County Council of Dorchester County Regular Meeting Minutes June 18,2024 The County Council ofl Dorchester County convened in Open Session in Room 110 oft the County Office Building at 6:01 p.m. on the 18th day ofJune, 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; Ricky C. Travers. Also present in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; Charles MacLeod, County Attorney; Donna F. Lane, Clerk to Council; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist. REGULARSESSION INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Pfeffer led the invocation and the pledge ofallegiance. Councilman Nichols left the meeting. CALL FOR ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA After publication oft the agenda, the following items were added: 1)Letter of Support - National Fish & Wildlife Federation National Coastal Resiliency Fund Grant - Hoopersville Shoreline - BayLand Consultants & Designers, Inc.; 2) County Property Tax Exemption Requests - Multiple Properties Finance; and, 3) Notification of Introductions Resolutions to Amend County Charter. The Council approved the amended agenda. FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $22,084,738.72. CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY The Council convened into Regular Session on. June 18, 2024 at 5:04 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 of the General Provisions Article of 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 has jurisdiction; pursuant to $3-305(b)(7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; and, pursuant to $3-305(b)(3) to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose 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; Charles MacLeod, County Attorney; Donna F. Lane, Clerk to Council; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist. Voting in favor oft the Closed Session were the present and matters directly related thereto. Council Members. Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of. June 18. 2024 Page No.: 2 items: The Council convened in a Closed Session on June 18. 2024 at 5:05 p.m. to discuss the following 1) Notifications of recent personnel changes within the County were provided. 2) Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following specific items: a. Lease of County properties; b. Disclosure agreement; Board appointment; d. Transition ofa District; Proposed amendments; - State loan; and, g. Disposition of State property 3) Discussions regarding the acquisition of real property for public purposes and matters directly 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; Charles MacLeod, County Attorney; Donna F. Lane, Clerk to Council; and, Irene related thereto. Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Council approved the minutes of. June 4, 2024. APPROVALOF DISBURSEMENTS made to Simmons Center Market. The Council approved the vouchers as presented, with Councilman Travers abstaining for payments CONTINGENCY FUND REQUEST - EASTERN SHORE INNOVATION CENTER HVAC The Council approved the request of Susan Banks, Economic Development Director, to use contingency funds to pay for the urgent purchase ofa an HVAC unit at the Eastern Shore Innovation Center, due to limited availability and supply and demand, which was installed by Gannon's HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY - LANDFILL EVENT - PUBLIC The Council approved the request ofl Dave Edwards, Public Works Director, to hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beulah Landfill using the services of MXI, Inc. at the cost of$50,000.00, which will be funded by the Landfill REPLACEMENT- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Refrigeration Services, Inc. on May 13, 2024 at the cost of $8,375.00. WORKS Fund Balance account. Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of. June 18, 2024 Page No. 3 BUDGET TRANSFER REQUESTS - PUBLIC WORKS - RECREATION & PARKS The Council approved the FY24 budget transfer requests for Public Works and Recreation & Parks. COUNTY PROPERTYTAX EXEMPTION REQUEST - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY The Council approved the request ofJoAnn Hansen, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Choptank, to grant 2024-2025 County property tax exemptions on 23 properties owned by the tax- CHOPTANK - FINANCE exempt charitable organization. EVENT REQUEST - YOUNG EAGLES DAY - AIRPORT The Council approved the request of Steve Nuwer, Airport Director, to host Young Eagles Day on August 10, 2024 (rain date August 11,2024) from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., sponsored by Experimental Aircraft Association, at the Airport Terminal facility, with the understanding that: The EAA will provide: Estimated 10-12 pilots that have been vetted by the EAA for proficiency and qualification. Estimated 10-12 aircraft which are pilot-owned and licensed. Notice to pilots that they are responsible for their own fuel costs. Registration/pre-fight briefing. and participants. organizations, etc. The CGE Airport will provide: Blanket insurance for Young Eagle flights and events that cover the pilots, aircraft, volunteers Social media promotion and flyers to be distributed through the public school system, Lunch for the pilots/volunteers only at an estimated $350.00. entsgrl/chel/coolers provided Orange cones to create a space immediately outside the terminal for parents of Young Eagle Additional 3-4 adult volunteers to escort parents of participants to and from aircraft. A$0.50/gal discount on Avgas toj participating pilots. No additional staff or overtime costs will be required for this event. by Mr. Nuwer at no cost. participants. Ambulance/EMT presence. Use oft the terminal training room for pre-flight briefings. LEASE RENEWAL- - QUONSET HANGAR - AIRPORT Based on the recommendation of Mr. Nuwer, the Council agreed to renew a lease with B&B Sport Aviation for an additional five-year term, beginning July 1,2 2024, for the Airport Terminal Quonset Hangar at a total cost of $62,280. Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of. June 18, 2024 Page No. 4 LEASE EXPANSION - SOUTH HANGAR - AIRPORT Based on the recommendation of Mr. Nuwer, the Council approved the expansion ofa current lease with Eastern Shore Sport Aviation to include Space A oft the South Hangar, effective June 1,2024 with an expiration date that aligns with the current least for Space Di in 2025 and a rent structure consistent with commercial operations of this facility, totaling $6,900.00 over the 18-month term. LEGISLATIVE SESSION PUBLIC HEARING - BUILDING EXCISE TAX SUSPENSION BILL NO.2024-6 AN ACT OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO MD. CODE ANN., LOCAL GOV'T $ 20-805 TO REPEAL AND REENACT SECTION 144-36.17 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 ON. JULY 1, 2024, AND ENDING ON JUNE 30, 2025, AND THAT THE BUILDING EXCISE TAXI DOES NOT APPLY TO BUILDING PERMITS FILED BETWEEN JULY 1,2024, AND JUNE 30, 2025; PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS BILL SHALL BE DEEMED. A FAIR SUMMARY, AND GENERALLY RELATING TO THE BUILDING EXCISE Ms. Lane said a public hearing is being conducted on Bill No. 2024-6 to repeal and reenact Section 144-36.1 to Chapter 144 (Taxation) oft the Dorchester County Code, Article X (Building Excise Tax) for the purpose of providing that the Building Excise Tax is suspended for aj 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 ofthis bill shall be deemed a fair summary, and generally relating to the Building Excise Tax in Dorchester Councilman Pfeffer asked for public comments, hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Councilman Pfeffer said this tax has been suspended for some time, but with the County's financial The roll call on Bill No. 2024-6 was: Pfeffer - aye; Detmer - aye; Kramer - aye; Nichols absent; TAXI IN DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND. County, Maryland. hardships it may not continue in future years. and, Travers - aye. The Council adjourned into regular session. Councilman Nichols reentered the meeting. Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of. June 18. 2024 Page No. 5 REGULAR SESSION COMMENDATIONS RETIREMENT - MICHAEL MARSHALL The Council presented a Commendation to Michael Marshall for 14 years of service to Dorchester County and congratulated Mr. Marshall on his retirement. PROCLAMATIONS STROKE SMART The Council presented a Proclamation declaring Dorchester County as Stroke Smart. COMMENDATIONS TORI WILLIS, JR. -3 300 METER HURDLE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP - CAMBRIDGE SOUTH The Council presented a Commendation to Tori Willis, Jr.c ofCambridge South Dorchester High KASSIDY YOUNG - DISCUS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP - CAMBRIDGE SOUTH DORCHESTER The Council presented a Commendation to Kassidy Young of Cambridge South Dorchester High CAMBRIDGE SOUTH DORCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL MEN'S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD The Council presented a Commendation to Cambridge South Dorchester High School Men's Outdoor DORCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL School for claiming the 300 Meter Hurdle State Championship. HIGH SCHOOL School for claiming the Discus State Championship. TEAM - STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Track & Field Team for claiming the State Championship title. ACTION ITEMS RESOLUTION ADOPTIONS Juneteenth Day County Paid Holiday The Council adopted Resolution 664, a Resolution of the County Council ofDorchester County, Maryland to amend the Dorchester County Personnel Rules and Regulations to include Juneteenth Day as a County paid holiday effective July 1, 2024. The Council acknowledged that the FY25 Holiday Schedule will be amended to include Juneteenth. Ms. Lane said no employee comments were received. Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJ June 18,2024 Page No.6 6 Travers - aye. Bereavement Leave The roll call on Resolution 664 was: Pfeffer aye; Detmer- - aye; Kramer aye; Nichols absent; and, The Council adopted Resolution 665, a Resolution oft the County Council of] Dorchester County, Maryland 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) effective July 1,2024. Ms. Lane said no employee comments were received. The roll call on Resolution 665 was: Pfeffer - aye; Detmer - aye; Kramer aye; Nichols absent; and, Travers - aye. Remove Correction Personnel from Overtime Threshold The Council adopted Resolution 666, a Resolution of the County Council of Dorchester County, Maryland to amend the Dorchester County Personnel Rules and Regulations to remove Correction personnel from the hours in excess of 171 in a 28-day work cycle sentence effective July 1, 2024. Ms. Lane said one employee comment was received, which was provided to the Council. The roll call on Resolution 666 was: Pfeffer - aye; Detmer aye; Kramer - aye; Nichols - absent; and, Travers - aye. REQUEST TO SOLE SOURCE - LANDFILL EQUIPMENT GPS - PUBLIC WORKS The Council approved the request of! Mr. Edwards to sole source with SITECH Chesapeake LLC fora GPS system for the Landfill compactor which will include the base station, the rover, the data collector, and a full upgrade to the new CAT 836k Compactor at the cost of $89,168.30 which will be funded by the FY25 Capital Budget Landfill Compactor GPS. The Council acknowledged: 1) the GPS will provide a large cost savings for the Landfill; and, 2) the reason for the sole source is because SITECH is the only GPS: system in the Mid-Atlantic region that is compatible with CAT equipment. In response to Councilman Detmer'si inquiry, Mr. Edwards said the GPS must be CAT compatible. REQUEST TO SOLE SOURCE - LANDFILL LITTER FENCE - PUBLIC WORKS The Council approved the request ofMr. Edwards to sole source with METTA Technologies Inc. to purchase nine portable litter fence sections at the cost of $69,980.00 to be funded by the FY25 Capital Budget Landfill Litter Fence. The Council acknowledged that a sole source is being requested because the company offers the type oft fencing that the Landfill currently operates with, and it is compatible In response to Councilman Pfeffer'si inquiry, Mr. Edwards said this fencing is compatible with the current litter fence and interlocks, which can be moved with a dozer as the wind changes. with its current litter fence. Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJune 18. 2024. Page No. 7 PUBLIC WORKS REQUEST TO SOLE SOURCE - ELEVATOR REPAIRS - COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING - The Council approved the request ofMr. Edwards to sole source with Delaware Elevator to repair the elevator at the County Office Building at the cost of $95,886.00 to be funded by the FY25 Capital Budget County Office Building Elevator Repairs. The Council acknowledged that a sole source is being requested because this is the only local company that can complete the work. REQUEST TOI PURCHASE - LONG REACHLANDFILL EXCAVATOR - PUBLIC WORKS The Council approved the request of Mr. Edwards to purchase al long reach excavator for the Landfill from the lowest bidder, Komatsu at the cost of$552,016.13 which will be funded by the FY25 Capital Inr response to Councilman Pfeffer'sir inquiry, Mr. Edwards said the long reach is 65' versus 20', allowing for deeper digging when completing the top cover required by the State, extending the life of PIGGYBACK REQUEST - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION CONTRACT - BESTPITCH FERRY BRIDGE REPAIRS - The Council approved the request ofMr. Edwards to piggyback on a Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration contract with Covington Machine to complete repairs to the Bestpitch Ferry Bridge at the cost of $538,384.37 which will be funded by the FY24 Capital Budget bridge repairs ($280,083.38): and FY25 Capital Budget Infrastructure Repairs ($258,300.99). Ini response to Councilman Detmer's and Councilman Pfeffer'si inquiries, Mr. Edwards said: 1)to replace this bridge would be very complicated because the County does not have the necessary real estate and iti is historical; 2) it is more cost efficient to repair the bridge than it is to decommission because the County will still be required to maintain the bridge; 3) the bridge should last for the foreseeable future, however, the lifespan ofthe bridge cannot be truly determined due to the undercurrent; and, 4) the pilings are being repaired which were originally driven in the 1950s. Councilman Kramer added that this is one of the last wooden bridges in the County. PIGGYBACK REQUEST - SOURCEWELL CONTRACT-, A-BOOMTRACTOR-PUBLIC The Council approved the request of Mr. Edwards to piggyback on a Sourcewell contract with Diamond Mowers, LLC to purchase an A-Boom tractor at the cost of $202,779.00 to be funded by the FY25 Capital Budget A-Boom Tractor Replacement. The Council acknowledged that this purchase Ini response to Councilman Pfeffer'sinquiry, Mr. Edwards said an A-Boom tractor has an arm that Budget Landfill Long Reach Excavator. materials and making the Landfill more sustainable. PUBLIC WORKS WORKS will not include a trade or replace a current tractor. hangs off the side to cut the backside of ditches, high vegetation and trees. Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of. June 18, 2024 Page No. 8 PAVING REQUEST - GLASGOW COURT-I PUBLIC WORKS The Council approved the request ofN Mr. Edwards to award the bid to pave Glasgow Court to the lowest bidder, Russell Paving Company, at the cost of$17,200.00, to be funded by the Highway Division FY24 Operating Budget. Inr response to Councilman Detmer's inquiry, Mr. Edwards said it is not curbed. CUL-DE-SAC PAVING REQUESTS - PUBLIC WORKS Woodland Acres The Council approved the request ofl Mr. Edwards to award the bid to pave Woodland Acre to the lowest bidder, Russell Paving Company, at the costo of$19,250.00, to be funded by the Highway Division FY24 Operating Budget. Aeberle Road The Council approved the request ofl Mr. Edwards to award the bid to pave Aeberle Road to the lowest bidder, Russell Paving Company, at the cost of $10,994.00, to be funded by the Highway Division FY24 Operating Budget. In response to Councilman Detmer's inquiry, Mr. Edwards said these road repairs are typical with the extra truck traffic from shipping companies. North Court The Council approved the request of Mr. Edwards to award the bid to pave North Court to the lowest bidder, Russell Paving Company, at the cost of $8,200.00, to be funded by the Highway Division FY24 Operating Budget. FY25 CATEGORICAL BUDGET - BOARD OF EDUCATION Based on the request ofl Laurie K. Dale, Assistant Comptroller, Dorchester County Public Schools, the Council approved the: 1) Board of Education (BOE) FY25 Categorical Budget based on the County's FY25 allocation to the BOE of $23,740,838.00 for operating expenses and $0 for capital expenses; and. 2) execution oft the Annual Budget Certification Statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, Councilman Detmer expressed concern about the State mandated Blueprint requirements on local governments which may result in a tax increase and/or budget shortfalls, noting that there are facility needs for Dorchester County that need to be addressed. Councilman Pfeffer added that the County receives $54 million in revenue from property taxes ($35 million) and income taxes ($19 million), which $24 million funds the Board of] Education. He said, to put it into perspective, when a constituent reviews their paystub, 100% of the income tax deduction is utilized to fund the Board of Education, plus a portion of property taxes. Councilman Detmer expressed his appreciation of the BOE: for their 2025. diligence in calculating the budget. POLL CONFIRMATIONS The Council confirmed its decisions in the interim of meetings, via poll to: Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJ June 18, 2024 Page No. 9 Agree to provide a letter of support for a Reinvestment Fund grant application, submitted by David Beverley, under the Health Food Financing Initiative to assist with opening a general store in Toddville, Maryland, by a 3 to 2 vote, Councilman Kramer and Councilman Nichols Vote to reappoint Christopher M. Corchiarino, Shelley Heller and Abigail McNinch to the opposing. Local Government Insurance Trust Board ofTrustees, by a5to 0 vote. LETTER OF SUPPORT NATIONAL FISH & WILDLIFE FEDERATION NATIONAL COASTAL RESILIENCY FUND GRANT - HOOPERSVILLE SHORELINE - BAYLAND CONSULTANTS & Based on a request from Anna Johnson, BayLand Consultants & Designers, Inc., the Council agreed to provide a letter of support for a National Coastal Resiliency Fund grant application through the National Fish and Wildlife Federation for additional funding for the design ofa living shoreline to COUNTY PROPERTY TAXI EXEMPTION REQUESTS - MULTIPLE PROPERTIES - FINANCE The Council deferred the request of Karen Tolley, Finance Director, to allow for legal review prior to making a decision on the following County property tax exemption requests for the 2024-2025 tax DESIGNERS, INC. protect about 8,000 feet of shoreline in Hoopersville. year: 07-105118 Glenburn Associates 07-160216 Cambridge Skeet & Gun Club, Inc. 07-175086 Woman's Auxiliary ofI DGH 07-239653 Cambridge Commons LLLP 14-001158 Cedar Meadows Rod & Gun Club, Inc. 15-028262 Homes for Hurlock Limited Partnership $5,561.56 $19.46 $1,629.67 $1,301.39 $26,345.78 $1,525.33 Further, the Council agreed to have the Finance Department work with Mr. MacLeod to draft a letter The Council acknowledged that: 1) the above figures are from the 2023-2024 tax year; and, 2) the exemptions were previously approved and adopted by either a Resolution or Bill. NOTIFICATION OF INTRODUCTIONS - RESOLUTIONS TO AMEND COUNTY CHARTER The Council notified the public that the following Resolutions to amend the County Charter, based on the Charter Review Commission recommendations. have been drafted and will be introduced at the notifying the property owners that are under review. July 2, 2024 Council meeting. Councilmember Term Limits County Manager Residency Director of Finance Residency Budget Preparation Date Budget Adoption Date Administrative Review Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJune 18. 2024 Page No. I0 County Manager Responsibilities Governmental Transparency ANNOUNCEMENT WORKS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY -] LANDFILL EVENT-) PUBLIC Ms. Lane announced the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day event on Saturday, August 3, Councilman Pfeffer thanked Mr. Edwards for holding the event. Mr. Edwards said this is an ongoing need, and once the new landfill site improvements are completed, it will be able to manage more than 2024 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beulah Landfill. itcurrently does. COUNCIL'S COMMENTS The Council deferred the request of. Josh Hastings, Wicomico County Councilman, to provide a letter ofinterest to the Rural Utilities Service at the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development regarding a Power Purchase Agreement with Shore Community Energy regardinga Councilman Detmer mentioned the following: 1) the potential of an Airport Advisory Board; 2) the Board of Education made recent decisions and he is looking forward to the plan in handling student behavior; 3) congratulated Dr. Jymil Thompson on being appointed as the new Superintendent ofSchools; concerns regarding the conditions of Elliott Island Road; 4) support oft the Wicomico County bamboo ban; 5) support of the Talbot County Right-to-Farm court case; 6) efficiency of Public Works in completing the repairs ofhis neighbor's.culvert; and 7) concerns surrounding Cambridge Councilman Pfeffer: 1) thanked Dr. Susan Morgan for her service on the Board of Education (BOE) and notified the public of her resignation; 2) said per the BOE Charter, this vacancy is to be filled by the County Council; 3) congratulated Dr. Jymil Thompson on being appointed as the new Superintendent of Schools; and, 4) notified Roger Harrell, Health Officer, about Environmental Health Councilman Nichols expressed concerns regarding a specific BOE meeting and the delay of submitting proposed portfolio of solar energy projects on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Waterfront Development, Inc. (CWDI) and the YMCA. complaints. its budget. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ini response to Susan Dukes, Mayor of Secretary, Mr. MacLeod stated that the ballot questions will be drafted and available for review after the Resolutions have been introduced and have gone through the public hearing process, ifa approved, then submitted to the State for approval before they will be provided to the public. Ms. Dukes said the Charter Review Commission (CRC) is willing to educate Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJ June 18, 2024 Page No. 11 constituents on the ballot questions once available. Councilman Pfeffer added that some oft the amendments are straightforward, whereas others are broader and the CRC will have a couple of Sharon Smith, resident, expressed concerns regarding CWDI and the proposed YMCA. Alice McKenna. resident, expressed concerns regarding CWDI and the proposed YMCA, and the Mr. Edwards applauded Vaughn Evans for his excellent leadership at North Dorchester Middle School and said he would be a great mentor to younger teachers. Councilman Pfeffer concurred, adding that Mr. Evans is on the Administrative Charging Committee. He said he will relay this information to the On behalfofPublic Works, Mr. Edwards thanked the Council, Directors and staff for their hard work. Councilman Pfeffer concurred, adding that without the people to do it we cannot get it done. Ms. Tolley said there will be aj pamphlet in the property tax bills which will show the breakdown of expenditures and revenues and that an external dashboard to relay more information to the public is in months to educate the public. County's financial standing. Board of Education. the works. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Council adjourned. ATTEST: THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTEKCQUNTYE 2 Jerry 0u Count lanager Mikel Detmer, Vice iden Rob Kramer, Jr. William V. Nichols B Absnt Malba TMRL - Approved the 2 day of Ty, ,2024.