[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6312808,"mediaKeyId","2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703","parentId",2390405,"title","Commissioners approve opposition letter to state renewable-energy siting bill amid split public comment","audioSeconds",1476,"startMs",2968000,"endMs",4444000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703&start=2968&end=4444","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703/thumbnail_2968000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6312808/Kent-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-opposition-letter-to-state-renewable-energy-siting-bill-amid-split-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312808-d2939f846bfb4349ace79b38e3634e71/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107694&Signature=DBMMVmmu4Fq2ku8Oau2mTn8IQWN4oxv8s1IZKVaAPGmKGPA2AsmgKses7TFTlzSF2ibq6Bi-GaS75jjXGX9kgZA-ZutK-3aXQIUfINDZrdVq1rzT2jU4xg3Gfg1vG4AVXhE5QTT1DJ6PzAjC~hzDyLRwPuudptncy8HmCSsty-~lLhrQ-1UiOnHnPcvjx9lMDJiVDDXIUh-dyRl6t3M3mpi-luM4whiX0DIDk-RjvF9j4A6ekQwrkEe2XTuc19sQk0SezwGQGxrZuOfDt5O9h~VaxevjznMDhEtLXPeq2JuROvJwDcGi~WUtgfU0jpcoMRT6tSyESouMUdxHHYcGtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent County, MD","date","2025-02-25T15:00:03Z","article","Kent County commissioners approved sending a letter of opposition to proposed state legislation described during the meeting as House Bill 1031 and Senate Bill 931 — bills discussed as limiting local land-use authority over siting of utility-scale renewable-energy projects and changing local tax treatment for those projects.

Commissioners framed their vote as protecting local zoning authority and the county’s ability to tax personal property used in utility-scale arrays. One commissioner described the bills as \"very, very bad\" and said they would further diminish local control over siting. The board approved a drafted opposition letter and designated Commissioner Nickerson to represent Kent County at the regional Mako legislative committee meeting.

Public comment reflected contrasting views: Paula Reeder, a resident of Still Pond, urged the commissioners not to send a letter opposing the bills and argued that the measures would expedite needed in-state generation capacity and help control rising electricity costs. \"The only way for us to control escalating costs and achieve long term energy self sufficiency is to build broad based... in-state electric generation capability,\" Reeder said.

By contrast, Frank Rhodes, speaking as a private citizen and a school board member, urged the board to oppose state actions he said would \"force the hand of the Eastern Shore\" and cited concerns that farmers could be exploited by developers and that preserved farmland could be converted. Rhodes encouraged local turnout and protest at Annapolis hearings.

Board reasoning and next steps: Commissioners said they support renewable energy in principle but want local zoning authority maintained, cited concerns about farmland conversion and local tax revenues, and asked staff to send the opposition letter. Staff will transmit the board's letter to legislative contacts and coordinate Commissioner Nickerson’s participation in the Mako committee and the Friday joint hearing on the bills.

Ending: Commissioners invited staff to use the county’s communications channels to share information about the bills and any guidance for residents seeking more information.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02.25.25 Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board voted to send a letter opposing House Bill 1031 and Senate Bill 931, bills described at the meeting as limiting local control over renewable-energy siting and taxing utility-scale arrays; the meeting included public comment both supporting and opposing the bills.","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},6312816,"Commissioners say they'll engage more with Rock Hall on proposed $24 million wastewater upgrade",130,1730000,1860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703&start=1730&end=1860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703/thumbnail_1730000.jpg","/articles/6312816/Kent-County/Maryland/Commissioners-say-theyll-engage-more-with-Rock-Hall-on-proposed-24-million-wastewater-upgrade","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312816-f122e455c807a8c6682518a6ac5873f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107694&Signature=eFWVf2WnDnVePaCmu86Wo9179UOPOrt9HwXs6krEVqzF9HW-EimYC3IyqkxH~b~AW~KwdW20KwGX96bdWJKvBkt7opXQ15rocueIz-aFF4XlVZH~giOXyBwSuu78UrMfQqeN72R6o3E56Jb14gFTQv0jVwQYkducOg3z1JPXL6pH1rQmZ2soZXS6BDZZEQK5xJt7znSU5WfDIDLwayx45pGY5WEbP7~vES6B-x~XLVF-QQ4DWV~2QzDrN3w6tp6~ALYoeQme8aEtTfLs2YQi-To4lchlHxF3AS4F3vA8G6shFnKsIR700Y5ey1biVcEMdHkc0sHwzmNGi1Q09RA91w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent County commissioners discussed the town of Rock Hall's request for support as Rock Hall pursues funding for an estimated $24 million upgrade to its wastewater treatment plant.

Planning staff reported that the most recent formal agreement between the county and Rock Hall dated to July 2003; that 20-year agreement expired June 30, 2023 and was extended for one year, leaving the county without a current, long-term written agreement. The 2003 agreement specifies that the town retains ownership and maintenance responsibility for the wastewater plant but does not address large-scale upgrades.

Commissioners said the $24 million figure — presented by Rock Hall as an estimated cost to upgrade the existing plant — merited closer scrutiny and discussion with the town about cost-sharing, the scope of needed upgrades, and whether a feasibility study had been completed. Public Works staff agreed to take a more active role in conversations with Rock Hall and to follow up with the town on the project's status and funding requests.

Why it matters: The county pays a share of operation and maintenance costs tied to the proportion of hookups it owns; a capital upgrade of the wastewater plant could require a new financial arrangement depending on the project scope and legal agreements.

Next steps: Staff will coordinate with Rock Hall on the upgrade proposal, seek clarity on the $24 million estimate and return to the board with options and any requests for support or formalized cost-sharing agreements.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to engage the town earlier in the planning process and to report back once more detailed project studies or funding applications are available.","Commissioners discussed a reported $24 million estimate to upgrade Rock Hall's wastewater treatment plant, noted the county's existing intergovernmental agreement expired in 2023 and directed staff to take a more active role in discussions with the town to clarify costs and responsibilities.",{"_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},6312820,"Commissioners approve submission of grant to continue medication treatment program at Kent County Detention Center",218,762000,980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703&start=762&end=980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703/thumbnail_762000.jpg","/articles/6312820/Kent-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-submission-of-grant-to-continue-medication-treatment-program-at-Kent-County-Detention-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312820-615cfc19f58133490d9a0e8685d609bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107694&Signature=Sk6o6LCormVa4ydZ5EnMtZCstG-CCoIiCRRg6OI6s4HH06q0ey7cDbAEZmIOtc58-OOXbEOZxDtDYJ613ILNoYxMreAa2VCBPywlnSdVIsRgrP4LfeQlszNDlSkFMSH2XKa~vFtRwBrfrImaOVyrYDGgXHVsaJCdRnVOM7slyJL4sMpnpbhZZ0xVpZiOGb6L1WTe-exlujYMSvHrKXHlaw48deofnSLsVP3v40EQm-q1yJcbVhtJJGVDjAnIQvRZ2IxGu-~0tH2yn79tBsuz6ObUIqQnEndh-XcxheYhqn7EOa5sbBS~s3WhuiICkpsTuayKdNlAG5lbXX4D8QBysQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kent County Board of Commissioners approved submitting a grant application to the Maryland Office of Opiate Response (presented at the meeting as part of GOCP funding) to continue medication-for-opioid-use-disorder (MOUD) services and counseling at the Kent County Detention Center for fiscal year 2026.

Joanne McNamara, grants program administrator, summarized the program history: Maryland enacted a 2019 legislative requirement that correctional facilities offer treatment for people with opioid use disorder, including medication. Kent County implemented a program to comply and has been supported by state grant funds that expire in June 2025. McNamara said the county is applying to continue that support for FY2026 and that the grant requires no local match.

Budget details provided in the board presentation described telecounseling at $86,531, nursing support at $55,980 and drug testing at $16,100, for a presented total of $189,717. Staff warned that, if the grant is not renewed, legally required services would fall back to county funding.

The board voted to approve the application submission. A motion was made and carried by voice vote.

Quote: \"If we are not successful getting this grant, because it is a state mandate, that's gonna fall back onto the county to come up with those funds,\" a commissioner said during discussion.

Ending: Grants staff will submit the application and inform the board of the award outcome. If the county does not receive grant funding, the board directed staff to prepare a county funding plan to meet statutory obligations.","Kent County approved submitting a state grant application to continue medication-for-opioid-use-disorder services at the detention center for FY2026; staff said the program is required by state law and that if the grant is not awarded the county would need to fund the service.",{"_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},6312824,"County authorizes negotiation of Verizon lease for Wharton water tower to improve cell coverage",151,1212000,1363000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703&start=1212&end=1363","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703/thumbnail_1212000.jpg","/articles/6312824/Kent-County/Maryland/County-authorizes-negotiation-of-Verizon-lease-for-Wharton-water-tower-to-improve-cell-coverage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312824-0ef3a637ec983727c9f18f897b14b6bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107694&Signature=jtEh6MCr0pQZZqx~Brv540UXRYbdaRRhZOuWNyVX2-3Gz0dXKt8OfRkk091thLc~7Zb2I6uKp86CcaCQ6CIZsh0UhvNhyVCCYx6IgExizKXu-9YdrisiaICNf3qJTp3CCTakaKghP3-E-MhbJKM2mSqmM5kbz7mFqxo4o~N4mmkxmn1YgQrepwj1Xrex7Eb1n2ikm0OS-mmGQ6HFQt8CNd~1cY6YPBsvBjQQkbRt6QYv~AO2xOUrT2F2y1D9dw47Wjj6kF4WBYXoOSXK7U1vAsK3LVHxVkRr2VJV-k6UI9CyPiX-9F4-Dm1KAjLinPZmkbn0xUUY5VuaK3eOHfZcaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kent County Board of Commissioners authorized staff to negotiate and finalize a lease with Verizon Wireless to install wireless communications equipment on the Wharton water tower, aiming to improve cellular coverage in an area commissioners described as having weak service.

Public Works Director Dan Matson told the board that Verizon proposed base terms of $2,000 per month with a 2.5% annual escalation, a five-year initial term and multiple automatic renewals. Matson said the terms are comparable to recent agreements the county has accepted and recommended authorizing the county attorney to complete final negotiations and delegating signature authority to the county administrator to expedite execution once the document has legal approval.

Why it matters: The lease would increase local cellular capacity and reliability in parts of Kent County where coverage is currently spotty, particularly in waterfront and low-coverage areas. Commissioners said improved coverage serves residents, businesses and public-safety responders.

Board action and next steps: The board voted to approve the recommended terms and to authorize the county attorney to finalize the lease and allow the county administrator to sign after legal review. Staff said Verizon will perform a site visit before executing documents. Public Works will return with the executed lease once completed.

Quotes: \"They basically said, here's what we would offer,\" Matson said, describing the base terms presented to the board.

Ending: Staff recorded follow-up tasks to have legal review the agreement and provide the board with the fully executed lease once available.","Public Works recommended and the commissioners approved base lease terms with Verizon Wireless for equipment on the Wharton water tower, and delegated execution to the county administrator contingent on legal review.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312829,"Kent County commissioners approve consent items, liquor licenses, grant applications and leases; send letter opposing state solar bill",759,220000,979000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703&start=220&end=979","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390405-4c1a1eb631b42b7b7bc7ac8a6959d703/thumbnail_220000.jpg","/articles/6312829/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-commissioners-approve-consent-items-liquor-licenses-grant-applications-and-leases-send-letter-opposing-state-solar-bill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312829-6472890f60c49fbb975b4e83e2a04433/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107694&Signature=m~LUMMcxdElfvX9VFWBlBz377jxL6ZC6upGCSPsqWIlCR6cZsvCdm2MBrhZ4f7WVkxv6DZBL4hTo-cj5md5zXJb9WhrkcmKFBSbwGQBC6V9cTZExyq1E2v33Q2g7xC9P5H0~9B9ldZUbGLsVOF7SkjyIT--Bb33rTmfMNV9tLkn5ERuu6Wru2c2o-z8t9JHm1Lq1kf9H3fDQC60Bn1KUjKg3IbaN6NEzQuH8fTbMH-AL0-EFiVTuoyhBa1ke~z81WCJy5BHUM~mz3ZjS-GJMGi~9WsfCJXcmk6yWKZnvAvMyoMgkrKuVRyF2IVdflluL2hCj~cqFggdmH-aPPF~mPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent County commissioners approved a series of routine and substantive measures at their March meeting, including consent agenda items, liquor-license approvals, grant submissions and a draft letter opposing proposed state renewable-energy legislation.

The package of consent items — including minutes and several permit requests — was approved by motion. The commissioners also granted a 12-event, per-year special class C per diem license to Galena Volunteer Fire Company, approved adding a pub area to an existing catering license at Washington College subject to under-21 restrictions, and accepted an update on a pending application for a new liquor license at Northpointe Marina. The board voted to again provide a modest, annual cash contribution to local volunteer fire companies to offset event expenses.

The board voted to submit a state grant application to continue medication-for-opioid-use-disorder services at the Kent County Detention Center for fiscal year 2026. Commissioners approved authorizing the county to make a conditional offer for a vacant 911 position and approved terms to negotiate a lease with Verizon Wireless for installation of communications equipment at the Wharton water tank. The county also reappointed Phil Russom as EMS council liaison and Mary Ann Reuben to the ethics commission.

In policy business, the commissioners approved a drafted letter of opposition to House Bill 1031 and Senate Bill 931 (identified in the meeting as bills to change siting and local authority for renewable-energy projects) and directed a commissioner to represent the county at the regional Mako legislative committee meeting.

Votes (summary):
- Consent agenda (7 items): motion approved (ayes).
- Galena Volunteer Fire Company — special class C per diem license (12 events, 02/25/2025–12/31/2025): approved (ayes).
- County contribution to volunteer fire companies to offset event costs (annual contribution): approved (ayes).
- Washington College — addition of a pub area to existing licensed premises (subject to restrictions for under-21): approved (ayes).
- Northpointe Marina — update on surrendered/reissued license: informational update; no final action required.
- Kent County Detention Center — approve submission of FY2026 grant application to the Maryland Office of Opiate Response for medication-for-opioid-use-disorder services (grant amount noted in discussion as $189,717): approved (ayes).
- Conditional offer of employment for 911 position: approved (ayes).
- Wharton water tank lease terms (authorize negotiation and delegate signature to county administrator after legal review): approved (ayes).
- Reappointment: Phil Russom, Emergency Services Board EMS council liaison (1-year term ending 01/31/2026): approved (ayes).
- Reappointment: Mary Ann Reuben, Ethics Commission (3-year term ending 03/31/2028): approved (ayes).
- Authorize Commissioner Nickerson to represent Kent County at the Mako legislative committee: approved (ayes).
- Approve a county letter opposing House Bill 1031 / Senate Bill 931 (renewable-energy siting and tax changes): approved (ayes).

Nut graf: The meeting mixed routine operational approvals with a string of policy decisions the board said could affect county revenue, county control of land use, and local emergency and public-safety services. Several votes were unanimous; most motions were moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

Details and context: Commissioners discussed the practicality of providing small contributions to volunteer fire companies to offset event costs and the county’s role in oversight of new campus liquor-service areas. Public works staff presented proposed lease economics from Verizon — $2,000 per month with standard escalators and an initial five-year term with renewals — and asked for delegated signature authority to expedite final contract execution after legal review. The detention center grant discussed was presented as necessary to continue a Maryland statutory program started after a 2019 legislative requirement for correctional facilities to offer medication for opioid use disorder.

Ending: The board set follow-up actions on wastewater discussions with the town of Rock Hall, directed planning staff to pursue zoning and text-amendment items coming before the board in coming months, and closed the meeting after public comment on state energy policy.","At their March meeting, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a package of consent items, several liquor-license actions, a grant application for opioid-use-disorder treatment at the detention center, a Verizon lease term for a county water tower, two board reappointments and a letter opposing a state renewable-energy zoning bill.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners approve opposition letter to state renewable-energy siting bill amid split public comment

Commissioners say they'll engage more with Rock Hall on proposed $24 million wastewater upgrade

Commissioners approve submission of grant to continue medication treatment program at Kent County Detention Center

County authorizes negotiation of Verizon lease for Wharton water tower to improve cell coverage

Kent County commissioners approve consent items, liquor licenses, grant applications and leases; send letter opposing state solar bill