County Council of Dorchester County Regular Meeting Minutes May 28, 2024  The County Council of Dorchester County convened in Open Session in Room 1100 of the County Office Building at 6:00 p.m. on the 28th day of May, 2024. A roll call ofthe members was conducted. Present in Room 110 were: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; Rob Kramer, Jr.; William V. Nichols; and, Ricky C. Travers. Also present in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; Donna F. Lane, Clerk to Council; and, Irene  Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist.  REGULAR SESSION  INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Councilman Nichols led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. CALL FORADDITIONS ORI DELETIONS TO AGENDA There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS  Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $23,814,457.91.  CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY  The Council convened into Regular Session on May 28, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 110, County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613 and motioned to adjourn into Closed Session pursuant to Title 3 ofthe General Provisions Article oft the Maryland Annotated Code, pursuant to $3-305(b)(1) to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it hasj jurisdiction; and pursuant to $3-305(b)(7) Present in Room 110 were: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; Rob Kramer, Jr.; William V. Nichols; and, Ricky C. Travers. Also present in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; Donna F. Lane, Clerk to Council; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist. Charles MacLeod, County Attorney. joined the meeting late via telephone. Voting in favor of the Closed Session were the present Council Members. The Council convened in a Closed Session on May 28, 2024 at 5:31 p.m. to discuss the following 1) Notifications of recent personnel changes within the County were provided; and, 2) Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding al lawsuit.  toc consult with counsel to obtain legal advice.  items:    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofMay 28, 2024 Page No. 2  Present in Room 110 were: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; Rob Kramer, Jr.; William V. Nichols; Ricky C. Travers. Also present in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; Donna F. Lane, Clerk to Council; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist. Charles MacLeod, County Attorney, joined the meeting late via telephone.  CONSENT AGENDA APPROVALOFI MINUTES  The Council approved the minutes of May 21, 2024. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS The Council approved the vouchers as presented.  BUDGET TRANSFER REQUESTS - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Council approved FY24 Budget Transfer Requests for Economic Development.  The Council convened into Legislative Session.  LEGISLATIVE SESSION  FY2024-2025 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING  BILL: NO. 2024-4 ANORDINANCE CONCERNING: 2024-2025 ANNUAL BUDGET AND Ms. Lane said a legislative public hearing is being held on Bill No. 2024-4 concerning the FY Councilman Pfeffer asked for comments, hearing none, he opened the floor for discussion. The Council agreed toi increase the Volunteer Fire Companies' budget by 5% using monies from The roll call on Bill No. 2024-4 was: Pfeffer - aye; Detmer - aye; Kramer - aye; Nichols -aye; Councilman Nichols said the Departments that made budget cuts to help balance the FY25  APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF DORCHESTER COUNTY 2024-2025 Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance.  the Contingency Fund. and, Travers - aye.  Budget should be recognized in the FY26 Budget.  INTRODUCTION - BUILDING EXCISE TAX SUSPENSION  AN ACT OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO MD. CODE ANN., LOCAL GOV'T $ 20-805 TO REPEAL AND REENACT    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofMay 28, 2024 Page No. 3  SECTION 144-36.1 TO CHAPTER 144 (TAXATION) OF THE DORCHESTER COUNTY CODE, ARTICLE X (BUILDING EXCISE TAX) FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROVIDING THAT THE BUILDING EXCISE TAX IS SUSPENDED FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR COMMENCING ONJULY 1,2 2024, AND ENDING ONJUNE: 30, 2025, AND THAT THE BUILDING EXCISE TAXI DOES NOT APPLYTO BUILDING PERMITS FILED BETWEEN JULY 1,2024, AND. JUNE 30, 2025; PROVIDING THAT1 THE TITLE OF THIS BILL SHALL BE DEEMED Al FAIR SUMMARY, AND GENERALLY RELATING TO THE BUILDING Ms. Lane said for introduction is legislation to repeal and reenact Section 144-36.1 to Chapter 144 (Taxation) ofthe Dorchester County Code, Article X (Building Excise Tax) for the purpose of providing that the Building Excise Tax is suspended for a period of one year commencing on July 1,2024, and ending on June 30, 2025, and that the Building Excise Tax does not apply to building permits filed between July 1,2024, and June 30, 2025; providing that the title oft this bill shall be deemed a fair summary, and generally relating to the Building Excise Tax in Dorchester Councilman Detmer said this is needed, however going forward, it needs to be reviewed further. Ini response to Councilman Pfeffer inquiries, Susan Webb, Planning & Zoning Director, said the majority of counties charge a Building Excise Tax, ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, which has not hindered growth, and Dorchester County is one ofa few suspending this tax due to the rising  EXCISE TAX IN DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND.  County, Maryland.  cost in building materials and construction.  The Council agreed to proceed with the publication of a public hearing.  PUBLICHEARING-SCHEDULE OF FEES  Ms. Lane said before Council is a Resolution to amend the County's Schedules of Fees to change Ini response to Councilman Detmer'sinquiry, Ms. Webb said several fees are well below that of surrounding counties, however a gradual increase over several years is easier for customers. Ms. Lane stated that this is the second year of the boat ramp fee increases, and FY26 will be the third increase. Ini response to Councilman Pfeffer's statement, Dave Edwards, Public Works Director, said the changes to the landfill application and requirements is to become more efficient in order tol keep the costs down for citizens. In response to an inquiry posed by Kathy Abbott, resident, Councilman Pfeffer asked if other counties mandate dog licenses, which Ms. Abbott replied, this Councilman Pfeffer asked for public comments, hearing none, the public hearing was closed. The Council adopted the County's Schedule of Fees which will become effective July 1,2024  certain Department fees for which aj public hearing is being held.  is done in Talbot County through veterinary offices.  until June 30, 2025.  The Council adjourned into Regular Session.    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of May 28, 2024 Page No. 4 ACTION ITEMS  FUND REALLOCATION - PERMITTING & LICENSING SERVICES AGREEMENT-  PLANNING & ZONING  The Council approved the request of Susan Webb, Planning & Zoning Director, to: 1) reallocate $50,000 from the FY23 Capital Budget County website line item to fund a portion ofa permitting and licensing services agreement; and, 2) enter into an agreement with OpenGov to provide permitting and licensing services at the cost of$89,696.08 which will be funded by the aforementioned $50,000 from the FY23 Capital Budget and the FY24 Capital Budget Finance Councilman Detmer said OpenGov is a tool that will increase efficiency. In response to Councilman Pfeffer's inquiry, Ms. Webb said: 1) the program will be benefit staffby reducing work load up to 85%, allowing them to focus on other pertinent items; 2) OpenGov is currently used in Talbot County and is being implemented in the City of Cambridge sO local contractors will be familiar with the program which will streamline the process; 3): she received a 50% discount for the first year; 4) the permit fee increases will cover the cost of the program; 5) vacant, airbnb and rental properties can be registered on the user's end; 6) for additional fees, the program can be extended to other departments; 7) the status of applications can be viewed online; and, 8) OpenGov will satisfy the State of Maryland requirement of having an electronic MARINE PORTABLE TOILETS DISCUSSION - DISCONTINUED FUNDING-PUBLIC Based on a notification from the Department ofl Natural Resource (DNR), provided by Dave Edwards, Public Works Director, the Council acknowledged that DNR discontinued the sanitary service grant through its Waterway Improvement Fund which covers the cost for marine portable toilets at $1,320 per month. The Council agreed to continue the portable toilet services for this  supplemental software funds.  based permit software program for solar projects.  WORKS  season using contingency funds for the remaining cost of $5,280.  DNR WATERWAY IMPROVEMENT FUND EXTENSION - COUNTYWIDE  ENGINEERING GRANT - PUBLIC WORKS  Based on a request from Mr. Edwards, the Council agreed to extend the DNR Waterway Improvement Fund Grant Agreement for the current Countywide Engineering Grant to June 30, 2026. The Council acknowledged that this will allow for the completion of engineering serviçes  on current boat ramp projects.    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of May 28, 2024 Page No. 5  RESOLUTION DISCUSSIONS TO AMEND COUNTY RULES & REGULATIONS  Juneteenth Day - County Paid Holiday  Ms. Lane said before Council is a Resolution to amend the Dorchester County Personnel Rules and Regulations to include Juneteenth Day as a County paid holiday effective July 1,2024,  beginning June of2 2025.  The Council agreed to post the proposed Resolution in all County Departments for 10 days prior  tot the proposed adoption at a future meeting.  Bereavement Leave  Ms. Lane said before Council is a Resolution to amend the Dorchester County Personnel Rules and Regulations to change granted bereavement days to 5 (max 40 hours) and refer to as  bereavement leave (not funeral leave).  The Council agreed to post the proposed Resolution in all County Departments for 10 days prior  tot the proposed adoption at a future meeting.  Remove Correction's Personnel from Overtime Threshold  Ms. Lane said before Council is a Resolution to amend the Dorchester County Personnel Rules and Regulations to remove Correction's personnel from the overtime threshold - hours in excess The Council agreed toj post the proposed Resolution in all County Departments for 10 days prior Councilman Pfeffer commended Kristin Budd, Human Resources Director, Jeff Powell, Interim County Manager, and Mr. Jones for their hard work on the amendments to improve recruitment  of171 in a 28-day work cycle sentence. to the proposed adoption at a future meeting.  and retention, recognizing the importance of employees.  POLL CONFIRMATIONS  The Council confirmed its decisions in the interim of meetings, via poll to:  Accept a Department of Natural Resources grant award of$31,000 to fund the engineering services for the Elliott Island jetty repairs, with aj performance period ofMay  1, 2024 to May 1, 2027, bya3 3to 0 vote;    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of May 28, 2024 Page No. 6  Provide al letter of support for thel Richardson Maritime Museum's' Technical Assistance Operating Assistance grant application of $50,000 through the Maryland Department of Approve the submission ofa Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP) Warrant Apprehension & Absconding Grant Program application for $20,000 for overtime to reduce the number of pending warrants, with no match requirement and a performance period ofJuly 1, 2024 to. June 30, 2025, bya3to 0 vote; and, Approve the submission ofa GOCCP Police Accountability, Community, & Transparency Grant Program application for $65,000 to be applied towards the salary and fringe benefits ofa Victim/Witness Coordinator, with no match requirement and a performance period ofJuly 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025,bya a3 to 0 vote.  Housing and Community Development, by a3to 0 vote;  COUNTY MANAGER'S COMMENTS Mr. Jones had no comments. COUNCIL'S COMMENTS  Councilman Nichols: 1) thanked staff for an outstanding, job balancing the budget; 2) said the FY26 Budget will be more challenging but will strengthen the County; and, 3) thanked the Councilman Travers: 1) thanked Mr. Edwards and his team for working on Buena Vista Avenue; 2) stated that this is the 18th budget that he has participated in, ranking in the top two worst sessions due to funding requirements from the State of Maryland; 3) the Counties main source of revenue is income and property taxes, which is limited due to 78% ofthe County being undevelopable; 4) Thanked staff for making adjustments and completing the budget; and 5) the Council's priorities to balance the budget without increasing taxes while increasing employee Councilman Detmer 1) thanked staff; 2) thanked the Public Works Department for resolving issues at Williamsburg Church, Palmers Mill, and Newhart Mill Roads; 3) thanked Duc Trieu, Recreation and Parks Director, regarding Egypt Road Hill Park; and, 4) said the Council should consider boat ramp stickers and allow access to County dog parks by purchasing a dog license. The Council appointed Dalton Adshead to the Agricultural Reconciliation Committee as the Councilman Detmer recognized Memorial Day and Gold Star families, honoring those that lost Councilman Pfeffer 1) thanked staff, Ms. Tolley, Mr. Powell and Mr. Jones for their hard work on the budget; 3) echoed Councilman Nichols, regarding the next budget, adding that a $1.8 billion deficit is predicted by the State; 4) said the Council needs to find a way to increase the tax base; 5) commended Councilman Detmer for his Memorial Day speech at Long Wharf Park  Council.  salaries were met.  District 5 representative. their lives from our county.    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of May 28, 2024 Page No. 7  Memorial Day Ceremony; 6) said the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.; 7) congratulated the High School graduates, wishing them well in their future endeavors, hoping that they make Dorchester County home; and, 8) would like to see changes with mandates and improvements in school to attract more residents and  businesses.  PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. ADJOURNMENT  With no further business to discuss, the Council adjourned.  ATTEST:  THE COUNTY COUNCIL OFPORCHESTER ggu, Pfeffer, Jr, President A Peline Detmer, Vice President E Rob MllapMk  - JerryJones Coyhty Marlge    Mike  Villiam V. Nichols &  Approved the 4 dayofne, 2024.    PRESIDING OFFICER'S WRITTEN STATEMENT FOR CLOSING A MEETING ("CLOSING STATEMENT") UNDER THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT (General  Provisions Article S 3-305)  This form has two sides. Complete items 1-4 4 before closing the meeting.  1.  Recorded vote to close the meeting: Date: 5l4TmeSia0 p.m.; Location: Room 110, County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland; Motion to close meeting made by:  ravs_Seconded by. Kiamer Kramen TMAsNicnos Opposed:  Members in favor: Pfrffcs Dder,  Abstaining:  Absent:  2. Statutory authority to close session (check all provisions that apply). This meeting will be closed under General Provisions Art. $3-305(b) only:  (1)x "To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals"; (2). "To protect the privacy or reputation of individuals concerning a matter not related to public business"; (3)_ "To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto"; (4) - "To consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State"; (5)_ "To consider the investment of public funds"; (6). "To consider the marketing of public securities"; (7)x "To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice"; (8). "To consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation"; (9)_ "To conduct collective bargaining negotiations or consider matters that relate to the negotiations"; (10) "To discuss public security, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to public security, including: (i) the deployment of fire and police services and staff; and (i) the development and implementation of emergency plans"; (11). "To prepare, administer, or grade a scholastic, licensing, or qualifying examination"; (12)_ "To conduct or discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct"; (13)x "To comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicially imposed requirement that prevents public disclosures about a particular proceeding or matter"; (14) "Before a contract is awarded or bids are opened, to discuss a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal, if public discussion or disclosure would adversely impact the ability of the public body to participate in the competitive bidding or proposal process." (15). "To discuss cybersecurity, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to: (1) security assessments or deployments relating to information resources technology; (ii) network security information - : or (ii) deployments or implementation of security  personnel, critical infrastructure, or security devices."  Continued *    3.  For each provision checked above, disclosure of the topic to be discussed and the public  body'sreason for discussing that topic in closed session.  Citation (insert # from above)  Topic  Reason for closed-session discussion Public Discussion of applicant's names from applying for County jobs Public Information Act, GP Section 4- 310 and 311 requires us to shield recommendation letters and job Council does not want to waive the 101, August 17, 2021, OMCB ruling (15  oft topic  $3-305(b) (1) Notifications of recent 53-305(b)(13) Same topic as above  personnel changes within the andj jobi info could discourage people  County.  applications  $3-305(b)(7) Tor receive legal advice from  the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page  al lawsuit.  OMCB 99)    4. This statement is made by,  Presiding Officer.  Bo  WORKSHEET FOR OPTIONAL USE IN CLOSED SESSION: INFORMATION FOR SUMMARYTOBE DISCLOSED IN THE MINUTES OF THE NEXT OPEN MEETING. (See also template for summary.)  For a meeting closed under the statutoryauthority cited above:  Time of closed session: Place: Purpose(s):  Members who voted to meet in closed session: Persons attending closed session: Authority under 53 3-305 for the closed session: Topics actually discussed: Actions taken: Each recorded vote: > Place: Persons present: Subjects discussed:  For a meeting recessed to perform an administrative function (5 3-104): Time:  (Form Rev.10/1/2018)