[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6282782,"mediaKeyId","2592287-8a1967f11f40ac6cba07b7828cb71c5c","parentId",2592287,"title","Commissioners, developers and county staff debate soil reuse for Millington wastewater plant and senior-housing site","audioSeconds",1174,"startMs",5012000,"endMs",6186000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2592287-8a1967f11f40ac6cba07b7828cb71c5c&start=5012&end=6186","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2592287-8a1967f11f40ac6cba07b7828cb71c5c/thumbnail_5012000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282782/Kent-County/Maryland/Commissioners-developers-and-county-staff-debate-soil-reuse-for-Millington-wastewater-plant-and-senior-housing-site","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282782-96fa47509ca19390da56d1b849e4be82/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442806&Signature=g0Kbf8d-vDzuA3GYVkSn~VG80glEbIlBN8Gsab-JXPytPhJ1V2xhfMy8vYV0EmcC7jvdUQ-7S~6e9Sk7478PR1EptiXwDrL5j5qv40p52xOsR9XS1ZdgoQlF9KznVNDL-k~afvLZzxQvLvBGFG2x0xiwI3Z44iv0Pe3fUM6CTS6ohd-mptal51TC0I0noQC9UEsFZQCwIGYiK5gG4vR0RI~xZpel8zmRXuKjvJKqoj2hd6~BnxG-dPMigPmuMd8WuJ8jetuvTq84LfGJdwebtUVBCqT2qd9YDfW1TekyHYzilWmjlOMxW8plcBfxiNHsaztlCAb7M2E0VwlOdunYEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent County, MD","date","2025-03-12T03:58:34Z","article","Kent County commissioners heard an extended discussion March 11 about coordinating soil excavation for the planned Millington Wastewater Treatment Plant with a nearby senior-housing development that needs fill material.

County consultants and staff said the proposed wastewater site will generate substantial excavated material while Bramble, the senior-housing developer, needs soil to continue construction. Russ Richardson (landowner) and Frank Hodges (developer representative) have exchanged proposals but have not agreed on cost-sharing for grading, access-road construction and hauling. Staff reported a roughly $36,000 delta between the parties' proposed shares for the access-road and excavation work.

County water/wastewater consultant Mike Moulds and Public Works staff described three constraints: (1) timing — Bramble needs material soon or construction may pause; (2) permitting and erosion-control requirements needed before moving soil; and (3) financial exposure for the county if it pays costs now for work on land the county does not yet own. Commissioners noted the county has a land-acquisition allocation (~$350,000) set aside for property purchase, but said some purchase terms and final property price remain unresolved.

No formal vote or commitment to fund hauling or grading was taken. Commissioners asked staff to continue negotiations and suggested scheduling a focused call with Richardson, Bramble and county staff to try to reach agreement quickly. Staff cautioned that contracts, insurance and permitting take time and that the short window provided by the developer could make timely coordination difficult.

Ending: County staff will continue mediation efforts and report back; no funding or contract was approved at the March 11 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03.11.25 Commissioners Meeting 1","oneSentenceSummary","County staff, a landowner and a senior-housing developer have not agreed on cost-sharing to reuse excavated soil from the proposed Millington wastewater plant site; commissioners urged mediation but took no formal action.","taxTitle","Kent County, Maryland","taxId",69327,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282787,"County sends critique, requests $102,500 agricultural-donation for proposed Kennedyville solar project",247,2937000,3184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2592287-8a1967f11f40ac6cba07b7828cb71c5c&start=2937&end=3184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2592287-8a1967f11f40ac6cba07b7828cb71c5c/thumbnail_2937000.jpg","/articles/6282787/Kent-County/Maryland/County-sends-critique-requests-102500-agricultural-donation-for-proposed-Kennedyville-solar-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282787-72eb423de1493260aa9d305cb39058f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442806&Signature=mSHTuQmMuMi5~qsaM1hegjrMaZnukOYS~Nri-8gt6Y3fyGSKGlRBiOg7lFzwBC2b44bY439P3cJWbI9HFY4q-KQ6EOnWbUaTeVD6xdlGAVE8Lr~AvLdEAEk6rhIX7zj8VJYbEoEboiOt2HRXZO7Y2isk6wNdGCJ7WK5mwQ0H4TstKsNwV8veSMkDRl-vjoylW9MFZ1AA4P5Fsv74cRmLudiK1h1wGkCK7NaSkW1ArYK~MDgboQ5Tx~29mQdJa99Zed4FFSR6g1z4hC~san7jr18dLhKpiTpQuIxvQpi~T9QzmTU-thqs8X1a-OgT4QPg5TeUTym0pwNVCOxPrO7wbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mark Harper, associate planner, presented a preliminary county response March 11 to a CPCN application (applicant listed as TPE MD KE 77) for a proposed utility-scale solar energy system near Kennedyville.

Harper said the application covers a 304-acre parcel at 12721 Bloomfield Road, with about 77 acres proposed for the solar facility. He noted that the parcel is zoned AZD and under county rules the AZD limits utility-scale solar to 5 acres by special exception; larger facilities require County and state processes. Harper said several elements of the applicant's Environmental Review Document (ERD) and concept plan require correction before final submission to the Public Service Commission.

Among the county's recommendations are revising the landscape buffer to meet ordinance requirements, addressing screening and visual intrusiveness, clarifying overhead wiring and setback compliance, resolving inconsistencies in the ERD, and including a citizen participation plan and conceptual stormwater control plan. Harper also noted the parcel sits within a Priority Preservation Area (PPA) and recommended the applicant donate $102,500 to the Kent County Agricultural Preservation Fund based on the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation valuation formula in COMAR.

Commissioners discussed state preemption issues and noted that even if the state process can preempt local zoning, the county retains influence over design and mitigation measures. The commission voted to approve transmitting the county's draft preliminary report/letter to the Public Service Commission and applicant as presented.

Ending: The county will transmit the letter, monitor the Public Service Commission docket and follow up on the applicant's revisions and any required special-exception filings.","Planners recommended corrections to a CPCN application for a proposed 5 MW utility-scale solar project near Kennedyville and requested a $102,500 donation to the county's Agricultural Preservation Fund; commissioners approved the draft response letter.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282792,"Kent County to seek outside pool-management bids as lifeguard shortages cut Millington pool hours",223,1609000,1832000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2592287-8a1967f11f40ac6cba07b7828cb71c5c&start=1609&end=1832","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2592287-8a1967f11f40ac6cba07b7828cb71c5c/thumbnail_1609000.jpg","/articles/6282792/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-to-seek-outside-pool-management-bids-as-lifeguard-shortages-cut-Millington-pool-hours","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282792-ef89842c11c253db4ddd4ea9e3c4227f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442806&Signature=dIb6DIs0UeEzubO6Hz8VX34Cn3eEDFq2Q8VbEr3DXpLcqWInuiBlMNRsphNQhRbGg2H5YBRVPG1Ypz7d9M-0Q3b~e~xHSeJDr0X5P~RMzE0x36lz~tk6vI-GtvEAZaK3njwu89x7A7J7nNw94IcD5eLTo9~de7ts55jv~J57Dh2c101-gzTMo-LeZwP9pOojPfFCCWUh90iEafL7v-bSPMIvGUUrFUhav3q2dGwydyOQ5V84E8oJdL~zNNZ6N2JfvuXv6brnBBJyJ4VY-ciQhIViXX0wQYokTRF2MJujVBiLUponSulsT~EgvW27qcsXf0~9veAqaT28daa1iltegg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent County Parks and Recreation on March 11 told commissioners a national lifeguard shortage has left the county short-staffed and forced reductions in pool operations, and asked permission to solicit proposals from private pool-management firms.

The county needs 14 lifeguards on a fully open day to staff three public pools and the county beach, Parks Director Jill Collins said. Staff reported 9 lifeguards on hand with another four to five returning but noted Millington Pool operated at reduced capacity on 23 of 28 weekend days last summer because of staffing shortages.

\"Due to increasing lifeguard shortages, securing a contract with an outside pool management company is essential to maintaining consistent and safe pool operations in Kent County,\" Deputy Director Marva Kumpf said.

Kumpf and Collins outlined a procurement approach that would solicit bids for the 2025 season focusing initially on Millington Pool, with add-alternates for chemicals and maintenance if the county chooses to include them in an award. Commissioners asked procurement to use qualitative evaluation — factoring experience, staffing reliability and geography as well as price — and to build add-alternates so the county can compare bids on lifeguard staffing alone versus full service.

Commissioners and staff also discussed recruitment incentives. Commissioners asked staff to examine a program similar to a nearby YMCA practice: paying or waiving the certification fee for recruits who commit to county summer employment. Collins said the basic lifeguard course can cost about $250 and that Parks is exploring budgeting a reimbursement or waiver program.

The commission voted to allow Parks & Recreation to proceed with the public bid process and directed staff to coordinate bid language with procurement and legal counsel. No contract award was made at the March 11 meeting; staff will return with bid results and recommended awards.

Ending: Staff will prepare an RFP with add-alternates and a cost comparison to current in-house staffing for commissioners to review during the upcoming budget discussions.","Parks and recreation staff told commissioners the county lacked enough certified lifeguards to fully staff three sites; commissioners authorized a bid process for outside pool management and discussed reimbursing certification costs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282797,"Kent County commissioners approve appointments, contracts and a new operator training title",6548,0,6548000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2592287-8a1967f11f40ac6cba07b7828cb71c5c&start=0&end=6548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2592287-8a1967f11f40ac6cba07b7828cb71c5c/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6282797/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-commissioners-approve-appointments-contracts-and-a-new-operator-training-title","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282797-134a44eebe7f5cd5584eff2ec8a84351/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442806&Signature=kBTgz9gFEMff~bRYUg03VqTvpTJHI3vPAb8eatIJ1KsCFaDXehVGst4mYFFbVZAPMTugHVZfrt-ltpWw0H6ADFUyRyJSwgqSCgYQ~~kTyTnlqgck64fpxpWE0hkx9MGhgsrxzK-OYchk-qUUVypK6xEmdn~~j6qErw2RoH6fd~AJ9CnGuSqF7~CAjpcJTu3mVDqGO0MecU1dB5-MptIouYkTCcuiSqCr2as6Y4fUfv4XRVdwJ~HPYatLeEne14YUdg0DZi4mS2ql5NJVwi5KdHI8K8rzsfJCvmmtQBMeZtDvv1ghGAQjFDeee-wa8JUafV8RPpzHIKmyO-08aNOLhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent County Commissioners on March 11 approved a series of administrative actions including appointments, procurement piggyback contracts and staffing changes.

The actions included appointing a new library trustee, signing an addendum for a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) nurse at the detention center, authorizing procurement steps for parks and recreation to solicit pool-management bids, approving multiple highway and road-maintenance piggyback contracts, creating a new plant-operator-in-training job title and approving an enterprise fleet self-insurance addendum. Most motions passed by voice vote; where counts were not recorded the minutes state \"the ayes have it.\"

Why it matters: Several of the items affect near-term county operations — staffing at the detention center, seasonal pool operations and multiple public-works maintenance contracts — and one action creates a new promotional track for water/wastewater staff.

Details of approved items and next steps follow.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (regular session minutes, liquor minutes, soil services advisory board composition): approved (motion carried by voice vote).
- Appointment of Bruce Rydell to the Kent County Board of Library Trustees for a five-year term ending 12/31/2029: approved (motion carried by voice vote).
- PrimeCare addendum to provide a 16-hours-per-week LPN for the Kent County Detention Center MAT program (funded from an existing grant): approved (motion carried by voice vote).
- Parks & Recreation: authorized staff to proceed with a public bid process for outside pool management for Millington Pool (direction to procure; contract not yet awarded): approved to proceed (motion carried).
- CPCN application response letter (TPE MD KE 77, proposed ~5 MW utility-scale solar near Kennedyville): approved to send the preliminary report/letter as drafted (motion carried).
- Creation of a plant-operator-in-training position (internal promotion ladder between utility tech and operator I): approved (motion carried).
- Enterprise Fleet Management self-insurance addendum (for a crane truck leased through Enterprise): approved (motion carried).
- Piggyback contract with American Paving Fabrics, Inc. for surface treatment services in the amount of roughly $336,377.25 (under Howard County contract): approved (motion carried).
- Piggyback contract with Alpha Space Control Co., Inc. for road line striping not to exceed $50,000 (under MDOT/State Highway contract): approved (motion carried).
- First amendment to the SHA project task agreement (weed control) adding $10,500 to bring the total to $31,800: approved (motion carried).
- Motion to go into a closed session under Maryland General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(1) for personnel and consultation with counsel: approved (motion carried).

Actions and implementation notes
- PrimeCare MAT addendum: County staff said the grant will cover the contractual LPN (16 hours/week) and move funds from personnel to contractual within the current grant period. Staff also said they are in contact with the grant administrator and do not expect a barrier to moving funds within the grant term.
- Procurement items: staff were instructed to coordinate bids and contract language with county procurement and legal counsel; commissioners asked that bid evaluation factor qualitative measures (experience, staffing reliability) as well as cost.
- Plant-operator-in-training: the title was added to the county position schedule to create a promotional ladder; staff said any promotion into the new title would be handled within the existing FTE count and absorbed in current departmental budgets.

What did not happen or remains pending
- No contracts were formally executed for parks and recreation; staff were authorized to proceed with a bid process and return with recommended awards.
- A proposed conditional hire for a code-enforcement position was discussed and deferred pending the candidate's required 45-day retirement/waiting period and further legal clarification; no appointment was approved.

Speakers cited in motion/roll-call portions were recorded in the minutes as making motions and seconds, but individual recorded vote tallies by commissioner name were not entered in the transcript; the minutes log repeated \"the ayes have it\" for carried motions.

Ending: Staff were directed to return to the commission with contract bids, estimated costs and any required legal edits for final awards; the commission also moved to closed session to discuss personnel and pending litigation.","At their March 11 meeting commissioners approved a slate of administrative actions including a library board appointment, multiple public-works contracts, a detention-center MAT nurse addendum and creation of a plant-operator-in-training title.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners, developers and county staff debate soil reuse for Millington wastewater plant and senior-housing site

County sends critique, requests $102,500 agricultural-donation for proposed Kennedyville solar project

Kent County to seek outside pool-management bids as lifeguard shortages cut Millington pool hours

Kent County commissioners approve appointments, contracts and a new operator training title