County Council of Dorchester County Open Meeting Minutes April 15, 2025 The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on April 15, 2025 at 5:06 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; Charles MacLeod, County Attorney; Irene Barnes, Executive Operations Specialist; and, Kellie Lauzon, Executive Assistant. Upon motion by Councilman Kramer, at 5:07 p.m., seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council unanimously adjourned into Closed Session, 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, orj 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 15, 2025 at 6:05 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.; 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 Detmer 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) Introduction - Amendment to the Senior Tax Credit Upon motion by Counçilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously approved the amended agenda. FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $33,359,662.70. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 15, 2025 Page No. 2 CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:07 p.m. on April 15, 2025 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article oft 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. Documents relating to a specific board; b. Disposition of County owned property; and, C. An amendment to a specific County code. CONSENT AGENDA Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. County Council Open Session Minutes - April 1, 2025 Accounts Payable Disbursement Report = Week Ending April 11, 2025 Councilman Travers abstained from payments made to Simmons Center Market Intradepartmental Budget Transfer Request - Council's Office Corrections Requests ofthe Council's Office, and Corrections to complete FY25 budget transfers. Grant Award - FY25 Community Programming for Youth Recreation & Parks A request of Duc Trieu, Recreation & Parks Director, to accept a $5,000 FY25 Community Programming for Youth grant award, with no match requirement and a performance period of April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025. County Property Tax Exemption Requests - Finance o A request ofTrudy Neal, Treasurey Manager, Finance, to confirm the following County property tax exemptions: 1) 07-239653 Cambridge Commons LLLP $21,711.65; 2) 14-001158 Cedar Meadows Rod & Gun Club, Inc. $1,540.00; 3) 07-160216 Cambridge Skeet & Gun Club, Inc. $1,660.33;4) 07-218788 Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. $3,169.31; 5) 07-165706 Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. $3,321.29; and, 6) 07-159986 Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. $4,975.76. FY26 Grant Submissions Governor': S Office of Crime Prevention & Policy - Sheriff's Office o A request of. James W. Phillips, Jr., Sheriff, to submit the following grant applications: 1) Maryland Criminal Network/Overdose & Drug Awareness Coordinator Grant Program, $55,556.00, no match, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026; 2) Body Armor for Local Law Enforcement, $9,600.00, $4,800.00 cash match funded by a Federal grant, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026; and, 3) STOP Gun Violence Reduction Grant, $24,750, no match, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 15, 2025 Page No. 3 COMMENDATIONS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP - BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM - CAMBRIDGE SOUTH DORCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL The Council presented a Commendation to the Cambridge South Dorchester High School Boys Basketball Team for earning the Class 1A Maryland State Championship title. PROCLAMATIONS PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK - WEEK OF APRIL 13, 2025 The Council presented a Proclamation declaring the week of April 13, 2025 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WEEK - WEEK OF MAY 4, 2025 The Council presented a Proclamation declaring the Week of May 4, 2025 as Correctional Officers Week. Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously adjourned into Legislative Session. LEGISLATIVE SESSION INTRODUCTION - FY26 BUDGET Ms. Barnes said for introduction is legislation for the FY2026 budget and appropriation ordinance of Dorchester County. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously agreed to proceed with the publication of a public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING - 911 FEE INCREASES Ms. Barnes said a public hearing is being conducted on Bill No. 2025-3 to amend Chapter 85 = Emergency Telephone Charge, $85-1 oft the Dorchester County Code by increasing the 911 Fee for Dorchester County, Maryland to $4.25 per month. Councilman Pfeffer asked for public comments, hearing none, he announced that letters of opposition were received from Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, and the Verizon Government Affairs Office, via email, then closed the public hearing. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously adopted Bill No. 2025-3 the roll call was: Pfeffer aye; Detmer - aye; Kramer - aye; Nichols - aye; and, Travers aye. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 15, 2025 Page No. 4 INTRODUCTION - AMENDMENT TO THE SENIOR TAX CREDIT Ms. Barnes said for introduction is legislation to amend an act ofthe County Council to provide a property tax credit to senior citizens to lower the qualifying age from 70 to 67 years old and increase the credit from 5% to 10%. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously agreed to proceed with the publication of a public hearing. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council unanimously adjourned into Open Session. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION PUBLIC HEARING - CLOSURES - PORTION OF FARM CREEK ROAD - TODDVILLE BOAT RAMP Councilman Pfeffer said a public hearing is being conducted on the closure of a portion of Farm Creek Road and the Farm Creek Boat Ramp for a proposed agreement between the County and Horseman Enterprises, LLC, to exchange property of comparable value and utility. Brendan Mullaney, McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker, LLC, spoke in favor of the closures and provided an overview of why the request has been presented to the Council. John Horseman, Horseman Enterprises, LLC, spoke in favor of the closures and explained the liability issues with the current boat ramp, which would be alleviated by the proposed property swap. Councilman Pfeffer asked for additional public comments, hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously agreed to introduce legislation to move forward with the process, the roll call was: Pfeffer - aye; Detmer - aye; Kramer aye; Nichols - aye; and, Travers aye. Mr. MacLeod said the next steps are to introduce legislation to close the road, which will encompass the transfers of property, and to proceed with drafting a contract of sale. PUBLIC HEARING - PROPERTY DISPOSITION - TECH PARK LOTS Ms. Barnes said a public hearing is being conducted on the proposed sale ofthe Dorchester County Business and Technology Park lots 11, 12 and 13, for a total of $296,400.00 for a research and development campus. Councilman Pfeffer asked for public comments, hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 15, 2025 Page No. 5 Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously agreed to proceed with the sale of County property, the roll call was: Pfeffer aye; Detmer - aye; Kramer - aye; Nichols - aye; and, Travers aye. Mr. MacLeod said settlement will occur on April 16, 2025. ACTION ITEMS REQUEST TO PROCEED - WILDLIFE FENCE PHASE 3: DESIGN - AIRPORT Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Steve Nuwer, Airport Director, to proceed with the Wildlife Fence - Phase 3 Design Scope of Services provided by AECOM for $35,000.00, which will be funded by the FY25 Capital Budget, CGE Wildlife Fence-Phase 3 Design. BID AWARD = HURLOCK PICKLEBALL COURTS - RECREATION & PARKS Upon motion by Counçilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Mr. Trieu to award the bid for the Hurlock Pickleball Project, to convert two tennis courts into pickleball courts, to the second to lowest bidder, Outdoor Concepts, LLC at $68,640, which 90% will be funded by FY25 Program Open Space (POS)and the 10% match will be funded by the FY26 Capital Budget, Resurface Hurlock Athletic Complex POS Funds, contingent upon the adoption of the FY26 Budget. The Council acknowledged that the lowest bidder was not considered because they failed to submit the required documentation. POLL CONFIRMATIONS Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously confirmed its decision in the interim of meetings, via poll, to: Request of the Circuit Court to submit a $427,338.48 FY26 Jurisdictional Family Services Grant application through the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts with no match requirement and a performance period ofJuly 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, by a5 to 0 vote; and, Provide a letter of support for a Maryland Department of Agriculture grant application submitted by Snip/Tuck, Inc., by a 5 to 0 vote. COUNTY MANAGER COMMENTS Mr. Jones advised that National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 21-25, 2025. He noted that Public Works crews will be focused on recovering from the impacts ofwinter and urged everyone to remain alert and cautious on the roadways to help ensure the safety oft the team. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of April 15, 2025 Page No. 6 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilman Detmer: 1) congratulated the CSDHS boys basketball team; 2) commended the Communications Division; and, 3) asked the public for comments on the proposed FY26 Budget. Councilman Pfeffer said the County was denied an extension ofthe Maintenance ofEffort waiver, which only allotted seven days after Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session ended to submit. Upon motion of Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously agreed to donate a 1902 Dorchester County, Maryland history book to the Dorchester County Historical Society. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sputty Cephas, Commissioner, City of Cambridge, said two State representatives did not support the County on two bills that would affect Dorchester County. He expressed the importance of legislators' roll of representing the County's voice. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, and upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 6:49 p.m. ATTEST: THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESVDR ÇOUNTY: Jery Yones George L. Pfeffer, Sr., President County Manager Mle hr Mike Detmer, Vice President Rob Kramer, Jr. Walliam a chels William V. Nichols Az - - RiekyE.Travers Approved the V day of May, 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: 4/15/25 Time: 5:06 p.m.; Location: 501 Court Lane, Room 110, Cambridge, MD 21613; Motion to close meeting made by: Momes Seconded by: Dutmes Members in favor: Pfcffra KYomer Dm NicHols TKaviws 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"; (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: (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 topic in closed session. Citation Topic Reason for closed-session discussion (insert # of topic from above) $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 $3-305(b)(13) Same topic as above Public Information Act, GP Section 4- 310 and 311 requires us to shield recommendation letters and job applications $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 Documents relating to a OMCB 99) specific board; Disposition of County owned property; and, An amendment to a specific County code. 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.) A 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 5 3-305 for the closed session: Topics actually discussed: Actions taken: Each recorded vote: > For a meeting recessed to perform an administrative function (S 3-104): Time: Place: Persons present: Subjects discussed: (Form Rev.10/1/2018) CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY April 15, 2025 The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:07 p.m. on April 15, 2025 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article oft 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. Documents relating to a specific board; b. Disposition ofCounty owned property; and, C. An amendment to a specific County code.