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Kent County, MD

Kent County public meetings in 2024

47 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 17, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners to consider fox hunting dog kennel zoning

The Board of County Commissioners will discuss updating the Land Use Ordinance to allow fox hunting club dog kennels in the Resource Conservation District. The meeting also includes reviews of wastewater plant updates and several ARPA-funded infrastructure projects.

zoningwastewateralcohol-licensinginfrastructurearpa-fundspublic-works
Tue Dec 3, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners consider growth allocation for new zoning designations

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on granting growth allocation for 1.4 acres of Marine zoned area and 58.9 acres of Mixed-Use Development Critical Area. The body will also discuss the establishment of an Agricultural Preservation District and a zoning amendment for fox hunting club dog kennels.

zoningland-useagriculturepublic-worksgrowth-allocation
Tue Nov 19, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners approve $63,960 letters of credit for reforestation, landscaping

The Kent County Commissioners will vote to release two letters of credit—$10,960 for reforestation and $52,000 for landscaping. They will also consider a Motorola Solutions radio purchase for emergency services, a proposal to rename the AA Diamond Ball Field to "Commissioners Field," and a public hearing on the Agricultural Land Preservation District. Additional items include a letter of support for the Kent County Middle School modernization project.

financepublic-worksparksland-preservationeducation
Wed Nov 6, 2024 · 18:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners hold special work session with Social Services and non-profits

The County Commissioners are holding a special work session focused on Social Services. The meeting includes presentations from the Department of Social Services and representatives from three non-profit agencies.

social-servicesnon-profitscommunity-services
Wed Nov 6, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

County Commissioners meeting canceled; no agenda items acted on

The November 6, 2024 Kent County Commissioners meeting was cancelled, so no items were decided or discussed. The posted agenda listed consent items for October 29 minutes, a special Class C liquor license for Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company, a proclamation of National American Indian Heritage Month, a Legislative Bond Initiative briefing, and appointments for the Town of Rock Hall. Because the meeting did not occur, none of these items were acted upon.

cancellationminuteslicensingproclamationlegislative-bondappointments
Tue Oct 29, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Public hearing held for Bill No. 8-2024 regarding emergency services and fire companies

The County Commissioners are conducting a public hearing on legislation to decrease time constraints for volunteer fire and EMS companies to achieve compliance. The body is also reviewing school budget adjustments, grant proposals, and sewer allocation requests.

emergency-servicespublic-safetybudgeteducationzoningliquor-license
Tue Oct 22, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

County Commissioners hold public hearing on emergency services fire bill

The Kent County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on Code Home Rule Bill No. 8-2024, which amends Chapter 33 for emergency services and fire companies. The agenda also includes alcoholic beverage license hearings for Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company and Lewes Dairy Market, and several consent and appointment items. Additional items cover the purchase of a roll‑off truck for the Environmental Operations Division and the appointment of a new supervisor for accountability and career‑technical education.

emergency-servicesfire-companiesalcohol-licensingappointmentsprocurementpublic-hearing
Tue Oct 8, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

County Commissioners will approve the Courthouse remediation project.

The Kent County Commissioners will adopt the October 1 minutes, confirm public works appointments, and approve the Courthouse remediation. They will review the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds spend plan and the Contingency Fund use report. A proclamation will honor Edna D. Cox on her 105th birthday, and the board will receive a tour of the Maryland Consolidated Transportation Programs.

courthousearpabudgettransportationproclamation
Tue Oct 1, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

County Commissioners hear public liquor license request for Pip's Discount Liquors

The Kent County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on an alcoholic beverage license application from Hari Corp., doing business as Pip's Discount Liquors. They will also consider contract requests from the County Roads Division, including use of MDOT/SHA Blanket Purchase Order No. 001B4600050 and a contract under MDOT/SHA Contract No. 477D21426 with Guardrails Etc. Inc. Additional agenda items include special Class C liquor license applications for local events and routine consent approvals of meeting minutes.

licensingcontractspublic-worksalcoholevents
✓ Decided: County approves courthouse security upgrade, new clean energy pact

The Kent County Commissioners unanimously approved replacing the outdated courthouse access control system, allocating $14,986 from Contingency funds and $3,960 from Fund Balance for the first year of cloud service. They also introduced Code Home Rule Bill 8-2024 to update emergency services vehicle standards, approved a new MDPACE agreement with the Maryland Clean Energy Center, and approved the FY2025 Community Partnership Agreement with the Governor's Office for Children. All consent items, including road salt and guardrail purchases, were approved unanimously.

Tue Sep 24, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners address self-storage rules and public works agreements

The County Commissioners are meeting to discuss the adoption of Code Home Rule Bill No. 7-2024 regarding self-storage centers in industrial districts. The body will also review IT memorandums of understanding and public works agreements.

zoningpublic-workssolar-energyit-infrastructurecontracts
✓ Decided: Kent County approves $59,200 courthouse lobby renovation contract

The County Commissioners unanimously approved a $59,200 contract with Bloomes Contracting, Inc. for courthouse lobby alterations, funded with an additional $13,971 from ARPA. They also approved discounted Parks and Recreation rates, a part-time Family Advocate position, a water/wastewater agreement renewal with Galena, and nine consent items. Two liquor licenses were approved for Sultana Education Foundation events.

Tue Sep 17, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

County Commissioners will consider HVAC replacement contracts and a self‑storage zoning bill.

The board will vote on consent items approving minutes from September 10. They will review HVAC replacement proposals for the County Courthouse and 400 High Street, totaling $109,992.00, plus a $5,659.90 control‑board contract. A third reading of Code Home Rule Bill No. 7‑2024, which would allow self‑storage centers in the industrial district, will be taken up.

public-worksbudgetzoninglicensingcommunity-events
✓ Decided: County adopts zoning change allowing self-storage in Industrial District

The Kent County Commissioners unanimously adopted Code Home Rule Bill No. 7-2024, which adds self-storage centers as a permitted use in the Industrial District, subject to site plan review and design standards. The board also approved several consent items, including HVAC projects, and made conditional job offers for an EMT and a Motor Equipment Operator. Proclamations were issued for Suicide Prevention Month, POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Tue Sep 10, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners hold public hearing on self-storage centers in industrial districts

The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding Code Home Rule Bill No. 7-2024. The meeting also includes discussions on grant awards, public works updates, and liquor licensing.

zoninggrantspublic-workslaw-enforcementliquor-licensing
✓ Decided: Kent County approves $50K for Meals on Wheels amid shortfall

The Kent County Commissioners unanimously approved allocating $50,000 from contingency funds to Upper Shore Aging for the Meals on Wheels program to address an unexpected $41,016 food contract cost increase. They also approved several grants, contracts, and appointments, including accepting a $226,396 opioid treatment grant and a $103,821 law enforcement grant, and approving a $107,787.76 contract for sheriff's vehicle outfitting. A public hearing on a self-storage zoning bill was closed with no comments, and the bill is scheduled for a vote on September 17, 2024.

Tue Aug 27, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

County adopts zoning amendment to allow self‑storage in industrial district

The Kent County Commissioners will adopt two Code Home Rule Bills—Bill 5-2024 for pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers and Bill 6-2024 for a clean energy loan program. They will also issue a public hearing notice for Bill 7-2024, which amends the Land Use Ordinance to permit self‑storage centers in the industrial district. Additional agenda items include a contract award for a new EMS facility and renewal of the Police Accountability Board consultant contract.

zoningeconomic-developmentpublic-safetyhealthenergy
Tue Aug 20, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

County Commissioners will read and consider new self‑storage zoning bill

The Kent County Commissioners meeting on August 20, 2024 includes readings of several Code Home Rule bills, a sewer allocation request, and applications for special Class C alcohol licenses. The agenda also lists FY2025 Cooperative Local‑State Library Aid Programs certification, an American Rescue Plan Act funds spend plan, and a contingency fund report. All items are presented as agenda items for discussion or decision.

zoninglicensingfinanceinfrastructurepublic-healthlibrary
Tue Aug 13, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

County Commissioners will consider the American Rescue Plan Act funds spend plan

The Kent County Commissioners will review and adopt the minutes from the July 30, 2024 regular session. They will discuss several FY2025 contracts and grant items, including the Maryland Family Network contract renewal and a Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement grant. The agenda also includes a review of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds spend plan and other consent items.

budgetgrantspublic-healthhousinglaw-enforcement
Tue Jul 30, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners consider cable franchise agreement with Talkie Communications, Inc.

The Board of County Commissioners will vote on a resolution to authorize an IPTV cable franchise agreement with Talkie Communications, Inc. The meeting also includes second readings of bills regarding pawnbrokers and a clean energy loan program.

cable-franchisezoningpublic-safetyclean-energypublic-works
Tue Jul 23, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners to consider pawnbrokers, clean energy loan program

The Kent County Commissioners will hold public hearings on two proposed ordinances: one to update regulations for pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers, and another to establish a Clean Energy Loan Program for commercial property owners. The meeting also includes consent items, grant awards, and departmental reports.

zoningpublic-safetybudgetenvironmentinfrastructurepublic-hearing
Tue Jul 16, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County to hold public hearing on Talkie Communications IPTV franchise

The County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding a franchise application from Talkie Communications, Inc. to provide IPTV cable services. The board will also consider several home rule bills and contract renewals.

cable-franchisezoningpublic-workshome-rule-billscontracts
Tue Jul 9, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Public hearing regarding the replacement of the Kent County Official Zoning Map

The County Commissioners are holding a public hearing for Code Home Rule Bill No. 4-2024 to rescind and replace the county's official zoning map. The agenda also includes reviews of service contract renewals and updates on the Millington project.

zoningmillingtoncontractspublic hearingutilities
Tue Jun 25, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County considers replacing the official county zoning map

The County Commissioners are reviewing CHR Bill No. 4-2024, which proposes to rescind and replace the entire Kent County Official Zoning Map. This follows recommendations from the 2020–2024 Comprehensive Rezoning and Update process. The agenda also includes various departmental appointments and contract renewals.

zoningpublic-hearingbudgetappointmentspublic-worksland-use
Tue Jun 11, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners to adopt FY2025 budget and new tax and utility rates

The Board will vote on the FY2025 budget, the county tax levy, income tax rate, and water and sewer rates. The agenda also includes a first reading of a bill to update the official Kent County zoning map. Commissioners will also review public comments regarding the proposed budget.

budgettaxeszoningutilitiespublic-hearing
Tue Jun 4, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners hold public hearing on proposed FY 2025 budget

The County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed County Budget, which projects $60,948,000 in revenue and $67,582,000 in expenditures. The agenda also includes hearings for agricultural land preservation and alcoholic beverage licenses.

budgettaxationagriculturelicensingpublic-hearing
Tue May 21, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County announces FY2025 budget hearing for June 4, 2024

The County Commissioners will receive an update from the Kent County Fire Chiefs Association regarding volunteer fire and EMS services. This presentation includes requests for a new Knox Box building code requirement and a property tax credit for public safety officers. The board will also review the FY2025 proposed budget.

budgetfire-emspublic-safetytaxationlocal-government
Tue May 21, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners review FY2025 budget requests and general fund overview

The County Commissioners are conducting a budget work session to review fiscal year 2025 requests from Delmarva Community Services, Inc. and the Kent County Health Department. The session also includes an overview of the general fund, covering personnel, allocations, and the five-year capital plan.

budgethealthfinancefleetgovernment
Tue May 14, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners to review grants, annexations, and budget reports

The meeting includes a tour of the Choptank Mobile Health Unit and a proclamation for National Travel and Tourism Week. Commissioners will consider various grant applications, including tourism and homeland security grants. The board will also discuss the American Rescue Plan Act spend plan and fund balance reports.

tourismgrantspublic-healthbudgetzoningemergency-services
Tue May 14, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners hold FY2025 budget work session

The County Commissioners are conducting a work session to review FY2025 budget requests. This includes presentations on outside agency requests and the general fund overview. The session also covers personnel, allocations, and the 5 Year Capital Plan.

budgetfinancegovernmenteducationcapital-plan
Tue May 7, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners to consider broadband contracts and Sharp Street right of way

The Kent County Commissioners will review several raffle applications and grant programs. The agenda includes discussions regarding the Right Of Way on Sharp Street and requests to approve broadband contracts. The board will also address various departmental appointments and reports.

broadbandlaw enforcementinfrastructuregrantspublic works
Tue May 7, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners review FY2025 budget requests and Chestertown needs

The County Commissioners are holding a work session to discuss FY2025 budget allocation requests. Presentations include funding requests from the Town of Chestertown and Bayside H.O.Y.A.S. The session also covers the Board of Education's proposed budget and the county's five-year capital plan.

budgetchestertownkent-countyfinanceeducation
Tue Apr 30, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County reviews FY2025 Board of Education and agency budget requests

The meeting includes budget requests from Upper Shore Aging, Inc. and the Greater Rock Hall Business Association. The Board of Education will present its proposed FY2025 budget, covering salary increases and operational costs. Commissioners will also discuss short-term rentals and review the county's general fund overview.

budgeteducationkent-countyfinanceshort-term-rentals
Tue Apr 23, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Discussion of Millington infrastructure funding and SBA disaster loan assistance

The Commissioners will discuss reallocating Rural Maryland Economic Development Funds for the Millington Infrastructure Project. The agenda also includes a report on SBA disaster loan availability for businesses affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

infrastructuresmall-businessbudgetpublic-safetyhousing
Tue Apr 23, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners hold budget work session on personnel and general fund

The Kent County Commissioners are conducting a budget work session to review financial and personnel matters. The agenda includes an overview of the General Fund, covering fund balance, operating, and allocation summaries. The body will also discuss new positions and hold a closed session regarding personnel.

budgetpersonnelfinancekent-county
Tue Apr 16, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners to review library and school budget requests

The Commissioners will consider several appointments and contract renewals. The meeting includes reviewing FY2025 budget requests for the public library and vehicle lease updates for Kent County Public Schools. Additionally, the board will address liquor license applications and American Rescue Plan Act fund spend plans.

budgetappointmentscontractspublic-libraryschoolszoningalcohol-licensing
Tue Apr 9, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Review of short-term rental tax adoption notice and health department fee increases

The County Commissioners will review an adoption notice for the Short-Term Rental Tax (Bill No. 3-2024). The meeting also includes a discussion regarding environmental health fee increases and budget amendments for public works.

taxhealthbudgetpublic-worksemergency-services
Tue Apr 9, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners review agency budgets and municipal tax setoff study

The Kent County Commissioners are conducting a budget work session to review requests from outside agencies and local municipalities. The meeting includes an overview of the General Fund, the 5-Year Capital Plan, and allocations. A study regarding property tax setoffs for Chestertown, Rock Hall, and Galena will also be presented.

budgettaxationmunicipalitieskent-countyfinancepublic-services
Tue Apr 2, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners hold budget work session with department heads

The meeting is a budget work session featuring an overview from the Office of Finance. Various county departments will provide briefings regarding their operations and budgets.

budgetfinancegovernmentkent-county
Tue Apr 2, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County considers third reading of short-term rental tax bill

The County Commissioners will hold a third reading and vote on Code Home Rule Bill No. 3-2024 to establish a Short-Term Rental Tax. This legislation proposes replacing the existing Hotel Rental Tax with a tax covering various types of short-term accommodations. The agenda also includes site plan reviews and departmental appointments.

taxationzoninghousingappointmentsplanning
Tue Mar 26, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Public hearing on proposed short-term rental tax in Kent County

The County Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding Code Home Rule Bill No. 3-2024 for a short-term rental tax. The agenda also includes revisions to the Planning and Zoning fee schedule and several departmental contract approvals. Additionally, the board will review school budget amendments and infrastructure service contracts.

taxzoningpublic-hearingbudgetinfrastructurehousing
Tue Mar 19, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County introduces legislation for a short-term rental tax

The Commissioners are reviewing Code Home Rule Bill No. 3-2024, which proposes replacing the Hotel Rental Tax with a Short-Term Rental Tax to include accommodations like apartments and cottages. The agenda also includes liquor license applications and various departmental appointments.

taxationshort-term rentalsliquor licensesappointmentsbudget
Tue Mar 12, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners review adoption notice for new land use ordinance

The Kent County Commissioners are reviewing adoption notices for home rule bills regarding property tax credits and a replacement for the Land Use Ordinance. The agenda includes a public hearing for a liquor license upgrade at Galena Mini Mart and updates on the Millington wastewater treatment plant. The board will also consider the proposed mosquito control budget and various departmental reports.

zoningbusinessbudgetinfrastructurepublic-hearing
Tue Mar 5, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners to vote on new Unified Development Ordinance

The Commissioners will hold third readings for bills regarding property tax credits and a major overhaul of the county's land use ordinance. They will also introduce a new bill concerning short-term rental taxes. Other discussions include broadband updates and security funding requests.

zoningtaxationbroadbandpublic-safetyland-usebudget
Tue Feb 27, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County considers replacing the entire Land Use Ordinance

The Commissioners will discuss Code Home Rule Bill 2-2024, which proposes to rescind and replace the current Land Use Ordinance in its entirety. The agenda also includes a public hearing for a liquor license at Flying Decoy Bar and Grill and updates on ARPA funds.

zoningliquorbudgetland-usepublic-hearing
Tue Feb 13, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners discuss land use updates and liquor licenses

The Board is reviewing a proposal to replace the current Land Use Ordinance with a new Unified Development Ordinance. Other items include an alcoholic beverage license hearing for Galena Mini Mart and various personnel appointments.

zoningliquor_licensesgovernment-administrationland-usepublic-hearings
Tue Feb 6, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners discuss $5.15 million water and wastewater upgrades for Kennedyville

The County Commissioners are reviewing updated costs for water and wastewater system improvements in the Village of Kennedyville. The discussion includes potential development capacity and necessary infrastructure upgrades to handle future demand.

infrastructurewaterzoninggovernment-financepublic-works
Tue Jan 30, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners review new Land Use Ordinance and property tax credit bill

The Kent County Commissioners are considering a resolution to accept the final version of the Land Use Ordinance for legislative consideration. The agenda also includes a notice for a public hearing regarding CHR Bill No. 1-2024, which proposes making commerce zone property tax credits non-transferable.

zoningtaxationappointmentsland-usegovernment-administration
Tue Jan 23, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County considers new property tax credit rules for commerce zones

The County Commissioners are reviewing Code Home Rule Bill No. 1-2024, which proposes that property tax credits in commerce zones be non-transferable. The meeting also includes discussions on various departmental appointments, financial reports, and public notices.

taxationzoningcommercefinancelocal-government
Tue Jan 16, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Commissioners discuss school construction cost-share and middle school project

The County Commissioners will hold a special work session to discuss Senate Bill 110 regarding school construction local cost-share alterations. The session includes a review of debt service and cost analysis for the Kent County Middle School Modernization Project.

schoolsbudgetschool-constructionkent-county
Tue Jan 9, 2024 · 10:00

County Commissioners

Kent County Commissioners to review adaptive reuse bill and various appointments

The Board will consider a public hearing notice for Code Home Rule Bill No. 6-2023 regarding the adaptive reuse of structures in AZD on parcels under 20 acres. The meeting also includes several departmental appointments, grant reports, and updates on bridge replacement for Lambson Forest Road.

zoningappointmentsinfrastructuregrantspublic-hearing