County Council of Dorchester County Open Meeting Minutes April 1, 2025 The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on April 1, 2025 at 5:02 p.m., in Room 110 of the County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. A roll call of the members was conducted. 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; Irene Barnes, Executive Operations Specialist; and, Kellie Lauzon, Executive Assistant. Charles MacLeod, County Attorney, joined the meeting late. Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously adjourned into Closed Session at 5:03 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 has jurisdiction; $3-305(b)(13) to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicially imposed requirement that prevents public disclosures about a particular proceeding or matter; and, $3-305(b)(7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice. The Written Statement for Closing a Meeting under the Open Meetings Act is attached hereto. OPEN SESSION The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on April 1, 2025 at 6:12 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.; William V. Nichols; and, Ricky C. Travers. Also present in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; Charles MacLeod, County Attorney; Irene Barnes, Executive Operations Specialist; and, Kellie Lauzon, Executive Assistant. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Pfeffer led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. CALL FOR ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA After publication of the agenda, the following item was added: 1) Renewal Request - Medical Billing Services - Emergency Medical Serviçes Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the amended agenda. FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $34,165,785.75. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 1, 2025 Page No. 2 CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:03 p.m. on April 1, 2025 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated Code $3-305(b)(1), (13) and (7): 1. Notifications of recent personnel changes within the County were provided; 2. Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following: personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions; and, an appointment to a specific board. CONSENT AGENDA Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. County Council Open Session Minutes - March 18, 2025 Accounts Payable Disbursement Report - Week Ending March 28, 2025 County Holiday Schedule Request to Advertise for Proposals - Generator Services - Public Works Request of Public Works to advertise a Request for Proposals for Generator Services at the County Office Building, County Court House, Highway Division, and the Airport, for a two year term, funded by the respective Operating Budgets. Request to Advertise for Proposals - CGE Terminal LED Lighting Retrofit - Airport o Request of Steve Nuwer, Airport Director, to advertise a Request for Proposals for CGE Terminal LED Lighting Retrofit funded by the FY23 Capital Budget. Intradepartmental Budget Transfer Request - Economic Development Request of Susan Banks, Economic Development Director, to complete a FY25 Budget Transfer Request within the Eastern Shore Innovation Center (ESIC). Eastern Shore Innovation Center License Agreement - Economic Development Request ofl Ms. Banks to approve an ESIC License Agreement with Barzini Investments LLC for Suites No. 6 and 7, effective March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2027 at $525 per month, with an option for an extension. COMMENDATIONS RETIREMENT - THOMAS OLIVER The Council presented a Commendation to Thomas Oliver for 20 years of service to Dorchester County. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 1, 2025 Page No. 3 PROCLAMATIONS PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK = WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2025 The Council presented a Proclamation declaring April 7, 2025 to April 13, 2025 as Public Health Week. SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH - APRIL The Council presented a Proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH = APRIL The Council presented a Proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. ACTION ITEMS RENEWAL REQUEST - PIPE CONTRACT - PUBLIC WORKS Upon motion by Councilman Travers seconded by Councilman Nichols the Council unanimously approved the request of Public Works to renew the pipe contract with Lane Enterprises, LLC, for an additional one-year term, with the same stipulations and pricing as the current contract, which will be funded by its Operating Budget. BID AWARDS - PUBLIC WORKS Fuel Station Repairs Upon motion by Councilman Travers seconded by Councilman Nichols the Council unanimously approved the request of Public Works to award the Fuel Station Repairs to the lowest bidder, State Petroleum Service, Inc. at $16,272.00, which will be funded by various department Operating Budgets based on usage. The Council acknowledged that these repairs are necessary to be in compliance with the Maryland Department of the Environment Oil Operations Permit. Marina Mowing Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Public Works to award the marina mowing to the lowest bidder, Marshall Property Management, at $735.00 per month, which will be funded by the Public Works Operating Budget. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 1, 2025 Page No. 4 Landfill Mowing Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Public Works to award the landfill mowing to the lowest bidder, Wielgosz Property Management, at $1,000.00 per month, which will be funded by the Solid Waste Operating Budget Mowing of County Facilities & Tax Properties Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Public Works to award the County facilities and tax properties mowing to the lowest bidder, Marshalls Property Management, at $1,620.00 per month for the County Facilities, plus a monthly per tax property rate of$70.00 for less than half an acre and $90 for more than half an acre, which will be funded by various department Operating Budgets. TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION The Council took no action on a traffic safety request of. John and Tracy Orlando, residents, which was forwarded to the Council by the Traffic Safety Committee, to change a roadway restriction from dusk-to-dawn to at all times on Ragged Point Road. BOARD APPOINTMENTS Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Travers, the Council unanimously reappointed James Collins to the Planning Commission POLL CONFIRMATIONS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously confirmed its decision in the interim of meetings, via poll, to: Approve the submission of a $65,600.00 SFY2026 Competitive Victims of Crime Act grant application through the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy with a $23,500.00 in-kind services match requirement and a performance period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, by a 4 to 0 vote (no response); Provide a letter of support for a grant application for funding of the Eastern Shore Youth Crisis Center submitted by Queen Anne's County, by a 3 to 0 vote (no responses); and, Lift the open air burn ban on March 27, 2025, by a 3 to 2, Councilman Pfeffer and Councilman Detmer opposing. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 1, 2025 Page No. 5 RENEWAL REQUEST - MEDICAL BILLING SERVICES = EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Debbie Wheedleton, Emergency Services Chief, to renew a medical billing contract with Carter Professional Services, LLC t/a (trading as) Medical Claim- Aid, beginning April 1, 2025 for a five-year term, ending March 31, 2030, at the same rate as the previous contract. COUNTY MANAGER COMMENTS Mr. Jones introduced Matt Ozman as the new Director of Public Works. Mr. Ozman: 1) recognized Sonny Willey, Foreman, Public Works; Jimmy Travers, Foreman, Public Works; and, David Dierks, Facilities and Risk Manager, Public Works for maintaining the department while the Director position was vacant; and, 2) provided insight on his background and experience. The Council welcomed Mr. Ozman aboard. COUNCIL'S COMMENTS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council unanimously agreed to provide letters of appreciation to the local delegation for their support during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session. Councilman Pfeffer said Sine Die is on April 7, 2025, and noted that the County budget cannot be completed until the State of Maryland passes its budget. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sharon Smith, resident, said 1) the Federal Government has withdrawn $500,000,000 from what was left from COVID; 2) recommended scrapping the copper from the fuel station repairs; 3) the implementation of! boat ramp stickers may cost the County more than what is received in revenue. In response to a concern of Mallard Bay Nursing and Rehab expressed by Dianna Statesmanager, resident, Councilman Pfeffer directed her concerns to Amanda Leonard, State's Attorney. Ms. Leonard said she will speak to Ms. Statesmanager after the meeting. Councilman Travers added that Delegate Tom Hutchinson is looking into this facility. In response to Ms. Orlando's comment on her traffic safety request for Ragged Point Road, Councilman Pfeffer asked her to submit an email to info@docogonet.com with a list of residents in support of the change, injuries, etc. Councilman Detmer added that she may file reports to the non-emergency line, (410) 228-4141 at the Sheriff's Office. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 1, 2025 Page No. 6 ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, and upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m. ATTEST: THE COUNTY COUNCIL OEDORCHESTER COUNTY: jerry Jones George L. Pfepfer, Jr., President Coupty Manager mb Mike Detmer, Vice President Rob Kramer,r. Whlliam g-Rchela William V. Nichols hy L 2z RiekycPravers 54 Approved the day of Apl 2025. PRESIDING OFFICER'S WRITTEN STATEMENT FOR CLOSING A MEETING ("CLOSING STATEMENT") UNDER THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT (General Provisions Article S 3-305) This form has two sides. Complete items 1 = 4 before closing the meeting. 1. Recorded vote to close the meeting: Date: 41125 Time: 5:02 p.m.; Location: 501 Court Lane, Room 110, Cambridge, MD 21613; Motion to close meeting made by: Detmex Seconded by: Kramex Members in favor: Pfcffce emt Kiam IYAwAS NiCMals Opposed: Abstaining: Absent: 2. Statutory authority to close session (check all provisions that apply). This meeting will be closed under General Provisions Art. 5 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"; I (3). "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: () security assessments or deployments relating to information resources technology; (ii) network security information - . or (iii) 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 topic in closed session. Citation Topic Reason for closed-session discussion (insert # of topic from above) $3-305(b)(7) To receive legal advice from Council does not want to waive the the County Attorney regarding attorney-client privilege. See page the following: 101, August 17, 2021, OMCB ruling (15 personnel matters OMCB 99) relating to specific employees and positions; an appointment to a specific board. $3-305(b)(1) To discuss the following, Public Discussion of applicant's names Personnel changes within and job info could discourage people the County from applying for County, jobs Personnel matters relating to specific employees and positions 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 applications - nA 1 4. This statement is made by Presiding Officer. 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 $ 3-305 for the closed session: Topics actually discussed: Actions taken: Each recorded vote: > For a meeting recessed to perform an administrative function (5 3-104): Time: Place: Persons present: Subjects discussed: (Form Rev.10/1/2018) CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY April 1, 2025 The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:03 p.m. on April 1, 2025 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 oft the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated Code $3-305(b)(1), (13) and (7): 1. Notifications of recent personnel changes within the County were provided; 2. Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following: a. personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions; and, b. an appointment to a specific board.