[{"_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",6083802,"mediaKeyId","2926911-b7c79b6bf5876ebe042ef4dd245a66f4","parentId",2926911,"title","Contractors urge county to address Health Department backlog; commissioners schedule open session next week","audioSeconds",113,"startMs",3407000,"endMs",3520000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2926911-b7c79b6bf5876ebe042ef4dd245a66f4&start=3407&end=3520","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2926911-b7c79b6bf5876ebe042ef4dd245a66f4/thumbnail_3407000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6083802/Kent-County/Maryland/Contractors-urge-county-to-address-Health-Department-backlog-commissioners-schedule-open-session-next-week","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083802-24251ccbbe18878724ed14805a9501c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579077&Signature=VY37YeYgPLMhDBXZVL3-tAdHm6a~m2gpFJgDSdqo8hyfsO-Oa85VkQT21H-DvS-W3h9Tl90tCn3PiRk2X~irCfSjFY18uCrnllw5qkwXOD6v7UDbp9QLti8GeS-0L7fi3oNglrDp096o-U7250kLtnSJvtFQFGFUKBKgFwNvj15OG82fpWRhwW2dfKAiDjeasRFoNVs~Y1zCJflgA~dVZ3Dvf1q0stSdzkYxJSbYEpU8PEb8osbiIHFw1158kpqP19tFkaTdsXwRiu2KPZxNvcXgJ-AH1Pj6Lb-Wj3AnFydV7JznRBYGkEc-w5NDmKxkjtN3zl3oH~h61fOmQZcKBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent County, MD","date","2025-04-09T03:30:55Z","article","Local contractors asked the Kent County commissioners April 8 to address what they described as a backlog in septic and wet‑season percolation tests, saying the suspension of tests is delaying construction projects and threatening jobs.

“I employ 15 full time W2 employees in Chestertown that all live here. I have multiple millions of dollars worth of jobs,” contractor David Holman told commissioners during public comment. Holman said Kent County contractors are concerned that the health department’s suspension of wet‑season perk tests for the year could jeopardize projects and jobs; he encouraged commissioners to review health‑department policies and staffing.

Commissioners responded that they had already scheduled an open session on the topic for next Tuesday at 6 p.m. to keep the discussion public. The board invited contractors and other concerned residents to attend and said county staff and the health department would be asked to appear so the commissioners can review staffing and procedural concerns.

The board’s announcement follows ongoing communications between contractors and county health staff. Commissioners urged residents with specific cases to bring evidence and ask questions at the scheduled session so the county can assess whether policy or staffing changes are needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04.08.25 Commissioners Meeting 1","oneSentenceSummary","Local contractors raised concerns during public comment that the Kent County Health Department is suspending wet‑season percolation tests, potentially delaying construction projects. Commissioners announced an open session on the issue next Tuesday at 6 p.m.","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},6083806,"County OKs temporary closure of two public landings for Fire Chiefs drill; public works gives updates on docks and roof costs",105,2695000,2800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2926911-b7c79b6bf5876ebe042ef4dd245a66f4&start=2695&end=2800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2926911-b7c79b6bf5876ebe042ef4dd245a66f4/thumbnail_2695000.jpg","/articles/6083806/Kent-County/Maryland/County-OKs-temporary-closure-of-two-public-landings-for-Fire-Chiefs-drill-public-works-gives-updates-on-docks-and-roof-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083806-8f39c30342ec8a43c0ec79d718e60bf3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579077&Signature=JTAsSiKqGe2znlmBcLuBw5X7PQID06mC5~bH3VuCzf5PGM~7QgLkbjGEAC7Znu0ADtW8ic20y0Yh-qeqd649k-xnBvzkFIe5EgeoknD403mebHl8ER1HyL1hNV2xalo78HLkkUi1ngBaBvsQaBGDeZu~HiBDIZVQ4iHcx1zR9h9wnhWXlRWCpgpBAU3dplkON4Alb0qZzX3H0UVLH2jsm2jogfa-bPVIKmUuYuJa3ktA5HY2MCBN0BpSu37J4OsKZcChyYudr9gHbhp~4T4DzIFW29NLsMz5yZNKvz-o5GCmxJMhSPf68jzp2YjL~VkVUybel4Ds6XDu0SNIsziyZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kent County commissioners voted April 8 to temporarily close Buckingham and Morneck public landings to support a water‑supply drill organized by the Kent County Fire Chiefs Association.

Public works director Dan Mattson told commissioners the drill requires access and logistics at those two sites; the association obtained insurance to cover potential damage. “They will be performing a water supply drill,” Mattson said. The board approved the temporary closures and asked the county to issue public notices about the closure dates.

Mattson also updated the board on several county infrastructure projects. He said the Bayside Landing replacement was progressing: crews were installing lower whalers, sheeting and tiebacks, with pile work for finger piers underway. He said a majority of slips should be available to boaters by the end of next week, with “a full opening of all slips on, Friday the 20 fifth of this month,” his prepared schedule noted.

On the EAD Detention Center roof, Mattson presented two cost options after soliciting quotes: a full replacement of the main roof area at an estimated $350,000, or a limited repair involving roof patching and relining a leaking drain pipe from the inside at an estimated $20,000–$25,000. Mattson said he would return to the board with infrared scans and firm quotes to help commissioners choose whether to pursue a full replacement or a spot repair.

Commissioners also instructed Mattson to draft a letter asking the Town of Chestertown to consider a reduction or waiver of permitting and utility connection fees (approximately $22,287.60) for the county’s EMS building relocation project; the board voted unanimously to send the request and directed staff to provide a fee breakdown for follow up.

The board approved the Fire Chiefs Association request and the motion to send the Chestertown fee request. Mattson said he will return with detailed cost estimates and the final change‑order document for the EMS building at a future meeting.","The commissioners approved temporary closures of Buckingham and Morneck landings for a water‑supply drill by the Kent County Fire Chiefs Association, heard project updates for Bayside Landing slip openings and detention‑center roof repair options, and approved drafting a letter to Chestertown asking for fee reductions for the EMS building.",{"_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},6083810,"Commissioners authorize submission of recidivism‑reduction grant application to GOCAP",375,2280000,2655000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2926911-b7c79b6bf5876ebe042ef4dd245a66f4&start=2280&end=2655","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2926911-b7c79b6bf5876ebe042ef4dd245a66f4/thumbnail_2280000.jpg","/articles/6083810/Kent-County/Maryland/Commissioners-authorize-submission-of-recidivismreduction-grant-application-to-GOCAP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083810-a3a174ad717e9eedf5a20cd512246391/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579077&Signature=Kae6-uqrlkrX4T9YgVAOJuPK6eaGBWRT5OiytRNd96SocWzyJxiEvuSW7xFlcIqYrIUWkShUlIob8Ot31CfP5IqQBHbPFX6FNglkVXw1ML05WZykBES-fqqR7gF1gn9mTfc~f5Lf-tInVnqx90vJk~rUre5zltZtNYnK-JHnX6nstTOmfjm2PLpgQ5T0DEIPnj0F2CrHt5-S7VyhWUV3qusYJVCT7PuZaWSac1qD5NzXW8k~fO~YCGTKPlp0xbDc0sMsNPg032u-JaFvBWgF3lKHwL8FdLnug3-9xBY6QBHTcBUyWlQ67WTno~O4HyuVZcijvivpIAWIsK~Zy6z1yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent County commissioners voted April 8 to approve submission of a grant application to the Governor’s Office of Crime Intervention and Policy (GOCAP) to reestablish a recidivism‑reduction program run out of the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Joanne McNamara, grants program administrator for Kent County, told commissioners the county previously received a GOCAP recidivism grant that funded two staff members and workshops at the detention center; the program referred more than 200 people and enrolled more than 100 participants when it operated. “The rate at Kent County was a 3 year recidivism rate of 38.1 percent,” McNamara said, citing the most recent comparable county data published in 2022.

The proposed grant budget requests funding to support two dedicated staff members, contracts with community organizations for behavioral‑health and workforce services, an intern to assist program coordination, and modest direct client supports such as transportation or assistance obtaining identification or driver’s licenses. McNamara told the board that GOCAP caps fringe benefit reimbursement at 30% of salary costs; the county requested the maximum allowable indirect rate (15%) to create an approximate $30,000 cushion in the budget should actual benefits exceed the reimbursement cap.

Commissioners discussed county budget timing and whether the county would be prepared to accept grant funds if awarded. The board approved submitting the application; commissioners said final acceptance would depend on budget review and confirmation of any county cost exposure once positions are filled and benefit elections are known.

Action taken: the board unanimously approved submission of the GOCAP recidivism grant application. County staff will proceed with the application and return with budget details if the grant is awarded.","County grants staff and the state's attorney requested approval to apply for a Governor's Office of Crime Intervention and Policy (GOCAP) recidivism reduction grant to reestablish staff and services that previously operated in Kent County; the board approved the application submission.",{"_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},6083815,"Kent County approves four Class B liquor licenses; commissioners to press Maryland Comptroller on delays",1165,635000,1800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2926911-b7c79b6bf5876ebe042ef4dd245a66f4&start=635&end=1800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2926911-b7c79b6bf5876ebe042ef4dd245a66f4/thumbnail_635000.jpg","/articles/6083815/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-approves-four-Class-B-liquor-licenses-commissioners-to-press-Maryland-Comptroller-on-delays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083815-4432dfd61b2f6bfb5c7e25aef2ba0161/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579077&Signature=KOOfPtdkNUr8qvg-9Rs7ucDln2VJv7xC3jdraJooLTtWNFkWfAp2nLs-gMAaqRzsfoR6f2ZFkPk8VOh2vWi6CFGaKwY6qpd5Y~lg9Rk15lGxkBDBuvpPbXnCnQNH2Tdmm~uo7w-jL~48aey1TC8E1s6IjD0fU1gDczqC885a9k2GhTol2yh3Ssjnk56OD1uTsNg6t0PAO3QTnBYV6m7E2MNt2FTn~8on2GkknfX8o9EppdXsHQzs7jlOb9vKsQwTPwlDAxMbYgEVKQiuS6zwkkP-eaIry8qAHSYb5~e2lfEuKnJ3Oad-6YG7EqAfsBrxUpRooDy1GzVLZq9TF0gxTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kent County Board of County Commissioners voted April 8 to approve four Class B beer, wine and liquor licenses with catering privileges for restaurants across the county and directed staff to press the Maryland Comptroller’s Office to resolve delays that have held up at least one licensee.

The approvals covered Masala Time (3 Buckingham Square, Chestertown), El Rancho Mexican Cuisine (18 Washington Ave., Chestertown), the Little Lemon Leaf Diner (21356 Rock Hall Ave., Rock Hall) and Sassafras (12 Erickson Ave., Betterton). Each application was presented at a public hearing and reviewed by county licensing staff and legal counsel before commissioners voted to approve them.

The licensing inspector recommended approval for multiple applicants. “We recommend the approval of the class b beer, wine, and liquor license with no contingencies. Everything is in order,” Inspector Persol told the board during the Masala Time hearing. Masala Time’s applicant said the restaurant has been operating at the location and sought the license to add alcohol service: “I’m operating an Indian restaurant for Masala Time … we always serve you well,” the applicant said.

For El Rancho Mexican Cuisine, the inspector reported the applicant had submitted required documents to the Maryland Comptroller’s Office but was still awaiting a valid central registration number; county staff recommended approval contingent on receiving that number. Attorney Andrew Meehan, representing the El Rancho applicant, urged the board to approve the application; he described the owner as a local resident and student and said the restaurant was “doing really well.” The board approved El Rancho’s license contingent on receipt of the comptroller registration.

The Little Lemon Leaf Diner’s application was approved contingent on the restaurant designating at least one employee who has completed the required alcohol awareness (TIPS) training. “Once I verify that they do, and have their tips training, certification, we will pull back the contingency,” Inspector Pearsall told the board.

Sassafras owners described a seafood supper‑club concept and said they would source ingredients locally; the board approved that license without contingencies.

Licensing staff also reported recent issuances: prorated licenses were issued to Northpointe Marina LLC (liquor license no. 4913) and Rock Hall Brewing Company LLC (liquor license no. 4914).

Commissioners also addressed ongoing problems with the Maryland Comptroller’s Office delaying central registration numbers and other processing. After commissioners described repeated unsuccessful attempts by licensees and county staff to obtain timely responses from the comptroller’s office, the board voted to prepare a formal letter outlining the delays and requesting immediate action, with a recommendation to copy the governor’s office.

Votes at a glance: all four Class B licenses were approved (El Rancho contingent on comptroller registration; Little Lemon Leaf contingent on verified TIPS certification). The board voted unanimously to draft the letter regarding comptroller delays.

The actions mean four restaurants can add on‑premises alcohol service after the county forwards final documentation to state officials where required; county staff will follow up on contingencies and the commissioners asked the licensing inspector to remove contingencies once requirements are verified.","The Kent County commissioners approved four Class B (beer, wine and liquor) licenses for restaurants in Chestertown, Rock Hall, Betterton and Washington Square, and voted to draft a letter to the Maryland Comptroller after repeated delays affected a license applicant.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Contractors urge county to address Health Department backlog; commissioners schedule open session next week

County OKs temporary closure of two public landings for Fire Chiefs drill; public works gives updates on docks and roof costs

Commissioners authorize submission of recidivism‑reduction grant application to GOCAP

Kent County approves four Class B liquor licenses; commissioners to press Maryland Comptroller on delays