FCA LAND.  City of Cambridge Council Meeting Minutes Council Chambers - 305 Gay Street August 12, 2024, 6PM  Notice to Citizens: The City Commissioners are conducting the city business in person. The commission meeting is open to the public. Citizens may also observe the meeting by going on-line to TownHal5teams.com. Citizens may call in their public comments by calling into the meeting at 410-228-5808 or citizens may participate in the meeting by logging into the meeting by calling 650_4793208 and entering the meeting number and password: Meeting  Number 2554 0828 8146; Password 5808. Council Present: Mayor Stephen Rideout  Commissioner Laurel Atkiss Commissioner Lajan Cephas, Commission President Commissioner, Jameson Harrington Commissioner Sputty Cephas (Virtual) Commissioner Brian Roche  Also Present:  Acting City Manager David Deutsch Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson City Attorney Patrick' Thomas (oined Late) Special Counsel Tim Maloney (Virtual) Chief of Police Justin Todd  Agenda  Mayor Rideout opened the meeting stating that Dorchester County Public Schools are preparing to return to school. He added that Dr. Thompson has a great vision for DCPS. Mayor Rideout held a moment of silence to think about Dr. Thompson, teachers, administrators, and the work that they have ahead of them for a successful school year.  Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Roche.  Motion made by Commission President Lajan Cephas to amend the agenda and move item  1Page  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, August 12, 2024    no. 12, Council Compensation, under New Business, after agenda item no. 15, and second by Motion made by Commissioner Atkiss to approve the amended agenda as presented and  Commissioner Sputty Cephas. Approve 5-0 vote.  second by Commission President Lajan Cephas. Approve 5-0 vote.  Presentations from the. Approved Guests  Bill Christopher, Dorchester Chamberc of Commerce Angela Groove, Dorchester County Health Department Mike Detmer, County Council Member  Bill Christopher was present on bchalfo of] Dorchester Goes Purple. This is the cighth year for the Purple Program. There are different organizations represented on the committee for this program, such as Dorchester County Health Department, Sheriff's Office, County Council Bill Chnstopherintroduced Angela Groove: from Dorchester County Health. Department. She briefly spoke about why "Dorchester Goes Purple." The main reason for Dorchester Goes Purple is to raise awareness of substance abuse. In 2023, Dorchester County had 91 opioid overdoses ofv which eleven were fatal. She also provided statistics from 2022 onl high schoolers County Council member Mike Detmer stated that the Dorchester Goes Purple initiative is important. The number of overdoses and deaths from last year was staggering. As a Councilman hel keeps track of the 911 calls that come through for overdoses. Mr. Christopher stated that hel hoped that Council would approve the two events under the consent agenda for the placing oft the purple and white flags and the Dorchester Goes Purple kick off.  Member, DCPS, and sO on.  that abused substances.  Consent Agenda  3. Meeting Minutes,July 8, 2024, Regular Meeting 4. Meeting Minutes,July 22, 2024, Regular Meeting  5. Pastor Andrew Cooper is seeking to hold Community Block Party on Saturday August 17, 2024, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at the corner ofl Race and Cedar Street. Set-up will be around noon. 6. Lisa Ballard is seeking to hold Public Yard Sale on Sunday August 18, 2024, from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. at the comer of Race and Cedar Street. Rain date of Sunday August 25, 2024. Please see 7. Pastor Michael Redden is seeking tol hold Communityl Backpack Giveaway on Saturday August 24, 2024, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cornish Park. Please see application for details. 8. Bill Christopher, President of Dorchester Chamber of Commerce is seeking to hold the a. Purple Flag) Display from Sunday September 1, 2024, to. Monday September 30, 2024, on the corner of Race and Cedar Street. Please see map for details.  Rain date of Saturday August 24, 2024. Please see application for details.  application for details.  following events:  2IPage  City ofCambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, August 12, 2024    b. Dorchester Goes Purple Kick-offand Flag Presentation on Wednesday September 4, 2024, from 5:30 p.m.7:30p.m. on the corner of Race and Cedar Street. Please see map 9. Monique Giddens iss seeking tol hold Outdoor Church Serviceand BBQ on Sunday September 15,2024, from 11 a.m.-5p p.m. at Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh. Set up will be at 9a.m. 10. Christina Wingate-Spence, Executive Director of Cambridge Main Street, is seeking to hold Taste of Cambridge on Saturday October 12, 2024, from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. from Poplar Street, Gay Street to Race Street. Road closure from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Please see map attached for Motion made by Commissioner Harrington to approve the consent agenda and second by  for details.  details.  Commission President Cephas. Approve 5-0 vote.  Ordinances for First Reading  ORDINANCE NO. 1240 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND CONTINUING THE TEMPORARY JUVENILE CURFEW WITHIN THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ENACTED PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 1207. AND EXTENDED PURSUANTTO ORDINANCE NO.1 1229, AS AMENDED, FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS; PROVIDING THATTHE TITLE OFTHIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE DEEMED A! FAIR SUMMARY AND GENERALLY RELATINGTO CURFEWS IN THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE. Ordinance No. 1240 was read for First Reading byl Mayor Stephen Rideout. Due to unforeseen  reasons City Attorney Patrick Thomas was not present at reading. Second Reading and public hearing is set for September 9, 2024, meeting.  Ordinances for Second Reading- None Old Business- Goneil-Compensation  New Business  Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson stated City Attorney Patrick Thomas was tied upi in  al bad accident that happened on Route 50i in Trappe, Maryland.  T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program  Grant Coordinator Steffanie Maikus provided a report that stated that the City would like to apply for a $50,000 grant for funds to install four (4) acorn style streetlamp posts in the 500 Motion made by Commissioner Atkiss to approve the completion of the grant application  Block of Pine Street.  and second by Commissioner Harrington. Approve 5-0 vote.  3IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, August 12,2024    Community Parksand Playgrounds Program  Grant Coordinator Steffanie Malkus provided a report that the City would like to apply for $500,000 in funding from DNR Community Parks and Playground Programs. The funds wouid be used for the following: . Purchase 17 new picnic tables to replace existing tables. Purchase five T-tables . Install "poured inj place safety surfacing" at Cosby Park, Meadow Avenue Park, and Great Marsh Park . Replace large playground equipment piece at Great Marsh Park . Replace six trash cans at Cornish Park and along Rails to Trails . Purchase six Motion made by Commissioner Atkiss to approve the completion of the grant application and second by Commission President Lajan Cephas. Approve 5-0 vote. Public Information Act, City) Devices. Communication Topic  benches for Long Wharf Park.  Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson stated that this topic had been brought up in June. Commission President Cephas had some questions for the City Attorney including whetherit would be recommended that the next elected officials have City cell phones in case a PIA (Public Information Act) request arises, to separate personal from business. City Attorney Patrick Thomas stated "yes,"i ift the City device is used strictly for City business. Commission President Lajan Cephas also asked whether "soft phones" would be placed on one's personal phone and how would that work regarding a PIA request. Commissioner Roche elaborated on the topic of "soft phones." Dale Price, LT. Manager, stated that anything that needed to  be retrieved from a soft phone would be done through an online portal.  Council Compensation  Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson stated that no one from the Council Compensation Committee was present. He read the discussion and recommendation provided by the Commission President Lajan Cephas suggested that item no. 6: should be "upon request," 1. Motion made by Commissioner Harrington to request the City Attorney change the name of the ordinance (2-11) to "Salaries, Benefits and Other Expenses of thel Mayor and Commissioners" to better reflect the intent of this Committec's recommendations 2. Moton-made-by6ommisienerAttaste-imehade-saaryimeremse-ease-forthe-eoune presidentintheamowtoHSAPANswperyearandseendby COMARSOREFMTREN Commissioner Atkiss withdrew the motion.  committee.  the same as item no.! 5.  and second by Commissioner Roche. Approve 5-0 vote.  Commission President Lajan Cephas stated that there are many duties that come with being Council President if the Mayor is unavailable, resigns, etc. If the language is not clarified within the Charter regarding the compensation of Mayor and Council President  4IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, August 12, 2024    compensation, it is possible that an individual could end up with both compensations if fulfilling the role ofboth Mayor and Council President. She believes compensation should be more than $500. Council will bring this matter up at another meeting for further discussion. City Attorney Patrick Thomas stated that he will review further as there is time before an ordinance has to bei introduced and passed prior to the next election. 3. No action was needed for this recommendation regarding benefits as it is the same recommendation the last Compensation Committee gave and is reflected in the current 4. Motion made by Commissioner Roche to approve an ordinance that provides for an annual accounting of travel expenses, by name, annually. The ordinance should also require quarterly financial reports to be presented to Council on the budgct line items related to the Mayor and Commissioners. Second by Commissioner Harrington. 3-2 vote with Commission President Lajan Cephas and Commissioner Sputty Cephas opposing. 5. There was no discussion regarding laptops/tablets for official use, as the current City Motion made by Commissioner Sputty Cephas to approve an ordinance that provides for soft or physical phone technology tol be used for City! business and second by Commission President Cephas. Approve 4-1 with Commissioner Harrington opposing.  ordinance.  ordinance already allows for this usage.  Closed Session Report Out Mayor Stephen Rideout a. Special Called Meeting Minutes,July2 y29,2024 b. Special Called Meeting Minutes, August 5, 2024  Mayor Rideout stated that rather than report out, the minutes are a part oft the agenda, and hc thinks the information provided to the community as to what occurred in the special  called meetings on July 29+ and August 5th is sufficient.  Meetings  Historic Preservation meeting will be held on' Wednesday August 21, 2024, 6 p.m. at Council Flood Mitigation, Community Meeting will be held on Wednesday August 21, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Dorchester County Public Library, 303 Gay Street Cambridge, Maryland City Council Regular Meeting - August 26, 2024, 61 p.m. at Council Chambers, 305 Gay Street Planning & Zoning meeting, Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 61 p.m. at Council Chambers, 305 City Council Regular Meeting - September 9, 2024, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers, 305 Gay Traffic & Safety meeting will be held on Thursday September 12, 2024, at 1 p.m. (Virtual  Chambers, 305 Gay Street Cambridge, Maryland 21613  21613  Cambridge, Maryland 21613 Gay Street, Cambridge, MD21613 Street Cambridge, Maryland 21613 Meeting) mestgpoplc.com/sm: gcko-xxp  5Page  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, August 12,2024    Mayor Rideout read the upcoming meetings to be held and then stated that there would be a1 recess until the City Attorney joined the meeting. Recess began at 6:33 p.m. City Attorney Patrick Thomas joined the meeting at 6:48 p.m.  The meeting resumed and Public Information Act, City Devices, Communication Topic,  and Council Compensation were discussed.  Public Comment  Justin (Baltimore) is a police officer from Baltimore. He owns a company called "Nation Wide Police Scrvices" and would be willing to offer serviccs in Cambridge. This would be to  help with areas with additional concerns. Deparment/Division Head Reports  Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson provided an administrative memo that named the qualified candidates for the October 19th City-wide elections, possible City-County leadership  meeting, and the progress of the Maces Lane project.  City Manager Comments  Acting City Manager David Deutsch stated that he sent a memorandum to Mayor and Commissioners from City Engineer Bucky. Jackson regarding the sanitary sewer system. Mr. Jackson provided an overlay for both Long Boat Estates and the entire City. Mr. Deutsch noted that the City has hired al Planning Director, Brian Herrmann, who is expected to begin his role on August 26+h. On September 4th, the new City Manager Glenn Steckman will begin  as weli.  Commissioners' Comments  Commissioner Roche did not have anything to report. Commissioner Harrington did not have anything to report.  Commission President Lajan Cephas stated that her uncle, Dr. Bishop Carl Lewis, who recently passed away, attended school in Cambridge. Commission President Lajan Cephas wanted to take the time to honor her uncle. She also mentioned that there is a transition happening with CWDI: their Executive Director Matt Leonard has departed, and she hoped Commissioner Sputty Cephas apologized that he was not in person. He did not have anything  Council would see this as an opportunity and hopefully a path forward.  else to add.  6IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, August 12, 2024    Commissioner Atkiss stated that in May she shared how important it is to have your Motion made by Commissioner Atkiss to hold a closed Session pursuant to Md. Code Ann 3-305(b)(1); to discuss personnel matters affecting specific individuals over whom the City Council has jurisdiction, S 3-305(b)(4) to consider a matter concerning a business to locate, expand, or remain in the City, $3-305(b)(7) and (8) to obtain legal advice from, and consult with, the Special Counsel regarding pending litigation and second by Council went into closed session at approximately 7:25 p.m. following the public exiting  sentiments and affairs in order. She wanted to echo that statement again.  Commissioner Harrington. Approve 5-0 vote.  from Council Chambers. Closed Session  Mayor Rideout, Commissioner Atkiss, Commission President Lajan Cephas, Commissioner Harrington, Commissioner Roche, Acting City Manager David Deutsch and Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson were present in person for the entirety of the closed session. Commissioner Sputty Cephas was present virtually for the entirety of the closed session. Special Counsel Tim Maloney was present remotely for a portion of the closed session. Delegate Tom Hutchinson and the hotel developer were present for a portion of the closed Mayor, Council, Acting City Manager David Deutsch, Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson and Special Counsel' Tim Maloney discussed a matter concerning a business to locate, expand, or remain in the City. Delegate Tom Hutchison and the hotel developer joined the  session meeting.  closed session at this time.  The following item was discussed during this portion of the closed session:  1. Hotel Developer Introduction. No action was taken for this item.  The hotel developer and Delegate Tom Hutchinson then exited the closed session. Mayor, Council, Acting City Manager David Deutsch, and Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson then proceeded to obtain legal advice from and consulted with Mr. Maloney regarding  the pending ligation with CWDI.  The following item was discussed during this portion of the closed session:  2. Obtained legal advice from and consulted with Mr. Maloney regarding moving Council approved with a 5-0 vote to move forward with this item.  forward with Yacht Maintenance.  Mr. Maloney then exited.  7IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, August 12, 2024    Lastly, Mayor, Council, Acting City Manager David Deutsch, and Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson discussed personnel matters affecting specific individuals over whom the  City Council has jurisdiction.  The following items were discussed during this portion of the closed session:  3. The removal ofa member on a specific board.  Council approved with a 4-0 vote to vacate the seat of a member on a specific  board with Commission President Lajan Cephas abstaining. 4. The appointments of members to a specific board to filli vacancies.  Council approved with a 5-0 vote to nominate a member on a specific board to fill a vacancy. Council also approved with a 4-0 vote to nominate anothert member on: a specific board with Commission President. Lajan Cephas abstaining.  Motion made by Commissioner Sputty Cephas to reconvene in open session and second by  Commissioner Atkiss. Approve 5-0 vote.  Council reconvened in open session at approximately 9:00 p.m.  Open Session  Mayor Rideout stated there was a presentation and other matters, about which Council received legal advice from Special Consuel. Further, there was a decision concerning removal ofal board member from a specific board. Lastly, Council nominated two representatives toa  specific board and is waiting for the board to accept the candidates.  Adjourn  Onamotion by Commissioner Sputty Cephas andas second by Commission President Cephas With no further business, Mayor Stephen W. Rideout adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Ihereby certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate account of the Council meeting on  the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Approved by a 5-0 vote.  MaAABIma 1 Ipersonally am aware. E  Rideout  Mayor  City Commission meetings are conducted in open session unless otherwise indicated. Pursuant to the. Maryland Open Meetings Act, allora portion ofthe Commission meeting may be held in closed session by vote ofthe Commission. Please note that the order of agenda items is subject to change and that meetings are subject to audio and video  recording.  8IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, August 12, 2024