Dorchester County Council met Aug. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The County Council of Dorchester County met in regular session on August 21, 2018 with the following members present: Ricky C. Travers, President; Rick M. Price and Don B. Satterfield.
Also present were Ę. Thomas Merryweather, County Attorney; Jeremy Goldman, County Manager; and Donna Lane, Executive Administrative Specialist.
REGULAR SESSION INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilman Satterfield led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.
CALL FOR ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA
Jeremy Goldman, County Manager, advised that after publication of the agenda a License Agreement Amendment for the Eastern Shore Innovation Center and Host Venue Agreements for the IRONMAN® Eagleman 70.3 and IRONMAN® Maryland were added and a FY18 Budget Request for Public Works was removed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES- AUGUST 7, 2018
The Council approved the minutes of August 7, 2018 with Councilman Bradshaw voting by written proxy.
APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS
The Council approved the vouchers as presented with Councilman Travers abstaining for payments made to Simmons Center Market.
FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS
Councilman Travers reported total cash and investments as $2,399,413.00.
OTHER
Councilman Travers said Councilman Bradshaw is attending a meeting in Annapolis and Councilman Nichols is not present due to a family matter.
CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY
The Council convened into Regular Session on August 21, 2018 at 5:55 p.m. in Room 110, County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613 and motioned to adjourn into Closed Session pursuant to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, pursuant to $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. Present were: Ricky C. Travers, President; Rick M. Price atterfield. Also present were E. Thomas Merryweather, County Attorney; Jeremy Goldman, County Manager, and Donna Lane, Executive Administrative Specialist. Voting in favor of the Closed Session were all of the present Council Members.
The Council convened in a Closed Session on August 21, 2018 at 5:56 p.m. to discuss the following items: approved the August 7, 2018 Closed Session minutes. Present were: Ricky C. Travers, President; Rick M. Price and Don B. Satterfield. Also present were E. Thomas Merryweather, County Attomey; Jeremy Goldman, County Manager, and Donna Lane, Executive Administrative Specialist. The purpose of the Closed Session is also set forth in the Written Statement of Closing a Meeting Under the Open Meetings Act, which will be provided upon request. Voting in favor of the Closed Session were all of the present Council members.
REGULAR SESSION
COMMENDATION- TRI-CITY LITTLE LEAGUE BOYS BASEBALL TEAM The Council presented a Commendation to the District 6 Tri-City Little League Boys Baseball team for earning the Maryland State Championship and to the coaches, parents and community for leadership, direction and support.
COMMENDATION - RETIREMENT-DEBORAH STEWART
The Council presented a Commendation to Deborah Stewart congratulating her on her retirement and commending her for 18 years of service to Dorchester County.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PRE-APPLICATION HEARING
A Community Development Block Grant pre-application hearing was held. Cindy Smith, Grant Administrator, said the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has distributed funding nationwide for the homeless initiative, She stated that the State of Maryland has released $1.1 million of HUD funds statewide for this initiative. She noted that last year she came before the Council for the first time with this grant. She explained that the County was successful in receiving a $275,000 grant from Department of Housing and Community Development for the renovation of the Hurlock transition shelter for families. She said this project is in process and should be completed prior to the end of the year.
She stated that HUD is focused on Housing First to end homelessness. She referenced prior barriers for homeless individuals to obtain housing including substance abuse and a criminal background. She explained that pursuant to HUD funding recipients must institute the Housing First program which will remove those barriers. She said opioid abuse is significantly contributing to the homeless problem in the County according to several local organizations. Ms. Smith advised that as part of the grant process, this preapplication hearing is being held. She explained that she and Nancy Shockley, Local Management Board Director, have convened a group of organizations to determine the best long term plan for the homeless in Dorchester County which she listed: The Şalvation Army (TSA), The Cold Weather Shelter, Habitat for Humanity Choptank, Department of Social Services, Local Management Board, Mid-Shore Behavioral Health, Delmarva Community Services, the City of Cambridge and the County. She said are proposing that the County sponsor an application for a project that brings together these organizations to strengthen the County's ability to serve all citizens. She advised that they may also propose providing a Homeless Coordinator/Navigator position for two years. She explained that the individual that fills this position will have a Masters in Social Work and will probably be employed by the TSA to assist in moving forward its long term plan for a new facility on its property on Washington Street which consists of four acres. She said TSA has already organized a three year commitment with the City of Cambridge to bring in temporary trailers to expand shelter capacity from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019. She said there is a significant cost to do so and some infrastructure will have to be installed. She noted that there has only been one meeting and they are still working on the application. Ms. Smith advised that they will be present at the September 4, 2018 meeting to seek a resolution of support for an application from the Council.
Ms. Smith asked if anyone had any comments or questions. There was no public comment. In response to a question from Councilman Travers, Ms. Smith advised that: 1) the trailers have been ordered; 2) due to unexpected electrical requirements temporary infrastructure will be installed at the cost of $40,000. She said the Cold Weather Shelter and TSA have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, noting that Habitat for Humanity, Delmarva Community Services, Social Services and Mid Shor Behavioral Health are also involved. She commended these organizations for their courage, dedication and commitment to saving the homeless, noting that they have "boots to the ground" in the early a.m. and after midnight encouraging the homeless to accept services. 2019
MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEGISLATIVE DISCUSSION
Mr. Goldman said: 1) Council will not meet with legislators regarding legislative proposals for the 2019 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session; 2) instead, due to the upcoming Election, legislative packets will be forwarded to them in December 2018; 3) in anticipation of this legislative session this discussion is being held; 4) Council will have the opportunity to discuss proposed legislative initiatives at the September 18th and October 16th meetings; and, 5) Council has been provided a memorandum from him regarding topics he discussed with Senator Eckardt for this legislative session, which was in the June 8, 2018 Information Pack.
Councilman Travers said at last night's Board of License Commissioners meeting a couple of legislative initiatives were discussed.
Mr. Goldman advised that currently the proposed list of legislative initiatives consists of the following local budget impact topics: 1) restoration of highway user revenues; 2) cost of the shifting by the State of a portion of pensions for teachers; and, 3) Maintenance of Effort-Statewide moving average and its impacts.
He said he and Councilman Travers have been contacted and will be meeting with representatives from the Kirwan Commission about potential impacts to the County. He advised that correspondence was sent to Department Heads, Elected Officials, Board of License Commissioners and the municipalities in the County asking them to forward any legislative proposals. He noted that one response was received, from Karen Houtman, Soil Conservation District Manager, which included the pursuit of increased highway user revenues and funding for weed control to control the spread of noxious weeds, i.e. palmer amaranth.
Councilman Travers expressed his belief that legislation will not be sought to increase highway user revenue distributions to counties in light of the passage of legislation to restore some revenue during the last session. Councilman Price concurred. Mr. Goldman opined that no action may be taken since the current legislative body is not aware of the past history relating to these revenues.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
INTRODUCTION-FRANK STOUT NEW RECREATION AND PARKS DIRECTOR
Jeremy Goldman, County Manager, introduced Frank Stout, the new Recreation and Parks Director. Mr. Stout thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the County and its residents.
SURPLUS PROPERTY DECLARATION REQUESTS-PLANNING AND ZONING, RECREATION AND PARKS
The Council approved the request submitted on behalf of Steve Dodd, Planning and Zoning Director, to surplus an old desk. The Council approved the request of Frank Stout, Recreation and Parks Director, to surplus a 1991 Ford Ranger Truck, VIN No. 1FTCRI0A5MTA34229. Councilman Bradshaw voted in favor via written proxy,
LICENSE AGREEMENT-EASTERN SHORE INNOVATION CENTER-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Council approved the request of Jeff Trice, Economic Development Director, to enter into a License Extension Agreement between i Value LED Light, LLC and the County for Suite #17 consisting of 250 square feet at the Eastern Shore Innovation Center for $265 a month from September 21, 2018 to September 21, 2019. Councilman Bradshaw voted in favor via written proxy. Mr. Trice advised that this company: 1) lighted the Capital Building in Annapolis; 2) was going to bring a Chinese delegation here but that visit was delayed due to the imposition of tariffs.
LICENSE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT-EASTERN SHORE INNOVATION CENTER-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Trice said: 1) The County and Cambridge Federal entered into a Lease Agreement dated February 1, 2016 in the Eastern Shore Innovation Center for Suite # 36, 37 & 38 with 1075 sq. ft.; 2) Cambridge Federal wishes to downsize their current space from 1075 square feet to 207 square feet, which will include two (2) of their current spaces (Suites # 37 & 38) as of September 1, 2018; 3) the call center will be vacated and a door will be installed to add another suite; and, 4) their license agreement payment will be reduced from $1140 to $295 per month for the duration of their third year license agreement which will end on January 31, 2019. The Council agreed to enter into the License Agreement Amendment.
CHASE VEHICLE OUTFIT REQUEST-EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Council approved the request of Anna Sierra, Emergency Services Director, to outfit the two Chase units with lights, striping, installation of radios and additional safety equipment for a total cost of $18,529 utilizing FY19 Capital funds. Councilman Bradshaw voted in favor via written proxy.
SPECIAL EVENTS AGREEMENT-HORNS POINT OPEN HOUSE-UMES SHERIFF'S OFFICE
The Council agreed to execute a Special Events Agreement between the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Sponsor, the Council and the Sheriff of Dorchester County to provide public safety services in the form of two vehicles and two deputies at the Hom Point Open House on October 13, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $500. Councilman Bradshaw voted in favor via written proxy. The Council acknowledged that Sheriff's Office personnel costs are calculated at premium overtime.
BOARD APPOINTMENT-UPPER SHORE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD
The Council approved the request of Daniel P. McDermott, Executive Director, to reappoint Gale Collins to the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board for another three year term as a private sector representative for Dorchester County. Councilman Bradshaw voted in favor via written proxy.
REQUEST TO AWARD BID-CAMERA UPDATE-SHERIFF'S OFFICE
The Council approved the request of Sheriff James Phillips to award the bid for a camera upgrade for interviews at the Sheriff's Office to Bay Country Security for $9,450, which submitted the lowest quote. Councilman Bradshaw voted in favor via written proxy. The Council acknowledged that FY19 Capital Budget funds of $17,500 are available for this purpose. POLL CONFIRMATIONS The Council confirmed its decisions, in the interim between meetings, via a poll, to
approve the request of Amber Hulsey, Airport Director, to contract with J.L. Gannon for the repair of the air conditioning unit on the North Side of the Airport Terminal Building that is failing at the cost of $27,950 using FY 2018 HVAC repair capital funds by a 4 to 1 vote with 1 no answer, and, approve the request of Ryan White, Public Works Director, to purchase a rolloff from Kenworth at South Florida at the cost of $124,477 utilizing unused funds from FY17 and FY18 Landfill Enterprise Fund, allocated for the design of new cells, at the cost of $124,477 and a lift for a total not to exceed $164,000 by a 4 to | vote with 1 no answer.
Councilman Bradshaw voted via written proxy.
HOST VENUE AGREEMENTS-IRONMAN 70.3-IRONMAN® MARYLAND EVENTS
Mr. Goldman advised the Council that before them for consideration were Host Venue Agreements for the IRONMAN 70.3 Eaglemen and the IRONMAN Maryland events for the years of 2019-2023. He said E. Thomas Merryweather, County Attorney, reviewed the agreements and changes were provided to IRONMAN Maryland which were accepted. He noted that the City of Cambridge staff also requested changes, including the addition of a signature line for the City Attorney that were also accepted. The Council agreed to enter into the agreements. Councilman Bradshaw voted in favor via written proxy
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bruce Coulson, resident, said he attended a Citizens Advisory Committee meeting about the Mid Island Bay Project. He provided an update on the project as follows: 1) the design phase for James Island and Barten Island has begun; 2) Barten Island will be done first; 3) there is a 24 month timeline for Barren Island and a 47 month timeline for James Island; and, 4) ome things will be done concurrently. He said he is hopeful he will be able to provide the Council a schedule within the next couple of weeks. He noted that in the past when money was allocated and the design phase began, a project was locked in. He explained that the federal government is now requiring that a bid be awarded to a contractor for this project in order for it to remain authorized. He said it is currently good for 2021; however, there is a proposal to extend it to 2024. Mr. Coulson stated that a bid award is supposed to be awarded this year. In response to a question from Councilman
Travers, Mr. Coulson said the Barren Island project will begin two years from now. He expressed his understanding that the delay may be due to the fact that there is not a current need for these islands as spoil sites. He advised that there are several projects for which there is a need, including widening the channels on the other side of the
Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Councilman Travers expressed his understanding that the goal is to provide ample space for two ships to pass. Pursuant to a query from Councilman Satterfield Mr. Coulson said a letter of support is not necessary at the current time. He referenced the prior letters of support the Council sent for this project, which were acknowledged by the Maryland Port Administration. He said if an award is made in 2018 a letter of support may be needed. He noted that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service wants to use the islands as spoil sites for local projects.
Mr. Coulson said he hopes that when Tar Bay is addressed again, a breakwater will be constructed. Mr. Goldman expressed his understanding that the cost of the breakwater and dredging of Tar Bay is over $10 million. Mr. Coulson said the last cost estimate he remembers is $400,000. Councilman Satterfield explained that this amount represents the County's portion of the cost of feasibility study for this project.
Pursuant to a concem expressed by Donald Gray, resident, Mr. Goldman explained that once a month regular lawn maintenance is performed in the Dorchester Regional Technology Park. Mr. Trice noted that the grass around the Eastern Shore Innovation Center is also mowed on a regular basis.
In response to Mr. Gray's inquiry, Councilman Travers acknowledged that pursuant to the Dorchester County Board of Education Dr. Diana Mitchell, Superintendent of Schools, is on a leave of absence. He advised that the Board is the entity to contact for any information regarding this matter.
Mr. Gray expressed his understanding that the University of Maryland Horn Point Laboratory lost funding allocated to support its oyster restoration efforts. Mr. Goldman said he will inquire about this matter. Mr. Gray cited concern about the status of the current crab harvest and the cost for oyster spat.
COUNCIL'S COMMENTS/ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Satterfield noted that Council recently attended the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference which is a gathering of elected officials, Department Heads from Dorchester and other counties. He referenced the recent rains, noting more is forthcoming. He asked motorists careful on wet roads, especially since there may be some minor flooding particularly in the southern area. He acknowledged County staff's efforts to ensure that the grass is mowed along the roadways. He asked Mr. White about the possibility of mowing the grass on the other side of ditches in the Golden Hill area as well as along the area before the Crapo Post Office. He said there have been several accidents in those areas. He noted there has been encroachment by deer. Councilman Satterfield expressed his hope this will enhance motorists' safety. He stated that he appreciates the work County staff has performed in the southern part of the County.
Councilman Price noted that pursuant to published reports 1,000 individuals toured the John W. Brown Liberty Ship daily when it was docked in Cambridge. He opined that it is a floating museum of World War II. He said he hopes everyone has a Happy and Safe Labor Day holiday.
Councilman Travers advised that at the MACO Conference, Council members attended meetings including with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and cabinet secretaries. He recognized the members of County staff who provided presentations at different meetings. He referenced the resignation of a Sanitary Commission member. Based on his motion, the Council agreed to appoint Aubrey Vincent to fill the vacancy.
Councilman Travers announced that: 1) The next Council meeting will be held on September 4, 2018; and, 2) County Council members will be participating in the Cambridge Clean Water Progress Tour sponsored by the Cambridge Clean Water Advisory Committee on September 7, 2018.
With no further business to discuss, the Council adjourned.
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