, Homeless Prevention, Affordable & Workforce Housing Unit, Community Development Block Grants, and Future Challenges and Goals.

III. Mr. Steve Chandlee, Director, Parks and Recreation - Parks and Recreation Update Mr. Steve Chandlee, Director of Parks and Recreation met with the Board and gave an update of his department. The following was highlighted: The projects they are working on, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Summer Camps, Various Leagues, Public Landings and Bay Bridge Airport and Blue Heron Golf Course.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

1. Bay Bridge Airport Hangar Roof Retrofit Contract Award Mr. Lee Edgar, Chief of Engineering, DPW submitted to the Board for their review and approval the Bay Bridget Airport Hangar Roof Retrofit Contract. Sealed proposals were received for the Bay Bridge Airport Hangar Roof Retrofit project. The work involves the design and installation of a ventilated metal-over-metal retrofit roof system, and application of new paint to all exterior walls and doors. Generally referred to as the ‘blue maintenance hangar’, the 8,800 square-foot metal building is fifty-seven years old and plagued with roof leaks. Repairs are timely as the Airport has recently entered into a favorable rental contract, and the new tenant welcomes the prospective work. Five (5) bids were received, publicly opened and read as follows:

            Vendor                                                                 Location                                           Fee           

Vertex Roofing Contractors, Inc.                       Manassas, VA                                                                                                                                                                                       $   184,625.00

Bob Breeding General Contractors, LLC              Denton, MD                                                                                                                                                                                  $   234,938.60

Ruff Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.                      Baltimore, MD                                                                                                                                                                                      $   267,630.00

Delmarva Pole Building Supply, Inc.                  Wyoming, DE                                                                                                                                                                                       $   309,992.00

Ron Ruff Roofing, Inc.                                       Baltimore, MD                         bid non-responsive

Vertex Roofing Contractors, Inc of Manassas Virginia submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid. Adequate funding is available via approved capital project Bay Bridge Airport Hangar Maintenance. Staff recommended awarding of the contract, to Vertex Roofing Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $184,625.00. APPROVED 5-0

2. Maryland Road (Portion of Elm St.) – Special Assessment for Roads Improvements Decision It was noted a public hearing was held on January 31, 2024, at 7 pm, at the United Communities Volunteer Fire Department to present and review the proposed Maryland Road (including a portion of Elm Street) Improvement Special Assessment project with members of the Kent Island Estates Roads Association, property owners and community members. The property owners within the assessment area were notified of the public hearing via certified mail and the hearing was advertised in the Record Observer consistent with Title 23 of the County Code. The record for public comments was left opened for a period of two weeks. As of February 6, 2024: • A total of 11 out of the 46 property owners provided testimony. • 5 property owners are in favor of the project • 5 property owners are opposed to the project • 1 property owner testified as to their concerns but did not express opposition or support

Staff will notify all property owners and begin the design process. The Board motioned to approve the Maryland Road (including a portion of Elm Street) Special Assessment Road Improvement at a cost not to exceed $9,000.00 per property. APPROVED 5-0

3. Systematic Replacement of Fleet Equipment – Tractor/Truck Mr. Shane Moore submitted to the Board for their review and approval the Systematic Replacement of Fleet Equipment-Tractor/Truck. The Roads Division recommended the purchase one (1) Kenworth T880 Tractor, from All Roads Trucks (Kenworth Mid Atlantic – Delmarva), of Dover, DE, in the amount of $206,627.14, via the Sourcewell Contract #060920-KTC. As part of this purchase a 1998 Peterbilt with 208,500 miles will be disposed of via Gov Deals. This purchase was programmed in FY2024 and adequate funding is available in the FY2024 Capital Equipment Budget. APPROVED 5-0
4. Systematic Replacement of Fleet Equipment – Six-Wheel Dump Truck Mr. Shane Moore submitted to the Board for their review and approval the Systematic Replacement of Fleet Equipment -Six Wheel Dump Truck. The Roads Division is recommending the purchase one (1) Freightliner 108SD Six-Wheel Dump Truck, from National Auto Fleet, of Watsonville, CA, in the amount of $225,285, via the Sourcewell Contract #060920-NAF. As part of this purchase a 2002 International Six-Wheel Dump Truck will be disposed of via Gov Deals. This purchase was programmed in FY2024 and adequate funding is available in the FY2024 Capital Equipment Budget. APPROVED 5-0

ACTION ITEMS

5. Character Counts Spotlight February 2024 – Queen Anne’s County Branch of the NAACP The Character Counts! pillar celebrated in February is RESPECT and Commissioner McLaughlin read the following: This pillar is both given and received and at its core is simply treating others the way you would want to be treated. Our honoree this month was founded on that same principle. The Queen Anne’s County Branch of the NAACP, Chapter 7024, is committed to a world without racism. Where all citizens are respected, enjoy equitable opportunities, can live in thriving communities that are engaged, and have supportive policies and institutions for all people. They envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all people can exercise their civil and human rights peacefully and without discrimination. They stand for being considerate and courteous of other citizens and their feelings, always using good manners, and being accepting of differences. To accomplish their goals, the QAC NAACP works collaboratively and respectfully with schools, municipalities, local government, and the greater community within Queen Anne’s County, fostering respect through mediation and advocacy. The Queen Anne’s County NAACP was nominated by Dorrine Fasset. She wrote, “Respect, one of the pillars of the Character Counts program, which seeks to transcend cultural, religious and socioeconomic differences is a shared ethical value between Character Counts and NAACP.” 
6. W. Edward Yoder – Amended Plat of Open Space ATE-23-11-0002 Legal Documents – Second Amended Deed of Open Space Easement Mr. Doug Summers, Associate Planner, Planning and Zoning submitted to the Board for their review and approval an amended plat of open space. The current owner is requesting to amend the deed-restricted open space to current Code regulations by reducing the overall amount to 16.887 acres which supports the cluster lots noted above that total to 2.0980 acres. Planning & Zoning is recommending execution of the Second Amended Deed of Open Space Easement. APPROVED 5-0
7. Private Road Name Request – Coon Run Lane to Hidden Hollow Lane A property owner has submitted a request to name a private lane to his residence Hidden Hollow Lane. The private lane was not previously named. APPROVED 5-0
8. Rural Legacy – Agreement of Sale and Project Agreement Edward A. Price A 51.71 acre property owned by Edward Price and located within the Foreman Branch Rural Legacy Area is ready to be submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for review and final approval. Total funding is being provided by the Rural Legacy grants program through Program Open Space, no county funds will be utilized. The grant agreement for the Foreman Branch Rural Legacy Area was executed on October 10, 2023. This property will add to the 10,078 acres already preserved. APPROVED 5-0
9. National Association of Counties Membership Dues 2024 We have received a membership renewal letter and overview of achievements from the National Association of Counties (NACo) membership chairman, Tammy Tincher. NACo has been a valuable advocate for Queen Anne’s County with various Federal initiatives and programs that assist us locally. A few examples include flexibility with ARPA funding, Operation Green Light for Veterans and the Opioid Solutions Center. The membership amount is $896.00. APPROVED 5-0
10. Kent Island Federation of Arts Grant Submission Support Letter The Kent Island Federation recommended execution of a Letter of Support for their grant submission to the Maryland State Arts Council. The grant is for $32,000 to assist with the cost of roof replacement on their building located at 405 Main Street, Stevensville. The roof on this building is 32 years old. APPROVED 5-0
11. Support Letter For House Bill 940 –Local Government - Authorized Use Of Revenue From Development Impact Fees: This is a support letter for House Bill 940. This bill would authorize the use of revenue from development impact fees to finance the capital costs for replacement, maintenance, or expansion of public works, improvements, or public facilities and generally relating to the use of revenues from development impact fees. APPROVED 5-0
12. Support Letter For Senate Bill 674 Abandoned Or Sunken Vessels And Waterway Improvement Fund Grant Support Letter: This is a support letter for Senate Bill 674. This bill would require the owner of a vessel that is required to be numbered to include certain contact information for each owner of the vessel with the application for a certificate of number; requiring the Department of Natural Resources, before and after seizing, removing, or taking an abandoned or sunken vessel into custody, to attempt to contact certain individuals in a certain manner; requiring the Department to distribute at least $250,000 from the Waterway Improvement Fund each fiscal year to certain organizations. APPROVED 5-0
13. Letter Of Support House Bill 1461 Abandoned Or Sunken Vessels And Waterway Improvement Fund Grant: This is a letter of support for House Bill 1461. This bill would require the owner of a vessel that is required to be numbered to include certain contact information for each owner of the vessel with the application for a certificate of number; requiring the Department of Natural Resources, before and after seizing, removing, or taking an abandoned or sunken vessel into custody, to attempt to contact certain individuals in a certain manner; requiring the Department to distribute at least $250,000 from the Waterway Improvement Fund each fiscal year to certain organizations. APPROVED 5-0
14. Letter Of Opposition House Bill 1407 County Tier 1 Renewable Sources – Generating Systems, Capacity, And Generation – Prohibition, Studies, And Plans: This is a letter of opposition for HB 1407. This bill would prohibit counties from establishing zoning laws or other regulations that restrict or prohibit the construction or operation of Tier 1 renewable source generating systems or facilities; requiring the Public Service Commission to study the electricity demand in each county and determine the amount of capacity of, and energy generation from, Tier 1 renewable sources needed in each county for the State to meet certain renewable energy portfolio standard requirements; etc. APPROVED 5-0
15. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
16. Thank You Card – Evelyn Kirby
17. Thank You Card – Kent Island Senior Center Staff
18. Thank You Letter – Comptroller Brooke Lierman
19. Plumbing and HVAC Board Report – December 21, 2023
20. Police Accountability Board Annual Report 2023
21. Breezeline – WBOC Response Letter
22. Regional Medical Center at Easton Overview

Or you can watch the meeting here https://www.youtube.com/live/kihn0YC2law?si=G7F_xw6g4PmTMf5W