Thank you for keeping me on my toes there, Anthony. [laughter]
» I've been informed it is 6:15 by one of my council members and time to start the
public hearing. Um, this public hearing is on ordinance O-26-14,
an ordinance of the town council, Chesapeake Beach, amending the town code
chapter 290, zoning, article 3, zoning districts section 290-10, land use table
to prohibit data centers in all zones. And I would think that Sarah, you're the
one that could probably explain this best.
» Sure. So the
ordinance that is drafted simply removes data centers as a permitted use which
it's currently permitted in the maritime commercial zone only but it removes it
as a permitted use and inserts it as an expressly prohibited use in every zone
which means that data centers would not be permitted anywhere in the town of
Chesapeake Beach. >> Straightforward
» that is the simple explanation. Uh does anybody uh have any comments or
questions on the council?
Okay. Public, anybody in the public have any questions or comments on this
particular issue?
[laughter] >> Dr. Janette Weisaki. Um I live on 13th
Street. Uh so I would like to strongly encourage all of you to um vote in
support of prohibiting data centers. um they're just not a good fit for our
community. Um if you listened So I am on the
environmental commission, but I'm speaking for myself. If you listen to
the uh environmental commission meeting where Nutelli Holdings came and spoke to
us, they looked for three things and we have all three proximity to high voltage
power lines, uh water water and water treatment facilities and fiber optics
which we now have. So removing these as prohibited will protect Chesapeake Beach
for a long time. We should encourage um
protection of the ecosystem. I walked on the trail the other day
I can't imagine a data center being out there. So um the more we can do to
protect our environment, the the better it will be for the future.
So thank you. >> Thank you.
» You ended with a blast of thunder, too. I I wonder how how did you manage that?
[laughter] >> That was the emphasis on your point. Uh
is there anybody else that would like to speak in the public hearing?
» Hearing none. Uh we will >> I have a comment. No.
» Oh, you're Did you want to speak? >> Well, I wouldn't mind asking a question
if if she would. Uh I I appreciate you coming out last time
and again this time. Um, like I said before, I'm an electrician by trade. So,
I've worked at different data centers in Lowden County. I've about a month and a
half ago, I went to a data center that was built in like 200
maybe 12 or something like that. All the generators were inside.
The way that the data center are now with the hyperscaler one is drastically
changed from where they were just eight years ago. Um, when I've looked into as
Cal County and stuff like that, what I see a big item that
nationally is we have a nuclear power plant and we have the gas liqufied and
we have the gas pipeline. You know what I mean?
I I do not really and then do not really
think that there's a pressing concern and worry for Ches Peak Beach, but I do
know that the money that's made there is
pretty pretty hard to fathom how much money
that are made, you know. So, um I've talked to uh Anthony about this a few
times this week. Um it it's uh I don't see this as an emerging uh worry
and stuff like that, but I think that the moratorum that the
county put made it seem like we weren't um like the whole all of the governing
bodies were there. I also think that the way, the shape, the geographical area of
what Chesake Beaches wouldn't allow for any industry. So, it's not singling out
any one industry. Um, I would say the same if it was a manufacturer. I just
don't think our town has that platform for it. You know, I I don't want it to
be where we're making a statement in opposition
to any thing. I just do not see that uh
our soil or environment would allow for such thing. You know, I don't
[clears throat] >> so it should be easy to vote to support
it, >> of course. But I just wanted to add it
seems like you've well educated in regards to this and
stuff like that. So I just >> I am
» I actually used to coordinate cloud training for the National Institutes of
Health. So I am quite familiar with um with AI with machine learning with data
centers. So the hypers scale data centers are a completely different beast
than what people think of as the internet and with the amount of heat
that they are putting out. Um two separate studies have come out. um one
that talks about the increase in land temperature and a second one that talks
about the increase in ambient air temperature. And if you understand
anything about how earth science works, if you heat the land, you heat the air.
If you heat the air, you heat the land. And you heat the water. And that's the
big issue because for for the bay, it is very shallow. Mhm.
[clears throat] >> So if you do any fishing, you might be
familiar with um the term dead zones or hypoxia. So that's already a concern
because the bay is shallow. And what that means for those who don't know is
that um warm water doesn't hold dissolved oxygen as well. And so if it
can't hold oxygen, the organisms that live there can't breathe and they end up
dying. So those that creates a dead zone. Fish can swim away, oysters can't,
right? So for us, for our ecosystem,
um, putting something so close that puts out heat, if you watched the Nutelli
experts with us, the environmental commission, they would not, they refused
to answer where the heat goes. If you take um, heated water from 120° to 90°,
that 30° heat has to go somewhere. though it's ex it's expelled into the
air that's going to heat up the air. So I agree that Chesapeake Beach doesn't
have first we're not zoned industrial or I2 but it's it's not so much that you're
making a statement. You're making sure that we are protecting our future and
our kids' future. I I moved here for Brownies Beach.
My kids got to see it. I want other people's kids to see it the way it is.
So what you are doing with this vote is not saying, "Oh, I hate data centers.
[clears throat] We can't have data centers here." You are saying we're
protecting this ecosystem for future generations.
» And and that's and that's the statement that I I hope that is is heard. you
know, uh I think certain areas you have the
ability to have manufacturing. You have I think Detroit has a lot of auto
manufacturer and different places. Chespig Beach is
» it's not that place. And so it's not us making a a statement except for to say
we love the Ches Bay. That's one thing that I believe most Marylanders will
agree to. um the oxygen levels that you're speaking of when the phosphates
and I mean we take we fight so hard to take to to improve it something like
that can take away the efforts of so many people. So,
» correct. And one of the concerns um I've had in speaking with neighbors in town
is look how easy it was for the zoning to get changed at what's supposed to be
the park and the farm and forest on constellations property went from farm
and forest straight to I2. So, it doesn't take much to get land resoned.
And we have all the things that that data centers want. So, can they come in
and start buying up property and saying, "Well, you know, we're close enough."
So, if you if you take this statement and say, "We're going to protect
Chesapeake Beach the way it is now," and not permit them at all, then that will
prevent a a a developer from eyeing anywhere in our proximity because I
literally said, "How did you choose this park to come build a data center?" And
the the gentleman who answered, he said it's his job to so what he does is he
looks first for the high voltage power lines. They run right back there by um
in Owings. >> Then they look for water and water
treatment facilities. We're one of the few in the county that have them. And
what what's happening with these data centers is they once they get into a
place, they don't stop. So they keep coming and coming and coming and wanting
more and wanting more and wanting more. So we with this with with voting this in
you're saying not here in Chesapeake Beach. We're going to protect this for
all of the future. So it's there might be places that want data
centers. There might be places where they look at the revenue and they say,
"Oh, how can we turn that down? How can we how can we put what what we you know
what this whole community was built on at risk? So for me that's the question.
I think you there are opportunities to develop more tourism. Um especially if
that ferry is going to come in, there's going to need to be more than just the
rod and reel in the water park. So that's where we need to focus and and
build up our our tourism and and you guys have been done a great job with
with increasing the activities that are available for the parks and wreck and
things at Kellum's Field. Those are all amazing things. Um let's do more of that
and and and have things that people want to come see if this ferry system comes
in. They don't want to see a a data center. So
» yeah, and and it's just the infrastructure for like the highway
systems, um the the transmission lines. There's so many other things that uh
that's what I've based my um my decisions on and stuff like that. And
and I I thank you for for speaking out, but it we're not we're not
trying to ostracize any one industry. It's just we're also saying we're the
caretakers of our Ches Bay and the bay is is what we all kind of find to be our
important and putting that decision is sort of what makes me
thank you. >> All right. Thank you for speaking up.
[clears throat] Uh if there's nobody else that wants to
speak up, we can adjourn for about uh 3 minutes until we start the regular
meeting. So we'll adjourn for 3 minutes.
I'm Sorry.
This is a partial question.
» Like to call to order the town council meeting for August 20th, 2026.
Uh we'll start with the pledge of allegiance. If you would join me,
please. Aliance to the flag of the United States
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice.
» Uh, council, is there a motion to approve the agenda?
» Is there a second? >> Second.
» Motion to amend. Go ahead
to motion to amend the agenda to reference the agenda that was sent to us
on Friday and add new business. Item number four and item number five. I
can read them aloud if you would like. was the uh item number four was to
consider awarding
to consider the award of concrete paving contract to Cal Ready Mix Concrete
Supplies LLC in the amount of $975,77.
Item number five was town council to consider the award of rail trail
expansion to KCI technologies in amount of 329,160,000.
» Is there a second for the motion to amend?
» Uh I would like the motion for discussion to ask why he believes that
we should put that back. I think if we're going to discuss it, we'd have to
have a motion, a second to to the motion.
» Second the motion for discussion. >> Okay. Now, you may ask your question.
» So, please let us know why you believe that we should be able to put that back
on. >> According to the email, uh it said
uh basically we'll wait for the whole council to be here for that. I have over
the past few months uh done a lot of research in regards to the storm water
management plan and our town and the process there that has
slipped through that pro that there. Um so I find that if we're going to alter
the course um for one thing, we should alter it for everything. if we're only
going to have uh what the consensus behind the scenes vote is and not allow
the public business to be done in the public. I that was the agenda that was
sent then on Monday was re revised and so I want to stay with the one that was
sent. >> Okay. And may I please ask um Melissa
who sets the agenda for the
» the agenda is set by the mayor and as long as the uh agenda is published
it um of course it's subject to a motion to amend when it comes to you all.
» You have a response to that Councilman Devon?
» Yeah I mean I have my vote. He has his role and I have my role. So, I mean,
I've made my motion. This is the motion that I would be going to vote on. Right.
So, we can vote on it. >> Just want to make sure the paving
schedule is not like timesensitive. Do we have a certain timeline we have to
have that um voted on by or? >> We're not it we're not beholden to any
particular timeline until we sign the contract.
Although I mean you want to be mindful that the work needs to be done in the
appropriate season, but we're not beholdened to anything until the council
votes to approve it and then town signs off.
» Okay. Any further comments or questions? No, sir.
» All right. Let's vote on the uh proposed amendment. All in favor of the proposed
amendment say I. >> I.
» Opposed to the proposed amendment say no.
» No. >> Okay. the the amendment fails.
All right. Um moving along. Uh we now need I think a motion to approve the
agenda as not amend not amended. So is there a motion?
» Motion to approve. >> Is there a second?
» Second. >> All in favor say I.
» I. >> Opposed.
» Opposed. >> Okay. It passes 3 to one.
» Um I believe we had um this discussion before. It's the vote of what? The vote
of the elected people. Remember we did that when it came there.
» So it's How's that?
» They're absent. They can't vote. We have two members absent.
» I think that's how the voting went. That's a on the record. We'll we'll
circle back to that. >> Yeah. Yeah, there is. Yeah, I didn't
think so. All right. This is the uh uh opportunity for a public comment on
any item on the agenda. Uh is there anybody in the public that wishes to
come forward and speak to the town council? You'd be welcome to. Now is the
time. Seeing none,
uh I'd ask the council uh for a motion to approve the minutes of the July 16th,
2026 town council meeting. Is there a motion to approve?
» Motion to approve. Is there a second? >> Second.
» I oppose. I I want to discuss it. These >> He said second, right?
» Yeah, but I haven't called for the vote yet. We have a motion and a second. I
haven't called for the vote yet. Now, do you want to make a comment?
» Yes. >> In the meeting,
you'll notice that I on the approval of the minutes for the July 7th, 20
26 I discussed how there was not items properly recorded. The
July 16th meeting again has that. This is not the first time. Um
the at the end of the meeting we uh the
mayor made a motion to uh journ it was it was motion was made
by Councilman Green. The mayor called for a second and then he goes, "Oh, I
forgot I did something." Um and then we went to close session. We never pulled
that off. The minutes don't reflect it. Also, um, when we had the lightning
round, the mayor read a public comment and then engaged with a public works
administrator on it. When I asked what the merits were that, uh, the mayor
said, "Well, cuz I'm sitting in this seat and I'm the HOA president."
We uh were told not to comment uh on public comment the previous month. Um,
also after the motion was made for close session, I made a discussion.
None of that was recorded in these minutes.
» How would you like to rectify that, Councilman Dubo?
» Oh, I'm going to vote against these minutes. Um, it's not
it's I believe been established that the mayor and administrator are the one who
keep track of these. I've objected last month to items being missed. I'm
objecting again this month. >> But after the objection, will you be
making sure that um our town clerk gets what you want to have reflected in the
minutes or >> according to the email sent by the
mayor, everything has to run through him.
» Okay. Well, will you be submitting to the mayor? I
» I've submitted different things to him. I get no response.
» So, in all in all due respect, I I hear what you're saying and I respect that.
But the the course of action to correct it or anything that has to be done on
our end has to also be a part of the conversation. So I I I hear what you're
saying and I understand it. >> There needs to be a specific motion to
amend the agenda to say X or Y >> right now. That's the point. Yeah.
» Okay. You ready to vote? Move on. What are we
doing? Well, let's I guess
we could uh
» they're incorrect. They're in they're incorrect.
» Okay. So, we can make the vote here, move on from here, and if you have
something that we want to make sure that's in the minutes, then we can put
that in >> and make sure it's reflected. Or you can
turn that in to the mayor to make sure that you do have it documented, that you
have your changes where where you want them to be.
» All right. I'll make sure. >> All right. Cool.
» All right. Have a motion. Second.
» You got a motion? >> Second. All in favor? I
» I opposed. Approve the minutes. Yes, >> that that's where I thought we were.
Yes. >> Get a little off track here. All right.
This is the time that the public can make a comment on any item that's on the
agenda if there's any >> I'm sorry, what?
» No, we did that already. We have to do the close session andformational work
session um approval. >> Oh, okay. All right.
Um, so that was the that's what we just did.
» Yes. >> Okay. So now we need to approve the
minutes of the July 16th close session. >> Motion to approve.
» There's a second. >> Second.
» All in favor? I >> hold on discussion that that the close
session minutes are incorrect, too. There was a lot of items that were
misinterpreted and
the attorney attorney has just informed us that that it is inappropriate to
discuss any minutes of the closed session in the public session. So the
way that would have to be handled if there is an objection on close session
minutes I think would be that the motion would be to defer approval of the close
session minutes. Um and then comment would be directed to the clerk
as to what a particular member believed was missing or incorrect in those
minutes. And then um uh that that content can be communicated
to the council. And then in the next meeting when the closed session minutes
come back on, you can either say that the minutes are amended per the comments
of the council member or not. >> So no action at this particular time.
» Well, there first needs to be a motion to defer
» Okay. >> the vote.
[clears throat] >> All right. Is there a motion to defer
approval of the minutes? >> Weren't we in the motion to approve it?
So, we'd have to remove that emotion.
» No, no, >> we already we already motioned and
approved, but you came in. So, your motion is to figure out if you want to
defer or not right now.
» Hearing nothing. Um, can we have a vote on approval of
the minutes of the closed session? >> Favor. All
» in favor say I. >> I.
» Laura. >> Three in favor, one opposed. Motion. The
motion passes. All right. Next. Approval of the minutes
of the August 11th, 2026formational work session. Is there a motion to approve?
» Motion to approve. >> Is there a second?
» Second. >> Second. Any discussion?
All in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. The eyes have it.
All right, we're down to petitions and communications. Town administrative
report. Smeilia. >> Thank you.
» The town administrator's report was submitted um as a part of the agenda
package. Um, of note, just wanted to uh flag that we um will be we've updated
the neighborhood connectivity page on the uh
project's dashboard that you can find on the town website. Um, and there's also a
a new survey that's been added there. So, if there's public interest in areas
that have not already been highlighted, you can um submit your thoughts on that
page. Um, additionally, um, we will be talking
at the work session, um, more about software that we're, the town's going to
has been acquiring. Um, it's a program called Violytics and it will help public
works with our asset management. Um, so it's a really um, interesting software
and we've invited the representative from Violytics to come and give a
presentation at our next work session.
Um,
outside of that, I'm happy to take questions if there are any questions.
» Yeah, I had asked for a compiled list of all outstanding Zen disc tickets,
especially after the um multiple year um item that was brought forth to us from
the residents on 15th Street and the closure of the stairs. Um, I don't see
that there. I mean, we are in the thousands and uh I'm pretty sure we have
not resolved them. We should be aware of what items are being given attention and
what items are not being given attention. Sure. So, I believe that it
was shared with the council that we have been in conversations with 15th Street.
» I was discussing the um the Zenesk to having a open Zenesk ticket summary.
That's what I was saying. So with Zindesk,
um there is a section at the beginning of the town administrator's report that
tells you the number of tickets that were created for that time period, the
number of tickets that were resolved in that time period, and the tickets that
remain outstanding. So because Zind Zenesk is used for a
multitude of reasons, I don't think it's appropriate to list all of those uh
tickets that come in. Um, so if there is a request to change the way that it's
um, presented, we can talk through that, but I don't think that it would be
appropriate to display all the outstanding tickets um, specifically
because some of them um, have sensitive information in them. If there is a
specific ticket that you have a question about, whoever submitted it is always
welcome to uh email in to get updates on their tickets, but they also are able to
log in and see the status of things if it's in progress, if it's been closed
out. Um, if you are referring like to 15th Street, which is the example that
you used, uh, the council has already been provided an update as to what's
happening with 15th Street. Um and we have been in communication with the
residents that uh flagged concern um and are actively working and scheduling uh
resolutions as it pertains to that. I think the what I'm discussing is that
the fact that it had been going on for years, the fact that there was um I
guess the survey it was the last administration, this administration,
there was uh there was the uh
it was in the report, but it was in the report so vague that that who couldn't
be reasonably expected to piece together the breadcrumbs of the of it in the
report. I I feel that if there's items like this, we don't need to list
important or confidential information. Well, we should have a summary of list.
So there's 67 unresolved tickets from here. But so after August 13th, they
just there's no update on these tickets. So the unresolved tickets that just they
just sit there and it gets forgotten. And I think that's what I've been saying
where people are feeling that they have to fend for themselves. The Zenesk
is a great asset. I appreciate it. But I think that in light of the
situation that's been 3 or 4 years in the works
that it we should definitely get a a a current status of all these open
categories or whatever. kind of see what's going on. If we have somebody
that's x amount of years engagement, we should know about that stuff.
» Thank you. Uh just I I receive your uh thoughts and I appreciate your
perspective. Um just so that we're clear, when it came to 15th Street, the
ticket for Zenesk did not come in um until very recently. However, the 15th
Street topic has been on the town administrator's report for more than a
year. So, I receive what you're saying and I understand your perspective
» and and whether people realize it or not, this is in support of what you are
doing. I mean, this is it's such a an example that I've I've
tell everybody use the info ticket. That info isn't just a
a dismissal. It has substance to it. I I don't This is me advocating for that.
Like you're correct. It wasn't I was like you have to use the info and until
it has the info who's in charge of it is whether it's even going to an email it's
registered you know. So >> all right folks that was your Zenesk
commercial. So please use it. Thank you. >> info at speaker.
» All right. I have uh two things mostly related to the water park. Um one is I
just wanted to um request that we had a couple requests from the water park
committee meeting to add the um like concept plans to the the landing page.
» Yeah, >> that's that's pretty straightforward.
And the other one was for the what's it called? Biolytics.
I was wondering if we could that's for asset management. So, I was wondering if
we could uh maybe request Shel or Paddock to give us some sort of
preventative maintenance program for the water park features so that we can add
that to the asset suite management >> program so that we know what to budget
for and what what stuff needs to be refurbished [clears throat]
and maintained so that we can budget and keep the park going for 40 50 years.
» [clears throat] >> Uh Wayne or not, Josh, what do you guys
use for the treatment plant for your asset management?
» Uh we utilize Antaro offered by from Almax.
» Um >> for the water park, it would probably
work. Um if you start adding, we found issues when you start adding too many
items in there that the database would start to bog down. But for what would be
at the water park, it may be effective. >> Okay. So maybe we could look at that ant
or biolytics for the water park. Whatever works best. Yeah.
» All right. Thanks. That's all I got. >> All right.
» Um just just because it's not
» could you speak up, please? >> Can you can you is your microphone? Um,
are there any can you just provide the latest update on the Chesake Village
sidewalk? >> We have not heard back from SHA
regarding our grant yet. They told us that we could expect to hear something
mid to late September. So, that's when I'm expecting to hear back from them.
» Okay. Um, I just wanted to reiterate that cuz the it's on the engineers
report, but it's not anywhere on the town administrator's report that we are
in application for a grant. Is that that is correct? this on the it should be on
the >> I think it says site site visit or
something conducted. Yeah. So >> because that was the last um update that
we had but they came and they did the site visit. We spoke with them. They
said we will follow up with you mid to late September. So it's reflected on the
report. That's the last conversation that I've had with them.
» Okay. So you expect to hear from SHA in September.
» That is what they communicated with us when they were on site. So that's my
expectation. >> Okay. So if we don't hear that before
the September meeting, could you please add that update that we're waiting for
them in September to your administrator's report?
» Absolutely. >> Thank you very much.
» Um the $120,000 program open space allocation. Has a
project been identified for that yet or have we um
» will that come because I know there's some people that maybe could use that
money. I will need to follow up with Dan right
now because he is our um point of contact for program open space now.
» Um but the last update he provided me was that that was what we were expecting
to get once the money was allocated and I haven't received the official
notification that it was officially allocated yet.
» And is it general or earmarked? And I don't have a preference
specifically. I'm just curious if it is. >> It's general. I mean, we do submit in
our application projects that we would like to apply the funds towards. Um, in
the past, I think the way that the grant was administered, you just kind of said,
"These are the projects of interest that we're focused on, and they would put
that in the letter as a whole." >> So, what I would anticipate is that they
would expect for us to apply the funds to the money that we identified in our
application as priority projects. >> Okay.
Um, >> but there's no like set amount that we
have to apply to each project. >> Gotcha.
» Okay. I'll [snorts] have to review those again. Okay.
» I recall some but not all of them. >> Um, Kellb was included on that.
» Yes. >> Okay. Um,
for the 15 street steps, are you willing to put yourself on some kind of um
decision matrix so that talk isn't like the constant
update like if we arrive here then we have these two decisions. I mean it's
got to go forward somehow. >> Yeah.
» Okay. All right. [clears throat] Oh u any further information that the town
wants to provide can only help my understanding of the situation.
» Yes. Um, and then I saw that um, the
courtyards were on the code enforcement report and I've refrained from asking
about them for a long time, but there is a a very conspicuous situation over
there. Yeah. >> Um,
» can you provide any updates on that? >> I do. you want to think about.
» So the town has a responsibility to make sure that we are enforcing these code
violations that come up. So that's they were cited um to have a code violation
because they are currently violating code. Um we have spoken with them and
understand that the um nonprofit that owns the courtyards is having some
challenges moving through um the cycle with DHC to get the approval to
demolish. And so we met with their president um on Wednesday
um to figure out how the town can partner with the courtyards to
» the company >> the company that owns them to move the
project forward. Um from the town's perspective, I think their their holdup
is they need architectural renderings in order to be able to get the approval to
demolish. Um, and so and they don't have or didn't have the funds to to procure
that. And so they were kind of between a rock and a hard a hard place is the way
they explained it to us. Um, because they couldn't get the permission to
demolish until they had this architectural rendering and then they
couldn't get the money to get the architectural rendering and unless they
had the the money that comes from DHCD. And so it's kind of this uh this vicious
cycle. And so the town is trying to do what we can to help um con yeah
facilitate and convey um the importance of addressing this um quickly or as
quickly as possible given that we're almost at a year of the incident. Um
understanding that we have a unique role because it is privately owned.
» Um yeah, I' I'd be interested. I mean, it's another one of those things that
needs to be sped along, maybe needs a little bit more attention and um effort
and an understanding of what other places have done and what is the real
expectation to have a >> Did you want to say something?
» And at this point, building >> um standing in that manner.
The municipal infractions process
takes time. There's a when there's an infraction, I'm not
addressing these particular property maintenance problem. A code
compliance person issues a notice to the property owner
that the violation exists and gives them a reasonable
for um 30 days that citation goes to court and then it gets scheduled for
review. So um it has frames built into there that
or I mean they just are what they are. Um, so I don't know where these
citations are in the process, but they will go to court if they remain unpaid
enough. There are processes that can be invoked
outside of the municipal process in some circumstances when you
have a building that has an in.
» Yeah. And that is a conversation.
They're just um both sides that we need to keep.
» I understand and I'm I'm for collaborative and and you know creative
solutions to solve a problem. But um it's it's
» be heard. I'm sorry. I'm getting signals from the back that nobody was able to
hear you. >> Okay. Now, okay. So,
» all right. I can't >> in my face. [laughter] So that that
particular building is inhabitated. So that's that's not that problem. But
» we didn't hear her. Could she repeat it so the public could be heard for report
it? Because nobody heard what her we heard it but the public didn't.
» I said was the municipal infraction process takes
time. There are time frames built into the process that are just what they are.
Um it can only be expedited so much. So, when an infraction occurs, the a code
compliance officer, and I'm speaking generally, I'm not speaking about these
citations, a code compliance officer will issue a
notice to the property owner and give them the opportunity to correct the
violation. And then if the violations aren't corrected, a citation is written
and that citation goes to court after a period of time and then there's a a
trial scheduled, a process over which the town has very little control. I also
said that there are certain circumstances under which um other
processes outside of the municipal infraction process um can be pursued but
I don't know that this particular situation is one of those and we want to
be careful about pursuing remedies that result in displacement of people and
then I suggested that I would have further conversation offline.
» Thank you. >> Yes, that that's that's fine. And my my
u point in bringing it up is because it does need some attention. I haven't
heard about it in a long time. So if you're addressing it, that's great. But
um >> and we met just this week with the the
property manager or the the president of the corporation
» and just to um just for clarification, we were under the what in the last
conversations that we had with them in July, June and July was that they were
going to present their bid for demolition and repair and that they were
going to hear back the middle of July. Right? So we had this conversation in
June. Um, and that's what we were expecting. And when they heard back,
they got the news that they couldn't move forward in the way that they had
originally anticipated. And so that's part of what the delay has been is that
they were expecting to be able to do something that they did not get approval
to do. And it took them a while to hear back from them. And so when they reached
out to us and said, "Well, you know, we we understand we're working. We're
trying to do everything we can, but we have a limited staff. We have limited
funds. and is there anything the town can do to help support? And so that's
that's where we are now. Um and we have been trying to um approach it as
humanely as possibly uh or humanely as possible when it comes to um
navigating this process with them because we understand that it's
challenging, right? They're trying to navigate through what the requirements
are with the town, the county, the state. Um and they're trying to do that
with limited resources. But it we got to a point with the code enforcement
violation that we we have an obligation to make sure that we're uh stewarding
the town well. So this is that's kind of where we why we are where we are now. We
expected to be further along because they were communicating that the plan
they had in place would have taken root earlier.
» Um sounds good. And I would just suggest that like any of these types of updates
that you could just send to us without bringing every single issue to a public
meeting >> will only help us inform the residents
that care. I think this is an issue that a lot of people care about which is why
I brought it up. But there are many issues that
» only certain people might care about and the more we know the better we can.
» We we received that update in the town administrative report last month about
what happened [clears throat] with where they are right now. actually.
» So, >> uh, no, we didn't receive all those
details or we didn't receive going forward details, but um,
» all right, [snorts] let's move >> missed it.
» The item that stood out to me um, with
Fishing Creek is that you have to look at the surrounding. You
have a top lot. You have the buildings around there that
have children that live in them. And there is no fencing around that
um building that burned down. Um it needs
to be demoed, but it also needs to be safe. Kids are curious, you know. Um
it it should be at least the minimum is to have a fence in place. If you go on
the rail trail towards Richfield Station, they just have stub-ups,
plumbing stub-ups, and they've had a fence there for years.
I know they want to cut the grass, and it's inconveniencing,
but I think our job is make sure that no curious kids get hurt.
» All right. >> Is there any comment on that or just
ignored? A lot of times my
» a lot of times I just get nothing gets answered.
» It is heard. Dan, >> may I interject for a moment? Ma'am,
please do. M um do we I I think the question is if it is a public uh safety
hazard, does the town has any jurisdiction or or ability to step in
based on on the idea of making sure the public is safe or is that something that
we defer to the owners of the property? I think that would be an appropo
question so that it could be an actionable item from the the topic you
just brought up. Do we have anybody that can answer that today or can we get the
answer at another time? I
» think there is an answer to that, but we can get it another time.
» Exactly. Yes. >> Thank you. Okay.
» All right. We're going to move on to the treasur's report. The treasurer is on
vacation, but you have the printed report in your
packets. Um, and I think from what I see, um, we're okay. Anybody
got any questions or comments on this uh printed report?
» Yes, >> my questions to Dan.
» Okay, that'll be great. All right, well let's move on to the next item which is
public works report and Jay is here to give us the public report. Go ahead,
Jay. >> Um, nothing too notable. A lot going on.
I'm just saying that you have the report. I'll take any questions. I mean,
there's a lot there's always a lot going on, but there's really a lot going on.
So, maybe some of the questions will answer.
» If I answer them, I'll answer everyone's question. If there's no questions, we
can move on. >> I do not have any questions for you.
» Thank you. >> You're welcome.
» I uh I presented some information regards to storm water management plan
and the administration of that. I have asked about the inspections. I know
Wayne wasn't here at the last meeting. Where are we at with inspecting our
storm water management on our on our town roads and making sure that things
are in operating condition. There was no last month there was no inspections
being done. That was the status. I followed up with Cal County cuz they're
the administrator of our land. That's what we deferred in 2003.
Have Have you done anything on that? I can speak to that Wayne if you want to
follow up. So I wouldn't necessarily say they're administrator. We adopted their
plan uh in 2003 and this is the the first year did we did budget $100,000
this year uh for storm water inspections before there was really no budget for
it. So I am aware working with Wayne on 28th Street 27th Street we've done some
surveys we replace some culvert projects. There are a lot of storm
waters that are older in town. We have inspected, haven't came some working
with the engineer, but it it comes into a global situation
of areas what we need to look at. It involves a coastal resiliency,
especially on the north end of town. There's a lot of pieces to that puzzle.
We can as public works kind of go and camera and inspect which we do known
deficiencies or broke pipes. But as far as the ultimate infrastructure plan and
how we implement it and what we do, that's something that's going to take
collaboration council where they want to start, what they want
to focus on, what's the highest priority, and then we can initiate,
I'm going to say a a global plan if that's what we want to do. As far as
what we do now, if it's broke, we fix it. I'm not looking proactively to go
out and install major infrastructure um
unless it's something we decide to do. From when I talked to the uh the
guy at Ky County Public Works in charge of storm water,
he looped in the public works administrator there. It sounds like the
process and the procedures that we're doing, we're not following the plan as
outlined that we we're that oversees us. Like that's the plan of the operating
how we're supposed to handle and we're not doing that. Um where you propose to
uh pave D Street, there's no way that's not even allowed. Like that wouldn't
that shouldn't even been been proposed according to Cal County's plan. So, uh,
we're not following what we're supposed to.
» Well, I would advise you put in writing what you think we're not following and
how you would fix it. Otherwise, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing.
Otherwise, if you have a plan or something you want to do or someone
specifically you talk to where the town didn't do something right, let me know
cuz I'm not aware of anything we did on D Street.
Are you? >> Well, there was a petition, but that's
fine. That's >> even the proposal of that has an entire
process before you can even propose to do something like that and and for that
to be have come and to take our time as a council for for you not to know that
that's concerning. >> Well well then maybe you should run for
mayor Dan and do something about it. >> That's your answer. Cool.
» It is. Thank you. >> All right. And I just I don't I I don't
get to praise Jay publicly enough and I did pepper him with a lot of um
background questions for um you know budgetary items which is my job.
» Understand? >> But um thank you for the benches. Um
they're all new and that you know and I know all of those things take time and
work and uh they look great. Um the maintenance at the tennis courts has
been outstanding. Like the trash is never full. Like everything's clean.
It's it's great. Um and everybody appreciates that. Thank you for that. Um
I'll ask you all, you know, questions about other things later like lights and
all that stuff because I know you've given um updates on that already. Um and
then the maintenance of the Kudzu this year has been way better than so many
other years. So, whoever's managing that um is doing a very good job. And um I
did not make it home today after work. So, um I'm just wondering what's going
on with the sidewalks in our neighborhood.
» So, that's that's just failed pieces remove and replace where there's a trip
hazard. We go out once a year, look for issues over a half an inch discrepancy,
and if we can grind them, we have a company that does that. if they're
settled too much or cracked, we replace them. So, you know, I will say compared
to Richfield Station and other developments because we were there, I
was there during the inspection phase, it's it's very nominal compared to other
developments cuz, you know, Wayne and I worked with developers, the prior
engineer, and I'm going to say they were installed, right? So, it's it's just
something we do as a maintenance. >> Okay. So, did did they are they done
now? cuz I I've read that. >> Well, they were actually supposed to
pour them today, but they had the concrete truck broke down. Uh they they
notified me and they're set up to start pouring tomorrow at 9:00. So, they'll
pour them tomorrow. It'll set up and they'll probably remove the forms Friday
and um or Saturday morning. That'll be it.
» Okay. So, that's just normal maintenance. Nothing from IQ Fiber or
anything like that. It's just regular routine.
» Correct. They're they're actually scheduled to do it last month, but they
had um some prior commitments and different things that fell behind. So,
um they're out here now. Next, they're going to the heritage.
» Well, thank you for doing that maintenance and thank you for all that
you do. >> And thank you. And I would like to say,
Lori, I appreciate the fact that you recognize something and you say, "Hey,
Jay, I recognize this. Here's what I want to do. You tell me how to fund it.
You know, I can only make so many decisions." I think anybody can sit out
here and point out every problem the town ever did for the last 50 years.
Does that move us forward? Not sure. But if that's your focus, let me know and
I'll and I'll tell you how I can go back and fix that, too.
» Okay. >> Thank you.
» The uh the fitness court, it might be more of a Wayne thing, but I see we've
got most of the parts and equipment here. Um is the location of that pretty
like set in stone? Have we talked with the beach buccaneers like what would
work best for them on the location of that?
» Yeah, so we submitted a plan to the columns committee to show where that is.
In general, it's the same location we showed it in the last master plan.
» Okay. >> We did refine it a little bit as we get
into detailed design. And I can talk a little bit more about it in my report to
get into details. But yes, it's defined. Yes, it's graded. Yes, it's ready to go
be permitted. We just need someone to review it and prove it to make sure that
it's where you want it. And and to add, the Beach Buccaneers were definitely
considered in placement. So that was a part of the the work that was done.
» The Beach Buccaneers uh leadership about it.
» So it's waiting on the state right now for permitting or
» No, I'll just do it now. I was going to do my report. Um
» we were waiting for geotech a geotech report. My report says it was due on the
14th. We got it on the 15th. Uh we are working on the foundation as we've
talked about over in Kellum's even with the top lot previously. There's base
stabilization issues. We've heard about at the water park, right? That's that
was that's the the ground out there is not the best ground. In fact, for the
top lot we raised at 2 feet. We're doing something similar here. Uh we received
the geotech report last week. We're working with the geotech now to figure
out what the best solution is to stabilize that base. The last thing we
all want to do is put a a fitness pad out there and have it crack up. And
that's not what we're going to do. Um so we have a solution for that and we're
implementing it now. Um and once that's implemented, we'll be ready to go go for
permits and get get that thing built. All right. Thanks.
» All right. Let's move on to the water reclamation treatment plant report. Sir,
» good evening. >> Evening.
» Um, you all have my report. I don't really have any updates on anything else
in there. So, if you have any questions, feel free.
» I'm I'm uh I'm always impressed with the level of detail that you put in your
reports. I think it's very useful for us to know and I'm glad that Jay is
following in your footsteps by putting more photographs in his reports. I think
he learned that from you. So, I'm glad to see everybody working together and
it's all for the benefit of the citizens of the town. But this is for those of
you that haven't seen this report, it's very detailed and uh uh if anybody's got
any real questions about it, um he's here to answer. So,
» just want to point out it looks like the uh control system upgrade went well and
you're seeing some benefits of that. So, that's great to hear.
» Uh for both the PLC's for the main system and also we had a unplanned
schedule or project we got done for the uh aation blowers and that's actually
working quite well now. >> That's great. And you had to use the
overflow the big tank. >> Yes. That rainfall on the 21st that was
pretty substantial rain. Everybody here is probably aware of that. Yeah.
» Um, we saw what the flow issues were. We took did my hourly data from each uh
flow source and I sent reports off to each partner just say, "Hey, here's
here's what we saw um just for their information."
» And we had a recent partner meeting. >> Yes, sir.
» And um I I sat in on that and I want to say that um from when we took office to
now, things have settled down a lot. our partners seem to be happy with what's
going on and so um I'm I'm actually kind of proud that that we're moving that
forward and I appreciate everything that that you're doing in your leadership
role. >> Thank you.
» I really love this. It's it's like really my wheelhouse. I kind of nerd out
about it a little bit. [laughter] >> Well, for me it reads like an action
adventure. Um, [laughter] >> we we had some interesting things that
the the issue with that number three filter effluent valve that the the whole
visualizing what occurred there. I couldn't help but go into like something
straight out of um Oh, now my brain ain't going to work. Um,
» adventure. >> Yeah, pretty much. It was an interesting
evening on that one. >> Yeah, it's it's Yeah, you did some
investigating. Was was that under warranty or No,
» no, that's not under warranty. Th those actuators have been there for a long
time. Uh it was just an unfortunate series of events. That eyewash station
been there for 10 years. The way that you drain and refill those eyewash
stations every 6 months. You pull the caps off you and the water drains
across. So somehow over 20 times that being done over 10 years
was never an issue. This one time was a problem. We got it moved. It's not going
to be a problem in the future. Well, if anybody buys you a Christmas
present this year, it should be a sleuth hat because [clears throat]
[laughter] >> troubleshooting is fun.
» Yeah. Yeah. Um, and then I wanted to say that the I think you said two minute or
five minute training is such a great way to train and I read that's how you train
each day like a little quick five minute training and
» yeah, we do once a week. We have a whole slew of different topics that we go
through. Um, and sometimes like for electrical safety, it'll be a topic a
week for about a month or two where we're going through different small
topics on that just overview what the the operators would need to know um in
regards to the OSHA 1910 standard which is the one that we follow. Um, and then
multiple other things like uh heat heat exposure, cold weather, um, try and set
them up to where they kind of fit with the the time of the year. We have stuff
for um hazardous animals. You may run across, snakes, spiders, stuff like that
that usually do that at the end of the spring. Same with uh poisonous plants. I
mean, we go across a whole wide gamut of stuff.
» Yeah. Very cool. That's a super smart way to to train your staff with, you
know, not taking up too much time and um >> right
» getting some repetition in. So, yeah, I'm always interested in your report. I
never comment, so I I've made a commitment to highlight and comment. I
also wanted to say in um >> just highlight just for real highlight.
» I don't always highlight it. Um but um I don't know if you miss it or not, but I
will take up Jer uh Larry Jorski's mantle and say congratulations on no SSO
spells. >> Thank you.
» Yeah, absolutely. [laughter]
» Every every month. >> Every month. That's great. Anybody else
got any questions? >> Yeah, one more. Do we have any movement
on the grant for the uh the headworks? >> We're slowly working on that. I did
reach out to Mcronone. There's some documents we would need when we start
moving forward with uh looking at the um congressional directed spending. Uh just
documents that they would need to provide that would have to fit into
qualify for that. Uh we're slowly moving forward. We're hoping to start having
some site visits in the fall is what's recommended. So hopefully we'll be
getting going on that and hopefully it'll go in the right direction. Fingers
» crossed. >> We just got updated cost on that. I'm g
go off the top of my head. It went from 3.2 million to about 5.4.
» So the costs are not going to go down. But that project we need to get going on
it. Um because we're we're going to wind up having an issue eventually.
» Any question? Any other questions? All right. Thank you, sir. Good report as
always. on the engineers report. Wayne,
» thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, you have my report. Just a couple updates. Um, the
water park continues to change weekly since this was written 812. Um, in this
report, it talked about value engineering meetings we held with Shyel
for phase 2 construction. Uh, on 8 723 and 7:30. We also have one last week.
Uh, don't have a final budget yet, but we're getting close for phase 2
construction. Uh phase one demo of course is continuing getting ready to do
power restrikes and test piles should be should be should be happening this week.
Um other updates I already talked about a little bit with the um
uh Kellum's master plan for the fitness pad. We already gave you that one. Uh
rail trail RFP. I did hold the interviews with uh KCI who you'll see is
recommended in your in your packet or was it's now now removed. Um so we can
have that conversation when you're ready. I am ready to have that
conversation. I do recommend that they be awarded the contract. And with any
other questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
» Yeah, I'll touch on the uh the Kelfield top lot storm drain project. The Zenesk
ticket I sent was 3033. Uh what that did was, as you said, you
had some challenges with the top lot. You built it up over 2 foot. We are
within a waiver that allowed that to go. you pulled that permit from getting done
so that the you could attach the fitness pad to that waiver.
» I'm not familiar with your term waiver, but go ahead.
» You so will your word. So you said you
impervious area expand for the permitting of it when we
discussed it. >> Not familiar with your word waiver.
» Okay. What what word is it that you were using? So we had a permit a grading
permit with Calbert County to install the top lot and the storm drain project.
We the typical process is to close that permit out you submit as bills which we
did. They review the storm water side of the as bills and we submit our final as
bills which we did. When the fitness pad came up we asked them to not release the
permit at this time because we will likely revise it to include the fitness
pad. So when I say waiver, what I'm referring
to is the allowed area up to x amount of square feet,
right? I believe it's 5,000 square ft. >> No.
» Okay. [snorts] Um >> wait minute, let me explain. That's not
correct. Up to 5,000 ft² does not require a grading permit. This project
has a grading permit. Over grading permit, you can disturb as much as you
want. It has limitations up to 20 acres where you have different um sequences
for construction. But what we're talking about here is a grading permit, not
something under 5,000 ft. >> Okay. So, we talked about raising the
two two foot for the top lot. So, one thing we don't realize when we're at a
town council meeting is after it rains and where water stands. I wrote around I
submitted that ticket that had the pictures. The pictures the drain's not
working. So the top lot and the the [clears throat] water, it's standing and
people would have to walk through it or walk over where the building's on fire
next to that to get by without walking through the water. Um, let me let me
respond. I've not seen the ticket. I would love to see it and have a
conversation with you offline about that. There are areas where the building
caught on fire where those parking lots that are private parking lots have sunk
and there is standing water in the parking lots. has nothing to do with
with the kum top lot. >> The pictures I have are pretty good. You
can see there's uh soil in it. And then I also show the other side of Kellums
where there's standing water after the rain has stopped so that you can see
after a rain event, not even a big rain event, where the water's standing. So
then we could say, "Wow, are we going to push that flooding to people down the
road?" So again, I'd love to see the pictures and have a conversation
offline, but those devices are designed to hold water up to 4 48 hours. They're
required to filter the water before it's released, but happy to have the
conversation. I don't have the information for
» No, no problem. It's ticket 3033. >> I'll be sure to get a copy of it.
[clears throat] >> The um the water park, we're doing 13
test piles. Is that right? >> We're doing three test piles.
» We're doing 13 restrikes. >> Three test piles. 13. We're restructing
the old piles to confirm their capacity and we're doing three new test piles.
» Okay. And can you just let the public know like what are the three new test
piles? What's the purpose of those? >> So when you have a pile of foundation,
you need to figure out how long and how big your piles need to be to support
your weight you're looking for. So only way to really do that, you have geotech
reports which kind of project it, but to confirm it, we actually go drive three
three piles before we drive the rest of the piles. We do that in three different
areas of the park because the soils may be different in different areas of the
park and that gives us our our pile capacities which tells us how long our
piles need to be and how big our piles need to be before we order them. That's
what we're doing. >> And correct me if I'm wrong, but um I
believe that the where the water amenity was is where the piles were in the
existing, but we're going to expand that. Is that not correct, Jay?
» Sure. And just from dealing with members of the pug and being over there every
day with other stuff just to you know layman's terms everyone thinks you drive
a pile down and you hit a substrate clay or something and that's bottom of that
stilt if you will now it's holding but there's also these piles are so long
there's what's called the friction load on the outside of the pile whether you
hit a hard bottom or not. So in the restrike, those been there so long, they
want to understand if we change, if we add weight and you change that friction
load, does it increase? Does it not? In the new piles, the test, hey, we're
going to beat it and they have a dimension. When it stops moving so much
for each hit, they know they've reach that friction, then they come back and
hit it another time. I just talked to too many people about it lately, and
there's different technologies, but it's not a it's a matter of, okay, how wide
do they need to be? How many do we have to add? Are we going per plant? I think
everything I've seen so far is in good shape, but the proof's in the pudding
and and the equipment showed up today, so the thing will be there to do it. Um,
I've just had that conversation with a lot of public and maybe it'll save me a
few more conversations saying it here, but thanks. [laughter]
» How long does that process do you you said the equipment's here and then how
long do you expect that process to take? >> I don't I don't want to speak for Wayne.
the the uh restrikes they they actually if you look at the construction site the
demo contractor left the bottom of the river so he can travel this crane along
with a good surface not damage the grade beams he thinks he can do the seven or
the 13 rest strikes in two days driving the new three piles in one day um and it
takes about a week to get that back we'll have the information but once they
mobilize the intent is to then fill in the gaps uh once they learn that study
Gotcha. And so, um, if I remember, it's a long process, but, um, once we take
the top off, we have to hurry up and get the bottom. We have, we need to get back
on very quickly. Um, I imagine that's planned as the owner's representative.
Does he have like a date by or how's that being?
» I got this. So, we we received a draft schedule today from Shyel now that we
know that the pile driver is on site. I haven't looked at it yet. Um, but I know
what you're talking about. The concern is if we leave that place open, a bunch
of water gets there and damages the bottom. The way they're demoing that,
they've actually crushed a lot of lot of the concrete and they've made their own
pad. So, that's good. Uh, we're preventing water from getting getting in
there. Uh, once these restrikes are done and we can order the piles, they're
ready to go. Um so they will be in there put putting um piles in and additional
screw piles in and finishing that floor as fast they can.
My last question, the budget discussions is just so that you have the books in
front of you to watch or is there >> that's one re that's one reason.
» My understanding was we approved a a price.
» You did you you approved a budget and that as you go as you can imagine as you
go through design things change, numbers change and if you'll remember there was
a contingency in there and we were able to share some that's what we're working
on. So now that we have the final design, we have final numbers. We're
[snorts] just adjusting those to make sure as we go forward, we we can track
those numbers. >> Okay. There's no big budgetary concern
to. >> No. And there's been some value
engineering things. As you get the designs and the engineers suggest
things, the electrician says, "Hey, why why don't we do it this way? It'll save
you some money." Or the mason says, "Why don't we do it this way? It'll save you
some money." When you see my report, we're talking about value engineering
meeting. That's what we're doing. We're trying to whittle that that price down
to get it as low as we can to start and then watch it as we go forward.
» Thank you for answering both of you for answering those questions.
» Wayne, I I forwarded you an email just now with the rest of the council um that
supports what conversation I was saying. Uh especially with says D Street Widen.
Uh that's not when I'm talking to the the administrator like the the people
who kind of work on that plan that I'm hearing that's not there's a whole
process that's supposed to take place and I don't think we have that
administrative process in town for this D street widening project I see on your
report. So since it's in my report and you commented on it, um the DC street
widening was part of the pavement widening program in anticipation of
getting pro approval of that from the Ches Bay critical area commission. We
have submitted the Ches Bay critical area commission. The requirement when
you add paving in the critical area is to is to provide storm water management.
And Dan, I want to clarify there's a difference between storm water
management and storm drainage. I think you're confusing the two, but I'm not
going to go into that. have have it contract contact uh connection
in a area where you have IDA which is what you are intense
development area the entire town is intense development area you have to
prove provide and prove that when you add impervious area you reduce the
pollutant load to the bay by more than 10%. And that's that's a computation
that we do. We've done that and we provide storm water management devices
to pro provide that that pollutant reduction. In this case, our design was
to add plants along the edge of edge of the road that's been completed. I think
it's been submitted to critical commission so that once we get that
approval, we can do that widening. But we'll have that conversation offline.
» Yeah, I submitted the uh a lot of that stuff. Everybody said they're looped in
on that.
» All right. Let's move on to
uh the Twin Verses patrol uh sheriff's uh
» Sergeant Nordon. Welcome. >> Good evening everyone.
» Received a copy of the >> Yep. Okay. The month of July, the
sheriff's office responded to 189 calls for service. uh the slightly up from the
172 that we responded to in June. Out of that, we had 645 self-initiated
activities such as patrol checks, traffic enforcement, traffic stops, and
follow-ups. Of the 189 calls for service, some of
note, we had several thefts. The one I'd like to speak on was from July 24th. Uh,
a couple of my deputies responded to Richfield Station for active subjects
breaking into vehicles and all subjects were caught. Um, I don't have the
figures in front of me on how many vehicles exactly they broke into, but
they identified numerous victims and they were all charged accordingly. So, I
would like to commend the deputies for that one. Um, had several DUIs due to
heavy traffic enforcement, few assaults. Uh
there was a burglary on there, fourthderee burglary. I figured people
would have a question about that when they see that word and everybody gets a
little uneasy. Um this was a subject we arrested him a couple times over in
North Beach and he made his way down here from PG County. We're not sure how
uh we were able to get in contact with his sister in PG County. He has a
multitude of mental health issues. um and we were able to get them linked back
together and get him into a facility. Um but he did receive several charges over
here on our on Chesapeake Beach side and North Beach side during his one or two
week uh visit here with us. So, but just to let everyone know that was an
isolated incident uh subject, you know, not walking down the street actively
breaking into houses. This was just a mental ill subject who entered someone's
home. So, any questions, concerns?
» You guys do a great job. And um I had something stolen and not only did you
catch the person, this is a couple years back, um
everything somehow got returned to me. It was strewn all about my neighborhood
and uh all day long people brought little pieces of my wallet back to me.
So, um >> um we don't have much crime here and I'm
very thankful for that. try to keep it that way. U I do actually have an open
case right now that's a theft and the gentleman keeps contacting our property
manager to get his stuff back. And I said hasn't gone to court yet. That's
evidence right now. We kind of need that, you know, to prove our point in
court. So we always ask citizens to just be patient with us. It's the judicial
process, you know, when we're handling stuff like that. Court takes a while and
soon as we're done, you'll be able to have it back.
So, >> I know this is uh North Beach, but I do
want to say the first Fridays, I think, is going really well with the new uh
layout, and I've seen a lot of positive uh feedback.
» We don't want to jinx that. No, >> no, it's um the last two have gone
smoothly, so we've increased deputies there. Uh
» feedback from the citizens is very positive. So, um I've heard good things
about summer nights, too. Uh citizens are enjoying that. And we did have uh
good feedback for uh July 3rd. It feels like it was months ago, but last month,
well, it was fireworks, but that was a successful evening as well. We didn't
have any uh major incidents during that uh thankfully. Yep. We can talk about it
now. It's past. [laughter] But so
assist motor motorist that was a little higher. Um is that normally higher in
the summer or was it? >> Uh depends. I mean that can be a number
of things. uh the assist motor. Sorry, I'm just trying to pull up that
spreadsheet. >> Uh 10 for the month, 58 for the year.
» Yeah. So, I mean, that's that can be anything. You know, we see a car with
its flashers on on the side of the road. I I get it all the time up here at the
top of 260. They'll turn from the light here,
» their phone will ring, they'll pull over and they put their flashers on. Well, I
come up the road a few cars behind them. I pull in to check on them, make sure
they're okay, see if they need assistance or anything. I have to label
it as an assist mode. It's just uh how we categorize certain calls. Um so that
would just it's just letting our dispatch know, hey, I'm out with a
vehicle. They might be broken down. So they're prepared for me to ask for a tow
truck or certain things like that. >> So no tire change service. Like I had a
flat tire, haven't had one. I was like, "Ah, could have had."
» I've changed a few tires this summer. I will say I don't publicly announce
I've changed a few tires folks this time. Well,
» I see I see that's always a highlight. You know what I mean? So, thank you.
» Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Okay.
» It's always good to see you here. >> Yep. Thank you, sir.
» Thank you. >> All right. North Beach Volunteer Fire
Department. Anything going on at the fire department? A
» little bit. [laughter] >> It's good to see you, sir.
» Good to see you. Greetings from uh President G and Chief Stanton. And I
guess everybody got their statistical report emailed to them.
» Yeah. >> Yeah. Have uh you know, knock on wood as
far as emergencies go. We're slow right now. We're
» That's a good thing cuz you're busy otherwise.
» It is. It is very very much so. But uh yeah, we haven't had any earthshattering
things go on or it's been relatively quiet out there. Just wrapping up the uh
month with the 100th anniversary >> stuff.
Yeah, that's great. Uh when we get to the mayor's report, I've got a few
things to say about the 100th anniversary and the parade and and the
uh the carnival. So, uh >> uh stick around for that.
» I'll be here. >> I'm not too far not too much further
down the uh down the road. >> Any questions from anyone or
» No, I bought your book, but I have not read it yet. So, I I don't want to talk
about it because I'll look really dumb. Are we talking Are we talking about this
book? >> Yes, we're talking about that book. I do
have it. >> Amazing piece of history.
» This is This was recently published about the first hundred years of the
North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, which is the oldest department in the
county >> and company number one. And uh and
despite the fact that they're the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, they've
been located in Ches Peak Beach ever since I've moved here in 1985.
Uh but uh we don't uh hold that against them for not changing the name.
[laughter] >> Thank you for being here. It's always
good to have you here. >> All righty. Have a good evening.
» All right. >> All right.
Here's reporting games. Um
sorry. Yeah. And so what you have on the screen there is uh some photographs that
I took uh with my phone. And guess what? I was up in the air. Can you tell that I
was on the ferris wheel when I took these with Becky? And uh that was uh a
lot of fun. Uh, and you'll notice on the left-hand picture that the ladder trucks
on the back side of the firehouse and it's all the way up in the air and
there's uh, I think two members of the fire company uh, in the bucket up there
and they were shooting pictures from the back side of the firehouse.
» And so, okay, go to the next one. Now, this is a trip. I took a trip to South
Carolina to visit my daughter and her family. Becky and I did. And on the way
home, we were coming up Route 85. We were in western South Carolina. We were
coming up Route 85 and I hit Route 29 um in North Carolina uh that runs in
through Virginia and turns into Lee Highway in Fairfax County. And I was
just talking to Becky and I said, "Well, you know, I went to I finished, uh, my
last year of high school at a military academy that's very near where we are
right now." And so, um, she says, "Well, why don't we go up there?" So, we did.
And, uh, it's in Chadam, Virginia. It's called Hargrave Military Academy. it's
uh operate it it's related to the southern it's southern baptist ministry
and um I I went there voluntarily uh in my senior year of high school uh
because I had I needed a class in summer school and I went there at the
recommendation somebody to do this summer school. I was in Fairfax County
at the time and when I got there, I really liked it. So, I decided to ask my
mom and dad if I could do my senior year of high school there, which I did do.
Um, and I'll be honest with you, that um uh changed a lot of things for me um
because it's very strict military school, very disciplined, male only. Um,
and uh, I I did very well there uh, in all in all of my classes and I was kind
of didn't pay that much attention in public high school in Fairfax County. So
anyway, we stopped there and we got a great tour. The picture on the left and
the right is the same image. It's in the new chapel that recently was built and
so we got to see that. Hit the next one, Wendy.
Oh, and that was it for that. But at any rate, uh it was good to it was good to
stop by there and to rebuild that relationship and um uh I I really
enjoyed that. Now, Anthony, do you want to say anything about this?
» Um yes. Well, that was during the Twin Beaches Community Health Coalition uh
Red, White, and Warrior Challenge, which was a part of Uplift uh Calbertt um
festival. And that is a part of the 140T obstacle course that I really tried to
get Bruce to run, but he kept telling me he was too tired
to do it. >> Um but, uh we had people that come out
to compete. We had a a nice group of teams and we were able to raise over
$1,400 for the uh for the American Legion Post up the street. So, we did
pretty good.
» But next time we're definitely going to get Bruce to do it. He was a little shy
because he he really wanted to I had shorts for him and everything.
» I heard uh Chris did it right. [laughter]
» He did do it. He did indeed. He did a good job. Anybody who did it did a good
job. Period. >> I was there. I was there.
» You was there. >> Yeah. And I uh I I thought that that was
a great event and I think a lot of people had a lot of fun. And Chris, did
you want to say anything?
» You don't want to add anything further to that?
[laughter] >> Chris?
» Yeah. >> And she did a really good job.
But that was that was a lot of fun. and I commend you for putting this together.
I I really think that this is the type of thing that the citizens of the town
and the area can really embrace and enjoy. So, thank you for
» thankful for the people who came out here.
» And again, we we mentioned um we talked a little bit about Fishing Creek
already, so I don't think I need to say anything more about that. Um and then
the we talked a little bit about the the um
the water park already. Uh the 100th anniversary this book was published um
by the it was uh John Tippet wrote this book
about the fire department and do you want to come back forward and comment on
this? This thing is is absolutely spectacular and detailed. Uh and they're
available. They are available for uh purchase at $60 a piece. The uh Chief
Tippet just put in a ton of time and it seems like every, you know, he would go
home pretty much every night and write this book. I mean, he wrote this thing
by himself and he went through old file cabinets and old [clears throat] drawers
and everything. and it seemed like every time he'd get something done, he'd find
something brand new. >> Um, and it's amazing he he would point
out that uh 60 70 years ago at their business meetings, they were discussing
the same things that we discuss now, complaining about the cleanliness and
people aren't picking up after themselves and this and that. And it's
just, it's amazing how history just keeps repeating itself. And uh I' I
bought one of the books, but I have not had a I've looked at it, glance through
it, but I haven't had time to sit down and really go through it, but
» Well, you all been a little busy at the fire department.
» Yeah. Uh it's uh it's quite the accomplishment what he's was able to put
down in that book. >> Like I say, they are for purchase if uh
I think uh the base height history museum has some or you can come by the
firehouse and and get them. uh Chief Tippet put this whole effort out from
his pocket. So he fronted the book and he paid for it and everything. So if you
go and buy it and they say uh you know make to check out the John Tippet, it's
not he's not committing any fraud or anything. He's uh he's not making a
profit off of it either. If there is any money that uh comes out, it's going to
go back to the firehouse. He wanted to do a hard coverver book, which would
have been outstanding, but it would have been, I think the publisher said, $300
to $350 a piece. >> So, unfortunately, we we couldn't pull
that off. >> Right. Well, thank you. And there is a
copy of uh of this in the back. If any of you here that are visiting tonight
want to take a look at it, just look at it on your way out. So,
» yeah. In other words, see them before you buy them. But uh but I I I would
encourage you to to support the fire department. I mean, it's uh instrumental
here in the town. And I and and then of course I have a special uh u uh
connection to the fire department cuz I did have a house fired that took me out
of my put me out of my home for a year. Um and I was talking to the previous
chief. I'm trying to think of his name. >> Chris Mills. Chief Mills.
» Yeah. He he um he told me at the event uh at uh that if if we had been
if the call had gone in just another minute or two later, my house would have
burned right down to the ground. And you don't realize how valuable the fire
department is until you have a fire. Unbelievable. I mean, because um that we
were out of our house for an entire year to rebuild it. Um, and my house is a
duplex, so it's attached to another home, and the home that was attached to
it wasn't damaged at all. The people that, and they're volunteers,
they're all volunteers. So, you I can't say enough about how lucky we are to
have the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, the first one in Cal County
located in Chesapeake Beach here. And these people are willing to serve. And
another thing that's uh interesting about that is uh my great nephew is a
professional firefighter for Prince George's County and he lives outside of
the town limits but with a Chesapeake Beach address but he is a member of the
North Beach Volunteer Fire Department as well.
» He just recently had a baby and uh just >> he's been a little preoccupied
preoccupied with >> we're seeing him we're seeing him more
and more every day which is a great he's he's great.
» Yeah. Yeah. So again, a round of applause for North Beach Volunteer
Firefighters. >> Thank you.
» Another interesting thing in the book is there's it's not only there's a lot of
pictures of the town from way back in the day. So if you just like history and
nostalgia to see what this place used to be, there's there's a lot of pictures in
there of that also. >> Yeah,
» that's great. >> And uh I just want to comment, the
carnival is really well organized. I'm seeing a lot of positive feedback on
that. I took my kids uh last night. We had a good time and I understand that
the fire department gets a portion of that back. So,
» yes. Yeah, it's uh well, we're hoping that it comes somewhat close to being
able to offset the money we've spent on this 100th anniversary.
» Oh, okay. >> Cuz we've uh we've had to spend quite a
bit, too. >> We had a gala over here at the rod and
reel that >> wasn't cheap, but it was you know, you
only >> we're only going to see a hunter once.
» Yep. >> So, we we decided we might as well
» do it up. But they uh shout out to Will Callas, one of our members. He uh he has
been working on this thing for a year and uh I've been working with him on a
lot of the stuff and just the amount of time and effort that he's put into it
has been incredible. And so far I've heard I honestly haven't been down there
yet. Uh I have had everything this week. I've had to take care of different
things. just had to go to a seminar last night, wife's birthday tomorrow night.
Uh, Orioles game Saturday. I don't know if that's going to happen or not, but
uh, everything I've heard has been really, really good feedback on it.
» Take my word for it cuz I' I've been there apparently more than you have.
» Yeah, >> I was amazed. I didn't I didn't think
they'd be able to pull it off and get all those rides and everything in the
lot, but they did. And >> uh, hopefully we we can make this a
tradition and we'll keep it up. Maybe not in August, maybe more in the fall or
more in the spring, but uh we had to plan it in August for the 100th. So, but
we're going to go back and look at everything and hopefully we can pull it
off and keep it up as a neighborhood kind of thing.
» As I recall, it was done since I moved here in 1985. That's been done before
there. >> It it has been done at the fire I never
saw it at the firehouse. I've been here for about 20 years and I remember
» taking my daughter down to the >> uh the gravel lot down there when they
had the carnival down there, >> but uh they did they did do it at the
firehouse and they pulled it off again. So,
» that's great. Well, congratulations and please extend the council and my
congratulations back to the chief and and everybody that's responsible.
» We'll do. Thank you. Um,
one other note, uh, for the mayor's report. Uh, well, we have some pictures
that I shot today. Um, no, that's not today. Um, because it's down further
than that, but that's some pictures I shot um of of the construction or or
demolition that's going on at the at the water park. And the uh the only place
that that uh you can take pictures is through the uh the fence right on the
street because the rest of it's got a shield around it. Uh yeah, and that one
looks like it was today because the top of that was down. But um I I uh I shot a
lot of stuff, but these were the ones that we picked to show you tonight. Uh
okay. >> Oh, that No, that was a video.
Oh, didn't play it up there. All right. Well, then the only other thing I um I
have to mention is a couple of birthdays. Um
uh this coming Saturday, um you've heard of Roland's grocery
store. Roland himself, Roland Peller, will turn 88 years old on Saturday.
and he um you can always find him at the American Legion if if the black Cadillac
uh SUV is up there. Roland is there. Uh and he he's he's there a lot. Um and I
there's a little story about Roland that I'll share with you. I uh it is working.
Oh, you got it to work. You're good. Um but just let it roll. Um Roland uh when
I was um after my one year of college, I went to
uh drive a truck for my dad for delivering newspapers in Washington DC
and in Rockville, Maryland uh two different times. And the Washington DC
route that I had was southeast Washington on the uh inside away from
the Anacostia River up toward the Capitol and so forth. And on I think it
was either fourth or seventh street and uh Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast there
was a delicateess in there that was one of my stops where I put newspapers.
Okay. And it was called Roland's and yes it was Roland Pelleter.
and so um and his family and uh so I I didn't get to know him then but when I
moved here and then the store was built um I uh I approached him and and I was
actually there for the ground break breaking. There's a picture uh of of us
at the groundbreaking. Um and um and also uh there's a shovel
that's if you go into Roland's and you turn in toward the uh vegetable side,
you know, and you look up on the wall, there's a a box, a glass box that has a
shovel in it, and there's a $100 bill up there. And that $100 bill has my
signature on it cuz I was the very first customer at Rollins.
» And so I just wanted to share that with you. Uh, and the main reason that that
came to mind is that Roland Pelleter's birthday is Saturday and he'll be 88
years old. And so if you ever go to the American Legion, he's there most of the
time. If you see the black Cadillac in front, he's there. And uh, if you do
happen to see him um, anytime in the re near future, wish him a happy 88th
birthday. And I'll also mention that uh, yesterday
um, my I have one brother uh, his name is Barry. He lives in Northern Virginia
in uh near Manasses and uh yesterday was his 80th birthday. So I'm just proud of
my brother having his 80th birthday. Thank you for indulging me and and and
Commissioner Graasso, I'm happy that you're here. Is there anything you want
to say to the public? No. No politicking.
» No politicking. Welcome. We're so glad you're here with
your husband. >> Well, I'm glad to be here. Um, just
wanted to mention that National Night Out, I was here and I had a citation for
all of you and um, as you >> that it's in my office.
» Okay. And as usual, you all do such a great job. It's always very well
attended, the vendors, everything that's here, the fire department, the police
department. It's just great. And I just wanted to announce if you did not see
our meeting on Tuesday, we did vote to put a moratorum on data centers. Uh it's
a six-month moratorum. It's not long enough. It will be extended, but we were
glad to get off the ground with some safeguards in place and to get the
six-month moratorum. the end of September, we will be in motion to
reverse the zoning from uh high high industrial high industrial back to what
it was, which it was 2F's farming and something else. So I think those two
together, but I think the zoning is the most important aspect of the whole
thing. Once we get that back, it is really going to hamstring
um anybody who wants to come in here and uh I think the new board is going to be
uh a lot more transparent and cognizant of what the people want. The people did
a beautiful job. Before I became a county commissioner, I was them. I was
behind that um microphone raising hell about what I didn't like about what was
going on and I was pretty consistent with it. So even though as an elected
official, you know, you want everything to be wonderful and everybody to like
you, it ain't going to happen. And if you're if you don't have the strength to
be a leader, this job isn't for you because we work for the people and our
people let us know. 70% I think is the um amount of individuals in Calvert
County that are not for data centers. I read recently that um Governor Abbott,
he's put a stop to them. Um he his parameters are he doesn't want anything
else in his state unless they bring their own electricity and their own
water source. And one thing that I thought was very interesting, he does
not want data centers in rural locations. Hello, that's Calvert County.
We are 100% rural. So, I hope everybody's happy with that. But I'm so
glad that we were finally able to get that through. Um Dr. Janette Wasaki,
she's on part of our environmental com commission and um they gave us some
really good advice that was not taken. But now, uh, there are reversals and,
um, I told her I'm going to need her help with the whole board is because
what we want to do, what we want to have in place is, um, studies that are not
off the shelf, but studies that are unique to our small county, our county
that uh, is a peninsula. So, our studies will be done just for Calvert County.
So, I think that's really good news. Also want to say that um our uh
sheriff's department, our sheriff's deputies are second to none. They keep
us safe. Um I I can't say enough good things about them. And also, I've been
very fortunate to participate in all the 100th anniversary uh activities with the
North Beach Volunteer Fire Department. It's a great group of men and women. I I
have always since I become a commissioner and got to know them
better. I have always been a great admirer of them. They have a cadet
program. They have young people who are there. I I I've seen the older people
say, "Did you do this? Did you do that?" And I think to myself, what a great
discipline for them. What great examples for them to work with the men and women
North Beach Volunteer Fire Department. and I can't say enough. Um, I think
that's about all. Thank you all so much for the job that you do. And, um, as I
always say, I work for you. That's why I make the big money. So, if you, uh, if
you all ever have anything that you need me to help you with, anything you're a
little ticked off about, anything you're happy about, don't hesitate to call me
because I work for you. Thank you so much.
» Well, thank you for joining us tonight. Great to see you. Great to see you both.
» All right. Uh, we'll call that the end of the mayor's report.
Now, we're going to move on to resolutions and ordinances. We have
» Mayor, if I would ask, I would like to ask a clarification question in regards
to this before we get started on this. um in direct relation to that May 21st
uh 2026 meeting uh in the definition and understanding of the quorum. A C306
quorum. A majority of the members of the council shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business, but no ordinance shall be approved nor any
other action taken without the favorable votes of a majority of the whole number
of members elected to the council. I thought in May we understood uh that to
be four and now tonight we seem to have a different understanding. I'd just like
clarification before we start this next um bit.
» A majority of the whole members of council is four.
» So >> correct. So for any business it takes
four to pass. Correct. >> A majority of the council is four
» elected to the council. So the >> the majority is four. Correct. So So it
takes four votes to pass.
» Are you speaking definitively for ordinances or are you talking about
agenda? >> I'm I'm speaking for clarification. So
we make sure we're cuz on May 21st >> Mhm.
» there was uh there was I think John was on vacation
and there was a a lot of ripples about that. So if we're saying that for
business so it says ordinance or business right so business I was told
that nope three is the vote. So I'd like to have what that understanding is
before we move forward with this. Okay. So, council, I think the question is, is
there a difference between voting for um agenda items so on and so forth and
versus ordinances on what the actual count vote count should be with foreign
attendance?
» You can't transact business without a majority of members of the council.
An ordinance cannot be approved, nor any other action taken. I read that to be
with respect to an ordinance without the favorable votes of a majority of the
whole number of members elected to the council.
» Thank you council. >> So that means that you have
» so I have four votes to approve.
» Okay, that answer your question. >> Did we have four votes for the agenda?
So that's business, right? ordinance business
» with respect to the ordinance otherwise the first section part of section C
C-306 wouldn't would be meaningless so you don't it is a principle of statutory
interpretation that you don't read um a legislative provision to make any part
of it um superfluous or without meaning. So a majority of members of council
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. We're talking
about general the general business of the council. A majority of members of
the council shall shall constitute a quorum. No ordinance shall be approved
or other action taken without a favorable votes of the majority of the
whole number of members elected. That answer your question?
» And I believe that that interpretation is consistent with the way council has
operated for the last >> well since I started since before I
started >> in 2010.
» That answer your question? >> Yeah, that just uh seemed to be
contradicting till earlier. Yeah, I think was not an
ordinance and that's what business and ordinance is
» different words. One starts with a B, the other one
» business 100%. >> But you got to remember, you got to
understand that the council let us know that when it comes to a ordinance,
that's what you're talking about. Anything else is for us to keep the
meeting moving forward. So, I understand what you're asking and what you want to
make sure we got correct, but our council just said we got it correct.
» Okay. Transaction of business. So, that's the word with that starts with a
B right there. >> Gotcha.
All right. Again, the business at hand
» uh is to vote on ordinance 026-14, an ordinance of the town council,
Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, amending the town code, chapter 290 zoning, article
3, zoning district section 290-10, land use table to prohibit data centers
in all zones. And that's really uh in the code itself. That's a it's a minor
change. Uh but it uh gets to what you were talking about, Commissioner
Graasso, and so forth. So, I'll call for the vote.
» I'm sorry. >> A motion to approve or we we can go on.
» Are we approving the vote? >> Let's go through the right transactions
and then um >> we have a motion to approve.
Yes.
» Okay. [clears throat] >> Turn the microphone back on.
» Just on page four.
» Oh, of the ordinance itself. >> Um, no. Um, my my comment is on the next
one. >> All right. So, we're ready to vote on
this. Yes.
» Yes. To to prohibit data centers in all zones. All in favor of
» a motion to approve. >> Need a second.
» Motion in a second. Okay. >> I'll second.
» All right. We have a motion and a second.
» Here we go. >> Motion.
» Yeah. >> Any further discussion?
» Yes. the discipline we need to I think keep
on our ordinances where they're introduced and that items written in and
are are a little bit of housekeeping so that the uniformity is there. Uh
this wasn't and isn't all the case. So if we look at the different ordinances
some of them have the introduced pass and effective date, some of them don't.
[clears throat] I think we should be uniformed when
we're legislating.
on this ordinance.
Have we met the legal requirements to enact this?
» Yes.
» Any other questions? >> When was the introduced date?
» It was introduced last month, right? It was introduced at the last meeting.
July 16th. >> Mhm. All right.
» If you look at the end part of the ordinance where it says as certified, it
recites the date on which it was introduced.
» Yeah. There's just a few of them that I had objections to from May that didn't
follow that discipline. So, that's what just trying to make sure we're staying
disciplined. Maybe we could bring it up in close
section session to discuss >> what
» the other ordinances we're talking about.
» We do have a motion. We do have a second. All in favor of the motion
signify by saying I >> I
» I. >> All any opposed? No. The motion passes.
The ordinance is as approved. Thank you.
All right. Now, we're going to introduce ordinance
0-26-15, an ordinance of the town council, Chesig
Beach, Maryland, amending the town code, chapter 290, zoning, article 3, zoning
districts, section 290-11, conditions and standards for conditional
and special exception uses to implement certain state requirements regarding
accessory dwelling units. will set the public hearing for
um September 17th at 6:15 p.m. >> Melissa, was this the ordinance?
» Yes, I just um there's a just a typo on page 4.
So there's um and it has to it's because I deleted a section that you all had
asked me to delete at the work session and I left an or there a stray or
» the end of 3 a sub 2 on page four. Oh yeah,
» you would just cross through that. >> Also the table on page two
» for the.5 EDUs. I think that six that 5001 needs
» supposed to be changed >> 651, right?
» I think that would be they can fix that before the next meeting, right? or
» if I we fix these things before you vote on the introduction.
» Oh, I see. >> That's better.
» I don't have we don't have to show it as inter lineation. So, that's just why I
brought it to attention. Um if you having noted that if you would
when you introduce it introduce it as back to as we've just said
those two respects that the or will be removed and the 501 in the chart will be
changed to 650. >> I thought we had a consensus to uh
remove M letter M as in Michael 1 M. I thought
we had a consensus on that at the work session.
I'm going to let Sarah address that. However, I went back and listened to the
audio from that hearing when I was doing the amendments and I don't I don't
recall that there was that consensus. However, um if if that is the intention
of council, we can make that alteration as well. Sarah, did you have
something you wanted to say? >> I was just going to say that there is an
extra period in front of the five edus. I don't know
if that matters or not. Um but since we were fixing things um I do not recall
whether there was consensus on this piece or not. Um I do recall
you saying that I had been um presuming that the state put this in here for a
good reason and have been spending lots of time trying to think of what that
good reason is, right? um and leaving it in out of an abundance of caution, but I
have not been able to in the last eight 8 months, nine months come up with why
it's there. So, if you do vote to remove one M about the alley access for
converted accessory dwelling or converted structures, I don't I have not
been able to come up with any negative impacts. So, it is up to you whether you
leave it in or not. Yeah, maybe maybe if we can have I thought we had a consensus
that maybe take one less thing off the uh the plate for next month.
» So, we just corrected this ordinance and explain how we should be introducing it
either now or next time. introduced.
» So, it needs to be introduced as a corrected ordinance
» because you haven't introduced it yet. I mean, I don't physically have a new
piece of paper to give you, but if you all accept those corrections as um
editing issues, then acknowledge that what you're introducing
is the corrected version. It's not an amended version because you haven't
introduced it yet. I'm just um if I had a piece of paper to give you as a
substitute, I would. >> So,
» if we are introducing this, we just agree here that it is in the corrected
form as you and Sarah described. >> And then it will come out and be
published by the town for the hearing >> proper way. Yes.
» Corrected. >> Okay.
» I would I would just say that the issue of 1 M is different from correcting.
Yes. So, >> that is different.
» I'm not removing that unless you all decide that it goes.
» I I'm fine for them to motion and vote if there really was a consensus because
» believe
I believe there was a consensus on that. >> So, probably save us some time next
month.
So clarifying what you're saying is not to take M out at this point. You're
saying when you all come to vote on M to take it out at or for him to motion and
then if he has the votes to remove it, remove it at that time after it's been
introduced. >> Yep. Okay, that work.
All right, we can consider that introduced.
» Mhm. >> We do. No, we just set a public hearing
and we'll set the public hearing at 6:15 at the next regularly scheduled town
meeting, September 17th. Okay,
» chair. And I'm sending you the revision. It will have today's date on it so you
can distinguish it from that.
» All right, moving along. We want to introduce ordinance 0-26-16,
an ordinance of the town council of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, a amending
chapter 263, urban forest section 263-4, prohibited acts and permits to limit
restrictions on uh property owners in managing trees on private properties
where their actions do not significantly impact the trees canopy. And we're going
to set the public hearing to be just immediately following uh the previous
one we discussed on September 17th. It'll follow after the hearings will
start at 6:15 and go sequentially. And then we're going to introduce
ordinance 0-26-17, an ordinance that the town council,
Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, amending the town code, chapter 290, zoning, article
3, zoning district section 290-11, conditions and standards for conditional
and special exception uses to permit the sale of uh certain items incidental to a
home occupation. We will set the uh public hearing to follow the previous
two public hearings on September 17th, which all three commence at 6:15
p.m. All right, it is time to move forward to
reports of boards, officers, boards, and committees, planning and zoning.
So, the planning and zoning commission is continuing to work on the revised
land use table and standards and conditions. Um, they did take a moment
to review the uh parking study and waiver for the ADUs and give you a
recommendation on that um on your ADU ordinance as is required by law. Um they
also have begun discussing the coastal resiliency overlay. Um this is part of
implementing the coastal resiliency plan. Uh I want to say that was 2023,
but I might be mixing it up with another one. And so they they're going to do
that through an overlay in the critical area zone that will reduce lot coverage
and allow some more flexibility with height and base flood elevation for
housing and maybe more flexibility for flood proofing as well.
One thing that I've noticed um in like coastal towns is parking just
has for your tires. So it's less impervious space.
So maybe a concrete strip and a concrete strip versus paving the whole thing too,
which um any I mean we're having potentially
certain areas would have more development than other areas in town
that use. Um,
so I like we're discussing some of that, but maybe they also have like some
pavers that I know we have like no grass paver, right? But they have where you
can drive across um grass and they have like um
I don't know yard pavers or something like that that can handle a truck or
something like that and they're I think they're somewhat
impervious but they have less of a rating to them. Are you familiar with
what I'm >> not grass pavers but permeable pavers?
Yes, I'm familiar with that. Um, >> and something like the two strips, uh,
parking is really kind of governed by the lot coverage. So, when you have a
lower lot coverage permitted, you may choose to do that for your driveway.
» Okay. Thanks. >> A question about number two towards the
end. Um, short-term rentals. I know they were discussed pretty heavily in the
last administration. I was just wondering what like what uh are people
coming to you and asking if we can allow them again or like
» what's the discussion behind that? >> Um that's just part of the land use.
Um the way we've done the land use table is now instead of just things that have
conditions being regulated in it, it's going to be everything. Everything
standards are going to be in there. So, they just want to discuss the short-term
rental standards and get those solid for you all. I will say that the most
frequent short-term rental requests I get are permit consultations, people who
would like to build an ADU and rent it out as a short-term rental. And so, that
concern comes from >> Right.
» Yeah. >> Okay.
» Thanks. >> Anything else? Planning a time. All
right. Let's move to the board of appeals. Uh, no hearing was held, so
we're done with that. Seox,
hello there. How are you?
» I'm good. Um, you have the report. The only thing I would say is we are
starting to kick into gear for the fifth grade field trips. They start in two
weeks. Um, we're getting the oysterium all set up. We've got our spat ready to
go and we'll be out next week actually getting the live spat into the tank and
running the pump and the water stuff. So, we're good for that.
» That's what we're working on. >> That's great.
» I remember when we started it. >> Yep.
» A long long long time ago. >> So, thank you. Anybody got questions?
» Anybody got any questions for >> Is there anything you need from us to
make your job easier this season? >> This time? No.
» Nope. >> Great program.
» Thank you. >> Great. Well, thank you.
» All right. Economic development. >> No report.
» All right.
» Green team. >> Green team.
» Green team. >> Okay.
» Oh. Uh, I saw Jan in the audience and Sue, so I assumed one of those to speak.
Go >> Jan.
[laughter]
you have the report. Again, we're doing just doing our stuff. We have a proposal
before the town administrator. I'm not sure where that it stands to put in the
refreshed pocket park out at the far side of Kellum's Field. We're waiting on
um a response on that and whether we can move forward. Um [snorts] other than
that, oh, we have Paddle and Pathways picking up in September. That's Oh, I
don't have the date on top of May. September 26th.
Um, I believe that the registration form has been put out by it's actually run by
Parks and Wreck. We do it in conjunction with them, but they take the lead on it.
Um, they have a registration um site set up if anybody wants to register to come
help us out that day. They will be running kayaks up the creek to do that
part. We've got people who are going to be working the trail. We have people who
will be doing the whole community center and Kellum's Field Cleanup. um depending
on how many volunteers we get to come out and help with that. So, that's
coming up soon. >> All I know is that I dug a tire out
» last [laughter] year was out paddling and uh
» it was a job. >> They might have a little trophy over
there with the dragon boats, but I'd like to see who can get the biggest item
out in the ring and clean up. >> What do you think there, John and
Anthony? >> Hey, it's on my calendar. win every
time. [laughter] >> It's on your calendar.
» You won. >> I already got my I already got my what
I'm picking out. I >> I'll provide the trophy.
» You going to fly the trophy? >> So that's all I can think off the top of
my head that we got going on. >> Beaches.
» A lot of good things going on. That's a great event.
» Yeah. >> So, how much trash did we get last year
out? That was a good one. um bags of bags
» at least 20 bags and I would estimate about you know it is covered in mud and
left about 500 lb of trash >> and that was like just a few hours.
» Yeah. >> A lot of the stuff particularly the
storms came rolling in. We're getting a lot of stuff washed into the creek off
the boats and stuff. So the end of the summer is always a big time to clean up
the creek. The trail the trail gets enough of trash, but a lot of people are
pretty conscientious because the trash cans are out there. It's not as big a
deal. We pick up a lot of trash around Northeast Community Center. I know that
was a big deal last year. Um, Kellum's Field is intermittent. Sometimes it's
clean because they've picked up after themselves, whoever's using it. Um, and
other times we do pick up trash there. So,
» yeah. Thank you. >> Yep.
» Thank you. >> My voice is worse. I hope you feel
better. >> Oh.
uh Twin Beach uh community health coalition. Anthony,
» uh yes. So, we did just have the uplift Calbert Wellness Festival. We had a uh
morning with exercises outside. I did the peach and boxing, but I did not do
the yoga and pilates cuz I'm a tough guy. Um but it was fun. A lot of people
came out and I had a great time. We had the um the uh championship, our first uh
kind of American Ninja Warrior obstacle course. And like I said, I did bring
shorts for Bruce, but he declined to actually participate. But we were able
to raise a good amount of money for the uh Legion. Thankfully, um along with the
people from the community who signed up to participate, uh Rod and Real cut a
check for $1,000 as well. and that is on the in the on the way to them as a
donation. So, it actually worked out pretty good. Uh the folks of the Legion
are very happy and appreciative. And um we do now have a be the one
representative here in Chesapeake Beach for uh anybody who's a veteran that's
dealing with problems with PTSD or needs somebody to reach out to talk to. So, we
were happy to facilitate that and make that happen. Uh also, uh August 31st is
International Overdose Awareness Day. will be right over here at Kellum's
Field at the Hope mural that was done by Katie Brinkley who you see do a couple
of has done a couple other murals out here in uh North Beach and Ches Beach. I
started that. Um but the the great thing about it is that uh we do have people
that are sending in names of anybody who they've lost first and last names in
their forever year. We're going to keep it on that Monday evening. We're going
to start at 7:00 p.m. Uh we have um somebody from the health department
coming out. Uh we have a pastor [clears throat] there to uh do the
visual and then we'll say the names and honor and uh give folks some time to uh
think about and uh respect their loved ones. Uh and that's August 31st. If
anybody would [clears throat] like to be there, please be there. If anybody would
like to have a loved one's name said, please email it to me and I will make
sure that uh that they get their honor. Other than that, that is it for me.
Thank you. >> Thank you.
» What time did that event start? >> 7:00 p.m.
» All right. It's on my calendar. >> Thank you.
Uh walkability committee committee. >> Um uh I'll I'll keep it short because
this has been a long meeting, but um my report is uh basically tracking our
muchneeded infrastructure and I look forward to any updates on that every
time and that is our group's main focus. But we also are looking forward to um
Walktober and coming up with ideas that um can support the habit of walking
within our community. And we have a new member um she's in the audience. I don't
know if she likes to be called out or not, but um [laughter] she brought a lot
of good ideas to the table. So our next meeting we're going to talk about um
some of the ideas for Walktober and then our next Celebrate Trails Day. And
» as always um >> we are our primary focus is advocating
for our very much needed infrastructure um bicycle pedestrian infrastructure.
» Great. Thank you. Um water park John.
» Yep. Uh >> you had a meeting recently?
» We had a meeting tonight for the first time in 3 months. I think we finally got
some movement with the demolition and everything. And I've been coordinating
with Jay on uh trying to get some items to the Bayside History Museum and um we
also got some uh bricks from the old water park we've been giving to
committee members and the community. So if you'd like a brick from the old water
park, uh let me know. >> I think I would.
Um, I don't see any unfinished business on the agenda. Has anybody got anything
they want to raise? I didn't think so. New business. Uh, town council to
consider the reappoint of Amy Everett to the board of appeals for a three-year
term. Is Amy here? No. Anybody got anything to say about this?
» Oh, I think she's a great choice. Um, and
» because we got to wait for a D. That's what I was going to also say.
» All right. Smoke him if you got him. Oh, no. You
can't do that. >> That's what they told us in the army.
There he is. He's back. I'll read it again. Town council to consider the
reappoint of Amy Everett to the board of appeals for a three-year term. Is there
a motion? >> Motion to approve.
» Second. >> Second.
» All in favor say I. >> I.
» Opposed? The eyes have it. Thank you. town council to consider the appointment
appointment of Lawrence Tob as council to the board of appeals and you're here.
That's you, right? >> Why don't you come back to the podium
one more time and we did meet at the work session.
» Yes, sir. >> Uh there weren't as many people in the
audience at that time. Uh and just briefly tell us again your background. I
know it's extensive. >> Sure. Thank you. Uh yes, I've been a a
lady's attorney predominantly in Prince George's County for I hate to say almost
50 years now. Uh but in the past number of years, I've also served as the city
attorney for the city of Laurel. Uh in which time I've advised the board of
appeals. Uh during my practice years, I appeared before the board of appeals. Uh
I've also been uh council of the board of appeals in Sykesville and Carol
County. Uh so I've had good experience on both sides of the table. Great.
» And uh looking forward to working with the board of appeals for Chesig Beach.
» Thank you. >> Uh is there a motion?
» Motion to approve. >> Is there a second?
» Second. All in favor say I. >> I.
» Opposed. Welcome aboard. >> Thank you very much.
» Thank you, sir. >> Thank you.
» All right. Town council to consider the approval of the purchase of replacement
benches of Veterans Park in the amount of $30,560.
Jay, is there anything you want to say about this?
just that uh their benches we removed honestly a while back because they were
uh deteriorating and safety issues and we looked at other benches and things
that would fit and really didn't find anything. Uh so these are going to be
from the same provider Victor Stanley local and uh when we get them it's about
6 weeks uh once we approve it make payment and we'll install them.
» How how long do those benches typically last?
» They differ. The ones more exposed to the sun are shorter, but we, you know,
the the park was built uh I remember going there when it was wasn't quite
done with the original 911. So 15 16 years.
» That's pretty good for that uh environment.
» It is. It's um they're not cheap, but it's that you know, Veterans Park has a
certain style that the teak benches we just ordered for the trail and the
boardwalk obviously cheaper. Um, but it's not the same flavor.
» Right. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve?
» Motion to approve. >> Is there a second?
» Second. >> All in favor say I.
» I. >> Opposed. The eyes have it. Uh, town
council to consider authorizing the mayor's signature on a lease agreement
with BGE for the rental of space on the town water tower.
» Um, is there a motion for approval? >> Motion to approve.
» There a second. >> Second. Any discussion? All in favor say
I. >> I.
» Opposed. The eyes have it. It is time.
» You're okay. >> Okay.
It was a mental approval, right, Dan? >> Telepathy. All right. Great. Uh, this is
the opportunity for public comment. Uh, if anybody has anything that they would
like to bring to the town council's attention, now is the time to come
forward.
Is there anybody that wants to come forward?
All right, seeing none, time for the lightning round. Let's start with Dan.
» You mind if I start? I want to say something that's really important and I
think Dan. Do you mind, Dan? Um,
but I want to thank and and I know this this really goes to what Commissioner
Graasso was saying about leadership. Councilman Duval had a good long
conversation with me this week and told me his concerns about how we were
looking at the data center, making sure that we weren't just looking at this as
a form of appeasement or getting caught up in the fervor of what everybody is
looking at from a political standpoint without having knowledge of it. And
it's really important to listen to and and try to understand and come to common
ground with your fellow council members. And I appreciated the hour and 30 minute
conversation that I had with Dan cuz I was counting that we got to the
consensus that he was able to understand why I really was pushing for him to make
the vote that he did tonight. And I really want to thank you for partaking
in that conversation with me, giving me the the chance to understand where you
were coming from and you understanding where I was coming from because that's
something that needs to happen when people who are elected or or put in
positions of leadership. That's how we lead as a as a group. This
is not a solo effort. This isn't something where somebody should be
calling another person out or making them feel uncomfortable or saying what
they should be doing or have to do. We have to work together. So, I appreciate
you taking that time to really talk to me and us coming to a common ground so
that we can do this for our community. So, thank you.
That's it for me. >> Thank you. Anybody else have any
comments to close with? Laura? >> Yeah. Yeah, I have written some
comments. Um, >> is it four pages?
» Mhm. >> Mhm.
[laughter]
» Um, so I am so relieved, impressed, and grateful for how our county as a whole
navigated the data center issue to date, implementing a six-month moratorum on
the approval process and approvals for site plans proposing data center
development projects this past Monday. Thank you. So many local governments
have made the same missteps while entertaining the rapidly evolving
data industry for their areas as ours did at first.
But not all citizens do or will have the same outcome after
engaging as Calbertt County citizens can.
This is thanks to informed citizens who took the time to further educate
themselves and then to engage the public and our government with their concerns.
It is also thanks to leaders of all types and from all corners of the county
being willing to lend their skills, influence, and wisdom to the cause of
protecting our county, the Chesapeake Bay, and its tributaries. And it's also
thanks to elected commissioners who are willing to prioritize the voice of their
constituents. And we are so lucky for that. Um, I can't think of a better
testament to America's 250th anniversary than what I witnessed in the board of
county commissioners meeting on Monday from the citizens, from um the staff,
the county staff, from the elected leaders who will remain sitting and the
elected leaders who will be leaving. It was a class act and it was the outcome
that we needed and that um people that worked very hard petitioning their
government deserve. Um it is a very complicated issue. We do have a unique
um we have a unique county and it's
precious and um I'm really glad for that vote and all the actions and and immense
amount of work that led up to that vote to protect our county. So, um thank you
to all involved. I enjoyed being a spectator of that. Um, I followed it,
but I I I didn't have to do anything because everybody else was already doing
so much. So, thank you to all involved.
» Yeah, I agree. Um, I'm glad the public is showing up. I'm glad like our
meetings seem to be getting more well attended and I hope that people feel
that they have a voice and they can come to us with their concerns and I hope
that we can address as many as possible. That's it.
I'd like to thank the public for coming out and speaking. Um I think the
the role of a elected person is is to be a collective voice of the body. So we
have I've said it many times we have about 1,250 people we represent with
this uh with this seat and um engaging with the public uh
and getting feedback from them directly um is what I try to do. I bring forth
some hard questions and a lot of these things are brought to me from citizens
and uh and residents and constituents and uh
try to hear them as Anthony said, spend an hour and a half on the phone with him
um to make sure that we weren't doing something that would have inverse
actions. you know, uh, the county I appreciate on Tuesday you're being to
set the moratorum and, um, it's for us it's simple. We don't have it
that complex. We can just say the geographical area just does not fit. Uh,
for Cal, I think taking the steps that evaluate it so that we don't put
ourselves in a legal situation, I think that's the appropriate steps. I like how
outspoken Calary County is. You know, we uh
we are very strong and and we vote strong in the primary. I I think that's
one of the things I'm most proud of is how strong we vote. Um and I don't know,
have a wonderful Labor Day weekend that's
coming up. Happy Labor Day. >> Thank you. Um, and I'll just I'll just
say that um I I want to reiterate that the carnival
is is still here and that was that was a lot of fun. Um and then also um recently
um the hospital had the Suare by the Bay event uh at the Rod and Real Hotel which
I was able to attend and uh or decided to attend uh with my wife and that was
and Marilyn I won't tell anybody about your dancing. I promise I won't tell
anybody about you dancing down on the dock. I'm not going to say a word about
it. good dancing. >> But uh but it was it was a lot of fun
and and I haven't heard any results from Bob Carpenter or anybody else about uh
how much money they raised for the hospital, but I suspect it was pretty
substantial. Um and so I this just speaks to us living in a small town in a
relatively small county. Um, and the fact that uh people work together to get
things done and it makes me proud to be here makes me proud to be uh serving the
public and and working with this council to to get things done. I'm very proud of
it all and especially our third district county commissioner who I've gotten to
know quite well by now and and your your wonderful husband. So, um that's all I
have. Um, if anybody has a motion for adjournment, I would certainly
entertain. >> Motion to adjourn.
» I knew it'd be you. >> Is there a second? Is there a third and
a fourth? [laughter] >> All in favor say I.
» I. >> Oppose. You're You'd be nuts. Uh, thank
you all for being here. Council members, thank you for your participation and
your hard work.