[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.

County Commissioners Meeting || 09/08/2026

Agenda

Transcript