BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY - 11916 Somerset Avenue Room 111/Meeting Room a Princess Anne, MD 21853 April 22, 2025 1:00 p.m. Appointments: 1:00 p.m. April Proclamation Presentations: Erin Leffew and/or Caleb Foltz, Jennifer Dail Sexual Assault Awareness Month Jerrona Smith - Volunteer Appreciation Month 1:05 p.m. - FY 24 Audit Report- Ms. Audrey McKenrick, UHY, Ms. Faith Redmond, Ms. Sharon Muir 1:20 p.m. - Sharon Muir, Internal Auditor * Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) - EMS Capital Purchase Fund Balance Designation 1:25 p.m. - Board of] Education FY26 Budget/Dr. Tasker-Mitchell, Ms. Linda R. Johnson 1:40 p.m. - Ms. Starr Mister, Somerset County Sanitary District Loan Guarantee/Short Term Finance Loan Request 1:50 p.m. - Mr. John Redden, County Engineer, Mr. Woody Barnes, Public Works Director, Mr. Jesse Drewer, Department ofTechnical and Community Services * Somerset County 2025 Priority Letter for Recommended Transportation Improvements Mr. Woody Barnes - Scrap Metal Bid Award 2:05 p.m. - Mr. Jesse Drewer, DTCS 2024 CRS Certification Cares Act FundingResolution Approval Phase 2 A/B Multiuse Trail- Critical Area Tree Planting Mitigation Agreement * Letter ofOpposition- Maryland State Archives New Document Access Fee Request for Fee Waiver - 7333 Mennonite Church Road 2:15 p.m. - Ms. Yvette Cross, Emergency Services Director Adoption of Additional Charge to all Telephone Bills/Approve Resolution 2:20 p.m. - Ms. Jamie Manaia, HR Director FY 26 Health Insurance Correspondence Received: * Maryland Department of Agriculture re: Proposed Mosquito Control Budget 2025 Season 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. 2:25 p.m. Closed Session- Mr. Ernest Leatherbury, Ms. Jamie Manaia, Ms. Yvette Cross Authority of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code ofl 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 April 22, 2025 At 1:00 p.m., President Charles Laird called the Board of County Commissioners for Somerset County to open in Regular Session. Also present for today's s meeting were Vice President Randy Laird, Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., Commissioner Eldon Willing, and Commissioner Darryl Webster. Deputy Administrator Ernest J. Leatherbury Jr., and Executive Aide Lory E. Ebron were also present. Closed Session Summary Report On Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 2:39 p.m., until 3:07.m., President Charles Laird, upon a motion made by Vice President Randy Laird and seconded by Commissioner Darryl Webster, 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. Also present and voting in favor were Commissioner Eldon Willing and Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr. Therefore, by show of hands the motion carried 5-0. Deputy Administrator Ernest J. Leatherbury Jr., Ms. Jamie Manaia, HR Director, Ms. Yvette Cross, Emergency Services Director and Executive Aide Lory E. Ebron were also present. Topics discussed: (1) Employee Termination (2) Class Title Job Description (3) Proclamation Approval. Approved: (1) Approval to terminate (2) Approval to revise Class Title Job Description. President Charles Laird asked Commissioner Willing to lead those present in Devotion and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Leatherbury presented meeting minutes regarding the April 8, 2025 Commissioner and Closed Session meetings for approval. As Commissioner Webster had not yet reviewed the minutes, they were. not approved. Proclamation presentations were made recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Volunteer Appreciation Month. Erin Leffew, Caleb Foltz, Jennifer Dail and Jerrona Smith came forward to accept the proclamations. 1 Board of Cominissioners Meeting 4-22-25 Next, Ms. Audrey McKenrick, UHY and Ms. Sharon Muir, Internal Auditor, came forward to present the Somerset County FY2024 Audit Report. Ms. McKenrick advised that Mr. Geary has officially retired as of. June 30, 2024. She then provided a summary oft this year's audit report as follows: The Independent Auditors' Report provided a clean, unmodified audit opinion, with no issues noted and is the best opinion that can be given Ms. McKenrick thanked Ms. Muir regarding the work put into the Management's Discussion and Analysis Report (MDNA) suggesting it be read as it contains basic informative information which is easier to look at She next referred to the Statement of Net Position which contains asset and liability information noting total asset for Primary Goverment and Component Units was $243 million versus $231 million for last year Regarding Statement of Activities it was noted that total revenue was at $140 million versus $1341 million last year noting nice increases in both assets and revenue from year to year Regarding the Governmental Fund Balance Sheet it was noted that assets were at $43 million with total liabilities at $12 million. Fund balances were noted for FY16 at $12.2 million, FY20 at $15.6 million and FY24 at $27.5 million noting a $15: million increase over the last nine years Fund Balance versus Operating Expenditures was noted, with Somerset County being at 62%, a good percentage. For comparison purposes it was noted that Caroline County was also at 62%, Worcester County at 49% and Queen Anne' s County at 47% Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances was shown to be at a total revenue of$53 million, noting that $60 million was budgeted. The difference was accounted to grants not received, fund balance and proceeds from debts not used were all positive for the year Debt Obligation was noted. FY16 was at $21.9 million, FY20 $23.3 million and FY24 $18.4 million, noting debt obligation was decreasing nicely Regarding the Golf fund, it was noted that operating transfers totaled $367,000, with a total net position $375,000 Last, it was noted that total expenditures of federal awards was $1.9 million, primarily due to COVID 19 funding still being expended, through 2025 Ms. McKenrick advised that overall it was a good year. There were no questions from the Board. She thanked the Board and left the meeting at this time. President Charles Laird left the meeting at this time. Next, Ms. Muir discussed the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) as iti is relating to the EMS Capital Purchase. She advised that the County received a total of$100,000 in American Rescue Act (ARPA) funding in two $50,000 amounts received for FY23 and FY24 that can be utilized for public safety. She advised she is requesting approval to use this funding in the amount of$100,000 to go towards the capital equipment purchase of ambulance purchases, in the amount of $500,000, being made from the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company, and will be reported on the next annual report, and allow the county to move forward and close out their LATCF award from the federal government. 2 Board of Commissioners Meeting 4-22-25 With the absence of President Charles Laird, Vice President Randy Laird sat in as Chairman upon a motion made by Commissioner Webster and seconded by Commissioner Mathies. By show ofl hands, the motion carried 4-0. Vice President Randy Laird requested a motion regarding the request to use LATCF funding. Commissioner Webster made a motion to approve the LATCF funding in the amount of $100,000 for the capital purchase of EMS Services equipment. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. By show of hands, Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., and Vice President Randy Laird voted in favor, therefore, the motion carried 4-0. Next, Ms. Muir presented a fund balance report handout, referring to its relation to the UHY audit report just presented. She advised that regarding fund balance has categories which included non-spendable, restricted for future expenditure, committed for capital projects, debt service and OPEB, and assigned for future budget and fund purchase and unassigned, approval is being requested to transfer $2,700,000 from unassigned to committed, to be used for EMS Emergency Purchases to cover the expenses being incurred in acquiring EMS as those numbers are now known. President Charles Laird returned to the meeting at this time and resumed as Chair for the meeting. Commissioner Darryl Webster made a motion to recategorize! $2.7 million from unassigned to EMS Emergency Purchases under the committed category. Vice President Randy Laird seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 5-0. Next, Dr. Tasker-Mitchell! and Ms. Linda R. Johnson, and Ms. Traci Bartemy, SCPS came forward to present the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Development Update. First, Dr. Tasker-Mitchell made the Board aware that this will be the last meeting Ms. Johnson will be attending as she will be retiring. She then presented a PowerPoint presentation, with highlights noted as follows: First, Dr. Taker-Mitchell expressed her excitement to be at the meeting, thanking the Board for the appointment today. She first thanked the commissioners for the county's supplemental investments including School Resource Officers at every Somerset County school, the Technical High School construction that allows students to study career pathways and new stadium lighting for Crisfield High School. A breakdown of what has been given for FY23-FY26 was provided Investments in eduçation regarding Salisbury University BEACON study, and how it benefits the broader community was discussed. It was noted that Somerset County Public Schools is a key employer in the county, with 575 staff, second only to Sysco It was explained that additional county investment will support improving student outcomes, with it noted that Somerset County ranks at the very bottom of the state in math and second from the bottom in English with it noted that additional local funding 3 Board of Commissioners Meeting 4-22-25 would enable Somerset to focus on improving math andi reading instruction and student and staff well-being, deepening community connections In performing the FY26 Budget Development Process overview, assumptions were reviewed regarding enrollment and state funding, student needs were assessed, prior budget was analyzed to consider reductions and reallocations, targeted investments were requested to meet identified needs and requested investments were reduced based on projected county revenue Increasingt teacher compensation, a Blueprint requirement was noted. SCPS pays below. the state average for most grade bands, with teachers most likely to leave between 5- 10 years of service. A spreadsheet was provided that compared teacher salary within the state, with it noted that Somerset is below the state average in many of the categories, and lowest in every category as compared to other lower shore counties Rising costs were reviewed that included school bus contracts, substitutes, health insurance costs, retirement costs, starting teacher salaries and higher utility costs Dr. Tasker-Mitchell advised that the school district is asking for $1 million is supplemental county funding that will primarily go towards teacher salary (noted as being $11 million over initially). Major reductions included reduced programs, including summer school, lap tops for 11h and 12th grade students, Social Study texts for 6th and 7th grade students and networking hardware reductions It was also noted that they have pulled administrative staff and have transferred them to work in the schools. Commissioner Mathies asked what the main reason is for Somerset County is ranking sO low in math and reading. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell explained that there are multiple factors; the quality of teachers in that conditional teachers are being utilized, and training is needed, building a capacity of staff to teach at a higher level, analyzing data and looking into ways to correct on both the teacher and student levels, and staff turnover rate. President Charles Laird expressed his concern regarding the cutting back ofthe summer school programs, asking if $825,000 in funding would cover the cost of the full program. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell also advised they are putting processes into place to work towards keeping the Special Education teachers and recruit teachers to want to come to Somerset County as well. Commissioner Mathies asked why teachers are considering leaving. It was noted it was because of salary and work load. Commissioner Webster stated that effective July 1, 2026 the $60,000 salary Blueprint mark is included within the budget and also questioned figures noted for Wicomico County on the spreadsheet for salary comparison. It was noted that the salary information provided is based on the maximum step information. Federal, State and Local share funding was discussed. For FY26 State Funding is down $500,000 from FY25. Local share went up. The total State funding was noted as $38,734,000.00, but it was advised that it is restricted and Ms. Johnson offered to get the information to Commissioner Webster. It was questioned what the $1 million ask is funding, how will the county know that the funding is going towards the items cited. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell advised that compensation is first and foremost to keep Somerset 4 Board ofCommissioners Meeting 4-22-25 County competitive, utilizing other funding sources to support students in math and reading. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell also invited the Commissioners to visit the schools and see what's s happening first hand and see the funding being utilized in our schools. Vice President Randy Laird questioned moving office administrative staff to the schools. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell said that the organizational chart was reviewed, and roles and responsibilities analyzed. It was found that thel high schools needed math positions, so two individuals were moved from the administrative office to fill high school math position needs. Another person was moved to the middle school in a mental health capacity, and also moved some people to the Technical School in Special Education capacity. In total, there were six people moved to various areas of need, working to streamline the process and explaining why she placed the people as she did. It was noted that substitutes are being used frequently. President Charles Laird asked ifthe new school board is working together, and discussed how all of these different offices are linked together, and the County Commissioners want to work with the school system in unison no matter who is elected to whatever board. He stated that we need to see students thrive in math and reading. He expressed his frustration in seeing our county on1 the lowest end, saying the best needs to be done to make right decisions, putting our trust in the School Board and Administration. He closed in saying we are all looking for the best solution. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell and Ms. Johnson left the meeting at this time. Ms. Starr Mister, Office Manager, Somerset County Sanitary District joined the meeting at this time to advise the Commissioners that the Sanitary District is seeking to acquire three trucks to support operations via a short-term loan not to exceed $150,000. Noting that Somerset County is required to guarantee the short-term loan for the Sanitary District, which they will be submitting soon, she explained the dire need for the three trucks for their department. One will be used in the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the other two at the Water and Wastewater Divisions, both of which are experiencing vehicle shortages. Commissioner Craig Mathies Sr., made a motion to authorize the Sanitary District to move forward with short term financing in the amount of$150,000 for the purchase ofthree vehicles as presented. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 5-0. Mr. Woody Barnes, Director of Public Works, and Mr. John Redden, County Engineer (by phone) were. now before the Board to present the letter drafted regarding the 2025 Priority Letter 5 Board ofc Commissioners Meeting 4-22-25 for Recommended Transportation Improvements. Mr. Redden proceeded to read through the list ofp projects, which he noted were essentially the same request as last year. Mr. Redden also advised that the municipalities were contacted for input; however, neither had any new requests to submit. The following is a summary of the requests being presented: Westover to Crisfield Bike Trail Crisfield-Somerset County Airport Hangars Acceleration Lane-US 13 North/MD 667 Deceleration Lane MD 413 South/MD 361 Widening of Intersection at MD 388/MD 675 Improved Vehicular Access at US 13 North/Stewart Neck Road Dualization of MD 413 (noted that this request remains on the list but most likely will not happen) Signalization of Railroad Crossings Countywide Sidewalks along MD 529 Improved Pedestrian/Cyclist Crossing at US 13/MD 363 Woodson Elementary School Safe Routes to School Project Greenwood Elementary School and Princess Anne Elementary School Safe Routes to School Project Widening of Roadway along MD 363 Repair of Shoulder MD 627 Drainage Improvements along MD 361, MD 362, MD 380, MD 663 and MD 667 Extend State Maintenance ofMD 361 to the end of Rumbley Road Formalize State Maintenance of College Backbone Road on the UMES Campus Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Smith Island Passenger Ferry Following the review of the requested transportation improvements, Commissioner Willing made a motion to approve the 2025 Priority Letter for Recommended Transportation Improvements as presented. Commissioner Webster seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 5-0. The call with Mr. Redden ended at this time. Next, Mr. Barnes discussed the two bids received during the previous meeting regarding Scrap Metal. He advised hel has reviewed both bids (Salisbury Scrap Metal Inc., for $75.00 per net ton and Fitzgerald Salvage for $70.00 per net ton) and made the recommendation to award the bid to Salisbury Scrap Metal for $75.00 per net ton. Commissioner Webster made a motion to award the bid to Salisbury Scrap Metal for $75.00 per net ton as recommended. Vice President Randy Laird seconded the motion. By show ofl hands the motion carried 5-0. Mr. Jesse Drewer, Director and Mr. Will Cornish, Assistant Director, Department of Technical and Community Services came forward. First, Mr. Drewer advised that Somerset County has received 2024 Community Rating System (CRS) certification effective April 1, 2025 which will allow Somerset County to be an eligible community, whereby flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced 6 Board of Commissioners Meeting 4-22-25 flood risk. Somerset County residents can receive up to a 15% discount on policy renewals. Mr. Cornish and former employee Ms. Mary Phillips were commended for the efforts in getting this accomplished. Next, Mr. Drewer advised that in late February CDBG notified of unexpended COVID relief fund, available on a first come first serve basis. A public hearing was held on April 8, 2025 to discuss eligible grantees. It was proposed to submit the application in the total amount of $307,148 for Bethany House (Seton Center) and Commission on Aging. No comments were received during or 10 day's following the public hearing. A resolution has been prepared should the Board of Commissioners approve moving forward with the grant application as presented. Commissioner Mathies made a motion to approve Resolution No. 1208 to apply for the additional funds for Catholic Charities/Bethany House for $185,000 (homeless shelter services and food services) and Commission on Aging for $122,148 for meals for seniors and meals on wheels services. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 5-0. Mr. Drewer then discussed the Phase II A/B Multiuse Trail/Critical Area Tree Planting Mitigation Agreement, initially presented during the April 8, 2025 meeting but tabled for further review. After going on-site to Mt. Vernon Park, the area under consideration was found to be suitable as presented. Commissioner Webster made a motion to approve the President's signature on the Installation of Mitigation Plantings in Somerset County as presented at Mt. Vernon Park. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 5-0. A letter of opposition was presented for the Boards consideration regarding Maryland State Archives new document access fee which proposed to charge $.20 cents per page to view and download modem records that are less than 100 years old online. Clerk of Court Charles Homer recommended the letter of opposition. Commissioner Willing made a motion to approve the letter of opposition as presented. Commissioner Webster seconded the motion. By show ofhands, the motion carried 5-0. Last, Mr. Drewer presented a permit fee waiver request from Holly Grove Mennonite Church in the amount of$351.60 for the construction of a new pavilion for the church. 7 Board ofCommissioners. Meeting 4-22-25 Commissioner Webster made a motion to approve the permit fee waiver request submitted by Holly Grove Mennonite Church for $351.60. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. By show ofl hands, the motion carried 5-0. Mr. Drewer left the meeting at this time. Ms. Yvette Cross, Emergency Services Director came forward at this time to present Resolution No. 1209, notifying the Public Service Commission oft thei request to implement the fee increase to be used for the operation and maintenance oft the 911 System, effective July 1, 2025. Commissioner Mathies made a motion to approve Resolution No. 1209 as presented. Vice President Randy Laird seconded the motion. By show ofl hands, the motion carried 5-0. Ms. Jamie Manaia, HR Director, and Jill Hall, Carey Biscoe and Colleen Nichols, Landmark Insurance, came forward to present this year's S new benefits plan year for healthcare insurance. Ms. Manaia is proposing that the County stay with its existing coverage with CareFirst, but recommends adding a Wellness Plan Program. The benefits of the Wellness Program were presented and it was explained that the Wellness Plan will be available to all employees, working on a point earning system (100 points) to qualify, which can easily be obtained. It was explained that initial talks had the health plan costs increasing by 10%; however, by adding the option of the Wellness Plan, those cost increases were reduced to 3%. An overview of the plan was presented which explained the rewards and benefits that are included in participating in the program. It was noted that offering this voluntary program will be mandatory in October 2025, and employees will be required to sign a waiver to decline participation. It is staff's preference to stay with the same provider; with it noted that the last time the county change carriers, the price increased in following years, and the county chose to return to CareFirst. Next, Mr. Leatherbury presented the FY2025 Mosquito Control Budget for approval and signature. It was noted that the local share is $311,375, with a total working budget of $507,000. Mr. Leatherbury was asked what last year's cost was. He advised he would need to get that information and report back to the board. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the Mosquito Control Budget for 2025 as presented. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 5-0. President Charles Laird asked Mr. Bob McIntyre, Mt. Vernon came forward for public comment. Mr. Mcintyre stated that today was a very uplifting experience at the meeting, the best it's ever been. He complimented the Board of Education Superintendent for laying out her 8 Board ofCommissioners Meeting 4-22-25 presentation and showing it on the screen. He discussed his personal failure with Algebra I noting he did pass the class the second time, He talked about how Algebra I changed his life, saying other kids need their lives changed, and they need to be able to read and he loves the idea to help kids at school. Moving staff from central office to the trenches was excellent. He feels the school system will improve if given the chance and give our kids the opportunity to earn a living, pay taxes and find jobs in the county. He noted the meeting with BluePrint, in that each county has an apprenticeship director which is great for jobs at the tech school feeling apprenticeship is the way to go. He also discussed how bad mosquitoes are at Mt. Vernon. With no further business, at 2:39 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 Darryl Webster, 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 5-0. Commissioner and Closed Session meetings held today concluded at 3:07 p.m. Approved by: Respectfully Submitted: yheuge - / Board of County Commissioners Lory E. Ebron For Somerset County Executive Aide 9