[0:10] All right.
[0:10] Good morning everybody. Welcome
[0:11] to the Queen S County Commissioner's meeting.
[0:13] This is a public meeting
[0:14] that is being aired live on our local cable television
[0:17] station, QAC TV seven.
[0:19] These media broadcasts provide county citizens
[0:22] with an opportunity to watch
[0:23] and review our scheduled public sessions.
[0:26] In addition to our live audience this morning,
[0:28] we are providing re met options for citizens to watch
[0:30] and participate in county commissioner meetings.
[0:33] Citizens may watch our meeting live on our website at
[0:36] qc.org/live,
[0:38] or on our public access governmental television channel
[0:41] provided by Breeze Line Cable Services.
[0:43] Citizens may also participate
[0:44] by joining the live Zoom meeting by going
[0:46] to qac.org/public comment.
[0:50] Citizens may also email comments to public comment@qac.org.
[0:54] All comments received will be summarized
[0:55] during the present public comment period.
[0:57] On this evening's agenda,
[0:59] we acknowledge everyone's participation
[1:01] and by attending you acknowledge
[1:02] that this session is both recorded and aired present.
[1:04] Public comment will be taken
[1:05] and is limited to three minutes per person.
[1:07] If you do care to speak, please sign up at
[1:09] the information table in the lobby.
[1:11] Comments longer than three minutes can be submitted in
[1:13] writing for the commissioner's review.
[1:14] We'll now stand and be led in the Pledge
[1:16] of Allegiance by commission.
[1:17] President Jim Moran,
[1:20] I pledge allegiance to the flag
[1:22] of the United States of America
[1:25] and to the republic for which which it stands,
[1:27] one nation under God invisible liberty Justice for.
[1:44] All right, commissioners, we can go
[1:46] through the minutes in the agenda.
[1:48] So our agenda for today's meeting September 8th, along
[1:52] with the regular session minutes,
[1:53] the closed session minutes,
[1:55] and the sanitary commission minutes from the August 25th
[1:58] meeting have been circulated for review.
[2:00] Do we have any additions and or corrections?
[2:03] Now a motion to approve the agenda
[2:05] and minutes as submitted. Second,
[2:07] We have a motion and a second.
[2:08] Any discussion? Seeing none.
[2:10] All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye. Opposed? So.
[2:14] Alright, thank you commissioners.
[2:17] Okay, so we just held a closed session under the general
[2:20] provisions article, section 3, 3 0 5 B three
[2:23] for land acquisition and section 3, 3 0 5 B
[2:25] one for personnel.
[2:28] There were no decisions in the closed session today.
[2:33] So that brings us to pressing public comment.
[2:38] So we appreciate all citizens for taking time
[2:40] to express views to the county commissioners.
[2:42] Comments are limited to three minutes per person
[2:45] comments longer than three
[2:45] minutes can be submitted in writing.
[2:47] This commission respects your desire
[2:49] and right to convey your message freely.
[2:51] When you come forward, please speak clearly
[2:52] at the standing microphone.
[2:54] State your name, your address, and your topic of interest.
[2:56] And in keeping with the dignity of our office, we ask
[2:58] that all, all views be expressed in a
[3:00] respectful and civil manner.
[3:02] First up is Jim. Jim Tranquil.
[3:08] Hello, Jim Tranquil.
[3:11] I live at seven Sycamore Court in Grayville,
[3:14] down in Prospect Bay.
[3:16] I'm the president
[3:17] of the Prospect Bay Homeowners Association.
[3:20] I did see on the agenda that you do have in new business
[3:23] to bring up golf cart usage in Prospect Bay.
[3:27] And I'm here to ask the commissioners to approve the use
[3:30] of golf carts for adults over 16
[3:33] with a license in Prospect Bay on the public roads.
[3:38] I know the state of Maryland has put together a, a way for
[3:41] a past legislation to allow golf carts on public roads
[3:45] as long as it's approved by the local jurisdiction
[3:49] for roads under 2035 miles an hour.
[3:51] Ours is under 30, ours is, ours are 25 miles an hour.
[3:54] And I know most of all of you probably been in Prospect Bay
[3:56] and golf carts are a big part of the community.
[3:59] It would be a shame if we couldn't have those on the roads.
[4:02] Just wanna also note
[4:03] that obviously I'm pretty sure the sheriff wouldn't wanna
[4:06] spend his, his resources policing adults driving
[4:08] around in golf carts.
[4:10] So we all wanna follow the law.
[4:11] We'd love to solve this and, and, and, and solve the issues.
[4:14] I just wanted to also let the commissioners know
[4:16] that on Pub Prospect Bay Property,
[4:19] we already have Go Golf Cart rules that people have
[4:23] to be 16 and have a valid license
[4:25] to drive golf carts on the Prospect Bay property.
[4:29] We can't police the roads, but we, we do that
[4:31] and we're in the process of
[4:33] strengthening those rules as well.
[4:35] And we're willing to work with you guys to,
[4:36] to come to a solution.
[4:38] So just wanted to put that out there.
[4:39] I also have the general manager here
[4:41] and if you guys ever have any questions
[4:42] or wanna work with us, we're more than happy to do that.
[4:45] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Don McCabbe.
[4:57] It is Dan McCabe.
[4:59] So I'm just following up with, I guess Jim's comments
[5:03] before about the Prospect Bay Golf carts
[5:06] and frankly the, the facts remain the majority
[5:09] of the accidents that have happened unfortunately in the
[5:11] recent, were due to underage drivers.
[5:13] So I do feel facilitating and enforcing the laws of 16
[5:18] and over with valid driver's license would
[5:21] remediate most of the problems.
[5:23] That's it. Thank you gentlemen. Thank you.
[5:26] That's all. Do sign up? Would anybody else like to speak?
[5:29] Okay, stand down. We'll close press on public comment.
[5:37] Alright, commissioners, if you want to flip over
[5:39] to tab number seven, we have one legislation item here
[5:43] for this morning's meeting.
[5:45] So under tab seven, item number one on pages one
[5:48] and two is county ordinance number 26 16 A PFO
[5:53] amendment to chapter 28
[5:55] for high school capacity implementation
[5:57] of moratorium recommendations.
[5:59] And this, the objective of this bill is
[6:01] to raise the A PFO capacity threshold
[6:04] of high schools from the current value of 100%
[6:07] of the state rated capacity to 110% given the mobility
[6:11] of high school students and the nature of how high schools
[6:14] currently operate.
[6:15] And this was a recommendation that was developed
[6:18] as part of the moratorium.
[6:19] So this can be introduced
[6:21] and scheduled for a a public hearing.
[6:24] I introduce 26 16.
[6:29] Alright. Alright, thank you commissioners.
[6:33] That is all of the legislation we have for today.
[6:35] So we can move into the presentations portion
[6:37] of the meeting.
[6:39] So first up, this is in under tab number six,
[6:42] but first up we have the detention center
[6:44] departmental update.
[6:46] We have Warden Cook
[6:48] and Brianna Koman, captain Cotman from the detention center.
[6:51] So please join me up here
[6:53] and try to pick a spot
[6:54] that's not in the, in the sunlight there.
[6:56] That's not the one. Probably want to be on the other side
[6:59] Here.
[7:00] That way. Like too. Yeah. Welcome.
[7:02] You get vitamin D. It's good For you.
[7:04] Good to see you both. Yeah, it's little
[7:05] vitamin D. That's right. Glad to
[7:06] Be here. Good morning.
[7:07] Good morning. Okay.
[7:09] Alright. I guess I'll start.
[7:11] First I wanna thank you for the acknowledgement
[7:14] and our participation in the peer support program.
[7:17] A lot of our officers face a lot of burnout
[7:19] so them having someone they know there they know they can
[7:22] speak to and talk to about their issues
[7:24] or moving forward has been very beneficial.
[7:27] So I just wanna thank you for your ongoing support in that.
[7:31] First we're gonna start with medical.
[7:33] We are extending our medical to 24 hour coverage.
[7:36] I'm very excited that we have hired LPNs.
[7:39] We're just waiting for C cmts to cover,
[7:41] which is certified medication technicians
[7:43] to cover the midnight to eight shift
[7:46] and then we'll fully go 24 hours.
[7:49] So that's a huge milestone for the detention center
[7:52] to be going 24 hour medical care.
[7:54] We will be hiring a new HSA one has interviewed.
[7:58] We really enjoyed the interview and we have one more.
[8:01] So once well PATH makes a decision,
[8:03] we'll have a fully staffed 24 hour LPN RN
[8:07] and CM TS covering the ME medical for the detention center.
[8:13] Our MAT program has been going really well.
[8:15] We've enhanced our DCHA discharge planning
[8:18] and continuity of treatment once released.
[8:22] We have a MAT nurse who is passionate about
[8:25] medications not over-prescribing, making sure they get
[8:28] what they need to stay safe once released.
[8:30] And our peer support team member who makes sure
[8:32] that they are attached to the resources that they need
[8:35] to stay sober.
[8:38] We are in the process
[8:40] of implementing the electronic medical record system.
[8:42] It is a little bit of a process,
[8:44] but we are hoping to have it done by October.
[8:46] What that'll do is,
[8:47] and once the person comes in,
[8:49] it'll be no more paper, it'll be all digital.
[8:51] We'll get real time reports, we'll get updates.
[8:54] If anything is, anything is concerning, they will be able
[8:59] to talk to ER doctors instead
[9:01] of sending them straight out ER doctors will be virtual so
[9:03] that way they can do the assessment at the detention center
[9:06] instead of transporting.
[9:08] And then if they need to go,
[9:09] of course we'll take 'em at that point.
[9:10] So we are very excited about the electronic monitoring.
[9:13] It'll give us a real time report every morning when we come
[9:15] in so we know if there's anything concerning.
[9:19] Another big positive
[9:21] for the detention center is the MAT program is fully funded
[9:24] by the grant by two grants.
[9:26] One is the ORF grant and that we've had for two years.
[9:31] We asked for you guys permission when we
[9:33] first put in for it.
[9:37] But then we also just got the PFA grant
[9:39] who now covers the nurses' salary so
[9:41] that nurses' salary is no longer coming outta Queen Annes
[9:43] County budget is coming out of the PFA grant.
[9:46] So we are very excited about that.
[9:48] We still do have openings for CMT for the grant
[9:52] that will cover weekends
[9:53] and cover when the MAT nurse is out.
[9:55] Until then, thewell Path has been graciously covering that
[9:59] for us, but we still are looking
[10:01] for a certified medication technician.
[10:04] I know you guys know, but we've received a hundred percent
[10:07] compliance of Maryland Correction,
[10:09] Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards.
[10:11] And then also in July there was a selection standard audit
[10:14] that basically goes through our hiring backgrounds
[10:17] and making sure that everything is as it should be.
[10:20] They did give us a recommendation about a question
[10:23] on our background check.
[10:24] We updated it the same day
[10:26] and reissued to all officers that were hired
[10:28] after 2024 to make sure we came into compliance.
[10:31] That was just a recommendation,
[10:32] but we felt that recommendation was really important
[10:34] and took the initiative to go ahead and get that done.
[10:38] Same day we did do a overview
[10:42] of the detention center's, policies, procedures.
[10:45] We had been doing that for I feel like a year.
[10:48] But the new policies, procedures were implemented
[10:50] and placed for officers review and usage.
[10:54] We did implement the immigration policy that aligned
[10:57] with the Attorney General's guidance.
[11:00] One of my favorite topics is my staff.
[11:02] A lot of times the detention center staff
[11:04] feel like they're not heard.
[11:05] So I just wanna highlight them for a second.
[11:07] We have three officers that are a member
[11:09] of the peer support team.
[11:12] We also have a promotion from Corporal
[11:15] to Sergeant Robert Robert Sington, who's our 12
[11:19] to eighth shift supervisor.
[11:21] We, officer Minner,
[11:22] who was our day shift officer, is now corporal.
[11:24] On the four to 12th shift.
[11:26] We have corporal first class Duckery who's permit promoted
[11:30] to corporal first class training coordinator.
[11:34] We have Officer Hinch that was promoted to corporal
[11:37] of training and we have, I wanted
[11:41] to acknowledge Corporal Sar who took over supervision
[11:43] of the 12 eight shift for a couple months while we were in
[11:46] transition and promotions were taking place.
[11:49] The officers participated in the senior
[11:51] summit at the four H Park.
[11:53] Usually we just send inmates and officers supervise.
[11:56] But this year the officers dived in and helped out.
[11:58] Corporal Jones, corporal Chinky, officer Webb
[12:01] and Officer Brooks all participated
[12:03] and helped the off worked alongside
[12:04] with our inmates at the four H Park.
[12:08] We participated in National Night Out
[12:11] officers Bedford Corporal minus Ms.
[12:14] Cindy Moore and Lieutenant Edwards
[12:16] and Aramark contributed all of our gifts
[12:18] and prizes for the kids.
[12:19] They were able to check out our new transport vehicle,
[12:22] which they thought was really cool.
[12:25] Officer, officer Rum and Corporal Minner.
[12:29] Both were our officers of the year
[12:31] and we continue to highlight them throughout this year
[12:34] in character accounts.
[12:35] We have participated in character accounts again this year.
[12:38] It's been a little hectic trying to get there.
[12:39] But we participated, we also participated in maa given a,
[12:44] a overview of the tablets
[12:45] and how they benefit our inmates,
[12:48] how they benefit the officers
[12:49] and how they make security at the facility a lot easier.
[12:52] So keep an eye out.
[12:54] We are gonna participate in HR about s spotlighting our
[12:56] officers 'cause we definitely
[12:57] wanna get our officer's name out there.
[12:58] So we are gonna be highlighting them here shortly.
[13:01] And last for me is we have some upcoming training
[13:04] in December.
[13:05] We all know that a medication,
[13:08] a medication assistant treatment program can be
[13:12] scary to some of the officers
[13:14] because they think it's just given inmates more drugs.
[13:17] So we're gonna have an extra educational session
[13:19] and the officers are gonna get to know why
[13:22] we give medication assistant treatment.
[13:24] They're gonna get to know the education
[13:26] behind the statistics and what to look for
[13:29] and how they can be a bigger help in making sure these
[13:31] people stay on the right track.
[13:35] Okay. Couple technology points I wanted to make.
[13:40] In addition to some of the things
[13:41] that she just talked about, we've now instituted
[13:44] what we call lightning law.
[13:46] This is connected with our tablet system.
[13:50] We've always, over the many years had attorneys
[13:53] that have scheduled appointments to come in to see the
[13:58] incarcerated individuals that we have now.
[14:01] Not that that stops, they could still come in.
[14:03] However they could do the visit through the tablets
[14:06] so the inmates can,
[14:08] right now I believe we have the public defender's office
[14:12] signed up on it, if I'm not mistaken right now.
[14:14] So they've agreed to work with that.
[14:16] So they could communicate directly
[14:18] with the individuals on the tablets.
[14:21] They'll have the tablet,
[14:22] they have a headphone that they wear.
[14:24] So it's private between the two of 'em other than what
[14:27] somebody may overhear just briefly on the tablet
[14:30] with the individual talking to that person.
[14:32] So that's a big, big plus for us.
[14:35] I don't think all the facilities in the state have
[14:37] that quite yet, but I think we're one of the first to do
[14:40] that, if I'm not mistaken, through our vendor.
[14:43] So that's a big, big advantage for us
[14:48] when we have these tablets.
[14:49] And I know, I just wanna make it clear,
[14:52] this is on a closed system.
[14:53] When we talk about the tablets,
[14:54] they don't have the free access that many other people do.
[14:58] You know, with their tablets at home, wifi
[15:00] and whatever it is all connected through the system.
[15:05] Anything they do on there can be monitored by our staff.
[15:08] If there's any problems, they can do their
[15:12] communications home, you know, through, through that.
[15:16] With family they can get their mail through the tablets,
[15:20] which we don't have the mail where staff is tied up trying
[15:23] to go through all the mail and everything.
[15:25] That's a big plus there.
[15:28] They can, you know, have access to, to media such
[15:32] as films that are, you know, PG and below.
[15:36] So we don't have any problem with that.
[15:38] So it's been a really big plus for us to have that system
[15:42] and many of the facilities do have that now,
[15:44] but it has really not eliminated all the problems
[15:48] that we have in the back.
[15:49] But it has been a big help to do that.
[15:52] And, and if individuals violate the rules, that's one
[15:57] of the items we can take.
[15:59] And that's a big thing if you take that away from 'em
[16:01] and they know the other inmates have it.
[16:04] How, how many of these tablets do you have?
[16:07] We have right now enough
[16:08] to cover our average daily population of individuals.
[16:12] We average between 55
[16:13] and 60 individuals that are being incarcerated right now.
[16:17] I think the number's a little lower if
[16:18] I'm not mistaken this past week. So they
[16:20] Check, do they just like the library, they check it out?
[16:23] No, when they come in for booking, they give,
[16:25] they issue one after bail reveal.
[16:26] Oh okay. So every offender is gets a tablet.
[16:30] Now they do still have access to,
[16:31] to soft cover books from the library,
[16:33] but this is an augmentation there and everything.
[16:37] So I'd never thought I'd see anything like that.
[16:40] When you think about 60
[16:42] or maybe 70 inmates, if we get full, we're full
[16:46] all operating on these tablets right in the facility.
[16:50] You know, you think of that technology, it's,
[16:52] it's just unreal.
[16:54] So that's been one of the big,
[16:56] big improvements that we've had.
[16:58] In addition with our security,
[17:02] we're always daily trying to keep up
[17:04] with what's going on in the facility.
[17:07] We do have rules of regulation that cover security,
[17:10] but a lot of the stuff that we have
[17:11] to watch is not something you put in a manual.
[17:14] You have to be on top of what's going on
[17:16] with those individuals.
[17:17] They have the whole day to think about
[17:20] what they can get into.
[17:21] We go our eight hours
[17:23] and go home except for the administrative staff, you know,
[17:26] 'cause we're always tuned into what's going on.
[17:29] It's, it's just amazing with some of the stuff
[17:31] that's come up with these individuals
[17:33] and I won't say weekly, but every now
[17:36] and then, several times during the months we come up with,
[17:38] they come up with something that we have to get into.
[17:42] You know, as far as something with contraband, you know,
[17:46] anything to get by the system.
[17:48] I imagine you're gonna be be able to
[17:49] write a book one day Warden.
[17:50] Oh my god, don't even remind me of that. Just one I tell
[17:53] You, gimme two books.
[17:56] Wow, whatever. But have a whole chapter on Phil.
[18:01] But anyhow, you know,
[18:03] it's just a constant monitoring officers have to do.
[18:06] Even doing transports
[18:08] and you know, the officers are armed, they know how
[18:11] to do the transport, but there's always that concern all
[18:14] of us have, when they go out on that road, you don't know
[18:16] what they're gonna be dealing with.
[18:18] We had one guy some years ago right on the Bay Bridge.
[18:22] He decides to go off on the officers, not physically,
[18:24] but he's in a cage
[18:26] and they called in, we called over to the barrack.
[18:29] They were able to send a a number of units in, in Annapolis
[18:33] off one 50 to wait there for 'em when they got there
[18:36] and they got the guy taken care of.
[18:38] That's just very rare. But that can happen.
[18:41] And you don't know who's laying out there.
[18:42] We're very careful. We don't let them know
[18:46] as best we can when the transports are going
[18:48] for those individuals, we try to keep that under wraps,
[18:51] but anything can happen.
[18:53] So that's where we're at there.
[18:55] We do have, talking about transports,
[18:58] a new modernized transport unit.
[19:00] We've been needing one for a while.
[19:02] The staff got together administrative staff
[19:05] and looked at what the, what, what qualities this thing had.
[19:09] And that's what she was alluding to at the program
[19:13] at the high school a couple of weeks ago.
[19:15] They showed that vehicle off. It's, it's unique.
[19:17] Quite unique. Very, very good with security, very good
[19:21] with keeping control of individuals in those units.
[19:24] So that's a big plus for US programs.
[19:28] We right now still have the, the pretrial release program,
[19:31] which has worked out very, very well.
[19:34] We have a staff of three people there, Dave Dawkins, Eileen
[19:38] and Crabtree have been working that program very well.
[19:42] The courts have been pretty satisfied.
[19:44] The judges are the ones that determine
[19:46] who goes on the program
[19:47] and what level of security goes there.
[19:50] And so far I haven't heard any complaints.
[19:52] I don't think captain or
[19:54] or the major have heard any complaints about the program.
[19:57] It's just worked very well.
[19:58] Right now we have 34 participants on the program.
[20:02] We have two unsupervised home detention.
[20:06] We have watching the program.
[20:09] Also in addition, the medication, the treatment program,
[20:12] medicated assisted treatment program is, is,
[20:17] is working very well.
[20:18] What she mentioned also community service.
[20:21] We have three participants there
[20:24] and also the peer support daytime for all offenders evenings
[20:28] and those on the MAT program.
[20:30] All those programs really help
[20:31] because we're very limited physically in what we can do
[20:34] as far as programs
[20:36] and all under the current situation that we have there.
[20:39] Down the road when we build, build a new facility,
[20:42] we'll have the programming space
[20:43] and probably can do more expanded programs at that time.
[20:47] Also with food service commissary and offender services.
[20:51] We have what we call a fresh favorites program.
[20:55] That's a program that operates
[20:57] by our food service operation.
[21:00] It allows a limited menu that individuals can order
[21:05] as long as they have the funding to do it in their counts.
[21:08] They can get maybe like,
[21:11] but a special cheeseburger, maybe a pizza
[21:14] or something along that line,
[21:15] which wouldn't normally be on the menu.
[21:17] They can order that. That's another, what do you wanna say?
[21:21] Valuable resource for them that if they don't follow
[21:24] regulations we pull it.
[21:26] And we did have some problems in the past with the program,
[21:29] but now I think we've ironed out much, much of that.
[21:32] We also have what they call the into work program
[21:35] and that's a training for the individuals
[21:37] that are working in food service at the, the
[21:41] food service supervisor conducts a class during the time
[21:46] that they're there to help them understand
[21:49] what the program's all about.
[21:50] To give them maybe some limited skills
[21:53] for when they get back out.
[21:54] They can use that to maybe get employed, you know,
[21:57] in something food related s you know,
[21:59] food related situation.
[22:02] We also are looking at the training facility
[22:08] set up that Aramark has.
[22:10] That's part of this program for, for that whole thing.
[22:13] And also we also have to operate on the health regulations
[22:18] with the health department.
[22:20] Just like the restaurants we're held to the same standards
[22:23] as far as how, you know, cleanliness, sanitation, storage,
[22:29] all those type of situations are very much important.
[22:32] And you know, so far we've been able
[22:34] with some recommendations over time
[22:37] to keep that program going.
[22:38] And we haven't really had any problems
[22:40] with any food poisoning,
[22:42] bad food going in the back, anything like that.
[22:46] We haven't had any of that happen.
[22:48] Not in my memory since we've been operating.
[22:50] So that's a general interview
[22:52] over overview of what we've done.
[22:54] If you have any questions, we'll be glad
[22:56] to answer them at this time.
[22:59] I know that was comprehensive so thank you
[23:03] Very much.
[23:04] So well thank you. Appreciate it as always.
[23:07] Alright. Alright. A great job. Thank you. Thank you.
[23:10] Thank you.
[23:18] All right commissioners. Our second presentation is,
[23:21] this is from Janet Salazar, the director
[23:25] of our Queen Anns County free library.
[23:27] It is library cards sign up month. So yes it is.
[23:31] I hope y'all come get your library. Come on up. Yeah.
[23:33] Anybody with you here today? Just no, we're so it's just me.
[23:36] Alright. Alright.
[23:38] And this is in your, your books tab six,
[23:41] item two pages three and four
[23:42] and we have a have it up on the screen as well.
[23:47] Alright. Good morning. Good morning.
[23:50] Thank you so much for taking time to talk with me today.
[23:53] It is library card signup month, September as always,
[23:55] national library card signup month.
[23:57] And we appreciate you hearing from the library
[23:59] during the month of September.
[24:01] On the screen you'll see our limited edition.
[24:06] So come and get it. Library card
[24:09] for our library card signup month.
[24:11] This was done, you were at the fair last year.
[24:15] You may have remembered that the library was doing a
[24:18] community puzzle and we had people come
[24:20] and do a piece of the puzzle
[24:22] and then we put them all together
[24:23] and we had a digital artist come in
[24:25] and create a large community art piece for it.
[24:30] So what we decided to do as part of our marketing was
[24:34] to create a library card out of that large puzzle.
[24:38] And I think it's appropriate that you,
[24:40] that it says find your place at the library
[24:42] because everyone can find their place at the library.
[24:45] There's something for everyone.
[24:47] Even if you don't think it about the library every day there
[24:51] is something for you at the library.
[24:53] So this was our collaborative puzzle project.
[24:55] Lindsey Lowry of Art at Art at large was the person
[24:59] who created the digital puzzle altogether.
[25:04] Our library card provides access to a wide variety
[25:07] of free services and resources,
[25:09] which include borrowing books and other materials.
[25:12] But we also have programs and events.
[25:13] We have digital resources, we have the makerspace,
[25:16] we have library of things.
[25:18] We have so much more.
[25:19] So your library card really is like a ticket to into
[25:24] whatever you can think of that you might want to learn.
[25:26] I mean, 'cause first and foremost,
[25:27] the library is about learning.
[25:31] One of the new things that we have added that I think
[25:33] I'm not too sure many people know about them,
[25:37] are our creator kits.
[25:39] The creator kits, well are gonna make it easy
[25:41] for small businesses, entrepreneurs
[25:43] and content creators to elevate their marketing
[25:46] with professional equipment available.
[25:48] And you can borrow that with your library
[25:50] card for up to two weeks.
[25:52] The creator kits were
[25:54] provided through a rural economic development grant from the
[25:58] Upper Shore Regional Council
[25:59] through our Queen Annes County Department of Economic
[26:02] and Tourism Development.
[26:05] So the kits include logging kits, podcasting kits,
[26:08] digital photography kits, green screen kits,
[26:11] and studio light box kits.
[26:15] None of which I know how to use.
[26:16] So we're gonna have programs.
[26:20] So coming up on October 15th,
[26:22] we are gonna have Queen Annes County Chamber Coffee
[26:25] Connection at the library
[26:26] and you're gonna be able to see these items
[26:28] and touch them and learn about them.
[26:31] And then on November 5th, we're going to be doing podcasting
[26:35] for Business and Content Creation with Beth Malaki
[26:39] who sitting right back there
[26:41] and Bruce Grove from Queen Queen Annes County tv.
[26:44] In January we're gonna have a photography workshop
[26:47] with Caroline Phillips.
[26:48] And in March we're gonna be doing blogging, basement
[26:52] blogging basics, excuse me,
[26:54] with Bruce Grove and Marshall Haw.
[26:55] So we have lots of programs coming up around these kits.
[26:58] We're very excited to get these kits.
[27:00] They're at both branches and are ready to be checked out.
[27:03] So please come and see us.
[27:07] A couple of other things, just to bring you up to speed.
[27:10] Every year we do book buddies with the school
[27:13] where we have volunteers come in
[27:15] and read a book during lunch for third graders
[27:17] who are struggling with reading.
[27:20] We had 18 volunteers.
[27:23] We served 193 students across all six elementary schools.
[27:29] We distributed 240 total books.
[27:34] Each of the four titles, 60 of each of the four titles.
[27:36] So 22, 222 books were distributed to students.
[27:40] The other ones were sent to the libraries for the libraries
[27:43] to have at the school.
[27:45] This year, when we do book buddies, we're really hoping
[27:47] to be able to up our funding for it
[27:52] so that when students finish the program, they can take
[27:56] a copy of each of the four books on with them.
[27:58] Right now, they have to choose one at the
[27:59] end that they wanna take.
[28:01] But one of the feed, some
[28:02] of the feedback we got from the students was it would be
[28:04] really nice that after they read that excerpt of the book
[28:08] during lunch, that they just took the book home with them.
[28:11] So that is one of the things that we are hoping
[28:13] to expand this year.
[28:15] Right now we are in the middle of doing an art supply drive
[28:19] for all of the art teachers for the school.
[28:21] So if you would like to donate some art supplies
[28:24] to the library, you can just bring 'em into the library.
[28:26] We have boxes out
[28:28] and when we're done, we will take it all over to
[28:32] the Queen Anne's County Arts Alliance.
[28:34] And between all of us, we will make sure it gets
[28:36] to all of the arts students.
[28:39] And just some updates on summer reading,
[28:42] which had just finished.
[28:44] We had 3008 people registered for summer reading this year,
[28:47] which is very, very exciting.
[28:49] I mean that's quite a few people.
[28:51] We did 193 programs
[28:54] and 5,521 people participated in those programs.
[28:58] So it was a very, very busy summer at the library.
[29:03] But the other thing I'm here to kind of just announce is
[29:06] that the library has started a foundation.
[29:09] Most libraries have foundations. Queen Anne County did not.
[29:13] So one of a couple of our board members were like,
[29:16] we should really get our foundation together.
[29:18] The foundation is really meant to kind of help
[29:21] diversify our funding streams.
[29:23] We know that county governments get taxed for so many things
[29:26] and you all have been great to us.
[29:28] I'm not saying that you haven't, you've been awesome to us.
[29:31] But you know, there are good years and there are bad years.
[29:33] And a library foundation will be the stable funding
[29:37] that hopefully will be coming.
[29:39] So if you know anyone who would like to be on our board
[29:42] of directors, we are actively recruiting our, for our board
[29:46] for the library foundation.
[29:48] Or if you just would like to donate, there's a place
[29:50] that you can do that on our website.
[29:53] One of the first things that we're going to be fundraising
[29:55] for will be the Crumpton building.
[29:58] Our board just recently approved using the Crumpton building
[30:02] as a branch in the North County.
[30:04] So that will be our very first woo-hoo launching project.
[30:08] So we wanna thank well Todd, really I would like thank Todd
[30:12] for just thinking of the library
[30:14] and Pure hearts for allowing us to kind of partner together
[30:18] to bring a branch to the North County.
[30:20] So that is my very quick and dirty library update.
[30:24] If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them.
[30:27] I, I stopped by the Barkley kiosk.
[30:32] Ah-huh. That is fabulous. Okay, well well done.
[30:36] Thank you. And once the Crumpton building opens,
[30:39] we'll be moving our kiosk somewhere else.
[30:41] So, so we will have another kiosk around somewhere.
[30:44] I don't know about the Barkley Ccle, the kiosk. So, but
[30:48] I'm sorry. Crumpton. Crumpton.
[30:49] Okay. Thank you. I was like, maybe it will go to Barkley
[30:53] 'cause that's good idea.
[30:54] So there you go. So once that building, it's by the wall
[30:57] Field and the old, Yeah, once that building opens,
[31:00] we will move it to some other part of the county
[31:02] that will need access to library material. And
[31:04] How big is that building?
[31:06] How big is it? Yeah, it's about 3,100
[31:08] square feet on the inside.
[31:09] So pure hearts, I know it's very small,
[31:12] but it's a good start.
[31:13] Sure. So Pure Hearts will have one aspect of the building
[31:17] that's kind of like a community hall center.
[31:19] And then the other side will be mostly library
[31:22] and we'll have, you know, most things
[31:24] that a library has a meeting room, a small like study room,
[31:28] a small like study pods for like individual use
[31:32] and just books and a place for teens and a place for kids.
[31:35] It will be on a smaller scale but it will all be there. So
[31:38] Any kind of dollar amounts, I don't have that yet.
[31:41] Okay. They just voted to move forward with it.
[31:43] So we're working with the county
[31:44] and the architects to get that kind of schedule
[31:46] and all of the stuff you would
[31:47] expect from a building project.
[31:51] Very good. Anything else? Thank you.
[31:56] Last, well if anybody's interested in becoming a member
[31:59] of the found your foundation.
[32:00] Yeah. How many spots are available?
[32:06] I'm gonna say off the top of my head. Seven. Seven?
[32:08] Okay. It may be a few more than that.
[32:10] There are a few board members
[32:11] who will be on the foundation board, but,
[32:15] So if anybody wants to consider being on that foundation,
[32:17] they can reach out at the Centerville branch
[32:20] and or the Stevensville branch.
[32:21] Yes. They can get some information on that. Certainly
[32:23] Can.
[32:24] All right. And there's a webpage on our web,
[32:26] on our website as well. So
[32:29] Last time you were here we spoke about
[32:31] some historical artifacts.
[32:33] I'm having a really hard time hearing you. I'm sorry.
[32:35] Last time you were here we talked about some historical
[32:38] artifacts, Clayborn and Kerwin, things of that nature.
[32:42] Any chance that some of that can be put out or, or replicas
[32:47] or duplicates or read copies of something?
[32:51] We are working on getting it cataloged so
[32:53] that we can share it more lightly though.
[32:55] Okay. I keep,
[32:57] I I have had a few re requests about that even since then.
[33:00] Okay. Then we will, thank you.
[33:02] Make that more of a priority. Thank you. Thank you.
[33:06] Alright. Thank you. Thank you.
[33:08] Thank you very much. Good to see you. Yeah as always.
[33:13] Alright, commissioners moving right along.
[33:15] We can move into the Department of Public Works.
[33:17] They've got four items. So
[33:18] gentlemen if you wanna come on up.
[33:20] We have director public works handling Quimbee
[33:22] and chief engineer Lee Edgar.
[33:24] So this is under tab number two. So tab number two.
[33:29] The first item is the item one.
[33:32] Pages one through five, the board of education, former board
[33:35] of Education administration building
[33:36] down on Chesterfield Avenue.
[33:38] This is the final transfer of that property from the Board
[33:41] of Education back
[33:42] to the county commissioners since the board
[33:45] of Education has decided they do no longer need
[33:48] that facility for the public school system.
[33:51] So they've owned it for many, many years now.
[33:54] So it's about 11 acres.
[33:55] So this is the final step to transfer that property back
[33:57] to the county commissioners.
[33:59] And we were simply just waiting on the State Board
[34:02] of Education to release it. Yeah,
[34:04] That's correct.
[34:07] And that occurred. That occurred
[34:15] actually just, just this last month, August 14th.
[34:19] So just transferring the property back to us so
[34:21] We can I move to execute
[34:23] and record the deed effective transfer of ownership
[34:25] of tracks one, two, and three to the county commissioners
[34:28] of Queenan County.
[34:30] Second, We have a motion to second.
[34:33] Any discussion on this topic? Seeing none.
[34:36] All those in favor signify by saying aye.
[34:38] Aye. Aye. Opposed? Abstain. So moved.
[34:43] Thank you Commissioners. Item two
[34:44] on pages six through nine.
[34:46] This is, if you recall, this is
[34:48] for the next AMP solar power purchase agreement project
[34:52] up in Cecil County.
[34:54] We entered into a power purchase agreement back in 2020.
[34:58] They've been delayed for a variety
[35:00] of reasons getting this project going,
[35:02] but they are now ready to kick it off.
[35:04] So this is an estoppel certificate that they've asked us
[35:07] to sign so that we would be committed to continue
[35:10] to be committed to use the power up there from their solar
[35:14] array project in Cecil County.
[35:19] I moved to execute the estoppel certificate on behalf
[35:21] of Next AMP and MUFG bank LTD confirming
[35:26] the commitment made by the county on December 10th, 2020
[35:29] by its execution of the power purchase agreement
[35:32] to purchase solar power from next stand.
[35:35] Second. We have a motion and a second.
[35:37] Any discussion on this item? Seeing none.
[35:40] All those in favor signify say aye. A. Aye. Opposed?
[35:44] Abstain. So moved.
[35:46] Alright, thank you Commissioners.
[35:48] Our next two items are for the sanitary commission.
[35:51] Make a motion that we convene as sanitary. Second.
[35:54] All those in favor? Aye. Aye.
[35:58] Okay. Item number three, pages 11 and 12.
[36:02] This is for the phase three levy
[36:06] of special benefit assessments for improved properties
[36:09] and the phase three
[36:10] of the Southern Kent Island sanitary projects that we have.
[36:12] Resolution number 26 14 That would
[36:16] be effective October 1st if adopted
[36:18] to levy the special benefit assessment on Queen's colony
[36:21] and Kenmore communities.
[36:24] I move that we execute resolution 26 dash 14 fixing
[36:28] and levying a benefit assessment in the amount
[36:30] of $15,220 payable over 20 years at 1%
[36:35] interest on all Southern Kent Island Phase three Class A
[36:39] improved properties with an effective billing date
[36:42] of October 1st, 2026.
[36:45] Second We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
[36:49] Seeing none. All those in favor signify saying aye. Aye.
[36:52] Opposed? Abstain. So moved.
[36:55] Thank you commissioners. Item four on page 13.
[36:58] This is a request for sewer
[37:00] and water allocation from the DNF development LLC trading
[37:05] as barnstable for the contract purchaser
[37:07] of two farms located on Maryland 18 Main Street in Chester.
[37:12] Proposing 82 residential condominium townhouse
[37:15] townhouse units.
[37:17] Site has no allocation.
[37:18] Requires 20,500 gallons per day sewer and water allocation
[37:23] and the cost of which at current race is
[37:25] $1,328,400.
[37:34] I moved to grant 20,500 gallons per day of sewer
[37:36] and water allocation to DNF development LLC
[37:38] for the proposed a D two unit residential development at a
[37:41] cost of 1,328,400
[37:43] for which a 10% non-refundable deposit will be required
[37:46] within 30 calendar days.
[37:48] I'll second it. We have a motion a second.
[37:51] Any discussion on this topic?
[37:56] Seeing none. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
[37:59] Aye. Opposed?
[38:02] Aye. Aye. Aye. Abstained one to four.
[38:09] Patrick, you? Patrick is that correct? You or no?
[38:11] Right. Yeah. Okay.
[38:13] 1 4 41. Alright,
[38:16] Thank you commissioners.
[38:17] Alright, thank you Commissioners.
[38:18] That's all we had for the Department of Public Works today.
[38:20] Unless you got any other questions for these
[38:21] gentlemen while they're here.
[38:24] Okay. Okay. Moving right along.
[38:26] We have some new business, six new business items.
[38:31] So if you wanna turn to tab number three.
[38:35] So tab three item one, pages one through six.
[38:38] First we have a cooperative agreement with the town
[38:41] of Barclay for rental housing inspections.
[38:43] And the town of Barclay has requested approval
[38:45] of a cooperative agreement with Queen Annes County
[38:47] to provide rental housing inspections to enforce counties.
[38:50] Our county's minimum livability code within
[38:53] the town of Barclay.
[38:55] This agreement is similar to what we've done
[38:57] with other incorporated towns
[38:58] and it's been reviewed by the county attorney.
[39:00] So we'd recommend approval of that agreement.
[39:05] I move to execute the cooperative agreement with the town
[39:07] of Barclay to allow the implementation
[39:08] and application of the Queen Anne County minimum livability
[39:13] code within the town of Barclay. Second
[39:16] We have a motion and a second.
[39:17] Any discussion? Yeah,
[39:19] I have a few more of these come in.
[39:21] At the most recent cog meeting, there was a lot
[39:23] of discussion about how to utilize the county's resources to
[39:28] take care of some of this 'cause they don't have county
[39:30] sources in some of our smaller ones.
[39:32] So I'm perfect thinking the rest
[39:33] of 'em are gonna be jumping in.
[39:35] Yep. We're happy to help out. It's good?
[39:37] Yep. Awesome. All those in favor A? Aye.
[39:40] Opposed? So moved.
[39:42] Thank you commissioners. Item two
[39:44] on pages seven through nine.
[39:46] This is a bay crossing letter of support
[39:50] for a land preservation mitigation fund.
[39:53] This is for consideration of signing a letter to support
[39:57] the urging of the the Maryland Department of Transportation
[40:00] and the state of Maryland to establish a fund dedicated
[40:02] for land preservation mitigation
[40:04] to address potential land use impacts resulting from a new
[40:09] bay crossing in Queen against Talbot and Caroline Counties.
[40:14] I move to execute the Bay Crossing study letter of support
[40:17] for the land preservation mitigation fund.
[40:19] Second, we have a motion to second. Any discussion?
[40:24] Seeing none. All those in favor signify saying aye. Aye.
[40:27] Aye. Opposed? Abstained. So moved.
[40:32] Alright, thank you commissioners.
[40:35] Item number three on pages 10 through 14.
[40:37] This is a request we received from Prospect Bay
[40:41] Homeowners Association
[40:44] and this is for the usage of golf carts in their community
[40:49] and other countywide considerations.
[40:50] So A lot to unpack here,
[40:53] but we would recommend at this point
[40:55] to establishing small committee to review this request
[41:00] because we've had other requests similar to this
[41:02] and other communities once we go down this path.
[41:05] You know, it could open up opportunities
[41:08] for other communities to have golf carts within their
[41:11] communities, including potentially the cross island trail,
[41:13] which doesn't allow any kind
[41:15] of motorized equipment on it currently,
[41:16] but there could be some broader county
[41:18] policy considerations.
[41:20] So we would recommend evaluating those with the office
[41:23] of Sheriff, perhaps the state's attorney's office,
[41:26] DPW Roads division, you know,
[41:28] 'cause it's gonna be using county roadways
[41:30] and anybody in the commissioner
[41:31] or two could certainly participate with
[41:33] that work re consideration,
[41:34] I move to establish a golf cart usage committee
[41:37] to review the request for golf cart use in Prospect Bay,
[41:41] along with prior and potential future requests
[41:44] for golf cart use on county roads
[41:47] and to develop recommendations
[41:49] and a proposed frame framework for the Board
[41:52] of county commissioners to consider
[41:54] regarding golf court use in Queen Anne counties.
[41:59] Second, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
[42:02] So I guess my question on this, Todd,
[42:05] and I know that several communities have asked about that,
[42:07] is it based on the way the state law's written?
[42:10] It's basically a all encompassing law.
[42:13] It's basically an all or nothing the way the state law's
[42:15] written, so it would affect the entire county
[42:18] is the way I read it.
[42:21] Do you know, have you, were you able to find out if
[42:25] we could just say, hey,
[42:26] we're gonna do it in this community only is I,
[42:28] I just feel like I don't think that's gonna be the case
[42:31] based on the state law that they
[42:33] Passed.
[42:34] We'd have to dig into that a little bit.
[42:35] I think there, there could be some potential for some,
[42:38] if you wanna say strategic uses,
[42:40] obviously Prospect Bay is a golf course community.
[42:44] I know we've had consideration,
[42:46] But Field, space City though,
[42:47] you're having similar issues.
[42:48] Exactly. And then I know that a lot of folks in the,
[42:50] in the New Four Seasons development Symphony Village up here
[42:53] in Centerville have made requests.
[42:55] Clover fields have made requests
[42:56] and we've not permitted those uses,
[42:59] but I think it's got some merits
[43:00] because right now we, we have no regulations
[43:03] and you know, you don't have to be even be 16
[43:05] to have a driver's license
[43:06] to operate a golf cart on the golf course.
[43:08] So a lot of folks do operate those,
[43:11] those units on the county roads.
[43:12] And it is a, can be a problem for the sheriff as well.
[43:15] We've, we've had some conversations about that. So I think,
[43:18] But me, what I just heard earlier is you do have
[43:20] to be 16 on the driver's license on a golf course
[43:21] You're supposed to be.
[43:22] Yeah. Okay. But I mean there's, there's
[43:25] No, and look, this is just like
[43:26] any law that's ever created.
[43:27] Yeah. How do you enforce it? Exactly.
[43:29] It comes to that if the HOAs don't have the
[43:31] ability to enforce it.
[43:32] I, I agree with what the comment earlier,
[43:34] we don't have the sheriff's resources to babysit this.
[43:36] Yeah. I mean, I don't know.
[43:39] This is one of those ones that's
[43:41] damned if you do damage if you don't.
[43:43] At the end of the day, a
[43:44] Lot of communities do that.
[43:45] A lot of different states have implemented policies
[43:48] to allow golf carts, ultra low speed vehicles on the Yeah.
[43:52] Roads under 30 miles per hour.
[43:54] So it's it's it's, they're doing it now.
[43:56] They're doing it now. Yeah. So they're
[43:57] Driving from Roman co to the golf course now,
[44:03] I think.
[44:04] But what about North County? Yeah, we, we have a lot
[44:06] of you throw a a, a, a red triangle on the back
[44:09] of any vehicle in agricultural area.
[44:11] You can drive on a county road as long as you're
[44:12] below 25 miles, but then 18, that's the way the law is now.
[44:14] 18. So what I'm saying, there's a law already that kind
[44:16] of precedes this that tells you what you can and can't do
[44:19] and you have to be 16 and all those kind of things.
[44:21] So, and then does it extend to scooters and then to
[44:26] E-bikes, Ebis, e-bikes, all that stuff.
[44:29] So this task force, I'm I'm just saying I think this has
[44:31] gotta be broader than just golf carts at Prospect Bank. I,
[44:35] I think you're right.
[44:36] I think I didn't hear you mention Parks
[44:38] and Rec as being on it, but I think we need Oh
[44:40] Yes, absolutely.
[44:41] On sure.
[44:41] No motorized vehicles on most parked property
[44:44] until we make sure that that gets driven in.
[44:47] I also think they need to look hard at how,
[44:50] whether it's a public shame campaign
[44:52] or what goes into place with making sure
[44:55] that people do not let their kids drive the golf carts.
[44:58] Because I see it all the time
[45:00] and I was pulling into Cove Creek to pick someone up a month
[45:05] or so ago and kids in the golf cart straight through
[45:08] that red that, that stop sign right in front of me.
[45:10] And they appeared to be 12, 13 years old.
[45:15] Thankfully, you know, I was paying attention,
[45:17] but they could have got hit and I see that a lot
[45:19] and that's a huge concern of mine is that people say,
[45:23] oh, what's the big deal?
[45:24] My kid knows how to drive a golf cart
[45:27] and then they have six kids on the back of a golf cart
[45:30] and they're going around turns too quick
[45:31] and accidents are happening.
[45:33] So I wanna make sure that that is part of the discussion.
[45:37] Absolutely. Okay. Alright.
[45:40] So, so, so you talked about
[45:44] a golf cart uses committee.
[45:45] How many people are gonna be on it? Who's gonna be on it?
[45:49] Who makes that decision? Who's gonna be on the committee?
[45:53] I mean, we're talking about putting a committee together.
[45:55] The commissioners can, I mean, I was suggesting, you know,
[45:58] somebody from the sheriff or the sheriff himself
[45:59] or his representative state's attorney's office, parks
[46:03] and rec, parks and rec pelvic arms.
[46:05] Someone from Prospect Bay, you know, whoever
[46:15] bw
[46:20] I just think it's important
[46:21] that we know who's gonna be on it.
[46:22] How many people are gonna be on it,
[46:24] how long they're gonna deliberate should ask
[46:25] Someone When these communities can
[46:28] expect an answer from us.
[46:30] I mean, it's time sensitive.
[46:35] Why? 'cause it is, I mean, you got people that
[46:38] prospect, they've been using their golf carts for for years
[46:41] and years and years and years there.
[46:42] Right? And all of a sudden they can't now
[46:45] until we make some sort of resolution that they can
[46:51] at some point with certain guidelines and parameters.
[46:53] But when are we gonna have that answer for 'em
[46:56] or any of these other communities for that matter.
[46:59] So this is just simply saying, we're gonna go ahead
[47:01] and put this together and we'll have more
[47:03] information to move forward
[47:05] Forward. Be more restrictive though,
[47:06] Huh?
[47:07] We're gonna be more restrictive right now it's
[47:10] pretty much go as you want.
[47:12] I mean that's, that's this is creating a more restrictive
[47:15] framework when we're done.
[47:17] Correct. I agree.
[47:20] Which is to avoid accidents.
[47:21] To Chris's point, I think that's what,
[47:23] that's why this conversation's being had safety
[47:25] because someone can get hurt and Yeah.
[47:27] That's why this came up and
[47:30] but it's happened in the past too. Yeah.
[47:31] Yeah. I don't think anybody has a problem
[47:33] with responsible adults using them,
[47:35] particularly in a golf
[47:35] community. Absolutely. That sort of makes sense.
[47:37] It's part of the culture of the community, right? I mean
[47:40] That's odd to begin with.
[47:41] I mean it is a, a golf community and that's what we do.
[47:43] I agree. I just, I'm
[47:44] worried about the unintended consequences.
[47:46] I wanna make sure that we take care of that. Yeah,
[47:48] Right.
[47:49] That's, that's where I'm at with it.
[47:52] Okay. Well we have a motion and a second on this.
[47:55] All those in favor signify saying aye a. Aye. Opposed?
[47:59] Abstain. So moved.
[48:00] Thank you commissioners. Alright,
[48:05] final three items I believe are for
[48:09] economic development and tourism.
[48:12] So Heather, if you wanna come on up.
[48:15] So item number four we have on page 15
[48:19] is a request for economic development incentive funding.
[48:24] It's a training grant for the, the mill of Kingstown
[48:28] for an associate's training.
[48:30] So they had a request for
[48:32] $1,750 in grant funding from the EDIF workforce fund
[48:38] that would go to the mill of Kingstown
[48:39] for a sales associate training.
[48:42] Cost of that training is double
[48:44] that $3,750
[48:47] and they're asking for half of that to be paid for out
[48:51] of our training fund.
[48:56] I moved to approve the disbursement
[48:58] of $1,750 from EDI Workforce Fund for sales training
[49:01] through the mill at Kingstown.
[49:03] The disbursement of funds is contingent upon a signed
[49:05] agreement between the EDIF commission
[49:07] and the mill at Kingstown.
[49:08] And we'll outline the conditions of the agreement
[49:10] and performance of the project.
[49:11] Second. So motion is second. Any discussion? Seeing none.
[49:16] All those in favor signify with saying aye. Aye.
[49:18] Aye. Opposed? So moved.
[49:21] Alright, thank you Commissioners. Excuse me.
[49:24] Under item number five, pages 16 through 18.
[49:27] This is a development review fee waiver request from KRM
[49:31] Development Corporation.
[49:33] And we do have a resolution, resolution number 14 of three
[49:37] that provides for the county commissioners to
[49:41] reimburse development review fees for projects
[49:43] that demonstrate significant economic benefit.
[49:47] They are proposing two buildings,
[49:49] 96,000 square feet in the business park,
[49:52] representing a $12 million investment.
[49:54] So the process by which this would go to the economic EDC
[49:58] for a, a recommendation back to the county commissioners
[50:01] for the waiver of this development review fee for
[50:04] that project for KRM, the fee would be
[50:07] otherwise $19,954. For that
[50:12] I move to remand this request
[50:13] that Economic Development Commission for its review
[50:15] and recommendation at its next regular meeting.
[50:18] Second, We have a motion to second on this item.
[50:22] Any discussion? Seeing none.
[50:25] All those in favor signify to saying aye a Aye. So moved.
[50:31] Alright. Thank you commissioners.
[50:33] And just a point of clarification, lot five.
[50:35] Is that where the infield area is for the,
[50:38] for the Bay Bridge run?
[50:40] Is that the lot? I It was on the other
[50:41] Side.
[50:42] It's on the backside. The back side
[50:44] Meant, meant to look that up.
[50:45] That's where we had to do the
[50:47] critical area adjustment a few years
[50:48] back. Back there. Yeah.
[50:50] Yeah. They've been working on whatever permitting they
[50:52] need from that point of view related to water
[50:55] and critical areas and he said he just got through
[50:57] That by the wastewater treatment plant.
[50:59] Okay. Alright. Thank you. We
[51:02] Need it.
[51:03] Thank you Heather. Hmm.
[51:05] Alright, commissioners, lastly we have item number six.
[51:08] It's proclamation number 26 24 for Mr. Michael Whitehill.
[51:13] Ready? Is he On or no? Is he Bruce, is he on?
[51:16] He did join. He didn't join. Okay, well
[51:20] I'll read it for him anyhow.
[51:22] Okay. Proclamation 26 dash 24.
[51:25] Whereas the county commissioners
[51:27] of Queen Annes County established the Economic Development
[51:30] Incentive Fund Commission pursuant
[51:32] to resolution 13 dash oh five, adopted May 14th, 2013
[51:37] to provide for the powers terms
[51:39] and authority of the commission and its members.
[51:42] And whereas the Economic Development Incentive Fund was
[51:45] established to support economic development programs
[51:48] and initiatives that foster new commercial opportunities
[51:51] while continuing to focus on the development
[51:53] and growth of existing business entities
[51:55] in Queen Anne County.
[51:57] And whereas the Economic Development Incentive Fund
[52:00] Commission was established to develop attainable goals
[52:03] and objectives for the use
[52:04] of economic development incentive funds to encourage new
[52:08] and existing Queen Anne County businesses to locate
[52:11] and grow within the county.
[52:13] And whereas the commission is charged
[52:15] with identifying economically viable program options,
[52:18] developing policies
[52:19] and procedures, marketing incentive fund opportunities,
[52:23] reviewing project applications,
[52:25] and recommending the dispersal of funds
[52:27] to the county commissioners.
[52:29] And whereas Michael Whitehill has served as a member
[52:32] of the Queen Annes County Economic Development Incentive
[52:34] Fund since its inception on May 14th, 2013,
[52:39] providing more than a decade of dedicated service
[52:42] to the commission and
[52:43] to the economic development interest of Queen Anne County.
[52:47] And whereas during Mr. White Hill's tenure on the
[52:49] commission, the Economic Development Incentive Fund has
[52:52] distributed more than 3.1 million in conditional loans
[52:56] to 43 businesses supporting business growth investment
[53:00] and economic development opportunity
[53:03] throughout Queen Anne County.
[53:05] And whereas Mr. White Hill's longstanding commitment, time,
[53:08] knowledge, and service have contributed to the work
[53:11] of the Economic Development Incentive Fund Commission
[53:14] and its efforts to support economic opportunities for new
[53:17] and existing businesses throughout Queen Annes County.
[53:21] Now therefore, we, the county commissioners
[53:23] of Queen Annes County recognize
[53:25] and express our sincere appreciation to Michael Whitehill
[53:28] for his dedication to service
[53:30] to the Economic Development Incentive Fund Commission
[53:33] and his commitment to the economic development
[53:35] of Queen Anne County signed by all
[53:37] of the county commissioners.
[53:40] And so for those who don't know Mike first, he, he is,
[53:44] he's a character I should say.
[53:47] He's also a wealth of knowledge
[53:51] on all things Queen Hills County, just
[53:53] how Queen Hills County's developed.
[53:55] He can tell you all the skeletons in the closet are, I mean,
[53:57] he's just a really, really interesting
[54:00] and fascinating person.
[54:02] He's been a wonderful committee member.
[54:05] I served on the EDIF with him
[54:07] before I became a commissioner.
[54:09] And when I was thinking about running for a commissioner,
[54:11] he's one of the first people that I met with
[54:12] to talk about his input on, you know, what he thought
[54:15] of the county, what we needed.
[54:16] And, and the issues are, he's one of those sort of
[54:21] remarkable people in the county with a legacy of knowledge.
[54:25] And unfortunately over the last eight years
[54:28] that I've been commissioned, we've lost a lot
[54:30] of those institutional knowledge people in the county.
[54:33] Some we didn't get a chance to acknowledge
[54:34] before they had passed, but it's a smaller
[54:38] and smaller group of people who commit themselves
[54:41] to doing good things in the county
[54:42] and being active and volunteering.
[54:44] Mike's one of those guys, a really tremendous person.
[54:48] So this proclamation
[54:49] for him on EDF is just like one small chapter
[54:52] of the amazing things that he's done
[54:53] for the county. So thanks.
[54:55] Yeah. He's probably gonna have a, an array of those Yeah.
[54:58] Given to him because he, as Chris said, he, he's,
[55:02] he's had his hand in in a lot of different things that,
[55:05] that go on in our community over the years.
[55:08] Work, you know, as an engineer.
[55:10] Churchill Theater. Yeah, yeah. Churchill Theater.
[55:12] I mean this, I mean, I don't know when he sleeps,
[55:16] but anyway.
[55:17] Yeah. Great guy. Great
[55:20] Guy.
[55:21] Very good. Alright, thank you. Thank you Commissioners.
[55:25] That's all the business we had this evening, so
[55:28] we can do a press public comment.
[55:30] Absolutely. Anyway. Okay. Alright.
[55:35] Oh, would anybody like to speak for Preston? Public comment.
[55:40] Okay. Seeing now we'll go right to round table. Patrick.
[55:46] Patrick, I heard. Okay. I'm good.
[55:52] Good, good, good. Chris? I'm good as well. Wow. Well,
[55:55] I'm not gonna say I'm good. Okay,
[55:57] Well I'm gonna, I'll Second that.
[55:59] I had an opportunity to,
[56:01] with Commissioner Moran attend the Queen Ance County
[56:04] football game Friday night, where we recognized first
[56:07] responders and military personnel.
[56:09] The game certainly didn't turn out the way we,
[56:11] we would've liked it.
[56:13] And then on the flip side,
[56:14] can Island High School did the same thing that night
[56:16] and they did manage to pull out a win over
[56:18] Cambridge South Dorchester.
[56:19] So congratulations to Can Island High School and,
[56:23] and best of luck to Ance County High School
[56:26] and their football team this year.
[56:28] That's all I am. Alright,
[56:30] I'm gonna say, I'm gonna just one thing
[56:33] and Queen Ance County goes purple, which starts on Saturday,
[56:37] right here in the, in the front of the old courthouse.
[56:41] And more importantly, we're gonna dedicate a plaque and a
[56:45] and for Jim Roy, who is a, a, a great pillar
[56:49] for the Queen Anne County that, you know,
[56:51] he's a, he's one of those guys.
[56:53] You never know that he's there.
[56:54] You never know that the dedication and,
[56:57] and the donations that that man made for the betterment
[57:01] of everybody in Queen County.
[57:02] So, you know, that's where I'll be on Saturday
[57:05] and that I'll take an entertainment for,
[57:07] I'll make a motion to adjourn. Second.
[57:09] Second. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Thank you.