Okay, we're gonna bring the meeting back to order.
Backing up. I'm taking 'em home tonight.
Okay. Welcome to the Queen
Anne County Commissioners meeting.
This is a public meeting
that is being aired live on our local cable television
station, QAC TV seven.
These media broadcasts provide county citizens an
opportunity to watch and review our
scheduled public meetings.
In addition to our live audience this evening,
we are providing re remote options for citizens to watch
and participate in the county commissioner meetings.
Citizens may watch our meeting live on our website at
qac.org/live,
or on our public access television channel
provided by Breeze Line Cable Services.
Citizens may also participate
by joining the live Zoom meeting by going
to qac.org/public comments.
Citizens may also email comments to public comment@qac.org
and all comments will be summarized
during the pressing public comment period.
On tonight's agenda, we acknowledge everyone's participation
and by attending you acknowledge
that this session is both recorded and aired pressing.
Public comment will be taken
and is limited to three minutes per person.
If you do care to speak,
please sign up at the information table
and our lobby comments.
Longer than three minutes can be submitted in writing
for the commissioner's review.
We will now stand and be led in the
Pledge of Allegiance by commission.
President Jim Moran
I pledge of allegiance
To the flag of the United States of America
and to the republic for which it stands,
one the nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty Justice for all. If
You can remain standing for a moment of silence
for Paul Gunther passed away.
Thank you.
All right. Good evening everybody.
So that brings us to the approval
for the agenda for tonight's meeting.
So our agenda for today's meeting June 9th, along
with the regular session minutes,
the closed session minutes from May 26th.
They've all been circulated for review.
Any additions or corrections
Make a motion to add two additional
desk items to the agenda.
Second, no motion to second. Any discussion?
All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed? So moved.
Five oh. Motion to accept the agenda as amended
and the minutes as submitted.
Second. Motion to second. Any discussion? Seeing none.
All in favor signify saying aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Very well.
Five moved.
All right. Thank you commissioners.
So we just held a closed session under the general
provisions article, section 3, 3 0 5 B one for boards
and commissions and personnel,
and I think we have a couple
board appointments to make. Next
I move to reappoint Scotty McLain
to fill the vacancy on the Agricultural
Preservation Advisory Board.
This term will expire on June 30th, 2030. One second.
We have a motion to sec second. Any discussion? See none.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye.
Opposed? Five Oh,
I move to appoint Devin Jones
and reappoint, Giselle Gare, Michelle Johnson
and Gail Lundberg to our local management board
and their terms will go till June 30th, 2029. Second,
We have a motion to second Any discussion on this item?
Seeing none. All those in favor signify saying Aye. Aye.
Aye. Aye. Aye. Five. Aye.
Alright. Thank you Commissioner.
That brings us to press and public comment.
So we appreciate all citizens for taking time
to express views to the county commissioners.
Comments are limited to three minutes per person
Comments longer than three minutes
can be submitted in writing.
This commission respects your desire
and right to convey your message freely.
When you come forward, please speak clearly at the standing
mic, microphone, state your name, your address,
and your topic of interest.
And in keeping with the dignity of our office, we ask
that all views be expressed in a
respectful and civil manner.
Let's see. The first person signed up was Eric Levier.
Yes sir. My name is Eric Lavos.
I'm the community President for the Harvey
View Community on Ken Island.
And it's a concern of ours
of these unidentified delivery vehicles.
I'm here as representative of the Harvey View community,
located in Chester on Kent Island.
Like many of the communities in Queen Anne County, the issue
of unidentified delivery vehicles in our community,
these delivery vehicles are mostly Amazon delivery trucks
or vehicles, but can also be related
to companies like DoorDash.
The vehicle speed through our neighborhood parked officially
in the roadway and aggressively enter people's driveways.
I have personally witnessed one
of these vehicles aggressively enter my driveway
with no identifying markings and have li tin windows.
The operator of the vehicle sat in there in his vehicle
for a short period of time and then got out.
It wasn't until they exited the vehicle that I noticed
that they had an Amazon vest on
and then made the delivery and departed.
This is not an isolated incident.
It is occurring weekly in Harborview,
and I'm sure it's occurring weekly
in other communities as well.
I'm concerned that this practice
of these delivery services may lead
to an unfortunate incident.
There may be citizens in Queen Anns County
that have protective orders
or other concerns for their safety
and may be concerned when a vehicle feeds into their
driveway or it's officially parked in front of their house.
They have no idea why
A confrontation may ensue
and an unfortunate accident may happen
because they do not know who these people are.
And then there is an argument
and we don't want that to happen.
Especially not in Harborview Amazon Flexes delivery service.
If you go on their website,
the only thing needed is a cell phone, a driver's license,
and a four door sedan.
Once they hire you, they will give you a vest.
There is nothing that identifies who this vehicle is
or who these people are.
There are far too many issues to speak of here today.
During my time, I fully understand
that these drivers are working to make a little extra money.
They are working the hours that work best for them.
However, the safety of our community comes first.
We're requesting that Queen Anne County Commissioners take a
look into these delivery practices.
Any of the Paso County ordinance will work
with our state officials to pass legislation
that we require these vehicles to be identified.
The Amazon trucks are identified,
these Amazon vehicles should be identified
as well the company's profit by not paying for vehicles.
And they pay these people at lower wages.
They don't have to pay 'em healthcare or anything like that.
They have horse bed for Amazon.
Everybody should be treated the same.
And the homeowner should know whoever comes into their
property in their driveway feels safe
that this is a legitimate delivery
and not just somebody that's speeding into their driveway
and coming up into their property.
I re respect your attendance
to this matter and your support.
Thank you very much. Thank you You Jay Fsad.
Good evening commissioners.
Jay Fsad, queen Ann Conservation Association.
I just wanted to get in a last comment on 26 9
and 26 10 before you all vote on it later tonight.
I just wanna emphasize
that both the non-contiguous development
and TDR programs were established to protect
and preserve agricultural land
within our code are a bunch of things
that have nothing at all to do with agriculture.
And if you look at the recreation section of the code,
you can have things on on preserved open space such
as golf courses, tennis courts,
and other things that have nothing to do with agriculture.
I'm not disputing the need for landowners to adjust.
Lot lines and staff will properly tell you that the things
that I'm mentioning are already allowed on
agricultural land now.
And that is a true statement.
All I'm suggesting is that
by allowing these lot line adjustments as text amendment
26 9 and 26 10 do, you're increasing the probability
that these non-agricultural uses will ultimately be allowed.
And at the end of the day, I hope you'll find a way
to at least amend it.
The this ordinance so that these
non-farm uses are taken out.
Absent that, if you wanna revisit the issue
entirely, that's okay too.
But at the end of the day, these programs were meant
to protect ag land.
What does a golf course have to do with agriculture?
Nothing. What does a tennis court
have to do with agriculture?
And those things really ought
to just be taken out altogether.
And that's really all I'm asking for that are all
that I'm hoping that you'll consider it's
a reasonable request.
I hope we can find a way to do it.
I'm not opposed to anything that the applicants want to do.
I understand the need to adjust lot lines
for geologic reasons or for a driveway
or access that's all perfectly reasonable.
But allowing golf courses and tennis courts
and all this other stuff on agricultural land flies in the
face of everything that this county has done
with its great record of land preservation.
And I just hope we can find a way to continue
that. Thank you. Thank
You.
Nobody else has signed up. Would anyone else like to speak?
Yes ma'am.
Alright. My name is Ann Goodman and I'm,
I had sponsored, my husband
and I, James had sponsored an amendment
that then we worked with Jeff Thompson
and planning
and zoning to merge three
amendments into what you see as 26 9 and 26 10.
I thought that the comment period was over the last time we
met on this, so I just
don't understand why we're still standing here
and letting people comment on it.
The hearing was open for two weeks to the next meeting so
that it was basically when the, when
It raised hearing, I thought that it was open
for written comment. Well,
We leave the record open so if the record's open,
it can be written or it can be verbal.
Right. And this you, you're in pressing public comment time.
Okay. Say Comments on everything. Yeah.
Then I do want to reiterate that the proposal
doesn't change anything with respect
to the agreements that were already made between the county
and the landowners on the open space
involved. Thank you. You're
Welcome.
Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else like to speak? Yes, sir.
Commers Jeffrey Thompson.
I'm representing the applicant's in this case.
The only thing I'd like to point out Mr.
Jones' report of, of today's date that she's submitted
to you is that the only really permitted use
is public recreation.
Those are recreation facilities that you approve.
The others are all conditional uses.
And by way of example, tenant courts, golf, all
of those are conditional uses
requiring board of appeals approval.
And recently someone proposed a,
a pickleball court in the Ag Zone
and it was rejected by the Board of Appeals.
So there's, there's a showing there that again,
only you have control over without Board of appeals approval
to do any of those activities. Thank you.
Thank you. Anyone else?
Yes, you do have a letter for the
comprehensive water and sew plan.
You want me to read that now or wait,
It's the first one up on the agenda.
Let's read it now. Okay. Yeah.
This letter comes from Annie Richards,
our Chester River Keeper at the Shore Rivers
to the Queens County Commissioners.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on behalf
of Shore Rivers, a water quality organization working
to protect Eastern shore waterways,
including the Chester Miles y in Eastern Bay
and other tributaries within the Queens County.
I'm writing to express our strong support
for the proposed amendment 1127 To the Queens County water
and sewer plan, septic pollution represents a significant
and growing threat to water quality in Chester
River and across the county.
Aging and failing septic systems contribute excess
nutrients, bacteria, and other pollutants to our waterways.
Degrading aqua aquatic sy ecosystems harming fisheries
and putting public health and drinking
water supplies at risk.
These challenges are only expected to intensify
as rising ground water levels, salt water intrusion
and increased development pressure further compromised
septic system performance.
For these reasons, shore River strongly supports the
county's proactive approach to assigning sewer allocation
for the purpose of connecting impaired septic systems
to advance wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Prioritizing septic to sewer conversions is one
of the most effective strategies available
to reduce nutrient pollution at its source
and improve long water quality outcome.
This amendment reflects a thoughtful
and forward-looking commitment
to protecting the Chester River
safeguarding local drinking water
and supporting resilience sustainable communities.
By directing limited wastewater capacity towards addressing
existing environmental and public health challenges,
the county has taken an important step towards
responsible growth management.
We rec, we commend the county for advancing this amendment
and encourage its adoption.
Sincerely, any Richards
Right?
Alright, we're done with press, public comment,
moving on. Alright.
Alright. Commissioners,
we can go into the legislation portion of the agenda
and as you know, we have a number of bills
that we've had hearings on.
It can be voted on this evening.
So tab number seven,
item one on page one.
The first one we have is the comprehensive water
and sewer plan, public hearing decision for the Marlin Farms
and Dominion sewer sewer service area map.
And this is the service area map that would provide for
public sewer extension to the Marlin Farms
and Dominion areas.
This map would then allow this project to be
pursue a public health exemption from the Smart Grid
Coordinating Committee so that
that action could be taken at some point in the future
to provide public sewer to these two areas
that have public health concerns.
This is kind of the step one
I move to approve the amendment,
to place the Marlin Farm slash Dominion Sewer Service map
into the 2011 comprehensive
Water sewage plan.
Second, we have a motion and a second.
Any discussion on this? Long
overdue and looking forward to it.
Let's march on. Yep.
Seeing no other comments,
all those in favor signify by saying Aye.
Aye. Aye. Opposed? Five. Oh. Alright.
Thank you commissioners. Item number two on pages two
and three is county ordinance 26 0 4 uses allowed
to occupy in excess of 65,000 square feet
of gross floor area and the airport protection
and Kent Island Gateway District.
And the intent of this amendment is to add boat sales
and repair and marinas to the list of individual uses
or tenant space that can occupy more than 65,000 square feet
of gross floor area within the airport protection.
And Kent Island Gateway District.
And this can be veteran as well.
Planning Commission did send a favorable report
to the commissioners for this proposed
Ordinance.
Do you have the motion? Yes. So am I
26 0 4
I I move to adopt county ordinance 26 0 4.
Second We have a motion and a second.
Any discussion on this item? Seeing none.
All those in favor signify the saying Aye. Aye. Opposed?
Aye. Five. Oh.
Alright. Thank you commissioners.
Item number three on pages four and five, excuse me.
As County Ordinance 26 0 7 non-residential floor area in the
Waterfront Village Center zoning district.
And the intent of this ordinance is
to increase the buy right maximum non-residential floor area
from 30 to 40% within the Waterfront
Village Center district by
and remove the bonus standard that allows
for a floor area ratio of 40%.
Also recommended favorably by the Planning Commission
Motion to adopt Ordinance 26 0 7.
Second We have a motion to second. Any discussion?
Seeing none. All this in favor signify by saying aye a. Aye.
Opposed? Abstain. I vote.
Commissioners. Next up, item four on pages six
and seven, county ordinance 26 0 8 commercial apartments in
the Waterfront Village Center zoning district.
The intent of this ordinance is to add additional provisions
to allow commercial apartments within the Waterfront Village
Center district to locate the commercial apartment dwelling
unit on any same floor, including the first floor.
Also recommended favorably by the planning commissioners
Motion to adopt Ordinance 26 0 8.
Second. We have a motion
to second Any discussion on this, Amy?
This also allows commercial to be on the top floor, right?
Yeah. Which I think it's a great idea.
So better review Any other discussion? Seeing none.
All those in favor signify the saying. Aye. Aye. Aye.
Opposed? So moved.
Alright, commissioners. Moving on.
Item number five on pages eight through 14,
county ordinance 26 0 9.
This a amend, this is an amendment to the transfer
development rights standards TDRs.
And this would amend the transferable development rights
standards to allow for a transfer
or parcel, which is designated
as open space following the conveyance of development rights
to be subdivided through the administrative subdivision
process to accommodate lot line adjustments,
but not to be reconfigured to create a new lot
planning commission also recommended
favorably on this amendment.
Any mey, miny mo I mean,
I'll bring the motion up to get it to discussion,
but I have discussion, so I'll, I will make a motion for,
to push 26 0 9 or to adopt 26 0 9.
I'll second it. We have a motion to second any discussion?
Yeah, I mean, I, I'm got these papers.
I'm going through a lot of these use,
I I guess I, I get the point.
I'm all good with the whole lot line moving.
I have no problem with any of that,
but I, I really don't see why it's very simplistic
to just strike the non agricultural uses
and get rid of it as, as an amendment to it.
If you move your lot lines, then you can't do any
of these things whether conditional or permanent.
That's all my thing. I just don't understand why it's a big
deal to get rid of that if you move the lot lines.
I I don't know that it is a big deal.
So, so you you want to amend the, I would like to amend it
to have that struck if you were
to move your lot lines, that's all.
So does it have to be rewritten?
We'd have to amend the bill to do that. Yeah. It
Have to go back to the planning commission.
So basically what we do is send it
back to planning and zoning.
I'd have to check with the attorney.
I don't know that that would be a substantive change.
It could be. That's you're you're talking about changing the
use applicable for the, I mean the zoning district's.
Amy, do you have an opinion on that?
I, I think we would need to get a legal determination as
to whether or not this change meets the substantial
threshold, but likely it would, so likely this would need
to go back to the planning commission
for a recommendation on the proposal as amended
An adjust your, adjust your motion
to just amend it and send it back.
Well you gotta do the, we have
to vote on the amendment first and then vote on we So you're
gonna table, you're gonna table the,
we're gonna table the 26 0 9
until it's amended basically. Correct.
Have to table it and have senate
it to planning commission.
So I, so I'm gonna make the, the motion for the amendment
to strike the non-agricultural uses from
uses permitted when you move the lot line for 26 0 9.
So, okay. Second.
You got a motion to second on A is,
I don't even know if we should, we need to do that.
Well we gotta pass the amendment
to send it back to planning commission.
It's gotta be official that we're sending it back. Well
You should, you should make a motion to take, send
An un unloaded amendment back
To the plaintiff.
There was a motion in, there was a motion on the floor to
Approve this.
So we have to, to approve this as is.
Yeah, so, so I'm gonna withdraw my 26 0 9 motion. Correct.
Okay. And then I, my amendment motion will stand.
Yep. Yes. Amy,
Can I ask for a point of clarification on the amendment?
And that is, are you proposing
to strike non-agricultural uses upon
re upon re subdivision upon lot line adjustment
or entirely from Entirely?
No, just during, only during a lot line adjustment,
which is what this is actually trying to do
and accomplish is being able to adjust the lot lines.
So, okay. Yeah, that'll keep 'em all in AG uses.
And then we had a motion in a second on that
to send this back as as amended.
So all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. A Aye aye.
Aye. Five. Oh, you good? Okay. So
Back to the planning commission on 26 0 9.
Right. Okay.
So county ordinance 26 10 amendments to the
non-contiguous development standards.
Similar intent here
Then word again,
This would amend the NCD standards to allow non-contiguous
and developed parcels which are designated as open space
to be subdivided through the open
through the administrative subdivision process.
Again to accommodate lot line adjustments,
but not to be reconfigured to
add an additional lot or create a new lot.
So similar to the 26 0 9, but for NCD.
So I'll introduce an amendment to get rid of the
same non-agricultural uses
from 26 second, which is a second.
We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
Basically just same thing as 26 0 9. Okay.
All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Bye. Oh, thanks Amy.
Alright, thanks Amy. Okay,
Commissioners, moving on.
Item number seven on pages 22 through 26,
this is county ordinance 26 12 amendment number one
to the Queen Annes County Forest Conservation Act,
chapter 18 of the code of Public local law.
This can be introduced and voted on.
And this was a request by the commissioners
for this amendment to be drafted to address the application
of solar energy generating stations in relation
to the specifics of the proposed code.
And they are currently exempt from a forestation
but not reforestation.
And the intent of this amendment is
to protect existing forest set areas from being cleared
for solar energy generating stations
or any other proposed use
by requiring a higher reforestation rate
for those properties that are larger than 25 acres
or more than 50% forested.
I'll introduce 26 12. Okay.
Okay, for the amendment, I'll introduce the amendment.
I'm sorry. Yep. And then I'll make a motion
to adopt the amendment.
Yep.
Alright, so that's been introduced the amendment
one. Okay.
And now we should be able to adopt it.
Yeah, we can, yeah, we can adopt 26 12.
I'm making a motion to adopt. Yeah.
Amendment one to 26, 12. Right.
Second, we have a motion to second any discussion?
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed?
Five oh. And now a motion to adopt 26 12 as amended.
Yep. That's item eight in your book on pages 27
through 62 26 12.
Yeah. Yep. Second,
We have a motion and a second on this.
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed?
Aye. So moved by vote
and then I move
to adopt the updated Queen Annes County Forest
Conservation technical manual.
Second.
Yeah, the Forest Conservation Technical manual is a
reference in the 26 12.
That's just a Right.
An additional piece of that to, to amend that as well
as part of that Bill.
Second, should you have a motion? Got motion to second.
I understand the discussion.
I'm just the conversation fee in lieu rate of a dollar 50.
Oh, that's, that's, that's the next one.
That's the next one. That's the next one. Number four.
I'm one ahead of you. Yeah, it's the bottom
of the other one manual.
Okay. Thank you. Okay.
Alright, well then on this first one,
all those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye. Aye. Opposed? So moved.
Okay, one more.
I move to adopt the updated forest conservation fee in
lures at as $1 and 50 cents per square foot
and the violation of penalty rate at $2
and 50 cents per square foot.
Second, we have a motion to second on this. Any discussion?
Seeing none. All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye.
Aye. Opposed? So moved.
And now we're done with forest
conservation for a little while.
Right? Okay. Thank you very much.
Yes. Many many. Alright,
Thank you Commissioner.
That's all of our legislative items for this evening except
for the desk item, but we'll get to that later.
We can move into the presentations portion
of the agenda now.
So if you wanna turn to tab number six, item one.
We have the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board update.
Ms. Ellen Fra, executive director is here, so come on up.
Ellen and Beverly is with her today, director
of Human Resources.
Welcome. Okay. We have it on the screen or just in the book?
It's in the book. Okay. Alright, so tab six item
one, pages one through 20 is the, the update. So
Good evening and I am not here in my capacity
as the Human resource director.
I am here in the capacity
as the Queen Annes County representative
on the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board.
And so I'm introduce to you Ellen Fra,
who is our executive director.
And good news, she's not asking for any money
and so she's going to have some things that we need
to take care of as far as business
for meeting our legislative requirements.
And so I'll let her take it away.
Thank you. Thank you Beverly.
I wanna thank you for your time today.
The Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board sincerely values
the continued support the Queen Anne County Commissioners
and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today.
I would also like to thank you
for appointing Beverly Churchill
of Queen Anne County government, who already spoke
to us today as
and as well as Adam Tulley
of Queen Anne County Public Schools.
They have been invaluable assets
and we greatly appreciate their service to the board.
Our mission is to provide high quality career
and training services to the residents
of Queen Annes County, with a goal of connecting individuals
to meaningful employment opportunities within our region.
This work is essential not only
to the individual job seekers,
but also to the overall economic health
and stability of our communities.
As mandated by the Governor's Workforce Development Board
policy, the memorandum of understanding is a required
and foundational document for our workforce system.
It establishes how our key workforce partners collaborate
to deliver coordinated high quality services
to individuals and businesses.
These partners include the Maryland Department of Labor,
the Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Department
of Social Services, including the Queen Anne County
Department of Social Services and Chesapeake College.
Through this mandated framework, residents
of Queen Anne County benefit from access
to workforce training funds,
industry recognized certifications
and comprehensive employment services
that support their path to sustainable employment.
At the same time, businesses in Queen Anne County benefit
from a skilled and prepared workforce
that is better positioned to meet their current
and future workforce needs.
Embedded within the memorandum
of understanding is the resource sharing agreement,
which is also required under the Governor's Workforce
Development Board policy.
This agreement outlines the individual financial
and in-kind contributions made by each participating agency.
Funding provided through the Workforce Innovation
Opportunity Act, along with other funding sources,
is detailed within this agreement.
Together these share contributions support our collective
mission and provide a clear
and transparent framework for coordinating resources,
maximizing efficiency,
and stretching funds so that we can serve
as many individuals as possible.
Our partner agencies have provided invaluable,
provided valuable input throughout this process
and have indicated their concurrence
with these documents today.
I respectfully request your concurrence as well
in fulfillment of these policy requirements
and a continued support of our collaborative efforts
to strengthen the workforce
and economic vitality of Queen Ance County.
I wanna thank you for your time and consideration.
Alright. I move to execute the memorandum of Understanding
with the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board
for the resource sharing agreement.
Second, we have a motion to second. Any discussion?
Impressive program. Yes. Alright.
It is very impressive program.
All those in favor signify the saying. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
Aye. There we go. Five. Oh, thank you very much. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. A lot of fun with this.
Alright. Thank you. Good to see you. Alright.
Alright, commissioners also on tab six,
our second present presentation tonight.
Item two on page 21, we have the Veteran
and Military Support Alliance update.
So we have a group here, so come on up folks. Lee Ellings.
Lee Ellington, deputy Director vsa, Kathy Deto,
board Chair vsa Wal Petri, founding member with vsa.
Beth Ann Doman, president and CEO for all seasons.
Alright, welcome everybody.
Nick, come on up. No, Ryan.
No, he, Brian, come, come on up. Brian.
I don't want Nick's Just driving this.
Nick's just driving.
Hi. Hi there. Thank you so much for making,
making time for us.
My name is Kathy DTIs.
I am the current board chair for VMs a the Veteran
and Military Support Alliance.
I'm here to let you know
that I'm here on behalf of our board.
I have wet Petri here who's one
of the founding members of our board.
Others that are not here are Jean Fair Lee Young
Joe Candela, and I can't help
but mention the late Wes Guck, also a founding board member.
Five years ago, these gentlemen, all veterans got together
to form a group that would, would go out
and help them with issues they themselves had grappled with
or are were aware of in the veteran and military community.
Early this year, in January, we decided as a board
that the best way
and the best path forward for VMs a to continue our mission
and services to area veterans was to pair up
with four L seasons.
We really feel like the continuance
and the sustainability of our mission
and the services that we've been able
to provide in this community will not only be well handled
by four all seasons,
but they will be able to broaden the depth
and breadth of the services they have offices in each
of the five counties on the Eastern shore.
They will maintain a presence here in Queen Annes County
right near where VSA is at this point in time.
And so we are, we are happy to announce to you that,
that this is, this is the path we're looking forward.
We're actively pursuing this.
We are very happy
and very confident that we'll be melding into a,
an organization as, as excellent
and as well run as for all seasons.
And I just wanna ensure any veterans
and any families out there
that have received services from VMs.
A the, the, the transition will be seamless.
We promise services are currently being offered and,
and will continue until that difference is made.
And I wanna introduce Ryan Snow is with r and r Solutions.
And Ryan and Jeannie Hadaway have walked alongside VMs a
helping us advocate
to people on all different levels in the government, in the,
in the community.
And helped us secure a great deal of financing to,
to continue the services that we were.
So I wanted to thank Ryan
and Ryan will be walking alongside for all seasons as well.
So I'm gonna pass this on. Well, do you wanna,
So yes.
Hi. Hi.
So five years ago, Jim, Jim Moran was at the first meeting,
I think, where we were talking about
how do we help the veterans in the community.
And we, we started off going in the direction
of building tiny homes
and we spent a few months working on that
and decided that was, that was the wrong approach
through his research, he came in one day
and said, you know, there's only two
homeless veterans in Old County.
You guys are spending all this time on this.
And it sort sort of morphed into what it is today.
And, and Vana has done a wonderful job.
We have been through lots of problems
and trials and tribulations.
We've helped a lot of veterans.
We're getting straight A's from all of the various agencies,
American Legion, VFW, and we're the go-to group.
We have come that far, but we've, we reached a plateau and
after a certain time we were working with,
with the Four Seasons team, it became apparent
that they were, they had many more resources than we did.
And they were doing many, doing a lot of the counseling
that we couldn't do and had the people to do.
So this has sort of evolved into a wonderful solution for
what was a, a struggling za trying to get to where it needed
to be sort of underfunded and so on,
and couldn't be happier with the alliance we,
we formed with 'em.
And I, you know, I just couldn't,
couldn't be happier about it.
I just wanted to express that to you.
I, I'd be remiss in, in not thanking all of you, all
of you, commissioner McLaughlin, commissioner Moran,
and all of you for your support, both in spirit and,
and in in funding.
You know, V SSA's mission just really is,
really is indicative of your care for, for veterans and,
and other vulnerable members of the community here.
So we really Thank you very much.
So, so, so just outta curiosity, how did this partnership,
this pairing, actually get to where we are today?
I mean, did you approach them, they approached you?
It was, we were, when, when I took, we,
we joined VMs a little less than a year ago.
Beth Ann was, four Seasons was already an integral part
of VMs a in the support groups PTSD
and then referrals for mental health counseling.
And so Beth Ann was leading sort of a strategic planning
session for the board and the staff
and where are we gonna be five years from now.
And it really caused the board and,
and all of us to, to think really deeply about
where are we going in the next five years.
Gotcha. And, and some really careful self-examination
and what's the best path forward.
So I would have to say Beth Ann's leadership in, in
that strategic plan, strategic planning session really got
our wheels in motion as to what was the best course forward
for how we could best help veteran
and military families. So,
So you guys are just ramping it up Yeah.
The relationship that already existed.
Absolutely, yes. Taking it to the next level.
Yes. We've been a part of VSA for over three years now,
as Kathy said, providing the mental health
and the community connection.
We've also worked with other veteran organizations, all
of the fws that American legions, we've worked
with the folks both on our side of the bridge
and across the bridge throughout the state of Maryland.
And so the sort of walk along has been a natural occurrence.
And this just gives us the ability to
hire additional team members, keep some of the VSA staff
that will continue to walk through that seamless transition,
but also then look larger.
So we will be launching the Center for Veterans
and Military Families through our Center for Learning
and the mental health services that we provide
and you know, the support that you all have provided.
What we can guarantee you is we are going to be able
to take something and continue to, to grow it,
to make it bigger and also have an impact across all
five counties of the shore.
So that it's not simply a home based in Queen Anne County,
but this is the model.
And then we can say to the rest of the counties, Hey,
come along and get on board.
Awesome. If I might add, they, each one
of their offices are manned from nine to five
or eight, eight to five, eight to five, eight to five.
You know, we've struggled with that
as somebody when we're trying to keep opening.
And the nice part about this is they have five different
locations, or actually six
and they're gonna be staying at the marina,
but maybe a little different space
that we're working on right now.
But the nice part, it's staffed
and they have the people, they have the resources.
If we have a problem, instead of us trying
to call somebody in, how do we fix this
and how do we help this gentleman or this lady?
They, they just have it all and they have how many?
6,000 employees? I don't know. So
Many.
We have just under a hundred employees.
They have a lot of people and a lot
of very qualified people to help the veterans
that we were struggling trying to figure out how to do.
Well, I know one of the problems
that's always existed is the paperwork.
Say Again? The paperwork Yeah.
With the VA and everything else.
I mean, I thought at one time you had someone there
that was a guru at that, that could help anybody
that walked in the door, you know, navigate through that.
Yes. And that will continue and that will be
It.
So then somebody's on staff right now for doing
that? Yes. Awesome. Yep.
So as you know, my story is I didn't really want to,
I was fortunate when I got back, I didn't have PTSD
or any major issues.
And I went to a, a reunion, a 50 year reunion,
and everybody looked at me like,
instead of you joined the va.
And I said, no, I, they said, what are you crazy?
You should join. That's good. That's great for your family.
So I tried to join and I said, the hell with this,
after about a month, I said, this is ridiculous.
I was being around, I couldn't get anybody.
And so that's why this organization
and Dan's, I was so helpful
because I'm getting, the feedback I'm getting is, oh my God,
I've been trying to get to this point for a year
and you guys did it in a half an hour.
Right. You know, that's what, it's just the per, they're
so big, the, the state
and federal, they, their meaning, their meaning is, well,
they just don't know how to get people from A to B.
And we figured out a way to get 'em from A to B and,
and Beth Ann here has been a, just a breath of fresh air.
Just fantastic. So anyway, I'll shut up.
Awesome. So that the, the, the gentleman
that Jim's alluding to, it was the AI guy
Oh, the vet AI program? Yeah.
Yeah. He, he talked about that he spent his, you know,
last 10 years figuring out AI to, to allow you
to get benefits quicker.
So he's still with you or
That that is, he created the tool, right.
Which is utilized by VSA and Will
Will be utilized by, is it effective?
Yeah. Yes. I mean they're, they're
finding it extremely effective.
And so we are, one of the commitments
that I can say we are making to all of you is
that the things that are working, we are going to continue
to have them work and we're going to enhance them.
The things that aren't working,
we're just gonna take a look at
and say, how might we retool?
How might we find better solutions so
that we are able to do more?
And you know, Ryan being a part
of vsa Ryan also is our lobbyist alongside with Jeanie
for, for all seasons.
So there's also a capacity for us to really go
after some incredible funding
when we are relying on partners
and really strengthening some of these partnerships.
And so Ryan's gonna be continuing on
with us as well. And Ryan
Can be persuasive.
He absolutely can be. Yeah. Yes.
Yeah. I mean, you know, we're all very blessed
to live here and reside on the eastern shore, right.
And in rural communities, when, when you look
around the room for all seasons provide such
phenomenal services, right?
They meet you where you are 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
And then now adding in the a perspective
and strengthening that relationship, you know, the conduit
to all of our veterans organizations, folks
who have served our country,
it just couldn't be a better opportunity
to better serve the Eastern shore and beyond.
So. So Beth Ann, you're, you're taking on a lot.
So you're doing this work
and you're also doing the first responders, right?
Yeah. Yeah. How's that going?
And then you're going into our schools? Yes.
So, so you're, you're busy.
We are busy. The first responder program is going great.
I am really excited.
I shared with Beverly before the meeting to let you all know
that we're, Caroline County is the next county.
We've talked with some folks in Dorchester
County and in Kent.
And so the goal was that we would create a pilot program
and all five county first responder peer support teams would
be up and operational by 2028.
That was our goal. So we're on our way
and folks are really excited.
One of the things that we're really grateful for,
especially within Queen Anne County, is everybody's able
to sort of shape the program the way that we want.
We're giving them the foundation.
We're coming alongside
and embedding ourselves in
the school system has reached out.
We've started to do some suicide prevention education
and learning and videos.
And we just had a conversation today with Matt Evans
and Bryce about getting some of the school students
involved in some of these videos over the summer.
And so that will take shape. And so yes, we are busy.
We're also adding staff to make sure
that we have the capacity to
not over promise and under deliver.
Right? We are a slow
and steady wins the race kind of an organization.
And so when we make these decisions to take on these things,
I mean, this has been a conversation for the last eight,
nine months and we are really have a good plan of
bringing folks in and hiring a new veterans
community connector.
So we've got an application out right now in the community.
So if there are any veterans that are listening,
we are hiring a veteran connection com community connector
because we know that what's most important is
that there's a veteran who's leading the charge.
And so this isn't something that we can do without someone
by our side who can say, Hey, here's what it looks like.
We do have Gene Davis
who does the employment piece, he'll continue with us.
He is a veteran as well.
But the more that we can enhance the staff, the more
that we can reach the veterans
Community.
So are, are the first responders gonna get an app if,
if they want to talk to somebody.
So that's something that we've
talked about with Jess and Kelly.
I don't know what every county decides differently,
but I know that Jess and Kelly have talked about that.
I know that TBA County is looking at the Lighthouse app.
I'm not sure where the group landed,
but I will certainly go back
and revisit with them if there's anything
that we can do to be helpful that could be
Extended to veterans as well. Students. Yeah.
Yep. Well,
hopefully we can get Centerville and Vans out.
You know, the veterans that are located up here, they have a
a, a good size contingency up here.
Yeah. I'd love to see them work together
And we've met with them.
Yeah. So we had a great lunch
and really talked through, help us understand
what would be beneficial.
And we recognize that part of why BSA
was established in addition to the claims
and in addition to the mental health services,
it was also about reducing suicide.
And we know that we can't walk into a VFW
or an American Legion and say, Hey,
let's talk about reducing suicide
because no one wants to hear that.
So our presence is that of a quiet consistency going in
and making sure that folks understand the services
that are there, talking about self-care, talking about
how we get connected, whether it be, you know, food pantry
or housing stability,
or simply just saying, Hey,
are you checking in on your people?
And so that's the approach that we really use
to create those connections
and we're really looking forward to digging in deeper.
What about the Fred McNeil's group?
That that's what I'm talking about? Yeah. Yeah.
I had an opportunity as Jim did, to go and, and
and speak one morning at that group and,
and it was packed just
because of the popularity of, of this organization and,
and the feeling that they get
that there is a community behind them.
Right. So I I'm excited for them because of you guys. Thank
You.
We're excited as well. And Lee's been an integral part of
all of the transition being as seamless as it is.
And she was unable to be here tonight,
but she really has been just a champion
and she's coming on board as, as well as Jean.
And we're making sure that those connections
and the trust that's been built is maintained
because of those relationships.
And Lee is a regular attendee at the Monday meetings.
She's, she's very involved with the group Yep.
Are the de the present deputy director at za.
So yeah. And then I
This some great stuff. Paul
Pleased to, to we, Walt and I are honored
and to have been asked to be on the Fourth Seasons board
and we have accepted that honor.
So we will, we will be on the Four Seasons for all what
for all seasons board.
And I'm, I'm really, I'm looking forward to that
and we'll be able to
Very good.
Yeah. So for the folks that are listening,
if they have a benefits problem, Mr.
Walt, who are they calling?
They come to the marina and the Van Van's office is there
and open and is o operating just as it was before.
Can you, can you give out the number?
Those be seamless? Well
before all seasons after the end of June.
Yes. Yes. So we, we would probably, if you don't mind,
we'd get the proper information to once that's all
Squared, get that aligned first. Bruce,
That office is not gonna be going anywhere
in terms of its location.
So if people are saying, I know that's where it is,
we are gonna remain in the marina in the exact location that
that Basa is in four All seasons has an office in
Stevensville, long, long canoe circle.
Those two offices are going to remain the same
through the end of this calendar year.
And then we will merge into one building
after the first of the year.
Very good. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you very
Much, so Much.
And by the way, the model is open
and bring, bring your wives may call me
and I'll be happy to show you around. Cellular
Condo.
Cellular condo. Thank you. Wait,
Ryan, I'll meet,
I'll meet you down at Legal Assets in Easton.
Yeah. Thank you guys.
Great job everybody. Great job.
Thank you. Great job. Thank you.
What an amazing partnership. Yeah, that's great. That's
A good partnership.
Amazing. That's all Vans. Anita was just that little push.
Alright commissioners, that is all the
presentations we had this evening.
We can move into the action items for tonight's meeting.
First we have the Department of Public works.
We have two, two items for the Rhodes board.
So first I guess convene as the Roads board make
A motion that we adjourn as the Rhodes Board.
Second. Second. All those in favor? Aye.
Alright, commissioners Item one on
pages one through seven.
Where were you on that one? This is a public hearing request
for the Ganzer Drive
Road upgrade proposal.
This is North County up near
Duck Neck Campground on Double Creek Point Road.
Item one, pages one through seven. Tab two. Tab two.
There you go. Tab two, item one. Yep. Page one. Yep.
So cost
of this upgrade is $150,000 34 property owners.
The 20 year annual payment is estimated at $311 each.
It looks like about 16 people weighed in
with their opinions and it was close.
10 were in favor and six were posing the project.
So this one's a close, close.
9, 4 6 Opposed, huh?
Yeah. So anyway, Shane was up there
for the public information meeting this past month.
Any other points you wanna make about the group up there?
It was a lively meeting. Dying to six I guess so.
The residents have some very good
questions, very insightful.
Ganza Drive is one of the more unique
projects we've looked at.
This is the second time we've looked at
it for a upgrade project.
This Roady was originally constructed in late sixties,
early seventies and the original developer
dedicated it to the county but the county did not accept it.
There was a lawsuit involved with the residents
and the developer and at that time there was a decree
that I think Judge Turner
that the road was to remain private.
The developer did not do all the things he needed to do to
properly give that to the county.
So it's been private for all these years.
However, there's definitely a lack of maintenance
and the residents are feeling that the push
to actually upgrade it.
So there's definitely some for
and there's definitely some against.
So it'll, a public hearing will
certainly be very lively as well.
I move to schedule the proposed MCG ganzer drive
project public hearing.
Second, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
Seeing none. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
Aye. Opposed? All good. Five O. Okay.
Okay, Commissioners. And just just point
of clarification, we were proposing to have
that at the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Company,
that public hearing on October 27th.
Okay. That okay? Yeah. Change venue. Okay.
I'd send that out now. Send that invite out now.
Yeah. Oh good. Yeah, at the Crumpton v ft.
You haven't got up there lately
for a commissioner meeting at least.
Alright, item number two, pages eight through 15.
Another public road upgrade public hearing request.
This one's Cecil Cecil Road in the community
of Kent Island Estates.
And we've been doing these pretty routinely
over the past several years.
965 feet, 21 properties.
$115,000 estimated cost.
A 20 year annual payment of $385 per resident.
Looks like overall nine were in favor
and two were opposing on this one and two undecided.
So 9, 2 2.
I move to schedule. Proposed Cecil road
improvement project, public hearing.
Second. Motion to second on this item. Any discussion?
Seeing none. All those in favor signify the saying. Aye.
Aye. Aye. Opposed? So moved.
Alright commissioners. And we were hoping to
schedule this public meeting,
public hearing on September 21st.
That's the Monday before our normal September 22nd meeting.
And that would be, we have a
scheduling problem on September.
Yeah. So we were hoping to have that on a Monday evening.
Yeah. Is that okay? Yeah.
So we're gonna actually have this September 21st meeting.
Yeah, we'll Have our to address this
The as well as, yeah.
Ganzer is October. This one would be September 21st on a
Monday here at the Liberty building. Here.
At the Liberty building. Yes sir. Oh, okay. Alright.
So does that mean we're having a commissioner meeting
here on the 21st? On the Monday, on the
Monday 21st. We'll get a calendar invite
If that's Yep. Good.
Okay. Alright. Put it
On your Calendar.
Thank you commissioners. Thanks you. Thank you Shane.
Hey Shane, thanks for your help with the
Route eight breeding farm.
Oh yeah. That was fabulous.
Yeah, we, the, the guy had been trying to get a 10
or he's got, he had a 20 foot culprit pipe
and the trucks were crushing it and Shane
and Alan got on it with a fender and made it 40 feet.
Yeah, I think they went to 40 feet. Feet.
The local 40 feet Centerville made. It's beautiful.
It's a work of art. It's really good.
If a co pike could be a work of art, it would be. It
Is.
And it's like, if, if, if only other things could get done
that fast by the state.
So Thank you sir. Alright, thank you.
Alright, thank you Shane.
Alright commissioners action items are next.
So that's under tab number three.
So tab three item one on pages one through 28.
This is the FY 2027 county budget resolution
number 26 0 6.
This resolution is for the adoption
of the FY 27 county budget.
We did make one change, this included in this resolution
after the public informational meetings we held last month
and that was to add $700,000 match
and then, which was required
to receive the state grant funding
for the Queen Anne County Detention Center project.
So other than that, the total budget proposed operating
budget is $230,000,950 880 total
proposed capital is 66,793,607
and the operating budget has been balanced
without the use of any fund.
Balance. Tax rates for fiscal 27 are established
as follows, real property tax rate countywide
80 cents real property tax, Centerville 67 cents,
real property tax rate, Millington 71
and a half cents Public utility, personal property tax rate,
$2, Kent Narrows commercial management
and Waterfront Improvement district, special taxing area
oh 6 cents.
And the income tax rate remains the same at 3.2%.
And I wanna thank our director of budget
and finance for all his hard work, him
and his team put into this year's budget process.
Thank you all as well. Alright, I move
to adopt resolution 26 dash oh six a res a resolution
to establish a fiscal year 2027 annual budget
and appropriations with real property tax rate
of 80 cents per 100 of assessed value.
A tax differential rate of 6.67 cents per 100
of assessed value for the town of Centerville.
And 0.715 per hundred of assessed value
for the town of Millington.
A public utility, personal property tax rate of $2 per $100
of assessed value and a Kent Narrows commercial management
and waterfront improvement district,
special taxing area rate of 0.06 per 100 of assessed value.
Second, We have a motion
to second Any discussion on this?
Seeing none. All those in favor signify
by saying aye. Aye. Aye.
Aye. Opposed?
Abstained five Oh when do you start On
2028 tomorrow.
And I've got, I've got a, another motion that
we'll be able to talk about, but I'm gonna make a motion
for the finance office to draft a budget amendment
to the fiscal year 2027 operating budget to be presented
for a vote at our July 14th
commission commissioner's meeting.
Which grant, which will grant an additional $500,000
to the Board of Education to be used to fund two
district-wide rotating behaviorists
and four middle school mental health support staff.
Second. Alright, we have a motion
and a second discussion.
It's six. None. Okay. Yeah. Total of six. Yeah.
So two, we had three budget hearings
and in each budget hearing we heard about
mental health and issues.
The one at the Can Island library went on for a good deal
and it was a number one complaint
or issue that I think we faced this year
during the budget cycle.
So we had the board of ed in here today
for a liaison meeting and,
and we discussed this with them,
they had some save savings in their insurance portion
or health insurance portion, which they're gonna pick up
13 positions teaching positions, you know,
from the savings on the health insurance.
And at that time we presented them with the possibility
of doing $500,000 to deal
with the mental health issues in our schools.
And I want to just thank everybody here for, you know,
listening to this and, and hopefully you'll vote for it.
So any other discussion? Seeing none.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye. Aye. Opposed? Aye. Aye. Opposed? So moved.
Vote you got something else to do, Jeff.
There you go. Get right
On.
Thank you all but extremely
Important. He wasn't tomorrow extremely
Important.
I mean the message that resonated,
I know we took our vote, but I just Yeah, no, no.
The message resonated on that Monday night that,
that our behavioral and issues that we have in our schools
and the importance of extending this funding to the Board
of Eds so they can bring these specialists in to work
with our high school students and our middle school students
and address some of these issues that perhaps
they wouldn't have been able to without this extra funding.
So hat's off to this set of commissioners.
Alrighty, moving on.
Alright, thanks Jeffrey. Thank
You.
Okay, moving on. Commissioners item number two on pages
29 through 43.
This is the Rural Health Transformation Program Agreement
with the Maryland Institute
for Emergency Medical Services Systems.
I'm have Director Haas up here with us today
and this is a, actually a grant agreement, 155,000
for the Department of Emergency Services
to enter into a rural health transformation program
agreement with emergency medical services systems
to support the county's whole blood program.
So this would be an additional position and an individual
and materials
to provide this whole blood on our ambulance unit.
So I'll let, I'll let these gentlemen take it away
with some details on, on this program,
but it is a grant that would provide
for an additional individual
for our DES personnel team. Scott,
Do we need a motion or anything or can we just go
ahead and Yeah, go ahead.
Okay. So Zach, as usual, has been working very hard
to get this rural grant.
It originates from CMS
and it goes through the Maryland Department of Health
and is then passed on to our licensing agency,
which, which is the Maryland Institute
for Emergency Medical Services Systems.
We applied for the grant.
There were 13 receiving jurisdictions across the state
that received this grant.
Eight of them are shore jurisdictions.
We're one of the eight to start whole
blood programs in the field.
So this adds a tool in our toolbox,
which is probably the most valuable tool we've had in over a
decade and will make a huge difference in saving a life in
the field by carrying this valuable resource with us.
Oh yeah.
Whole blood's something that we've been
exploring since 2019.
We've been looking at feasibility for it
and it's always been a cost prohibitive thing for us.
So getting the opportunity
for this grant coming down from CMS through the state to us,
has really unlocked the potential for us
to get us this on our units.
It's one that we won't use frequently.
We anticipate probably six to eight administrations a year,
but this is something that will absolutely save a life.
We had one instance this past year where we were able
to rendezvous with MSP and Route two Shock Trauma
'cause aviation was down.
But they met us by ground and they carry whole blood.
We gave whole blood and I firmly believe
that if we were not able to rendezvous
and administer that there
would've been a family that would've been
buried. The kid who,
Who had the whole blood Maryland,
the state police, the helicopters carry.
Right. But if the helicopters are down, they'll come out
by ground to rendezvous with us.
So basically just a road trooper brings the blood
to us on the side of the road.
Wow. But this will give us the ability to have
that in our own pocket and administered early
and not have to worry about trying to rendezvous.
So it, it will be,
how will you know when you're gonna use it?
They'll, they'll just be on the units.
So it's gonna be assigned to a supervisor unit. Okay.
We're gonna start with you. One,
one supervisor unit is gonna carry it.
We're gonna have two units Okay. Available
To us.
I just was curious how, how we were gonna be using it
or distributing it or, or, or
It'll be centrally located.
So that'll be the initial rollout.
And then hopefully with proof of concept, we can expand
to the northern and southern battalion so
that it's readily available throughout the
County.
So this is a five year grant.
We have to reapply every five years,
but we've been told if you trust federal grants right now,
that it'll be available for the next five years.
Yeah. Believe when you have to reapply each year.
We're, and the blood bank is in Easton,
So the blood bank, we have not actually done a contract
until we seal the deal on this.
So we still have to do that component of it.
I believe they're looking at Delaware for our blood bank
that we're gonna utilize the deal with the blood banks are,
they issue us the whole blood.
We have 'em for X amount of time,
but we have to return it in time for the, for them
to be able to administer it to a patient. Yeah.
Before it's ex. So we're constantly
gonna have to be rotating.
Yeah. It's whole blood is good
for four weeks from the time that you donate
to the time that it expires.
So we're looking at taking possession of blood on day seven
and then returning to the blood bank on day 21.
And then at that point they've got a week
that they'll let on administering it somewhere else.
So just to switch, you'll go and return it
and they'll give you new Yes.
Yep. We just basically go and swap out. Okay.
And we're only paying for the blood if we utilize it.
Oh, okay. And
Of course the, this has
to have the refrigeration part of it.
Yes. So that's, yeah, the, the price of the grant
enables us to purchase all the equipment that we need
to keep it at the perfect temperature
and all the, all the requirements we need
Both on the ambulance in the police car and then,
Well, it's strictly on a
supervisor unit, our supervisor unit.
So we only need the unit,
we only need the equipment on the supervisor unit. It'll
Be, is this a self-contained
cooler that the blood's kept in?
And then there'll be another bag
that's got the administration sets and, and all that.
So basically we can take that truck rendez
with any ambulance on scene and get this rocking and
Rolling.
So here comes the softball question. Okay.
Who else does it over here on the shore?
So currently, I think Caroline is the only
one approved to use it. Is that correct?
Caroline started the program mid, mid-May
and they actually had within eight hours the
opportunity to give blood.
But MSV got there before their supervisor did.
But they have done an administration since then.
Cecil County also is live with blood,
so there's two on the shore right
Now.
And we've got the ability to use aviation.
The problem is, and we're hitting our, our busy time
of the year, the most common time you're gonna see an auto
accident is during bad weather, rain, thunderstorms.
And unfortunately for us,
aviation's down, not available to us.
Sure. And we're doing what we call ground
and pound to a trauma center to get somebody there quick.
And the interesting thing is, Centerville is kind
of our center point to the two trauma centers
that we, that we utilize.
Christiana and Shock Trauma are two level ones
and they're both approximately an hour away drive time.
But you calculate summer traffic into it,
it could take us much longer than an hour and is blood.
That's why the blood is so valuable
for us to have it at hand.
And all the, all the ground-based blood programs
that have got in everyone starts with blood thinking trauma,
but you have a large subset of GI bleeds
and actually OB patients that qualify for these transfusions
for postpartum hemorrhage and GI bleed.
So they, they can determine onsite
what their type blood is.
It's, we don't have, it's just a plasma
Low.
We do low TI or O positive is what we carry.
And if they're not that type
And then if that, if they are in the small subset
that has the titer for a reaction, we discontinue
and then we treat the reaction.
But since it's gone live in the state,
I don't even think I've heard of one
transfusion reaction and it's been three
Years That MSP's been doing this.
Very good. It took you so long to bring this to us.
Come on. I'm trying to find money.
Good deal. Well the problem is it requires a lot of labor
and that's why there's an employee attached to this.
Yeah. And we just could not in our own mind,
in a budget process come to you
and ask for the staffing level.
So once this grant became available, we're like this,
this is our end to be able to start a blood program.
So, but there's no cost for the employee
and there's no cost for the supplies
and basically no cost for the blood for us
to utilize through the grant.
How many leaders will you have?
Two units. Units. Alright,
Very good.
I move to authorize the director of Department
of Emergency Services
to enter into a rural health transformation program
agreement with the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical
Services Systems to support a Queen Ann County whole blood
program totaling $155,500.
Second. No motion in a second. Any further discussion?
See none. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye. Aye.
You guys just keep setting that bar. Yep.
We try. We try. We try.
We appreciate you guys' support
and actually you're the ones that allow us to set that bar.
So thank you for the support. We really appreciate it.
Ronald, good job. Phil just wants to be first.
He's a little disappointed.
Oh, no, no, no, No. Caroline get us.
That's what Phil's thinking. I,
I've taken my last ride in those A
no hard feelings. Yeah.
The boss always tells me we could be on
the cutting edge, not the
Bleeding edge.
You go
Todd.
You're welcome. Thank you gentlemen. Good to see you both.
Good evening
All commissioners.
Item number three, pages 44 and 45.
This is for the Queen Annes County Library.
It's an FY 2027 capital grant certification letter.
They need a executed letter from the board of commissioners
that indicates
that we have guaranteed matching funds in the amount
of $65,000 for the procurement of architectural
and engineering services for the North County branch
for next fiscal year.
The grant fund funding has been awarded
and we have the, the matching funds in the proposed
FY 27 budget.
I move to execute the Queen Anne County fiscal year 2027
capital grant certification letter for the procurement
of architectural and engineering services
for their North County branch project in the amount
of $65,000.
Second. Second. I'll be a library.
We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
Chaos there now. Seeing none.
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
Aye. Opposed? Abstained. Five O.
Alright, thank you commissioners.
Okay, we have two desk items for your consideration. Desk.
Item one is county ordinance 26 13
prohibition of political signs.
This is for introduction
and conveyance to the planning commission for their review
and a recommendation.
But essentially this ordinance bans the placement
of political signs on all property owned
by the county commissioners,
including Rhodes doing this county roads
and county rights of ways.
I moved to keep the impact fees flatted 0% increase in
accordance with 18 3 6 C. No, no,
What he's doing that he's doing's
The other one.
I'm sorry. Introduce, I'm sorry. Excuse me.
Yeah, we're gonna introduce desk item one
County orange 26 13.
The political signs on county property roadways.
Okay. Oh, I thought
we were on Just needs to be introduced.
Just needs to be introduced. Yeah, I'll introduce it.
I'll introduce it And we'll send that
to the planning commission for their review
and it'll come back to the commissioners.
Just, just pick one Steph? Yep. Yeah. Is there
Todd, is there an exception on that for
election day and early voting days?
Yeah, we're gonna have to. Oh yeah, there
Is not.
There is not currently. It was just
Make sure that when it gets sent to them that they include
that because obviously early voting have been sent building
you can put signs up then but isn't on
any non-election days.
Maybe it's as simple as that.
And then you got the schools. Yeah.
Okay. Good point. Yep.
Although I'd be happy not seeing them too, 'cause
I'm with you on that.
It's a lot of litter and it takes a lot
of work to put 'em up and take it down.
It sure does. Sure does. Okay.
So we will, we'll send that to the planning commission
for their review and recommendations back to the board
and we'll go from there.
Alright. Desk item two.
And this is for the FY 2027 impact fee schedule.
As you know, we collect impact fees.
So that was desk item two.
Yeah, that desk item one is the, we already did that one.
Yeah. One was the signs, did I get
'em back backwards?
The one was actually the impact, impact fees according
to the weather labeled. Oh,
I apologize, that was my mistake.
It's all good. So item two is the FY 2027 impact fee
schedule July 1st each year you,
the impact fee schedule values are adjusted by the
engineering news record construction cost
index for the 10 cities.
This year's increase is proposed at 2.8%.
I move to keep the impact fees flat at 0% increase in
accordance with 18 three dash six C of the county code.
Second, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
Yeah, so I, I'm looking at it.
We've got a building moratorium on right now.
Raising impact fees just kind of goes counterintuitive
to the fact that you're not even letting builders build
and then you wanna raise the rates
on 'em when they come back to build up.
Right. I'm just not a big fan of that and,
and I just did the calculation 17 cents per square foot,
which on the 2000 square foot homes an additional $340
people would've to pay.
So you know what times are tough,
we just lowered property taxes.
We can suck it up when you impact fees for a year.
And let's see what next year brings in my mind.
So very well we have a motion in a second.
All those in favor signify the saying. Aye. Aye. Aye.
Opposed? So move five.
Oh, there you go. That's
It.
Okay. That's all we have. Commissioners.
Anybody'd like to speak, press some public comment. No.
Alright. Round table Patrick,
since you're all the way over there to the right. Ah,
It was wonderful to have the bas of folks come in here
and share what, share with us what's going on.
We had a wonderful time at the
Churchill parade.
Yeah, and I'm good.
Okay. Jack got anything?
Yeah, just had to, well obviously the parade,
that was later in the day, but went up to the ville s skit
and watched our, both our high schools compete.
Queen Anne's County did coming
second well ahead of Kent Island.
I might add not to rub that in my fellow commissioner Phil
There, not to rub
It in, but not to rub it in. How did East
Chris, we, Chris, we don't have to stand for this.
Our, our, well Cole Copi,
our from Queen Anne County
High School won it again this year.
He's also our sitting national champion as well.
So his, but his last time,
I believe Cole's senior this year.
So we won't have but incredible program.
I mean, so they had the picture from two years ago
with 10 kids from each school.
This year they got 40 kids, 20 from each school
and they're up to six schools this year
and they're looking to bring on four more next year.
So it's, it's grown at a rapid pace. What
Wasn't it 40 this 40 last year, 80 this year?
No, no, no, no. That was with all the schools. Oh.
But just Queen Anne's County.
We had 40, but up from 20. So, so
I mean as a, as a school, high school team.
Sport four. Yeah. It's, it's really,
they're they're talking about adding what,
six more schools next year?
Yeah, that's what they were saying. Six.
And then, but it's, you know, it's, it's funny
because these kids are the real deal talking to the,
the coaches and all that just to, it it's,
it just brings kids outta their shell.
Some kids that are introverts. Yeah.
You know, they really get into it and they shoot
and I'm telling you, I wouldn't wanna make any of 'em mad
'cause I'm pretty sure they can knock you down.
I we saw 2 25 outta 20 fives in a matter of two shooters.
So Yeah. One actually was Gene Legg's grandson.
His, he had his first 25.
So, but yeah, it was a great time and,
and I'm gonna be bringing something back
around here in the next month
or so to try to enhance the facility up there.
Yep. Because it's be, you know, it is gonna be our home base
for both high schools and just, you know, clean it up
and get them a new, some new bathrooms
and, you know, we've done all that in a lot
of the other parks that we're using.
So I think it's a good idea to,
and they've raised 155,000 already.
So total 'em, we may be talking about we can match that.
Get 'em over to the finish line. So,
And possibly the sheriff's indoor range.
Well we haven't had that conversation yet,
so I won't bring that one up yet.
Sheriff. Don't know about that one just yet. But
Yeah, I did see the Lady Bucks picture though from
the, from the Yeah.
On Facebook today. Looking good. Yep. Did a really good job.
So yeah, that was very enjoyable.
So next time they have a meeting,
I would suggest getting out there.
And Chris, you got anything you wanna say?
Yeah, I just want to an addendum almost to the,
the vote we did earlier for the additional funding
for the school and for the mental health professionals.
And I, I just want to commend the father
who lost his son tragically to suicide,
who came out to the meeting to speak.
I think that was a very brave thing that he did
and the folks that were there to support
him and it made a difference.
'cause as you see, there's additional,
additional funding that goes in.
And so I just want to make sure that people know
that if there are things that you want
to see in the community
and things that you wanna see from the commissioner's
budget, come and talk to us.
'cause you'll be surprised at how quickly
we can put things into action.
It reminds me of, of when we had those kids come
to the parks and board and they wanted to have a skate park
and they put on an amazing presentation
and within 18 months it was open, like amazing.
Right. And because if you come forward
and you talk to the commissioners, you'd be surprised at
how, you know, how much we can get done.
But when you're sitting at home
and just not speaking to us, we can't reach your minds.
So, you know, come out, talk to commissioners,
you'll find we're all very approachable.
I'd be shocked if you reached out to any commissioner if,
if you didn't get a response back within 24
or 48 hours, setting up a time to meet with you.
And that is something I'm proud of, that we, that we all,
all do to make sure that we are accessible.
Whether it's at night, during the day, on the weekends,
we're always out there meeting with the constituents and,
and trying our best to do the right thing for everybody.
Awesome. So I got to
participate last Saturday.
I got to hang out with Jack at the,
at the Southern Royal Ski Trap Club.
Got some great pictures of the Bucks team
and a few of the Queen Ants team.
But it was great to see the kids get to come together.
We actually got our picture taken, Jack
and I, with both teams.
That was pretty cool. And then Saturday we
did, Saturday was a busy day.
Saturday afternoon, we, we joined the folks up in Churchill
and celebrated their hundred 50th birthday
and walked in their parade
and just what a great turnout for the north part
of the county for the fireworks and all the festivities
and things that were going on.
So, Jim,
Very good.
Well, Saturday was a busy day.
We went out with our $50,000 matching funds, check down the
Y River via a boat.
And it was, I got to watch a seating of a, of a historic
bed, which was very interesting
and a lot of interesting facts about oysters
in the Y River and what's going on.
So, and I told 'em I wanted, I want it all itemized.
I want, I want all the information.
'cause the numbers are just unbelievable.
So it's going very well for them.
And then, like you said, we went up to Churchill,
ran outta candy, not gonna live that one down.
That was a lot of kids up there.
Boy, that was a, a hell of a crowd.
So, but on a more serious note, the passing
of Paul Gunther, he will be missed.
I mean, what, what a great individual from commissioner
to businessman to a farmer, just so easy to talk
to no matter what he was doing behind a hot grill, he would,
you know, wealth, the knowledge.
That's it. Yeah. So I just, he's a pillar of the community
and, and he will truly be missed.
So God bless.
And, and you know, I, that's all I can really say about it.
Anything else for the good of the group?
The pickleball courts in Churchill opened the day before.
So if you want to play pickleball,
brand new beautiful courts up in Churchill.
Very good. Make a motion to adjourn. Second.
All those in favor? A Aye. Aye.