County Council ofDorchester County Open Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024  The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on October 22, 2024 at 6:02 p.m., in Room 110 ofthe 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.; and, Ricky C. Travers. Also present inl Room 110 was: Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist. William V.  Nichols and. Jerry Jones, County Manager, were absent. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Councilman Pfeffer led the invocation and the pledge ofallegiance. FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS  Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $35,032,137.60.  CONSENT AGENDA  Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council approved  the Consent Agenda, by a 41 to 0 vote (Councilman Nichols absent).  APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS payments made to Simmons Center Market.  The Council approved the vouchers as presented, with Councilman Travers abstaining from Senator Richard Colburn invited the Council and Mr. Jones to a Veterans' Day breakfast being held at the American Legion-Post 91 on Monday, November 11, 2024 at 7:30AM, with guest Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council adjourned  speaker Governor Wes Moore.  into Legislative Session, by a 4t0 0 vote (Councilman Nichols absent).  LEGISLATIVE SESSION  PUBLICI HEARING - FY2024-2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT  BILL NO. 2024-9 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING: AMENDING THE 2024-2025 ANNUAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF DORCHESTER COUNTY. Ms. Barnes said a public hearing is being conducted on Bill No. 2024-9 for the purpose of amending the FY25 Budget to incorporate the Department of Water and Wastewater Services Councilman Pfeffer asked for public comments, hearing none, the public hearing was closed.  (DWWS).    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of October 22, 2024 Page No.2  Councilman Pfeffer explained that the budget amendment is needed toi incorporate the DWWS into the County budget, including its wastewater service fees, which have not been increased. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council adopted Bill No. 2024-9, bya4to 0 vote, the roll call was as follows: Pfeffer - aye; Detmer - aye; Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Travers, the Council adjourned  Kramer = aye; Nichols - absent; and, Travers - aye.  into Open Session, by a4to 0 vote (Councilman Nichols absent).  OPEN SESSION  ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION MEETING - MEETING WITH MDOT OFFICIALS Samantha Biddle, Deputy Secretary, The Secretary's Office, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), introduced herself, along with the following representatives who provided brief overviews of their divisions, priorities and completed/future projects within the County: Will Pines, Administrator; State Highway Administration (SHA); Mark Crampton, District 11 Engineer, SHA; Melissa Williams, Director of Planning and Program Development, Maryland Transportation Authority; Travis Johnston, Director, Office ofLocal Transit Support, Maryland Transit Administration; Chrissy Nizer, Administrator, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration; Ashish J. Solanki, Director, Office ofl Regional Aviation Assistance, Maryland Aviation Administration; and, Bob Munroe, Deputy Executive Director of Administration and  Environment, Maryland Port Administration. The Council discussed the following concerns: Intersection - US50 & MD16Mount Holly Road  Mr. Crampton said the Traffic Feasibility Study (TFS) for a fully functioning traffic light at the intersection ofUS50 and MD16, toj provide access to the eastbound lane, ties into an access permit for Royal Farms. He said the contemplated improvements is toi install ai t-intersection. Mr. Crampton said the intersection ofMD16 and Chateau Road will be further reviewed after the t-intersection ofUS50 and MD16 has been installed, to see howi it affects traffic issues on  Intersection - MD16 Mount Holly Road & Chateau Road  Chateau Road.  Intersection - US50 & Linkwood Road this, so it is being tabled at this time.  Mr. Crampton said the intersection ofUS50 and Linkwood Road will continue to be monitored to see ifa fully functioning traffic light is needed, however, the crash history doesn'twarrant  Crossovers - US50 - Bucktown Road to Mount Holly Road  Mr. Crampton said the stretch of roadway on US50 from Bucktown Road to Mount Holly Road is being reviewed to improve the safety of crossovers, such as the issue at Rise Up Coffee. He said this is in process and may be addressed by changing the crossovers to j-turns. Ini response to    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of October 22, 2024 Page No. 3  Councilman Detmer's inquiry, Mr. Crampton agreed to hold poster sessions and he will have  more information to come.  Connector Road - Nealson Street - MD307 & MD392  Councilman Pfeffer explained that Nealson Street, Hurlock Maryland, connects MD307 and MD392, which causes heavy traffic because it is used as a cut through. He said in the past, the State of! Maryland has paved the road, and John Avery, Town Manager, Hurlock Maryland, is requesting the State to pave Nealson Street again. Mr. Crampton agreed to contact Mr. Avery to  discuss further.  Roundabout - RT14 & MD392 (Dockins)  Mr. Crampton said a survey has been completed to install a roundabout at the intersection of RT14 & MD392 (Dockins), with the final design oft the project to be completed in FY2028, and advertised in FY2029. Councilman Pfeffer asked for public comment. Dawn Stanley, resident, recounted her experience with the Dockins intersection as a retired Emergency Medical Technician, and as a survivor ofai near death car accident that occurred at the intersection. Steve Tolley, Mayor, East New Market Maryland, added that he was on the scene of Ms. Stanley's accident, stating that his initial thought was that she was dead. Mr. Tolley said the community has suffered greatly due to the design of this intersection and many have been advocating for this to be changed. A discussion ensued regarding the safety ofthis intersection and US50, as well as  increasing communication regarding US50 operations. Roundabouts - MD16 Ocean Gateway - Future & Existing  Mr. Crampton said he is looking into the concerns ofthe future and existing MD16 Ocean Gateway roundabouts regarding the curbs, blocked views and limited space for tractor trailers and farm equipment. Councilman Pfeffer relayed comments from the agricultural community and said this should be taken into account when installing future roundabouts on Ocean Gateway  and Mount Holly Road.  Noxious Weeds on State & County Roads  Mr. Crampton said noxious weeds on State and County roads are continually being sprayed, and asked that the Council notify the State when they see or hear about the siting ofnoxious weeds. Councilman Detmer expressed conçerns regarding: 1) the need for a west side connector to. join the MD343 bypass to Chesapeake Drive to take pressure offof Washington Street; and, 2) safety Ini response to Councilman Kramer's inquiry related to dredging and the. James Island project, Mr. Munroe said soil samples and a copy of the tests will bej provided to the Council. In response to Councilman Detmer's concern, Mr. Crampton said a study has been completed on the Eldorado drainage issues and a resolution isi in the works, however funding may be an issue when it comes time to acquire grounds, and they will need to obtain State and Federal permits,  concerns and accidents at the intersection of Stone Boundary and MD16.  along with right-of-ways.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of October 22, 2024 Page No. 4  Inr response to Councilman Travers' questions, Mr. Crampton said he is unsure of when the access permit will be granted for the MD16 and Mount Holly intersection, however, they Deputy Secretary Biddle recapped the discussion and said they will be looking into all concerns in the short term and finding aj path forward. She said communication related to US50 will be Johnny Mautz, State Senator, expressed: 1) concerns about the US50 operations, suggesting that traffic reports should be provided on the radio; and, 2) that MDOT needs to create a plan on how In response to an inquiry by Tom Hutchinson, State Delegate, Mr. Crampton said the asphalt mixture being used on MD33 in St. Michaels allows for paving at a minimum temperature of40 degrees, whereas the mixture being used on US50 is made for higher volumes oftraffic to extend the life ofthe road, which sets at temperatures of 50+ degrees. Delegate Hutchinson commended Sheree Sample-Hughes, State Delegate, thanked MDOT for addressing several prior and current Christopher T. Adams, State Delegate, thanked MDOT and Ms. Stanley for their time. He said he has not heard this kind of testimony, as he did at this meeting. He said the Dockins intersection project has ears and attention, and asked to be updated on anything that is needed. Councilman Pfeffer thanked Deputy Secretary Biddle, and the MVA. He said he thoroughly FY25 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEGISLATIVE SESSION- - MEETING The Council discussed and pursued the following topics with Senator Mautz, Delegate Adams, Delegate Hutchinson, and Delegate Sample-Hughes for the 2025 Legislative Session: To amend the Annotated Code of Maryland Local Government Article $10-312(f) County property; housing projects; franchise; required notice to allow the County to enter into a lease for at term of five years or less without providing notice of publication for three successive weeks. Senator Mautz said this will be resubmitted for the 2025 Legislative Session.  understand what is needed.  increased.  tor manage this in the future sO this doesn't happen again.  MDOT for installing higher grade crosswalks.  conçerns, and the constituents for providing real life examples.  enjoys the online services provided by the MVA.  WITH LEGISLATORS  Lease Advertisements  Passing on the Shoulder  To consider legislative or other initiatives to address accidents caused by vehicles passing on the shoulder under the Transportation Article oft the Annotated Code of Maryland, $21-304 When Passing on Right is Permitted, (a)(1)ifthe overtaken vehicle is making or about to make al left  turn.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of October 22, 2024 Page No. 5  Robbie Larimer, Communications Division Manager, expressed safety concerns of the current law, adding that MD16 has had significant accidents since the law passed. Councilman Pfeffer asked the legislators to consider a statewide law amendment to prohibit passing on the shoulder. To consider legislative or other initiatives to address juvenile crime and unintended  Juvenile Crime  consequences ofr recent legislation. A discussion ensued.  Corrections Facility Requirements  To consider legislative or other initiatives to address audio and visual requirements when housingj juveniles that were waived as adults in the Corrections facility. A discussion ensued. Delegate Sample-Hughes said she may be able to get local guidance from the state Correctional Commission. Councilman Pfeffer asked Delegate Sample-Hughes to also obtain guidance on managing the expenses of medical services for detainees, and ift the State will  assist with these costs. Privatize Perc Testing  To consider legislative or other initiatives toj privatize perc testing. Legislative Session to consider a County pilot program.  Delegate Hutchinson said legislation will be submitted to the House and Senate for the 2025 A discussion ensued regarding the remaining initiatives. Delegate Hutchinson said: 1) letters of support will be needed; 2) bills relating to alcohol are heard separately SO they do not need to be pre-filed; and, 3) bills should be submitted before January to allow time to evaluate and review. To amend the Annotated Code of Maryland Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Article $19-1001 Arts & entertainment license to consider a new style ofl license for art establishments.  Arts & Entertainment License  Venue License  To amend the Annotated Code of Maryland Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Article $19-1002 Venue License to consider a new: style ofl license for weddings or banquets.  Beer & Wine Festival License  To consider new legislation, or amendments to the Annotated Code of Maryland Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Article $19-1304 Beer and wine festival license to allow licensees to  sample spirits/liquor to patrons in addition to beer and wine  Beer & Wine Tasting Liçense  To amend the Annotated Code ofMaryland Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Article $19-1306  Beer and wine tasting license to include liquor tasting to the license.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of October 22, 2024 Page No. 6  Distance Restriction from Place of Worship or School  To amend the Annotated Code of Maryland Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Article $19-1601 Distance restriction from place of worship or school to exclude venue licensing and art and  entertainment licensing Beer, Wine & Liquor License Fees Fees Beer, Wine & Liquor License fees.  To request State of Maryland approval of the Dorchester County, Maryland FY25 Schedule of A discussion ensued regarding conçerns relating to recycling and decommissioning solar. Delegate Adams said ifas solar project has enough opposition, the Public Service Commission (PSC) should deny the project. He said the Eastern Shore Delegation will host a zoom meeting inviting the PSC, Maryland Energy Administration and Maryland Department of Agriculture to determine: 1) what the State is trying to do to rural farm land; 2) howi it is meshing private property rights with the counties Planning & Zoning Departments; and, 3) is the PSC rightfully able to come to an adjudication to say aj particular site is not the right location for a project. Ini response to Councilman Detmer'si inquiry, Delegate Adams said 30,000 acres is needed to meet the State energy goal, and 25 of the projects in the queue are on the Eastern Shore. Councilman Pfeffer relayed a discussion at the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference where Councilman Travers spoke to Brian Feldman, Chair of the Education, Energy, & Environment Committee, Maryland Senate; CT Wilson, Chair of the Economic Matters Committee, Maryland House of Delegates; and Kumar Barve, Commissioner, PSC explaining that the County is 78% undevelopable and asked that they do not create a "one size fitsal!" legislative bill due to the uniqueness ofDorchester County. He said Commissioner Barve spoke to them directly afterwards and seemed to be very receptive and acknowledged the issues within the County. Councilman Pfeffer expressed concerns that solar is being put in places where  houses should be built. The Council thanked them for their time.  COUNCIL'S COMMENTS No comments. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. ADJOURNMENT  With no further business to discuss, and upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m., by a 41 to 0 vote  (Councilman Nichols absent).    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of October 22, 2024 Page No.7 ATTEST:  THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY: HnapH I George L. Pfeffer, ,P President Ae Dufuer Mike Detmer, Vice President ALECL Robl Kramer, Jr. Abetuihed William V.Nichols Ricky C. ThA  Countj.Managar)  F  Approved the Wayo of blss