County Council of Dorchester County Regular Meeting Minutes September17,2024  REGULAR SESSION  The County Council of[ Dorchester County convened into Regular Session on September 17, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., in Room 110 of the County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. A roll call of the members was conducted. Present in Room 110 were: George L.I 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; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist. Charles MacLeod, County Attorney,joined the The Council motioned to adjourn into a Closed Session pursuant to the following sections of Title 3 ofthe General Provisions Article ofthe Maryland Annotated Code: $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; $3-305(b)(7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; and, $3-305(b)(3) to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. The Written Statement for Closing a Meeting under the Open  meeting late.  Meetings Act is available upon request. The Council adjourned into Closed Session.  CLOSED SESSION  The County Council ofl Dorchester County convened into Closed Session on September 17, 2024 at 5:01 p.m., in Room 110 oft the County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. Present in Room 110 were: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; Rob Kramer, Jr.; William V.1 Nichols; and, Ricky C. Travers. Also present in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist.  Charles MacLeod, County Attorney,joined the meeting late. The Council adjourned into Regular session  REGULAR SESSION  The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Regular Session on September 17, 2024 at 6:03 p.m., in Room 110 of the County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. A roll call oft the 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; Charles MacLeod, County Attorney; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist.    Dorchester County Council Page No.2  Regular Session Minutes of September 17,2024  INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Councilman Detmer led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. CALL FOR. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA  After publication oft the agenda, the following item was added: Cambridge Waterfront  Development Inc. Board Appointment. The Council approved the amended agenda FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS  Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $26,965,628.36.  CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY  The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:01 p.m. on September 17, 2024 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 oft the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated 1. Notifications of recent personnel changes within the County were provided; 2. Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following:  Code $3-305(b)(1), $3-305(b)(7) and $3-305 (b)(3):  a) A request to convey a specific County property; b) State of Maryland landfill requirements; c) An agreement with a specific organization; 3. Discussed the potential acquisition of real property.  CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES  The Council approved the minutes of September 3, 2024.  APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS payments made to Simmons Center Market.  The Council approved the vouchers as presented, with Councilman Travers abstaining for LETTER OF COMMITMENT - GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN-FY25 ENGAGING NEIGHBORHOODS, ORGANIZATIONS, UNIONS, GOVERNMENTS, ,& Based on the request of] Nancy Shockley, Local Management Board Coordinator, Moving Dorchester Forward, Inc., the Council agreed to enter into a Communities ofl Hope: Dorchester Partnership Agreement and provided al letter ofcommitment to be a core member ofthe  HOUSEHOLDS - MOVING DORCHESTER FORWARD    Dorchester County Council Page No.3  Regular Session Minutes of September 17,2024  leadership team for Moving Dorchester Forward's FY25 Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households (ENOUGH) grant application through the  Governor's Office for Children.  BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST- COUNCIL'S OFFICE  The Council approved the FY24 Budget Transfer Request of the Council's Office. REQUEST' TO ADVERTISE FOR PROPOSALS - RECREATION CENTER REPAIRS The Council approved the request of Duc Trieu, Recreation & Parks Director, to advertise. a request for proposals for repaving, line striping, and sidewalk repairs for the parking lot at the  RECREATION & PARKS  Recreation Center. PROCLAMATIONS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH  The Council presented al Proclamation declaring September as Suicide Prevention Month.  PRESENTATIONS  SUMMER READING PROGRAM - DORCHESTER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Members of the Dorchester County Public Library: Crystal Henningsen, Director; Julie Kennedy, Assistant Director/Head of Youth Services; Lanett Bagley, Hurlock Branch Manager; and, Hannah Smutny, Hurlock Youth Services, presented information regarding the successes of  the Library's Summer Reading Program. The Council adjourned into Legislative Session.  LEGISLATIVE SESSION  INTRODUCTION: - SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS  AN ACT OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AMENDING CHAPTER 155 (ZONING) OF THE DORCHESTER COUNTY CODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF REPEALING AND REENACTING $ 155-50(LL)TO PROVIDE FOR ACCESSORY,SMALL SCALE, AND UTILITY SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS, ADOPTING REGULATIONS REGARDING THE SAME, DEFINING TERMS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH, AND AMENDING THE TABLE OF PERMITTED USES BY ZONING DISTRICT REGARDING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS; PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS BILL SHALL BE DEEMED A FAIR SUMMARY, AND GENERALLY RELATING TO SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS IN DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND.    Dorchester County Council Page No. 4  Regular Session Minutes of September 17,2024  Ms. Barnes said for introduction is legislation regarding solar energy systems for the purpose of repealing and reenacting $155-50(LL) to provide for accessory, small scale, and utility scale solar energy systems, adopting regulations regarding the same, defining terms associated therewith, and amending the table of! permitted uses by zoning district regarding solar energy systems; providing that the title of this bill shall be deemed a fair summary, and generally Susan Webb, Planning & Zoning Director, provided highlights of the proposed bill. The Council agreed to proceed with the publication ofaj public hearing.  relating to solar energy systems in Dorchester County, Maryland.  The roll call was: Pfeffer - aye; Detmer aye; Kramer - aye; Nichols - aye; and, Travers -aye. Councilman Travers said the Council is working with local legislators toi introduce al bill to privatize perc testing. The Council agreed to send a formal letter to the local delegation and  Senator to introduce a pilot program. The Council adjourned into regular session.  REGULAR SESSION  ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION MEETING DISCUSSION  The Council agreed to discuss the following items at the October 22, 2024 Annual Transportation Meeting with the Maryland Department ofTransportation (MDOT):  US5 50/MD 16 Mount Holly Road Chateau Road US50/Linkwood Road  Traffic Feasibility Study for a fully functioning intersection to  provide access to the eastbound lane  MD 161 Mount Holly Road/ Traffic Feasibility Study for improvements to intersection  Traffic Feasibility Study & Geometric Improvement Study fora a  fully functioning traffic light  US 50 from Bucktown Road Traffic Feasibility study to see ifanyi improvements can be made  tol Mount Holly Road Nealson Street Rt 14/ 392(Dockins)  to the crossovers to improve safety State Connector Road Roundabout  Town ofHurlock, for MDOT1 to take over Nealson Street asa    Dorchester County Council Page No. 5  Regular Session Minutes of September 17,2024  FY25 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEGISLATIVE SESSION DISCUSSION The Council agreed to discuss the following at the October 22, 2024 FY25 Maryland General  Assembly Session: State Law Amendment: Lease Advertisements  To amend Section 10-312(F) of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of] Maryland entitled "County property; housing projects; franchise; required notice,"a asi it relates to leases, to allow the County to enter into a lease for a term off five years or less, without providing notice of publication. Toa amend Section 3-702 ofthe Labor and Employment Article on employers requiring, or demanding, that an individual submit to, or take, aj polygraph examination as a condition of  State Law Amendment:  Polygraph Examination asa oft the Annotated Code ofl Maryland to exempt the following Condition ofl Employment Dorchester County employment applicants from the prohibition  employment:  911 Dispatcher Paramedic Emergency Medical Technician Correctional Officer  Juvenile Crime Doe Hunting (2023) Passing on Shoulder Privatizing Perc Tests Planning & Zoning Board Placeholder ofLicense Commissioners ACTION ITEMS WORKS  Toconsider legislative, or other initiatives, to address juvenile Reintroduce the "Natural Resources-Female Deer Hunting Abolish the law that allows passing on the shoulder when  crime.  Contess-Authorzation bill. vehicles are making left hand turn. Introduction ofa a pilot program.  BIDAWARD -A ASBESTOS ABATEMENT - COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING - PUBLIC The Council approved the request of] Dave Edwards, Public Works Director, to award the bid for asbestos abatement at the County Office Building to the lowest bidder, Compliance, Construction and Remediation, Inc., at the cost of$14,800.00 which will be funded from the  remainder oft the FY24 Capital Budget - County Building HVAC.    Dorchester County Council Page No.6  Regular Session Minutes of September 17,2024  PIGGYBACK REQUEST - WARWICK ROAD IMPROVEMENTS - PUBLIC WORKS The Council approved the request ofMr. Edwards to piggyback on a Maryland Department of Transportation contract with David A Bramble for improvements to Warwick Road, from Suicide Bridge Road to Red Haven Road, at the cost ofs $387,754.00 which will be funded by the Councilman Detmer said this road is in desperate need of repair and is cannot accommodate the traffic load. Councilman Pfeffer added that the sides ofthe road are deteriorating, and hel has received complaints of stones and asphalt becoming airborne as traffic passes through the area CLOVERDALE ROAD - TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION The Council approved the recommendation oft the Traffic Safety Committee to move forward with the following requests regarding Cloverdale Road to: 1)change the speed limit from 25 mph during school hours, to a permanent 25 mph zone, with increased markings; and, 2) install a On behalfofthe' Traffic Safety Committee, Councilman Detmer said it was a unanimous  FY25 Capital Budget - Infrastructure Repairs and Road Paving.  from Warwick Manner.  crosswalk in the area ofNorth Dorchester High School. decision to recommend moving forward with the requests.  POLL CONFIRMATION  The Council confirmed its decisions in the interim of meetings, via poll, the Council agreed to: Submit a Letter of Commitment to collaborate with the City of Cambridge to develop a Cambridge Trail Expansion Plan to connect the following bike and pedestrian trails throughout Cambridge: 1)t the Packing House; 2) Pine Street Revitalization; 3) Cambridge Harbor; 4) Main Street area; and, 5) the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, by a  3to 0 vote (no responses).  CAMBRIDGE WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT INC. BOARD APPOINTMENT The Council appointed Tim Crosby to the Cambridge Waterfront Development Inc. Board as the Councilman Pfeffer said Mr. Crosby is a recognized architect and planner in the County.  representative for Dorchester County.  COUNCIL'S COMMENTS  Councilman Travers said: 1) the IRONMAN Maryland triathlon is this weekend, with roughly 1,800 athletes participating, beginning at 6:00 a.m. in the water, then transitioning into bicycling and running; 2) it is very rewarding tol hear the stories of athletes and the reason behind why they are participating; 3) the race brings al lot to the community; and 4) the Dorchester County  Showcase is at the end of September.    Dorchester County Council Page No.7  Regular Session Minutes of September 17,2024  Councilman Detmer: 1) wished the IRONMAN Maryland participants and community luck and safety; and, 2) highlighted upcoming events relating to Dorchester Goes Purple. Councilman Pfeffer: 1) wished the IRONMAN Maryland participants the best ofl luck and success; 2) asked for the public's patience during the race with concerns regarding traffic and trash; 3) directed the public to contact the Council's Office for questions and concerns relating to the race; and, 4) highlighted that school is back in session, and asked the public to be more attentive while driving, and parents to be more aware of what is happening in the community and  school.  PUBLIC COMMENTS  In response to an inquiry by Phil Cecil, resident, Councilman Pfeffer said the dissolution of the  Sanitary District isi in process, and will be finalized on October 19, 2024.  ADJOURNMENT  With no further business to discuss, the Council adjourned.  ATTEST:  THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY: Vig elephone George L. Pfeffer,J Jr., President - 7AL6 Rob!   -  *  Vice President  CRirpiheer  William V.Nichols aE  -  Approved the (Saye ofgos.    PRESIDING OFFICER'S WRITTEN STATEMENT FOR CLOSING A MEETING ("CLOSING STATEMENT") UNDER THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT (General  Provisions Article $ 3-305)  This form has two sides. Complete items 1-4b before closing the meeting.  1.  Recorded vote to close the meeting: Date: 9-17-24: Time: 5:00 p.m.; Location: Room 110, County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland; Motion to close meeting made by:  utmer Seconded by. Kramt  Members ini favor: Petffcr, Drmer  Krame.Nicmals  Opposed: Absent:  Abstaining:  2.  Statutory authority to close session (check all provisions that apply). This meeting will be closed under General Provisions Art. 5 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).x "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 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  of topic  $3-305(b)(1) Notifications of recent 53-305(b)(13) Same topic as above  personnel changes within the and jobi info could discourage people  County.  applications  53-305(b)(7) To receive legal advice from Council does not want to waive the  the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page arequest to convey a specific 101, August 17,2021, OMCB ruling (15 the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page the State of Maryland landfill 101, August 17, 2021, OMCB ruling (15 the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page an agreement with a specific 101, August 17, 2021, OMCB ruling (15  County property.  OMCB 99)  $3-305(b)( (7) To receive legal advice from  Council does not want to waive the  requirements.  OMCB 99)  53-305(b)(7) To receive legal advice from Council does not want to waive the  organization.  OMCB 99)  $3-305(b)(3) To discuss the potential  To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto  acquisition of real property.    4. This statement is made by  Presiding Officer.  hs  WORKSHEET FOR OPTIONAL USE IN CLOSED SESSION: INFORMATION FOR SUMMARY TOB BE DISCLOSED IN THE MINUTES OF THE NEXT OPEN MEETING. (See also template for summary.)  Forar meeting closed under the statutory 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)