FCAN ND  City of Cambridge Council Meeting Minutes Council Chambers -3 305 Gay Street October 28, 2024, 6PM  Notice to Citizens: The City Commissioners are conducting the city business inj person. The commission meeting is open to the public. Citizens may also observe the meeting by going on-line to Town Hall - Town Hall Streams 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 6504 479: 3208 and entering the meeting numberand password: Meeting  Number 2554 082 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 City Manager W. Glenn Steckman III Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson City Attorney Patrick Thomas Chief of] Police Justin Todd Fire Chief Brad Walters Finance Director Perry Peregoy Director of Planning Brian Herrmann Special Projects Coordinator Cheryl Hannan Director of Public Services Wayne Suggs  Also Present:  Agenda  Mayor Stephen Rideout opened the meeting stating that there are two events coming up in early November: November 5", Election Day and November 11", Veteran's Day. He would like to take a moment of silence to think of! both oft those events, hoping for the election that itwill be free, fair, and not violent. On November 11hh we remember our veterans and the  sacrifices that they and their families have made for us. Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Atkiss.  1IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, October 28, 2024    Mayor Rideout stated that there are: a couple ofitems that need to be removed from the agenda pers staff. City Manager Glenn Steckman confirmed that the Alpha Genesis presentation needs tol be removed. In addition, Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson stated that the GFNY race agreement needs to be removed as some language must be adjusted for clarity. He will Motion made by Commissioner Atkiss to remove the Alpha Genesis presentation and GFNY race agreement and second by Commissioner Harrington. Approve 5-0 vote. Motion by Commissioner Atkiss to approve the agenda as amended and second by  bring the agreement back at al later date.  Commissioner Roche. Approve 5-0 vote. Presentations from the. Approved Guests  Citation Honoring Heidi Griebel, Sunnyside Shop, 20-Yearin in Business thanked Mayor and Council for acknowledging and supporting her. phatencess,temmeniyeveepmemtGerporation 4. Meeting Minutes, October 7, 2024, Regular Session Commissioner Roche. Approve 5-0 vote. Ordinances for First Reading- None Ordinances for Second Reading  Commissioner Atkiss read the citation for Ms. Heidi Griebel. Mayor, Commissioners, City Staff, and the public applauded Ms. Griebel for being in business for 20 years. Ms. Griebel  Consent Agenda  Commissioner Atkiss made ai motion to approve the consent agenda and second by  ORDINANCE NO. 1241 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND TO AMEND S 9.2 OF THE CITY'S UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE ("UDC") FOR THE PURPOSE OF AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF "CANNABIS GROWING FACILITY" TO CLARIFY THAT CANNABIS GROWN AT A CANNABIS GROWING FACILITY MAY BE GROWN INDOORS OR OUTDOORS, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS; PROVIDING THATTHE TITLE OFTHIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE DEEMED, AI FAIR SUMMARY AND GENERALLY RELATING TO ZONING IN THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE. Ordinance No. 1241 was read for second reading by City Attorney Patrick Thomas. Motion made by Commissioner Atkiss to goi into public hearing and second by Commissioner  Harrington. Approve 5-0 vote.  2IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, October 28, 2024    Carlos Estin (Seaway Lane) asked, "does this language pertain to the Culta that is behind the police department?" Mr. Estin also asked whether they are currently not growing cannabis at City. Attorney Patrick Thomas answered Mr. Estin's question regarding Ordinance No. 1241. Motion made by Commissioner Atkiss to close the public hearing and second by Motion made by Commissioner Harrington to adopt Ordinance No. 1241 and second by  this facility.  Commissioner Harrington. Approve 5-0 vote. Commissioner Atkiss. Approve 5-0 vote. Ordinance No. 1241 was adopted with a 5-0 vote.  Old Business- None New Business  SFN-Race-Agprement  Board ofAppeals Appointment, Michael Wheatley  Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson stated that a few months back he asked Council to brainstorm Board of Appeals appointments. To keep the Board of Appeals going, he asked the Council to consider Michael Wheatley as ai member oft the Board of Appeals. This would Mayor Rideout requested the appointment of Michael Wheatley to the Board of Appeals. Motion made by Commission President Lajan Cephas to appoint Michael Wheatley to the Board of Appeals and second by Commissioner Atkiss. Approve 5-0 vote. RESOLUTION NO. 24-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND DECLARING A 1994 PIERCE AERIAL TOWER LADDER TRUCK TO BE SURPLUS AND NO LONGER NEEDED FOR ANY PRESENT OR FORESEEABLE FUTURE PUBLIC USE AND AUTHORIZING THE DONATIONTHEREOFTOTHE: SOUTH SIDE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Chief Brad Walters provided some background information regarding Resolution 24-02. In 2020, using supplemental funding through ARPA funds, the City purchased a new Aerial Tower to replace the 1994 Pierce Aerial Tower. There have been many departments nationwide that have been interested in the Pierce Aerial Tower; however, due to the size of the on-board water tank many chose not to purchase the apparatus. On September 26h citizens  be representation for Ward 4, as this seat is currently vacant.  IN ERWIN, TENNESSEE.  3IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, October 28, 2024    on the Gulf Coast were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Erwin, TN was a town that was Commission President Lajan Cephas asked Fire Chief Brad Walters, "have any local volunteer Fire Chief Brad Walters answered Commission President Lajan Cephas' question. Motion made by Commissioner Harrington to adopt Resolution No. 24-02 and second by RESOLUTION NO. 24-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF THE MARYLAND STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISIRATION IN REPLACING SEVERAL WILLOW OAK Motion made by Commission President Lajan Cephas to adopt Resolution No. 24-03 and  devastated by the hurricane.  companies in Dorchester County be interested in this lapparatus)?"  Commissioner Atkiss. Approve 5-0 vote.  TREES ALONG U.S. ROUTE5 50  second by Commissioner Harrington. Approve 5-0 vote.  Meetings  Halloween, Trick or Treating, Thursday October 31, 2024, from 61 p.m. to 8 p.m. Planning & Zoning meeting, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 61 p.m. at Council Chambers, 305 Gay Street, Cambridge, MD 21613 (no P&Z: meeting on the 5th due to Federal Election City Council Regular Meeting - November 12, 2024, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers, 305 Gay Street Cambridge, Maryland 21613 (Meeting moved to Tuesday due to Veteran's Day on Traffic & Safety meeting will be held on Thursday November 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. (Virtual Historic Preservation meeting will be held on Wednesday November 20, 2024, 6 p.m. at City Council Regular Meeting - November 25, 2024, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers, 305 Gay  Day).  Monday November 11*).  Meeting,) mstgacmkmglane Open to the Public. Council Chambers, 305 Gay Street Cambridge, Maryland 21613.  Street Cambridge, Maryland 21613.  Public Comment  Mr. Spedden (Academy Street) is going to use his personal funds to do the landscapingin the vacant lot in the 700 Block of Academy Street. He would like to have additional  streetlighting put up in that area as well. Department/Divyision Head Reports RFC. Goals and Objectives  4IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, October 28, 2024    Fire Chief Brad Walters briefed Council on RFC's goals and objectives for 2024-2026. The goals are as follows: Apparatus Maintenance and Replacement, Health and Safety, Training, Response Management, Communications, Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures, Records Management, Inventory and Supplies, and Membership Recruitment and Retention.  CPD, Third Quarter Report  Chief of Police] Justin Todd stated that throughout the year CPD has been working to advance each quarter and add more information to the reports, so the public is aware of what is going on in our community. This information is also available on the City's website. Chief] Justin Todd commented thati ifanyone has any questions, please contact him or his staff. Commissioner Harrington stated he is impressed with the results for Shot Spotter. He was skeptical at first due to results in other cities. However, it is working here in Cambridge. Commissioner Harrington thanked CPD. Commissioner Roche commended Chief Justin Todd on community policing. Mayor Rideout commented that the vehicle theft report was down 114% over the same period for 2023 and asked: ift there was any information or reasons that ChiefTodd could provide on efforts to make that happen? ChiefTodd: answered Mayor Rideout's question. Commissioner Atkiss thanked CPD for their amazing work. Mayor  Rideout congratulated CPD on their excellent work.  Bradford) House  Assistant City Manager Brandon Hesson provided an update on Bradford House. Over the past year code enforcement staff and city administration have invested a significant amount of staff resources and attention to solving recurring and long-standing issues with Bradford House. Much work remains, but there has been significant progress to report: Millenia Housing Management is no longer responsible for the management of Bradford House. Earlier this year, Millenia Housing Management andi its CEO: receivedac debarment order from HUD, preventing them from participating in any new business with HUD. The City worked with HUD to highlight a variety of long-standing issues at Bradford House, which produced several dozen violations. Millenia remains ai minority partner on thej properties. Nuveen is now the principal owner of the site and will be exercising control of Bradford House. Paths Management, a subsidiary of Nuveen, will resume responsibility for managing the site. Staff continues to work with Paths on existing violations throughout the building, but there has been consistent progress eliminating ongoing issues. At this week's meeting, 48 open violations were reviewed, and half of those violations were closed and completed. Code Enforcement staff will continue weekly meetings with ownership, management, and HUD. Commissioner Harrington thanked Mr. Hesson along with staff for their continued efforts on Commission President Lajan Cephas also thanked Mr. Hesson, Code Enforcement, and any otherstaff that supported! him. She noted that what was being experienced: at Bradford House,  this.  was being experienced with all of Millenia's properties.  5/Page  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, October 28, 2024    Mayor Rideout also mentioned that the State Delegation and U.S Senators, and other individuals engaged in this matter as well. It was a collaborative effort by manyi individuais. A citizen came to the podium asking whether it was public comment. Mayor Rideout stated that we had had public comment earlier; however, if he would have a seat; they would finish  this matter and then invite the citizen to speak.  City Manager Comments  Cityl Manager Glenn Steckman provided an administrative. report. There is additional reporting from Moody's reaffirming the City's A1 rating. There were some questions about the landscaping at City Hall. This matter was discussed: in the spring. Special Projects Coordinator Cheryl Hannan briefed the Council regarding boards and committees. Mayor Rideout stated thati it would be advisable for Council geta copy of the draft resolution prior to thel November 12th meeting to ensure therei is enough time for Council toi review it and prepare any questions. City Manager Glenn Steckman reminded everyone that Daylight Saving time ends this Sunday. Mr. Steckman, along with Wayne Suggs, Director of Public Services, has been contacted by Delmarva Power regarding streetlights. Mr. Steckman had a meeting with Comcast today as well, regarding hanging wires. Commission President Lajan Cephas asked if Council could have a copy of the list that Chief Justin Todd has regarding priority streetlights that need to be replaced. Commissioner Roche asked if there was any flexibility, wouldi it be possible that City Manager Glenn Steckman also stated that hel knew that Mr. Spedden is present and would like to talk about the streetlight being addedi in the 7001 block ofAcademy Street. Mr. Steckman  the City parking lots be considered, as well.  mentioned that this issue was also discussed with Delmarva Power.  Commissioners' Comments  Commissioner Atkiss stated that in light of Ms. Griebel and her success downtown she thinks itis really important we all remember that when we want to see a more vital downtown, the Commission President Lajan Cephas stated that it was busy weekend. She attended a balloon release for the passing of Mr. Virgil Simms IV. His family was present, and it was a very emotional moment. She hoped that the City could decrease these acts of violence and young lives taken way too soon. Commission President Lajan Cephas would also like the community tob be aware of the 2023 Cannabis Reform Act. There are resources available from the Comptroller's Office. Funds will be available for any programming that is dedicated to rebuilding communities affected by drugs. As cannabis sales increase, and more tax money is collected on those sales; there will be more funds available. Commission President Lajan Cephas participated in a' "Walk With Harriet," lead by Linda Harris and the Elks Parade. She also attended the Glizzy Fest. Commission President Lajan Cephas stated that it was a great  local businesses rely on the City for support.  weekend in Cambridge.  6IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, October 28, 2024    Commissioner Harrington echoed the sentiments about Sunny Side. Hel has purchased many flip flops and gifts for family and friends. He thanked Heidi Griebel again. Commissioner Harrington stated that hel had seen a wonderful quote recently, "leave democracy better than you found it." He encourages everyone to vote. Lastly, he said that if citizens want to get information on whati is happeningi int the City, they couldattend the meetings, read the agendas, Commissioner Sputty Cephas noted that the City of Cambridge is hosting MML from November 6h-g.Heh has the privilege ofbeingt thel President ofthel Eastern Shore. Association ofN Muncipalities. Itis exciting to welcome all the municipalities to the City of Cambridge. Commissioner Roche stated that he attended a seminar earlier this week presented by Urban3. They have analyzed the tax revenue per: acre of the entire Eastern Shore. The interesting thing abouti iti is that they found places like Sunny Side, the tax revenue per acre ofas small downtown business may seem small, however, their contribution based on their size is far and above. He  or reach out to your Commissioner.  thanked Ms. Heidi Griebel.  Adjourn  Onai motion by Commissioner Harrington and a second by Commissioner. Atkiss the meeting With no further business, Mayor Stephen W. Rideout adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Ihereby certify thatthe foregoing is a true and accurate account of the Council meeting on  was adjourned at 7:07 p.m. Approved by a 5-0 vote.  Monday, October28,2024, insofar as I personally am aware.  wli  Stephen W. Rideout  City Commission meetings are conducted in open session unless otherwise indicated. Pursuant to the. Maryland Open Meetings Act, all ora 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.  7IPage  City of Cambridge, Meeting Minutes Regular Session, October 28, 2024