County Council of Dorchester County Open Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on May 20, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., in Room 110 of the County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. A roll call ofthe 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; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Operations Specialist. Upon motion by Councilman Travers seconded by Councilman Kramer the Council unanimously adjourned into Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.,, pursuant to the following sections ofTitle 3 ofthe General Provisions Article of 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 May 20, 2025 at 6:00 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; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Operations Specialist. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Nichols led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. CALL FOR ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA After publication of the agenda, the Request to Advertise for Proposals - Hoopersville Shoreline Protection = Planning & Zoning was moved from çonsent to action items, and the following items were added: 1) Grant Submission/Award - Dorchester County Circuit Court Problem-Solving Court - Finance 2) County Manager's Comments 3) Request to Approve - CWDI Bylaws 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 $28,856,022.43. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofMay 20, 2025 Page No. 2 CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:01 p.m. on May 20, 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. Personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions; 3. Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following: a. Disposition of County owned properties; b. An appointment to a specific board; C. County owned property lease renewal requests; and, d. Documents pertaining to a specific board. CONSENT AGENDA Upon motion by Counçilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. County Council Open Session Minutes = May 13, 2025 Accounts Payable Disbursement Report - Week Ending May 16, 2025 Intradepartmental Budget Transfer Requests - Airport - Emergency Medical Services Requests of Steve Nuwer, Airport Director; and, Debbie Wheedleton, Chief of Emergency Medical Services to complete FY25 budget transfers within their respective departments. Eastern Shore Innovation Center Memorandum ofUnderstanding - Temporary Office Space - Richardson Maritime Museum - Economic Development Request of Susan Banks, Economic Development Director, to enter into a Memorandum ofUnderstanding with Richardson Maritime Museum for temporary office space at the Eastern Shore Innovation Center for a six-month period, from June 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Letter of Support - Building Project = Dorchester County Public Library o Request of Julie Kennedy, Assistant Director, Dorchester County Public Library, to provide a letter of support for its proposed $104,250 comprehensive flooring system replacement project at the Cambridge Library. Grant Submission = GOCPP = Sex Offender Monitoring - Sheriff's Office Request of James W. Phillips, Jr., Sheriff, Dorchester County Sheriff S Office, to submit an $11,187.00 Sex Offender Compliance and Monitoring grant application through the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, with no match requirement, and a performance period of. July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Grant Submission - MDA = Senior Center Operating Funds - Delmarva Community Services Request of Marilyn Williams, Grants Writer, Finance, on behalf of Andy Hollis, President, Delmarva Community Services, to submit a $12.397.14 Maryland Senior Center Operating Funds pass-through grant through the Maryland Department of Aging, with no match requirement, and aj performance period of. July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofMay 20, 2025 Page No. 3 Grant Award - Energy Efficiency Equity Program - Maryland Energy Administration Finance Request ofMs. Williams to accept a $70,671.00 Energy Efficiency Equity Program grant award through the Maryland Energy Administration, with no match requirement, and the performance period to be determined. PROCLAMATIONS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK - WEEK OF MAY 18, 2025 The Council presented a Proclamation declaring the week ofMay 18, 2025 as Emergency Medical Services Week. PRESENTATIONS BOARD OF HEALTH Dr. Casey Scott, Health Officer, Dorchester County Health Department, provided a Board of Health presentation with updates on the new Health Department Location. IRONMAN MARYLAND Brian Snow, Race Director Eagleman 70.3, IRONMAN Maryland, introduçed himself as the new Race Director, filling the position of prior director, Angie Hengst, and provided an overview on prior and upcoming events, with the next race on June 8, 2025. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously adjourned into Legislative Session. LEGISLATIVE SESSION PUBLIC HEARING - 2025-2026 ANNUAL BUDGET & APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE BILL NO. 2025-4 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING: 2025-2026 ANNUAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF DORCHESTER COUNTY Councilman Pfeffer said Mr. Jones will report in prior to opening the public hearing on Bill No. 2025-4 concerning the FY26 Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance ofDorchester County. Mr. Jones expressed his appreciation to those who provided feedback and input during the budgeting process. He also proposed, in light of the 50% reduction in the Teacher Pension expense, a $201,331 reduction in Contingency Funds in order to maintain the real property tax differentials in the City of Cambridge and the Town of Hurlock. Councilman Pfeffer asked for public comments, hearing the following: Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofMay 20, 2025 Page No. 4 In response to a request from Julia Barker, Vice Chair, Cambridge Empowerment Center Board of Directors (CED BOD); and, Christina Driscoll, member, CEC BOD, Councilman Pfeffer said all non-profits requests are being deferred for reconsideration at a later date. Mayor Lajan Cephas, City ofCambridge, expressed her respect and appreciation ofMr. Jones's proposal to maintain the tax differentials, and urged the Council to approve his recommendations. Councilman Pfeffer asked for additional public comments, hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Councilman Pfeffer expressed his appreciation and applauded the staff and directors, under the leadership ofMr. Jones, for taking the time to balance the budget without placing the burden on the City of Cambridge and the Town of Hurlock. He expressed his displeasure at having to increase taxes due to the State ofl Maryland mandating extra expenses on the County. Councilman Detmer echoed Councilman Pfeffer's remarks and urged residents to voice their opinions during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session and to make their votes count. Councilman Nichols: 1) said this has been the worst budget he has seen in 30 years; 2) reiterated Councilman Pfeffer's remarks; 3) applauded the residents that expressed their opinions during the budget process; and, 4) stated that the County did what they could not to increase taxes, however it was unavoidable. Councilman Pfeffer expressed conçerns that the County will be in the same position next year, as the estimated $6 billion State ofMaryland deficit may further impact local counties over the next two years. He encouraged all to write to local officials and the Governor to express their concerns and discourage further mandates from being pushed down to the counties. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council adopted the amended Bill No. 2025-4, the roll call was: Pfeffer - aye; Detmer - aye; Kramer = aye; Nichols - aye; and, Travers = aye. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Detmer, the Council unanimously adjourned into Open Session. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION PUBLIC HEARING - FY26 SCHEDULE OF FEES Councilman Pfeffer said a public hearing is being conducted to amend the County's Schedules of Fees, and asked for public comments, hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 682, the roll call was: Pfeffer - aye; Detmer - aye; Kramer = aye; Nichols = aye; and, Travers - aye. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofl May 20, 2025 Page No.5 5 ACTION ITEMS EVENT REQUEST - MOBILE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CLINIC - MD DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS - RECREATION & PARKS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Duc Trieu, Recreation & Parks Director, on behalf of the Maryland Department ofVeterans Affairs to use Egypt Park on August 11, 2025 and November 4, 2025 for a Mobile Adaptive Sports Clinic. The Council acknowledged that a Certificate of Insurance (COI) will be provided prior to the event. NIERDEPARIMENTAL BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST - RECREATION & PARKS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously approved the request ofMr. Trieu to complete a FY25 budget transfer within the Recreation & Parks operating budget for unexpected costs, and a $34,500.00 transfer of contingency funds to be applied towards seasonal salaries and the first installment of the pool maintenance contract. REQUEST TO PROCEED - DATA SOFTWARE PLATFORM - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Nichos, the Council unanimously approved the request ofMs. Banks to proceed with entering into a contract with Unacast, Inc. for a data software platform, at the lowest quoted cost of $22,356.00, for a two year term, which will be funded by the Economic Development FY25 and FY26 Operating Budgets. EVENT REQUEST - FRIENDS BIKING FOR CHANGE - PLANET AID Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously approved the request of Christina Jones, Program Manager, Planet Aid, to host a Friends Biking for Change event on June 14, 2025 through the south portion of the County. The Council acknowledged that: 1) the State Highway Administration does not require a permit or approval for this event; 2) there were no conçerns from Public Safety or Public Works teams as there will only be about 50 participants; and, 3) a COI will be provided prior to the event. 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: Provide a letter of support for a Technical Assistance Grant through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development submitted by the Richardson Maritime Museum, by a 3 to 0 vote; Appoint Donna Abbott to the Burial Sites Preservation Board, by a 5 to 0 vote; Award a bid for the Airport LED Retrofit Project to the lowest bidder, Kenzie Electric, LLC, at the cost of$16,615.00, which will be funded by the FY23 Capital Budget allocation for LED Lighting Retrofit in the Terminal & Parking Areas, by a 5 to 0 vote; Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofMay 20, 2025 Page No. 6 GRANT SUBMISSION/AWARD - DORCHESTER COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT PROBLEM- SOLVING COURT - FINANCE Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously approved the request of Ms. Williams, on behalf of William Jones, Circuit Court Judge, to submit and accept a $499,647.00 Dorchester County Circuit Court Problem-Solving Court grant, through the Maryland Administrative Office ofthe Courts, for funding ofs specialized court dockets and case management services for truant juveniles, with no match requirement and a performance period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. REQUEST TO APPROVE - CWDI BYLAWS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously approved the Bylaws of Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. REQUEST TO ADVERTISE FOR PROPOSALS - HOOPERSVILLE SHORELINE PROTECTION - PLANNING & ZONING Upon motion by Councilman Kramer, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously approved the request of Susan Webb, Planning & Zoning Director, to advertise a request for proposals for engineering services for the design of shoreline protection solutions for Middle Hoopers Island and the village of Hoopersville, contingent on legal counsel approval. COUNTY MANAGER'S COMMENTS Mr. Jones expressed his appreciation of the County directors for their hard work. He commended the Public Works and Public Safety teams for their swift response and dedication to serving the community during the recent storm, noting that a tornado traveled from Hoopers Island to Galestown. James Windsor, Emergency Management Planner; and, Matt Ozman, Public Works Director, provided an overview oft the storm's impacts and expressed their gratitude to the volunteer fire companies and the Sheriff' S Office for their invaluable assistance. COUNCIL'S COMMENTS Councilman Travers: 1) expressed his pleasure to see a united group to pass the budget with a $0.03 tax increase, versus the original $0.12 estimate; 2) the Council is listening, taking notes and compiling information in order to spread the deficit equitably; 3) concurred with Councilman Nichols, that this has been the worst budget in his 20 years on the County Council; and, 4) applauded Thomas Hutchinson, Delegate for his hard work and dedication to the rural communities. Councilman Detmer: 1) thanked those that provided feedback during his informal town hall meeting at the Eldorado-Brookvicw Volunteer Fire Company; 2) the County needs to grow its tax base in an appropriate way; 3) reiterated Councilman Travers appreciation of Delegate Hutchinson; 4) would like to ensure that the tax differential provided to the City of Cambridge and the Town ofHurlock is fair to all within the County; and, 5) commended those that assisted with cleanup after the tornado. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes ofMay 20, 2025 Page No. 7 Councilman Pfeffer: 1) stated that this Council has tried to be transparent with the citizens of the County; and 2) urged all to actively relay information to Annapolis that the County cannot continue to absorb these impacts. PUBLIC COMMENTS Delegate Hutchinson: 1) said the Governor signed a bill that will impose a large tax increase, and a solar bill that will impact local counties; 2) applauded the County on maintaining the tax differentials and balancing the budget; 3) highlighted that all should be prepared, as it is going to get worse; and, 4) the Blueprint for Maryland's S Future is an incredibly expensive, world-class system, but in order to afford it, school boards cut summer school and teacher's salary increases. John Avery, City Manager, Town of Hurlock, thanked the Council and Mr. Jones for maintaining the tax differentials. Amber McGinnis, Director of Development and Executive Director, Chesapeake College Foundation, thanked for the Council for its support of Chesapeake College, on behalf of Dr. Clifford Coppersmith, President, Chesapeake College. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, and upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m. ATTEST: THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY: Joued lpv hont Jerry Jopes George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President CoueyManagar - 1a A Miké DetmerVice President Rob Kramer, Jr. AlODag Plehk - William V.Nichols - Rickyc. Travers 3d Approved the day of Jane 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: 5/20125 Time: 5:00 p.m.; Location: 501 Court Lane, Room 110, Cambridge, MD 21613; Motion to close meeting made by: Troweis Seconded by: Kiome Members in favor: Pfcffca DEm Kiomer, NChol - - TCAVCNS Opposed: 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) "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)(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 $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 Disposition of County OMCB 99) owned properties; An appointment to a specific board; County owned property lease renewal requests; and, Documents pertaining to as specific board 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 S 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 MAY 20, 2025 The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:01 p.m. on May 20, 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. Personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions; 3. Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following: a. Disposition of County owned properties; b. An appointment to a specific board; C. County owned property lease renewal requests; and, d. Documents pertaining to a specific board