County Council of Dorchester County Open Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 The County Counçil of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on June 3, 2025 at 5:04 p.m., in Room 110 ofthe County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. A roll call of the members was conducted. Present in Room 110 were: 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. George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President, joined by phone. Upon motion by Councilman Kramer, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously adjourned into Closed Session at 5:05 p.m., pursuant to the following sections of Title 3 ofthe General Provisions Article ofthe 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, orjudicially 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 June 3, 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: 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. George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President, joined by phone. 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) Sole Source Request - Cross Pipe Patching Public Works Upon motion by Councilman Travers seconded by Councilman Kramer the Council unanimously approved the amended agenda. FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $30,200,436.21. CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:05 p.m. on June 3, 2025 to discuss the Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of. June 3, 2025 Page No. 2 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. Personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions; 3. Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following: a. Participating in a specific fund; b. A specific County policy; C. Leasing of specific County owned properties; and, d. A specific County fund. CONSENT AGENDA Upon motion by Councilman Travers seconded by Councilman Nichols the Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. County Council Open Session Minutes = May 20, 2025 Accounts Payable Disbursement Report - Week Ending May 30, 2025 ESIC Business License Agreement Addendum - Economic Development 0 Request ofSusan Banks, Economic Development, to enter into a Eastern Shore Innovation Center Business License Agreement Addendum with Barzini Investments, LLC, to include Suites 009A and 009B, which increased the monthly payment from $525.00 to $1,073.00 and shall remain in effect until February 28, 2027. Tennis Tournament Reservations - Sponsorship Request - Recreation & Parks Request of Duc Trieu, Recreation & Parks Director, to reserve the Glasgow Tennis Complex on June 21, 2025, July 12, 2025 and August 2, 2025 for the annual summer tennis tournaments, to be sponsored by the James G. Busick Foundation. Department Sponsorship Program = Recreation & Parks Request of Mr. Trieu to establish a departmental sponsorship program to provide funding for community projects, with its first initiative funding Automated External Defibrillator SaveStations. Intradepartmental Budget Transfer Request - Tourism - Landfill Request of Holly Gilpin, Tourism Director, and John Cooney, Solid Waste Manager, to complete FY25 budget transfers within their respective departments. Agricultural Reconciliation Committee Board Appointment Interest ofL. Louis Hyman to be appointed to the Agricultural Reconciliation Committee to fill the position of William Malkus, which expired on January 16, 2021. Letter ofSupport - Heart ofChesapeake Country Heritage Area Grant Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians, Inc. o Request of Donna Abbott, Chief, Nause-Waiwash Band ofl Indians, Inc., to provide a letter of support for its Chesapeake County Heritage Area Grant. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of June 3, 2025 Page No. 3 County Council Meeting Schedule FY2026 County Council Meeting Dates from July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 Grant Submission = Police Accountability, Community & Transparency - GOCPP - Sheriff's Office Request of James W. Phillips, Jr., Sheriff, Sheriff S Office, to submit a $130,500.00 SFY 2026 Police Accountability, Community & Transparency grant application, through the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention & Policy, to fund a K-9 mental health program and overtime for community events, with no match requirement and a grant award period ofJuly 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Grant Award - Family Services - Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts Circuit Court Request of William Jones, County Administrative Judge, Circuit Court, to accept a $325,416.37 Family Services Grant award, through the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts, to support the operations of the Circuit Court Family Services program, with no match requirement, and a grant award period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. PRESENTATIONS LONG LANES BROADBAND EXPANSION UPDATE - MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING APPROVAL - FINANCE Marilyn Williams, Grant Writer, Finance, and Valerie Connelly, Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Relations, Choptank Electric Cooperative, provided an update of the long lane broadband expansion grant through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, including the following information: Approved addresses total 299 Grant award increased from $1,100,000.00 to $1,217,852.00 Choptank Fiber and Bay Country Communications are contributing funding to this project sO there are no cost to the homeowners Total project investment is $2,422,493.00 Current project completion date is December 31, 2025 Upon motions by Councilman Travers seconded by Councilman Nichols the Council unanimously approved the requests of Ms. Williams to: 1) accept a revised grant award of $1,217,852.00; and, 2) enter into new agreements with Choptank Fiber and Bay Country Communications for the Broadband Expansion Project, contingent on legal approval. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously adjourned into Legislative Session. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of June 3, 2025 Page No. 4 LEGISLATIVE SESSION PUBLIC HEARING - CLOSURES - PORTION OF FARM CREEK ROAD - TODDVILLE BOAT RAMP AN ACT OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANTTO SS 12-401(B), 12-512(D) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, AND CHAPTER 40, $ 40-20 OF THE DORCHESTER COUNTY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLOSING, ABANDONING, AND CONVEYING (I) A PORTION OF FARM CREEK ROAD, A PUBLIC COUNTY ROAD SITUATE IN THE TENTH ELECTION DISTRICT OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND, AND (II) THE COUNTY BOAT RAMP LOCATED ON PARCEL 227 AND ADJACENT TO FARM CREEK ROAD FOR A PORTION OF THAT CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY SHOWN ON DORCHESTER COUNTY TAX MAP 102, GRID 18 AS PARCEL 6, LOT: 2, HAV VING A TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OF 10-005434, CONSISTING OF 81.75 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS. Ms. Barnes said a public hearing is being conducted on Bill No. 2025-6 for the purpose of closing, abandoning, and conveying a portion ofFarm Creek Road and the County boat ramp adjacent to farm creek road for a portion of that certain real property shown on Dorchester County tax map 102, grid 18 as parcel 6, lot 2. Councilman Detmer asked for public comments, hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Mr. MacLeod said this pertains to a property swap and represents the final step before settlement, which will occur once the bill goes into effect; 60 days after its final passage. Upon motion by Councilman Travers seconded by Councilman Kramer the Council adopted Bill No. 2025-6, the roll call was: Pfeffer aye; Detmer - aye; Kramer aye; Nichols aye; and, Travers = aye. PUBLIC HEARING - SHORELINE EROSION TAX CREDIT AMENDMENT Ms. Barnes said a public hearing is being conducted on Bill No. 2025-7 to amend Chapter 144 - Taxation $8 144-37 through 144-43 of the Dorchester County Code regarding the Tax Credit for Shoreline Erosion Control Structures. Councilman Detmer asked for public comments, hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Upon motion by Councilman Travers seconded by Councilman Kramer the Council adopted Bill No. 2025-7, the roll call was: Pfeffer aye; Detmer aye; Kramer aye; Nichols aye; and, Travers - aye. Councilman Travers stated that the bill is intended solely to clarify language. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of June 3, 2025 Page No. 5 Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously adjourned into Open Session. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously entered into a contract for sale and purchase of real property between Horseman Enterprise, LLC, relating to the Farm Creek Bill No. 2025-6. ACTION ITEMS SOLE SOURCE REQUEST - CIRCUIT COURT LIGHTING PROJECT - PUBLIC WORKS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Matt Ozman, Public Works Director, to sole source with Kenzie Electric, LLC for the Circuit Court Lighting Project at the cost of$67,306.00, which $50,975.00 will be funded by a Delmarva Power incentive program and the remaining by grants. The Council acknowledged that Kenzie Electric is the only Delmarva Power participating installation contractor on the Eastern Shore. BID AWARD - NEW BEULAH CLOSURE CONSTRUCTION - PUBLIC WORKS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Mr. Ozman to award the bid for the New Beulah Closure Construction to Allan Myers MD, Inc. at the cost of$6,093,280.75, which will be funded by the Landfill Closure Costs account. The Council acknowledged that Karen Tolley, Finance Director, confirmed the balance in the account is sufficient, however, after this cell closure, the Landfill will have no additional funds for any remaining cell costs beyond daily operational funds. LEASE RENEWAL REQUESTS - STATE DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS & TAXATION - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS - COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING Maryland Department of Veteran's Affairs Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Suzanne Parrish, Agency Relationship Manager, Office of Real Estate, Maryland Department of General Services, to renew a lease agreement with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, for office space within the County Office Building, beginning January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030, with a 5-year renewal option, under the same terms and conditions, with the exception of amending the room number from 101 to 209. State Department of Assessments & Taxation Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously agreed to defer consideration of the request ofMs. Parrish, to renew a lease Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of June 3, 2025 Page No. 6 agreement with the State Department of Assessments & Taxation for office space within the County Office Building, to reevaluate the lease rate of $24,780.00 to ensure accuracy with the current market. TIPPING WAIVER REQUEST - HOOPERS ISLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request ofl Marcus Flowers, Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Company, to waive the tipping fees at the Golden Hill Transfer Station following the boat docking event in September. In response to Councilman Kramer's inquiry, Mr. Flowers said the amount of trash from the event fills approximately halft to two-thirds of: a roll-off container. POLL CONFIRMATIONS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously confirmed its decision to approve the following requests in the interim of meetings, via poll: Request of Emergency Management to modify its 2021 State Homeland Security Program grant, through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, reducing the grant amount from $100,231.00 to $100,084.03, by a 5 to 0 vote; Request of the Sheriff's Office to modify its FY25 Sex Offender Compliance and Monitoring grant, through the Governor's Office ofCrime Prevention and Policy, to reallocate $8,278.43 of unused funds to cover a portion of a deputy's salary, by a 5 to 0 vote; Request of Economic Development to submit a Maryland Business Ready Sites Program grant application, through the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, to evaluate the site's current development status and its potential for future use, with a 1:1 cash match, however, a match waiver or conversion to an in-kind match is being considered, by a 5 to 0 vote; and, Request of Finance to submit a $38,290.00 grant application for Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Training, through U.S. DOT/Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, with a 20% in-kind match, funded by the employees' salaries that attend the training, and a three year award period, by a 5 to 0 vote. SOLE SOURCE REQUEST - CROSS PIPE PATCHING = PUBLIC WORKS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request ofMr. Ozman to sole source cross pipe patching on several roads; Heron Road, Johnson Street, Rippling Road, Orion Road, Buttons Neck Road, Maple Dam Road, Wesley Church Road, Drawbridge Road, Maiden Forest Road and Hicksburg Road, with Russell Paving Co. Inc, at the cost of $25,075.00, which will be funded by the FY25 Operating Budget for resurfacing. The Council acknowledged that, due to multiple crosspipe failures occurring within a short period and the fiscal year drawing to a close, Public Works did Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of. June 3, 2025 Page No. 7 not have sufficient time to complete a formal RFP, however, they made a solid effort to obtain additional quotes, though these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. COUNTY MANAGER'S COMMENTS Mr. Jones provided clarification of the sole source request for the Circuit Court lighting project and confirmed that there is no cost to the County. COUNCIL'S COMMENTS Councilman Detmer asked staff to look into collaborating with the law enforcement and other state/local agencies regarding concerns of dirt bikes being operated on the roadways. He offered his thoughts and prayers to the injured child's family following a tragic dirt bike accident. PUBLIC COMMENTS In response to an inquiry from Sharon Smith, resident, Mr. Jones said the New Beulah landfill cell is being capped off to end its use and moving to the next cell. In response to an inquiry by Terry Robbins, resident, John Cooney, Solid Waste Manager, said he will address an issue with the attendant involved in an incident on April 5, 2025 at the Chesapeake Drive transfer station, and will follow-up with Ms. Robbins. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, and upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m. ATTEST: THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY: Jerfy Jones George L. Pfeffes, Jr., President Coupty/Manager - Mike Detmer, Vice President Rob Kramer, Jr. hlillion William V. Nichols fs Rickyc. Travers Approved the ITayo ofunes 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: v325 Time: 5:04 p.m.; Location: 501 Court Lane, Room 110, Cambridge, MD 21613; Motion to close meeting made by: KiamerSeconded by: MiChols Members in favor: PfcfRr Dehmew Yane ChD < TGVS Opposed: Abstaining: Absent: Pfeffec 2. Statutory authority to close session all o (check provisions that apply). This meeting will be closed under General Provisions Art. 5 3-305(b) only: Phont (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 conçerns 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: (1) 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 Participating in a specific OMCB 99) fund; As specific County policy; Leasing of specific County owned properties; and, A specific County fund 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 (5 3-104): Time: Place: Persons present: Subjects discussed: (Form Rev.10/1/2018) CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY JUNE 3, 2025 The Council convened into a Closed Session at Ss p.m. on June 3, 2025 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 oft the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated Code $3-305(b)(I), (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. Participating in a specific fund; b. A specific County policy; C. Leasing of specific County owned properties; and, d. A specific County fund.