County Council of Dorchester County Open Meeting Minutes November 19,2024  The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on November 19, 2024 at 5:03 p.m., in Room 1100 ofthe County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. Ar 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 in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist. William V.Nichols was absent. Charles MacLeod, County Attorney, Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council adjourned into Closed Session at 5:04 p.m., pursuant to the following sections of Title 3 oft the General Provisions Article of the 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)(13) to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, orj judicially imposed requirement that prevents public disclosures about aj particular proceeding or matter; and, $3- 305(b)(7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice. The Written Statement for Closing a  joined the meeting late.  Meeting under the Open Meetings Act is attached hereto.  OPEN SESSION  The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on November 19,2024 at 6:07 p.m., in Room 110 of 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.; and, Ricky C. Travers. Also present in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; Charles MacLeod, County Attorney; and, Irene Barnes, Executive  Administrative Specialist. William V. Nichols was absent. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Councilman Pfeffer led the invocation and the pledge ofallegiance. CALL FOR ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA After publication of the agenda, the following items were added:  1) 2024 State Homeland Security Program Grant - Emergency Management 2) Administrative Office oft the Courts - AY2025 Courthouse Security Funding Circuit 3) Introductions to Legislation to Amend the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Articles  Court  a. $19-1001. Arts License b. $19-1002. Venue License  Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council approved  the amended agenda by a 4to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of November 19, 2024 Page No.2  FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS  Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $35,903,914.85.  CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY  The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:04 p.m. on November 19, 2024 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated 1.1 Notifications of recent personnel changes within the County were provided; 2. Personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions; 3. Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following: a. Legal documents relating to a specific board; b. The potential disposition of County owned properties; and, - Thej process of updating County regulations.  Code $3-305(6)0),(13)a and (7):  CONSENT AGENDA  Upon motion by Councilman Detmer seconded by Councilman Kramer the Council approved the  Consent Agenda by a4to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent.  County Council Open Session Minutes - November 4, 2024  Accounts Payable Disbursement Report = Week Ending November 15, 2024 Councilman Travers abstained from payments made to Simmons Center Market Stormwater Management Agreement - Darling Ingredients, Inc. - Public Works Request of Dale Pusey, Engineer, to approve a Stormwater Management Agreement for Darling Ingredients, Inc. for site improvements located at 5420  Linkwood Road, Linkwood, Maryland  2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant - Emergency Management  Request of. James Windsor, Emergency Management Planner, to accept a 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant award of $63,884.17 to fund the salary oft the Emergency Management Planner, with a performance period of October 1, 2023 to May 31, 2026 and an in-kind match that is funded by 911  Center expenses.  ESIC License Agreement - AList Appz & Consulting, LLC - Economic Development Request of Susan Banks, Economic Development Director, to enter into an Eastern Shore Innovation Center License Agreement with AList Appz & Consulting, LLC for Suite 037 from November 14, 2024 to November 14, 2026 at  $177 per month, with an extension option.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of November 19,2024 Page No.: 3 COMMENDATIONS  NORTH DORCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL CROSSWALK - AUBRIE WANEX The Council presented a Commendation to Aubrie Wanex for her submission to the Traffic Safety Committee to improve the school zone on Cloverdale Road by recommending: a permanent speed limit reduction of25 mph, extra signage and the addition ofa crosswalk. Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Travers, the Council adjourned  into Legislative Session by a 4to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent.  LEGISLATIVE SESSION  INTRODUCTION RURAL EVENT VENUE - GUEST COTTAGE TEXT AMENDMENT AN ACT OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AMENDING CHAPTER 155 (ZONING), SECTION 155-50 SUPPLEMENTARYUSE REGULATIONS) OF THE DORCHESTER COUNTY CODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROVIDING FOR GUEST COTTAGES AS AN ACCESSORY USE IN THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION, AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION, AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION - RESOURCE CONSERVATION AREA, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, AND GENERAL BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICTS, PROVIDING FOR RURAL EVENT VENUES AS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE IN THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION, RURAL: RESIDENTIAL, RURAL RESIDENTIAL - RESOURCE CONSERVATION AREA, AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION, AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION - RESOURCE CONSERVATION AREA, SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL, AND SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL - RESOURCE CONSERVATION AREA ZONING DISTRICTS AND AS A PERMITTED USE IN THE: NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS AND GENERAL BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICTS, ADOPTING SUPPLEMENTARY USE REGULATIONS REGARDING THE SAME, DEFINING TERMS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH, AND AMENDING THE TABLE OF PERMITTED USES BY ZONING DISTRICT REGARDING THE SAME; PROVIDING THAT THE TITLE OF THIS BILL SHALL BE DEEMED Al FAIR SUMMARY,AND GENERALLY RELATING TO GUEST COTTAGES AND RURAL EVENT VENUES IN Ms. Barnes said for introduction is legislation for the purposes of providing for guest cottages as an accessory use in the Resource Conservation, Agricultural Conservation, Agricultural Conservation - Resource Conservation Area, Neighborhood Business, and General Business Zoning Districts, providing for rural event venues as a special exception use in the Resource Conservation, Rural Residential, Rural Residential - Resource Conservation Area, Agricultural Conservation, Agricultural Conservation - Resource Conservation Area, Suburban Residential, and Suburban Residential Resource Conservation Area Zoning Districts and as aj permitted use in the Neighborhood Business and General Business Zoning Districts, adopting supplementary use regulations regarding the same, defining terms associated therewith, and amending the table ofpermitted uses by zoning district regarding the same; providing that the title oft this bill shall  DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofl November 19, 2024 Page No. 4 Dorchester County, Maryland.  be deemed a fair summary, and generally relating to guest cottages and rural event venues in Susan Webb, Planning & Zoning Director, provided more information relating to the bill. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council agreed to proceed with the publication ofaj public hearing by a 41 to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent. INTRODUCTION - AMENDMENTS TO THE. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND Councilman Travers provided information on the proposed amendments to the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Articles $19-1001. Arts License, listed below:  CANNABIS ARTICLES - $19-1001.. ARTS LICENSE  $ 19-1001. Arts license.  (a) There is an arts beer and wine license.  (b)  (1)T The Board may issue an arts beer and wine license to a nonprofit or for-profit retail business that engages in the display and sale of original artwork and is located in an Arts and Entertainment District as designated by the State of! Maryland. Such businesses include art centers, art galleries, museums, and similar businesses that are primarily devoted to arts that express matters of serious literary, artistic, scientific, or political (2)T The Board may not issue the license to a business that displays and sells commercially (b)The license authorizes the license holder to sell or serve beer and wine at retail at the place described in the license for on-premises consumption when snacks are served during normal business hours, but not earlier than 10:00 a.m. and not later than 10:00  value.  prepared or mass-produced artistic products.  p.m., Monday through Sunday. (c)The annual fee for the license is $250. issued to another location.  (d) The Board may adopt regulations to carry out this section.  (e)The license may not be transferred from the location for which the license was originally Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council agreed to forward the proposed amendments to the local legislators toj pursue during the 2025L Legislative INTRODUCTION 4 AMENDMENTS TO THE. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND Councilman Travers provided information on the proposed amendments to the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Articles $19-1002. Venue License, listed below:  Session, by a4to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent. CANNABIS ARTICLES -S $19-1002. VENUE LICENSE  $ 19-1002. Venue License  (a) There is a venue beer, wine, and liquor license.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of November 19, 2024 Page No. 5  (b) The Board may issue the license for use by a nonprofit or for-profit retail business that hosts weddings, banquets, parties, meetings, and similar events, whether private or open (2)i is capable ofaccommodating at least 100 individuals for a single event, whether inside  to the public, at a facility that: (1)! has a minimum of2,000 square feet; the facility or outside on the premises; and (3) has adequate bathroom facilities.  (c)  (1)7 The license authorizes the license holder to sell or serve beer, wine, and/or liquor at retail, (2)_Any beer, wine, and/or liquor sold under the license shall only be sold during an event hosted by the license holder at the license holder's facility, and only if food is also (3)No beer, wine, or liquor sold under the license may be carried off the premises. (d) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out for a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license under $ 19-2005 oft this title.  whether by the drink or by the bottle, for on-premises consumption.  provided during the event.  (e) The annual fee for the license is $1,500.  (f) The Board may adopt regulations to carry out this section.  (g) The license may not be transferred from the venue for which the license was originally Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council agreed to forward the proposed amendments to the local legislators to pursue during the 2025 Legislative  issued to another venue.  Session by a 4 to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent. The Council adjourned into Open Session.  OPEN SESSION ACTION ITEMS  DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONNECT MARYLAND FY24 HOME STRETCH DIFFICULT TO: SERVE - GRANT CONFIRMATION Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council, bya 4to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent, accepted the recommendation of Karen Tolley, Finance Director, to: 1) confirm the acceptance of the $1.1 million Connect Maryland FY24 Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties grant award through the Department ofHousing and Community Development, to provide access to broadband to those that currently do not have service due to the home or business being located too far from the road, with a performance period ending December 31, 2025, and a 25% match, which will be funded by internet service providers; and, 2) enter into an agreement with Comcast Cable Communications Management,  - MEMORADUM OF UNDERSTANDING - FINANCE  LLC to partner with the County on this Broadband Expansion Project. Marilyn Williams, Grant Writer, Finance, provided an overview oft the requests.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofl November 19, 2024 Page No. 6  TOWER LICENSE RENEWAL -( GREENBRIAR ROAD- - COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council, by a4to0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent, accepted the recommendation ofRobert Larimer, Communications Division Manager, Sheriff's Office, to enter into the third amendment with Cellco Partnership to renew its tower license on Greenbriar Road, Cambridge, Maryland for a  SHERIFF'S OFFICE  five year term.  Mr. Larimer provided additional information relating to the request.  ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: -] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon motion by Councilman Kramer, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council, by a 4 to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent, accepted the recommendation ofl Ms. Banks and appointed Mary Losty, Eugene Lauer, and Brian Herrmann to the Architectural Committee. FY2025 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE. ANNUAL PROGRAM-F RECREATION & PARKS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council, bya 4to0 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent, approved the FY25 Program Open Space Annual Program, based on the recommendation of Duc Trieu, Recreation & Parks Director, which includes the  following:  Hurlock Athletic Complex - Resurface Tennis Courts and Convert Two Tennis Courts  into Pickleball Courts; Egypt Park - Disc Golf Course; and, Colwill Land, Ocean Gateway in Cambridge.  Mr. Trieuj provided more information regarding the pickleball courts in Hurlock, Maryland. FY25 OPERATING GRANT AGREEMENT - MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council, by a 41 to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent, approved the request of Andrea Waters, Transportation Grants Specialist, Delmarva Community Services, Inc. (DCS)- Delmarva Community Transit, to accept aFY25 Operating Grant Agreement of $795,261.00 through the Maryland Transit Administration to fund operating expenses at DCS, with a project time period of. July 1,2024 to June 30, 2025, and al local match of$116,732.00 which will be funded by the FY25 Operating  - DELMARVA COMMUNITY SERVICES  Budget (115,000.00) and the Non-Profit Fund ($1,732.00). TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Councilman Detmer provided an overview oft the TSC recommendations.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofl November 19, 2024 Page No.7 Williamsburg Church Road Guardrail  Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer the Council, by a4to0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent, approved the Traffic Safety Committee's recommendations to install high visibility signage on a curve. near 4958 Williamsburg Church Road, Hurlock, Maryland, and obtain recommendations from the State Highway Administration.  Dolby Farm Road - Speed Humps  Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council, by a 4 to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent, approved the' Traffic Safety Committee's recommendations to install signage relating to a special needs child living on Dolby Farm Road, Hurlock, Maryland,  and work with the Sheriff's Office to complete a traffic study.  2024 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM GRANT - EMERGENCY  MANAGEMENT  Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council, by a 41 to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent, accepted a 2024 State Homeland Security Program Grant, based on the recommendation ofMr. Windsor, in the amount of$102,877.02 to fund the following homeland security projects, with a performance period of September 1, 2024 to May  31, 2027 and no match requirements:  Cambridge Police Department Drone Program - $31,000.00; Community Preparedness/Public Outreach-S $2,877.02; Dorchester Election Security $3,000.00; UPS Replacement for Communications- $46,000.00; and, Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Computer Equipment- - $20,000.00.  ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS - AY2025 COURTHOUSE SECURITY Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council, bya 41 to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols absent, approved the request of William H. Jones, Circuit Court Judge, to submit a $10,000 grant application to the Administrative Office oft the Courts for additional key fob access and monitors to increase security, with aj performance period ofJ July 1,  FUNDING - CIRCUIT COURT  2024 to. June 30, 2026 and no match requirements.  COUNCIL'S COMMENTS  Councilman Travers said residents of the Hambrooks area are concerned about requests to access their properties for drilling purposes. Ms. Webb said she will look into this and confirmed that Councilman Detmer: 1)commended Mr. Trieu for including a disc golf course in the FY25 Program Open Space Annual Program; 2) said he supports the amendments to the Alcoholic  the County is not involved in this but iti is being monitored.    Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofl November 19, 2024 Page No. 8  Beverages and Cannabis articles; 3) welcomed Ms. Williams to the team and applauded Mr. Jones for adding this position to the Finance Department; 4) said a Planning Commission meeting will be held tomorrow at 12:00 p.m., with an item regarding solar on the agenda; 5) recounted the passing of a fellow marine whom passed away 20 years ago inl Fallujah; and, 6) Councilman Pfeffer: 1) thanked Councilman Detmer for his service as a marine; 2) sent prayers and thoughts to the family and friends of the late Francis Todd O'Conner; and, 4) wished  wished everyone a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.  everyone a safe happy Thanksgiving. PUBLIC COMMENTS  Ini response to Theresa Hayes Wanex, resident, Councilman Pfeffer said they will work with the Sheriff's Office to place a radar speed trailer on Cloverdale Road, Hurlock, Maryland.  ADJOURNMENT  With no further business to discuss, and upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council adjourned the meeting, by a 4to 0 vote, Councilman Nichols  absent. ATTEST:  THE COUNTY COUNCIL  Jerry CountyManager    Mike Detmer, Vice President E  E  Rob  Ahstaindd William V. Nichols Bs  Approved the 3raye of Rosoa    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 1-41 before closing the meeting.  1.  Recorded vote to close the meeting: Date: 11924: Time: 5:03_p.m.; Location: Room 110, County Office Building, 501 Çourt Lane, Cambridge, Maryland; Motion to close meeting made by:  Demmew Seconded by. Siamer Kmtr,TAtAs.  Members in favor: Pfeffer, Dt/tw  Opposed: Absent: NicApis  Abstaining:  2.  Statutory yauthority to close session (check all provisions that apply). This meeting will be closed under General Provisions Art. $ 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) "To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto"; (4) "To consider a matter that conçerns 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 (ii) 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 judiçially 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 e    3.  For each provision checked above, disclosure of the topic to be discussed and the public  body'sreason for discussing that topic in closed session.  Citation (insert # from above)  Topic  Reason for closed-session discussion Public Discussion of applicant's names and job info could discourage people  oftopic  $3-305(b)(1) To discuss the following:  a) Notifications of recent the County; and, b) Personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions.  personnel changes within from applying for County jobs  $3-305(b)(13) Same topics as above  Public Information Act, GP Section 4- 310 and 311 requires us to shield recommendation letters and job Council does not want to waive the 101, August 17, 2021, OMCB ruling (15  applications  $3-305(b)(7) Tor receive legal advice from  the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page  the following: a) Legal documents relating OMCB 99) to a specific board; b) The potential disposition of County owned properties; The process of updating County regulations.  and,    4.  This statement is made V  Presiding Officer.  694  WORKSHEET FOR OPTIONAL USE IN CLOSED SESSION: INFORMATION FOR SUMMARY TO BE DISCLOSED IN THE MINUTES OF THE NEXT OPEN MEETING. (See also template for summary.)  For a 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)    CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY November 19,2024  The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:04 p.m. on November 19, 2024 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 ofthe General Provisions Article of the Maryland  Annotated Code $3-305(b)(1), (13) and (7):  Notifications of recent personnel changes within the County were provided; Personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions; Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following: a. Legal documents relating to a specific board; b. The potential disposition of County owned properties; and, Thej process of updating County regulations.