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Citizens air views at final budget hearingProponents of education and taxes give input More than 250 Queen Anne's County citizens gathered May 21 at Bayside Elementary School to voice concerns to county commissioners at the third and final budget hearing on 2009 capital and operating expenditures. QA's approves living wage policy for county workersSets minimum annual salary at $25,000 The Queen Anne's County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a living wage policy, which sets the minimum annual salary for a county worker at $25,000. Option expires on Clark Farm purchaseESLC cites downturn in the market The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy announced Monday that its option to buy the Clark farm, which fell due on May 15, has expired. Critical Area law changes outlinedMaryland director highlights major changes in law Maryland Critical Area Commission Director Ren Serey briefed the Talbot County Council on newly enacted state legislation affecting waterfront development Tuesday, highlighting some of the more significant changes. Miller alerted about falloutSenator warned of resignations A day after the Anne Arundel Judicial Nominating Commission voted to nominate Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller's son to a District Court judgeship, a member of the panel called Miller to warn him of potential political fallout from the vote. QA's narrows top school spot to 3 finalistsThe Queen Anne's County Board of Education narrowed its search for a new school superintendent to three finalists, including the current interim superintendent. QA commissioners prepare to expand Queenstown sewersn a split decision, the Queen Anne's County Commissioners approved a sewer map amendment that could lead to a large commercial project being built outside Queenstown. The commissioners, sitting as the sanitary commission, voted 3-2 to approve an amendment to the county comprehensive water and sewerage plan, which changes the designation on the Wheatland Farm property from S-5/W-5 to S-3/W-3. The new designation means the property would be eligible sooner for public water and sewer service. The amendment was requested by the Waterman Family Partnership for a 78-acre property on U.S. Route 50 across from the Prime Outlets retail center in Queenstown. Commissioners Dr. Eric Wargotz, Paul Gunther and Courtney Billups voted for the plan amendment. Commissioners Gene Ransom and Carol Fordonski voted no. The commissioners voted after a public hearing in which about 30 citizens spoke, with most voicing support for the project. Mareen "Bob" Waterman, a Queenstown resident and Chester businessman, read a statement which said the new sewer and water plan designation was needed to allow further investigation of the partnership's plan to build a 400,000-square-foot mixed use commercial project. He said many studies would still have to be done. "We hope to create a business park with a retail element on its west end," said Waterman. Waterman said the project would include an assisted living facility, and land would be donated to the county for a sheriff's substation or other public use. His plan is to get public water from the Town of Queenstown and connect to the county sanitary sewer system by extending a sewer line about three miles from Grasonville. About 20 people, including members of the Queen Anne's County Economic Development Commission and the Queen Anne's County Chamber of Commerce, spoke strongly in support of the project and urged a yes vote on the plan amendment. About eight people, including Queenstown officials, urged the commissioners to either vote no or delay their vote. Several people said the town's planning process was being circumvented. The Queenstown Planning Commission recently published a draft of the town's proposed 2008 comprehensive plan. The draft was put out for review by the public and various agencies. Following a public comment period, there will be public hearings on the draft, possibly in September. Then the town commissioners will vote on the plan. The draft plan considers land use for six parcels outside town boundaries that will likely figure into future planning. One parcel is the Wheatland Farm, which the draft plan says would be a suitable site for low impact development, but it would require special measures due to its proximity to the Wye River and the Hickory Ridge homes. The Wheatland property, which borders the Wye River, is in the Countryside zoning district, and it would have to be rezoned to allow commercial development. Don Regenhardt, chairman of the town planning commission, asked the county commissioners to delay their vote on the sewer map amendment until the town completes its comprehensive plan. It would be "outright inappropriate" for the county to override the town, said Queenstown Town Commissioner Mitch Keiler, who also asked for a delay on the vote. He advised all business people who want to build in or around Queenstown to read the town's draft comprehensive plan and talk to town officials. But many people urged the commissioners to vote for the sewer plan amendment, saying the county needs more commercial development because it relies too much on residential properties for taxes. "We are wholeheartedly in favor of this project. ... It's time to move forward," said Jim Luff, vice chairman of the county Economic Development Commission. He said the county's commercial tax base should be expanded from 8 percent to 20 percent. "My goodness gracious, we're headed to the perfect storm of a tax disaster in the next couple of years," said Queenstown resident George O'Donnell, a former county commissioner. He said the Waterman project would bring services the county needs. "This is a very reasonable and sustainable proposal. And I implore you to look at it carefully," said O'Donnell. Scott Saunders, who owns the property next to the Wheatland Farm, said the three businesses on his property need public sewer service. He spoke in support of the sewer plan amendment. So did Mark Cascia, president of the Queen Anne's County School Board, and Bill Hackett, president of the Queen Anne's County Education Association. Stevensville resident Doug Shreve spoke in support of the plan amendment, saying the Waterman project is estimated to generate 800 to 1,000 jobs and bring an estimated $1 million a year in real estate taxes. Centreville resident Andi Morony also voiced support for the plan amendment, saying it was one step in a long process for a great project. Judy Wink, representing the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, spoke in support of the project. She said it's important for environmental organizations to work with developers, and CBEC would work for enhanced protection in the buffer zone between the development and the Wye River. QA's citizens speak out at budget meetingSome citizens said taxes are too high and called for less government spending. Others said the board of education needs more funding. State limits plan to curb pollution on chicken farmsNumber of poultry operations included is reduced by half 2nd member of judicial panel vows to resignNomination process for district judges is flawed, attorney Powers contends O'Malley veto assailedLeopold attacks governor for blocking Arundel ash-probe funds Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold sharply criticized Gov. Martin O'Malley yesterday for striking down a bill that would have required the state to reimburse the county for a $100,000 investigation that found cancer-causing metals in private wells in Gambrills, calling the governor's veto an "offensive and irresponsible anti-environment action." Outlook is bleak for state shorelineReport says climate change will destroy more than half of E. Shore beaches New rules target storm runoff in BayA state board has approved new rules to curb pollution from storm-water runoff from more than 100 localities, hospitals and schools, despite objections from environmentalists who said they don't go far enough. Gambling Money Seized, 1.6 millionNews Release Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division Washington DC Field Office PIO- Deborah Trotter CI Release # 68- 2008- 02 Baltimore, Maryland- A press conference was held on May 19, 2008, at the U.S. Attorney's Office, 36 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland where checks representing sharing proceeds were presented by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division to the Maryland State Police, Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Department, and Baltimore County Police Department from a joint investigation of Truck Stop Games, LLC. Travel expenses questionedGOP criticizes $172,000 in spending by O'Malley and Brown QA's OKs pact for stand alone ERCounty would fundroad, utility improvements for site near Grasonville br The Queen Anne's County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a memorandum of understanding with the University of Maryland Medical System that would guarantee a stand alone emergency center would operate in the county for three years. House Passes Bill That Would Add Money for Bay CleanupThe House of Representatives passed a version of the farm bill yesterday that would double the federal government's funding for cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay, adding about $440 million over five years, congressional officials said. Queen Anne's to seek $300,000 for mortgage programQueen Anne's County will seek $300,000 for a mortgage program that helps police officers, volunteer firefighters and teachers buy a home. Queen Anne's revenues downExpenditures are down, but so are revenues for Queen Anne's County government. The county's general fund operating budget is expected to end the current fiscal year with a $5 million deficit. Kent commissioners question MDE permit to allow sludgeThey're going to force this down our throat, there's no doubt in my mind," Commissioner Roy Crow said Tuesday. Md. home sales fall furthest in nationBut drop in prices over same 3-month period not as steep Targeting a big source of the bay's pollutionThe Chesapeake region's largest wastewater treatment facility - Washington, D.C.'s Blue Plains Sewage Treatment Plant - is finally getting the attention it deserves. Congressional leaders have called hearings to investigate the bay's largest source of harmful nutrient pollution. Notice of Public Meeting on the Process to Develop a New General Permit for Stormwater Discharge[Notice from MDE] During the recent renewal process for the General Discharge Permit for Storm Water Discharges associated with Construction Activity, MDR10 (General Permit), the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) received significant comments from several stakeholders. Morony is named QA Republican of the YearFormer Lt. Gov. Steele is keynote speaker at Reagan Day Dinner Andi Morony of Centreville was named the 2007 Republican of the Year for Queen Anne's County on Saturday during the annual Queen Anne's County Republican Party Reagan Day Dinner, held at Prospect Bay County Club in Grasonville. Farmers offer lawn care tipsPractices can be good for bay, wallet Four Seasons development issue still unresolvedAlthough it has been almost a year since the state Board of Public Works halted a contentious development on Kent Island, an appeal of the body's ruling still remains unresolved in a Queen Anne's County court. Nutrient Pollution Reductions From Urban Stream Restoration QuantifiedA team of researchers led by University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science researcher Dr. Sujay Kaushal has been among the first able to quantify the amount of excess nitrogen removed from an urban stream during environmental restoration projects. Algae strain threatens Gunpowder RiverDNR working with anglers to contain 'Didymo,' invasive species that travels on fishing gear Sprawl, declining bay grass raise concernsUrban sprawl is one of the main stressors on the Chesapeake Bay, according to a recent report from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Phosphates and the BayWhy cut a big corporation a break? Outside groups swayed Md. voteLoophole helped oust Wynn, Gilchrest; tactic may be put in wide use Political interest groups working outside the traditional confines of campaign finance laws spent more than $4.3 million in two Maryland congressional races during this year's primary, according to newly released campaign finance reports, and their success in defeating two incumbents here could portend an expensive and aggressive effort nationwide to target other swing districts in the coming months. Officials urge Md. gardeners to use fewer pollutantsThe Maryland Department of Agriculture launched a campaign today to highlight what farmers say is a little-known fact: Backyard gardening in the Chesapeake Bay watershed may be contributing as much nitrogen and phosphorus pollution as agriculture. Sewage sludge critics urge ban on spreadingBlaming sewage sludge for illnesses, critics called Wednesday for a ban on spreading the treated human waste as fertilizer. Poultry farms in Md. face policingProposal would require permits, steps for manure management The O'Malley administration is proposing regulations that would for the first time allow the state's environmental agency to police pollution from the Eastern Shore's huge poultry industry. Farm bill may help the bayDeal would add $380 million to programs for cleanup Bay grass acreage up, but revival not quick enoughUnderwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay are coming back, but not nearly as quickly as needed to restore the polluted estuary. QA school board releases salariesA study of Queen Anne's County Board of Education employee compensation indicates pay is more evenly distributed between rank and file employees and management, with a smaller gap when compared to individuals employed in other branches of county government. Why should you care about impact fees?The day after a group advising the County Council on impact fees released its final report, Councilman Ed Reilly was at the Rotary Club in Crofton answering questions. Why is this impact fee debate important to the average taxpayer? Septic tank dispute causing a stinkA coastal county on Maryland's Eastern Shore is leading the state in tackling potential water pollution from faulty septic tanks. But Queen Anne's County officials have also raised a big stink among residents who use septics, with some complaining the county's crackdown has gone too far. What is the Critical Area Protection Act?The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Act was enacted in 1984 by the General Assembly to help reverse the deterioration of the Chesapeake Bay. The act designated all land within 1,000 feet of tidal waters or wetlands as a "Critical Area" - areas with the greatest potential to affect water quality, wildlife habitats and overall ecological health. An island rebornDredged material used to create wildlife sanctuary at Poplar Island Queen Anne's kindergartners best prepared in stateA report finds 89 percent ready for kindergarten, up from last year Franchot likens Maryland politics to corrupt Tammany HallState Comptroller Peter Franchot denied his tussles with state leaders are about positioning himself to run for governor, and insisted yesterday that he takes sides on an issue's merits, despite an Annapolis political culture comparable to the legendary, and corrupt, Tammany Hall. Trucker illegally dumped clam wasteBiden announces conviction on Earth Day; Hurlock, Md., driver will be sentenced June 13 Policy for Nutrient Cap Management and Trading[From MDE's web site] The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) through a public process has developed a Policy for Nutrient Cap Management and Trading (Policy), which took effect on April 17, 2008. It is a creative and innovative approach to managing point sources nutrient load caps. One aspect of Maryland's approach is unique. Other states allow trading in lieu of upgrading a WWTP. In Maryland, upgrade of major WWTPs is required and the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) was instituted to fully fund these upgrades. Hopkins defends spreading sludgeThe sewage sludge compost spread in a Baltimore City neighborhood, drawing calls for a federal investigation, poses no danger to residents, Johns Hopkins officials say. Harris wants state gas tax to be suspended; Kratovil calls suggestion irresponsibleThe Republican candidate for Maryland's 1st congressional district wants the state gas tax suspended for three months. His Democratic opponent said suspending the gas tax would be irresponsible without coming up with a plan to offset the loss of tax revenues to the state. Planet-Friendly Paving Lets Water Seep ThroughPaved sidewalks and driveways keep shoes clean and cars out of the mud. But environmentally speaking, too much paving is a disaster, blanketing the ground and preventing rainwater from soaking in. Runoff, especially after strong storms, erodes soil and carries oily residue into streams and eventually into sensitive estuaries such as the Chesapeake Bay. Decide for yourselfRather then listening to the hype in e-mails and blogs, see for your self what is to be added to County Code by Ordinance 08-09 "Mandatory Pump-Out of On-Site Septic Systems." It looks like a painless way to get people to maintain their septic systems if they are not already doing so without establishing a sewer police force. Gansler visits Kent to kick off Bay auditPanned closed meeting is opened to public Echo Hill's buyboatAnnie D. chugged into the Chesterwith Andy McKown at the helm Wednesday morning. McKown took Attorney General Doug Gansler, his Special Assistant for the Environment Erin Fitzsimmons, and his entourage through the drawbridge and upriver as far as Morgan Creek, and south again as far as Chester River Landing. GOP leaders want 'de facto' ban liftedMaryland Republicans called on Gov. Martin O'Malley on Wednesday to lift a "de facto" ban on the death penalty after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the use of lethal injection in Kentucky executions. QA considers sports, learning centerPrivate sector would finance, run facility Queen Anne's County officials want to offer the private sector a chance to build a sports and learning center in Centreville. Lovers Lane to get Kent [County] sewer linesLovers Lane will be getting county sewer service, Wayne Morris said. Anne Arundel impact fee bill pulledCounty Executive John R. Leopold withdrew his bill Monday to dramatically increase impact fees in hopes of devising a proposal that will pass the County Council. NAACP asks AG to probe sludge researchThe head of the Maryland chapter of the NAACP asked the state attorney general's office Monday to conduct criminal and civil rights investigations into research in which fertilizer made from sewage sludge was spread onto lawns in poor black neighborhoods. Harris leads in fundraising in 1stRepublican takes in twice rival's total Md.'s new 'green' watchdogAttorney general launches public meetings seeking tips on curbing bay, river pollution Attorney General Gansler to visit ChestertownAs part of the Attorney General's audit of the Chesapeake Bay and it's [sic] tributaries, Attorney General Gansler will visit Chestertown, Maryland on Wednesday, April 16th to hear firsthand from local environmental leaders, residents and elected officials the challenges facing the Chester River. As part of his visit, Attorney General Gansler will take a boat trip down the Chester River at 11:30 am. The boat will depart from the Chestertown Marina at 211 S. High Street in downtown Chestertown. In addition to the boat trip, Attorney General Gansler will host a Town Hall meeting at Washington College at 5:00 p.m. in Hodson Hall, 300 Washington Avenue. The public is invited to attend the meeting and share with the Attorney General their concerns about the health of the Chester River. QA bill would require sewer pumpoutsThe Queen Anne's County Commissioners introduced two bills April 8 aimed at protecting the environment. Sludge Makeup Hard to KnowEvery day Larry Slattery goes to work, the Environmental Protection Agency asks him to do the impossible. Not only does Arlington County's water pollution control chief have to separate sewage and other pollutants from the wastewater gushing into the treatment plant. He also must turn the leftover sludge into a fertilizer and eliminate any risks of spreading illness when it is used. Sludge Tested As Lead-Poisoning FixScientists using federal grants spread fertilizer made from human and industrial wastes on yards in poor, black neighborhoods to test whether it might protect children from lead poisoning in the soil. Families were assured the sludge was safe and were never told about any harmful ingredients. Fertilizer may help lawn, but it hurts waterNow that spring is here, we might feel the urge to go out and fertilize our lawns, hoping for that lush green carpet of summer. MDE inconsistency irks county commissionersSometimes Kent's Comprehensive Plan matters. Sometimes it doesn't. Just ask the Maryland Department of the Environment, the county commissioners said last week. Exploratory well yield insufficientAn exploratory well recently drilled in Queenstown in search of an arsenic-free water source may not be the immediate answer to the town's water supply issues. QA COLAs below inflation ratesnalysis of statistics released by Queen Anne's County Administrator John Borders and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show cost-of-living-allowance increases for county employees have been below inflation rates for the Mid-Shore area for at least the last four years. Bay group withdraws its report criticizing Kent Co.But Chesapeake Bay Foundation officials have no answer to questions raised by county, paper On Monday afternoon, four Chesapeake Bay Foundation staff members met with Kent County Planning Director Gail Owings and Environmental Planner Amy Moredock. They were at 400 High St. to talk about a recent CBF report that put Kent County on what Owings has called "the naughty list." Success of Environmental Legislation Mixed in Tough Economic TimesThe 2008 Maryland legislative session kicked off with optimistic rallies and press conferences to support a slew of bills designed to help the state's environment, including addressing climate change and allocating money to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, among other things. Hearing to Enlarge the Boundaries of the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage AreaFrom the MD Department of Planning: The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority will hold a public hearing on a proposal to expand the boundaries of the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area to include the Towns of Denton (Caroline County); Preston (Caroline County); Queen Anne (Queen Anne's and Caroline Counties); Queenstown (Queen Anne's County); and Oxford (Talbot County). QA could balance budget without tax hikeSchool's request for more funding would be cut by $6 million Queen Anne's County can have a balanced operating budget of $103.5 million without a tax increase in fiscal year 2009, but it would require cutting about $11.6 million in funding requests. Decision in Appleton v. Cecil CountyThe Court of Appeals had ruled that a proposed amendment to a County Master Water and Sewer Plan is not a "Zoning Action" with the meaning of MD Code Article 66B, ยง 4.08, and, therefore, may not be a subject of a petition for judicial review. Legislators living near capital defend billing state for lodgingDuties during session justify staying close to State House, they say Del. Virginia P. Clagett lives a 16-mile drive from Annapolis, in the community of West River in southern Anne Arundel County. For the 90-day annual legislative session in the capital, the Democrat lodges a few yards from the State House, at the historic Governor Calvert House. Del. Robert A. Costa, a Republican who lives a couple of miles farther down the road, in Deale, spends nights at home and commutes each day. A paler shade of greenO'Malley's ambitious initiatives are clipped by a faltering economy An eco-friendly governor, an activist attorney general and a willing legislature arrived at the State House this year with plans to make Maryland a testing ground for some of the nation's most ambitious environmental policies. QAC releases 2008 salary figuresQueen Anne's County released figures detailing the 2008 salary rates, and a comparison of the salary increases, excluding benefits, for the 10 highest paid government employees from November 2003 to February 2008 shows an average increase of 34.5 percent, or 7.9 percent per year. Local travel: QueenstownThings have changed since I was last at the Queenstown Inn. The charming home along one of the town's main streets was enticing enough when it was just a Bed and Breakfast, with a fine collection of Chesapeake Bay memorabilia and great breakfasts. |
