County Council of Dorchester County Regular Meeting Minutes July2,2024  The County Council of Dorchester County convened in Open Session in Room 110ofthe County Office Building at 6:18 p.m. on the 2nd day of. July, 2024. A roll call of the members was conducted. Present in Room 110 were: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; William V. Nichols; and, 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.  REGULAR SESSION  INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Councilman Pfeffer led the invocation and the pledge ofallegiance. CALL FOR ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA  After publication of the agenda, the following items were added: 1) Request to Purchase Highway Division Dump Trucks - Public Works; 2) Letter of Support - Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Funds Grant Application - Habitat for Humanity Choptank; and, 3) Engagement Letter - Legal Services- County Attorney, and, Commendation Retirement - Andre Bratten was removed. The Council approved the amended agenda.  FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS  Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $25,157,850.26.  CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY  The Council convened into Regular Session on. July 2, 2024 at 5:02 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 oft the 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 has jurisdiction; and pursuant to $3-305(b)(7) Present in Room 110 were: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; William V. Nichols; and, 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 of the Closed Session were The Council convened in a Closed Session on July 2, 2024 at 5:03 p.m. to discuss the following 1) Notifications ofrecent personnel changes within the County were provided;  toc consult with counsel to obtain legal advice.  the present Council Members.  items:    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJuly 2, 2024 Page No.2  2) Discussed a specific engagement letter for legal services; a. The County Charter amendment process; b. As specific board; Thep process to fill a specific board vacancy; and, d. As specific lease agreement.  3) Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following:  Present in Room 110 were: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; William V. Nichols; and, 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.  CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES  The Council approved the minutes of June 18, 2024. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS payments made to Simmons Center Market. SHOP - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  The Council approved the vouchers as presented, with Councilman Travers abstaining for EASTERN SHORE INNOVATION CENTER LICENSE AGREEMENT - AMI'S UNIFORM Based on the recommendation of Susan Banks, Economic Development Director, the Council agreed to enter into an Eastern Shore Innovation Center Lease Agreement with Ami's Uniform Shop for Suite No. 016 beginning July 2, 2024 through July 2, 2026 at $250 per month. BUDGET TRANSFER REQUESTS - TOURISM - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Council approved the FY2024 Tourism and Economic Development budget transfer DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITYI DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LEGACY PROGRAM GRANT MODIFICATION - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Ati its. July 18, 2023 meeting, the Council accepted al Department ofHousing & Community Development Community Legacy Program Grant award of $250,000 with no match requirement and a performance period of. January 1,2023 to. June 30, 2025 to be applied towards WHCP The Council approved the request ofMs. Banks to accept modifications of the aforementioned  requests.  Radio's! buildout in the Packing House which is aj pass through grant.  Grant Agreement to change the following:  Project Name: Mid Shore Community Radio (MSCR.) Relocation    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJuly 2, 2024 Page No.3 3  Project Description: Acquisition, build-out and installation activities at a property located within the City of Cambridge Sustainable Communities Area boundary for MSCR. Project Address: Within the City of Cambridge Sustainable Communities Area boundary. Additional information: Conduct antenna and associated infrastructure installation at 410 Academy Street, Cambridge, Maryland and acquisition and build-out activities ata a property located within the City of Cambridge Sustainable Communities Area boundary in order to make the space ready for al local public community radio station. Project Budget: Permit awarded funds of $250,000 to be used for acquisition,  infrastructure, and tenant fit-out activities.  ANNOUNCEMENIS  Councilman Pfeffer announced the following retirements: 1)Andre Bratten with 12 years of service; 2) Richard Smith with 25 years of service; 3) Clifford Jiles with 29: years ofs service; and,  4) Rhonda Mills with 30 years ofs service.  PRESENTATIONS HEALTH  ANNUAL PRESENTATION- LETTER OF AGREEMENT - MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL Kathryn Dilley, CEO, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. (MSBH), along with J. Nicole Howard, Behavioral Health Coordinator, MSBH, presented its Annual Behavioral Health Update (see attached). The Council agreed to enter into the FY25 Core Service Agency Letter of Agreement with MSBH to act as Dorchester County's agent in oversight, planning and development oft the Councilman Pfeffer thanked Ms. Dilley and Ms. Howard for the presentation. Ini response to Councilman Detmer's inquiries, Ms. Dilley said: 1) the Council can help support MSBH by engaging in advocacy efforts; 2) she would like to schedule a meeting for a more in-depth conversation regarding safe station criteria, but it is a matter ofl location and partnership; 3) Narcan vending machine locations were picked based on priority; 4) there are 10 jurisdictions that the State allocated funding to be al hub; 5) there is a 10 year project with the hope to move a lot of the services into the school system which will be fully grant funded but it depends on The Blueprint for Maryland's Future; and, 6) in collaboration with Wicomico County Health Department, a mobile unit visits the County a couple days per month for a needle exchange  Public Behavioral Health System.  arrangement in effort to reduce harm. REGULAR SESSION  Councilman Pfeffer announced that Judge William H. Jones, Sr., Circuit Court, was in attendance. Judge Jones said he worked with Mr. Bratten for 12 years, and that he was one of the key members oft the courthouse family. Councilman Pfeffer notified Judge Jones that Governor Wes Moore appointed him to a. Judicial Task Force. Judge Jones expressed his appreciation of Public Works for repairing the courthouse air conditioning. Councilman Pfeffer announced that  Delegate Thomas Hutchinson is present.    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJ July 2, 2024 Page No. 4  ACTION ITEMS  REQUEST TO PURCHASE -I LANDFILL PICKUP TRUCK - PUBLIC WORKS The Council approved the request of Dave Edwards, Public Works Director, to purchase a 2024 Toyota Tacoma for the Landfill from the lowest bidder, Koons Toyota Arlington at the cost of $45,203.00 which will be funded by the FY25 Capital Budget Landfill Pickup Truck Replacement. The Council acknowledged that this is a new purchase with no trade-in. Ini response to Councilman Pfeffer'si inquiry, Mr. Edwards said he chose a Toyota Tacoma to try REQUEST TO PURCHASE - HIGHWAY DIVISION PICKUP TRUCK - PUBLIC WORKS The Council approved the request ofl Mr. Edwards to purchase a 2024 Ford F-150 for the Highway Division from the lowest bidder, Preston Ford at the cost of$ $36,906.20 to be funded by the FY25 Capital Budget Pickup Truck Replacement. The Council acknowledged that this is a PROPERTY STRUCTURE REHABILITATION REAL PROPERTY TAX CREDIT Based on the recommendation of Karen Tolley, Finance Director, the Council approved the Property Structure Rehabilitation Real Property Tax Credit application submitted by 411 Dorchester CSP, LLC for the Packing House from tax year 2024-2025 to 2028-2029 for a total cumulative rehabilitation credit estimated at $42,744.60. The Council acknowledged that Ms. Tolley confirmed eligibility, completeness and accuracy oft the application. In response to inquiries from Councilman Travers and Councilman Detmer, Ms. Tolley said: 1) the application meets the criteria and provided the Cumulative Rehabilitation Credit figures by tax year; and, 2) she would like this to be completed before tax bills are generated. Councilman Travers said based on the building in the beginning versus now, it fits the description. REQUEST TO: PURCHASE - HIGHWAY DIVISION DUMP TRUCKS - PUBLIC WORKS The Council approved the request ofl Mr. Edwards toj purchase two diesel dump trucks with a minimum capacity of1 % tons, snow plows and spreaders for the Highway Division from the lowest bidder, Preston Ford at the cost of$215,614.40 which will be funded by the FY25 Capital Budget Dump Truck Replacement ($215,000.00) and FY25 Operating Budget ($614.40). The In response to inquiries by Councilman Pfeffer and Councilman Detmer, Mr. Edwards said: 1) the reason he requested to purchase an F-450 and an F-550 was to stay within the budget; 2) there is al half-ton rating difference between the two models; and, 3) purchasing an F-450 should  tol be more efficient, for more dependability and better fuel mileage.  new purchase with no trade-in.  APPLICATION - PACKING HOUSE - FINANCE  Council acknowledged that these are new purchases with no trade-ins.  not hinder workflow.    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJ July 2, 2024 Page No.5  TYLER'S COVE MARINA - BOAT SLIP FEE CORRECTIONS - FINANCE  Based on the requests ofMs. Tolley, the Council confirmed the FY24-FY26 boat slip fees for Tyler's Cove as follows: 1)FY24 $262.50; 2) FY25 $312.50; and, 3) FY26 $362.20, retroactive toJuly 1, 2023, which will continue the 50% discount that was implemented in 2014. The Council acknowledged that due to calculation errors a total of $2,250 will be refunded for FY24 and FY25. The Council acknowledged that this is due to the condition oft the boat ramp. Councilman Travers stated that many of these boat slips are not able to be used.  RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION -A ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW - COUNTY CHARTER Al RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO ARTICLE. XI-A, SECTION5 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND AND PURSUANT TO SECTION 601 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ADOPTING A PROPOSAL TOPLACE A QUESTION ON THE BALLOT ATTHE: 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, SECTION 409 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY TO SPECIFY THAT THE REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE BE CONDUCTED WITHIN THEI FIRST FISCAL YEAR OF EACH COUNCIL TERM; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO CERTIFY THE LOCAL BALLOT QUESTION TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PURSUANT TO STATE ELECTION LAW; AND PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTION SHALL BE DEEMED A FAIR SUMMARY. Ms. Lane said for introduction is a resolution to specify that the review of administrative structure be conducted within the first fiscal year ofeach Council term. Councilman Pfeffer stated due to the number ofintroductions, Ms. Lane will provide a brief explanation as information will be on the County website. He said draft ballot questions will be provided to allow the public to weigh-in. The Charter Review Commission (CRC) members, in Motioned by Councilman Travers, the Council agreed toi introduce the resolution and proceed RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION - BUDGET ADOPTION DATE - COUNTY CHARTER A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO. ARTICLE XI-A, SECTION 5 OF THE CONSTITUTIONS OF MARYLAND AND PURSUANT TO SECTION 601 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ADOPTING A PROPOSAL TO PLACE. A QUESTION ON THE BALLOT AT THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND ARTICLE: 5, SECTION 507(B) OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY TO CHANGE THEI DATE BY WHICH THE COUNCIL SHALL ADOPT THE. ANNUAL BUDGET TO JUNE 151 EACH YEAR; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO CERTIFY THE LOCAL BALLOT  AMENDMENT  attendance, confirmed that this is amicable.  with aj public hearing. AMENDMENT    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of. July 2,2024 Page No. 6  QUESTION' TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PURSUANT TO STATE ELECTION LAW; AND PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT  RESOLUTION SHALL BE DEEMED A FAIR SUMMARY.  Ms. Lane said for introduction is a resolution to change the date by which the Council shall adopt Councilman Pfeffer cited concern brought to light by Mr. Jones regarding the resolutions involving the budget preparation date and adoption date, stating that ifboth ballots do not pass, this will hinder the budget preparation process. He said the resolutions will presented to the public as two resolutions, but will be consolidated to one ballot question. Based on the inquiry of Councilman Pfeffer, the CRC members, in attendance, agreed with this decision. Motioned by Councilman Travers, the Council agreed to introduce the resolution and proceed RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION - BUDGETI PREPARATION DATE- COUNTY A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XI-A, SECTION 50F THE CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND AND PURSUANT TO: SECTION 601 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ADOPTING A PROPOSAL TO PLACE A QUESTIONON1 THE BALLOT AT THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND ARTICLE 5, SECTION 504 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY' TO CHANGE THE DATE BY WHICHTHE COUNCIL SHALL PREPARE THE. ANNUAL BUDGET TO MAY 15OF EACH YEAR; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO CERTIFY THE LOCAL: BALLOT QUESTIONTO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PURSUANT1 TO STATEI ELECTION LAW; AND PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT Ms. Lane said for introduction is a resolution to change the date in which the Council shall Motioned by Councilman Detmer, the Council agreed toi introduce the resolution and proceed RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION - COUNTY MANAGER RESIDENCY - COUNTY Al RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO. ARTICLE XI-A, SECTIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND AND PURSUANT TO SECTION 601 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ADOPTING A PROPOSAL TOI PLACE. A QUESTION ON THE BALLOT AT THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, SECTION 406 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY' TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE COUNTY MANAGER BE. Al RESIDENT OF DORCHESTER COUNTY;  the annual budget to June 15 each year.  with a public hearing. CHARTER AMENDMENT  RESOLUTION SHALL BE DEEMED A FAIR SUMMARY. prepare the annual budget to May 15 ofeach year.  with aj public hearing. CHARTER AMENDMENT    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJuly 2, 2024 Page No.7 7  AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO CERTIFY THEI LOCAL BALLOT QUESTIONTO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PURSUANT TO STATE ELECTION LAW; AND PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT  RESOLUTION SHALL BE DEEMED A FAIR SUMMARY.  Ms. Lane said for introduction is a resolution to delete the requirement that the County Manager Motioned by Councilman Detmer, the Council agreed to introduce the resolution and proceed RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION -C COUNTY MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES - COUNTY  be a resident of] Dorchester County.  with aj public hearing. CHARTER AMENDMENT  A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XI-A, SECTION 5 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND AND PURSUANT TO SECTION 601 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ADOPTING A PROPOSAL TO PLACE. A QUESTION ON THE BALLOT AT THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, SECTION 405 OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNTY MANAGER; ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN VACANCIES; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO CERTIFY THE LOCAL BALLOT QUESTION TOTHE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PURSUANT TO STATE ELECTION LAW; AND PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTION SHALL BE DEEMED A FAIR SUMMARY. Ms. Lane said for introduction is a resolution to clarify certain responsibilities oft the County Motioned by Councilman Travers, the Council agreed to introduce the resolution and proceed RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION - FINANCE DIRECTOR RESIDENCY - COUNTY Al RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XI-A, SECTION 5 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND AND PURSUANT TO SECTION 601 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ADOPTING A PROPOSAL TO PLACE A QUESTION ON' THE BALLOT ATTHE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND ARTICLE: 5, SECTION501 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENTTHAT THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE BE. Al RESIDENT OF DORCHESTER COUNTY; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO CERTIFY1 THE LOCAL BALLOT QUESTION TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PURSUANT TO STATE ELECTION LAW; AND PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT  THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY TO CLARIFY CERTAIN  Manager; and, establish procedures for certain vacancies.  with a public hearing. CHARTER AMENDMENT  RESOLUTION SHALL BE DEEMED. A FAIR SUMMARY.    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJuly 2, 2024 Pagel No. 8  Ms. Lane said fori introduction is al resolution to delete the requirement that the Director of Motioned by Councilman Travers, the Council agreed to introduce the resolution and proceed RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION -( GOVERNMENTAL TRANSPARENCY - COUNTY A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XI-A, SECTION 5 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND AND PURSUANT TO SECTION 601 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ADOPTING A PROPOSAL TOPLACE A QUESTIONONTHE BALLOT AT THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND ARTICLE 6 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY BY ADDING NEW SECTION 606 TOENSURE TRANSPARENCY OF GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS AND INFORMATION; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO CERTIFY THE LOCAL BALLOT QUESTION TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PURSUANT TO STATE ELECTION LAW; AND PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT  Finance be a resident of Dorchester County.  with aj public hearing.  CHARTER AMENDMENT  RESOLUTION SHALL BE DEEMED A FAIR SUMMARY.  Ms. Lane said for introduction is a resolution to ensure transparency of governmental functions Motioned by Councilman Detmer, the Council agreed toi introduce the resolution and proceed RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION -COUNCIEMEMBER TERM LIMITS- COUNTY ARESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO. ARTICLE XI-A, SECTIONSOF THE CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND AND PURSUANT TO SECTION 601 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ADOPTING AI PROPOSAL TO PLACE A QUESTION ON THE BALLOT AT THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND ARTICLE2, SECTION 2060 OF THE CHARTER OF DORCHESTER COUNTY TO: LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CONSECUTIVE TERMS A COUNCIEMEMBER MAY SERVE TO THREE (FOUR-YEAR) TERMS; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO CERTIFY THE LOCAL BALLOT QUESTIONTO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PURSUANTTO: STATE ELECTION LAW; AND PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT Ms. Lane said for introduction is a resolution to limit the number of consecutive terms a Motioned by Councilman Detmer, the Council agreed to introduce the resolution and proceed  and information. with a public hearing. CHARTER AMENDMENT  RESOLUTION SHALL BE DEEMED A FAIR SUMMARY. Councilmember may serve to three (four-year) terms. with aj public hearing. Councilman Nichols opposed.    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes of. July 2, 2024 Page No. 9  Councilman Detmer said the CRC acted with thoroughness and purpose, and now iti is the public's time tol be heard. Councilman Pfeffer thanked the CRC: for their service on the board.  POLL CONFIRMATIONS  The Council confirmed its decisions in the interim of meetings, via poll to:  Agree to provide a letter of support for Good Stuff's Heritage Area Mini Grant application of $5,000 through the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area to design, fabricate and install wall graphics to be used as a component of an interpretive exhibit at the Packing House Innovation Exhibit in Cambridge, Maryland, with the understanding that this does not obligate the County to provide funding, nor are there monies available toj participate in the projects, by a31 to 2 vote, Councilman Kramer and Councilman Approve the request ofl Dorchester County Commission on the Aging, Inc. to apply fora Maryland Department ofHousing and Community Development pass-through grant in the amount of $250,000 to build and open a 32 bed Assisted Living Facility (Pleasant Approve the revised FY25 CORE. Public Health Services Funding Agreement between the County and the Maryland Department of Health of $714,414.00 to provide local Agree to provide a letter of support to the Town ofHurlock for a grant application to purchase a caboose, with the understanding that this does not obligate the County to provide funding, nor are there monies available to participate in the projects, by a 4to 0  Pfeffer opposing.  Haven) within the city limits of Cambridge, by a 5t to 0 vote. health services at the Health Department, by a3to 0 vote.  vote.  LETTER OF SUPPORT- - MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE FUNDS GRANT APPLICATION -1 HABITAT FOR Based on the request of Erin Harmon, Grants Administrator, Habitat for Humanity Choptank (H4HC), the Council agreed to provide al letter of support for a Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) grant application submitted by H4HC for its Home Repair Program, which partners with low-income homeowners in Dorchester & Talbot Counties that need help to maintain and perform necessary repairs on their homes, allowing them to reclaim their homes with pride and dignity. The Council acknowledged that this does not obligate the County to provide funding, nor are there monies available toj participate in the ENGAGEMENT LETTER - LEGAL SERVICES - COUNTY ATTORNEY The Council agreed to enter into an engagement letter with MacLeod Law Group, LLCt to formalize and extend the agreement through FY2026, with the increased rates from $225.00 per hour to $250.00 per hour for Andrew C. Meehan, Esq., Patrick W. Thomas, Esq., and, Lance M.  HUMANITY CHOPTANK  projects.  Young, Esq.    Dorchester County Council Regular Session Minutes ofJuly 2,2024 Page No. 10 COUNCIL'S COMMENTS  Councilman Travers wished everyone a Happy 4th ofJ July, and said to be safe. Councilman Detmer said: 1) he received a complaint about placing the landfill sticker on a windshield; 2) concerns regarding the negative impact of the invasive blue catfish; 3) Councilman Kramer is tough and wished him well; 4) paid tribute to Dr. Susan Morgan and Michael Diaz whom resigned from the Board ofEducation; and, 5) Happy 4th ofJuly and to be Councilman Pfeffer asked for prayers for Councilman Kramer, and thanked Michael Diaz and  careful and safe.  Dr. Morgan for their time and efforts in serving the County.  PUBLIC COMMENTS  Delegate Hutchinson commended Mr. Jones for taking on the issues within the Health Department's Environmental Health sector. He said he toured the Queen Anne's County and Kent County YMCA facilities with Councilman Detmer, and believes Dorchester County deserves just as beautiful ofa YMCA, regardless of the location, to improve the quality of health of our residents. In response to an inquiry posed by Kathy Abbott, resident, Councilman Pfeffer said he is in touch with the State Forestry and State Fireman's Association, who will let the  Council know when al burn ban is necessary.  ADJOURNMENT  With no further business to discuss, the Council adjourned.  ATTEST:  THE COUNTY COUNCIL OFPORCHESTERKSOPNTYA KE Z  County_Manager  S  Mike  Vice President  Robl Kramer, Jr. William V.) Nichols licky Travers  A  -  Approved the Qday yefjyane    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: 1274: Time: 5:02 p.m.; Location: Room 110, County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland; Motion tg.close meeting made by:  Dchme Seconded by. Michols Nichds, TYOVAS  Members ini favor: Pff,Ddmx  C Opposed: Absent: Kramtw  Abstaining:  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: (i) 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's reason for discussing that topici in closed session.  Citation (insert # from above)  Topic  Reason for closed-session discussion Public Discussion of applicant's names from applying for Countyj jobs Public Information Act, GP Section 4- 310 and 311 requires us to shield recommendation letters and job Public Discussion of applicant's names and job info could discourage people 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 Council does not want to waive the 101, August 17, 2021, OMCB ruling (15 Council does not want to waive the 101, August 17, 2021, OMCB ruling (15 Council does not want to waive the 101, August 17, 2021, OMCB ruling (15  of topic  53-305(b)(1) Notifications of recent 93-305(b)(13) Same topic as above  personnel changes within the and job info could discourage people  County.  applications  $3-305(b)(1) To discuss a specific $3-305(b)(13) Same topic as above  engagement letter for legal  services.  applications  53-305(b)(7) To receive legal advice from  the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page  the County Charter amendment process. as specific board.  OMCB 99)  $3-305(b) - (7) To receive legal advice from  the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page  OMCB 99)  $3-305(b)(7) Toreceive legal advice from  the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page  the process to fill a specific board vacancy.  OMCB 99)  $3-305/b)(7) To receive legal advice from  the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page  as specific lease agreement.  OMCB 99)    4. This statement is made by.  Presiding Officer.  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 statutorya authority cited above:  Time of closed session: Place: Purpose(s):  Members who voted to meet in closed session: Persons attending closed session:_ Authority under S 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 (S 3-104): Time:  (Form Rev. 10/1/2018)