[00:01:57]
>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE, AND WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER 4TH, 2025, CAROLINE COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING, WHICH IS NOW IN ORDER.
UNFORTUNATELY, I DON'T SEE REVEREND GEVMAN HERE THIS MORNING FOR OUR INVOCATION.
EVERYONE COULD RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS,
[Call to Order: Invocation—Rev, Dan Gedman, Global Methodist Church of Denton; Pledge of Allegiance; Agenda Review]
ONE UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.>> I HAVE A CLOSED SESSION REPORT OUT HERE.
[President’s Closed Session Report Out]
DURING THE OCTOBER 28TH MEETING, THE COMMISSION MET IN CLOSED SESSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MARYLAND OPEN MEETINGS ACT, GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE 3-305B7.THE PURPOSE OF THE SESSION WAS TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL AND RECEIVE LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING MATTERS RELATED TO COUNTY PROPERTY AND AGREEMENTS PENDING THE SALE OF COUNTY PROPERTY.
OUR FIRST AGENDA ITEM THIS MORNING IS A PROCLAMATION FOR VETERANS OPERATION GREEN LIGHT, AND I BELIEVE MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IS HERE.
YOU WOULD LIKE TO COME UP TO THE TABLE.
WE HAVE LISA SHORT AND ANNE SIPERS. MORNING.
>> I HAVE THIS PROCLAMATION, SUPPORTING OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS, NOVEMBER 4TH THROUGH THE 11TH, 2025, STATES, WHEREAS THE RESIDENTS OF CAROLINE COUNTY HAVE GREAT RESPECT, ADMIRATION, AND THE UTMOST GRATITUDE FOR ALL WHO HAVE SELFLESSLY SERVED
[Mid Shore Behavioral Health]
OUR COUNTRY AND THE CAROLINE COUNTY COMMUNITY IN THE US ARMED FORCES, AND WHEREAS THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SACRIFICES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES HAVE BEEN VITAL IN MAINTAINING THE FREEDOMS AND WAY OF LIFE ENJOYED BY OUR CITIZENS.WHEREAS CAROLINE COUNTY SEEKS TO HONOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE MADE COUNTLESS SACRIFICES FOR FREEDOM BY PLACING THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY FOR THE GOOD OF ALL, AND WHEREAS VETERANS CONTINUE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY IN THE AMERICAN LEGION, VETERAN OF FOREIGN WARS, RELIGIOUS GROUPS, CIVIC SERVICE, AND BY FUNCTIONING AS COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERS THROUGHOUT THE NATION TO HELP FELLOW FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS ACCESS MORE THAN 52 BILLION IN FEDERAL HEALTH, DISABILITY, AND COMPENSATION BENEFITS EACH YEAR.
WHEREAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000 SERVICE MEMBERS TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE ANNUALLY, WITH 44%-72% EXPERIENCING HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS DURING THE TRANSITION FROM MILITARY TO CIVILIAN LIFE.
WHEREAS AN ESTIMATED 90% OF SERVICE MEMBERS WHO DEPLOY FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS AND
[00:05:03]
EXPERIENCE OR WITNESS A TRAUMATIC EVENT ARE AT A HIGHER RISK FOR DEVELOPING POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.MANY ARE AT A HIGH RISK FOR SUICIDE DURING THE FIRST YEAR FOLLOWING MILITARY SERVICE.
WHEREAS VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING THE CAMBRIDGE VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC, HEALTHCARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS, MARYLAND'S COMMITMENT TO VETERANS, PERRY POINT VA MEDICAL CENTER, HOMELESS VETERANS REGENERATION PROGRAM, SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERAN FAMILIES, EASTER SEALS, DELAWARE, AND MARYLAND'S, EASTERN SHORE, AND THE VETERAN AND MILITARY SUPPORT ALLIANCE PROVIDE CRITICAL RESOURCES ACROSS CAROLINE, DORCHESTER, KENT, QUEEN ANS, TALBOT, WARSHI AND WACOCO COUNTIES.
THESE RESOURCES INCLUDE HEALTHCARE, MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, HOUSING ASSISTANCE, CRISIS INTERVENTION, SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES, AND PEER SUPPORT FOR VETERANS.
WHEREAS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES ENCOURAGES ALL COUNTIES, PARISHES, AND BOROUGHS TO RECOGNIZE OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS, AND WHEREAS CAROLINE COUNTY APPRECIATES THE SACRIFICES OF OUR UNITED STATES MILITARY PERSONNEL AND BELIEVES SPECIFIC RECOGNITION SHOULD BE ACCORDED TO THEM.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED IN OBSERVANCE OF OPERATION GREENLIGHT FOR VETERANS, CAROLINE COUNTY ENCOURAGES ITS CITIZENS TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF HONORING THOSE WHO MADE IMMEASURABLE SACRIFICES TO PRESERVE FREEDOM BY DISPLAYING GREEN LIGHTS IN THEIR PLACE OF BUSINESS OR RESIDENTS FROM NOVEMBER 4TH THROUGH NOVEMBER 11TH, GIVEN UNDER OUR HANDS IN THE GREAT SEAL OF CAROLINE COUNTY, THIS FOURTH DAY OF NOVEMBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, 2025, SIGNED BY J TRAVIS BREEDING PRESIDENT, LARRY C PORTER, VICE PRESIDENT, AND FRANKLIN BARTS THIRD COMMISSIONER.
THANK YOU BOTH VERY MUCH FOR REQUESTING THIS.
DO YOU WANT TO SPEAK ABOUT THE PROGRAM LIMIT?
>> I THINK I'M GOING TO DEFER TO SAY.
[LAUGHTER] YOU HERE FOR ME OTHER TIMES. GOOD MORNING.
I'M THE ADULT POPULATION SUPERVISOR FOR MITCH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE STARTED WITH ONE COUNTY AND EXPANDED TO FIVE COUNTIES THIS YEAR.
JUST WANTED TO SHARE A LITTLE BIT OF INFORMATION.
APPROXIMATELY 6.8% OF MARYLAND'S ADULT CIVILIAN POPULATION ARE VETERANS, MANY OF WHOM RESIDE IN RURAL AREAS LIKE THE MID SHORE, WHERE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, EMPLOYMENT, AND SOCIAL SUPPORTS CAN BE LIMITED.
ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, ABOUT 6.4% OF THOSE VETERANS ARE IN CAROLINE COUNTY, WHICH IS EQUIVALENT OF 2,130 INDIVIDUALS.
ABOUT 25% OF MARYLAND VETERANS LIVE WITH A DISABILITY COMPARED TO 13.2% OF NON-VETERANS, UNDERSCORING THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND LOCAL SUPPORT.
OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS IS AN IMPORTANT INITIATIVE THAT ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS TO DISPLAY GREEN LIGHTS AS A VISIBLE SHOW OF APPRECIATION AND SOLIDARITY.
BEYOND HONORING SERVICE, IT HELPS AWARENESS AND CHALLENGES VETERANS FACE AND CONNECTS THEM TO VITAL LOCAL RESOURCES, ENSURING THEY FEEL RECOGNIZED AND SUPPORTED ACROSS ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE.
JUST TO NOTE, THE MIDSHRE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DOES HAVE AN ONLINE RESOURCE DATABASE THAT IS A GOOD START FOR VETERANS, AND THEY CAN ALSO REACH OUT TO US, AND WE'LL HELP RECONNECT THEM WHERE THEY NEED TO GO. THANK YOU.
>> WELL, THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING THIS RESOURCE TO THOSE WHO HAVE SACRIFICED SO MUCH FOR THE COUNTRY.
WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF PTSD AND THE TRAGIC EVENTS THAT HAPPENED SOMETIMES DUE TO THAT.
WE APPRECIATE YOU PROVIDING THAT RESOURCE.
>> THANK YOU. I GOT SOME INFORMATION ON ATTENDING SOMETHING THAT I'M NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO GO TO, BUT SEE VETERAN AND MILITARY SUPPORT ALLIANCE.
ARE YOU AWARE OF THAT ORGANIZATION?
>> THEY'RE HAVING SOME RECEPTION OR SOMETHING.
ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH THAT GROUP OR?
>> WE DO HAVE ONE OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS THAT IS THE COORDINATOR FOR SPECIALTY POPULATION.
VETERAN IS ONE OF HER FOCUSES.
I WOULD ASSUME THAT SHE PROBABLY KNOWS, BUT I WILL GET WITH HER AND REMIND HER.
>> IT WAS ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH, AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CLUB.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO. THANK YOU.
>> WE WILL GET A PICTURE UP HERE, J.
[00:10:17]
>> WHERE ARE WE START, C? YEAH.
>> NEXT UP, WE HAVE JONAH OWENS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CAROLINE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, WITH A DISCUSSION OF THE GREENSBORO LIBRARY BRANCH REPAIRS.
[Jonah Owens, Executive Director, Caroline County Public Library]
SARAH. D. GOOD MORNING.SARA GENTLEMEN. SARAH'S A BOARD MEMBER.
>> THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO MEET AND DISCUSS THIS ISSUE WITH ME THIS MORNING.
AS YOU KNOW, WE RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM CHUCK HUSTER, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MRDC, TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR A PROJECT THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON AT MRDC.
THE PROJECT IS FOR TWO INSTALL SOME BIRD NETTING IN THE LOBBY.
THEY A PROBLEM WITH BIRDS SNEAKING IN FOR PROBABLY ABOUT A DECADE NOW.
THEY GET UP IN THE RAFTERS AND POOP ALL OVER THE PLACE, AND IT TAKES SOME TIME TO GET THEM OUT AND ALL OF THAT FUN STUFF.
THEY'RE FINALLY LOOKING AT ADDRESSING THAT.
PUT IN A REQUEST TO SEE IF WE'D BE ABLE TO FINANCIALLY ASSIST WITH THAT.
I BELIEVE THE TOTAL WAS AROUND $5,671.
THE LIBRARY IS IN A POSITION TO ASSIST, BUT I WANTED TO DISCUSS IT WITH THE THREE OF YOU FIRST BECAUSE I KNOW THERE'S OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AT THE MOMENT IN TERMS OF OUTSTANDING MONEY FOR HRDC.
I DIDN'T WANT TO STEP ON ANYONE'S TOES, AND GOING TO HAVE A CONVERSATION TO SEE WHAT ALL THOUGHT.
>> I DON'T BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED THOSE FUNDS AT THIS POINT.
I'M RELUCTANT TO CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING ELSE AT THIS POINT UNTIL THAT SITUATION IS RESOLVED.
THE COUNTY PICKS UP A PERCENTAGE OF THE COMMON AREA. YEAH.
>> 32.56% IS WHAT WE PAY FOR OUR PORTION OF UTILITIES.
IT'S ALSO LAID OUT IN THE LEAST THAT THAT'S A PERCENTAGE OF MONEY WE PAY THE CAPITAL FUND THAT WAS ESTABLISHED, THAT GOT WIPED OUT PROBABLY 30 YEARS AGO.
NO LONGER EXISTS, BUT IT LAYS IT OUT, THAT'S WHAT OUR PERCENTAGE IS FOR ANY REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE OTHER THAN GENERAL REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE.
IS ANY LIKE CAPITAL REPAIRS TO THE BUILDING?
I KNOW I SHOULD KNOW THIS, BUT THE LEASE EXPIRATION IS WHEN?
>> THE LEASE HAS ALREADY EXPIRED, AND EXPIRED IN MARCH.
WE HAD YOUR GENTLEMEN SEND THEM.
>> AT THIS POINT, WE'RE NOT PAYING ANYTHING?
>> WE HAVE NOT PAID ANY LEASE PAYMENTS SINCE APRIL FOR HOLDING ONTO THAT MONEY.
I JUST KEPT ASIDE IN THE CASE.
>> AT SOME POINT, AT THEIR REQUEST, I WOULD ASSUME, THAT LEASE IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE EITHER MAINTAINED OR IT'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE NEGOTIATED TO A POINT WHERE THE COUNTY IS GOING TO AGREE TO PICK UP SOME PORTION OF THAT.
I THINK ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT WAS MAYBE DOING SOMETHING LIKE A CAPITAL FUND, WHERE WE WOULDN'T PAY RENT, BUT WE WOULD CONTRIBUTE TOWARD THE CAPITAL.
BUT I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH PAYING OUR SHARE OF THE BIRD CONTRACT.
BUT I'M NOT WILLING TO DO IT UNTIL WE'RE REIMBURSED FOR THE MONEY.
MAYBE THAT'LL EXPEDITE SOMETHING HOPEFULLY, IF WE CAN, BUT THAT'S WHERE I AM ON THIS.
>> YOU SAID THE ESTIMATE WAS 5,600?
[00:15:03]
32.56% OF THAT WOULD BE ABOUT $1,846.>> 1846 I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH YOU CONTRIBUTING THAT.
IF YOUR BOARD, FEELS COMFORTABLE WITH THAT AT THIS POINT, I THINK THE MONEY IS COMING FROM THE HVAC SLASH ROOF REPAIRS, BUT I THINK IT'S JUST BEEN VERY DIFFICULT TO ACCESS IT THROUGH THE STATE.
I KNOW THE FUNDING SOURCE, BUT APPARENTLY IT'S BEEN PRETTY CHALLENGING TO GET THEIR HANDS ON IT.
ASSUMING THAT YOU HAVE ENOUGH MONEY PUT AWAY FROM THE LEASE PAYMENTS THAT YOU'RE NOW HOLDING.
THIS IS INSIDE OF THE ENTRY DOORS, OR IS THIS JUST THE ROOF OUTSIDE BEFORE YOU WOULD ENTER THE BUILDING.
IT'S ACTUALLY THE COMMON AREA THAT WE SHARE BETWEEN THE MRDC AND THE LIBRARY, HOUSES THE BATHROOMS AND A COUPLE OF TABLES THAT THE LIBRARY MAINTAINS OUTSIDE.
BIRDS KEEP GETTING IN AND EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, THEY WILL SNEAK INTO THE LIBRARY AS WELL.
I'LL GET A NOTIFICATION AT 3:00 A.M. THAT A BURGLAR ARM IS GOING OFF BECAUSE BIRDS FLYING AROUND.
>> I WONDER HOW THEY GET HOW DO THEY GET INSIDE IT'S INSIDE THE BUILDING?
>> THERE'S GAPS IN THAT ROOF THEY'RE SNEAKING IN UNDER AN OVERHANG.
THEY WANT TO INSTALL SOME NETTING TO HOPEFULLY FIX IT.
>> VERY POORLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDING.
>> IT HAS BEEN FOR ABOUT 30 YEARS.
>> HOW LONG HAVE YOU WAITING FOR THIS MONEY? I KNOW I'VE TALKED ABOUT SINCE THEY PUBLIC WORKS APPROVED IT.
>> IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR. PROBABLY TWO YEARS.
>> IF YOU REMEMBER, IT WAS A BOND BILL THAT WAS DEDICATED FOR ROOF REPAIRS AND WE DETERMINED OR THE LIBRARY, SOMEONE DETERMINED THAT IT WASN'T THE ROOF THAT WAS LEAKING, IT WAS HVAC ISSUES.
BECAUSE THE BOND WAS SPECIFICALLY WRITTEN TO ROOF REPAIRS, IT COULDN'T BE USED FOR THE HVAC REPAIR SO THEY HAD TO GO BACK AND REWRITE THE BOND DESCRIPTION, AND WE FRONT FUNDED WHILE THAT PROCESS TOOK PLACE.
IT HAD TO GO THROUGH ANOTHER LEGISLATIVE CYCLE HAD TO GO THROUGH ANOTHER GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION [NOISE].
>> WHEN THEY FUND SAID, HEY, THE FUNDS ARE COMING, THAT'S WHERE I CALL ABOUT FROM THAT.
>> WHEN THE FUNDS ARE COMING TO NOW TO THIS POINT.
IT'S ONLY BEEN WHAT SIX MONTHS.
>> I'VE NEVER BEEN TOLD ANYTHING SPECIFICALLY. [INAUDIBLE]
>> I THINK FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, I THINK JONAH AND CHUCK ARE OFF TO A GOOD START AS FAR AS HIM TAKING OVER LEADERSHIP OF MRDC AND THERE IS A CERTAIN PORTION OF IT THAT'S JUST COULD BE CHOKED UP TO THE TIME OF HIM GETTING ESTABLISHED IN PRIORITIES.
I THINK THAT WHAT WE DISCUSSED BEFORE ABOUT RENEGOTIATING A LEASE WITH SOME PROTECTIONS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CAPITAL MAINTENANCE TOOK PLACE AND THAT WE WEREN'T FOOTING TOO MUCH THE BILL, I THINK THAT IS STILL THE PLAN.
WE HAVEN'T ACTUALLY CREATED THAT LEASE.
>> I DON'T THINK $1,800 IS SOMETHING WE COULD BE TOO CONCERNED ABOUT.
MY BIGGEST THING IS, AS LONG AS THEY'RE GOING TO FIX IT SO THAT THE BIRDS DON'T COME IN AGAIN [LAUGHTER] THAT'S THE BIG ISSUE.
I DON'T WITH THE ATM I DON'T SEE AN ISSUE WITH THAT PERSON.
>> I'D LEAVE IT UP TO THE LIBRARY BOARD FOR YOU ALL TO MAKE THAT DECISION.
EITHER WAY, IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME, BUT BEFORE YOU DO TOO MUCH MORE KEEP CHECKING IN WITH US SO ON WHETHER WE'VE RECOVERED OR BECAUSE WE MIGHT NEED TO WE MIGHT WE DEFINITELY NEED TO RECOVER THE INVESTMENT THAT WE'VE MADE SO HOPEFULLY THAT.
>> IF YOU WANT MY 2 CENTS OR MY $1,800 WORTH, IT BE THAT WE DON'T DO THIS UNTIL WE RECEIVE OUR MONEY THAT'S MY POSITION.
>> I CAN ALWAYS REACH OUT AND TELL THEM THAT WE'RE WILLING TO CONTRIBUTE, BUT THEY'LL HAVE TO INVOICE US AFTER THEY PAY THE COUNTY, AND WE CAN JUST REIMBURSE THEM.
>> YOU MAN. YOU CAN DO THAT TOTAL AMOUNT.
>> IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHETHER WE HELP OR NOT.
I'M JUST TRYING TO BE A GOOD PARTNER AND ADDRESS AN ISSUE THAT THE LIBRARY HAS BEEN DEALING WITH.
CHUCK'S BEEN REALLY GOOD TO WORK WITH SO FAR HAS BEEN PRETTY PROACTIVE TO RESPONDING TO THE ISSUES THAT WE'RE DEALING WITH.
HE SAID THAT HE'S WILLING TO HAVE A DETAILED CONVERSATION ABOUT THE ROOF AND HE SAID THE LEASE ISN'T A HUGE PRIORITY FOR HIM TO CLAW BACK THAT MONEY, BUT HE DOES WANT TO DEVELOP SOMETHING THAT WORKS FOR THE COUNTY, THE LIBRARY, AND RDC, WHICH I APPRECIATE.
AND HE'S JUST I THINK TAKING SOME TIME TO GET ACCLIMATED TO HIS NEW REALM OF CHAOS HE INHERITED.
[00:20:01]
>> ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ANY PROBLEMS IN THE LIBRARY AREA AT ALL NOW WITH LEAKS OR HEAT OR EVER?
>> HVAC SEEMS OKAY. DON'T CURSE ME ON THAT.
WE'RE STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME LEAKS THAT WE'VE HAD FOR ABOUT 30 YEARS.
EVERY TIME IT RAINS, WE GET SOME COMPENSATION COMING IN, DRIPPING OFF THE ROOF.
WE KNOW WHERE IT'S AT, SO WE CAN MITIGATE IT AND ADDRESS IT AS MUCH AS WE CAN.
I BELIEVE THAT'S THE BOND ISSUE THAT THEY PULLED UP FOR IS THEY WANTED TO REPLACE THE ROOF.
THEY GOT A QUOTE AND REALIZED THAT WHAT THEY APPLIED FOR WAS PROBABLY ABOUT 20% OF THE ACTUAL ROOF REPLACEMENT.
THEY REALIZED THEY WEREN'T GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.
AT THE SAME TIME, BOTH OF OUR HVAC FAILED SO THEY TRIED TO SPEND IT AROUND INTO AN HVAC REPLACEMENT, WHICH THANKFULLY, YOU ALL STEPPED UP IN FRONT OF THEM THE MONEY FOR, AND WE ARE JUST WAITING FOR THE MONEY TO COME BACK.
>> THE SUMMER WAS MUCH IMPROVED THE PAST SUMMER SUM.
>> THIS SUMMER WAS OPEN AND NOT HUMID.
>> WE HAVEN'T HAD TO CLOSE FOR ANY, BUILDING RELATED ISSUES UP TO THIS POINT.
>> UP TO THIS POINT, EVER SINCE THOSE HVACS HAVE BEEN IN PLACE.
BEFORE THAT, WE WERE CLOSING PROBABLY TEN OR 15 DAYS DURING THE SUMMER AND THE TEMPERATURE.
>> I HEARD ABOUT IT EVERY YEAR.
>> I CAN IMAGINE EVERYTHING'S BEEN OKAY, AND THEY'VE BEEN VERY RESPONSIVE SINCE CHUCK HAS TAKEN OVER.
>> THANK YOU, JOE [OVERLAPPING].
HOPEFULLY, YOU GET THAT IS TAKEN CARE OF.
>> NEXT UP, DANIEL FOX, DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR AND STACEY, SEWART, OUR GRANT COORDINATOR WITH THE FIRST QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2026 UPDATE.
[Daniel Fox, Deputy Administrator & Stacey Seward, Grant Coordinator]
>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
STACEY AND I WANTED TO BRING YOU OUR UPDATED FIRST QUARTER BUDGET REPORT.
I BELIEVE EACH OF YOU SHOULD HAVE A PRINTED VERSION OF THAT.
WE'RE GOING TO GO THROUGH AND HIGHLIGHT POINTS THAT WE SEE.
THEN IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AS WE'RE GOING THROUGH THIS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO STOP US SO JUST STARTING AT THE TOP, I'LL COVER REVENUE.
WE'RE LOOKING AT THIS REPORT, THIS IS AGAIN, FIRST QUARTER, SO STOPPING AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
WHAT YOU'LL START TO SEE IS A OVERARCHING REPEATING [NOISE] FIND IS WE'RE REALLY WITH THIS INFORMATION, ONLY ABOUT TWO MONTHS INTO THE YEAR.
A LOT OF THE SEPTEMBER INFORMATION OR BILLING THAT WE DO COMES IN IN OCTOBER.
WHEN WE START LOOKING AT PERCENTAGES OF A LOT OF THE PROGRAMS AND GRANTS AND DIFFERENT THINGS, THEY'RE EITHER ONLY TWO MONTHS IN OR HAVE JUST PUT OUT THEIR FIRST QUARTER BILLING AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED PAYMENTS.
WITH THAT, I'LL START AT THE TOP WITH PROPERTY TAXES.
AS YOU CAN SEE OUR BIGGEST NUMBER OF REAL PROPERTY TAXES IS AT 65%, SO JUST OVER $21 MILLION TO COLLECT IT, AND THAT ALIGNS WITH THE BULK OF THE FIRST HALF PAYMENTS COMING IN BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
IF YOU'RE ON A SEMI ANNUAL PLAN WHERE YOU CAN PAY FIRST HALF SEPTEMBER, FIRST OR SECOND HALF DECEMBER, A LOT OF THOSE HAVE COME IN PLUS THE ANNUALS THAT ARE DUE BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
WE SEE THAT NUMBER RIGHT ALIGN WITH EACH YEAR, ABOUT THAT 65%.
ONE OF THE OTHER LARGER ONES IN THAT SECTION IS THE UTILITIES THAT'S THE BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES.
WE DO NOT RECEIVE THE INFORMATION TO BILL THE DIFFERENT COMPANIES THAT GET BILLED FOR BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY.
HONESTLY, MOSTLY THROUGH ABOUT HALFWAY THROUGH THE FISCAL YEAR SO IT'S NO SURPRISE THAT THAT'S A REALLY SMALL NUMBER RIGHT NOW.
WE'RE NOT SEEING SAY ANYTHING HIGHER THAN THE 1% COLLECTED.
THE REST ARE REALLY JUST SMALL IN AND OUTS FOR CREDITS OR PRIOR YEAR REVENUE, REFUNDS OVERSHOT, ADMIN FEES.
FOR THE MOST PART, THOSE LOOK RIGHT ON LINED WITH OUR NORMAL PACE.
INCOME TAX. IF YOU LOOK, WE'RE ONLY 3% COLLECTED.
THE INTERESTING THING WITH INCOME TAX IS, WE ACTUALLY POST BACK OUR JULY AND AUGUST INCOME TAX RECEIPTS.
THERE WAS A DECISION MADE A LONG TIME AGO THAT THE STATE ALLOWED COUNTIES TO DO, AND WE'VE BEEN IN THAT PATTERN.
REALLY, THE ONLY PAYMENT THAT WE'VE RECEIVED IS A RECONCILING PAYMENT IN SEPTEMBER, WHICH IS THAT $662,000, WHICH AGAIN, IS A VERY SMALL PORTION OF OUR INCOME TAX RIGHT ON LINE WITH WHAT WE NORMALLY SEE.
JUMPING INTO MOBILE HOME RECREDATION.
MOBILE HOMES RIGHT ONLINE, ABOUT 24% RECREDATION, IS RUNNING A LITTLE HIGH AT 33.
I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE LOOK AT EVERY YEAR.
AGAIN, THIS IS IT'S RECREDATION TAX, ALMOST A TRANSFER TAX ON PROPERTIES SELLING THAT WE COLLECT AT THE COUNTER.
EVERY YEAR, I'M AMAZED AT THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTIES AND DEEDS THAT ARE RECORDED OF PEOPLE SELLING PROPERTY.
THAT'S OUTPACING SLIGHTLY TO WHAT WE HAD BUDGETED, HIGHWAY USER.
AGAIN, THAT'S ANOTHER PAYMENT THAT LAGS SO REALLY NO SURPRISE THAT WE HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANYTHING YET.
AS WE GET INTO NOVEMBER, DECEMBER,
[00:25:02]
WE'LL START TAKING IN SOME OF THOSE PAYMENTS TO REFLECT IN THIS FISCAL YEAR.OBVIOUSLY, PERMITS AND LICENSES HAVE THEIR CERTAIN TIMES WHEN THEY'RE DUE, AND NORMALLY IT'S NOT THE FIRST PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR SO A LOT OF THESE LIQUOR LICENSE TRADER LICENSES, YOU'LL SEE BARELY HAVE ANY COLLECTION, AND THAT'S JUST BECAUSE THE TIMING OF THE YEAR, WHEN THOSE ARE ACTUALLY DUE.
DOES NOT TYPICALLY REFLECT NOW, BUILDING PERMITS.
AS YOU CAN SEE, WE'RE RUNNING PRETTY HIGH AS FAR AS REVENUE ON PERMITS.
A LOT OF THAT HAS TO COME DOWN TO SOME OF THE LARGER PERMITS THAT ARE BEING REVIEWED AND ISSUED THROUGH SOME OF THE SOLAR PROJECTS.
SKIP DOWN, AND I'LL HIGHLIGHT GRANTS IN ONE WHOLE DISCUSSION SO YOU HAVE FEDERAL GRANTS, STATE GRANTS.
THEN ON THE NEXT PAGE, OTHER GRANTS.
AS I DISCUSSED, A LOT OF THE GRANTS ARE BILLED QUARTERLY SO WE CLOSE OUT SEPTEMBER, AND THEN STACY WORKS WITH THE DEPARTMENTS IN OCTOBER TO ACCUMULATE THAT QUARTERS BILL, AND THEY NORMALLY DON'T GET PAID TILL THE END OF OCTOBER, NOVEMBER.
AGAIN, THOSE ARE IN PROCESS, BUT THERE ARE THINGS THAT WE HAVE NOT ACTUALLY RECEIVED THE PAYMENT FOR AND REFLECTED ON THE BOOKS SO THOSE ALL MOSTLY BE IN ZEROS.
WE MAKE SURE EACH ONE'S GETTING BILLED AND TRACKED.
BUT FOR REPORTING WISE, IT'S RIGHT ON LINE WITH WHAT WE NORMALLY SEE.
JUMP INTO THAT SO THIS IS ANY FEE FINE THAT ACCUMULATES OVER THE YEARS.
JUST LIKE PERMITS, LICENSES, AND SOME OF THE DIFFERENT PROCESSES THAT WE DO, THEY ALL HAVE THEIR OWN FICKLE TIMING OF WHEN THEY ALIGN WITH THE YEAR.
SOME ARE COMING IN RIGHT ON PACE AT 20-30%, AND THEN OTHERS, WE HAVE 0% JUST BECAUSE IT'S NOT THE TIME OF THE YEAR FOR THOSE SERVICES TO BE OFFERED.
AGAIN, WE TAKE A LOOK AT EACH ONE OF THOSE AND TRY TO ALIGN WITH EXPECTATION OF WHEN THOSE SERVICES ARE OFFERED OR WHEN THOSE FEES ARE DUE AND SO FAR, THERE REALLY HASN'T BEEN TO SAY ANYTHING THAT IS THROWN FLAG TO US AT THIS POINT.
WE JUMPED DOWN TO MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE.
PROBABLY THE BIG TAKEAWAY IN THAT IS GOING TO BE OUR INTEREST SO IF YOU LOOK, WE BUDGETED $2.2 MILLION.
WE'VE RECEIVED THREE QUARTERS OF INTEREST AT ABOUT 28%, SO WE ARE RUNNING A LITTLE HIGH IN THAT.
IF YOU SAW, THE FEDS DID LOWER THE FEDERAL FUNDS RATE, SO A LOT OF OUR INTEREST THAT WE GET ON OUR ACCOUNTS IS TIED TO THAT, SO PROBABLY WE WILL SEE THAT START TO TRIM DOWN AS THAT RATE DROPS ACROSS THE BOARD.
THE OTHER LARGE ONE IN THERE IS THE MID SHORE TWO COUNTY HOST FEE FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE LANDFILL.
SAME PROCESS WITH BILLING OF THE GRANTS AND TO SEPTEMBER, WE GET $1 AMOUNT THAT WE CAN BILL FOR, AND MORE THAN LIKELY, WE'LL GET THAT PAYMENT ANY DAY NOW AND WE'LL REFLECT IN THE NEXT QUARTER STATEMENT, AND THEN JUMPING DOWN TO TRANSFERS.
YOU CAN SEE MOST OF THE TRANSFERS ARE $0 OTHER THAN THE OPAT HEALTH RETIREE TRANSFER.
THE TWO TRANSFERS UP TOP, BLS AND REPARATION PROGRAMS ARE END OF YEAR TRANSFERS WHEN WE CLOSE OUT A LOT OF THE REPORTING.
THOSE WILL HOLD AT ZERO PRETTY MUCH ACROSS THE WHOLE FISCAL YEAR AND THE OPEB WE TRY TO DO QUARTERLY AS THOSE EXPENSES OCCUR.
AGAIN, THAT IS WHY THAT ONE'S AT 22%.
AS A WHOLE, WE'VE TAKEN IN ABOUT $24,707,000 IN REVENUE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER.
IT'S ABOUT 31% OF WHAT'S BUDGETED.
BUT A LOT OF THAT IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE PROPERTY TAXES AND WHEN WE COLLECT THAT RELATION TO THE BILLING CYCLE OF PROPERTY TAXES.
ANY QUESTIONS ON REVENUE BEFORE STACY AND I JUMP INTO EXPENSES?
>> BEYOND THE BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ON SOME OF THE SOLAR THAT'S COMING ON MINE.
WHERE IS THAT SHOWN, DANNY, IS THAT UNDER REAL PROPERTY TAXES OR DOES IT HAVE IT ON ITS OWN MINE?
>> IT WILL SHOW UNDER THE LINE JUST UNDER THAT UTILITIES.
>> THAT IS WHERE I SAY ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM, SO WHETHER YOU'RE A DELMARVA POWER, WHO'S RUNNING.
AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM OR SOLAR COMPANY, THAT MONEY WOULD REFLECT ON THERE AND AGAIN, THAT THE REPORTS WE RECEIVED FROM THE STATE ARE SPREAD OUT THROUGH THE YEAR.
A LOT OF THEM WILL RECEIVE AROUND JANUARY TO ACTUALLY BUILD THOSE SO WHERE YOUR PROPERTY TAXES, WE GET A REPORT JULY 1 TO TELL YOU WHAT TO BILL.
THOSE COME ODDLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
>> THE UTILITIES ALSO COVERS THE SOLAR GENERATION BECAUSE I THOUGHT THAT WAS
[00:30:02]
A SEPARATE TAX FOR LIKE THE SUBSTATIONS AND ASSOCIATED.>> CORRECT. I APOLOGIZE IF I'VE BEEN MISUNDERSTOOD THE QUESTION.
YOU HAVE THAT PIECE THAT YOU'RE REFERRING TO, WHICH WOULD BE THE SUBSTATION, THE ACTUAL PHYSICAL EQUIPMENT ON SITE.
THEN THE PROPERTY WILL SHOW UNDER THE REAL PROPERTY FOR THE ACTUAL ACREAGE THAT GETS CHANGED FROM TYPICALLY AT INDUSTRIAL.
WE'LL SHOW UNDER BOTH, DEPENDING ON WHICH PORTION OF THAT.
>> GOT IT. NOW FOR EXPENSES FIRST QUARTER IS USUALLY FAIRLY EASY.
THERE ARE SOME ONE TIME PAYMENTS EARLY IN THE YEAR.
A COUPLE OF THEM, YOU'LL SEE ARE SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN 25%.
BUT OVERALL, ALL THE DEPARTMENTS ARE DOING A GOOD JOB SO FAR AS STAYING WITHIN THAT 25%.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AS WE GO THROUGH, I'M NOT GOING TO GO THROUGH EACH DEPARTMENT.
I'M JUST GOING TO HIGHLIGHT A COUPLE OF THEM THAT ARE SLIGHTLY OFF.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AS WE GO, JUST STOP ME AND LET ME KNOW.
BUT I'M GOING TO LET DANNY TALK ABOUT THE COMMISSIONER'S LINE, SINCE HE KNOWS A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THAT SITUATION.
>> FIRST BUDGET ON THE LINE 10 COMMISSIONERS.
IF YOU LOOK AT SALARIES WERE BELOW ON THAT YEAR, 16% OF SALARY.
WHEN THE BUDGET WAS STRUCK BACK IN THE END OF MAY, BEGINNING OF JUNE, THE BOARD HERE REQUESTED A LITTLE DIFFERENT MODEL WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
WE HAD A SPECIAL COUNSEL TO THE COMMISSIONERS BUDGETED TO COME OUT OF THE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE.
THERE WAS A POSITION AND BENEFITS THAT IS REFLECTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE THAT WAS STRUCK AT THAT TIME.
AS WE SIT HERE TODAY, DECISIONS WERE MADE THAT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE OF WHERE WE WENT.
WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE COMMISSIONER'S BUDGET, IT COMES IN AT 20% OVERALL, WHICH IS UNDER WHERE WE TYPICALLY WOULD SEE THE 25%, BUT THEN JUMPING FORWARD TO AND SAY THE OFFICE OF LAW BUDGET.
YOU SEE WHERE WE NOW ARE OUTPACING THE 25 BECAUSE OF THAT RELATION WITH THAT VACANT POSITION.
>> THAT'S ONE OF THE ONES I HAD CIRCLED.
THERE WERE 40%, THAT'S BECAUSE OF THE SHIFT IN SALARY.
>> CORRECT. IDEALLY, IF WE COULD DO IT ALL AGAIN AND KNOW WHERE WE WERE AT TODAY, THAT VACANT POSITION WOULD HAVE BEEN PUT INTO THE OFFICE OF LAW AND PROBABLY PUT INTO LEGAL SERVICES.
THE MODEL THAT WE ARE TRACKING WITH THAT IS REALLY TAKING THAT OUT, PUTTING INTO THE OFFICE OF LAW AND MAKING SURE WE'RE STAYING IN LINE WITH THE BUDGET OVER THE TWO.
NOT TO HIT YOU WITH A HARD ONE, BUT THAT'S THE FIRST ONE THAT COMES UP AND IS REALLY THE JUSTIFICATION FOR THOSE TWO DEPARTMENTS.
>> THAT'S THE MOST COMPLICATED ONE.
AFTER THAT, WE HAVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS RIGHT ON PACE AT 23.
THEN WE HAVE THE CIRCUIT COURT PROGRAMS UPSTAIRS, THE PILOT PROGRAM AND PROBLEM SOLVING COURT, WHICH ARE REIMBURSABLE ONES, AND WE DID BILL FOR THE FIRST QUARTER FOR THOSE, SO THEY'RE RIGHT ON TRACK THROUGH THE FIRST QUARTER AS WELL.
CIRCUIT COURT IS AS WELL, AND OPHANS COURT, THE OTHER ONE THAT WE ALSO DO ARE RIGHT ON TRACK.
ELECTIONS, AS YOU CAN SEE, IS ONLY AT 11%, BUT THERE'S NO ELECTION IN NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR.
THEY'RE GOING TO BE SPENDING A LOT OF THEIR TIME IN THE THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTER GETTING READY FOR THE PRIMARY IN JUNE.
THAT'S WHY THEY'RE UNDER AT THIS POINT, WHICH WE EXPECT AND WE SEE EVERY YEAR WHEN THERE'S NOT A BIG ELECTION IN NOVEMBER.
OFFICE OF FINANCES RIGHT ON TRACK AT 24%.
WE DISCUSSED THE LAW OFFICE ALREADY.
WE DID HAVE A RETIREMENT IN THERE TOO, SO THAT IT IMPACTED THE FIRST QUARTER THERE WITH THAT.
PLANNING AND CODES IS WITHIN PACE AS WELL.
GENERAL SERVICES, AS YOU CAN SEE IS AT 90%, THAT'S DUE TO THE PAYMENTS IN JULY FOR A LOT OF THE INSURANCES AND LIABILITIES, AND THOSE THINGS THAT ARE A ONE TIME PAYMENT IN JULY.
WITH TECHNOLOGY NEXT, THEY ARE SLIGHTLY UNDER RIGHT NOW, BUT NOTHING TOO BAD THERE.
NEXT, WE HAVE THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENTS AND ALL THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS, AND ALL OF THOSE DEPARTMENTS ARE WITHIN PACE.
YOU CAN SEE CONTRACTOR PATROL ON BRIDGELY IS SLIGHTLY UNDER 25% RIGHT NOW, BUT WE WILL KEEP AN EYE ON THOSE THINGS.
SRO ELEMENTARY, RIGHT ON TRACK AT 25%.
FIRE COMPANIES, AS YOU CAN SEE, IS THAT 2%, BUT THAT'S BECAUSE SOME OF THE FUNDING COMES IN LATER IN THE YEAR TO DISBURSE OUT TO THEM FOR AMS FUNDS AND THOSE TYPE OF THINGS.
>> WHAT DO WE MAKE OUR DISBURSEMENTS TO THE BARGAIN?
>> JANUARY 1ST. IF EVERYTHING'S RECEIVED, WE'LL PAY THAT JANUARY 1.
[00:35:01]
>> ANIMAL CONTROL IS NEXT, AND THEY'RE SLIGHTLY UNDER THAT JUST VARIES WITH THE TIME OF YEAR AND WHAT THINGS ARE GOING ON THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
THEY DO HAVE SOME CONTRACTS THAT THEY PAY UPFRONT IN JULY PLUS THE REIMBURSABLE LINE.
THEY TRY AND DO IT EARLY IN THE YEAR SO THEY CAN SUBMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND RECEIVE THOSE TIMELY REIMBURSEMENTS.
THAT'S WHY THEY ARE SLIGHTLY OVER 25% AT THIS POINT.
>> IT LOOKS LIKE THE BIG DRIVER THERE IS EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT.
>> YES, WITH HIRING NEW STAFF AND DOING THOSE TYPE OF THINGS.
>> YES. WE HAVE THE EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT.
I THINK IN PROPORTION OF SIZE, THE MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS LIKE FOURTH FROM BOTTOM, $215,000.
THAT'S THE BIG MOTOROLA ONE THAT WAS ON THE AGENDA.
I THINK TWO OR THREE WEEKS AGO, YOU GUYS HAD ASKED ABOUT SO THAT'S A LARGE FUN PORTION OF THE BUDGET THAT REALLY PUSHES THEM UP EVERY YEAR.
>> INSURANCE PAYMENTS ARE THE ONE TIME.
>> WE HAVE EMS NEXT RIGHT ON AT 26% AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RIGHT THERE AT 22%.
THEN HUMANE SOCIETY AND THAT'S A QUARTERLY PAYMENT, SO THAT'S RIGHT ON AT 25%.
YOU HAVE YOUR LIQUOR LICENSE, WHICH IS 21%, SO THEY'RE ON PACE AS WELL.
THEN WE GET INTO PUBLIC WORKS.
THERE ARE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS THERE.
JOHNSON GRASS AND MOSQUITO CONTROL.
OBVIOUSLY, SUMMERTIME IS A BUSY TIME FOR THEM.
WE'LL PROBABLY SEE A DIP IN THAT AS THEY GET INTO QUARTER TWO AND QUARTER THREE.
THEY'RE DOING WELL. COUNTY BUILDINGS IS SLIGHTLY OVER.
THEIR OVERTIME IS THE BIG LINE THAT'S PUSHING THAT RIGHT NOW, BUT THAT WAS DUE TO SOME PROJECTS EARLY IN THE YEAR.
THEY REQUIRED SOME OVERTIME FROM THE STAFF, BUT THOSE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
WE SHOULD SEE THAT START TO EVEN OUT AS WE GO THROUGH THE YEAR.
THEN WE GET INTO HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, WHICH ARE A LOT OF THE QUARTERLY PAYMENTS TO THE DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS, SO THAT'S RIGHT ON PACE.
THEN WE HAVE EDUCATION AS WELL.
WE GET INTO RECREATION AND PARKS AND THEY ARE RIGHT ON PACE AT 24 AND 25%.
THEN WE HAVE OUR ARTS AND LIBRARY AND SOME OTHER THOSE THAT ARE ON QUARTERLY PAYMENTS.
THEY'RE RIGHT ON AT 25% AS WELL.
DEBT SERVICES WITH OUR PAYMENTS FOR BONDS.
WE DO THOSE ONCE A YEAR, USUALLY TOO, SO THAT'S WHY YOU SEE THEM NOW IN THIS FIRST QUARTER.
THEN OVERALL, LOOKING AT THE BOTTOM LINE, WE HAVE REVENUE OUTPACING EXPENSES IN THE FIRST QUARTER, WHICH WE'RE NOT SURPRISED ABOUT BECAUSE OF THE PROPERTY TAXES COLLECTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
RIGHT NOW, WE'RE 8.4 MILLION TO THE GOOD.
>> THIS IS FAIRLY TYPICAL FOR OUR FIRST QUARTER AND THE WAY THAT STACY MENTIONED THE TIMING OF MONEY IN AND MONEY OUT FOR THE COUNTY.
MOST OF YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE GOING TO BE VERY CASH HEAVY THROUGH THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTER, AND THEN THIRD AND FOURTH IS WHERE THINGS DIP OFF AND YOUR SPENDING, MOST OF THE MONEY THAT YOU SAVED UP TO THE FIRST TWO QUARTERS.
BUT WE TRY TO KEEP AN EYE ON THIS EVERY MONTH AND REALLY GO THROUGH HIGHLIGHT QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE, WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENTS TO HAVE ANSWERS AND FIGURE OUT WHY THINGS ARE ABNORMAL FROM WHAT WE SEE, AND SO FAR, THE THINGS THAT WE'VE QUESTIONED AND HAVE GONE THROUGH, HAVE ALL HAD LOGICAL ANSWERS AND SEEMED TO BE IN LINE WITH WHAT WE EXPECT FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR.
>>DANNY, IS THERE A WAY TO BREAK OUT THE BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX JUST SO WE CAN SEE THE INCREASE IN THAT, OR DOES THAT COME AS A LUMP SUM DISBURSEMENT FROM THE STATE CONTROLLER?
>> THERE'S ABOUT 15 PAYERS IN THE COUNTY THAT ACTUALLY PAY THAT.
IT'S A SMALL NUMBER THAT WE DO TRACT INDIVIDUALLY BY THE ACCOUNTS.
>> I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SEE SEPARATE THE PRIVATE INDUSTRY AS OPPOSED TO THE CHOP TANKS IN THE DEL MARVAS.
ANYONE NOT REGULATED, I DON'T KNOW.
JUST I GUESS THEY'RE ALL REGULATED.
I GUESS THE SOLAR GENERATING FACILITIES ARE NOT REGULATED BY A UTILITY COMMISSION LIKE DEL MARVAS CHOP TANK WOULD BE.
BUT WHAT I'M GETTING AT IS IS THAT THAT REVENUE SOURCE COULD POTENTIALLY LEAVE IN 20 YEARS WHEN THE PROJECTS SUPPOSEDLY RETURNED TO AGRICULTURE.
I'D JUST LIKE TO BREAK THAT OUT AND KNOW WHAT KIND OF MONEY.
YOUR CHOP TANKS AND YOUR DEL MARVAS ARE NOT GOING [OVERLAPPING]
>> IT'S A GOOD QUESTION. WE CAN LOOK INTO IT AND HOW WE'RE RECEIVING
[00:40:01]
THAT RECEIVING AND HOW WE HAVE TO REPORT THAT FOR THE AUDIT AND BREAK THOSE THINGS OUT.WE HAVE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS OR REPORTS FOR ITEMIZING AND BREAKING THAT OUT THROUGH UFR AND DIFFERENT THINGS.
>> I LIKE THE PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES THAT WE HAVE WITH CHERRYWOOD.
I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU WERE PLANNING ON REPORTING THAT.
I WOULD HAVE THAT LUMPED IN TOGETHER WITH ALL OF THE SOLAR.
>> I THINK ON THE BACK END, IT'S EASY ENOUGH FOR US TO BREAK THAT OUT.
IF AUDITING STANDARDS OF WHAT WE REQUIRED BY THE STATE IS ONE THING, BUT IF THERE'S AGAIN A WAY WE CAN DISSEMINATE THAT INFORMATION YOU GUY.
>> ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT BECAUSE I KNOW ABOUT WHERE THESE PROJECTS ARE, YOU RIDE BY THE ONE IN, IT'S GOT TO BE PRETTY CLOSE TO STARTING TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY.
AT THAT POINT, IT SHOULD START PAYING.
>> IT SHOULD AND OUR EXPERIENCE FRANKLY, WITH THOSE PROJECTS, IS THEY HAVE A YEARLY REPORT THAT THEY HAVE TO DO, AND THEY TYPICALLY LAG IN DOING THOSE.
TAKE, FOR EXAMPLE, ONE ON RELIANCE ROAD THAT EVERYBODY'S FAMILIAR WITH.
>> THEY DIDN'T PAY FOR FIVE YEARS.
>> I THINK WE WERE THREE YEARS BEHIND, AND THEN GOT IT CAUGHT UP IN THE FOURTH YEAR.
AGAIN, THAT'S NOT SOMETHING WE REGULATE.
IT'S ALL CONTROLLED BY STATE DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT AND TAXATION.
WE CAN CERTAINLY, LIKE, SAY, BREAK THAT DOWN AND KEEP TRACK OF THAT.
BUT SOMETHING LIKE I THINK THE [INAUDIBLE] PROJECT THAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.
>> WELL, I DON'T WANT IT TO LAG THREE YEARS.
WE NEED TO GET ON AND START HERE.
>> CAN HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS WITH STAT.
>> THAT'S WHY I'D LIKE TO SEE.
WE KNOW WHEN WE NEED TO THROW OUR WEIGHT AROUND A LITTLE BIT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE RECEIVING THE REVENUE THAT WE'RE DUE.
>> NOT CERTAINLY. WE'LL MAKE A NOTE, AND I HAVE A SPREADSHEET BREAKING OUT WHAT WE'RE GETTING NOW ALREADY.
IT SHOULDN'T BE HARD TO ITEMIZE THAT OUT.
>> YOU'VE ANSWERED MY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.
>> THANKS. MOVING ON TO THE CONSENT AGENDA.
IS THERE ANY QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, COMMENTS ABOUT ANYTHING ON THE CONSENT AGENDA? I THINK I HAVE ONE CORRECTION TO CLOSED SESSION MINUTES, I EMAILED THAT TO JENN.
>> ONE OF MY ONE OF MY NOTES THAT I MADE HERE WAS A UPDATE ON THE FELICA ROAD DRAINAGE.
>> I WAS GOING TO ASK WHERE WE WERE ON THAT, SO.
>> THIS IS THE CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
WE HAVE A MEETING WITH THE CONTRACTOR ON THURSDAY.
THE FARM HILL WHERE MOST OF THE PRACTICES ARE GOING IN IS STILL IN MILO AND ALFALFA.
THE PROPERTY OWNER SAYS THAT WILL BE COMING OFF BY END OF NOVEMBER.
WE'RE LOOKING AT STARTING CONSTRUCTION AFTER DECEMBER.
>> WE'RE UPDATING THE RESIDENTS AND LETTING THEM KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.
[Consent Agenda]
I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY CALLS FROM ANYBODY, GOOD. THANK YOU.>> I DO SEE WE HAVE A D FOR FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENT ON HERE.
I'M GOING TO BRING THAT UP DURING THE OPEN DISCUSSION PERIOD.
I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THIS D FOR FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENT OR ANY OF THEM THAT WE VOTED ON, BUT I JUST WANT TO TALK ABOUT DELEGATING THAT TO CRYSTAL DAD'S, OUR PLANNING CODES DIRECTOR, SO WE DON'T HAVE TO HAVE ALL OF THEM, BUT ANYWAY. GO AHEAD.
>> MR. BART, DID YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? NO.
>> I WOULD MOVE WE APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> ALL THOSE OPPOSED. THE AYES HAVE IT.
>> I HAVE TWO STAFFING ISSUES.
I WANT TO REALLY STAFF INTRODUCTIONS.
I WANT TO BRING UP WITH YOU, THE FIRST ONE.
SHE'S NOT HERE TODAY, BUT OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES IS STARTING TOMORROW.
SHE HAS A GREAT DEAL OF EXPERIENCE IN HUMAN RESOURCES, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT.
MOST RECENTLY, I GUESS, MORE IN THE, WHAT'S THE WORD I'M LOOKING FOR? I'LL JUST SAY MEDICAL INDUSTRY, HOSPITALS, THAT KIND OF THING.
BUT ANYWAY, WE'RE REALLY EXCITED TO HAVE HER START.
I'VE GOT A LONG LIST OF THINGS FOR HER TO BE WORKING ON.
[00:45:03]
SHE'S STARTING TOMORROW, SHE'LL BE GOING THROUGH ORIENTATION.SHE'S GOING TO SHE'S ASKED THE HR DEPARTMENT TO GIVE HER THE FULL ORIENTATION THEM LIKE SO SHE CAN ALSO PROVIDE SOME FEEDBACK ON THE MORNING.
THEN SHE'S GOT A LUNCH MEETING WITH THE DIRECTORS.
THEN WE'RE GOING TO GO FROM THERE, START JUST TALKING ABOUT NEXT STEPS AND THINGS FOR HER TO BE WORKING ON.
SHE WILL ALSO BE IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS MEETING ONE ON ONE WITH EACH DIRECTOR THE DIRECTORS ONLY JUST TO HEAR FROM THE DEPARTMENT ABOUT WHAT KINDS OF ISSUES THEY NEED HELP WITH WHERE THEY THINK THEY COULD MAYBE HAVE BETTER, DIFFERENT ASSISTANCE FROM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.
THEN AFTER THAT, WE PLAN TO INTRODUCE HER TO DEPARTMENT SO THAT ALL THE STAFF GETS A CHANCE TO MEET HER, AND THEN SHE'S GOT SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR TOWN HALL TO FORM WITH OUR STAFF AND OTHER WAYS THAT WE CAN BE MORE COLLABORATIVE WITH DIRECTORS AND THE STAFF IN GENERAL.
VERY EXCITED TO HAVE HER START.
I'LL BRING HER IN AT YOUR NEXT AGENDA, WHICH WOULD BE IN TWO WEEKS.
SINCE WE DO NOT HAVE A MEETING NEXT WEEK TO MEET OF YOU FORMALLY, OTHER OF COURSE WANT TO MEET HER IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THAT, ABSOLUTELY ARRANGE THAT.
I DON'T THINK YOU'RE FROM OUT OF MAAN STEVENS.
IS OUR GIS PERSON IN THE CAT DEPARTMENT.
LESLIE BROUGHT HIM IN TO THE MEETING TODAY.
[County Administrator’s Report]
HE HASN'T BEEN TO A COMMISSIONER MEETING YET JUST TO MAKE IT A FEEL FOR HOW OUR COMMISSIONER MEETINGS GO.AND I KNOW YOU'VE SEEN SOME OF MACANS MAPS.
HE'S DOING A REALLY GREAT JOB WITH MAPS FOR THE CP PLAN AND AS NEEDED WITH SOME OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
BUT I THINK I HEARD I WASN'T HERE LAST WEEK, BUT I HEARD FRANK HELD UP A MAP THAT WE HAD THAT MACAN HAD DONE FOR US A VISIT.
>> ANYWAY, MACAN HAS BEEN HERE A WHILE, GOING TWO MONTHS.
I THINK I WAS REMINDED THAT WE USED TO BRING NEW EMPLOYEES IN TO MEET THE BOARD, AND THAT HAS SLIPPED OVER, PROBABLY SINCE COVID IT'S BEEN A LITTLE BIT UP AND DOWN, BUT WE'RE GOING TO MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT.
I'VE GOT THAT MISS LIST ALSO TO MAKE SURE THAT AS WE HAVE NEW HIRES, THEY GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO COME IN HERE AND YOU CAN MEET THEM WITH A BASE TO THE MAIN. I THINK THAT'S ALL I HAVE TODAY.
>> WELL, THANK YOU, NATHAN. WELCOME TO CAROLINE COUNTY.
YOU PICKED A SHORT MEETING TO ATTEND.
MOVING ALONG PRETTY QUICKLY HERE.
>> COUNTY COMMISSIONER URBAN DISCUSSION PERIOD.
WHO WANTS TO GO FIRST. COMMISSIONER BARTZ?
>> I TALKED TO YOU YESTERDAY ABOUT SANDY BOINK ROAD.
DID YOU GET A CHANCE TO CHECK THAT, ROBIN.
>> I HAD HIM WITH A BUNCH YESTERDAY [OVERLAPPING] HE GOT FLOODED. IT WAS COMMISSIONER BARTZ.
>> MONDAYS. WE HEAR ALL THE ROAD COMPLAINTS OVER THE WEEKEND.
ROBIN GETS BOMBARD ON MONDAY MORNING.
>> I GOT HIM ON SUNDAY. [LAUGHTER] I GOT A COUPLE OF THINGS HERE.
CAN YOU UPDATE ME ON WHERE WE ARE WITH THE FIRE COMPANY TAX CREDIT? [NOISE]
>> YES. I DRAFTED THE ORDINANCE AND SENT IT TO DANNY.
HE GAVE ME SOME FEEDBACK YESTERDAY.
SENT IT BACK TO DANNY TO MAKE SURE IT WAS GOOD FROM HIS POINT OF VIEW, AND THEN WE WOULD PRESENT IT TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
>> GOOD. THANK YOU. LAST TUESDAY AFTER OUR MEETING, THERE WAS A MEETING WITH THE EMS WITH MARK SHERIDAN, MATT MARINE AND THE PEOPLE THAT ARE IN CHARGE ON THE GROUND FOR CHERRYWOOD.
I THINK I EMAILED THE INFORMATION TO YOU GUYS ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF THAT MEETING, BUT I THOUGHT IT WENT WELL.
WE TALKED ABOUT A POTENTIAL TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES.
WE TALKED ABOUT RESPONSE PLANS, ACCESS, KNOX BOXES, A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT.
THEY HAD THREE PEOPLE THERE FROM CHERRYWOOD.
I THOUGHT THEY WERE VERY RESPONSIVE AND PROVIDED GOOD INFORMATION.
[00:50:02]
[NOISE] THEY HAVE AGREED TO INCORPORATE SOME TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.WE GOT AN EMAIL YESTERDAY FROM STEVE WISE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT FOR BATTERY STORAGE IS BEING IMPLEMENTED INTO A NEW BILL.
I THINK THAT'S BEING INTRODUCED FOR INCLUDING REVISING OF NFP 855.
THE SAFETY PART OF THAT BILL THAT WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT SINCE 2017.
AS HE SAID, THE GLACIAL PACE OF MOVEMENT WITH THE STATE SEEMS TO BE AT LEAST MOVING. BUT WE WILL.
MARK SHERIDAN AND OUR EMERGENCY PLANNER, DOUG IS GOING TO KEEP FOLLOWING UP WITH THE SOLAR PEOPLE.
BUT I WAS ENCOURAGED BY THEIR WILLINGNESS TO SIT DOWN WITH US AND TALK ABOUT THIS, AND THEY SEEM THERE WEREN'T VERY MANY NOSE WHEN IT CAME TO THINGS THAT WE ASKED.
I THINK THAT'S MOVING IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION.
LAST THING IS, I THINK I SENT TO EVERYONE THE FINAL FOUR MACO LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES.
I DIDN'T AGREE WITH ALL THESE, BUT JUST ME.
BUT RESTORE HIGHWAY, USER REVENUE, HOUSING TOOLS FOR COUNTIES, SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION, RESTORE BALANCE IN THE STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIP, AND COUNTY BUDGET SECURITY.
THE COUNTY BUDGET SECURITY IS GOING TO TRY TO PUT A LITTLE PAUSE OR SOMETHING ON THE SHIFTING OF STATE EXPENSES TO COUNTIES.
I'M NOT A LITTLE BIT, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE HOUSING TOOL PART OF THIS BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE HOUSING LAST YEAR WAS THE BIG YEAR FOR SOLAR OR ENERGY WITH PREEMPTION OF COUNTIES.
THIS APPEARS TO ME TO BE A PREEMPTION ON ITS WAY FOR HOUSING.
I DON'T THINK IT'S GOING TO AFFECT THE COUNTY AS MUCH BECAUSE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IS PRETTY MUCH DICTATED BY THE AVAILABILITY OF WATER AND SEWER, WHICH WE DON'T, BUT I THINK THE TOWNS SHOULD PROBABLY BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR PREEMPTION OF LOCAL ZONING LAWS.
IT APPEARS TO ME THERE'S GOING TO BE A MOVE TO JUST SAY, THIS IS WHERE WE WANT HOUSING BUILT.
WE DON'T CARE WHAT YOUR ZONING LAWS SAY.
LAST WEDNESDAY, WAS A LONG TWO MEETINGS.
AT LEAST WE'VE NARROWED DOWN, I THINK WE STARTED WITH 50, WE ENDED UP WITH FOUR.
I THINK I DID EMAIL THAT TO YOU.
>> WE GOT THAT. I AGREE WITH YOU THAT THE HIGHWAY USER REVENUE OF DANNY AND STACEY JUST DID THE PRESENTATION.
WE'RE WE'RE ABOUT 1.5 MILLION BUDGETED EVERY YEAR.
THAT WAS RATED BACK DURING THE O'MALLEY ADMINISTRATION.
IT'S JUST BEEN REFUNDED A LITTLE BIT.
WE SAW 300,000 OR $400,000 AN INCREASE OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS.
THAT'S DUE TO SUNSET AFTER THIS FISCAL YEAR OR NEXT FISCAL YEAR.
IT'S SUNSETS, THAT SLIGHT INCREASE THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, SUNSETS.
>> THERE WAS A TIMING OF THAT THAT BROUGHT UP MUNICIPALITIES A LITTLE HIGHER THAN THE COUNTIES.
THEN THE COUNTIES HAD STAGGERED IN AND '26 OR 2027, THAT BILL STOPS, AND I THINK THE THOUGHT WAS SOMETHING ELSE WOULD BE REINTRODUCED.
>> WELL, I WOULDN'T BANK ON ANYTHING [OVERLAPPING].
THE CONSENSUS OF OPINION IS, AND THIS IS JUST A SHOT IN THE DARK HERE, BUT THIS COMING YEAR, BECAUSE IT'S AN ELECTION YEAR, IS GOING TO BE A REASONABLE YEAR.
THE OUT YEARS, WE'RE LOOKING AT IT.
THE NUMBER I HEARD WAS A FOUR BILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT.
EVERYTHING IS OFF THE TABLE AFTER NEXT YEAR.
I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE A YEAR TO YEAR, FIGHT HERE.
THAT PROBABLY MEANS TO ME THAT THE REASON FOR THIS BUDGET SECURITY INITIATIVE WAS TO TRY TO KEEP SOME OF THOSE COSTS AGAIN FROM SHIFTING BACK TO THE COUNTIES.
WE ALREADY HAD I THINK 115 MILLION LAST YEAR,
[00:55:01]
110 OR 115 MILLION.THE PESSIMISTIC ME ALWAYS I THINK THERE'S MORE ON THE WAY.
BUT THAT'S WHAT THAT INITIATIVE WAS ABOUT.
>> BUT THE HIGHWAY USER REVENUE, MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE'S A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT WAYS THAT STATES HANDLE IT.
SOME STATES ALLOW COUNTIES TO HAVE TAXING AUTHORITY, WHERE THEY ACTUALLY SET VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES OR GET A PORTION OF THE GAS TAX OR TAGS AND ALL THOSE OTHER FEES.
THE STATE DOES IT ALL OR YOU HAVE THE MODEL WHERE THE STATE TAKES CARE OF ALL THE ROADS, AND THEY COLLECT ALL THE MONEY.
THEN YOU'VE GOT THE WAY MARYLAND DOES IT, WHERE THE COUNTIES HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE ROADS, BUT THEY DON'T HAVE ANY REVENUE GENERATION ABILITY.
WE RELY TOTALLY ON THE STATE TO COLLECT ALL THE REVENUES AND THEN SEND US A DISBURSEMENT.
THAT MODEL HAS PROVEN TO BE DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE LEGISLATURE DECIDES TO RAID THE TAG LICENSE, GAS TAX FOR OTHER PURPOSES OTHER THAN ROAD MAINTENANCE.
>> WELL, I REMEMBER MY FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE, THE PRIOR YEAR, IF I RECALL, HIGHWAY USER FUNDS WERE FOUR MILLION AND AND THE FIRST YEAR I CAME IN, THEY CUT IT TO 400,000.
THAT'S A BIG HIT IN A SMALL BUDGET LIKE THAT.
THE SCHOOL FUNDING, I THINK A LOT OF THE PROGRAMS THAT THE STATE WAS USING TO FUND SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION HAVE ALSO SUNSET IT.
I THINK THAT THEY'RE NOW SEARCHING FOR A NEW SOURCE OF FUNDING MECHANISM FOR NEW SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION.
I THINK WE DID A GOOD JOB WITH GETTING THE THREE ITEMS THAT SHOULD HELP US HERE.
I AGREE WITH YOU THAT THE HOUSING TOOL IS CONCERNING.
>> I WAS HOLDING OUT FOR A LITTLE BIT MORE TO DEAL WITH SOLAR, BUT I THINK THEY'VE PRETTY MUCH PUNTED ON SOLAR.
I THINK THE SOLAR IS THERE, AND THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THAT.
BUT I WAS LOOKING AT IT FROM A STANDPOINT OF CONNECTING IT WITH HOUSING AND SOLAR, BECAUSE I TRIED TO POINT OUT TO THEM THAT THE CHABERTON PROJECT OUTSIDE OF FEDERALSBURG, USED UP LESLIE, CORRECT? ONE OF THE FEW AREAS THAT WE HAD DESIGNATED FOR HOUSING AND HAD WATER AND SEWER AVAILABILITY TO IT.
IF YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT HOUSING.
THAT RULING TOOK AWAY ONE OF THE FEW AREAS THAT WE COULD HAVE EXPANDED HOUSING, AND NOW IT WILL BE COVERED WITH SOLAR PANELS.
BUT NO, THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HEAR IT.
>> SOUNDS GOOD. I HAD THREE THINGS.
I SENT AN EMAIL TO CRYSTAL AND KATHLEEN AND STEWART, I BELIEVE, I COPIED YOU GENTLEMEN ON IT, REGARDING THE FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENTS THAT WE APPROVE ON OUR CONSENT AGENDA ON MOST EVERY MEETING.
IT WAS POINTED OUT TO ME THAT OTHER COUNTIES HAVE DELEGATED THE APPROVAL AUTHORITY FOR THE FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENTS TO THEIR PLANNING DIRECTORS.
IT'S A BOILER PLATE AGREEMENT OR EASEMENT RECORDATION THAT WE REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY AUTHORITY TO CHANGE OR I GUESS IF WE WERE GOING TO CHANGE THE TEMPLATE, I WOULD ASK THAT IT COME BACK TO US FOR OUR CONSIDERATION.
BUT THE APPROVAL OF EACH INDIVIDUAL EASEMENT ALSO GETS BOGGED DOWN BY THE APPLICANTS BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO WAIT.
THEY GET APPROVAL THROUGH THE OFFICE OF LAW, THEY GET APPROVAL THROUGH PLANNING AND CODES, AND THEN THEY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL WE GET IT ON OUR AGENDA TO APPROVE IT, AND DEPENDING ON OUR SCHEDULE, IT COULD BE 2-3 WEEKS.
IN ORDER TO SPEED UP THE PERMIT ISSUANCE AND THAT WHOLE PROCESS, I ASKED STEWART TO LOOK INTO.
IF WE COULD JUST DELEGATE IT TO CRYSTAL DAD'S OR PLANNING CO-DIRECTOR, WHICH STEWART SAID WE CAN.
IF YOU GUYS OKAY WITH THAT? MAKES SENSE TO ME.
THE OTHER THING WAS THE DOG LICENSES THAT CAME UP AT OUR LAST MEETING.
I ASKED JESSE HAMICK TO LOOK INTO WHAT OTHER LICENSING REQUIREMENTS OR WHAT DOG LICENSING REQUIREMENTS,
[01:00:02]
OTHER JURISDICTIONS, OTHER COUNTIES HAD.I BRIEFLY READ JUST BECAUSE I WAS LOOKING AT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE THIS MORNING AND CARROLL COUNTY WAS IMMEDIATELY BELOW US.
CARROLL COUNTY IS A MAY ISSUE, DOG LICENSES.
BUT CAROLINE SAYS SHALL ISSUE.
I THINK THE REQUEST, IF YOU GUYS ARE OKAY, I WOULD ASK OR START TO TALK TO OUR DELEGATION, SPECIFICALLY DELEGATE GRACE ABOUT POTENTIALLY DOING A STATE CODE CHANGE TO MAYBE CHANGE US FROM A SHALL ISSUE TO A MAY ISSUE, MAYBE THE CLEANEST THING.
BECAUSE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE THAT SPELLS THIS ENTIRE PROCESS OUT ALSO IS THE ARTICLE THAT GIVES THE COUNTY AUTHORITY TO DO ANIMAL CONTROL ACTIVITIES.
I THINK IT ACTUALLY SAYS IN THE ARTICLE THAT OUR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS HAVE FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES, I THINK IS THAT POLICE POWERS, EVEN.
I DON'T KNOW THAT WE WANT TO GET INTO OR CAN GET INTO TOTALLY ABOLISHING THE WHOLE ARTICLE, BUT IF WE JUST CHANGED FROM A SHALL TO A MAY, DO YOU THINK THAT'D BE A REASONABLE REQUEST?
>> IT SAYS IN CAROLINE COUNTY ON OR BEFORE JULY 1ST OF EACH YEAR, A PERSON OWNING OR KEEPING A DOG SHALL APPLY TO THE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR FOR A LICENSE FOR THE DOG IF THE DOG IS AT LEAST SIX MONTHS OLD.
IF YOU GUYS ARE A WITH THAT, CAN I TALK?
>> DOES THAT MAKE IT MORE COMPLICATED? DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DOG?
>> WELL, CAROLL COUNTY SAYS MAY.
WE COULD STRIKE THE WHOLE SENTENCE, BUT WHATEVER THE EASIEST.
>> WHO'S GOING TO LICENSE THEIR DOG.
YOU'RE NOT SURE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE LICENSING? [OVERLAPPING].
>> IF WE CHANGE IN MAY, IT GIVES US THE OPTION.
THE COMMISSIONERS THE OPTION ON WHETHER TO INSTITUTE A LICENSE OR NOT.
>> OBVIOUSLY, NOBODY'S FOLLOWING IT EITHER WAY.
FROM THE NUMBERS, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN?
>> WE HAVE 100 LICENSES IN THE COUNTY.
THERE'S MORE THAN 100. [LAUGHTER].
>> WELL, YOU NEED A SPECIAL LICENSE, BECAUSE IF YOU GOT MORE THAN FIVE, [OVERLAPPING] YOU GOT TO HAVE A KENNEL LICENSE. [LAUGHTER].
>> TO MAKE SURE YOU GET IN THERE AND GET WHAT YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO, IF YOU GOT A KENNEL OUT THERE.
>> BUT ANYWAY, I MEAN, IT GOES ON TO SAY THAT THE COUNTY SHALL YOU WEREN'T HERE FOR THE DISCUSSION, KATHLEEN.
IT SAYS THAT THE COUNTY SHALL PREPARE AND SUPPLY TAGS TO THE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR EACH YEAR, WHICH I'M ASSUMING, IS THAT DANNY? YOU'RE THE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR? [LAUGHTER] WE GET HIM A NEW SIGN TO PUT ON HIS DOOR.
>> IF WE COLLECT LICENSE FEES, WHERE DOES THAT REVENUE GO?
>> BUT HISTORICALLY IT'S BEEN GOING TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY.
BACK WHEN WE USED TO COLLECT THE MONEY AT THE COUNTER THAT WOULD GET PAID YEARLY TO THE MAIN SOCIETY.
THE COMMISSIONER SHALL PREPARE AND SUPPLY TAGS TO THE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR EACH YEAR.
THE TAG SHALL BE COMPOSED OF METAL, IMPRINTED WITH A SERIAL NUMBER BECAUSE CORRESPONDING TO THE NUMBER OF THE LICENSE ISSUED TO THE OWNER.
IMPRINTED WITH THE CALENDAR YEAR THAT THE TAG IS ISSUED, BE ONE INCH OR LESS IN LENGTH AND EQUIPPED WITH A SUBSTANTIAL METAL FASTENER.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER SHALL CHANGE THE GENERAL SHAPE OF THE TAG EACH YEAR.
TAG SHOULD BE SUPPLIED TO OWNERS OF KENNELS, SHALL OBTAIN THE WORD KENNEL.
I THINK INSTEAD OF GETTING INTO CHANGING ALL OF THIS, IT MAY JUST BE EASIER TO CHANGE IT FROM SHALL TO MAY.
BUT I'LL TALK TO DELEGATE GRACE ABOUT THAT, THE OTHER DELEGATES, SENATORS.
>> I FORESEE A VISIT BY THE HUMANE SOCIETY.
THOSE WERE THE TWO AND THEN ALSO WE HAVE NO MEETING NEXT WEEK BECAUSE TUESDAY FALLS ON VETERANS DAY, SO THERE WILL BE NO COMMISSIONER MEETING NEXT WEEK.
WITH THAT, I WOULD OPEN IT UP TO ANY PUBLIC COMMENT.
IS THERE ANYONE IN ATTENDANCE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK THIS MORNING? NONE SEEN.
I WOULD ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION UNDER GENERAL PROVISIONS, ARTICLE 3-305 B78 AND 3 TO CONSULT WITH LEGAL COUNSEL TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING
[County Commissioners Open Discussion Period]
[01:05:04]
A SPECIFIC POTENTIAL SALES AGREEMENT AND TO CONSULT WITH STAFF CONSULTANTS OR OTHER INDIVIDUALS ABOUT PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, AND TO CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE AND MATTERS DIRECTLY RELATED THERE TOO.>> A MOTION AND A SECOND, NEED A ROLL CALL VOTE. COMMISSIONER PORTER.
>> LET'S TAKE RECESS.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.