County Council of Dorchester County Open Meeting Minutes December. 3, 2024 The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on December 3, 2024, 2024 at: 5:21 p.m., in Room 110 ofthe 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; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Administrative Specialist. William V. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council adjourned into Closed Session at 5:22 p.m., pursuant to the following sections of Title 3 of the General Provisions Article oft 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 hasj 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 Nichols; and, Charles MacLeod, County Attorney 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 December 3, 2024 at 6:08 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. 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Pfeffer led the invocation and the pledge ofa allegiance. CALL FOR ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA After publication of the agenda, the items Commendation - Retirement Gary Blades was Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council removed and County Property Disposition - Asphalt Plant was added. unanimously approved the amended agenda. FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $42,957,319.30. CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:22 p.m. on December 3, 2024 to discuss the Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of December. 3,2024 Page No.2 Code 3050,0.03.080: following items pursuant to Title 3 ofthe General Provisions Article oft the Maryland Annotated 1. Notifications ofrecent 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. Potential disposition of County owned properties; b. Local funding to a specific organization; and, 4. Potential acquisition of real property. CONSENT AGENDA Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council approved the Consent Agenda, with Councilman Nichols abstaining from only the County Council Open Session Minutes - November 19, 2024. County Council Open Session Minutes - November 19, 2024 Accounts Payable Disbursement Report Week Ending November 27, 2024 Council Meeting Schedule Third & Fourth Quarter Request to Advertise for Proposals - Family Advocacy Clinic Legal Services - Circuit Request of Mary O'Donnell, Magistrate, Circuit Court, to advertise a request for proposals to procure the contract services of an attorney or several attorneys, licensed ini the State of] Maryland, to serve as legal counsel and Director of the Letter of Support - Request for Funding Hyatt Resort Re-Decking Project-E Economic o Request of Susan Banks, Economic Development Director, to provide a letter of support ofa $2,836,000 Capital Grant request submitted by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay Resort, the Residences at River Marsh Homeowners Association, Inc., Fairchild Properties LLC, and Tides at River Marsh LLC: for infrastructure projects within the Hyatt Court new Dorchester County Family Advocacy Clinic. Development Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort. ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS-COUNCIL PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT The Council elected the following Officers by majority: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President Mike Detmer, Vice President OPEN SESSION ACTIONITEMS FY2026 BUDGET GOALS & PRIORITIES The Council discussed its goals and priorities for the FY2026 Budget and agreed to be very conservative. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of December 3,2024 Page No. 3 AMENDED FY2026 BUDGET ADOPTION SCHEDULE Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the Amended FY2026 Budget Adoption Schedule which aligns the introduction and adoption of the budget closer to the new dates according to the County Budget Preparation and Adoption Dates Charter Amendment. POLL CONFIRMATIONS Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously confirmed its decision in the interim ofr meetings, via poll, to: Lift the Dorchester County Burn Ban, by a 5to 0 vote; and, Approve the request of Mary O'Donnell, Magistrate, Circuit Court, to accept a $125,000.00 FFY25 Foster Care Court Improvement Program/Child Welfare Grant Award through the Administrative Office of the Courts Administration for Children and Families to fund the creation and support oft the Dorchester County Preventative Family Advocacy Clinic, with no match requirement and aj performance period of November 1, 2024 to October 31,2025, by a 4 to 0 vote (no response). Councilman Pfeffer welcomed Judge William Jones, Circuit Court, and Ms. O'Donnell. Judge Jones introduced Ms. O'Donnell who provided an overview oft the grant and thanked the Council fori its support. Councilman Pfeffer thanked them for all their hard work. Judge Jones thanked David Dierks, Facilities Manager, and Jimmy Travers, Foreman, Public Works, for completing work at the Circuit Court and acknowledged that they saved the County time and money. COUNTY PROPERTY DISPOSITION - ASPHALT PLANT Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the sale oft the County asphalt plant, located at 3960 Red Hill Road, Linkwood, Maryland tol Russell Paving Co. Inc. at $300,000.00 with in-house financing over a 20 year term at 5%. The Council acknowledged that: 1) the lease contract included a first right of refusal clause within one year oft the expired lease, which the County is within that window; and, 2) the next steps is tol hold aj public hearing. COUNCIL'S COMMENTS under his leadership. Councilman Nichols acknowledged Judge Jones and relayed that the Circuit Court staffi is happy Councilman Detmer: 1) announçed the Vienna Christmas parade was held on November 30, 2024; 2) said he is looking for every opportunity to learn more about solar and get a sense of smart next steps at the Maryland Association of Counties Winter Conference; 3) thanked Roger Harrell, Health Officer, for assisting a constituent; and 4) stated it was aj privilege to attend the 715'h heavenly birthday celebration ofl Dr. Theresa Stafford at the Dr. Theresa Stafford's New Beginnings Learning Academy, which was renamed in her honor. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of December 3,2 2024 Page No. 4 PUBLIC COMMENTS Terri Robbins, resident, provided an overview of a tennis tournament held on November 30, Ryan Shay,resident, expressed concerns regarding the process ofbuilding in Dorchester County. Councilman Pfeffer directed Mr. Jones and Peter McElroy, Water and Wastewater Services 2024 by the. James G. Busick Tennis Foundation. Director, to work with Mr. Shay. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, and upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m. ATTEST: THE COUNTY COUNCIL ORDORCHESTERAOVNTA JerryJones Counly/Managery Vice President B RobKramer, Jr. oEZ fhk B Approved the ayo yorhcabos 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 1-4before closing the meeting. 1. Recorded vote to close the meeting: Date: 12/21Time:5:2L p.m.; Location: Room 110, County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland; Motion to close meeting made by: TYAVLYS Seconded by. Kromer Kiamer, TYONCAS Nichols Opposed: Members in favor: Pfcffer, Detmer Abstaining: Absent: 2. Statutory authority 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)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 (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 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 e 3. For each provision checked above, disclosure of the topic to be discussed and the public body's reason for discussing that topici 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 53-305(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 53-305(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) To receive legal advice from the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page the following: a) The potential disposition of OMCB 99) County owned properties; and, b) Local funding to a specific organization. property. 53-305(b)(3) Potential acquisition of real Toc consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto 4. This statement is made by. Presiding Officer. Rk WORKSHEET FOR OPTIONAL USE IN CLOSED SESSION: INFORMATION FOR SUMMARYTOBE DISCLOSED IN THE MINUTES OF THE NEXT OPEN MEETING. (See also template for summary.) For a meeting closed under the statutoryauthority cited above: Time of closed session: Place: Purpose(s): Members who voted to meet in closed session: Persons attending closed session: Authority under 5 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 (5 3-104): Time: (Form Rev.10/1/2018) CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY December 3, 2024 The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:21 p.m. on December 3, 2024 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 ofthe General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated 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. Potential disposition of County owned properties; b. Local funding to a specific organization; and, Code 030)0,13.040 4. Potential acquisition of real property.