BOARD OF COUNTY a COMMISSIONERS ( FOR SOMERSET COUNTY o 9 11916 Somerset Avenue Room 111/Meeting Room AD Princess Anne, MD 21853 June 3, 2025 2:00 p.m. Appointment: 2:00 p.m. - Public Hearing- Nexamp Floating Zone District Approval (10960 Kemp Nursery Road, Princess Anne, MD)- Mr. Will Cornish, Department of Technical and Community Services 2:20 p.m. - Ms. Sharon Muir, Internal Auditor and Ms. Cynthia Sapp, Budget and Grants Administrator * Adoption ofFY 2026 Budget Correspondence Received: Maryland Department of the Environment re: Public Notice/Water Quality Certification Application Mr. Joshua J. Taylor, P.E. re: Sanitary Commission Appointment Sent: Ms. Carol Muir re: Workforce Development Board Appointment Public Comments: Members oft the audience who have signed up to address the Board will be permitted to do SO at this time and allotted 5 minutes. 2:35 p.m. - Closed Session- Mr. Ernest Leatherbury, Ms. Jamie Manaia, Mr. Woody Barnes, Mr. Clint Sterling Authority oft 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. * Denotes Action Item BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY June 3, 2025 At 2:00 p.m., President Charles Laird called the Board of County Commissioners for Somerset County to open in Regular Session. Also present for today's meeting were Vice President Randy Laird, and Commissioner Eldon Willing. Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., attended by phone during the Adoption of the FY2026 Budget portion of today's meeting. Commissioner Darryl Webster was absent from today's meeting. Interim County Administrator Ermest J. Leatherbury Jr., and Executive Aide Lory E. Ebron were also present. Closed Session Summary Report On Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 2:37 p.m., until 2:49 p.m., President Charles Laird, upon a motion made by Commissioner Eldon Willing, and seconded by Vice President Randy Laird opened in Closed Session by Authority of the General Provisions Articie 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 was President Charles Laird. Commissioner Darryl Webster and Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., were absent from today's closed session meeting. Therefore, by show ofl hands the motion carried 3-0. Interim County Administrator Erest J. Leatherbury Jr., Director of Public Works Woody Barnes, Director of Recreation and Parks/Tourism Clint Sterling, HR Director Jamie Manaia and Executive Aide Lory E. Ebron were also present. Topics discussed: (1) Hiring for Superintendent for Roads Waterways (2) Hiring for part time Groundskeeper/Oreat Hope (3) Hiring for part, time Tourism Assistant. Approved: (1) Approval to hire Superintendent for Roads Waterways (2) Approval to hire part-time Groundskeeper/Oreat Hope (3) Approval to part-time Tourism Assistant. President Charles Laird asked Commissioner Willing to lead those present in Devotion and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Leatherbury presented meeting minutes for approval as follows: 1 Board of Commissioners Meeting 6-3-25 Commissioner and Closed Session meetings held May 6, 2025 Work Session meeting held April 29, 2025 Special Session meeting held April 29, 2025 Commissioner and Closed Session meetings held May 20, 2025 Public Hearing (FY26 Budget) held May 20, 2025 Special and Closed Session meetings held May 13, 2025 Board ofHealth meeting held May 27, 2025 Special Session meeting held May 27, 2025 Work Session meeting held December 12, 2023 Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented. Commissioner Eldon Willing seconded the motion. President Charles Laird voted in favor. By show of! hands by those present, the motion carried 3-0. At 2:02 p.m., President Charles Laird called a Public Hearing open to receive public comment on the referral from the Somerset County Planning Commission for an application for a floating zone district approval. Mr. Leatherbury read the notice of public hearing into record as follows: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY UTILITY SCALE SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY FLOATING ZONE (SEF) PETITION Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 2PM County Commissioners' Meeting Room, Room 111 11916 Somerset Avenue Princess Anne, Maryland In accordance with Section 7.7 ofthe Somerset County Zoning Ordinance, Somerset County has received a referral from the Somerset County Planning Commission for an application for a floating zone district approval. In accordance with established public hearing requirements, the public is hereby notified that a public hearing is scheduled for the above referenced date and time. The Board of County Commissioners will hold this public hearing prior to making a final decision. Fair Summary The proposed floating zone district approval would be applied to: 10960 Kemp Nursery Road Princess Anne, Maryland 21853 (Map 0022, Grid 0006, Parcel 0284) More information may be obtained by calling the Somerset County Department ofTechnical and Community Services at 410-651-1424, or by visiting the department website at https:/www.s sdas-eNe - n z/planning and zoning/planning commission.php Emest J. Leatherbury, Jr. Deputy County Administrator Advertising Dates: 05/21/25 & 05/28/2025 Mr. Will Cornish, Assistant Director and Zoning Administrator came forward, as well as Mr. Erik Alves, Business Development Manager, and Attorney William Chapman representing 2 Board of Commissioners Meeting 6-3-25 Nexamp. Mr. Cornish explained that on May 1, 2025 the Somerset County Planning Commission met to review a revised site plan submitted by Nexamp Inc., following a request from the Planning Commission to locate the project further back on the property. The Planning Commission approved the location and voted to approve the request for a Solar Energy Facility Zone to move forward to the County Commissioners for a Public Hearing and subsequent approval. He advised that Mr. Chapman and Mr. Alves were here to give a small presentation. Mr. Chapman came forward. He began by acknowledging the recent ongoing discussions involving solar on the eastern shore. He noted the petition circulating regarding the recent legislative solar bill approved, advising their agreement in allowing local governments to have authority over projects such as this, referencing a quote made by President Laird during a previously held meeting. He advised that Nexamp supports the county's s role in this project, noting other solar companies who have withdrawn applications at the local level, seeking state approval via the Public Service Commission. He noted that he believes this is the first solar project that has passed through the most recent Zoning Code Section 7.7. He advised Mr. Alves will provide more information regarding the processes theyl have completed, noting that he feels this is a great project, that is progressing through Somerset County's processes rather than through the state level. He advised they are open to any and all discussion, noting that ifthere is any area ofthe project causing concern, they ask that it be brought up for discussion SO that Nexamp can work with the county in obtaining a solution. Mr. Alves came forward, and summarized the following as provided in a Power Point presentation that was provided for reference. He encouraged the Board to interrupt him at any point should there be any questions: The location of the project is off of Deal Island Road on Kemp Nursery Road, a few miles left of Princess Anne, advising they have been working in collaboration with the Planning Commission Nexamp was founded in 2007 by two Army veterans, using US manufactured materials whenever possible, serving as the #I Community Solar provider in the country. He explained the size oftheir company, and their growing list of projects Nexamp is a long-term developer, which will not change hands, following through the decommissioning ofthe project at the end ofits life Discussions have been held with neighbors, the Planning Commission and now the Commissioners with Mr. Alves committing himself to be the contact throughout the life of the project He explained difference with Nexamp being Community-Scale Solar versus Utility- Scale Solar being much smaller than Utility-Scale Solar Projects This project will develop enough electricity to power 500 homes located in Somerset County and nearby areas serviced by Delmarva Power and Light Company (DPL) 3 Board of Commissioners Mecting 6-3-25 passing on the benefit of cheaper electricity (15% savings for the life time of the project) An enrollment period will be offered first to residents of Kemp Nursery Road, and then to other eligible residents Other benefits to the county from this project included increases to the county tax base, and no interruption (lights, people traffic) from this project The project is considered temporary, intended to be removed at their end of life, with thel land returned to being agriculture use afterwards The site plan comparison was provided which showed the placement as initially proposed versus how it was changed as requested by the Planning Commission noting the plans have always exceeded the county's requirements regarding buffering and plantings. He also noted that the entire project is now almost totally not visible from either Kemp Nursery Road or Deal Island Road, situated in a flood zone which is the only admissible building" that can be performed there Communication with all involved has been open and informational, including conversations held with Mr. Jimmy Beauchamp who currently farms the property The landowner, Kathleen Keller has given her approval of the site plan designs and neighbors have submitted letters of support Photo's were shown of other project sites in Maryland President Charles Laird asked ifthere were any proponents present wishing to speak. None came forward; however, it should be noted that property owner Kathleen Keller was present, and spoke as a proponent later in the meeting during the public comment session. President Charles Laird asked if there were any opponents present wishing to speak. There were none. Mr. Leatherbury advised that written public comment will be taken until Friday, June 13, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. President Charles Laird declared the public hearing closed at 2:18 p.m. At this time, Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., joined the meeting by phone. Ms. Sharon Muir, Internal Auditor and Ms. Cynthia Sapp, Budget and Grants Administrator joined the meeting at this time. Ms. Sharon Muir advised that the Administrative Budget Team and the County Commissioners have worked to develop the FY'26 County Budget for over three months, holding over 20 meetings since February with Department Heads and Component Units of the County that receive budgetary appropriations. This budget process has been challenging, as the budget team had to add the newly formed Emergency Medical Services division within the County operations. The Board of County Commissioners held a Public Budget Hearing on May 20, 2025 and public comments were received at that time. In the two weeks since the public hearing 24 written comments have been received by the County. One written comment was received concerning the processes that occurred prior to the County taking on the EMS operations for ambulance services 4 Board of Commissioners Meeting 6-3-25 from the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Department, which became effective April 23, 2025. However, the majority of the comments were from teachers/educators and concerned parents requesting that the Board of County Commissioners consider funding the total $1 million additional request as put forth by the Superintendent of Schools. The comments reiterated the need to retain experienced teachers in the school system, to support fair and competitive compensation for all teachers and staff, and to strive toward excellence in education for students in the school system, starting with bringing up the reading and math scores for Somerset County students (currently ranked the lowest in the State). In a previous meeting, the Board approved $700,000 in additional funding to Somerset County Public Schools. In order to completely fund the Superintendent's total request of $1 million, the Board would have to approve an additional $300,000 appropriation to the Board of Education for FY'26. Ms. Muir then requested a motion and approval from the Board regarding the additional $300,000 request. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to approve the additional $300,000 request for Somerset County Public Schools. Commissioner Craig N. Mathies, Sr., seconded the motion. President Charles Laird voted in favor, and Commissioner Eldon Willing was opposed; therefore, the motion carried 3-1-0. Ms. Muir continued, explaining that during the two-week period since the Public Budget Hearing, the Budget Team has been able to make a few small cuts in the areas oft the Gypsy Moth Program, Off-Road Drainage Capital, and the Mosquito Control Enterprise Lease, which have amounted to a total savings of$49,000. The Board, having reviewed and considered all public and written comments, has now approved an additional $300,000 appropriation to the Board of Education. The net effect oft the decreases and increase to the FY'26 County Budget, as presented on May 20, 2025 to the public, will be $251,000 added to the County Budget, The total FY'26 County Commissioners Budget being presented for approval today is $65,766,421.00. The total FY'26 County Roads Board budget being presented for approval today is $4,470,502.41. Ift there are no further questions, Ms. Muir then requested motions and approvals for the FY'26 Budgets as presented. Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr., made a motion to proceed with approval ofthe Fiscal Year 2026 Budgets as presented. Vice President Randy Laird seconded the motion. The motion 5 Board of Commissioners Meeting 6-3-25 carried 4-0 with those present voting by show ofhands, and Commissioner Mathies voting aye by phone. Upon motion made by Commissioner Eldon Willing, seconded by Vice President Randy Laird and carried 4-0, it was adopted and resolved that for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026, the property tax rate be $1.00 per $100.00 ofthe full assessed value oft the: real property and $2.50 per $100.00 of the full assessed value of personal and public utility property in Somerset County, except such property as may by provision oft the laws, be exempt from this rate. Upon motion made by Commissioner Eldon Willing, seconded by Vice President Randy Laird and carried 4-0, it was adopted and resolved that for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026 a tax of $.28 per $100.00 of the full assessed value of the property of public utilities: and, $.112 per $100 oft the full assessed value of all other real property in Somerset County, excepting such properties as may by provision oft the laws, be exempt from this rate, be levied and imposed for the State ofMaryland. Upon motion made by Vice. President Randy Laird, seconded Commissioner Eldon Willing and carried 4-0, it was adopted and resolved that for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 20261 the local income tax rate for residents of the County be at the rate of 3.20% of Maryland" s taxable income for Tax Year 2026. Upon motion made by Vice President Randy Laird, and seconded by Commissioner Eldon Willing and carried 4-0, it was adopted and resolved that for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026 a service charge of 0.963% be applied to the second installment amount of semiannual tax payments. Upon motion made by Commissioner Eldon Willing, seconded by Vice President Randy Laird and carried 4-0, it was further resolved that the proposed Levy, reflecting total revenues in the amount of $65,766,421.00: and total appropriations in the amount of$65,766,421.006 be adopted as the Official Levy of Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Upon motion made Vice President Randy Laird, seconded by Commissioner Eldon Willing and carried 4-0, it was resolved that the proposed Somerset County Roads Board Budget, reflecting total revenues in the amount of $4,470,502.41 and total appropriations in the amount of $4,470,502.41 be adopted for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Commissioner Mathies ended his phone call into the meeting at this time. Ms. Muir then presented the FY: 2026 Budget cover sheet for the commissioner' si individual signature, signifying approval of the FY 2026 on this day. Ms. Muir thanked the efforts oft the hard work performed by the budget team and the Board and all those involved, expressing her personal gratitude to Ms. Sapp and Mr. Leatherbury. Mr. Leatherbury continued with correspondence and discussion items. A letter was received from the Maryland Department of the Environment, and Mr. Will Cornish was asked to come forward. Mr. Cornish explained that the letter received on May 1, 2025 regards Maryland State Programmatic General Permit-6 as they are in the process of moditying to Maryland State Programmatic General Permit -7, a streamlining of the Army Corps of Engineers process, taking comment until June 16, 2025. This change is intended to make the process a 6 Board of Commissioners Meeting 6-3-25 streamlined process for anyone in the state of Maryland applying for a waterway permit. No action was taken. A letter was received from Mr. Joshua Taylor, General Manager, Sanitary District, advising that the Somerset County Sanitary District Board is requesting Ms. Faith Elliot to be appointed as ar member to serve a six-year term, representing the Crisfield Peripheral Subdistrict. Vice President Randy Laird made a motion to appoint Ms. Elliot to serve on the Somerset County Sanitary District Board. Commissioner Willing seconded the motion. By show of hands, the motion carried 3-0. Regarding sent correspondence, a letter was sent to Ms. Carol Muir advising her of her appointment to the Workforce Development Board. President Charles Laird invited Ms. Kathleen Keller to come forward to address the Board. Ms. Keller owns 10960 Kemp Nursery Road, having lived there since 1995. She advises she travels a lot, but will be retiring in less than 2 years. She has come to a point in her life where she feels she needs to slow down, advising that the solar project will be a reduction in electric bills, advising that neighbors that she has spoken to are excited about the project, expressing that she feels DPL is terrible (expensive). She is asking for the county commissioners support of the solar project, noting that they have been working zoning, Jimmy Beauchamp, and neighbors, in an effort to make everyone happy asking that everyone work together. She discussed how expensive it was for Nexamp to revise the location of the panels at a higher cost because they had to be raised. As the homeowner, she felt it was important that every knows she is completely involved and supports the project. President Charles Laird expressed his personal appreciation regarding the presentation made today, advising he is very happy to hear that a solar company is working with the County, and the electric generated is going to the people in the community. He was also pleased to hear Nexamp has a removal plan for the solar panels, which has been a large conçern regarding these solar projects and he feels shows the company is genuine in their intentions. With no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Willing to adjourn the meeting at 2:37 p.m. and enter into Closed Session by Authority ofthe 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 7 Board of Commissioners Meeting 6-3-25 of an appointee, employee, or official over whom it has jurisdiction. Vice President Randy Laird seconded the motion. Also present and voting in favor were President Charles Laird. Therefore, by show ofhands the motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner Regular Session and Closed Session Meetings concluded at 2:49 p.m. Approved by: Respectfully Submitted: Board of County Commissioners Lory E. Ebron For Somerset County Executive Aide 8