Carroll County, MD Board of County Commissioners Open Sessions, 21 Sep 2023

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From YouTube: Board of Carroll County Commissioners Open Session September 21, 2023

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https://www.carrollcountymd.gov
Priority Carroll 5:36

Briefing/Decision – Update on the Farm Museum’s Maintenance Building Replacement Status and Seek Direction 1:01:28

Grant – Approval to Submit Application and Acceptance of Award – FY24 Child Support Administration Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement 1:22:57

Grant – Approval to Submit Application and Acceptance of Award – FY24 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 1:26:53

Grant – Approval to Submit Application and Acceptance of Award – FY24 Child Support Enforcement Agreement – Sheriff’s Office 1:30:05

Grant – Approval of County Match – Sheriff’s Office Overtime Grants 1:32:40

Contract Award – On-Site PFAS Testing at the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) 1:34:38

Approval – Two (2) Legislative Initiatives – Procurement Authority/Reserve the Right to Hold Permits for Unpaid Personal Property Taxes 1:42:45

Transfer of Funds – Operating – Approval of Resolution O.24.02 for Sinkhole Mitigation Funding for Medford and Avondale Roads 1:51:08

Approval to Purchase – Emergency Road Work – Sink Holes 1:52:20

Contract Award – Remove and Replace Side Steps & Sidewalk 1:54:25

Administrative Session ~ Open 1:56:06

A

Okay, good morning, it's thursday september 21st uh welcome to open session.

A

um Just want to make sure okay, we just have the open session for this morning and nothing closed.

A

So, uh let's rock and roll and let's start with uh pledge of allegiance in a moment of silence,.

B

To the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands.

C

One nation, under god, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

A

Okay, we have priority carol, see what's on our minds in.

A

A proclamation and then we'll get right into.

A

To open session topics, commissioner garen or not well go ahead, commissioner. Karen I was going to.

A

Start, that's fine! If you want to no, no, you doesn't bother good whatever yeah, whatever you want to do,.

D

Well, we're doing it okay, good morning. Sorry about that yeah! No! That's fine! That's fine!.

D

The cold open is always a little tough good morning. Carroll county I've got a.

D

Couple things on my mind, but I first wanted to share an experience. I had sunday morning.

D

I attended the second ride for responders event at the carroll county equestrian center for.

D

Those of you not familiar with the equestrian center, it's located down in woodbine in my.

D

District, almost to the howard county line, what a fantastic event it's! It was a second annual event.

D

We had a little bit of rain, but there were a lot of people there. Last year they had even more rain.

D

And I was really amazed at how much money they raised. I won't mention the amount, but it was it.

D

Was in the thousands going for a good cause, then, and this year the donations that any proceeds.

D

Raised we're going to go to the winfield fire company, the lisbon fire company and to purchase.

D

Two vests for canine dogs, again just a terrific event. There's some of the wind fields, vehicles.

D

I am not a horse person, but I am always amazed when I see people on horses exercising.

D

Horsemanship- and I am just it- was just fascinating- to see all the age groups there.

D

um Young and old, I was happy to be standing outside the paddock fence watching them because.

D

There are some really big horses there and even bigger horses coming up for mule days.

D

Here in a couple weeks, at the same location. But if you can go back to the photograph.

D

So again, there's there's me, but there's barbara and uh rachel carr and jill garenko here with me.

D

Some of the main organizers for the event, I also want to help thank joe dragon and uh carol garber.

D

For their help and assistance again, we had a great time there will be running this event next year.

D

I'll be mentioning it before it happens and let's, let's get out there, carroll county and.

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Support this event and all the other great ones that we have going on in the county, two follow-on.

D

Comments, it was mentioned in last week's priority, carol the issue of of mandates and masks and.

D

The coveted shot came up and things of that nature and it's clear that there's a majority of.

D

This board that once to make sure people exercise their own free will, when it comes to masks social.

D

Distancing and things like that in the future, so count me as one of those people who want to put.

D

The county and the county employees at ease that those are things we will not be going back to and.

D

If we have to create an order- and so we have to make a vote we'll do that- I don't think we.

D

Do right now, but I think, what's more important than that is to just let people know that the.

D

Decision will be yours going forward, and I think that I think of several of us up to this point and.

D

There may be others have made that very clear and that's a message for businesses, county employees.

D

Residents that we're not doing that again, it amazes me, as a parent of three teenagers during.

D

That time, that very difficult time, when they were locked out of school to see other parents taken.

D

Out of their free time to go, ensure and protest that my kids should be wearing masks and they were.

D

Even parents who advocating that school shouldn't even open those things happened in front of the.

D

School board, those are real things, and I'm always amazed by that. Most of us who had people at home.

D

Kids at home were struggling with this issue of being locked out of school and trying to work.

D

And make a living, we didn't really have a whole lot of time to go up there and counter protest.

D

I guess if you will, but it always amazed me that they were parents who wanted to keep the schools.

D

Closed and wanted to keep masks on the kids and I'll, never quite understand that. Another thing.

D

I don't understand is how probably maybe some of those same parents are showing up at school board.

D

Meetings and advocating that sexually explicit and pornographic material should be in our schools.

D

I know that some of some people in the county have taken a close look at who some of those folks are.

D

And again it's their right: they can do it, but many of them don't live in the county. That's.

D

Not a surprise, but I'm amazed by that as well. The school system is taking a very hard and I think.

D

Measured look at how to handle this issue, but you shouldn't have to argue that some of those books.

D

Don't belong in a school they're not being banned if you're a parent, and you want to purchase those.

D

Books for your personal library and do that as bedtime stories, that is completely up to you.

D

That would be a little weird, but it's your choice because we're here talking about choice.

D

So I wanted to mention those two topics: they're important. I had some colleagues.

D

Mention that last week- and I wanted to be clear where I fell on that this is about.

D

And it always should be about education. What are we doing in our public school systems that are.

D

Teaching, kids, that should be the bottom line. It's unfortunate that these things are a distraction.

D

But I do support the actions of the school system, our board of education, and I appreciate the effort.

D

That a lot of the parents are taking to have some of these things removed at great personal.

D

Sacrifice in some cases, some of them are being attacked viciously.

D

And it's unfortunate, but it's it's the world we live in, so I wanted to make it clear on those.

D

Two points, and that is all for me, commissioner, gordon thank you good morning. I wanted to mention.

E

A couple things, obviously the first being this past saturday was the 39th maryland wine festival.

E

At the carroll county farm museum, it was a very well attended event and the weather couldn't have.

E

Been nice, including our secretary of ag kevin addicts, it was great to see him. I also was able.

E

To catch up with a friend of mine, kimberly of philosophy, winery and vineyard, it's the.

E

First african-american woman-owned winery in the state of maryland. We have a number of female-owned.

E

Wineries in carroll county now I know that may not be something everybody's totally familiar.

E

With but it's always great to see new people getting into various businesses and it was a.

E

Pleasure to talk to a number of them, I'm hoping to have some follow-up conversation learn more.

E

About what they're doing and potentially how we may be able to work with them economically, as.

E

They grow their businesses with our economic development group here in the county, but all.

E

In all, it was a great day and obviously next year is going to be the 40th wine festival, so.

E

I'm really looking forward to seeing what uh what great ideas and how we we pull that off next year,.

E

Wanted to mention a couple of upcoming events. It will be uh this sunday, sunday september, 24th.

E

There will be a gold star family event that is being held at the luminary event at 6 p.m, and.

E

A ceremony following at seven this will be uh bridging life. That is, is holding that event.

E

Was not it's an opportunity to light luminaries in honor of gold, star families and their loved.

E

Ones killed in action, I'll also be honoring, other veterans and first responders, who have passed so.

E

Just wanted to mention that event if anyone's interested in turning out, I think that'll be a.

E

Wonderful event to uh turn out to and respect and give support to those that that have done so much.

E

For us also this one's a little farther down, but on november 10th there will be a veterans honoring.

E

Of honoring breakfast by lifebridge as well, which will be honoring veterans and that's friday,.

E

November 10th and that'll be at the east pavilion at carroll hospital. Thank you, that'll be another.

E

Well-Attended and successful event, I have no doubt one other thing. I did want to mention up event.

E

Wise that many people in the westminster community in carroll county as a whole are obviously aware.

E

Of is tonight's, the beginning of fall fest. So tonight uh we'll have the parade starting.

E

I think around seven o'clock or so and then we will have uh farfest continuing from thursday.

E

Through the rest of the weekend, uh fingers and toes crossed on the weather, the weekend looks a.

E

Little rainy to say the least, but it's always a great time and I myself will be handing out the.

E

Pumpkins for kids this year, as I always do with a personal friend and small business owner and.

E

Ag so I will be there tonight and the parade as well one other topic I want to bring up. I know.

E

We've talked about kids, going back to school when safety regarding buses and just people in general.

E

But there was an incident recently in cockeysville and I realize that's not in carroll county but.

E

This is important. There were two pedestrians that were hit last weekend in cockeysville. One.

E

Was fatally killed, unfortunately, and the other was seriously injured and I just want to make.

E

This point to everybody whether you're driving, whether you're walking try to be as cognitive or.

E

Cognizant and aware, as you can be, I know at times we're distracted when we're driving we're driving.

E

That usual path, whether it's to a lunch meeting or home or whatever we're you know, maybe playing.

E

With the radio in the car, but please just try to be really really aware. I had a conversation.

E

Earlier this week with the city of westminster regarding one specific area in westminster- and I.

E

Know various citizens had reached out to me and I believe a couple have reached out to some with the.

E

City as well, the the intersection of maine west main bond and john street some of those uh some.

E

Of those lights are a little tricky timing, wise and also you have situations where the public is.

E

Having a lot of serious risk as they cross that drivers aren't really paying attention completely.

E

And there's there's been a few close calls. I've had a few people reach out and call me, so it was.

E

A good productive conversation with the city, but just just everybody, just try to be careful.

E

Because you know the last thing we want to see is somebody seriously injured or killed anywhere.

E

But definitely in carroll county. So just if you could just try to be aware, as you're out there.

E

And I appreciate that and that's all I have today thanks uh commissioner kyler um thank.

F

You and uh I'll start, um I love carroll county and this is a great job and thank you guys.

F

A couple things boy state: I was lucky enough to take a candidate.

F

For boys state- and he probably wants to go to a service academy down to hampstead's american.

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Legion to talk about the application process and what all happens and and he's a great kid.

F

And has a great resume and I'm sure he'll be successful at both things. But one of.

F

The things that came up- and I know boy states been getting a little smaller in the last few years and.

F

We really need to encourage kids to go to that. If it it's, it's somewhat military. It's also.

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Government, they elect officials and they start out as a dictatorship and then transition to.

F

Where they elect their own people, it's a great learning experience it's at it's at almost at.

F

Western maryland, it's not mcdaniel, um but um the american legions don't get kids applying.

F

And you don't have to do it at your local legion. You can. If, if hampstead has too many, I can bug.

F

Commissioner rothstein and try to get one in sykesville or something but and and in.

F

Particular they don't have a lot of people from baltimore city. They don't have many from as many.

F

From carroll county, as I think we should, but they don't have very many from baltimore city.

F

I'm going to try to go through the wrestling community and uh beat the streets wrestling.

F

In baltimore and some things to try to get it, but I just wanted to encourage everybody to.

F

Look at it, I think a lot of people don't even know it happens and there's also a girl state.

F

The auxiliaries at the legions do those and it's a little bit different rules like a lot of things. I.

F

Think they're starting to mesh and there be more similar as time goes on, but they're they're both.

F

Great great events and for service academies, I think attending boy states counts as 25 positive.

F

Points on your application, so I just wanted to uh mention that and and the legions are great um vfws.

F

Are great they're all the veterans in in carroll county? It's it's amazing. What all we do, but.

F

These um young kids, high school kids, you go between your junior and senior year, so it.

F

It's not too, if you have uh a son or daughter in high school, it's not too early to start.

F

Talking about it, I went down to finksburg to the state highways meeting for 91 and 140.

F

um Essentially, they have a very poor design solution to a problem down there.

F

And uh I think enough, citizens were there who use that intersection every day.

F

That they got the message and they're going to hold another meeting at sandy mount elementary.

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Probably that'll be more of a town hall and uh more organized. I think they knew. I think.

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They they learned in a couple days before it what they were going to see that night and I give them.

F

Credit they could have easily canceled it. That would have looked bad and I'm so glad they had it.

F

And people got to talk, but if you're interested in 91 and 140 that's a very busy intersection.

F

Please look out for the town hall meeting that the state's going to do along with that sometime.

F

In the next three four five months, probably the project's going to start for the two bridges on.

F

91, which will be an extensive detour I haven't yet. I will today I wanna email, district, seven and.

F

Ask them if they have a potential start date and encourage them to put up a couple signs that say.

F

Construction starting december 1st october, whatever it is october 1st, I'm not sure the date.

F

But a lot of rumors are going around finksburg how quickly it started. I did get to speak at a.

F

Chamber breakfast this week- and that was great- it's great some of the events that the chamber.

F

Does organize in carroll county? It was a good crowd there and, and I think, a a good breakfast.

F

I was also a veterans advisory and that's always great- and it's always great to hear from so many.

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Different veterans and it and it's good attendance era, I always wish you know.

F

More people would come, but we have some of the representatives for our congressmen and senators.

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In d.c that are regularly there and listen and and comment, and it's just nice to see all that.

F

I had I was at the community college's trustees meeting last night.

F

And that's another jewel. We have here in carroll county and a couple things.

F

They talked about workforce development and how they're working on that they had.

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Representatives down in arundel, when we were there now, some of them came monday, wednesday.

F

We have to be there tuesday, but but they were there and they they complimented. What.

F

Carroll county does and what heather powell does so that was nice to hear last night.

F

We also talked a little bit about covid. Some things are just coming back and.

F

Commissioner, garrett alluded to it and he had teenage boys at home, so he took.

F

The brunt of it, but uh these kids are just recovering from some of it and I understand.

F

The fear the lies we were told and, and it was new and we had to react, but we we just then.

F

And we we talked about that at the colleagues last night. We just can't let this happen to.

F

Kids again now, one of the things I want to emphasize and and commissioner karen said it.

F

But I don't think we can say it loudly enough. I am not opposed to mask. I don't care if you get a.

F

Vaccine once a month, I'm for individual rights. If you want to do that, go do it and if you feel safer.

F

So be it if you feel ill and you think a mask is protecting, do it, but don't tell me I have to do it.

F

Because I I have my individual rights also, so I I and- and you said it, but I just wanted to piggyback.

F

It I'm doing my podcast this week and what I'm doing this week is rick baker is going to join me.

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And he'll talk about half the time I figure I'm boring enough for 10 or 15 minutes. So.

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We'll have somebody else for a third or half of it. If anybody else is ever interested in.

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Piggyback in any of my podcasts, please holler I'd love to have people do it. I mentioned last.

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Week but I went to the opioid prevention meeting for two hours at the health department, which was.

F

Awesome- and I just I just want to mention that again, uh you know we get concerned.

F

About covid, for instance, but suicides, mental health, drug abuse, that's.

F

That's a way bigger issue, and we and we've got to focus on that. Commissioner garen also.

F

Mentioned uh books at the school and yes, they're not being banned and and I look at both sides- the.

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People asking for it to be reviewed, they have every right to do it, the people that think they.

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Ought to be in school, they have every right to think that also again they're making a.

F

Decision that affects my grandchildren, so I'm not sure I want it and I will say I love carroll.

F

County, I also love my wife rhonda banned sexual content and porn at our house, and I follow it.

C

Well, good morning, everybody I, uh as uh my fellow commissioners, know, I spoke about these two topics.

C

At length last week, so all I'll say this morning in that regard is that I once again echo the.

C

The same thoughts and concerns up here is that I also want to say that it really is a pleasure.

C

And a privilege to be able to serve with with all of you so earlier this week I had the privilege.

C

Of taking a tour of the lehigh cement plan, which is now under heidelberg materials over in union,.

C

Bridge chad, green, the plant safety manager and also the chief at the union bridge fire company.

C

Was gracious enough to lend me some of his time to show me around from the top of the town? You do.

F

Look quite safe, I I didn't fall off, so it's a big fall. Yes, and what so what's interesting is when.

C

You're up there, you have buzzards and hawks, and all these other kinds of birds of prey that are.

C

Flying level with you and that's interesting, to see them at that at that height at that eye level,.

C

um So again, uh chad green was gracious enough to show me around and to lend me some of his.

C

Time and uh so to me, it's really incredible what that company is able to do how professional they.

C

Are how community oriented they are? um They move over 3 million tons of materials a year, they're.

C

Globally, recognized they're, always looking forward and they're, always looking to support union bridge.

C

In carroll county through different events, functions and other activities, and I really.

C

Do believe that they are a blessing to our county and I can't wait to go back for another visit and.

C

Then, probably for me, the coolest thing was to go to the bottom of the old quarry. The the length.

C

Of this thing, it takes a mile over a mile to get from the plant to the back of the quarry, and you.

C

Really don't get the sense of the scale of this place until you stand at the bottom, it's over 300.

C

Feet down, and I just it really is an incredibly uh it just. It really is an incredible place.

C

um And yes, I was wearing a tie and a jacket, as you can tell so I add that to my list now say.

C

Anything all right, I I saw the look. I saw the look, so I've ridden an e-bike in a suit. Now.

C

I've played pickleball in a suit and I've gone up and down into a quarry in a tie and a jacket. So.

C

So in the uh so, in the weeks ahead we have some awesome autumn events coming up in district, one.

C

Tiny town has its annual harvest fest coming up on saturday september, 30th from 11 a.m, to 3 p.m.

C

At taneytown memorial park admission is free, there will be pony, rides, a petting zoo games.

C

Bounce houses, a straw, maze, hayrides and live music by the twisted blues band. There are also going to.

C

Be many food and craft vendors there, as well in union bridge on october 1st, the union bridge fire.

C

Company, ladies auxiliary will be holding their apple dumpling sale at the fire hall featuring.

C

Baked unbaked and sugar-free apple dumplings on october 6th, the union bridge lions club will be.

C

Holding their polish pottery bingo at new windsor fire hall, and yes, I did read that correctly.

C

I think it's always wonderful. When carol's municipalities cross boundaries for community.

C

Events, because that truly does demonstrate the sense of community that we in our county have.

C

Last but not least, new windsor's annual music on the main event will return on saturday october, 7th.

C

From 1 o'clock p.m to seven o'clock p.m, they're going to be all kinds of activities and fun things.

C

To do there, including face painting for the kids in a bounce house, be all kinds of craft.

C

And food vendors, as well as well as live music. I've been to a number of these events over the.

C

Years and they're all very much worth attending and, commissioner rossi, that's all for me. This.

C

Morning, thank you, okay. Thank you. One more thing. His preparation always makes me think of something.

F

I skipped and I had it written down maryland print house is going to have a ribbon cutting tomorrow.

F

With the chamber and they're now in westminster at the old spider web building near the airport,.

F

Noon to two I think tomorrow, saturday saturday did I say tomorrow, I'm sorry yeah, it's it's.

F

Saturday, you're that excited about it, you're moving it ahead. Yes and and my excitement is.

F

They left melrose in my district and moved to your district, but you know they're still in.

F

Carroll, county and and they're a great bunch that that's a bunch of uh I call them kids.

F

uh A couple of them straight from high school decided they wanted to form a company instead.

F

Of going away to college and they form maryland print house and they've, been very creative and.

F

Very innovative and done done pretty well, they lost when covet hit and we took 15 days to calm.

F

Down, they lost multiple orders of t-shirts from schools, from sports teams from rec teams.

F

And a week later they were selling masks, so I give them credit they they adapt and it's a good.

F

Bunch of people- young men, young women, not kids and please support them. So no, it's all good! So you you.

A

Lost them, but you gained homes, yeah yeah, okay, so so it's a swap from even trouble. [Laughter].

E

So from three to two and two to three: okay, uh a couple things as shared by commissioner.

A

Gordon, the wine festival was awesome, uh got my mom out there and she just really enjoyed it.

A

With uh with uh audrey and friends, and a good recommendation from commissioner gordon on the.

A

um uh The wine philosophy, which one philosophy, yeah philosophy and uh what was really cool.

A

About philosophy is, I bought a bottle of cold white, whatever was probably pinot and she says.

A

Would you like a bag, I said, are you kidding me he's like this ain't going nowhere, but down my.

B

Gully that day, so uh I don't think we've brought any wine back through a bag, but we did uh partake.

A

In lots of different uh wines and the venue was of course, wonderful appreciate the uh the awesome.

A

Weather there wasn't a cloud in the sky and uh really a lot of um you know kudos to the um farm.

A

Museum team, along with uh all those in support our sheriff's department, um was out there.

A

You know, and everybody just seemed to have just a great time uh during that that event, um I did.

A

Go to commissioner kyler's breakfast yesterday at the chamber, um at the north carolina library.

A

um Did I keep you awake, you did barely. No, you did um the the chamber. Does such a good job.

A

Promoting opportunities for small businesses in the community and hosting these breakfasts, where.

A

We get to speak uh pretty much unscripted on what we believe or our priorities in the community and.

A

Now, commissioner, chicago did a great job I felt and what you know to uh to bring it down into.

A

um What he shared, not all of the details, but the responsibilities as a commissioner and.

A

The responsibilities as a commissioner comes down to allocation of resources, time people and money.

A

And really, overall, all the things you shared that you know that's what it came down to. How are we.

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Allocating our our folks in carroll county uh with dpw, um you know with the roads with uh you know,.

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How we allocating our time spending it, whether it's at the breakfast or here in open session.

A

Or at the community college uh you know, council or trout, board of trustees or the planning you.

A

Know, commission that you attend the veterans advisory, it's how we are allocating our time.

A

And then how we allocate our money and we uh you know it's a challenge.

A

um To do all three and then kind of nest it together, but that's really what our role is.

A

Is allocating is resource allocation time, people and money, and uh you know I kind of captured that.

A

As commissioner kyler was was speaking on, all of the different activities that are taking place.

A

um So really appreciate uh your time spent yesterday morning. um What I'd like to do is segue.

A

Right into a proclamation- and this is a tough one uh laughs- because one- I think all of us would.

A

Like to uh share in the proclamation all of us up here in the diocese on the importance of this, but.

A

um You know I decided I want to take this one on and uh and share a few words and then read.

A

The proclamation on suicide prevention month so, ladies or whoever would like to come up.

A

And you know uh highlight some of the activities that we're doing in carroll county in prevention.

A

Of this evil that's out there and how we need to continue to focus on silencing the stigma.

A

Associated with um with mental health that can lead into suicide, uh you know it's been years.

A

People know I was in uniform, but it's been years since I ran insulation. But what got me.

A

Focused on resiliency was having six suicides in a year that I just was like enough's enough and.

A

We got to do something about it and it wasn't meaning. I was going to stop all suicide, but I.

A

Was going to do my damnness to mitigate the situation and develop a program of.

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Resiliency, where folks can go to and we have the the 988 cards um and uh our military and.

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Our veterans, every time I call for health care, they lead me to either emergency 9-1-1 or, if.

A

Thoughts of suicide call 988 and which will get you to the regional from your area code.

A

Health care, appropriate health care so continuing to promote. That is huge. um It's tough! I mean it's.

A

It's it's a it's a tough road and and there's still one is too much. But as we're going to look.

A

At 620 over last year in maryland is way too much, but the proclamation is uh in september 23rd that.

A

September is known globally as suicide prevention month suicide as a national and statewide public.

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Health problem and suicide prevention as a national and statewide responsibility.

A

Whereas suicide has a widespread impact on our community this year, the cdc report that suicide.

A

Deaths increased in the u.s between 20 and 21 and 2021. We lost 620 fellow marylanders and response.

A

Exponentially more were impacted by each loss. Additionally, for each suicide loss, there were.

A

Approximately eight emergency department visits related to suicide in 38. Self-Reported attempts.

A

And whereas we encourage all residents to take the time to learn more about the warning signs.

A

And what to do if you are concerned about someone learn that resources are available.

A

Both locally and nationally, such as the 988 hotline, the national crisis line, find.

A

Out how you can take steps to protect your loved ones check in with your friends, family.

A

And neighbors, and if you are struggling yourself know, you are not alone and help.

A

Is always available now, therefore, we, the board of county commissioners, do hereby.

A

Proclaim september 23rd as suicide prevention month and just to add on to that and I'm going.

A

To allow those on the diets to you know, speak and then, of course, as you, ladies.

A

I feel like nobody is immuned to knowing someone that has either committed suicide or has.

A

Made attempts in committing suicide. You know most recently, my wife's cousin is mid-20s married with.

A

A kid decided to take his own life, I mean it is happening and there's not enough push-ups. I can.

A

Do you know to represent our commitment to suicide prevention? That was a a thing to do. I think it.

A

Was just a thing to do during you know covet just to keep us active, but uh you know um there's not.

A

Enough uh things we can do to just be so outspoken about how we need to minimize it and take away the.

A

Stigma associate with with suicide. uh Those are my thoughts but um gentlemen, if you uh have any.

A

Thoughts and give it to the ladies I'll just uh very briefly, echo everything the commissioner roth.

C

Seen so capably and said well said, um and you know that thank you forever. The efforts that you have.

C

In this you know you could not have the ability to try to counter this without people willing to step.

C

Up to try to prevent it, so thank you very much for that, and you know the last thing I'll say is that.

C

If you are in a serious situation, as commissioner rothstein said, there are resources, there are paths.

C

For help- and please understand that you are worth it- you are worth this life. You were worth every.

C

Single moment of it- and uh you know again, I pray to god for anybody who has these these concerns.

C

And and again I just cannot emphasize this enough, you are worth it you're worth it yep and.

F

We recently lost an 18 year old in westminster and at the celebration of life at the.

F

Funeral home, both the common theme I heard from all the relatives is, we had no idea. We saw no.

F

Warning signs- and I I don't know if, if you guys, may already have that on your topics today, but.

F

There has to be warning signs, but how can we see them? Do we.

F

Are we blind to them? Do we rationalize our way out of them? They got to be there and.

F

It really struck me with with this young gentleman that even up until.

F

15 minutes before they said we had no warning and and uh it's frustrating so thank you for.

F

All you do and yeah everybody up here said some good things, but it just that that hit me harder.

F

With him than it has in other times, and I could go through others, my.

F

My wife was probably the last one to see her brother.

F

And I thought we saw signs because he didn't want to stay to see me, which you know maybe he's just.

F

Smart, but he didn't want to stay, to talk to me and I think he was afraid I'd see through it and but.

F

Hindsight you know, I thought uh you know, I think he lied to her, but I didn't do anything about it.

F

You know so so you know: how do we get smacked with these warning signs and do something? Because you.

F

Guys can do all you can do, but if the immediate family doesn't see it, it's tough. So thank you.

F

And that kid I mean good looking kid: football wrestling had a future in front of them and yeah.

E

And I'll, just briefly echo, my fellow commissioners points. Obviously it's something that affects all.

E

Of us, whether it's family, friends, community members, which we all our family in that sense.

E

um And- and you know commissioner kyler's point you know, are there warning signs? I mean I've had.

E

This uh affect people, I've known personally over the years and in many cases no one had a clue.

E

um I appreciate all the hard work and dedication you all put in to what you do to assist with.

E

This, I think one of the biggest challenges is just letting people know. If you have a problem.

E

Communicate it um I'm always fascinated and not in a good way, how there's such a stigma.

E

Towards mental health, whether it's you know, kids, whether it's adults, you know, if you break an arm.

E

You go to the doctor something's physically wrong. We do that, but for some reason we as a.

E

Society still don't seem to have gotten past that, so I appreciate all the hard work you.

E

All do and everyone else, obviously it's it's it sneaks up on people and and it's something that.

E

That I think I can speak for all of us. It's something we'd rather not see at all, let alone at sneaking up on us, but thank you for everything I appreciate it.

D

All right, of course I can. I concur with my colleagues and if we don't do it today, let's.

D

uh Let's make sure we have a discussion about some tangible things that people can do. We know.

D

988 exists: what about, if you think, somebody's suicidal who do you call if you're a student in.

D

A public school here in carroll county who do you go to so? Let's, let's come: let's have that.

D

Discussion, if we don't have it today, then we'll have to get something up for priority.

D

Carol next week, if it's just graphics, but let's just you know, let's make sure people understand.

D

Literally, what buttons to press and what people to go talk to because uh yeah. I think this is.

D

As somebody with three teenagers, um I think there's a lot of people struggling with this.

A

So I appreciate it, I appreciate all the uh all the comments and you know typically.

A

You want proclamations to be happy proclamations and wonderful, exciting.

A

um This proclamation is uh probably more important in the sense that we need, as we say, to silence the.

A

Stigma associate and focus not just on today, but um 24 7.. So but, ladies so commissioners, my name is.

G

Veronica dietz, I'm the director of crisis services at the carroll county health department and our.

G

Local behavioral health authority. We cannot thank you enough for taking the time to talk about this.

G

To look at this, but specifically, I want to thank you, commissioner rossi, for always being a voice.

G

Of breaking stigma and again, commissioner garan for being a part of our 988 rollout and being.

G

An ambassador for those pieces discussions and conversations around mental health can be very.

G

Stigmatizing, it does not get the conversation that it probably needs to, and we know from data and.

G

Statistics at one in five individuals is dealing with some kind of mental health disorder, and so.

G

That tells us that it's a conversation that we need to be having more regularly at the local.

G

Behavioral health authority, we have recently submitted our three-year strategic plan and.

G

We can tell you today that three of our goals, we submitted three very in-depth goals that we.

G

Want to look at over the next three years and two of those goals, two of the three goals that.

G

We submitted all are related to expanding out and enhancing our crisis continuum and or addressing.

G

Deaths of what are sometimes called deaths of despair, deaths related to overdose and or suicide.

G

And so we take this very serious. We recognize that this is a public health issue, but we also.

G

Recognize that as a community, we do what we do best here in carroll we collaborate, and so we are.

G

Doing that at every level, including at the levels that include law enforcement, because we also know.

G

That a healthy community is a safe community so to the point that you're making commissioner.

G

Karen that there are many things that we can be talking about, that are tangible things to.

G

Support our community members to better understand and recognize when someone might be dealing with.

G

Very difficult, overwhelming emotions and feeling like they're at the end of the rope. Of course,.

G

We're pushing out 988 our prevention office is working with rc theaters to have several kind of.

G

30 second spots that will air before movies, just again talking about reaching out when you have.

G

Challenges or if you need some supports, we know that 988 is for resources and supports, but it is.

G

Also that national hotline, if you are in a place where you need someone to speak with, that's a very.

G

Quick call that you can make we've been talking about doing a sticker shock campaign getting.

G

That 988 information out so getting permission and privilege to go into local businesses and putting.

G

988 stickers on things so that as people are purchasing they'll have that information as they.

G

Go home with their purchases. We have worked very diligently to secure funding and to expand funding.

G

To a program that is called sources of strength, you guys may remember hearing about that within.

G

The public schools- it is a program that is suicide prevention without ever saying suicide. It really.

G

Is about building up students at every level, not just those who you might identify as the leaders.

G

But some of the leaders that might be leaders of the smaller groups, the the unknown leaders it it.

G

Encourages them it gives them the skills and the tools that they need to be able to communicate.

G

With their peers and then help to bring all that information back to trusted adults, teaching, kids.

G

How to develop relationships with trusted adults? Maybe it's not at home with mom or dad. Maybe you.

G

Don't have a youth pastor or a coach that you can connect with, but there is some trusted adult that.

G

You can find in your life and so the sources of strength program. We very much value and we.

G

Continue to try to find funding to expand that in our community qpr that stands for question.

G

Persuade refer you may have heard of cpr qpr is the cpr for suicide prevention. It is a way to.

G

Teach people specifically community members how to be begin to have conversations about suicide. There.

G

Has been a myth that asking people if they're suicidal, gives someone the idea. We know that.

G

That is not true, so qpr gives people the language they need to have conversations and ask questions.

G

And say: hey, have you been thinking about this, knowing that you're not giving them the idea it.

G

Probably is giving a person the ability now to have the discussion and the conversation that.

G

They need to have so that is something that we've had two of our staff recently trained in and we're.

G

Looking at bringing that in you guys may know that we have a collaboration with carroll community, we.

G

Do mental health first aid training there that is free of charge to community members? They can.

G

Go take a course to learn about behavioral health issues and to then kind of identify.

G

In the community, if someone might be having a crisis and how to link them to a professional.

G

Qpr would be a similar approach where we would be able to offer that, and we want to be able to.

G

Spread that far and wide to give people skills tools that they need to identify these things.

G

We do also have, in addition to the adult mental health. First aid. We do have a youth mental health.

G

First, aid curriculum where you're learning about how to work with and talk with young people around.

G

Behavioral health issues so another initiative that we're doing and we are in the next several.

G

Months actually going to be sending several of our staff to the annual suicide conference.

G

That is a piece that we are just continuing to try to gather as much information. What's new.

G

What the state is rolling down, we want to keep our staff at the cutting edge again. We are incredibly.

G

Grateful for the support that we get from you all. We want you guys to have as much knowledge.

G

And information as we're gathering it from a public health perspective, we've recently had.

G

Some conversations about the interlapping or the overlapping of substance related stuff substance.

G

Use disorders: we are finding in our community that about a quarter of all of our non-fatal.

G

Overdoses are actually suicide attempts, and so we want to take a step back and really look at that.

G

And again, looking at you know the correlation between some of the substance use piece and.

G

The behavioral health piece, my colleague amy's, going to talk a little bit more about some of the.

G

Prevention efforts that we're doing no, but before you do just real quick, I appreciate it because.

A

I was going to be one of my questions about substance abuse, so I'm glad you covered that the.

A

Three-Year strategic plan um is not just for internal use, but is.

A

It available for external as well or are there it's a public document.

A

um And I would expect there's probably a an executive summary easy to read for somebody to say.

A

Here are the the five to ten things we're trying to cover in the three to five year or three year.

A

um Strategy plan, if you can share that with us, I would appreciate that the um sticker shock.

A

You know approach, you know it's it's one of those. Why not? You know dancers always know if you don't.

A

Ask the question: so why not try it and see what we can do and accomplish it with the main streets and.

A

The communities um we did it with uh the heroin overdose, the movie um we had the bumper magnets.

A

um And they're still on some of our government vehicles. uh But if we want to take this serious.

A

You know that may be another way of doing. This is get it on our our uh bumpers and things like that.

A

And I'm looking behind me at our dpw director uh behind you and uh uh about that. But that may.

A

Be something um to also do a coordinated effort with a sticker shock approach.

A

You know I I'm an open book about this. Let's figure it out, because one is too many and the.

A

Numbers we see are just you know, getting crazy, so uh yeah, whatever we can do with those I mentioned.

A

Allocation resources, time, people and money- you know: how do we do that best to meet these needs so.

F

And- and uh you mentioned overdoses, fatal and non-photo being suicide, one of the things again.

F

About warning signs, and- and uh I don't I do not think it was a factor with the young man lately.

F

But my brother-in-law, I'm pretty sure one of the reasons he didn't he wanted to leave before I got.

F

Home from work was because he was high as a kite. Now my wife doesn't always recognize we had. We.

F

Had a conversation later with a pastor- and you know rhonda said: oh, he was so well spoken and.

F

So whatever he wasn't on drugs and the guy said no, he probably was and that's why he was that.

F

Way, but does that do the drugs may ask some of the warning signs? Because of that or is just the drug.

F

Use itself a giant warning sign, you know it's, it's it's tough and I you know the the thought really.

G

Is it's a chicken and egg kind of thing right, like did someone's substance use lead to you know.

G

Depths of despair, because there's that struggle right, we know that at a certain point, substance.

G

Use sometimes stops being a choice and becomes a biological drive um that can be very challenging.

G

And yeah, I think, there's lots of research and there's lots of studies that need to be done to.

G

Really kind of look at that, I think that we don't want to wait for that to be done. We want to just.

G

Continue to plug these conversations, so thank you well good question. Please hi! I'm kathy baker! The.

H

Director of the lbha- and I just want to thank you all for the opportunity to bring this before you.

H

um Commissioner rothstein, you highlighted a lot of the things I want to talk about just basically.

H

About anti-stigma, you know, there's such a barrier and we do have our care campaign. That's been.

H

Around since 2018 to talk about, you know, just sit down and have a cup of coffee with somebody and.

H

That's when these conversations start happening, you may not see signs, but you may see something.

H

And you just want to have a cup of coffee with them and just to relieve the pressure about the.

H

Sticker shop, we're really talking about window clings we're not really wanting to put stickers.

H

On the state vehicles in the county vehicles, so um but it's just really a matter of these vehicles.

H

Are in the community all the time, and I really think it's important for us to get that message.

H

Out to people, you know not, everybody watches the commissioner's meeting, which is unfortunate. We.

H

Talk about a lot of things here, and I really think that if we could just get them out on vehicles.

H

People pay attention to that. They pay attention to billboards. We have a number of billboards in the.

H

Community, which I think amy's like commissioner gordon said you know it's easy to see a broken arm.

A

You know it's very hard to see a broken mindset. You know as somebody's walking down the street so.

A

Okay, I'll be very brief. Good morning, commissioners, my name is amy legel, I'm representing the.

I

Substance use prevention office for the health department. I just want to highlight a couple of.

I

Additional things relating to substance use and also peer support. So, as you know, we have.

I

Our safe storage initiative and we've been doing that initiative for a number of years and what.

I

We're doing is further educating the public that safe storage of medications doesn't just prevent.

I

Diversion and substance use disorders, vacations doesn't just prevent diversion and substance use.

I

Disorders, it can also prevent suicide in that time, limited crisis that an individual is experiencing.

I

So we want to make sure that everyone is safely storing their medication out of reach out of sight.

I

We also have medication, locking bags and we are prioritizing distribution with our partners in.

I

The community that serve pediatric patients who may be experiencing suicidal ideation, so they.

I

Can send families home with a locking bag? That is just that extra barrier that extra deterrent.

I

We also have a suicide prevention coalition. There are so many shared risk and protective.

I

Factors when it comes to substance, use and suicide that many times when we're engaging.

I

In substance, use prevention, we're also actively doing suicide prevention, and so that coalition.

I

Is going to actually land in the substance, use prevention department and we're going to write.

I

In a position more fully, that is able that allows us to prioritize some additional some additional.

I

Things that we'd like to do, um I do want to let you know, specifically with medication, that we are.

I

Having a take back event, it's going to be october, 30th monday october 30th at the ag center. We.

I

Appreciate them letting us use their facility, it's going to be a drive-through drop-off, where people.

I

Can drive through drop off their medications, get them out of the house and they can also drop off.

I

Their used sharps for safe disposal and there will be services there. If people would like to.

I

Avail themselves, we'll certainly have information about 988 there, and I know I've spoken about it.

I

Before but we have our keep talkingcarol.org website, which is actually just a page on the.

I

Carroll county health department website, but we wanted that url because it reminds us that that.

I

Conversation creates connection and that's what community is community is from that.

I

Connection, so we want people to keep talking about these things. So not only do we have 988.

I

Information there we also have information about resilience and how to build resilience in children.

I

I want to also mention that the american foundation for suicide prevention has a.

I

Peer support program- and I want to thank my colleague, katie mack, for letting us know she.

I

Helped us prepare for this and she as long as I've worked with her for about a decade. She's just been.

I

A really wonderful champion for making sure that these resources are available. That staff are aware.

I

Of them and that we can inform the public about them, so essentially, individuals who have lost.

I

Someone to suicide can now contact the american foundation for suicide prevention and receive.

I

Peer support and support of their own, which is tremendously important. The last thing I'd like.

I

To talk about is a memorial bench, and I want to thank my colleague adrian sanders for this. This.

I

Was her idea and she saw it completely through to fruition? I know, commissioner kyler you saw this.

I

At the recent opc meeting- and we so appreciate you attending the opioid coalition, this memorial bench.

I

Is really dedicated to all those who have lost someone to suicide or to an overdose? And it's.

I

Going to be placed in cape horn park and we'll certainly keep you informed about that dedication.

I

As we have details and plans just a final thing, I wanted to talk about the substance, use and suicide.

I

We certainly will and can get specific warning signs to people and that's very important that.

I

Said it's not uncommon at all, after for people to not have have known them or not have seen them.

I

um And and so even in mental health, first aid as an instructor, I tell people that you know we.

I

Can have all of the facts in the world and we can still, unfortunately, sometimes not get the.

I

Outcome we want um that said. We have to do every single thing we can to try just being.

I

Under the influence, as veronica said, there's a real relationship between substance use and.

I

Suicide and mental health, so some individuals initiate use because they're having distressing.

I

Feelings of anxiety, trauma, depression and that's the reason they initiate use to try.

I

And get some relief, but substance use can also trigger underlying mental health issues that may.

I

Not have otherwise emerged and just being under the influence can bring out suicidal feelings in.

I

People and and ideation who even have never before experienced it. So it's important not to leave that.

I

Person alone, but we can certainly get you more information about that. I highly recommend that.

I

Every individual in carroll county take our mental health first aid program. I recommend that people.

I

Do take both the adult class and the youth class they're, able they're structured differently and.

I

They cover the the action plan is the same, but you get a little bit more information about working.

I

With youth and the youth- and you get a little bit more information about the disorders in the.

I

Adult and you are taught, as veronica said, very specific steps of how to talk with somebody who.

I

Is experiencing a mental health crisis or it just has an emerging issue and get them to appropriate.

I

Medical help, it really can help take the fear and discomfort as you, the individual out of asking.

I

The question and having those conversations so we highly recommend that that is a free service and.

I

It's a 175 dollar value and we offer it to the community for free. So we hope that people will.

I

Avail themselves of that at carroll, community college. Is it a one-day class? Is it day most of.

I

The time yes, there are times where it's split into two, but yeah, it's usually an eight-hour class. It's.

A

Usually an eight-hour class okay and I believe in the post, covid and katie mack will help us know if.

I

I'm wrong about this, but I believe postcode they actually shortened it. I believe it's now just.

I

Six or seven hours so, okay, we really encourage people to take. That sounds good. Any other comments.

H

I just, and I have one more just if anybody has questions or any needs anything in the community.

H

They can always reach out to us at the health department, um and the phone number is 410-876-449.

H

um And we're always there monday through friday, absolutely okay. Thank you. Let's.

A

Commemorate this with a proclamation picture, matt from the magic door will come out.

A

B

B

J

Thank you so much.

A

A

Item number one: let's talk about the farm museum maintenance building.

A

A

Look, I gotta shake off the cobwebs from that one. That's tough! So.

K

I thought it was going to be a good segue, we're talking about the uh the wine festival.

K

And the farm museum and the beautiful venue, and so we're gonna we're gonna we're gonna.

K

Bring you back there all right all right, let's get back to the wine festival, okay,.

A

Good morning, good morning, I am joined here today by dennis beaver from economic development and.

K

Also behind us is staff from the farm, museum and department of public works, building construction.

K

We are here to discuss the farm, museum's maintenance building.

K

The story begins in march 2021, a fire destroyed everything, but the concrete slab.

K

The maintenance building was 5 600 square feet and it was used for staff at the farm museum.

K

To upkeep 53 buildings on site and 140 50 450 acres on the property after the dust settled.

K

Dpw is asked to assist with the rebuild of the building upon evaluating the site, reviewing plans.

K

And interviewing staff, we approached the board in november of 2021 requesting funding for the work.

K

Shortly after we began reconstructing the shell of the building and we hired an architect to.

K

Assist with the fit out of the interior fast forward to today, the shell has been completed.

K

And we have a beautiful set of plans to finish this project and, while we're here today, we need.

K

To discuss the project budget with u5, so please forgive me ted! I'm going to talk in round numbers.

K

Since there's still some outstanding invoices and insurance money coming in and we have an.

K

Award at the final construction, so the estimate that we came up with uh as the project started.

K

In november, 2021 was 692 thousand dollars, uh given the insurance money that was provided.

K

And subtracting out the deductible we requested 405 000 from the board of county commissioners.

K

To date, we spent 286 000 on the building shell and the plans for the interior of the building.

K

That is leaving us with a balance of four hundred and twelve thousand dollars.

K

We have bid this project and the bids came back between 660 000 and 1.1 million, assuming something.

K

In the middle, we'll call it one million dollars for uh talking purposes today we're looking at a.

K

Deficit of about five hundred and ninety thousand dollars to complete the project as designed.

K

Denise anything there can you that number one more time, I'm sorry that.

C

Go back to you said you go back to the beginning. You get 405.

C

000 left and then you said you spent 286 on the building and I'm sorry what came after that.

K

So we were looking at the bids that came in for the project, so it hasn't been officially released.

K

We have a awarded the contract to anybody, but the bids did come in of a range of 660 000 to 1.1.

K

Million so, at the end of the day, my understanding and definitely correct me if I'm wrong is.

A

The estimate and the approved was 692 000 in november 2021., yes, you're, saying now that it.

A

Looks to be about 90 above that cost, and that's why you're asking for 490 000. in addition to.

A

That 692. we're asking for an additional five hundred and ninety thousand dollars.

A

In addition to that 690, so, whatever percentage that I made up 90 but on the 690 was partially.

F

Paid by insurance, yeah, yes, correct, which um 290 of it was paid by insurance, we paid 405., correct.

A

And you're still asking for another 590.. Yes, commissioner,.

A

Which is not um allocated at this time correct, so we would be back depending on the decision.

K

Today, to talk about a budget transfer and awarding contract and exact values.

F

What what do you think of value engineering? Is there much possibility of that, or will it just.

F

Change the project too much, I personally believe it'll change the project too much. um You know.

K

We're going to be back out for design back out for bid, um you know we, we spent money on a plan.

K

Set which was the the needs of the staff out there and that's how that you know was, was established.

A

The 5600 square feet was the original maintenance facility correct. It was the same footprint yep.

A

So we're looking at another, just 5600 square feet, correct nothing. In addition, yes, we actually ended.

K

Up using this concrete slab that was originally there, we had to do some repairs but and the.

L

Building's built removed the building's built this is for fit out. That's what's for me, yeah.

A

Say that one more time there's a show currently the building is there physically? Yes, so we're.

A

Looking at the equipment and all the things that hvac electrical specialty shops for restoration.

K

Do the specialty shops exist elsewhere within the county.

A

Where we can piggyback or is it best suited to be there, I would say it's best suited for there.

K

The the closest shop would be at the maintenance center at old meadow branch, so it will be a our.

K

Facilities, they have a couple woodworking shops and welding shops there. I think what what we're.

K

Looking at for the farm museum was some dust, free restoration shops for some of the the artifacts.

B

Artifacts uh throughout the campus over there for a museum, and they existed there last time.

K

Yes, sir, correct me: if I'm wrong just to jump in on that point, a number of the increases were due to.

E

Energy code upgrades is that correct. Yes, some of the some of the upgrades were required per.

K

Code and that's something that we're still working with the insurance on so once we get invoices and.

K

Start doing work, they will be able to reimburse us for some of that and I'm just going to go ahead.

E

And publicly mention this right now: the building we're looking at is 5600 square feet uh currently.

E

You have a maintenance staff that runs that property, 150 acres 50 some buildings working on.

E

A 960 square foot basement myself and commissioner vigliotti uh toured that yesterday and I can say.

E

Nothing, but to commend those gentlemen for what they're doing. I think it's incredible that they've.

E

Been able to maintain that property since 2021 without the functional structures they need. I mean.

E

We just had a a wine festival and I didn't see anything that seemed out of place or out of miss.

E

So I mean obviously this is a challenging issue to say the least, but I think we've got to give you.

E

Know proper recognition, where recognitions do, which is everybody involved up to date,.

C

And I'm in complete agreement with commissioner gordon, you know having the opportunity to go over.

C

To see what these gentlemen are working out of, I mean it's, it's a cramped basement and they're.

C

Sharing it with the farm museum itself there, there really is no room to do anything and that.

C

The size and the scope of the projects that they have to undertake are limited to what they can.

C

Fit through that door going into the the basement and then going into the basement on either side.

C

You have these these stone, retaining walls that also limit access and maneuverability as well.

C

um In my mind, I think this is absolutely necessary that we do this, not only because.

C

Of the scope of what's involved, but because of the amount of reliance that we have on.

C

The farm museum for events and different functions that we go through as a county.

B

I I understand, I think um I just want to make sure I'm clear that you know uh especially the.

A

Challenging times we're in that we can not just get by, but do the things we want to do, but also.

A

Not duplicate services and capabilities, that's my biggest concern. I mean we are in a very difficult.

A

um You know budget season and it's going to get hard and harder and harder can there be stepping.

A

Stones associated with this, where we're not outfitting the entire building but we're doing x,.

A

Using the maintenance facility and if that meets the needs, then that solves part of the problem.

A

If it doesn't meet the needs, then you know coming back and saying we need additional funding for you.

A

Know, y and z- I I don't know I I'm I'm my biggest concern again is whatever we allocate. We have to.

A

Maintain and operate, and I don't know if we have the dollars to do that, especially if.

A

It's duplicate: if it's not duplicate, then that's a different story, and and along with that, I think.

F

This is one-time money and I'd be curious to hear where we're going to transfer it from and.

F

And what's available but then will this increase ongoing money or is the maintenance staff out.

F

There adequate enough now and and you don't see that as an issue because that's a whole nother.

F

Problem, I I agree and ted is going to answer those questions very eloquently. Go ahead, ted.

M

That puts a lot of pressure on me. You were here.

M

Okay, um just just one big point on this discussion: nobody is suggesting that we don't move ahead.

M

With this, it's not a do it or don't do it. uh The question, that's really in front of you, is how much.

M

Are we going to right do at one end? If you approve the budget transfer, that's being talked about it.

M

Will move ahead as it's in front of us now? If you don't allocate that much, then there'll have to.

M

Be decisions made? What are we going to do less of now to your questions? We have no plan in place yet.

M

What budget transfer would happen? We'd have to look at the capital fund to see what could be.

M

Available to move we do have, we call public works unallocated where we have some appropriated money.

M

That's available for a situation like this, I'm not sure. What's there right now, so I have to look into.

M

That on operating, it's mostly the same operation, so I wouldn't significantly change our operating.

M

Costs, although we are adding as planned now air conditioning that didn't exist, so there will.

M

Be some additional cost for for that? I I don't have any estimate of what that would be, though,.

A

I just I mean six hundred thousand dollars, I mean I know we say if it's a dollar, it's.

A

Taxpayer dollars, if it's 600, I mean it's all taxpayer dollars. Do we want.

A

To execute, allocated and execute another six hundred thousand dollars.

A

um At this point, or are we better suited to continue moving forward like you, like ted.

A

Shared this is happening. I mean it's not like this building's, not it's there so outfitting. It.

A

With um other resources that could be available in the in the maintenance facility, I.

A

You know, I don't know, I mean I'm, I'm not best suited to answer that you are.

A

um Or the ford museum would be, uh can they get everything they want done through the dpw.

A

Resources yeah, I don't. I don't believe that that's an option that was suggested over the last couple.

L

Of weeks when we've been meeting to look at this- and you know I think with regard to you know the.

L

Time that it would take staff time to even try to transport, you know materials and goods to.

L

The shop you know to do that, I just don't think it's a very cost. Efficient use of the staff time.

L

um Commissioner collier, you mentioned, you know the jewels of carroll county that we have here.

L

And I believe that the carroll county farm museum is one of those jewels and.

L

um You know, as you've experienced just this weekend with the wine festival and the staff.

L

There you know, according to jane the maintenance staff they're, some of the best maintenance workers.

L

That we've had there at the farm museum and I really believe that they, you know, we owe it to.

L

Them to give them the tools and resources to do the job to care for the buildings there to care.

L

For the the grounds, it's a big job, it's a big task out there. You know you've seen the buildings a lot.

L

Of them are older buildings and they need constant care and upkeep, and um you know I think you know.

L

We're at this point in time that we've, you know a lot of time, has passed that we've put them at.

L

A disadvantage to to do their job, and so I think you know I'm I'm really thankful that you're, you.

L

Know ready to move forward with something I think re-engineering. I don't think we're going to gain.

L

As as much you know as we would lose with time and other escalating costs, so um I really feel like.

L

You know we have to take a serious look at this to say you know these gentlemen, that are working.

L

In the maintenance there you know it's a critical uh facility for them to be able to do their job.

L

To do their job safely, and um I think that you know we need to give them the tools and resources.

L

To do that and it's unfortunate that we had the circumstances of the burning of the building. That.

L

We did that's through no one's fault, but we're here and- and I think we need to move forward.

L

To give them the tools and resources yeah- and I again I'm just I'm for this- I'm for moving forward.

A

um In the sense that, like you say, give them the tools and resources necessary, I'm just looking at.

A

Redundancy and duplication I can handle redundancy because if one place breaks down, you have another.

A

Place to pick up the slack I'm challenged with things that are just almost just challenged with.

A

Things that are duplicate you know in services and resources. um Well, commissioner, maybe I can.

C

Speak a little bit to that if that might help, so I so certainly the point about having to transport.

C

Something so many miles with so much staff time to get something somewhere right and, and you.

C

Know, commissioner kyler probably knows about, and probably too from your service in the military.

C

All right is that you know it's better to have things on hand right if I take something over to.

C

The metal branch facility- and I forget- oh, I- should have brought these fence posts or something else.

C

As well having to take the time to go back to get it again, let's say that: there's a scheduling.

C

Conflict, maybe another crew needs. You know one of those facilities over metal or metal branch and.

C

And the farm museum needs something for tomorrow right. You have three uh individuals right now who.

C

Are uh designated specifically for the farm museum and everything they do is for the farm museum.

C

um And so, while I I certainly you know, take the point of the redundancy it's good to have a backup.

C

We shouldn't be relying on in my mind. We shouldn't be relying on the backup if we can do something.

C

In-House on site at the farm museum, um so so in my mind and again I mean no disrespecting me so.

C

In my mind, is really not a a duplicate as much as it is having the the backup and making sure.

C

That the farm museum workers have what they need on site to do what they do as a matter of fact,.

C

I think probably my first report from the farm museum going back to december or january and jane.

C

You'll have to correct me. There was some sign that had been lying in disuse somewhere on the farm.

C

Property that the the guys out of the farm museum were able to find recover and fix on-site and and.

C

Having that ability to to work on site to recover things means that we're spending less money at the.

C

Farm museum itself- I think it's something else you shared with me yesterday- is that there's a gentleman who's repaired, every single picnic bench at the farm museum, rather than going out to to buy.

C

New ones, that's because they have the capacity to do it at the farm museum. And so while this is.

C

Certainly- and you know an outlay of a significant cost, you know at the the uh inception of this.

C

Having the long-term uh use of it, I think is going to end up paying us back over time.

F

And- and that was my concern- why I asked about the value engineering, if there's some simple.

F

Value engineering: to do that's great if you've got to redesign and spend engineers, maybe rebid.

F

It costs aren't going down currently and costs have gone up a lot since 2021 and- and my worry is.

F

If, if the, if the maintenance facility set between the ag center and the farm.

F

Museum I'd feel differently, but are are we? Are we going to try to save money here.

F

Some one-time money and increase ongoing forever and ever and ever so wow. This hurts.

F

And uh um it like, I say it is one-time money and uh can you raise your right hand and say.

F

You won't come back and ask for more I'll, be back next week, asking for it have a week to decide, but.

F

But I I just think, and you guys visited and you you've seen it lately and it just sounds like.

F

um This will end up being money well spent. Now it's a lot of money, but money well spent well and.

E

I think we all can agree it's a lot of money nope. I don't think any of us sitting up here.

E

Taking the the attitude of well, let's just spend money to spend money, we're all, definitely not in.

E

That position, I think we all completely agree on that, um and I mean mr bokey you you all did come.

E

Up with some ways to remove some additional costs, if I remember from our conversation, was what a 250.

E

000 savings that was worked out at one point within this process. If I remember yeah, so we.

K

Kind of looked at some value engineering on our own without really going back out to rebid.

K

um I would say we can maybe save five to ten percent by reducing some of the services that.

K

Are offered right there, so you're saying sixty thousand you can reduce this plus or minus.

K

But you know just to be clear: you know we're talking about taking out a bathroom. You know.

K

And the the bathroom is within 500 feet which meets code, but again, is that something we want.

K

To do to the staff um you know, make them traverse to another building, inclement weather through.

K

The welcome house are the resources of this maintenance facility um used or available for the.

A

Ag center at any given time, I don't know that they have used that before. No, no, I wonder if we can.

A

um You know they're a strong non-profit, they, like you, said a jewel of carroll county.

A

um That may strengthen their partnership, something certainly we can look into yeah if.

L

They have if they have a need- and you know that's available. So that's a good idea. Yeah. I think it's.

F

A good idea, I think we need to be cautious what I've seen over my lifetime. You have a.

F

Loader and it has an operator- and it's one place it's working it'll last way longer than if it's.

F

Used by three different people that don't care and not that they'd be that way, but it's just again I.

F

Don't want to see us save money, that's going to cost us money later and there's probably some.

L

Liability issues or anything insurance that you'd have to consider them, but I mean I just.

A

Take a look yeah; no, it's a good idea! So, okay, so it sounds like the sentiment from the board.

A

Is not to reevaluate there's no value in doing that, so it's either. We move forward with this.

A

um Where we don't move forward with this- and I appreciate both of you- sharing because again.

A

You've got the expertise, you know, um and that means a lot you know in making this.

A

Decision and the lady in back's been staring at us [laughter] here she looks.

K

The muscle behind us I got the holes in my chest well before you get any more. Allow me to make a.

C

Motion to direct public works staff to move forward with the proposed design and repair.

C

Request for additional funding. Second, I have a motion. I have a second. Is there any further.

A

Discussion and again, I appreciate all the dialogue. um Oh, I thought kay was coming back up to the mic.

A

He's saying I've had enough of this he's going to get the money he's going, that's right, go ted. I got.

C

The suitcase in the back, okay, all in favor aye aye. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you.

N

I appreciate the conversation: let's talk about uh fy24 child support, administration, cooperative.

A

Reimbursement agreement. Thank you all. Thank you very much. Ladies morning, good morning to you.

O

First sure, good morning I'm corey hardinger with the grants office. I'm.

P

Here today, with magistrate catherine burr pool and we're going to discuss the fy 24.

P

Child support administration's cooperative reimbursement agreement for the circuit court.

P

um The sheriff's department will be up later to talk about their piece of it. um Also here today,.

P

Is donna thompson from the department of social services and rachel miller, who is master circles.

P

Assistant and who really takes care of the grant application, which is very.

P

Lengthy complicated and time consuming so um rachel handles that very well. Each year.

P

So I'll let magister brewpool give you an update on her work and the court's role in child support.

P

Cases and then answer any questions that you might have, so if she does all that, what do you do she.

Q

Has to do the hard part, it's a multi-faceted application that requires lots of people to do.

P

Lots of stuff I'm going to take it downstairs to pds and mail. It too, it's important yeah.

Q

um It's a and I've been doing this for 25 years now um I am, I am fortunate to be able to do it and.

Q

I think that um we've been able to. We have a very good relationship with the um state department and.

Q

U.S department of health and human services and meeting their goals that they set for us to to.

Q

Proceed with um wednesday is my designated child support day, certainly some days sometimes I hear.

Q

Special set cases other than that and as indicated in the briefing paper together with my 4d cases, to.

Q

Establish paternity or child support, along with the paternity or with the um contempts on fridays,.

Q

Usually, there's about 44 cases set each month. Unfortunately, the attorney general's office is.

Q

um Makes quick work of them sometimes so um that allows us to certainly keep those numbers up.

A

Our attorneys general, uh we have an assistant, attorneys general that are appointed.

Q

um By the attorney general's office to um what prosecute's not a great word but to to handle all.

Q

Of these cases I apologize the state or federal state attorney general attorney. It's not state's.

A

Attorneys, yes, okay, yeah! No! No! I got that, but I mean, if you're just asking, if it's attorney.

A

General um maryland, maryland or federal. That's all no state, okay! So it would it used to be that our.

Q

um Our attorneys, who prosecuted these cases etc, were all through the state's attorney's.

Q

Office and then there came a time that the that they went to to the attorney's general numbers.

Q

They're all attorneys general now assistant, attorneys general, I should say, is 53 700 enough.

A

It is um I at this point, I'm I'm very careful obviously about that big, but I think with the.

Q

Number of cases we have right now it is sufficient to be doing what we're doing.

Q

Foreign, which is fortunate I mean yeah, absolutely.

F

And I saw the footnote, I almost asked a dumb question, but the county portion is budgeted.

F

Correct correct, yeah, that's okay! I always like to hear that if not ted would be in a room.

A

Motion to approve the submission of the fy24 child support administration.

C

Cooperative reimbursement agreement and accept the award.

A

Okay, I got motion a second and discussions in here, none all in favor all right. Okay, thank.

Q

You so much thank you very much have a good rest of your day too. Thank you. Okay. Let's talk about.

A

The approval to submit application acceptance of the war to fy24 violence against women act.

J

Good morning, commissioners debbie stanford grant's office. Good morning, I am joined by.

J

William saucy with the state's attorney's office, um we are here to talk to you about the annual.

J

Award that we receive for from the violence against women act grant. This grant has been.

J

Awarded to the county for many years, and we use it to pay a portion of the dv prosecutor's salary and.

J

Benefits the grant is flat funded this year. Only uh current grantees are allowed to apply and for.

J

The award that we were received last year, county cash match is budgeted and I will turn it over.

J

To mr saucy to discuss with you what the work of the unit and answer any questions that you have.

J

Yep good morning my name is: will saucy I'm the current db prosecutor in the carolina state's.

N

Attorney's office I've been in this position for approximately three to four months. I'm still new.

N

To it, I'm still learning as I go, but the main point of this grant in the lab position is to.

N

Work with domestic domestic violence crimes in the county and ensure they're prosecuted to the full.

N

Extent of the law, as you may be aware, domestic violence is a issue always in every county and.

N

Every state across the country we work to ensure that our county victims are addressed and that the.

N

Have justice found even when the victim isn't responsive? We work on doing victimless crime.

N

Prosecutions where the cycle that keeps dv victims attached to their abuser, we try to prevent that.

N

Mitigate it or fix it, if we can, it's always hard to do, but I work with other people in our special.

N

Victims unit, who have helped me train and help me train me on how to do this, and do it well.

N

I'm open to any questions you guys may have no appreciating. Congratulations on your new.

A

Position as well, I will also notify you just now that rebecca neal is going to be taking over my.

N

Position in about a month and a half day long shipping, this on, but she should be around for.

N

A while, because I don't think anyone else will be shuffling out of our office anytime soon, okay,.

A

Okay, I will still be in the office just in another position. I mean you but you're.

A

Staying within the state's attorney's office- okay- well, that's good! Yes, I'm not leaving I'm here to.

N

Stay in carroll county for a while sounds like a plan. um uh W said that it's um flat.

A

Yes, we've been getting this grant for quite some time, yeah, probably 25 years or all.

A

All the other counties they're not getting it they're, not going after this. Sir. Oh no.

J

But there's just no new money, so there's not a you know and right now, they've limited it to.

J

Current grantees, because they haven't received an increase, it's federally funded their allocation.

J

From the federal government has remained flat, and so our grants remain flat and our portion goes up.

J

A little bit every year because costs go up motion to approve the submission of the fy24vawa grant.

C

And accept the award second, I have a motion of a secondary discussion on this again. Thank you for.

A

Your service, all in favor, all right, okay, thank you, commissioners. Thank you guys very much. Okay,.

A

With the sheriff's department, let's talk about the fy 24 child support enforcement agreement.

J

I'm joined by vicki mcdonald good morning sheriff's office to talk about their work.

J

And child support enforcement- we we do have a match in this grant. So um it's a bad. It's.

J

It's a little complicated split, but it's about two-thirds one-third. The federal government will.

J

Play pay about two-thirds of our costs and then the county matches the balance of the.

J

Program and I the cash match, is budgeted for this as well and I'll. Let vicky talk about the program.

R

Good morning, commissioners, good morning so we've had this in place since I've been here, it's been.

R

Around for quite a long time as well, similar to vava and the portion that um the courts of the.

R

Magistrate was just here for that kind of always goes hand in hand, which is why we're always here.

R

On the same day, every year, so this this actually funds an entire deputy position that is dedicated.

R

To child support enforcement, they work with those specific warrants, etc. Working in hand with the.

R

Department of social services, they have a very specific role in the county and the sheriff's.

R

Office is responsible for handling this type of function and it also funds 75 percent of.

R

An administrative assistant, so the cost for this go up and down a little bit every year, depending.

R

What else the position requires some of a small portion and interact? So that's why you see the.

R

Differences and yes, they have their own formula. We don't come up with the formula. We don't determine.

R

What the federal portion is versus the match, but it's always funded the match, is always funded.

A

How many from the sheriff's department over social services is grant funded.

A

I'm sorry the there's deputies over the social services, this one person- it's just but there's.

A

One, but I thought there was more than one that's over there from the sheriff's department.

R

Really, okay, he drives back. Just last time I was over social. I remember seeing I thought I remember.

A

Seeing more than one they any someone else could be assisting like if there's an additional warrant.

R

Or something like that, but there's one that's assigned full-time and that is grant funded.

A

That's this individual correct, got it and then an administrative position. That's funded, 75, okay, okay,.

C

Motion to approve the submission of the fy24 child support enforcement agreement for the.

C

Sheriff's office and accept the award second got a motion. I got a second any discussion on this. One.

A

Seen here, none all in favor, aye, okay, let's talk about uh the sheriff's office overtime, grants.

J

Sheriff's office, one more round stay here, receives several grants. Each year that fund overtime for.

J

Very specific purposes: some of those grants um do not cover payroll taxes, and so we need.

J

To put county match on these grants, so that's why we're here before you with this approval.

J

um This year, the approximate budget for the overtime grants is around. I also around even.

J

Though I work for ted about 165 000, with about four thousand in-county cash match required, so.

J

We are just here for your approval of that cash match. It is budgeted motion to approve the county.

C

Match for the sheriff's office overtime grants? Second, I have a motion of a second. Do we see this.

A

During our budget, this dollar amount it's within the grant fund. So I would yes, I you know it's.

J

All it's it's part of, I don't know if you see specifically how specific the board chooses to.

S

Get okay, so these are typical: recurring grants um every year through maryland, highway safety.

R

A lot of them we do request if I get medicare benefits, but a few of the federal ones do not.

R

Cover those costs. So it's about three to four right now, out of our overtime grants, which is.

R

Why you only see roughly um and it's a maximum amount that we estimate based on what we're being.

R

Awarded for the overtime for the year, so we always we've decided to come before you once instead of.

R

Waiting for a little piece of the screen, a little piece of that grant when we get there.

R

So we've chosen over the last few years to come to you one time for the year: okay, okay, any any.

A

Other discussion seen here, none all in favor aye. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Okay and.

A

Resource management: let's talk about a little bit: pfas testing at the public safety training center.

C

Good morning to you both good morning,.

T

The carroll county department of planning and land management entered into a contract.

T

On october, 4th 2021 with tetra tech to provide a pfas industry expert to help guide carroll.

T

County, not only through the immediate preliminary analysis of the public safety training center site.

T

But also to navigate the potential for future pfas remediation efforts. Tetra tech has also.

T

Provided ongoing engineering support services and advance of site plan, finalization and construction.

T

The office of procurement, in cooperation with the department of planning on land management.

T

Requests your approval toward a contract, tetra tech for that one site, pfos testing at the public.

T

Safety training center in the amount of ninety nine thousand one hundred dollars. Awarding this.

T

Contract at tetracheck will also will, with their knowledge of the project, will not only provide.

T

Standardization within the project but will be cost effective and in the best interest of.

T

The county, given the history of prior work that has already been completed, this project has been.

T

Budgeted for and the costs are within the adopted budget. No additional funds shall be required.

U

Yes, good morning, commissioners, so um we've had a lot of talk over the um the past year or so.

U

Regarding the public safety training center and the pfos contamination, where mde, essentially.

U

Notified us that it's all in all likelihood that the training center is a contaminated source of.

U

Pfos, so um we hired tetra tech back in 2021 and they went through the process of testing the site.

U

They performed approximately 21 test locations to basically affirm whether there was contamination.

U

On site there, and and it was affirm that there was contamination so, as you know, building construction.

U

Is working on a site plan to uh to redo the site, so there will be a lot of construction.

U

Activity out there, including the removal of a lot of concrete and asphalt and and some film material.

U

So the concern is, is that the cost of removing contaminated material and disposing of that.

U

Properly can be very expensive, and so what we've determined is the best course of action.

U

Is to re-engage tetra tech to further their testing, essentially perform an additional 27.

U

Locations approximately 27 locations to get a better informed idea as to where the what the.

U

Limits of the contamination on site are so that material that is not contaminated. We can treat.

U

Normally and save considerable dollars, rather than assuming that everything is contaminated.

U

So, um as kerry mentioned, tetra tech did the previous work they're experienced with the.

U

Site and so on, and the design plans for the uh for the project are moving forward very quickly.

U

So we felt it was in the best interest of the county to award the second contract to tetra.

U

Tech to continue their testing out there and and understand what it is that we'll be dealing with.

U

So it can save money from a disposal perspective so happy to answer any questions, for you is this.

A

In westminster, proper, yes, it is within the city, the training centers within westminster, proper.

A

Yes, it is and there's no, but we own the training center. Yes, okay, yes, and all of this was evidenced.

U

By a water supply, water supply well, which is immediately downstream, and so several years.

U

Ago, when mde was testing community water supplies all across the state. This was one of the few that.

U

Tested very hot for pfos, that's what I remember but, and that well is within westminster. Yes, part.

L

Of their water system- right, yes, correct so but they're in doing this, there is no partnership.

A

And working with westminster on this issue, except keeping them apprised of it or yes, yeah we can. We.

U

Work, cooperatively, cooperatively with them, um but um this project is purely a county project.

U

Okay, yes and then um the second question is uh if and when the contaminated soil needs to be removed.

A

Where does it get removed to? So that's one of the reasons why we have tetra tech engaged with us for.

U

um For technical expertise is that they are working with us and obviously building.

U

Construction, as far as what is the proper method to remove and transport, and where can it be taken.

U

I don't believe that it has been determined yet what the best appropriate site is, but it's not.

U

Something that first, for instance, that we could take to northern landfill or anything like that.

U

Correct typically they're they're landfills that are certified to accept this type of.

U

Material which can also be very costly because of transportation costs and distance. I mean.

A

When I ran the installation, I had to deal with methane and no place in maryland was going to take.

A

Methane, so we had to transport down to virginia, which cost a lot a lot of money. So that's why.

A

I'm just curious about the transport yes of this dirt. So that's a good question. A couple. A couple.

D

Questions uh so we I know in the fy 24 budget we set aside. I can't remember the exact amount I mean.

D

It was a four or five million for pfas mitigation in the county, so there are, there are actually.

U

Two different line items as it were: there are operating costs. um uh I believe it's about 250, 000,.

U

That was allocated for this fiscal year that this would come out of. So that's why this is budgeted.

U

For we then have a long-term capital budget request that um several years out, that is our.

U

Anticipation that um once epa and mde determine how these types of sites need to be addressed.

U

That we will be facing some sort of cleanup costs, and so that's why we set aside dollars in.

U

Out years for a capital project, that's one of the things I wanted to confirm, or the the transfer of.

D

This particular money was coming from and it is from the money we allocated as a board for this.

D

Fiscal year budget and then secondly- and you may not be able to answer this, but I know there was.

D

A settlement of sorts over this issue. So if you don't have the answer, that's okay, but I'm curious.

D

The status of that, if we have a status of it, if any of those we did it, we did uh retain a lawyer.

V

Yes, we did obtain outside counsel brown greer bud from texas. uh Also in our local contact is jay.

V

Gullo, uh they are in settlement negotiations. Now um we don't have any dollar figures to report. Okay,.

V

3M, I think, was one of the defendants there right their proposed settlement, I think, was rejected by.

V

The judge at this point so it's still up in the air, but there's no reason to anticipate we're.

V

Going to be getting enough to to take care of all the the cleanup costs but it'll it'll go. You know.

V

Somewhat some ways there yeah the the current litigation correct me: if I'm wrong is primarily.

U

Focused on drinking water and and the treatment associated with with those those costs, um I'm not.

U

Sure that it's covering yet the site cleanup costs, if that makes sense, that does make sense. Okay,.

D

I moved the yeah, I move the board of commissioners award the contract for on-site testing at the.

D

Public safety training center to tetra tech and the amount of 99 100.. Second, I got a motion. I.

A

Got a second in discussion seen here, none all in favor, okay! Thank you very much. Thank you.

A

Feel like an hour when somebody does a motion here in a second okay: okay, let's talk about.

A

A couple of legislative initiatives regarding procurement authority and reserving the right to.

A

Hold permits for unpaid personal property taxes. Ladies good morning, to you both good morning.

W

Hiding in the background, so we're bringing a couple initiatives to you, I'll, discuss one and let.

W

And then we'll discuss the second one, so the first one, the department of the comptroller, even though.

W

With the office of procurement, even though she's under the department of homes uh request your.

W

Support to submit a request to the delegation, this would allow us to raise the formal bid amount from.

W

The current 25 000 to 50 000. um we're requesting this because we have seen such a rise in costs and.

W

Everything and with that I'll, let maureen talk a little more about that. um We actually brought this.

O

To your attention last year- and we were a little late in getting that in but as you know, uh 25 000.

O

Does not go nearly as far as it used to, and it is very time consuming and costly to prepare bids so.

O

um We would like to see that limit raise to the 50 000 to help us with our workload and to save costs.

O

All around so we're just asking again for your second approval, basically to go forward with this.

A

Okay, let's take these one at a time. Is there a discussion regarding this.

C

Makes sense to me it makes sense to me if we help streamline processes and we help.

C

To to increase the efficiency of an already efficient department um yeah, this makes sense.

C

To me, we had the conversation down in and I think we talked last year about this, but.

F

My recollection, the more of the talk was what had to come before the board. I I wasn't thinking.

F

About the bids and the time you guys save by this changing and- and it makes it way more meaningful.

F

For me, it's not a lack of caring for them right, yeah; no, no! No! No! No! No! No, not completely!.

F

Foreign okay motion to approve to raise the formal bidil limit from twenty five thousand to fifty.

C

Thousand dollars under which our procurement officer may authorize to be submitted to the.

C

Maryland general assembly. Second, I have a motion. I have a second-handed discussion on this one.

A

Seen here, none all in favor all right! Okay! Thank you. Now, let's talk about the second.

W

um So our second initiative is a little bit different. This is the first time I.

W

Believe we brought this to the board, but the comptroller department, along with we.

W

Had spoken to permit's office a long time ago, would like to request a um request. Your.

W

Support to submit a request to the delegation to reserve the right to withhold building permits.

W

um To business owners that are delinquent in their personal property tax, it's a little.

W

Background personal property tax includes furniture, fixtures, office, furniture, anything.

W

Other than real property tax that we would they submit an annual return to the state.

W

And then they, the state will send us and we'll issue a personal property tax bill. Currently we.

W

Don't have other than going out and actually putting liens against that personal property.

W

um Which is take would take a lot of manpower to go out and do we don't really have any other.

W

Way to enforce these with that being said, we would like to see if we could propose to the.

W

Delegation and get the authority to withhold a permit when a business would come into.

W

Propose work until they pay us their back taxes and delinquent taxes. Do you have anything.

S

Other than we do it for the liquor board, it's already that's already been established prior.

S

And it works great, yes, we we know if they have a liquor license and they owe us money we're.

S

Going to get that money have other jurisdictions done this or are they pursuing it or it's just.

F

You guys right now we're the leaders in the pack, but do others do it with liquor boards.

A

The liquor board is a state, that's a state, so yeah. This is impressions that we're trying to.

A

Piggyback on what the state's already doing with the liquor board right, the liquor board.

W

Is state and the comptroller of maryland has the authority to withhold liquor license.

W

um For personal property, tax or other taxes that are not paid.

A

A

You know, have you had the conversation with the state comptroller as far as initiating this is.

A

There any you know, uh I want to say challenges but um effects that could occur. By doing this, I mean.

A

That are unseen right now or we haven't okayed any conversation.

W

um I'd be more than happy to reach out. What do you think it's the next logical step.

C

Yeah and this I'm I'm sorry I apologize do you want to go first, commissioner? Well, I was just.

F

Going to say, a local bill like this might have a better probability of passing than if you tried.

F

To do it statewide so right, and so my thinking right, I'm looking at this, and I noticed that.

C

You reserve the right, which means that you will exercise discretion like if, for example, if you.

C

Know someone has had health issues or something there's some extenuating circumstance. This would.

C

Allow you to to be flexible, dependent on the situation and I respect that. I respect that sure.

D

So two questions I see when I read hold permits what what kind of permits are we.

D

Talking about first thing that comes to mind is a building. Permit is, is that it.

W

Would be building plumbing like building plumbing electrical anything that our permits department.

W

Would issue to a business and basically we're saying that you can go ahead and continue doing.

W

Business in the county, while you still back taxes right now, this would allow us to say.

W

I guess prevent them from doing continuing business until they actually catch up or pay their.

W

Taxes with us um the current process right now for delinquent is it gets referred to the county.

W

Attorney's office and then they have a lot of work and time put into that and that's if we even.

W

Get those monies and if you recall a couple months ago I came to you and we rode off quite a few.

W

um Personal property tax bills because they were found uncollectible. This is just another avenue.

W

That we thought would happen, help us to collect those taxes, and uh commissioner bigliotti touched.

D

On this a little bit, but some of us haven't been relatively new in this role- have been.

D

Concerned about the citizens, ability to appeal things and understand what the processes are.

D

So they're not unduly penalized, or at least they understand, you know how to get things fixed so.

D

I you know, I know the reputation of your office is stellar and I I know these processes exist.

D

But if this were to pass, I would hope that we'd have take extra care just to make sure.

D

That people do understand without having to look too hard how to go ahead and appeal things and.

D

Explain things and try to mitigate their their own personal circumstances? Okay. Thank you. Absolutely.

C

Motion to approve the initiative for the comptroller's office in conjunction with.

C

The permit's office to reserve the right to hold permits for unpaid, personal property taxes to be.

C

Submitted to the maryland general assembly. Second: hey: I have a motion secondary further.

A

Discussion on this good dialogue appreciate all of it all in favor all right. Thank you very much.

A

Okay, let's talk about what are we talking about management budget operating approval of resolution.

A

I guess oh yeah, it was like four about zero, two for the sinkhole mitigation funding from.

A

Medford and avondale roads. Okay, last week you heard about a sinkhole and what we're.

M

Planning to do about it, so I'm not going to go through all that. I'm just here to take.

M

Care of the mechanics to get this done, and that would be to for you to approve.

M

Moving 191 823 dollars from the reserve for contingencies to the budget of roads operations.

C

Motion to approve resolution 0.24-02 for sinkhole mitigation at medford and avondale roads that.

C

Is an o right? Oh yes, okay operating makes sense. Thank you. Okay. I got a motion. I got a second to.

A

uh Is it so we're moving this 191 823 correct? Yes, okay, any discussion on that seen here. None all.

A

In favor aye aye, thank you very much, sir. Okay. Now, let's talk about what we're going to do with these.

A

Sinkholes and the emergency road work necessary. Don't give us a sinking feeling about this. I want.

C

I want some hope: that's not good at all content delivery was not there. So, let's just move on I'll.

A

Try better next time, you need to do a lot of things, see that's delivery! That's content! Okay,.

O

Morning, department of public works was before the board on august, the 31st of this year to.

O

Provide a briefing on the status of sinkhole mitigation work at medford and avondale roads.

O

Now the office of procurement, in cooperation with the department.

O

Of public works is requesting your approval to make final payment to hillis karns engineering.

O

Associates for the subsurfacing improvements in the amount of 191 823 and with the board's.

O

Approval of the transfer of funds. This cost is now approved in the fy 24 budget.

X

Good morning, commissioners and again we were before you uh the last week in august and briefed.

X

You on all the operations that were going on at medford and avondale roads and again this is for.

X

The repair of a sinkhole that was discovered in that area and uh to allow us to pay our contractor.

X

Both myself and our hydrologist zachary neal are here. Should you have any additional questions.

X

Or anything we can help you with.

A

Yeah, I mean, I think we heard it last week so motion to approve supplemental appropriation.

C

Of 191 823 dollars, which will fund the emergency sinkhole repairs of the intersection of avondale.

C

And medford roads. Second, I have a motion. I have a second in discussion on this one.

A

Seen here in 9 all in favor aye, thank you very much. Thank you, commissioners. Thank you.

A

Okay, gentlemen, bring us home talking about the uh remove and replace side steps and sidewalks.

C

Warren commissioners morning, everybody good morning.

Y

uh The office of procurement, in cooperation with the bureau of facilities, request your.

Y

Approval to award hti contractors a contract in the amount of thirty one thousand four hundred.

Y

Fifteen dollars for the removal and replacement of the steps and sidewalk at the side entrance.

Y

Of the courthouse annex hci contractors is a term contractor with carroll county.

Y

The bureaus of facilities did solicit quotations from the four contractors. This amount is within.

Y

The fiscal year 24 budget and no additional funds should be required. Our commissioners, this section.

Z

Of the annex was built in 1956 and the work is needed to preserve the structural integrity as.

Z

Well, as the building aesthetics, this stairwell and sidewalks, located on the alley side of the.

Z

Courthouse annex uh hdi will be installing new handrail down the steps, along with the top of.

Z

The the wall as well, this project's pretty cut and dry. That here is uh here to answer any questions.

Z

You may have regarding this project, but we don't foresee any major issues um on the outcome of this.

A

I always enjoy using somebody local yeah, so motion to approve the award of a contract.

C

To hti contractors in the amount of 31 415 for the removal and replacement of the steps.

C

And sidewalk at the courthouse annex second, an emotion: I have a second any discussion on this.

A

We could take the next 45 minutes and talk about if you want all in favor.

E

Aye aye, okay, all right! Thank you. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you.

A

Where do you have anything for open admin tim? Do you have anything for open admin? Oh sure. Are you.

A

Sure, okay, just give me time to think about it. I wonder why don't you come on up? Does anybody here.

A

Have anything we want to discuss not this week? No for the good uh good, the group go to the county.

S

If there's any public comment just online just in case, what's your name chris, any public comment.

E

uh Nothing to see here, bill [laughter].

A

Okay, now that was funny the content and delivery, not bad, which I'll get you next time. Okay,.

A

um Monday september 25th nothing scheduled the tuesday 26 I'll be participating virtually in.

A

The maryland's governor workforce development board quarterly meeting nothing scheduled on.

A

The 27th on thursday, we go into open session where we'll have a prior to carroll proclamation.

A

Then we will be having a briefing discussion potential decisions on approving.

A

Purchase approving properties to participate in the state program maryland agricultural land.

A

Preservation program or otherwise known as mouth, um do I need to read all the properties you think.

A

Okay, then clarification to the definition in chapter 158 regarding drug treatment facilities.

A

Then we'll talk about westminster area, sidewalk improvements. Have we figured out is that safe.

A

Sidewalks or is that safe, it's not safe route to schools, okay, thanks um and then we'll talk about.

A

A contract renewal of a laser fish data, migration to mcci manage cloud platform.

A

um That afternoon, commissioner kyler will be participating in the carroll.

A

County realtors, installation of officers and directors.

A

On friday, 29th and saturday 30th nothing schedule, and commissioner, according has the podcast for.

A

That sunday and I wasn't paying attention so if we can go back, some of us are going on monday to.

F

Blue windsor fire department. I think isn't it that's! That's off. That's! That's just us. That's.

L

Just yeah, that's just us. Okay, I did. That was a rescheduled tour. I didn't know if it was still on.

F

Or it's a a meeting, they've called they've asked no, it's just another part of this gotcha. Okay,.

A

Following week, uh hello october october, 2nd third: what's that not possible not letting.

L

It happen, uh nothing is scheduled because uh wyndham said that october will not start.

A

um Wednesday october 4th, commissioner gordon, will be participating in a virtual planning and zoning.

A

Commission meeting at 6 p.m. Excuse me 6 p.m. Thursday, october 5th, um we started zero. Nine at.

A

Will have consideration of bond authors authorizing resolution from our comptroller.

A

Request for public hearing on babylon road regarding babylon road.

A

And then truck restrictions regarding brown road in district two, I thought there was a.

A

Public hearing is it the week before? Did I miss something yeah, there's a public hearing the.

A

Week before on the um here, it is the chapter 158 recording drug treatment facilities. I apologize.

A

um That is thursday september 28th. It is a public hearing and I didn't share that, but it is a public.

A

Hearing on the clarifications to the definitions in chapter 158, recording drug treatment facilities.

A

um 6 p.m. Is the carroll county land trust annual dinner meeting currently, commissioners.

A

Gordon kyler and vigliotti will be attending I'm a tentative but we'll leave it at that.

A

um On said, nothing scheduled for friday on saturday october, 7th westminster fire department.

A

Annual parade and open house commissioners, gordon and vigliotti, will be waving and.

A

Sunday october, 8th commissioner gordon garage has the podcast I do want: okay, okay and and.

F

Again, probably not for is this: where were any of you invited to speak on it act on it?.

F

Focus conversations or something at carroll community college, on the third I was, but I cannot.

D

Make I cannot it's changed to the 24th of october yeah, okay, and it should be something coming out.

F

um When they scheduled on the third, they didn't realize they wanted to talk about critical race.

F

Theory and most of ccps was at mabe, so you know and and I talked to somebody about it- I don't know.

F

Three two three days ago and I just said you probably want them there so so it'll. If you were.

F

Interested it'll be rescheduled, okay, anything else for open admin. I need a motion to adjourn so moved.

E

Second, I got a motion. I got a second a discussion on this scene here, none all in favor, aye,.