1 00:00:00,820 --> 00:00:06,920 I'd like to ask the Associate Pastor Maurice Mason with new creation Bible Church and Saint Leonard to come forward for invocation. 2 00:00:12,440 --> 00:00:34,940 Good morning and thank you all for the invitation to come, amen. Let us pray. Dear eternal God, Father Lord, as you sit high and look low, Lord God, you know the state of affairs, Lord God in our nation, Lord God. Lord, as you, Lord God, have. 3 00:00:35,680 --> 00:00:39,200 called men, Lord God, should to govern, Lord God. 4 00:00:39,820 --> 00:00:47,580 Father, I do pray, Lord God, for those, Lord God, who you have placed, Lord God, over this 5 00:00:47,580 --> 00:00:52,200 county, Lord God, over this nation, over this country, Lord God. 6 00:00:53,620 --> 00:00:59,760 Father, Lord God, I pray for unity in the body, Lord God, in the nation, Lord God. 7 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:06,400 Lord, for you said in your word, Lord, that Lord, how's the body cannot stand? 8 00:01:07,580 --> 00:01:10,920 So God, I do thank you, Lord, for this opportunity, Lord God. 9 00:01:11,700 --> 00:01:16,960 For your word tells us, Lord, to pray for all men and those in authority, Lord God. 10 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:19,140 Lord, it doesn't matter. 11 00:01:20,220 --> 00:01:24,100 Their name, it doesn't matter where they from, Lord God. 12 00:01:24,420 --> 00:01:28,520 But it's that you place them, Lord God, where they are, Lord God. 13 00:01:28,520 --> 00:01:33,680 I pray, Lord God, that we would humble ourselves and pray and seek your face and 14 00:01:33,680 --> 00:01:38,340 Lord, for those of us who know you that we would turn from our wicked ways, so you would hear from heaven 15 00:01:38,340 --> 00:01:40,920 for give our sins and heal this land, Lord God. 16 00:01:42,100 --> 00:01:47,380 You know everything that's going on in the county, Lord God, but God, if we seek you, Lord 17 00:01:47,380 --> 00:01:54,220 God, you are the one who can change it, Lord God, you will set things in order, and I pray for 18 00:01:54,220 --> 00:01:59,420 Each of these commissioners, Lord God, all of the representatives, Lord God, Lord everyone 19 00:01:59,420 --> 00:02:03,060 that's here, Lord God, that we would seek you, Lord God. 20 00:02:04,020 --> 00:02:09,000 Because you're able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask to think according 21 00:02:09,580 --> 00:02:12,480 to the power of that work within us, Lord God. 22 00:02:13,140 --> 00:02:15,340 Father, keep us humble, Lord God. 23 00:02:15,740 --> 00:02:18,680 Keep your people the church, Lord God. 24 00:02:18,680 --> 00:02:25,700 For ever looking unto you and your Son, Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Lord God. 25 00:02:26,280 --> 00:02:29,240 Now, Father, whatever is done, Lord God, 26 00:02:29,560 --> 00:02:34,220 Lord may aglorify you, Lord God, not bring shame to your name, Lord God. 27 00:02:34,640 --> 00:02:38,920 Lord, may we be a people of peace and unity, Lord God. 28 00:02:39,360 --> 00:02:42,700 Lord, we would show others the way, Lord God. 29 00:02:43,220 --> 00:02:46,380 Lord, I thank you for this, and I pray this, 30 00:02:46,380 --> 00:02:50,400 in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. 31 00:03:13,830 --> 00:03:16,910 Thank you for the opportunity. 32 00:03:18,570 --> 00:03:20,910 Good morning, Mr. Hans Commissioner. 33 00:03:21,590 --> 00:03:23,850 Hans, we basically grew up together. 34 00:03:24,510 --> 00:03:26,250 But yes, I'm with new creation Bible Church. 35 00:03:26,410 --> 00:03:29,730 We're at 50, 50, 50 St. Leonard Road in St. 36 00:03:29,730 --> 00:03:34,790 Leonard Merrill and there at the auction house. Many people may know the auction house where 37 00:03:34,790 --> 00:03:41,890 Bible teaching ministry we do we love to do outreach and looking indeed for more opportunities 38 00:03:42,510 --> 00:03:49,250 in the county to do outreach to the homeless and we see the population growing there. That's 39 00:03:49,250 --> 00:03:54,830 a focus we need to get a hold of in prayer first and then work along with the commissioners and 40 00:03:54,830 --> 00:04:00,970 agencies in the county to better our communities and safeguard our communities. 41 00:04:01,710 --> 00:04:08,550 But we do indeed have an upcoming event on September 20th, friends and family day, but 42 00:04:08,550 --> 00:04:10,090 you don't have to wait until then. 43 00:04:10,770 --> 00:04:18,190 We're always open on Sundays, 9.30 a.m. we have SOS, which is study of scripture. 44 00:04:18,470 --> 00:04:23,210 11 a.m. we have our regular service on Friday nights. 45 00:04:23,210 --> 00:04:25,210 We have prayer service at 7 o'clock. 46 00:04:25,310 --> 00:04:30,330 You're welcome to come by or you're welcome to submit prayer requests to us. 47 00:04:30,650 --> 00:04:31,670 We love to pray. 48 00:04:32,010 --> 00:04:34,550 That's what the Word of God calls us to do. 49 00:04:35,290 --> 00:04:39,790 So if you felt led to, please do so, but drop by any time. 50 00:04:40,010 --> 00:04:42,710 Just because I'm dressed in a suit, we're blue jeans and tennis shoes. 51 00:04:42,710 --> 00:04:43,650 I just let you know that. 52 00:04:44,430 --> 00:04:44,730 Amen. 53 00:04:44,730 --> 00:04:48,330 So we really don't have any excuse to not to come by. 54 00:04:48,330 --> 00:04:52,570 of there's anything, anything that we can do. 55 00:04:53,010 --> 00:04:54,790 As a even as a small ministry, 56 00:04:55,610 --> 00:04:59,930 we may be small in numbers, but we walk and operate in the... 57 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:08,380 I will of God. And so that's how we are able to accomplish the things that God is calling us to. So again, thank 58 00:05:08,380 --> 00:05:14,560 you for the opportunity. Indeed, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance if I had not major 59 00:05:14,560 --> 00:05:19,380 acquaintance in person. I look forward to in the future. Amen. Thank you. 60 00:05:19,400 --> 00:05:21,720 Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you, ma'am. 61 00:05:21,720 --> 00:05:21,760 Thanks, ma'am. 62 00:05:21,840 --> 00:05:23,000 Thanks. Thanks, Mr. Provely, agenda. 63 00:05:24,040 --> 00:05:29,480 Mr. President, I move that we approve and adopt the agenda, estimate it. 64 00:05:30,360 --> 00:05:35,060 So, if a motion is second, we approve and adopt the agenda, submit as any changes or amendments 65 00:05:35,060 --> 00:05:36,580 to the agenda. 66 00:05:37,600 --> 00:05:38,060 Hearing none. 67 00:05:38,260 --> 00:05:39,320 All those in favor say aye. 68 00:05:39,980 --> 00:05:40,560 The pose. 69 00:05:41,520 --> 00:05:41,980 Motion carries. 70 00:05:42,680 --> 00:05:45,160 It takes us to public service announcements. 71 00:05:47,140 --> 00:05:48,660 Open meetings compliance board opinion. 72 00:05:48,920 --> 00:05:50,600 The Maryland Open meetings compliance board, 73 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:53,800 on August 10th in response to a file complaint. 74 00:05:55,240 --> 00:06:00,820 Facilent to Maryland Code 3-211 of the Open Meetings Act, the following summary is provided. 75 00:06:01,640 --> 00:06:06,160 On August 10th, 2026, the Open Meetings Act compliance board issued an opinion advising that 76 00:06:06,160 --> 00:06:10,860 Calvary County was not in compliance with the Open Meetings Act requirements for public 77 00:06:10,860 --> 00:06:13,820 disclosures before and after meeting in closed sessions. 78 00:06:13,820 --> 00:06:20,700 with respect to the county's written closing statements from March 11, 18 and August 26, 2025. 79 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:24,540 Excuse me, can you please pull the mic up closer? It's hard to recognize. 80 00:06:25,280 --> 00:06:25,420 Okay. 81 00:06:25,920 --> 00:06:27,020 All right. 82 00:06:29,000 --> 00:06:33,980 On August 10, 2026, the open meetings compliance board issued an opinion advising the 83 00:06:33,980 --> 00:06:38,380 decovered county was not compliance with the open meetings act requirements for public 84 00:06:38,380 --> 00:06:44,620 disclosures before and after meeting and closed sessions. With respect to the county's written closing statements from March 11, 18 85 00:06:44,620 --> 00:06:55,660 In August 26, 2025, the compliance board found that the county aired by only completing part of the required closing statement prior to intervening in closed session. 86 00:06:56,200 --> 00:07:06,380 Additionally, the compliance board found that the county aired by not providing enough of a description of the topics to be discussed in the reasons for discussing those topics in closed session. 87 00:07:06,380 --> 00:07:14,520 The closed session summaries from May 13, 2025 and April 28, 2026 did not present enough of a 88 00:07:14,520 --> 00:07:16,860 description to satisfy the Open Meetings Act. 89 00:07:17,480 --> 00:07:22,460 Additionally, the summaries should have included more detail about the reasons for having 90 00:07:22,460 --> 00:07:23,980 the meetings in closed session. 91 00:07:25,400 --> 00:07:29,680 Finally, the compliance board concluded that the county's website does not violate the Act. 92 00:07:30,280 --> 00:07:35,100 The county takes its obligations under the Open Meetings Act seriously, has already implemented 93 00:07:35,100 --> 00:07:37,520 changes and will continue to do so as necessary. 94 00:07:38,460 --> 00:07:43,580 The Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board also rendered an opinion on August 17th in response 95 00:07:43,580 --> 00:07:45,160 to a separate file complaint. 96 00:07:46,300 --> 00:07:51,220 pursuant to Maryland Code 3-2-11 of the Open Meetings Act, the following summary is provided. 97 00:07:52,340 --> 00:07:57,800 On August 17th, 2026, the Open Meetings Compliance issued an opinion advising that 98 00:07:57,800 --> 00:08:04,000 government was not in compliance with the Open Meetings Act requirements for public disclosures 99 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:06,220 before and after meeting in closed session. 100 00:08:07,280 --> 00:08:14,280 With respect to the county's written closing statements for August 27, 2024, the compliance 101 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:19,640 board found that the county aired by only completing part of the required closing statement 102 00:08:19,640 --> 00:08:25,320 prior to convening in closed session or identify why it wanted to discuss it in closed 103 00:08:25,320 --> 00:08:25,840 session. 104 00:08:25,840 --> 00:08:33,540 Similarly, the closed session summary of the August 27th, 2024 meeting did not present 105 00:08:33,540 --> 00:08:39,680 enough of a description to satisfy the open meetings act, and the closed session summary needed 106 00:08:39,680 --> 00:08:41,020 to provide more detail. 107 00:08:42,180 --> 00:08:46,500 The open meetings compliance board found that it did not have the authority to address 108 00:08:46,500 --> 00:08:51,160 whether ratification of the President's signature at the August 27th. 109 00:08:51,160 --> 00:08:58,240 Those session was lawful and that there was no violation with respect to the scope of the discussion in that closed session. 110 00:08:59,020 --> 00:09:07,460 Additionally, the compliance board found that the county did not violate the act when a boat was conducted at the April 7th, 2026 work session. 111 00:09:08,660 --> 00:09:15,100 The county takes its obligations under the Open Meetings Act seriously, has already implemented changes, and will continue to do so as necessary. 112 00:09:16,540 --> 00:09:20,800 We would also like to notify the public that there is one additional over-meeting at 113 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:24,040 complaint that the compliance board is currently reviewing. 114 00:09:25,300 --> 00:09:30,260 The board anticipates receiving an opinion soon, we will continue to keep the public informed 115 00:09:30,260 --> 00:09:32,080 as that opinion is passed down. 116 00:09:33,660 --> 00:09:38,240 Maryland Association of Countries, MECO, several staff members as well as commissioners attended 117 00:09:38,240 --> 00:09:39,860 summer MECO last week. 118 00:09:39,860 --> 00:09:48,420 We had the opportunity to meet with several members of the Governor's Cabinet, including the Secretaries of Maryland Department of Transportation and Commerce. 119 00:09:49,140 --> 00:09:55,020 We were also able to meet with the Governor in the Comptroller to discuss the future of Maryland financial status. 120 00:09:55,920 --> 00:09:59,260 Thank you to Maryland Association of Counties for another productive summer conference. 121 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:08,840 Back to school. Calvary County Public School students returned to classes Tuesday, August 25, followed by pre-cinder garden and kindergarten students later that week. 122 00:10:09,780 --> 00:10:18,520 Be aware, the school buses will soon be back on the roads in Calvary County, be prepared to slow down and stop for students, being picked up and dropped off. 123 00:10:20,060 --> 00:10:32,140 Clear the shelters, 2026 promotion, the Lendale Kelly Animal Shelter invites residents to adopt a pet during the month-long clear the shelters, 2026 adoption event, which runs through Saturday August 29. 124 00:10:33,520 --> 00:10:44,060 During this campaign, the Shelter will waive adoption fees for all animals, animals of all ages are available for adoption, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, roosters, pigs, and more. 125 00:10:44,060 --> 00:10:52,340 The shelter recently had a surge of animals for intake, and staff is currently updating their website to reflect many animals available for adoption. 126 00:10:53,820 --> 00:11:00,380 Those interested in adopting our encourage to schedule an appointment by calling 14, 535-7387. 127 00:11:01,140 --> 00:11:04,820 Shelter hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm. 128 00:11:04,820 --> 00:11:12,240 Parks and Recreation launches new amenity dashboard, Parks and Recreation has launched a new online amenity status dashboard. 129 00:11:12,720 --> 00:11:25,780 This new dashboard was developed in-house by technology services and collaboration with Parks and Recreation and provides real-time information on athletic fields and outdoor pools affected by weather and other conditions. 130 00:11:27,280 --> 00:11:32,420 Users can quickly check the status of fields and pools from a computer, tablet or smartphone. 131 00:11:33,440 --> 00:11:40,320 Residents are encouraged to book market dashboard and use it as their primary source for athletic field and outdoor pool status information. 132 00:11:40,320 --> 00:11:45,480 As Facebook, we'll no longer be used to communicate field and pool closers. 133 00:11:46,120 --> 00:11:53,100 View the new dashboard at www.caverkonymd.gov, CCPRD, Asport. 134 00:11:55,000 --> 00:12:02,680 The weather hotline at 410-535-1600, extension 2640, will remain available for athletic field updates. 135 00:12:03,100 --> 00:12:03,900 Storm preparation. 136 00:12:04,840 --> 00:12:07,380 Coward has experienced strong storms and recent weeks. 137 00:12:07,380 --> 00:12:18,400 Residents are encouraged to download the Catholic Prepare mobile app, which provides residents, businesses and visitors access to emergency alerts, and preparedness guidance. 138 00:12:19,640 --> 00:12:30,620 The app includes several key features, emergency checklists, push notifications from emergency management, flood and damage reporting tools, interactive map with locations of interest. 139 00:12:30,620 --> 00:12:36,720 The app is free for Apple and Android devices through the Apple App Store or Google Play. 140 00:12:37,500 --> 00:12:38,640 Property Tax Bill update. 141 00:12:38,940 --> 00:12:43,720 County Treasury Mended Alena has advised that property tax bills are now available online 142 00:12:43,720 --> 00:12:49,980 at www.cabricountymd.gov slash slash real property tax. 143 00:12:50,960 --> 00:12:52,820 Printed bills are currently being mailed. 144 00:12:53,260 --> 00:12:57,120 Residents can make payments online by mail and in person at the Treasury's office, 145 00:13:00,040 --> 00:13:00,040 the 146 00:13:00,040 --> 00:13:06,600 County administration building for questions call 405 through 5,600 extension 20,630. 147 00:13:07,940 --> 00:13:12,660 The North Beach Volunteer Fire Department's 100-year celebration carnival starts Tuesday, August 148 00:13:12,660 --> 00:13:15,600 18, running through Saturday, August 22. 149 00:13:16,760 --> 00:13:22,080 The carnival opens at 6 p.m. each night and is located at 8536 Bayside Road in Chesapeake 150 00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:22,640 Beach. 151 00:13:24,200 --> 00:13:28,640 The 15th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 29th from 152 00:13:28,640 --> 00:13:33,260 before at the Coward County Fairgrounds. All Coward County volunteer fire rescue 153 00:13:33,260 --> 00:13:37,820 the MS volunteers and their immediate family members are invited to attend. This 154 00:13:37,820 --> 00:13:41,520 event is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible volunteers and their families 155 00:13:41,520 --> 00:13:45,760 who help make our community safer and stronger every day. 156 00:13:48,930 --> 00:13:50,270 That takes us to appointments. 157 00:13:52,430 --> 00:13:55,150 Coward County Commission for Women. Good morning. 158 00:14:00,090 --> 00:14:01,510 Good morning. Good morning. 159 00:14:01,510 --> 00:14:11,230 I'm Alicia Yves constituent services specialist. I am here today with just one round of appointments for the Calvert County Commission for women. 160 00:14:11,610 --> 00:14:26,970 Stop recommends that you appoint Veronica Burnett, Mary Brown, Christy Jones, Josephine Caprarro, Ashley Adoko and Tracy Lloyd following this action. No vacancies would remain on the commission. 161 00:14:30,720 --> 00:14:35,360 Mr. President, I move that the B.O.C.C. appoint the following individuals to the 162 00:14:35,360 --> 00:14:40,460 Kaverkana Commission for Women, Veronica Burnett, Mary Bowen, Brown, Christy Jones, 163 00:14:40,840 --> 00:14:44,540 Josephine Cabrero, Ashley Adabco, and Tracy Lord. 164 00:14:48,420 --> 00:14:51,880 So I have a motion of second of B.O.C.C. appoint the following individuals to Kaverkana 165 00:14:51,880 --> 00:14:56,440 Commission for Women, Brown, Cabrana, Mary Brown, Christy Jones, Josephine Cabrero, 166 00:14:56,440 --> 00:14:59,940 Ashley.co and Tracy Lourdes, I need to discuss one. 167 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:09,440 And it is us hearing none all of us at their side. The pose, motion carries. That takes us to an award. Bob 168 00:15:09,440 --> 00:15:11,300 Brandham, Director of Parks and Recreation. 169 00:15:14,190 --> 00:15:16,850 It's the Thurmond Graham Memorial Scholarship Educational 170 00:15:16,850 --> 00:15:18,910 Award Program. Thank you. I'm late for your question. Thank you. 171 00:15:22,840 --> 00:15:27,580 Good morning, Mr. Bob Brandham, Director of Parks and Recreation. Good morning. Good morning. 172 00:15:27,720 --> 00:15:33,260 My name is Emily Roe. So, in the interest of your time, I'm just going to read the conclusion 173 00:15:33,260 --> 00:15:38,400 recommendation for the memo that I wrote and then a brief portion of the letter that was sent to Emily. 174 00:15:39,300 --> 00:15:43,430 The Department of Parks and Recreation requests that the Board of County Commissioners recognize Emily Rowe, 175 00:15:44,040 --> 00:15:48,040 representing the first district, and Jaden Eversal, Jaden couldn't be here today, 176 00:15:48,400 --> 00:15:52,700 representing the second district as recipients of the Thurmin Graham Memorial Scholarship Award, 177 00:15:53,080 --> 00:15:55,420 no qualified applicants were received from the third district. 178 00:15:56,740 --> 00:16:02,420 Part of the memo that we sent to Emily when she was selected to receive the Parks and Recreation Thurmin Grace Scholarship Award 179 00:16:02,420 --> 00:16:06,780 read this such. Your commitment to academic excellence combined with your passion for 180 00:16:06,780 --> 00:16:11,120 economics has qualified you for this award. The scholarship committee recognized your exceptional 181 00:16:11,120 --> 00:16:15,620 talents, potential, and the positive impact that you have demonstrated both in your academic 182 00:16:15,620 --> 00:16:19,960 pursuits and your community involvement, especially your committed membership to the 183 00:16:19,960 --> 00:16:24,980 environmental team. Receiving this scholarship not only acknowledges your past achievements, 184 00:16:24,980 --> 00:16:29,980 but also serves as a testament to your capacity to make a significant contribution in your chosen 185 00:16:29,980 --> 00:16:34,700 field. As you embark on this next chapter of the educational journey, we encourage you to 186 00:16:34,700 --> 00:16:39,100 make the most of the scholarship and embrace every opportunity it presents both academically 187 00:16:39,100 --> 00:16:44,940 and beyond the classroom. So Emily's joining us to receive the Thurmin Graham Memorial 188 00:16:44,940 --> 00:16:46,080 Scholarship today. 189 00:16:58,930 --> 00:17:02,310 Well, congratulations, Emily. And where are you going to go to school, anyone talk about? 190 00:17:02,430 --> 00:17:08,090 I will be attending the University of Maryland this fall and I'll be studying economics. 191 00:17:08,090 --> 00:17:11,430 I'm very excited. 192 00:18:05,220 --> 00:18:05,700 All 193 00:18:22,240 --> 00:18:26,320 right, it takes us to our consent agenda, several items on the consent agenda. 194 00:18:26,980 --> 00:18:32,000 Item number one, Office of the County Attorney Southern Coward, Land Trust, requests for tax credits for conservation 195 00:18:32,000 --> 00:18:32,800 lot. 196 00:18:33,260 --> 00:18:38,140 Item number two, Department of Public Safety, Federal Episcopal Year, 2026 State, Homeland Security, 197 00:18:38,340 --> 00:18:43,080 Grant, Program Application, Item number three, Department of Public Works, County Radio 198 00:18:43,080 --> 00:18:44,140 Dedication Policy. 199 00:18:45,300 --> 00:18:49,100 Item number four, Calvary County Sheriff's Office of Physical Year 2027, Police Recruitment 200 00:18:49,100 --> 00:18:54,060 retention grant program, and number five Department of Community Resources, Budget Amendment 201 00:18:54,060 --> 00:18:59,880 for Coward Library, State Aid, and Creason Certification, item number six, off to the 202 00:18:59,880 --> 00:19:03,980 County Administrator, to lease an operating agreement for Amoree Sculpture Garden in 203 00:19:03,980 --> 00:19:08,680 Arts Center, and item number seven, Department of Parks and Recreation, Landon, and Permission 204 00:19:08,680 --> 00:19:12,420 Letter from Maryland State Arts Council, Public Art Grant. 205 00:19:13,160 --> 00:19:13,660 Go to the motion. 206 00:19:14,360 --> 00:19:18,660 I move that the board of County Commission is approved and adopt the consent agenda items. 207 00:19:20,400 --> 00:19:20,860 Second. 208 00:19:21,260 --> 00:19:25,020 So motion and second it board County Commission is approved and adopt the consent agenda items. 209 00:19:25,220 --> 00:19:28,000 Is there any discussion on any of these? 210 00:19:28,300 --> 00:19:29,920 Hearing none all those of the papers say aye. 211 00:19:30,060 --> 00:19:30,280 Aye. 212 00:19:30,620 --> 00:19:31,080 Opposed. 213 00:19:31,780 --> 00:19:32,620 Motion carries. 214 00:19:34,860 --> 00:19:36,140 Thanks to the public hearing. 215 00:19:36,700 --> 00:19:38,320 First public hearing is it 10 30? 216 00:19:38,460 --> 00:19:38,600 No. 217 00:19:39,620 --> 00:19:40,080 Okay. 218 00:19:42,320 --> 00:19:44,360 Should we go to new business item one? 219 00:19:45,980 --> 00:19:50,660 So work. Department of Planning and Planning and Planning, purchase and retirement fund and 220 00:19:50,660 --> 00:19:54,760 transfer of old development rights reserved for fiscal year 2027. 221 00:19:57,520 --> 00:19:58,060 Mr. Franklin. 222 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:18,000 Good morning. Good morning. I have a recusal. I need to read with this as well before we get into it. Commissioner Cox Hans and Ireland would normally have to recuse themselves from considering a voting when items related to TDRs, but doing so with either board without a form and unable to perform business on issues related to TDRs. 223 00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:28,160 The Acting County Attorney has advised that is permissible for said commissioner to consider a vote on TDR related business so that the board does not lose a quorum and the county's business may continue 224 00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:31,240 Recusal forms will be noted according 225 00:20:31,240 --> 00:20:32,720 Okay, good answer 226 00:20:32,720 --> 00:20:38,220 Good morning commissioner Jason Bringley director of planning and zoning with me is Jennifer David planner two 227 00:20:38,220 --> 00:20:42,280 I'm going to turn it over to Jennifer to walk through this item 228 00:20:42,280 --> 00:20:47,900 Good morning commissioner. I'm going to go ahead and read the men the memo since there is no formal presentation 229 00:20:47,900 --> 00:21:07,760 So the background for this item is that the Board of County Commissioners established the purchase and retirement or par fund in 1992 to purchase retire and permanently remove transferable development rights which are called TDRs from the development rights market thereby protecting additional farmland acres from development. 230 00:21:07,760 --> 00:21:17,120 The TDR Reserve is a county managed program that facilitates TDR sales between farmers and developers and acts as a revolving fund. 231 00:21:18,360 --> 00:21:18,780 Discussion. 232 00:21:20,680 --> 00:21:37,180 There is $12,950,067 available for part-fund purchases and $980,2,425 available for the TDR Reserve in the budget for fiscal year 2027. 233 00:21:38,420 --> 00:21:46,480 The Agricultural Land Preservation Fund is supported by $1.70 of each $5 collected in 234 00:21:46,480 --> 00:21:50,700 Recordation Taxes to support Land Preservation in Calvary County. 235 00:21:51,940 --> 00:21:57,680 The Power Fund receives General Fund's support from Intergovernmental Revenue Generated 236 00:21:57,680 --> 00:22:02,900 by the State Agricultural Transfer Tax and the Recordation Tax revenue dedicated to 237 00:22:02,900 --> 00:22:04,360 the Land Preservation Fund. 238 00:22:04,360 --> 00:22:09,980 The amount available for transfer is dependent on actual revenues received. 239 00:22:13,270 --> 00:22:25,630 The agricultural preservation and advisory board reviewed land prices and various programs 240 00:22:25,630 --> 00:22:32,710 and recommends a purchase price of $6,500 per TDR for the fiscal year 2027 par cycle. 241 00:22:32,710 --> 00:22:47,250 The Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board also recommends that it difference in the purchase price between the power program and the TDR Reserve be considered to offer a premium for the retirement of TDRs. 242 00:22:48,350 --> 00:22:55,050 The Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board assessed TDR and land values when establishing the recommended price. 243 00:22:55,790 --> 00:23:04,570 Private market sales of TDRs in the county program averaged $4,755 per TDR in calendar year 2025, 244 00:23:05,550 --> 00:23:11,170 and $5,459 in 2026 to date. 245 00:23:13,110 --> 00:23:20,830 The agricultural preservation advisory board continues to support the need to fairly compensate participants for the value of land they have protected, 246 00:23:20,830 --> 00:23:27,910 while seeking to reach as many applicants as possible and utilize the available funding to its maximum potential. 247 00:23:30,070 --> 00:23:40,550 The maximum fiscal impact is 13 million $932,562 in the fiscal year 2027 budget. 248 00:23:42,800 --> 00:23:49,680 Staff recommends the VACC consider the agricultural preservation advisory boards recommended purchase price for both programs 249 00:23:49,680 --> 00:23:56,420 and direct staff to open the part cycle to receive applications and to continue with the TDR reserve program. 250 00:23:57,660 --> 00:24:00,920 And we have coordinated this effort with the Finance and Budget Office. 251 00:24:01,640 --> 00:24:03,120 Can I answer any questions? 252 00:24:06,310 --> 00:24:07,350 I have any questions? 253 00:24:08,430 --> 00:24:09,050 No, I'm Mr. President. 254 00:24:10,790 --> 00:24:14,710 Is the Ag Board pretty consistent with this as well? 255 00:24:15,950 --> 00:24:16,330 Yes. 256 00:24:16,770 --> 00:24:16,930 Okay. 257 00:24:16,930 --> 00:24:19,690 In terms of the price or in terms of the price? 258 00:24:20,290 --> 00:24:20,390 Yes. 259 00:24:20,390 --> 00:24:29,610 Yes, there is a letter that has been attached, that has requested that the Agboard feels the 260 00:24:29,610 --> 00:24:34,510 modest increase in the power prices fair after reviewing recent private market TDR sales 261 00:24:34,510 --> 00:24:38,990 and comparing land values in Calvary County with other active land preservation programs. 262 00:24:39,530 --> 00:24:50,310 And so they have recommended that the fair market value for the price of a TDR is $6500 based on what they have reviewed. 263 00:24:53,600 --> 00:24:58,080 Mr. President, I've moved the Board of County Commission to set the purchase price, 264 00:24:58,260 --> 00:24:59,540 recommended by the AP. 265 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:08,680 AB of $6,500 per TDR for both the par and reserve programs and direct staff to open the par cycle 266 00:25:08,680 --> 00:25:14,460 to receive applications and continue with the TDR reserve program. 267 00:25:19,600 --> 00:25:23,140 So, I have a motion and second board countermeasures. That's the purpose. I recommend by the 268 00:25:23,140 --> 00:25:29,060 APA of $6,500 per TDR for both the PAR and reserve programs and direct staff to open the PAR 269 00:25:29,060 --> 00:25:35,090 cycle to receive applications and continue with the TDR reserve program is during discussion on this. 270 00:25:36,480 --> 00:25:38,380 Hearing none all those of the paper say aye. 271 00:25:39,320 --> 00:25:39,860 Opposed. 272 00:25:40,100 --> 00:25:40,360 Opposed. 273 00:25:40,360 --> 00:25:40,560 Opposed. 274 00:25:41,420 --> 00:25:41,580 Opposed. 275 00:25:41,840 --> 00:25:42,360 Opposed. 276 00:25:42,360 --> 00:25:42,560 Opposed. 277 00:25:44,120 --> 00:25:44,660 Opposed. 278 00:25:44,660 --> 00:25:45,080 Opposed. 279 00:25:46,440 --> 00:25:46,720 Opposed. 280 00:25:46,720 --> 00:25:47,000 Opposed. 281 00:25:57,560 --> 00:25:58,100 Opposed. 282 00:25:58,100 --> 00:26:00,680 is there a body here for that? 283 00:26:02,870 --> 00:26:03,870 Yes. Okay. Good. 284 00:26:06,260 --> 00:26:06,620 Good morning. 285 00:26:06,860 --> 00:26:07,940 Good morning, listeners. 286 00:26:09,040 --> 00:26:10,920 Mary Andy's deputy director of budget. 287 00:26:11,740 --> 00:26:13,920 I'm going to go ahead and read the memo of this as standard. 288 00:26:14,440 --> 00:26:16,020 We do this every year. 289 00:26:16,740 --> 00:26:19,400 Okay. The background following adoption of the 290 00:26:19,400 --> 00:26:22,040 Cover County's fiscal year, 2027 budget. 291 00:26:22,620 --> 00:26:25,860 The Maryland State Department of Education requires the Board of 292 00:26:25,860 --> 00:26:28,520 County Commissioners to execute the annual Board of 293 00:26:28,520 --> 00:26:31,360 Education Budget Certification Statement. 294 00:26:31,400 --> 00:26:36,020 Submission of the Executive Certification is a 295 00:26:36,020 --> 00:26:38,800 required component of the Maryland State Department 296 00:26:38,800 --> 00:26:41,600 of Education's Annual Budget Reporting Process, 297 00:26:42,120 --> 00:26:44,340 and serves as the county's official confirmation 298 00:26:44,340 --> 00:26:46,940 of its adopted education funding level. 299 00:26:47,900 --> 00:26:51,460 The FY27 Annual Budget Certification Statement 300 00:26:51,460 --> 00:26:55,460 requests certification of a recurring local appropriation 301 00:26:55,460 --> 00:27:08,240 of $169,794,696 per current expense to gather with the related FY27 annual budget submission 302 00:27:08,240 --> 00:27:14,440 to the Maryland State Department of Education. This submission provides the detailed revenue, 303 00:27:14,740 --> 00:27:23,780 expenditure, staffing, school construction, debt service, and other schedule supporting the 304 00:27:23,780 --> 00:27:35,560 169,794,696 in appropriations. The FY27 Board of Education statement reflects the appropriation 305 00:27:35,560 --> 00:27:41,920 approved by the Board of County Commissioners through adoption of the fiscal 2027 budget. 306 00:27:42,640 --> 00:27:48,920 The Board President's signature is required to certify the adopted appropriation and authorize 307 00:27:48,920 --> 00:27:52,560 submission of the certification to the Maryland State Department of Education. 308 00:27:52,560 --> 00:27:55,540 There is no additional fiscal impact. 309 00:27:56,160 --> 00:28:00,300 The certification and reflects funding previously approved as part of the adopted budget. 310 00:28:01,420 --> 00:28:05,160 The Department of Finance and Budget requests that the Board of County Commissioners 311 00:28:05,160 --> 00:28:11,280 review and if appropriate, authorize the Board President to sign the 27-Cowder County, I'm 312 00:28:11,280 --> 00:28:16,920 sorry, fiscal year 27, Cower County Public Schools Annual Budget Certification Statement 313 00:28:16,920 --> 00:28:22,540 for submission to the Maryland State Department of Education, certifying the FY27 recurring 314 00:28:22,540 --> 00:28:29,760 local current expense appropriation, as reflected in the annual budget certification statement. 315 00:28:30,360 --> 00:28:31,860 Do you have any questions for me? 316 00:28:38,130 --> 00:28:44,190 I move that the Board of County Commissioners authorized the Board President to sign FY 317 00:28:44,190 --> 00:28:49,810 2027 Calvary County Public Schools Annual Budget Certification Statement for submission to 318 00:28:49,810 --> 00:28:51,690 the Maryland Department of Education. 319 00:28:52,610 --> 00:28:55,270 Second. So I have a motion and a second in the Board of 320 00:28:55,270 --> 00:28:58,270 County Commission's authorised the Board President to sign FY-2027 321 00:28:58,270 --> 00:29:01,890 to our County Public Schools annual budget certification statement 322 00:29:01,890 --> 00:29:04,470 for submission to Maryland's Department of Education. 323 00:29:05,670 --> 00:29:07,170 I'm just going to discuss it on this. 324 00:29:07,930 --> 00:29:09,730 Here you know, all those of favor say aye. 325 00:29:10,510 --> 00:29:13,090 Aye. Aye. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. 326 00:29:13,210 --> 00:29:14,470 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 327 00:29:14,610 --> 00:29:18,550 Thank you. So we're good to go on time now. 328 00:29:18,550 --> 00:29:21,170 Here, one minute to pro-reserve. 329 00:29:23,050 --> 00:29:25,610 We might have to take a one minute basis. 330 00:29:47,620 --> 00:29:48,860 All right, takes 10-30. 331 00:29:50,020 --> 00:29:53,180 So first item is public hearing, Department of Finance and Budget, 332 00:29:53,740 --> 00:29:58,120 2026, General Obligation, Bonseau, and Resolution. 333 00:29:59,240 --> 00:29:59,380 Good morning. 334 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:02,460 Again, Mary and these Deputy Director of Budget. 335 00:30:04,560 --> 00:30:07,260 Good morning to see you in the given Deputy County, Ms. Rader. 336 00:30:08,040 --> 00:30:16,500 There are two public hearings scheduled for today. All hearings were duly advertised and the certificate of publication is made part of the record for each hearing. 337 00:30:17,060 --> 00:30:23,720 Citizens were invited to provide comment on any or all of the hearings after each presentation has included. 338 00:30:24,500 --> 00:30:29,600 Both hearings may have a will have a separate comment period following their brief presentation. 339 00:30:29,600 --> 00:30:34,620 Anyone here in person must sign in on this on the sheet next to the attorney to speak. 340 00:30:36,720 --> 00:30:40,420 The Department of Finance and Budget is conducting a public hearing on the upcoming 341 00:30:40,420 --> 00:30:45,680 Bond sale for previously approved capital projects appropriations. 342 00:30:46,680 --> 00:30:52,740 During the FY-2024 through FY-2026 cycle, attending virtually is 343 00:30:52,740 --> 00:30:56,160 and stop, stop, Dickerson and Ann Alhorve. 344 00:30:59,740 --> 00:31:02,480 Jen, if you could, on my, on your, 345 00:31:02,480 --> 00:31:04,240 your mic please, for introductions. 346 00:31:07,450 --> 00:31:07,950 Thank you, sorry. 347 00:31:08,110 --> 00:31:09,870 I could have net first, then didn't have the ability. 348 00:31:10,950 --> 00:31:12,570 Good morning commissioners. 349 00:31:12,710 --> 00:31:14,330 Thank you for having me today. 350 00:31:14,470 --> 00:31:15,470 My name is Jennifer Dierick, 351 00:31:15,550 --> 00:31:16,950 Senate and I am a Senior Vice President 352 00:31:16,950 --> 00:31:19,650 with Davenporting Company, the County's Financial Advisor. 353 00:31:20,610 --> 00:31:22,990 Davenport has served as the County's Financial Advisor 354 00:31:22,990 --> 00:31:24,850 for over 20 years. 355 00:31:25,170 --> 00:31:26,970 During this time, we've assisted the County 356 00:31:26,970 --> 00:31:32,630 with multiple successful bonds sales, as well as helping the county achieve its triple AAA ratings, 357 00:31:32,990 --> 00:31:37,130 which have had a positive impact on the competitive borrowing rates the county has achieved 358 00:31:37,130 --> 00:31:43,730 on these bond issuances. As Miss Andy's mentioned, the county is currently prepared to 359 00:31:43,730 --> 00:31:48,490 go to market to issue bonds to fund various capital projects related to general government, 360 00:31:48,630 --> 00:31:54,090 solid ways and water and sewer funds. These projects have been included in the county's annual 361 00:31:54,090 --> 00:31:57,790 capital improvement plans, which are adopted annually along with the budget. 362 00:31:58,670 --> 00:32:03,350 Issuing debt is a common practice for local governments in Maryland and across the U.S. with 363 00:32:03,350 --> 00:32:06,750 a number of Maryland counties issuing debt on an annual basis. 364 00:32:07,310 --> 00:32:12,010 Issuing debt to fund capital projects is an important financing option for local governments. 365 00:32:12,670 --> 00:32:17,810 This option allows a government like the county to preserve its liquidity, helping the 366 00:32:17,810 --> 00:32:22,370 government to maintain its financial flexibility in case of any one-time, a future one-time 367 00:32:22,370 --> 00:32:22,810 rest. 368 00:32:22,810 --> 00:32:30,990 If liquidity is preserved, these reserves can continue to earn interest that can help offset the debt service costs. 369 00:32:31,330 --> 00:32:34,870 These reserves are also important in maintaining the county's AAA ratings. 370 00:32:35,690 --> 00:32:41,570 Utilizing debt also allows for the local government to benefit from intergenerational equity, 371 00:32:41,750 --> 00:32:48,930 which allows a government to match the repayment of debt with the useful lives of the assets that are being financed, 372 00:32:48,930 --> 00:32:53,710 which means that the future users of these capital investments help to pay for what they 373 00:32:53,710 --> 00:33:00,310 will utilize. Just to give some context, the last, Bonsale, the county had was in December 374 00:33:00,310 --> 00:33:07,150 23. All those three years ago since that time, the county has retired approximately 46 million 375 00:33:07,150 --> 00:33:12,950 in outstanding bond principle with another almost 14 million in principle to be retired in fiscal 376 00:33:12,950 --> 00:33:20,950 27 before debt service on the 26 spawns would begin and even with the projected 26 bond issuance 377 00:33:20,950 --> 00:33:27,810 the county is projected to remain well below it's 9.5% debt service to reserve to revenues 378 00:33:27,810 --> 00:33:36,630 policy and they're at the county that's estimated to be at 5.2% as of fiscal 27. The county's 379 00:33:36,630 --> 00:33:45,510 9.5% debt service to revenue policy is below those policies of like-rated peers, which tend 380 00:33:45,510 --> 00:33:48,950 to have a 10% policy, which is the industry standard. 381 00:33:49,790 --> 00:33:54,030 This more restrictive policy that the county has adopted ensures that the county's debt 382 00:33:54,030 --> 00:33:59,170 profile remains affordable, compared to other AAA-rated peers, and the county's debt ratios 383 00:33:59,170 --> 00:34:04,210 as calculated by Moody's are the lowest among the AAA peers providing flexibility for the 384 00:34:04,210 --> 00:34:07,150 six bonds without any anticipated reading impact. 385 00:34:08,370 --> 00:34:14,570 So with that, I think I'm going to turn it over to Anna to introduce herself and provide some additional comments. 386 00:34:17,220 --> 00:34:17,300 Hi. 387 00:34:17,380 --> 00:34:21,060 My name is Anna Horve, and I'm a partner at McGuire Woods. 388 00:34:21,500 --> 00:34:28,600 We serve as bond council to the county, and we fill that role for close to 20 years for the sure section. 389 00:34:29,320 --> 00:34:35,400 Just to some background, some of the projects that are included in this list have been noted. 390 00:34:35,400 --> 00:34:42,760 and other instances such as the realignment resolutions and the forward funding resolutions that 391 00:34:42,760 --> 00:34:48,560 have been presented previously to this body. Just for the sake of clarity to understand why 392 00:34:48,560 --> 00:34:54,280 they're being included as projects now is in part because of the tax rules. So one of our jobs 393 00:34:54,280 --> 00:34:59,840 this bond council is to make sure that we're able to give a clean opinion as to the tactics. 394 00:35:00,980 --> 00:35:18,380 And in order for us to do that, we have to make sure that those projects are right for inclusion on the project list, which for us means that you're going to need spend-down exemptions, I'm sorry, exceptions for the project at different intervals of time. 395 00:35:18,380 --> 00:35:24,880 Most notably at 18 months, 24 months and 36 months following the issuance of the bonds. 396 00:35:25,680 --> 00:35:32,780 So with that in mind, in order for a project to be funded as a part of this particular bond issuance, 397 00:35:33,120 --> 00:35:43,940 we need to have some certainty that a portion of those funds will be used to pay for the project within 1824 and 36 months for a completion of that project. 398 00:35:43,940 --> 00:36:00,760 So some of these projects haven't been right for inclusion yet, but now that we know with more certainty as to when these projects will actually go live with shovels in the ground, we're able to include them as a part of the scope of the projects that will be included for this particular issuance. 399 00:36:01,600 --> 00:36:08,300 So it's been good policy on the side of the finance department to make sure that you're meeting those restrictions. 400 00:36:08,300 --> 00:36:19,380 It helps avoid unnecessary payments to the federal government, should there be any issues with the tax exempt status and ensures good stewardship of the county's funds in that way. 401 00:36:20,280 --> 00:36:26,900 If you have any questions, I think Mary is there to help and she's going to read a memo now regarding the financing. 402 00:36:28,360 --> 00:36:31,840 Thank you, Anna. Mary, may I interrupt you before you read the memo. 403 00:36:31,840 --> 00:36:38,020 We have such a large amount of citizens in our audience today. 404 00:36:38,380 --> 00:36:40,700 This doesn't mean anything to them. 405 00:36:41,100 --> 00:36:47,260 When you are finished with the memo, would you, or Steven, or both of you, 406 00:36:47,460 --> 00:36:50,660 please put in layments terms what we're doing here. 407 00:36:50,900 --> 00:36:54,540 The issuance of $84 million is very, very large. 408 00:36:54,880 --> 00:36:57,220 What is that going to be used for? 409 00:36:57,220 --> 00:37:02,720 talk a little bit about triple a bond rating and what we do to maintain that. 410 00:37:03,380 --> 00:37:08,860 So if you could put it in layments terms once we get through this, so we can all understand. 411 00:37:09,720 --> 00:37:10,380 Thank you. 412 00:37:12,640 --> 00:37:19,240 So background, the county is planning to issue new bonds in an amount up to $84 million. 413 00:37:20,060 --> 00:37:23,940 The county has not issued bonds since December of 2023. 414 00:37:23,940 --> 00:37:29,780 This sale encompasses all financing needs through fiscal year 2026. 415 00:37:30,960 --> 00:37:37,920 The use is, amount of general fund issuance is $48,987,500. 416 00:37:39,040 --> 00:37:44,520 The amount of general fund issuance costs are approximately 500,000, 417 00:37:45,020 --> 00:37:51,940 making the total issuance for the general fund $49,487,500. 418 00:37:51,940 --> 00:37:59,220 The amount of the enterprise fund issuance is approximately 31,500,000. 419 00:37:59,500 --> 00:38:04,860 The amount of the enterprise fund issuance cost is approximately 300,000. 420 00:38:05,180 --> 00:38:10,320 So the total issuance for the enterprise fund is 31,800,000. 421 00:38:10,580 --> 00:38:14,680 Making for the total bond issuance of approximately 81,000, 422 00:38:15,580 --> 00:38:19,840 270, I'm sorry, 81,000, 287,500. 423 00:38:19,840 --> 00:38:25,560 dollars. Departments within the Calvary County Government will be participating in credit rating 424 00:38:25,560 --> 00:38:33,180 calls with all three reporting agencies which will occur on September 3rd, 2026. A report will 425 00:38:33,180 --> 00:38:39,560 be released on September 15 by the agencies with the results. Once the sale occurs, the Department 426 00:38:39,560 --> 00:38:44,240 of Finance and Budget will return with the terms of the sale to supplement the resolution. 427 00:38:44,240 --> 00:39:08,400 The resolution authorizes up to 84 million of borrowing to finance the capital projects identified in the resolution, establishes the terms and competitive sale process for the bonds, pledges the county's full faith and credit for repayment, and authorizes the appropriate county officials to take the actions necessary to complete the sale. 428 00:39:08,400 --> 00:39:17,500 The current project schedule anticipates approximately 81.3 million upon proceeds including issuance costs. 429 00:39:18,160 --> 00:39:24,760 The county's debt will increase by approximately 81 million 278,500 dollars. 430 00:39:25,300 --> 00:39:34,880 The estimated increase to debt service for the general and enterprise fund would be 4,305,875 dollars, 431 00:39:34,880 --> 00:39:40,520 and $3,1111,912, respectively. 432 00:39:41,480 --> 00:39:42,980 The Department of Finance and Budget 433 00:39:42,980 --> 00:39:45,560 request that the Board of County Commissioners 434 00:39:45,560 --> 00:39:49,100 reviewed and if appropriate, approve, adopt, 435 00:39:49,280 --> 00:39:52,080 and enact the resolution pertaining to the issuance 436 00:39:52,080 --> 00:39:55,120 and sale of the bonds, disbursement of proceeds, 437 00:39:56,100 --> 00:39:59,940 and levy of taxes and authorize the counting to proceed to market with it. 438 00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:09,500 A bit of 2020, 26. General obligation bond to finance the approved capital program. Do you have any questions or would you prefer me? 439 00:40:10,300 --> 00:40:14,760 I could just give the background that Commissioner Grasso. 440 00:40:15,780 --> 00:40:25,840 Stephen, may interrupt you for a moment please, and it would probably be helpful to define a general fund and an enterprise fund for the public. 441 00:40:25,840 --> 00:40:34,080 Okay. So when we issue bonds, and we'll get into definitions a little bit later, but I just 442 00:40:34,080 --> 00:40:38,040 want to talk in the broader concept. Again, this is Steve McGiven, Deputy County Administrator. 443 00:40:39,140 --> 00:40:45,540 Bonds are issued for your key infrastructure assets for the county government. These are the assets that 444 00:40:45,540 --> 00:40:53,420 make the quality of life possible for your citizens. These are not cheap assets. These are your roads, 445 00:40:53,420 --> 00:41:02,680 bridges, your large equipment, a large equipment that public works uses. These are the multi-generational 446 00:41:02,680 --> 00:41:09,640 assets that are going to live many of us because of the nature of the kind of assets that they are. 447 00:41:10,680 --> 00:41:15,400 So that's why they have a high price tag on it. You have an 84 million dollar issuance here. 448 00:41:16,260 --> 00:41:29,300 We bear in mind that we have not issued since 2023, so therefore there is a catch-up component to this particular issue and it runs all the way through fiscal year 26. 449 00:41:31,140 --> 00:41:34,960 So it's catching up with all the past projects. 450 00:41:34,960 --> 00:41:42,220 So we do reimburse the county government through the debt from the proceeds that are issued. 451 00:41:42,740 --> 00:41:48,360 We reimburse the general fund because it for funds, certain things to make sure that 452 00:41:48,360 --> 00:41:54,480 the projects are ongoing and the completion of these projects will occur in a timely manner. 453 00:41:55,920 --> 00:41:59,580 Mary, do you just want to touch on the enterprise and the general fund differences? 454 00:41:59,860 --> 00:42:00,500 Absolutely. 455 00:42:01,100 --> 00:42:04,080 So the general fund is, you know, everyday services, right? 456 00:42:04,080 --> 00:42:10,700 general government, public safety, technology services, community resources, anything that 457 00:42:10,700 --> 00:42:16,020 tax dollars or income tax dollars used to pay for services for the community. 458 00:42:16,600 --> 00:42:21,460 The enterprise fund is kept separately because it is paid for directly by the residents 459 00:42:21,460 --> 00:42:22,860 for those services. 460 00:42:23,320 --> 00:42:28,380 It is split into two funds, one is for water and sewer and the second is for solid waste. 461 00:42:28,380 --> 00:42:33,500 for this particular sale, there's only one project for solid waste. 462 00:42:34,640 --> 00:42:38,380 I'm sorry, I don't have the list with me, but it is listed in the resolution, 463 00:42:39,200 --> 00:42:40,760 and the rest are for water and sewer. 464 00:42:43,350 --> 00:42:48,570 So we'll entertain any questions at this point, and then I think you have the- 465 00:42:48,570 --> 00:42:50,250 Yeah, and then we'll move to public comment. 466 00:42:51,370 --> 00:42:52,150 I have a question. 467 00:42:52,930 --> 00:42:55,050 You say there's a catch-up component, 468 00:42:55,050 --> 00:43:01,930 And I would, that is, for CIP projects that are out there that we're trying to finish off, 469 00:43:02,010 --> 00:43:04,450 is that what this catch up component is? 470 00:43:05,650 --> 00:43:06,010 Yes. 471 00:43:06,010 --> 00:43:06,130 Yes. 472 00:43:06,210 --> 00:43:07,190 It's part of your month. 473 00:43:08,370 --> 00:43:09,130 So yes. 474 00:43:09,790 --> 00:43:16,110 So, you know, projects are appropriated in the fiscal year, the departments receive approval 475 00:43:16,110 --> 00:43:19,990 from the board, you know, a million dollars for a project day. 476 00:43:20,710 --> 00:43:26,090 We work with the departments to figure out our reimbursement schedule if it is going to 477 00:43:26,090 --> 00:43:26,990 be debt funded. 478 00:43:29,130 --> 00:43:33,390 So, you know, we take some time to try to figure out exactly when are they going to start, 479 00:43:33,450 --> 00:43:41,430 as Anna mentioned, because there is a tax-exense situation to consider before we sell the bonds. 480 00:43:42,950 --> 00:43:44,610 So, did that answer your question? 481 00:43:44,610 --> 00:43:46,510 So that's a catch-up component. 482 00:43:47,170 --> 00:43:48,930 This is 84 million dollars. 483 00:43:49,410 --> 00:43:51,930 What projects are we looking to accomplish 484 00:43:51,930 --> 00:43:54,590 with this money with this bond sale? 485 00:43:56,110 --> 00:43:58,830 So the projects specifics, like I said, 486 00:43:59,490 --> 00:44:00,790 are listed in the resolution. 487 00:44:02,550 --> 00:44:04,550 As far as a highlight of the projects, 488 00:44:04,770 --> 00:44:07,050 I probably would want to lean on Danielle Russell, 489 00:44:07,230 --> 00:44:10,470 capital projects manager, who is in the audience. 490 00:44:12,420 --> 00:44:14,480 Do we have a list for the public? 491 00:44:14,560 --> 00:44:15,320 Yeah, absolutely. 492 00:44:15,320 --> 00:44:19,700 It was provided with the agenda where they would find this list. 493 00:44:20,080 --> 00:44:24,520 Yes, it was provided in the agenda, I'm sorry, I just, I didn't print it with me. 494 00:44:24,660 --> 00:44:26,740 I was here in the Senate because yeah, because I'm looking at it. 495 00:44:27,880 --> 00:44:30,720 Commissioner Hart and his labeled Bonseille Project list. 496 00:44:31,020 --> 00:44:32,560 Just for the public to know that as well. 497 00:44:33,140 --> 00:44:34,020 On the agenda. 498 00:44:34,680 --> 00:44:36,920 And it's quite an extensive list. 499 00:44:37,960 --> 00:44:44,300 Just for the public to give it a quick look and see where this money is going there. 500 00:44:44,300 --> 00:44:55,960 It really keeps the wheels rolling and the county with services that we provide as a county to our constituency. 501 00:44:57,040 --> 00:44:59,940 But, but your paying for it as well. So please take a look at it. 502 00:45:01,460 --> 00:45:08,380 And as I mentioned, these are projects that were previously approved by the Board, and previous fiscal years. 503 00:45:09,520 --> 00:45:12,520 Good morning, commissioners, Danielle Russell, capital improvement projects in grants manager. 504 00:45:13,240 --> 00:45:16,420 In addition to the projects being part of the approved budgets. 505 00:45:17,260 --> 00:45:25,740 As a commissioner form of government, we do not have the ability to authorize debt on our own, so these projects were also included in previous years legislative requests. 506 00:45:25,740 --> 00:45:28,040 so legislative request for bonding authority, 507 00:45:28,240 --> 00:45:29,660 the state does need to approve, 508 00:45:30,020 --> 00:45:32,900 cover county government can go out and sell these bonds. 509 00:45:33,260 --> 00:45:35,260 So the list that is attached to the resolution 510 00:45:35,940 --> 00:45:39,760 is a result of that same legislative authority. 511 00:45:40,060 --> 00:45:41,780 So we have to match legislative authority 512 00:45:41,780 --> 00:45:44,880 to what we are requesting those bonds for. 513 00:45:45,080 --> 00:45:47,780 So on the list, we have things like our ADA transition plan. 514 00:45:47,860 --> 00:45:50,760 Those are our infrastructure adjustments 515 00:45:50,760 --> 00:45:52,000 to make sure that our buildings 516 00:45:52,000 --> 00:45:53,960 and our other infrastructure are our ADA compliant. 517 00:45:53,960 --> 00:45:57,940 We have school projects such as Northern Middle School. 518 00:45:58,120 --> 00:46:03,120 Northern Middle School is achieving its final phases of construction. 519 00:46:03,300 --> 00:46:05,180 So this is bonding for that project. 520 00:46:05,820 --> 00:46:07,320 We have things like field lighting. 521 00:46:08,220 --> 00:46:12,420 We have apparatus that FMV life pack. 522 00:46:12,460 --> 00:46:13,860 That is attached to apparatus. 523 00:46:14,340 --> 00:46:17,120 We have security upgrades for count Marine Museum. 524 00:46:18,380 --> 00:46:18,620 See. 525 00:46:20,640 --> 00:46:22,220 We have road improvements. 526 00:46:22,220 --> 00:46:26,680 we have things like paving. We have final bond issuances for the Twin Beach's Library, 527 00:46:27,300 --> 00:46:31,420 which recently opened when we discussed, when Mary mentioned that there was a solid-based 528 00:46:31,420 --> 00:46:36,920 project. We have the Barsido Convenience Center upgrades and then we also have a number of water 529 00:46:36,920 --> 00:46:41,520 and sewer projects like the Back Creek Loop Water Main and things like that. Do you have any 530 00:46:41,520 --> 00:46:46,400 projects specifically that you were looking at Commissioner Grasseau? No, I just want the public to 531 00:46:46,400 --> 00:46:52,500 aware of it, and I see Calvord Elementary HVAC. Of course, we, with the kids have to go to school, 532 00:46:52,780 --> 00:46:58,480 and they, um, comfortable environment, and when we talk apparatus, we're talking ambulances, 533 00:46:58,600 --> 00:47:04,280 we're talking our fire departments, and we have to keep them up to speed, so they can provide 534 00:47:04,280 --> 00:47:09,460 services for us. So just wanted to give the public an overview, Danielle. Thank you. 535 00:47:09,460 --> 00:47:16,160 And if I may just add and just reiterate what our bond council and who are they had said, 536 00:47:17,440 --> 00:47:21,960 the reason why we have to put many of these in the resolution is because of the spend-down 537 00:47:21,960 --> 00:47:28,580 requirements of the IRS. These are tax exempt bond issuances. And as a result of that, 538 00:47:28,580 --> 00:47:34,720 there are certain rules associated with how those proceeds are used. The IRS is not in the business 539 00:47:34,720 --> 00:47:40,040 of giving out tax exemptions on public money because they don't want you to go earn an interest 540 00:47:40,040 --> 00:47:45,840 on that. So arbitrage rules kick into play which is what we won't get into that here, 541 00:47:46,360 --> 00:47:51,560 but I just want to give you an understanding that there are because of the tax exempt rules, 542 00:47:51,820 --> 00:47:56,840 we have to then bring all of these into a resolution form, and then we have to hit certain 543 00:47:56,840 --> 00:48:03,080 spend down requirements at the 18 month, the three or all the way through three or requirements 544 00:48:03,080 --> 00:48:09,020 to make sure that we are not holding the funds in-house without using them for the particular 545 00:48:09,020 --> 00:48:11,180 purposes that they are authorized for. 546 00:48:11,860 --> 00:48:14,260 So we have to hit spend on benchmarks. 547 00:48:15,580 --> 00:48:16,000 Thank you. 548 00:48:22,730 --> 00:48:23,010 Okay. 549 00:48:23,930 --> 00:48:26,070 Mr. President, would you public hear it? 550 00:48:26,170 --> 00:48:26,490 Yes. 551 00:48:27,210 --> 00:48:30,290 The floor has been open for public comment on this hearing. 552 00:48:30,790 --> 00:48:36,770 Resolution 6-89 was adopted and is available here today to maintain the order and 553 00:48:36,770 --> 00:48:39,530 the core of the governmental process. 554 00:48:39,950 --> 00:48:43,330 Those attending in person will be invited to speak first 555 00:48:43,330 --> 00:48:44,890 for those joining virtually. 556 00:48:45,370 --> 00:48:49,050 If you wish to speak, please, please, please, press, 557 00:48:49,330 --> 00:48:51,670 star five, or use the raise your hand function. 558 00:48:52,250 --> 00:48:54,170 Virtual participants will be identified 559 00:48:54,170 --> 00:48:58,050 by their screen name or a last four digits of their phone number 560 00:48:58,050 --> 00:48:59,550 and I'm muted one at a time. 561 00:49:00,010 --> 00:49:02,370 Speakers will be asked to state their name and address. 562 00:49:02,850 --> 00:49:04,390 Speakers who are providing comment 563 00:49:04,390 --> 00:49:11,530 individuals will be allocated two minutes, speakers who are designated representative of a group will be allocated five minutes. 564 00:49:12,830 --> 00:49:16,570 The first speaker we have today is Patrick Flattardy, Wattardy. 565 00:49:21,630 --> 00:49:24,170 Good morning Patrick Flattardy, loads of be speaking for myself. 566 00:49:25,130 --> 00:49:31,710 I support using long-term bonds for true capital projects, major school construction, large road improvements, 567 00:49:31,710 --> 00:49:36,650 significant facility on random renovations and long-lived water and sewer infrastructure. 568 00:49:37,230 --> 00:49:40,310 Those assets last decades, so spreading the cost is fair. 569 00:49:40,910 --> 00:49:45,570 However, they close look at the final list that shows 28 individual projects that each 570 00:49:45,570 --> 00:49:47,230 cost less than 500,000. 571 00:49:47,670 --> 00:49:51,210 Together, those 28 anonymous total approximately 5.7 million. 572 00:49:51,650 --> 00:49:56,890 The county's own debt policy states that projects under $500,000 should generally not 573 00:49:56,890 --> 00:49:59,890 Be funded through long-term borrowing on Leslie 574 00:50:00,000 --> 00:50:12,900 Partly we large a group. And that pay as you go funding should be considered first. Cellular of these items are also maintenance, reoccurring contracts, or shorter lived equipment and software, not long-term capital assets. 575 00:50:13,640 --> 00:50:29,940 Borrowing 5.7 million does not need to be borrowed. Means taxpayers will pay interest on that amount for the next 15 years or so. 576 00:50:29,940 --> 00:50:35,540 policy. Given the number of items that I raised these questions, I respectfully asked the board 577 00:50:35,540 --> 00:50:40,160 to table the final action on this ban sale onto the new board to seat it in December. A short 578 00:50:40,160 --> 00:50:44,640 delay would allow the incoming commissioners with fresh eyes, different perspectives and new 579 00:50:44,640 --> 00:50:50,440 ideas to review the list carefully and decide what truly belongs in long-term debt versus what 580 00:50:50,440 --> 00:50:55,980 can be paid with money already in hand. That approach protects taxpayers, preserves our strong 581 00:50:55,980 --> 00:51:02,920 Tripoli credit standing and the shares every dollar borrowed is used only for lasting capital needs. Thank you. 582 00:51:11,390 --> 00:51:12,650 Next speaker is Timothy. 583 00:51:13,650 --> 00:51:14,210 Sorry. 584 00:51:16,720 --> 00:51:18,740 Thank you. Thank you. 585 00:51:22,820 --> 00:51:24,020 Good morning, commissioners. 586 00:51:24,240 --> 00:51:25,380 I just want to speak. 587 00:51:25,880 --> 00:51:27,440 Can you please state your name for the record? 588 00:51:27,440 --> 00:51:29,660 Will you be speaking as a group for his individual today? 589 00:51:29,940 --> 00:51:30,480 Timothy Bromit. 590 00:51:31,220 --> 00:51:32,540 And speaking as for myself. 591 00:51:33,600 --> 00:51:34,480 I just want to thank commissioners. 592 00:51:34,920 --> 00:51:36,940 I want to support the bond amendment. 593 00:51:36,940 --> 00:51:42,840 I live in the Calvert Highlands been there for 39 years and we know part of this is to help with our sewer program 594 00:51:42,840 --> 00:51:51,540 that we're going over 70% of the neighborhood voted in favor of this now when there was going to be additional calls 595 00:51:51,540 --> 00:51:55,620 but anything the county government could help us would be greatly appreciated. 596 00:51:56,260 --> 00:51:57,000 Thank you. 597 00:51:57,000 --> 00:51:58,160 Thank you. 598 00:52:03,410 --> 00:52:05,390 Next speaker is Pastor Mason. 599 00:52:11,680 --> 00:52:12,760 Pastor Mason. 600 00:52:14,830 --> 00:52:15,510 I'll see you. 601 00:52:16,470 --> 00:52:16,770 Okay. 602 00:52:17,510 --> 00:52:19,370 Next speaker is Ethan Cox. 603 00:52:24,980 --> 00:52:27,620 Good morning, commissioners. My name is Ethan Cox. 604 00:52:28,020 --> 00:52:29,700 Candidate for County Commission District 1. 605 00:52:29,840 --> 00:52:31,420 Speaking of behalf of myself today. 606 00:52:32,800 --> 00:52:35,360 So, we have a triple A bond read. 607 00:52:35,680 --> 00:52:37,560 St. Mary's County has double A1. 608 00:52:37,680 --> 00:52:38,980 One level below triple A. 609 00:52:39,580 --> 00:52:43,760 Our last interest rate on our last issue was 2.86%. 610 00:52:43,760 --> 00:52:47,320 St. Mary's County, 3.71%. 611 00:52:47,320 --> 00:52:49,700 There are homeowners in this room right now 612 00:52:49,700 --> 00:52:53,720 who have refinanced to get a 0.85% reduction on their mortgage. 613 00:52:54,280 --> 00:52:59,000 In terms of the county budget, this saves millions over the bond lifetime. 614 00:52:59,860 --> 00:53:07,240 Maintaining that AAA bond rating requires fiscal responsibly and fiscal conservative policies. 615 00:53:07,880 --> 00:53:13,960 When or lose, I will always fight to preserve the AAA rating to ensure that avoidable debt 616 00:53:13,960 --> 00:53:16,160 isn't thrown onto my generation. 617 00:53:16,980 --> 00:53:22,720 It was concerning to hear the gentleman representing District 1, and his willingness to tank that 618 00:53:22,720 --> 00:53:27,280 bond rating during the April 7 meeting, where he suggested that we, quote, could write that 619 00:53:27,280 --> 00:53:32,740 check on quote, for $9 million on turf fields if we rated the county's reserves. This 620 00:53:32,740 --> 00:53:37,940 is not the same tone that the gentleman struck when he went to New York to lobby Moody's to 621 00:53:37,940 --> 00:53:43,440 up our rating at Triple A. In fact, in an article from June 2017, he called the Triple A bond 622 00:53:43,440 --> 00:53:45,980 and extremely important thing. 623 00:53:46,360 --> 00:53:49,280 He even campaigned on maintaining that AAA bond rating 624 00:53:49,280 --> 00:53:52,940 at the June 28th, 2020 second Republican candidate for him, 625 00:53:53,200 --> 00:53:55,180 where he said, quote, I look at your money, 626 00:53:55,480 --> 00:53:56,940 the same as I look at my money, 627 00:53:57,300 --> 00:53:59,180 while highlighting six straight AAA ratings. 628 00:53:59,900 --> 00:54:03,140 I happen to agree with the 2017 and 2022 versions 629 00:54:03,140 --> 00:54:03,740 of the gentleman. 630 00:54:04,300 --> 00:54:07,280 This late edition just sounds fiscally irresponsible, 631 00:54:07,620 --> 00:54:09,560 and frankly, like fiscal flip flopping. 632 00:54:10,180 --> 00:54:11,980 So, as we look towards our next board, 633 00:54:11,980 --> 00:54:15,600 we must always work to maintain archipelay boundary. Period. 634 00:54:23,580 --> 00:54:25,280 Next speaker, Sherry Burton. 635 00:54:57,770 --> 00:54:58,130 Second. 636 00:55:04,870 --> 00:55:19,130 Okay. Good afternoon. Good morning, actually. I don't know. Up from down these days with all the numbers I've been looking at, but, um, good morning, Ms. Ferdin, can you please stage your name and will you be speaking to an individual with a critique? 637 00:55:19,810 --> 00:55:33,870 Yes, this is Sherry Verdun speaking for a group. And that is the, um, water sewer consumers, um, that received the, uh, 220 residential EDU bill. 638 00:55:33,870 --> 00:55:43,810 Connections. Okay. Please don't start my clock yet. Okay. I really would like to restart this because it's very important and everyone in the room should deserve a chance to hear it. 639 00:55:43,910 --> 00:55:57,010 Okay. Before all of these millions of dollars. Are you still going to call. Okay. Although in 2023 I asked you for an audit in 2026 I asked you for a timeline and now I believe I have found both. 640 00:55:57,010 --> 00:56:05,010 Just in time for today's public hearing on the 2026 bond sale and the data center moratorium at the same time. 641 00:56:06,430 --> 00:56:08,450 Still made it. 642 00:56:08,770 --> 00:56:11,430 And now I believe I have found both just in time. 643 00:56:11,470 --> 00:56:17,910 I studied the actual fiscal year 2024 new-gen water sewer rate study Excel workbook. 644 00:56:18,510 --> 00:56:26,310 Not the slides and I ran the two scenarios that were behind the rate structure presented to water sewer consumers on September 26. 645 00:56:30,110 --> 00:56:39,720 and I would like for the public to hear what I found in that workbook that was presented to us at the workshop. 646 00:56:41,040 --> 00:56:49,080 I see that the workbook, not the slides, ran two scenarios that were behind the rate structure presented to the water sewer consumers. 647 00:56:49,080 --> 00:56:52,660 And I need this board to reconcile what the cells actually do. 648 00:56:53,180 --> 00:56:55,060 Go to the Revenue Requirements tab. 649 00:56:55,580 --> 00:57:02,840 One scenario produces $1,120 million, $398, $950. 650 00:57:04,160 --> 00:57:11,280 And $46.49 plus $47 million, $255.74. 651 00:57:11,540 --> 00:57:17,540 Together, $167 million, $618,522. 652 00:57:17,540 --> 00:57:23,320 now run the alternate scenario, which are both listed in that workbook. The two 653 00:57:23,320 --> 00:57:30,560 different scenarios, two long-term projects, the difference, 69 cents. Why? And 654 00:57:30,560 --> 00:57:34,560 here is the question I want to answer before today's bond sale. What does that 655 00:57:34,560 --> 00:57:39,400 long-term amount appear to reconcile with? The financing represented in the 656 00:57:39,400 --> 00:57:44,140 2023 bond sale and in this bond sale. Why am I seeing what appears to be two 657 00:57:44,140 --> 00:57:50,700 phases of county bonds, salary financing, reflected inside of a water sewer rate projection 658 00:57:50,700 --> 00:57:56,360 from 2023 in the notebook in the margins and everyone in this room should go to that 659 00:57:56,360 --> 00:58:01,580 work, book study, click on the tab and you'll read all of this, okay? And it will tell 660 00:58:01,580 --> 00:58:07,140 you the future projects too, which you'd be very interested to know, which ones have the 661 00:58:07,140 --> 00:58:16,700 in the margins, okay? So what exactly is 120.120 million and 47.2 million and why do they total 662 00:58:16,700 --> 00:58:23,740 167.68 million? Six, one, eight million? Why does that alternative scenario arrive at essentially the 663 00:58:23,740 --> 00:58:28,680 exact same number and why do they appear in two phases in our bonding? And then I followed the 664 00:58:28,680 --> 00:58:34,200 cells backward and I see new jet. I see capital requirements. I see capital connection fee shortfall. 665 00:58:34,200 --> 00:58:37,660 Is this showing the revenue stream required to support the debt? 666 00:58:37,800 --> 00:58:39,460 If not, what is it showing? 667 00:58:40,020 --> 00:58:44,580 Because in 2020, new Jen's stuffy, something was very clear. 668 00:58:44,940 --> 00:58:47,400 Capital connection fees pay for the cost, new capacity 669 00:58:47,400 --> 00:58:49,340 pays for the system. 670 00:58:49,920 --> 00:58:53,140 And then I found the future capital connection allocation analysis. 671 00:58:53,480 --> 00:58:56,820 And the future project tab, under it contains 672 00:58:56,820 --> 00:59:02,640 Beatree Apartments 233 EDUs, the new County Office Building 13 EDUs, 673 00:59:02,640 --> 00:59:29,820 Calvert Hills Town homes, Calvert Hills apartments, Calvert Hills apartments, I'm sorry, Catherine Gesso did want to hear these future Calvert Hills apartments, all of which have notes in the margin that should be checked to against other projects that you were told were funded by HUD development projects, look at those notes in the margin and see what these future projects have allocated and what those notes say, okay. 674 00:59:29,820 --> 00:59:39,140 You'll be surprised which ones are all care because I was, especially when I saw Benedict Charles County 1,115 sewer EDUs. 675 00:59:39,460 --> 00:59:47,720 I saw co-point CR-E4,000 EDUs, but the connection for you short fall with all these new hookups coming. 676 00:59:48,420 --> 00:59:52,580 So I'd like to direct to the audit towards budget unit 575. 677 00:59:52,580 --> 00:59:59,940 But your unit 575 is the particular cell that went missing, okay, that you can look at to find 678 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:06,360 Now, where that went to, when you zoom out all the surrounding cells, are existing go-bond principle, existing 679 01:00:06,360 --> 01:00:17,980 go-bond interest, refund refunding bond principle, refunding bond interest, contracted services, depreciation, electricity, transfers, maintenance, salaries, supplies, reserves. 680 01:00:18,500 --> 01:00:28,340 So, I would ask the board to reconcile budget unit 575 and I would ask the public to look at fiscal year 24 rate model for the 681 01:00:28,340 --> 01:00:33,120 who are studying and read those notes budget unit 575. Thank you. 682 01:00:41,850 --> 01:00:42,590 There are no 683 01:00:42,590 --> 01:00:48,230 colors. I'm sorry. And percent of these. Is there any other attendees in the room 684 01:00:48,230 --> 01:00:52,570 that would like to speak pertaining to this public hearing? All right. We'll switch 685 01:00:52,570 --> 01:00:56,570 it over now to Andrew Miller who will be online. 686 01:00:59,130 --> 01:01:05,160 Morning all. So we do have one person online right now. Call her ending in 6988. If you 687 01:01:05,160 --> 01:01:08,660 wish to speak please use the raise hand function on teams. 688 01:01:15,630 --> 01:01:16,570 Looks like there are no 689 01:01:16,570 --> 01:01:17,430 callers. 690 01:01:30,170 --> 01:01:35,450 Can I ask a question please? It was brought up that a long term 691 01:01:35,990 --> 01:01:41,410 bonding under $500,000 should not be a part of this. Is there an explanation? 692 01:01:42,470 --> 01:01:47,190 Yes. Okay. Absolutely. So some of these projects even though we are only borrowing 693 01:01:47,190 --> 01:01:52,170 $500,000, there a project that has been in the works for some time. So we may 694 01:01:52,170 --> 01:01:57,150 of borrowed, you know, a million dollars, two years previously, but we were not prepared to take 695 01:01:57,150 --> 01:02:02,470 on the additional debt of the 500,000 at that point, again, to meet the, as Juan Council 696 01:02:02,470 --> 01:02:09,210 mentioned, this was a $10,000 requirement, so now we're ready to take on that debt, because 697 01:02:09,210 --> 01:02:12,830 we can reimburse as advised. 698 01:02:13,450 --> 01:02:14,870 I hope that makes sense. 699 01:02:15,590 --> 01:02:16,890 It's a staging, right? 700 01:02:17,070 --> 01:02:21,930 I mean, if, sorry, when you issued, you issued the line-share up front, and then, as 701 01:02:21,930 --> 01:02:22,770 It kind of breaks down. 702 01:02:22,830 --> 01:02:23,230 Exactly. 703 01:02:23,570 --> 01:02:24,250 It's down to, right? 704 01:02:24,910 --> 01:02:26,010 It's standard one. 705 01:02:26,050 --> 01:02:26,250 Yeah. 706 01:02:26,250 --> 01:02:26,970 I have so many good. 707 01:02:27,050 --> 01:02:28,010 The entire idea of the projects. 708 01:02:28,710 --> 01:02:28,730 Yeah. 709 01:02:28,750 --> 01:02:30,570 The state earlier has sent me another three years. 710 01:02:31,030 --> 01:02:32,250 You just didn't have the breakdown. 711 01:02:32,430 --> 01:02:36,210 Sometimes in the past would be a breakdown when you see in the project of what we would pay 712 01:02:36,210 --> 01:02:38,830 in fiscal say 26 to 27 to 28. 713 01:02:38,910 --> 01:02:39,510 Yes, sir. 714 01:02:39,790 --> 01:02:40,050 Yeah. 715 01:02:40,110 --> 01:02:43,950 And that is that will appear in the adopted budget documents. 716 01:02:44,050 --> 01:02:46,230 It will show, you know, the stage. 717 01:02:46,610 --> 01:02:49,910 But again, you know, if the Board approves $8 million for our project, but we only 718 01:02:49,910 --> 01:02:51,130 need $2 million in debt. 719 01:02:51,130 --> 01:02:52,490 only going to get the 2 million. 720 01:02:54,640 --> 01:02:56,120 Thank you. 721 01:03:00,160 --> 01:03:03,460 Ms. Rose, I will move the Board of County Commission as an act. The resolution pertaining 722 01:03:03,460 --> 01:03:10,540 to the issue of the sale of vines this first. For proceeds and levy the ad value and taxes, 723 01:03:10,580 --> 01:03:17,300 authorize the county to proceed to market with the issuance of its 2026 general obligation 724 01:03:17,300 --> 01:03:19,980 vines. If I announce and approve the capital program. 725 01:03:24,410 --> 01:03:26,130 So, I have a motion in a second. 726 01:03:26,390 --> 01:03:27,170 Take a motion of Scott's. 727 01:03:29,010 --> 01:03:30,730 Is there any discussion on this? 728 01:03:31,790 --> 01:03:32,550 You're even known all this. 729 01:03:32,610 --> 01:03:33,310 Bear say aye. 730 01:03:34,250 --> 01:03:34,650 Opposed. 731 01:03:35,470 --> 01:03:36,130 Motion carries. 732 01:03:36,650 --> 01:03:36,990 Thank you. 733 01:03:37,150 --> 01:03:37,710 Thank you. 734 01:03:44,990 --> 01:03:45,550 Thanks, Mr. Sir. 735 01:03:45,550 --> 01:03:46,430 Next public hearing. 736 01:03:46,570 --> 01:03:47,530 Department of Planning and Zoning. 737 01:03:47,630 --> 01:03:48,330 Sicken off board. 738 01:03:48,570 --> 01:03:50,210 Torim on data center projects. 739 01:03:50,750 --> 01:03:51,390 Directed, frankly. 740 01:03:56,330 --> 01:03:56,770 Good morning. 741 01:03:56,910 --> 01:03:59,710 Again, Commissioner Chase Berkley, Director of Planning and Zoning. 742 01:04:00,270 --> 01:04:03,370 There's not a formal presentation for this item, so I'm going to read the memo. 743 01:04:03,370 --> 01:04:16,990 On background on July 21st, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners directed staff to proceed with drafting and advertising of a public hearing to consider a six-month moratorium on data center projects in Calvert County. 744 01:04:17,930 --> 01:04:26,150 The discussion that development of large-scale data centers is a relatively new and evolving land use in miniature restrictions, including including Calvert County, 745 01:04:26,750 --> 01:04:32,170 and local governments are working to understand the long-term impacts on land use infrastructure and surrounding communities. 746 01:04:32,170 --> 01:04:36,650 A moratorium is a temporary suspension that would allow the county additional time to review 747 01:04:36,650 --> 01:04:41,350 an adoptive regulations and zoning ordinance text amendments related to data centers 748 01:04:41,350 --> 01:04:47,370 and to perform any needed studies or analysis related to the same as directed by the BOCC. 749 01:04:48,550 --> 01:04:51,910 Conclusion and recommendation staff request that the Board of County Commissioners 750 01:04:51,910 --> 01:04:56,850 conduct a public hearing. Receive public comment and close the record following the 751 01:04:56,850 --> 01:04:59,930 public hearing. The Board may review and take any other following actions. 752 01:05:00,600 --> 01:05:07,680 Approve, adopt, and enact the ordinance as presented. Approve, adopt, and enact the ordinance with amendments, or denial. 753 01:05:08,860 --> 01:05:14,920 And commissioners, we did receive 25 written comments that were provided to you prior to today's hearing. 754 01:05:15,540 --> 01:05:19,360 Do you have any questions or anything for me before we take public comment? 755 01:05:20,360 --> 01:05:29,420 I do. Part of this moratorium does not have that no site plans, no applications will be accepted 756 01:05:29,420 --> 01:05:36,260 during this six months period. One thing I've concerned about is no conversations with 757 01:05:36,260 --> 01:05:43,500 a potential data centers. I've spoken with our attorney that would be a, that would 758 01:05:43,500 --> 01:05:51,500 taking away their first amendment right. So, okay. So, four things I'm very interested in 759 01:05:51,500 --> 01:05:57,960 in accomplishing. No site plans will be accepted. No applications, period. No conversations 760 01:05:57,960 --> 01:06:04,680 with potential data center inquiries that probably isn't going to happen because of the first 761 01:06:04,680 --> 01:06:11,140 amendment. So, within the next month, I want the zoning reverse fact to its original form. 762 01:06:11,140 --> 01:06:15,880 I also want a study that is not general, not off the shelf. 763 01:06:16,180 --> 01:06:22,000 I want a study that is unique to our unique community and our makeup. 764 01:06:22,520 --> 01:06:27,060 So that's what I want to accomplish in the next four weeks. 765 01:06:27,260 --> 01:06:34,460 And I want you to come before us with the proposal, proposed zoning change as well. 766 01:06:35,260 --> 01:06:44,920 I don't know that the moratorium is strong enough if it doesn't have no site plans or applications will would be considered. 767 01:06:45,900 --> 01:06:47,480 Can you speak to that? 768 01:06:48,000 --> 01:06:49,140 You are correct right now. 769 01:06:49,340 --> 01:06:50,600 It's just site plan approvals. 770 01:06:51,000 --> 01:07:05,750 If the board following the public hearing wishes to modify that ordinance, that is the 771 01:07:05,750 --> 01:07:11,790 Commissioner you don't meet within the next month. So I can come back at the next meeting with a 772 01:07:12,130 --> 01:07:13,590 A work session on 773 01:07:14,590 --> 01:07:20,390 On that my suggestion would where we're discussing text amendments later in this meeting to have that discussion on 774 01:07:21,370 --> 01:07:27,950 Directing staff regarding text amendments during that item would be my recommendation. And I know we're getting so ganged with 775 01:07:27,950 --> 01:07:32,150 you know, opens meeting act and so on and so forth, but 776 01:07:33,350 --> 01:07:33,950 it 777 01:07:34,870 --> 01:07:41,410 I will address it them, but it is very important to me because I don't think this moratorium 778 01:07:41,410 --> 01:07:49,270 as it stands has the teeth the public wants to have unless we reverse the zoning and that 779 01:07:49,270 --> 01:07:53,950 is imperative that it go hand in hand with this moratorium. 780 01:07:54,170 --> 01:07:55,470 So we'll talk about that later. 781 01:07:56,990 --> 01:07:59,290 The director, I have a question for you. 782 01:07:59,670 --> 01:08:03,290 Can we get a lot of people sitting here listening today? 783 01:08:03,730 --> 01:08:09,370 Can you talk a little bit about if we don't have a site plan, 784 01:08:10,190 --> 01:08:15,050 how do we move full with studies and the costs of them studies? 785 01:08:15,410 --> 01:08:18,090 Could you just talk about that for a minute? 786 01:08:18,650 --> 01:08:22,410 And I do know some of the public feedback we have received so far 787 01:08:22,410 --> 01:08:25,890 is requesting specifics on studies. 788 01:08:27,930 --> 01:08:33,270 I think that it's probably needs to be a separate discussion if you want my two cents on it, 789 01:08:33,630 --> 01:08:37,590 because I think there's a cost factor to the studies if there's no, 790 01:08:38,210 --> 01:08:42,170 ideally in an ideal world you would have those studies paid for by an applicant, 791 01:08:43,110 --> 01:08:45,210 or an end user or something, a developer. 792 01:08:46,110 --> 01:08:50,950 If that's not happening, I think the analysis on what studies are needed, 793 01:08:50,950 --> 01:08:54,850 and the fiscal impact of those studies needs to be a, that's part of what Commissioner 794 01:08:54,850 --> 01:08:57,890 Grasso mentioned on zoning text amendments or everything. 795 01:08:58,070 --> 01:09:00,150 I think that's where that discussion needs to be. 796 01:09:00,390 --> 01:09:04,130 I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but I would caution against putting it in an ordinance 797 01:09:04,130 --> 01:09:08,250 that requires you to do it and then you end up seeing the price tag, which will likely be 798 01:09:08,250 --> 01:09:09,170 seven or eight figures. 799 01:09:09,990 --> 01:09:13,830 And do you really spend that if there is no end user? 800 01:09:13,930 --> 01:09:16,030 Is that the best path forward? 801 01:09:16,070 --> 01:09:20,550 I think that discussion needs we had separate, then including it in an ordinance itself. 802 01:09:20,550 --> 01:09:22,450 Thank you. 803 01:09:23,230 --> 01:09:30,770 Also another comment is our governor has says about data centers, it's not a case of if but when. 804 01:09:31,450 --> 01:09:36,610 So that's what we're going to be up against so we really need to tighten ourselves up. 805 01:09:37,090 --> 01:09:43,110 I saw that Governor Abbott and Texas and they have data centers there as you know, 806 01:09:43,470 --> 01:09:48,590 but they put a pause on them and it's mainly been because the cost to the community 807 01:09:48,590 --> 01:09:52,610 with the water, the electricity, so on and so forth. 808 01:09:53,190 --> 01:09:54,310 It is just astronomical, 809 01:09:54,690 --> 01:09:57,350 but I wanted to say one thing that I thought was interesting. 810 01:09:57,510 --> 01:09:59,930 He said, as part of their... 811 01:10:00,000 --> 01:10:09,140 Pause, and what they will put in their recommendations is no disturbance to rural areas, and we are a rural area. 812 01:10:09,960 --> 01:10:13,860 So we've got to be as tight as we can pay. Thank you. 813 01:10:16,190 --> 01:10:23,190 Director, I agree with Commissioner Grosso, but when you come back, until we get these environmental studies, 814 01:10:23,350 --> 01:10:30,530 and even at what she just said, you know, in the past with any projects, you know, as apartments, what have you, 815 01:10:30,530 --> 01:10:33,710 It's always been on the user to pay it, 816 01:10:33,810 --> 01:10:35,330 but we've seen you from past history. 817 01:10:35,550 --> 01:10:37,870 If they pay it, they're gonna come back with 818 01:10:37,870 --> 01:10:39,190 what they know they can pass. 819 01:10:39,770 --> 01:10:41,190 So the only way to protect ourselves 820 01:10:41,190 --> 01:10:42,790 is we're gonna have to eat this, 821 01:10:42,910 --> 01:10:45,910 but I want to expand it for more than just data centers. 822 01:10:46,050 --> 01:10:47,790 You know, in the past, you know, we're a county, 823 01:10:47,970 --> 01:10:50,250 we've got a nuclear facility, 824 01:10:50,410 --> 01:10:51,350 the only energy facility. 825 01:10:52,150 --> 01:10:54,170 We've never had our own tighter 826 01:10:54,170 --> 01:10:55,310 in environmental regulations. 827 01:10:55,310 --> 01:10:57,350 We've relied on the state and the federal government. 828 01:10:57,350 --> 01:11:04,230 We need to expand this to what is next, is it solar farms, is it lithium batteries, whatever 829 01:11:04,230 --> 01:11:04,770 comes down. 830 01:11:04,990 --> 01:11:08,850 So we're going to need, I think when we're writing that, it's going to have to be written 831 01:11:08,850 --> 01:11:12,970 to whatever environmental impacts could be in the future. 832 01:11:13,610 --> 01:11:17,730 And it'll be a lot of standard things of how far from you to streams, how else it thinks 833 01:11:17,730 --> 01:11:18,290 that nature. 834 01:11:19,110 --> 01:11:25,090 But until that firm comes in, I don't want to have any verbiets where we're putting on the 835 01:11:25,090 --> 01:11:30,890 to pay because you know they're going to make it to something they can pass and that's not 836 01:11:30,890 --> 01:11:36,910 going to be good enough. So I think the life lesson with having all these big facilities is 837 01:11:36,910 --> 01:11:44,150 whatever the future brings we have a policy that's curtailed back to Commissioner Grasso said 838 01:11:44,150 --> 01:11:46,890 that's for us. Understood. 839 01:11:52,140 --> 01:11:55,140 If there's no further questions at the moment I'm going to jump right 840 01:11:55,140 --> 01:11:58,560 to the speakers we do have signed up. 841 01:12:02,020 --> 01:12:06,940 The floor is open for public comment on this hearing resolution 6-89 was adopted and is available 842 01:12:06,940 --> 01:12:10,180 today to maintain the order and decorum of the governmental process. 843 01:12:10,780 --> 01:12:14,500 Those attending in person are about to speak first for those joining virtually if you wish 844 01:12:14,500 --> 01:12:17,500 to speak please press star 9 or use the raise your hand function. 845 01:12:18,140 --> 01:12:22,480 Virtual participants will be identified by the screen name or last four digits of their phone 846 01:12:22,480 --> 01:12:24,540 number and unmuted one at a time. 847 01:12:24,540 --> 01:12:28,580 speakers will be asked to state their name and address speaking speakers who are providing 848 01:12:28,580 --> 01:12:33,420 comments as individuals are allocated two minutes speakers that are designated representative 849 01:12:33,420 --> 01:12:38,300 for group are allocated five minutes and I'm going to go ahead and apologize before we even 850 01:12:38,300 --> 01:12:45,400 get going if I missed pronounce any names. That is entirely my my fault. First speaker is Patrick 851 01:12:45,400 --> 01:12:46,000 Flerty. 852 01:12:52,840 --> 01:12:57,240 Good morning again Patrick Flerty, Loseby speaking on behalf of myself. There's a 853 01:12:57,240 --> 01:13:01,680 about life that you have to show up for, participate in it. And by the looks of the people here 854 01:13:01,680 --> 01:13:06,760 today, I'd say that statement is true. It's also said that you can't win a badly, 855 01:13:06,840 --> 01:13:10,640 you don't fight, and it's clear everyone here is ready to battle for the future of 856 01:13:10,640 --> 01:13:14,440 cover counting. People want to know why this board is pushing a water-down 857 01:13:14,440 --> 01:13:19,600 moratorium when so many residents, including myself, have submitted clear reasonable suggestions, 858 01:13:20,220 --> 01:13:25,420 drawn from language that other Maryland counties have used successfully. Those suggestions 859 01:13:25,420 --> 01:13:30,000 would make this moratorium iron clad, freezing the acceptance, processing, review, and approval 860 01:13:30,000 --> 01:13:35,360 of all related applications, site plans, conditional uses, and building permits, and removing 861 01:13:35,360 --> 01:13:40,840 the automatic sunset that forces us to start this entire process over again in just six months. 862 01:13:41,760 --> 01:13:46,820 Instead, the version before us only calls the site plan a approvals, leaves other pathways open, 863 01:13:47,060 --> 01:13:52,580 and includes an automatic expiration that is not the strong cause of the public has asked for. 864 01:13:52,580 --> 01:13:57,760 We have already seen massive delays, years of secrecy, exclusive negotiating agreements, 865 01:13:58,300 --> 01:14:01,340 india's and closed sessions while data center plans move forward. 866 01:14:02,120 --> 01:14:06,340 Any major strengthening of this week text would most likely require a new two week 867 01:14:06,340 --> 01:14:07,260 advertisement period. 868 01:14:08,040 --> 01:14:12,580 And after today's meeting, the next scheduled board meeting is not until September 22nd. 869 01:14:13,840 --> 01:14:15,280 Full five weeks from now. 870 01:14:15,560 --> 01:14:19,740 That combination means real protection gets pushed even further into the future. 871 01:14:20,580 --> 01:14:23,900 People of Caver County have shown up. 872 01:14:24,560 --> 01:14:27,280 We are ready to fight for a clean reset and real transparency. 873 01:14:28,200 --> 01:14:32,360 I respectfully urge just board not to settle for the water down the version before us today. 874 01:14:32,940 --> 01:14:37,660 Instead, direct staff to bring forward a stronger iron-clad language that residents have 875 01:14:37,660 --> 01:14:40,760 submitted, language proven, and other Maryland counties. 876 01:14:41,520 --> 01:14:48,160 So the public can see a real moratorium advertised and enacted as the law allows. 877 01:14:48,720 --> 01:14:49,160 Thank you. 878 01:14:57,710 --> 01:14:59,950 The next speaker is Daniel. 879 01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:02,860 Local peck and following that, we will have Michael Block. 880 01:15:11,320 --> 01:15:13,040 Daniel Pock, I'll be speaking for a group. 881 01:15:14,060 --> 01:15:16,200 Okay. What group will you be speaking for today? 882 01:15:17,280 --> 01:15:18,240 Citizens for Calvert. 883 01:15:20,380 --> 01:15:24,380 My name is Daniel Pock and I am the vice president of Citizens for Calvert. 884 01:15:25,040 --> 01:15:29,740 First, I want to be very clear. Citizens for Calvert supports the moratorium before you this morning 885 01:15:29,740 --> 01:15:31,560 and we're asking you to pass it today. 886 01:15:32,440 --> 01:15:37,400 It is an honor to stand here representing an organization and a community that has spent months pushing 887 01:15:37,400 --> 01:15:41,000 organizing, researching, and demanding action. 888 01:15:41,520 --> 01:15:46,420 Calvert residents have come together again and again to voice their concerns, advocate for 889 01:15:46,420 --> 01:15:50,480 this pause and data center development, and we could now be more proud of the incredible 890 01:15:50,480 --> 01:15:51,920 people who have joined this effort. 891 01:15:52,560 --> 01:15:56,600 But I also want to be candid because I think otherwise would do a disservice to everyone 892 01:15:56,600 --> 01:15:57,400 in this room. 893 01:15:58,000 --> 01:15:59,860 This process has been exhausting. 894 01:16:00,840 --> 01:16:05,280 We understand the public discourse can get ugly, and we understand that people say things 895 01:16:05,280 --> 01:16:11,300 online that are unfair, inflammatory, and sometimes completely inappropriate, but it is important 896 01:16:11,300 --> 01:16:16,100 that we never conflate the worst behavior that you see on the internet with legitimate 897 01:16:16,100 --> 01:16:21,240 activists and concerns residents who have been working desperately to pull the breaks on 898 01:16:21,240 --> 01:16:21,860 this train. 899 01:16:22,500 --> 01:16:26,780 These meeting rooms have been filled with some of the most thoughtful, informed, and committed 900 01:16:26,780 --> 01:16:28,000 people in this county. 901 01:16:28,720 --> 01:16:33,820 Individuals who have read through documents, attended meetings, learned issues, and continued 902 01:16:33,820 --> 01:16:38,940 showing up because they care deeply about what happens here and that's not a problem, that's 903 01:16:38,940 --> 01:16:44,060 civic engagement. And in fact this outpouring of participation is a testament to how democracy 904 01:16:44,060 --> 01:16:49,320 is supposed to work. People pay attention, they ask questions, and they're demanding answers 905 01:16:49,320 --> 01:16:54,880 from the people that they elected to represent them. But that relationship requires trust. Residents 906 01:16:54,880 --> 01:16:59,280 trusted their government to ask these questions before opening the door to development of this 907 01:16:59,280 --> 01:17:04,300 And instead, a lot of these residents were left asking these questions by themselves. 908 01:17:05,040 --> 01:17:10,420 That's why the trust is damaged, and you cannot rebuild trust by telling residents to stop asking questions. 909 01:17:11,060 --> 01:17:12,200 You cannot rebuild trust. 910 01:17:12,200 --> 01:17:17,800 You can only rebuild trust through listening, transparency, and a willingness to change course if necessary. 911 01:17:18,600 --> 01:17:21,380 This is an opportunity to begin repairing that trust. 912 01:17:22,000 --> 01:17:25,580 And this moment belongs to communities beyond Calvert County, though, too. 913 01:17:25,580 --> 01:17:32,200 We stand on the shoulders of working class communities in places like Memphis and Northern Virginia that sounded the alarm before us. 914 01:17:32,620 --> 01:17:38,480 And we stand alongside communities in Utah, New Jersey and everywhere else that have wrestled with unchecked data center development, 915 01:17:38,900 --> 01:17:40,880 convened for the people who actually live there. 916 01:17:41,140 --> 01:17:42,620 And we've learned from them. 917 01:17:42,780 --> 01:17:48,360 And now, Calvary County has an opportunity to demonstrate what meaningful civic engagement can really accomplish. 918 01:17:48,860 --> 01:17:50,800 And this is because people showed up. 919 01:17:50,800 --> 01:17:55,560 because people ask questions and organized and because residents refuse to accept that 920 01:17:55,560 --> 01:18:01,500 sacrificing their community was simply the inevitable price of economic or technological progress. 921 01:18:02,260 --> 01:18:07,380 This moratorium is a first step, but it cannot be the last. We understand why projects like this can 922 01:18:07,380 --> 01:18:12,400 be tempting. When some of the wealthiest companies in the world come knocking on a small county promising 923 01:18:12,400 --> 01:18:18,140 investment, jobs, tax revenue, saying yes can feel like the easy button. But governing a community 924 01:18:18,140 --> 01:18:23,280 is not simply about maximizing revenue, and not everything we value can be measured in dollars. 925 01:18:23,860 --> 01:18:28,160 So please, pause this process, give the county time to do the work that should have 926 01:18:28,160 --> 01:18:30,320 been done long before we got here. 927 01:18:30,860 --> 01:18:35,980 Study the impacts on our electricity, our water, wastewater, roads, emergency services, 928 01:18:36,540 --> 01:18:41,440 environment, air quality, and what that could mean for our schools, neighborhoods, and communities. 929 01:18:42,140 --> 01:18:43,320 But don't stop there. 930 01:18:43,780 --> 01:18:47,480 Communities across Maryland and across the country are grappling with the same extraordinary 931 01:18:47,480 --> 01:18:52,320 Any other questions about data centers, energy, land, technology and community voice? 932 01:18:52,760 --> 01:18:55,880 We should not be reinventing the wheel in every county and Maryland. 933 01:18:56,460 --> 01:18:58,320 Let Calvert be part of that conversation. 934 01:18:58,840 --> 01:19:03,420 Let what happens here and what we have learned from it help other communities make better 935 01:19:03,420 --> 01:19:05,920 decisions before they find themselves where we did. 936 01:19:06,300 --> 01:19:09,620 We have an opportunity to do more than protect our own backyard here. 937 01:19:09,960 --> 01:19:14,500 Today we can rebuild trust, lead responsibly, and be part of the solution. 938 01:19:15,000 --> 01:19:16,080 Please pass the moratorium. 939 01:19:23,700 --> 01:19:28,060 Next speaker is Michael Block following that. We will have William Goodwin. 940 01:19:29,100 --> 01:19:34,280 Hello, I am Michael Block, and I am speaking as concerned citizen. During the Board of 941 01:19:34,280 --> 01:19:43,600 Commission's meeting, I am telling you, I am sorry about that. Hello, I am Michael 942 01:19:43,600 --> 01:19:48,460 Block, and I am speaking as a concerned citizen. During the Board of Commission's meeting 943 01:19:48,460 --> 01:19:52,040 with Natelli holding on 29 June 2020, 944 01:19:52,640 --> 01:19:54,200 they're acoustic consultant, 945 01:19:54,460 --> 01:19:58,220 Jeff Sermansky stayed the Natelli data center. 946 01:19:58,220 --> 01:19:59,940 We're going to hear it to Maryland noise. 947 01:20:00,000 --> 01:20:11,400 Maryland Noise Code deals with BDA, which is the noise from a human hearing ranging from 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz. 948 01:20:12,080 --> 01:20:20,380 The Tally Holden also mentions that they were adhered to ISO, 9613-2, standard for acoustics and 949 01:20:20,380 --> 01:20:30,460 of sound. However, this standard only covers between 44 hertz and 11.3 kilohertz. This 950 01:20:30,460 --> 01:20:35,300 standard does not cover the full hearing range. Neither of these standards cover 951 01:20:35,300 --> 01:20:43,540 infrasound. Infrasound is below 20 hertz and ranges from 20 hertz to 0.001 hertz. 952 01:20:43,540 --> 01:20:51,480 Infrason can cause human health problems, also small animals use Infrason to detect predators. 953 01:20:52,280 --> 01:20:56,360 I urge the Board of Commissioner to create a two-year moratorium. 954 01:20:56,960 --> 01:21:02,560 During the spaceline study, should be conducted to measure the amount of low-frequency noise 955 01:21:02,560 --> 01:21:09,240 20 to 500 Hz, as well as Infrason, they currently exist in the environment. 956 01:21:09,240 --> 01:21:15,820 Carole Cliff nuclear power plant is not using turbines to cool their water, so I 957 01:21:15,820 --> 01:21:19,840 suspect very little in for some is being produced by the nuclear plant. 958 01:21:20,660 --> 01:21:27,540 I would suggest that an independent acoustic contractor be hired to measure based on 959 01:21:27,540 --> 01:21:33,460 in for some measured levels, as well as in for some levels at various data centers. 960 01:21:33,460 --> 01:21:42,840 The consultant needs to model attenuation of sound both in the ground and air at various distances away from the surface. 961 01:21:43,160 --> 01:21:43,540 Thank you. 962 01:21:49,920 --> 01:21:53,820 William Goodwin, and following that, there's Chuck Borges. 963 01:21:58,830 --> 01:22:00,710 There's a nice name as William Goodwin. 964 01:22:01,050 --> 01:22:02,530 I'm speaking on behalf of myself. 965 01:22:04,630 --> 01:22:08,910 Other speakers have spoken to some of the points that were in my mind. 966 01:22:08,910 --> 01:22:19,010 I have brought in an article that was on Yahoo this morning and it was published by Pennsylvania Capital Star. 967 01:22:23,400 --> 01:22:41,760 This article was published this morning by Pennsylvania Capital Star and one of the graphics in there is one of the state of Maryland and the counties and what state of affairs they have with regard to either banning or creating moratorium on data centers. 968 01:22:42,560 --> 01:22:56,300 And what struck me as I was looking through this and listening to the other speakers and having been here before is whenever I've been faced with the decision I thought I was making the best decision. 969 01:22:57,080 --> 01:23:08,320 In hindsight over the more than 65 years of being a legal adult, the biggest regrets I have is when I made decisions without sufficient information to make a good decision. 970 01:23:08,320 --> 01:23:12,060 And that's what the whole crux of this matter is. 971 01:23:12,120 --> 01:23:20,020 I know it's a fast-paced process with the fiscal realities that are there facing the county. 972 01:23:20,780 --> 01:23:29,140 Yet we don't know the fiscal, mental, social, environmental factors that data centers would bring. 973 01:23:29,660 --> 01:23:34,800 And I just reflect on one example, data centers shut down suddenly in Virginia. 974 01:23:34,800 --> 01:23:49,540 I think about four maybe six weeks ago, and it had the effect of creating a tsunami like wave that's spread from Virginia all the way to Chicago and bounce back several times throughout the entire power grid. 975 01:23:50,000 --> 01:23:56,300 That's what we're being exposed to with the headlong rush to create data centers for short term benefit. 976 01:23:56,300 --> 01:24:06,660 So I just ask you to do all in your power and concert with others in Maryland and other jurisdictions to look at all of these factors before deciding. 977 01:24:07,140 --> 01:24:07,680 Thank you. 978 01:24:13,420 --> 01:24:16,960 Chuck Horgus and following that, there's Hara Watts. 979 01:24:18,480 --> 01:24:19,860 Good morning, my name is Chuck Horgus. 980 01:24:20,060 --> 01:24:26,660 I'm running for State Senate District 29, which is southern Maryland, including all the data center installations, but I'm not here today's candidate. 981 01:24:27,240 --> 01:24:28,680 I'm here's a federal data expert. 982 01:24:29,140 --> 01:24:34,380 Last year I was the Chief Data Officer, Social Security, I was the business analytics lead at CDC. 983 01:24:34,760 --> 01:24:38,380 I was never a first chief data officer. I literally wrote the federal data strategy. 984 01:24:39,840 --> 01:24:45,320 While in all of those roles, I never signed an NDA and I never violated the open meetings or transparency acts. 985 01:24:45,680 --> 01:24:50,260 I'll leave it to the citizens of Calvert to decide if you are competent to sit in those chairs 986 01:24:50,260 --> 01:24:53,880 and if those that follow your policies are competent to follow you. 987 01:24:53,880 --> 01:24:59,940 Again, I'm speaking as a federal data expert and I come speaking today with a warning. This will 988 01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:12,860 Not stop. We are too close to the centers of power for our government and the literal power that we generate for industrial encroachment to stop pushing into our region. 989 01:25:14,280 --> 01:25:27,100 Celebrate the removal of the site plan, but that's all it was. AWS could submit another site plan tomorrow or November 4th, depending on who you elect or the day after this week, moratorium ends. 990 01:25:27,100 --> 01:25:29,780 I ask you to consider two things. 991 01:25:30,780 --> 01:25:34,100 One, Natelli, who's faced resistance over here, 992 01:25:34,400 --> 01:25:36,960 is meeting with the Republican Party in St. Mary's County. 993 01:25:38,040 --> 01:25:39,320 We breathe at the same air. 994 01:25:39,860 --> 01:25:41,060 We drink the same water. 995 01:25:41,880 --> 01:25:43,160 We have the same wildlife. 996 01:25:44,460 --> 01:25:46,620 The data center there affects Calvary County. 997 01:25:46,840 --> 01:25:48,900 Southern Maryland's problems are not ending 998 01:25:48,900 --> 01:25:51,320 at the boundaries of our counties or our districts. 999 01:25:52,520 --> 01:25:54,540 Number two, chat GPT. 1000 01:25:54,540 --> 01:25:57,520 Everybody's heard of ChatGPT is four years old. 1001 01:25:58,100 --> 01:25:59,940 What happens in the next four years 1002 01:25:59,940 --> 01:26:01,980 if you make an choice in November 1003 01:26:01,980 --> 01:26:04,640 that perpetuates the same obfuscation, 1004 01:26:05,000 --> 01:26:07,860 the same delay, and the same weak leadership 1005 01:26:07,860 --> 01:26:09,740 at the county and state level. 1006 01:26:10,080 --> 01:26:14,000 It is time to make a choice for leadership that puts community first 1007 01:26:14,000 --> 01:26:15,660 and last in every discussion 1008 01:26:16,220 --> 01:26:18,180 and they can think outside the box 1009 01:26:18,180 --> 01:26:21,500 when you blame revenue problem that you partly created 1010 01:26:21,500 --> 01:26:23,700 and you need a data center to solve it. 1011 01:26:23,700 --> 01:26:27,580 I'm sorry, innovation outside the box thinking and new leadership 1012 01:26:27,580 --> 01:26:29,000 can solve these problems. 1013 01:26:29,640 --> 01:26:31,040 This will not stop. 1014 01:26:31,460 --> 01:26:34,040 Pass this moratorium and then make it stronger. 1015 01:26:34,400 --> 01:26:35,420 Thank you. 1016 01:26:44,510 --> 01:26:47,710 So, Hara Watts and the next speaker following is Pam Warner. 1017 01:26:48,450 --> 01:26:50,550 My name is Shara Watts. 1018 01:26:51,550 --> 01:26:54,430 Now, I speak as an individual and as a candidate for state delegate 1019 01:26:54,430 --> 01:26:59,290 for district 29C, which includes the lesbian and central 1020 01:26:59,290 --> 01:27:00,750 St. Mary's County. 1021 01:27:00,750 --> 01:27:09,050 I have a couple of points. One, save our water. A data center uses the water for 21,000 houses and 1022 01:27:09,050 --> 01:27:16,550 coolant for coolant, and the current use are aquiferous or declining at 2 to 3 feet per year. Protect our jobs. 1023 01:27:17,130 --> 01:27:25,950 AI will replace everything from administrative to physician jobs. We need to re-tool the workforce to get ready. Protect our privacy. 1024 01:27:25,950 --> 01:27:31,270 They have already, they already have more information than we would like and are accumulating 1025 01:27:31,270 --> 01:27:32,850 more to what end. 1026 01:27:33,590 --> 01:27:38,210 To serve our power, data centers stress our power group with their needs, which are 1027 01:27:38,210 --> 01:27:42,010 that of a small city, driving utility costs even higher. 1028 01:27:42,870 --> 01:27:48,130 Protect our environment, from air, water, noise, and light pollution, they are a poor 1029 01:27:48,130 --> 01:27:51,090 net news of land and they also have our wildlife. 1030 01:27:51,090 --> 01:27:59,950 keep our elected officials honest no more in the days. And to quote Eric Brinn y'all in the 1031 01:27:59,950 --> 01:28:06,230 New York Times yesterday, we must act now. Governments everywhere must build the incentives, 1032 01:28:06,510 --> 01:28:13,410 third rails, and institutions needed to steer AI in a direction that complements humans and 1033 01:28:13,410 --> 01:28:21,730 it's society. In other words, we need to plan, study, and regulate AI and data centers until 1034 01:28:21,730 --> 01:28:24,530 we know what we're getting into. Thank you. 1035 01:28:31,210 --> 01:28:33,510 Pam Warner and following that speaker, Nancy 1036 01:28:33,510 --> 01:28:38,010 L. One. Morning commissioners. My name is Pam Warner and I'm representing 1037 01:28:38,010 --> 01:28:43,650 Indivisible Calvert County. I reviewed the draft moratorium and was it's just an amendment. 1038 01:28:43,650 --> 01:28:50,090 The moratorium is drafted only depends suspends the approval of site plans, not the acceptance 1039 01:28:50,090 --> 01:28:53,430 processing or review of site plans during the moratorium. 1040 01:28:54,370 --> 01:28:59,270 Yet the draft states that the purpose of the pause is to suspend these approvals in order 1041 01:28:59,270 --> 01:29:03,710 to provide the county with an opportunity to review and adopt regulations and zoning 1042 01:29:03,710 --> 01:29:09,430 ordinance text amendments related to Deguitor Center, use conditions, and perform any 1043 01:29:09,430 --> 01:29:12,210 needed studies or analysis related to the same. 1044 01:29:12,210 --> 01:29:18,250 If the purpose of the pause is to review and adopt text amendments in new studies, why would 1045 01:29:18,250 --> 01:29:24,330 you want staff to simultaneously be obligated to review a new submission by AWS or Natalya 1046 01:29:24,330 --> 01:29:30,970 or another data center developer during the moratorium using the existing rules, it makes 1047 01:29:30,970 --> 01:29:36,230 no sense to burden staff with this if the zoning rules and conditions are going to change. 1048 01:29:36,230 --> 01:29:42,950 More importantly now, AWS has officially withdrawn their site plan, and therefore today, 1049 01:29:43,290 --> 01:29:50,670 no data center company, including AWS, can alleged any harm or damage by pausing the county review process. 1050 01:29:52,050 --> 01:29:59,050 Why should data center companies even submit site plans based on a county code under revision as we speak? 1051 01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:08,220 Taxes of the current ordinance findings provide the rationale for this proposed amendment, and no new findings would be required. 1052 01:30:09,060 --> 01:30:20,420 As stated in the ordinance, the board finds that additional time is needed to review regulations concerning data center developments, and to prepare and consider related zoning ordinance steps amendments. 1053 01:30:20,420 --> 01:30:27,920 As stated in the ordinance, data centers may involve substantial land disturbance, electrical and mechanical equipment, 1054 01:30:28,560 --> 01:30:35,280 backup generators, cooling systems, storm water, and wastewater considerations, noise, heat, water demand, 1055 01:30:35,660 --> 01:30:40,380 and other environmental and infrastructure impacts that weren't careful review. 1056 01:30:40,900 --> 01:30:45,240 As already stated in the draft, the development of large scale data centers 1057 01:30:45,240 --> 01:30:58,240 is a relatively new and evolving land use in many jurisdictions, including the county, and local governments are working to understand their long-term impacts on land use, infrastructure, and surrounding communities. 1058 01:30:59,120 --> 01:31:09,480 All these findings in the draft ordinance provide a foundation for a total pause, not just on site plan approvals, but that county processing and review. 1059 01:31:09,480 --> 01:31:15,840 Please consider thisological amendment to the moratorium, but in any event, please pass the 1060 01:31:15,840 --> 01:31:19,800 moratorium to ensure that the county has the proper rules in place. 1061 01:31:20,440 --> 01:31:26,100 Please vote for the final finding of the ordinance which states that, based on due consideration 1062 01:31:26,100 --> 01:31:32,000 of the comments of the public and staff and in furtherance of the public health, safety and welfare, 1063 01:31:32,540 --> 01:31:37,620 it is in the best interest of citizens of Calvert County to impose a temporary moratorium. 1064 01:31:38,120 --> 01:31:38,620 Thank you. 1065 01:31:38,620 --> 01:31:39,440 Thank you. 1066 01:31:45,610 --> 01:31:48,170 Nancy L. Wine, following that Bob Estes. 1067 01:31:52,620 --> 01:31:55,420 Nancy L. Wine, Camp Canoy Road, speaking as an individual. 1068 01:31:56,520 --> 01:32:00,880 At the last board meeting, we celebrated the news that Amazon had withdrawn their site plan, 1069 01:32:01,280 --> 01:32:05,860 but this does not stop other big tech corporations from trying to build here. 1070 01:32:06,300 --> 01:32:09,640 You see, consolation will stop at nothing to get what they want. 1071 01:32:10,180 --> 01:32:14,700 Accountee followed massive hyperscale data centers that will increase their own income. 1072 01:32:14,700 --> 01:32:17,640 It doesn't matter to them that they would literally destroy 1073 01:32:17,640 --> 01:32:19,400 cover county in the process. 1074 01:32:20,220 --> 01:32:22,960 We need to stop playing whack-a-mal with the tech giants. 1075 01:32:23,540 --> 01:32:24,480 The answer is simple. 1076 01:32:24,880 --> 01:32:26,120 It's all about the zoning. 1077 01:32:27,200 --> 01:32:29,760 Consolation either hoodwinked or strong-armed 1078 01:32:29,760 --> 01:32:33,120 the county to change the zoning on their 800 acres 1079 01:32:33,120 --> 01:32:35,900 from forced and farming to heavy industrial. 1080 01:32:36,640 --> 01:32:40,860 This was done illegally without due notice to affected neighbors. 1081 01:32:41,220 --> 01:32:43,800 It was simply slipped into the comprehensive plan 1082 01:32:43,800 --> 01:32:45,920 in a completely illegal maneuver. 1083 01:32:46,660 --> 01:32:47,900 Again, the answer is simple. 1084 01:32:48,440 --> 01:32:51,000 Change that 800 acres from heavy industrial 1085 01:32:51,000 --> 01:32:54,900 back to the forest and farming that it has been for many decades. 1086 01:32:55,600 --> 01:32:57,740 Then no big tech corporation can build that. 1087 01:33:04,580 --> 01:33:05,820 Change it back. 1088 01:33:06,240 --> 01:33:06,860 Change it back. 1089 01:33:07,160 --> 01:33:10,120 There are then no big tech corporation can build data centers 1090 01:33:10,120 --> 01:33:12,340 on that pristine forest land. 1091 01:33:12,920 --> 01:33:16,280 The requested moratorium would be the perfect time to get that done. 1092 01:33:16,600 --> 01:33:19,960 It will also provide the necessary time to prove how that land 1093 01:33:19,960 --> 01:33:24,100 is completely unsuited to any heavy industrial use. 1094 01:33:25,500 --> 01:33:26,220 Commissioners, 1095 01:33:29,610 --> 01:33:32,330 commissioners, over 10,000 residents of 1096 01:33:32,330 --> 01:33:36,790 Cover County, your constituents signed a petition requesting a 1097 01:33:36,790 --> 01:33:40,450 moratorium. Please honor their wishes and do the right thing for 1098 01:33:40,450 --> 01:33:42,890 Cover County by voting for this moratorium. 1099 01:33:43,450 --> 01:33:43,810 Thank you. 1100 01:33:55,220 --> 01:33:58,740 Bob Estys and following that speaker, Ethan Cox. 1101 01:34:02,950 --> 01:34:06,770 My name is Bob Estys and let's see which group do I want to 1102 01:34:06,770 --> 01:34:18,670 And let's just say it's a friends of, friends of hunting in any way, and by the way, folks, 1103 01:34:19,210 --> 01:34:26,730 I do have a legitimate problem in my brain, not just that I'm old, but if I'm staggering. 1104 01:34:26,790 --> 01:34:29,130 Mr. Resties, we cannot hear you on mine, I'm sorry. 1105 01:34:29,810 --> 01:34:30,090 I know. 1106 01:34:30,650 --> 01:34:32,370 I know, I didn't want anyone else to hear you. 1107 01:34:36,210 --> 01:34:45,350 Okay, so I don't get all excited, but I'm not in favor of a six-month moratorium, wait. 1108 01:34:47,490 --> 01:34:53,290 Part of the reason is if you've ever tried to get something like that in place and get 1109 01:34:53,290 --> 01:34:59,930 you have to have basically a lot of time. 1110 01:35:00,000 --> 01:35:24,680 Before you can actually get anything out of whoever is looking into that, and you're going to end up with maybe two months. Maybe three months of trying to get everything done. Well, can you extend it? Yes, legally, but that takes time too. So if you want that moratorium, it needs to be bigger, longer. 1111 01:35:24,680 --> 01:35:52,980 But there's another potentially simple thing and I think at least one of the commissioners knows what I'm going to say, although they rarely know, but, and that is just make it not possible for any data center anywhere in Calber County for two, three, five years, whatever it takes. 1112 01:35:57,970 --> 01:36:06,110 That will give whoever is up there in that amount of time, time to figure out what kind 1113 01:36:06,110 --> 01:36:07,470 of information they need. 1114 01:36:08,090 --> 01:36:15,830 They can study a lot of the surrounding areas and not so surrounding areas. 1115 01:36:16,570 --> 01:36:18,690 What are they done and what's going to help? 1116 01:36:18,970 --> 01:36:24,350 They're not going to have to sit there and rush through it while who knows what other things 1117 01:36:24,350 --> 01:36:26,530 in the county is not getting done. 1118 01:36:26,530 --> 01:36:34,310 You know, they can only do so much. I mean, I know they look like superstars to you all maybe, but uh, or maybe not, but uh 1119 01:36:34,310 --> 01:36:43,530 But they have an entire county to take care of not just a moratorium, or trying to figure out how to get that started 1120 01:36:43,530 --> 01:36:46,170 They need time. They need a lot of time 1121 01:36:46,170 --> 01:36:51,770 And I think if you just say no data centers period for 1122 01:36:51,770 --> 01:36:59,050 or an extended period of time, you will get what is in effect the moratorium without 1123 01:36:59,610 --> 01:37:05,590 half net actually have it, because you'll be doing the same thing, getting more information 1124 01:37:06,250 --> 01:37:12,890 from all over the place, going out and seeing the other counties, the other places, other 1125 01:37:12,890 --> 01:37:18,630 states, you will have time, and you can say, okay, we've had enough time, say you start out 1126 01:37:18,630 --> 01:37:25,570 say, we want five years that we're not going to allow any data centers in Calvary County. 1127 01:37:26,310 --> 01:37:31,630 Well, you can always vote and say, well, after three years, we've got all the information, 1128 01:37:32,270 --> 01:37:34,070 and we know like it. 1129 01:37:34,570 --> 01:37:39,350 Or you could say, well, they've changed their way of doing business. 1130 01:37:39,530 --> 01:37:44,850 Maybe for some reason, we decided that maybe it is a reasonable thing to do for the county. 1131 01:37:44,950 --> 01:37:47,370 I'm not saying it is, but they can change it. 1132 01:37:47,370 --> 01:37:55,110 think about that. It's a lot more flexible and it'll give you plenty of time to get it right. Thank you. 1133 01:38:01,890 --> 01:38:05,150 Ethan Cox and following that speaker Sandra Quinn. 1134 01:38:08,540 --> 01:38:10,060 Good morning again commissioners. 1135 01:38:10,300 --> 01:38:13,680 Ethan Cox candidate for district one speaking of behalf of myself today. 1136 01:38:16,270 --> 01:38:16,810 I'll cover it to the 1137 01:38:16,810 --> 01:38:24,370 chase. This moratorium must be stronger. It has to be stronger. Together we put together a movement 1138 01:38:24,370 --> 01:38:29,590 Democrats and Republicans and independence, North County and South County, new and old 1139 01:38:29,590 --> 01:38:35,550 Calvert, cat and dog people willing. Together, we put together a movement, the likes of which 1140 01:38:35,550 --> 01:38:42,050 Calvert County has never seen. And the people united were not defeated. We beat Jeff Bezos. 1141 01:38:44,430 --> 01:38:51,270 But right now, our neighbors on Camp Canoy Road and our parents and students at Southern Middle 1142 01:38:51,270 --> 01:38:52,550 will still live in purgatory. 1143 01:38:53,530 --> 01:38:55,810 The way the moratorium is written right now, 1144 01:38:56,270 --> 01:38:58,230 a data center can come in with another site plan, 1145 01:38:58,550 --> 01:39:00,310 the county can consider it and engage on the process. 1146 01:39:00,410 --> 01:39:02,030 Do everything except get the final approval. 1147 01:39:02,850 --> 01:39:04,430 All it takes right now is one blink, 1148 01:39:04,930 --> 01:39:07,430 one day between moratoriums for a data center 1149 01:39:07,430 --> 01:39:10,410 to go through right across the street from them. 1150 01:39:10,730 --> 01:39:13,310 The camp can only road and southern middle school communities 1151 01:39:13,310 --> 01:39:16,590 have not had peace for six months. 1152 01:39:17,130 --> 01:39:20,390 Since that job posting became public on March 2nd. 1153 01:39:20,390 --> 01:39:31,930 This six-month moratorium still does not give them the peace that they enjoy before you took it away from them when you voted to rezone data centers in 1154 01:39:31,930 --> 01:39:32,650 Las Vegas 1155 01:39:33,490 --> 01:39:39,850 No application should be allowed to be accepted by the county County government should not be taken fees from them 1156 01:39:40,410 --> 01:39:46,970 The camp canoy and southern middle school communities deserve to sleep tonight for the first time in six months with peace 1157 01:39:47,510 --> 01:39:52,410 knowing that a multi-billionaire, wanting to pay over their paradise, is it welcome here? 1158 01:39:53,710 --> 01:39:57,670 Extend the moratorium, make it stronger, no data centers in Calber County. 1159 01:40:06,160 --> 01:40:10,020 Next speaker is Sandra Glenn following that, Sharon Cargo. 1160 01:40:11,960 --> 01:40:20,600 Good morning, everybody. Hello, commissioners. I'm Sandra Glenn. I am the chair of the Southern Maryland Zero Club, and I am speaking for that group. 1161 01:40:21,640 --> 01:40:29,200 Our group represents the members and supporters of the Environmental Group, the Zero Club, in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties. 1162 01:40:29,200 --> 01:40:32,880 Our motto is explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. 1163 01:40:33,920 --> 01:40:35,740 I'm also a resident of Howard County. 1164 01:40:35,940 --> 01:40:39,460 I have owned by home and lived in Lesby, Maryland for over 20 years. 1165 01:40:40,740 --> 01:40:42,500 When I tell people I live in Howard County, 1166 01:40:42,860 --> 01:40:46,460 I don't say I live in Howard County by the nuclear power plant 1167 01:40:46,460 --> 01:40:50,460 or I live in Howard County by the liquid natural gas depot. 1168 01:40:50,820 --> 01:40:54,120 I say I live in Howard County by the Chesapeake Bay. 1169 01:40:54,760 --> 01:40:59,480 That bay and the historic protection river define the southern part of this county. 1170 01:41:00,360 --> 01:41:02,660 People moved here centuries ago to live near the water. 1171 01:41:03,260 --> 01:41:07,560 They retired here and they vacation here because of the Shest Peak Bay. 1172 01:41:08,460 --> 01:41:13,440 We owe it to future generations to protect this water and I hope we can also preserve 1173 01:41:13,440 --> 01:41:18,980 this wonderful way of life because there may be industrial zoning currently in areas 1174 01:41:18,980 --> 01:41:23,620 of Southern Coward County, but Lesby is first and foremost a community. 1175 01:41:25,380 --> 01:41:29,280 The developers of two large residential communities in Lesby, in the middle of the last 1176 01:41:29,280 --> 01:41:33,780 century, may not have intended to do it, but by keeping the lots in Chesapeake Ranch and 1177 01:41:33,780 --> 01:41:38,760 White Sand's wooded, they have preserved trees that help to cool our area clean our air 1178 01:41:38,760 --> 01:41:40,620 and prevent runoff into the bay. 1179 01:41:41,540 --> 01:41:45,280 I also think personally that driving down Rock 4 in the fall when the trees are turning 1180 01:41:45,280 --> 01:41:48,760 color is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. 1181 01:41:50,000 --> 01:41:54,280 So where do large AI data centers fit in this area? They don't. 1182 01:41:55,040 --> 01:41:59,100 They take up too much space with non-permeable buildings and parking lots. 1183 01:41:59,660 --> 01:42:04,280 They pollute the air if they use back of diesel generators and if they're powered by fossil fuels. 1184 01:42:05,020 --> 01:42:09,280 Many of them are noisy and we are just learning about the possible effects of 1185 01:42:09,280 --> 01:42:15,600 sound on humans and animals. They need huge amounts of electricity and Maryland doesn't have 1186 01:42:15,600 --> 01:42:21,600 the means to supply it. The Southern Maryland Sierra Club supports the moratorium and I would 1187 01:42:21,600 --> 01:42:27,500 like to add I agree with Commissioner Grasso and Individual Coward County that the moratorium 1188 01:42:27,500 --> 01:42:32,640 should include no new applications. Now submissions, no new applications for data centers, 1189 01:42:32,940 --> 01:42:39,160 while the moratorium is going on. We request that the Board of Commissioners consider 1190 01:42:39,160 --> 01:42:45,160 making it long enough to do independent environmental and health studies on these hyperscal 1191 01:42:45,160 --> 01:42:51,360 data centers. And if the studies determine as we think they will, that they will harm us 1192 01:42:51,360 --> 01:42:57,040 our environment or our quality of life, ban them. Thank you. 1193 01:43:04,330 --> 01:43:05,750 Next speaker is Sharon Cargo 1194 01:43:05,750 --> 01:43:13,770 following that Lauren Guykex. My name is Sharon Cargo and I'm representing myself, I live in St. 1195 01:43:13,770 --> 01:43:20,310 letter. I'm grateful for this public hearing on the Montatorium on data centers. I want 1196 01:43:20,310 --> 01:43:25,670 to state that I support moratorium data centers, and that it should also include a citizen 1197 01:43:25,670 --> 01:43:31,910 advisory or working group that works hand in hand with the county officials on working on 1198 01:43:31,910 --> 01:43:37,870 this understanding this issue. When I first talked to friends and family about plans for building 1199 01:43:37,870 --> 01:43:39,190 a data center in California. 1200 01:43:40,150 --> 01:43:43,130 Some people said, data centers are coming, 1201 01:43:43,330 --> 01:43:44,650 whether we like it or not. 1202 01:43:44,890 --> 01:43:46,110 It's just going to happen. 1203 01:43:46,230 --> 01:43:47,810 We can't stop it. 1204 01:43:48,130 --> 01:43:50,770 The implication being that people shouldn't even 1205 01:43:50,770 --> 01:43:52,250 try to stop it. 1206 01:43:52,670 --> 01:43:55,030 This California community has proved 1207 01:43:55,030 --> 01:43:59,410 that this is absolutely the wrong way to think about data centers. 1208 01:44:00,030 --> 01:44:02,450 Sure, government corporations want us to think 1209 01:44:02,450 --> 01:44:04,870 that we can't do anything to stop their projects. 1210 01:44:04,870 --> 01:44:17,570 In fact, we, the people of this community, are the only ones who can slow down and stop plants for data centers, thereby slowing down artificial intelligence development. 1211 01:44:18,390 --> 01:44:24,230 We have many examples of the destructive impact of data centers across the country. It's well known. 1212 01:44:24,910 --> 01:44:34,810 I'm grateful to all those who spoke about loaded written letters, petitioned, demonstrated, attended meetings in any way to express their opposition. 1213 01:44:34,810 --> 01:44:37,050 and to data centers in Calvary County. 1214 01:44:37,970 --> 01:44:40,910 Again, I strongly support a moratorium on data centers 1215 01:44:40,910 --> 01:44:44,330 and support a citizen or a community group 1216 01:44:44,330 --> 01:44:46,670 assembled to work hand-in-hand with county staff 1217 01:44:46,670 --> 01:44:50,150 and officials on any possible data center development 1218 01:44:50,150 --> 01:44:51,230 plans in the future. 1219 01:44:51,650 --> 01:44:55,250 We have many professional and intelligent, highly educated people 1220 01:44:55,250 --> 01:44:58,590 in this county who would be very useful, 1221 01:44:58,790 --> 01:44:59,930 I'm sure, to the county commission. 1222 01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:03,860 And to the county, looking at this issue carefully. 1223 01:45:11,050 --> 01:45:15,010 Lauren Geigax, following that Chris Stromberg. 1224 01:45:23,480 --> 01:45:25,740 Good morning. My name is Lauren Geigax, and I'm 1225 01:45:25,740 --> 01:45:31,460 testifying on behalf of an organization, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund. 1226 01:45:32,040 --> 01:45:37,720 This is an environmental nonprofit that is working with local communities in Calvert County and 1227 01:45:37,720 --> 01:45:43,060 Maryland to fight back against the rapid construction of hyperscale data centers. 1228 01:45:44,060 --> 01:45:48,580 Data centers, drain our energy and water resources, they harm our environment, 1229 01:45:49,320 --> 01:45:53,980 all wall, tech companies, rake and record profits for the expansion of AI and 1230 01:45:53,980 --> 01:45:57,920 surveillance systems that we do not want. This expansion of data centers 1231 01:45:57,920 --> 01:46:01,600 is happening faster than local and state governments have been able to 1232 01:46:01,600 --> 01:46:05,120 create legislation that protects against the many harms of data centers. 1233 01:46:05,120 --> 01:46:11,060 We are seeing data centers around the country that are spiking energy prices. 1234 01:46:11,780 --> 01:46:17,580 Hyperscale data centers use as much energy as 100,000 households and some instances. 1235 01:46:18,220 --> 01:46:26,560 And energy bills have already risen 74% in Maryland in part due to data center expansion in Virginia and other states in the PJM region. 1236 01:46:27,660 --> 01:46:31,400 In addition, data centers are causing water issues. 1237 01:46:32,060 --> 01:46:42,720 Hyperskill data centers can use up to 5 million gallons of water a day and a community in Georgia found their well water was drying up and contaminated after a data center was an operation nearby. 1238 01:46:43,420 --> 01:46:53,740 Additionally, there are health impacts from noise and air pollution data centers using diesel generators for even less than an hour per week. 1239 01:46:53,740 --> 01:47:00,300 creates the same public health impact as five power plants and it's enough to worse and 1240 01:47:00,300 --> 01:47:05,860 long and cardiovascular conditions for people in the region. So do we want this in Calvert County? 1241 01:47:06,380 --> 01:47:14,000 We have to really, really consider these impacts and we're also seeing that now around 80% 1242 01:47:14,000 --> 01:47:19,800 of Maryland's population lives in a county with a moratorium or ban on new data center development. 1243 01:47:19,800 --> 01:47:24,860 In Calvert County, over 10,000 people have signed a petition calling for a moratorium. 1244 01:47:25,700 --> 01:47:28,560 So Calvert County commissioners, you must do the right thing. 1245 01:47:28,860 --> 01:47:32,680 Listen to the will of your constituents and do what many other jurisdictions across Maryland 1246 01:47:32,680 --> 01:47:35,000 have done and adopt a moratorium. 1247 01:47:35,560 --> 01:47:40,100 Taking this step would allow you to develop appropriate responses to the many issues inherent 1248 01:47:40,100 --> 01:47:41,780 in large data center development. 1249 01:47:42,260 --> 01:47:48,020 Currently, FERC and PGM, our regional grid manager, are working out new rules for large 1250 01:47:48,020 --> 01:47:54,800 users such as data centers, counties across the state are putting processes in place to identify 1251 01:47:54,800 --> 01:48:00,800 that key questions and develop answers and a state report on data centers is due in the 1252 01:48:00,800 --> 01:48:06,840 late fall. And there may as well be action in the general assembly that will help to clarify 1253 01:48:06,840 --> 01:48:12,980 new state requirements. So there's no reason to proceed now without those inputs. A more 1254 01:48:12,980 --> 01:48:19,700 is a tool to give more time to research the effects that data centers would have on the unique ecosystem in Calvert County. 1255 01:48:20,180 --> 01:48:23,800 And create the strongest possible zoning regulations to protect against data centers. 1256 01:48:24,100 --> 01:48:26,440 If residents choose to allow them at all. 1257 01:48:28,460 --> 01:48:38,400 We believe that this moratorium should be lengthened to at least 12 months to give time to fully understand the impacts with a study 1258 01:48:39,180 --> 01:48:45,740 that looks at energy, water, environment, noise, and construction, but ultimately, a more 1259 01:48:45,740 --> 01:48:47,740 TORM is the way forward here. 1260 01:48:47,980 --> 01:48:48,940 Thank you so much. 1261 01:48:55,900 --> 01:48:58,560 Chris Drumberg, following that Jeff Dixon, 1262 01:49:02,980 --> 01:49:06,060 Chris Drumberg, speaking on behalf of myself as the 1263 01:49:06,060 --> 01:49:06,820 county taxpayer. 1264 01:49:08,760 --> 01:49:14,660 So people have talked a lot about the effects of the data centers on our community. 1265 01:49:14,660 --> 01:49:18,540 And I think I want to talk briefly about the economic effects. 1266 01:49:19,740 --> 01:49:25,840 I strongly support a moratorium that is both longer and stronger than we've discussed today. 1267 01:49:26,500 --> 01:49:29,560 I think that what we have here is the beginnings. 1268 01:49:29,680 --> 01:49:34,840 It's a down payment, but what we need to do is think hard about what needs to be done next. 1269 01:49:35,020 --> 01:49:36,740 And that will take a lot of time and work. 1270 01:49:36,740 --> 01:49:45,260 You know, we have, get this count to, we have cooked point, we have Calvert Cliffs, and these 1271 01:49:45,260 --> 01:49:47,960 are multi-generational investments in our count to you. 1272 01:49:48,180 --> 01:49:49,940 I have lasted for decades. 1273 01:49:50,920 --> 01:49:53,280 Data centers will be the same for us. 1274 01:49:53,720 --> 01:49:55,700 So we need to think about this in those terms. 1275 01:49:55,900 --> 01:49:59,360 This is a big investment that will last a long time for us. 1276 01:50:00,910 --> 01:50:08,990 Data Centers, the people who place those data centers, they measure them in two ways. Where's the water? Where's the power? That's what they want. 1277 01:50:09,630 --> 01:50:13,110 So what do they give us? Well, they give us millions of dollars in tax revenue. 1278 01:50:14,230 --> 01:50:20,950 And if you look at the county, economic development plan, where are data centers in that plan? I don't know. I haven't seen it. 1279 01:50:21,390 --> 01:50:29,910 So I think we need to think about this in terms of the greater development of the county. We're losing population. We need to create jobs. 1280 01:50:29,910 --> 01:50:34,190 Data Centers give us revenue, but that revenue may go. 1281 01:50:35,030 --> 01:50:37,150 Next year, a new technology comes out. 1282 01:50:37,430 --> 01:50:40,270 Elon Musk puts data centers in space. 1283 01:50:40,970 --> 01:50:42,590 This thing here, obsolete. 1284 01:50:43,330 --> 01:50:44,550 No more tax revenue. 1285 01:50:45,810 --> 01:50:49,030 So, we need to think in terms of the long run. 1286 01:50:49,870 --> 01:50:54,590 So, what do we do with our economic development plan and how do these investments fit that? 1287 01:50:55,870 --> 01:51:01,330 So that's my ask for the commission to think about that. 1288 01:51:01,330 --> 01:51:02,270 Thank you. 1289 01:51:02,270 --> 01:51:02,670 Thank you. 1290 01:51:08,150 --> 01:51:11,790 Next speaker, Jeff Dixon, following that, Elena Davis. 1291 01:51:14,370 --> 01:51:14,490 Good morning. 1292 01:51:15,710 --> 01:51:17,010 Good afternoon, commissioners. 1293 01:51:17,110 --> 01:51:18,050 I'm speaking for myself. 1294 01:51:18,290 --> 01:51:19,030 My name is Jeff Dixon. 1295 01:51:19,690 --> 01:51:20,270 Let's be Maryland. 1296 01:51:21,110 --> 01:51:22,750 First, I'd like to thank commissioners. 1297 01:51:22,930 --> 01:51:23,810 My card. 1298 01:51:24,050 --> 01:51:29,230 Thank Catherine Kugrasso for being persistent to introduce the moratorium for at least six times in the past. 1299 01:51:29,230 --> 01:51:32,730 It's been a bumpy road with vehicle procedures changing or being forced. 1300 01:51:33,790 --> 01:51:36,570 Hopefully this time it will get finally approved. 1301 01:51:37,610 --> 01:51:38,230 Second, 1302 01:51:40,290 --> 01:51:42,690 Commissioner Grasso, I saw your video yesterday. 1303 01:51:44,190 --> 01:51:47,290 Thank you for creating guidelines during the moratorium. 1304 01:51:48,770 --> 01:51:51,490 Thanks for addressing the zoning ordinances. 1305 01:51:51,570 --> 01:51:55,190 Ordnance needs to be rolled back to the original comprehensive plan. 1306 01:51:56,070 --> 01:52:02,830 Thanks for addressing an environmental study for this, for that is a unique to cover counting. 1307 01:52:03,910 --> 01:52:08,530 It is my hope, Hans Cox and Ireland commissioners finally approve the more which one 1308 01:52:08,530 --> 01:52:09,630 and make it stronger. 1309 01:52:10,470 --> 01:52:11,230 Let's get this approved. 1310 01:52:11,450 --> 01:52:12,490 Thank you very much. 1311 01:52:17,490 --> 01:52:20,070 Elena Davis and following that Jake Burdett. 1312 01:52:28,560 --> 01:52:30,560 I'm going to be speaking for our group. 1313 01:52:30,560 --> 01:52:32,560 are you going to be seeking for? 1314 01:52:33,860 --> 01:52:36,440 Charles County Against Data Centers Coalition. 1315 01:52:38,460 --> 01:52:41,880 Hello commissioners. My name is Alana Davis. 1316 01:52:42,560 --> 01:52:47,120 I'm here along with others as part of the Charles County Against Data Centers Coalition. 1317 01:52:47,860 --> 01:52:54,560 To so solidarity against data centers with our fellow Southern Maryland residents here in Calvert County. 1318 01:52:55,680 --> 01:53:01,960 We also just passed a moratorium in Charles County on July 21st that would effectively 1319 01:53:01,960 --> 01:53:08,180 put a stop to all data center development and zoning, and so I came here to testify in 1320 01:53:08,180 --> 01:53:14,520 support of a moratorium here in Calvary County as well because this issue crosses county 1321 01:53:14,520 --> 01:53:15,260 lines. 1322 01:53:16,640 --> 01:53:20,720 There were a lot of people in our community and even within our own coalition who questioned 1323 01:53:20,720 --> 01:53:26,040 the validity of pushing for a moratorium because of past failures, but myself and others 1324 01:53:26,040 --> 01:53:31,040 saw the potential continuing the call for one and through education and community support 1325 01:53:31,040 --> 01:53:36,900 we finally got a moratorium past and even if not on the first time, even if not on the first 1326 01:53:36,900 --> 01:53:41,800 time it was proposed. I am happy that our county commissioners and Charles County learned 1327 01:53:41,800 --> 01:53:46,780 from their past mistakes and after voting down a moratorium the first time around that 1328 01:53:46,780 --> 01:53:52,940 unanimously voted to pass a moratorium when it came up again for a vote a second time last month. 1329 01:53:53,760 --> 01:54:00,500 I'm excited that you all as the Calberate County Commissioners now have an opportunity to pursue a similar course of action here. 1330 01:54:01,000 --> 01:54:05,700 For those of you who lost your primary elections for voting against the status and a moratorium in the past, 1331 01:54:06,040 --> 01:54:13,020 it may be too late for you to win your elections, but it's definitely still not too late to come over to the correct side of history. 1332 01:54:13,020 --> 01:54:20,320 and vote in favor of the environment, health, safety, property values, and quality of life for your constituents. 1333 01:54:21,760 --> 01:54:24,860 That is what this vote today allows you to do. 1334 01:54:25,080 --> 01:54:32,700 To clearly show that you are on the side of regular working people, rather than with the tele, Amazon and the data center industry, 1335 01:54:33,200 --> 01:54:35,400 and I hope that you all will vote accordingly. 1336 01:54:40,010 --> 01:54:45,250 I should also add that even if you do all do the right thing today and vote to pass this moratorium, 1337 01:54:45,250 --> 01:54:51,330 The fight does not stop there, a moratorium only provides temporary relief from these harmful 1338 01:54:51,330 --> 01:54:53,670 data centers for Calbrac County residents. 1339 01:54:54,390 --> 01:54:59,810 But the only thing that guarantees permanent safety for Calbrac County residents is an outright. 1340 01:55:00,000 --> 01:55:02,820 Countywide permanent ban on data centers. 1341 01:55:05,880 --> 01:55:09,800 This is what we are now calling for on child's county and we encourage 1342 01:55:09,800 --> 01:55:16,260 county residents to do the same, rather than allowing the data center companies to use the extra time that a more 1343 01:55:16,260 --> 01:55:24,080 time will grant them to regroup and make a renewable, donated push for, say, regulated data centers or renewable energy 1344 01:55:24,080 --> 01:55:31,160 powered data centers, six months from now. By calling for a permanent ban on data centers, we are not 1345 01:55:31,160 --> 01:55:36,360 asking for anything at all unreasonable, unprecedented, unprecedented, or extreme. 1346 01:55:36,960 --> 01:55:41,000 Instead, we are just asking that you all do what the county council and county executive 1347 01:55:41,000 --> 01:55:43,600 already unanimously did in Hartford County, 1348 01:55:45,940 --> 01:55:48,780 and pass the legislative ban on data centers. 1349 01:55:49,660 --> 01:55:54,280 If they can ban data centers in Hartford County, then they can ban them here in Southern Maryland, 1350 01:55:54,660 --> 01:55:59,460 which is an even more delicate environment environment farmland to protect, thank you all. 1351 01:56:08,860 --> 01:56:13,360 Next speaker is Jake Burdett following that Bob Landon. 1352 01:56:18,910 --> 01:56:21,750 Name is Jake Burdett speaking on behalf of myself today. 1353 01:56:22,630 --> 01:56:26,370 I currently live in Howard County, Maryland, but I've been involved with the Charles 1354 01:56:26,370 --> 01:56:30,070 County against data centers coalition for the last six months or so. 1355 01:56:30,350 --> 01:56:34,350 Where I currently live in Howard County, our county council there passed a 17 month 1356 01:56:34,350 --> 01:56:36,190 moratorium on data center development. 1357 01:56:37,010 --> 01:56:40,970 And yes, in Charles County where I've been organizing in status centers more recently 1358 01:56:40,970 --> 01:56:46,730 may move too soon. They also just implemented an effective moratorium last month. Howard County 1359 01:56:46,730 --> 01:56:50,750 and Charles County are just two of many jurisdictions all across the state and country who are 1360 01:56:50,750 --> 01:56:55,910 making the wise decision to hesitate before deciding to just jump right into opening the flood 1361 01:56:55,910 --> 01:57:01,130 gates to data center construction. I hope that Howard County joins that growing consensus by voting 1362 01:57:01,130 --> 01:57:07,050 and support of this moratorium today. However, I would also call for the need for this moratorium 1363 01:57:07,050 --> 01:57:11,090 to be significantly strengthened through amendments, including by lengthening it. 1364 01:57:11,310 --> 01:57:15,670 For my understanding, this more toy mass proposed would only prevent site plan approvals 1365 01:57:15,670 --> 01:57:16,970 for this six month period. 1366 01:57:17,370 --> 01:57:21,510 But very importantly, this more toy would not have any effect on the acceptance, processing 1367 01:57:21,510 --> 01:57:26,730 review or approval of new and pending applications, conditional use permits or building permits. 1368 01:57:26,990 --> 01:57:31,790 This, in effect, means that even if data center developers won't be able to receive final approval 1369 01:57:31,790 --> 01:57:36,230 for their projects during this six month period, they'll still be able to continue shepherding 1370 01:57:36,230 --> 01:57:40,190 their projects along in the county process so that as soon as that six month more 1371 01:57:40,190 --> 01:57:44,530 toym ends, they can almost immediately receive approval right after that. 1372 01:57:44,810 --> 01:57:48,630 I highly doubt that this is what residents who are calling for a more toym had in mind, 1373 01:57:48,850 --> 01:57:53,050 and that the more toym is passing this current iteration, it would appear to just have the 1374 01:57:53,050 --> 01:57:57,630 illusion of standing up to the data center industry without the actual effect of it. 1375 01:57:57,830 --> 01:58:03,110 In Charles County, we had similar concerns that a more toym, if it didn't address the 1376 01:58:03,110 --> 01:58:09,550 Potential zoning changes to allow for data centers. It would be toothless, luckily, the moratorium there 1377 01:58:09,550 --> 01:58:15,570 Does pause the zoning process, and so all that is say, I would strongly urge you all to follow commissioner 1378 01:58:15,570 --> 01:58:22,130 Grasso's recommendation to revert Calvert County zoning code back to what it was before data centers 1379 01:58:22,130 --> 01:58:23,950 We'll allow the bill fair 1380 01:58:23,950 --> 01:58:29,570 And then after that after the moratorium ends the county can decide if they want to move forward again 1381 01:58:29,570 --> 01:58:33,150 with considering the zoning changes needed for data centers in counter-counting. 1382 01:58:33,330 --> 01:58:33,490 Thank you. 1383 01:58:40,260 --> 01:58:45,400 Next speaker is Bob Landon and following that, Mark Sennfrieda. 1384 01:58:49,600 --> 01:58:50,160 Excuse me. 1385 01:58:52,290 --> 01:58:54,830 Before I get started, I just want to make a point from Mr. Grasso. 1386 01:58:55,090 --> 01:58:58,610 I mentioned something earlier about corporations 1387 01:58:58,610 --> 01:59:01,710 or some companies worrying about their first amendment, right? 1388 01:59:01,710 --> 01:59:05,190 I'm pretty sure that the first amendment is not 1389 01:59:05,190 --> 01:59:05,610 protected. 1390 01:59:05,910 --> 01:59:06,710 Corporations are accomplished. 1391 01:59:08,050 --> 01:59:08,710 But onto the point. 1392 01:59:12,510 --> 01:59:14,110 Okay, I'll be better about it. 1393 01:59:14,250 --> 01:59:15,950 I should know the guys in the back are laughing at me. 1394 01:59:16,190 --> 01:59:19,510 Mr. Lannick, can you please state, are you speaking as an individual today or is it a group? 1395 01:59:19,710 --> 01:59:20,290 Oh, I'm sorry. 1396 01:59:20,670 --> 01:59:20,810 Hi. 1397 01:59:21,070 --> 01:59:23,450 Bob Landau, I'm from Tuskegee Beach, and I'm speaking as an individual. 1398 01:59:23,830 --> 01:59:25,770 Sorry about that. 1399 01:59:26,750 --> 01:59:34,290 In my almost 30 years here in this county, I've never heard or smelled an issue that got so much attention and controversy. 1400 01:59:34,850 --> 01:59:43,370 And I think there's a good reason for it, but today, we're not deciding on anything about whether the data center will go in or not. 1401 01:59:43,670 --> 01:59:44,730 It's about the moratorium. 1402 01:59:45,450 --> 01:59:48,590 And I think Mr. Grausio and Mike, for putting that up. 1403 01:59:49,070 --> 01:59:52,490 But I'm richly, Mike, I'm sorry, Mr. Mishkaard. 1404 01:59:52,790 --> 01:59:53,230 That's fine. 1405 01:59:53,370 --> 01:59:53,690 I'm sorry. 1406 01:59:54,090 --> 01:59:54,110 I'm sorry. 1407 01:59:54,110 --> 01:59:54,150 I'm sorry. 1408 01:59:54,150 --> 01:59:54,210 I'm sorry. 1409 02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:07,800 But some of the other counties around have done. I'm just trying to figure out where that went and became down to this candy ass six month deal. 1410 02:00:08,320 --> 02:00:23,700 Because that doesn't do any good, as people said. And the real deal is that we don't know enough. Nobody in this county, we don't want very few people in this county are experts on it, but no disrespect intended. 1411 02:00:23,700 --> 02:00:26,440 And you are not experts on this area either. 1412 02:00:27,340 --> 02:00:35,100 So it is your duty as civic leaders to take the information in from the people who are. 1413 02:00:35,760 --> 02:00:41,620 We need to have proper studies and opinions from people who have gone through this time and 1414 02:00:42,160 --> 02:00:43,680 do this for a living. 1415 02:00:43,720 --> 02:00:45,420 So they know what's really going on. 1416 02:00:45,900 --> 02:00:48,480 We cannot make a decision without knowing the full facts. 1417 02:00:48,520 --> 02:00:49,920 That's the whole point of a democracy. 1418 02:00:49,920 --> 02:00:56,940 Now, I'm against data centers personally, but I don't know enough, so I'm also a reasonable 1419 02:00:56,940 --> 02:01:02,220 person, I think, and think that if there's time a lot of it, if the experts get together 1420 02:01:02,220 --> 02:01:10,900 and put together hard information data and what their professional opinions are, we should 1421 02:01:10,900 --> 02:01:16,960 be listening to them, because what happens here, most of us are on the wrong side of the 1422 02:01:16,960 --> 02:01:24,520 But this can be affecting people for generations to come, and that's our responsibility, too. 1423 02:01:26,380 --> 02:01:29,380 And I guess that's what I have to say, so thank you for asking me. 1424 02:01:34,610 --> 02:01:39,650 Mark Sinfrieda, I'm sorry if I'm mispronounced in that name and following that Megan Faringer. 1425 02:01:46,600 --> 02:01:47,240 Mark, you're free to. 1426 02:01:47,960 --> 02:01:49,720 It's always mismilled. 1427 02:01:49,980 --> 02:01:54,420 That mispronounced all of 75 years I've been that name. 1428 02:01:54,420 --> 02:01:56,660 I've been here down here for a little bit. 1429 02:01:56,660 --> 02:01:59,020 Sir, what are you speaking as an individual today, or is it a group? 1430 02:01:59,320 --> 02:01:59,560 What? 1431 02:01:59,820 --> 02:02:03,080 Will you be speaking today for your testimony as a group or an individual? 1432 02:02:04,220 --> 02:02:05,500 I'm an individual. 1433 02:02:07,040 --> 02:02:08,560 I've moved in, uh, 1434 02:02:09,040 --> 02:02:14,040 those of you for 38 years, 48 years in this county. 1435 02:02:14,720 --> 02:02:18,680 And I've helped the poor and disadvantaged here. 1436 02:02:21,240 --> 02:02:25,080 The AI centers are not needed in America. 1437 02:02:27,200 --> 02:02:31,120 It's not data centers as AI data centers are 1438 02:02:31,120 --> 02:02:33,160 trying to produce in our county. 1439 02:02:34,440 --> 02:02:37,520 If the data centers are so good for this county, 1440 02:02:37,760 --> 02:02:40,280 why don't you put them in Owens or Dunkirk? 1441 02:02:41,160 --> 02:02:43,780 Why don't you, you know, we in love 1442 02:02:43,780 --> 02:02:47,760 be have a no pollution, the sound and air pollution. 1443 02:02:47,760 --> 02:02:55,920 I have, I've met a couple that came from my Baltimore County to vacation in Les B and 1444 02:02:55,920 --> 02:03:01,540 Solomon's last week and they, the electricity went out and they opened the windows up and 1445 02:03:01,540 --> 02:03:06,980 they heard this jet sound at 10 o'clock at night and they couldn't figure out what that was and 1446 02:03:06,980 --> 02:03:12,900 I said, well that's the LNG plant and you know, you can't really hear it during the day but 1447 02:03:12,900 --> 02:03:15,240 definitely here at it night in the morning. 1448 02:03:17,320 --> 02:03:23,220 We don't, we don't need the AI data center and the 1449 02:03:23,220 --> 02:03:30,080 moratorium great. Try to get that done for for election reasons or whatever reasons you're doing it, 1450 02:03:30,720 --> 02:03:38,960 but we don't, we don't need it, we don't want it, and please just say no to it completely for a 1451 02:03:38,960 --> 02:03:40,140 Thank you. 1452 02:03:46,420 --> 02:03:49,680 Next speaker is Megan Farringer, following that Lily Sheeline. 1453 02:03:53,530 --> 02:03:55,810 Megan Farringer from Lesby and I'll be speaking as an individual. 1454 02:03:57,130 --> 02:03:57,510 Good morning. 1455 02:03:58,010 --> 02:04:01,510 Before I address the board, I'd like to take the opportunity to say something to the 1456 02:04:01,510 --> 02:04:02,810 People of Calvary County. 1457 02:04:04,770 --> 02:04:05,230 Thank you. 1458 02:04:05,730 --> 02:04:10,230 Thank you for standing with the residents of Lesby, including the residents of Camp Canoybro. 1459 02:04:10,750 --> 02:04:14,090 Thank you for seeing a third large-scale project, 1460 02:04:14,090 --> 02:04:20,250 slide through coming into Las B and join us in demanding answers, transparency and a pause. 1461 02:04:20,850 --> 02:04:25,070 Thank you for organizing, whether it was for information sessions in public libraries, 1462 02:04:25,790 --> 02:04:30,310 for organizing protests and rallies, and for organizing individual groups and non-profits 1463 02:04:30,310 --> 02:04:35,810 to help give support to those who want to continue to exercise their rights as an American citizen. 1464 02:04:36,690 --> 02:04:42,110 To the board, it's taken six months to get here, where your constituents have been heard 1465 02:04:42,110 --> 02:04:45,330 after months of demands, as much as I'm tempted to say, 1466 02:04:45,550 --> 02:04:47,330 thank you for finally listening to us. 1467 02:04:47,450 --> 02:04:49,250 It shouldn't have taken us this long. 1468 02:04:49,850 --> 02:04:52,650 You should note that this has unified this county 1469 02:04:52,650 --> 02:04:54,690 in a way that I never thought would happen. 1470 02:04:55,170 --> 02:04:57,450 We had three political parties that could 1471 02:04:57,450 --> 02:04:59,950 converge with each other on one singular topic with- 1472 02:05:00,000 --> 02:05:05,180 Now shouting obscenities at each other, especially during the primaries, everyone was hanging out and talking 1473 02:05:05,180 --> 02:05:11,620 together and not shouting out of each other. We had youth and elder individuals who weren't sitting 1474 02:05:11,620 --> 02:05:16,180 around waving fist at each other and complaining about back in my day, this thing would happen. 1475 02:05:17,120 --> 02:05:22,640 If you strengthen this moreatorium and approve it today, it's going to solidify this unity 1476 02:05:22,640 --> 02:05:27,920 that we can all come together as a Calvary County, and focus on the betterment of Calvary County's 1477 02:05:27,920 --> 02:05:32,820 I also want to say thank you to Charles County for coming out to support us as well. 1478 02:05:37,470 --> 02:05:39,610 Perhaps that we are not like other counties. 1479 02:05:39,970 --> 02:05:41,110 We are still different. 1480 02:05:41,710 --> 02:05:46,470 We are covered strong, we are loves be strong, and we deserve to have a strong impactful 1481 02:05:46,470 --> 02:05:47,090 moratorium. 1482 02:05:47,530 --> 02:05:48,430 Thank you. 1483 02:05:55,620 --> 02:05:58,040 Lily, she-line, following that, Lynn Zousa. 1484 02:05:59,160 --> 02:05:59,220 Hi. 1485 02:05:59,400 --> 02:05:59,920 Thank you. 1486 02:06:00,220 --> 02:06:03,300 I'm Lily, she-line, a reporter public speaking for myself. 1487 02:06:04,860 --> 02:06:06,440 Thank you for having us here in commissioners. 1488 02:06:06,580 --> 02:06:08,020 It's been a long haul. 1489 02:06:08,020 --> 02:06:12,800 I want to let you know that I have already submitted comments, more detailed comments in advance, 1490 02:06:12,800 --> 02:06:14,740 but I want to make a few points here. 1491 02:06:15,400 --> 02:06:18,540 Now that we are dealing with a moratorium, let's make it meaningful. 1492 02:06:19,360 --> 02:06:23,040 One of the first ways to do that is to make an actual time frame that makes sense. 1493 02:06:23,200 --> 02:06:24,260 We need to extend it. 1494 02:06:24,380 --> 02:06:28,480 In six months, you can't even just looking at the studies aspect of it. 1495 02:06:28,660 --> 02:06:33,440 To identify the studies you want to get to review existing studies, to design new studies, 1496 02:06:33,440 --> 02:06:38,200 together the information to review the information, to present the information to the public, 1497 02:06:38,360 --> 02:06:44,020 which I assume the board would do, to get common to review all of that. It's never going 1498 02:06:44,020 --> 02:06:50,620 to happen in six months. So please extend it. At least a year, two years would be better, make 1499 02:06:50,620 --> 02:06:57,760 it meaningful. Please make this more to our meaningful. Secondly, also along the lines of making 1500 02:06:57,760 --> 02:07:04,300 more Tory meaningful. The language is so vague as to be meaningless. It needs to be strengthened. 1501 02:07:04,880 --> 02:07:09,140 There's been a lot of suggestions about it. Patrick Flaherty has presented with you guys 1502 02:07:09,140 --> 02:07:16,060 with a very well-constructed proposal. Please adopt the language in that proposal for 1503 02:07:16,060 --> 02:07:23,140 more Tory of language. Make it work. Thirdly, well, also we need immediate reversion of the zoning. 1504 02:07:23,140 --> 02:07:26,680 I just wanted to make that and reiterate that point of gratitude. 1505 02:07:27,480 --> 02:07:31,160 Lastly, please look around this room. 1506 02:07:32,820 --> 02:07:36,360 Almost everybody here has gray hair if they have hair at all, 1507 02:07:36,640 --> 02:07:38,620 or it's not colored, okay? 1508 02:07:39,220 --> 02:07:42,860 So you guys, and this pre-seeds you, okay? 1509 02:07:43,040 --> 02:07:43,900 I get this. 1510 02:07:44,560 --> 02:07:49,000 These public hearings cannot continue to happen during the work day. 1511 02:07:49,220 --> 02:07:52,480 People are working, they're taking care of their kids, 1512 02:07:53,160 --> 02:07:58,000 They're taking care of their parents, people cannot attend this. 1513 02:07:58,220 --> 02:08:02,180 It's been a lot of the same people, and thank you to folks who are showing up here for the 1514 02:08:02,180 --> 02:08:04,600 first time including from our neighboring counties. 1515 02:08:05,140 --> 02:08:09,800 But these things to be meaningful have got to be made here in that people can attend. 1516 02:08:10,140 --> 02:08:11,180 Thank you. 1517 02:08:17,670 --> 02:08:19,750 Lynn Zousa, and following that Andy Ellis. 1518 02:08:25,380 --> 02:08:26,180 Hello, commissioners. 1519 02:08:26,320 --> 02:08:31,060 I'm Lynn Zousa, I live in Solomon's, and I'm speaking on behalf of Concerned Citizens 1520 02:08:31,060 --> 02:08:31,700 of Calder. 1521 02:08:32,580 --> 02:08:39,580 As a surprise to you, I'm here to thank you for holding this hearing and I want to make 1522 02:08:39,580 --> 02:08:42,840 clear that I support the more of the moratorium was proposed. 1523 02:08:43,680 --> 02:08:48,420 I also support those individuals who have been proposing strengthening the moratorium. 1524 02:08:49,440 --> 02:08:54,280 I'm not sure whether you're actually going to do that if you do vote on it, but if you 1525 02:08:54,280 --> 02:08:59,820 do, there's one other step that you can take that will really strengthen our protections as residents 1526 02:08:59,820 --> 02:09:05,360 here in Calvert County, and that is changing the zoning back to forest and farming instead 1527 02:09:05,360 --> 02:09:06,300 of heavy industry. 1528 02:09:11,780 --> 02:09:19,580 Combination of those two activities, namely adopting a moratorium and changing the zoning, 1529 02:09:20,180 --> 02:09:26,700 will give us the protection that we need, long enough for you, for your environmental 1530 02:09:26,700 --> 02:09:32,580 commission, for citizens' groups, to do the studies necessary, to identify the potential 1531 02:09:32,580 --> 02:09:35,160 problems that we could see here in the county. 1532 02:09:36,160 --> 02:09:38,940 I'd also like to shift the focus a little bit. 1533 02:09:39,340 --> 02:09:41,140 Most people today who have been talking 1534 02:09:41,140 --> 02:09:43,540 have been addressing the environmental impact. 1535 02:09:44,060 --> 02:09:47,000 That's legitimate, it's appropriate, and it should be done. 1536 02:09:47,780 --> 02:09:50,540 Only two people have addressed the question of financing. 1537 02:09:51,520 --> 02:09:54,200 Commissioner Grasso pointed out that in February, 1538 02:09:54,820 --> 02:09:56,160 her electric bill tripled. 1539 02:09:57,480 --> 02:09:59,920 Even if we totally block a data set. 1540 02:10:00,000 --> 02:10:09,380 Senator Ian Calvert County. We will still be affected by the price increases that data centers are generating throughout the PGM system. 1541 02:10:10,380 --> 02:10:16,080 I think that we need to look at that not just because of the billing that we're going to get. 1542 02:10:16,640 --> 02:10:29,000 But the increase in electrical consumption by data centers that are going to be coming online in the PGM system are going to be jeopardizing the stability of that electrical system. 1543 02:10:29,000 --> 02:10:35,620 There will be brownouts, and PJM has reported repeatedly the potential of blackouts. 1544 02:10:36,220 --> 02:10:41,160 There's an additional problem that we have to face that we ask you to keep in mind. 1545 02:10:41,540 --> 02:10:51,160 And that is that there is an increase in power companies shutting off the electricity to clients that can't afford to pay their electrical bills. 1546 02:10:51,400 --> 02:10:55,160 And they certainly could not afford to pay increased electrical bills. 1547 02:10:55,160 --> 02:11:01,640 So, I am proposing that in addition to the environmental studies that you're proposing in the 1548 02:11:01,640 --> 02:11:08,200 moratorium, you also add a dimension to the work done by the several bodies that you're 1549 02:11:08,200 --> 02:11:14,180 going to be empowering to do the studies here so that we will not only be looking to the 1550 02:11:14,180 --> 02:11:19,860 environmental impact of data centers, we will also be looking to the economic impact that's 1551 02:11:19,860 --> 02:11:30,400 going to be having on corporate residents, retirees, students, businesses, nurses, newly graduates, 1552 02:11:31,380 --> 02:11:38,120 come in as shares companies and so forth, so that we can get a comprehensive view of what 1553 02:11:38,120 --> 02:11:41,560 data centers could, what their impact could be on all of us. 1554 02:11:41,920 --> 02:11:48,820 So, thank you for this opportunity to address you, and I look forward to your taking seriously, 1555 02:11:48,820 --> 02:11:52,600 the numerous recommendations to strengthen the moratorium. 1556 02:11:53,140 --> 02:11:53,520 Thank you. 1557 02:11:53,720 --> 02:11:53,840 Thank you. 1558 02:11:59,320 --> 02:12:01,700 Andy Ellis, and following that, Sherry Verdun. 1559 02:12:05,370 --> 02:12:06,430 Can you hear me? 1560 02:12:06,910 --> 02:12:07,730 My name is Andy Ellis. 1561 02:12:07,890 --> 02:12:08,970 I'm speaking as an individual. 1562 02:12:10,790 --> 02:12:11,470 I'm Andy Ellis. 1563 02:12:11,510 --> 02:12:13,530 I'm running for Governor as a Green Party candidate. 1564 02:12:13,710 --> 02:12:16,410 We're running on a platform of a statewide band of data centers, 1565 02:12:16,650 --> 02:12:18,710 repealing the tax breaks that exist right now, 1566 02:12:19,230 --> 02:12:23,270 and making sure that the MDE actually does its job in places where data centers exist. 1567 02:12:23,270 --> 02:12:27,870 and so in that regard I've been traveling around the state to all the counties that are fighting 1568 02:12:27,870 --> 02:12:29,570 against data centers that are coming. 1569 02:12:29,850 --> 02:12:35,190 I live in Baltimore City and May we passed a one-year moratorium and our county, our city leaders 1570 02:12:35,190 --> 02:12:38,370 told us at the time that we had a year to figure out what we were going to do. 1571 02:12:38,710 --> 02:12:43,190 Well, next Thursday there's a zoning hearing in order to allow data centers in industrial 1572 02:12:43,190 --> 02:12:44,590 areas in Baltimore City. 1573 02:12:44,650 --> 02:12:46,830 What do industrial areas in Baltimore City look like? 1574 02:12:47,030 --> 02:12:47,770 We looked at the map. 1575 02:12:47,850 --> 02:12:50,810 They look like places next to rivers, streams, forests. 1576 02:12:50,810 --> 02:12:53,350 They look like places next to farms and homes. 1577 02:12:53,850 --> 02:12:55,690 We know that we're going to have data, 1578 02:12:55,910 --> 02:12:57,790 and even though we're under a moratorium, 1579 02:12:58,110 --> 02:13:00,010 we're still faced with zoning that's 1580 02:13:00,010 --> 02:13:01,350 going to put it right in our neighborhoods. 1581 02:13:01,790 --> 02:13:04,550 So I'd say that it's a caution about what the moratorium does. 1582 02:13:04,850 --> 02:13:06,330 Second thing I want to say is that I was on Frederick 1583 02:13:06,330 --> 02:13:08,330 last night, we're 17-day-to-centered already 1584 02:13:08,330 --> 02:13:10,010 exist in the county, and I was talking to somebody 1585 02:13:10,010 --> 02:13:12,950 who has an active project, 500 feet from her home. 1586 02:13:13,090 --> 02:13:16,210 She explained to us that it has destroyed her community. 1587 02:13:16,490 --> 02:13:17,730 It has destroyed her home. 1588 02:13:17,770 --> 02:13:18,650 She can't get peace. 1589 02:13:18,830 --> 02:13:19,570 She can't get sleep. 1590 02:13:19,570 --> 02:13:24,950 She cannot enjoy the home that she's built, the yard, her garden, any of those things. 1591 02:13:25,150 --> 02:13:29,190 So I encourage anybody who wants to think about data centers coming here to go visit the 1592 02:13:29,190 --> 02:13:29,990 people on Adam's time. 1593 02:13:30,190 --> 02:13:32,910 You don't got to go to Valden County, you don't got to go to Virginia, you don't 1594 02:13:32,910 --> 02:13:36,350 go to a Frederick where it's already happening where they're already being built and people 1595 02:13:36,350 --> 02:13:38,210 are already feeling the effects of it. 1596 02:13:38,350 --> 02:13:42,550 The third thing, as I heard mentioned, the Governor Moore says the data centers are inevitable 1597 02:13:42,550 --> 02:13:46,190 and I know some of you were at make-o this weekend where there were panels for people who 1598 02:13:46,190 --> 02:13:48,770 on his administration said the same thing. 1599 02:13:49,030 --> 02:13:50,430 MPJM said the same thing. 1600 02:13:50,650 --> 02:13:52,370 With all due respect to Governor Moore, 1601 02:13:52,370 --> 02:13:53,950 he does not get to decide that. 1602 02:13:54,230 --> 02:13:56,430 The people of Calvary County, the people of Maryland, 1603 02:13:56,790 --> 02:13:59,530 are local and state officials decide that. 1604 02:14:04,510 --> 02:14:05,970 And I encourage you to make the decision 1605 02:14:05,970 --> 02:14:08,450 that is best for the people of Calvary County today. 1606 02:14:08,810 --> 02:14:09,110 Thank you. 1607 02:14:14,860 --> 02:14:17,460 Sherry Verdon and following that Joseph Oliver. 1608 02:14:22,060 --> 02:14:23,900 I'm sure he said that for those 1609 02:14:23,900 --> 02:14:26,040 actually directed to the past somewhere. 1610 02:14:26,540 --> 02:14:29,260 We will, Joseph Oliver and following that 1611 02:14:29,260 --> 02:14:30,460 Amanda Johnston. 1612 02:14:41,060 --> 02:14:41,400 Good afternoon. 1613 02:14:41,580 --> 02:14:45,120 My name is Joseph Oliver, and I'm speaking for myself. 1614 02:14:46,240 --> 02:14:50,580 We have to pass the data center of moratorium as it is. 1615 02:14:51,040 --> 02:14:53,460 Any moratorium is better than none. 1616 02:14:53,920 --> 02:14:57,540 If it needs to be refined, it can be between now and September. 1617 02:15:00,000 --> 02:15:04,940 News is a room full of people that already know that a data center is a bad thing. 1618 02:15:05,340 --> 02:15:12,580 They don't need a study. We've heard everything about it. It's a cancer, and once it gets here, you can't get rid of it. 1619 02:15:13,520 --> 02:15:24,780 We have to get this moratorium in place so that a new board of county commissioners can be put in place that will be sympathetic to and listen to the wishes of the people of Calvary County. 1620 02:15:24,780 --> 02:15:28,160 And put a stop to this nightmare before it becomes a reality. 1621 02:15:29,160 --> 02:15:30,100 Thank you. 1622 02:15:35,950 --> 02:15:38,730 Amanda Johnson and following that nail fuller. 1623 02:15:48,880 --> 02:15:55,380 My name is Amanda Johnson and I'm from Charles County and I'm here speaking as an individual. 1624 02:15:56,320 --> 02:16:00,080 I'm just here to show my support for banning and stopping data centers and coward. 1625 02:16:01,340 --> 02:16:05,820 I'm from Charles and we did pass a moratorium, which was good. 1626 02:16:06,320 --> 02:16:11,140 I would think I would support something stronger, I would actually support it out right 1627 02:16:11,140 --> 02:16:16,380 ban, but if we only get six months, I will let you know that I will be here to help you 1628 02:16:16,380 --> 02:16:18,140 guys fight every step of the way, 1629 02:16:22,130 --> 02:16:23,650 and it's all for me. 1630 02:16:28,680 --> 02:16:31,480 Now, Fuller, and following that, Sherry Verdun. 1631 02:16:38,030 --> 02:16:38,670 I am Fuller. 1632 02:16:39,010 --> 02:16:39,430 I am Fuller. 1633 02:16:39,690 --> 02:16:39,890 I am Fuller. 1634 02:16:39,890 --> 02:16:40,910 Can you speak into the mic? 1635 02:16:41,110 --> 02:16:41,370 Sorry about that. 1636 02:16:41,370 --> 02:16:41,770 Greetings. 1637 02:16:42,090 --> 02:16:42,910 I am Fuller. 1638 02:16:43,090 --> 02:16:46,390 I am speaking on behalf of the Calvert County Environmental Commission. 1639 02:16:57,280 --> 02:16:59,100 I'm Dr. Dave Campbell. 1640 02:17:00,360 --> 02:17:01,490 Dr. Jeanette Walsauki. 1641 02:17:05,760 --> 02:17:11,560 Our role in the town needs to advise the board to provide outreach to the public and to hear them on environmental matters. 1642 02:17:12,260 --> 02:17:14,180 We are the experts. 1643 02:17:15,200 --> 02:17:18,400 The submitted document last week saved not been posted yet. 1644 02:17:18,500 --> 02:17:19,560 It is our third submission. 1645 02:17:19,820 --> 02:17:22,980 We submitted our first submission in April and our second. 1646 02:17:22,980 --> 02:17:26,700 some 30-page recommendation in July, I believe. 1647 02:17:28,700 --> 02:17:32,120 We are supportive of the six-month auditorium. 1648 02:17:32,220 --> 02:17:34,560 Thank you to the board for pivoting. 1649 02:17:34,800 --> 02:17:42,620 As you have, we are supportive, but there are several things that need to occur first. 1650 02:17:43,340 --> 02:17:47,640 First, as we have said before, scientific studies are necessary. 1651 02:17:48,060 --> 02:17:50,280 They cannot be completed in six months. 1652 02:17:50,280 --> 02:17:57,560 I'm an environmental review expert and I know you cannot complete scientifically valid studies in six months. 1653 02:17:57,980 --> 02:18:04,800 We need studies that look at at a minimum, water, heat, 16 degrees. 1654 02:18:05,560 --> 02:18:09,760 It could increase our temperature by 16 degrees. One data center could. 1655 02:18:10,260 --> 02:18:14,420 You need to look at noise, including at how that will impact schools. 1656 02:18:15,760 --> 02:18:18,120 We need a worst case analysis. 1657 02:18:19,060 --> 02:18:24,000 We've heard from elsewhere in the country when these things go terribly wrong. 1658 02:18:24,380 --> 02:18:29,140 And it's too late then because the impacts have already been felt. 1659 02:18:29,840 --> 02:18:32,680 Additionally, we need cumulative effects analysis, 1660 02:18:33,380 --> 02:18:36,700 and that will look at things that both says suggested, 1661 02:18:37,060 --> 02:18:43,220 like electricity usage and the prices that go with that. 1662 02:18:43,220 --> 02:18:49,800 Additionally, we need an environmental justice review because the rezoning to put more industrial 1663 02:18:49,800 --> 02:18:53,840 development in LUSPY is textbook environmental injustice. 1664 02:18:59,860 --> 02:19:07,180 And while I heard you that you want the data center applications to guide where the science 1665 02:19:07,180 --> 02:19:14,080 goes pay for by the applicants, that will not get you independently valid scientific data. 1666 02:19:14,080 --> 02:19:21,300 you can do a common wide analysis. It's called a cumulative effects analysis. We can do this. 1667 02:19:22,260 --> 02:19:25,300 And we should do this. We need to do this. We owe it to our county. 1668 02:19:26,680 --> 02:19:27,320 And our public. 1669 02:19:31,680 --> 02:19:37,220 We request an expansion of a moratorium to a two minimum of twenty four months or better yet 1670 02:19:37,220 --> 02:19:41,880 until the scientific analysis demonstrates that it's appropriate for our county. 1671 02:19:45,780 --> 02:19:58,780 The moratorium must be expanded to include the entire process as Commissioner Grossos suggested, not limited to approvals, don't take proposals, don't take applications, no cyclans, none of it. 1672 02:19:59,640 --> 02:19:59,920 And limit. 1673 02:20:00,000 --> 02:20:06,500 We did conversations with data centers. If you have to have them, that's all, all look. 1674 02:20:06,960 --> 02:20:15,420 Yeah. Yeah. Our county is unique, and we need unique studies to evaluate how this will impact our county. 1675 02:20:16,920 --> 02:20:25,360 Let's see. The most cost-effective solution to avoid studies, to avoid planning and zoning staff from doing this. 1676 02:20:25,360 --> 02:20:30,960 You could ban it, and that would eliminate those of our actual communities. 1677 02:20:35,840 --> 02:20:40,040 Put in the ordinance that science must support data centers. 1678 02:20:40,120 --> 02:20:43,120 From what we know, it does not. 1679 02:20:43,520 --> 02:20:49,200 Our resources do not support data centers and the impacts that will come with them. 1680 02:20:49,460 --> 02:20:50,980 Again, we are the experts. 1681 02:20:51,820 --> 02:20:57,740 The data does not exist currently to show that this will not be an adverse impact to our county. 1682 02:20:59,160 --> 02:21:06,500 So, somebody else suggested a motto, you can't say yes if we don't ask the question. 1683 02:21:07,120 --> 02:21:13,860 So, we ask and we advise you to expand the moratorium to a minimum of 12-24 months to allow 1684 02:21:13,860 --> 02:21:21,960 the scientists, science to proceed, independent science to proceed to be specific and 1685 02:21:21,960 --> 02:21:26,140 pause the entirety of the process, not just the approvals, because as you've heard several 1686 02:21:26,140 --> 02:21:31,820 people say the next day, six months in one day from now, we can have data centers all over the 1687 02:21:31,820 --> 02:21:37,360 place. If the planning and zoning keep going because that's, it only takes planning and zoning 1688 02:21:37,360 --> 02:21:45,140 six months from start to finish. Required county wife. Yep. Required county wife. Studies and 1689 02:21:45,140 --> 02:21:52,080 show that it won't hurt our resources. Reson would be awesome and a lot of size of relief would 1690 02:21:52,080 --> 02:21:56,360 heard, put data centers where the communities want them, where there's 1691 02:21:56,360 --> 02:21:58,540 own for it, and where resources are appropriate. 1692 02:21:58,900 --> 02:21:59,860 Thank you. 1693 02:21:59,940 --> 02:22:01,820 Calvert County is not that count off. 1694 02:22:14,090 --> 02:22:16,950 Sherry Verdun, and following that Jason Skaggs. 1695 02:22:19,250 --> 02:22:25,190 OK, so remember, we left off at that row, which was. 1696 02:22:25,230 --> 02:22:25,810 They spurred in. 1697 02:22:25,870 --> 02:22:26,830 We'll be speaking as a group today. 1698 02:22:27,110 --> 02:22:27,630 Isn't it a big deal? 1699 02:22:27,690 --> 02:22:28,030 Yeah, OK. 1700 02:22:28,030 --> 02:22:29,730 I'll remember, you know, OK. 1701 02:22:30,250 --> 02:22:31,990 So we're going to reconcile those numbers. 1702 02:22:31,990 --> 02:22:38,630 And we're gonna talk about five 75 budget unit five 75, which is an entire row. Okay, and it's not I'm sorry 1703 02:22:38,630 --> 02:22:42,250 It's not missing essentially, but three fields of 1704 02:22:43,050 --> 02:22:47,990 Data in that row were questioned in our rate study. There are notes on that 1705 02:22:48,290 --> 02:22:52,170 Mike maker with new gen study, which all of you should know because you listened to his presentation 1706 02:22:52,170 --> 02:22:59,950 We did two in September 26, but I mean September 23, we just didn't realize that but I'll break it down for you 1707 02:22:59,950 --> 02:23:07,250 If the 6167.618 million is indeed the model's long-term capital debt outcome, 1708 02:23:07,830 --> 02:23:12,990 under the no-growth scenario, remember that no cap fees, then you told us, no cap fee revenue, 1709 02:23:13,230 --> 02:23:18,670 that was our shortfall. Then the critical fact is not merely that debt exists. It is that the 1710 02:23:18,670 --> 02:23:26,150 model is testing whether the existing customer base can financially sustain the capital program 1711 02:23:26,150 --> 02:23:28,910 without relying on the future growth. 1712 02:23:29,910 --> 02:23:32,950 So I have to ask myself why there was a tab that said, 1713 02:23:33,490 --> 02:23:37,130 future hookups and what those projects were 1714 02:23:37,130 --> 02:23:38,810 and what the notes were next to those hookups. 1715 02:23:39,190 --> 02:23:40,970 And among them was the Charles County, 1716 02:23:43,390 --> 02:23:49,430 1, 115 EDU allocation facility and I had a note next to it that said, 1717 02:23:49,690 --> 02:23:51,350 depending on what the commissioners decide. 1718 02:23:51,830 --> 02:23:54,710 Why was that in your rate model that you presented to us 1719 02:23:54,710 --> 02:24:00,290 In September of 2023, if you didn't start talking to any data center industrial users until 1720 02:24:00,290 --> 02:24:07,250 after 2024 and doing these studies, the timeline does not reconcile, but the budget does. 1721 02:24:07,610 --> 02:24:13,450 Using 4,600 residential accounts merely as an illustration, because that is the consumer 1722 02:24:13,450 --> 02:24:17,470 base of which you ran these projections and it came your model. 1723 02:24:18,950 --> 02:24:28,870 Not an allocation because commercial accounts also pay 167.620 million is about 36,439 per residential account. 1724 02:24:29,230 --> 02:24:31,370 Do you hear me water sewer enterprise fund consumers? 1725 02:24:32,930 --> 02:24:37,430 2555 is when your next bond sale that you were just approved right here in front of everybody. 1726 02:24:37,810 --> 02:24:41,810 That's when that debt ends 255 beyond the comp plan. 1727 02:24:41,810 --> 02:24:59,930 And that projected debt really does match that bond sale and all those numbers line up pretty well, but let's talk about budget unit 575, which was explicitly noted by your rate study consultant, not ours, because it wasn't an independent study, at least not the one we were talking about. 1728 02:25:00,620 --> 02:25:08,040 The mysterious What is Budget Unit 575? It is a spreadsheet row. It is an intact sequence, Solomon's 1729 02:25:08,040 --> 02:25:17,320 Water. Okay? They form a completely intact sequence. So the consultant was asking, you know, where is it? They were asking, what is it? 1730 02:25:17,500 --> 02:25:24,940 The intact sequence for budget unit 561. I hope the budget person's here paying attention. Solomon's Water is 2014. 1731 02:25:24,940 --> 02:25:31,900 go bond interest. 2014 go principal. 2016 geo interest, you know, general obligation bonds, 1732 02:25:31,940 --> 02:25:37,320 the ones we're here approving today. Without a second thought, 2016 geo principle, 2020 1733 02:25:37,320 --> 02:25:44,880 refunding bond interest, 2020 refunding bond principle, compensated absences, other leave, 1734 02:25:44,880 --> 02:25:52,660 contracted services, laboratory analysis, depreciation, electricity, intersystem transfer, 1735 02:25:52,660 --> 02:25:57,200 maintenance, salaries, supplies, maintenance reserve, that's the full line and I just 1736 02:25:57,200 --> 02:26:00,780 read it out loud to everyone so they can hear it, okay? The historical columns 1737 02:26:00,780 --> 02:26:05,120 beside those records are three-year-to-date periods followed by the fiscal year 24 1738 02:26:05,120 --> 02:26:13,980 budget followed by proposed fiscal years, okay? So the 575 visible in that 1739 02:26:13,980 --> 02:26:21,180 neighborhood is simply model line 575. And that particular line happens to be 1740 02:26:21,180 --> 02:26:29,160 Solomon's water, slash salaries, slash colon pay, slash budget unit 561. 1741 02:26:29,680 --> 02:26:35,740 So remember I said, I asked you for an audit back then, and you didn't give me one. 1742 02:26:36,000 --> 02:26:39,220 So I guess I had to do my own before you pass the second phase. 1743 02:26:39,280 --> 02:26:42,380 This is not a second separate fluke. 1744 02:26:42,560 --> 02:26:47,020 This is a separate phase of funding that you're funding with this wholesale. 1745 02:26:47,500 --> 02:26:49,940 And the projected model for no growth 1746 02:26:49,940 --> 02:26:53,840 with no additional users, but massive, massive, massive, 1747 02:26:54,380 --> 02:26:58,800 capacity with a listed project that we know is already sold 1748 02:26:58,800 --> 02:27:02,700 to a data center on your rate model that you approved in fiscal year, 1749 02:27:02,800 --> 02:27:04,660 24, which everyone can look at. 1750 02:27:04,720 --> 02:27:05,840 I'll put it out there today. 1751 02:27:05,980 --> 02:27:06,740 You can look at these numbers. 1752 02:27:06,880 --> 02:27:07,780 You can reconcile them yourself. 1753 02:27:08,200 --> 02:27:09,740 Take the budget, run it through your AI, 1754 02:27:09,820 --> 02:27:12,640 whatever you do to research, and see how those numbers match up. 1755 02:27:12,840 --> 02:27:15,720 Okay, because that's what I did for the last four years, 1756 02:27:15,720 --> 02:27:16,880 except I did it by hand. 1757 02:27:17,160 --> 02:27:18,700 I didn't use chatGBT. 1758 02:27:18,700 --> 02:27:24,860 And I did it by asking the people that you see in this room because they're smart, they're experts, and you're not going to trick us. 1759 02:27:25,100 --> 02:27:32,900 So I would encourage everybody in this room to look at those budget numbers and find out why there was a question on that read study about 1760 02:27:32,900 --> 02:27:34,800 Solomon's water salaries, call and pay. 1761 02:27:35,680 --> 02:27:36,700 Thank you. 1762 02:27:41,080 --> 02:27:45,480 Next speaker is Jason Skaggs, and it's following that Sylvia Batong. 1763 02:27:52,600 --> 02:27:55,080 My name is Jason Skaggs, I'm here for myself. 1764 02:27:55,080 --> 02:27:59,100 I'm a resident of Owens, a little sick, sorry for the voice. 1765 02:28:01,060 --> 02:28:03,500 I am also a county commissioner candidate at large. 1766 02:28:04,340 --> 02:28:10,340 I have watched this data center topic cause an incredible amount of stress and anxiety for so many people in our community. 1767 02:28:11,100 --> 02:28:16,020 Friends and neighbors are worried about millions of square sheet of buildings popping up in their backyard. 1768 02:28:16,560 --> 02:28:19,340 They're worried about their electric bills doubling their tripling. 1769 02:28:20,020 --> 02:28:23,700 They're worried about their water and they're well-possibly running dry. 1770 02:28:23,700 --> 02:28:27,920 how many of us really ever? I mean, we really take that for granted, the fact that our well 1771 02:28:27,920 --> 02:28:31,940 pumps water out of an unlimited amount of water out of our house. 1772 02:28:34,280 --> 02:28:36,600 People, we have all lived through 1773 02:28:37,240 --> 02:28:43,480 this topic and debate during the primary election process. The result of that primary election was 1774 02:28:43,480 --> 02:28:49,980 a true mandate on data centers here in Calvert. It's now time to lower the stress and anxiety level 1775 02:28:49,980 --> 02:28:53,120 of all of our friends and neighbors, it's actually quite overdue. 1776 02:28:54,220 --> 02:29:00,040 I respectfully request that the Board vote on a moratorium of at least 12 months on any 1777 02:29:00,040 --> 02:29:03,940 data center plan submission or site plan. 1778 02:29:04,700 --> 02:29:07,900 And schedule a hearing to reason the Calvary Closed property. 1779 02:29:08,880 --> 02:29:13,380 Effectively announcing to the world that the Calvary County is closed to big data. 1780 02:29:18,730 --> 02:29:22,330 This debate and stress has gone on long enough. 1781 02:29:22,330 --> 02:29:33,270 This will allow our community time to come together and decide as a group exactly what we want or don't want in our backyards. 1782 02:29:33,830 --> 02:29:34,750 Thank you. 1783 02:29:40,280 --> 02:29:43,200 Sylvia Batong and following that Linda Sumpner. 1784 02:29:49,070 --> 02:29:52,790 Good afternoon, Sylvia Batong speaking for myself, live in Port Republic. 1785 02:29:54,770 --> 02:29:57,730 Having been inspired by the speakers that I've heard today. 1786 02:29:58,650 --> 02:29:59,930 I heard... 1787 02:30:00,000 --> 02:30:14,200 Make a moratorium two years, three years, five years. I also heard a citizen ask, how will we pay for these costly studies since we don't have an end user. Commissioner Hart said a study by an end user would not be trustworthy. 1788 02:30:15,380 --> 02:30:26,580 I rise to speak in favor of a five-year moratorium. Let's use a scientific method. Let coward county be the control group with no data center. 1789 02:30:26,580 --> 02:30:32,920 Let all the other counties be the test cases and identify the risks of data centers 1790 02:30:35,990 --> 02:30:37,910 over time. 1791 02:30:38,610 --> 02:30:40,410 Save the Calvert Fiscal Coffers. 1792 02:30:41,150 --> 02:30:49,110 At that point, surely we will have all the information to confidently ban status centers in our beautiful fragile county forever. 1793 02:30:49,790 --> 02:30:50,430 Thank you. 1794 02:30:57,470 --> 02:31:02,550 The next speaker is Linda Sumpter, and following that, Janette Wasaki. 1795 02:31:08,600 --> 02:31:13,720 Good morning, everyone. I feel awkward with my back turned to the most important entity 1796 02:31:13,720 --> 02:31:17,300 of this county, the resident. I apologize for that. 1797 02:31:18,460 --> 02:31:21,160 And thank you for your support. I'm Linda's sister, 1798 02:31:22,140 --> 02:31:25,360 resident, voter, taxpayer of Calvert County. 1799 02:31:26,280 --> 02:31:28,000 And will you be speaking as an individual today? 1800 02:31:28,000 --> 02:31:29,900 Yeah, it's a group, kind of individual. 1801 02:31:30,520 --> 02:31:36,200 Before I begin, I employ the board to get this book 1802 02:31:36,200 --> 02:31:39,200 and read it, although none of us in this room 1803 02:31:39,200 --> 02:31:41,240 are experts on data centers. 1804 02:31:41,720 --> 02:31:44,680 But if you get this, this will give you some knowledge. 1805 02:31:45,300 --> 02:31:50,040 Firstly, I have a question asked, why are we here 1806 02:31:50,040 --> 02:31:53,880 if the board respects its constituents? 1807 02:31:54,700 --> 02:31:56,020 Why are we here? 1808 02:31:56,360 --> 02:31:57,700 None of these people here 1809 02:31:57,700 --> 02:32:05,520 one, a data center. So why are we here? What is the urgency of pushing this data center? 1810 02:32:06,180 --> 02:32:12,920 Especially with the environmental impact, you don't have to go far for experts. You had a group 1811 02:32:12,920 --> 02:32:20,840 of experts here in your county that you can consult with. So that tells me that I am responsible 1812 02:32:20,840 --> 02:32:27,620 partly for this problem because I voted to put the members of the board here who are deciding 1813 02:32:27,620 --> 02:32:33,600 again something that the residents do not want. That's a problem. It's somewhat 1814 02:32:33,600 --> 02:32:40,100 self-inflicted. So we have to start voting smarter and be engaged and be 1815 02:32:40,100 --> 02:32:45,420 engaged because this is the reason we're here now because we didn't use good 1816 02:32:45,420 --> 02:32:52,760 judgment and as someone said earlier we trust it. We trust it easily and I 1817 02:32:52,760 --> 02:32:59,840 think that trust has been broken and it has to be corrected. So I am not for a six month 1818 02:32:59,840 --> 02:33:05,280 monitoria, absolutely not. Data centers should be banned. 1819 02:33:05,480 --> 02:33:06,360 Yes, permanently. 1820 02:33:09,860 --> 02:33:15,260 You know, at any board and I live throughout the United States and outside of the country, 1821 02:33:15,760 --> 02:33:21,340 a board that would try to push and approve something that their constituents do not want. 1822 02:33:21,340 --> 02:33:24,820 So, I'm asking the board, what is the rush? 1823 02:33:25,200 --> 02:33:31,080 Why can't you do your job and help the community that ends my speak? 1824 02:33:38,690 --> 02:33:42,250 And the last speaker I have signed up is Jeanette Walsokki. 1825 02:33:52,440 --> 02:33:55,160 Hi, Dr. Jeanette Walsokki, speaking on behalf of myself. 1826 02:33:56,260 --> 02:34:00,520 So this morning, I am going to talk about P.J.M. in Perk. 1827 02:34:00,520 --> 02:34:08,920 So, I just learned that on August 13, P.J.N. submitted an application for FERC. 1828 02:34:09,700 --> 02:34:15,500 After two auctions in their market that failed to secure enough electricity generation. 1829 02:34:16,580 --> 02:34:29,320 So, their proposal is that, first, any new large load over 50 megawatts like data centers must bring their own power starting June 1. 1830 02:34:30,200 --> 02:34:32,520 What will that mean for us? 1831 02:34:33,460 --> 02:34:35,520 Well, that mean diesel generators? 1832 02:34:36,260 --> 02:34:38,640 Well, that mean more nuclear power plants? 1833 02:34:39,260 --> 02:34:40,180 What does that mean? 1834 02:34:40,800 --> 02:34:41,940 We're a tiny county. 1835 02:34:43,020 --> 02:34:47,020 The second thing is that data centers hooked up to the grid 1836 02:34:47,020 --> 02:34:49,420 will be the first to have their power cut 1837 02:34:49,420 --> 02:34:53,120 before other users one there is a strain on the electrical grid. 1838 02:34:53,920 --> 02:34:55,240 So those are really good things. 1839 02:34:55,240 --> 02:34:59,940 But, here's where it gets bad for us, and, and you 1840 02:35:00,000 --> 02:35:17,600 You two, you guys too. The 2829 capacity auction hit 325 megawatt per day price, but came up 6.8 gigawatts short. They didn't get enough electricity. 1841 02:35:18,800 --> 02:35:26,800 So, what they are going to do is have a one-time backstop procurement running between September 1842 02:35:26,800 --> 02:35:36,500 30th and October 21st, where the offers will be capped at $555 per megawatt date. 1843 02:35:36,500 --> 02:35:38,440 Who pays that? 1844 02:35:39,320 --> 02:35:40,140 We do. 1845 02:35:40,960 --> 02:35:50,080 And P.J. Anne's Market Monitor attributed 75.5% jump in regional power costs directly the data center to ban. 1846 02:35:51,980 --> 02:35:53,180 That's our wallets. 1847 02:35:56,340 --> 02:35:57,760 Please strengthen this. 1848 02:36:08,170 --> 02:36:09,990 That was the last of the in-person speakers. 1849 02:36:10,870 --> 02:36:13,130 Okay, I will be turning it over now to Andrew Miller. 1850 02:36:14,760 --> 02:36:17,600 We do have some speakers online, 1851 02:36:18,340 --> 02:36:21,700 caller with the last four ending in 2, 9, 5, 3. 1852 02:36:21,900 --> 02:36:23,540 We are ready to receive your comments. 1853 02:36:24,300 --> 02:36:25,380 Please state your name and address, 1854 02:36:25,480 --> 02:36:27,760 whether you'll be speaking as an individual, 1855 02:36:28,120 --> 02:36:30,680 or as the designated representative of a group. 1856 02:36:31,120 --> 02:36:33,540 Please press star 6 to unmute your phone, 1857 02:36:33,600 --> 02:36:36,460 or press the unmute button on Teams. 1858 02:36:44,140 --> 02:36:44,620 Good morning. 1859 02:36:44,880 --> 02:36:47,040 Kathy Decker is speaking on behalf of Childhood Citizens 1860 02:36:47,040 --> 02:36:49,240 for Student Safety and Responsible Development. 1861 02:36:49,300 --> 02:36:50,160 Can you hear me? 1862 02:36:50,280 --> 02:36:50,800 Yes, we can. 1863 02:36:53,400 --> 02:36:57,940 We are here today because residents across California refuse to stay silent. 1864 02:36:58,280 --> 02:37:02,320 From months, residents have been researching, asking questions and attending meetings, trying 1865 02:37:02,320 --> 02:37:05,400 to understand what is happening in our community. 1866 02:37:06,040 --> 02:37:10,820 Data centers are not ordinary neighbors, they are massive industrial facilities that require 1867 02:37:10,820 --> 02:37:15,540 enormous amount of electricity, significant water resources, and substantial infrastructure, 1868 02:37:16,280 --> 02:37:18,460 backup generation and large amount of land. 1869 02:37:18,460 --> 02:37:23,060 So, when we are talking about ways in this type of industrial development and close proximity 1870 02:37:23,060 --> 02:37:28,220 of our schools, neighborhoods, and environmental sensitive areas, we have an obligation 1871 02:37:28,220 --> 02:37:29,780 to ask serious questions. 1872 02:37:30,200 --> 02:37:32,900 Our students should not be the test case. 1873 02:37:33,220 --> 02:37:37,300 Before approval of our allowing development of this scale, we need to understand the potential 1874 02:37:37,300 --> 02:37:43,700 impacts on student safety, noise, air quality, water resources, traffic, emergency response 1875 02:37:43,700 --> 02:37:45,040 and just around an environment. 1876 02:37:45,480 --> 02:37:49,560 Our local environment from our creaks to our wetlands to Chesapeake Bay 1877 02:37:49,560 --> 02:37:51,760 and the fragile ecosystem of Southern Maryland. 1878 02:37:52,140 --> 02:37:53,380 This was a careful consideration 1879 02:37:53,380 --> 02:37:56,300 before we commit ourselves to a massive industrial footprint. 1880 02:37:56,720 --> 02:37:58,400 We cannot mortgage the long-term health, 1881 02:37:58,400 --> 02:38:00,480 safety, and quality of life of our community 1882 02:38:00,480 --> 02:38:03,340 simply to move development forward faster. 1883 02:38:04,060 --> 02:38:05,280 I am not speaking here today. 1884 02:38:05,380 --> 02:38:07,660 Claiming that consolation is doing something illegal. 1885 02:38:08,100 --> 02:38:10,800 I am saying that residents of arrest and questions. 1886 02:38:10,940 --> 02:38:12,520 Those questions deserve answers. 1887 02:38:12,520 --> 02:38:17,020 People in the community include in tradesmen who have reported doing recent work on 1888 02:38:17,020 --> 02:38:21,000 compilation property are reporting increased activities such as land clearance, electrical 1889 02:38:21,000 --> 02:38:26,100 work, lions, b&n installs, and site works. What exactly is going on on that property? 1890 02:38:26,680 --> 02:38:31,900 So the work taken place on the ground match the scope that the permits have been issued. 1891 02:38:32,560 --> 02:38:36,500 If residents of the inactivity that raised questions shouldn't the county inspect its the 1892 02:38:36,500 --> 02:38:41,380 out there to verify? Not because we are accused in any one of wrongdoin, but because 1893 02:38:41,380 --> 02:38:43,820 that is exactly what inspections are for. 1894 02:38:44,100 --> 02:38:46,060 Residence that concerned about peace and development, 1895 02:38:46,420 --> 02:38:48,520 a subcision here, a great permit there, 1896 02:38:48,960 --> 02:38:50,040 infrastructure somewhere else. 1897 02:38:50,560 --> 02:38:52,400 Each individual piece may appear undilated 1898 02:38:52,400 --> 02:38:53,860 when viewed by itself. 1899 02:38:55,540 --> 02:38:58,400 A government has an obligation to look at the entire picture, 1900 02:38:58,820 --> 02:39:00,560 which should not be approved in individual pieces 1901 02:39:00,560 --> 02:39:03,160 without understanding what pieces ultimately create. 1902 02:39:03,620 --> 02:39:06,900 It may be simply an upgrade to their infringed infrastructure, 1903 02:39:07,440 --> 02:39:08,720 but we need to remain vigilant 1904 02:39:08,720 --> 02:39:14,480 after all, consolation is who invited AWS to our neighborhood in the first place, and that's not 1905 02:39:14,480 --> 02:39:19,860 made for us. When companies like AWS pull back, it is often a tactical play. They are just 1906 02:39:19,860 --> 02:39:24,580 taking a step back to watch what happens with the moratorium, especially now that even major hubs 1907 02:39:24,580 --> 02:39:29,540 and data center regions are starting to consider causes on development. They will most likely 1908 02:39:29,540 --> 02:39:34,240 be back in six months. They care about the almighty dollar more than the almighty people. 1909 02:39:34,240 --> 02:39:39,920 The planning and zoning rights need to be reversed back to the end of entirety to protect 1910 02:39:39,920 --> 02:39:40,680 Calvert County. 1911 02:39:40,900 --> 02:39:42,680 Let's roll back the clock and restart. 1912 02:39:43,420 --> 02:39:45,460 Let's be sure not to be the sacrifice zones. 1913 02:39:46,000 --> 02:39:50,460 It's time to stop treating Les B. as though it is a place where every major industrial 1914 02:39:50,460 --> 02:39:53,620 impact can simply be concentrated because it is convenient. 1915 02:39:54,300 --> 02:39:58,500 Our residents deserve the same consideration and protection as every other community in 1916 02:39:58,500 --> 02:39:59,280 this county. 1917 02:39:59,720 --> 02:39:59,920 Whether we... 1918 02:40:00,000 --> 02:40:05,440 And again, within more time or move towards the permanent ban, I am asking this board to let 1919 02:40:05,440 --> 02:40:10,420 the legal professionals do the work necessary to make those decisions legally defensible. 1920 02:40:11,180 --> 02:40:15,420 We should not be afraid to establish reasonable protections because a well-funded corporation 1921 02:40:15,420 --> 02:40:20,780 might challenge them. Our responsibility is to adopt thoughtful evidence-based policies 1922 02:40:20,780 --> 02:40:27,240 and protect the public interest and stand within legal scrutiny. What we ask in for today, verify 1923 02:40:27,240 --> 02:40:33,760 what's happening on consolation property, look at the cumulative impacts, stop them at these 1924 02:40:33,760 --> 02:40:38,140 projects, excuse me. Someone, look at these projects is one piece, look at that as an 1925 02:40:38,140 --> 02:40:43,820 ultimate purpose of the infrastructure, the advanced billion changes, remove data centers 1926 02:40:43,820 --> 02:40:49,280 has allowed entirety, rather than continuing to create a framework that invites this type of 1927 02:40:49,280 --> 02:40:51,380 industrial development into the community. 1928 02:40:53,600 --> 02:40:54,680 It's like transparency, 1929 02:40:56,820 --> 02:40:57,260 equipment and 1930 02:40:57,260 --> 02:41:05,900 and staff and ordinance that explicitly banned secret NDAs once and for all, the public should not have to find out what is happening in their backyard afterwards. 1931 02:41:06,500 --> 02:41:12,100 Commissioned if this isn't about being against technology, nor is it about being for. 1932 02:41:12,100 --> 02:41:23,140 Nor is it for or against economic development is about asking whether this particular type of industrial development belongs to be in proposed and whether we have adequate protection for our children. 1933 02:41:23,140 --> 02:41:27,420 our communities and environment, and our future being allowed to move forward. 1934 02:41:28,060 --> 02:41:31,860 Whether we start with a more Tory on our straight-out ban, our legal team needs to do the 1935 02:41:31,860 --> 02:41:35,600 heavy list and to ensure our ordinance is entirely legally defensible. 1936 02:41:35,860 --> 02:41:39,560 We need measures that will hold up and courts against these money hungry, so we have 1937 02:41:39,560 --> 02:41:42,260 to have the corporations that will buy a lawsuit in a heartbeat. 1938 02:41:42,660 --> 02:41:47,120 Protect the people, reset the zone, and remove the data centers as allow youth, entirety, 1939 02:41:47,740 --> 02:41:50,440 and pass an ordinance that banned secret NDAs. 1940 02:41:50,440 --> 02:41:53,360 before closing I want to give offer major 1941 02:41:53,360 --> 02:41:54,540 kudos to commissioner hands. 1942 02:41:55,440 --> 02:41:56,040 If you can submit your 1943 02:41:56,040 --> 02:41:57,580 part and commissioner grass. 1944 02:41:57,740 --> 02:41:59,140 So for continuing support in the 1945 02:41:59,140 --> 02:42:01,400 moratorium and remain in 1946 02:42:01,400 --> 02:42:02,060 three commissioners. 1947 02:42:02,200 --> 02:42:04,000 I wish that you had made a more 1948 02:42:04,000 --> 02:42:05,640 charm decision before now. 1949 02:42:05,920 --> 02:42:08,160 Not because of holding it because you 1950 02:42:08,160 --> 02:42:10,340 have all poured so much part. 1951 02:42:18,820 --> 02:42:19,820 6 5. 1952 02:42:23,900 --> 02:42:25,340 Coloring in 0 9 6 5. 1953 02:42:25,420 --> 02:42:26,460 We're ready to receive your 1954 02:42:26,460 --> 02:42:26,840 comment. 1955 02:42:27,620 --> 02:42:29,680 Please state your name and address 1956 02:42:29,680 --> 02:42:30,500 and whether you will be 1957 02:42:30,500 --> 02:42:35,520 speaking as an individual or as the designated representative of a group, please press 1958 02:42:35,520 --> 02:42:39,220 star six to unmute your phone or press the unmute button and teams. 1959 02:42:42,680 --> 02:42:44,700 Yes, good afternoon, can you hear me? Yes, we can. 1960 02:42:44,860 --> 02:42:45,400 Yes, we can. 1961 02:42:48,080 --> 02:42:51,880 Good afternoon, commissioners. My name is Parker Coyer and I'm a resident 1962 02:42:51,880 --> 02:42:57,600 of Hunting Town. I want to start by saying that I don't view anyone on the days as an adversary. 1963 02:42:58,080 --> 02:43:03,160 I believe you are good people who care about our county. In fact, shortly after my daughter 1964 02:43:03,160 --> 02:43:07,240 was born this spring, I ran into Commissioner Buddy Hands at the hospital and 1965 02:43:07,240 --> 02:43:10,820 hematology, and he kindly congratulated me on my new baby. 1966 02:43:11,580 --> 02:43:15,300 That personal decency is why I choose to raise my family here. 1967 02:43:15,620 --> 02:43:18,340 A good people can make that governing decision. 1968 02:43:19,300 --> 02:43:23,080 Back in late February while doing the routine job search, I stumbled across 1969 02:43:23,080 --> 02:43:26,920 the public posting for an AWS data site construction site manager 1970 02:43:26,920 --> 02:43:28,580 right here in childbirth. 1971 02:43:29,100 --> 02:43:32,000 I shared that link anonymously in local community groups or 1972 02:43:32,000 --> 02:43:33,520 neighbors could see what was developing. 1973 02:43:34,320 --> 02:43:36,500 Soon after, citizens raising those questions 1974 02:43:36,500 --> 02:43:39,240 were casually dismissed from this room and state book warriors. 1975 02:43:40,240 --> 02:43:41,400 I'm not a Facebook warrior. 1976 02:43:42,020 --> 02:43:44,660 I'm a father of veteran, a neighbor, and a citizen 1977 02:43:44,660 --> 02:43:47,860 who believes publicly as business belongs in the light of day. 1978 02:43:48,580 --> 02:43:50,320 This is why I went through the official civic 1979 02:43:50,320 --> 02:43:53,720 process and filed the open meetings compliance board 1980 02:43:53,720 --> 02:43:54,800 complaint with the state. 1981 02:43:56,160 --> 02:43:58,620 When the OMCD issue is finding on the complaint 1982 02:43:58,620 --> 02:44:00,940 out files, it confirmed what we knew all along 1983 02:44:00,940 --> 02:44:03,900 that the public business must not be conducted in the dark. 1984 02:44:04,720 --> 02:44:06,720 Throughout this process, so much energy 1985 02:44:06,720 --> 02:44:09,520 when in debating whether an NDA was strictly permissible 1986 02:44:09,520 --> 02:44:12,400 underlaw that I think this board forgot to stop and ask 1987 02:44:12,400 --> 02:44:13,460 whether it was right. 1988 02:44:14,440 --> 02:44:17,380 Finding a legal loophole to operate in secrecy does not 1989 02:44:17,380 --> 02:44:18,300 make it a leadership. 1990 02:44:19,360 --> 02:44:22,380 Government transparency isn't a favor granted when convenient. 1991 02:44:22,800 --> 02:44:23,640 It's an obligation. 1992 02:44:24,520 --> 02:44:27,160 The OMCD finding wasn't a minor technicality. 1993 02:44:27,340 --> 02:44:29,260 It was a clear reminder that you work for the residents 1994 02:44:29,260 --> 02:44:35,080 of Calvary County. Going forward, I urge this board to rebuild that public trust and choose to 1995 02:44:35,080 --> 02:44:38,980 open dialogue over non-disclosure agreements. Thank you. 1996 02:44:48,360 --> 02:44:54,500 Collar with the last four ending in 888-86, we are ready to receive your comments. Please 1997 02:44:54,500 --> 02:44:59,360 state your name and address and whether you'll be speaking as an individual or as the designated 1998 02:44:59,360 --> 02:44:59,940 you'd represent it. 1999 02:45:00,000 --> 02:45:07,600 If of a group, please press star 6 to unmute your phone or press the unmute button on teams. 2000 02:45:12,040 --> 02:45:17,880 Yes. I'm speaking as an individual. And your name, please, for the record. 2001 02:45:20,400 --> 02:45:21,560 My name is Judy Peterson. 2002 02:45:24,880 --> 02:45:25,400 May I begin? 2003 02:45:25,840 --> 02:45:26,580 Yes, you can. 2004 02:45:29,290 --> 02:45:36,210 All right. Good afternoon. My name is Judy Peterson. Many of you know me as a democratic candidate for that large seat on the Board of County Commissioner. 2005 02:45:36,210 --> 02:45:38,550 I'm also a lesbian resident. 2006 02:45:39,750 --> 02:45:41,710 With the potential passage of the moratorium 2007 02:45:41,710 --> 02:45:44,930 providing a short-term pause on data center approvals 2008 02:45:44,930 --> 02:45:47,470 and with the possibility of additional protective 2009 02:45:47,470 --> 02:45:49,610 text amendments and important rezoning, 2010 02:45:50,250 --> 02:45:52,710 we might be tempted to feel that the storm has access 2011 02:45:52,710 --> 02:45:55,730 as to take a deep breath and relax, 2012 02:45:56,370 --> 02:45:58,230 but that would be a grave mistake. 2013 02:45:58,990 --> 02:46:00,670 This is the time to remain vigilant 2014 02:46:00,670 --> 02:46:03,690 and prepare for the next push by data center developers. 2015 02:46:03,690 --> 02:46:10,330 We need the right studies, new leaders, the transparency and accountability to ensure future 2016 02:46:10,330 --> 02:46:15,990 decisions protect our communities. Our proximity to the nuclear power plant makes continued 2017 02:46:15,990 --> 02:46:22,310 interest in our county of very real positivity. And we're not alone. At this week's Maryland 2018 02:46:22,310 --> 02:46:28,090 Association of Health and Conference lawmakers from across state express frustration about 2019 02:46:28,090 --> 02:46:29,930 a growing reach of data centers. 2020 02:46:30,430 --> 02:46:33,570 Fristor Frederick Howard, Montgomery and Washington County, 2021 02:46:33,970 --> 02:46:36,030 they've all enacted temporary moratorium. 2022 02:46:36,650 --> 02:46:38,570 Yet even among elected officials gathered 2023 02:46:38,570 --> 02:46:41,430 from across Maryland, there was a growing recognition 2024 02:46:41,430 --> 02:46:44,630 that regardless of the importance and public concern, 2025 02:46:45,190 --> 02:46:48,830 the pressure to build data centers is not going to go away. 2026 02:46:49,150 --> 02:46:51,790 So we cannot simply wait and see what happened. 2027 02:46:52,450 --> 02:46:54,410 We must continue to protect the character 2028 02:46:54,410 --> 02:46:56,650 and by-commissioned future of our community. 2029 02:46:56,650 --> 02:47:01,410 Change is inevitable, but we can and must decide how that change occurs. 2030 02:47:02,230 --> 02:47:07,630 I believe that strong and stiffens against data centers is robust and diversified local economy. 2031 02:47:08,230 --> 02:47:12,150 And I believe we need trustworthy leadership, transparent and inclusive government, 2032 02:47:12,670 --> 02:47:16,330 and I believe we need an informed, engaged, citizenry. 2033 02:47:16,850 --> 02:47:22,810 These goals are all within our reach, but only if we remain vigilant and willing to make change. 2034 02:47:22,810 --> 02:47:25,970 And it's about stepping out of our comfort zone. 2035 02:47:26,310 --> 02:47:30,230 So let's get real comfortable and commit to the work that lives ahead. 2036 02:47:30,850 --> 02:47:32,310 Thank you for your time today. 2037 02:47:40,210 --> 02:47:45,670 Follow with the last four digits and then in 2540 we are ready to receive your comments. 2038 02:47:46,050 --> 02:47:51,870 Please state your name and address and whether you'll be speaking as an individual or as the designated representative of a group. 2039 02:47:52,210 --> 02:47:56,610 Please press star six to unmute your phone or press the unmute button and teams. 2040 02:47:57,960 --> 02:48:03,280 Patty Stuckler, candidate for Commissioner at Large, North Beach, speaking for myself. 2041 02:48:04,120 --> 02:48:08,520 I really wish I could have been there with all of you incredible people there today. 2042 02:48:08,860 --> 02:48:13,220 I'm just so proud of you, and I just want to give you a shout out to all the people of 2043 02:48:13,220 --> 02:48:18,680 California who really proved what people can do when we all joined forces. 2044 02:48:19,620 --> 02:48:25,240 I mean, really, residents showed up, you spoke out, signed petitions, and demanded that your 2045 02:48:25,240 --> 02:48:30,940 The voice has be heard to enact this moratorium, just like three-fourths of all the counties in Maryland. 2046 02:48:32,340 --> 02:48:39,300 So just want to say, today I asked this forward to listen to the people's cover county and pass the proposed moratorium. 2047 02:48:40,320 --> 02:48:52,000 But I also asked that the current board used the rest of their term to work on changing the zoning codes back to not allow for data centers. 2048 02:48:52,000 --> 02:48:56,120 If we're there, our fourth requirement from any of you have any that's your 2049 02:48:56,120 --> 02:48:58,580 question. Thank you. 2050 02:49:05,560 --> 02:49:08,420 If anyone else wishes to speak, please press the 2051 02:49:08,420 --> 02:49:10,920 raise hand function or a star five. 2052 02:49:17,800 --> 02:49:18,640 There are no more speakers. 2053 02:49:30,510 --> 02:49:38,930 Questions? We did have Jason, Director Brinkley. Can you hear me? 2054 02:49:39,250 --> 02:49:43,130 Okay, I'm sorry. We did have one individual say. 2055 02:49:44,170 --> 02:49:47,130 past the moratorium and then strengthened it. 2056 02:49:48,830 --> 02:49:51,130 What would, and I believe in that, 2057 02:49:53,650 --> 02:49:56,330 but paid me a picture as to how that would work, 2058 02:49:56,370 --> 02:49:59,930 if we passed the six months and we came back to you. 2059 02:50:00,000 --> 02:50:09,500 In a couple of weeks and said, okay, we want it for 24 months. We want this language to be stronger. Or if we said to you, 2060 02:50:10,060 --> 02:50:26,540 pain as a picture, we want it for 24 months. Take the comments that the public gave us and use the comments to strengthen the moratorium for it to us for so we can see it and then take it out to the public. 2061 02:50:26,540 --> 02:50:34,320 I guess what I'm asking, as I personally, with my comments in the beginning, I personally 2062 02:50:34,320 --> 02:50:40,260 do not feel that this is strong enough, and we need this protection also with the reversal 2063 02:50:41,420 --> 02:50:48,940 of the properties that were turned into high industrial back to farm to farming. 2064 02:50:49,840 --> 02:50:50,480 So, 2065 02:50:55,060 --> 02:50:59,160 and I know people don't want this to be put off, because they're sick of coming here. 2066 02:50:59,160 --> 02:51:05,060 they want a moratorium, but I don't want us to agree to the moratorium that is on the table. 2067 02:51:05,440 --> 02:51:10,860 When I as a commissioner and our constituents don't feel it's strong enough, I don't 2068 02:51:10,860 --> 02:51:16,520 want this to fall by the wayside if we were to approve it today, what would it look like 2069 02:51:16,520 --> 02:51:19,740 a strengthening this and how quickly could we get it done? 2070 02:51:19,800 --> 02:51:21,120 I guess that's what I'm saying. 2071 02:51:22,260 --> 02:51:27,860 So I will, I think the easiest thing to say is that this ordinance can be amended. 2072 02:51:27,860 --> 02:51:36,520 It lays out a provision to amend it, it's a county ordinance, it can be amended, it's got to follow the same notice procedure that we did for today. 2073 02:51:37,400 --> 02:51:45,040 So if it's the board's prerogative to strengthen it by adding a link, they're adding more details to anything you can do that. 2074 02:51:45,180 --> 02:51:50,320 You just have to follow the same notice process that we followed to be here in front of you all today. 2075 02:51:50,320 --> 02:52:13,800 So, could we agree today that, yes, we are passing this moratorium, we are passing this moratorium as it is, but can we instruct you today to strengthen the language and put a 24-month moratorium on top of this six-month moratorium, I guess I'm saying an 18-month add-on to it. 2076 02:52:13,800 --> 02:52:19,100 When does that process start? I don't want. We're not coming back until September 1. 2077 02:52:19,860 --> 02:52:27,340 And I would like to have language by September 1 and the possibility of a 24-month moratorium. 2078 02:52:28,000 --> 02:52:35,440 Is that doable? So I believe the next meeting is the 20th, 20th, 2079 02:52:35,920 --> 02:52:43,300 second. It's 22nd of September is the next meeting I believe. I have September 1 is our next meeting. 2080 02:52:43,900 --> 02:52:45,180 I'll defer to the board. 2081 02:52:45,600 --> 02:52:46,720 Okay, this is unacceptable. 2082 02:52:47,520 --> 02:52:48,680 I will defer to the board. 2083 02:52:50,480 --> 02:52:53,720 However, we can't have, if you put in place, 2084 02:52:54,020 --> 02:52:58,380 and let me back up by saying that any substantive change 2085 02:52:58,380 --> 02:53:01,180 in this, as it sits now, would restart that process. 2086 02:53:01,600 --> 02:53:04,680 So if you said today that you wanna do a 24 months, 2087 02:53:05,240 --> 02:53:07,080 you would restart this exact same process. 2088 02:53:07,320 --> 02:53:09,460 If you wanna amend it, you would go through 2089 02:53:09,460 --> 02:53:10,460 the same process. 2090 02:53:10,960 --> 02:53:13,780 So I think there are some tweaks that can happen to this. 2091 02:53:13,780 --> 02:53:19,180 and you've not, and you still be in line with what was advertised, and that's a discussion 2092 02:53:19,180 --> 02:53:24,040 that I think is worth having, but if you wanted to strengthen it, we can come back 2093 02:53:24,040 --> 02:53:31,020 in September and discuss what that language would be, and if it is in place, you do have 2094 02:53:31,020 --> 02:53:36,620 that six-month period of time to continue to exclude it. 2095 02:53:37,340 --> 02:53:38,020 I'm sorry. 2096 02:53:38,220 --> 02:53:38,700 I don't focus. 2097 02:53:38,720 --> 02:53:39,360 Keep it down, please. 2098 02:53:39,600 --> 02:53:40,120 Thank you. 2099 02:53:40,920 --> 02:53:47,620 shortly we're trying to work through this okay so we could go with the six 2100 02:53:47,620 --> 02:53:52,580 month and we can start the process to strengthen it and come back in a couple of 2101 02:53:53,320 --> 02:53:55,660 weeks. Come back at the next meeting. 2102 02:53:56,740 --> 02:54:00,960 Commissioners I would like to make a note as we also have an individual online when we 2103 02:54:00,960 --> 02:54:04,600 transferred over to Commissioner Grasso started talking. Their hand was raised but I 2104 02:54:04,600 --> 02:54:06,260 just wanted to let you know that we do have one individual. 2105 02:54:06,260 --> 02:54:07,960 It's not a problem. 2106 02:54:09,020 --> 02:54:09,380 Good. 2107 02:54:09,520 --> 02:54:10,040 Go to a mail. 2108 02:54:10,380 --> 02:54:10,680 Okay. 2109 02:54:11,120 --> 02:54:12,120 Andrew, go ahead. 2110 02:54:17,920 --> 02:54:18,000 Yep. 2111 02:54:18,560 --> 02:54:25,560 Could the user that had their hand raised please raise their hand again using the star 5 function. 2112 02:54:44,860 --> 02:54:45,500 There they go. 2113 02:54:45,720 --> 02:54:47,500 Hey, I'm not raised their hand again to a music. 2114 02:54:48,060 --> 02:54:49,860 Here we go. 2115 02:54:50,400 --> 02:54:52,500 Clorending in 5051. 2116 02:54:52,740 --> 02:54:57,580 Please state your name and address and whether you'll be speaking as an individual or as the designated 2117 02:54:57,580 --> 02:54:58,900 representative of a group. 2118 02:54:58,900 --> 02:54:59,920 Please pray. 2119 02:55:00,000 --> 02:55:05,960 Mr. Starr 6 to unmute your phone or press the unmute button on Teams. 2120 02:55:11,440 --> 02:55:12,880 Can you all hear me? 2121 02:55:13,000 --> 02:55:13,600 Yes, we can. 2122 02:55:15,380 --> 02:55:25,480 Okay. Yes. My name is Josh Deamer. I live at 9898, Oben Lane, Waldorf, Maryland, 20636. 2123 02:55:26,540 --> 02:55:30,780 And I also am a member of Charles County against data centers coalition. 2124 02:55:30,780 --> 02:55:37,800 And I just wanted, I've been listening into the, to the hearing and my takeaways is that 2125 02:55:37,800 --> 02:55:42,300 there's two consensus is clearly being reached by the residents of Calvert County. 2126 02:55:42,820 --> 02:55:48,740 And that is that the moratorium is not long enough and not strong enough. 2127 02:55:49,040 --> 02:55:54,280 And that there is openness towards a permanent ban on data centers and Calvert County. 2128 02:55:54,400 --> 02:56:00,540 And so I just wanted to make everybody aware that on September 15th, 2129 02:56:00,540 --> 02:56:07,460 Tuesday, September 15th, there is going to be a public hearing in Charles County on two bills, 2130 02:56:07,800 --> 02:56:15,460 which would impact Calvert County residents and that is a regional ban on data centers 2131 02:56:15,460 --> 02:56:22,400 that would apply to Charles County, St. Mary's County, and Calvert County, and also a three to five 2132 02:56:22,400 --> 02:56:27,660 year moratorium on data center development that would apply to St. Mary's Calvert and Charles 2133 02:56:27,660 --> 02:56:32,440 County. This would be a joint public hearing with the Charles County Commissioners and 2134 02:56:32,440 --> 02:56:39,680 Charles County State delegation for potential public local laws that might be introduced 2135 02:56:39,680 --> 02:56:44,520 this upcoming January for the Maryland General Assembly. And even though it's with the 2136 02:56:44,520 --> 02:56:50,960 Charles County State delegation, Charles County Commissioners, this would apply to 2137 02:56:50,960 --> 02:56:56,260 cover County as well. And so I wanted everybody in cover County to be aware of that date on 2138 02:56:56,260 --> 02:57:00,860 Tuesday September 15th for that public hearing, and I hope that everybody who came and support 2139 02:57:00,860 --> 02:57:05,380 of this moratorium today will also show up on September 15th. 2140 02:57:06,040 --> 02:57:07,160 And so that's all. 2141 02:57:07,180 --> 02:57:08,220 Thank you. 2142 02:57:14,100 --> 02:57:18,140 So Mr. County Attorney, this hearing was advertised for six month or two and how far 2143 02:57:18,140 --> 02:57:22,700 out can we extend that before we get in trouble of it's too much? 2144 02:57:22,980 --> 02:57:23,560 Not today. 2145 02:57:25,540 --> 02:57:26,300 Not today. 2146 02:57:26,360 --> 02:57:27,460 You'd have to come back. 2147 02:57:27,580 --> 02:57:28,420 Oh God. 2148 02:57:29,020 --> 02:57:31,820 So commissioners, we do have one more person that did sign up. 2149 02:57:31,820 --> 02:57:39,580 I don't know if you want to take that, Nick, and I can't just sign up, I don't understand 2150 02:57:39,580 --> 02:57:42,800 if that's a G, F, or an H on your last name. 2151 02:57:49,530 --> 02:58:02,290 I'm Nick Graziano speaking for SOMD for all, and I had, I had our groups and a letter out 17 2152 02:58:02,290 --> 02:58:11,110 pages. Did you all get that? Oh, there you are. Mr. Brinkley, did you get that? 2153 02:58:11,830 --> 02:58:13,470 Yes, I believe I got your hearing. 2154 02:58:14,610 --> 02:58:22,230 And what I'd like to do is just briefly go over it. First of all, thank you all for all the 2155 02:58:22,230 --> 02:58:28,810 work that you do. I know that you've been a little bit verbally beat up. And I know that 2156 02:58:28,810 --> 02:58:30,690 We're tired to do what you've done. 2157 02:58:31,370 --> 02:58:36,190 I do appreciate the idea of a moratorium, even if it's only six months. 2158 02:58:36,810 --> 02:58:41,850 We're hoping to get one for two years anywhere from two to ten or twenty years. 2159 02:58:42,670 --> 02:58:52,430 But anyway, the idea in the letter that we sent in the whole premise, all idea of sending 2160 02:58:52,430 --> 02:58:58,510 you anything and getting formed was that what we want to do is assist 2161 02:58:58,510 --> 02:59:03,930 the county in looking at some of the things that perhaps you might not have gotten the chance 2162 02:59:03,930 --> 02:59:10,950 to think about. You know, all of you have expertise in your own fields, but most of us are 2163 02:59:10,950 --> 02:59:19,150 an expertise in all the things that that centers are include myself. So there are all the different 2164 02:59:19,150 --> 02:59:27,230 issues and what I'm here to suggest is perhaps we do extend it out to about a two year moratorium 2165 02:59:27,230 --> 02:59:29,350 and the reasons are the following. 2166 02:59:30,010 --> 02:59:37,250 First of all, it's hard to even get wet in six months 2167 02:59:37,250 --> 02:59:42,130 in terms of all of the information that needs to be called 2168 02:59:42,130 --> 02:59:45,290 put together and processed. 2169 02:59:46,130 --> 02:59:50,250 It'd be lucky to find a good group of people 2170 02:59:50,250 --> 02:59:54,330 within that six month period to assign a contract to. 2171 02:59:54,330 --> 02:59:59,950 So my recommendation is far more than six months. The second thing I'm 2172 03:00:00,000 --> 03:00:09,080 I would mention is, because you have so many various things from noise to land to the people 2173 03:00:09,080 --> 03:00:16,980 who may have been slightly overlooked when this whole process started, all of these different, 2174 03:00:16,980 --> 03:00:25,300 all of these different items. Perhaps a year, maybe two years would be a better focus rather 2175 03:00:25,300 --> 03:00:32,960 in a six-month moratorium, and that would also give you guys, especially a few of you, 2176 03:00:33,760 --> 03:00:42,820 will be ending your term this time, and that'll give you, you know, I think a grander 2177 03:00:42,820 --> 03:00:49,500 way to go out in terms of presenting something that the whole county kind of wants. 2178 03:00:49,500 --> 03:00:58,840 In fact, it's about 70% of the county that wants a moratorium on this and to research a little deeper into what we're doing here. 2179 03:00:59,100 --> 03:01:00,660 There's so many moving parts. 2180 03:01:01,460 --> 03:01:06,400 I mean, I understand the biology part and some of the development because it went background, 2181 03:01:07,520 --> 03:01:10,340 but that doesn't mean I'm expert in any of those areas. 2182 03:01:11,320 --> 03:01:23,980 But I know that if we do a more thorough job in terms of safeguarding against our county, 2183 03:01:24,420 --> 03:01:32,980 assisting our county in getting better concessions from anyone who does determine that they're going to come in and build anything 2184 03:01:32,980 --> 03:01:42,280 from a small to a larger data center and it wouldn't make us feel so beat ourselves as 2185 03:01:42,280 --> 03:01:52,120 citizens. So I don't really want to belabor those issues. I think that our groups SOMD 2186 03:01:52,120 --> 03:02:00,280 for all is going to be here for a long time now. It's not just a small group for a little 2187 03:02:00,280 --> 03:02:12,180 We're here for the long haul, and we're here to assist in things like this, so of course you're always welcome to assist us and we'll continue to write letters in assist you that way. 2188 03:02:12,640 --> 03:02:14,440 So thank you all for your time. 2189 03:02:14,880 --> 03:02:15,140 Thank you. 2190 03:02:20,410 --> 03:02:23,210 So Mr. County, we can't make any changes today. 2191 03:02:24,470 --> 03:02:34,170 Well, as you know, as Mr. Brinkley indicated, substantive changes would require re-abortized and we've been through that in several meetings. 2192 03:02:34,170 --> 03:02:38,650 that I've been present for, so that would be an issue. 2193 03:02:39,530 --> 03:02:44,950 There are potentially not changes that could fall into the category of being non-substive. 2194 03:02:45,290 --> 03:02:46,170 What are they? 2195 03:02:46,530 --> 03:02:47,390 Well, from what you read today. 2196 03:02:49,090 --> 03:03:04,150 One potential example that has been discussed would be the more 2197 03:03:06,310 --> 03:03:13,530 The better course of action would be to put that off and address it as all part of one enacted. 2198 03:03:14,430 --> 03:03:21,150 That would not prevent the board from enacting the moratorium that's in front of you today. 2199 03:03:25,710 --> 03:03:28,010 I'm just trying to avoid all these people having to come back again. 2200 03:03:28,310 --> 03:03:29,050 And I understand that. 2201 03:03:29,530 --> 03:03:33,790 I said last week, I'll do two years, three years, I don't care. 2202 03:03:34,770 --> 03:03:38,270 So Mr. President, we have a new month. 2203 03:03:39,430 --> 03:03:40,010 So Mr. 2204 03:03:42,720 --> 03:03:44,700 President, I have a motion for you, sir. 2205 03:03:45,020 --> 03:03:48,160 Before we go into a motion, I have a discussion as well. 2206 03:03:51,010 --> 03:03:51,690 I feel good. 2207 03:03:53,170 --> 03:03:57,410 So once a go, I propose to two years. 2208 03:03:58,310 --> 03:04:02,730 We've been all up and down a ladder, different durations and all. 2209 03:04:06,750 --> 03:04:06,810 Stop. 2210 03:04:08,450 --> 03:04:11,770 We'll pass some more to him today, the six months. 2211 03:04:13,570 --> 03:04:20,850 You come back at the very next you have three weeks, four weeks to put another works 2212 03:04:20,850 --> 03:04:22,610 that are shooting more to him in place. 2213 03:04:22,810 --> 03:04:26,950 I know we're going to do another process, but here me out. 2214 03:04:27,390 --> 03:04:34,850 During that process, excuse me, during that one, can we, in the verbiage, put a ban, still 2215 03:04:34,850 --> 03:04:43,310 to your moratorium. Okay, put reverting the zoning back. And I'm going to take you back to 2216 03:04:43,310 --> 03:04:49,730 Commissioner Hasty. Remember when we screwed up on guns on our second board? And everybody 2217 03:04:49,730 --> 03:04:54,170 under the sun it told us, hey, this was the right thing. We were trying to be proactive. 2218 03:04:54,890 --> 03:04:58,790 We didn't walk out the door two seconds. The phones were blowing up. We came back and basically 2219 03:04:58,790 --> 03:04:59,810 We had a reset button. 2220 03:05:00,000 --> 03:05:29,980 And I know I'm oversimplifying it. But we didn't have data centers in a language before. We'd go back to almost like this never happened. This nightmare never happened with the caveat of putting in it to your moratorium to still buy his time to bring in study, being in groups, to help us study the threats from the future. But to take all of this out of the realm, the zoning goes back. There's a data centers are not in our language. 2221 03:05:30,000 --> 03:05:32,560 which it's over. 2222 03:05:35,500 --> 03:05:42,380 Can that be done? So if you're asking about a text amendment, we're actually 2223 03:05:42,380 --> 03:05:46,480 having a worse session right after this on text amendments, and that could be a text 2224 03:05:46,480 --> 03:05:52,660 amendment to essentially remove data centers from the zoning ordinance. I know there's other 2225 03:05:52,660 --> 03:05:58,180 counties that have effectively banned them. That does raise some legal questions, and I'm not 2226 03:05:58,180 --> 03:06:02,720 to say whether that can or can't be done, but that obviously raises some legal questions 2227 03:06:02,720 --> 03:06:05,140 that may have to be eventually feathered out. 2228 03:06:06,080 --> 03:06:11,720 As far as the current zoning that was put in place in 2025, 2229 03:06:17,160 --> 03:06:19,220 the best way to do that 2230 03:06:19,220 --> 03:06:22,900 is to modify the comprehensive plan and to roll that back. 2231 03:06:23,000 --> 03:06:27,080 And that's a process and as I've said, probably would take about six months to effectively 2232 03:06:27,080 --> 03:06:33,840 do. So there's a couple of different avenues there and whether you'd like to do that as part 2233 03:06:33,840 --> 03:06:41,060 of a second moratorium I think is well within your right to do or you could do it as part 2234 03:06:41,060 --> 03:06:47,160 of this moratorium. It's up to the board on direction or whether you want to proceed with 2235 03:06:49,000 --> 03:06:53,280 still having the data centers in there and putting conditions on. I think all those things are 2236 03:06:53,280 --> 03:06:58,380 we got to this board's discretion to do and is within the part of the board. 2237 03:06:58,900 --> 03:07:05,440 So to manage expectations, if this six months was put in today, that's effective today. 2238 03:07:05,800 --> 03:07:13,780 10 days after 10 days. Then, in the next segment, when we had the text amendments, we put the ban 2239 03:07:13,780 --> 03:07:22,340 in it. How long? You could direct staff to basically remove data centers from the zoning ordinance 2240 03:07:22,340 --> 03:07:24,360 and say they are not allowed in any manner. 2241 03:07:25,480 --> 03:07:29,900 If you put that on the current trajectory of those text amendments, it would be passed 2242 03:07:30,500 --> 03:07:31,460 probably October. 2243 03:07:32,960 --> 03:07:35,220 So, three months? 2244 03:07:35,300 --> 03:07:36,060 Three months? 2245 03:07:38,180 --> 03:07:39,020 The zoning. 2246 03:07:39,320 --> 03:07:40,240 That is the same. 2247 03:07:40,240 --> 03:07:40,260 That is the same. 2248 03:07:40,700 --> 03:07:42,780 The zoning maps would be six months. 2249 03:07:43,360 --> 03:07:46,060 Does it have to go through that? 2250 03:07:46,880 --> 03:07:50,240 I know we have to get back on with the Planning Commission, but does it have to go the full 2251 03:07:50,240 --> 03:07:53,700 six months, can't we get that on the next plan of commission meeting? 2252 03:07:54,140 --> 03:07:56,400 The next plan of commission meetings tomorrow night. 2253 03:07:56,660 --> 03:07:58,000 So it would be on that one. 2254 03:07:59,460 --> 03:08:04,240 But August September, you are modifying the comprehensive plan and any time you modify 2255 03:08:04,240 --> 03:08:07,400 the comprehensive plan, you're likely to have to send that out to 60 day review of 2256 03:08:07,400 --> 03:08:10,040 adjacent agencies, which is what adds to the timeline. 2257 03:08:11,140 --> 03:08:16,280 So I don't know that you can get it done in as quick as you can just simply removing the 2258 03:08:16,280 --> 03:08:23,680 zoning the text itself, but that would require comprehensive plan change, which would add to probably 2259 03:08:23,680 --> 03:08:25,960 five to six months as fast as you could do that. 2260 03:08:26,520 --> 03:08:32,400 So with the first step, then be to go ahead and at least get that scheduled. 2261 03:08:33,520 --> 03:08:37,460 We could start that process and get it, I think you got two different things here. 2262 03:08:37,640 --> 03:08:40,320 So you got removing it from the zoning ordinance. 2263 03:08:40,480 --> 03:08:45,640 If that's the prerogative of the board, once again, there's a question on there's counties 2264 03:08:45,640 --> 03:08:49,060 that have done it, but there are questions out there about the 2265 03:08:49,060 --> 03:08:53,280 gallery. And they're there. This is a complete moving 2266 03:08:53,280 --> 03:08:56,140 target. It's something that hasn't been seen. I'm not going to 2267 03:08:56,140 --> 03:08:58,300 dive into the legal aspects of that, but it is something the 2268 03:08:58,300 --> 03:09:03,600 county could choose to do. If you want to do that, it would be on 2269 03:09:03,600 --> 03:09:06,360 the current trajectory of the text amendments for the next 2270 03:09:06,360 --> 03:09:11,100 work session, literally after this item. And it could be done by 2271 03:09:11,100 --> 03:09:14,980 October, mid-October when the BLCC and go into effect and go into 2272 03:09:14,980 --> 03:09:16,480 effect 10 days after that. 2273 03:09:16,480 --> 03:09:17,120 That's great. 2274 03:09:17,660 --> 03:09:19,060 And we could do that on the next segment. 2275 03:09:19,080 --> 03:09:21,900 And if it's not permitted to be built, 2276 03:09:22,380 --> 03:09:24,580 that's effectively a permanent moratorium. 2277 03:09:26,220 --> 03:09:30,480 And then you can figure out the rest on a reasonable timeline. 2278 03:09:30,700 --> 03:09:33,460 And you don't have to rush the next steps after that. 2279 03:09:34,240 --> 03:09:38,200 So I mean, because we know this as soon as I saw it, 2280 03:09:38,220 --> 03:09:39,280 you know, we had a conversation. 2281 03:09:39,520 --> 03:09:41,820 I'm like, they could still submit an application. 2282 03:09:41,820 --> 03:09:48,060 and you can modify today's to include application as well. I don't think that would be a substantive change. 2283 03:09:48,900 --> 03:09:51,400 So we get no applications can be accepted. 2284 03:09:57,000 --> 03:09:59,820 We pass it in its form but no applications accepted. 2285 03:10:00,000 --> 03:10:20,240 On the next work session, which right after this, we've put the ban in, you direct staff to start the process, which we have a work session with the planning commission tomorrow, regarding those text amendments that we're literally talking about next, public hearing in front of the planning commission in September, public hearing in front of you guys are not topper and pass it today's later, or make it a face to be. 2286 03:10:20,240 --> 03:10:22,500 So in October we could have that passed, right? 2287 03:10:22,640 --> 03:10:26,480 And on that, now as far as that's to now on to the zoning, 2288 03:10:27,540 --> 03:10:30,560 could we have that on the very next meeting to start that process? 2289 03:10:30,740 --> 03:10:33,820 You could, and I think that's, like I said, 2290 03:10:34,020 --> 03:10:37,420 that's a longer process, but you can start that process, 2291 03:10:37,900 --> 03:10:39,220 we can get to work on that. 2292 03:10:39,220 --> 03:10:41,640 But on the right direction now to where, okay, 2293 03:10:41,860 --> 03:10:43,940 did we get that started off to the planning commission? 2294 03:10:44,240 --> 03:10:49,700 The agencies that needs to come back to be voted on as soon as, 2295 03:10:54,360 --> 03:11:00,660 So let me just double check one thing, director Brinkley. 2296 03:11:01,480 --> 03:11:04,200 We have a work session after this. 2297 03:11:05,020 --> 03:11:06,020 Can you hear me now? 2298 03:11:06,660 --> 03:11:08,300 Sorry about that. 2299 03:11:08,300 --> 03:11:11,860 Director Brinkley, we have a work session after this. 2300 03:11:12,180 --> 03:11:19,100 And that's when we can request that these two parcels be reverted back. 2301 03:11:19,100 --> 03:11:23,840 right and then we'll go through the process and then our total become effective. 2302 03:11:24,300 --> 03:11:30,120 So that not exactly so the work session would be to remove data centers from the zoning 2303 03:11:30,120 --> 03:11:30,420 ordinance. 2304 03:11:30,600 --> 03:11:32,160 Prohibit data centers in the zoning ordinance. 2305 03:11:32,780 --> 03:11:37,060 The map itself is that process that has to change the comprehensive plan and go through that. 2306 03:11:37,060 --> 03:11:39,840 That is at least the roughly a six month process. 2307 03:11:39,940 --> 03:11:41,060 Thank you. 2308 03:11:41,360 --> 03:11:47,980 But you could start the process to remove or prohibit data centers in the zoning ordinance. 2309 03:11:47,980 --> 03:11:54,580 understanding that there is potential legal implications because that's kind of an unknown to be honest. 2310 03:11:55,460 --> 03:12:04,540 County Attorney. I spoke with you. We spoke about more forums as opposed to bands and 2311 03:12:06,200 --> 03:12:16,480 a band leaves us open for possible litigation. Could you speak to that? One is opposed to the 2312 03:12:16,480 --> 03:12:20,240 and the pluses and the minuses for the public please? 2313 03:12:21,800 --> 03:12:23,140 Well, so Commissioner, 2314 03:12:25,860 --> 03:12:30,740 I have to be very careful because legal advice that has been given 2315 03:12:30,740 --> 03:12:33,200 to the board can't be discussed in an open session. 2316 03:12:33,820 --> 03:12:41,160 And in the context of this, it would be unwise to provide legal advice on the specific question. 2317 03:12:41,160 --> 03:12:53,080 What I can say is that outright bands are more susceptible to a legal challenge than a reasonable time period for a moratorium. 2318 03:12:54,000 --> 03:13:07,020 And generally speaking, you know, anywhere between six months and a two year moratorium is considered generally legally acceptable. 2319 03:13:07,020 --> 03:13:12,960 however, the longer you get on the timeline, the more susceptible it is to illegal challenge. 2320 03:13:14,520 --> 03:13:18,720 County Attorney, on that, now during that time, though, if I understand the law correctly, 2321 03:13:18,840 --> 03:13:24,600 we could use that time for our own study to say why we're doing the band to back up our 2322 03:13:24,600 --> 03:13:31,060 reasons, whether it's sound, you know, disruption to streams, water usage, whatever you 2323 03:13:31,060 --> 03:13:45,840 Isn't that correct when that be the time we would build our case to protect us in case some some place wants to come in and say hey, you know, you're you're banning it, but this is why we're banning it. It's not just because we said so. 2324 03:13:45,840 --> 03:13:57,960 Well, commissioner, I would frame it slightly differently and as you know, you and I have those discussions, but but the studies would be to make an objective determination is to. 2325 03:13:57,960 --> 03:14:04,120 the impact of data centers one way or the other, and if the results are as you suggest, 2326 03:14:05,320 --> 03:14:11,000 then that would be an argument against data centers. Obviously, if the results are the opposite, 2327 03:14:11,160 --> 03:14:15,260 that would be a different argument. But the county's position, I would suggest, 2328 03:14:15,360 --> 03:14:20,900 would be to study the issues objectively from a legal perspective. 2329 03:14:21,780 --> 03:14:29,320 It sounds to me and audience, constituents, correct me if I'm wrong. 2330 03:14:29,900 --> 03:14:36,220 It sounds to me the direction you want us to go in, is to pass the six-month moratorium 2331 03:14:36,220 --> 03:14:42,880 today to include no applications will be accepted by any data centers. 2332 03:14:43,460 --> 03:14:50,460 So we do that today, then you would like for us to reverse the zoning and we'll get started 2333 03:14:50,460 --> 03:14:58,540 on that. Then you would like for us to check into a band as opposed to a two-year moratorium and 2334 03:14:58,540 --> 03:14:59,940 see how well that will work. 2335 03:15:02,540 --> 03:15:13,060 Okay, anything else? Oh, it also strength, if we go with a moratorium, probably a ban too, you want us to strengthen the language. 2336 03:15:16,480 --> 03:15:21,120 We could do that if we could put the ban in the next segment. 2337 03:15:21,780 --> 03:15:28,380 We could do that and then also come back with the two-year moratorium to bias the time for 2338 03:15:28,380 --> 03:15:34,880 the studies to strengthen up that end by then, as you say, as well, to get the two pieces 2339 03:15:34,880 --> 03:15:35,680 of property back. 2340 03:15:35,680 --> 03:15:42,000 kind of those steps sound acceptable to you, right? In the timeline, the director? 2341 03:15:43,040 --> 03:15:51,220 Yes, I think that that's a acceptable timeline for going forward. I think that, and I know 2342 03:15:51,220 --> 03:15:56,480 that our county attorney can't provide you legal advice and I'm not stating this as legal advice, 2343 03:15:56,600 --> 03:16:03,280 but if you ban a legal use, there may come a time where you are essentially forced to put that 2344 03:16:03,280 --> 03:16:12,580 back in. And that is susceptible to legal challenge. Whether that's successful or not, it's 2345 03:16:12,580 --> 03:16:18,600 who knows. And I'll go to this too, you know, our attorneys are already on retainer. 2346 03:16:18,900 --> 03:16:25,020 You know, I'm not afraid of fight. So, you know, when a company says they have this long 2347 03:16:25,020 --> 03:16:28,640 tree list of attorneys that's true, they do, and they're the best walk in the earth. But 2348 03:16:28,640 --> 03:16:32,420 our guys make the same money, whether they handle the case for a year or three years. 2349 03:16:33,040 --> 03:16:35,500 So we can wait to, we can fight the McCormack. 2350 03:16:35,740 --> 03:16:38,420 Commissioner, I'm not advocating for one position or other. 2351 03:16:38,420 --> 03:16:40,580 I'm just saying we go into this eyes wide open, 2352 03:16:40,780 --> 03:16:42,260 if that's the, if that's the, if that's the talk. 2353 03:16:42,620 --> 03:16:44,860 So, you know, it's like, it, you know, 2354 03:16:45,080 --> 03:16:47,640 just make it easier for them to pick a different town. 2355 03:16:49,380 --> 03:16:52,940 So, so Mr. President, I'm gonna make the same motion 2356 03:16:52,940 --> 03:16:54,760 and made on July 16th. 2357 03:16:54,760 --> 03:16:57,500 June 16th, June 16th, June 16th, correct. 2358 03:16:57,680 --> 03:16:58,180 I'm sorry. 2359 03:16:58,740 --> 03:17:00,260 I moved that the Board of County Commission, 2360 03:17:00,260 --> 03:17:04,700 The close record approved an adopted ordinance with the file on amendments, no new site 2361 03:17:04,700 --> 03:17:06,620 planned application for six months. 2362 03:17:13,170 --> 03:17:18,830 So I have a motion in a second to Commissioner Cox's motion for the six month and more 2363 03:17:18,830 --> 03:17:21,110 touring with the amendments that he mentioned. 2364 03:17:21,250 --> 03:17:23,190 Is there any further discussion on that? 2365 03:17:25,010 --> 03:17:28,890 We do have others that have signed up to speak, but it's after y'all already deliberating, so 2366 03:17:28,890 --> 03:17:29,610 I don't have another question. 2367 03:17:29,650 --> 03:17:30,370 Do I do that through the motion? 2368 03:17:30,470 --> 03:17:35,370 They can come back to public comment, public comment, or were during the text amendment 2369 03:17:35,370 --> 03:17:37,230 And if it's in line with that. 2370 03:17:37,430 --> 03:17:38,410 But there's a motion on the floor. 2371 03:17:38,690 --> 03:17:41,010 We're going to clear that up. 2372 03:17:41,130 --> 03:17:42,030 Is there any further discussion? 2373 03:17:43,830 --> 03:17:45,310 Hearing none, all those of you who say aye. 2374 03:17:45,490 --> 03:17:45,850 Aye. 2375 03:17:46,650 --> 03:17:47,010 Opposed? 2376 03:17:47,350 --> 03:17:48,030 Motion carries. 2377 03:17:48,510 --> 03:17:48,610 Thank you. 2378 03:18:07,070 --> 03:18:08,810 Well, that was easy onto the next one, Director. 2379 03:18:10,890 --> 03:18:13,650 So that does take us to 2380 03:18:15,860 --> 03:18:16,540 a work session. 2381 03:18:16,700 --> 03:18:19,580 Department of Planning, Zoning, Calvary County, Zoning coordinates. 2382 03:18:20,340 --> 03:18:20,860 We're going to put this to the next. 2383 03:18:23,140 --> 03:18:24,200 Let's give them a few minutes. 2384 03:18:24,200 --> 03:18:26,380 Really even played a lot. 2385 03:18:29,580 --> 03:18:30,440 Yeah, we're sure, we're good. 2386 03:18:31,240 --> 03:18:31,240 We 2387 03:19:01,350 --> 03:19:03,650 got the smoke. 2388 03:19:04,110 --> 03:19:05,210 We got smoke. 2389 03:19:07,290 --> 03:19:08,290 We're smoke. 2390 03:19:09,450 --> 03:19:10,090 We're smoke. 2391 03:19:10,230 --> 03:19:11,450 I know we're not from our neighbors. 2392 03:19:11,690 --> 03:19:11,870 We're smoke. 2393 03:19:13,350 --> 03:19:13,950 Thank you, Skith. 2394 03:19:15,710 --> 03:19:16,350 Let's go. 2395 03:19:16,830 --> 03:19:17,570 Thank you. 2396 03:19:18,570 --> 03:19:19,610 You're welcome. 2397 03:19:20,570 --> 03:19:21,250 Thank you. 2398 03:19:22,690 --> 03:19:23,330 I'm sorry. 2399 03:19:23,330 --> 03:19:23,410 I'm sorry. 2400 03:19:23,730 --> 03:19:24,670 I was so nervous. 2401 03:19:24,670 --> 03:19:25,150 I'm sorry. 2402 03:19:25,150 --> 03:19:25,690 I'm sorry. 2403 03:19:26,070 --> 03:19:26,830 I'm sorry. 2404 03:19:26,830 --> 03:19:27,010 I'm sorry. 2405 03:19:27,010 --> 03:19:27,070 I'm sorry. 2406 03:19:54,700 --> 03:19:59,940 We still have a meeting that's going to go on, so if you're leaving, please exit the room with your stay. 2407 03:20:00,000 --> 03:20:05,220 You were welcome to stay. It's up to you, but we need to be able to continue with our meeting. 2408 03:21:05,520 --> 03:21:07,060 Okay, Mr. Brinkley, 2409 03:21:09,100 --> 03:21:14,120 you want to get started on sure your presentation? 2410 03:21:15,060 --> 03:21:19,740 Jason Brinkley wants again director planning and zoning. This is a work session for 2411 03:21:19,740 --> 03:21:24,420 text amendments on the zoning ordinance. With me is Will Hager, Pliner 3 and 2412 03:21:24,420 --> 03:21:28,340 Rachel Shea, Deputy Director of Zoning, I'm going to turn it over to Will to walk 2413 03:21:28,340 --> 03:21:32,820 through these six, and then we can talk about the one we've sort of already talked about. 2414 03:21:34,340 --> 03:21:34,740 Okay. 2415 03:21:35,340 --> 03:21:38,900 Good afternoon commissioners, and I'm going to try to get through these slides as quickly as a 2416 03:21:38,900 --> 03:21:39,180 cancels. 2417 03:21:39,260 --> 03:21:41,960 I have a feeling we're going to be talking a little bit more about data centers. 2418 03:21:43,360 --> 03:21:47,780 Actually, not of any substance, and I think we can probably clear that up now. 2419 03:21:49,360 --> 03:21:57,760 I spoke with our Mr. Turning our break, and I was pretty sure that we cannot go into any 2420 03:21:57,760 --> 03:22:06,140 substantive conversation in regards to any text amendments that weren't advertised today in this meeting. 2421 03:22:06,180 --> 03:22:07,420 How about a panel? 2422 03:22:08,000 --> 03:22:08,640 No, no, no, no, no. 2423 03:22:08,640 --> 03:22:14,740 However, we can request at our next meeting that be put on for a work session. 2424 03:22:15,100 --> 03:22:16,380 So we can do that. 2425 03:22:16,560 --> 03:22:19,780 But as far as going into any substantive conversation, 2426 03:22:20,860 --> 03:22:22,800 for anything else regarding the data centers, 2427 03:22:23,080 --> 03:22:26,680 outside of what's already listed in this presentation we cannot do. 2428 03:22:26,680 --> 03:22:31,980 But we can take care of that right now if we can direct staff at the ground, okay, and that's just to make sure we're 2429 03:22:31,980 --> 03:22:36,240 complying with the Open Meetings Act, the advertisement provisions, all of those other things, okay. 2430 03:22:37,560 --> 03:22:47,100 And next week we do already have on the agenda, a text amendment to remove data centers as a use, which is basically a ban. 2431 03:22:47,860 --> 03:22:48,560 Next week. 2432 03:22:49,000 --> 03:22:49,720 It's next meeting. 2433 03:22:49,920 --> 03:22:50,680 10 or 20 seconds. 2434 03:22:50,920 --> 03:22:51,480 Whenever that is. 2435 03:22:53,260 --> 03:22:56,040 Why do I have September 1st as a meeting? 2436 03:22:56,900 --> 03:23:02,780 All right, it was changed broadly six weeks ago, something like that. 2437 03:23:02,780 --> 03:23:03,960 I'm like, come on, Garth. 2438 03:23:07,880 --> 03:23:09,400 All right, let's go ahead with your presentation, sir. 2439 03:23:09,900 --> 03:23:14,660 With that said, we're here today to review several proposed text amendments to the Zoning 2440 03:23:14,660 --> 03:23:15,480 Ordnance. 2441 03:23:15,480 --> 03:23:19,260 First we'll begin with some background, comprehensive rewrite, and updated the Zoning Ordnance 2442 03:23:19,260 --> 03:23:23,120 was adopted and came into effect March 1st of last year with additional text amendments 2443 03:23:23,120 --> 03:23:28,300 adopted September 30th, 2025, and July 28th, 2026, text amendments are being proposed 2444 03:23:28,300 --> 03:23:31,580 to address outstanding issues now to address with the recent zoning ordinance update and 2445 03:23:31,580 --> 03:23:36,800 tax amendments and over the next few slides, or we'll review proposed tax amendments 2625 2446 03:23:36,800 --> 03:23:38,180 through 2630. 2447 03:23:43,000 --> 03:23:48,340 So our first tax amendment is 2625. This amendment would allow electronic message 2448 03:23:48,340 --> 03:23:53,840 centers at public recreation areas with reader boards and existence as of the effective date 2449 03:23:53,840 --> 03:24:01,580 of March 1, 2025. In any district in the county, the sign face of the reader board may be 2450 03:24:01,580 --> 03:24:06,760 placed in kind with an electronic message center and this policy is consistent with the 2451 03:24:06,760 --> 03:24:11,460 policy for EMCs at places of worship that was adopted last year. 2452 03:24:16,840 --> 03:24:22,740 Next amendment, 2626, this extends the sunset date for getting approval for exception 2453 03:24:22,740 --> 03:24:28,400 lots by one year from March 1, 2027 to March 1, 2028. 2454 03:24:28,400 --> 03:24:34,240 So after March 1, 2028 the ability to create exception lots would come to an end and this 2455 03:24:34,240 --> 03:24:38,820 extension is being proposed because recent conditions have not been conducive for 2456 03:24:38,820 --> 03:24:41,980 per per testing so to be fair to property owners who haven't been able to 2457 03:24:41,980 --> 03:24:43,580 per test were proposed in an extension. 2458 03:24:44,600 --> 03:24:50,860 Okay, can I ask you one question but that will, if some I has one engineering, what happens? 2459 03:24:52,880 --> 03:24:59,280 And the per test is in conjunction with that engineering study, what happens if 2460 03:25:00,000 --> 03:25:02,520 If we don't get that done by one year, the more it's won. 2461 03:25:03,940 --> 03:25:07,960 So they have to, it's not that they have to have it approved. They just have to have it submitted. 2462 03:25:08,420 --> 03:25:13,440 So that's, that's, and since there hasn't been a wet season in two years, 2463 03:25:13,840 --> 03:25:17,700 are effectively not a wet season in two years, they haven't had a chance to utilize this. 2464 03:25:17,700 --> 03:25:20,580 So we're just extending it one year. It's just the application has to be a nothing. 2465 03:25:20,900 --> 03:25:22,080 Perfect. Thank you. 2466 03:25:25,890 --> 03:25:32,970 So next amendment 2627, the amendment proposes to relax the replacement planting requirements for cutting and clearing 2467 03:25:32,970 --> 03:25:40,030 in the critical area and certain circumstances, if 30% or more, but less than 50% of existing 2468 03:25:40,030 --> 03:25:44,630 natural vegetation is cleared, replacement required for the amount of clearing would be 2469 03:25:44,630 --> 03:25:48,330 two times the area of the entire clearing with this amendment. 2470 03:25:48,730 --> 03:25:54,890 This would only apply for properties within the limited development area, LDA or LDA 3, and 2471 03:25:54,890 --> 03:25:59,270 the clearing is limited to the minimum amount necessary to accommodate a principal structure, 2472 03:25:59,270 --> 03:26:04,050 including decks, paddies and accessory structures. Currently the replacement vegetation required 2473 03:26:04,050 --> 03:26:09,510 for clearing in these circumstances is on a three to one basis with the approval of a variance. 2474 03:26:10,170 --> 03:26:15,050 Staff will use this the current replacement plan to requirement is two burdensome for property 2475 03:26:15,050 --> 03:26:20,950 owners and the costs of meeting this requirement can get quite excessive. So we were able to get 2476 03:26:20,950 --> 03:26:25,610 buy in from the critical area commission to relax these requirements in these specific circumstances 2477 03:26:25,610 --> 03:26:28,870 in order to lower the financial burden on property owners. 2478 03:26:29,410 --> 03:26:33,790 And he did that to put that in English because I had a gentleman this week. 2479 03:26:34,130 --> 03:26:35,690 You know the case I'm talking about. 2480 03:26:35,990 --> 03:26:37,810 Does this help him? 2481 03:26:37,890 --> 03:26:39,810 I'd have to go back and look at that exact case. 2482 03:26:40,030 --> 03:26:40,750 But it helps to break. 2483 03:26:41,570 --> 03:26:45,570 And they wanted him to plant an acres where the trees, the fine. 2484 03:26:45,750 --> 03:26:48,130 I mean that the cost was going to be a couple hundred thousand. 2485 03:26:48,470 --> 03:26:51,410 And then the administrative fee was about 30k. 2486 03:26:51,790 --> 03:26:53,310 And this was all on. 2487 03:26:53,310 --> 03:26:55,790 plan that was already cleared it was a 2488 03:26:55,790 --> 03:26:59,450 believe it tobacco area at one point there is no even trees that 2489 03:26:59,450 --> 03:27:00,510 were going to be removed 2490 03:27:00,510 --> 03:27:04,810 but he was going to be forced to plant an acres worth a trees so i can't tell you 2491 03:27:04,810 --> 03:27:09,450 if it if it affects that exact property but it affects properties like that 2492 03:27:09,450 --> 03:27:13,030 where you have individual especially if that's already wooded i mean 2493 03:27:13,030 --> 03:27:16,130 this is we've had a quite a bit of discussion with critical air 2494 03:27:16,130 --> 03:27:20,150 commission on this uh... this is actually borrowed from something very similar 2495 03:27:20,150 --> 03:27:26,490 what anorundal is doing. I think their original interpretation of our regulation in Komaar 2496 03:27:26,490 --> 03:27:32,330 is actually more stringent. So if we went with what they originally interpreted it as almost 2497 03:27:32,330 --> 03:27:35,650 every case in the critical area would have to go to board of appeals, which would drastically 2498 03:27:35,650 --> 03:27:41,930 increase the cost. So this is the compromise position we worked out with critical area to allow 2499 03:27:41,930 --> 03:27:48,130 individuals to, you do reduce it from three to one down to two to one. So it is that number is 2500 03:27:48,130 --> 03:27:53,070 still large a lot of times for homeowners, but it brings it down a by-third what about the 2501 03:27:53,070 --> 03:27:57,010 administrative fee and the administrative fee you guys fix with your updated fees 2502 03:27:57,010 --> 03:28:04,890 scheduled on and July so maybe need to be looked at now especially these with these 2503 03:28:05,890 --> 03:28:11,310 strict guidelines from the state I have a hard time though I know it's a state rag but I have a hard 2504 03:28:12,770 --> 03:28:20,170 time for the same so unfair for the one you mentioned it cut down his out of pocket 2505 03:28:20,170 --> 03:28:24,930 cost for that fee it cut in half so it was a step in the right direction but I think 2506 03:28:24,930 --> 03:28:28,210 that's more of a budget question that we might want to have separate from from this 2507 03:28:28,210 --> 03:28:34,230 discussion. In the two to one taking that one from the three to one I mean it was 40,000 square 2508 03:28:34,230 --> 03:28:44,670 feet. I was soon in now be like 28. I was like there with quick math. I do have 2509 03:28:45,270 --> 03:28:48,470 Ron Marney our division chief for land management here. If he has anything 2510 03:28:48,470 --> 03:28:50,650 additional to add to this some of the specifics. 2511 03:28:54,500 --> 03:28:56,280 I mean as it's that's just totally 2512 03:28:56,280 --> 03:28:57,940 unfair to the resident. 2513 03:29:00,300 --> 03:29:04,360 Ron Marney our land management division chief. As far as that 2514 03:29:04,360 --> 03:29:09,000 individual project without having the numbers basically redo the math I couldn't 2515 03:29:09,000 --> 03:29:16,580 give you a specific but you're probably a ballpark. Again, you know, we went for the administrative 2516 03:29:16,580 --> 03:29:23,280 fee for the bond, went from 25% of the bond amount to 10% so that's a hell of a lot. 2517 03:29:24,000 --> 03:29:29,580 Now, that bond is still two years. Is that state regulated two years? So state requires two 2518 03:29:29,580 --> 03:29:36,200 year bond. Correct. It's two full of growing season. So it ends up being out two years just kind of 2519 03:29:36,200 --> 03:29:39,900 the bonds were fun to pull but you know when you get the cost of building as it is it's hard 2520 03:29:39,900 --> 03:29:49,540 enough and and just another fee or another fee so okay catcher I don't like it but it's 2521 03:29:49,540 --> 03:29:52,260 better than what it was a couple weeks ago 2522 03:29:54,600 --> 03:29:58,040 okay moving on to 2628 this amendment clarifies 2523 03:29:58,040 --> 03:29:59,940 in condition that applies 2524 03:30:00,000 --> 03:30:08,320 As a home occupations for in-home daycares and home commercial canals that they are exempt from the condition 2525 03:30:08,320 --> 03:30:13,020 that the occupation must be conducted entirely within the dwelling or an enclosed accessory structure. 2526 03:30:13,360 --> 03:30:19,160 This is just to acknowledge the reality that these types of uses are going to have to utilize outdoor areas to some extent. 2527 03:30:20,000 --> 03:30:27,540 And the amendment also adds a requirement that home occupation commercial canals obtained special exception approval from the Board of Appeals. 2528 03:30:27,540 --> 03:30:36,340 We've had some issues come up where neighboring property owners are displeased with their neighbor operating and commercial panel out of their home. 2529 03:30:36,820 --> 03:30:44,180 There are size restrictions 600 square feet that prevent a home occupation kennel from getting too out of hand, but nonetheless we do get some complaints. 2530 03:30:44,960 --> 03:30:56,660 So staff believes requiring board of appeals approval where neighbors are notified of the application to run a home occupation kennel on the neighboring property and giving them an opportunity to comment either in writing or by 2531 03:30:56,660 --> 03:31:01,520 voicing their concerns at the required public hearing and where the board can impose conditions 2532 03:31:01,520 --> 03:31:06,760 such as minimum setbacks in certain cases is a way to resolve potential disputes before 2533 03:31:06,760 --> 03:31:07,700 they become a problem. 2534 03:31:08,100 --> 03:31:09,620 Why are these two linked together? 2535 03:31:12,740 --> 03:31:15,340 I mean, daycares and canals completely two different sets of problems. 2536 03:31:15,360 --> 03:31:16,480 These are home occupations. 2537 03:31:17,380 --> 03:31:19,900 We have a lot of home occupations businesses out there. 2538 03:31:20,200 --> 03:31:22,460 And we have such a shortage of home daycares as it is. 2539 03:31:23,020 --> 03:31:26,480 I mean, that area is so stressed right now. 2540 03:31:27,440 --> 03:31:33,100 this relaxes the condition with the understanding that we know kids have to go outside and utilize 2541 03:31:33,100 --> 03:31:38,860 outdoor spaces for inform daycares and the same thing for in-home canals they are also 2542 03:31:38,860 --> 03:31:43,800 not to use the number of action we're not making it time for anything more just yes 2543 03:31:44,600 --> 03:31:52,340 making sure it's on the same slide just and the same text amendment for efficiency standpoint we are 2544 03:31:52,340 --> 03:31:54,200 I'm not leaking back here as a commercial. 2545 03:31:57,210 --> 03:31:59,130 It has given you latitude for being cautious. 2546 03:32:03,180 --> 03:32:05,200 Okay, next amendment, 2629. 2547 03:32:05,520 --> 03:32:14,400 This amendment is sort of a companion piece to the update of the agricultural preservation rules and regulations, which is tentatively scheduled to go to public hearing for adoption in late September. 2548 03:32:15,360 --> 03:32:21,320 There are some provisions that are currently in the zoning ordinance that have been moved to the updated rules and regs or bylaws, 2549 03:32:21,760 --> 03:32:24,180 because that's the more appropriate place for them to be. 2550 03:32:24,180 --> 03:32:29,140 And so we're proposing to remove those provisions from the zoning ordinance because they don't need to be duplicated. 2551 03:32:29,760 --> 03:32:37,800 This includes removing provisions addressing the agricultural preservation advisory board and provisions addressing transferable development rights for agricultural preservation districts. 2552 03:32:38,720 --> 03:32:43,920 There are conditions for land clearing debris landfill that are that were removed from the updated rules and regs. 2553 03:32:44,800 --> 03:32:47,880 And these are proposed to be included in the zoning ordinance with this amendment. 2554 03:32:47,880 --> 03:32:54,900 And the amendment removes the special exception requirement for sand gravel or mineral extraction with no processing for APDs 2555 03:32:54,900 --> 03:33:01,000 because the agricultural preservation advisory board approval is required for this use in APD so 2556 03:33:01,000 --> 03:33:03,820 staff believes that Board of Appeals approval isn't necessary. 2557 03:33:09,860 --> 03:33:16,880 And then last amendment, 2630, this amendment simply restores the setback policy for new commercial lots 2558 03:33:16,880 --> 03:33:22,780 and Dr. Dunkirk Town Center that was in place prior to the zoning ordinance update last 2559 03:33:22,780 --> 03:33:28,500 year. This was something that was omitted during the zoning ordinance update. So we're 2560 03:33:28,500 --> 03:33:33,040 just correcting that omission with this amendment. It doesn't open it up for expansion. 2561 03:33:34,200 --> 03:33:38,440 No, this doesn't change. This was the policy that was in place February of 2025. 2562 03:33:38,440 --> 03:33:39,360 I can just make sure. 2563 03:33:39,600 --> 03:33:41,020 I check that might. 2564 03:33:44,260 --> 03:33:51,040 And so that concludes our presentation slides, work session, this work session was a discussion 2565 03:33:51,040 --> 03:33:52,220 for informational purposes. 2566 03:33:52,340 --> 03:33:57,760 That is conducting a work session with the Planning Commission tomorrow and staff will proceed 2567 03:33:57,760 --> 03:34:02,320 with the public adoption process and scheduled public hearings with the Planning Commission 2568 03:34:02,320 --> 03:34:04,780 and Board of County Commissioners in the future. 2569 03:34:08,840 --> 03:34:09,040 Thank you. 2570 03:34:09,540 --> 03:34:09,940 Thank you. 2571 03:34:10,060 --> 03:34:10,340 Thank you. 2572 03:34:10,920 --> 03:34:11,260 Thank you. 2573 03:34:11,260 --> 03:34:12,420 If I 2574 03:34:18,280 --> 03:34:19,180 don't stand up, sir. 2575 03:34:21,070 --> 03:34:22,430 It's very patient pool. 2576 03:34:22,730 --> 03:34:24,570 Not as important as the next board. 2577 03:34:25,450 --> 03:34:29,410 But as you said, the Department of Planning is in cover. 2578 03:34:29,970 --> 03:34:32,130 It gives all the data transfer data program door. 2579 03:34:33,750 --> 03:34:35,510 Once again, Jason Brickley, director of planning and zoning 2580 03:34:35,510 --> 03:34:37,890 and I'll turn it over to Jessica Katano, planner 3, 2581 03:34:38,550 --> 03:34:39,830 to give you guys an update. 2582 03:34:41,530 --> 03:34:42,410 Good afternoon. 2583 03:34:42,630 --> 03:34:45,050 Jessica Katano, a transportation planner for planning and zoning. 2584 03:34:46,130 --> 03:34:59,930 I'm just going to go through the memo essentially what today is is informing the board as well as the citizens that the MBAT Secretary is performing the consolidated transportation or the CTP tour. 2585 03:35:00,000 --> 03:35:22,640 And they're coming to our county September 22nd at 1 p.m. So, some background, the CTP is Maryland 6-year capital budget for transportation in fiscal year 2026, M.D. introduced a pilot prioritization process with no funding available for surface transportation and capacity enhancing projects. 2586 03:35:22,640 --> 03:35:27,720 Last spring, the Calvary County Board of County Commissioners submitted their annual CTP 2587 03:35:27,720 --> 03:35:33,680 priority letter through MDOT's online portal for consideration, while MDOT has continued 2588 03:35:33,680 --> 03:35:38,720 the prioritization process, funding constraints, remain a significant challenge for advancing 2589 03:35:38,720 --> 03:35:45,440 coverage transportation initiatives. At the time of this meeting, the draft fiscal year 2590 03:35:45,440 --> 03:35:51,560 2027 to 2032, CTP draft has not been released for review. 2591 03:35:52,500 --> 03:35:57,980 Attached to the agenda was the previous years, for last years, 2592 03:35:58,160 --> 03:36:02,760 consolidatory transportation program priority letter from the county commissioners. 2593 03:36:03,160 --> 03:36:07,760 I'd be happy to go through those projects if you'd like, or if you have any questions. 2594 03:36:08,900 --> 03:36:10,440 I have a question. 2595 03:36:12,160 --> 03:36:22,300 I know there is money for the study at Dunkirk Park, the walkway, the crosswalk. 2596 03:36:22,780 --> 03:36:25,740 Yeah, to go over to the shopping center. 2597 03:36:27,220 --> 03:36:31,580 They're doing design now and there is money in there for that. 2598 03:36:31,680 --> 03:36:36,380 But I've been told or we've all been told, if the governor needs that money, 2599 03:36:36,380 --> 03:36:38,340 It's going to leave us. 2600 03:36:39,100 --> 03:36:40,880 It's not in here. 2601 03:36:41,100 --> 03:36:44,280 Is it not in here because it's already under consideration 2602 03:36:44,280 --> 03:36:45,460 and moving forward? 2603 03:36:46,580 --> 03:36:46,760 Yes. 2604 03:36:47,260 --> 03:36:47,340 OK. 2605 03:36:47,700 --> 03:36:49,780 That's probably probably helped you out with that. 2606 03:36:49,780 --> 03:36:51,000 Because we actually talked about it. 2607 03:36:51,000 --> 03:36:53,900 Linda, you can update from this this was last week. 2608 03:36:54,020 --> 03:36:56,060 I think we haven't had a chance to talk to you about it. 2609 03:36:56,520 --> 03:36:57,080 Sure. 2610 03:36:57,400 --> 03:36:59,120 Linda Turner County Administrator. 2611 03:36:59,260 --> 03:37:02,300 So we met with the Secretary Thompson last week 2612 03:37:02,300 --> 03:37:05,120 and we brought up the crosswalks 2613 03:37:05,120 --> 03:37:12,080 a long route for corridor, the specific one for Dunkirk requires additional funding for 2614 03:37:12,080 --> 03:37:18,200 construction, so they did give us a date I believe it was FY2029. 2615 03:37:19,320 --> 03:37:21,040 That project went over a million dollars. 2616 03:37:21,360 --> 03:37:23,860 Yeah, so we're mainly dollars for the crosswalks. 2617 03:37:25,160 --> 03:37:26,560 The three years from now. 2618 03:37:28,400 --> 03:37:34,180 But they also mentioned that any project in the pipeline they were going to move forward 2619 03:37:34,180 --> 03:37:40,940 board with unless there was inactivity, she said they would not be accepting any new project. 2620 03:37:42,260 --> 03:37:45,420 Which I'm quite sure they're going to tell us out when they come to visit as well. 2621 03:37:45,640 --> 03:37:47,100 So it's going to be a reiteration of that meeting. 2622 03:37:47,940 --> 03:37:50,080 But, some deposit did come out of that meeting. 2623 03:37:51,600 --> 03:37:53,200 So, was it our last meeting? 2624 03:37:53,540 --> 03:37:57,480 Mr. SD's came in and did an issue with scouring for it. 2625 03:37:57,480 --> 03:38:02,380 the orders are no pre- and we determined through conversation a lot of that's 2626 03:38:02,380 --> 03:38:08,280 closed by State Red Ronald. And as soon as we start that conversation and 2627 03:38:08,280 --> 03:38:11,460 brought it up, you could almost see the ad to change the room they were actually 2628 03:38:11,460 --> 03:38:14,860 excited because they've been looking for projects like that. And the best thing about 2629 03:38:14,860 --> 03:38:18,600 that project, as far as I was concerned with Mr. Estes and I told them that I 2630 03:38:18,600 --> 03:38:21,680 said not only did they come to us with a problem, but they actually came with 2631 03:38:23,300 --> 03:38:29,380 So, T.R. Costa is putting the S.A.T. people and thoughts with Mr. S.D.s in the front of 2632 03:38:29,380 --> 03:38:32,200 on Creek, and hopefully that's going to be a success story. 2633 03:38:32,920 --> 03:38:33,400 Absolutely. 2634 03:38:34,460 --> 03:38:39,220 So, the smaller projects, obviously, we have some big projects, but the smaller projects 2635 03:38:39,220 --> 03:38:43,460 we're definitely trying to push because we're hoping for greater success. 2636 03:38:44,380 --> 03:38:50,360 I actually had a citizen come in yesterday afternoon as I was walking out and she was 2637 03:38:50,360 --> 03:39:00,440 trying to advocate for, it is in this letter for sidewalks on Maryland 765 Main Street down 2638 03:39:00,440 --> 03:39:08,280 to Hall-Kill Drive and we've requested that it goes from where the sidewalks end to 2639 03:39:08,280 --> 03:39:17,080 Cover Town. So what the state and what I have been telling individuals is we will advocate 2640 03:39:17,080 --> 03:39:23,960 on your behalf, but they also need to hear from the citizens as well. 2641 03:39:28,370 --> 03:39:29,030 Well, thank you. 2642 03:39:29,250 --> 03:39:29,630 Thank you. 2643 03:39:29,830 --> 03:39:30,230 Thank you. 2644 03:39:40,040 --> 03:39:41,440 Set takes us to public comment. 2645 03:39:42,000 --> 03:39:45,200 All remarks and conduct must be respectful and re-improved, refrained from personal 2646 03:39:45,200 --> 03:39:49,180 attacks and inflammatory language or disruptive behavior prior to commencing your remarks. 2647 03:39:49,700 --> 03:39:51,940 Please state your full name for the record. 2648 03:39:52,440 --> 03:39:55,640 Individual speakers are allocated two minutes, doesn't need a representative speaking 2649 03:39:55,640 --> 03:39:58,700 on behalf of an organization or a lot of five minutes. 2650 03:39:58,700 --> 03:39:59,940 and the visual is taking the template. 2651 03:40:00,000 --> 03:40:06,900 Government and decisions are categorized as lobbyists and a required register with the ethics commission, prior to their engagement with the board. 2652 03:40:07,640 --> 03:40:15,340 In the event, any individual fails to maintain the quorum to presiding officer may take appropriate steps to restore order, including having the individual movement. 2653 03:40:19,110 --> 03:40:22,250 All right, for speaker up is Mr. Patrick Flaherty. 2654 03:40:27,260 --> 03:40:32,520 Good afternoon, Patrick Flaherty, love's of ease speaking on myself. I'm really flabbergasted. 2655 03:40:33,160 --> 03:40:40,340 I'm really flabbergasted at the meeting today, what most likely could be considered an open 2656 03:40:40,340 --> 03:40:45,840 meeting's violation act during the moratorium hearing, touched the amendment language 2657 03:40:45,840 --> 03:40:50,740 as brought up during that hearing, and if not, the violation of the open meeting act definitely 2658 03:40:50,740 --> 03:40:56,880 a parliamentary procedure violation, but not speaking to issues to remain to the issue at hand, 2659 03:40:57,380 --> 03:41:02,520 which is really mind-boggling. In addition, it seems like there's more political 2660 03:41:02,520 --> 03:41:07,120 the air going on here because as a commissioner of former government, we can't 2661 03:41:07,120 --> 03:41:12,340 ban any business, zero, because we don't have a state approval to do so. So by 2662 03:41:12,340 --> 03:41:18,600 just teasing the public that we're going to ban, we're going to put this language in 2663 03:41:18,600 --> 03:41:23,600 there, we can't do that unless we get approval from the legislature to do so, and 2664 03:41:23,600 --> 03:41:25,260 They're not going to do it, all right? 2665 03:41:25,880 --> 03:41:29,340 So going back to what I just call a clean reset, 2666 03:41:29,880 --> 03:41:30,860 yes, talk about text amendment. 2667 03:41:31,020 --> 03:41:33,220 Let's talk about rolling back the zoning ordinance, 2668 03:41:33,340 --> 03:41:35,820 the comprehensive plan of removing all data center language, 2669 03:41:36,540 --> 03:41:38,080 down zoning the properties back again. 2670 03:41:38,400 --> 03:41:39,860 You can do that, all right? 2671 03:41:40,040 --> 03:41:43,640 And then if necessary, later on, we can come back here, 2672 03:41:44,680 --> 03:41:46,860 if data center language needs to be added back into, 2673 03:41:47,060 --> 03:41:49,320 and we can go this whole process all over again. 2674 03:41:49,580 --> 03:41:51,720 But what you're doing today, what you've done today, 2675 03:41:51,720 --> 03:41:56,200 It's basically just pull the wall over the eyes with the people with this basic and more 2676 03:41:56,200 --> 03:41:57,840 and torn what has no teeth whatsoever. 2677 03:41:58,720 --> 03:41:59,880 You know, that's all I had to say. 2678 03:42:00,160 --> 03:42:06,260 I did have something that I wasn't going to read, but I figured this would have been this 2679 03:42:06,260 --> 03:42:06,800 better. 2680 03:42:07,360 --> 03:42:07,480 I know. 2681 03:42:07,700 --> 03:42:08,340 Thank you very much. 2682 03:42:08,540 --> 03:42:08,660 Thank you. 2683 03:42:08,920 --> 03:42:09,340 Thank you very much. 2684 03:42:09,660 --> 03:42:11,560 Next speaker is Sherry Reed. 2685 03:42:23,240 --> 03:42:23,380 All right. 2686 03:42:23,460 --> 03:42:25,920 Next speaker will be Mr. Kyle Russell. 2687 03:42:25,920 --> 03:42:26,500 Kind 2688 03:42:42,020 --> 03:42:45,920 of also I'll be speaking as the Commodore Solomon's Island Model Boat Club 2689 03:42:47,480 --> 03:42:57,400 So our club is a nationally recognized organization under the AMIA and we're listed as club number 90 that recognition is independent and sovereign 2690 03:42:57,820 --> 03:43:07,220 Okay, do they're Jeff Murray nor this board and make decisions about what the members of the club look like and who the Commodore is 2691 03:43:08,820 --> 03:43:13,560 The museum makes use to require volunteer status for access to its workshop. 2692 03:43:14,420 --> 03:43:14,900 That's fine. 2693 03:43:15,100 --> 03:43:17,900 Our club does not require any volunteer status for membership. 2694 03:43:18,540 --> 03:43:19,740 We're going to independent club. 2695 03:43:20,140 --> 03:43:22,700 No external entity can impose such a condition. 2696 03:43:24,880 --> 03:43:30,300 So, being an independent club, we work in cooperation with the Green Museum. 2697 03:43:31,760 --> 03:43:33,500 We are not supporting it to them. 2698 03:43:33,500 --> 03:43:36,880 We're partners, we're not a county control body. 2699 03:43:37,540 --> 03:43:38,520 And in fact two years ago, 2700 03:43:38,680 --> 03:43:40,800 Jeff Murray insisted that our club side of Charter 2701 03:43:40,800 --> 03:43:43,440 basically stating that we were part of the museum. 2702 03:43:44,900 --> 03:43:47,520 We unanimously stood in front of him and said, 2703 03:43:47,640 --> 03:43:49,120 we are not part of the museum. 2704 03:43:49,560 --> 03:43:50,820 We are an independent club. 2705 03:43:54,720 --> 03:43:58,440 So it's been known for years that we are an independent club. 2706 03:43:59,500 --> 03:44:03,080 I also need to address the closed session you guys have on the 28th. 2707 03:44:04,000 --> 03:44:19,580 You guys, under the closed session, under a personal exemption, and we'll see, but it sure appears that you chose that opportunity to take a vote to vote me out of the, I'm not sure what board or commission. 2708 03:44:20,200 --> 03:44:31,580 You think that was a part of, but, and then you also voted to, by consensus, give direction for future appointments to that board commission committee. 2709 03:44:32,340 --> 03:44:38,060 interesting thing is two days after that I held a meeting with my club and they showed up 2710 03:44:38,060 --> 03:44:43,680 with what was essentially an employment contract that Jeff Murray had handed them that he 2711 03:44:43,680 --> 03:44:49,340 wanted them to all sign committing to whatever roles were on that. Now again, every one of them 2712 03:44:49,340 --> 03:44:53,640 looked at this and said, what is this? That's not our club crumbled it up and threw it away. 2713 03:44:54,500 --> 03:44:59,880 That'll come out as I'm sure you already know the Open Meeting Act of I. 2714 03:45:00,000 --> 03:45:18,780 The issue of request has been filed. Since all this happened, the county's ADA report has been released in a confirmed that my grievance about the ADA violation was properly brought to the company museum and that the museum has revised its operating procedures to prevent this type of infraction from happening again. 2715 03:45:19,080 --> 03:45:26,280 So I corrected it and they came back and said, hey, we are going to change our procedures to this doesn't happen again. 2716 03:45:26,280 --> 03:45:32,920 So the underlying issue has been acknowledged and corrected and the accounts of the 2717 03:45:32,920 --> 03:45:37,820 covering museum staff and the 911 call directly contradict the county's assertion that 2718 03:45:37,820 --> 03:45:43,800 calls to disturb, it's in any way at that moment, or that I endangered anyone continuing 2719 03:45:43,800 --> 03:45:51,360 the trust pass now serves only to retaliate against me and to prevent further members 2720 03:45:51,360 --> 03:45:54,640 from coming forward and protesting against mistreatment. 2721 03:45:56,140 --> 03:46:01,160 I'm a reasonable person, and this is an appropriate time for the county to reach out and try 2722 03:46:01,160 --> 03:46:01,840 to settle this. 2723 03:46:02,100 --> 03:46:07,140 Lift in the trust pass with demonstrate integrity, respect for the ADA compliance, and support 2724 03:46:07,140 --> 03:46:12,020 for national, nationally recognized heritage club that serves community for decades. 2725 03:46:13,040 --> 03:46:18,060 I urge you to act justly to lift the trust pass until allow our club to continue its 2726 03:46:18,060 --> 03:46:19,940 mission without political influence. 2727 03:46:20,600 --> 03:46:43,500 Additionally, I'd like you guys to direct your county administrator to respond to my request about a status for her investigation into the discriminatory practices that I raised her back in April, and the comments that Jeff Murray made about me and my club members being a danger to women. 2728 03:46:44,400 --> 03:46:53,240 Nothing has been said to me about that since I've already said complaint, it hasn't even been acknowledged by the county administrator by the board or by any it turned. 2729 03:46:54,140 --> 03:47:02,500 So I would appreciate that to actually be pushed forward. Obviously I'll pursue the other methods that I have, but it really shouldn't take that. 2730 03:47:02,500 --> 03:47:10,860 You know, I raised an evidence of discrimination against older men, it's being ignored. 2731 03:47:11,180 --> 03:47:16,220 Not even recognized as, hey, you know, we looked into this and we don't think that it's a thing. 2732 03:47:16,580 --> 03:47:17,060 Just ignore. 2733 03:47:18,120 --> 03:47:19,160 So, that's all I have to say. 2734 03:47:19,620 --> 03:47:20,240 Thank you. 2735 03:47:20,780 --> 03:47:22,260 Next speaker is the Antoine Wyatt. 2736 03:47:32,130 --> 03:47:33,670 Well, good afternoon, everyone. 2737 03:47:33,990 --> 03:47:34,350 Hello. 2738 03:47:34,570 --> 03:47:35,010 President. 2739 03:47:35,470 --> 03:47:37,750 Ireland, board members, staff. 2740 03:47:38,530 --> 03:47:41,190 I brought my phone up here but I really didn't write out anything. 2741 03:47:41,810 --> 03:47:46,830 just came to listen and to be a part of the meeting. But as I was sitting here and 2742 03:47:46,830 --> 03:47:50,930 let's listen to it. Oh, sorry about that. You can ask it in the description. 2743 03:47:51,210 --> 03:47:56,290 Thank you. But I actually just wanted to take the time to say thank you guys for 2744 03:47:56,290 --> 03:48:02,270 everything that all of you do. I know it's not easy. Until you're an elected official, 2745 03:48:02,510 --> 03:48:06,290 you really don't know what it's really like to have to make decisions sometimes. 2746 03:48:07,010 --> 03:48:10,330 As I was sitting out here, there are a lot of people who had a lot of different 2747 03:48:10,330 --> 03:48:14,410 things to say, and we have to take all that to consideration. 2748 03:48:15,130 --> 03:48:16,990 Thank you, guys, for the school board budget. 2749 03:48:17,290 --> 03:48:19,870 That's something that's very, very important to everyone. 2750 03:48:20,530 --> 03:48:25,010 I know the Moratorium was really the main topic for the day. 2751 03:48:25,130 --> 03:48:27,430 You look at the room now, and it's pretty much empty now, 2752 03:48:27,710 --> 03:48:30,790 because that's something that was really, really important to a lot of people. 2753 03:48:31,190 --> 03:48:34,850 So thank you for passing that Moratorium as well. 2754 03:48:34,950 --> 03:48:38,930 The AAA bond rating, we got to spoke about that. 2755 03:48:38,930 --> 03:48:43,770 And we all know that that's very important, so I wanted to say thank you for that as well. 2756 03:48:44,410 --> 03:48:52,950 So now, you know, what people were saying, you know, as far as rezoning and, you know, possible ban or strengthening, you know, that. 2757 03:48:52,970 --> 03:48:59,870 I know you guys are really listening now. You can do a hundred great things and maybe one bad and they're going to focus on that. 2758 03:49:00,070 --> 03:49:08,430 But as a resident of Calvary County, all my life, I do know the benefits that we've received and the safety that we have in Calvary County. 2759 03:49:08,430 --> 03:49:15,670 Under you guys leadership, you know, we're going to have at least three new commissioners coming up and then the next 2760 03:49:15,670 --> 03:49:20,850 After the next election, so it's going to be very important that they have relationships 2761 03:49:20,850 --> 03:49:25,410 I've had conversations with all of you I've had conversations with most of the staff 2762 03:49:25,410 --> 03:49:28,150 And I think that a lot of things have to do with relationships 2763 03:49:28,150 --> 03:49:32,030 You have to have a relationship and open communication with people 2764 03:49:32,030 --> 03:49:35,930 So I just wanted to come because I was compelled to say I'm here 2765 03:49:35,930 --> 03:49:40,090 I want to say for the entire meeting because it's not only about more 2766 03:49:40,090 --> 03:49:43,330 toriums and data sentences about the county in general. 2767 03:49:43,950 --> 03:49:46,490 So once again, just want to say, hey, thank you. 2768 03:49:46,710 --> 03:49:49,110 And all that good stuff, and that's my time. 2769 03:49:49,570 --> 03:49:49,950 Thank you. 2770 03:49:50,370 --> 03:49:52,510 Speaker is Jake, is it for catch? 2771 03:49:55,470 --> 03:49:56,990 Is there a Jake Burkhead? 2772 03:50:05,390 --> 03:50:05,950 Hello, 2773 03:50:19,890 --> 03:50:41,850 my name is Vicky Richardson. I'm speaking for myself. I hope you all do the moratorium. And the three that's going out, I'd like you to go out with class before I did vote for you. So please go out with class. And maybe next time it's vote, you'll be back in here. 2774 03:50:43,310 --> 03:50:48,370 But I came up today for a problem I'm having that I can't get help. 2775 03:50:50,010 --> 03:51:00,610 I am being harassed by a woman with false phone numbers, false Facebook page, people, 2776 03:51:02,070 --> 03:51:09,430 and I know who it is, but I can't get anybody to look into it so I can get a restrained 2777 03:51:09,430 --> 03:51:13,690 know what her. She used to be at the American Legion, 2778 03:51:14,590 --> 03:51:17,070 Luz B-275, where I am. 2779 03:51:19,570 --> 03:51:23,810 She has been saying that I need to leave a little bit. 2780 03:51:23,890 --> 03:51:27,730 I don't want to cut you off by the means, but if this is a criminal matter and it 2781 03:51:27,730 --> 03:51:30,310 could end up in a criminal matter and you need your restraining order really 2782 03:51:30,310 --> 03:51:34,890 a sheriff's office is going to be here. I've been to this, they say they can't do 2783 03:51:34,890 --> 03:51:39,630 anything about it. That's why I'm saying I need help where to go. Have you talked to a 2784 03:51:39,630 --> 03:51:46,190 your core commissioner? No, I had called Jaws office. So a lot of times the 2785 03:51:46,190 --> 03:51:49,550 lot of times people say go see the commissioner's office. This isn't the right 2786 03:51:49,550 --> 03:51:53,470 commissioner's office. Okay where do I get the district court? The district court 2787 03:51:53,470 --> 03:51:57,250 commissioner's office is over in a district court building here and they can 2788 03:51:57,250 --> 03:52:01,410 probably help you with that matter. Yeah because now she's got people going meet 2789 03:52:01,410 --> 03:52:05,690 petta- I wouldn't go out into depth here. I really wouldn't do that. That's only 2790 03:52:05,690 --> 03:52:12,690 reason I got you all. So I go to go to the district court commissioners office. Okay. Okay, and they can help you there. 2791 03:52:13,730 --> 03:52:18,550 Man, I'm the clerk as soon as we're done here. I will meet you on the hallway and give you other resources as well. 2792 03:52:18,950 --> 03:52:21,130 Okay. Thank you. All right. Well, because I'm almost 70. 2793 03:52:22,230 --> 03:52:25,730 You know, I'm like this is terrible. Yes, they should be able to help you. 2794 03:52:25,730 --> 03:52:27,690 Okay. All right. You have a great rest of your day. 2795 03:52:28,770 --> 03:52:31,830 Next speaker is Loryoung. 2796 03:52:32,550 --> 03:52:34,370 Do we have a Loryoung in the audience? 2797 03:52:36,680 --> 03:52:36,800 All right. 2798 03:52:36,980 --> 03:52:39,340 Next speaker is Michael Pollock. 2799 03:52:45,460 --> 03:52:46,360 Oh, Michael Block. 2800 03:52:46,480 --> 03:52:48,060 I'm speaking as an individual. 2801 03:52:50,000 --> 03:52:51,160 Good to just societies. 2802 03:52:51,840 --> 03:52:53,980 Usually take a long time to perform. 2803 03:52:54,640 --> 03:52:55,960 I've done a lot of them. 2804 03:52:55,980 --> 03:52:57,740 I know some of them take years. 2805 03:52:58,680 --> 03:53:00,880 Usually two years is not enough. 2806 03:53:01,520 --> 03:53:03,780 Especially when there's a question about funding. 2807 03:53:06,200 --> 03:53:13,380 Suggestion that the Commission changed the zoning toward it was before, as mentioned by 2808 03:53:13,380 --> 03:53:19,580 Brassel and Haraj, I think that's an excellent idea that they should change it back and also 2809 03:53:19,580 --> 03:53:26,660 band data centers. It takes a long time to do a good series of studies to evaluate the answers 2810 03:53:26,660 --> 03:53:34,100 regarding it. Once these studies are done, then they can be re-evaluated. 2811 03:53:34,100 --> 03:53:38,090 and our position could be really good. 2812 03:53:38,210 --> 03:53:42,670 Calvert County also needs to allocate 2813 03:53:42,670 --> 03:53:44,890 some money to fund these studies. 2814 03:53:46,070 --> 03:53:48,770 Again, I've gone with the environmental, 2815 03:53:49,050 --> 03:53:53,210 or I've attended the Environmental Commission meeting, 2816 03:53:53,750 --> 03:53:56,410 and that's one of the big questions they have, 2817 03:53:56,770 --> 03:53:59,590 is who's gonna fund or where are they gonna get funding 2818 03:53:59,590 --> 03:54:00,530 for the stuff. 2819 03:54:01,790 --> 03:54:04,170 And all these studies do take money. 2820 03:54:04,170 --> 03:54:10,450 So, I want to thank you for your attendance and for your good suggestions. 2821 03:54:11,170 --> 03:54:11,370 Thank you. 2822 03:54:11,370 --> 03:54:11,850 Thank you. 2823 03:54:13,530 --> 03:54:15,570 Next speaker is Nancy Krauss. 2824 03:54:24,100 --> 03:54:24,740 Good afternoon. 2825 03:54:25,400 --> 03:54:26,860 Nancy Krauss speaking as an individual. 2826 03:54:27,540 --> 03:54:27,960 Thank you. 2827 03:54:28,280 --> 03:54:31,760 I want to thank the commissioners for doing the right thing. 2828 03:54:32,220 --> 03:54:35,260 I had to step out to take a phone call from a physician. 2829 03:54:35,660 --> 03:54:37,600 So I really didn't hear how it all ended. 2830 03:54:37,600 --> 03:54:41,300 but I am hoping it ends well for everyone. 2831 03:54:43,580 --> 03:54:45,760 I want to address a few other things. 2832 03:54:46,540 --> 03:54:49,840 School will be starting soon, and we have amazing teachers 2833 03:54:49,840 --> 03:54:51,960 and support staff for our kids. 2834 03:54:52,620 --> 03:54:56,700 I hope many of the educators will take the opportunity 2835 03:54:56,700 --> 03:54:59,340 to discuss how democracy works. 2836 03:55:00,000 --> 03:55:08,160 I think Calvert County has demonstrated that. Our small county of Calvert is such a great example of the power of the people. 2837 03:55:08,820 --> 03:55:17,220 Communities came together over a cause that we all felt strongly against. We worked together to change the flavor of the BOCC. 2838 03:55:18,540 --> 03:55:25,220 Three long-established members were primary. It shocked many, many people. 2839 03:55:25,220 --> 03:55:28,380 But that's how democracy works. 2840 03:55:29,060 --> 03:55:30,120 People have the power. 2841 03:55:31,260 --> 03:55:34,200 So I'm asking teachers, please take this opportunity 2842 03:55:34,200 --> 03:55:37,240 to bring civics into the curriculum. 2843 03:55:38,340 --> 03:55:41,200 The other thing I want to address is the recent decision 2844 03:55:41,200 --> 03:55:45,200 that the BOCC had violated the open meetings act. 2845 03:55:45,800 --> 03:55:48,940 I appreciate those findings being read at the beginning of the meeting. 2846 03:55:49,500 --> 03:55:52,600 Much time and effort by several citizens and organizations 2847 03:55:52,600 --> 03:55:57,440 went into obtaining that info to place this concern. Please know that when 2848 03:55:57,440 --> 03:56:01,960 citizens ask the staff to obtain information, it is not to make them 2849 03:56:01,960 --> 03:56:07,540 do busy work. It is not to harass them. Yet it is to gather information and 2850 03:56:07,540 --> 03:56:13,320 documentation that proves a concern of the way things have happened. A lot of 2851 03:56:13,320 --> 03:56:18,140 digging and puzzle-piece information went into making those reports. During 2852 03:56:18,140 --> 03:56:24,680 Several meetings, some BOCC members sat up there and criticized the community community and 2853 03:56:24,680 --> 03:56:27,500 making them ask for this information. 2854 03:56:28,500 --> 03:56:33,300 I think it proved that that was vital information that needed to be shared. 2855 03:56:33,880 --> 03:56:34,140 Thank you. 2856 03:56:34,200 --> 03:56:34,760 Thank you for your time. 2857 03:56:35,300 --> 03:56:36,940 Next speaker is Ethan Cox. 2858 03:56:42,280 --> 03:56:42,800 Hello again. 2859 03:56:43,420 --> 03:56:43,840 Commissioners. 2860 03:56:44,140 --> 03:56:48,440 Ethan Cox can't at four district one county commissioners speaking on behalf of myself. 2861 03:56:50,260 --> 03:56:55,100 So I just want to flash back to clock all the way to, if it was the January or February 2862 03:56:55,100 --> 03:57:02,540 2025, where, you know, we had concerns as a community about density in our town centers. 2863 03:57:03,560 --> 03:57:07,720 And somehow the vote to address that also included rezoning the 800 acres. 2864 03:57:08,520 --> 03:57:13,440 And I think, I'm not believing anyone for that vote because I think all of you did it with good 2865 03:57:13,440 --> 03:57:14,240 intent in mind. 2866 03:57:14,240 --> 03:57:18,880 And I don't think there is anything the ferry is going on, anyone saying otherwise is frankly wrong. 2867 03:57:19,600 --> 03:57:23,880 But with that said, I think that there has been a dialogue about county revenue. 2868 03:57:24,520 --> 03:57:29,980 That was shown even today where, you know, it's almost seen as this binary choice. 2869 03:57:30,160 --> 03:57:34,940 Oh, we need high density housing, you know, we need 10,000 units or we need a data center. 2870 03:57:36,060 --> 03:57:36,780 I don't think that's true. 2871 03:57:36,780 --> 03:57:43,420 I don't think we need either of those things to ensure our physical 2872 03:57:43,420 --> 03:57:48,400 stability moving forward and I'm mainly looking at two opportunities for this next 2873 03:57:48,400 --> 03:57:55,080 board. Number one, Constellation's pilot agreement is up next year and according 2874 03:57:55,080 --> 03:57:59,160 to some experts we're pretty undervalued on that current agreement. Right now it's 2875 03:57:59,160 --> 03:58:02,260 21 million. I'm here and it could be up to 10 million more that we could get if we 2876 03:58:02,260 --> 03:58:05,720 Hopefully do this right based off some experts I talked to up in DC. 2877 03:58:07,040 --> 03:58:11,240 So when we're looking at, say a medium sized data center is $25 million dollars. 2878 03:58:11,600 --> 03:58:14,320 That's 10 million right there that we may have left on the table or maybe the economic 2879 03:58:14,320 --> 03:58:16,700 conditions say right out of time to get some more money. 2880 03:58:17,060 --> 03:58:22,140 The other thing that I'm looking at is we have a federal and state grant deficit. 2881 03:58:22,360 --> 03:58:27,000 We're making 10% of what St. Mary's does and what Charles County does off of our grants 2882 03:58:27,000 --> 03:58:28,240 from our federal and state partners. 2883 03:58:28,700 --> 03:58:31,280 And I don't care what party they are because the Trump administration's doing it and 2884 03:58:31,280 --> 03:58:33,940 more administration's doing it, and we're leaving money on the table. 2885 03:58:34,580 --> 03:58:39,340 So really when we're talking about how do we get $30 million to make sure that issues such 2886 03:58:39,340 --> 03:58:44,680 as our teachers' health care is covered, we can look other ways than just high-density 2887 03:58:44,680 --> 03:58:46,420 housing and data centers. 2888 03:58:46,840 --> 03:58:47,340 Thank you. 2889 03:58:47,520 --> 03:58:47,820 Thank you. 2890 03:58:48,160 --> 03:58:48,540 Thank you. 2891 03:58:48,540 --> 03:58:49,880 Next speaker is Jeff Tixon. 2892 03:58:52,420 --> 03:58:52,980 Good afternoon. 2893 03:58:52,980 --> 03:58:53,880 My name is Jeff Tixon. 2894 03:58:54,060 --> 03:58:55,400 I'll be representing myself. 2895 03:58:55,840 --> 03:59:00,520 This will basically be a repeat because Mr. and Grasso had to step out. 2896 03:59:00,520 --> 03:59:02,880 So, this is why I'm doing it again. 2897 03:59:03,940 --> 03:59:09,640 So, first of all, I would like to thank Mike Hart and Catherine Gassau for the 2898 03:59:09,640 --> 03:59:16,020 persistent to introduce a more thorium at the last six times in the past. 2899 03:59:16,160 --> 03:59:19,620 It's been a bumpy road with legal procedures changing or being reinforced. 2900 03:59:21,400 --> 03:59:24,120 Hopefully, hopefully you'll be finally approved. 2901 03:59:24,620 --> 03:59:27,960 Second, I saw your video yesterday. 2902 03:59:27,960 --> 03:59:33,020 Thank you for creating our guidelines to earn the more authority. 2903 03:59:34,340 --> 03:59:38,940 Thanks for addressing the Arizona ordinance that needs to be rolled back to the original 2904 03:59:38,940 --> 03:59:40,220 comprehensive plan. 2905 03:59:40,920 --> 03:59:46,820 Thanks for addressing the environmental study that is unique for cover County. 2906 03:59:47,240 --> 03:59:48,120 Thank you very much. 2907 03:59:48,400 --> 03:59:48,800 Thank you. 2908 03:59:48,800 --> 03:59:50,520 Next speaker is Dylan Johnson. 2909 04:00:07,790 --> 04:00:11,150 Still in Johnson and St. Leonard speaking for myself today. 2910 04:00:11,290 --> 04:00:11,530 Perfect. 2911 04:00:12,910 --> 04:00:15,190 So congrats on the more touring book. 2912 04:00:15,490 --> 04:00:18,790 I think everybody that showed up here was pretty happy about that. 2913 04:00:19,770 --> 04:00:20,970 Like Mr. White said earlier. 2914 04:00:21,890 --> 04:00:21,890 Clearly, 2915 04:00:24,580 --> 04:00:26,060 a lot of them were here for that. 2916 04:00:26,880 --> 04:00:32,140 I heard a lot of different counties and a lot of different areas coming out to support a more touring for liberal 2917 04:00:32,140 --> 04:00:33,040 Calvary counties. 2918 04:00:34,100 --> 04:00:35,700 So, you know, who does to them? 2919 04:00:35,860 --> 04:00:38,680 I guess it reaches out, but, you know, 2920 04:00:38,800 --> 04:00:40,100 they're the same counties in all the stuff. 2921 04:00:40,820 --> 04:00:43,280 Also, you know, pollute everything around them. 2922 04:00:43,420 --> 04:00:45,600 It's the determines that there is forever in the country. 2923 04:00:46,420 --> 04:00:47,880 Well, we got Charles County up here saying, 2924 04:00:48,060 --> 04:00:49,700 we need a more total amount of data centers 2925 04:00:49,700 --> 04:00:51,560 because it affects us too. 2926 04:00:52,120 --> 04:00:53,300 Sure, great. 2927 04:00:53,460 --> 04:00:54,920 Fix your own stuff, though, you know? 2928 04:00:55,400 --> 04:00:57,020 Go fix that first. 2929 04:00:57,700 --> 04:01:01,300 We've been doing just fine, but that really is me 2930 04:01:01,300 --> 04:01:02,900 to the only point I wanted to make today. 2931 04:01:02,900 --> 04:01:08,680 with that moratorium, clearly everybody was in favor of that cool, I'm fine with that. 2932 04:01:09,020 --> 04:01:12,880 The problem lies in where are you going to find the funding, right? 2933 04:01:13,480 --> 04:01:16,280 So Marilyn has a status failing, we all know that. 2934 04:01:17,780 --> 04:01:23,960 It seems like there's a correlation with poverty rates as opposed to state grant funding rates. 2935 04:01:24,760 --> 04:01:29,340 We rank as one of the lowest counties, if not the lowest county in poverty rate, therefore 2936 04:01:29,340 --> 04:01:31,300 where we get the least amount of state funding 2937 04:01:31,300 --> 04:01:32,580 for any kind of programs. 2938 04:01:33,700 --> 04:01:36,220 So is that where we're going to make up all the difference? 2939 04:01:37,760 --> 04:01:41,360 We've had to make up teacher salaries out of our own pocket 2940 04:01:41,360 --> 04:01:42,860 and all that good stuff. 2941 04:01:43,120 --> 04:01:44,980 I just don't see an avenue out. 2942 04:01:46,560 --> 04:01:48,940 And the three that are leaving, the two that 2943 04:01:48,940 --> 04:01:51,220 are have made it to the next round, I guess. 2944 04:01:51,380 --> 04:01:53,500 I'll say, anybody has in a running. 2945 04:01:53,820 --> 04:01:56,620 I mean, I just want to hear a plan that you 2946 04:01:56,620 --> 04:01:58,920 got elected by running on a simple platform 2947 04:01:58,920 --> 04:02:05,920 no data centers. I haven't heard anything outside of that. That was it. That was where they drew 2948 04:02:05,920 --> 04:02:12,580 the line. What is the plan moving forward? That's it. Thank you. Thank you. 2949 04:02:17,690 --> 04:02:21,570 Commissioners, we have no other speakers in the audience at this time. I will turn it over to 2950 04:02:21,570 --> 04:02:23,350 Andrew Miller, who is going to be our moderator. 2951 04:02:26,570 --> 04:02:30,390 We do have some speakers online. If anyone else 2952 04:02:30,390 --> 04:02:34,210 which is to speak, please raise your hand or press the start five function. 2953 04:02:35,050 --> 04:02:38,770 Caller with the last four digits ending in 4, 4, 8, 5. 2954 04:02:38,790 --> 04:02:42,610 We are ready to receive your comments, please state your name and address, and whether 2955 04:02:42,610 --> 04:02:47,750 you'll be speaking as an individual, or as the designated representative of a group, 2956 04:02:48,130 --> 04:02:50,390 please press star six to mute. 2957 04:02:56,640 --> 04:03:00,760 Hi, my name is Teresa Jailer from Hunting Town, and I'm speaking on behalf of myself. 2958 04:03:01,400 --> 04:03:08,660 I've been involved with the planning of voting process since January 2025, trying to do some 2959 04:03:08,660 --> 04:03:13,440 family conveyances, and there were some major changes that got stuck up into the whole 2960 04:03:13,440 --> 04:03:18,520 March 1st, rewrite, and I think it's going to cherry-picking, you know, just the data center 2961 04:03:18,520 --> 04:03:22,900 stuff, now that we have community involvement, now we have a new sense of governance, now we have a new 2962 04:03:22,900 --> 04:03:29,780 sense of transparency, let's roll back the entire planning of voting regulations to that pre-March 2963 04:03:29,780 --> 04:03:58,240 first date, because as you can help them, all the techs of them, and for kind of that in clean up trying to fix all the things we rush through, and I think now that we have community engagement, and I have personal stake in it, I'm interested in going back. Instead of, you know, the whole smoke and mirrors that we were working with or at least things like we were working with, I think there's a real opportunity to come clean and start fresh, and I wish, such as the data center problem, it's really people protecting their properties. 2964 04:03:58,240 --> 04:04:01,680 and having, you know, stay in what they do with their property. 2965 04:04:02,520 --> 04:04:03,680 So, hope that can be considered. 2966 04:04:06,980 --> 04:04:07,740 Thank you. 2967 04:04:07,920 --> 04:04:08,240 Thank you. 2968 04:04:08,380 --> 04:04:08,860 All right. 2969 04:04:10,460 --> 04:04:13,520 There are no other speakers at this time with their hands raised. 2970 04:04:16,780 --> 04:04:17,040 Okay. 2971 04:04:17,120 --> 04:04:17,340 Thanks. 2972 04:04:18,040 --> 04:04:19,420 Thank you. 2973 04:04:19,680 --> 04:04:19,680 Well, 2974 04:04:26,780 --> 04:04:31,260 there's been a lot of activity going on with North Beach Volunteer Fire Department. 2975 04:04:31,260 --> 04:04:32,920 There are a hundredth anniversary. 2976 04:04:34,020 --> 04:04:37,820 I attended the Bayside History Museum and Pat Nutter, 2977 04:04:37,820 --> 04:04:46,240 who is a long time-covered county and he took us back decades with some great stories. 2978 04:04:46,720 --> 04:04:52,380 Twin Beach Libraries John Tiffett, who is a firefighter, he is written a wonderful book 2979 04:04:52,380 --> 04:04:56,580 on the history of North Beach Volunteer Fire Department. 2980 04:04:57,120 --> 04:04:59,940 I also attended the Adult Treatment Court. 2981 04:05:00,180 --> 04:05:09,300 I also attended First Friday. A American Chestnut Land Trust, they had a crab feast, and I attended that. 2982 04:05:09,440 --> 04:05:21,740 The parade on Saturday for the fire department, I was unable to attend that, but I was lucky enough to be there as so many of the apparatus and apparatus as a word. 2983 04:05:21,740 --> 04:05:28,220 I'm embracing. I didn't know what packet was when I first got here, but fire trucks and ambulances 2984 04:05:28,220 --> 04:05:34,600 and the old apparatus. It was great seeing that. Also attended the master, which was a lot 2985 04:05:34,600 --> 04:05:41,820 of fun. The One Room Schoolhouse had a ice cream social and I attended that and also had a 2986 04:05:41,820 --> 04:05:49,980 tour of the One Room Schoolhouse. On Friday, I attended the Calvert House celebration. It was held 2987 04:05:49,980 --> 04:05:51,300 at the Rod and Real. 2988 04:05:51,860 --> 04:05:56,100 My suggestion is, covered hospital, do more of these. 2989 04:05:56,400 --> 04:06:00,660 It was affordable, got to connect with people. 2990 04:06:00,800 --> 04:06:02,180 I raised my children with. 2991 04:06:02,180 --> 04:06:03,840 I've been on committees with. 2992 04:06:04,120 --> 04:06:06,620 I've, you know, it just was great. 2993 04:06:06,800 --> 04:06:07,880 See, and so many people. 2994 04:06:08,240 --> 04:06:11,700 And I think we saw them because it was an affordable event. 2995 04:06:11,700 --> 04:06:14,520 And it was done very, very well. 2996 04:06:15,760 --> 04:06:21,700 Tonight starts the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department's Carnival, and it goes to Saturday. 2997 04:06:22,720 --> 04:06:28,420 Also, I wanted to thank everyone who has participated with your comments, 2998 04:06:28,640 --> 04:06:32,280 who is showing up with your rallies, with your protest. 2999 04:06:32,740 --> 04:06:35,380 This is what democracy is all about. 3000 04:06:35,600 --> 04:06:37,800 And four years ago, I was you. 3001 04:06:37,800 --> 04:06:48,220 I was very pissed off because we, we were growing at such a rate in this county and, and I know that 3002 04:06:48,720 --> 04:06:53,700 um, people did not want it and this goes back to two, three previous boards. 3003 04:06:54,320 --> 04:07:00,460 A lot of people think my, my regalance doesn't know what she's talking about. 3004 04:07:00,720 --> 04:07:05,120 She had the right information on that, the backroom deals that were made and we're still, 3005 04:07:05,120 --> 04:07:12,560 We're still going to be suffering from more development in our county that's been on the books for at least 10 years. 3006 04:07:13,280 --> 04:07:17,200 So I appreciate you all. I appreciate you all coming out. 3007 04:07:17,280 --> 04:07:20,160 You know, raise hell with us. That's what we're here for. 3008 04:07:20,420 --> 04:07:23,700 We're here to hear the good and the bad that we do. 3009 04:07:23,820 --> 04:07:26,560 Because you know what? We work for you all. 3010 04:07:27,000 --> 04:07:31,200 And we're making the big bucks here. So put us to task, okay? 3011 04:07:31,780 --> 04:07:37,820 I also wanted to say one thing, and I'm only going to say this once, I'm not going to say this again. 3012 04:07:38,500 --> 04:07:45,120 When data centers first came to this county, when we were first approached, as a county commissioner, 3013 04:07:45,180 --> 04:07:51,940 I thought it was incumbent upon me to see if this might be a good fit for our county. 3014 04:07:51,940 --> 04:07:57,880 and we did make some moves and we did try to put things in place to see if we could 3015 04:07:57,880 --> 04:08:08,400 accommodate extra income for this county. As we went on, it became apparent that I 3016 04:08:08,400 --> 04:08:12,740 wasn't getting all of the information I needed to make the decisions I needed 3017 04:08:12,740 --> 04:08:19,240 to have. Recently, I had a conversation with Mike Hart and Commissioner Hart 3018 04:08:19,240 --> 04:08:29,440 and Commissioner Hats, and we did iron through some of that, and Mr. Commissioner Hats did say that we were not included on everything. 3019 04:08:29,880 --> 04:08:44,560 We did not have all the information we did and he apologized to us, and I appreciate that Commissioner Hats. I really do. We've all made mistakes, but my bottom line is when you're Commissioner, you're working for the people. 3020 04:08:44,560 --> 04:09:02,220 You can explore any avenues that might benefit your constituents, but when you see that your constituents are opposed to going into a particular direction you pivot you do with the people want. 3021 04:09:02,780 --> 04:09:10,180 I've come from a blue collar family. My blue collar workers have said to me, especially I'll tell you one, one, my grandson. 3022 04:09:10,740 --> 04:09:15,080 my mom, but I'm an electrician. This is going to bring work. I said, buddy, 3023 04:09:16,040 --> 04:09:21,780 I love you to death, but this is what our people want. And if our people don't want it, 3024 04:09:21,880 --> 04:09:29,780 I don't want it. Our people want it. I do want it. So I apologize for any perceived mistakes, 3025 04:09:30,100 --> 04:09:37,500 any actual mistakes that I have made as a commissioner. I'm not anybody who has 3026 04:09:37,500 --> 04:09:45,280 we these past four years knows that I am real and I speak from the heart and I speak my truth. 3027 04:09:45,840 --> 04:09:56,480 This is not a campaign, Chloe. I am telling you straight forward how I feel I'm going to say it once in 3028 04:09:56,480 --> 04:09:59,860 And from this day forward, we move. 3029 04:10:00,000 --> 04:10:08,100 To undo this mess and I move to run on what we need to do within this county and data centers are not the only 3030 04:10:08,100 --> 04:10:18,180 darn thing that are happening in this county and everybody needs to step up to the plate and let their constituents know what they're going to do for this county. 3031 04:10:18,620 --> 04:10:28,300 Expand your platform because it's not just data centers. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your involvement. I do appreciate you. Thank you very much. 3032 04:10:33,140 --> 04:10:38,520 So last week we attended make-o, most of you may not know what make-o is, Maryland Association. 3033 04:10:38,760 --> 04:10:45,360 The counties have a convention every summer, and it's a great opportunity to work with your fellow commissioners. 3034 04:10:45,380 --> 04:10:47,680 Some other parts of the state learn about what's going on. 3035 04:10:47,780 --> 04:10:51,840 We did meet with three or four different secretaries, talk through some issues. 3036 04:10:51,920 --> 04:10:56,280 As you heard, we found Mr. Estes, an opportunity maybe for some funding for his project. 3037 04:10:56,500 --> 04:10:58,080 So we hope that works out for sure. 3038 04:11:00,520 --> 04:11:03,020 Mr. Cox and I have talked about grant funding before. 3039 04:11:03,120 --> 04:11:05,820 One issue we have in Maryland is that we're in Calver County. 3040 04:11:06,100 --> 04:11:07,960 With Maryland grant funding is a lot of times, 3041 04:11:07,960 --> 04:11:12,200 you know, we're considered a wealthy county and we don't qualify for a lot of that funding that's out. 3042 04:11:12,260 --> 04:11:13,900 They're even on the federal level too. 3043 04:11:14,200 --> 04:11:18,460 We're just classified as a wealthy county and that kicks us out of a lot of those programs. 3044 04:11:18,920 --> 04:11:24,060 But I can assure you we're always looking for grant opportunities for this county. 3045 04:11:24,060 --> 04:11:40,420 And on the open meetings issue, you know, most of that, there's been some comments on Facebook about, you know, was that some of the various action by the commissioners, you know, every week when we set the agenda, the attorney reviews the agenda, he determines what goes on open and what goes on closed. 3046 04:11:41,100 --> 04:11:44,860 The attorney drafts the minutes up the reports afterwards. 3047 04:11:45,560 --> 04:11:47,360 We don't have anything to do with that. 3048 04:11:47,820 --> 04:11:52,220 So, just want you to know there was nothing nefarious in any of that. 3049 04:11:53,380 --> 04:11:59,220 And I too, you know, Commissioner Grasso said, and Mr. L1, who's not here anymore, he's made 3050 04:11:59,220 --> 04:12:04,520 a comment a couple of times about he believes there was a lack of information, and I can tell 3051 04:12:04,520 --> 04:12:12,520 you all right here right now. We knew very little about that project, very little. They always 3052 04:12:12,520 --> 04:12:19,260 used the analogy with us, AWS, that we don't have a deal with consolation, so we can't really 3053 04:12:19,260 --> 04:12:24,580 talk about the project until we have a deal, and they never had a deal, they never signed 3054 04:12:24,580 --> 04:12:30,920 the deal with consolation, which is part of the reason why they walked, but, you know, we 3055 04:12:30,920 --> 04:12:36,500 were getting information from the street just like a lot of you. You know, when that job posting 3056 04:12:36,500 --> 04:12:42,840 came up, I called early A's on and I said, what the heck? She claimed to not have any clue 3057 04:12:42,840 --> 04:12:48,820 that there was a job posting for that project. Still maintaining they had no agreement with consolation 3058 04:12:48,820 --> 04:12:53,180 And until they had a agreement with consolation, she couldn't really talk about the project. 3059 04:12:53,400 --> 04:13:03,640 So when they applied for their site plan, whenever that was, two months ago, that was the first time we actually got to see what they were going to do on that property. 3060 04:13:05,060 --> 04:13:15,240 Now, I mean, they had talked to us for two years, intermittently about the scope of the project, but no details of what that project was. 3061 04:13:15,240 --> 04:13:21,840 So on that I can, you know, in a very first meeting, they talked about, I asked, what's the budget for this project? 3062 04:13:22,480 --> 04:13:25,520 The budget for the project was $22 billion. 3063 04:13:27,560 --> 04:13:31,020 And people have asked here lately, so what was the county going to get out of that? 3064 04:13:31,020 --> 04:13:39,960 Well, if they had spent $22 billion in Calvary County, the revenue from that project would have been $400 million a year to Calvary County. 3065 04:13:39,960 --> 04:13:47,140 So, Mr. Grasso says, at least from the start, we had an obligation to at least try to figure out 3066 04:13:47,140 --> 04:13:50,940 what is this? Is it a good work at our county? Is it not good for at our county? 3067 04:13:53,360 --> 04:14:01,320 But, you know, it's just an unfortunate situation and very frustrating for all of us. So, but 3068 04:14:02,040 --> 04:14:08,340 I appreciate, and I do ask prayers. I had a farmer friend who had a very significant accident last week on 3069 04:14:08,340 --> 04:14:14,220 who's recovering and just asked you to put him in your prayer and she's got a long road to recover. 3070 04:14:14,740 --> 04:14:16,340 So for that, thank you. 3071 04:14:17,420 --> 04:14:17,900 Is it hurt? 3072 04:14:21,140 --> 04:14:25,120 So what to the ACLT crab feast as well? 3073 04:14:25,320 --> 04:14:27,460 It's a great, great organization. 3074 04:14:28,440 --> 04:14:30,560 Something I used to do with Commissioner Nudder a lot, 3075 04:14:31,040 --> 04:14:33,180 I used to go to the senior centers. 3076 04:14:34,420 --> 04:14:37,680 And something I needed to get back into, 3077 04:14:37,680 --> 04:14:45,540 I went and had lunch at Southern Pines. I like to just kind of walk in, just to see, you know, 3078 04:14:46,960 --> 04:14:51,960 Commissioner Nutter East Tees me says, Mike like seniors, animals and kids, you know, but you know, 3079 04:14:52,080 --> 04:14:58,680 all three of them can't defend themselves. So I'd just like to kind of go through there and I've been on that. 3080 04:14:59,580 --> 04:14:59,940 I want to say 3081 04:15:00,000 --> 04:15:09,100 Today's a sincere thank you to everyone when I very first proposed to your moratorium. I heard everything from 3082 04:15:09,100 --> 04:15:19,200 I was crazy to everything under the sun and boy everybody picked up it just ran right with it. I mean over 10,000 signatures. 3083 04:15:19,200 --> 04:15:24,880 I don't know that. I'll ever be done in this county again. I mean, I think it doesn't 3084 04:15:24,880 --> 04:15:29,640 have to, but I don't, I don't, that was just remarkable. 3085 04:15:31,820 --> 04:15:34,060 I got a lot of history with Jeff, 3086 04:15:34,220 --> 04:15:41,560 we remember Dominion, and mistakes weren't learned from that. Hopefully, future boards won't 3087 04:15:41,560 --> 04:15:43,300 have to have a third mistake. 3088 04:15:48,440 --> 04:15:51,960 It's truly, truly, and I can't say it enough, remarkable 3089 04:15:51,960 --> 04:15:59,320 how many people have taken so much of their expertise and put into this. 3090 04:16:00,420 --> 04:16:03,640 I've always said, you know, Calvin County might be small, but there's a lot of brilliant 3091 04:16:03,640 --> 04:16:08,020 people here. A lot of people from a lot of walks of life, a lot of people really care about 3092 04:16:08,020 --> 04:16:14,280 their home, you know, years and years ago, there was a politician that tried to bring water 3093 04:16:14,280 --> 04:16:21,460 and sewer to Dunkirk, and that was a huge no-no. It became kind of known and political things 3094 04:16:21,460 --> 04:16:26,500 don't talk about water, sewer, and Dunkirk. Commissioner Grosson is all about that. I think 3095 04:16:26,500 --> 04:16:31,520 future boards are going to know don't talk about data-sanders in counter-county. I think it's going 3096 04:16:31,520 --> 04:16:36,540 to have that to it. Somebody's going to come from out of the county and walk in and go, hey, 3097 04:16:36,540 --> 04:16:37,440 What about data center? 3098 04:16:37,460 --> 04:16:39,140 So I'm not going to shut them right down right there. 3099 04:16:39,240 --> 04:16:44,720 I think that that is something that is going to be part of Coward County's political 3100 04:16:44,720 --> 04:16:55,040 makeup now to what Commissioner Hanson, you know, we've gotten away from saying, are 20%. 3101 04:16:55,040 --> 04:17:05,520 It's just a lot of confusion gets in and a lot of, I've told you guys, my multiple 3102 04:17:05,520 --> 04:17:14,520 multiple multiple times. My role in the data center thing and I'm not to beat the dead horse 3103 04:17:14,520 --> 04:17:20,080 there. I found out most of the information as you did. 3104 04:17:22,320 --> 04:17:25,900 But as Commissioner Grosso said, 3105 04:17:27,380 --> 04:17:34,820 going forward, so going forward, there will be no data centers, zoning will go back to the 3106 04:17:34,820 --> 04:17:43,780 was. This misnomer that we have to have it to pay the bills. I've never had them to pay the bills. 3107 04:17:44,340 --> 04:17:48,740 I don't get up thinking how am I going to pay the bills with the data center. You know, 3108 04:17:49,020 --> 04:17:52,740 and you're going to hear me say this in a couple of months and you're going to laugh at me and 3109 04:17:52,740 --> 04:17:58,260 call me corny and I'm going to tell you how it was raised. Don't spend more than what comes in. 3110 04:17:58,880 --> 04:18:03,840 And I know that sounds corny and old-fashioned. There's new magic tricks to do in the budget. 3111 04:18:03,840 --> 04:18:11,560 It really isn't. I've told the people before when I got here if somebody said we needed a pencil four people said, well, what are you going to cut to get that pencil? 3112 04:18:12,660 --> 04:18:19,860 I've been here when there was literally no money and we were bleeding fund balance. We're not going back to that again. 3113 04:18:20,240 --> 04:18:25,420 We don't have to go back to that again. You heard a little bit about the CIP presentation. 3114 04:18:25,420 --> 04:18:30,780 they talk about how we've kept that under that threshold. There's certain parameters that we've done. 3115 04:18:30,960 --> 04:18:35,080 We don't do little things like slurry. You know, there's a lot of things get the slurry's like this 3116 04:18:35,080 --> 04:18:39,680 piece that they'll on the road. It's a waste of time. It's a waste of money. We've really tried to work 3117 04:18:39,680 --> 04:18:48,400 hard as a small county to work smart and we'll continue to do that. But I really want to thank 3118 04:18:48,400 --> 04:18:55,140 everyone again for all the effort and time put in. It's really when you talk about why we're the best 3119 04:18:55,420 --> 04:19:00,220 in the state of Maryland, it's because we are so small and we acknowledge how much we need each other 3120 04:19:00,220 --> 04:19:05,240 and we need each other's expertise and everybody that's why we were the last to have paid 3121 04:19:06,280 --> 04:19:14,400 fire staff, the PDMTs, the PDMTs, we were the last all volunteer system. So once again I want to thank 3122 04:19:14,400 --> 04:19:18,160 you, Cover County and thank everybody involved for that. 3123 04:19:22,230 --> 04:19:24,390 Thank you most President. I spent most 3124 04:19:24,390 --> 04:19:31,610 we can make with fellow commissioners Hans and Ireland. And I kind of got a disagree with 3125 04:19:31,610 --> 04:19:37,150 commissioner Hart here because, you know, we did a lot of networking down there. We talked 3126 04:19:37,150 --> 04:19:45,650 with a lot of elected officials. And a lot of the discussions that we had dealt with 3127 04:19:46,430 --> 04:19:53,270 wooden sewer, septics, holding tanks. If we don't have these conversations, 3128 04:19:53,270 --> 04:19:59,930 where will we be as a county? We need to fix our aging pipes. We need a... 3129 04:20:00,000 --> 04:20:08,700 The rate of fixed of the voting tanks. People can't afford $600 a month to get a holding tank pumped out. We 3130 04:20:08,700 --> 04:20:15,780 have to have these conversations. In most of our conversations, at least with me, was with data centers 3131 04:20:15,780 --> 04:20:24,780 and Wardens sewer, septics and holding tanks. We're just not the only county that deals with this. 3132 04:20:29,260 --> 04:20:29,980 It's 3133 04:20:29,980 --> 04:20:34,760 solutions on how we move forward, where are we at as a county? 3134 04:20:35,460 --> 04:20:38,400 Yeah, we're going to live in a cesspool, who wants that? 3135 04:20:38,540 --> 04:20:47,180 So we have to have hard conversations about our septics, our wood and sewer lines, and 3136 04:20:47,180 --> 04:20:53,420 how we fix them, how we go about it, what's permissible on the other end of the building 3137 04:20:53,420 --> 04:20:53,960 side. 3138 04:20:54,140 --> 04:20:57,300 We have to put, you know, ordinance in place for that. 3139 04:20:57,300 --> 04:21:11,960 So, we have some good conversations down there, so stay highway and so forth, but we have to have these conversations and we have to learn to disagree with each other and learn to come to a solution. 3140 04:21:13,600 --> 04:21:20,460 Back to school next week, so everybody slowed down with the school buses on the road and you all have a great day. 3141 04:21:22,000 --> 04:21:27,280 So, Mr. Attorney, the more touring does that vote, it goes into effect today. 3142 04:21:28,360 --> 04:21:29,900 10 days from now. 3143 04:21:30,260 --> 04:21:35,460 So that puts us to February 28th. 3144 04:21:36,280 --> 04:21:38,580 February 28th. 3145 04:21:38,720 --> 04:21:40,120 It's just a February 28th. 3146 04:21:40,660 --> 04:21:45,920 Oh, it's just a February 28th, for that would expire. 3147 04:21:46,500 --> 04:21:48,740 I just, I didn't hear that come out as far as expiration date. 3148 04:21:48,740 --> 04:21:55,420 So the other commissioners and new commissioners will all be sworn in December 15th so that gives them two and a half months to 3149 04:21:56,400 --> 04:21:58,920 If nothing change, I'm not the James between them. I 3150 04:21:58,920 --> 04:22:07,440 Dequire, I said, I'm on the commissioner Cox. What he had to say and I talked about it many times. You know, our county has a lot of low-line areas 3151 04:22:07,440 --> 04:22:17,100 Co-point beads coming up long beats cow or beads, can't with beads. And you're starting to see all these septic systems fail along the way to Ranskbo 3152 04:22:17,680 --> 04:22:20,960 keep north breezy point, but you're starting to see these septic systems fail. 3153 04:22:21,580 --> 04:22:26,000 Now, let's we come up with a plan for water and sewer and put a pipeline in somewhere, 3154 04:22:26,720 --> 04:22:31,340 the value of these homes, and the affordability for people living these homes is another thing 3155 04:22:31,340 --> 04:22:39,920 that's going to go down. We have to be able to plan ahead. I say I talked about this all the time. 3156 04:22:39,920 --> 04:22:43,460 paid fire, paid fire, you're looking at $50 million. 3157 04:22:44,520 --> 04:22:46,620 Is that five years down the rate of 10 years down the rate? 3158 04:22:46,780 --> 04:22:47,840 I don't know how far it is down the rate. 3159 04:22:48,060 --> 04:22:49,080 What is going to happen? 3160 04:22:49,880 --> 04:22:52,280 And that funding, and we're going to have to find revenues 3161 04:22:52,280 --> 04:22:54,420 from somewhere, where is it going to come from? 3162 04:22:55,880 --> 04:22:56,240 I don't know. 3163 04:22:56,800 --> 04:22:58,740 I don't know what the next best thing is going to be, 3164 04:22:58,860 --> 04:23:00,200 or where revenue is going to come from. 3165 04:23:01,380 --> 04:23:05,420 But the thing with people talking about high density housing 3166 04:23:05,420 --> 04:23:08,400 and residential growth, residential growth 3167 04:23:08,400 --> 04:23:13,500 costs us money. It makes no money whatsoever. It costs us money across all Europe, 3168 04:23:13,500 --> 04:23:16,980 APF, but whether it's water and sewer, whether it's your roads, whether it's your schools, 3169 04:23:17,380 --> 04:23:23,500 whatever it is, it costs us money. We have to plan ahead and it's going to be a challenge. 3170 04:23:24,160 --> 04:23:38,380 And every session that I sat in, the common theme is it's not if data centers come, it's 3171 04:23:38,380 --> 04:23:49,680 as far as the blackouts, the brownouts are concerned, and the number of phantom projects that are out there, they're trying to get a handle. 3172 04:23:50,140 --> 04:23:56,260 There's a lot of moving parts, as you can imagine, with them dealing with the 13 state region and people putting applications in for electricity. 3173 04:23:57,500 --> 04:24:03,740 But what they haven't been able to do is actually go back and identify how many phantom projects are actually or that aren't going to go to fruition. 3174 04:24:04,380 --> 04:24:09,220 So, like I said, there's just a lot of stuff that needs to be addressed without a doubt. 3175 04:24:12,670 --> 04:24:13,590 That's all I have. 3176 04:24:14,170 --> 04:24:15,930 Everybody have a great week, and do we have a motion? 3177 04:24:16,470 --> 04:24:16,690 Yes. 3178 04:24:16,810 --> 04:24:17,250 Service President. 3179 04:24:17,790 --> 04:24:22,650 I move that the Board of County Commission has closed executive sessions to discuss the 3180 04:24:22,650 --> 04:24:25,950 appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, 3181 04:24:26,090 --> 04:24:31,390 promotion, compensation removal, ration, or performance evaluation of appointees, 3182 04:24:31,390 --> 04:24:35,050 employees, or officials, over whom the public body has shared 3183 04:24:35,050 --> 04:24:39,630 station and any other personnel matter that affects one or more 3184 04:24:39,630 --> 04:24:43,250 sufficient individuals in order to ensure that personnel matters 3185 04:24:43,250 --> 04:24:47,650 remain confidential so that the county can continue to recruit and retain 3186 04:24:47,650 --> 04:24:52,350 quality candidates and employees for our positions as well as comply 3187 04:24:52,350 --> 04:24:57,410 in our global law regarding confidentiality and to consult with council 3188 04:24:57,410 --> 04:24:59,930 to obtain legal advice in order to ensure that. 3189 04:25:00,000 --> 04:25:07,800 Attorney Klein privileges is preserved and not wavered. And to consult with staff consultants and other individuals 3190 04:25:07,800 --> 04:25:12,880 about pending or potential litigation to ensure the county's litigation and or settlement positions 3191 04:25:12,880 --> 04:25:19,080 is protected from the public disclosures, so as not to undermine the county's interests. 3192 04:25:19,960 --> 04:25:20,440 Second. 3193 04:25:21,260 --> 04:25:25,100 I have a motion in a second to permission and cops is a motion about going into exact 3194 04:25:25,100 --> 04:25:25,800 session. 3195 04:25:26,140 --> 04:25:27,680 Is there any discussion on that? 3196 04:25:28,280 --> 04:25:29,720 Hearing none of all the flavors they are. 3197 04:25:29,880 --> 04:25:30,300 High.