BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY 11916 Somerset Avenue Room 111/Meeting Room Princess Anne, MD 21853 September 24, 2024 2:00 p.m.  Appointment:  2:00p p.m. - Mr. Jesse Drewer, Director DTCS and Jared Parks Lower Shore Land Trust  FY25 Rural Legacy Grant Award for Dividing Creek  Comprehensive Plan Update/Addition ofPriority Preservation Element CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program Grant Extension Request MD-22-CD-24  2:20p p.m. - Mr. John Redden, County Engineer, Mr. Chris Woodward, IT Director, Mr. Danny Thompson,  EDC Director  Charter, Comcast and Choptank Fiber MOU's Transfer of ARPA funding- Access Cards  2:30j p.m. - Mr. Chris Woodward, ITI Director  Correspondence  Sent:  The Honorable Mary Beth Carozza and The Honorable Charles Otto re: ECI Concerns  Discussion  1. LMB Lease Renewal 7920 Crisfield Highway Westover, MD 21871 3. Police Administrative Charging Committee Appointment 4. ccommerdatonrropety Tax Assessment Appeals Board  2. Somerset County Landfill Inspection  Public Comments: Members oft the audience who have signed up to address the Board will bej permitted to 2:30 p.m. - Closed Session- Mr. Ralph D. Taylor, Mr. Ernest Leatherbury, Ms. Jamie Manaia, Authority of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code ofMaryland $ 3-305 (b)(1)the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation ofan appointee, employee, or official over whom it has jurisdiction.  do sO at this time and allotted 5: minutes.  Mr.Jesse Drewer  Denotes Action Item    BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY September 24, 2024  At2:00 p.m., Vice President Randy Laird called the Board of County Commissioners for Somerset County to open in Regular Session. Also present for today's meeting Commissioner Eldon Willing, Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., and Commissioner Webster. President  Charles Laird was absent from today'smeeting. and Executive. Aide Lory E. Ebron were also present.  County Administrator Ralph D. Taylor, Deputy Administrator Emest J. Leatherbury Jr.,  Closed Session Summary Report  On Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 2:37 p.m., until 3:15 p.m., Vice President Randy Laird, upon a motion made by Commissioner Craig Mathies, and seconded by Commissioner Darryl Webster opened in Closed Session by Authority of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated CodeofMaryland $3-305 (b)(I)t the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of an appointee, employee, or official over whom it! hasj jurisdiction. Commissioner Eldon Willing and Commissioner Darryl Webster voted ini favor, therefore the motion carried 4-0. President Charles  Laird was absent from today's meeting.  County Administrator Ralph D. Taylor, Deputy County Administrator Ernest J. Leatherbury Jr., Ms. Lory Ebron, Executive Aide, Mr. Jesse Drewer, DTCS Director and Ms.  Jamie Manaia, HR Director were also present.  Topics discussed: (1) Hiring Planning and Zoning Officer (2) Employee Termination (3) Probationary to Permanent Employee Status. Topics Approved: (1) Approval tol hire Planning and Zoning Officer (2). Approval to move probationary employees, extended probationary employees and advanced eligible employees to permanent employee status (3) Approval to terminate  employee.  Vice President Randy Laird asked Commissioner Willing tol lead those present inl Devotion Mr. Taylor presented meeting minutes for approval regarding the Commissioner and  and the Pledge of Allegiance.  Closed Session meetings held on September 10, 2024.    Board ofCommissioners Meeting 9-24-24  Commissioner Webster made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 10, 2024 as presented. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. Those present voted ayet therefore  the motion carried 4-0.  Mr. Jesse Drewer, DTCS Director and Mr. Jared Parks, Lower Shore Land Trust, came forward at this time to present the FY25 Rural Legacy Grant Award for signature. Mr. Drewer advised that the grant has been awarded in the amount of $585,000 and will be used to purchase easements in the Dividing Creek Rural Legacy Area (DCRLA) for land preservation. Ten properties (six in Somerset and four in' Worcester) across Somerset and Worcester Counties have beeni identified for purchase. Mr. Drewer requested approval for the Vice Presidents signature on the FY25 Grant Agreement, which will then be forwarded to Worcester County this afternoon for  their approval.  Commissioner Mathies made ai motion to authorize Vice President Laird to sign thel FY25 DCRLA grant agreement int the amount of$585,000. Commissioner Webster seconded thei motion. Those present voted aye therefore, the motion carried 4-0. Mr. Parks left the meeting at this time  with the signed document to present to Worcester County this afternoon.  Mr. Drewer next presented a request to add a "Priority Preservation Element" to the Comprehensive Plan Update. He explained that the county currently has soil classification and a cap on the number of acre's for solar projects. With this new legislation the cap will no longer be permissible. Therefore, Mr. Drewer is asking permission to add a new chapter to the Comprehensive Plan currently in progress to address this issue which will dictate area's in the county where solar development is allowable and require developers to pay as set fee (possiblya as much as $5,000 per acre) to develop in areas not allowable. Additionally, Mr. Drewer noted that adding this chapter will also allow our county the opportunity to become a' "certified" MALPF county and retain 75% of the Agricultural Transfer Tax as opposed to the current 33%. Most counties have this element in their plans already. Legislation for solar plans is expected to be in  place by. July 2025.  Mr. Drewer requested permission to work with consultant Smith Planning and Design to develop this new chapter to our plan. Cost for the proposal is $9,600 which Mr. Drewer has available int his budget ($15,000 was budgeted to cover unexpected additions or contingencies that may occur with the development of this plan). The Comprehensive Plan should be completed by year end, with this proposed solar change expected to be effective. July 1,2026.  2    Board ofCommissioners! Meeting9 9-24-24  Commissioner Mathies made a motion to approve the proposal from Smith Planning and Design for $9,600 to develop the addition oft the chapter to the Comprehensive Plan as presented. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. Those present voted ayet therefore, thei motion carried  4-0.  Last, Mr. Drewer asked Mr. Casey Goldsborough to come forward. He advised that the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program grant (MD-22-CD-24) for low to moderate income citizens tol haver repairs madet tot their homes will expire on November 30, 2024 with approximately $100,000 remaining for projects. Mr. Drewer advised he would like Board approval to requesta one-year extension to allow more time to use the remaining funds. Commissioner Mathies asked how the grants are used. Mr. Goldsborough gave examples, noting that any homeowner that have owned for 5 years and are low-moderate income (below $47,600) that need repairs to their home can apply. Commissioner Mathies advised he reçeived a call from a constituent regarding repairs needed tol his mother'sh home, questioning ifs shec can apply. Mr. Drewer noted thatt therea are income requirements that must be met to qualify, however, there may be an opportunity for assistance through the Special Loan Program that they could inquire about as well that allow a little higher  income level.  Commissioner Webster made a motion to approve the Vice Presidents signature on the letter drafted tol Ms. Stone requesting an extension fort the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation! Program as presented. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. Those present voted ayet therefore, the  motion carried 4-0. Mr. Drewer left the meeting at this time.  Mr. John Redden, County Engineer and IT Director Chris Woodward joined the meeting at this time to present three-Memorandum, of Understandings (MOU) between the County and Charter, Comcast and Choptank relating to the Home Stretch Grant. The MOU's between the County and State have been approved and now we are working in MOU agreements with the providers. The County Attorney has reviewed the MOU's and found them legally sufficient. Ity was noted that the Comcast and Choptank MOU's were: standard form with the Charter MOUT beinga different style. This grant will be applied for by residents with long driveways so that broadband can be connected tot their homes from ther roadway. Ity was askedi ifthe providers are being assigned specific areas withi iti noted thatt there are areas stilli not serviced. Mr. Redden explained thati initially yes, sot that we cover all areas ini the county, but once initially completed there can be competition among thej providers to offer choices to our residents. It was noted that the progress has been way  3    Boardo ofCommissioners! Mecting 9-24-24  to slow, with some providers abandoning some projects. Mr. Redden also provided an update  regardingt the Smith Island broadband project whichi isi inj process.  Commissioner Webster made a motion to approve the MOU with Charter. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. Vice President Randy Laird voted aye and Commissioner Mathies  abstained; therefore, the motion carried 3-0-1.  Commissioner Webster made ai motion to approve the! MOU with Comcast. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. Vice President Randy Laird voted aye and Commissioner Mathies  abstained; therefore, the motion carried 3-0-1.  Commissioner Webster madea amotiont to approve the MOU with Choptank. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. Vice President Randy Laird voted aye and Commissioner Mathies  abstained; therefore, the motion carried 3-0-1.  Next, Mr. Woodward and Mr. Redden remained present to discuss a request to transfer some remaining American Rescue. Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the IT department to replace aj piece of our front door access system that will also expand the 911 call and back up centers which are long overdue for an upgrade as well as provide card access to the county complex. The cost for the proposal is $9,872.00. Thes service provider monthly charge willb be$130 per month tor maintain thes system andj program the badges which willl havet face and namei identification. Thel badges will also work at county offices usingt thes same program thati include the State Attorney Office, Sheriff's Office, Detention Center and Commission on Aging. Theb badges can bei individualized to work on only certain doors at certain times of day. The cards should also be able to do time clock function  as well.. A meeting is scheduled with the vendor for October 26, 2024.  Commissioner Webster made ai motion to approve the transfer for ARPA funds for the ID access card contract as presented. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. Those present voted aye therefore the motion carried 4-0.1 Mr. Woodward left the meeting at this time.  Next, Mr. Leatherbury presented sent correspondence to Senator Carozza and Delegate Otto (approved unanimously by phone poll) regarding the concerns expressed during last weeks meeting regarding Eastern Correctional Institution requested assistance to arrange a meeting. In thei interim, ane email wasi received inviting thel Board to a meeting at Wor-Wic on October 5, 2024 following the Job Fair being hosted at that location. As follow up to the email, Mr. Leatherbury presented a second letter drafted to Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Public Safety & Correctional Services reviewing the meeting discussion held September 10, 2024, and respectfully requesting    Board ofCommissioners' Meeting' 9-24-24  the Secretary join the Board at an upcoming meeting to have meaningful dialogue. The Board reviewed the letter drafted by Mr. Leatherbury. Commissioner Webster thanked Mr. Leatherbury for taking the initiative of drafting the letter to Secretary Scruggs. It was felt that there may be delay's buti iti is feltt that iti is important to meet with as many Commissioners as possible, at our  meeting location.  Commissioner Webster made a motion to approve the Vice Presidents signature on the letter drafted to Secretary Scruggs. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. Those present  voted aye therefore the motion carried 4-0. Mr. Taylor continued with discussion items.  The Local Management Board (LMB) five-year lease agreement for space located at the Sheriff'sOffice wille expire on September 24, 2024.N Mr. Taylor requested Board approval tor renew thel lease for another 5-year term for $1.00. It was noted however, that the plan is to move their officel here to the County Complex building when space becomes available.  Commissioner Willingi made a motion to approve the renewal oft the 5-year LMB lease as presented. Commissioner Webster seconded the motion. Those present voted aye therefore, the  motion carried 4-0.  Next, Mr. Taylor presented the invoice received from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regarding as stipulated penalty demand for ongoing violations at the Landfill. Attorney Simpkins has requested consideration to waive the fine, however, no response was received. Attorey Simpkins made the recommendation to pay the fine as presented before  additional interest is charged. amount increases.  Commissioner Webster made a motion to pay the invoice as recommended before the A brief discussion was held. Commissioner Webster withdrew his motion to pay the The Board was advised that Reverend Doctor Doretha S. Whittington has expressed her interest to serve on the Somerset County Administrative Charging Committee (SCACC). The committee has had a vacancy with the resignation of Cynthia Powell. It was noted that Ms. Whittington lives in Pocomoke City, and the Board requested that Mr. Taylor check on residency requirements before sending the appointment letter. It is believed that there are no residency  invoice. Thei matter will be placed on the next meeting agenda.  requirements to serve on this committee however.  5    Boardo ofCommissioners' Meeting 9-24-24  Commissioner Mathies made a motion to appoint Rev. Dr. Whittington to serve on the SCACC should there be no residency requirement. Commissioner Webster seconded the motion.  Those present voted ayet therefore the motion carried 4-0.  Next, our officel has received notice from the Governor's Officec of Appointments that A.C. Alrey has submitted his application to serve on the Somerset County Property Tax Assessment  Appeals Board (SCPTAAB).  Commissioner Webster, made a motion to submit Mr. AC Alrey as a nomination to serve on the Somerset County Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. Those present voted aye therefore the motion carried 4-0.  With no further business, at 2:37 p.m., the Board was advised of the need to enter into Closed Session by Authority ofthe General Provisions Article ofthe Annotated Code of! Maryland $3-305 (b)(I) the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of an appointee, employee, or official over whom it hasj jurisdiction. Commissioner Mathies made a motion to enter into closed session. Commissioner Webster seconded the motion. Those present voted aye therefore the motion carried 4-0.1 President Charles) Laird was absent from today's meeting.  The Commissioner and Closed Session meetings held today concluded at 3:15 p.m.  Approved by: Coks  Respectfully Submitted: Sag-  Board of County Commissioners For Somerset County  Lory E. Ebron Executive Aide  6