[00:04:12]
>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE, AND WELCOME TO THE APRIL 23RD, 2024 CAROLINE COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING, WHICH IS NOW IN ORDER.
THIS MORNING, WE HAVE OUR INVOCATION BY PASTOR DON REYNOLDS OF CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH HERE IN DENTON, AND THAT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
PASTOR, IF YOU COULD ALSO HANG AROUND, I'VE GOT A CITATION I WAS GOING TO READ AND PRESENT TO YOU AFTER.
>> LET'S PRAY THEN. FATHER, WE COME THIS MORNING AND WE KNOW THIS
[Call to Order: Invocation- Pastor, Don Reynolds, Calvary Baptist Church of Denton;]
IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN TO US ALL THAT IS GOOD, WHAT WE KNOW COMES FROM YOUR HAND.SO WE THANK YOU FOR THE FREEDOM TO BE HERE, BUT WE ALSO THANK YOU TODAY FOR GOOD GOVERNMENT.
WE ASK, LORD, THAT YOU WOULD HELP
[00:05:01]
OUR COMMISSIONERS AND THEIR STAFF, AND WE AS YOUR CITIZENS TO BE RESPECTFUL OF YOU, LORD, AND TO HAVE YOUR MIND IN ALL THINGS TO WHO MUCH IS GIVEN MUCH IS REQUIRED, AND WE KNOW YOU'VE GIVEN TO ALL OF US SO VERY MUCH.SO AS DECISIONS CONTINUE TO BE MADE, I PRAY THAT YOU WOULD BE IN THOSE DECISIONS.
WHERE THERE'S COMMUNICATION, LORD, WORKING AT COMMUNICATION IS SO EASY FOR THERE TO BE MISUNDERSTANDING.
LORD, WHERE WE FALL SHORT AS INDIVIDUALS, WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE FORGIVING GOD.
HELP US TO BE FORGIVEN AND TO PASS IT TO OTHERS.
ONCE AGAIN, WE WANT TO ASK FOR THE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES OF OUR COUNTY TO YOU WOULD HELP US ALL.
WE ASK THIS IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.
>> WELL, PASTOR, THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THE SCHEDULE TOGETHER FOR ALL THE PASTORS THAT COME IN AND GIVE OUR INVOCATIONS.
CONGRATULATIONS. I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND THE SERVICE ON SUNDAY MORNING, THE CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS OF CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH.
IT WAS A REALLY NICE SERVICE, AND I ENJOYED THAT.
WE HAVE A CITATION HERE FOR CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 50 YEARS OF SERVICE, APRIL 21ST, 2024.
OVER FIVE DECADES OF UNWAVERING FAITH IN COMMUNITY DEVOTION, CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH HAS BEEN A BEACON OF HOPE AND A PILLAR OF STRENGTH IN CAROLINE COUNTY.
FOUNDED IN 1974, THIS REMARKABLE CONGREGATION HAS STOOD AS A TESTAMENT TO THE ENDURING POWER OF FAITH, LOVE, AND SERVICE.
THROUGH TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS, CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH HAS REMAINED STEADFAST IN ITS COMMITMENT TO SPREADING THE MESSAGE OF COMPASSION, KINDNESS, AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
AS WE CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF BLESSING, LET US HONOR THE LEGACY OF THOSE WHO BUILT THIS SACRED INSTITUTION AND RECOMMIT OURSELVES TO THE NOBLE MISSION OF MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
MAY THE NEXT 50 YEARS BE FILLED WITH CONTINUED GROWTH, UNITY, AND BOUNDLESS BLESSINGS FOR CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH AND THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES.
PRESENTED BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY, THIS, THE 21ST DAY OF APRIL, IN THE YEAR 2024, SIGNED BY J. TRAVIS BREEDING, PRESIDENT, LARRY C. PORTER, VICE PRESIDENT, AND FRANKLIN BARTZ, THE THIRD COMMISSIONER.
>> WELL, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS, AND WE APPRECIATE THE COMMENDATION HERE.
THAT'S WONDERFULLY SAID. SO THANK YOU.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU BOTH. YOU TAKE CARE.
AND WE APPRECIATE YOU ALL IN THE GUIDANCE AND YOUR WORK.
IT AMAZES ME THAT COMMISSIONERS ARE HARDLY PAID.
IF IT WERE TO ME, THE COMMISSIONERS WOULD BE PAID MORE. I REALLY BELIEVE THAT.
>> I BELIEVE THAT. THANK YOU ALL.
>> PASTOR, THANK YOU AGAIN, FOR ORGANIZING THE MINISTERS WHO COME IN.
>> I APPRECIATE THE PASTORS AND THOSE WHO DO COME AND PRAY.
I APPRECIATE ALL WELCOME IN THAT AND I LOVE THE BEAUTIFUL ROOM, AND I LOVE THE SEAL UP THERE AND ALSO IN GOD WE TRUST.
ALWAYS SHOULD BE AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE FAITH IN GOD, WHETHER IT'S STATED OR NOT.
>> YOU WANT TO COME HERE? GUIDE ME IN THIS.
>> STAND IN THE MIDDLE OF HERE.
>> YOU GOT TO MAKE ME LOOK LIKE YOU'RE TRYING.
>> I CAN COVER MY STOMACH THIS WAY.
>> TAKE CARE, APPRECIATE Y'ALL.
[BACKGROUND] WE'LL BE THERE NEXT SUNDAY ALL OF YOU ARE WELCOME. TAKE CARE.
[00:10:12]
>> DURING THE APRIL 16TH, COMMISSIONER MEETING,
[Presidents Report]
THE BOARD HELD A CLOSED SESSION TO CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC PURPOSE TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE AND TO DISCUSS A CONTRACT BEFORE BID OR PROJECT IS AWARDED WHERE PUBLIC DISCUSSION OR DISCLOSURE WOULD ADVERSELY IMPACT COMPETITIVE PROCESS UNDER AUTHORITY, 2014, MARYLAND CODE, STATE GOVERNMENT 3-305B, SUBSECTIONS 3, 7, AND 14.STAFF WAS DIRECTED TO DRAFT A FOLLOW UP EMAIL AND DISTRIBUTE TO ALL RELATED PARTIES.
ATTENDEES WERE COMMISSIONERS, BARTZ, BREEDING, PORTER.
COUNTY ATTORNEY STEWART BARROW, COUNTY DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR DANIEL FOX AND PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER JENNIFER RIGBY.
IS THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT THIS MORNING?
[Public Comment]
BEING SEEN, WE'LL MOVE ON TO OUR FIRST AGENDA ITEM,[Choptank Community Health Annual Report & Federalsburg Health Center Update]
WHICH IS CHOPTANK COMMUNITY HEALTH ANNUAL REPORT AND FEDERALSBURG HEALTH CENTER UPDATE WITH SARA RICH, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CHOPTANK COMMUNITY HEALTH. GOOD MORNING, SARA.>> WELL, GOOD MORNING. IT'S NOT AMPLIFIED, WHICH IS NICE.
>> THAT'S JUST ME. MY WIFE SAYS THAT I'M VERY LOUD.
[LAUGHTER] IT'S ACTUALLY NONE AMPLIFIED.
>> MY GOODNESS. WELL, THANK YOU SO MUCH, COMMISSIONERS, FOR HAVING ME THIS MORNING.
I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME AND PROVIDE YOU WITH AN UPDATE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING AT CHOPTANK COMMUNITY HEALTH.
I'LL GO OVER A FEW ITEMS, AND THEN OF COURSE, WE'LL GET TO THE FEDERALSBURG HEALTH CENTER AND WHERE WE ARE WITH THAT.
I'D LIKE TO SET THE TABLE JUST TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF THE VOLUME, IF YOU WILL, AND THE IMPACT THAT WE HAVE MADE AT CHOPTANK COMMUNITY HEALTH OVER THE LAST YEAR.
OF COURSE, I HAVE MY NOTES BECAUSE I CAN'T REMEMBER ALL THE NUMBERS, BUT I'VE GOT THEM RIGHT HERE, SO I CAN QUOTE THEM EXACTLY.
BUT LAST YEAR, OUR CHOPTANK PROVIDERS AND OUR CARE TEAMS TOOK CARE OF 32,000 PATIENTS THROUGHOUT OUR HEALTH SYSTEM, AND THAT REPRESENTS OUR MEDICAL, OUR DENTAL, AND OUR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE LINES, AND THAT INCLUDES, OF COURSE, THE THREE HEALTH CENTERS THAT WE HAVE RIGHT HERE IN CAROLINE COUNTY.
I ALSO WANTED TO MENTION TO YOU THAT WE ARE CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF PROVIDING SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CARE IN 2024.
I THINK MOST OF YOU KNOW THAT OUR PROGRAM AND PROVIDING SCHOOL BASED HEALTH SERVICES STARTED RIGHT HERE IN CAROLINE COUNTY.
OUR CLAIM TO FAME REALLY IS WE ARE THE ONLY COUNTY IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND THAT HAS A SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTER IN EVERY ONE OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
IT'S AN EXCITING CELEBRATION TO HAVE PROVIDED THOSE SERVICES FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS.
WE'RE VERY PROUD OF THAT, AND WE'RE THANKFUL FOR THE PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH CAROLINE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
THEY'VE BEEN A GREAT SUPPORT IN HELPING THAT PROGRAM BE SO SUCCESSFUL.
WE ALSO PROVIDE SCHOOL BASED HEALTH SERVICES IN TALBOT AND DORCHESTER COUNTIES, AND WE'VE RECENTLY EXPANDED INTO KENT AND QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY.
WE'RE NOT ONLY OFFERING MEDICAL SERVICES AND DENTAL PREVENTIVE SERVICES, BUT WE'VE ALSO ADDED NUTRITION SERVICES THROUGH HAVING A DIETICIAN AVAILABLE TO MEET WITH OUR STUDENTS TO PROVIDE EDUCATION AND COUNSELING.
THEN WE'VE ADDED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WITHIN THE LAST YEAR INTO OUR SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTERS, WHICH HAS BEEN A BIG NEED.
THEN TO PUT THAT INTO CONTEXT, DURING THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR, WE'VE HAD 8,769 MEDICAL VISITS AND 1,135 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH VISITS.
ABOUT 9,900 VISITS IN THE SCHOOLS RIGHT HERE IN CAROLINE COUNTY, AND THAT REPRESENTS 4,000 PATIENTS, WHICH ARE OUR STUDENT AND STUDENTS AND STAFF AS WELL.
LAST TIME I WAS HERE, I DID MENTION AND YOU PROBABLY DON'T REMEMBER THIS.
[LAUGHTER] BUT IT'S BEEN A WHILE, AND I'M GLAD TO BE BACK TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE.
BUT WE HAVE A PEDIATRIC DENTAL RESIDENCY THAT IS ABOUT TO LAUNCH.
WE'VE HAD A LONGSTANDING RELATIONSHIP WITH NYU LANGONE FOR GENERAL DENTISTRY RESIDENCE.
IT'S BEEN MANY MANY YEARS, BUT WE'VE NOW JUST BEEN APPROVED FOR A PEDIATRIC DENTAL RESIDENCY.
WE WILL HAVE THREE PEDIATRIC RESIDENTS JOINING CHOPTANK COMMUNITY HOUSE, SO WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT IN TERMS OF HOW IT CAN PROVIDE GREATER ACCESS TO CARE.
CERTAINLY, OUR DENTISTS, OUR PROVIDERS ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A MENTOR, TO BE FACULTY, AND TO HELP THESE RESIDENTS LEARN AND GROW AND TO THEIR CAREERS AS WELL.
THAT'S WONDERFUL FOR THOSE FACULTY MEMBERS.
WE ALSO HAVE MOBILE HEALTH UNITS.
YOU MAY HAVE SEEN SOME OF THOSE OUT AND ABOUT ON THE ROAD, MAYBE PARKED OVER AT OUR DENTON HEALTH CENTER.
ONE OF THOSE IS NOT ONLY BEING USED FOR OUR SCHOOL BASED HEALTH SERVICES, BUT WE ARE REACHING IT TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO REACH A LOT OF OUR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS IN CAROLINE COUNTY.
HERE WE HAVE BEEN GOING TO THIS HOPE HAVEN
[00:15:03]
AND PROVIDING CARE TO GUESTS THERE AS WELL.THAT'S BEEN A GREAT PARTNERSHIP AND ANOTHER WONDERFUL WAY TO OUTREACH INTO THE COMMUNITY.
I WILL SAY PROVIDER HIRING CONTINUES TO BE A CHALLENGE FOR US, BUT WE HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN THE LAST YEAR IN RECRUITING SOME WONDERFUL NEW TEAM MEMBERS.
I JUST WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THOSE FOR YOU.
SPECIFICALLY PROVIDERS FOR CAROLINE COUNTY.
WE HAVE HIRED A PART TIME PEDIATRIC PROVIDER THAT IS IN OUR DENTON HEALTH CENTER AND WE HAVE A PEDIATRICIAN WHO WILL BE JOINING DOCTOR MELVIN, OUR CURRENT PEDIATRICIAN THERE IN AUGUST.
WE'RE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.
WE HAVE HAD A NURSE PRACTITIONER WHO ALSO SPEAKS SPANISH, THAT RECENTLY STARTED OUR DENTON OFFICE.
WE'VE HIRED A DENTIST FOR GOLDSBORO, AND THIS DENTIST WAS A RESIDENT WITH US THROUGH NYU LANGONE.
WE HIRED HER ON, WHICH IS WONDERFUL.
THAT IS ONE OF THE GOALS OF THE RESIDENCY PROGRAMS IS TO GROW YOUR OWN AND BRING THEM INTO YOUR COMMUNITY AND THEN HAVE THEM STAY AND PROVIDE CARE.
WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.
SHE IS IN PRACTICE NOW UP IN GOLDSBORO.
WE'VE HIRED A DENTAL HYGIENIST, WHICH IS ALSO IN GOLDSBORO.
WE HAVE A DENTIST THAT'S GOING TO BE JOINING FEDERALSBURG NEXT MONTH, AND WE HAVE HIRED TWO BEHAVIOR HEALTH THERAPIST FOR OUR SCHOOL BASED PROGRAM. THAT'S REALLY A LOT.
OUR TEAM HAS BEEN VERY BUSY RECRUITING AND ONBOARDING NEW PROVIDERS SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO MEET THE HEALTHCARE NEEDS HERE IN CAROLINE COUNTY.
I'M GOING TO TURN OUR ATTENTION TO THE FEDERALSBURG HEALTH CENTER.
WE ARE MAKING A LOT OF PROGRESS THERE, AND IT DOES PROBABLY LOOK A LOT DIFFERENT.
FROM THE LAST TIME YOU WERE THERE, I THINK IT WAS LAST AUGUST. IT WAS VERY WARM.
>> VERY WARM. [LAUGHTER] I'LL CHANGE THAT TO HOT.
YES. IT WAS VERY HOT AND WE DID THE GROUNDBREAKING THERE WITH THE SHOVELS AND IT WAS REALLY A GREAT DAY AND CELEBRATION.
BUT I JUST WANTED TO SHOW YOU SOME PICTURES OF WHAT'S HAPPENING THERE.
AGAIN, WE'VE HAD A LOT OF RAIN THIS SPRING, WHICH HAS BEEN EXCITING IS YOUR BUILDING, A NEW LOCATION, BUT IT STILL IS MOVING FORWARD AND WE DO ANTICIPATE IT BEING OPEN FOR PATIENT CARE BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THE BUILDING ITSELF WILL BE 21,000 SQUARE FEET OF THAT ENCLOSED SPACE.
THIS IS THE FRONT ENTRY HERE WHERE THERE'S A DRIVE UP SIMILAR TO WHAT WE HAVE IN DENTON FOR PATIENT DROP OFF, AND SOME OF THE BRICKWORK THERE IS COMPLETE, WHICH I THINK LOOKS VERY NICE.
THE BUILDING ITSELF, IF YOU WANT TO GO TO THE NEXT PICTURE THERE, JEN.
>> YOU'RE READY FOR THE [OVERLAPPING]
>> THIS IS PROBABLY MY FAVORITE PICTURE THAT WE BROUGHT BECAUSE IT REALLY DEMONSTRATES THE MAGNITUDE OF THE BUILDING ITSELF.
YOU CAN SEE THERE ARE FIVE WINGS THERE.
WE HAVE TWO THAT ARE FOR MEDICAL, TWO FOR DENTAL, AND TWO THAT ARE FOR THE STAFF AND I GET GOOSEBUMPS WHEN I LOOK AT THIS PICTURE BECAUSE IT REALLY IS EXCITING TO SEE WHAT WE'RE DOING THERE IN FEDERALSBURG.
THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WILL BE INTEGRATED THROUGHOUT THOSE MEDICAL AND DENTAL WINGS AS WELL.
THEN WE HAVE SOME SPACE THAT'S GOING TO BE SPECIFICALLY FOR THOSE RESIDENCY PROGRAMS. THE PHYSICIAN RURAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM THAT WE'VE PARTNERED WITH UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND SHORE REGIONAL HEALTH WILL BE HOUSED THERE, AND THEN THE DENTAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM THAT I MENTIONED WILL ALSO HAVE SPACE THERE TOO.
THERE'S SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ACCREDITATION THAT GOES ALONG WITH HAVING A RESIDENCY THAT HAVE TO BE IN PLACE IN YOUR SPACE.
WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE PROGRESS.
I DON'T KNOW IF THERE ARE OTHER PICTURES THERE, GENERAL.
>> I JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A QUICK UPDATE.
WE HAVE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON AT CHOPTANK, BUT WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING AT FOCUSING ON AND LOOKING AT WHAT WE'RE DOING IMPACTS OUR MISSION, REALLY, AND THAT'S PROVIDE ACCESS TO THAT EXCEPTIONAL COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE.
I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU AGAIN FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, FROM ALL OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS AT CHOPTANK AND CERTAINLY FROM MYSELF FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT OF CHOPTANK COMMUNITY HEALTH AND ESPECIALLY WHAT'S HAPPENING IN FEDERALSBURG AS WELL. THAT'S THE UPDATE.
I RECALL WHEN MY FORMER NEIGHBOR AND WIFFLE BALL COMPETITOR WAYNE HOWARD [LAUGHTER] THAT CATALYST FOR THIS, AND I RECALL TWO DOCTORS, I THINK, IF IT STARTED WITH TWO DOCTORS.
HE WORKED VERY HARD TO BUILD THAT AND TO RECRUIT THOSE PEOPLE.
>> AND WAS A VERY SIGNIFICANT PLAYER AS WELL ON THE HEALTHCARE TASK FORCE [OVERLAPPING]
>> THAT WE FORMED. I'M THRILLED TO SEE THAT PICTURE, AND I'M PARTICULARLY HAPPY TO SEE IT GO AT FEDERALSBURG BECAUSE WE HEAR ALL THE TIME.
EVERYTHING GOES, DETONATE BUT I'M VERY HAPPY TO SEE THAT.
[00:20:01]
JUST WONDERING, DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR THE EXISTING BUILDING?>> THAT IS UNDER DISCUSSION RIGHT NOW, SO STAY TUNED.
>> GOOD JOB. VERY SINCERELY SAY THAT BECAUSE HEALTHCARE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AND I THINK THE WAY THAT THE ORGANIZATION IS TRYING TO INCORPORATE ITSELF INTO THE COMMUNITY IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, AND YOU TOUCH JUST ABOUT EVERY ORGANIZATION.
BUT THAT'S THAT'S GREAT, AND THANKS FOR BEING A VERY GOOD PARTNER.
>> I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR KEEPING TO PROVIDING BETTER SERVICE, CONTINUE TO GROW, AND JUST PROVIDING CITIZENS OF CAROLINE COUNTY HEALTHCARE.
I USE THE ONE IN EASTON BECAUSE MY DOCTOR MOVED FROM DENTON TO EASTON.
>> BUT EITHER WAY, I'M STILL A CLIENT, AND I'VE ALWAYS ENJOYED GOING THERE AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES, SO I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR THAT.
>> JUST TO TOUCH ON WHAT COMMISSIONER PORTER SAID WITH THE FELSBURG ASPECT, I'M GLAD IT'S GROWING DOWN THERE.
IT'S A GROWING THRIVING COMMUNITY.
>> THAT'S GREAT THAT YOU'VE BUILT A PHENOMENAL PLACE DOWN THERE FOR THE CITIZENS DOWN THERE.
I'M SURE YOU TOUCH AND YOU GET PEOPLE FROM DORCHESTER AND MAYBE A FEW FROM DELAWARE COME OVER BECAUSE YOU'RE SO CLOSE, THAT'S GREAT.
>> I HAVEN'T BEEN DOING THIS AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF TIME LIKE COMMISSIONER PORTER HAS BEEN BUT I CAN TELL YOU THAT IN MY SHORT TIME HERE I DON'T HAVE THIS FEELING THAT WE ARE PRIORITIZED AS A COUNTY AS MUCH BY ANYONE OTHER THAN THAN CHOP TANK COMMUNITY HEALTH.
I THINK CAROLINE IS DEFINITELY AT THE TOP OF YOUR PRIORITY LIST AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE THAT.
>> THAT'S WHERE IT ALL STARTED.
>> DID YOU SAY 32,000 PATIENTS?
>> THAT'S EVERYBODY IN THE COUNTY ALMOST.
>> THAT'S ACROSS ALL SERVICE AREAS.
>> WELL, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK HERE.
>> THANK YOU. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
>> LOOK FORWARD TO GRAND OPENING.
WHAT IS YOUR TARGET DATE, DO YOU KNOW? TENTATIVE TARGET.
>> WE'LL SEE WHAT THE SUMMER BRINGS.
>> GOOD LUCK. IT'S BEEN A LITTLE DRIER HERE OF LATE.
SO HOPEFULLY, YOU CAN GET BACK ON SCHEDULE.
>> YEAH, EVERYTHING IS CLOSED NOW.
>> OUR NEXT AGENDA ITEM IS A PROCLAMATION DECLARING
[Proclamation Declaring April 2024 as Fair Housing Month in Caroline County]
APRIL 2024 AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH IN CAROLINE COUNTY.I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WE NEED TO FORMALLY READ THE PROCLAMATION, BUT I GUESS WE SHOULD HAVE A MOTION AND A VOTE TO APPROVE IT. SO MOVED?
>> OKAY. LET'S HAVE IT. UNLESS YOU WANT TO READ IT?
>> I WAS JUST TALKING TO MYSELF.
>> OKAY.. WITH THAT, WE WILL MOVE ON TO OUR CONSENT AGENDA.
[Consent Agenda:]
ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, COMMENTS ABOUT ANYTHING ON THE CONSENT AGENDA? LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A BUNCH OF GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CRIME, WHAT IS IT? SOMETHING PREVENTION?>> CONTROL AND PREVENTION APPLICATIONS.
PURCHASE ORDER FOR GUARD RAILS, ETC., TO REPLACE GUARD RAIL.
DANNY, HOW MANY BIDS? DO YOU KNOW? ONLY GOT TWO GUARD RAILS, ETC., AND WHAT LS, MAYBE?
>> NICOLE AND PUBLIC WORKS WERE PRETTY INTENSE ON THAT ONE.
>> THEN AN AMENDATORY AGREEMENT WITH MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE FOR NOT THE CURRENT OPERATIONAL HOLLY ROAD LANDFILL, BUT THE OLD HOLLY ROAD LANDFILL.
THEN ALSO SOME TYPE OF MONITORING ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOMEOWNER DROP OFF FACILITIES, I GUESS.
THIS IS TOTALLY JUST ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REPORTING?
>> COME ON, MAKE IT A LITTLE EASIER.
THIS IS ESSENTIALLY TESTING AT THE SITES THAT YOU HAD LAID OUT.
[00:25:05]
THEY HAVE SEMI ANNUAL GROUNDWATER SAMPLING, LANDFILL GAS SAMPLING, SEMI ANNUAL MONGERING, AND REPORT, AND THEN WHAT THEY'RE CALLING THE 20 SW SUPPORT.SO THEY BREAK HEAVY S BREAKS INTO FOUR LINE ITEMS THAT TOTALS OUR CONTRACT FOR THIS YEAR AT $60,518.
>> WHAT WAS THE AMOUNT FOR LAST YEAR?
>> OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD, I DON'T HAVE THE EXACT NUMBER, BUT IF I RECALL, IT WAS AROUND, I THINK, 37, 38,000 FOR LAST YEAR.
>> THEY'RE CERTAINLY AVAILABLE TO US, CORRECT?
>> I BELIEVE THAT WHEN THESE REPORTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO US, WE SHOULD MAKE THEM PUBLIC.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT BIDDING THIS OUT?
>> I HATE JUST GIVING CONTRACTS TO PEOPLE.
>> I THINK IN THIS SCENARIO, THIS IS MORE OF WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WITH MONITORING.
IT'S A VERY SPECIALIZED TESTING.
WITH THAT, OUR CODE ALLOWS US TO DO MORE OF A RFQ STYLE WHERE WE WOULDN'T HAVE TO DO A SEALED BID FOR THIS SERVICE, SO IT WOULDN'T TAKE LONG IF WE WANTED TO CONTACT A COUPLE OF OTHER COMPANIES IN THE AREA THAT CAN PROVIDE THIS SERVICE, PROVIDE THEM WITH PRIOR TESTING, THE SCOPE THAT WE'RE CURRENTLY GETTING.
>> THE REPORTS, CAN YOU RECREATE THIS YEARLY FOR US?
>> EXACTLY. IT WOULD PROBABLY TAKE TWO OR THREE WEEKS TO GET A HOLD OF THEM, GET THEM PLANNED, DON'T CALL, GO THROUGH THIS.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US DO THAT.
>> DID THEY SAY WHY IT'S JUMPED? WHAT IS THE REASONS FOR IT? IT'S DOUBLE.
THEY TYPICALLY SEND OVER THE AMENDED CONTRACT AND GO.
HERE'S YOUR PRICE FOR THE YEAR, AND THE CONTRACT HAS A LITTLE OUTLINE AND THEY BREAK DOWN, I THINK, A LITTLE BIT WITH LABOR AND COSTS THAT THEY'RE HAVING TO COMPLY OR PROVIDE, BUT MY RECOLLECTION IS THEY DON'T COME FORWARD AND GO, A B AND C, THIS IS WHY THIS IS GOING UP. WELL, I DO.
>> WE DO KNOW THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT ACTION AND BILLS INTRODUCED THIS YEAR ON PFOS.
>> I DON'T KNOW IF THAT WAS INCLUDED BEFORE AND MAYBE WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED NOW OR WHETHER THESE REGULATORY THINGS ARE HAVING AN EFFECT ON THE AMOUNT OF TESTING THEY HAVE TO DO BEYOND WHAT THEY WERE DOING BEFORE IN ALL FAIRNESS TO THEM.
>> VERY TRUE. I THINK IF WE WANT TO GO THROUGH AND PRICE THIS OUT, WE CAN CERTAINLY DO IT, BUT I CAN PULL LAST YEAR'S CONTRACT AS WELL AND SEE IF THERE'S ANY DIFFERENCES ON IS IT GOING FROM AN ANNUAL TESTING TO SEMI NOW, OR THEY'RE HAVING TO DOUBLE SERVICES OR EVEN QUARTERLY TESTING, AND LOOK FOR A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION ON WHY IT WOULD HAVE GONE UP SO MUCH THIS YEAR.
>> I'M FINE WITH APPROVING IT NOW, BUT I THINK DEFINITELY NEXT YEAR, I WOULD LIKE TO START REACHING OUT TO POTENTIAL VENDORS NOW AND SAY, HEY, IS THERE ANYONE ELSE INTERESTED?
>> I'M FINE WITH DOING THAT AS WELL.
>> SO DO THAT, OKAY. I'LL WORK WITH ROBIN AND TEAM, AND WE CAN GET THIS ON OUR CALENDARS FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS IN ADVANCE NEXT YEAR, START PLANNING US THROUGH.
>> START BY LOOKING AT THE REPORTS AND JUST SEE WHAT THEY ENTAIL.
IT'S ONLY TESTING OF WELLS TWICE A YEAR AT HOLLY ROAD IS WHAT IT LOOKED TO ME, SO THAT'S THAT'S NOT MUCH.
MAYBE WE DO A LITTLE RESEARCH WITH MDE TO FIND OUT WHY WE'RE DOING ON THESE TRANSFER STATIONS.
BECAUSE I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ANY TRASH THERE EVERY NIGHT.
I THINK MAYBE ONE NIGHT IN A ROLL, AND IT'S CONTAINED.
>> ANYWHERE FROM PROBABLY 36 HOURS.
>> BUT MAYBE IT'S PROTECTED UNDER SOME TYPE OF SOLID WASTE TRANSFER FACILITY, MAYBE THERE'S A PERMIT REQUIREMENT.
WE CAN DIG INTO THAT AND SEE WHAT REQUIREMENTS WE'RE HAVING TO COMPLY WITH ON THE HOODOS SPECIFICALLY.
>> BUT THAT GIVES YOU A YEAR INSTEAD OF JAMMING IT IN THREE WEEKS.
>> WE'LL MAKE A NOTE AND PUT A CALENDAR REMINDER TO COME BACK TO THIS WHEN WE GET [INAUDIBLE].
>> WELL, I'D START ON IT BECAUSE THEN IF YOU GET A CHEAPER PRICE, THEN WE CAN TWIST MES'S ARM, SAYING, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING TO US HERE?
>> WE CAN GET IT DONE FOR HALF.
>> I WOULD MOVE WE APPROVE THE PO2024-0405.
>> YOU WANT TO DO THE CONSENT AGENDA?
>> IF I CAN JUST SAY THREE REQUESTS HERE REAL QUICK?
>> SO YOU GOT THREE QUOTES, OKAY. GOOD.
[00:30:01]
SORRY. I WOULD MOVE THAT WE APPROVE PO2024-0444, THE AMENDATORY AGREEMENT FOR MARYAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,518.
>> SECOND. WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
>> BUT WE'LL LOOK INTO THAT, DO A LITTLE RESEARCH OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS, A YEAR, AND THAT WAY, WE CAN WRAP OUR HEADS AROUND THAT A LITTLE BETTER.
AS FOR THE REST OF THE CONSENT AGENDA, ANY OTHER? GO AHEAD AND MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REST OF THE CONSENT AGENDA?
>> I MAKE A MOTION, WE APPROVE THE REST OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.
[Action Agenda:]
>> FOR THE NEXT ACTION ITEM, I AM GOING TO RECUSE MYSELF AND TURN THE MEETING OVER TO COMMISSIONER PORTER.
THE NEXT THE ACTION AGENDA ITEM IS PO 2024-0405 AND THE ACCOMPANYING CONTRACT TO BREEDING EXCAVATION INCORPORATED FOR LYNDEN SCHOOL ROAD PIPE REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000. ANY DISCUSSION?
>> WE DID GET THREE BIDS ON THAT, CORRECT.
>> FOR THIS PROJECT, WE ISSUED AN RFQ.
ESSENTIALLY, QUOTES OF PRICING FOR LABOR AND MATERIALS, AND WE RECEIVED TWO.
NONE OF THE OTHER COMPANIES WE TYPICALLY DEAL WITH FOR PROJECTS LIKE THIS WERE INTERESTED IN THE PROJECT.
>> WE WENT THROUGH THE REGULAR BIDDING PROCEDURE?
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS.
>> I MAKE A MOTION. WE APPROVE PO 2024-0405.
WITH THE COMPANY CONTRACT FOR LYNDEN SCHOOL ROAD REPAIR.
>> COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT.
[County Administrator’s Report]
>> WELL, I WASN'T HERE LAST WEEK, SO I'LL LET DANNY TALK IF HE WANTS TO.
THE ONLY THING THAT I WANTED TO BRING UP WAS REGARDING ORIGINALLY THE STORMWATER ISSUES AT THAT FAR END OF TOWN NEAR DAYSPRING APARTMENTS.
LESLIE HAD A SITE MEETING YESTERDAY WITH SEVERAL FUNDERS AND ROBIN IS WORKING WITH DPW AND HER TO ADDRESS THE STORMWATER, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE GRANT FUNDING WILL PAY FOR ALL OR MOST OF THE WORK THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT OUT THERE.
BUT ANECDOTALLY, I GUESS SOME OF THE RESIDENTS TOLD LESLIE TO THAT OR THE GROUP OUT THERE YESTERDAY THAT IN HIGH RAINS, THE WATER IS UP TO THE SECOND STEP ON THOSE APARTMENTS.
THEN SHE WAS JUST LOOKING AT SOME OF THE HOUSES IN THE DITCHES.
THERE'S A FEW HOUSES WHERE THE FLOODING HAS BEEN SO BAD THAT THE, WHAT'S THE WORD FOR IT? THE BOTTOM OF THE HOUSE, THE FLOOR IS ROTTED OUT, SO THEY'RE HAVING TO RAISE THE HOUSE AND REPLACE THE FLOOR.
BUT ANYWAY, I KNOW WE'RE LOOKING AT DAYSPRING APARTMENTS, AND WE'RE WORKING ON THAT AND I KNOW THERE WAS A MEETING LAST WEEK, BUT LESLIE AND ROBIN ARE ALSO LOOKING AT THE STORMWATER ISSUES TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO.
>> I'M NOT SURE WHAT GIS MAPPING, HOW THIS ALL FALLS INTO PLACE, BUT IT WOULD BE REALLY INTERESTING TO SEE HOW MANY ARE TAX DITCHES, WHERE THE TAX DITCHES ARE, HOW MANY ARE TAX DITCHES AND THEN HOW MANY ARE JUST DITCHES THAT DRAIN THAT AREN'T COVERED UNDER TAX DITCH ASSOCIATION, SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULD BE MAINTAINING, OR WHO EXACTLY FALLS UNDER.
BECAUSE I THINK A LOT OF THEM ARE SLIPPING THROUGH THE CRACKS AND THE TREES, VEGETATIONS GROWING UP? THE OTHER ONE WE LOOKED AT OUT ON CAROLINE DRIVE, I THINK IT'S JUST TREES GROWING UP AND CLOGGING THE DITCHES UP.
[00:35:01]
I THINK IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S BEEN OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND FOR A LONG TIME AND MAYBE IT'S CAUSING US ISSUES.ANOTHER MAJOR THING THAT WE MIGHT WANT TO LOOK AT.
BUT FROM A GIS STANDPOINT, WHERE ARE THOSE TAX DITCHES AND THEN WHERE WOULD OTHER DITCHES BE? WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE? IS IT THE PROPERTY OWNER? IS IT THE COUNTY? WHO IS IT?
>> I KNOW ROBIN IS JUST GETTING STARTED WITH THAT PROJECT, I THINK AS OF TODAY MAYBE.
HE AND LESLIE SPOKE THIS MORNING.
BUT DEFINITELY, PARTICULARLY WITH IT BEING A LARGE, NOT ALL GRANT FUNDED.
THOSE PLANS WILL ALL BE IN FRONT OF THIS BOARD.
YOU'LL BE ABLE TO SEE EVERYTHING SIGN OFF ON THAT.
>> SOUNDS GOOD. WHAT DO YOU HAVE, DAN?
>> A COUPLE OF THINGS. FOLLOWING UP ON THE CONVERSATION WE HAD LAST WEEK ABOUT RIVER ROAD AND I DON'T KNOW IF ROBIN WANTS TO COME UP TO SPEAK ON THIS ANY WAY TOO.
COMMISSIONER BREEDING, YOU HAD BROUGHT UP THE CONCERN ABOUT THE UTILITIES FIBER VERIZON LINES THAT WE'RE ALL RUNNING THROUGH THAT LOCATION.
I KNOW PUBLIC WORKS STAFF HAS TAKEN THE LEAD WITH TIM GLASS ON STARTING THAT ESSENTIALLY MOVING OF LINES INSTEAD OF RELYING ON THE CONTRACTOR THAT WOULD WIN THAT BID.
THEY WERE OUT THERE YESTERDAY DISCUSSING WITH DIFFERENT VENDORS AND DIFFERENT OPTIONS THAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE.
IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY MAY BE ABLE TO HAVE SOMEBODY BORE A CONDUIT THAT WE CAN PROVIDE AND HAVE THE LINES RAN THROUGH THAT WOULD BE DEEP ENOUGH THAT THEY DID DAM OFF, IT WOULD NOT INTERFERE.
JUST BE CAREFUL WITH THAT BECAUSE THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO VIBRATE SHEETS.
THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO GO PRETTY DEEP.
>> I THINK THE CONVERSATION BRIAN AND I HAD YESTERDAY WAS IT WAS ANYWHERE 35, 40, 50 FOOT THAT THEY COULD GO DOWN THERE.
>> DEFINITELY NOT. I'M THINKING MAYBE 15 FEET MAXIMUM.
WE'LL HAVE A BID RESULTS TOMORROW.
>> YES, SIR. WE HAVE AN IDEA OF CONTRACTOR, WE COULD REACH OUT TO THEM AND FIND OUT FROM THEIR SHORING, WHAT'S THEIR SHORING APPROACH GOING TO BE AND GET US AT DEPTH ON THE SHEETS.
>> A LOT OF THAT'S ENGINEERED HOW DEEP THE SHEETS GO INTO THE GROUND SO THAT THEY HAVE TOE TO HOLD SO THEY WON'T KICK OUT.
THAT'S NORMALLY ENGINEERED AND THAT'S A PRETTY DETERMINED DEPTH.
>> IT SOUNDS LIKE SAY TIM AND TEAM ARE KIND OF REALLY TAKING THE LEAD ON THAT, SO I HAVE TO STEP BACK AND LET THEM. [OVERLAPPING]
THE ONE THAT CONCERNS ME IS VERIZON, THAT WOULD PROBABLY TAKE THE LONGEST AND I DO HAVE A CONTACT DOWN SOUTH.
I DON'T THINK HE WORKS IN THIS AREA, BUT IF WE GET SLOW WALKED OR SOMETHING, LET ME KNOW AND I CAN REACH OUT AND TRY TO WORK AN ANGLE OR TWO.
>> I REMEMBER BRIAN'S CONVERSATION YESTERDAY.
I THINK THEY'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH VERIZON.
I THINK IT'S JUST MORE DAY TO GET THEM OUT THERE.
BACK ON, I BELIEVE IT WAS MARCH 26TH, KATHY MARKLE AND AT KATH STORK, BOTH CAME IN AND PRESENTED A BOND BILL THAT THEY WERE TEAMING WITH DELEGATE GHRIST TO RECEIVE $150,000 TO DO SOME EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS OF THE MEDFORD HOUSE.
THEY HAD APPROACHED THIS BOARD ABOUT HAVING THE COUNTY BEING THE GRANTEE OF THIS BOND AND THE PASS THROUGH.
WE'VE RECEIVED THREE DOCUMENTS FROM THE HISTORICAL SITE AND THEIR TEAM THAT BOTH STEWART AND I HAD A CHANCE TO REVIEW.
I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK ON THE LEGAL ASPECT, BUT AS FAR AS THE FINANCIAL ASPECT, IT'S VERY IN LINE WITH PRIOR BLOCK GRANTS THAT WE'VE RECEIVED WHERE ESSENTIALLY WE ARE THE GRANTEE.
THE COUNTY IS THE FINANCIAL ENTITY AND WOULD BE THE ONE WHO WOULD GET CLAWED BACK IF THE MONEY WASN'T SPENT ACCORDINGLY.
TYPICALLY, AGAIN, LIKE THE BLOCK GRANTS, WE SIGN A SUB RECIPIENT WITH ANY PARTNERING AGENCY WHERE WE WOULD ESSENTIALLY GO AFTER THEM IF THAT WAS THE CASE.
BUT AS FAR AS THE STATES SIZE GOES, WE ARE THE AWARDEE OF THAT $150,000 AND WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING SURE THEY COMPLY WITH THE SPENDING AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE BOND BILL.
WANTED TO BRING THAT FORWARD TO YOU GUYS BASED OFF THE CONVERSATION WE HAD
[00:40:01]
BACK IN MARCH AND SEE IF THERE WAS ANY DIRECTION ON WHERE WE WANTED TO GO WITH THIS.I KNOW THEY'RE ACTIVELY WORKING ON TRYING TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN IF THERE WAS ANY RESERVATIONS OR DISCUSSION THAT NEEDED TO OCCUR.
>> THE STRUCTURES ON OUR PROPERTY.
ARE THERE ANY ASSETS THAT WE COULD GO BACK AND PULL AGAINST?
>> NOT REALLY THAT I'M AWARE OF.
>> IT WOULD BE TOTALLY ATTACK THE COUNTY RESIDENT ON HOOK HERE? WELL, THAT THING IS AN EYESORE.
>> I CAN TELL YOU I DID NOT REALLY CARE FOR THE ARTICLE THAT WAS WRITTEN, ABOUT THE VISIT THAT THEY MADE IN HERE.
BUT AGAIN, I WILL TELL YOU THAT THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AGAINST THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
BUT I'VE BEEN BURNED ONCE BY THIS.
>> BUT PREVIOUSLY, YOU INHERITED AND BURNED.
NUMBER 1, IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF TIME AND STAFF POWER THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO EXPEND ON THIS.
NUMBER 2. I THINK THAT DURING THIS CONVERSATION, STEWART MADE A VERY GOOD POINT, THE POINT ABOUT THE PEOPLE HANDLING MONEY BEING BONDED.
I KNOW THE TREASURER OF THAT ORGANIZATION.
SHE WAS MY SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER.
I KNOW STEWART WAS NOT EITHER IMPUGNING ANY KIND OF INTEREST ABOUT THE PEOPLE.
IT IS THE POSITION, NOT THE PEOPLE.
YOU CANNOT HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO BE HANDLING SUMS OF MONEY IN EXCESS OF $150,000 UNLESS THEY ARE BOND.
IF IT COSTS THEM MONEY TO DO THAT, THAT'S THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED.
THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PERSON HOLDING THAT SPOT IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM.
BUT MY FEAR IS THAT WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE.
I KNOW THAT THERE IS A DISCUSSION LAST WEEK ABOUT A PENDING BLOCK GRANT TO HIS WHOLE PAYMENT.
I MEAN, WE'RE GOING TO JUST CONTINUE TO HAVE THESE THINGS THROWN IN OUR LAP.
I JUST DON'T KNOW THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO HANDLE THEM AS AS SUB-RECIPIENTS.
IF IF THESE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE THE WHEREWITHAL TO APPLY AND TO ACQUIRE THIS MONEY, THEN THEY HAVE GOT TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE REPORTING.
YEAH. BUT I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW MANY MORE WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO THROW IN YOUR LAP.
>> I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH WITH A LOT OF THAT.
ESPECIALLY WITH MY OFFICE TAKING ON A GRAND COORDINATOR AND STACEY STEWART AND HER ROLE OVER THE PAST YEAR, SO REALLY DEVELOPING INTO SOMETHING MORE ESPECIALLY WITH THE CHANGE IN MYSELF AND KATHLEEN.
I'M NOT GOING TO LIE. WE MANAGE ANYWHERE BETWEEN 50 OR 60 GRANTS A YEAR AND SOME OF THEM ARE VERY SMALL AND EASY LIKE THE GCP, BUT THEN OTHER ONES TAKE I MEAN, HER WHOLE DAY TO GO THROUGH, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE TALK ABOUT BLOCK GRANTS THAT HAVE FEDERAL AND STATE WAGE REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING.
WE WE'RE STILL DEALING WITH BLOCK GRANTS THAT ARE THREE OR FOUR YEARS OLD WHEN IT COMES TO THE JUST THE JUDY CENTER AND STUFF THAT THEY'RE BRINGING UP NOW THAT WAS NEVER REALLY BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION.
>> THERE OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU WANT TO DO WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THEM.
I'M JUST SAYING THAT, NOW, DANNY IS THE REQUIREMENT FOR THIS GRANT, IS IT A REQUIREMENT THAT THE COUNTY BE A SUB RECIPIENT?
>> YES. THAT WAS ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF WHY THEY ENDED UP HERE BACK ON THE 26 WAS THAT THERE HAD TO BE.
I DON'T LIKE ON THE TERMINOLOGY OF AGENCY THAT WOULD RECEIVE IT, BUT IT HAD TO BE ESSENTIALLY JURISDICTION OR THE ONLY WAY THAT I
[00:45:03]
WOULD SIGN OFF ON IT IS IS THAT THE MONEY COMES TO US AND WE KEEP IT AND WE DON'T PAY, WE'LL PAY THE CONTRACTOR DIRECTLY IF THEY'VE MET ALL THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, UNLESS YOU TELL ME THAT THAT'S TOO ONEROUS FOR YOUR OFFICE TO DO.I UNDERSTAND ABOUT GETTING BONDED, BUT IF WE HOLD IT AND WE MAKE SURE THEY GET THREE BIDS, WE MAKE SURE THIS IS NOT A WAGE SCALE.
THIS ISN'T A VERY DIFFICULT GRANT.
THIS IS A IS A BOND BILL. IS THIS A BOND BILL?
>> IT'S A BOND BILL. I'D HAVE TO GO BACK AND LOOK TO SEE, I THINK GENERAL RULE DONE, I THINK IT'S UNDER 200,000 WITH STATE FUNDING.
>> WOULD BE NO WAGE SCALE REQUIREMENT?
>> ESPECIALLY, IF THEY PIECEMEALED IT OUT.
>> THE MAJOR THING HERE IS THE BID PROCUREMENT PROCESS.
MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THREE PRICES AND ALL THAT STUFF.
YEAH. THAT'S WHAT GOT YOU ON STEAMBOAT.
>> WELL, I THINK, FORTUNATELY, THE PROCESS WE HAVE DOWN, I THINK INTERNALLY IS PRETTY SOUND, BUT A LOT OF TIMES WE'RE RELYING ON AN ENGINEER OR AN AGENCY TO PROVIDE US THE INFORMATION THAT THEY WANT THEIR BID.
IT DEFINITELY WOULD BE A LOT OF INVOLVEMENT BETWEEN PROCUREMENT AND THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO SET UP THE SCOPE OF WORK THAT THEY WANT DONE WITH THIS.
>> IT'S NOT YOU JUST PICK A FRIEND.
>> 100%. I THINK THE CONVERSATION WITH A BUILDING LIKE THIS, IT'S VERY SMALL MARKET WITH THE TYPES OF CONTRACTORS THAT.
>> VERY FEW PEOPLE THAT WILL DO THE WORK.
>> THE OTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS WE ALL KNOW IN THIS ROOM, HOW MUCH COSTS CONSTRUCTION COSTS HAVE GONE UP, HOW MUCH SERVICE COSTS.
I ASKED THE QUESTION, YOU WENT AND GOT THIS MUCH MONEY.
WELL, WHAT ABOUT IF THIS ISN'T ENOUGH MONEY? YOU GOT AN ESTIMATE FROM SOMEONE WHO TOLD YOU HOWEVER MANY MONTHS AGO. WHY?
>> WELL, THE ONLY THING IS THIS HOUSE IS THERE AND IT'S AN EYESORE.
THIS IS WHY I'M GRASPING FOR STRAWS HERE TO TRY TO GET FINANCE TO HELP BECAUSE HERE WE ARE HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CRACKING DOWN ON PEOPLE WHO HAVE RUN DOWN STRUCTURES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY AND WE HAVE ONE OURSELVES, AND HERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO AGREE.
>> BUT TRAVIS, THAT HOUSE HAS BEEN SETTING THERE FOR HOW MANY YEARS? I CAN RECALL WHEN THEY SAID, WE'RE GOING TO PUT IT THERE TEMPORARILY FOR JUST A LITTLE WHILE.
IT IS NOT EVEN GOING TO BE THERE LONG ENOUGH FOR THE DUST TO SETTLE ON IT AND WELL, DUST HAS SETTLED ON IT.
WE'RE TALKING AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.
I THINK IT IS, BUT THERE'S SETTING THERE.
>> I'M ALL FOR, AND I UNDERSTAND THE WORK THAT'S BEING DONE TO PRESERVE.
I GOT A HOUSE THAT'S SITTING THERE THAT WE WERE TOLD WHAT THE PROCESS WAS GOING TO BE.
THAT PROCESS HASN'T BEEN FOLLOWED, FRANKLY. NO. IT HASN'T.
NOW, LOOK, I UNDERSTAND THE TRAGIC RAMIFICATIONS OF JOCK.
PASSING AND I LOOK I'M WARNING YOU GREED JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.
BUT THIS SITUATION HAS NOT FOLLOWED WHAT THE COUNTY WAS TOLD BECAUSE IF SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME THAT THAT HOUSE WAS GOING TO BE SETTING IN THAT AREA FOR FIVE YEARS, I DON'T KNOW THAT I WOULD HAVE SAID, YEAH, GO AHEAD AND PUT IT THERE.
WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE THERE VERY TEMPORARILY.
>> TO GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR AND THEN GET TO YOUR NOSE UNDER THE TEAM AND THAT THE OLD SAYING THE CAMEL'S NOSE UNDER.
>> THINGS HAPPEN. WE ALL KNOW THINGS COME UP AND THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT YOU GOT TO PLAN FOR IT.
>> IF YOU GUYS DON'T MIND, I'D LIKE TO SHARE ONE MORE THING AND I CAN KIND OF MAKE THE BOARD CAN MAKE A DECISION ON THIS BECAUSE THE NEXT ITEM FALLS JUST IN LINE WITH THE CONVERSATION WE'RE HAVING NOW.
WE'RE CURRENTLY WRAPPING UP BENEDICTINES BLOCK GRANT AWARD FOR WHAT THEY ARE CALLING THE RING ROAD PROJECT WHERE THEY PUT A RING ROAD AROUND THE PROPERTY.
THEIR STAFF AS WELL AS STACEY AND MY OFFICE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CLOSE OUT THE LAST PART OF THAT, WHICH IS WAGE VERIFICATIONS, PAYROLL UPDATES, THEY'RE SPENDING DOWN, I THINK THE LAST $60,000 AND TRYING TO GET EVERYTHING WRAPPED UP.
[00:50:04]
THEY HAVE COME FORWARD AND SUBMITTED A LETTER TO MY OFFICE REQUESTING THE COUNTY TO APPLY IN THIS UPCOMING CYCLE FOR ANOTHER $800,000 AND WHAT THEY'RE CONSIDERING CONSTRUCTION MONEY FOR I BELIEVE PHASE 2 OF THEIR CAMPUS EXPANSION.>> IT'S DEMOLITION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE OLD QUARTERS.
THAT PROJECT AS A WHOLE, WE STARTED OUT GO BACK WITH THE RING ROAD WITH BENEDICTINE ON.
THE ROAD ITSELF IS REALLY A SINGLE CONTRACT WITH A VENDOR, AND WE'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THAT VENDOR AND THEIR MANAGER.
A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON THE OTHER HAND IS A LOT LARGER PROJECT.
AS WE ENTERTAIN PROJECTS LIKE THIS, THERE ARE A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT REALLY COME TO LIGHT THAT I THINK OF.
IF WE TIE IN THE $800,000 OF FEDERAL AWARD MONEY TO A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT THAT THEY HAVE, DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY SPECIFICALLY APPLY THAT $800,000 FOR, THEY MAY VERY WELL, JUST LIKE THE JUDY CENTER, HAVE TO COMPLY WITH STATE AND FEDERAL WAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE WHOLE PROJECT.
WHEN WE LOOK AT THAT, COMPLIANCE ASPECT FALLS BACK TO THE COUNTY.
I CAN'T SIT HERE IN FRONT OF YOU TODAY AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY SAY THAT BETWEEN STACEY AND I, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO COMPLY AND TAKE THE TIME TO DO THAT.
>> IS THIS A PROJECT THAT WAS IN THE GOVERNOR'S CAPITAL BUDGET THAT DID NOT GET APPROVED?
>> I BELIEVE A PORTION OF IT WAS.
WE HAVE THAT PROJECT THAT THEY'VE COME OUT AND APPLIED FOR.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE ARE SOME CONCERNS AS WELL WITH THEM BEING ABLE TO GET PERMITS TO DO THIS CONSTRUCTION.
I KNOW THEY ARE CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH MD AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON SEWER DISCHARGE ISSUES THAT THEY'RE HAVING AND GETTING PERMIT.
I KNOW INTERNALLY, WE WOULD NOT ISSUE ANY PERMITS UNTIL THAT WAS TAKEN CARE OF.
THEY HAVE BEEN REACHING OUT THE APPLICATION, I BELIEVE IS DUE IN EARLY JUNE.
WE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING, WE'D HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE FULL PROCESS.
AS GOOD OF A PARTNERSHIP AS THE RING ROAD HAS BEEN HAVE SOME SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT GETTING INTO A FULL SCALE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
I THINK WHEN WE LOOK AT, AGAIN, OUR CAPACITY AS A COUNTY TO ASSIST THESE AGENCIES, I WOULD MUCH RATHER TACKLE $150,000 MEDFORD HOUSE PROJECT THAT IS SMALL SCALE THAN TO DO A FULL MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CONSTRUCTION JUST BASED ON TIME.
I THINK WE WOULD HAVE THE CAPACITY TO DO SOME PARTNERSHIPS, BUT I AGAIN, CAN'T SIT HERE AND HONESTLY TELL YOU THAT.
I THINK WE COULD COMPLY WITH THE BENEDICTINE ASK.
RIGHT NOW, THEY ARE THE ONLY ENTITY THAT HAS FORMALLY SUBMITTED A REQUEST TO US.
TYPICALLY, WE MAY HAVE ONE OR TWO, AND THEN IS THE BOARD'S DECISION TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE $800,000 APPLICATION WOULD LOOK LIKE.
I CAN CERTAINLY SHARE THE LETTER EVERYTHING WE'VE HAD IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH THEM.
BUT I THINK IN THE SCHEME OF CONVERSATION OF WHAT WE'RE GOING THROUGH, I WANTED TO BRING THAT TO LIGHT AS WELL.
>> I HAVE TWO THOUGHTS. ONE IS A PERFORMANCE BOND, ANOTHER IS THAT A PORTION OF THE GRANT PROCEEDS BE USED TO HIRE A GRANT COMPLIANCE OFFICER WHO WILL BE CONTRACTED WITH THE COUNTY PAID FOR BY THE OUT OF THE GRANT FUNDS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE.
THAT TAKES IT OFF YOU TWO AND PUTS IT WITH A PROFESSIONAL THAT WE'VE VETTED, WHO IS BASICALLY IN SOMETIMES YOU COULD LOOK AT IT AS A CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR WATCHDOG, WHO IS MAKING SURE THAT THE CONSTRUCTION IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOND APPLICATION.
>> I WOULD AGREE IN THAT CONTEXT, MY FEAR IS THE COST OF THAT INDIVIDUAL AGAINST THE MEDFORD APPLICATION OR SO WOULD BE COST PROHIBITED FUNDING THEY WOULD HAVE AVAILABLE.
>> WELL, AND MAYBE I'M TALKING PROSPECTIVELY HERE IN FUTURE, LET THE WORD GO OUT, THAT IF YOU WANT CAROLINE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO SPONSOR A BOND FOR YOU, YOU BETTER BUILD INTO IT.
THIS OVERHEAD THAT WE ARE GOING TO REQUIRE IF YOU WANT US TO BE THE SPONSOR.
[00:55:08]
>> I THINK IF IT'S UNDER A CERTAIN AMOUNT, IF DANNY FEELS COMFORTABLE, IT'S BELOW WAGE SCALE, BOTH OF THESE APPLICATIONS ALLOW A MANAGEMENT FEE TO BE CHARGED BY THE COUNTY OR NO.
I KNOW CERTAIN APPLICATIONS CERTAINLY YOU CAN.
>> YOU CAN. I'LL GO BACK TO BEN DICTINS BECAUSE WE'RE THIS IS FRESH WHEN WE'RE GOING THROUGH THIS.
WE'RE GETTING ABOUT $6,800 ON THE $800,000 OR SORRY, I THINK $650,000 THAT GOT AWARDED FOR THE RING ROAD.
IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS, IT'S VERY MINOR.
THE MEDFORD APPLICATION FOR THE BOND BILL, I DON'T RECALL SEEING THERE BEING ANY ADMIN BUILD INTO THAT.
BUT I WOULD HAVE TO DOUBLE CHECK.
SOMETHING LIKE $800,000, WE NEED TO HAVE A BOND.
WE NEED TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT WE CAN CALL AGAINST BECAUSE THERE'S NO WAY WE'RE TAKING THAT OUT OF FUND BALANCE THERE'S NO WAY.
THE BOND AND THEN LET THE BONDING AGENCY, MAKE SURE THAT THEY'VE GOT THE COMPLIANCE PROTECTIONS IN PLACE.
BECAUSE ULTIMATELY, THE BONDING AGENCY IS GOING TO BE THE ONE ON HOOKS, AND THEY'RE GOING TO BE THE ONES THAT SAY, HEY, WHO DO YOU HAVE DOING YOUR LEGAL WORK, MAKING SURE YOU'RE COMPLIANT WITH EVERYTHING?
>> I THINK THE CONVERSATION WE STARTED TO HAVE WITH BENEDICTINE TOO WAS MAYBE THE PROJECT IS SOMETHING THAT WE WANT TO DO, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THIS YEAR IS THE TIMING, ESPECIALLY WITH THE SEWER DISCHARGE PERMIT ISSUE, AND I JUST DON'T SEE THEM HAVING AN APPLICATION FULLY READY TO GO BY JUNE AND HAVING ALL OF THAT TAKEN CARE OF AND READY FOR CONSTRUCTION.
BUT AGAIN, I KNOW IT'S A LOT BETWEEN THE VARIOUS PROJECTS AND A LOT TO DECIDE ON.
I SUPPORT BOTH ORGANIZATIONS WHOLEHEARTEDLY, BUT I'M NOT PREPARED TO RISK COUNTING FUNDS, FOR EITHER.
>> I THINK WE OFTEN GET ASKED TO SUPPORT THESE REQUESTS.
THERE'S A DIFFERENCE IN SUPPORTING THE REQUEST AND BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REQUEST.
I JUST THINK AND I CAN TELL YOU RIGHT NOW, THEY'RE GOING TO START COMING FAST AND FIERCE BECAUSE EVERYBODY IS GOING TO START SAYING, WELL, WE CAN GO BACK AND GET THIS MONEY AND THE COUNTY YOU'LL JUST HANDLE IT ALL.
YOU CAN GET A FEE OUT OF THE GRANT BUT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE THE PEOPLE.
IT'S STILL GOING TO FALL ON YOU GUYS.
WE MAY BE ABLE TO USE THAT TO PAY SOME PORTION OF SALARIES, BUT YOU STILL GOT THE TIME AND THE HOURS.
FOR MANY YEARS, I'D SIT HERE AND LOOK AT MARGARET AND SHE'D GO AND THAT WOULD TELL ME THAT THEY JUST COULDN'T HANDLE IT.
THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN IS IF WE CAN'T HANDLE IT.
IT'S BAD IF THE ORGANIZATION CAN'T HANDLE IT, BUT IF WE MESS IT UP, THEN WE'RE ON THE FOOT THERE.
I THINK WE GOT TO DO SOME SERIOUS THINKING ABOUT THAT ONE AND ANY MORE THAT COME IN HERE.
I THINK IT'S WHOEVER, I THINK IT'S A GREAT IDEA TO GET THE WORD OUT.
THAT IF YOU'RE GOING TO COME IN, IF YOU'RE GOING TO APPLY FOR A GRANT WHERE THE COUNTY IS GOING TO BE A SUB RECIPIENT, WE'RE GOING TO COME LOOKING TO YOU TO SPEND SOME MONEY ON YOUR OWN TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE THINGS WORK THAT WE DON'T SUPPORT THE PROJECTS.
WE GOT A LIMITED STAFF AND WE GOT TO DO THE WORK FOR THE TAXPAYERS.
>> I THINK WE DO A LITTLE RESEARCH, CREATE A POLICY, MAYBE WITH A THRESHOLD.
IF THE GRANT APPLICATION IS OVER A CERTAIN AMOUNT, IT REQUIRES A BOND.
>> IT'S LESS THAN THIS AMOUNT.
>> YEAH, A THRESHOLD, WHATEVER THAT MAY BE, IF IT'S 150,000, IF IT'S 200,000, I TRUST WHATEVER YOUR RECOMMENDATION IS ON THAT.
WE JUST SAY OVER THIS AMOUNT, BOND AND MANAGEMENT, IT'S ON YOU.
UNDER THIS AMOUNT, IT'S UP TO OUR DISCRETION.
>> I THINK THE UNFORTUNATE PART OF THESE PROCESSES IS THE MANAGEMENT OF THEM IS A LARGE PORTION OF IT, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY FINE DETAILS AND COMPLIANCE ASPECTS.
>> THAT'S WHAT I WAS GOING TO SAY.
THERE'S SO MUCH FOR SMALL ORGANIZATIONS NOW [OVERLAPPING]
[01:00:02]
>> FORCE THAT OUT TO ANYBODY ELSE.
>> THAT'S TRUE. BUT YOU ALSO DON'T WANT TO LOSE THAT OPPORTUNITY THE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE.
>> LET ME TELL YOU ALL SOMETHING.
THAT THERE WON'T BE CALLBACK TO PAY MONEY BACK.
JUST LET ME TELL YOU ALL THAT BECAUSE I'VE HEARD ALL THAT BEFORE, THEY'LL NEVER MAKE US DO THAT.
THEY DID AND I AIN'T DOING IT AGAIN.
THAT'S HAVING BEEN THROUGH THAT EXPERIENCE.
IT STICKS WITH YOU. [BACKGROUND]
>> I JUST WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR, MY IDEA WAS NOT TO CHARGE A SUPERVISOR FEE AND JUST DUMP IT INTO YOUR BUDGET. IT WAS TO HIRE.
>> A PERHAPS RETIRED ARCHITECT, SOMEBODY WHO'S GOT CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE AND MAYBE SOME GRANT EXPERIENCE, AN ACCOUNTANT, SOMEBODY WHO GETS IT AND IS IN CONTRACT WITH US, PAID FOR BY THE GRANT.
THAT SHOULD BE PART OF, IN MY OPINION, THE BUILD-IN OVERHEAD FOR ANY GRANT APPLICATION THAT YOU'RE ASKED TO SPONSOR.
>> THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE DID WITH THE JUDY CENTER AND THE BOARD OF THAT.
I THINK EVERYBODY'S FAMILIAR WITH BOB WILLIE, A RETIRED CPA, DID THAT ON BEHALF OF THE BOE FOR THAT, AND HE DID A LARGE LIFT ON THE PART OF COMPLIANCE ALSO.
>> IN THE PAST, THERE HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTION, [INAUDIBLE] WAS A VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE GUY IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND HE WOULD BE CONTRACTED AS A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER, AND HE WOULD HANDLE ALL OF THAT INFORMATION.
I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE SAYING.
>> DEFINITELY, THE RIGHT PERSON WOULD MAKE THAT A WHOLE LOT OF [OVERLAPPING]
>> IF I HAD TO SIT HERE RIGHT NOW THOUGH AND TELL YOU WHO THAT WOULD BE TODAY, I COULDN'T BEGIN TO TELL YOU.
>> AND I THINK THE HARD PART IS WE GET INTO THESE GRANT SITUATIONS AND FOR EVERY ONE GOOD ONE, THERE'S PROBABLY MORE PEOPLE SAY THEY KNOW [OVERLAPPING]
>> YOU'RE BEING AWFULLY QUIET.
>> I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU GUYS ARE SAYING.
IN LIGHT OF TODAY'S WORLD, EVERYBODY'S GRASPING FOR ANY GRANT MONEY THEY CAN GET AHOLD OF AND THEY'RE FALLING BACK ON THE COUNTY TO BE THE INTERMEDIARY BETWEEN IT.
WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE STAFF TO DO IT.
AND INVESTORS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN, IS YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO HIRE A FULL-TIME PERSON BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO GET TO THAT POINT WHERE THESE GRANTS AREN'T 50,000 OR 40,000, IT'S GOING TO BE EXCESSIVE.
>> WELL, EVEN HIRING THAT PERSON, THERE'S NO GUARANTEE THAT THAT PERSON WOULDN'T MAKE A MISTAKE [OVERLAPPING] AND TRIGGER A CALLBACK.
>> BECAUSE IT PROTECTS THE STAFF TIME.
>> I THINK BOND IS THE WAY TO GO, IN MY OPINION.
>> IF IT'S ALLOWABLE. YOU'RE NORMALLY TALKING 1-2% ON A BOND, 3%, MAYBE, DEPENDING ON RISK, FOUR.
THAT'S YOUR MANAGEMENT FEE GONE ON THE BOND, SO THEN YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO PAY THAT MANAGER TOTALLY OUT OF POCKET THEN FOR COMPLIANCE.
>> WELL, WHEN SOMEONE APPLIES FOR THE GRANT, CAN'T THEY, IN THEIR APPLICATION, INDICATE A CHUNK FOR THE BOND, A CHUNK FOR SUPERVISION FEE OR SUPERVISOR OR WHATEVER, AND THEN WHAT WE'RE GOING TO NEED TO BUILD THE BUILDING.
YOU JUST BREAK IT DOWN, BUILD IT IN.
>> THERE'S A CAP ON ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
>> CORRECT. A LOT OF THE CAP IS 7-10% ON WHAT YOU CAN PULL FOR ADMINISTRATIVE.
>> WELL, IF YOU CAN COME BACK TO US, DO A LITTLE MORE RESEARCH ON THE MEDFORD HOUSE THING.
AND IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CAN HANDLE THAT ONE, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING DONE WITH THAT HOUSE.
>> WELL, WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON'T DO IT? [LAUGHTER]
>> FRANK, YOU GOT A SPOT WE CAN MOVE IT TO? [LAUGHTER]
>> COMMISSIONER PORTER BROUGHT UP A VALID POINT THOUGH, IT'S BEEN THERE A LONG TIME.
>> WE WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT THE INSURANCE ASPECT ON IT TOO, LIKE WHO'S HOLDING INSURANCE, WHO'S PAYING.
>> I'M AMAZED WE HAVEN'T BEEN RECEIVING COMPLAINTS FROM [OVERLAPPING]
>> I HAVE. I KEEP MY BOAT DOWN THERE. I'VE HEARD ABOUT IT.
[01:05:06]
I DON'T BEING BOTHERED EASILY WITH EVERYTHING.>> I'LL DIG INTO THE METHOD OF COMPLIANCE AND ANY RESEARCH AND WHAT WE CAN WORK THROUGH ON IT.
>> BENEDICTINE, I WOULD SAY WE GOT TO HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON THAT.
>> WOULD YOU LIKE THAT DISCUSSION TO BE WITH BENEDICTINE COMING TO A MEETING TO DISCUSS THIS? WOULD YOU LIKE THIS TO BE INTERNALLY OFFLINE WITH JUST STACY AND I WITH THEM?
>> I THINK YOU GUYS CAN HANDLE IT OFFLINE.
IF IT ESCALATES AT THAT POINT, BY ALL MEANS PUT IT ON THE AGENDA.
THE NEXT SIMPLE EXPLANATION OF IT'S TOO MUCH FOR US TO MANAGE AND IT'S TOO BIG OF A LIABILITY.
>> WE CAN WORK ON THAT SIDE. THANK YOU FOR THE TIME, GUYS.
>> STAY THERE, IF YOU WILL, PLEASE.
>> WHEN WE GET TO MY COMMENTS, I MAY NEED YOU.
>> ANYTHING ELSE? COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS?
[County Commissioners Open Discussion Period]
>> LET'S MOVE ON TO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OPEN DISCUSSION PERIOD. YOU WANT TO GO FIRST?
>> LARRY. COMMISSIONER PORTER.
>> I'M GOING TO BRING UP A TOUCHY SUBJECT HERE.
WE ARE GETTING READY TO HAVE OUR PUBLIC HEARING HERE IN MAY 7TH ABOUT THE TAX RATES.
>> WE'RE GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT THE TAX DIFFERENTIAL, RIDGELY.
OUR POLICY IS THAT IF A TOWN HAS A MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENT, THEY RECEIVE THE TAX DIFFERENTIAL.
IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN, WE HAVE ADVERTISED.
NOW, WE CURRENTLY ARE ADVERTISING THAT THERE WILL BE A DIFFERENTIAL FOR RIDGELY.
>> WE ARE IN A VERY UNIQUE SITUATION HERE.
THEY ARE PAYING FOR SERVICE, BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS THEY'RE ALSO CONTINUING TO PAY FOR THE POLICE OFFICERS WHO ARE ON SUSPENSION, CORRECT? I THINK WE NEED SOME CLARIFICATION BECAUSE I KNOW AT THE MEETING THAT WAS HELD IN RIDGELY, THERE WERE SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS.
IN ORDER FOR US TO BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD, I THINK WE NEED TO CLARIFY WHETHER THAT DIFFERENTIAL IS GOING TO BE HELD IN PLACE BECAUSE OF ADVERTISING FOR ONE THING, AND JUST SIMPLY BECAUSE I THINK WE NEED TO BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE ARE EXPECTING HERE.
WE DON'T HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG THE SITUATION IS GOING TO GO FORWARD.
I DON'T HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG IT'S GOING TO BE BEFORE THIS IS ADJUDICATED AND THEY'RE GOING TO EITHER DECIDE THEY'RE GOING TO BE CONTINUED TO PAY THESE PEOPLE OR THEY'RE NOT.
WHAT IS EVERYBODY'S OPINION HERE ON THE DIFFERENTIAL?
>> MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT AS OF JUNE 1ST, THAT THEY ARE GOING TO CONTRACT POTENTIALLY WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR EQUAL COVERAGE TO WHAT THEIR DIFFERENTIAL IS BASED UPON RIGHT NOW.
THAT'S WHAT MY UNDERSTANDING IS.
IF THAT'D BE THE CASE, SO IF THEY'RE GOING TO PAY THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE THE SAME AMOUNT OF COVERAGE THAT WIGLEY PD WAS PREVIOUSLY PROVIDING, THEN I'M OKAY WITH LEAVING THE TAX DIFFERENTIAL THE SAME.
>> DO WE HAVE TO BE CONSISTENT WITH PRESTON BECAUSE PRESTON BASICALLY DOES THE SAME THING.
>> THAT IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.
PRESTON DOES THE SAME THING ON A SMALLER SCALE AND RECEIVES THE $0.01 TAX DIFFERENTIAL BECAUSE OF THAT.
WE WOULD BE HOLDING THEM TO THE SAME STAND.
>> PRESTON HAS ABOUT 20 HOURS OF COVERAGE PER WEEK.
>> PRESTON DOES 30 RIDGLEY'S TALKING ABOUT.
>> THE LAST CONVERSATION I HAD HEARD WAS AROUND 140, 144 HOURS.
>> THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE. THAT'S WHY THERE'S SUCH A DIFFERENT DIFFERENTIALS BECAUSE RIDGLEY'S PROPOSING TO PROVIDE MUCH MORE AUGMENT AND COVERAGE THAN PRESTON DOES.
>> OUR POSITION HERE FOR CLARIFICATION IS GOING TO BE THAT IF A MUNICIPALITY CONTRACTS AND PAYS US FOR SERVICE, THE DIFFERENTIAL REMAINS IN PLACE.
[01:10:02]
>> FOR FULL COST OF THAT SERVICE, YES.
>> THAT'S WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING WITH PRESTON.
THAT'S THE ONLY MUNICIPALITY THAT'S BEEN TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THAT.
THIS IS AN INTERNAL POLICY THAT THE BOARD SETS TO HONOR.
WOULD THE TAX DIFFERENTIAL AND ENCODE ON THAT, THERE'S NO STIPULATION ON HOW WE HAVE TO OFFER THE DIFFERENTIAL, THE POLICY PRIOR WAS SETTLING PRESTON, WENT TO THE $0.01 OR THE 30 HOURS.
THE BOARD COULD DEFINITELY CHOOSE TO CHANGE HOW THIS IS LOOKED AT EACH YEAR.
BUT CURRENTLY, I THINK FOR SIMPLICITY OF EVERYTHING, IF WE'RE HONORING PRESTON, WE SHOULD HONOR RIDGLEY'S THE SAME.
>> I JUST WANT TO BE BECAUSE I KNOW THE QUESTIONS COMING UP, AND WE'RE ADVERTISING? YES. I WOULD NOT BE SHOCKED IF IT DIDN'T COME UP AT A HEARING.
AT A PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE FOR THE SEVENTH?
>> I JUST WANTED TO BE CLEAR. I'M FINE WITH THAT.
>> IS IT TOO LATE TO CHANGE IT NOW HAVE A CONVERSATION?
>> IN OUR CURRENT SCHEDULE, YES, IT'S TOO LATE.
>> WELL, IF WE'RE WE'RE GOING I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH KEEPING IT THE SAME. YEAH.
>> WELL, IT'S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT NEXT YEAR OUTLYING YEARS.
IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO GIVE A DIFFERENTIAL TO PAY OURSELVES OR WHATEVER.
>> THAT'S WHAT I WAS THINKING.
>> YEAH. IT'S IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE, BUT.
>> BUT WE'RE ALSO WE'VE NEVER BEEN IN A SITUATION WHERE THEY'RE PAYING OFFICERS AND THEN TURNING AROUND AND PAYING.
THERE I'VE NEVER BEEN IN THAT SITUATION LIKE THEY'RE IN. THAT'S RIGHT.
I DON'T THINK THE CITIZENS SHOULD BE PERSONALLY, I DON'T THINK THEY SHOULD YEAH.
THAT'S THAT'S A DECISION THAT THE MAYOR COUNSEL IS GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE ABOUT WHETHER THEY DECIDE TO REINSTATE A NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT OR NOT.
GOT A TEXT ABOUT FROM A LADY AT DENTON STATION TALKING ABOUT OVERGROWN TREES ON ADJOINING LOTS BLOCKING SIGNS.
CAN YOU ASK SOMEONE TO LOOK AT THAT.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S BUT, THE ANTIQUE PLACE OUT HERE.
WHERE THE GUY BUILT. YEAH. I'LL TAKE A RIDE OUT.
>> IT'S PROBABLY THE BIG ONE FROM 404.
>> OTHERS THEY HAVE A ONE FROM THE YOU SEE THE 404.
YEAH. IT'S PROBABLY THAT ONE THERE THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT.
>> MOST RECENT ONE THAT STARTED LIKE 6:30 THIS MORNING.
>> I JUST HAD SOMETHING. I FORGOT QUICKLY.
>> SPEAKING OF THE ANTIQUE STORE THAT BUILDING THAT GUY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THERE'S LATEST WITH HIM. DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING?
>> WHAT WAS THE QUESTION? I'M SORRY.
>> THE BUILDING THAT'S RIGHT NEXT TO THE ANTIQUE STORE, WHERE ARE WE AT WITH HIM?
>> ABOUT THAT ONE. I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING.
>> I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING EITHER.
I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION NOW AT CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH SUNDAY.
IT WAS VERY INTERESTING AND GOOD PRESENTATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH THERE.
SPECIFICALLY HOW IT GOT STARTED.
I WAS GLAD I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND THAT WINDING DOWN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL REGULAR SEASON.
HOPEFULLY I WILL JUST GOT STARTED.
>> WELL, AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL STARTED UP AFTER THAT, BUT I'LL HAVE MORE TIME.
WE DO HAVE A JOINT MEETING INFORMATIONAL MEETING WITH THE TOWN OF DENTON THURSDAY NIGHT REGARDING THE SHARP ROAD PROPERTY, ENGINEERING, AND SUBDIVISION.
THE COUNTY I GUESS WE'RE GOING TO GO OVER THE COUNTY'S PROPOSED PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENTS THERE.
THEN ALSO THERE IS AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING 404 POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS TO
[01:15:03]
ROUTE 404 FROM THE DUALIZATION THERE AT HARMONY ROAD, ROUTE 16 AND POTENTIAL FIXES, WHICH INCLUDE POSSIBLE DUALIZATION FROM WHERE IT IS CURRENTLY DUAL TO ROUTE 16 GREENWOOD ROAD.THE OPPOSITE WAY. SAME ROUTE, BUT SEPARATED.
ONE IS HARMONY ROAD TOWARDS PRESTON AND HARMONY AND THE OTHER ONE IS GREENWOOD ROAD TOWARDS GREENWOOD, DELAWARE.
STATE HAS THAT INFORMATIONAL HEARING TOMORROW NIGHT AT 5:30.
>> IT'S 5:30,7:30 AT DENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
>> WE DO HAVE THOSE TWO EVENTS UPCOMING.
AM I MISSING ANYTHING ELSE ON NEXT TUESDAY?
>> NO. I JUST WANT TO DO A REMINDER THAT THE COMMISSIONERS DO NOT MEET ON THE FIFTH, TUESDAY OF THE MONTH.
>> WE STILL GET PAID [LAUGHTER]?
>> THEN THE SEVENTH WE HAVE WE HOLD MEETINGS WE HAVE OUR MORNING MEETING ON THE SEVENTH AND THEN WE HAVE OUR PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING THAT EVENING.
>> WE MAKE UP FOR IT ANYTHING ELSE? I DON'T SEE ANY PUBLIC HERE.
[Public Comment]
ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE WANT TO SPEAK? NO.>> I MAKE A MOTION WE ADJOURN.
>> MOTION, SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> AYE.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.