Carroll County, MD Board of County Commissioners Open Sessions, 13 Jul 2023

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From YouTube: Board of Carroll County Commissioners Open Session July 13, 2023

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https://www.carrollcountymd.gov

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I'm back yes, you are okay! Good morning, it's thursday july 13th. uh We have open.

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Session this morning and then we'll be going into closed after that for land acquisition.

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As we always do, let's uh start with the pledge of allegiance and women's silence.

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Okay, let's jump right into uh priority carroll commissioner garen mike. What's on your mind, I'm.

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Sure thank you good morning, carroll county uh I've got a couple things. First of all, I want to.

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Highlight again the the fire company carnivals that are going to be taking place this summer.

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There's still quite a few left, of course right now, as we speak, the winfield fire company is the.

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10Th of july, through the 15th of july and then down in my neck of the woods, good old, mount airy.

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Is the 31st of july to the 5th of august, so again just imploring people to go out and support your.

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Local fire companies we are, we are in the midst of a transition here in the county. If you will a.

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Hybrid system, if you will of county employees and volunteers, but we will never and cannot do.

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It without volunteers that has never been the case, and that will not be the case. So please.

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Go out and support your local fire departments. We've got a quite a few good carnivals left here.

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um Also, I've been speaking often about the issue of cannabis in the state and the county.

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And bringing you some of the latest news, I get all my news. A lot of my news through again an.

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Organization called learnaboutsam.org, sam being smart approaches to marijuana. I would encourage.

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Everybody to go to their website wonderful people, people in maryland. These are maryland people and.

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I can report that just a couple days ago, prince george's county now, there's probably not a lot.

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Alike between carroll county and prince george's county in a lot of ways, totally different counties.

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Different budgets, different everything, but um the county. Four county council members have proposed a.

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Bill that would restrict cannabis businesses to industrial zones mandate that, by that they have.

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To be 2500, feet away from land for daycare or school uses and require building mounted signs.

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And it would not be grandfathering any existing shops. The proposal mirrors one winding its way.

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Through the legislative process that clamps down on on smoke shops, so why am I bringing.

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This up every single week I know some people are probably sick about hearing about it, but.

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You know we're going to be grappling with this issue, but we're certainly not alone in our.

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Concern, I I think some of us feel really strongly about what shouldn't happen here.

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In the county and you'll notice that counties around the con, the state and.

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Some pretty prominent towns and cities like ocean city, maryland ocean city, new jersey,.

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Bethany are taking these same approaches because they're extremely concerned about what this is.

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Going to bring the sale of it will bring to their municipalities and their jurisdictions.

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And then, lastly, we had a very good meeting yesterday with the school board and dr mccabe, our.

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Superintendent, we spoke a lot about the upcoming budget challenges. You know, as I I re I represent.

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Technically, one-fifth of the county, I represent district four, the southwestern part of the county.

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But as a parent with kids in the school system, I kind of feel like I speak for a lot of parents and.

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It's the the challenges are definitely not lost on this board and definitely.

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Not lost on the board of education. I was really pleased with how the meeting went.

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But you know we're sitting there and we're talking about specifically blueprint and the challenges.

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For us as a county and the potential price tags, which are astounding um millions and millions.

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Of dollars, we're not sure yet, but we think it's going to be in the a lot of money and I'm sitting.

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There as a commissioner, but also as a parent and you know, you're looking at all these proposals.

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And what's lost on you, you almost feel like you're sitting in an alternate universe as a parent.

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Because you're not seeing anything about metrics you're, not hearing really much a whole lot about.

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How this blueprint addresses students, you know, um there's really not a lot of metrics that go.

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Along with it, the curling commission that people talk about a lot. In my opinion, it hasn't been.

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Successful you look at some of the policy areas that had tried to address years ago and scores and.

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Everything are just down in our state, so when you see the upcoming challenges in terms of the budget.

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And some of the things that blueprint mandates for the county, I've got a message for for parents out.

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There I mean you, can you can send please by all means, come here and speak to us publicly.

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Send in emails voices you voice your concerns, but when your email simply states fund blueprint, you.

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Know our children are our future. You know by the way I get that my children are my future as well.

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But just saying fun blueprint if you care about school's phone blueprint that is not going to.

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Work in the long run, so I would encourage people to look specifically at some of these mandates.

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In maryland, blueprint and focus on a couple key issues, uh the compensatory mandates, in other words,.

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It ties the compensator mandates of blueprint, tie up millions of dollars and telling us how.

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We need to spend it if the state tells us how we have to spend uh consent. These compensatory funds.

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For certain groups, then we're our hands are tied, for, I think upwards of 30 million dollars.

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There is a 60 40 teaching split requirement in man in maryland, blueprint, which means now, teachers.

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They teach 60 of the time, but the other forty percent of the time they're planning to teach.

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Right now it's about a 75-25 split, but what is that 60 40 splint mean for our school district.

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It means we may have to hire over a hundred new teachers to fill that void. That's not a good thing.

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um Teaching schools in maryland- and this is not really as it relates mostly to blueprint but.

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You know, teaching schools in maryland are not even going to put out enough teachers to fill.

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These roles in the state, so that's another major concern and there's also actually.

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Another component to blueprint that requires assistant teacher assistant principals, to teach.

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So why am I talking about specifics in blueprint? Well, I'm talking about specifics in blueprint.

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Because we have to educate ourselves as a county people that are concerned about maryland blueprint.

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Just saying fund maryland blueprint, you know if you care about the schools, that's not the issue.

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And the reason I made some specific comments here is because these are the things we need.

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To probably focus on in terms of blueprint with our legislation, the upcoming general assembly.

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And trying to move the needle on this, there are specifics involved with blueprint that do not.

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Help our county, in my opinion, maybe blueprint, helps some counties, but the way things look.

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Right now and the way it's formatted and the way it's laid out, it doesn't help us.

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It hurts us- and I just explain a couple of ways- that it's going to hurt us so educate.

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Yourselves folks, particularly parents, make sure you really understand what blueprint's all about.

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Please reach out to us give us your comments, but we've got to fine tune. Our message here because.

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This is by all accounts, it's coming, so thanks. Absolutely and oh no did you mention salaries.

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Yeah I mean uh there's lots of components to this, and and salaries is large and we're going.

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To be competing across jurisdictions for the same pool of teachers- and you know they're already some.

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Jurisdictions that are coming after teachers with uh bonuses and seller increases and uh yeah no.

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I I appreciate it to understand the specifics. um Commissioner, gordon. Thank you good morning.

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Obviously, we all had a wonderful, hopefully uh july, 4th last tuesday. um You know we have.

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A tendency to talk about july 4th, but we don't really look at some of the background information.

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Of what occurred with the 56 members that saw uh individuals that signed that declaration.

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Independence, so I thought I'd just take a minute this morning and kind of give us some background.

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um Might shock some of you, so five of the signers of the 56 were captured by the british as traders.

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And tortured before they died, 12 had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their son serving in.

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The revolutionary army and another had their two sons captured nine of the 56 fought and died from.

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Wounds or hardships from the revolutionary war they signed their and they pledged their lives.

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Their fortunes and their sacred honor, what kind of men were they 24 of the were lawyers and jurists.

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11 were merchants, nine were farmers, men of means well educated, but they signed the declaration of.

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Independence, knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured carter.

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Braxton of virginia a wealthy, planner and trader saw his ship swept out to sea by the british navy.

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When he sold his home, he then sold his home in properties to pay his debts and died in rags.

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Thomas mckean was so hounded by the british that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.

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He served in the congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding his possessions were.

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Taken from him and poverty was his reward, van vandals or or soldiers looted the properties of.

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Distillery hall, climber, walton, gwinnett, hayward, rutledge and milton at the battle of yorktown.

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Thomas nelson jr noted that the british general cornwallis had taken up the nelson home and he.

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Quietly urged general washington to open fire, the house was destroyed and nelson died, bankrupt.

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Francis lewis had his home and properties destroyed the enemy jailed, his wife and she died.

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Within a few months, john hart was driven from his home, as, while his wife was in her bedside dying.

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The 13 children fled for their lives. His fields in grismo were laid to waste for more than a year. He.

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Lived in the forest and caves and returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

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My point for bringing up this up this morning granted it's a week after the fourth but I think.

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It's something that's timely on any day is we need to be very cognitive of what people have done for.

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Our country, be it federal state or local when it comes to sacrificing to see that our communities.

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And our country are well taken care of, and I think that at any given day, we should be sure.

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To appreciate the freedoms we have, whether it be our fire ems, those that have served in our.

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Military or those that have paid significant sacrifices and the foundation of our country.

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So that's why I bring that up this morning. Moving on, I did want to mention a couple.

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Things going on locally currently, though, in carroll county this past week, the maryland.

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Distillers guild visited westminster's, covalent spirits where they had a quarterly meeting.

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Always good to see local business and some of our distillery guilds within the community.

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On july 17th and 18th, the carroll county, public schools and carroll county public library are.

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Hosting a mock trial camp for students entering the grades, six to nine a great opportunity for.

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Students that have an interest in law one day they might be taking mr burke's job, we're not sure.

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um In their right, mind, never know tim and uh poor guy leaves the room and he comes back and.

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That's what he he should have stayed, but uh the other thing I do want to mention that's.

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Very important coming up august, the week of august 6th through 12th, uh is carroll county restaurant.

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Week, I would, I would urge everybody to get out support local business support the families and.

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The residents that not only own but also run and work at these businesses, because these.

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Are the people that, yes, you may buy a sandwich or a dinner or an entree from them, but they're.

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The people that give back to your community- these are the people that sponsor you know.

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Rec groups: these are people that sponsor various events in our community and, as always, you know.

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In carroll county, it's very large family. When you really think about all of us- and I would just say.

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If you have the time and the ability be sure always but definitely during restaurant week,.

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To step out and support local business, thank you, where is that burger coming from depends.

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Where you want it, we can go far with that thing. Look delicious! It's! Okay! um Mr kyler! Thank you.

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um And comments so far have been super and some of them are piggyback some I'll skip, because they've.

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Already mentioned, but um yes, carnivals are going on and our fire companies need our support and and.

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uh I try to get to a few of them. It's it's hard to get to everything, even things that are a priority.

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um Fourth of july, um great time, great time to look back over this country and how blessed we.

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Are some fireworks displays that are fun met with the trans advisory council? That was great.

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um Did a cabinet meeting met with some individual directors, and I just want to use that portion to.

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Thank staff and the people in this building and in other county buildings throughout our county.

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um Weird one of the things I'm learning as a commissioner, one of the many things.

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Carroll county, like most governments, were probably complaint driven. We don't have people that can.

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Watch everything so we react to complaints, but there's a lot of good things that go on too. That.

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We don't hear as much about I've talked to some of the public about our item, one on the agenda.

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Went to the opioid prevention coalition with the health department for two hours yesterday.

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And what a great group um commissioner garen covered uh some of the things with uh cannabis.

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Going on, but they are much concerned about that. Some of the uh law enforcement people that were.

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There are very concerned about how annapolis has tied their hands on enforcing problems with it.

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It yes, um 58 or 59 percent of the county voted that they wanted. This.

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um I understand that I respect that. I think our job is to also care about the safety of the county.

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And if we upset 58 of the population and we're trying to do what's right, so be it. And but I want.

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To hear from you tell tell me when you're upset, but but that that's that's a tough thing we did.

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Some mako meetings and uh commissioner rothstein will probably talk a little bit more about that.

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It's a great group and we have their summer if you want to call it convention meeting coming up. It's.

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It's uh networking with the rest of the account of rest of the counties in the state jurisdictions in.

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The states it's just an awesome opportunity. We mentioned the board of ed joint meeting.

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Yesterday- and it was great and uh of course, my last four years, I I got to.

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Be on the board of ed, I made the comment when the kerwin commission was meeting.

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Dr kerwin knows more about education and I'll ever learn. I hope he has a good financial advisor.

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Because he doesn't know a whole lot about money and he definitely doesn't know anything about how.

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To implement theories that you that you draw up so much and you still hear it so much of the hype at.

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The time was helping educators, helping teachers being more fair to them, increasing their pay.

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If we don't watch it we're at a point where the compensory requirements, some other requirements.

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Are going to make it hard to increase teacher's pay, it's actually hurting that somewhat. It's not.

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Helping that and and I think we need to look hard at that and like it or not, we cannot physically.

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Fund from a local level what they expect us to do, the current commission, the delegation.

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All said, carroll county does great and we're in the top 10 or 15 percent of scores. Historically,.

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The commissioners when I was on the other side of the fence, I probably argued with them, but.

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They've treated the school system more fairly than than a lot of the other 23 jurisdictions.

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But we get punished for that and they said carroll county doesn't need to add a penny.

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To it, the state will fund this well. um Last budget we doubled what would normally be the.

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The new money for board of ed and next year, if we can do that again, that's not going to cover.

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A small percentage of what they need. It's it's just uh and it's it's it's not possible to fund it.

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We do have a meeting coming up with uh the the state comptroller and the city of westminster is.

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Also a meeting so that's nice, we've been blessed with people from annapolis. People from maryland.

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Government getting up here, we've had a number of them get up and it's awesome um a little.

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Commercial, the buckwild tractor truck pool is at the 4-h fair friday and saturday and great event.

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And uh and the 4-h people the ag center um there's so many things in this county that are so positive.

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um And we need to support all of them. Our church is currently doing bible school.

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This week it's awesome to see these kids playing games and and uh learning about.

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um Christianity, but playing games and having fun and eating a meal, and so many uh the coveted.

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Pandemic changed us in some of the things we got to see some of the things weren't pretty.

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We learned stuff about the school system and a lot of parents didn't know and that's caused a lot of.

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Positive changes, but we also learned that um there's more people in our county than we think.

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That need help with meals need help with the food pantries and the stuff that was.

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Set up- and I know our bible is going a lot of them. Ours starts with dinner.

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And uh the kids are there, some parents are there and the church invites some of the community to.

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Come and get a meal and we're seeing a good number of people doing that and and that's.

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One of the positive things I think came out of it. Of course, I'll briefly mentioned uh a.

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Lot of wrestlings going on fargo the national tournaments coming up next week and uh and.

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Freestyle and greco for the kids and it's it's awesome again to see the kids doing all that.

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um I'd like to mention something: that's probably a touchy subject, but um in in carroll county we've.

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Had some great pride events in the last uh well in june was pride month and then westminster had.

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An event in july and that's great um we've been criticized because some related county entities.

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Which I won't name participated in these um I'll be honest. um I applaud their participation in it.

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um I think I think we we need to participate as much as we can in all events.

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um The entities that did participate- I would like to share with you.

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um That's great and whether we were seeking voters or seeking members for whatever that's great. But.

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I'll be honest, um the the new shiny penny isn't the only thing going on in carroll county. I didn't.

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See any of these groups at any of the carnivals? Historically, I don't see any of these groups at.

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The 4-h fair and one of the one of the things when norrison complains that that entity said.

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Well, we want to get out and and show ourselves to the community. Well, I hope you mean that and.

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There's there's a lot of carnivals that need your help. It's a lot of uh you know the I'm biased, but.

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With with the ag center, when you see the cake auction, when you see the the livestock auction.

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Back during covid, when we were talking about who the heroes were and and a lot of them were and.

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I told people I'd go to that livestock auction and people were hurting financially and uh but.

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They were there and some girl had a steer and she was a senior and not going to be back and.

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They sat there and bid up against each other to benefit her as an outgoing 4-h person when.

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I'm sure they were cutting corners on a lot of the other things they were doing in their business or.

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Their farm and and there's some great people and they need our support too. Thank you. Oh absolutely,.

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um Before we go on, you mentioned uh the church and and vbs um chris. You got that picture.

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I always try to take an opportunity to embarrass somebody and this time.

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I get to embarrass my son, okay, because uh the vbs it's across, I think it's across.

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The country they come up with themes and this theme has to do with outer space and.

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um You know obviously, teaching the fundamentals of christianity, but through song and play and.

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Sam, who is 24, loves to volunteer, I mean the guy's got degrees and masters and all this, but.

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He is he's a mountain of a man and he wore his spacesuit for uh for the kids, so he's enjoying.

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That this week, but I just want to share that you know we- we got just an incredible community.

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Okay, you can take that off before I get myself into much trouble. Congratulations! So, um what's.

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Your name, commissioner vigliotti on you. I hope I remember who I am at this point well good morning.

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Everybody uh a lot has already been talked about, so I can uh briefly go over a couple of things.

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Obviously, I will always associate myself with commissioner garen's comments and concerns about.

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The legalization of marijuana- and I think it's important to remember that, just because something.

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Is legal or supported by a majority doesn't make it intrinsically or ontologically right.

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um As uh commissioner, gordon and others have also mentioned last week was obviously independence.

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Day and I think that that's important not just for the celebration of what it means historically but.

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Intrinsically for us, as a country, these god-given rights that we have that are protected under the.

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Law and despite the present circumstances that we find ourselves- and I really do believe in my.

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Heart that the best days of this country still are ahead and it's up to us it's our responsibility.

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To to work toward them yeah, it also genuinely believe that the american dream is still alive.

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And again, that that comes down to to us ensure hearing that the american dream does continue to.

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Survive, you know I am proud to be an american and I always will be uh yesterday. Obviously I.

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Joined my fellow commissioners in a joint meeting with the board of education, everybody has capably.

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Spoken to uh the substance of the discussion and the meeting yesterday so I'll only very briefly.

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Say that you know it's important, that we have these joint meetings with the board of education.

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We're working on having more of them than we have in the past, we're working on more routine.

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Communication, because there are a number of these issues, including blueprint that are issues that.

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We do have to take on and tackle together and I am blessed to be working with these gentlemen.

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And the members of the board of education and the members of the school system who recognize.

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That blueprint is a problem, and it is one that we do have to work together to attempt to to contend.

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With so tomorrow morning, tony towns, chamber of commerce will be hosting their monthly business.

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Breakfast at thunderhead, bowl and tanitown that begins at 7 30 a.m. The cost of admission is ten.

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Dollars also, tomorrow, from noon to two o'clock, the town of union bridge will be hosting a free snow.

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Cone event at their square, which is at the corner of main street and east broadway in union bridge.

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And it's events like the uh the business breakfast, the snow cone giveaway the fireworks uh displays.

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That you have around the county that help make carol the wonderful place that it is and such.

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A vital part of the american heartland, um you know this is a place where the american dream.

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Does still survive and to steal commissioner kyler's tagline, because he did not say it. This.

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Morning I love carroll county and again I very much love being an american and that's it for.

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Me this morning, thank you, okay. I think I got the short draw and I put myself in that place.

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By following commissioner vigliotti, but because he still uses very big words that I don't understand.

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But that's! Okay! um That's all right! You don't remember my name either. So it's a big word.

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Hey I mean recording kyler, easy, okay, two syllables yours. It keeps going so uh earlier this week. um I.

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Participate on the shock trauma visitation board, I'm a member of that board and shock.

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Trauma you have tier one two and three uh trauma centers across the country or just give me across.

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Maryland- and I guess across the country shock trauma is not one two or three they're a level.

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Above and they're designed that way, and um uh just an amazing um organization that we have uh in our.

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State that supports um such you know challenging times uh what happened in brooklyn uh in baltimore.

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um Last week was just horrific and um they received, I think it was about 15 of those kids.

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That were ages 14 to 25 or something that um that were shot up and two of them had passed. And dr.

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Scalia, who runs shock trauma he's an irreplaceable he's, like it's horrible, that two had passed, but.

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Then again only two and it's because they got to shock trauma um and the reason shock drama is so.

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Special is because they have dedicated staff and dedicated folks for trauma, as opposed to these.

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Other trauma centers they're, not as they're dedicated in the work they do, but they're not.

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Dedicated to the trauma itself, it's sounds like a nuance, but it's it's really not and the reason.

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I'm bringing it up as much is they're going to be continuing to ask for more money to continue.

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To do the work they do uh it's not inexpensive uh by any stretch and I'm committed to working.

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With our delegation um and the state on uh on these efforts, which dovetails right into mako,.

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Excuse me maryland association counties. We did have a legislative discussions um yesterday.

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And the idea is there's 40 legislative issues that were highlighted. Some are repeats from the.

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Year before, but others are new and it's to pair it down to four or five that the state.

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Counties jurisdictions want to get behind and either support or ensure that this type.

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Of legislation does not go through, so it's a bit of a an attack or an offense in the defense and.

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Maaco's been very um uh values, especially with the defense that things that we've.

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Gone against not about 90 percent have been successful in not getting passed.

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Two of the issues that I so so it went from 42. I think now it's down to 26. uh during the.

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Mako conference, the intent is to try to get it down to probably around 10. So by time it gets to.

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January, we got it down to four or five. Two of them definitely are dealing with blueprint and cannabis.

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And um understanding the authorities that we have in the county and then the responsibilities we.

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Have in the county, the authorities that they have in the state and the responsibilities.

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um We have specific authorities that dealing with the zoning of these type of uh you know, sales and.

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Retail and all that and and that's being worked through, we have a responsibility to ensure our.

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Legislators understand and comprehend our opinions on the impact that cannabis can and does have.

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Because I do believe that the car is so far in front of the horses on this.

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That we don't have the the laws in place to safeguard our community um if we're putting.

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So much more out on the streets of recreational cannabis, I'm not well enough educated, but it just.

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To me doesn't make sense uh that we're doing this um as far as allowing this and then developing the.

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Laws afterwards to safeguard ourselves, but we do have certain authorities that we are.

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Committed to doing, and that does have to do with the zoning piece of where cannabis can.

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Be sold right now. It's currently not sold on any county properties. It is uh marketed. Recreational.

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Cannabis in three municipal, no three locations and two municipalities. So we really don't have those.

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Authorities over them, we have a responsibility, uh but not necessarily that authority.

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um Blueprint was discussed, and I really appreciate commissioner karen uh comments about the more we.

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Understand and learn about blue the blueprint and our public education um in its specifics.

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The better off we're going to be prepared because we cannot tax ourselves out of this. There is no.

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Way we can't put as much property tax and income tax and recreation tax and everything else and.

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All this stuff, we cannot tax ourselves out of what the requirements look like, so nor should.

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We try um what we should do and what we are doing, along with you is understanding the fundamentals.

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Of blueprint and working together with the board of education, we did commit ourselves.

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To working with the board of education and our delegation on the specifics and work towards the.

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Victories that we can obtain, uh because it's going to be it's going to be very difficult.

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uh Going into this fiscal year, well we're in the fiscal year, but going into 25 26 and 27.

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That is about all, except I do need a clock back there, but it's not there anymore. So I.

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Don't know what happened so because I'm usually looking up and seeing my clock.

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But it's no longer there so, regardless of all that, why don't we move on to.

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Our first item- and uh chris are you coming up, is brenda coming up with you, okay and.

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Mr, what's your name burke, yes, go ahead good morning, commissioners. uh First to uh members.

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Of our public just a general reminder that, under uh our rules and regulations for the.

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Use of the carroll county hearing room, we don't allow signs. uh The government can't.

G

Regulate what you say today: government can't regulate what you wear today, but due to the.

G

Size of the room we can regulate uh signs, otherwise this could turn into a battle of.

G

The signs and nobody would have any seats. So please leave your signs at your chair.

G

Before you come up to speak, and the purpose of today's hearing is to solicit your comment on.

G

A proposal that has been advertised in the carroll county times on july june 16th and.

G

June 23rd to 2023 the proposal would remove community solar facilities from the ag zone.

G

We'll give you three minutes each to give your comment on it when uh and if you wish to comment.

G

Please give our deputy county administrator your salmon color third card. We again, we ask.

G

You to limit your comments to three minutes with us today. Are you from our department of land and.

G

Resource management, the director chris ein and brenda denny is here also from that department.

G

For the uh purpose of answering any questions you may have on the proposal, commissioners.

H

Thank you okay, good morning, commissioners, good morning. So, as mr burke indicated, we're.

H

Here for a public hearing regarding the removal of section 158 153e of the county code, give you.

H

A brief history of how we got here to kind of set the stage so back in 2021 the then board of county.

H

Commissioners adopted this section, which allowed for community solar on agricultural properties.

H

About a year it took about a year, and then we started receiving plans for those types of.

H

Developments and since that date in april of 2022, there have been a total of seven projects that.

H

Have been submitted for the development review process, none of those went have gone very far in.

H

The development review process staff has reviewed the proposals, but none of them went to planning.

H

Commission for a concept review, then, in march of this year this board indicated concerns related to.

H

The installation of solar panels on agricultural property and we went through a process of public.

H

Hearing and so on, to adopt a resolution that passed a six-month moratorium on march 9th.

H

Related to that to allow for additional study of the issue you and you requested that staff work.

H

With a work group, which we assembled of various individuals here in the county that were both for.

H

And against the idea of community solar that work group met and talked about really two sides of an.

H

Issue, one and that it was a fundamental question of whether they were appropriate, whether community.

H

Solar was appropriate for ag at all. So on the one side there was the opinion that no it's not at all.

H

And then on, the other side of the opinion was okay. Yes, it may be appropriate, but then what kind of.

H

Qualifications are required, and so we spend a fair amount of time working with citizens in that work.

H

Group discussing that second half of it, if there was a if it was acceptable to move forward what.

H

Kind of qualifications, and so on, would need to be put in place right, so we then had a work session.

H

With the board and presented that the staff report that came out of that work session and the board.

H

Voted to um to pursue the idea of removing or the concept of removing this section of code, as per.

H

The county code- because this is a land use, change land, use ordinance change. It had to be referred.

H

To the planning and zoning commission for their review and and comments, so the vote back in may.

H

Was to take that concept of removal of the of the ordinance to planning and zoning commission.

H

We presented that as an introduction on june 7th to the planning and zoning commission and.

H

Then we've had further conversations on june 20th and the planning and zoning commission.

H

um Voted and agreed with you that uh removal of the uh this section of code was appropriate and.

H

We have forwarded that letter to you all and you should have that in your record. So at this point.

H

Following the process for ordinance change, we're here for the public hearing related to.

H

A resolution to remove this section of code following the public hearing when you close.

H

The public hearing and mr burke correct me if I am, if I misspeak, I believe you can either leave.

H

The record open for 10 days on to accept further comments, or you can take action if you so desire.

H

After you've closed it today, and so we can bring this in this process to a conclusion.

H

Today, an understanding if we take action that it still has to be the 10 days before it's in.

A

Connected no, you can vote to adopt the ordinance today. It cannot be effective until july. The.

G

23Rd, so that's the way the ordinance will be written, try to say the same thing got it: okay,.

H

Okay, do you have any questions for either brenda or myself before we proceed.

E

I'm sorry, commissioner, please I was just going to say thank you for all the work that you guys have.

E

Put into this, thank you to everybody in the in staff and thank you to everybody who participated.

E

In that work group, I know it was a somewhat contentious issue at certain times, although.

E

Decorum was good, people were polite, but the issue itself was certainly uh in contention and.

E

I appreciate and respect the amount of time and effort that you put into this. So thank you. Thank.

A

You very much just a couple of quick questions: the um the seven total as of march 2023. You said that.

A

No action had been taken by any of them was that from did they get? Did they have ample time from.

A

When they started to ask to doing this or making a request to going through plans, I mean.

H

So the the development review process has it's a it's a long process that goes through.

H

Multiple steps, the initial steps are, they a plan is submitted. A concept plan is submitted. That plan.

H

Gets reviewed by all the technical agencies at county staff level right and we have what's called.

H

A technical review committee meeting where we discuss with the developer and the property owner.

H

Any technical issues several of these projects did have a technical review committee meeting. Then the.

H

Developer addresses all of the technical questions and when, regarding their concept, when that is.

H

Complete they then present to the planning and zoning commission for a concept review, which is at.

H

The point that the planning and zoning commission can put additional qualifications ask questions.

H

Of the develop developer and so on before they proceed, none of these projects reach the point of.

H

All technical questions being addressed and going to planning and zoning commission for that concept.

H

Review, that's what I thought: okay and they were given ample time to get there. Oh, yes, yes, okay! um I.

A

I don't see the planning boards um recommendation, except for your slide was there? uh Was it.

A

Unanimous across the planning board, you remember, I do not remember the vote off the top of my head.

H

But I can we certainly get that information for you, but I don't remember if it was unanimous. I.

H

Remember that one commission member did abstain, because he was part of the work group that that.

H

We had assembled so he abstained from the vote right, so we had all were in favor the who voted.

I

One person recused themselves because he had been on the work group and another person abstained.

I

Because he had just joined the planning commission. Okay, thanks! Thank you any uh any questions. Yes,.

F

um And and kind of just to clarify um march 9th, we adopted the moratorium prior to that.

F

um We had emotion and agreed to pursue this, but we had to wait um by law a certain amount.

F

Of time to be able to vote, we we had to do uh uh public advertisement yeah, yes and wait.

F

um And and uh and and when I'm wrong holler um at that time that we initially voted there were.

F

Only five projects submitted two came in between the time that the moratorium was adopted and we.

F

Discussed it in public um and when we did that discussion prior to march, 9th and even march 9th.

F

The existing zoning ordinance was less than two years old. Yes,.

F

Okay, I just wanted to make sure I was right on on that stuff.

A

Okay, any other uh questions. Okay, seen here in none I'd like to move on to a public comment.

A

um As a gentle reminder, uh keeping your comments um direct, it's not a question answer period.

A

Please, when you get to the microphone uh share with us, your name and address.

A

um We will keep this to three minutes. You do not have to use the entire three minutes.

A

But I will do my very best to keeping it and not going past the three minutes per speaker since.

A

We do have a large audience um chris. Is there anyone on the phone? Yes, sir, we have one caller.

B

Caller, if you could use star six to unmute and you'll, have three minutes to make your.

B

Comment, please identify yourself and give us the the area you're calling from caller one.

B

You may begin good morning. My name is barbara willett from willard's view. Community solar.

J

Project, solar acres, sunshine, acres, llc. First, I want to appreciate and thank the citizen.

J

Shareholders who participated in the work group, as well as the county staff that were involved, posing.

J

Many questions today that I hope will be answered in the future, um but please remember: community.

J

Solar offers an alternative to small farms to not only keep their land but also provide a service.

J

To their community and follow state mandates from renewable, clean energy for those who wish to take.

J

Advantage of it, but this aspect continues to be ignored. Also downplayed is the fact that community.

J

Solar would add to the county's ag preservation goals at low cost to the county, and so in fact,.

J

Payers, millions of dollars interesting today that you have some of that being voted on that.

J

Will cost taxpayers money white has a request for existing community solar projects to be.

J

Grandfathered in been ignored, commissioners keep saying we want to get this right. Yet all we and.

J

The many other farmers did would follow the laws that were already placed united. The shut is down.

J

Because someone's view was obstructed after more than a year of planning permits, changing contracts.

J

With farmers the board stopped at midstream. There was just conversation about. Was there enough time.

J

For zoning, our zoning review had been stopped because of the mandate and I believe that's.

J

True for others as well, so time was an issue with getting things approved because everything.

J

Has been stopped, so how is this getting it right? Those who have a million dollar view of a farm at.

J

No expense to them should buy their own farm and learn how difficult it is to survive. As a small.

J

Farmer here in this county, you state you were not against solar, just against ag land solar. We.

J

Know this is a community solar, only emphasis, but will these same concerns for solar the address.

J

Regarding all current and future solar projects, even though they are in approved zone areas, which.

J

We were working towards why? Wouldn't they have the same rules, apply questions about inactive.

J

Development decommissioning impacting views should apply to all seller development in the.

J

County would it not if it's not safe or visually pleasing on ag land? Why is it okay on the county.

J

Of the college at the high schools in union birds on private industry, on the roof of industry, even.

J

Though zone and allowed it can easily be seen from our roadways, but why is it different for farmers.

J

What is going to be done in the future? Just quick land owners, like our five generation.

J

Farming families would like to continue to live work and own a farming carroll county that doesn't.

J

Fall to ruin like so many you see around the county. Now again, we thank all who participated.

J

In the work group for their time now, it's time for the commissioners to do the right thing and.

J

Allow community solar on ag lands so farms in carroll county. Thank you very much. They offer.

J

Renewable clean energy, the community to all thank you, ma'am pro forms of solar. Thank you. Thank you.

A

Okay, chris, is there anyone else on the uh on the phone? No sir, that's the only caller okay.

A

Thanks deb, do you want to uh that's the lead? um The first person is mark hamilton.

K

What an honor to be chosen! I'm never never number one.

K

I want to thank all commissioners here in person today who voted in majority to enact a six-month.

K

Solar moratorium back on march 9th then again march 18th moving forward with another majority.

K

Vote motion to propose removal of community solar facilities and agricultural zones of the county.

K

I also want to thank you all for allowing myself and many others to speak and comment.

K

um Many times and exceed our three-minute time limit doing several of these meetings, so we.

K

Could all express our thoughts and explain in our own words, entirely how it's poorly planned.

K

And written past 158 153e text amendment negatively affected each and every one of us.

K

I'm sure you remember me personally addressing my comments and concerns repeatedly during all these.

K

Meetings how the amendment was hurriedly passed through and approved in may of 2021 with having.

K

Only a simple minimum set property set back of 40 foot inside the proposed safe property line, while.

K

Having no set regulations thought out or written in regards to the close proximity placement that.

K

This would allow solar generate generating facilities to be planned and built in relation.

K

To existing residential neighborhoods, their public roadways, adjacent residential dwellings and their.

K

Residential property line boundaries as a result of your considerations, your endless efforts.

K

And your much appreciated sensible thought out decisions. This action will stop a 15 to 17 acre.

K

Community, solar energy generating system named chabberton sunshine, solar project from being.

K

Approved and built across the road from me and my neighbors was 6500 solar panels directly facing.

K

My house only 135 foot from my frontal property line and 250 foot two feet from the front door.

K

Of my existing 40 year old residential zone home along fanny dorsey road in sykesville, while during.

K

This time, everyone else who was also in close proximity to this project, as well as many other.

K

Citizens residing near other planned community silver project locations throughout the county.

K

Have also made you aware of their own articles of conflict in each of these, their own districts.

K

Being a 38 year old, 38-year resident of the county and retired howard, county and government employee.

K

After 40 years service, it's been a pleasure to have met you and been involved in working.

K

With you all this time, getting to know you all on a first name basis um after I've never met.

K

Any other former commissioners in my 38 years resident of the county, I sincerely hope and.

K

Believe that today, you'll follow through again hand down another majority vote to finalize.

K

Our common goal permanently abolishing ticks amendment 158 153e from the sower community, solar.

K

Zoning code and not allow community solar to be put on prime agricultural carroll county.

K

Land, okay, thank you. I'm gonna get ready in my comments. Oh in my comments. After one more by.

K

Saying that I leave this meeting today, I will be going downstairs to pay my for fiscal year.

K

2024 property tax bill in for another full year with the pleasure and comfort of knowing that you.

K

As commit our commissioners will always care about us and we'll realize what a great place.

K

Carroll county is to reside, and especially knowing that you are keeping a watchful eye.

K

Over us, our families and our rightful interests every single day. Thank you again, commissioners,.

A

I expect all of you are going to be paying your property taxes so saying.

L

Good morning, thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment today. My name is kelly.

L

Buchanan- and I think I might be the only solar developer in the room who made the time and.

L

Effort to come down here to carroll county, I work for light, star renewables and we are community.

L

Solar developer, with about 600 megawatts in our portfolio across the united states, but light star.

L

Is different? We have a focus on agrivoltaics which, as you might be aware, recently passed.

L

And became a part of maryland state statue in the form of definition and in short, agrovaltaics, is a.

L

Simultaneous use of a single parcel of land for both solar and agricultural production.

L

For light star that sets a high bar, we focus on agrovoltaics that either produces market or.

L

Commodity crops and some of our projects are even planning to get a combine into.

L

These panels and use that land to be productive for us agrovoltaics provides several benefits.

L

To communities the first of which, in my mind, is the benefit to farming families.

L

Agrovoltaics adds in a financial viability tool to a farmer's toolkit that can ensure that they have.

L

A plan for retirement that they can keep the land and the family and that they can even encourage.

L

Their younger generations to stick around and be a part of the farming culture. I think it's.

L

Important for the commissioners here today to see that the development pressure in carroll county.

L

Is certainly a problem and I think agrovoltaics can be a part of the solution and that struggle.

L

Agrovoltaics also provides locally produced energy to the community and can provide build.

L

Savings to customers here in carroll, county and with agroval takes you get the added benefit of.

L

Locally produced food- these are all important to us and we make sure that these projects are.

L

Developed responsibly by utilizing our partnership with the american farmland trust and their smart.

L

Solar principles, as well as working with both the state and local chapters of farm bureaus.

L

We hope that this provides carroll county with an opportunity to consider the option.

L

Of allowing agrovoltaics on agriculturally zone land in the county and we're eager and excited.

L

To work with you to share the information and knowledge that we have in this emerging industry,.

L

With that, I would also like to mention that the work that happened within the community, solar.

L

Working group is really important and I think some of the metrics around you know especially setbacks.

L

And screening are important for this board to consider. Should you consider agrivoltaics, there's.

L

Always room for improvement in the community solar industry and you know lightstar- has experience.

L

Working across a variety of different states, we have agribal tech projects in new york, new.

L

Jersey, massachusetts and illinois, and we have experience working with counties like carroll.

L

I would be glad to be a resource to this board and a resource to the community to bring.

L

Information forward regarding the opportunity for agricultix and I would be happy to take any.

L

Questions, but thank you so much for your time this morning. Thank you very much, jason meyer.

M

uh Good morning uh I'm jason myers new windsor maryland and this morning I'm representing carroll.

M

County farm bureau- um I've- just uh our board- has strongly uh been against this ordinance. um The.

M

We feel like the change of this ordinance, makes it more consistent with the zoning in the county.

M

And also with our tremendous commitment to ag preservation in this county- and I just want.

M

To share with you that the the farmers that that farmers county are very committed to agriculture.

M

And I think our voice, as far as being against this ordinance is certainly coincides with that.

M

um I do want to thank the commissioners and the previous commissioners as well.

M

For letting us be a part of the process, even though we didn't agree with the ordinance when.

M

It was formed. I think I need to share that those commissioners allowed us to meet with.

M

Staff to discuss it and we came up with our decision after we met with staff and they.

M

Were very upfront about it, previous to the the original ordinance, and we also want to.

M

Thank the current group for rehearing this and realizing that we do sometimes have to change.

M

Our opinions, and uh but we do as an organization really appreciate being a part of the process. As.

M

Well, as having representation on the review committee that you had, thank you. Thank you.

N

Good morning, commissioners cheryl bossy, 4148, nora drive hicksburg. I enjoyed listening to.

N

Commissioner vigliotti's podcast this week and again to commissioner gordon this morning,.

N

Both of them talked about an independence day, our country and our founding fathers, how they.

N

Weren't perfect, but how they still accomplished great things for the good of the people, how it's.

N

Pretty much the same with our country, it isn't without its problems. But fundamentally we are.

N

Still the best and accomplish great things to preserve our freedom and independence.

N

I can't help see this issue and this process as a microcosm of our democracy representative.

N

Of our freedom and independence, although our county is not without its problems and not all.

N

Of our leaders have the same opinions, I want to say, I'm proud to have had a voice in this issue.

N

And I'm proud of those of you who have made the right choice for the people of carroll county.

N

What is the future of solar fields on from farm farmland across the state and country.

N

Only time will tell, but as a citizen of carroll county, I can breathe a sigh of.

N

Relief and be proud, knowing that our county has vowed to protect our farmland and be leaders not.

N

Followers for the greater good of the people, no farmland, no food. Thank you. Thank you. Terry. Smack.

O

Good morning, terry, smack a 3775 aaron jacob drive tony town maryland. I want to thank.

O

Everyone from the bottom of my heart from the people who dedicated their time to spend to.

O

um Investigate what needs to be done with this ordinance? I do want to say you know. I've stood.

O

Here downstairs three or four times and said the same thing over and over again, but something just.

O

Struck me um from the caller that came that called in and said that it was at no cost to the county.

O

I'm in business, so I know a little bit about business and to have a bond that would be able.

O

To clean up the mess after 20, 25 or 30 years, a two million dollar bond would be nothing.

O

And then, if the county they're all llc's, what happens when the llc is dissolve? It's going.

O

To end up on the county and you're talking about, what's going to happen with the marijuana things.

O

Like that, well, this is the same thing. These same item, it's going to be that the county is going.

O

To pick up and they're going to take over the expense and who's going to pay for that.

O

The members of the community, when we're paying our taxes downstairs, that's who's going to pay for it.

O

So I appreciate your time. Everyone who, again that did, participate from one portion to another, and I.

O

Hope that you, gentlemen, will vote against 158 153 e, please thank you. Thank you, jack hayden, mm-hmm.

P

Good morning, uh commissioners, I have two things: two topics, uh the first one is um uh pertinent to.

P

The solar, of course um you know, I have to admit I was sitting on my porch this morning. Looking.

P

Out and on the cornfield and the pasture next door and glad to see the deer roaming out there.

P

And you know: that's why we all moved to carroll county carroll county is an agricultural county.

P

And we do fervently protect it and that's a good thing, particularly in light of all these world.

P

Issues we need to have our own food here instead of relying on the rest of the world, but anyway.

P

um Appreciate it that I'm not looking at a quagmire of of whatever metal, racking.

P

And solar bars it. You know, solar is a great thing and I like it on houses. I.

P

Like it on buildings, I think it goes in industrial there's, a lot of areas.

P

I was very disappointed in the committee that was formed that all they tried to do is it appeared.

P

Was promote and protect the ordinance that had been written instead of trying to figure out a.

P

Way to really promote solar in carroll county, we need solar in carroll county and I think we need.

P

To look for ways to do it better, I think the other one was was a poor choice to have a segmented.

P

Solar system, all over the county in little groups, rather than you know, larger, appropriate solar.

P

Farms in hidden places or wherever, but anyway, I'm glad you guys have handled this issue. The way you.

P

Have- and that's the second part of my comment is: um is the commission, this board of commissioners.

P

You know I want to thank you everything. You said everything you all said when you opened this.

P

Meeting all the topics you touched on, you guys are leaders in the right way and I can assure you.

P

That council meetings, downtown and in other areas around maryland do not discuss things.

P

That you're discussing, in fact they discussed the exact opposite. You guys are great americans.

P

And I think you're great leaders and I just hope you can control you know all.

P

The people that work underneath of you and for the county, a strong leadership.

P

Strong leadership comes from the top, and people follow you, I'm a business owner too, and you.

P

Know the buck stops there and they follow their leaders, so I'm I'm so proud to live in carroll.

P

County and so proud of what you guys have done and on all the topics that you talked about so.

P

Please continue to do it and I thank you for your service. Thank you, annette feliciault.

Q

Good morning my name is annette fleischel. I pretty much know everybody in this room and you've heard.

Q

Me a lot of times, but this is the last time I live at 1401 fanny, dorsey road. I own a 50 acre.

Q

Farm, which is directly across the first community solar energy generating system that was proposed.

Q

And that was on may 23rd 2022 that we went to the first trc meeting. A lot of time has passed.

Q

Since then, it's the beginning of my 15-month battle to stop the permitting of solar panels.

Q

On our valuable and productive agricultural land and it's finally coming to an end.

Q

But not before another facility was planned .6 miles down the road from me, joined by six more by.

Q

The end of 2022., I'm speaking not just for myself, but for the greater majority of carroll county.

Q

Who object to solar on agricultural lands, not solar per se, on agricultural lands? We.

Q

Have been to every commissioner meeting town meeting community meanings, solar meeting and.

Q

We talked with emotion and we talked loudly about how solar panels do not belong on carroll county.

Q

Ag land we have researched solar energy. We have sent numerous articles and documents to.

Q

The commissioners for their educational review and we had petitions signed in our communities.

Q

Residents are against solar panels on agland in our neighborhoods and communities. Why.

Q

Because most people who moved to carroll county and who still live in carroll county.

Q

Because of its rich history and farming open spaces, small communities not for its industry,.

Q

Commercial space or solar energy generating systems which are invading the land, solar.

Q

Panel systems are industrial in nature, and that is where they rightfully belong.

Q

First and foremost, my message today is to recognize the four county commissioners mike joe.

Q

Ken and tom who are here before us today that are who listen to us, who listen to.

Q

um All the their constituents who spoke with the residents and who believed that our commitment.

Q

To keeping agricultural viable and thriving could not exist without the complete removal.

Q

Of the troublesome and poorly written county code 158-153, thank you from the bottom of my heart and.

Q

From the 99 percent of the county residents, who believe in you too, I was asked to participate in.

Q

The work group created by the land in resource development and thank you chris and diane for.

Q

Your I mean brenda for for your for your time and energy. We spent four six hour days discussing the.

Q

Pros and cons of developing community solar on agland, it was obvious during these discussions.

Q

That the differences between the landowners and the ed and the energy companies and the residents.

Q

And farmers were unreconcilable, there could be no overall compromise or revisions to the code. Please.

A

uh Finish your thoughts. Okay, all right! um Thank you again to the county commissioners for all.

Q

You had done, let's just remember a few things, no forms. No food solar is industrial. There can be no.

Q

Grandfathering of projects and no further projects. Thank you very much. Thank you. Patricia toth.

R

Good morning, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. My name is patricia toth. I.

R

Live at 6565 jazana court, my husband lou and I own the property on fanny dorsey road with the.

R

Proposed project sunshine project I participated in the work group on community solar I'd like.

R

To thank both chris and brenda, and my fellow participants who are in the room today annette.

R

Cheryl and the gentleman from the farm bureau, they were contentious meetings and as annette.

R

Mentioned we put in some long days, not just in the meetings themselves, but with follow-up suggestions.

R

um During the the time in between the meetings, we really try to address the problems with the.

R

Current text amendment and I believe there is room for compromise. I believe that you would be able.

R

To take the current text amendment and satisfy the landowners, the project developers and the.

R

Neighbors to these existing projects, however, my take is, is that many of you, commissioners,.

R

Dismissed our efforts and recommendations with little consideration, I did attend the meeting.

R

Where chris presented our report- and it was obvious to me that little consideration was.

R

Given to our efforts, I'm not going to take up your time this morning rehashing my former verbal and.

R

Written comments, I think few of the comments you'll hear this morning will be anything new.

R

Or offer any fresh perspectives, but I do want to say this: you, as the commissioners had a chance to.

R

Provide leadership to the county and I think you are not providing the service. You were elected.

R

To perform simply wiping the community solar text, amendment from the zoning code does not.

R

Serve the long-term needs of the people of carroll county or address the renewable requirements from.

R

The state of maryland, which carroll county will have to face in the future. You have the chance.

R

To govern to lead and to reach compromise among neighbors property owners and solar developers.

R

And it's disappointing to me that the board of commissioners did not follow the lead of.

R

The citizens and county staff and bill consensus on this issue. Thank you. Thank you. Sally taylor,.

S

Yourself, hi sally taylor, eldersburg. My property is not affected by any of the solar projects that.

S

Have currently been proposed, but I wanted to add my voice to those encouraging the board's.

S

Decision to eliminate the community solar program use on farmland before these small solar projects.

S

Dot carroll county. There are too many questions regarding the decommissioning and the promise.

S

Of returning the land back to farm use which remain protecting carol's main economic engine,.

S

Agriculture should be our top priority. Why I'm sympathetic to the argument of private property.

S

Rights for decades collectively, we've agreed to limit our planning these rights to our planning.

S

And zoning regulations in exchange for land zone agriculture, land owners have greatly reduced tax.

S

Burdens and those who have located their homes, paying a great deal more in property tax, have had.

S

The assurance that these areas would be limited to specific use mostly related to agriculture.

S

None of these homeowners envisioned envisioned that they would be overlooking an industrial.

S

Site viewscape is an important factor not only in the enjoyment, so one property, but.

S

In its property value for many of our home, for many, our homes are a greatest asset.

S

Unfortunately, the days of large tracts of land in carroll county, similar to the.

S

Wild west, where structures could be built not affecting neighboring properties, are long gone.

S

And we need zoning regulations to protect all property owners. Thank you. Sandy roberts.

T

Good morning my name is sandy roberts, 6571 justana court. A big thank you to the four commissioners.

T

Who voted to put an end to solar industrial, solar on agricultural land? We appreciate that.

T

More than you know, unfortunately, in america it's become common practice for politicians.

T

To make political decisions that benefit wealthy companies and lobbyists, and we applaud you for not.

T

Going down that road and for instead taking in the majority of the carroll county residents, feelings.

T

And opinions on this issue in that way and as cheryl said earlier, I will have to reiterate.

T

That I also feel like this is a great example of democracy at its finest in progress in our county.

T

um In terms of the first caller, who called in, I just have to point out that it's been put.

T

Out there that this needed to be um industrial, solar needed to be put on agricultural land, so.

T

That farmers can save their farms, and I want to point out that many of the projects that.

T

Had been proposed for solar in this county are not owned by farmers. They're owned by people.

T

Who bought farmland for investment property purposes they're not forming that land? It is.

T

Being farmed by local carroll, county farmers, but they're not trying to save their farms by putting.

T

Industrial solar on it and by bringing income in that way to save a farm per se.

T

um There's been lots of talk about the state mandating solar and what are we going to do.

T

About that they're going to tell us where to put solar in this that and the other I want to.

T

Point out that there's a solar product product excuse me a solar project, called summit ridge.

T

Energy bomber project in hampstead maryland in carroll county. It is the nation's largest rooftop.

T

Community solar array and it provides 1 300, maryland homes and businesses with solar energy.

T

Yes, we are doing our part. That's that's a step that carroll county is taking.

T

um To do its part, and no, we are not against solar. All of these people who are speaking out, we are.

T

Projecting that solar be put on government building, rooftops airport rooftops school.

T

Rooftops which other counties are doing parking lots, they're industrial areas, commercial areas.

T

There's so many other ways that carroll county can meet the quota for solar energy, that the.

T

State is going to be mandating and then my final point is just there was this terrible, hail storm.

T

In nebraska last week or two weeks ago, that completely destroyed a solar farm, and I read.

T

An article that stated that those solar panels are going to end up in the landfill because they.

T

Are only 10 percent of solar panels are recycled because of the cost to recycle them? So do we want.

T

Our landfills, around the county and the country to be filled with solar panels. Thank you. So much.

T

All of you and everyone who participated and spent their time. Thank you, brian bole hi. I'm.

U

Brian borlow 613 fanny dorsey road and I took off work today to be here to support my neighbors that.

U

Are on fanny dorsey road that are on justana court? I love that quarter. Very beautiful houses.

U

I don't like the idea of agriculture land being used for solar panels. There's not enough.

U

Historic, what do you do at the end of 20 years, when they're done their life's been.

U

California is having a problem right now with how to dispose of their solar panels.

U

Love the rooftop idea: why not put it on walmart? Why not put it on all industrial.

U

Roofs, a roof is usually done or need a replacement in 20 years, 30 years. That's the time when the.

U

Solar panels can are done, so you can replace the solar panels at that time with replacing the roof.

U

The wildlife, the migration of wildlife well you're incl enclosing that solar panel field with the.

U

Fence, how does wildlife migrate through that and what do the geese do when we protect the geese.

U

But their field that they usually land on is no longer there. It's just a it's.

U

Just a solar panel metal thing, um I'm interested in the commercial person.

U

Of what she was saying of running a combine through a solar panel field, love to see that on.

U

Video but the droppings from the solar panels, the metal, the whatever they're made out of.

U

Does it is it toxic to the soil that you're growing your fruits and vegetables from your brain.

U

I'm not prepared to really talk about this, but I just see that I'm a big no to agriculture's.

U

Putting metal on agricultural land I want to feed the world, we have a lot of.

U

Hunger in the world and carroll county can help with that with producing food, not producing.

U

Solar panels that end in 20 years and when you're done with 20 years, you can't renew that farmland.

U

It's done you've uh just scraped up all the topsoil. The topsoil is gone. You just filled it.

U

With gravel and machines, or what have you that's going to be tossed back into the landfill all the.

U

Solar panels are mostly coming from china, we're not supporting our u.s manufacturing. We killed.

U

That we had a manufacturing plant in frederick, but they shipped it off to china. I believe.

U

um So I'm just a note to it everything that annette said I agree with, and I support that.

A

Okay, thank you and sir, you did fine. Thank you. Frazier bishop.

V

My name's frasier bishop, I live off deer park, road and finksburg.

V

It's my understanding, or I have to assume that people that own these farmlands either bought the.

V

Farmlands or inherited the farmlands and at the time they bought or inherited them. They were zoned.

V

Agricultural, so they knew what they were getting when they acquired them through, whatever means.

V

uh I think some of these people have found that it's a quick way to make a.

V

Quick dollar to go to solar, they don't have to manage the farms they get. Somebody else.

V

To do it for 20 years, all they got to do is go to the mailbox and get mailbox money.

V

But that's not what these farms were designed for originally and that hasn't been their main purpose.

V

That's number one number two: I live across from one of the proposed solar farms and.

V

Let me back up a second, I do a fair amount of work in baltimore city and my wife has assured me that.

V

We will never live in the city. If I want to live in the city, I can live in the city, but we will.

V

Never live in the city, so take that you know the city's moving out to us and she doesn't want to.

V

Live in the city or an industrial area, and I don't want to live in the city or an industrial area.

V

So I am opposed to the solar farms and I don't think that the people that have these farms.

V

Didn't know what they were getting involved in when they acquired the farms. So I think now that.

V

They have the farm, maybe they need to put more energy into figuring out a good way to make them.

V

More production or a way of making more money, rather than just saying, hey I'll, just go to the.

V

Mailbox and collect my check. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. The last one I have is gary weishar.

W

Good morning, commissioners, gary wishar 6569 justana court sykesville maryland.

W

I stand before you once again petitioning your continued support of the denial of industrial.

W

Solar projects on agland in carroll county as a resident, directly impacted by a proposed.

W

Industrial solar project project adjoining my property. My petition is even stronger where.

W

My home will have direct sight and would be directly impacted by these unsightly solar.

W

Panels diminishing my property value, which is my retirement notwithstanding, environmental concerns.

W

I am a part of numerous email groups strongly opposed to these horrendous.

W

Industrial solar projects, these projects do not represent the majesty of carroll county.

W

And members of these email groups, the passion of these groups, opposed to these industrial, solar.

W

Projects is incredible: I'm confident you have heard the passion via emails. Letters phone calls.

W

Additionally, I have a petition signed by 74 residents near fanny, dorsey road and the proposed.

W

Industrial solar project who vehemently oppose the solar landfill in our quiet and peaceful community.

W

Finally, the four commissioners who, a few weeks back, voted to kill these industrial projects.

W

Including commissioner gordon's comments where he demanded that all projects grandfathered.

W

Which were in various stages of development in carroll county also be killed. U4 your leadership.

W

And concentrated effort to do the right thing for carroll county to kill these community community.

W

Industrial solar landfill projects on agland.

W

Have affectionately been known and coined as the fabulous fab four commissioners gern.

W

Er and vigliotti your heroes to so many in carroll county, and I commend your leadership in our county.

W

Finally, I commend the fab four and urge the newest.

W

Superheroes of carroll county kill this resolution once and for all.

W

Of these industrial solar projects on ag property and maintain the county and the quiet and.

W

Peaceful residential communities we have grown to embrace and to love. Thank you, okay. Thank you. Deb.

X

Chris chris, is there anyone else on the uh phone.

B

No sir, okay and there's no one else here. I need a motion to bring this public hearing to a close.

A

So moved second, I got a motion guys. Second, any discussion on that seen here: none all in favor.

A

Aye aye, okay, now, as shared uh chris, um we have a couple of options.

A

One is to leave in record open for 10 calendar days prior to a vote to be scheduled later.

A

We can take an option to vote today in making a decision and having an effective date of july 20.

A

Third or 27 days, 10 days so july, 23rd as we do this, what I like you know, this is an important one.

A

um And I think it would be appropriate to not, as sometimes we do and that's going through a motion.

A

A second seen here, none all in favor and make it done but get a motion in a second and give the.

A

Opportunity for each of us to make appropriate comments and then give your up or down at that.

A

Point: okay, that's! Okay! So is there a motion that wants to be put out there right now motion to wait.

E

So do you want to talk about the option? First, you want to talk about the motion.

E

The dude no, I need I need a motion. Okay motion to remove uh hold on chapter 158.153.

E

From the agricultural zoning, so if I could clarify I'm sorry, commissioner, subsection e.

H

Subsection, yes, we don't want to remove the entire subsection. That's all right say it one more time.

E

Motion to remove section, 153.158, subsection e, what 158 50? Oh my section, 158.153 subsection e.

A

Is that a motion commissioner, go for it all right? I'm gonna try this one more time. Okay,.

E

Motion to remove section 158.153, subsection e from the county code. Second, okay: I have a motion. I have a second now.

A

um I have a motion a second time for discussion and at time after discussion.

A

um I think we will get a sense and then we'll take a vote so.

A

If you want to make comments, if you don't that, that's up to you, um commissioner gehring.

C

C

That's it, commissioner, I'm gonna be a little lengthier than that. uh I do.

D

Suspect to commissioner karen, but um first and foremost I want to thank everybody in.

D

The room, uh both staff, also that are not here, but anyone that was involved in this.

D

Process on both sides of the issue um I know sometimes people want to take the opinion that.

D

And I won't speak for my colleagues and I'm quite sure I could on this. But I don't want to.

D

um I don't come into anything predisposed, I don't have an opinion. I know that might.

D

Sound shocking to some of you, but I leave my opinions at the door when I look at a matter.

D

Like this or any other topic that comes before us, I listen to you, the community, whether it's emails.

D

Phone calls visits a variety of different ways we communicate, but I actually listen to all of you. I.

D

Take all of that into context, um and I think it's very important that we do that. I just want to put.

D

That out there this morning, because you know I don't just sit up here and make a decision based.

D

On what I think I listen to all of you, and I think it's important that you all know that.

D

um I think also for me looking at all this. This comes down to zoning. It's not just about farming.

D

It's not about a view of what my neighbor looks at or doesn't look at comes down to zoning. It's.

D

An industrial use on ag 's one of the crown jewels of our county. We are one of the top agricultural.

D

States, if not counties excuse me counties in the nation and to me that says a lot about our county.

D

We had secretary of uh kevin addicks a number of months up here and a number of months ago. He was.

D

Up here and visited, and one of the conversation during the conversation, one of the questions was.

D

Asked what are your thoughts on solar on act and secretary addicts was very to the point that ag.

D

Should be used for food and other agricultural usage, and I would agree with him irregardless of.

D

Him saying that or someone else saying that um a number of years ago in 2019, I wrote an.

D

Article in the carroll county times, some might remember, I used to do some opinion, columns and.

D

It was called know, your farmer know your food and we struggle worldwide when it comes to.

D

Our food, we constantly hear about issues where you know buying dog food that came from china.

D

Was poisoning dogs or other other things, and I think the one thing that makes us very unique.

D

Is typically, we can go around this county and buy food from each other, and we know it's safe.

D

And I think that's a priority and I think it's something that makes us exceptional when it.

D

Comes to who this county is and what we want to be, um and I do appreciate everyone coming out.

D

Today- and I appreciate everyone- that's come out previously on this matter and I just want to say.

D

Thank you absolutely thank you. I'm not going to put myself in the same position so, commissioner,.

A

Vigliotti you're next, so I I have written a few things down. This will not be a 20-minute.

E

Disquisition like last time, I promise I don't even know what this position is so go ahead.

E

An elaborated statement on an issue.

E

So I know that I and my fellow commissioners have explained more than once that the question about.

E

Solar power isn't a question of solar itself, but where and how it goes when it comes to solar use.

E

Of residential rooftops or solar developments in commercial and industrially zoned areas, the use.

E

Makes sense, but when we are speaking of altering the agricultural zones of our county, we are not.

E

Just talking about changing the use of the land, we're talking about changing the nature of the.

E

County to be sure, we are not speaking of stopping some long-established centuries-old practice in.

E

Solar development, but rather protecting one in agriculture. Our county has always been agrarian in.

E

Nature, beginning with its founding, where natural long-standing practices became an inseparable part.

E

Of our existence, even today, agriculture remains the premier component of our county's economy.

E

Society and culture. Conversely, the idea of solar development of agricultural land is new to our.

E

County, so new, in fact that when the moratorium went into effect, no potential development had.

E

Gone through the entire planning and zoning process, let alone that none had received approval.

E

In considering zoning in the county code, one finds that untagged vehicles junk buildup in.

E

Yards regulations for burning and bonfires and the conditions under which animals are to be.

E

Slaughtered for food are just a few examples of the things which the county restricts or prohibits.

E

This is a part of ordered liberty of ensuring that my freedom does not infringe upon yours in.

E

The case of solar development, it involved any number of citizens in our county community and.

E

Their rights with sympathy to both sides of the issue I had wondered originally through.

E

This process, whether there might currently be some middle wave forward, the most compelling argument.

E

For me was the co-locating of solar and farming. We've dedicated a part of the county government's.

E

Efforts specifically to agricultural preservation and since the agricultural preservations program's,.

E

Introduction we have overseen the investment of a quarter of a billion dollars into preserving.

E

Farmland as a measure of sustaining carol's agrarian heritage and securing the way for future.

E

Generations, but, as I discovered even in instances where agrovoltaics is proposed, the simultaneous.

E

Dual use of farmland for solar and agriculture, outstanding environmental and economic concerns.

E

Offer room for pause and there are still enough other questions at present, only some partially.

E

Answerable at best, such as zoning classification, lease terms, lengths and renewals and the scope and.

E

Extent of solar development, which lend themselves to the heart of all questions, does this fit.

E

As I've argued before, just because something goes doesn't mean, it fits in other words is.

E

What is being proposed wholly consistent with the place and at home among the people.

E

Who live there? Is it compatible, complementary or confirming of a community society? Culture.

E

And the landscape itself is at home, taking all these things together as they stand. I.

E

Must answer no, that the solar development of agricultural land does not if we are serious.

E

About agricultural preservation, as we say we are, then it is agricultural use to which we.

E

Must dedicate our zoning and that's it for me. Thank you. Follow that. Okay, yes,.

F

Not quite as organized but I I have some comments and I'm not sure if order is important but.

F

um I I think the first thing I want to mention before I I go into some of my feelings on this.

F

um It's it's great that.

F

We heard some compliments today. uh I don't know that we're heroes, but um unfortunately the ones.

F

That disagree with our decision- uh um I've gotten emails, they're extremely disappointed.

F

In me, which you know, joined the crowd, um but I want to challenge those of you in the room. Those.

F

Of you have been involved in that in this, and I want to challenge us. I think carroll, county and.

F

And a couple of you mentioned it, we've been active with solar. Solar is important moving forward, I'm.

F

I don't think we ought to disband fossil fuels next week and go all electric and etc etc, but we.

F

Need to protect their planet and we need to move forward with solar. I I somebody mentioned this is.

F

The last time you'll hear from us and in a way I guess we should say yeah thanks. We don't need to.

F

Spend hours in here, but we do, I challenge you guys to keep the focus on what is the appropriate place.

F

For solar, where should we have it, and it's not just rooftops um and and then back to back to me.

F

I was opposed to this in may of 2021 and the prior discussions to it, and I spoke out about it. One of.

F

The things I was opposed to was the use of ag remainders by nature. They are near residential.

F

I heard the past commissioners make the comment on some other zoning issues. Well, this farmer has.

F

Already done his development rights and he now has an ag remainder does he deserve another bite.

F

Of the apple well, I think the farmer does, but I think um I'd feel differently about this. If, if.

F

This rule were 40 or 50 years old. um It's not. It was less than two when we started this and and.

F

I just thought it was inappropriate and- uh and yes I did bring my opinion.

F

Here, because that was my opinion then, and nobody's convinced me otherwise,.

F

There's been, and I think we need to emphasize because we are solar, friendly, there's been no.

F

Delay on any other solar projects, only the ones on ag remainder and when we first brought up.

F

The motion there were only five submitted, um one of the ones, that's adamant about that. We should.

F

Consider grandfathering wasn't even submitted at that point in time they were submitted in the.

F

Window that the law required as to wait- which I understand I mean that was their opportunity.

F

But when we had a work group, we had staff and both sides have kind of said. We didn't.

F

Come to agreements, so if we have an ordinance and we're not sure we can agree on how it ought to be.

F

Implemented, that's not the time the grandfather, someone in and I I feel for the projects I I've.

F

Been involved in development, most of my life and uh trust me, I've been further along with projects.

F

Much longer much larger than a 20-acre solar field and had to walk and it's unfortunate. But.

F

um And I and I feel for the people, the other point I'd like to make is and- and somebody made it here.

F

Most of the ag remainders were talking about. Aren't farmers um they're developers who bought.

F

An ag remainder and more power to them. That's an opportunity. You know they wanted to pursue.

F

The the other side of it I've heard is some of these people are five generation. Farmers.

F

um I've got a very small, tiny farm that I've worked on. I worked on my father's farm. I.

F

Worked on several of my grandfather's farms, I think I got 50 cents an hour. I've worked.

F

On my great grandfather's farm, I have a barn that dates in the middle 1800s.

F

That makes me about average in carroll county that doesn't make me special in any way and and.

F

I get tired of hearing that that that that that makes somebody more important than their neighbors.

F

I want to mention briefly emails. We get a lot of emails, we got a lot of emails on this.

F

We try to answer them and we try to answer them correctly and I won't mention whom.

F

But one of the emails we got as a repeat the only replies we received through our previous.

F

Emails and questions was a smart remark from one commissioner and who'da thought.

F

That was me, but my remark, thank you for your comments. You have every right to your opinion.

F

um And and I've learned and and I I get a one or two page email and it's like you know.

F

These have to happen and blah blah blah to set nitpick the the reasons.

F

um To me serves no purpose, and it only leads to uh to maybe more negative comments. My comment was.

F

Sincere, I I want I want to let you know, I read the email, thank you for it. I disagree and but.

F

You have every right to your opinion. You don't have to agree with me. I don't have to agree with.

F

You that's that is not disrespectful and and and uh to me, that's better than no response.

F

um A couple other brief comments.

F

I understand the residence and their view. I also understand some of the farmers who say I don't.

F

Owe you of you, but when, when there's industrial type facilities on ag, that's that's a little bit.

F

Different than somebody spreading manure or doing beans this year instead of corn um and and I do.

F

Think we do our neighbors some quality of life and we- and we need to be consistent about that.

F

Again, I want, I want to end it with challenging everybody. I think we need to look at.

F

Solar and where it can be, I don't know that I feel strongly it shouldn't be on any ag. I understand.

F

There's a possibility that the federal and state government are talking about adding adding rules.

F

That would allow it on ag preservation ground, I'm not sure if that's appropriate or not. I.

F

Just thought the agromaners were a poor place to put it, and- and I I want to speak to the farmers.

F

um The guy that farms our five acres, he has corn this year. He has some large solar panels.

F

Mixed in with his buildings that pay much of his or all of his electric bill, he tried.

F

Wind when everybody thought that was the answer in carroll county and I I ride by the wind, the wind.

F

Devices setting still more days than not, but then he went to solar and I say more power to him. You.

F

Know those panels look fine and it's appropriate and it's furnishing him as energy. I think.

F

We we just need to this shouldn't, be the end of talking about where solar ought to.

F

Be this should be the beginning, and I just want to challenge everybody to do that and I'm sorry.

F

I didn't have it all pre-typed, but uh thank you for allowing me some time. No, but I appreciate.

A

Going after you, and not uh mr 17 syllables over there, no less eloquent, though now I I appreciate.

A

It and appreciate all of the uh the comments made both from the community um over this time.

A

And from my colleagues uh you know, commissioner gordon saying not predisposed walking in the door.

A

Is so important also uh the comments about the constitution and july 4th that you both brought up.

A

It resonates and it resonates to me, I mean uh somebody sent me it and I'm actually what you.

A

Also brought about a pride month, somebody sent to me a uh a post that I had on social media.

A

And the post was and I'm looking at and it says I'd rather be exclude for the people.

A

I include, then be included for the people. I exclude and then says, commissioner rothstein's.

A

Recent facebook post supporting lgb transgender values and how they remind him of his 30 years.

A

Of military service, I don't know if that was to challenge that or if that was to appreciate that.

A

I said thanks, I said I said. Thank you. I mean this is great, is exactly the way I believe.

A

I spend 30 plus years in uniform when somebody thanks me. I turn around say thank you for.

A

Giving me a reason to be more accepting and not pre-judge and be predisposed. It may not be my.

A

Cup of tea, I may not want it, may not incentivize me this lifestyle or whatever the issue may be.

A

But it's like: why would I want to judge that so yeah to keep keep it coming? Whoever sends.

A

Me things like this because I was like this is exactly the way I feel I don't know. If that's what.

A

They want to send a message or not, um and it got me thinking just a whole lot walking in the door.

A

How am I gonna approach this? You know uh when you talk about reign, the constitution.

A

A long time ago, and how it's has stood the test of time from.

A

Those that wrote it that weren't perfect, knowing they weren't perfect and knowing that they put.

A

On that parchment, something that was going to you know at their point, hopefully challenge everything.

A

We do and it has and we've added to it and we have mended it, but we've only amended it. I think.

A

Like maybe 26 times or something like that, I don't know I'm not a scholar in this, but not a whole lot.

A

um So they did something really well. So whoever said this is a microcosm of that.

A

Boy talk about a uh hefty compliment to be made. um I definitely believe we're not perfect.

A

um And the reason I'm bringing a lot of this up is, we went through a process.

A

And maybe the process is flawed, where the board of commissioners, which I believe is.

A

The best governance for carroll county, not a county executive but a board of commissioners.

A

Came together and said, we need to look at this. We need to look.

A

At this problem set and the problem set had to deal with solar and a potential.

A

Solution had to deal with solar being put on agricultural properties and when we.

A

Requested our staff to look into this, which was, I think in like a december time frame of 2020.

A

And then it came to us in may of 21, where the ordinance was then being pushed forward.

A

It was a challenging time. Maybe we should have recognize the challenging time. It was because.

A

People were not as aggressively listening to the community, nor was it touching the community nor.

A

Did we have the uh insight of where it would be touching the community, the secondary tertiary.

A

Effects um so so maybe we got to look at a better way of the decisions we make be a little bit more.

A

Forward-Thinking in our long-term thinking and planning of its secondary tertiary effects.

A

um Not until somebody's out there with a tape measure- or you know, an engineer is out there.

A

Doing the a e for a potential does a neighbor or somebody say yet. This is a problem and.

A

Didn't see that coming I mean, to be honest, I mean I didn't. I made a decision, it was an.

A

Independent decision that was not swayed by my colleagues, it was a convincing argument.

A

To what I believe was doing, what was right, um I'm allowed to change my mind. I mean.

A

It's I always believed you know, and I well you asked me yesterday. When did I start saying life.

A

Is good- and I think I started saying that 20 30 years ago again in uniform when it was really some.

A

Challenging times- and I remind myself, life is good and it's because the community, it's my my family,.

A

My friends, my neighbors, it's the community and uh um so the decision we made was enforced on us to.

A

Make um we thought it was the right decision to make? uh Maybe it's not maybe in a few years we're.

A

Going to look at this and say you know, let's look at another way of slicing the slicing this out.

A

um We're 78 000 acres and we're going to be adding some in just a little bit. 78.

A

000 acres of preserved agricultural property in carroll county with a 1980.

A

Goal of a hundred thousand acres, probably the longest standing goal we have in carroll county.

A

Probably one of the longest standing goal series in in maryland, you know um so.

A

I am challenged. What makes me who I am especially as uh okay, so republican is having the smallest.

A

Government possible: that's why a commission reform to me is the best and also really believing in.

A

Property owners rights, you know, I I just I really do um and that's that's my biggest challenge right.

A

Now is you got community, you got property owner and it's just it's a challenge. It's not! It's not.

A

The not in my backyard syndrome necessarily but it's you know uh it's not. What am I going to look.

A

Out my front yard or backyard: it's are we doing? What are we doing what's right for carroll county.

A

We're taking away opportunities for some property owners, but they haven't gone through the process.

A

Very far so um we're sending a very strong message I apologize being so lengthy and I'll shut up in.

A

A second we're sending a very strong message that we are very proud to be an agricultural community.

A

And uh and we're in front of so many others that strive to get us there, we have too many.

A

Other challenges to deal with you know the blueprint, marijuana and all that other garbage.

A

That's you know, um we have a responsibility and authority. This lays in our hands both.

A

The responsibility and the authority, so it's a it's an opportunity to take it.

A

Somebody mentioned hampstead. If you haven't been up there and you get the opportunity. It's amazing.

A

It is an incredible use of a rooftop, and we should be very proud, is, I think, the fourth.

A

Largest in the country, uh rooftop solar- that is just an amazing, so there are locations to be used.

A

A

Okay, like commissioner kyler, I'm not nearly as fluid in my thoughts as commissioner vigliotti.

A

I'm a bunch of you know scribbles all over the place, so.

A

um Oh sorry, until rudely interrupted by a phone, no I'm kidding that wasn't the timer.

F

I think I think we're ready to uh have a vote. um There was a motion made and there was a second.

A

Is there any further discussion I'll just make one quick comment, um commissioner kyler made, I.

D

Think a very valid and good point and I kind of wish I had made it, but I'm glad you made.

D

It about uh challenging the community- and I think you know this- isn't the end of solar.

D

um I don't want to speak for my colleagues, but I I personally don't think we should rule out.

D

Options, I think it's a question of what options and opportunities are out there and how they.

D

Mix with the foundation that is carroll county, so I do agree with you. I think we do need to.

D

Keep an eye open, I think we need to be mindful of opportunity. I think the big thing is just how.

D

Does that fit into the foundation of and our principles? I appreciate you mentioning that.

A

Okay call for a vote all in favor of removing whatever it was 158.153 subsection, a.

A

All in favor aye aye aye against none, okay! Thank you. Let's move on to.

A

Agricultural land preservation. Thank you, everyone! Thank you. [Applause].

A

Just give it a minute, and uh it's just you chris or is jp here.

F

We're going to get you guys on some other committees.

O

H

All right, maybe.

H

Yeah, that's great. We all need to get together yeah. We need to have a big it's not about somebody.

A

So wow um else.

F

Public notice, wise whatever wise this is this takes effect on the 23rd and it's over.

G

Yes, we are going to record it put a notice in the newspaper that we adopted it, but it's the 23rd and.

A

I'm sure the newspaper will pick it up so which uh again, we've got to be careful. What we say because.

A

I was commented out of context again in the paper and I was like you know.

Y

I'm getting just tired of it, but you were swimming up today. Yeah.

A

Let's talk about the uh james r cook and dyna and cook property.

Z

Sure, good morning, commissioners, good morning morning,.

Z

I want to try to start out today with letting you know how many acres we have preserved. We have 78.

Z

315 acres, as of today that are preserved, settled and recorded um tomorrow, we'll be settling on.

Z

Another 130 plus acres, so things are moving along really well right, now, fantastic and uh so just.

Z

With that we'll get into what we're getting into. Thank you um since you, since you mentioned that.

F

How many acres are like in process, even verbally or in writing, a lot more than that? Oh yes, sir.

Z

I am going to say over 2 000 acres right now, yeah over 2000 and closer to 25. yeah there's an awful.

Z

Lot going on right, oh, I know that's awesome yeah. So thank you guys. It's keeping us very, very busy.

Z

Awesome and we're trying to keep you busy with improvements, so uh so anyway, um this morning,.

Z

uh We're starting with james and diane cook property at 37.55, backwoods road in westminster,.

Z

They have a 67.56 acre farm. This is one of our remainder farms. They have no lot rates to retire.

Z

um The fair market value of the land only was 224 470 and 27 cents.

Z

um The cost of the easement will be 157, 129 and 19 cents, which is 2325.77 per acre.

Z

This is where the farm sits on backwoods road.

Z

And this is how the farm fits in with other ag preserve properties in the area. Nice cool.

Z

A few pictures of the farm.

E

Now that is beautiful,.

Z

So here we are today asking for final approval of the james and diane cook.

Z

Property 37.55 backwoods road westminster, 67.56 acres with a fair market value of.

Z

224 470 dollars and twenty seven cents at a cost to the county of 157 129.19.

AA

Mr viglia, you want to do the honors well. Thank you very much, commissioner. A motion to exercise.

E

An option to purchase an easement on the james and diane cook property in the amount of 157 129.19.

E

Second, got a motion second hand, discussion seen here, none all in favor, aye, aye, okay, thanks now,.

A

Let's talk about the humber property. Thank you, commissioners. uh Next, we're doing the bradley.

Z

Humbert property, which is located on mueller road in westminster, it's a 164.14, acre property, we're.

Z

Retiring seven lot rights, um the fair market value of the land only was one million 367 125.64 cents.

Z

um The cost to the county, which is 70 percent of the fair market value, is.

Z

Nine hundred and fifty six thousand nine hundred and eighty seven dollars and ninety five cents.

Z

This is the farm just south south of mueller road.

Z

This is where the farm fits with other preserved properties.

Z

And we do have uh farms adjacent to that that are available for preservation in the future.

Z

Pictures of the property off of mueller road, another beautiful place so today we're asking.

Z

For final approval, the bradley humbert property on muller road in westminster.

Z

164.14 acres, seven lot rates to retire.

Z

At a cost of 956 987.95, commissioner, karen you want to do the honors on this one sure.

A

I apologize that's all right.

C

Yeah, okay, awesome! I just want to make sure I have it.

C

Here we go, I move the board up. Commissioners exercise is an option to purchase and eat.

C

And eat yeah yeah and he's been on the bradley humbered property, the amount of 956 987.95. Second.

A

I got a motion a couple seconds: no discussion, all in favor, aye. Okay, thank you, commissioners,.

Z

This is another remainder property at 3610 baker, road in westminster, the jeffrey and janice white.

Z

Property there are no lot rights to retire. The fair market value of the land only was 244 835.89.

Z

The cost to the county, which is 70 percent of that fair market value, is 171 385 dollars and 12 cents.

Z

This is the farm on the west side of baker, road just south of route, 27.

Z

This is how the farm fits in with other ag preserve properties in the area, and we do.

Z

Have other properties adjacent to that that are eligible for the program yeah? I was going to.

A

Say there's opportunity surrounding that wow? Yes, sir cool few pictures of their property.

Z

So again, we're here today for final approval of the jeffrey and janus white property located at.

Z

3610 baker, road in westminster, 66.69, acres with a fair market value of 244, 835 and 89 cents for the.

Z

Cost to the county at 171, 385 dollars and twelve cents; okay, another district, four commission gary.

C

I moved the board of commissioners exercise an option to purchase.

C

An easement on the jeffrey and janice white property in the amount of 171 thousand.

C

385 dollars and twelve cents, a second got. A motion got a second any discussions in here. An.

A

Unknoll in favor, aye, aye, okay, what one more quick question! I can't answer myself, you! You have a few.

F

Different options on how ag press can go a county program, a state program. These were all counting.

Z

These today were all county- yes, sir, okay and and if, if somebody out there.

F

Wants to find out if they can get into this just.

F

Make contact with you guys right? Yes, sir? Yes, sir there's information on the county website as well.

Z

So we are the best contacts. Thank you. Yes, sir. Okay, absolutely thank you thanks. Chris.

Z

Thank you take care. Thank you very much. Thank you. Okay. Let's get an update on the flight 23.

A

Local management board community mission partnership. Look, they found your clock.

AB

Up while we're presenting it meant, it was time for good people to come to present.

Y

So yeah good morning, commissioners, good morning, I'm joined today with corey hardinger who, from.

AB

Our grant's office um and I'm celine steckel, the director of citizen services. We wanted to come.

AB

Before you today to provide an update on the fy 23 local management board, community partnership.

AB

Agreement and the community support impact grants. As you know, the local management board receives.

AB

Annual funding from the governor's office of crime, prevention, youth and victim services that.

AB

Funding is used to support different pieces of our local management board operations and that.

AB

Includes community programs community supports the operation of the local care team and then.

AB

Also, the lmb administration. We wanted to make sure that we expended any remaining funds from.

AB

Some of the vendors that may not have been pushed out during their use in the in the fiscal year.

AB

And so we decided we wanted to push out an opportunity to provide some of our youth serving.

AB

Organizations to develop many projects that would engage our at-risk youth in carroll county with.

AB

Support through these grants, when we set out the request for proposal guidance, it included that the.

AB

Funding could be used to purchase equipment and products that would directly benefit the youth.

AB

That they serve and it really needed to be geared to providing support towards education and team.

AB

Building for at-risk youth, there were no salaries or positions that were funded through this grant.

AB

Through this grant, we were able to support six agencies with funding up to just five thousand.

AB

Dollars but those agencies put that money to good use. The agencies were the westminster youth.

AB

Project, the mid-atlantic gigabyte and innovation collaboratory, better known as magic, uh find your.

AB

Purpose: carroll, county workforce development, connectondo us and the boys and girls clubs.

AB

Of carroll county, I do want to note that the l b's are encouraged by the state to provide.

AB

Opportunities for grassroots non-profits that would not otherwise be eligible for funding or.

AB

Have the capacity to apply for larger grants because they don't have that infrastructure.

AB

And the guidance that's actually stated is that this integrated approach ensures that grassroots.

AB

Organizations organizations representing underserved communities and organizations.

AB

With limited resources are not penalized by the process; instead, they will be supported.

AB

In their growth and stability, as they provide critical and authentic services to the community,.

AB

So I think that was important to note. That was another piece of why we really wanted.

AB

To push out this money, we know a lot of these. Grassroots organizations are doing boots on the.

AB

Groundwork making that impact directly to these at-risk youth that may may not want to engage.

AB

In other traditional service provision, so we wanted to make sure that that was understood.

AB

How important that that was? I would like to highlight some of the services, though, that.

AB

The the agencies decided to use the funding for and what they presented as their projects.

AB

The westminster youth project, which is a youth driven program based on restorative practices,.

AB

With an emphasis on empathy and accountability has received funding for equipment supplies.

AB

And products for program use to support the needs of the at-risk youth in carroll county.

AB

um The magic collaborate collaborative has proposed that they have purchased 10 vex iq.

AB

Robots to provide hands-on secondary learning opportunities for low-income middle school.

AB

Students in westminster to prepare them for certification and hopefully eventual.

AB

Employment in a stem field, robotics and engineering their plan is to deliver.

AB

Bi-Weekly after school sessions, four to six week, courses to up to 40 students so running.

AB

Two separate sessions. Thank you, I'm sorry. What what is a vex iq, robot, the vex iq robots, are.

AB

Learning like a learning robot to work with stem projects in the school system. So thank you sure.

AB

um And the other piece of that, too, is that they already have a relationship and a partnership.

AB

With carroll county public schools, so they are already in the school system doing that work so.

AB

This was an easy add-on for them. Awesome uh find your purpose. Also uh um is an agency that aspires.

AB

To elevate and empower through mentorship, experiential learning and entrepreneurship.

AB

Opportunities they encourage the community to come together and enjoy activities and programs in a.

AB

Family-Like atmosphere that their non-profit organization has to offer they're under the.

AB

Community foundation of carroll county and they also received funding to support the purchase of.

AB

Supplies and equipment, and also to fund admission for some of the activities that they do for their.

AB

Children and the families, it's the youth and the adults engaged all together, and so that was.

AB

Another great opportunity for them. We also funded our carroll county workforce development with.

AB

Their youth and young adult service program, what happens, is sometimes their grant funding through.

AB

The wyoming biogram does not provide for some other pro program needs, and this funding was able.

AB

Was able to provide them with the support that they needed to actually go out and purchase some.

AB

Digital equity items such as chromebooks for the students and then also they purchased some ipads.

AB

For their staff to be able to expand their reach into the community and provide those services to.

AB

Assist clients with applications at events such as job fairs, community resource fairs and high.

AB

School career and education events, I appreciate the support they're getting. Is this the best.

A

You know I mean there are government they're, not a 501c3 they're, not grassroots they're, they're.

A

Part of us- and I do believe they should get the funding to do what they're doing.

A

But is this, you know you believe this is the best path or is it I mean for the funding? What are your.

A

Thoughts we, you can speak to it, but I they're so they're serving um you know, kids, with lots.

AC

Of barriers to employment um and their we owe a grant which is a large federal grant. They receive.

AC

It's very restrictive, um it is mostly salaries and some training opportunities. So there's there.

AC

Are lots of things that they really need to kind of supplement the work that they do and they this.

AC

Is one way that they could do that um they have very little flexibility under that grant as to.

AC

um You know some of the extras that make their job more complete and make make things more accessible.

AC

For youth, um so you know they: we've spoken to them multiple times really about opportunities.

AC

um And this is one time that it kind of aligned with what we were looking for. um So this is an.

AC

Ongoing challenge for them to have um you know extra ipads and technology and to really promote.

AC

Digital literacy, you know they serve a lot of kids, who um you know just giving them a ipad or giving.

AC

You said an ipad isn't enough: they need to learn how to use it, so that that hands-on learning is.

AC

Available for them too yeah, it's not so much the uh the reasoning for the money, but it's.

A

It's more the the path: it's not the the action or activity once the money's there. It's you know.

A

Using these grants, where this grant money for this effort, um you know my expectation was you know.

A

I'd be seeing like magic like other 501c3s other smaller, like you said, grassroots, don't have the.

A

Staff or the resources to go after you know other grants or opportunities. Yes, I certainly understand.

AC

I mean I would say that the so the connecting youth program- that's funded through the local.

AC

Management board works very closely in partnership with um carroll workforce development. They serve.

AC

A lot of the same kids, so I you know part of our thinking. I think that kind of aligned with.

AC

What the local management board does in serving kids that are not connected to work in school.

AC

um Okay, so and and workforce development is a member of our lmb as well and they're a strong.

AB

Partner in a lot of the the efforts and and the decision making that we do through that board,.

AB

So um we also were able to fund connectondo us to receive educational, programmatic support and.

AB

Purchase books for some of their youth, they do provide specific services to the latino population.

AB

In carroll county and with the help of this grant, they also are providing support to individuals.

AB

To earn to learn languages to connect with their communities, they offer spanish to english classes.

AB

And english to spanish classes to make sure that it's not just connecting with the community. But.

AB

Also connecting with their families- and so that's another great impact that they provide.

AB

We also provided support to the boys and girls club of carroll county. They received funding for.

AB

Their at-risk youth, including elementary age, youth in the after school and summer,.

AB

Programs and middle and high school youth in the leadership program, specifically, they were able.

AB

To help support youth to go to a youth retreat on an 80 acre center, which included activities.

AB

Of ziplining canopy tours high rope course climbing towers problem, solving challenges.

AB

And much more, they also engaged the youth in a be kind sign workshop, which is the wooden crayon sign.

AB

Where they were able to incorporate the kindness workshop with the infinite love project, doing it.

AB

uh Creating a sense of well-being through positive messaging mindfulness and community services and.

AB

It really connected with their mission to build resilience and positive mental health for youth.

AB

So the be kind signs you will see around, they will be displayed in the community and then.

AB

Also donated to a class some will be donated to classrooms. They were also able to purchase some.

AB

Virtual reality, headsets with software packages, to focus on educational opportunities for the.

AB

Youth as well, so all that being said, I think we we have done, and those were just some of.

AB

The projects that we wanted to highlight, but I think that all that being said, we've really done.

AB

um I think they've done some great work in the community with it's a a lot of money, but a little.

AB

Bit of money right, five thousand dollars is not a lot, and not all of them took the full amount.

AB

But I do believe that I also wanted to come to you now. Also to speak to the fact that you you.

AB

Know we submitted our application for the youth homeless demonstration project and in that a lot.

AB

Of these non-profit grassroots organizations are instrumental in helping to step up and and fill.

AB

Some gaps and services that we have another piece of that puzzle for the youth homeless.

AB

Demonstration project is that we had to provide a voice from our youth to answer very specific.

AB

Questions that hud designated about that about the services that we provide, but they wanted.

AB

To hear the youth speak to it, and the youth had the option of either writing some information to.

AB

Add to the grant to respond to those questions or to create a video, and we were able to work.

AB

With find your purpose and the westminster youth project and and our youth action board to create a.

AB

Video which we'd like to show you now it's about six minutes if, if you're comfortable with that.

AB

Has it loaded on here for me now, can I ask one question on this before you get on that.

F

This is a diverse group, some small groups, some larger groups who are using it for hopefully for.

F

The right niches and and five thousand, like you said it seems like a small amount of money, but.

F

um You're, just as diligent with five thousand in the paper, I mean grants or paperwork intensive.

F

And and if if I buy the wrong thing, you tell me and and this is absolutely and we had we.

AB

Went back and forth and denied some some some uh some proposals as far as what they thought.

AB

They they could purchase with the funding, because it's very specific- and it's also.

AB

Governed by our state lmb guidance on what we can and cannot use the funding for the other.

AB

Pieces we have contracts with each one of these vendors for this this amount as well. So we have.

AB

Those agreements on hand that really specify the guidance and what they need to adhere to.

AB

It was reimbursable, so we didn't just hand them five thousand dollars and say yes, yes,.

AC

We did so they they submitted. Like celine, said um invoices, and you know we went through them.

AC

To make sure that what they were purchasing was allowable and some some wasn't so we said.

AC

No thanks, jenny you're happy to hear that right, so she wasn't making faces. That was my question.

AB

All right so- um and this is the video uh that that we had the support of these agencies to help.

AB

Us put together and then obviously, our youth that um were on board with having us share their story.

AD

The mission of the youth action board is to raise awareness about youth homelessness here in carroll.

AD

County and to garner support and resources for the youth that find themselves on the streets.

AD

The only people that can be on a youth action board are youth. You have to be under the age.

AD

Of 24., I am, I act as an advisor to the youth action board and just providing support and.

AD

Space for them to meet the youth action board is made up of youth from all different walks of.

AD

Life some people when they think about homeless, youth. They think about poor youth, who have you.

AD

Know come from rough families, that's not always the case. Sometimes it's kids, who have come from.

AD

Really, nice families, but one of the things that we see here in carroll county is a very diverse group.

AD

Kids, that are youth of color. We have youth who are part of the lgbtq plus community and youth, who.

AD

Identify as a different gender than the one they were born with one of the.

AD

Things that the youth action board does, though, is welcomes everyone through the.

AD

Doors and everyone has a voice when they come through and sit down in the circle.

AE

I feel like one of the like challenges or barriers is like any lack of support or funding.

AE

Like funding is very hard to get, especially if it's like a youth action board.

AE

And sometimes it just comes like right out of your pocket. There tends to be like a stigma.

AF

When it comes to being homeless, you don't have access to food, you don't have access to a lot of.

AF

Certain things so you're gonna develop a eating disorder. Where you know you disassociate with.

AF

Food and as soon as you have food, it's like you, just scoff it down, and then it's like you.

AF

Kind of have to figure out: when am I going to eat next, because you don't know the next time.

AF

You're going to eat, I think more youth-led events would be more beneficial. It would be.

AG

Easier as a youth to talk to another youth member, just for conversational, it's more, it's.

AG

Less intimidating, it's easier to understand and um just more relatable and so much easier. I wouldn't.

AG

Feel as much judgment, some of the biggest risk factors for youth to become homeless or be at risk.

AE

Probably include not being able to afford paying rent or paying for like the bills like electricity.

AE

All that, and as well as like risk of being thrown out by your family because you're not straight.

AE

Like a hypothetical situation, if someone were to come out as transgender and their family is not.

AE

Accepting of that stuff that child could be thrown out and not be given any kind of support until.

AE

Longer down the line as someone who's part of the lgbt community myself, um it's it can be scary. The.

AD

Biggest barriers to sustaining are youth action. Board. Is transportation number one. That's the.

AD

Biggest one kids cannot get to us. Carroll county is a big place and unless you live in downtown.

AD

Westminster, it's really hard to get here for these meetings. Number two. I would say people don't want.

AD

To come out of hiding because they're afraid they're afraid that they're going to be taken.

AD

Away from their families, they may be separated from siblings. They may have a comfortable living.

AD

Situation right now, sleeping on someone's sofa as adults. We know that that is not stable housing, but.

AD

For them, it's something that they're comfortable with right now and they may not want to rock the.

AD

Boat, so it's it's really about us, spreading awareness that that's uh it's! Okay to come.

AD

Forward and to ask for resources and that it's not going to jeopardize your current situation.

AF

We know you've reached a success when we see a lot more kids in the community. You know.

AF

Not having as many mental health crises or not being able to properly express their feelings.

AF

A lot of times you see that in anger, so so with youth-led groups and certain activities that we.

AF

Can do together going out to the parks or just simply talking to each other without an adult.

AF

That can help it can help and in the long run, you'll see a lot more kids opening up.

AF

A lot more kids wanting to tell their story and share what they've been through, so that they can.

AF

Help others and they can lead them as well. I feel like success like if we do get the funding. If we.

AE

Do like receive the grant from the county is one receiving the grant like because we succeeded in.

AE

Getting our point across and that, and we succeed in serving all walks of life that come into the.

AE

Building and get what they need for help, because we finally can get like any tools and supplies to.

AE

Help those people success for our youth action board would mean that our community just steps.

AD

Up and wraps around these kids and supports them having our kids finally have their voices heard.

AD

I think that's success.

AD

AE

If there's one thing, I have to leave you all with it's that this county's.

AE

Youth is supported by the youth, because there is nothing about us without us.

AB

All right, okay, thank you for sharing that welcome, and I think that was that was pretty.

AB

Much our presentation today, but just also to to note that if we do get into the next phase.

AB

And we are awarded um the the funding through the demonstration project, then we would be in a.

AB

Planning phase for for up to nine months, I believe it is and working with the community providers and.

AB

The community and the lmb, and all of you to really look at how we want to develop that plan and spend.

AB

Those funds and where our get our biggest gaps are and how we can make the biggest impact so.

E

And I think that's incredibly important. I mean seeing that number that there are 190 homeless youths in carroll, county public's 190.. It's staggering.

E

And if you know, if we can find some way to to assist them, then yeah the. um I think you and.

C

I spoke about this probably probably months ago, but I know we had an lnb manager. We have an lng.

C

Manager position that person resigned moved on to something else where, where are we with the current.

C

Lmb manager hiring process, we are right there, we, we have selected a candidate and we will be making.

AB

An offer- and so we are, we are right there. That's that's all I can say publicly about it right now,.

AB

But uh definitely um it's a it's a big position, a big leadership position. There are a lot of pieces.

AB

To the puzzle and a lot of collaboration that is done at the lead in hand of our lmb and and the.

AB

Members on the lmb that you all appoint to that that board and and it is a big responsibility and.

C

um As you bring that person on I'm sure some of the conversations you're having with that.

C

Individual is I mean the lmb serves important functions, but we've got to make sure we're paying.

C

Attention to how these particular nonprofits are organized, um how they're managed how they're.

C

Spending their money, whether it's state, money or local money. Of course, it's all taxpayer money so.

C

um And avoid any you know any any issues or questions moving forward with any of them. uh I I.

C

See that as probably the most important job of of the l b manager, so I'm encouraged to hear you've.

C

Got somebody I noticed the the job requirement I think was no longer listed, so I thought maybe.

C

Something was happening, but I thought I'd ask you yeah. The posting had been and it was taken.

AB

Down and we we just finished interviews, excellent, okay, thank you, okay, anything else. Thank you very.

E

Much okay! Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Now, let's talk about our expenditures with debt proceeds.

A

I think a song tell a joke. You know.

AH

Good morning or good morning, good afternoon, okay.

AH

um I'm actually here to ask um you guys to approve a resolution to declare the county's.

AH

Official intent to reimburse expenditures with debt proceeds, this is an annual process that we.

AH

Do it's kind of one of those clerical things that we need to do following the recent adoption of the.

AH

Fy 24 budget, a resolution is to be approved by the board of commissioners, declaring the.

AH

County's intent to reimburse community investment planned expenditures that are intended to be.

AH

Funded with those proceeds, this isn't this action doesn't commit or isn't actually issuing bonds.

AH

With this, it just says that we can reimburse those expenditures in the with future bond issues.

AH

The resolution is necessary to meet our internal revenue code regulations for tax exempt bonds.

AH

So I believe in your in your packets there was a copy of exactly the pages for the cip.

AH

Or the community investment plan shows how they were broken out by function. Ties into.

AH

That so the total covers 54 million 768 342 dollars of projected bond funding for those.

AH

The resolution has been reviewed and approved by the county attorneys legal.

AH

Sufficiency, so I am asking the board to adopt the right resolution.

E

Do we have a copy of the resolution anywhere tim? I have it. Okay,.

E

Thank you very much.

A

Let's just say what she says: it's going to say: oh yeah, okay, it's not that I don't.

E

Trust, I just you know if you vote on a resolution, you want to see it right.

A

Absolutely no tim approved it so yeah, no tim approved it for legal sufficiency.

A

E

You didn't have a video, you had a resolution. I had.

AH

A resolution, it's always come good to come with a resolution yeah. It is.

F

E

Motion to approve the resolution to clearing the county's official intent to reimburse expenditures.

E

Or debt proceeds. Second, serious, okay, I read it. I got a motion. I got a second still read.

A

Any discussion on this all in favor all right. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.

A

Okay: let's go through a few uh I.t.

A

um Contract renewal for utility time systems, annual support.

A

And go through three contract renewals. I believe.

AI

Good morning, good morning, the office of procurement, in cooperation with the department.

AI

Of technology services request your approval to award the contract for the intellitime system.

AI

Annual support to intellitime systems corporation in the amount of twenty eight thousand six hundred.

AI

Seventy four dollars and eighty cents this this support is funded in the fiscal year.

AI

24 adopted budget good morning, commissioners, charlie beckhart, with technology services. This.

AJ

Is the standard renewal of the annual maintenance coverage for vti virtual time card interface, which.

AJ

Is the county's time and attendance, workforce management and scheduling tool? I believe you're.

AJ

All familiar with the organization-wide nature of the product and how every agency on county.

AJ

Payroll is a participant so I'll just stop there and ask if you have any questions regarding it.

A

Annual is there any value in doing multi-year, I'm not sure, except that this is the first time.

AJ

That we've had an increase with intelli time. So I'd like to point that out, they.

AJ

Didn't give us 12 months notice that they were expecting an inflationary increase this time of.

AJ

Three percent: that's what it turned out to be, but since 2017 there has been no increase on.

AJ

This annual maintenance right, so that's a good thing. That's a great thing. We're very pleased.

AJ

About it yeah, I think uh just a follow-up not for this, but to see if there's value in doing.

A

Multi-Year, certainly we're glad to look into it. Okay, thanks motion to award the contract for the.

E

Intellitime system annual support to intellitime systems corporation in the amount of 28 674.80.

E

Second, the motion. Second, any discussion seen here: none all in favor, aye, aye. Okay, let's talk about.

A

Maintenance and support for the mitchell humphrey financial management system, fms.

AI

The office of procurement, in cooperation with technology services, request your approval for.

AI

The renewal of maintenance and support for the mitchell humphrey financial system, the amount is.

AI

62 320 dollars for one year. Likewise, commissioners, this is the standard renewal of the annual.

AJ

Maintenance for fms our financial management system, our primary general ledger accounts payable.

AJ

Accounts receivable fixed assets and purchasing, among other things, as an example, should you choose.

AJ

To renew this contract, the payment would be made through fms we've been with mitchell humphrey for.

AJ

Over two decades and this this is not the original version of the product. Obviously, we've there's.

AJ

Been many major upgrades over that time frame, but this is the standard uh renewal that we go through.

A

Yeah same same question, I mean having confidence with this. Over two decades. I mean reaching out.

A

For multi-year service support contracts, you know maybe a path forward but yeah. If.

AJ

This one's actually a little bit different. If I could point out that the contract that we.

AJ

Negotiated back in 1998 includes an escalator clause that includes okay, a limiting increase.

AJ

That is uh in lockstep with the cpi, so there was actually a year when the annual maintenance went.

AJ

Down the cpi, the year the cpi, the cpi, was actually negative. The amount of the annual.

AJ

Maintenance that we paid actually went down. So I I understand your point, but in this in this.

AJ

Case the counties protected in that we know that the the increase is um is predictable.

AJ

According to what the economy is doing, pretty impressive forward thinking, I like that. So.

A

Okay, did you want to add something I just wanted to to make it clear make sure the board understood.

AK

That every time we go out with any of these contracts, it is the policy of my department.

AK

And all that we do inquire about multi-year contracts to see if they are worthwhile. So.

AK

And I think in the last couple of uh months we've had one where it was determined that and will be.

AK

Coming before you with this we're a three-year contract, I was doing a lot of companies. Don't.

AK

Want to do it now because of the inflation rate and they're just not willing to move forward, but.

AK

I wanted you to know that it is our practice that we check every single time that we do this thanks.

A

Motion to approve the annual maintenance and support for the mitchell humphrey financial.

E

Management system fms in the amount of sixty two thousand three hundred twenty.

E

Dollars second and a motion again, second, any discussion seen here: no, no in favor.

A

Aye: okay: let's talk about the pharonics deploy subscription. Thank you, commissioners. Thank you.

AI

The office of procurement and cooperation with the department of technology services.

AI

Is requesting your approval for a three-year renewal of support services for the existing.

AI

Pharonics deploy subscription from the pharonics in the amount of forty two thousand dollars. This.

AI

Amount is approved in the fiscal year 24 budget and no additional funds should be required.

X

Good morning, pheronics deploy is a cloud-based solution that we use to manage windows updates.

X

To our computers, a key feature of products is that it can manage computers wherever they're located.

X

If it is connected connected to the internet, this is essential as many staff telework or work.

X

On locations not directly connected to the county network, one of our greatest cyber security threats.

X

Are our client computing devices, especially when they are operating outside our traditional.

X

Network and the most important way to protect our network is to keep the devices up to date.

E

Motion to award the purchase of the three-year renewal of support services for the existing.

E

Ferronics deploy subscription to how do you say that foreignix? Thank you in the amount not.

E

To exceed forty two thousand dollars. Second got a motion, a second any discussion same here. None all.

A

In favor all right, okay, thank you very much. Oh now, I see why I was having difficulty pronouncing that.

E

Because it says pharonics deploy subscription and then it's misspelled. It says ferrancis.

E

So I was having difficulty figuring it out, they were, they were spelled differently and.

E

I was thinking, maybe they were two different things, all good, I'm not just fixed in the.

B

Record we're good yeah, I'm not judging. I don't know I gotta look thanks guys. Thank.

F

You, mr zaleski, why don't you come on up here and let's talk about uh school impact fees.

A

And then we'll talk about town, county agreements after that.

AL

Okay, so impact fees. I want to give a little bit of introduction for.

AL

Others that are listening because impact fees are often misunderstood.

AL

um I think the maybe the biggest idea that it's important for people to get is impact.

AL

Fees are very limited in their in their use. People often think we can do things with them that that.

AL

We can't uh so carroll county has had a school impact fee for decades, but for the last decade.

AL

Or so we've had it set to zero dollars. That is we're not actually charging an impact fee.

AL

Although it still exists in county ordinance, the reason that we have not been collecting any money.

AL

Is because the use of this impact fee is tied to the need for capacity for a growing student.

AL

Enrollment, we actually went through a number of years of declining student enrollment and then.

AL

A few years of of stagnant enrollment, so there was no prospect for us making use of this money.

AL

Now, on a related issue, in case law, it's been established that we can't collect money and just.

AL

Keep it there has to be a reasonable expectation that it's going to be used and the kind of idea.

AL

That's out, there is six years is at reasonable time frame in the times and what we've been.

AL

Planning for we had no expectation that we would be able to use the money in an appropriate way in.

AL

Six years, uh if you collect it and can't use it, then you need to return it to whoever paid it so.

AL

Number one rather than collect money, hold it and then give it back to somebody. We didn't see any.

AL

Reason to do that and the other is if we did it, you know you take on it an administrative problem.

AL

You have to be able to find all those people again, some years after they, they gave you the money.

AL

So uh a board set it at zero. I don't remember exactly how many times we've come back to.

AL

This now it's sometimes been renewed for a year, sometimes two or three years. I think.

AL

But uh we are back to a point where we we need to do it again, but the story might be.

AL

Changing now, where we've been for the last 10 or 12 so years at least potentially looks different.

AL

The school system had an increase of about 700 students this year.

AL

I think they believe that that is largely an actual increase in new students. I still wonder how.

AL

Many of those might be kids who left because of covid better coming back. But whatever the answer.

AL

Is there we're moving past that that that's not a long-term issue, uh but there's some growth there.

AL

Clearly, there's some growth: the school system is projecting continued growth, uh not not the.

AL

Kind of growth we saw in the 90s, but but growth again. uh If you have growing enrollment, then you.

AL

Do open the idea that there might be a point where impact fees will be needed and and used.

AL

For providing additional capacity, so I say the story might be changing. Now is the time for us.

AL

To discuss, however, you decide to act today. Do we think we need to think about this uh differently.

AL

Now, when we did have the impact fee in place, it was approximately six thousand dollars per unit.

AL

If you decide you want to put this back into action again, we can return to where it was.

AL

There's nothing that requires you to do that. That's totally in the hands of the commissioners.

AL

Now, just again for people listening to give some context for this, because I think.

AL

Some people probably think that reinstating the impact fee will do more. Then it really will in.

AL

Terms of how much funding we'll create you know, if you think uh of us doing, say, 300 units a year now.

AL

And you return to six thousand dollars per unit that would be about 1.8 million dollars a year. 1.8.

AL

Million dollars is still a lot of money, but when you look at the the cost of school projects, you're.

AL

Not going to do a school with 1.8 million dollars, this is a. This is just a little piece of funding.

AL

uh If you said well, we want to do something, but we don't want to do six thousand dollars. We think.

AL

That's too much: let's do three thousand dollars that 1.8 a year is now 0.9 million dollars a year.

AL

So again, not nothing but not a game changer in in terms of funding school construction.

AL

So that's where we are, uh we we do need to take some action and today was set up.

AL

As briefing discussions, so today is not the day for an action, but sometime soon we either need.

AL

Well, we need to set it somewhere, yeah, whether it's uh setting it again at zero or setting it.

AL

At some number, where we are going to start uh uh collecting again, oh we we can make an action.

A

This morning, correct, I mean that's.

A

Well, that's not what your agenda says and that's what the public may. Okay have been misled by that.

G

If that's okay was your intention to vote on that today, that's fine it you know I'm. I definitely.

A

Believed in doing our due diligence and our homework prior to making decisions, uh but I'm also.

A

Sometimes frustrated how long things take before a decision can be made. um You know.

AL

In setting the agenda, it's it's a tough problem, sometimes because we've had situations where.

AL

Boards have said: why is this set up for a decision? We're not we're not we're not there.

AL

Yet right, you know so sometimes try and make a call what is presenting information and what is.

AL

Decision time- and you know maybe on this one got it wrong: no, no! It's all good! I just you know.

A

Earlier, when we're doing priority carol, um commissioner garen did a, I believe, a very good.

A

Job to the community recognizing the importance of understanding the blueprint and understanding.

A

The pieces of the blueprint not just blueprint as a whole and.

A

I think it kind of went down the road or a row that we all have significant.

A

Concerns and challenges in the joint meaning we had uh yesterday was it yesterday with the board.

A

Of education, um we're not going to tax our way out of this, no matter how much taxes we put in place.

A

Even if that's a gesture, uh we're not going to get there, um and nor do we have an attitude.

A

I believe amongst us to do it that way. um Fees are different. You know.

A

Kind of like the the last decision we made dealing with my thoughts and I'll stop after this is the.

A

Decision we made with um agricultural zoning and solar. You know the impact is only seven homes and.

A

It's a very small community. It's not about this one community that people came here and said.

A

We don't want this, but it's about the entire county and what is the attitude of the entire.

A

County and uh we got, I think it may be time to uh to look at putting impact peas back in place and.

A

It may only be 1.8 million dollars at the end of the day, with six thousand dollars per unit.

A

But it gives you know, I think it's the right gesture putting in place.

A

I still believe we should talk to the delegation about other opportunities. They may say yeah, no.

A

That ain't gonna work, but so we thought we got some tough challenges in front of us and.

A

So I'm more in favor of putting impact fees in place.

A

Understanding the case laws of reasonable expectations, um it ain't gonna, be everything.

A

But it'll be a step in the right direction in both our attitude and moving forward and doing.

A

What's necessary with some of these schools that are being challenged so yeah? That's you.

AL

Know a couple other related thoughts. You know, as you say that maybe maybe think.

AL

I want people to understand. I have no particular stand on this if we should have an impact fee or.

AL

Should not have an impact fee, it's just it's a a choice. We can make a tool to figure out how.

AL

We we fund and then, uh if we we do got to do this uh two other things that probably.

AL

Be on your mind, there are groups who will be automatically opposed to this. You know people who.

AL

Are developing people are looking to buy a house? Realtors are all going to say. This is a bad idea.

AL

And um there was the third thing I was going to say. I don't remember what it was now, though, so.

C

When, when would we look at having this, did you just remember it? Yes go ahead! Well, the when I.

C

Could tell yeah right you'll have to decide when does this take effect now, um if the agenda is not.

AL

Full I mean you can do it next week, but the the when does it take effect will be important because.

AL

There'll be people who will be very interested in the specific date. Somebody is going to be on the.

AL

Right side of the date and somebody's going to be on the wrong side of the day, so maybe.

C

Worth bringing up between now and hopefully next week, I don't see why this is something we have to.

C

Particularly delay on, but you know we're talking about impact fees and their effect on schools, but.

C

I, what I think people need to remember, though, is that for the past I think five plus years.

C

This this board of county commissioners has fully funded or almost fully funded the requests from.

C

The public school system, so that's, not an issue. What I think is also important to mention is.

C

That the um we don't know always know what these numbers are going to look like in the long run. I.

C

Mean we think enrollment's going to go up and numbers are. These numbers are very hard to.

C

To uh predict, if you will, I think what's also important to mention, is that and- and I guess.

C

You can clarify this to me for me, but don't do we still get funding related to the number.

C

Of students we have in the system or has that gone away- is that gone by the wayside.

AL

No, that's that's still important, but um we we need to there's a line here between operating.

AL

In and capital, so the impact fee is strictly a for capital purposes, so it has no impact on.

AL

The operating side, but to your question on the operating side, a large part of what the state.

AL

Funds is is still driven by a per pupil amount and on your um you know your your thought that.

AL

The enrollment projections are projections and absolutely right. Nobody can say we know these.

AL

Numbers uh just to remind you that if you take an action on impact fees and things don't go where.

AL

They appear to be going. You can change this at any time. uh You actually could make a decision.

AL

Tomorrow and then make a different decision the day after that, not suggesting that we'd want to.

AL

Do that, but it's in your hands, you don't have to wait for any particular time period to go by.

F

All right, so um impact fees only go to new construction and the 6000 is a single family.

F

There's not a big difference, but there's some other multi-family other other amounts in it.

F

And and that's what I said so far is correct right, just new! Yes, when we had when we had.

AL

um We had charge in place, there were three or four different ones for different types of housing.

AL

Yes, but uh construction in carroll county is overwhelmingly single family yeah, so we're talking.

F

What happens most my concern would be so, let's say, let's say we do this and we do the six thousand.

F

And it's 1.8 million and in the next four or five years we accumulate six seven million. um What.

F

What could we possibly spend it on and what's the likelihood of that happening in that time period.

AL

Yep uh good good questions and that's why you know at the beginning I said it might be time to start.

AL

Thinking about this, I'm not necessarily advocating that now is the time to change.

AL

But you know you're exactly right. What we need to be thinking about is, how likely is it? Do we.

AL

Think we're going to collect this money and spend it in the in the next six years.

AL

And it's a complicated question because it's going to be tied to is enrollment increasing in a way.

AL

That leads us to provide additional capacity so that we're providing the same level of service.

AL

That existed, and, in this case same level of service means you have the same kind of room.

AL

Available for the 100 students you had today, as you did for the 50 students you had had yesterday.

AL

And it's it's an unknown. We have projections but but we don't know what's going to happen.

AL

And it's further complicated and I know a lot of people who are going to be interested in this.

AL

Conversation are the people in in the southeast, where we have uh schools that are being squeezed.

AL

The impact fee, as it exists now is set up with county-wide boundaries, both how we collect it.

AL

And how we we spend it, and we have to consider capacity outside of the schools that might be a.

AL

Concern you can't just look at a single school and say this school is overcrowded, so impact fees are.

AL

Are appropriate so I don't have it. I don't have a good answer for you, um but I think I think you're.

AL

Thinking about it exactly right and that's part of what we need to do before we act, and it could be.

AL

That, in the short term we say, yes, things might be changing, but it's not timed out yet.

F

And- and that's I think that's my feeling is is maybe it's not quite time, but I think we.

F

Need to alert the world that it soon may be, but but I'm I'm just not I'm not sure it's.

F

And it's hard to uh for me to grasp this, but things take so long. You know to you know you.

F

Look at east meadow or career tech which weren't related to increased enrollment. But how long it.

F

Took from the time somebody said: let's, let's look at doing that to you know the students are really.

F

Going to be in it next year, it's it's! Sometimes that takes five or six years yeah, and that will.

AL

Remain true, um you know, new school projects have to go through a lengthy process and, as.

AL

Much as we might want it to happen faster, there's, there's really very little to do in most cases. I.

A

Mean this is uh the the conversations you know from the previous board. I mean very similar. You.

A

Know so I'm very appreciative of what the you know previous colleagues did over this, but we're still.

A

The challenge is, we need something we gotta, we gotta put a tool in place. You know.

A

um We started, and we talked about this yesterday- you know the one of the first things I I did was.

A

Really try hard working with the board of education ccps to put a redistricting.

A

Committee together to look at the challenge of carroll county and they did they put the south.

A

Area redistricting committee, I believe, got all the right people and they did a lot of.

A

Homework and we put on the shelf for now, because it's just the appetite's not there to redistrict.

A

um Impact fees is another tool, I mean it's like we're, not going to be able to tax our way out.

A

Of blueprint we're not going to be able to uh redistrict because the appetite's not there.

A

To redistrict you know if impact fees aren't the right solution, you know now it's like okay,.

A

We know what the problem is starting to really look like, and it's not just a perception out.

A

There it is a problem, and it is mostly in the southeast part of the county um right now,.

A

Will it stay that way I don't know, but how do we fix or look to fix those two school districts? One.

A

That feeds into liberty and one feeds into uh to the century. Mostly it's the one that feeds into.

A

Liberty, it really is that school district um that feeds into century ii, because sexual middle does.

A

Is a challenge I mean that's where we're at and uh yes, I do represent that community down.

A

There so I'm I'm closer to it, but I'm trying to figure out okay. What are solutions, if impact he's.

A

Get us towards it. I think it's time we look at changing impact fees. You know across the.

A

County and maybe if we can look at it just from a freedom district, I I don't know.

A

I just don't want to keep keeping this can down the road, because that's what we've been doing and.

A

um You know it's time to do something to help that community. Those elementary schools are.

A

Busting, I think the question is, and I don't know who we ask um this stuff is so much unknown. Let's.

F

Say we decide because of the capacity of the individual schools we add on to freedom? We.

F

Add on to sykesville middle, if we can't support that it's an enrollment issue county wide. Can we.

F

Use this money for that and if we can then that's in three years and maybe it is a time, but can we.

AL

Yeah and that's another, it's another one of those questions that doesn't have a good hard answer.

AL

Because the risk is that somebody takes you to court, saying you're using these inappropriately.

AL

That's why I say you know case law drives a lot of how we go about doing this now if.

AL

You do something and nobody objects, then, yes, you can do it, but there are places where you can say.

AL

If we do this, there's a higher likelihood that somebody's going to object than if we do this.

AL

So you know, there's a there are choices to be made with some evaluation of risk.

A

You know uh we we said that uh we're not allowing ag preservation in the designated growth areas.

A

Which includes freedom, which is the largest ethnic growth area.

A

There's attitude down there that people are paying taxes to subsidize.

A

Agriculturally property ag property and preserving it, because that's really what what's happening.

A

We're using our money to help preserve and meet the goals of carroll county, um so they're saying.

A

Why am I subsidizing places that are outside of my district? I would say that that line of logic.

AL

Is too limited because you can look at a lot of other services and say no? No, I agree and uh I.

A

Absolutely agree um and what percentage of their tactile tax dollar is ag press, 25 bucks, but but.

A

It's one of those, it's no. I understand, but it's it's regardless of the amount. It's a dollar. It's.

AA

It's they're saying my taxes, so it's a dollar and we should see it that way that it's a dollar.

A

um And I'm not pitting freedom, districts against you know tony town or against. You know, woodbine or.

A

Anywhere else it's or regardless, it's it's looking at. Where are the problems within the county.

A

What are some of the ways to solve some of these problems.

A

And then come up with some of these some solutions, because this has been.

A

And ongoing, maybe maybe that was a bad uh analogy. I don't know, but uh there is a serious concern.

A

Of the residential growth with new construction down at freedom district with free freedom.

A

Elementary carrolltown, that are, you, know, busting we're getting very careful again.

A

Very close, sykesville middle. We got to come up with solution and if it's not redistricting, if.

A

It's not the board of education because it people are like looking at us, like you know, don't read.

A

It that's not our choice, you know that's, but if it's not the school in board of education,.

A

What are the tools that we have to come up with solution, and uh I I don't know I just I'm.

A

Like I said, we, we can't tax those way out of it. This may be a fee, a gesture, a move in the.

A

Direction, like you talked about, you know after six years, get into 10 million dollars to be able.

A

To expand freedom- I I don't know, but I I think we do need to. I think we do need to be careful, though.

C

Because one of the reasons I mentioned the three things early on here in this discussion, the fact.

C

That we have fully funded the school system are almost fully funded at 96, or something like that.

C

We do get compensated per pupil, at least that's the way. The formula looks now and we don't know.

C

How these really numbers are really going to look. I I don't I we I do. We just have to be careful.

C

For people that are listening, whether they're down in district, five or district four elsewhere.

C

These impact fees will not solve that problem. We, however, I point out three other the reason I made.

C

The three points that I did is because I don't want people to think we're not doing everything.

C

We can, I think we are, and, of course now there is this issue of redistricting, which has turned.

C

Into an issue of expansion, which I think is the right direction to take, so I I let's just I want.

C

To be careful because the next thing you know people are saying: well, let's raise impact fees.

C

To save our schools and that's not going to happen so I I don't believe now is the time, but if, uh if.

C

His commissioner kyler mentioned, maybe there will be a time at some point. That's why I don't know.

C

If I want to belabor this in front of the county for the next month or so, uh if it's an issue, we.

C

Want to look at later on that might be the time, but let's make sure we're not talking about you.

C

Know either- or here we're already doing, you know we're trying to do everything we can already.

E

Also, I think it's I'm sorry commission do you want to uh just real quick? I think there's valid.

D

Points on both sides of this, but you know, as ted mentioned, we don't really know where these numbers.

D

Are headed at this point, and I know commissioner kyler could uh probably have more knowledge on.

D

This than I do by a long shot, but a number of our high schools have been moved down to 1a in.

D

Sports which that's based off of population, so, if they're being lowered based off of population.

D

On that end is that is that showing us a clear direction? We're headed, I mean clearly they're.

D

Being lowered to 1a, which means there technically is less population now that doesn't solve the.

D

Other issues we're dealing with- and I think you know not pointing fingers, but you know.

D

A few years ago we were told there was going to be this massive decrease. Hence why certain.

D

Schools are closed and I'm not getting into that this morning, but I think I think objectively I.

D

Don't think it would hurt to at least look at what's been done previously. Look at whatever.

D

Those various points where ted you mentioned was it six thousand for a single family home and so.

D

Forth and see what those other breakdowns are and at least look at it, but I think the reality is.

D

You know we are in a a tricky spot here, because you know this is going to be passed on to the.

D

Consumer that buys a home so whether you're buying a single family, home or a town home. You know we're.

D

Kind of running back around in that circle again to can I afford to buy a home now that.

D

Doesn't solve what we're looking at, but I think we should at least take a look at all sides of this.

D

At this point you know on the couple points on the enrollment: now we actually did see a significant.

AL

Decline in enrollment, I think we went down about 2 000 students over over a decade I mean so that.

AL

Wasn't just theoretical that really happened uh now as far as high schools now go we're seeing the.

AL

Pressures at the elementary school level now and some at the middle school level and the assumption.

AL

Is that will eventually carry into the high school even but right now high schools are, are where we.

AL

Have our greatest flexibility yeah, I agree and uh yeah it's it's still elementary schools. I.

A

Mean that are having the biggest impact right now in the numbers, because, because I agree with.

A

You with the with the high school situation, um I I'm just saying what's right now on the grounds.

A

With a handful of the elementary schools and sexual middle, that.

A

Something's got to be done now they have they. I apologize board of education and the school system.

A

Have a plan in place to expand? You know both with added additions, and we talked about that yesterday.

A

um In our joint meeting, that's not going to solve all the problems that are out there.

A

I'm just uh you know, we've we've stated zero. I don't want to say you know.

A

How much can you hurt, but I'm I'm just I'm trying to figure out a solution. I mean again.

A

So we had something with uh last year's budget and you're right. I we, we have been giving.

A

The schools, the money they've asked, for, I think sometimes their short saying you should be asking.

A

For more so you know to be honest, uh so they don't have to be asking like twice but um but this is.

A

Capital projects- this is not operational, correct and they're, not asking for when they ask us for.

A

Money they're not asking us for capital projects in the same when we give them additional money or.

A

It's really operational dollars. Well, they are asking us for capital, but two different tracks.

AL

Two different tracks right, you know, so maybe one way to think about this. You know if you leave it.

AL

At zero upside, is we don't end up collecting money that we can't use and have to return.

AL

Is we may have missed an opportunity to get some revenue in place that we we could use.

AL

If we raise it upside yeah we're getting the revenue towards something downside, we might.

AL

Find we have collected money that we then later say. Oh things haven't worked out. We can't use.

AL

This and now we have to send it back and- and I want to make a point on the operating budget.

F

um We haven't near fully funded it um not too many years ago. You did zero.

F

um And uh yeah an operating budget and and uh with the mindset that they were going to reevaluate.

F

Later in the year and maybe reconsider because the county thought they were looking at a deficit.

F

I understand why but but no it it's uh there's, there's a five-year plan and that's been honored.

F

Accepted for that year that wasn't but the excess they've asked for each year. This is the first year.

F

Last year, you guys did a million of one-time money. We did one time over, though the regular.

A

One or two million- I can't I don't remember but you're right. It was one time we have largely.

AL

Of the official request of the school system to us, we have been very close to funding that yes,.

AL

um But I think to be fair from the school system's point of view. Their official request.

AL

Isn't necessarily what they believe is what they need to run the school system, so people could be.

AL

Looking at this different ways, uh you know what was the number they sent you, and what do we think.

AL

We need and it is operating versus capital but but and and again I'm not pretending to say.

F

Carroll county's been very fair with the schools over the years, so I I personally was on the other.

F

Side of the fence and objected to the the year was zero, but and the problem is it's ongoing money so.

F

So if it was whatever three four million loss, that's three four million every year since then,.

F

And just for contacts for people listening the year that happened, the entire budget starts to.

F

Stand like I say. I understand why, but others listening might not yeah yeah yeah, but but.

F

But it happened so I think that you know this is a discussion that we do have to have. I agree with.

E

The comments made by commissioner rothstein and others that that, especially when it comes to to.

E

Trying to account for funding for these things, we can't tax our way out of it. I don't think any.

E

Of us would be uh happy or or would abide by uh proposition. I think it was a 34 cent tax increase.

E

Was what would be required to them that that's crazy and none of us would be in league with that.

E

um You know, speaking from a municipal perspective, coming from a municipality.

E

In nine and a half years on a city council impact fees do matter when you have tangible.

E

Projects when you have objectives that you can go after, because what that does, is it.

E

Allows you not to have to raise taxes on everybody else to pay for certain projects.

E

um You know and again not with seeing not wanting to to proceed with any kind of a 34 tax increase.

E

We do have to look at other ways of attempting to to compensate for that that you know difference.

E

um You know if we are going to proceed, though, and I agree with the comments that have been made.

E

If we are going to proceed seed with looking at raising or reestablishing a an impact fee, then we.

E

I want to make sure that we have you know specific reasons and then you know actual objectives to do.

E

That I know something physical, tangent or tangible, saying you know we need it for this expansion or.

E

We needed for this edition or we need it for this school right, so I know that they have to impact.

E

Fees have to go for certain things, um and- and so I think we do have to have this discussion- whether.

E

It's something we conclude today or something that we continue next week. We have to have it because.

E

If we're not we'll and again, I'm again very clearly, none of us are willing to raise taxes by.

E

34 cents that's crazy, but in order to compensate for for differences that we are going to be facing.

E

In order to compensate for difficulties that we are going to- and I don't think any of these.

E

Problems are intractable, we just have to find the right solutions to them and we have to have.

E

This discussion can ccps provide that if they were given x, this is what they would use it for.

AL

um I think it's premature to think we could do that and this, and this would never be simply a.

AL

Matter of them telling us what to do. In fact, the funding mix is in our hands, not not theirs. uh So.

AL

It's yeah what projects would emerge right and can we tie them to the idea of of growth yeah? I.

A

Think, thank you and that's. I believe where I was thinking through, so it didn't didn't the.

C

School board the school system tell us yesterday. It sounds like they have some real bureaucratic.

C

Challenges when it comes to projects, I mean they're having to go through the state to get.

C

Multiple approvals site plans, all those things we were did we hear correctly. It would be three years.

C

Before the expansions would even take place on those two schools in the southeast part of the.

C

County, so that's not that's. That's an important footnote is that you know you asked if the the.

C

School says the county school system could tell us what they'd spend the money on it sounded like.

C

They have to go through so much hurdles that it's hard to predict. Sometimes yeah, there's there's an.

AL

Extensive state process both to determine funding and to get the schools approved and when we build.

AL

A school yeah they, the state, is actually signing off on all the design. All all the engineering and.

AL

um And then they have a process for deciding how they're going to fund schools.

AL

Now they have a lot more money than we do, but what they're being asked for from counties just.

AL

Like us exceeds what they have available, so they have a process to determine. You know who's going.

AL

To get what and for what project, and yes, it takes a while and I think most projects you.

AL

Need to think about in terms of years now it can vary doing an expansion is easier because you.

AL

Don't have to find a site, you don't have to do extensive site work, uh but if you're building a.

AL

New school, uh that's that's a that's a bigger deal and- and I think uh oversimplify which I love to do.

F

We're not going to build any new schools in the near future. Now it looks like we might want to.

F

Add to freedom, we might want to add to sykesville oversimplify that's 18 million dollars and if the.

F

State funds half which they won't, that drops into 9 million and that'll, be over the next three years.

F

If we think that qualifies for this, maybe it's the time and then the next thing it sounds like.

F

Is renovation to liberty, which wouldn't qualify, there's no way it would so so it's really right.

F

And and that's where our problems are on on redistrict and whatever elementary and when.

F

Commissioner, rosting brought that up almost four years ago. It was elementary well, it's now middle.

F

And and and it'll be, you know high school, but it's the same. You know if freedom.

F

Is probably the most successful elementary school in carroll, county hampstead and some would.

F

Probably going to yell at me for saying that, but but because they're all successful but.

F

I don't think there's any family in freedom that once their kid put on a bus and taken to.

F

A westminster or mount airy elementary school so so to me, the the addition is a smart way.

F

To try to fix that problem absolutely, but does it qualify for use of this money and.

AL

I think freedom would probably be a tough call sykesville, I think, there's a a better case. Yes,.

A

Relocatables or the trailers right, it doesn't appear that the addition at freedom is actually.

AL

Going to make more anything to resolve the crowding it'll make the school less crowded.

F

Statistically, by moving them from portables into real classrooms, but it if it's and I.

F

Don't know what it is if it's 800 kids there now it's going to be 800 kids, when it's done.

F

Right, yeah so yeah, so that's a toughie! So again, if it's sykesville and that's 12 million and the.

F

State funds: half that six million. Do we want to do money for this, and do you want to tell.

F

Your people that don't like the ag press, money, uh hampstead manchester and tony.

F

Town are going to build houses and they're going to help fund sykesville middle yep.

A

Yeah, I mean that's kind of you know it's and I'm a big believer. This is one county and everybody.

A

Has their part to play? That's why early on uh whether it was charles carroll or north.

A

Carol pantherplex I mean I was. I was all in on what we could do for north carroll. One.

A

County and we've got to look at it that way and there's different projects and um that's why I'm.

A

A bit adamant on this, I just I'm- I see the problem. We gotta fix a problem, like you said, there's a.

A

Lot of bureaucracy- and I'm just maybe I'm just tired of bureaucracy and trying to figure out.

F

And and I think back when impact fee started in this county, the mindset of some people is.

F

The affluent developer is going to eat that 6000 we'll know the homeowner, the homeowner's.

F

Going to pay it, it's increasing the cost of a home yeah. Well, I've, I'm not going to say.

AL

I know, but I've always figured that depends on on the market. Oh yeah yeah. You know if, if.

AL

It's a tough time to sell houses, and maybe the developer does does eat it, but if they can get.

AL

It they're gonna, they're gonna, get it yeah, but but right now, house houses are selling in two.

F

Weeks with escalating offers, yes, so I agree in the current environment. Yes right, yeah.

A

So, what's the next step, uh we will have to take some action that question.

AL

Is just what dollar amount from zero to something else? Do you want to set.

AA

Okay, you mean action taken today or next week because I know campus right what it wasn't.

AL

On the agenda as a decision, so that's the next step is: when do we want this put on the agenda.

F

And we're already past june, 30., okay, we're talking about it next week.

A

For putting a six thousand dollar impact fee yeah for the discussion about whether or not.

E

We need to bring it back, should it be a number or should just be.

AL

uh I would suggest just putting to set the impact you're checking and then that leaves.

AA

You the flexibility to do whatever you want, yep, okay, so a decision to set the impact fee for and.

A

Put on the agenda for next week, okay sounds good. Let's talk about uh well, I probably is.

A

That, okay with everybody to talk next week about this, make a decision. I think we have a choice.

A

um Okay: let's talk about the town county agreements.

AL

Okay again a little background. The county has a long-standing again decades long.

AL

Relationship with the eight municipalities, where we share some of our revenue, the rest of the state.

AL

Is under a state law that requires counties to do either a tax differential or a tax rebate.

AL

In the municipalities to recognize overlap in services, uh we are not under that law, because.

AL

We had our revenue sharing in place before that law existed and they this left us alone.

AL

uh If we were ever to stop doing this, though, I'm sure we would be very quickly pulled into the.

AL

State law and end up doing more or less the same thing. It would just look a little bit different.

AL

So our revenue sharing program there's a comp, complicated formula that determines how much.

AL

Money goes to each of the municipalities, it's driven largely by population and inflation.

AL

um How the towns are funded relative to each other, can change depending on what's going on.

AL

In every any year this year, uh I'm not going to say everybody, because I have six of the eight.

AL

Here now, but all six of these are getting increases some years, some get increases and.

AL

Some get get decreases, but everybody's getting an increase and in the municipalities, tend to.

AL

Like the formula in years, that gets them a positive result and not like it so much in.

AL

Years that gets them a negative result and it's not always the same. It changes from year to year.

AL

uh So in calculating this, you know we come up with a number how much.

AL

Goes to each of the municipalities and then there's two things we take out of it.

AL

We have a cooperative program with municipalities on doing uh stormwater projects.

AL

The towns have a financial stake in that we take that amount out of the gross and then the miss.

AL

Pallies also pay for the salaries of two people who work on these water resources issues. We take.

AL

That out as well doing, that is simp simply a practical matter of, instead of sending them.

AL

A check and having them send us back a check we just net it all out to give them the end result.

AL

So you can see we have manchester new windsor sykesville tony town, union bridge and westminster.

AL

All here today and you have the amounts of funding that will be going to each of them.

AL

Take whatever questions you have or when you're ready to go.

AL

I'm okay, if you just you know, make a motion to approve all six or we can do them individually.

AL

If you'd, rather so, why aren't hampstead in mount airy on here? We bring them in as we get them back.

AL

uh We we send them off, they have to approve. You know the mayor and councils have to act.

AL

uh I think we have, we have gotten the seventh one, I don't remember which one it is and then.

AL

uh That'll probably come in next week and then so we're gonna see the other two at some point.

AL

Yes, it's actually pretty unusual, I don't know if I've ever brought six in all. At the same time,.

AL

It usually is one two three at a time that was my only question really was where's mount airy.

C

But I understand now um yeah I I know this is the formula we've been using for some time. I.

C

Think you and I had a discussion about this early on um just when I was trying to understand it so.

E

Motion to approve the fy 24 town county agreements with the towns of manchester.

E

New windsor sykesville tawny, town union bridge and westminster second.

A

I have a motion and I have a second any discussion, so you hear none all in favor.

AI

Aye, okay, thank you thank you and I think we need to verify some of the backup we have new mayors.

AL

There's wrong mayors listed yeah yeah.

F

um Ryan warner is no longer mayor of manchester. Okay, it's uh mrs smith, yeah.

AA

Okay, they'll still take the money.

A

Let's talk about uh the bridge program manager, contract, renewal,.

E

Good afternoon, oh wait no good afternoon. Is it.

S

Afternoon I got confused for a second, oh good, no worries.

AM

The office of procurement cooperation with the bureau of engineering posture approval to award.

AM

Contract to wilson, t ballard and the amount not to exceed 156 420 for the bridge program manager.

AM

This award will be made from a competitively bid term contract that was awarded to wilson t ballard.

AM

These funds are within the adopted, 2024 fiscal year budget. This contractual maryland professional.

AN

Licensed engineer will continue to assist the bureau of engineering with the management of our.

AN

Bridge program, we estimate, based on their current allocated funding. The contractual engineer will.

AN

Work two days per week, some of the tasks will include review design plans for our structure.

AN

Replacement program manage and shepherd the federal aid projects through the state and federal.

AN

Systems that's the program where we get either an 80 20 percent match on our projects manage.

AN

Required documentation for this federal funding and our structural rehabilitation replacement. Our.

AN

Annual review, our annual and biannual structural inspection reports for each of our structures and.

AN

Develop structural maintenance and rehabilitation plans for our projects. We have a good bit of.

AN

Experience with the consultant and staff person they've been on site for the past three years,.

AN

We estimate the cost per month to be about a little over thirteen thousand dollars.

F

I'm sorry I was going to say in in this in the in the next one. Are these.

F

Because it's hard for us to find staff that does it or is this a specialty enough item.

F

That that that it's good to have a consultant period, so this one is actually funded in the.

AN

Budget as a contractual position in the operating budget, um we felt the workload we couldn't find.

AN

Somebody that we could hire on staff for for the workload that we had so this one.

AN

Actually is funded through uh in the budget as a contractual person. The next one is different. Yep.

AA

Okay motion to authorize the bureau of engineering to utilize the term contract with wilson t ballard.

E

For the contractual bridge program manager in the amount not to exceed 156 420 for the.

E

2024 fiscal year. Second, I got a motion in second discussions in here and done all in.

A

Favor: okay: let's talk about the traffic engineer, commissioners, this request is to award a contract.

AM

To wallace, montgomery and the amount not to exceed 52 000 for contractual traffic engineer, this award.

AM

Isn't is I'm sorry, this award will be made from a competitive bid term contract that was awarded two.

AM

Month, wallace montgomery these funds are within the adopted 2024 fiscal year budget as well.

AN

So this is to use a term contract for an on-site consultant for up to two days a week now for a.

AN

Maximum of six months, the traffic engineering position became vacant in 2020 since november.

AN

Of 2020 2021, we have had to consultant three days per week and they've had to reduce the amount of.

AN

Days that they have with this position, this is not our preference. However, we've not been successful.

AN

In hiring this position, so we need somebody to do some of the work, and this is the best way.

AN

We've found to do it and you're picking six months because you're being optimistic, we're trying yes.

AN

All we always thinking.

E

Motion to authorize the bureau of engineering to utilize the term contract with wallace, montgomery.

E

For the contractual traffic engineer in the amount not to exceed fifty two thousand dollars a second.

A

I have a motion second in discussion, hearing unknown favor aye; okay, let's talk about the.

A

2024 pavement testing the office of procurement in cooperation with bureau of engineering requester.

AM

Approval to award contract to wsp, usa, environment and infrastructure in the amount of 125.

AM

000 19 to evaluate and provide pavement testing and rehabilitation recommendations.

AM

For approximately 38.4 miles of roadways, this award will be made from a competitively.

AM

Midterm contract that was awarded to wsp, usa, environment and infrastructure. These funds are.

AM

Within the adopted 2024 fiscal year budget, so they will be uh doing testing on our roadways.

AN

That we're planning to do our overlay projects in the fy 24 budget. They will be doing a visual.

AN

Conduct condition survey, non-destructive testing, pavement, coring material sampling and subgrade.

AN

Soil classification, they will do some laboratory testing of subgrade soils if we we need to and.

AN

Then we'll have a final report that will have our pavement and rehabilitation recommendations.

AN

For those roadways we're planning on paving in fy24, we only receive one proposal from our two.

AN

Consultants, the other consultant said they were not able to perform this work for us. We.

AN

Have used this consultant previously and we expect the report to be sometime in the fall.

A

The report back to us sometime in the fall, so they will provide us the report that will will.

AN

Develop our final bid documents for our fy24 paving projects, so this will tell us whether.

AN

We're going to reclaim whether or not we're going to mill and fill whether or not we're.

AN

Going to just do an overlay it'll provide us with recommendations within that report. You just feel.

A

That you're going to get it timely enough to then come up with uh the proposed. Yes, yes, proposed.

A

um uh Dollar amount: okay, okay: motion to approve the bureau of engineering to utilize.

E

The term contract with wsp, usa, environment and infrastructure, incorporated in the amount of 125.

E

000 125 000 19. Second, I have a motion of a second discussion seen here, not at all in favor all right.

M

All right: okay: let's talk about the workforce development trend building. Thank you very much.

A

I guess needs an hvac system.

A

At least that's what we're being told.

AO

Good afternoon, commissioners right.

AI

I'm uh filling in for maureen. She asked me to fill in for.

AI

um The office of procurement and cooperation with the bureau of facilities request your approval to.

AI

Award a contract for the purchase and installation of a new hvac system, an electrical upgrade for the.

AI

Carroll county workforce development, training building at 224 north center street westminster.

AI

Maryland to fresh air concept, concepts from linthicum maryland and the amount of one million.

AI

Four hundred thousand dollars funding for this project was included in the plan used for federal.

AI

Fiscal recovery funds and no additional funding is required. The office of procurement issued.

AI

A request for proposal and one proposal will received an evaluation committee was formed to.

AI

Conduct the technical and financial review of the proposal, the committee evaluated the proposal with.

AI

Fresh air concepts achieving good or excellent marks good afternoon commissioners, we're here.

AO

Today, for your approval to award the contract of fresh air concepts for the installation of.

AO

The central hvac and electrical upgrade for carroll county workforce development building.

AO

This is an frf project that was previously approved by accounting commissioners.

AO

This upgrade will and cause uh the removal of the window units that you see hanging out. The windows.

AO

um Throughout the entire building and replaced with three large jci uh package units with a vav.

AO

System attached to that to ensure energy savings and comfort throughout the space.

AO

Along with the hvac work, fresh air will also be upgrading the electrical service from 277 to 200.

AO

To 480 volt, which will entail more efficient hvac units, um we're here for any questions that you may.

AO

Have that is the project manager for facilities on this particular job? So uh anything you have.

AO

Any questions on we could answer at the time yeah rooftop system of rooftops, but they sit on the.

AP

Ground the roof was, we were considering setting them on the roof. This package unit is the same.

AP

Thing: yeah yeah: these just sit on the ground, it's easier for our maintenance, guys and safer yeah.

AP

We'll parapet on that roof, so snow, storms and stuff, like that it could be a little dangerous.

AP

To be on that roof, okay can seem to be a pretty good use of her frf dollars too sure.

A

So, okay cool commissioner gordon, did you want to take this because it mentions it's district 3.

E

I can do that. Let me find it real quick. I move the board of county commissioners.

D

Award the contract for a new hvac system and electrical upgrades at 224 north center street.

D

Westminster to fresh air concepts, the amount of one million four hundred thousand dollars. Second,.

A

Okay, I have a second aid discussion seen here. None all in favor.

AO

Aye aye all right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. How did you guys get to be last save the.

AO

Best for last, so you knew that you knew you had to come up with that have a good day. You, too, okay,.

A

um Open admin deb: do you have anything.

A

Long as you can come on up for now, do you have anything for us yeah? No, so the one issue I have.

A

um Briefly is miss carol um scholarship. Last year we provided a scholarship for miss carol.

A

Whatever you competition and I believe it was one thousand dollars I'll check into that yeah.

A

But whatever it was last year, what I'd like to do is repeat it for this year the miss carol.

A

Competition, uh the the contestants are pretty amazing. um The one miss carol teen is going to be.

A

Representing miss uh is going to be representing maryland in the miss. I think u.s team pageant.

A

um The others from carol and mount airy in westminster uh have really just, and I have.

A

Bios on them are just amazing uh young, ladies with incredible service hours, uh involvement.

A

With boys and girls club, you know, uh college students from johns hopkins and it goes on.

A

um So I would like to uh with you know your agreeance provide the same amount in scholarship.

A

For this, so that is motion. That's emotion. Second, any discussion on that. I don't think.

D

There needs to be anything, it's a great opportunity and I think it's a great.

D

Option to put out there thanks all in favor, okay, thank you and deb. Just follow up appropriately.

A

Anything else for uh open admin does it? Is the community okay agendas? Yes, should.

B

Be commissioner, I've got a caller on for public comment. I apologize uh thanks. Chris, uh usually.

A

That's before I say, I'm waiting for the end, I'm waiting to the end. Okay, this is the end. No.

J

It's not on this topic, but I I apologize.

J

I was waiting till the end to make a general comment. Okay, please do.

Y

Three minutes: do you want that? Now? Yes ma'am, you uh say your name.

A

Where you're from and you'll have three minutes uh for your comments,.

J

Okay, well, I didn't mean to interrupt the agenda there. I was waiting patiently until the end, but.

J

um Go ahead: my name is catherine, adelaide, a member of the carroll county republican central committee,.

J

um Speaking as I did last time as a member, not for the entire committee and um first of all, it's I.

J

Really enjoy hearing you guys doing all this great work you're doing down there. So I really commend.

J

You on that, I'm going to be listening in more often um just to to refresh you. um I represent.

J

At large, all the republicans in carroll county and uh you represent by districts, I also represent the.

J

Rnc platform, which follows the federal law on pot. Rightly, um commissioner rothstein you did mention.

J

Earlier about dealing with other junk like pots, so I appreciate that comment. You also mentioned that.

J

You know some of your comments have been taken out of context, and that has certainly happened to me.

J

In the carroll county times, which won't go into at the moment, but there was an article that covered.

J

uh My first amendment protest that occurred on july uh well june, 30th or whatever the last.

J

Day of june was before the july 1st enactment date and on july 3rd they did, uh they did did.

J

Not quote me out of context, they quoted me very much in context and so the purpose of the protest.

J

um Was to exercise my first amendment rights, they kind of agreed with that, and it is a universal.

J

Cotwell, it's an american concept, at least, and um also um just the health and safety factor.

J

And the timing of the initiative, so I did want to thank all the commissioners for doing the joint.

J

um Statements that you did with the carroll county sheriff's office to put people on the higher alert.

J

I haven't had time to investigate. You know what the impact was of that, but you all did the right.

J

Thing I really appreciate that, and so anyway now I I did want to do a little follow-up with.

J

um You know I wear that this has been referred to of planning and zoning in terms of zoning law, but.

J

um You need higher laws and the zone laws. The congressional act which play.

J

Is it in a schedule, one drug with heroin, lsd and ecstasy? So it's still illegal.

J

You know I'm not targeting the medical, but the recreational is completely over the top.

J

um I'm glad you're, all you know, republicans you ascribe to the rnc platform. As do I, I am not on.

J

Partisan, I'm very partisan and the platform. A republican platform rng platform refers back to.

J

The congressional law and and defers to that, as it rightly should so, but that's not just an opinion.

J

By the rnc, that's really the law, so the proper procedure, I'm just trying to give you some talking.

J

Points because there'll be a lot of kickback on this. I'm sure the proper procedure is to remove.

J

Pot from the federal schedule, one before you enact a state law and then get all the people to vote on.

J

It so things have been completely reversed. This is not a states rights issue. This is.

J

Not a voice of the people may and how they vote issue. I do have a hard time, believing close to.

J

60 of the population of carroll county voted for recreational pot, but that's irrelevant the state.

J

Law is irrelevant because they have not followed the legal procedure to change a con congressional.

J

Statute and if a congressional statute isn't enough, we have article 6 of the u.s constitution.

J

Which is the supremacy clause I apologize if you can, if you can finish up your comments.

J

Okay, so that's that's anyway. um I would ask you to consider a temporary moratorium on.

J

Recreational pot, at least until your zoning and planning comes back and to.

J

um Really formulate a policy, as I'm doing within the central committee uh on policy to follow the.

J

Federal law. Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you. Any questions, no ma'am. Thank you.

AA

Okay, monday july 17th, we have nothing scheduled july, 18th.

A

Commissioner, gordon will be participating in the planning and zoning commission.

A

um At 9 00 a.m and then at 2 p.m. He, along with commissioner kyler, will be.

A

Participating in the veterans advisory meeting over at american legion.

A

Wednesday evening, there's a esac emergency services advisory council, where commissioner.

A

Karen will be participating and then, on thursday july 20th we go into open session at zero. Nine.

A

um Presentation of the 2022 carroll county planning annual report.

A

Payroll hr management system update discussion and possible adoption of e-bike ordinance.

A

Contract renewal, on-call solid waste engineering services and then contract.

A

Renewal, on-call, solid waste engineering services wait a second one, sir, this one's fy 23 one's fy24.

A

In an on-call user, support and hosting services for the city works asset management, solutions.

A

um We will also add to that agenda as discussed.

A

um Impact fees: okay, then we will go into close for land acquisition on friday july 21st. I will be.

A

Participating, that's virtual cool in the baltimore metropolitan council board of directors meeting.

A

Saturday, nothing scheduled sunday podcast, scheduled commissioner gordon will be providing.

A

July 24 25th 26 nothing scheduled 27th, which is thursday. We have open session, starting at nine.

A

Proposed useful, not in carol funding committed for opioid issues for fiscal year, 2024.

A

Looking forward to that conversation, our health department, along with our.

A

Boys and girls, club and dcs will be in attendance to share their thoughts and ideas.

A

Grant approval for submission for the fy25 jurisdictional family services grant.

A

Judge hecker will be attending and presenting at fy and then we'll have a fy 23 operating year-end.

A

Adjustments from mr zaleski, we will then have an exercise option to purchase the cow trevor.

A

Franklin mark warren franklin property through the critical farms program. We will then go into closed.

A

For land acquisition, nothing scheduled friday or saturday, and commissioner karen has the podcast.

A

How'd I do wanda, okay, any additions or subtractions or.

A

Tim did I do okay for you, okay. As long as I do, okay, okay, I need a motion to.

A

uh Go into closed and then a after that to adjourn so moved for land acquisition.

G

Suppose for land acquisition so move. Second, I got emotion. I got second all in favor, aye.