Minutes Kent Narrows Development Foundation Board of Directors Meeting March 26, 2024  Board Members Participating Jody Schulz, Chair Joel Pomerantz, Vice Chair Patricia Worns, Secretary (via Zoom) Victoria Hoffman, Treasurer Kim Hannon Justin Kiernan Kelly Phipps Jeff Smith (via Zoom) Absent with Notice Jake Boulay Bill Oertel Mike Foster Jason Ruth Commissioner Liaison Commissioner Phil Dumenil Queen Anne's County Staff Steve Chandlee, QACI Parks and Recreation April Plummer, QAC Tourism Development Bente Cooney, Plastic Free QAC Scott Davies, Narrows Pointe Community Shelby Farmer, Fisherman's Village Dan Irby, Piney Narrows Board Kirby Schulz, Kent Narrows Rentals  Heather Tinelli, Director, QAC Economic and' Tourism Development  Guests  Call to Order  Chair Jody Schulz called to order the regular meeting oft thel Kent Narrows Development Foundation at 9:01 a.m. The meeting was conducted in person and via Zoom.  In Remembrance  Jody called for ai moment of silence ini remembrance of Christopher Drummond, attorney for the Planning Commission. Also, the board acknowledged the tragedy that occurred earlier in the  morning with the collapse oft thel Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.  1    New Board Member Introduction  Chair Jody Schulz welcomed Kimberly Hannon as the new KNDF Board Member. Kim will serve at three-year term. She is the owner oft the coastal boutique, Ophiuroidea, located in the Kent Narrows Special Taxing District at 110 Channel Marker Way. Kim owns shops in St. Michaels and Annapolis. She also is in charge oft the Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts  Festival, held annually in St. Michaels.  Public Comment  Plastic Free QAC (Bente Cooney)  Ms. Cooney reminded everyone that the organization has the boat shrink-wrap recycling program again this spring. Boat owners can pick upi recycling bags at four locations: West Marine, Ace Hardware, Refill Goodness, and City Hall in Centreville. The bags then go to the  Grasonville Transfer Station. Piney Narrows Yacht Haven (Dan Irby)  Mr. Irby represents the 276 owners int the Piney Narrows Yacht Haven's Condominium Association. He commented on an extreme noise pollution issue which affects the community. Truckers create noise by utilizing Jake brakes when crossing thel Route 50/301 Kent Narrows bridge. The noise is significantly amplified from the bridge as it enters the area below. The noise is frequent and occurs at all hours oft the day and night, whether traffic is light or heavy, fast or slow. Truckers are using their Jake brakes even when crossing the bridge when no other traffic is present. He asked the Foundation for help in obtaining signs prohibiting their use on the bridge. Hei noted that Ken Fender is the local District 2 engineer in charge ofhandling thei issue.  2/27/24 Meeting Minutes RESOLUTION  Joe Pomerantz made a motion to accept the KNDF meeting minutes of February 27, 2024.  The Board unanimously approved. Financial Report (Victoria Hoffman)  The following balances are from financial reports ending 2/29/2024:  Shore United Checking Account: $95,684.16; the balance ini the QAC: 570 Fund is $251,597.79; the balance is the amenities fund is $67,191.36 and there is $7,923.31 in the Chesapeake Charities Fund. Total assets are $422.396.79. Restricted funds balances: QACLand Maintenance is$ $16,527.00; Amenities Fund is; ESHI grant is $1500; and Safety Grant is $96,200.  2    Commissioner's Report (Phil Dumenil)  Commissioner Dumenil reported that the county departmental budget process begins this month. The County Administrator will submit thel budget to the Commissioners and then the public hearings on the budget will occur. Thel hearing schedule will be posted on the QAC website.  Economic and Tourism Development (April Plummer)  April reported on behalf oft the Tourism Division. The proof for the visitor guide is being reviewed. The Department has applied for an MHAA grant for an exhibit at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center that features a deadrise workboat and tells stories about how the  watermen's heritage has evolved.  Parks and Public Landings (Steve Chandlee)  Signs have been installed on thej pilings along the shoreline at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center to delineate the areas where fishing is and is not allowed. Signs also have been The flagpole was installed at Wells Cove; more hardscape will be added there. A local family donated money from an estate tol help build it. The area will be named Veteran's] Point at Wells A grant application has been submitted to DNR to assist with building up the eroded shoreline at WCEI will do al livel broadcast during the. July 4 event at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Commissioner Dumenil added that the Commissioners sent al letter to the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the damage to the sea wall on the south end ofKent Narrows. No response received yet. Jeff Smith commented that the break was adversely impacting the Yacht Club property because it affects the wave action on the shoreline. Victoria suggested that KNDF also write al letter suggesting that the seawall damage be considered in the broader sense to include safety issues, and marking the seawall to make iti more visible to boaters, day and night. Jeffwill draft al letter on behalfofthe Club and send to Gigi to complete. Jody suggested that once the letter is drafted, KNDF should make our U.S. Congressional Representatives aware oft the situation. Dumenil will also inform the 36-district delegation oft the situation.  placed informing that the areai is open from sunrise to sunset.  Cove.  Ferry Point Park. Center.  Director's Report (Gigi Windley) Seasonal Openings and Events for April Crab] Deck will open April 6 with the Brew Fest. Kent Narrows Boat Expo is April 12-14, 19-21,26-28. Sugar Doodles is1 now open seven days a week. Big Owl's will open April 15.  3    New Business Opening 100 Piney Narrows Road, Suite E, in Chester. 410-739-7050 itips/brookeandiunebridal.com Business Remodeling  Brooke and. June Bridal is open by appointment. Kallie German is the proprietor.  Harris Crab House has remodeled their third-floor area with indoor-outdoor seating. An upstairs  bar that overlooks the water was added.  The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center Reopening Ribbon-cutting is scheduled for April 23 at 3:00; the public isi invited. Planning and Zoning Update as of Monday, March 25  Stephanie Jones will be attending the KNDF meeting on April 23 to inform the board of the updates to the Comp Plans, including the Kent Narrows Community Plan, and speak about ordinances and text amendments that may affect properties in the Waterfront Village Center Zoning District, and the Kent Narrows Special Taxing District Ordinance #24-01. Gigi updated the board on the status of the following text amendments, which are being  considered by the Planning Commission and the Commissioners.  Ord #24-01:  To add provisions to allow for non-water dependent structures on State or private wetlands within the critical area while meeting specific standards. Add definition ofi non-water dependent projects and piers. [GG:WAS THIS LAST SENTENCE. INTENDED. ASANOTE! TOSELF?) Status: The only action that will occur int the meantime will be a request that the Commissioners hold aj public hearing, but that hearing will not be occur until May. Therefore, the ordinance will  not be effective for some time.  Ord#24-03:  AN ACTCONCERNING the pier length extension review by the Queen Anne's County Board of Appeals: Was amended (24-03a) and adopted on March 26. Commissioner Dumenil said that anew amendment had just come: in that is designed to make an exemption for projects that are  already in the pipeline. Ord #23-02:  Toadd Bonus Provisions for residential density int the WVC that arej part ofar redevelopment of dilapidated or abandoned structures. 25 DU/acre and % of retail commercial or services not to No updates. The last action was on November 14. 2023. See page 5 and 6 on report. Status: No motion was made by the Commissioners with the proposed amendment to Ord #23-02 or the  exceed 5% (Jemal Property)  original Ord #23-02.  4    State Legislative Update  Gigi reported on the status on the following: SB 14-The' Tourism Zone Bill Senator Jackson  The bill is moving forward, and the Maryland Tourism Coalition was successful in amending the MD HB293 State Boat Act- Abandoned or Sunken Recreational Vessel Identification and Thel bill authorizes the Department of] Natural Resources to remove abandoned or sunken recreational vessels secured to certain apparatuses or left anchored and unattended for more than 60 days under certain circumstances; and requires the Department to consider and document certain factors when determining whether a recreational vessel is abandoned or sunken under The department must consider and document factors such as whether the vessel has a valid, current registration, any standing water in the vessel, and the condition oft the equipment used to moor the vessel. Thel law also defines the process for notifying owners, dispensation of unclaimed vessels, and cases fori immediate removal without prior notice. It prohibits the Department from using funds budgeted for the Natural Resources Police for the removal or storage oft these vessels. The bill was tol become effective from October 1, 2024, but was withdrawn. Noi information yet on why it was withdrawn. Most likely sO it can be reintroduced  bill to include Counties.  Removal -Jeffery Ghrist, Delegate Arentz, Jay. Jacobs  certain provisions ofl law.  next session.  MDHB 1232-1 Delegate Jay. Jacobs  This bill expands the scope oft the annual young-of-the-year, juvenile survey of striped bass or rockfish by requiring the Department ofl Natural Resources to conduct the survey at sampling sites int the central region of thel Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay, in addition to sampling sites in the northern and southern regions of thel Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay; and establishing certain requirements for the central region sampling sites. Iti is in committee. Special Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License, Special Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License Act- Nonresidents License Fee Increase Thel bill aims toi increase the: fee from $501 to $100 for nonresident fishing license applicants in Maryland's coastal waters, including the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The bill outlines the licensing regulations, including the stipulation that the license holder may fish anywhere in the specified waters, regardless of whether thel boat owner is fishing in the owner's boat or elsewhere. Additionally, a free fishing license willl be issued to the boat owner who purchases a special license under the bill. Ifp passed, this bill will come into effect on October 1,  MD SB507- Senator Jack Baily  2024. Status: Crossed over 2/27. MD B00SHBU3I-Detegate Hartman  Eastern Shore Code Counties - Maximum Hotel Rental Tax Rate Alteration  Enabling legislation that increases the existing maximum hotel rental tax rate from 5%1 to 6% in  Eastern Shore code counties. Status: First Reading  5    Promotion and Outreach  The KNDF website was updated toi include upcoming events, including the Wedding Event at the Hyatt, the Spring Boat Expo, and the Beer Fest at the Crab Deck. It was also updated to show KNDF proofread and further checked out the Kent Narrows page in the aboul-to-be-pubished QAC Travel Guide. Provided updated copy suggestions and photos. Al half-page Kent Narrows ad that included a QR code as a response mechanism was placed int the guide.  that the Visitors Center and Park are: now open.  Media Mentions  An article appeared in Old Cars Weekly with thel headline:  "The St. Michael Concours Received International Achievement oft the Year Award."  Administrative Matters Denison Contracts  KNDF's Small Business Insurance Policy was paid. It renews in April.  KNDF is working with Denison to obtain estimates for FY25 and also has been coordinating efforts with the Parks Department: regarding the additional work that will be needed prior to the visitors center opening. Once the contracts come back, KNDF will send a budget request letter to  the Commissioners along with copies of the contracts.  OLD BUSINESS  Legislative updates (see director's report)  Tour Boat/Water Taxi  The effort to attract a tour boat / water-taxi service to Kent Narrows continues. While finding a berth for the vessel(s) should not be an issue, the challenge is developing the schedule and the pick-up and drop off] locations. Jody is working on helping to facilitate this with Four Seasons,  Castle Marina and other communities. Openings and Event updates (see directors report) Updates of Charter Boat Striped Bass Regulations  KNDF Fishing Memo re:  KNDF sent al letter to the Queen Anne's County Commissioners, DNR, and Governor Moore in support oft thel Eastern Shore charter boat owners and fishermen's concerns regarding restrictions on striped bass, based on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) standards of reduction. Maryland DNR: recently acted beyond the ASMFC's directive toc curtail recreational fishing for striped bass during the spring spawning season and said it intends to impose further limits for this summer, when hot weather increases the risk of fish  dying even if released after being hooked.  6    The KNDF letter urges the State of Maryland to be as accurate and timely inj projections as possible, and to take action to remediate the impacts oft the emergency orders on local and The letter illustrates how the harvest limits will have far-reaching effects on the local economy, especially on the small businesses here in Kent Narrows that are dependent on the visitor spending generated by fishing and related activities. The direct impacts on jobs and spending will filter through to other economic sectors, since the leakage associated with the spending in  regional economies.  this sector is relatively low. Ini related matters:  -the Charter Boat Association and the Delmarva Fisheries Association have questioned the way thes surveys that predict the growth rate oft the fishery are conducted. There's almost 40 miles of open water from the Choptank River into Rock Hall that are: not being surveyed. That includes  all the tributaries surrounding this area.  -HB 1232 the Striped Bass. Juvenile Survey Bill was jointly filed by Jay Jacobs.  NEW BUSINESS  Discontinuation of certain Commuter Bus Routes from Kent Narrows and Kent Island are under consideration from MDOT. KNDF arranged two of the virtual hearings and expressed concern that the ridership data should be updated before any final decisions are made, because 2022 data The discussion regarding the possibility of! having a Watermen's Event at the Yacht Club continued. It was suggested that rather than the Watermen's Association taking the lead in creating another event, that a new: signature event be developed for the Kent Narrows that centers on the watermen' s heritage and seafood. Gigi will follow up by monitoring opportunities for event start-up grants and Jody will follow up with the Watermen's Association regarding their  was presented, and conditions have changed significantly since then.  level of participation. Business Round Robin Update  Victoria Hoffman reported that the Holiday Inn expansion plan has been officially pulled. A concept plan will be submitted for aj project for the corner lot. Concept drawings have been let Jason Ruth reported thati it's the end of the Maryland Oyster season. There was no shortage of oysters this season. In the last three or four years, the demand for excess product had been high due to a shortage in the GulfofMexico. That area rebounded, SO demand was lower this year. Fort the dealers who target these areas, al lot of the watermen suffered after Christmas, working only two or three days a week. Last year was ai record harvest for the Bay, around 700,000 bushels --1 the most in 37 years. This season will not be as robust because of the lack of demand and is projected to be about 500,000 bushels. Harris Seafood serves 837 Sam's Club stores  out to explore possibilities for a restaurant-mixed use project.  7    throughout the U.S. Also, Harris Crab House had a soft opening oft their new upstairs space last  Friday.  Bay Bridge Traffic Management - Ramp Closing  There will be a town hall meeting on April 10 at] Bayside Elementary School on the ramp closing  program for this season. RESOLUTION  Pat Worns made ai motion to adjourn the meeting. The Board agreed.  The meeting adjourned at 10:34 a.m. Respectfully submitted,  Georgeanna (Gigi) Windley, Executive Director Kent] Narrows Development Foundation Directors ofthis Foundation on. April 23, 2024. o Patricia Worns, Secretary, KNDF  Certification:  Ihereby.certify that this isa a1 true and correct copy oft the Minutes that were adopted by the  4/23/2094  8