KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S

Public Hearing

Code Home Rule Bill No. 5-2002

A Public Hearing was held on Tuesday, August 6, 2002, at 10:15 a.m. in the County Commissioners' Hearing Room, County Government Center, Chestertown, Maryland on Code Home Rule Bill No. 5-2002 which is: an Act to add new Chapter 36, Human Relations Commission, to the Code of Public Local Laws of Kent County, Maryland, establishing the Kent County Human Relations Commission; providing for the membership, purposes, goals, powers, and duties of the Commission; to provide for satisfaction of the 180 days statutory deadline for filing complaints with the Maryland Commission on Human Relations upon the filing of a written request for alternative dispute resolution with the Kent County Human Relations Commission; defining certain terms; and generally relating to the establishment of the Kent County Human Relations Commission.

County Commissioners Ronald H. Fithian, Larry B. Beck and W. Michael Newnam were in attendance as well as Susanne Hayman, Human Resource Director, Dr. Ann Hennesey, Mary Ellen Williams, ten interested persons, and members of the media.

Notice of the public hearing was read into the record by Commissioner Fithian.

Ms. Hayman provided a brief summary of the legislation.

Mrs. Williams stated her opinion that the members of the Commission would set the goals and mission that could possibly be permanent part of its charter. She emphasized the importance of selecting a diverse membership to the Commission. Mrs. Williams recommended the Commissioners interview the candidates for the Commission to ensure worthiness and dedication.

Dr. Hennesey stated that the Commission would be responsible for the development of bylaws and regulations by which the Commission will function. She stressed that the Human Relations Commission should educate the public on their function and practices.

Dr. Hennesey thanked the Commissioners for establishing the Human Relations Commission and Ms. Hayman for drafting the legislation.

Third reading of this proposed legislation will be held on August 20, 2002.

This hearing was taped for reference and adjourned at 10:25 a.m.