BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY 11916 Somerset Avenue Room 111/Meeting Room ( - Princess Anne, MD 21853 March 25, 2025 2:00 p.m. Appointments: 2:00 p.m. - Proclamation Presentations: Social Worker Appreciation Month/Carly Rew, Life Crisis Center Child Abuse Prevention Month, Ms. Chelsea Hobson, Somerset Child Advocacy Center, Ms. Claudia Nelson, Director Social Services 2:10 p.m. - Bid Opening - Somerset County Roads Roof Replacement/Mr. Charles Cavanaugh, Mr. Woody Barnes * 2:15 p.m. - Mr. Jerry Boston, Steve Raab/Hi Tide Club Funding Request * 2:25 p.m. - Pastor Phil Huber/Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery * 2:35 p.m. - Dr. Tasker-Mitchell, Superintendent, Linda R. Johnson, SCPS Capital Improvement Project/Crisfield High School Non-Recurring Cost Request 2:40 p.m. Mr. Jesse Drewer, P & Z. Director MDEM Hazard Mitigation House Elevation Grant Award/617 W Main Street Critical Area Ordinance Text Amendment/Adopt Ordinance Citizen Participation and Anti-Displacement Plans Correspondence Received: David Horner re: Application Submission to Perform Work in Tidal Wetlands Adam Riggin re: Vacancy- Notice of Resignation/Somerset County Sanitary District Discussion 1. Annual Public Drainage Association (PDA) Meetings- Proposed Levy 2. Letter ofSupport Requests Maryland BEAD Grant Program/Choptank Fiber, Comcast, Charter, Simple Fiber 3. Formal Approval - Letter of Opposition HB827 4. Formal Approval - UMES Community Project Funding FY26 5. Formal Approval- Re-allocation of. ARPA funds/Airport Hangar Project 6. Request for proclamations- April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Volunteer Appreciation Month 7. Pauper Burial Assistance Request/Honesty Public Comments: Members of the audience who have signed up to address the Board will be permitted to do SO at this time and allotted 5 minutes. 3:00 p.m. Closed Session- Mr. Ralph D. Taylor, Mr. Ernest Leatherbury, Ms. Jamie Manaia, Ms. Yvette Cross, Mr. Clint Sterling Authority of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland $ 3-305 (b) (1) the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of an appointee, employee, or official over whom it has jurisdiction. * Denotes Action Item BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY March 25, 2025 At 2:00 p.m., President Charles Laird called the Board of County Commissioners for Somerset County to openi in Regular Session. Also present for today's s: meeting were Vice President Randy Laird and Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr. Commissioner Eldon Willing, and Commissioner Darryl Webster were absent from today's meeting. Deputy Administrator Ernest J. Leatherbury Jr., and Executive Aide Lory E. Ebron were also present. Closed Session Summary Report On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 3:15 p.m., until 3:30 p.m., President Charles Laird, upon ai motion made by Vice President Randy Laird, and seconded by Commissioner Craig N. Mathies, Sr., opened in Closed Session by 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 of an appointee, employee, or official over whom it has jurisdiction. Commissioner Darryl Webster and Commissioner Eldon Willing were absent from today's meeting; therefore, the motion carried 3-01 by show ofhands. Deputy Administrator Ernest J. Leatherbury Jr., and Executive Aide Lory E. Ebron, HR Director Jamie Manaia, Emergency Services Director Yvette Cross, and Recreation and Parks/Tourism Director Clint Sterling aiso attended the meeting. Topics discussed: (1) Temporary hiring for PT 911 Dispatcher (2) Hiring for PT Tourism vacancy (3) Employee Probationary to Permanent Status (4) Proclamation. Approved: (1) Hiring of two temporary part time 911 Dispatchers (2),Hiring of PT Tourism Assistant (3) Approval to move probationary employee to permanent employee status (4). Approval for proclamation. President Charles Laird asked Commissioner Mathies to lead those present in Devotion and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Leatherbury presented meeting minutes for approval regarding the March 11, 2025 Commissioner and Closed Session meetings. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. All those present voted aye, therefore by show of hands the motion carried 3-0. 1 Board ofCommissioners Meeting 3-25-25 Proclamation presentations were read into record for Social Worker Appreciation Month, accepted by Carly Rew, Life Crisis Center and Child Abuse Prevention Month, accepted by Ms. Rew, Karen Kreig, Life Crisis Center, Chelsea Hobson, Somerset Child Advocacy Center and Claudia Nelson, Director of Social Services. Next, Mr. Woody Barnes, Public Works Director, came forward to accept sealed bids submitted for the Somerset County Roads Department Roof Replacement. President Charles Laird proceeded to open the sealed bids received as follows: Contractor: Amount: Beauchamp Construction $179,800.00 EP Roofing $113,400.00 Mr. Barnes will review the bids submitted and retum with a recommendation. Mr. Jerry Boston and Mr. Steve Raab came forward at this time to present a funding request from Community Promotions. A handout was provided, and Mr. Raab explained that the event planned for May 24, 2025 that will be a 'true concert' with national acts performing. He noted that their organization, High-Tide, a 501 c7 entity is a non-profit working with Rising Tide, and 501 c3 that will transfer any: proceeds gained from the event to scholarships, ball teams, tournaments, etc. They are here today asking for a $10,000 allocation for next year, if funds are not available this year. Last year, $140,000 was budgeted for the event forthcoming next month with it anticipated that $250,000 in business will come to the City, with an anticipated 3,500 people in attendance. The concert will be held on the Evans property, in the same area that the Blue Grass Festival is held. Vice President Randy Laird advised that the request will be taken into consideration during budget deliberations for next years event. It was requested that if there were any available funds remaining in this year's community promotions account it would be gratefully accepted. Mr. Boston and Mr. Raab left the meeting at this time. Pastor Phil Huber and Kim Hopkins, Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee Inc., came forward to present an update, following the tidal flooding from October 2021, noting that flood levels rose higher from that storm than we had from Hurricane Sandy. His update is to show their organizations long term recovery response and to show accountability for the funding received. A handout was provided that included the following information: Phase I - in which ten new homes were built, replacing those that were damaged or beyond repair. o Somerset County provided grants totaling $300,000 ofthe $1.3 million that was raised. 2 Board ofCommissioners' Meeting 3-25-25 The new homes are producing a tax base of $15,615 per year for the County and $6,009 per year for the City. Curb appeal was improved Phase II - elevated and repair of 100 homes are left. Asking for assistance. A estimated $61 million is estimated for these homes. They are currently working on 5-9 homes now and it is expected by the end of next year to elevate 15 homes. Pastor Huber complemented the Men ofMennonite who havel been very committed to these projects in Somerset County and Crisfield. Other donors are asking what they can do to work and help. Phase III - is an affordable housing component; a collaborative project being done with the Mayor and City of Crisfield. The Church of Brethren made an unexpected donation to start this program. The Mayor is working to find a family who will receive training, and financial management. There will be a mortgage with this program, with cost expecting to run around $115,000 $120,000. Payments made will go back directly into the program to fund another build. Pastor Huber explained some oft the awards that have been given and he thanked the work Ms. Hopkins is doing as she is functioning as Case Management, Construction Management, Volunteer Management and Project Management. He closed in noting a story of the gratification that was felt from a family in that they never thought they would ever have a home, and the significant impact these homes are having on these family's lives. Next, Dr. Tasker-Mitchell came forward with Ms. Linda R. Johnson, Mr. Jonathan Hill and Ms. Tracie Bartemy, Somerset County Public Schools. First, Dr. Tasker-Mitchell requested a letter of support from the county commissioners in support of the Somerset County Public Schools request for an allocation increase for FY26 regarding the Crisfield High School Capital Improvement Program to go towards a $7.8 million shortfall and will be used for infrastructure improvements. Mr. Hill explained the shortage, advising that in the long run, revising thei time frame for the project will save a: few million dollars. Other options are being considered as well, one being the modification of projected time frame, extend the project over more years, however these would increase costs. The preference would be to revise and increasing cash flow allocation, which is the purpose of Dr. Tasker-Mitchells letter and the reason for the letter of support from the commissioners. They would like to stay on schedule as costs will only get more expensive. Vice President Randy Laird asked about the Little League canteen, saying he has received concerning comments that there is talk about tearing it down. Mr. Hill explained that a 1975 99- year lease existed allowing Little League to use the facility. Hel has spoken to Ms. Johns, the current contact, and has scheduled a meeting. He would like to reestablish/update the agreement, noting the need to formalize the agreement and arrange care ofthe commitment. The Canteen is run down. He advised they do not want to get rid of the canteen, noting the importance of sports with our 3 Board of Commissioners Meeting 3-25-25 youth, but there are also other issues to address, including security concerns (vandalism of port a pots) and bathrooms and damages incurred to the property. Commissioner Mathies made a motion to approve a letter of support as requested for the Crisfield High School CIP allocation increase. Vice President Randy Laird seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 3-0. Next, Ms. Johnson presented the FY2026 Non-recurring Cost Request totaling $300,000. Noting this is a one-time expenditure on behalf oft the county subject to Maryland Statel Department of Education (MSDE) approval following county approval. They would appreciate some or all of thei items approved. The request must be submitted to MSDE prior to April 31, 2025. Ms. Johnson explained the fingerprinting system for the Criminal Justice Program that would be used for both current and new employees who currently have to go to Salisbury. Commissioner Mathies questioned some of the items on the list noting the "New School Instructional-Statt, Development" training in math strategies for grade 3-5. Commissioner Mathies asked ifthis is having current staff performing the training or people coming in to do the training. Ms. Johnson advised that this would be for the consultant cost. New water fountains for the schools was questioned, which were removed during Covid and sold at auction. The old fountains were owned' by the school. Ms. Johnson advised that those funds were earmarked for different programs at the new tech high school, noting there is still some fund balances left, President Charles Laird advised that consideration will be made when the full board is present. No action was taken. Mr. Jesse Drewer, DTCS Director, came forward at this time to request approval regarding the MDEM Hazard Mitigation House Elevation Grant for 617 W Main Street, Crisfield. The bid submission was received last month from Eastem Shore Long Term Recovery Inc. (ESLTR), in the amount of $112,150. The grant award was in the amount of $97,001.60. There was a 10% match of grant funds totaling $10,222.40. Following discussions with the State, contract manager and owner, staff recommends awarding the bid to ESLTR as submitted. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the bid award to ESLTR for the MDEM Grant for 617 W Main Street. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 3-0. Next, Mr. Drewer presented the Critical Area Ordinance Text amendment for adoption. The Public Hearing was held on March 11, 2025. One comment was received during the hearing, in support of the text amendment, but requesting consideration to revise the 48-hour event time 4 Board ofCommissioners Mecting 3-25-25 limit to 72 hours. Mr. Drewer advised that the Critical Area Commission did not have an issue to change the event time limit to 72 hours. Vice President Randy Laird made ai motion to change the event time in the text amendment to 721 hours and approve Ordinance # 1207. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. By show ofhands the motion carried 3-0. Last, Mr. Drewer presented the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Plan and the Citizen Participation & Residential Anti-Displacement Plan for board approval. He explained that these plans are one of the many eligibility requirements for the Community Development Block Grant program and is required to be updated and adopted on a 5-year cycle. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the CDBG plans as presented. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Mathies asked about federal grant funding asking if our policies infer anything about DEI to make sure there is nothing in there that would cause them to find fault in funding projects. Mr. Drewer said that has been discussed at both the CDBG and DNR levels and currently we have not applied for any new grants. There have been many changes at the federal funding level, and people are leery of applying. For the county, Mr. Drewer advised that staff and Attorney Simpkins perform the review ofc documents. Mr. Drewer was asked to follow-up regarding the overgrown house issue oft the B. Tyler home. Last discussed the matter was in court. It was requested the matter be addressed today. Mr. Leatherbury continued with correspondence and discussion items at this time. A letter was received from David Horner advising of his application to the Maryland Department oft the Environment to obtain authorization to perform work in tidal wetlands. Mr. Leatherbury reminded the board of the Somerset County Sanitary Commission vacancy with the resignation of Mr. Adam Riggin (District 4). He has been given a list of names for consideration and has shared the list with Mr. Josh' Taylor, General Manager who will present the list to the commission for their consideration. Next, Mr. Leatherbury advised that the results of the Annual Public Drainage Association (PDA) meetings have been reçeived to authorize the County Tax Collection Office to levy the Drainage Tax Assessment for each PDA as follows: During their meeting held on Saturday, January 13, 2025, the Board of Managers of the Upper Manokin Public Drainage Association have requested that the Somerset County Tax Collection Office be authorized' to levy the Tax Year 2025-2026 Drainage Tax Assessment for the Upper Manokin PDA toi increase as follows: 5 Board of Commissioners Mecting 3-25-25 Cropland $3.75 per acre Woodland $1.87 per acre Minimum Billing $27.00 Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the Tax Year 2025-2026 levy for Upper Manokin Public Drainage Association to change as presented. Reluctantly, Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Craig Mathies made a motion to re-nominate Mr. Buddy Powell to serve a three-year term with Mr. Jerry Bozman and Mr. Doug Green continuing to serve from a previous term. Vice President Randy seconded the motion. By show ofl hands, the motion carried 3-0. During their meeting held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Board of Managers of the Handy Church Public Watershed Association request that the Somerset County Tax Collection Office be authorized to levy the Tax Year 2025-2026: Drainage Tax Assessment for the Handy. Church PWA to remain the same as follows: Cropland $0.00 ac Woodland $0.00 ac Minimum Billing $50.00 Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the Tax Year 2025-2026 levy for Handy Church Public Watershed Association to remain the same as presented. Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., seconded the motion. By show of! hands, the motion carried 3-0. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to re-nominate Thomas Watkin's to serve as manager for another three-year term with Mary Johnson and Bemard Johnson continuing from a previous term. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 3-0. During their meeting held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Board of Managers of the Dividing Creek Public Drainage Association have requested that the Somerset County Tax Collection Office be authorized to levy the Tax Year 2025-2026 Drainage Tax Assessment for the Dividing Creek in PDA to remain the same as follows: Cropland $7.00 per acre Woodland $3.50 per acre Minimum Billing $30.00 Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the Tax Year 2025-2026 levy for Dividing Creek Public Drainage Association to remain the same as presented. Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 3-0. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to re-nominate Mr. Roger Richardson for a four-year term, with Mr. Eric Culver, Mr. Tommy Johnson, and Mr. Jimmy Johnson continuing from a previous term. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. By show. ofhands the motion carried 3-0. During their meeting held on Saturday, February 10, 2025, the Board of Managers of Passerdyke Public Drainage Association have requested that the Somerset County Tax Collection Office be authorized to levy the Tax Year 2025-2026 Drainage Tax Assessment for the Passerdyke PDA to remain the same as follows: Cropland $6.00 per acre Woodland $2.00 per acre Minimum Billing $75.00 Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the Tax Year 2025-2026 levy for Passerdyke Public Drainage Association to remain the same as presented. Commissioner Craig N. Mathies, Sr., seconded the motion. By show of1 hands, the motion carried 3-0. 6 Board ofd Commissioners Meeting 3-25-25 Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to re-nominate Mr. Gene Donalds' for a three- year term, with Mr. Fred Moore Jr. and Mr. R. Douglas Reynolds to continue from a previous term. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. Bys show ofl hands, the motion carried 3-0. During their meeting held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Board of Managers for the Barkley Branch Public Drainage Association have requested that the Somerset County Tax Collection Office be authorized to levyt the Tax Year 2025-2026 Drainage Tax Assessment for the Barkley Branch PDA to increaseas follows: Cropland $5.00 per acre Woodland $2.50 per acre Minimum Billing $40.00 Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the Tax Year 2025-2026 levy for Barkley Branch Public Drainage Association to increase as presented. Commissioner Craig N. Mathies, Sr., seconded the motion. By show ofl hands, the motion carried 3-0. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to re-nominate Ms. Ingrid Balea for a three- year term with Ms. Maureen Houlihan and Mr. John Bromley to continue serving from a previous term. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 3-0. During their meeting held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Board of Managers ofthe Tony's Branch Public Drainage Association have requested that the Somerset County Tax Collection Office be authorized to levy the Tax Year 2025-2026 Drainage Tax Assessment for the Tony's Branch PDA to remain the same as follows: Cropland $4.00 per acre Woodland $2.00 per acre Minimum Billing $25.00 Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the Tax Year 2025-2026 levy for Tony's Branch Public Drainage Association to remain the same as presented. Commissioner Craig N. Mathies, Sr., seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 3-0. Vice President Randy Laird made: a motion to re-nominate Mr. Gary Rathkamp to a three- year term, with Mr. Tommy Smith III and Mr. Lee West continuing to serve from a previous term. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 3-0. IT Director Chris Woodward presented letters of support requests for the four Internet Service Providers (ISP); Choptank, Comcast, Charter and Simple Fiber, currently working on fiber installation in Somerset County, and who are applying for another round of funding from the Maryland BEAD Grant Program. No action was taken, as Commissioner Mathies abstained, therefore there was not a quorum to vote on' the item. It will be placed on the next meeting agenda. Letters of opposition regarding SB983 and HB 827 (Solar Energy-Distributed Generation Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, Ground-Mounted Solar, and Small Solar Siting Workgroup was presented for formal approval. Phone poll approval was made on March 13, 2025. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the letters of opposition. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. By show ofl hands, the motion carried 3-0. 7 Board of Commissioners Meeting 3-25-25 Formal approval was also requested for letters drafted and approved by phone poll on March 13, 2025 regarding the County's support of FY-26 Congresionaly-Directed Spending for UMES. Commissioner Mathies made a motion to approve the letters of support for UMES as presented. Vice President Randy Laird seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 3-0. Proclamation requests were received to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Volunteer Appreciation Month which are recognized in April. Commissioner Mathies made a motion to approve both proclamations as presented. Vice President Randy Laird seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 3-0. Mr. Leatherbury noted that during the March 11, 2025 meeting the Board voted to move forward with the Airport Project. As aj part oft that project, it was requested to re-allocate $300,000 in ARPA funding, previously dedicated to Recreation and Parks for a recreation center, which has not moved forward, to be used for the. Airport project. Formal approval is needed. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to re-allocate the $300,000 in ARPA funding to the Airport Project. Commissioner Mathies seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 3-0. A pauper burial request was received from the family ofl Keyon Honesty who passed away without insurance. Commissioner Mathies made a motion to approve a $250.00 pauper burial assistance request to Ward Funeral Home to assist the Honesty family with burial costs. Vice President Randy Laird seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 3-0. President Charles Laird recognized Mr. Robert J. Mcintyre to come forward as he requested to make a public comment. Mr. McIntyre, Mt. Vernon, first thanked the Commissioners for approving the proclamation recognizing our Social Workers who are greatly needed. He asked about funding for "feel good things" requested during the meeting today, questioning how much these people were asking for during the last four or five meetings, for anything in the county. He noted the Federal Govemment and State debts asking how all these feel good things will be paid for by the county. President Charles Laird noted that those were only requests that are being considered, and the priority is to run the county the best way we can and ensuring EMS program funding. Generating electricity and the high cost of electricity (distribution and procurement) was noted by Mr. 8 Board of Commissioners Mecting 3-25-25 McIntyre, questioning the county's stance on solar. Solar panels don'ts spoil the ground, advising he has made no money on his 30 acres. He noted being at the FSA and he is trying to get all he can. He would appreciate the county looking at power use. With no further business, at 3:15 p.m., the Board was advised of the need for a Closed Session. Therefore, President Charles Laird, upon a motion made by Vice President Randy Laird and seconded by Commissioner Mathies, opened in Closed Session by Authority of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland $3-305 (b) (1) the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of an appointee, employee, or official over whom it has jurisdiction. All those present voted aye by show of hands, therefore the motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Darryl Webster and Commissioner Eldon Willing were absent from today's meeting. Commissioner and Closed Session meetings held today concluded at 3:30 p.m. Approved by: Respectfully Submitted: Holbd Board of County Commissioners Lory E. Ebron For Somerset County Executive Aide 9