[0:09] Okay, we're gonna bring the meeting back to order.
[0:12] Backing up. I'm taking 'em home tonight.
[0:16] Okay. Welcome to the Queen
[0:17] Anne County Commissioners meeting.
[0:18] This is a public meeting
[0:19] that is being aired live on our local cable television
[0:21] station, QAC TV seven.
[0:24] These media broadcasts provide county citizens an
[0:26] opportunity to watch and review our
[0:28] scheduled public meetings.
[0:29] In addition to our live audience this evening,
[0:31] we are providing re remote options for citizens to watch
[0:33] and participate in the county commissioner meetings.
[0:36] Citizens may watch our meeting live on our website at
[0:39] qac.org/live,
[0:41] or on our public access television channel
[0:45] provided by Breeze Line Cable Services.
[0:48] Citizens may also participate
[0:49] by joining the live Zoom meeting by going
[0:50] to qac.org/public comments.
[0:55] Citizens may also email comments to public comment@qac.org
[0:59] and all comments will be summarized
[1:01] during the pressing public comment period.
[1:02] On tonight's agenda, we acknowledge everyone's participation
[1:06] and by attending you acknowledge
[1:08] that this session is both recorded and aired pressing.
[1:11] Public comment will be taken
[1:13] and is limited to three minutes per person.
[1:15] If you do care to speak,
[1:16] please sign up at the information table
[1:17] and our lobby comments.
[1:19] Longer than three minutes can be submitted in writing
[1:21] for the commissioner's review.
[1:23] We will now stand and be led in the
[1:24] Pledge of Allegiance by commission.
[1:25] President Jim Moran
[1:29] I pledge of allegiance
[1:30] To the flag of the United States of America
[1:34] and to the republic for which it stands,
[1:36] one the nation under God, indivisible,
[1:39] with liberty Justice for all. If
[1:42] You can remain standing for a moment of silence
[1:44] for Paul Gunther passed away.
[1:57] Thank you.
[2:07] All right. Good evening everybody.
[2:09] So that brings us to the approval
[2:11] for the agenda for tonight's meeting.
[2:13] So our agenda for today's meeting June 9th, along
[2:17] with the regular session minutes,
[2:18] the closed session minutes from May 26th.
[2:21] They've all been circulated for review.
[2:23] Any additions or corrections
[2:26] Make a motion to add two additional
[2:29] desk items to the agenda.
[2:31] Second, no motion to second. Any discussion?
[2:34] All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed? So moved.
[2:37] Five oh. Motion to accept the agenda as amended
[2:41] and the minutes as submitted.
[2:43] Second. Motion to second. Any discussion? Seeing none.
[2:47] All in favor signify saying aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Very well.
[2:52] Five moved.
[2:54] All right. Thank you commissioners.
[2:56] So we just held a closed session under the general
[2:59] provisions article, section 3, 3 0 5 B one for boards
[3:02] and commissions and personnel,
[3:04] and I think we have a couple
[3:05] board appointments to make. Next
[3:07] I move to reappoint Scotty McLain
[3:09] to fill the vacancy on the Agricultural
[3:11] Preservation Advisory Board.
[3:12] This term will expire on June 30th, 2030. One second.
[3:17] We have a motion to sec second. Any discussion? See none.
[3:21] All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye.
[3:23] Opposed? Five Oh,
[3:26] I move to appoint Devin Jones
[3:28] and reappoint, Giselle Gare, Michelle Johnson
[3:33] and Gail Lundberg to our local management board
[3:37] and their terms will go till June 30th, 2029. Second,
[3:42] We have a motion to second Any discussion on this item?
[3:45] Seeing none. All those in favor signify saying Aye. Aye.
[3:47] Aye. Aye. Aye. Five. Aye.
[3:54] Alright. Thank you Commissioner.
[3:55] That brings us to press and public comment.
[4:00] So we appreciate all citizens for taking time
[4:02] to express views to the county commissioners.
[4:06] Comments are limited to three minutes per person
[4:08] Comments longer than three minutes
[4:09] can be submitted in writing.
[4:10] This commission respects your desire
[4:12] and right to convey your message freely.
[4:14] When you come forward, please speak clearly at the standing
[4:17] mic, microphone, state your name, your address,
[4:19] and your topic of interest.
[4:20] And in keeping with the dignity of our office, we ask
[4:23] that all views be expressed in a
[4:24] respectful and civil manner.
[4:27] Let's see. The first person signed up was Eric Levier.
[4:31] Yes sir. My name is Eric Lavos.
[4:35] I'm the community President for the Harvey
[4:36] View Community on Ken Island.
[4:39] And it's a concern of ours
[4:40] of these unidentified delivery vehicles.
[4:44] I'm here as representative of the Harvey View community,
[4:46] located in Chester on Kent Island.
[4:48] Like many of the communities in Queen Anne County, the issue
[4:51] of unidentified delivery vehicles in our community,
[4:54] these delivery vehicles are mostly Amazon delivery trucks
[4:57] or vehicles, but can also be related
[4:59] to companies like DoorDash.
[5:01] The vehicle speed through our neighborhood parked officially
[5:04] in the roadway and aggressively enter people's driveways.
[5:07] I have personally witnessed one
[5:08] of these vehicles aggressively enter my driveway
[5:11] with no identifying markings and have li tin windows.
[5:14] The operator of the vehicle sat in there in his vehicle
[5:16] for a short period of time and then got out.
[5:19] It wasn't until they exited the vehicle that I noticed
[5:21] that they had an Amazon vest on
[5:23] and then made the delivery and departed.
[5:29] This is not an isolated incident.
[5:30] It is occurring weekly in Harborview,
[5:32] and I'm sure it's occurring weekly
[5:34] in other communities as well.
[5:35] I'm concerned that this practice
[5:37] of these delivery services may lead
[5:39] to an unfortunate incident.
[5:42] There may be citizens in Queen Anns County
[5:44] that have protective orders
[5:45] or other concerns for their safety
[5:46] and may be concerned when a vehicle feeds into their
[5:49] driveway or it's officially parked in front of their house.
[5:52] They have no idea why
[5:57] A confrontation may ensue
[6:00] and an unfortunate accident may happen
[6:02] because they do not know who these people are.
[6:05] And then there is an argument
[6:06] and we don't want that to happen.
[6:08] Especially not in Harborview Amazon Flexes delivery service.
[6:13] If you go on their website,
[6:14] the only thing needed is a cell phone, a driver's license,
[6:17] and a four door sedan.
[6:19] Once they hire you, they will give you a vest.
[6:21] There is nothing that identifies who this vehicle is
[6:24] or who these people are.
[6:26] There are far too many issues to speak of here today.
[6:29] During my time, I fully understand
[6:31] that these drivers are working to make a little extra money.
[6:33] They are working the hours that work best for them.
[6:36] However, the safety of our community comes first.
[6:39] We're requesting that Queen Anne County Commissioners take a
[6:41] look into these delivery practices.
[6:43] Any of the Paso County ordinance will work
[6:44] with our state officials to pass legislation
[6:47] that we require these vehicles to be identified.
[6:50] The Amazon trucks are identified,
[6:51] these Amazon vehicles should be identified
[6:53] as well the company's profit by not paying for vehicles.
[6:58] And they pay these people at lower wages.
[7:00] They don't have to pay 'em healthcare or anything like that.
[7:01] They have horse bed for Amazon.
[7:03] Everybody should be treated the same.
[7:05] And the homeowner should know whoever comes into their
[7:07] property in their driveway feels safe
[7:09] that this is a legitimate delivery
[7:11] and not just somebody that's speeding into their driveway
[7:13] and coming up into their property.
[7:17] I re respect your attendance
[7:19] to this matter and your support.
[7:20] Thank you very much. Thank you You Jay Fsad.
[7:28] Good evening commissioners.
[7:29] Jay Fsad, queen Ann Conservation Association.
[7:32] I just wanted to get in a last comment on 26 9
[7:36] and 26 10 before you all vote on it later tonight.
[7:41] I just wanna emphasize
[7:42] that both the non-contiguous development
[7:44] and TDR programs were established to protect
[7:48] and preserve agricultural land
[7:51] within our code are a bunch of things
[7:54] that have nothing at all to do with agriculture.
[7:56] And if you look at the recreation section of the code,
[7:59] you can have things on on preserved open space such
[8:02] as golf courses, tennis courts,
[8:05] and other things that have nothing to do with agriculture.
[8:09] I'm not disputing the need for landowners to adjust.
[8:13] Lot lines and staff will properly tell you that the things
[8:17] that I'm mentioning are already allowed on
[8:19] agricultural land now.
[8:20] And that is a true statement.
[8:22] All I'm suggesting is that
[8:24] by allowing these lot line adjustments as text amendment
[8:28] 26 9 and 26 10 do, you're increasing the probability
[8:33] that these non-agricultural uses will ultimately be allowed.
[8:37] And at the end of the day, I hope you'll find a way
[8:40] to at least amend it.
[8:42] The this ordinance so that these
[8:45] non-farm uses are taken out.
[8:48] Absent that, if you wanna revisit the issue
[8:51] entirely, that's okay too.
[8:53] But at the end of the day, these programs were meant
[8:56] to protect ag land.
[8:58] What does a golf course have to do with agriculture?
[9:01] Nothing. What does a tennis court
[9:02] have to do with agriculture?
[9:04] And those things really ought
[9:05] to just be taken out altogether.
[9:07] And that's really all I'm asking for that are all
[9:10] that I'm hoping that you'll consider it's
[9:12] a reasonable request.
[9:14] I hope we can find a way to do it.
[9:16] I'm not opposed to anything that the applicants want to do.
[9:19] I understand the need to adjust lot lines
[9:21] for geologic reasons or for a driveway
[9:23] or access that's all perfectly reasonable.
[9:26] But allowing golf courses and tennis courts
[9:29] and all this other stuff on agricultural land flies in the
[9:32] face of everything that this county has done
[9:34] with its great record of land preservation.
[9:37] And I just hope we can find a way to continue
[9:39] that. Thank you. Thank
[9:40] You.
[9:42] Nobody else has signed up. Would anyone else like to speak?
[9:45] Yes ma'am.
[9:49] Alright. My name is Ann Goodman and I'm,
[9:55] I had sponsored, my husband
[9:57] and I, James had sponsored an amendment
[10:02] that then we worked with Jeff Thompson
[10:05] and planning
[10:07] and zoning to merge three
[10:12] amendments into what you see as 26 9 and 26 10.
[10:17] I thought that the comment period was over the last time we
[10:20] met on this, so I just
[10:22] don't understand why we're still standing here
[10:24] and letting people comment on it.
[10:29] The hearing was open for two weeks to the next meeting so
[10:32] that it was basically when the, when
[10:33] It raised hearing, I thought that it was open
[10:36] for written comment. Well,
[10:37] We leave the record open so if the record's open,
[10:39] it can be written or it can be verbal.
[10:41] Right. And this you, you're in pressing public comment time.
[10:44] Okay. Say Comments on everything. Yeah.
[10:49] Then I do want to reiterate that the proposal
[10:54] doesn't change anything with respect
[10:59] to the agreements that were already made between the county
[11:01] and the landowners on the open space
[11:05] involved. Thank you. You're
[11:07] Welcome.
[11:08] Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else like to speak? Yes, sir.
[11:14] Commers Jeffrey Thompson.
[11:15] I'm representing the applicant's in this case.
[11:18] The only thing I'd like to point out Mr.
[11:20] Jones' report of, of today's date that she's submitted
[11:22] to you is that the only really permitted use
[11:26] is public recreation.
[11:28] Those are recreation facilities that you approve.
[11:31] The others are all conditional uses.
[11:33] And by way of example, tenant courts, golf, all
[11:36] of those are conditional uses
[11:37] requiring board of appeals approval.
[11:40] And recently someone proposed a,
[11:43] a pickleball court in the Ag Zone
[11:46] and it was rejected by the Board of Appeals.
[11:48] So there's, there's a showing there that again,
[11:51] only you have control over without Board of appeals approval
[11:54] to do any of those activities. Thank you.
[11:57] Thank you. Anyone else?
[12:00] Yes, you do have a letter for the
[12:02] comprehensive water and sew plan.
[12:04] You want me to read that now or wait,
[12:06] It's the first one up on the agenda.
[12:08] Let's read it now. Okay. Yeah.
[12:11] This letter comes from Annie Richards,
[12:12] our Chester River Keeper at the Shore Rivers
[12:15] to the Queens County Commissioners.
[12:16] Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on behalf
[12:18] of Shore Rivers, a water quality organization working
[12:20] to protect Eastern shore waterways,
[12:22] including the Chester Miles y in Eastern Bay
[12:25] and other tributaries within the Queens County.
[12:27] I'm writing to express our strong support
[12:28] for the proposed amendment 1127 To the Queens County water
[12:32] and sewer plan, septic pollution represents a significant
[12:35] and growing threat to water quality in Chester
[12:37] River and across the county.
[12:39] Aging and failing septic systems contribute excess
[12:42] nutrients, bacteria, and other pollutants to our waterways.
[12:44] Degrading aqua aquatic sy ecosystems harming fisheries
[12:48] and putting public health and drinking
[12:50] water supplies at risk.
[12:51] These challenges are only expected to intensify
[12:54] as rising ground water levels, salt water intrusion
[12:57] and increased development pressure further compromised
[12:59] septic system performance.
[13:01] For these reasons, shore River strongly supports the
[13:03] county's proactive approach to assigning sewer allocation
[13:06] for the purpose of connecting impaired septic systems
[13:09] to advance wastewater treatment infrastructure.
[13:12] Prioritizing septic to sewer conversions is one
[13:15] of the most effective strategies available
[13:16] to reduce nutrient pollution at its source
[13:19] and improve long water quality outcome.
[13:22] This amendment reflects a thoughtful
[13:23] and forward-looking commitment
[13:24] to protecting the Chester River
[13:26] safeguarding local drinking water
[13:28] and supporting resilience sustainable communities.
[13:30] By directing limited wastewater capacity towards addressing
[13:34] existing environmental and public health challenges,
[13:36] the county has taken an important step towards
[13:38] responsible growth management.
[13:39] We rec, we commend the county for advancing this amendment
[13:43] and encourage its adoption.
[13:44] Sincerely, any Richards
[13:46] Right?
[13:49] Alright, we're done with press, public comment,
[13:52] moving on. Alright.
[13:54] Alright. Commissioners,
[13:55] we can go into the legislation portion of the agenda
[13:58] and as you know, we have a number of bills
[14:01] that we've had hearings on.
[14:02] It can be voted on this evening.
[14:04] So tab number seven,
[14:07] item one on page one.
[14:09] The first one we have is the comprehensive water
[14:11] and sewer plan, public hearing decision for the Marlin Farms
[14:15] and Dominion sewer sewer service area map.
[14:18] And this is the service area map that would provide for
[14:22] public sewer extension to the Marlin Farms
[14:24] and Dominion areas.
[14:26] This map would then allow this project to be
[14:30] pursue a public health exemption from the Smart Grid
[14:33] Coordinating Committee so that
[14:34] that action could be taken at some point in the future
[14:37] to provide public sewer to these two areas
[14:40] that have public health concerns.
[14:41] This is kind of the step one
[14:44] I move to approve the amendment,
[14:45] to place the Marlin Farm slash Dominion Sewer Service map
[14:48] into the 2011 comprehensive
[14:50] Water sewage plan.
[14:51] Second, we have a motion and a second.
[14:54] Any discussion on this? Long
[14:57] overdue and looking forward to it.
[14:59] Let's march on. Yep.
[15:00] Seeing no other comments,
[15:02] all those in favor signify by saying Aye.
[15:03] Aye. Aye. Opposed? Five. Oh. Alright.
[15:07] Thank you commissioners. Item number two on pages two
[15:12] and three is county ordinance 26 0 4 uses allowed
[15:16] to occupy in excess of 65,000 square feet
[15:19] of gross floor area and the airport protection
[15:22] and Kent Island Gateway District.
[15:24] And the intent of this amendment is to add boat sales
[15:28] and repair and marinas to the list of individual uses
[15:31] or tenant space that can occupy more than 65,000 square feet
[15:35] of gross floor area within the airport protection.
[15:37] And Kent Island Gateway District.
[15:43] And this can be veteran as well.
[15:44] Planning Commission did send a favorable report
[15:46] to the commissioners for this proposed
[15:49] Ordinance.
[15:50] Do you have the motion? Yes. So am I
[15:53] 26 0 4
[15:56] I I move to adopt county ordinance 26 0 4.
[16:00] Second We have a motion and a second.
[16:02] Any discussion on this item? Seeing none.
[16:05] All those in favor signify the saying Aye. Aye. Opposed?
[16:08] Aye. Five. Oh.
[16:11] Alright. Thank you commissioners.
[16:13] Item number three on pages four and five, excuse me.
[16:17] As County Ordinance 26 0 7 non-residential floor area in the
[16:22] Waterfront Village Center zoning district.
[16:25] And the intent of this ordinance is
[16:27] to increase the buy right maximum non-residential floor area
[16:30] from 30 to 40% within the Waterfront
[16:34] Village Center district by
[16:35] and remove the bonus standard that allows
[16:37] for a floor area ratio of 40%.
[16:40] Also recommended favorably by the Planning Commission
[16:46] Motion to adopt Ordinance 26 0 7.
[16:49] Second We have a motion to second. Any discussion?
[16:53] Seeing none. All this in favor signify by saying aye a. Aye.
[16:57] Opposed? Abstain. I vote.
[17:02] Commissioners. Next up, item four on pages six
[17:05] and seven, county ordinance 26 0 8 commercial apartments in
[17:09] the Waterfront Village Center zoning district.
[17:13] The intent of this ordinance is to add additional provisions
[17:16] to allow commercial apartments within the Waterfront Village
[17:19] Center district to locate the commercial apartment dwelling
[17:22] unit on any same floor, including the first floor.
[17:25] Also recommended favorably by the planning commissioners
[17:32] Motion to adopt Ordinance 26 0 8.
[17:35] Second. We have a motion
[17:36] to second Any discussion on this, Amy?
[17:39] This also allows commercial to be on the top floor, right?
[17:42] Yeah. Which I think it's a great idea.
[17:44] So better review Any other discussion? Seeing none.
[17:49] All those in favor signify the saying. Aye. Aye. Aye.
[17:52] Opposed? So moved.
[17:56] Alright, commissioners. Moving on.
[17:57] Item number five on pages eight through 14,
[18:01] county ordinance 26 0 9.
[18:03] This a amend, this is an amendment to the transfer
[18:06] development rights standards TDRs.
[18:09] And this would amend the transferable development rights
[18:13] standards to allow for a transfer
[18:15] or parcel, which is designated
[18:16] as open space following the conveyance of development rights
[18:19] to be subdivided through the administrative subdivision
[18:21] process to accommodate lot line adjustments,
[18:24] but not to be reconfigured to create a new lot
[18:29] planning commission also recommended
[18:30] favorably on this amendment.
[18:43] Any mey, miny mo I mean,
[18:48] I'll bring the motion up to get it to discussion,
[18:50] but I have discussion, so I'll, I will make a motion for,
[18:53] to push 26 0 9 or to adopt 26 0 9.
[18:58] I'll second it. We have a motion to second any discussion?
[19:00] Yeah, I mean, I, I'm got these papers.
[19:03] I'm going through a lot of these use,
[19:04] I I guess I, I get the point.
[19:06] I'm all good with the whole lot line moving.
[19:08] I have no problem with any of that,
[19:09] but I, I really don't see why it's very simplistic
[19:12] to just strike the non agricultural uses
[19:16] and get rid of it as, as an amendment to it.
[19:18] If you move your lot lines, then you can't do any
[19:20] of these things whether conditional or permanent.
[19:22] That's all my thing. I just don't understand why it's a big
[19:24] deal to get rid of that if you move the lot lines.
[19:26] I I don't know that it is a big deal.
[19:28] So, so you you want to amend the, I would like to amend it
[19:32] to have that struck if you were
[19:34] to move your lot lines, that's all.
[19:36] So does it have to be rewritten?
[19:38] We'd have to amend the bill to do that. Yeah. It
[19:41] Have to go back to the planning commission.
[19:43] So basically what we do is send it
[19:44] back to planning and zoning.
[19:47] I'd have to check with the attorney.
[19:49] I don't know that that would be a substantive change.
[19:51] It could be. That's you're you're talking about changing the
[19:53] use applicable for the, I mean the zoning district's.
[19:57] Amy, do you have an opinion on that?
[19:59] I, I think we would need to get a legal determination as
[20:02] to whether or not this change meets the substantial
[20:06] threshold, but likely it would, so likely this would need
[20:10] to go back to the planning commission
[20:13] for a recommendation on the proposal as amended
[20:18] An adjust your, adjust your motion
[20:20] to just amend it and send it back.
[20:23] Well you gotta do the, we have
[20:24] to vote on the amendment first and then vote on we So you're
[20:28] gonna table, you're gonna table the,
[20:30] we're gonna table the 26 0 9
[20:31] until it's amended basically. Correct.
[20:33] Have to table it and have senate
[20:34] it to planning commission.
[20:35] So I, so I'm gonna make the, the motion for the amendment
[20:39] to strike the non-agricultural uses from
[20:45] uses permitted when you move the lot line for 26 0 9.
[20:50] So, okay. Second.
[20:54] You got a motion to second on A is,
[20:57] I don't even know if we should, we need to do that.
[21:01] Well we gotta pass the amendment
[21:02] to send it back to planning commission.
[21:03] It's gotta be official that we're sending it back. Well
[21:06] You should, you should make a motion to take, send
[21:07] An un unloaded amendment back
[21:08] To the plaintiff.
[21:09] There was a motion in, there was a motion on the floor to
[21:13] Approve this.
[21:14] So we have to, to approve this as is.
[21:15] Yeah, so, so I'm gonna withdraw my 26 0 9 motion. Correct.
[21:19] Okay. And then I, my amendment motion will stand.
[21:22] Yep. Yes. Amy,
[21:26] Can I ask for a point of clarification on the amendment?
[21:29] And that is, are you proposing
[21:32] to strike non-agricultural uses upon
[21:37] re upon re subdivision upon lot line adjustment
[21:40] or entirely from Entirely?
[21:43] No, just during, only during a lot line adjustment,
[21:45] which is what this is actually trying to do
[21:47] and accomplish is being able to adjust the lot lines.
[21:49] So, okay. Yeah, that'll keep 'em all in AG uses.
[21:54] And then we had a motion in a second on that
[21:56] to send this back as as amended.
[21:59] So all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. A Aye aye.
[22:04] Aye. Five. Oh, you good? Okay. So
[22:08] Back to the planning commission on 26 0 9.
[22:13] Right. Okay.
[22:14] So county ordinance 26 10 amendments to the
[22:18] non-contiguous development standards.
[22:21] Similar intent here
[22:23] Then word again,
[22:25] This would amend the NCD standards to allow non-contiguous
[22:30] and developed parcels which are designated as open space
[22:32] to be subdivided through the open
[22:34] through the administrative subdivision process.
[22:36] Again to accommodate lot line adjustments,
[22:38] but not to be reconfigured to
[22:41] add an additional lot or create a new lot.
[22:43] So similar to the 26 0 9, but for NCD.
[22:49] So I'll introduce an amendment to get rid of the
[22:53] same non-agricultural uses
[22:56] from 26 second, which is a second.
[23:00] We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
[23:04] Basically just same thing as 26 0 9. Okay.
[23:10] All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Bye. Oh, thanks Amy.
[23:15] Alright, thanks Amy. Okay,
[23:20] Commissioners, moving on.
[23:21] Item number seven on pages 22 through 26,
[23:25] this is county ordinance 26 12 amendment number one
[23:30] to the Queen Annes County Forest Conservation Act,
[23:32] chapter 18 of the code of Public local law.
[23:35] This can be introduced and voted on.
[23:37] And this was a request by the commissioners
[23:40] for this amendment to be drafted to address the application
[23:43] of solar energy generating stations in relation
[23:45] to the specifics of the proposed code.
[23:48] And they are currently exempt from a forestation
[23:51] but not reforestation.
[23:52] And the intent of this amendment is
[23:54] to protect existing forest set areas from being cleared
[23:57] for solar energy generating stations
[23:59] or any other proposed use
[24:00] by requiring a higher reforestation rate
[24:03] for those properties that are larger than 25 acres
[24:06] or more than 50% forested.
[24:09] I'll introduce 26 12. Okay.
[24:16] Okay, for the amendment, I'll introduce the amendment.
[24:17] I'm sorry. Yep. And then I'll make a motion
[24:19] to adopt the amendment.
[24:22] Yep.
[24:25] Alright, so that's been introduced the amendment
[24:27] one. Okay.
[24:29] And now we should be able to adopt it.
[24:31] Yeah, we can, yeah, we can adopt 26 12.
[24:33] I'm making a motion to adopt. Yeah.
[24:35] Amendment one to 26, 12. Right.
[24:37] Second, we have a motion to second any discussion?
[24:42] All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed?
[24:47] Five oh. And now a motion to adopt 26 12 as amended.
[24:52] Yep. That's item eight in your book on pages 27
[24:54] through 62 26 12.
[24:56] Yeah. Yep. Second,
[24:59] We have a motion and a second on this.
[25:01] All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed?
[25:05] Aye. So moved by vote
[25:08] and then I move
[25:11] to adopt the updated Queen Annes County Forest
[25:13] Conservation technical manual.
[25:16] Second.
[25:19] Yeah, the Forest Conservation Technical manual is a
[25:22] reference in the 26 12.
[25:23] That's just a Right.
[25:25] An additional piece of that to, to amend that as well
[25:27] as part of that Bill.
[25:32] Second, should you have a motion? Got motion to second.
[25:35] I understand the discussion.
[25:37] I'm just the conversation fee in lieu rate of a dollar 50.
[25:42] Oh, that's, that's, that's the next one.
[25:43] That's the next one. That's the next one. Number four.
[25:44] I'm one ahead of you. Yeah, it's the bottom
[25:46] of the other one manual.
[25:47] Okay. Thank you. Okay.
[25:50] Alright, well then on this first one,
[25:53] all those in favor signify by saying aye.
[25:55] Aye. Aye. Opposed? So moved.
[26:01] Okay, one more.
[26:05] I move to adopt the updated forest conservation fee in
[26:08] lures at as $1 and 50 cents per square foot
[26:11] and the violation of penalty rate at $2
[26:13] and 50 cents per square foot.
[26:14] Second, we have a motion to second on this. Any discussion?
[26:19] Seeing none. All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye.
[26:22] Aye. Opposed? So moved.
[26:24] And now we're done with forest
[26:25] conservation for a little while.
[26:26] Right? Okay. Thank you very much.
[26:29] Yes. Many many. Alright,
[26:32] Thank you Commissioner.
[26:33] That's all of our legislative items for this evening except
[26:34] for the desk item, but we'll get to that later.
[26:38] We can move into the presentations portion
[26:39] of the agenda now.
[26:41] So if you wanna turn to tab number six, item one.
[26:44] We have the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board update.
[26:48] Ms. Ellen Fra, executive director is here, so come on up.
[26:51] Ellen and Beverly is with her today, director
[26:55] of Human Resources.
[26:57] Welcome. Okay. We have it on the screen or just in the book?
[27:01] It's in the book. Okay. Alright, so tab six item
[27:07] one, pages one through 20 is the, the update. So
[27:12] Good evening and I am not here in my capacity
[27:15] as the Human resource director.
[27:16] I am here in the capacity
[27:18] as the Queen Annes County representative
[27:21] on the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board.
[27:23] And so I'm introduce to you Ellen Fra,
[27:26] who is our executive director.
[27:28] And good news, she's not asking for any money
[27:31] and so she's going to have some things that we need
[27:35] to take care of as far as business
[27:38] for meeting our legislative requirements.
[27:40] And so I'll let her take it away.
[27:42] Thank you. Thank you Beverly.
[27:45] I wanna thank you for your time today.
[27:47] The Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board sincerely values
[27:50] the continued support the Queen Anne County Commissioners
[27:54] and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today.
[27:57] I would also like to thank you
[27:59] for appointing Beverly Churchill
[28:00] of Queen Anne County government, who already spoke
[28:03] to us today as
[28:04] and as well as Adam Tulley
[28:07] of Queen Anne County Public Schools.
[28:09] They have been invaluable assets
[28:11] and we greatly appreciate their service to the board.
[28:14] Our mission is to provide high quality career
[28:16] and training services to the residents
[28:18] of Queen Annes County, with a goal of connecting individuals
[28:22] to meaningful employment opportunities within our region.
[28:26] This work is essential not only
[28:28] to the individual job seekers,
[28:30] but also to the overall economic health
[28:32] and stability of our communities.
[28:35] As mandated by the Governor's Workforce Development Board
[28:37] policy, the memorandum of understanding is a required
[28:41] and foundational document for our workforce system.
[28:45] It establishes how our key workforce partners collaborate
[28:48] to deliver coordinated high quality services
[28:51] to individuals and businesses.
[28:53] These partners include the Maryland Department of Labor,
[28:56] the Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Department
[29:00] of Social Services, including the Queen Anne County
[29:02] Department of Social Services and Chesapeake College.
[29:06] Through this mandated framework, residents
[29:08] of Queen Anne County benefit from access
[29:10] to workforce training funds,
[29:13] industry recognized certifications
[29:16] and comprehensive employment services
[29:18] that support their path to sustainable employment.
[29:22] At the same time, businesses in Queen Anne County benefit
[29:24] from a skilled and prepared workforce
[29:27] that is better positioned to meet their current
[29:30] and future workforce needs.
[29:33] Embedded within the memorandum
[29:34] of understanding is the resource sharing agreement,
[29:37] which is also required under the Governor's Workforce
[29:39] Development Board policy.
[29:42] This agreement outlines the individual financial
[29:45] and in-kind contributions made by each participating agency.
[29:49] Funding provided through the Workforce Innovation
[29:52] Opportunity Act, along with other funding sources,
[29:55] is detailed within this agreement.
[29:57] Together these share contributions support our collective
[30:00] mission and provide a clear
[30:02] and transparent framework for coordinating resources,
[30:05] maximizing efficiency,
[30:06] and stretching funds so that we can serve
[30:09] as many individuals as possible.
[30:11] Our partner agencies have provided invaluable,
[30:15] provided valuable input throughout this process
[30:17] and have indicated their concurrence
[30:19] with these documents today.
[30:21] I respectfully request your concurrence as well
[30:25] in fulfillment of these policy requirements
[30:27] and a continued support of our collaborative efforts
[30:30] to strengthen the workforce
[30:32] and economic vitality of Queen Ance County.
[30:35] I wanna thank you for your time and consideration.
[30:38] Alright. I move to execute the memorandum of Understanding
[30:42] with the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board
[30:43] for the resource sharing agreement.
[30:45] Second, we have a motion to second. Any discussion?
[30:50] Impressive program. Yes. Alright.
[30:52] It is very impressive program.
[30:54] All those in favor signify the saying. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
[30:58] Aye. There we go. Five. Oh, thank you very much. Thank you.
[31:00] Thank you. Thank you. A lot of fun with this.
[31:06] Alright. Thank you. Good to see you. Alright.
[31:10] Alright, commissioners also on tab six,
[31:12] our second present presentation tonight.
[31:15] Item two on page 21, we have the Veteran
[31:18] and Military Support Alliance update.
[31:20] So we have a group here, so come on up folks. Lee Ellings.
[31:24] Lee Ellington, deputy Director vsa, Kathy Deto,
[31:27] board Chair vsa Wal Petri, founding member with vsa.
[31:31] Beth Ann Doman, president and CEO for all seasons.
[31:35] Alright, welcome everybody.
[31:37] Nick, come on up. No, Ryan.
[31:39] No, he, Brian, come, come on up. Brian.
[31:42] I don't want Nick's Just driving this.
[31:45] Nick's just driving.
[31:51] Hi. Hi there. Thank you so much for making,
[31:53] making time for us.
[31:55] My name is Kathy DTIs.
[31:56] I am the current board chair for VMs a the Veteran
[31:59] and Military Support Alliance.
[32:02] I'm here to let you know
[32:04] that I'm here on behalf of our board.
[32:05] I have wet Petri here who's one
[32:06] of the founding members of our board.
[32:08] Others that are not here are Jean Fair Lee Young
[32:13] Joe Candela, and I can't help
[32:15] but mention the late Wes Guck, also a founding board member.
[32:20] Five years ago, these gentlemen, all veterans got together
[32:23] to form a group that would, would go out
[32:25] and help them with issues they themselves had grappled with
[32:28] or are were aware of in the veteran and military community.
[32:32] Early this year, in January, we decided as a board
[32:35] that the best way
[32:36] and the best path forward for VMs a to continue our mission
[32:41] and services to area veterans was to pair up
[32:44] with four L seasons.
[32:47] We really feel like the continuance
[32:49] and the sustainability of our mission
[32:52] and the services that we've been able
[32:53] to provide in this community will not only be well handled
[32:57] by four all seasons,
[32:59] but they will be able to broaden the depth
[33:01] and breadth of the services they have offices in each
[33:05] of the five counties on the Eastern shore.
[33:07] They will maintain a presence here in Queen Annes County
[33:11] right near where VSA is at this point in time.
[33:15] And so we are, we are happy to announce to you that,
[33:18] that this is, this is the path we're looking forward.
[33:20] We're actively pursuing this.
[33:22] We are very happy
[33:23] and very confident that we'll be melding into a,
[33:26] an organization as, as excellent
[33:30] and as well run as for all seasons.
[33:31] And I just wanna ensure any veterans
[33:34] and any families out there
[33:35] that have received services from VMs.
[33:37] A the, the, the transition will be seamless.
[33:40] We promise services are currently being offered and,
[33:44] and will continue until that difference is made.
[33:47] And I wanna introduce Ryan Snow is with r and r Solutions.
[33:50] And Ryan and Jeannie Hadaway have walked alongside VMs a
[33:55] helping us advocate
[33:57] to people on all different levels in the government, in the,
[34:00] in the community.
[34:01] And helped us secure a great deal of financing to,
[34:04] to continue the services that we were.
[34:06] So I wanted to thank Ryan
[34:07] and Ryan will be walking alongside for all seasons as well.
[34:11] So I'm gonna pass this on. Well, do you wanna,
[34:14] So yes.
[34:15] Hi. Hi.
[34:16] So five years ago, Jim, Jim Moran was at the first meeting,
[34:20] I think, where we were talking about
[34:22] how do we help the veterans in the community.
[34:24] And we, we started off going in the direction
[34:28] of building tiny homes
[34:30] and we spent a few months working on that
[34:33] and decided that was, that was the wrong approach
[34:36] through his research, he came in one day
[34:38] and said, you know, there's only two
[34:40] homeless veterans in Old County.
[34:42] You guys are spending all this time on this.
[34:45] And it sort sort of morphed into what it is today.
[34:49] And, and Vana has done a wonderful job.
[34:53] We have been through lots of problems
[34:56] and trials and tribulations.
[34:57] We've helped a lot of veterans.
[34:59] We're getting straight A's from all of the various agencies,
[35:04] American Legion, VFW, and we're the go-to group.
[35:08] We have come that far, but we've, we reached a plateau and
[35:14] after a certain time we were working with,
[35:17] with the Four Seasons team, it became apparent
[35:20] that they were, they had many more resources than we did.
[35:24] And they were doing many, doing a lot of the counseling
[35:28] that we couldn't do and had the people to do.
[35:32] So this has sort of evolved into a wonderful solution for
[35:36] what was a, a struggling za trying to get to where it needed
[35:41] to be sort of underfunded and so on,
[35:45] and couldn't be happier with the alliance we,
[35:49] we formed with 'em.
[35:50] And I, you know, I just couldn't,
[35:53] couldn't be happier about it.
[35:54] I just wanted to express that to you.
[35:57] I, I'd be remiss in, in not thanking all of you, all
[36:01] of you, commissioner McLaughlin, commissioner Moran,
[36:03] and all of you for your support, both in spirit and,
[36:08] and in in funding.
[36:10] You know, V SSA's mission just really is,
[36:13] really is indicative of your care for, for veterans and,
[36:16] and other vulnerable members of the community here.
[36:19] So we really Thank you very much.
[36:21] So, so, so just outta curiosity, how did this partnership,
[36:25] this pairing, actually get to where we are today?
[36:29] I mean, did you approach them, they approached you?
[36:33] It was, we were, when, when I took, we,
[36:37] we joined VMs a little less than a year ago.
[36:39] Beth Ann was, four Seasons was already an integral part
[36:43] of VMs a in the support groups PTSD
[36:46] and then referrals for mental health counseling.
[36:49] And so Beth Ann was leading sort of a strategic planning
[36:52] session for the board and the staff
[36:55] and where are we gonna be five years from now.
[36:58] And it really caused the board and,
[37:00] and all of us to, to think really deeply about
[37:03] where are we going in the next five years.
[37:05] Gotcha. And, and some really careful self-examination
[37:09] and what's the best path forward.
[37:11] So I would have to say Beth Ann's leadership in, in
[37:14] that strategic plan, strategic planning session really got
[37:17] our wheels in motion as to what was the best course forward
[37:20] for how we could best help veteran
[37:23] and military families. So,
[37:24] So you guys are just ramping it up Yeah.
[37:26] The relationship that already existed.
[37:29] Absolutely, yes. Taking it to the next level.
[37:30] Yes. We've been a part of VSA for over three years now,
[37:33] as Kathy said, providing the mental health
[37:36] and the community connection.
[37:37] We've also worked with other veteran organizations, all
[37:41] of the fws that American legions, we've worked
[37:44] with the folks both on our side of the bridge
[37:47] and across the bridge throughout the state of Maryland.
[37:49] And so the sort of walk along has been a natural occurrence.
[37:54] And this just gives us the ability to
[37:57] hire additional team members, keep some of the VSA staff
[38:00] that will continue to walk through that seamless transition,
[38:04] but also then look larger.
[38:06] So we will be launching the Center for Veterans
[38:08] and Military Families through our Center for Learning
[38:11] and the mental health services that we provide
[38:14] and you know, the support that you all have provided.
[38:17] What we can guarantee you is we are going to be able
[38:20] to take something and continue to, to grow it,
[38:23] to make it bigger and also have an impact across all
[38:26] five counties of the shore.
[38:27] So that it's not simply a home based in Queen Anne County,
[38:32] but this is the model.
[38:33] And then we can say to the rest of the counties, Hey,
[38:36] come along and get on board.
[38:37] Awesome. If I might add, they, each one
[38:41] of their offices are manned from nine to five
[38:44] or eight, eight to five, eight to five, eight to five.
[38:47] You know, we've struggled with that
[38:48] as somebody when we're trying to keep opening.
[38:51] And the nice part about this is they have five different
[38:54] locations, or actually six
[38:56] and they're gonna be staying at the marina,
[39:00] but maybe a little different space
[39:02] that we're working on right now.
[39:04] But the nice part, it's staffed
[39:06] and they have the people, they have the resources.
[39:08] If we have a problem, instead of us trying
[39:10] to call somebody in, how do we fix this
[39:13] and how do we help this gentleman or this lady?
[39:17] They, they just have it all and they have how many?
[39:20] 6,000 employees? I don't know. So
[39:22] Many.
[39:23] We have just under a hundred employees.
[39:24] They have a lot of people and a lot
[39:25] of very qualified people to help the veterans
[39:29] that we were struggling trying to figure out how to do.
[39:32] Well, I know one of the problems
[39:33] that's always existed is the paperwork.
[39:36] Say Again? The paperwork Yeah.
[39:38] With the VA and everything else.
[39:39] I mean, I thought at one time you had someone there
[39:41] that was a guru at that, that could help anybody
[39:44] that walked in the door, you know, navigate through that.
[39:46] Yes. And that will continue and that will be
[39:48] It.
[39:49] So then somebody's on staff right now for doing
[39:50] that? Yes. Awesome. Yep.
[39:52] So as you know, my story is I didn't really want to,
[39:55] I was fortunate when I got back, I didn't have PTSD
[39:58] or any major issues.
[40:00] And I went to a, a reunion, a 50 year reunion,
[40:05] and everybody looked at me like,
[40:06] instead of you joined the va.
[40:07] And I said, no, I, they said, what are you crazy?
[40:09] You should join. That's good. That's great for your family.
[40:12] So I tried to join and I said, the hell with this,
[40:15] after about a month, I said, this is ridiculous.
[40:19] I was being around, I couldn't get anybody.
[40:21] And so that's why this organization
[40:25] and Dan's, I was so helpful
[40:27] because I'm getting, the feedback I'm getting is, oh my God,
[40:30] I've been trying to get to this point for a year
[40:33] and you guys did it in a half an hour.
[40:34] Right. You know, that's what, it's just the per, they're
[40:38] so big, the, the state
[40:39] and federal, they, their meaning, their meaning is, well,
[40:43] they just don't know how to get people from A to B.
[40:47] And we figured out a way to get 'em from A to B and,
[40:51] and Beth Ann here has been a, just a breath of fresh air.
[40:55] Just fantastic. So anyway, I'll shut up.
[40:59] Awesome. So that the, the, the gentleman
[41:03] that Jim's alluding to, it was the AI guy
[41:06] Oh, the vet AI program? Yeah.
[41:07] Yeah. He, he talked about that he spent his, you know,
[41:11] last 10 years figuring out AI to, to allow you
[41:15] to get benefits quicker.
[41:17] So he's still with you or
[41:18] That that is, he created the tool, right.
[41:21] Which is utilized by VSA and Will
[41:24] Will be utilized by, is it effective?
[41:27] Yeah. Yes. I mean they're, they're
[41:28] finding it extremely effective.
[41:29] And so we are, one of the commitments
[41:31] that I can say we are making to all of you is
[41:34] that the things that are working, we are going to continue
[41:36] to have them work and we're going to enhance them.
[41:39] The things that aren't working,
[41:40] we're just gonna take a look at
[41:42] and say, how might we retool?
[41:44] How might we find better solutions so
[41:46] that we are able to do more?
[41:47] And you know, Ryan being a part
[41:49] of vsa Ryan also is our lobbyist alongside with Jeanie
[41:54] for, for all seasons.
[41:55] So there's also a capacity for us to really go
[41:58] after some incredible funding
[42:00] when we are relying on partners
[42:03] and really strengthening some of these partnerships.
[42:05] And so Ryan's gonna be continuing on
[42:06] with us as well. And Ryan
[42:08] Can be persuasive.
[42:09] He absolutely can be. Yeah. Yes.
[42:12] Yeah. I mean, you know, we're all very blessed
[42:14] to live here and reside on the eastern shore, right.
[42:16] And in rural communities, when, when you look
[42:18] around the room for all seasons provide such
[42:21] phenomenal services, right?
[42:23] They meet you where you are 24
[42:25] hours a day, seven days a week.
[42:26] And then now adding in the a perspective
[42:29] and strengthening that relationship, you know, the conduit
[42:32] to all of our veterans organizations, folks
[42:34] who have served our country,
[42:35] it just couldn't be a better opportunity
[42:37] to better serve the Eastern shore and beyond.
[42:42] So. So Beth Ann, you're, you're taking on a lot.
[42:45] So you're doing this work
[42:48] and you're also doing the first responders, right?
[42:50] Yeah. Yeah. How's that going?
[42:52] And then you're going into our schools? Yes.
[42:55] So, so you're, you're busy.
[42:56] We are busy. The first responder program is going great.
[43:00] I am really excited.
[43:01] I shared with Beverly before the meeting to let you all know
[43:03] that we're, Caroline County is the next county.
[43:06] We've talked with some folks in Dorchester
[43:08] County and in Kent.
[43:09] And so the goal was that we would create a pilot program
[43:13] and all five county first responder peer support teams would
[43:16] be up and operational by 2028.
[43:18] That was our goal. So we're on our way
[43:21] and folks are really excited.
[43:23] One of the things that we're really grateful for,
[43:26] especially within Queen Anne County, is everybody's able
[43:29] to sort of shape the program the way that we want.
[43:31] We're giving them the foundation.
[43:33] We're coming alongside
[43:34] and embedding ourselves in
[43:36] the school system has reached out.
[43:38] We've started to do some suicide prevention education
[43:42] and learning and videos.
[43:44] And we just had a conversation today with Matt Evans
[43:47] and Bryce about getting some of the school students
[43:51] involved in some of these videos over the summer.
[43:53] And so that will take shape. And so yes, we are busy.
[43:56] We're also adding staff to make sure
[43:58] that we have the capacity to
[44:00] not over promise and under deliver.
[44:02] Right? We are a slow
[44:03] and steady wins the race kind of an organization.
[44:05] And so when we make these decisions to take on these things,
[44:09] I mean, this has been a conversation for the last eight,
[44:13] nine months and we are really have a good plan of
[44:18] bringing folks in and hiring a new veterans
[44:21] community connector.
[44:22] So we've got an application out right now in the community.
[44:26] So if there are any veterans that are listening,
[44:28] we are hiring a veteran connection com community connector
[44:32] because we know that what's most important is
[44:35] that there's a veteran who's leading the charge.
[44:38] And so this isn't something that we can do without someone
[44:42] by our side who can say, Hey, here's what it looks like.
[44:45] We do have Gene Davis
[44:46] who does the employment piece, he'll continue with us.
[44:49] He is a veteran as well.
[44:51] But the more that we can enhance the staff, the more
[44:53] that we can reach the veterans
[44:54] Community.
[44:55] So are, are the first responders gonna get an app if,
[44:58] if they want to talk to somebody.
[45:00] So that's something that we've
[45:01] talked about with Jess and Kelly.
[45:02] I don't know what every county decides differently,
[45:06] but I know that Jess and Kelly have talked about that.
[45:09] I know that TBA County is looking at the Lighthouse app.
[45:12] I'm not sure where the group landed,
[45:15] but I will certainly go back
[45:16] and revisit with them if there's anything
[45:18] that we can do to be helpful that could be
[45:21] Extended to veterans as well. Students. Yeah.
[45:25] Yep. Well,
[45:27] hopefully we can get Centerville and Vans out.
[45:31] You know, the veterans that are located up here, they have a
[45:34] a, a good size contingency up here.
[45:36] Yeah. I'd love to see them work together
[45:40] And we've met with them.
[45:41] Yeah. So we had a great lunch
[45:42] and really talked through, help us understand
[45:45] what would be beneficial.
[45:47] And we recognize that part of why BSA
[45:51] was established in addition to the claims
[45:53] and in addition to the mental health services,
[45:55] it was also about reducing suicide.
[45:57] And we know that we can't walk into a VFW
[46:01] or an American Legion and say, Hey,
[46:02] let's talk about reducing suicide
[46:04] because no one wants to hear that.
[46:06] So our presence is that of a quiet consistency going in
[46:10] and making sure that folks understand the services
[46:12] that are there, talking about self-care, talking about
[46:15] how we get connected, whether it be, you know, food pantry
[46:18] or housing stability,
[46:19] or simply just saying, Hey,
[46:21] are you checking in on your people?
[46:23] And so that's the approach that we really use
[46:25] to create those connections
[46:26] and we're really looking forward to digging in deeper.
[46:29] What about the Fred McNeil's group?
[46:31] That that's what I'm talking about? Yeah. Yeah.
[46:33] I had an opportunity as Jim did, to go and, and
[46:36] and speak one morning at that group and,
[46:38] and it was packed just
[46:41] because of the popularity of, of this organization and,
[46:45] and the feeling that they get
[46:47] that there is a community behind them.
[46:48] Right. So I I'm excited for them because of you guys. Thank
[46:52] You.
[46:53] We're excited as well. And Lee's been an integral part of
[46:56] all of the transition being as seamless as it is.
[46:59] And she was unable to be here tonight,
[47:00] but she really has been just a champion
[47:03] and she's coming on board as, as well as Jean.
[47:06] And we're making sure that those connections
[47:08] and the trust that's been built is maintained
[47:11] because of those relationships.
[47:12] And Lee is a regular attendee at the Monday meetings.
[47:15] She's, she's very involved with the group Yep.
[47:17] Are the de the present deputy director at za.
[47:20] So yeah. And then I
[47:23] This some great stuff. Paul
[47:24] Pleased to, to we, Walt and I are honored
[47:28] and to have been asked to be on the Fourth Seasons board
[47:31] and we have accepted that honor.
[47:33] So we will, we will be on the Four Seasons for all what
[47:36] for all seasons board.
[47:39] And I'm, I'm really, I'm looking forward to that
[47:41] and we'll be able to
[47:42] Very good.
[47:43] Yeah. So for the folks that are listening,
[47:47] if they have a benefits problem, Mr.
[47:49] Walt, who are they calling?
[47:53] They come to the marina and the Van Van's office is there
[47:56] and open and is o operating just as it was before.
[47:59] Can you, can you give out the number?
[48:00] Those be seamless? Well
[48:02] before all seasons after the end of June.
[48:04] Yes. Yes. So we, we would probably, if you don't mind,
[48:07] we'd get the proper information to once that's all
[48:10] Squared, get that aligned first. Bruce,
[48:12] That office is not gonna be going anywhere
[48:14] in terms of its location.
[48:15] So if people are saying, I know that's where it is,
[48:18] we are gonna remain in the marina in the exact location that
[48:22] that Basa is in four All seasons has an office in
[48:25] Stevensville, long, long canoe circle.
[48:28] Those two offices are going to remain the same
[48:31] through the end of this calendar year.
[48:33] And then we will merge into one building
[48:36] after the first of the year.
[48:39] Very good. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you very
[48:42] Much, so Much.
[48:44] And by the way, the model is open
[48:46] and bring, bring your wives may call me
[48:49] and I'll be happy to show you around. Cellular
[48:50] Condo.
[48:51] Cellular condo. Thank you. Wait,
[48:53] Ryan, I'll meet,
[48:54] I'll meet you down at Legal Assets in Easton.
[48:56] Yeah. Thank you guys.
[48:58] Great job everybody. Great job.
[49:00] Thank you. Great job. Thank you.
[49:03] What an amazing partnership. Yeah, that's great. That's
[49:06] A good partnership.
[49:07] Amazing. That's all Vans. Anita was just that little push.
[49:13] Alright commissioners, that is all the
[49:14] presentations we had this evening.
[49:16] We can move into the action items for tonight's meeting.
[49:19] First we have the Department of Public works.
[49:21] We have two, two items for the Rhodes board.
[49:26] So first I guess convene as the Roads board make
[49:28] A motion that we adjourn as the Rhodes Board.
[49:32] Second. Second. All those in favor? Aye.
[49:37] Alright, commissioners Item one on
[49:40] pages one through seven.
[49:41] Where were you on that one? This is a public hearing request
[49:44] for the Ganzer Drive
[49:48] Road upgrade proposal.
[49:51] This is North County up near
[49:53] Duck Neck Campground on Double Creek Point Road.
[49:57] Item one, pages one through seven. Tab two. Tab two.
[50:01] There you go. Tab two, item one. Yep. Page one. Yep.
[50:05] So cost
[50:07] of this upgrade is $150,000 34 property owners.
[50:11] The 20 year annual payment is estimated at $311 each.
[50:17] It looks like about 16 people weighed in
[50:20] with their opinions and it was close.
[50:23] 10 were in favor and six were posing the project.
[50:26] So this one's a close, close.
[50:28] 9, 4 6 Opposed, huh?
[50:30] Yeah. So anyway, Shane was up there
[50:32] for the public information meeting this past month.
[50:36] Any other points you wanna make about the group up there?
[50:40] It was a lively meeting. Dying to six I guess so.
[50:45] The residents have some very good
[50:46] questions, very insightful.
[50:48] Ganza Drive is one of the more unique
[50:50] projects we've looked at.
[50:52] This is the second time we've looked at
[50:53] it for a upgrade project.
[50:56] This Roady was originally constructed in late sixties,
[50:58] early seventies and the original developer
[51:02] dedicated it to the county but the county did not accept it.
[51:06] There was a lawsuit involved with the residents
[51:09] and the developer and at that time there was a decree
[51:14] that I think Judge Turner
[51:15] that the road was to remain private.
[51:17] The developer did not do all the things he needed to do to
[51:22] properly give that to the county.
[51:23] So it's been private for all these years.
[51:25] However, there's definitely a lack of maintenance
[51:27] and the residents are feeling that the push
[51:30] to actually upgrade it.
[51:31] So there's definitely some for
[51:33] and there's definitely some against.
[51:34] So it'll, a public hearing will
[51:36] certainly be very lively as well.
[51:40] I move to schedule the proposed MCG ganzer drive
[51:42] project public hearing.
[51:45] Second, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
[51:49] Seeing none. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
[51:52] Aye. Opposed? All good. Five O. Okay.
[51:57] Okay, Commissioners. And just just point
[51:58] of clarification, we were proposing to have
[52:00] that at the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Company,
[52:03] that public hearing on October 27th.
[52:06] Okay. That okay? Yeah. Change venue. Okay.
[52:09] I'd send that out now. Send that invite out now.
[52:13] Yeah. Oh good. Yeah, at the Crumpton v ft.
[52:15] You haven't got up there lately
[52:17] for a commissioner meeting at least.
[52:19] Alright, item number two, pages eight through 15.
[52:22] Another public road upgrade public hearing request.
[52:25] This one's Cecil Cecil Road in the community
[52:28] of Kent Island Estates.
[52:30] And we've been doing these pretty routinely
[52:32] over the past several years.
[52:36] 965 feet, 21 properties.
[52:40] $115,000 estimated cost.
[52:43] A 20 year annual payment of $385 per resident.
[52:48] Looks like overall nine were in favor
[52:51] and two were opposing on this one and two undecided.
[52:54] So 9, 2 2.
[52:57] I move to schedule. Proposed Cecil road
[53:02] improvement project, public hearing.
[53:05] Second. Motion to second on this item. Any discussion?
[53:09] Seeing none. All those in favor signify the saying. Aye.
[53:12] Aye. Aye. Opposed? So moved.
[53:15] Alright commissioners. And we were hoping to
[53:18] schedule this public meeting,
[53:20] public hearing on September 21st.
[53:22] That's the Monday before our normal September 22nd meeting.
[53:26] And that would be, we have a
[53:28] scheduling problem on September.
[53:29] Yeah. So we were hoping to have that on a Monday evening.
[53:32] Yeah. Is that okay? Yeah.
[53:34] So we're gonna actually have this September 21st meeting.
[53:37] Yeah, we'll Have our to address this
[53:39] The as well as, yeah.
[53:41] Ganzer is October. This one would be September 21st on a
[53:44] Monday here at the Liberty building. Here.
[53:46] At the Liberty building. Yes sir. Oh, okay. Alright.
[53:47] So does that mean we're having a commissioner meeting
[53:49] here on the 21st? On the Monday, on the
[53:51] Monday 21st. We'll get a calendar invite
[53:53] If that's Yep. Good.
[53:54] Okay. Alright. Put it
[53:56] On your Calendar.
[53:57] Thank you commissioners. Thanks you. Thank you Shane.
[54:01] Hey Shane, thanks for your help with the
[54:08] Route eight breeding farm.
[54:10] Oh yeah. That was fabulous.
[54:12] Yeah, we, the, the guy had been trying to get a 10
[54:16] or he's got, he had a 20 foot culprit pipe
[54:21] and the trucks were crushing it and Shane
[54:24] and Alan got on it with a fender and made it 40 feet.
[54:29] Yeah, I think they went to 40 feet. Feet.
[54:31] The local 40 feet Centerville made. It's beautiful.
[54:33] It's a work of art. It's really good.
[54:35] If a co pike could be a work of art, it would be. It
[54:38] Is.
[54:39] And it's like, if, if, if only other things could get done
[54:42] that fast by the state.
[54:44] So Thank you sir. Alright, thank you.
[54:47] Alright, thank you Shane.
[54:49] Alright commissioners action items are next.
[54:52] So that's under tab number three.
[54:56] So tab three item one on pages one through 28.
[54:59] This is the FY 2027 county budget resolution
[55:04] number 26 0 6.
[55:06] This resolution is for the adoption
[55:08] of the FY 27 county budget.
[55:11] We did make one change, this included in this resolution
[55:15] after the public informational meetings we held last month
[55:19] and that was to add $700,000 match
[55:23] and then, which was required
[55:24] to receive the state grant funding
[55:25] for the Queen Anne County Detention Center project.
[55:30] So other than that, the total budget proposed operating
[55:33] budget is $230,000,950 880 total
[55:38] proposed capital is 66,793,607
[55:44] and the operating budget has been balanced
[55:46] without the use of any fund.
[55:47] Balance. Tax rates for fiscal 27 are established
[55:52] as follows, real property tax rate countywide
[55:56] 80 cents real property tax, Centerville 67 cents,
[56:00] real property tax rate, Millington 71
[56:03] and a half cents Public utility, personal property tax rate,
[56:07] $2, Kent Narrows commercial management
[56:10] and Waterfront Improvement district, special taxing area
[56:13] oh 6 cents.
[56:15] And the income tax rate remains the same at 3.2%.
[56:20] And I wanna thank our director of budget
[56:22] and finance for all his hard work, him
[56:24] and his team put into this year's budget process.
[56:28] Thank you all as well. Alright, I move
[56:31] to adopt resolution 26 dash oh six a res a resolution
[56:36] to establish a fiscal year 2027 annual budget
[56:39] and appropriations with real property tax rate
[56:42] of 80 cents per 100 of assessed value.
[56:46] A tax differential rate of 6.67 cents per 100
[56:51] of assessed value for the town of Centerville.
[56:53] And 0.715 per hundred of assessed value
[56:56] for the town of Millington.
[56:58] A public utility, personal property tax rate of $2 per $100
[57:02] of assessed value and a Kent Narrows commercial management
[57:06] and waterfront improvement district,
[57:08] special taxing area rate of 0.06 per 100 of assessed value.
[57:14] Second, We have a motion
[57:16] to second Any discussion on this?
[57:19] Seeing none. All those in favor signify
[57:21] by saying aye. Aye. Aye.
[57:22] Aye. Opposed?
[57:24] Abstained five Oh when do you start On
[57:29] 2028 tomorrow.
[57:35] And I've got, I've got a, another motion that
[57:40] we'll be able to talk about, but I'm gonna make a motion
[57:42] for the finance office to draft a budget amendment
[57:45] to the fiscal year 2027 operating budget to be presented
[57:49] for a vote at our July 14th
[57:51] commission commissioner's meeting.
[57:53] Which grant, which will grant an additional $500,000
[57:57] to the Board of Education to be used to fund two
[58:00] district-wide rotating behaviorists
[58:02] and four middle school mental health support staff.
[58:12] Second. Alright, we have a motion
[58:14] and a second discussion.
[58:15] It's six. None. Okay. Yeah. Total of six. Yeah.
[58:18] So two, we had three budget hearings
[58:23] and in each budget hearing we heard about
[58:25] mental health and issues.
[58:28] The one at the Can Island library went on for a good deal
[58:32] and it was a number one complaint
[58:35] or issue that I think we faced this year
[58:37] during the budget cycle.
[58:39] So we had the board of ed in here today
[58:42] for a liaison meeting and,
[58:45] and we discussed this with them,
[58:47] they had some save savings in their insurance portion
[58:51] or health insurance portion, which they're gonna pick up
[58:54] 13 positions teaching positions, you know,
[58:59] from the savings on the health insurance.
[59:01] And at that time we presented them with the possibility
[59:05] of doing $500,000 to deal
[59:08] with the mental health issues in our schools.
[59:12] And I want to just thank everybody here for, you know,
[59:17] listening to this and, and hopefully you'll vote for it.
[59:20] So any other discussion? Seeing none.
[59:24] All those in favor signify by saying aye.
[59:26] Aye. Aye. Opposed? Aye. Aye. Opposed? So moved.
[59:30] Vote you got something else to do, Jeff.
[59:33] There you go. Get right
[59:34] On.
[59:35] Thank you all but extremely
[59:36] Important. He wasn't tomorrow extremely
[59:37] Important.
[59:38] I mean the message that resonated,
[59:41] I know we took our vote, but I just Yeah, no, no.
[59:43] The message resonated on that Monday night that,
[59:46] that our behavioral and issues that we have in our schools
[59:52] and the importance of extending this funding to the Board
[59:56] of Eds so they can bring these specialists in to work
[59:58] with our high school students and our middle school students
[1:00:02] and address some of these issues that perhaps
[1:00:06] they wouldn't have been able to without this extra funding.
[1:00:08] So hat's off to this set of commissioners.
[1:00:13] Alrighty, moving on.
[1:00:17] Alright, thanks Jeffrey. Thank
[1:00:19] You.
[1:00:20] Okay, moving on. Commissioners item number two on pages
[1:00:23] 29 through 43.
[1:00:25] This is the Rural Health Transformation Program Agreement
[1:00:28] with the Maryland Institute
[1:00:29] for Emergency Medical Services Systems.
[1:00:33] I'm have Director Haas up here with us today
[1:00:35] and this is a, actually a grant agreement, 155,000
[1:00:41] for the Department of Emergency Services
[1:00:42] to enter into a rural health transformation program
[1:00:45] agreement with emergency medical services systems
[1:00:48] to support the county's whole blood program.
[1:00:51] So this would be an additional position and an individual
[1:00:53] and materials
[1:00:54] to provide this whole blood on our ambulance unit.
[1:00:59] So I'll let, I'll let these gentlemen take it away
[1:01:02] with some details on, on this program,
[1:01:04] but it is a grant that would provide
[1:01:06] for an additional individual
[1:01:08] for our DES personnel team. Scott,
[1:01:12] Do we need a motion or anything or can we just go
[1:01:14] ahead and Yeah, go ahead.
[1:01:15] Okay. So Zach, as usual, has been working very hard
[1:01:20] to get this rural grant.
[1:01:22] It originates from CMS
[1:01:25] and it goes through the Maryland Department of Health
[1:01:27] and is then passed on to our licensing agency,
[1:01:32] which, which is the Maryland Institute
[1:01:34] for Emergency Medical Services Systems.
[1:01:37] We applied for the grant.
[1:01:38] There were 13 receiving jurisdictions across the state
[1:01:42] that received this grant.
[1:01:43] Eight of them are shore jurisdictions.
[1:01:45] We're one of the eight to start whole
[1:01:48] blood programs in the field.
[1:01:50] So this adds a tool in our toolbox,
[1:01:53] which is probably the most valuable tool we've had in over a
[1:01:56] decade and will make a huge difference in saving a life in
[1:01:59] the field by carrying this valuable resource with us.
[1:02:03] Oh yeah.
[1:02:05] Whole blood's something that we've been
[1:02:06] exploring since 2019.
[1:02:08] We've been looking at feasibility for it
[1:02:09] and it's always been a cost prohibitive thing for us.
[1:02:13] So getting the opportunity
[1:02:14] for this grant coming down from CMS through the state to us,
[1:02:18] has really unlocked the potential for us
[1:02:20] to get us this on our units.
[1:02:22] It's one that we won't use frequently.
[1:02:24] We anticipate probably six to eight administrations a year,
[1:02:27] but this is something that will absolutely save a life.
[1:02:31] We had one instance this past year where we were able
[1:02:33] to rendezvous with MSP and Route two Shock Trauma
[1:02:37] 'cause aviation was down.
[1:02:38] But they met us by ground and they carry whole blood.
[1:02:41] We gave whole blood and I firmly believe
[1:02:44] that if we were not able to rendezvous
[1:02:45] and administer that there
[1:02:46] would've been a family that would've been
[1:02:47] buried. The kid who,
[1:02:48] Who had the whole blood Maryland,
[1:02:50] the state police, the helicopters carry.
[1:02:52] Right. But if the helicopters are down, they'll come out
[1:02:54] by ground to rendezvous with us.
[1:02:56] So basically just a road trooper brings the blood
[1:02:59] to us on the side of the road.
[1:03:00] Wow. But this will give us the ability to have
[1:03:02] that in our own pocket and administered early
[1:03:05] and not have to worry about trying to rendezvous.
[1:03:08] So it, it will be,
[1:03:10] how will you know when you're gonna use it?
[1:03:12] They'll, they'll just be on the units.
[1:03:14] So it's gonna be assigned to a supervisor unit. Okay.
[1:03:17] We're gonna start with you. One,
[1:03:18] one supervisor unit is gonna carry it.
[1:03:20] We're gonna have two units Okay. Available
[1:03:23] To us.
[1:03:24] I just was curious how, how we were gonna be using it
[1:03:27] or distributing it or, or, or
[1:03:29] It'll be centrally located.
[1:03:30] So that'll be the initial rollout.
[1:03:32] And then hopefully with proof of concept, we can expand
[1:03:34] to the northern and southern battalion so
[1:03:36] that it's readily available throughout the
[1:03:37] County.
[1:03:38] So this is a five year grant.
[1:03:39] We have to reapply every five years,
[1:03:41] but we've been told if you trust federal grants right now,
[1:03:45] that it'll be available for the next five years.
[1:03:47] Yeah. Believe when you have to reapply each year.
[1:03:51] We're, and the blood bank is in Easton,
[1:03:54] So the blood bank, we have not actually done a contract
[1:03:58] until we seal the deal on this.
[1:04:00] So we still have to do that component of it.
[1:04:02] I believe they're looking at Delaware for our blood bank
[1:04:05] that we're gonna utilize the deal with the blood banks are,
[1:04:09] they issue us the whole blood.
[1:04:11] We have 'em for X amount of time,
[1:04:13] but we have to return it in time for the, for them
[1:04:16] to be able to administer it to a patient. Yeah.
[1:04:18] Before it's ex. So we're constantly
[1:04:21] gonna have to be rotating.
[1:04:22] Yeah. It's whole blood is good
[1:04:24] for four weeks from the time that you donate
[1:04:26] to the time that it expires.
[1:04:27] So we're looking at taking possession of blood on day seven
[1:04:31] and then returning to the blood bank on day 21.
[1:04:33] And then at that point they've got a week
[1:04:35] that they'll let on administering it somewhere else.
[1:04:37] So just to switch, you'll go and return it
[1:04:39] and they'll give you new Yes.
[1:04:41] Yep. We just basically go and swap out. Okay.
[1:04:43] And we're only paying for the blood if we utilize it.
[1:04:45] Oh, okay. And
[1:04:46] Of course the, this has
[1:04:48] to have the refrigeration part of it.
[1:04:50] Yes. So that's, yeah, the, the price of the grant
[1:04:55] enables us to purchase all the equipment that we need
[1:04:57] to keep it at the perfect temperature
[1:04:59] and all the, all the requirements we need
[1:05:02] Both on the ambulance in the police car and then,
[1:05:06] Well, it's strictly on a
[1:05:07] supervisor unit, our supervisor unit.
[1:05:08] So we only need the unit,
[1:05:10] we only need the equipment on the supervisor unit. It'll
[1:05:12] Be, is this a self-contained
[1:05:13] cooler that the blood's kept in?
[1:05:14] And then there'll be another bag
[1:05:15] that's got the administration sets and, and all that.
[1:05:17] So basically we can take that truck rendez
[1:05:19] with any ambulance on scene and get this rocking and
[1:05:22] Rolling.
[1:05:23] So here comes the softball question. Okay.
[1:05:24] Who else does it over here on the shore?
[1:05:27] So currently, I think Caroline is the only
[1:05:30] one approved to use it. Is that correct?
[1:05:33] Caroline started the program mid, mid-May
[1:05:37] and they actually had within eight hours the
[1:05:39] opportunity to give blood.
[1:05:40] But MSV got there before their supervisor did.
[1:05:45] But they have done an administration since then.
[1:05:47] Cecil County also is live with blood,
[1:05:49] so there's two on the shore right
[1:05:50] Now.
[1:05:51] And we've got the ability to use aviation.
[1:05:52] The problem is, and we're hitting our, our busy time
[1:05:55] of the year, the most common time you're gonna see an auto
[1:05:59] accident is during bad weather, rain, thunderstorms.
[1:06:03] And unfortunately for us,
[1:06:04] aviation's down, not available to us.
[1:06:06] Sure. And we're doing what we call ground
[1:06:08] and pound to a trauma center to get somebody there quick.
[1:06:11] And the interesting thing is, Centerville is kind
[1:06:14] of our center point to the two trauma centers
[1:06:16] that we, that we utilize.
[1:06:18] Christiana and Shock Trauma are two level ones
[1:06:20] and they're both approximately an hour away drive time.
[1:06:24] But you calculate summer traffic into it,
[1:06:27] it could take us much longer than an hour and is blood.
[1:06:30] That's why the blood is so valuable
[1:06:32] for us to have it at hand.
[1:06:33] And all the, all the ground-based blood programs
[1:06:36] that have got in everyone starts with blood thinking trauma,
[1:06:39] but you have a large subset of GI bleeds
[1:06:42] and actually OB patients that qualify for these transfusions
[1:06:46] for postpartum hemorrhage and GI bleed.
[1:06:50] So they, they can determine onsite
[1:06:53] what their type blood is.
[1:06:55] It's, we don't have, it's just a plasma
[1:06:58] Low.
[1:06:59] We do low TI or O positive is what we carry.
[1:07:01] And if they're not that type
[1:07:02] And then if that, if they are in the small subset
[1:07:04] that has the titer for a reaction, we discontinue
[1:07:08] and then we treat the reaction.
[1:07:09] But since it's gone live in the state,
[1:07:11] I don't even think I've heard of one
[1:07:14] transfusion reaction and it's been three
[1:07:16] Years That MSP's been doing this.
[1:07:20] Very good. It took you so long to bring this to us.
[1:07:24] Come on. I'm trying to find money.
[1:07:26] Good deal. Well the problem is it requires a lot of labor
[1:07:29] and that's why there's an employee attached to this.
[1:07:31] Yeah. And we just could not in our own mind,
[1:07:36] in a budget process come to you
[1:07:37] and ask for the staffing level.
[1:07:39] So once this grant became available, we're like this,
[1:07:42] this is our end to be able to start a blood program.
[1:07:46] So, but there's no cost for the employee
[1:07:49] and there's no cost for the supplies
[1:07:51] and basically no cost for the blood for us
[1:07:53] to utilize through the grant.
[1:07:56] How many leaders will you have?
[1:07:58] Two units. Units. Alright,
[1:08:03] Very good.
[1:08:04] I move to authorize the director of Department
[1:08:05] of Emergency Services
[1:08:06] to enter into a rural health transformation program
[1:08:09] agreement with the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical
[1:08:13] Services Systems to support a Queen Ann County whole blood
[1:08:15] program totaling $155,500.
[1:08:19] Second. No motion in a second. Any further discussion?
[1:08:23] See none. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
[1:08:26] Aye. Aye.
[1:08:27] You guys just keep setting that bar. Yep.
[1:08:29] We try. We try. We try.
[1:08:32] We appreciate you guys' support
[1:08:33] and actually you're the ones that allow us to set that bar.
[1:08:36] So thank you for the support. We really appreciate it.
[1:08:39] Ronald, good job. Phil just wants to be first.
[1:08:43] He's a little disappointed.
[1:08:45] Oh, no, no, no, No. Caroline get us.
[1:08:47] That's what Phil's thinking. I,
[1:08:48] I've taken my last ride in those A
[1:08:51] no hard feelings. Yeah.
[1:08:52] The boss always tells me we could be on
[1:08:53] the cutting edge, not the
[1:08:54] Bleeding edge.
[1:08:55] You go
[1:09:00] Todd.
[1:09:01] You're welcome. Thank you gentlemen. Good to see you both.
[1:09:02] Good evening
[1:09:06] All commissioners.
[1:09:07] Item number three, pages 44 and 45.
[1:09:10] This is for the Queen Annes County Library.
[1:09:12] It's an FY 2027 capital grant certification letter.
[1:09:17] They need a executed letter from the board of commissioners
[1:09:20] that indicates
[1:09:21] that we have guaranteed matching funds in the amount
[1:09:23] of $65,000 for the procurement of architectural
[1:09:27] and engineering services for the North County branch
[1:09:29] for next fiscal year.
[1:09:31] The grant fund funding has been awarded
[1:09:33] and we have the, the matching funds in the proposed
[1:09:36] FY 27 budget.
[1:09:44] I move to execute the Queen Anne County fiscal year 2027
[1:09:47] capital grant certification letter for the procurement
[1:09:51] of architectural and engineering services
[1:09:53] for their North County branch project in the amount
[1:09:55] of $65,000.
[1:10:01] Second. Second. I'll be a library.
[1:10:03] We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
[1:10:05] Chaos there now. Seeing none.
[1:10:08] All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
[1:10:11] Aye. Opposed? Abstained. Five O.
[1:10:15] Alright, thank you commissioners.
[1:10:17] Okay, we have two desk items for your consideration. Desk.
[1:10:20] Item one is county ordinance 26 13
[1:10:24] prohibition of political signs.
[1:10:26] This is for introduction
[1:10:28] and conveyance to the planning commission for their review
[1:10:30] and a recommendation.
[1:10:32] But essentially this ordinance bans the placement
[1:10:34] of political signs on all property owned
[1:10:36] by the county commissioners,
[1:10:37] including Rhodes doing this county roads
[1:10:39] and county rights of ways.
[1:10:42] I moved to keep the impact fees flatted 0% increase in
[1:10:45] accordance with 18 3 6 C. No, no,
[1:10:48] What he's doing that he's doing's
[1:10:50] The other one.
[1:10:51] I'm sorry. Introduce, I'm sorry. Excuse me.
[1:10:52] Yeah, we're gonna introduce desk item one
[1:10:54] County orange 26 13.
[1:10:56] The political signs on county property roadways.
[1:10:58] Okay. Oh, I thought
[1:10:59] we were on Just needs to be introduced.
[1:11:01] Just needs to be introduced. Yeah, I'll introduce it.
[1:11:04] I'll introduce it And we'll send that
[1:11:05] to the planning commission for their review
[1:11:07] and it'll come back to the commissioners.
[1:11:09] Just, just pick one Steph? Yep. Yeah. Is there
[1:11:13] Todd, is there an exception on that for
[1:11:16] election day and early voting days?
[1:11:18] Yeah, we're gonna have to. Oh yeah, there
[1:11:19] Is not.
[1:11:20] There is not currently. It was just
[1:11:22] Make sure that when it gets sent to them that they include
[1:11:24] that because obviously early voting have been sent building
[1:11:27] you can put signs up then but isn't on
[1:11:29] any non-election days.
[1:11:31] Maybe it's as simple as that.
[1:11:32] And then you got the schools. Yeah.
[1:11:35] Okay. Good point. Yep.
[1:11:38] Although I'd be happy not seeing them too, 'cause
[1:11:41] I'm with you on that.
[1:11:42] It's a lot of litter and it takes a lot
[1:11:44] of work to put 'em up and take it down.
[1:11:45] It sure does. Sure does. Okay.
[1:11:49] So we will, we'll send that to the planning commission
[1:11:52] for their review and recommendations back to the board
[1:11:54] and we'll go from there.
[1:11:56] Alright. Desk item two.
[1:11:58] And this is for the FY 2027 impact fee schedule.
[1:12:02] As you know, we collect impact fees.
[1:12:03] So that was desk item two.
[1:12:04] Yeah, that desk item one is the, we already did that one.
[1:12:07] Yeah. One was the signs, did I get
[1:12:09] 'em back backwards?
[1:12:10] The one was actually the impact, impact fees according
[1:12:12] to the weather labeled. Oh,
[1:12:14] I apologize, that was my mistake.
[1:12:15] It's all good. So item two is the FY 2027 impact fee
[1:12:20] schedule July 1st each year you,
[1:12:23] the impact fee schedule values are adjusted by the
[1:12:28] engineering news record construction cost
[1:12:30] index for the 10 cities.
[1:12:32] This year's increase is proposed at 2.8%.
[1:12:35] I move to keep the impact fees flat at 0% increase in
[1:12:38] accordance with 18 three dash six C of the county code.
[1:12:41] Second, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
[1:12:46] Yeah, so I, I'm looking at it.
[1:12:47] We've got a building moratorium on right now.
[1:12:49] Raising impact fees just kind of goes counterintuitive
[1:12:52] to the fact that you're not even letting builders build
[1:12:54] and then you wanna raise the rates
[1:12:55] on 'em when they come back to build up.
[1:12:56] Right. I'm just not a big fan of that and,
[1:12:58] and I just did the calculation 17 cents per square foot,
[1:13:01] which on the 2000 square foot homes an additional $340
[1:13:04] people would've to pay.
[1:13:06] So you know what times are tough,
[1:13:08] we just lowered property taxes.
[1:13:10] We can suck it up when you impact fees for a year.
[1:13:12] And let's see what next year brings in my mind.
[1:13:14] So very well we have a motion in a second.
[1:13:17] All those in favor signify the saying. Aye. Aye. Aye.
[1:13:19] Opposed? So move five.
[1:13:22] Oh, there you go. That's
[1:13:26] It.
[1:13:27] Okay. That's all we have. Commissioners.
[1:13:27] Anybody'd like to speak, press some public comment. No.
[1:13:31] Alright. Round table Patrick,
[1:13:33] since you're all the way over there to the right. Ah,
[1:13:36] It was wonderful to have the bas of folks come in here
[1:13:39] and share what, share with us what's going on.
[1:13:43] We had a wonderful time at the
[1:13:47] Churchill parade.
[1:13:50] Yeah, and I'm good.
[1:13:54] Okay. Jack got anything?
[1:13:56] Yeah, just had to, well obviously the parade,
[1:13:59] that was later in the day, but went up to the ville s skit
[1:14:03] and watched our, both our high schools compete.
[1:14:08] Queen Anne's County did coming
[1:14:10] second well ahead of Kent Island.
[1:14:12] I might add not to rub that in my fellow commissioner Phil
[1:14:16] There, not to rub
[1:14:19] It in, but not to rub it in. How did East
[1:14:20] Chris, we, Chris, we don't have to stand for this.
[1:14:23] Our, our, well Cole Copi,
[1:14:25] our from Queen Anne County
[1:14:26] High School won it again this year.
[1:14:28] He's also our sitting national champion as well.
[1:14:30] So his, but his last time,
[1:14:32] I believe Cole's senior this year.
[1:14:33] So we won't have but incredible program.
[1:14:35] I mean, so they had the picture from two years ago
[1:14:38] with 10 kids from each school.
[1:14:40] This year they got 40 kids, 20 from each school
[1:14:43] and they're up to six schools this year
[1:14:45] and they're looking to bring on four more next year.
[1:14:47] So it's, it's grown at a rapid pace. What
[1:14:50] Wasn't it 40 this 40 last year, 80 this year?
[1:14:53] No, no, no, no. That was with all the schools. Oh.
[1:14:55] But just Queen Anne's County.
[1:14:57] We had 40, but up from 20. So, so
[1:15:00] I mean as a, as a school, high school team.
[1:15:02] Sport four. Yeah. It's, it's really,
[1:15:04] they're they're talking about adding what,
[1:15:05] six more schools next year?
[1:15:07] Yeah, that's what they were saying. Six.
[1:15:09] And then, but it's, you know, it's, it's funny
[1:15:11] because these kids are the real deal talking to the,
[1:15:13] the coaches and all that just to, it it's,
[1:15:15] it just brings kids outta their shell.
[1:15:17] Some kids that are introverts. Yeah.
[1:15:18] You know, they really get into it and they shoot
[1:15:20] and I'm telling you, I wouldn't wanna make any of 'em mad
[1:15:23] 'cause I'm pretty sure they can knock you down.
[1:15:25] I we saw 2 25 outta 20 fives in a matter of two shooters.
[1:15:29] So Yeah. One actually was Gene Legg's grandson.
[1:15:33] His, he had his first 25.
[1:15:35] So, but yeah, it was a great time and,
[1:15:38] and I'm gonna be bringing something back
[1:15:39] around here in the next month
[1:15:40] or so to try to enhance the facility up there.
[1:15:44] Yep. Because it's be, you know, it is gonna be our home base
[1:15:47] for both high schools and just, you know, clean it up
[1:15:50] and get them a new, some new bathrooms
[1:15:52] and, you know, we've done all that in a lot
[1:15:54] of the other parks that we're using.
[1:15:55] So I think it's a good idea to,
[1:15:56] and they've raised 155,000 already.
[1:15:59] So total 'em, we may be talking about we can match that.
[1:16:03] Get 'em over to the finish line. So,
[1:16:05] And possibly the sheriff's indoor range.
[1:16:08] Well we haven't had that conversation yet,
[1:16:09] so I won't bring that one up yet.
[1:16:10] Sheriff. Don't know about that one just yet. But
[1:16:12] Yeah, I did see the Lady Bucks picture though from
[1:16:14] the, from the Yeah.
[1:16:16] On Facebook today. Looking good. Yep. Did a really good job.
[1:16:20] So yeah, that was very enjoyable.
[1:16:23] So next time they have a meeting,
[1:16:25] I would suggest getting out there.
[1:16:26] And Chris, you got anything you wanna say?
[1:16:31] Yeah, I just want to an addendum almost to the,
[1:16:34] the vote we did earlier for the additional funding
[1:16:36] for the school and for the mental health professionals.
[1:16:40] And I, I just want to commend the father
[1:16:42] who lost his son tragically to suicide,
[1:16:44] who came out to the meeting to speak.
[1:16:46] I think that was a very brave thing that he did
[1:16:50] and the folks that were there to support
[1:16:51] him and it made a difference.
[1:16:53] 'cause as you see, there's additional,
[1:16:55] additional funding that goes in.
[1:16:57] And so I just want to make sure that people know
[1:16:59] that if there are things that you want
[1:17:01] to see in the community
[1:17:03] and things that you wanna see from the commissioner's
[1:17:06] budget, come and talk to us.
[1:17:08] 'cause you'll be surprised at how quickly
[1:17:10] we can put things into action.
[1:17:13] It reminds me of, of when we had those kids come
[1:17:17] to the parks and board and they wanted to have a skate park
[1:17:20] and they put on an amazing presentation
[1:17:22] and within 18 months it was open, like amazing.
[1:17:25] Right. And because if you come forward
[1:17:28] and you talk to the commissioners, you'd be surprised at
[1:17:31] how, you know, how much we can get done.
[1:17:34] But when you're sitting at home
[1:17:36] and just not speaking to us, we can't reach your minds.
[1:17:40] So, you know, come out, talk to commissioners,
[1:17:42] you'll find we're all very approachable.
[1:17:46] I'd be shocked if you reached out to any commissioner if,
[1:17:49] if you didn't get a response back within 24
[1:17:51] or 48 hours, setting up a time to meet with you.
[1:17:54] And that is something I'm proud of, that we, that we all,
[1:17:57] all do to make sure that we are accessible.
[1:18:00] Whether it's at night, during the day, on the weekends,
[1:18:03] we're always out there meeting with the constituents and,
[1:18:06] and trying our best to do the right thing for everybody.
[1:18:10] Awesome. So I got to
[1:18:15] participate last Saturday.
[1:18:16] I got to hang out with Jack at the,
[1:18:18] at the Southern Royal Ski Trap Club.
[1:18:20] Got some great pictures of the Bucks team
[1:18:23] and a few of the Queen Ants team.
[1:18:26] But it was great to see the kids get to come together.
[1:18:29] We actually got our picture taken, Jack
[1:18:32] and I, with both teams.
[1:18:34] That was pretty cool. And then Saturday we
[1:18:36] did, Saturday was a busy day.
[1:18:39] Saturday afternoon, we, we joined the folks up in Churchill
[1:18:42] and celebrated their hundred 50th birthday
[1:18:47] and walked in their parade
[1:18:49] and just what a great turnout for the north part
[1:18:51] of the county for the fireworks and all the festivities
[1:18:54] and things that were going on.
[1:18:56] So, Jim,
[1:18:59] Very good.
[1:19:00] Well, Saturday was a busy day.
[1:19:02] We went out with our $50,000 matching funds, check down the
[1:19:07] Y River via a boat.
[1:19:10] And it was, I got to watch a seating of a, of a historic
[1:19:16] bed, which was very interesting
[1:19:18] and a lot of interesting facts about oysters
[1:19:21] in the Y River and what's going on.
[1:19:23] So, and I told 'em I wanted, I want it all itemized.
[1:19:26] I want, I want all the information.
[1:19:27] 'cause the numbers are just unbelievable.
[1:19:30] So it's going very well for them.
[1:19:31] And then, like you said, we went up to Churchill,
[1:19:34] ran outta candy, not gonna live that one down.
[1:19:37] That was a lot of kids up there.
[1:19:39] Boy, that was a, a hell of a crowd.
[1:19:41] So, but on a more serious note, the passing
[1:19:44] of Paul Gunther, he will be missed.
[1:19:47] I mean, what, what a great individual from commissioner
[1:19:51] to businessman to a farmer, just so easy to talk
[1:19:54] to no matter what he was doing behind a hot grill, he would,
[1:19:58] you know, wealth, the knowledge.
[1:19:59] That's it. Yeah. So I just, he's a pillar of the community
[1:20:03] and, and he will truly be missed.
[1:20:05] So God bless.
[1:20:06] And, and you know, I, that's all I can really say about it.
[1:20:12] Anything else for the good of the group?
[1:20:14] The pickleball courts in Churchill opened the day before.
[1:20:20] So if you want to play pickleball,
[1:20:22] brand new beautiful courts up in Churchill.
[1:20:27] Very good. Make a motion to adjourn. Second.
[1:20:31] All those in favor? A Aye. Aye.