Carroll County, MD Board of County Commissioners Open Sessions, 11 Feb 2021

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From YouTube: Board of Carroll County Commissioners Open Session February 11, 2021

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https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/commissioners/board-of-carroll-county-commissioners-weekly-agenda/

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Carroll county is commissioner, ed rothstein, and we're going to do our open session this morning.

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Excuse me we're going to take a break, go into closed session and then this afternoon have open.

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Session again at 1 30 with a couple other topics, as we always do every open session. Let's start.

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With a pledge and a moment of silence uh during this moment of silence, you know for me it's again.

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The health care uh workers, those that are on the front lines and also um delegate haven, shoemaker.

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Wife passed away a couple days ago, uh keep him in your thoughts and prayers for strength and courage.

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To him and his family as they move forward through this grief and his scriptures, that was his moment.

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Yes, his mom, thank you wow, uh yes, his mom and again.

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The sentiments remain the same strength and courage for him and his family.

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During these challenging times so with that and thanks steve, let's rise.

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I pledge allegiance to the plan of the united states of america and to the.

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Republic, which it stands one nation, under god, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

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Okay and again uh steve thanks for that catch, uh my mouth was moving faster than my brain.

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So, let's uh start with priority carol and uh commissioner wants: why don't you uh lead us off.

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Good morning there are so many things that I could come back with with your mouth moving.

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uh But I'll let it go. I like uh smoke, no better hope. Everyone survived the.

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Latest round of snow, I know our our folks were out there again doing their job.

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They always do a great job, so a big thank you to them um in the interest of time here, I'll I'll, be.

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Very rapid, the only thing that I have for priority carol is: we continue to work hard and a shout out.

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Mike will be on here shortly with mike's already on, but mike continues to work.

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Very hard uh to watch what's going on in annapolis and uh there there's a lot of of.

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Very challenging uh things that are going on down there, so uh mr frazier and I were on a mako call.

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That lasted about three hours, the other day. um It's just uh it's it's interesting, so.

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The the and the the last thing I have uh I did have the opportunity to participate uh with the.

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Partnership for a healthier carol in their 2021 community health needs assessment. uh The other day.

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And uh I'm going to have those folks come in uh to one of our sessions and give the report.

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uh That they have put together, and basically what it did was, was look at all of the healthcare needs.

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uh In in in many of our uh areas in carol uh all of our population, uh those that are that are.

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uh Underprivileged and uh it was, it was a really an eye-opening uh assessment to see what the needs.

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Are here so I'm gonna have those folks come in I'll work that out to give their report.

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To us, because it goes a long way for us as we continue to make sure we provide all the.

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Needs for our citizens, so a shout out to those folks, the partnership for a healthier carol.

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And specifically, uh the young lady, who leads that dorothy fox and we appreciate what they've done.

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And more to come on that later other than that uh look to working today and trying to get through.

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With one less hour that could be interesting: okay, thanks and uh appreciate the uh the shout out.

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To partnership, healthier carol and look forward to uh diving more into that understanding, their.

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uh Capabilities and uh the importance of what they do. Excuse me, commissioner, weaver.

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Okay, just one thought here before I uh get into that um you know I I always hate to be uh late for.

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A meeting I always live by if you're, uh early you're on time, if you're on time, you're late.

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And I know commissioner fraser lives by that same uh thought: pattern on things.

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But I have a tendency also to book events too close together and not allow for travel time.

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Last night I was booked so tight and the board of ed started at five. I had about 15 minutes.

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To change clothes and get into a wet and get the westminster, what wasn't going to happen.

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So I used the ac moment here, that's after covered and just zoomed in which makes life so easy, and I.

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Look just looked at how things I have a bc before covert and ac life after coving, and I think I'm.

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Living everything as a bc or ac moment now, with that, uh I think um the board of ed made.

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Some decisions last night or tried to push to open schools, I think, uh march by march 22nd. They.

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Gave their staff the uh directive to put things together check with the state and all those type.

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Things that have to happen uh put the details together and for it, can it happen or can it not.

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So that is one thing that's uh coming about and the other thing I think they're going to see a.

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Increase in request and budget that's coming up um interesting meeting anyway, a lot of good things.

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Happen so um that's about all I'm going to discuss today uh for sake of time. Okay, excuse me thanks.

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Commissioner weaver commissioner frazier thanks ed. I appreciate that um there's a couple things.

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I want to talk about first one. Our events, I'm sure we all be getting emails from people about.

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uh The vaccinations how they're going off who's not getting them that kind of thing, the real.

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Problem is there aren't enough to go around no matter how well the health department organizes.

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This and puts it out- and I think ed singer in the health department is doing a tremendous job.

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There just aren't enough vaccines, I've gotten, I mean the last few days. I've got emails from.

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Different people that had to have either parents or elderly friends of theirs that have been trying.

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To get in and can't get the vaccine and and believe me, I understand, and I do take all those.

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Emails and texts I get and let ed know about him and he's very appreciative of that by the way and.

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What's going on, but there's only so many vaccines to go around and it's a problem right now and it.

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Really is until we start getting more in the state we get more in carroll county. We can't do too much.

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Too much about it and I have to say we as the board of commissioners and mako as well, steve.

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Will attribute, as well as trying to contact the governor, contacting the governor, sending a letter.

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Telling we need more vaccines here, we need more vaccines in the state and, of course, the.

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Governor is is at the mercy of the federal government about having vaccines coming in.

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This way, so it's kind of a it's a vicious cycle, but we, the bottom line, is we need more vaccines.

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We're doing the best we can with what we have all the vaccines that we get into carol.

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Are putting people's arms to that week that and so they're doing a tremendous job that way.

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I do have a question about what happened at the school board meeting last night.

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I didn't see it have to admit that, but I did see a lot on the social media about it.

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And, like commissioner weaver alluded to already they're planning to open up schools fully.

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On the middle of next month or sorry next month, whatever it is, my questions are about social.

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Distancing are we, is that no longer a factor are all the teachers going to be vaccinated by then.

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How how are they going to have the room and do us? I just like to see the plan for that.

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Really well thought out and worked out before they move ahead with it, because.

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You know I'll just say that there has to be a plan, has to be put out there. Everyone can see it.

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And if they're going to open them up, I think all the teachers and staff should all be.

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Vaccinated before that happens, or it's just the way it should be so I'll leave it at that.

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We need to see a plan from the school system if they're going to open up and how it's going to be.

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Because I don't understand how those all those kids can go in to the to the building now.

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Where, before they couldn't because of social distancing, and they all have to wear a mask and.

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And- and it's just the way that that it is they all can't or don't, and the younger kids beat their.

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Younger kids, the masks come off when you know they call for sneeze and they put them back on.

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That's the way it is: is that safe without people being vaccinated? All that thing all that has to be.

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Addressed and and put out to the public before this could happen. I just like to see the plan.

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Well, in advance of this happening, I think we, as county leaders, should.

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Request to use a nice word request to see that plan before this happens and I'll stop there.

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Thank you, okay. I appreciate it uh just one word dennis uh that takes uh state approval.

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And that plan they're looking at the what they can do in that, uh so it's not set in stone yet.

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Okay, commissioner boucher good morning, colleagues, I want to thank.

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Commissioner, frazier for doing that public announcement about the need for vaccines.

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We're all getting the phone calls and emails, so thank you very much.

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I'd like to start off by covering carroll county public library, since it won't be our agenda today,.

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I contacted director bursar and she supply with some information consideration. That's winner.

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I am an advent reader. I read a lot more during the winter. I think a lot of other people do.

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I think it's a great opportunity for people to utilize their library, even though we have.

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Restrictions, that's still accessible carroll county public library is currently in the middle.

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Of their reading challenge, which runs from the first of the year until march, 19th participants.

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Can read books complete activities or submit a review to earn points? Everyone who completes the.

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Program by earning 300 points will be entered into a prize drawing the program is open to all ages.

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They are also hosting online programs, such as greek mythology, trivia night saturday february,.

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13Th from 7 to 8.- that's pretty neat, I remember as a child reading about greek mythology. It's very.

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Fascinating and fun for uh fiction. They also have deep relaxation classes, the 14th or the.

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17Th of this month from 6 30 to 7 30.. Now this is really good. I'm a firm believer in yoga and.

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Stretchy and deep breathing, no matter how old you are, this is very critical. It helps reduce stress.

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And with the covid restrictions, we're well aware that people have suffered from anxiety.

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And depression, so this would be very beneficial to people out there. Please go online check this out.

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And the last item we have their boredom buster crass a once a month program. The next one is march.

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3Rd, the monthly board and buster crafts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Your.

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Bag will include crafts for the entire month. You can pick them up during library hours at.

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The eldersburg branch that commissioner rosteins district beginning wednesday while supplies last.

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So please take the opportunity to utilize the resources we have.

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Our public library, a lot of people overlook this resource, but it's a tremendous resource.

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And I'll close by also reiterating what commissioner wayne said about our road crews.

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They do a fantastic job, not only the administration, the bureau chiefs.

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But the guys and gals out there driving the trucks running the front end loaders, while we're all home.

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In bed or snuggle up on our couches, their staff right out there ensuring that our roads are safe.

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And do an absolutely wonderful job. Thank you very much. Okay, thank you, commissioner boucher and.

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I will uh excuse me segway into that uh lasting comment or last comment as well.

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The dpw, the roads, the facilities, uh the work over at the landfill transportation.

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Our communications uh team, with uh chris swam and chris weinbringer, getting the word out.

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Is really second to none? We just let you know timetable. We had a call yesterday.

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Mid afternoon or late afternoon, recognizing the forecast recognizing the situation from our.

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Emergency services- and these are the subject matter- experts that we have in our county.

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We were able to determine a two hour delay. We then uh two hour delay in, in other words, ten o'clock.

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This morning we made a final call this morning in case there was additional accumulation that we.

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Were not expecting uh or that the roads could not be cleared. Neither was true that the teams did an.

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Incredible job clearing the roads and then getting off the roads to allow commuters to commute.

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Using both county and state roads, and just a great shout out to them key to this is getting.

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The word out early, I believe, and excuse me good communications, so really shout out to everyone to.

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Include the community staying off the roads, while the big trucks are on there, uh whether plowing or.

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Salting I went to the ag board meeting uh the other day um very uh good opportunity, a lot of.

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Energy from the team looking at opportunities here in carroll county, uh focusing starting to focus on.

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The summer events and some of the activities on whether we'll be able to hold them or not,.

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So more to follow on that, but one thing that did they did share and it was kind of a side note- was.

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The appreciation they have for our health department in both the vaccination process and.

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The testing process and we've heard nothing but just great, uh you know news on the efficiency that.

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Our health department- that's teamed with others that are volunteers and also our national guard.

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In uh getting folks in and out of, the facilities, whether they're being tested and or vaccinated.

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So just a great job, commissioner: frazier you're you're, absolutely right! You know we can do as.

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Many letters as we want and uh commissioner wants you've also shared the same sentiment, uh but the.

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Facts are, you know, there's only so many doses that are out there. um We still believe that those that.

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Know the best situation are, as I would say, in the military, the commanders on the ground and that's.

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Ed singer and others on where the most vulnerable are to be vaccinated. That was the sentiment of the.

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Letter that all jurisdictions um sent or signed and through mako, to go to uh the governor um along.

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With ed singer, and uh will it make a difference, I'm not expecting uh to jump up and down and say.

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It will, uh but we will continue to be persistent and focus on those most persistent or excuse me.

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Those most vulnerable in the county and uh give his best resources to ed singer and his team.

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To identifying them and getting like, uh dennis, you said, shots in the arms.

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So uh real shout out to them, we still have a long, long ways to go. In my view, okay.

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With all that said, for prairie carol, unless there's any additions.

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What I'd like to do is uh state directives? Have there been any? I don't think so. uh At this point.

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I do know- and I appreciate commissioner, wants you sharing- that the governor has a press conference.

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At 2 p.m this afternoon, so we'll see what he has to share my expectations is. He will highlight the.

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uh Vaccination rollout, especially with the regional centers and additional uh private.

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uh Pharmacies, that are being you know, receiving the vaccinations but we'll wait and see unless.

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You've heard any different commissioner wants. No, I haven't heard anything different, uh yet we usually.

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Get some sort of a clue as to what he's going to speak about this afternoon. We haven't got that yet.

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I don't think that ed's going to be on here today. I think we have maggie, but.

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I do know that ed was involved yesterday at a meeting at noon with the governor's staff.

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uh And mako, uh as most of you know, or maybe you don't ed, is the chair of the mako affiliate of.

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The health officers in the state of maryland, so you know, let's be clear, uh you know ed's been.

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Very strong about his his opinion and telling the opinions of the other health officers.

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And it's interesting to me and ed: you know this too. This isn't just coming from the rural counties.

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It's coming from every county and every city in the state. uh It's just hard to understand.

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Why there is such a priority uh to put these vaccinations into mass vaccine clinics and.

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Pharmacies, when the people that know best, as you said, ed about getting these arms.

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And getting these needles in arms are our local health departments, and I I was very.

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Taken back by the fact that even mayor brandon, scott said that yesterday in baltimore city, so.

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I don't understand why the word's not getting to uh the state house in annapolis. I don't.

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Get it even the legislators are saying it: yeah something's got to give so yeah, it's just, but I.

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I'll be anxious to hear I don't know if maggie knows or not, but I'll be anxious to hear how ed.

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Made out yesterday with that meeting but, as you said, uh it's probably business as usual, because.

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I don't be listening down there, though, and while I've got the pulpit, I will 100 percent agree.

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With commissioner frazier we have got to see a plan. I've got a daughter, a wife in the system.

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And just to say, everybody goes back and let's all hold hands and sting kumbaya without a plan.

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Is unacceptable and I'll leave it at that now I appreciate I appreciate both comments and.

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A bit of a surprise that you agree 100 with commissioner fraser, but that's a.

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Different story for a different time, uh the I never thought I would be um in lockstep with.

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Mayor scott or any mayor for that matter of baltimore at this point or others around the.

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State, but the fact is, this has zero to do with politics. This has zero to do with constituency. It.

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Has everything to do with community and neighbors and getting identifying the most vulnerable.

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Populations and getting the needles in the arms and also ensuring that they have a way to get to.

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Where they need to go to get those needles in the arms, and it's not the regional centers in prince.

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George's county in baltimore city, it is in up in tawny, town in eldersburg and mount airy, and it's.

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It's getting it local, so I'll continue to beat that drum. I don't believe that they're deaf uh in.

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Annapolis but the the uh but is still not getting through so the priorities of um distribution.

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Seems to be different than the priorities that we've laid out and I guess I'll leave it at that.

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um Sometimes I feel like we're a broken record, but you know we've got to keep on saying it: um okay,.

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uh Extension state of emergency is next on every 30 days, um scott campbell and valerie. Are you on.

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Maybe I'm here, commissioner, if I can find the right button to click. I apologize, sir.

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um Actually miss hawkins, and I are actually just here in case the commissioners- have questions for.

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Us, I believe the matter of whether or not the emergency declaration is extended is.

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Something that the board has addressed previously and will simply be on record as saying we support that it be renewed again.

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Okay, go ahead! Please I'm going to make a promotion that we extend the state of emergency for another.

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30 days I'll, second, that motion okay got a motion got a second any further discussion.

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Seeing hearing none all in favor.

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Okay, we've got 5.0, let's move on and yeah, I believe maggie. Thank you.

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Valerie and thank you for all you're doing as well. um Maggie are you on.

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Morning, commissioners, yes, I am what's going on in carroll, county health department, again.

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Kudos to you and the entire team for all the work you're doing I'm hearing nothing but positive.

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As far as the operations are concerned, so well, thank you all for um for a lot of the things that.

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You said already this morning and uh for really talking about the um the vaccine, rollout and.

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And sharing a lot of the things that we've been saying um all along, so um we'll just go through.

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This presentation, most of it is you know, just the the kind of overview of where we are um pretty.

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Similar to last week and then we'll get into the vaccine uh data and information at the end.

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So, let's see so you know, as you can tell uh the next several slides you'll, see that thankfully.

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We are mirroring mirroring the national trends that um the curves are going down, so um we're.

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Happy to see that uh happening here locally, with both our probable and confirmed cases.

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And our, of course, our rolling average reflects that as well.

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And again that you know all age groups are are going down.

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So happy to see all that consistently across these uh graphs.

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Hospitalization's also going down, as you know, this, this graph lags somewhat, but um you can see still.

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um Definitely a downward trend and we've seen um you know the hospital numbers uh falling, we're.

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Trying to track them still on the on the website, but we've seen those um going down the the overall.

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Census and the number of patients and the number of puis all going down still significant, still.

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Definitely having an impact on the hospital but uh but less than we have seen um in that than that.

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Surge that we had you know a month ago, so we're happy to see those numbers going down. um This is.

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Just you know, this is an overall graph that really doesn't show time, but just shows um you know. We.

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Can continue to see, obviously, the hospitalizations and death in the um in the older age groups.

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I should yes, and here's um here are deaths. um We did you know. As we know, we talked about several.

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Times deaths do lag, hospitalizations and hospitalizations lag somewhat. The the cases.

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So um we are still seeing kind of the end of the tale of the you know, the surge that.

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We had so last week we saw kind of a record number of community deaths uh two weeks ago.

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uh Last week, less so what we did just have uh three community deaths reported yesterday from.

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The past few days and uh just to note that two of those deaths were under 65. um so that none.

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Of that data is reflected in this presentation uh this week, because this is all last week's.

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Numbers and previously, but just to let you know that there were two fatalities in in residence.

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Under 65 in the community in the last week or any questions about non-vaccine data before we move on.

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Nope keep going thanks. Okay, all right! We will move on okay, so here you're.

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Pretty used to seeing this this pyramid- uh still, you know we're still in the same spot in the state.

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uh Open to 1c, but the health department clinic's still open to 1b. um I think I forgot to well. I.

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Forgot to add the I forgot to update the week on this, but uh still the information is pretty much.

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The same we are still working on finishing up our 1a, we'll have a 1a clinic scheduled next week and.

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Again, that's first responders and healthcare providers. These are still first doses for some.

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Of these folks, it was a larger group, I think, than we anticipated and we're still just making.

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Sure that all those folks, um you know in those groups who live and work in carroll county are.

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Getting an opportunity to get vaccinated if they want to so uh some folks staggered their staff and.

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So that also, you know made it take a little bit longer. um You know in that in that sort of wrap-up.

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Clinic we're also including still some private school and child care, as we were able to um as you.

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Know they're in 1v, but we're trying to work on. um You know finishing up that group as well. So that's.

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uh Still in the works, but hopefully hopefully coming to a close, um the majority of that.

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And then we're really, you know just working our way as quickly as we can through through 1b, really.

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As you know, focusing on targeted clinics to adult 75 and up and rotating those around the county to.

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Make them as easy as possible for people to access, so we um we were in 20 town yesterday.

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And um and westminster in 2010 this week we're going to mount airy next week, so we're trying.

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Our best to to reach folks where they are to make it as easy as possible for them to access.

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uh Vaccination uh one thing I do want to mention here is that um the way that we do our clinics is.

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They're very targeted to certain groups, and so we have clinics that are are specifically for people.

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Who are 75 and up? um And it's it's only open to those folks, and that makes it easy for us to.

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Make sure that those those targeted groups, those most vulnerable people, are getting the vaccine so.

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uh And then we have, as I mentioned, like a 1a clinic which is, for you know, for a specific.

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Group of people who live and work in carroll county- and we have had some issues as they.

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Have in every county had some issues with people sharing those links inappropriately and I think.

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um Many times it's not uh it's just out of a you know, just wanting to share and.

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Wanting to help others, but unfortunately that makes a lot of extra work for us, because we.

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uh Have to go through and delete people who are not uh we're not targeting with that clinic.

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uh And um that just takes it takes a lot of work and it's just frustrating for everybody. So.

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We just really ask people if they receive a link if it is for them to use it, as that is appropriate.

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And if it is not for them to not to not use it and not pass it on to others, it's really we're.

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Really targeting specific people with specific clinics and if people are not targeted by that.

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Clinic they will not be able to be vaccinated at that clinic. They're. Certainly welcome to contact.

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Us and find out more about when they might be able to be vaccinated, but they're not going to.

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Be able to be vaccinated at that specific clinic, so we just ask people not to share those links.

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With others, it makes a lot more work and makes it just a lot more frustrating for everyone involved.

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All right, so here's here are our vaccination numbers. I just updated these this morning.

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With some of the vaccines that we were able to give out both the first and second doses.

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This week, so we're well on our way to using up most of our first dose.

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Allocation for this week uh and uh wrapping up our you know, we've got another second dose clinic.

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I believe this afternoon and then another one on friday, so we are um busy giving those second doses.

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To a lot of those first responders and healthcare providers who were able to get vaccinated very.

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Early uh in our clinics, and then we have a lot of we're still continuing to give a lot of first.

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Doses especially to the 75 and up group, so uh right now our total stands at 7 645. First doses.

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And here is this: is ed's chart, so it has a lot of detail on it, but just gives you a little bit of an.

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Update on and you can see the bottom of it isn't quite updated. This is a couple of days old, but.

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um This just kind of gives you a sense of how many uh we've been able to vaccinate in each or how.

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Many we're looking at each group how many there are and how many we've been able to vaccinate.

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um In each of those groups, so you can see that we've we've been making progress.

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uh And you know again targeting those those groups we're really again in 1b we're really targeting.

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The 75 and up- that's our you- know: priority population, but continuing to vaccinate the private.

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Schools and child care, as we're able um and of course ccps is doing their is running their own.

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Vaccination clinics for those their staff uh with vaccine that we're able to allocate for them.

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Just a note about the education and continuity of government: we don't expect to be reaching.

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Those groups, so it's kind of late phase, 1b for another several weeks, so we are starting to plan.

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For those we're working with mcdaniel and carol community to to plan for how many people they.

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um They're gonna need vaccinated and we're working with, of course, the municipalities and the.

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County government to determine how many people are in the continuity of government group and we'll.

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Be we'll be hopefully reaching those folks in several weeks and then it'll be a few more weeks.

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After that, before we're able to hopefully get to to 1c and begin 1c with the essential workers.

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uh And, of course, we'll be focusing on adults 65 to 74 at that point, and we continue at the.

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Health department to encourage people to sign up on our interest forms if they haven't already.

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And but use that as a backup, if they're able to some people are able to find uh vaccination.

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Appointments in other locations and if they're able to we encourage them to continue looking.

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Some people are really eager to get vaccinated and willing to take some time to look for appointments.

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And opportunities elsewhere and some people have been successful, so we encourage people to do that.

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But to know that the health department is working as quickly as possible to to get to those next.

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Groups- and you know we'll be contacting people directly as soon as we're able to vaccinate them.

G

All right anybody have any questions.

D

Hey maggie, I do have a question uh on the slide. You just showed about the education and continuity.

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Government, do you have a a handle on how many uh staff members for carroll county public schools.

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Have been uh vaccinated of the 5500 that are there or do you, you don't have that broken out or do you.

G

You know, I don't have it in front of me. um I know that we've been um the last couple weeks. We've.

G

Had a little bit lower allocation, so we've had a little bit lower number to be able to share with.

G

Them um but I don't I can get that for you, but I don't in front of me have that that total number.

D

I was just wondering if they're anywhere close they're planning to open up schools, and I wondered.

D

How close they were to having all those staff members vaccinated? Are they do you off top of your.

D

Head no they're close to that or they know where near close and what's or what is it? I don't think.

G

They're particularly close to having that full number vaccinated. Okay, it's ed, said last night.

C

Approximately a third I think at the present time- and he he just doesn't have enough vaccine to get.

C

uh To him uh you know if he had the vaccine he'd, have it done uh so that's close.

D

It's a vaccine problem and I I understand that it's not the health department problems, the.

D

Vaccine problems have enough, but if you only got one third of people vaccinated for the staff and.

D

Then you're trying to get all the students back in school. This doesn't seem like a good plan to me.

E

Ms coach, I'm happy to see the 75 plus bracket around a third of the way vaccine. That was my.

E

Biggest concern, I'm glad you're making headway on that. So thank you. Thank you, commissioner. We are.

G

We're really happy to be able to to move forward. I think, with significant amounts of vaccine for.

G

That population it's been really a joy to talk to a lot of people and to really be able to get them.

G

In and get them registered and start to get them vaccinated, um it's been really a really.

G

A pleasure I've spoken to a lot of individuals myself, and it's really just been been nice to to.

G

Assist them in um in signing up and getting them getting that group moving forward. So I do have.

G

Two other things that ed wanted me to mention um just from this morning, so um and in terms.

G

Of seniors, so the state you know is developing a pharmacy program to partner pharmacies with.

G

Senior housing and independent living facilities, um which is which is moving forward with the.

G

Citizen services is assisting us with that and working with those facilities, but just so you.

G

Know that allocation we did find out what's going to come off the top of the state allocation, so.

G

It's not going to be additional from the federal government, it would come off the top of the state before it's allocated to the counties, and so that will you know impact our our allocation.

G

And unfortunately, uh you know some of these facilities are 55 and up 62 and up, um and so not.

G

um Not necessarily the group that we're currently targeting so that may impact our ability to to.

G

Continue to move forward as quickly with the 75 and up so just wanted you to be aware of that. He.

G

Also mentioned this morning that um some other uh counties are reporting that walmart um had.

G

Mentioned that their um corporate walmart had just has decided that they are not going to allow them.

G

To keep local local lists of um of folks and are instead going to take sort of a corporate control.

G

Of the of the um their pharmacy program and their their vaccination program, and so we're not sure.

G

Exactly how that will impact things but they're looking to work more closely with their local.

G

Health departments to ensure that the priority populations who were signing up at walmart are.

G

Covered in some way, so um you know just trying to work with those local walmarts.

G

It's not an issue locally at this point that I know of. As far as I know, the giant in westminster.

G

Is the only uh retail pharmacy in carroll county right now, that's offering the vaccine. I think I.

G

Think the safe way there there are some other ones that are starting to plan, but um but anyway, I just.

G

Wanted to know that that's kind of a just one thing we've seen in a corporate in the corporate.

G

The retail large retail pharmacies that may um challenge some of the sort of local control also.

G

Of the vaccination process, where this really does uh impact, like you said, accountability of who's.

A

Getting vaccinated but also places like caroline county to get folks from delaware coming across.

A

You know that's what the commissioner keeps saying and again he's doing a great job.

A

Sharing the impact of what's happening up in his county, which is the exact same happening across.

A

Across the board, but specifically in his county, his concern is their walmart uh folks, there's more.

A

Delaware tags in their parking lot than there is maryland tags and walmart's not um checking to see.

A

If it's maryland or delaware they're just putting needles in arms, so uh that is a major concern.

A

And the comment about taking uh doses into the pharmacies out of the state program or out of.

A

The state um allocation is significant because at first we didn't think it was.

A

But we pressed the question uh and the answer coming back was yes, it will come.

A

Out of the state allocation so that that's gonna another major concern but appreciate it.

B

Maggie, do you you folks, keep a list of you know. You said you think that giant is the only one in.

B

Carol um you that that's a little troubling to me, you think that is do do we know if cvs are.

B

The right aids of the world are we keeping track of who's, got it and carol and who's, giving it or.

B

Is that just willy-nilly, if you, if you will, I we don't, I haven't, received any information directly.

G

From the state about who who's uh you know who's available in carroll county I haven't. I, I need.

G

To go and check and just see uh what else is available, um I think we've had some um a little.

G

Bit of interaction with some of those pharmacies uh talking with us and obviously individuals.

G

Talking with us, but um honestly we have been so uh so focused on the registration process.

G

Here I haven't been able to do as much proactive uh messaging as I would like. So that's something.

G

That I need I need to look into just to confirm, but that was just the last the last that I knew.

G

uh Could confirm that that giant was was working on and it seems like. The pharmacies are having.

G

The same issue, we are that they don't necessarily know until the last minute or either told this or.

G

They're doing that and so everybody's uh you know things are just changing quite frequently, but.

G

But I will check and and get back to you if I, if I find any other facilities who are offering it.

B

Okay thanks, it would just be nice to know you know for collaboration purposes here in the county.

B

uh Who's got it and who, who can who can give or whatever you know I've had a.

B

Couple constituents they asked me and I said you know I have no idea nor have I heard so. Okay, so.

G

What we're recommending is that, folks, you know if they're interested in looking um the state.

G

Site I mean it's good and bad it doesn't. It doesn't do the work for you, but you can go on.

G

The state, locator site and search for you know in a zip code, close to you or close to you know.

G

Anywhere else that you'd be comfortable going and see at least see what's available, um it's.

G

Just that the you know each site, then you have to go and figure out how their registration.

G

Process works and whether it's you know getting up at four o'clock in the morning to look for a.

G

Space or whether you just sign a forum and wait to hear uh it's all different and so.

G

um It's you know it's, it's not an ideal system by any matter of means, but at least if people.

G

Are interested in finding out more about what might be available near them? They can certainly.

G

Go to that state vaccine locator site put in their zip code and look and see what's nearby.

A

Yeah, I've heard the same and I heard that multiple sites you know as soon as they get the allocations.

A

They open it up, they close in 20 minutes because they're 600 doses or have already been allocated. I.

A

Do know also that cvs is expanding their services, I believe in fulton and frederick as well.

A

Because just a lot of friends of mine are trying to take care of their families and their parents.

A

And they're going to multiple sites, and they you know they're surfing for a couple hours.

A

And trying to get their parents vaccinated and driving them to wherever they need to go.

A

It's obviously not optimal, but they're looking out for their families uh yeah. This is a continuing.

A

Saga and again appreciate all the things you're doing with the doses that you're receiving.

A

You, the team uh over the health department um and communicating to us on.

A

What's happening, but we still have a long ways to go any other uh questions or comments uh to maggie.

E

Mr curtis, I just want to thank you for mentioning the human side of this, because we get the calls.

E

And emails, and when you express your compassion for these people, that really puts the human side.

H

On because we can sit here and look at all the numbers and charts, but behind all these statistics.

E

Is the human beings out there and they're very much concerned they have anxiety about it.

E

And I'm glad that you address them individually and reassured of what you're doing so. Thank you.

G

Thank you, commissioner. We I I really have enjoyed talking to a lot of of constituents, a lot of.

G

Residents in in the county- and you know tried our best to explain why you know. What's going on.

G

And what we can do for them and what we recommend- and you know we invite people to continue to call.

G

Us I know sometimes it's a little bit hard to get through, but you're welcome to call the call.

G

Center, we have a lot of folks up there who are willing to listen and try to help and explain and.

G

Answer complicated questions, answer easy questions um and just talk to folks about what.

G

You know what's going on and what they, what they can do for themselves to advocate for themselves.

A

Okay, seeing no other comments maggie again, thank you. So much now get back to work.

A

And we'll talk to you later, um thank you. Absolutely great job, um mike fowler uh you're up.

A

For giving us a legislative uh update before you, do it uh just thought of something.

A

Commissioner, lance the press conference, it may be governor hogan talking about taxes.

A

I don't know, but he's obviously been on a significant bandwagon about the tax situation.

A

um Along with a whole lot of others, so that may be uh the topic du jour. I I don't know.

C

So, oh he said related, oh okay, said, could be related. Okay, never mind, go ahead mike.

I

Morning, commissioners, before I start you you mentioned ed singer and his leadership.

I

As a mega affiliate, I want to remind you, you have three other of your directors that are.

I

Leaders of their respective mako, affiliates uh ted zaleski, kim frock and mark ripper all.

I

Lead their respective affiliates for mako, so carroll county has number one a lot of input.

I

But also a lot of respect among their peers. I don't think that's a position where people step.

I

Back and they were the only ones standing up front. I think that that's a also a large.

I

Measure of respect from their peers, so we're we're a third of the way into the session. Now.

I

The the bills look like they may be a little less than a typical session.

I

We're a little less than 2 300. the dates to introduce bills in both the house and the senate.

I

Have passed, they were the fifth in the house and the eighth in the senate, so any bill submitted now.

I

Needs to go through the rules committee, not necessarily a tall hurdle, but it is a.

I

Significant date- and I think the next significant date we'll see is march 22nd and that's crossover.

I

So the governor's veto overrides were conducted in the house this week. They voted as expected to.

I

Override the two major bills, the blueprint for maryland's future, which is the kerwin bill and.

I

The digital advertising tax bill, the republicans, put up a good fight, but the the votes just aren't.

I

There so the senate is expected to take up the vetoes this week. I don't see anything on their.

I

Agenda for today, so if they're going to do it either it will be a late edition or they'll.

I

Be doing it tomorrow on the governor's budget, education funding was a concern.

I

The the governor put in hold harmless grants to cover the counties for the diminished enrollment.

I

Because of coven, and uh so you must increase funding over last year to qualify for the grants.

I

The the position that could potentially put you in is it sets a new floor and you would have to.

I

Increase your mo even more when uh enrollment increases, but there appears to be a fix in that.

I

Will prevent that from happening? So that's good news. Governor's relief act had another significant.

I

Impact to local governments, there does appear that, there's that that effort to address the hit.

I

To counties from the unemployment tax exemption won't be addressed now the houses got the bill now.

I

And I did read that they may be making some modifications to that. But how substantive.

I

That will be, we just don't know yet we'll have to see how that how that actually rolls out.

I

The big issue of our issues- I should say police reform and accountability, uh the the speaker's.

I

Bill was heard earlier this week, mako and mml jointly submitted a letter of information. I.

I

Think I mentioned today that mentioned that to you last week in our uh our discussion.

I

There are a number of challenges in that bill for local governments.

I

The issue of having the board of commissioners in an oversight role over the elected sheriff.

I

Also, the the administrative charging committee would have to be reconstituted for.

I

Municipalities within the county um and a couple other issues I forwarded to you.

I

The letter so you'll see all the points that they made um and and they will be.

I

They have assured been assured of a place at the table, as this bill moves through the.

I

The discussions within committee.

I

Senator carter's bill was the other significant bill uh that related to the the repeal of the law.

I

Enforcement officer bill rights uh that that was also heard next week. There. There really isn't a.

I

Significant impact to the counties outside of whatever policing issues affected, the.

I

Sheriff's office, but the the administrative charging committee, that's in the speaker's bill.

I

Is not in this bill and there's an option for the county to constitute or to to involve.

I

Themselves in the discipline process, but it is it's only uh an authorization. It's not a mandate.

I

Body cameras have been uh big concern, obviously, probably for several years now.

I

House bill 187 would require body cameras by october of this year and that's all the bill.

I

Says, there's nothing about storage costs. The public information act access, nothing.

I

I I don't think that's going to go anywhere. The speaker's bill. You'll remember, has a a deadline.

I

Of 2025, I believe it is, and actually that's one of the points in the joint letter that there are a.

I

Number of issues that need to be resolved before body cameras can really be put into effect.

I

Speaking of public information act senate bill, 690 uh was a mako initiative of a few years ago.

I

This really tries to limit the access to body cam footage through the public.

I

Information requests try to minimize what often referred to as phishing expedition, in other words,.

I

Give me all of your officers body cams for the last three weeks. um This would be.

I

It would be much more focused uh asking would be based on an incident, so you would be able.

I

To access the the cameras for that particular incident, so that that seems to be really the way.

I

We'd like to go, obviously we sponsored bill several years ago.

I

uh Senator sydnor dusted it off now that the issue has really come to the fore.

I

uh Commissioner, rostine brought up the sro related bills. Last week there are three house bill, 522.

I

Was heard in ways and means last week I'll mention that delegate, shoemaker and delegate.

I

Rose are both on the ways and means committee. I know delegate schumacher weighed in on on these.

I

House bill 522 essentially limits it to no enforcement of school discipline.

I

That appears to be significant concern from many of the larger and more urbanized counties.

I

The maryland association of school boards supported that bill.

I

And also mentioned- uh I should say this on on the notes that I gave to you. I I.

I

Also noted mako's positions on these bills, either support oppose or no position in this case house.

I

Bill 522 took no position same with senate bill; 245, that's a little more expansive. It.

I

It also would prohibit enforcement of school discipline, but it also limits the resource officer.

I

From entering the school, only if he's invited by he or she is invited by the administration.

I

Or to address a direct threat or to participate in some program activities planned activities.

I

They must confuse conceal their firearms and be in civilian clothing. Mabe opposed this bill, mako.

I

Did not take a position and the the last one I think I'd mention this briefly early on before.

A

You just go on just um either commissioner lancer fraser uh thoughts on the no position is it to.

A

Allow us to uh make her to stay at the table in discussion, because uh I would think we, as.

A

You know, carroll county would oppose these bills um and I would imagine many of the you know.

A

Smaller jurisdictions were opposing uh was: was there a discussion on this or just just curious.

B

um What what what specific I'm sorry, I missed a specific bill. Are you talking in general,.

A

Talk about the sro bills.

B

uh To my knowledge, the one that directly affected us mako uh voted not to support.

B

But am I right about that mike house bill 496 is the one that diverts the funding to.

I

To mental health services and counselors but does not does not eliminate the requirement to have an.

I

Sro so essentially puts all the required funding on a local jurisdiction that that was appointed.

I

The the others, I think there is a a disparity or a diversity of opinion on this, and some of the.

I

Larger jurisdictions are actually working on their own to deal with this issue.

I

So I I think that there's not common ground among the counties on this, with the exception of of the.

I

496., okay, I mean yeah to me. uh I would think we would want to keep it at local jurisdictions.

A

Maintain um and not be not have to shut down our throats as far as trying to push away our sros.

A

In the community, because that's the last thing we want right now yeah, I will say that on senate bill.

I

245, so this is the one that uh essentially kind of neuters the the program uh not from a funding.

I

Perspective but from a practical perspective and senator pinsky is the chair of that committee and.

I

From a political perspective, you would think he would be all in on that, but he's a pretty.

I

Thoughtful legislator and and he kind of brought up those those issues that not every county.

I

Has the same issues and the the same opinions around sros and that they were really placed in.

I

The schools, at least through the safe schools, act as a proactive measure and not a reactive measure.

I

And I think it sounds like the issues of being involved in discipline are exponentially higher.

I

In some counties than they are in others, so um it looks like there's a commonality in these bills.

I

To prevent the the sros from getting involved in discipline, um and that may be a a common ground.

I

Among them, but but senator pinsky's comments I think, were instructive. In my opinion, okay.

I

On to another uh interesting piece of legislation, this is the maryland essential workers.

I

Protection act house bill, 581 and senate bill 486. The house has heard that on the fifth.

I

And that was a three and a half hour hearing the bills have a strong sponsor line in the senate.

I

Almost half of the senate is a sponsor of this bill. uh It's a straight democrat.

I

Sponsorship line, the house version is sponsored by the chairman of the committee, derrick davis,.

I

So they've got some juice in that respect, but it's a very, very expansive bill.

I

It it sets up a set of conditions for an emergency, and I I found the definition of emergency.

I

To be very interesting, it's defined as the imminent threat or occurrence of severe or.

I

Widespread loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage or destruction, social or.

I

Economic disruption or environmental degradation from natural, technological or human-made causes.

I

Or a formal emergency declaration so just think about how expansive that definition is for one.

I

It defines essential workers and again a very expansive list, six pages worth.

I

Of of industries and and positions within those industries that are considered essential workers.

I

Under this, under these conditions, a worker can refuse a work assignment. There are.

I

Requirements for supplemental hazard pay, the employer must provide health and bereavement.

I

Leave the employer must provide ppe, the employer must pay all unreimbursed health costs if the.

I

Illness is contracted during the emergency, whether or not it is it can be determined. It was while the.

I

Individual was on duty, so that would be a co-pays premiums. Out-Of-Pocket costs, transportation costs.

I

Any any unreimbursed costs it would also require this to have taken effect when the emergency is.

I

Declared so there's a retroactive aspect to this bill in dealing with the current covid issue,.

I

The chair described the bill. Initially, he knew it was going to be very controversial. He described.

I

It as a starting point now I don't take that as a starting point that it will get more expansive. I.

I

Take that as let's throw everything into the pot and we'll start to whittle away at it, that that.

I

Was my takeaway from that, but there was a very uh as again three and a half hours. So all the.

I

Usual suspects were lined up uh labor, obviously in strong favor, uh the business community. Obviously.

I

In opposition uh mako testified in opposition, so this is one that we will be following very closely.

I

And I know that this concerned you greatly, commissioner, wins. Was it easily opposed from mako.

A

Yes, yes, without again yeah, there wasn't a whole lot of discussion on this one.

I

Yeah no. This was a very quick quick vote, quick discussion, quick vote.

I

uh Also uh again, a couple of bills related to occupational disease uh house bill 1247.

I

And senate bill 726, and also that that's cross file and then senate bill 756 very, very similar.

I

uh Workers compensation: uh it presumes that a a worker that contracts would have contracted it.

I

Resulting from his employment and that's a compensable occupational disease.

I

Doesn't fit apparently the legal definition of occupational disease.

I

But we obviously posed that one as well house bill 1326 and senate bill 727 revisions to the maryland.

I

Healthy working families act it would require the employer to provide an increased amount of sick.

I

And safe leave during a declared health emergency that one was opposed, also and then house bill.

I

733 is a retirement tax reduction act of 2021 that was opposed. The hearing is scheduled today.

I

It is the governor's bill, but it's a pretty significant impact to local revenues. When you.

I

Look at the fiscal impact it it creeps up to 250 million in 2027. So that's a pretty significant.

I

Impact and obviously the the body opposed that election law continues to churn house bill. 745.

I

This this deals with the number of early voting centers that are required.

I

If the county has a registered voter, a number of registered voters between a hundred thousand and.

I

Two hundred thousand, they must have three early voting centers. The existing law put that threshold.

I

At 125 000., if I remember from our discussions last year, the expectation was we would probably.

I

Reach that threshold for the next election, um so three early voting centers, will be required, but.

I

Remember there there's a lot of bills floating around about elections. There's.

I

There's one that I think I talked to last week about this, where everyone gets a mail-in ballot.

I

But you're required to have the same number of of uh polling places that you had in the.

I

Last election and they need to be able to receive any voter, they won't be by district they'll, be by.

I

Geographic area, so a lot of these election bills are going to have to be reconciled in some way.

I

Senate bill 271- this was the one again from this- was here last year- would require these special.

I

Ballot marking devices for all voters right now, they're used for people with disabilities. This.

I

Would require them for all voters, it's a very expensive proposition, and that was opposed by.

I

Mako as well there's a another bill. That's been introduced house bill, 836, a coveted 19 testing.

I

Contract tracing and vaccinations, so it it it's trying to deal with much of what you have been.

I

Talking about earlier today, or at least in part, it sets up a structure and goals for testing across.

I

The state sets the goal of at least six testing sites in each county for this year and next.

I

uh Sets up a local contract trade, a contact racing program, local government, vaccination sites.

I

With state funds directs the state to develop a prioritize and a streamlined vaccination plan.

I

Mako is trying to gather more information from the sponsor. It's very extensive bill.

I

I want to get this in front of mr singer for his opinion. If he doesn't have one.

I

Already and the hearing is scheduled for the 23rd, so I suspect that the legislative.

I

Committee will probably take this up next week, so I'll do what I can to get.

I

You some more information in advance of that so you'll be making an informed decision on that.

I

uh House bill 502 was another uh bill that was a great impact to the state's attorney's office.

I

It requires extremely detailed reporting on every case that they prosecute.

I

To be made available to the public, the state's attorneys were strongly opposed to this. They say.

I

It's going to require them additional dedicated staff to this effort and and that mako has opposed.

I

That on on their recommendation and the last one I have for you is our our public facilities bond.

I

Senate hearing is set for next week, no schedule yet on the house version, but I I'm following that.

I

One very closely, for the obvious reasons: that's what I have for you today great update mr power.

E

Thanks for the wonderful report, as always, it seems like whenever the general assembly is in session.

E

It all costs us locally, a lot more money to administer. Now, on a lighter note, I notice you have.

E

A portrait on the wall behind you, I was wondering, if you're going, to identify the gentleman and is.

E

It up there for black history month. I thought, maybe it was a musician he's up there. All the.

I

Time it's uh miles, davis and birth of the cool, probably the greatest jazz album ever recorded.

I

And he sits over a piano which I can't play, which I bought for my daughter many years ago and still.

I

Sits there gathering dust well good for you, I'm a big fan of music, so I was thinking all along as a.

E

Jazz musician and I was right on a different note, and I have to express my frustration over this.

E

Whole thing down here with the sros it it seems odd that a lot of times it's the same politicians.

E

That want to take the armed guards away from her. Students in school are all 40 armed guards.

E

Protecting her congressman, I just like to say that you know I think, protecting her children.

E

Is a priority and a voice, my opinion against, and he moves to stop protecting her children.

E

After all, I think what led to this was the school shootings and the fear of their children being.

E

A harm and we're talking about pulling it back, it gets quite confusing. I just hope that people.

E

Listen to our sheriffs and other law. Thank you for your report. Yeah I'll I'll. Just comment on that.

I

For a moment, so in these hearings you hear a lot of discussion about about the impact to minority.

I

Youth, uh the the high numbers of arrests of these kids in school and the school to prison pipeline.

I

Is often mentioned so again in these very populous and urbanized and high minority uh school systems.

I

uh They have some challenges that you don't see in a system like carol and so that that's.

I

Really, what's what's leading it, uh the I think we we talked about this early on, that you've got.

I

Montgomery county prince george's county baltimore city and baltimore county that can pretty much.

I

Drive the agenda in the general assembly because of the size of their delegations, so they're really.

I

Leading kind of leading the charge on on a lot of these issues around social justice and racial.

I

Equity- um and so I I think, that's why you're seeing this this difference of opinion on that.

E

I guess, ultimately, you know their experiences in different municipalities and counties. Give.

E

A different perspective and we and carroll county don't see the same perspective that.

E

The politicians of baltimore city see so I do understand that. Thank you.

A

Yeah mike uh just to add on I mean it doesn't take away our appreciation and understanding.

A

Of other communities, but it drives home the importance of governing local and.

A

The more we can do that, the better off we're going to be so that that's why I think there's.

A

Such opposition um to this, because again just like distribution vaccinations who knows it best.

A

But the commanders on the ground and the community itself so but again yeah. I appreciate the update.

A

Yeah go back to um to senator pinsky's comments and, and he he actually mentioned.

I

That he voted against the safe schools act, but I think he does recognize your point.

I

About the diversity opinion and that not every jurisdiction is going to feel the same about.

I

Their sro program right yep, now I'll piggyback on your comments, mr ross scenes that makeo generally.

D

When they're looking at bills, if it mandates something to the county generally, it's a they.

D

Don't look at it favorably, but if it gives the county the option to do it, if they want to do it.

D

Then they look at it more favorably, because just what you said, the local leaders have a better idea.

D

About what should be done for their particular counties and groups and mako echoes that in almost.

D

Every single vote there's a few exceptions, but most of the time, if it's mandated nope, if it's.

D

Giving you the option, we're going to look at it and I think that's a good stance to have for mako.

A

Fantastic appreciate it: okay, anything else, but the good of the group actually commissioned jazz music.

I

There is one that commission fraser just reminded me uh I'll get in front of you.

I

But it's essentially the bill in the senate that would legalize cannabis and you talked about local.

I

Control and that's what reminded me I'll get the bill number for you, but essentially it sets up the.

I

The parameters of a program, but it also allows the county to opt out it would if the county opts out.

I

They're not entitled to the tax revenue from it, but you still have the opportunity to opt out.

I

So I'll get that one in front of you as well, just remind when you talked about local control. Just.

I

Reminded me of that one, that's gonna be a pretty important bill. Question was: will it be a bill.

I

Will it be a referendum? I think that's still up in the air we'll have to see how this bill progresses.

A

Okay, okay, anything else; okay, again, mr fowler! Thank you so much and now, let's move on.

A

um We're going to talk about the exploration commons.

A

Over at the uh 50 east, at 50 east project, our library system is miss andrea on miss burslar.

A

Okay, I see bob you're, not andrea. I see tony you're, not andrea.

A

Okay are andrea on.

E

I was helping him get better looking after him.

A

Not allowed to comment on things like that, I see roberta. It's still not andre. Okay,.

A

I don't see andrea on so I will go, we'll, go run and catch her.

A

Okay, you don't need to run, but uh that'd be appreciated. uh Whoever wants to start it.

A

Are you all ready to start or you want us to move on.

J

The commissioners, I I think we can, we could probably get started.

J

um Okay, uh as we wait for for bob and andrea, so um bob was uh to give.

J

A uh construction update and andrea has just arrived, so uh this is. This is good news.

K

Good morning, everyone sorry for the delay I was on earlier and I guess I got kicked out so good.

K

Morning, wonderful good morning, good morning, how is everyone? Life is good great. um I want to first.

K

Of all, thank you for the opportunity to talk a little about exploration, commons. uh We thought.

K

This was a timely, uh a good time to bring you up to date on the status of the project, we're.

K

Somewhere around halfway through construction, at this point, um and normally we would invite you to.

K

Come on over and take a tour of the space and see how things are going, but nothing about this year.

K

Is normal, so um here we are doing all of this one virtually I have with me today, uh two of my staff.

K

um Bob coons, who is our director of operations and innovation, and he's ever seen this project from.

K

Really from the very beginning, from back when it was just basically an idea and.

K

Tony eckert who's our director of finance and analysis, so we thought maybe we would give you a.

K

Brief update on the project bob has been working with chris and has some slides to show you some.

K

Photographs of where the project's at um and then tony can share a little of where we are.

K

With the financial piece of it and answer any questions that you have uh regarding the project.

K

In any aspect of that, so uh bob I'll go ahead and turn this over to you.

L

I can hear it's gotta. Let me in.

L

Oh and it's asking me to restart: oh no.

L

It won't run the slides, it wants to restart um I'll, go ahead and do an update. I can send.

L

The slides later um I had a slide deck of photos of the the job site and where we're at.

L

um Today, we've made a lot of progress in the last six months, probably from when you saw it. It was.

L

Just a big empty space we've now have uh completed.

L

Most of the internal construction, where the walls are closed up inside we have most of our.

L

Mechanicals are completed, hvac plumbing electro electrical, the rough-in is almost all done.

L

Flooring is currently being installed in the kitchen and the restrooms we have completed.

L

The raised floor in the maker space, they haven't put the tile layer on yet, but the structure is in.

L

As are the um the the underlying floor, the low voltage wiring is being installed right now,.

L

uh Marathon who's, an eldersburg company will be installing the network and security cabling and.

L

Then we have gramophone whose um ceo, andrew davis is a westminster resident. They are installing all.

L

Of the audio visual equipment throughout the space, which is really important to us,.

L

We've got monitors everywhere and we will rely heavily on that in our meeting rooms.

L

In the classroom and in the kitchen as well, um the the av gives us the ability to stream out.

L

um To pretty much any format to any equipment that people would need.

L

So we're really looking forward to that. Our ceilings should be closed up in a few weeks.

L

Once all that cabling is done, the elevator tower is up and the elevator is set to ship shortly. So.

L

We'll be glad to see that on site, that was one of those big unknowns is how soon it would get here.

L

um Today we were over there this morning and the glass walls are starting to go up inside.

L

um So we're really starting to see how the the space is going to be shaped.

L

Once we're completed lots of blue tape everywhere, so people don't run into them or.

L

Or crash through them, which would not be any fun um for the project, that's pretty much where we're.

L

At right now, I do want to thank chris haga and eric berdine uh for their help and work on the.

L

Project and a big thanks to louis contractors, they've really been um great to work with on.

L

This job they've done a a good job for us, um our timeline. We are currently about a month behind.

L

Most of that is due to weather, um as well as some delay in receiving products, mostly due to covid.

L

But being a month behind it isn't too bad right now,.

L

We are looking at uh opening in june. Our substantial construction completion should.

L

Be about the mid april, and then that gives us another month month and a half to outfit. The.

L

Space get all of our furniture in there. The equipment and get the staff moved in.

L

For staffing, we hired our staff back in january jen, bishop, who is our emerging and.

L

Digital technology manager um sat through all the interviews we hired them. We have um seven total.

L

Staff in the space six ftes um and they've started to create the processes and procedures uh for the.

L

Maker space and the teaching kitchen um they're busy learning all the the equipment, the software.

L

That we're going to be providing access to our customers in the space, so they've.

L

Got a lot to learn ahead of them, and they've also begun to start creating the programming.

L

That that's really what this space is about. It's about programming, it's about training,.

L

People to use the equipment, um so they can, you know, continue with their hobbies or.

L

um Join the workforce learn a new career um and that and that's really important um and we're.

L

We're starting with these programs and the training to work so they're able to be used.

L

Either virtually or in person, because we really don't know where we're going to be at in june. Yet.

L

um So we want our programming to be able to be accessed in multiple ways, so the staff they're.

L

On board, they're excited they're, they're, really working well together already, so so we're really.

L

Excited to get this space open all I have andre okay, very good. Thank you bob! um Do we want to.

L

We have a question questions for bob and then we can move on to talking about the fundraising piece.

E

Mr coons, thank you very much for the update as a business owner. I really appreciate the objective.

E

Of this project, I think long-term, really very good for the economy locally, also appreciate.

E

You mentioning deputy director eric burdine, he's a pleasure to work with and since this project is.

E

In commissioner frazier's district, I would love if commissioner frazier could arrange your dispersor.

E

A visit of the site under construction maybe take a few photos and include it in his priority carol.

E

Next week, because your work, mr words, are great, but you know the photos and pictures are worth.

E

A million bucks so to speak and give our constituents a feel of the investment we made.

E

And something tangible as an asset, so commissioner frazier, I hope, you're able to have that next week.

D

Well, since you put me on the spot, I guess.

D

I guess I can stop by for a visit and get some pictures if one of you guys want to.

D

Email me and and we'll set something up and uh work out, perfect appreciate that uh eric.

E

And I know there's no pools that need to be closed up right now, so you have a little bit more time.

D

Never wrestling right now, rest is going on, but that's okay, we'll get that set up.

K

We'll get this set up with your office for you, commissioner. Frazier. That's great! Thank you.

K

Okay, well, then, um I'll go ahead and ask tony if he wants to give.

K

A brief update on where we are with the financial aspect to this project.

J

Thanks, andrea and good morning, commissioners.

J

In addition to the progress bob's reported on, we have made considerable progress.

J

uh Raising funds for this 4.9 million dollar project, um I'm going to give a little history so.

J

I think it'll give important context in the fy 18 capital budget. The commissioners approved six.

J

Hundred thousand dollars for expiration, expiration commons and then also through the state capital.

J

Project uh program for libraries, we secured 1.9 almost 2 million dollars over three budget cycles,.

J

Or actually, three fiscal years for the design construction and for major equipment. Another 95.

J

000 was awarded for equipment and, and that was federal money which passed through the state.

J

uh We have raised uh to date another seven hundred and fifteen thousand, almost seven.

J

Hundred and sixteen thousand from private organizations and donors uh so not including.

J

The county six hundred thousand the library has been able to secure funding for over 2.9 million.

J

Or about 59 of our total need adding the county's funding brings us to our total to.

J

3 million 547 000 or about 70 percent of the need. We still have uh considerable work ahead of us to.

J

Remain to to raise the remaining 1.4 million dollars, I want to give a few highlights of.

J

From our fundraising uh in looking at private donors, uh our two largest donors so far.

J

I have been and you're probably aware of the number one one uh davis library provided uh 200.

J

Dollars and the caller foundation has has given us a hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

J

In addition to davis and keller, another 145 individuals and organizations have contributed.

J

To exploration, commons and and we're quite proud of that, that there's.

J

This wide uh wide community support uh to assist in raising uh the private.

J

Monies that I just mentioned the library applied for and was awarded state tax credits through the.

J

Department of housing and community development to support the construction of expiration commons.

J

And we successfully placed all the tax credits under our 2019 award uh by placing 56.

J

500 in tax credits that required uh twice that amount of money in donations or 113 000.

J

uh It's a good program to to leverage uh private donors contributions, and so we've.

J

Applied for an additional 25 000 in tax credits to assist fundraising for equipment purchases.

J

For exploration commons, if granted, these would be available in calendar 2021 and.

J

This year and 2022, a decision from the state is expected to come. Come to us in the spring.

J

Also, we will shortly we will be rolling out a campaign to the community at large.

J

Asking for their final support, most of our efforts thus far have been.

J

With major donors and with granters uh so this uh this campaign, this final.

J

uh uh Phase, if you will is, uh for the stretch, run to get us to get us to the rest of the way.

J

At this point, we've spent approximately two and a half million dollars for all the work that bob.

J

Mentioned uh we've spent all the six hundred thousand that you, commissioners have given us.

J

So you might say well, you know there seems to be a little bit of a gap here and there is, but.

J

You might recall in fy 19 the commissioners made available 1.5 million in the form of a.

J

Loan to allow us to complete the project while we continue to fundraise and to collect on pledges.

J

I expect we'll be drawing on those loan funds in the next.

J

Within the next several weeks, because the pace of construction is, is really uh has really ramped up.

J

So um happy to answer any questions, but thank you.

K

Thank you tony. As I said it would be, it would be nice if we could have you all.

K

In the space- but unfortunately that's not the case. So if there's questions on the.

K

Project itself for the fundraising we'd be more than happy to to feel those now.

E

We're going to assign commissioner fraser to get out there and look at it. Mr acker, I appreciate the.

E

Report you do a wonderful job with the accounting. Also, on a side note, I was wondering if the union.

E

Mills cornrows will be going on this year and whether commissioner williams and I'll be out.

E

There join you eating corn this year because that's a wonderful event well, certainly hoping.

J

That the uh the pandemic will subside and we'll be able to have the corn roast and hope I'll be able.

J

To be a volunteer there serving you and and uh load you up with plenty of corn. Well, I hope this.

E

Cheer, you can sit next to me and have corn with me and not be six foot away. Okay, look forward to that.

A

Okay, any further comments. uh I do appreciate the uh um letting us know about marathon.

A

They're gonna be doing a grand opening uh soon, so hopefully, somebody from the library.

A

Will be there to attend uh and highlight the work that they're doing in support.

A

Of the library um and gramophone you're, obviously working on high-end equipment, so.

A

You know again good good stuff, appreciate the uh the briefing uh overall on the timeline.

A

uh Of development, along with um the cost associated, so um any further comments from anybody.

A

Good luck to you all yeah. Thank you. Thank you. We again, I want to echo bob's comments. uh Working.

K

With with chris and and eric and and many of the many of the individuals and county facilities.

K

Department has really made this project go so much easier, um they are professionals and they really.

K

Added an awful lot to this and we're appreciative of that great partnership with carroll county.

K

To make this kind of project happen, so um thank you all and we hope soon that you'll be able to.

K

To come over and and see this space as it's completed, looking forward to it this week,.

K

Yes, we'll get, you definitely get you in the sweet. Commissioner, all right all right.

A

Thank you, okay, tony andrea. Thank you so much. Let's uh continue to move on um firearm ems.

A

Update as we uh discussed last week, uh the intent is to get director bob mccoy in front of us.

A

To provide us updates on a weekly basis, as we continue to move forward.

A

So bob you're in the shadows- but I see you regardless so you're up.

H

All right good morning, commissioner, sorry about the lighting probably picked a bad spot.

H

uh Yes, when you brief uh weekly, uh as we get closer to our goal date of july.

H

So to start off today, I want to start again, um as I did two weeks ago, with the three questions.

H

The first being, why is the county doing this? The fire ems department was established to provide.

H

Efficient services for public safety, fire and ems for all citizens and visitors to the county.

H

The request from for intervention did come from the volunteers through cc visa to assist with.

H

Service demands the financial burden of employment services from the stations and the consistency of.

H

Service delivery, the second: what is the ultimate goal that is to build combination, fire ems.

H

Department transferring the employment burden from the volunteers to the county.

H

And the third question is: what are we doing to accomplish this goal as we were, we did a.

H

Presentation to you back november, 12th of last year uh to seek your direction on several items.

H

And based on that direction, we have focused our efforts over the last several months on four goals.

H

Which is the creation of a memorandum of understanding the budget, the hiring of personnel.

H

In the public safety training center, so we put together a chart to highlight the objectives.

H

uh That we've been uh working to achieve our goal.

H

And for some reason it's not letting me share my screen now.

H

M

I had to make you a presenter there: okay, you're now, the presenter okay is that come up for you.

A

We can see your email, it's moving in the right direction. Okay, there you go.

H

All right, so, basically, what we did was we put a chart together to go over each of the goals.

H

The first goal was the creation of an mou for the assignment of personnel.

H

And we've listed the elements that we feel are important.

H

The first one being the organizational structure and what this does in the mou is it clearly.

H

Defines the entities involved in the building of the fire ems department, which is the the.

H

Department as the authority having jurisdiction, made up of volunteer and county personnel.

H

Operating under the authority of a director, as outlined in chapter 37 of the county code,.

H

Stations each independent corporation is identified.

H

As an operational entity of the department and county personnel, the employees of the.

H

Department that will be managed by the director assigned to various stations.

H

The next part would be the county, employee, volunteer relations.

H

uh The first party assignment of personnel references, the assignments.

H

Based on requests available resources, priorities of staffing, and it also references.

H

Employees, access to all amenities permitted of members as well as sleeping quarters.

H

And storage, the basic needs of of our personnel that are going to be spending 24 hours a day.

H

In the firehouse, the use of the facilities and the use of the vehicles are are similar.

H

We appreciate all the hard work and dedication volunteers have done in purchasing and maintaining.

H

Their apparatus and their facilities and for use of those facilities to provide that service for.

H

The county we continue to fund the daily operational cost of the vehicles in the facilities.

H

The next item is work environment. It discusses our desire for a safe and harmonious working.

H

Relationship with the volunteers in these stations, as well as as any workplace, we are always going to.

H

Have issues we just want to be able to address the issues and eliminate it as best as possible.

H

Next thing is a code of conduct discusses working with the volunteers to establish a code of conduct.

H

And a volunteer operational disciplinary policy.

H

All corporate disciplinary matters remain responsibilities of each stations.

H

With notification to the director, if it affects that member's operational status,.

H

Once again, we're always going to have career and volunteer members that may violate a personnel.

H

Procedure or a standard operating procedure we're going to need methods in place to address each.

H

Each issue as we go so we will work towards establishing both of those documents.

H

Volunteer management communications that basically involves the discussions between myself and the.

H

Volunteer leadership, whether it's, the chief or the president, just on um how we're interacting.

H

Within the station, as this is a new, a new issue, so we'll be maintaining monthly contact as much.

H

As possible to discuss how everything is going next, part of the mou elements is the budget.

H

This section discusses the responsibilities of the director to present a final draft fire ems.

H

Department budget to the commissioners for approval: it also references the ability for.

H

The commissioners to audit expenditures of any county funds by anyone and the volunteer process.

H

It discusses the volunteer. I'm sorry, somebody have a question. Oh I'm sorry. It also discusses.

H

The volunteer budget process and what we want to ensure is that the volunteer budget process.

H

Will remain the same as it is now, each station will submit a budget request to cc visa cc visa.

H

Will then convene their budget committee and finalize a draft that will be presented by.

H

The executive board to the director, my staff and my financial analyst that's assigned to me.

H

To be incorporated into the fire ems department budget, I've also communicated with cc visa as.

H

Well, as it will be in this document, if the commissioners provide any direction requiring.

H

Any change in funding a percentage decrease or flat budget that those changes to the volunteer.

H

Budget will not be made in my office. We will send that information back to the ccv executive board.

H

For their budget committee to reconvene and decide where any reductions need to be made.

H

They know their needs better best, so that would be sent back to them. Social hall and fundraising.

H

The county department will continue to encourage all fundraising activities.

H

Do our best to even help advertise because of the good it does as far as.

H

The money that's reinvested back into the fire service through apparatus purchases.

H

It also agrees to fund supplies and minor repairs of the whole through exist. Existing station.

H

Funding now this is a practice that evidently was not permitted in the past. We provide funding.

H

For cleaning supplies minor repairs things like that through out the station. I believe it's just.

H

A normal function to to have to or to at least.

H

Fund those issues uh to support that fundraising initiative.

H

And the last part of the mou is the ems services, which draws up a lot of discussion now.

H

The draft discusses the assuming of ems billing responsibilities by the county when assignment.

H

Of personnel when personnel are assigned to the station to address the shortfall of wages.

H

Between the stations and what the county is going to end up, paying.

H

We have developed an rfp process, we will be sending that out shortly.

H

The mou also discusses a recommendation to purchase the existing ambulance fleet.

H

And all the large capital items associated the cot, the lucas tools, the life packs, everything that's.

H

Going to be required for the ems services, this is drawing a lot of questions. The reasons for that.

H

Recommendation to purchase all the capital assets one, it provides a clean process for the county.

H

It eliminates the need to track where the revenue was generated, establishing a distribution schedule.

H

And what percentage should go to each station and then issuing payments on a predetermined schedule.

H

It eliminates the requirements of volunteers to have to fundraise for the purchase of ambulances.

H

Or large capital items that are going to need to be replaced, such as life packs, it.

H

Transfers all the liability for ambulances to the county and away from the volunteer companies.

H

And it also transfers all costs associated with fuel maintenance, insurance liability. Anything.

H

Associated with those units to the county from the operational standpoint, it also provides.

H

Flexibility to reallocate move resources based on out of service units without having ownership.

H

Issues or the need to have those discussions to accomplish this goal, we would contract an ems or.

H

Ambulance appraiser, uh which I have identified and have spoken with and received a quote.

H

uh This person has been a seller designer of ems for uh ambulances for years.

H

Is also recognized by the courts as an authority and ambulance appraisers, we would have them review.

H

The fleet and provide a document to the county where we would be able to sit with each department.

H

uh And review that the cost or review the cost to the county with that department and come to.

H

An agreement on a final price: we would want to pay that develop a payment schedule depending on.

H

The amount, I would assume a short schedule, no more than three years with the initial payment being.

H

Upon assignment of the personnel with that initial payment, we would like to transfer of.

H

Titles to the county so that we could move the insurance from the individual company.

H

Insurance plans to the local government insurance trust, which would be a large savings for all.

H

It would also ensure volunteers career, regardless of who would operate. The vehicles.

H

A concern mentioned by the volunteers during discussions on the purchases of the ambulances.

H

Why would they transfer the titles prior to full payment? uh Would there be a lien as the county.

H

Requires when we loan money, the answer I've always given is you know we're as a county government.

H

We could obviously sign an agreement. We have revenue producing authority, our chance of.

H

Default is minimal, so I'm sure we would honor our debt as far as purchasing those units.

H

And then the last part of the plan of that goal would be the.

H

Vehicle replacement plan as part of our fleet, all vehicles are reviewed annually by fleet.

H

For the annual vehicle replacement plan, so they would be added into that.

H

And you may see some of these items referenced several times.

H

And I'll address those as we go through the tabs. The next goal is the budget.

H

Wage scales are near completion by hr for all positions that may be associated with the fire.

H

Ems department, while we were doing these work steps, we went ahead and created ranks all the way.

H

Up through director, deputy chief assistant chief battalion chiefs on down not saying we're going to.

H

Utilize any of those anytime soon, but we want to go ahead and create those scales. Ems revenue that.

H

Will need to be discussed as with the ems billing. The reason we are requesting to purchase the units.

H

And have 100 percent of the revenue is to address that budget shortfall between the.

H

Salaries that the stations pay and what we're going to end up paying for salaries and benefits.

H

Cc visa the budget committee, as I discussed their process, would remain the same. Any changes required.

H

Of volunteer funding per direction of the commissioners would be sent back to cc visa.

H

To work on, I have had people ask me: what is the role of cc visa? I figured this is.

H

I'll address it here, cesa has filled a management position for the volunteer for the fire service.

H

In carroll county in general, for decades now, with the establishment of the carroll county, fire ems.

H

Department cc visa is going to see a transition from more of a managerial role, with the county.

H

Fire ems department to an advocate association for the volunteer companies. Hence the term association.

H

In cc, visa say for grant you'll see this mentioned again potential revenues that will be available.

H

To the commissioners, if you choose to submit a grant application to address the budget shortfall.

H

And the last part under budget is operational funding. I took about three weeks. I went line.

H

Item by line item through all 14 stations and all the individual budgeted functional areas.

H

To get a good understanding of what the county pays for, I laid out all those categories in a.

H

Document that can be incorporated into an mou if necessary. I think one of the biggest concerns.

H

I'm understanding from my discussions with the volunteers and the questions that they present.

H

Is the concern of continued funding as we transition to a fire ems department.

H

One of the things that I truly recommend is chief is that obviously, all operational.

H

Costs associated with running the fire ems department should continue to remain the.

H

Responsibility of the county government, what you may see over time is, as we identify efficiencies.

H

The ability to transfer costs to an existing county contract or the power of county.

H

Spending you may see some of this money remain with the county that used to go to cc visa, so.

H

Over time, all these operational costs will continue to be funded. It's just who pays the.

H

Bill may change over time, so I believe that is a big concern of the volunteers that is truly.

H

Understandable but we need to ensure that the daily operational costs of these departments can.

H

Continue in the future, the next part uh goal is the hiring of personnel.

H

Draft schedule we had presented originally in november, the idea of a hybrid hiring.

H

Instead of hiring all at once or delaying the hiring over one year, we would hire on a.

H

Scheduled a draft schedule and we looked at a hybrid of bi-monthly hiring. We have set that.

H

Schedule up uh the goal original goal is to start july, 8th of 2022 or correction 2021 fy22.

H

And we also talked about the station order, where I slotted this busy stations first.

H

And we worked our way down the reason I did that several advantages, one.

H

Is more personnel were able to test our processes as we go? We're hiring bi-monthly.

H

So it will give all the departments within county government payroll procurement hr the opportunity.

H

To identify their needs to facilitate the fire ems department with smaller numbers, as we progress.

H

The first four stations that I've listed cover, 65 percent of the calls in carroll county.

H

The first six cover 79.5 percent of the calls in carroll camp and then strategically the.

H

First, six stations cover all regions of the county as far as county personnel assignment.

H

Now this, uh like I said, the original goal was based on a quarter, a bi-monthly hiring.

H

Obviously this can be adjusted. The timeline can be slid to the right, if necessary, based.

H

On your budget decisions, we can also be less aggressive than maybe go to quarterly, depending.

H

On your decisions, so it's very easily able to be adjusted. Job descriptions are just like with wage.

H

Scales is working on job descriptions for all potential ranks within the fire ems department.

H

Wage scales, uh the wage scales, will encompass the fire ems personnel, ems, only trained personnel.

H

We may we will definitely be looking at some ems only personnel with a career development.

H

Path to cross train and then also the emergency vehicle operator drivers, the county offices will.

H

Also have requests in their individual budgets, like, I said, to help facilitate.

H

Their involvement with the fire ems department, we're looking at a potential.

H

Possibly 200 personnel between three to five years.

H

We're definitely going to have an impact on other various county departments.

H

Pension plan the hr office will need to draft the document and which will be coming.

H

Before you, I would imagine in the next couple months for approval the application process.

H

We are working on now define that process. We are not going to be able to have a traditional.

H

Traditional fire ems department recruit school as we're transitioning services from.

H

The volunteer employees to county employees. We need to continue to provide that service.

H

So in the beginning, it'll be more of an accelerated process. We're defining that now. We're.

H

Also, looking at securing an applicant testing contractor so that we can do initial testing.

H

We will do background checks, medical exam and all the requirements normally found in a process.

H

Benefits all the benefits are already established within carroll county.

H

For employees, including workers, compensation, the volunteer stations currently maintain.

H

A workers compensation plan for employees of their station, we have a volunteer plan and we.

H

Also have plan a workers, compensation plan for the station employees that will be able to they.

H

Will be able to eliminate that policy as we assign personnel to their station, which will be a savings.

H

Employees, as volunteers has been a big discussion. A lot of people are concerned about that. We've.

H

I've had numerous conversations with hr. We've also talked to counties in the maryland area. We.

H

Do believe that we can address this issue through policy development which would allow our career.

H

Employees to volunteer in the county on their days off and still secure the county's interests.

H

Safer grant, as discussed prior we're going to present a plan to the commissioners.

H

Shortly with a number of positions that we're seeking to ask for keep in mind the.

H

Safer grant is a short term. It will lessen the impact of the of the financial burden.

H

But it's only for three years, uh so we'll give you a plan based on the number of positions and.

H

With your approval, we will submit an application which could be awarded by the end of september and.

H

Last but not least, information technology mark ripper will be working with us as as well as.

H

Far as email licenses and all the requirements of an employee to operate on the county system.

H

And the last tab that we have is the public safety training center, as discussed in november 12th.

H

Presentation as this department grows with the potential.

H

Amount of people over the next three to five years, our training academy.

H

Our training center needs to grow with the department and address the needs not only of the.

H

Employees that we're going to be hiring but also continue the volunteer. The needs of the volunteers.

H

So our goal was to hire the training academy staff in july of 2021. We have created a wage scale or we.

H

Are creating a wage guy should say for a training, center manager and an ems training coordinator.

H

Job descriptions have been created by for both those positions, those job descriptions.

H

That we utilize were a product of cc visa so that we ensured similar job tasks to address.

H

Both career and volunteer in discussion with cc visa, they do have a volunteer liaison position.

H

Even though I serve as a liaison now between the volunteers in the county.

H

That that position is more of an administrative assistant. In my view, they handle a lot of.

H

Meetings for the executive board for the officers they also handle workers comp claims they for the.

H

Volunteers, they assist at the training facility as needed, so the county we agreed to continue to.

H

Fund that, for a period of time, which will also be included, remain in the ccvs of budget. As far.

H

As the budget for seat for the training facility, the manager and ems training coordinator would.

H

Transition from cc visa back to the county as we employ those positions, the funding for cc visa.

H

Liaison as well as the part-time instructors would remain with cc visa. The facility and training cost.

H

Would transition from cc visa back to the county? uh The last part uh for the training.

H

Center is mark ripper again with information technology he's completing a facility review now.

H

To make any upgrades necessary to accommodate the county network for use of employees and also.

H

Any computer needs that we may have or possibly assist cc visa with throughout the training center.

H

So that's where we are right now with those four goals. I will continue to come before you weekly.

H

To provide updates, as we move forward uh time is, is ticking as we approach our goal.

H

And all our work efforts are accelerating. Now a lot of pieces are starting to come together.

H

So I do look forward to joining you and I'm available for any questions that you may have.

E

Director mccoy thanks for this, I think it's very helpful for all departments.

E

Get the timeline organizational structure, I'm curious is about the uh the training center.

E

Timeline on construction upgrade: where are we at on that? Because it seems to be very critical.

E

In this new system, you have a brief update on where we're going to upgrade.

H

You talking about on the construction at the training center. As far as I know, it's still.

H

On schedule, we have meetings planned uh with dean leicester from the county. I it's my understanding.

H

The money from the state has also been approved, so that will continue to work through the.

H

The tfmc committee that cc visa has established so, as far as I know, it's still on track.

E

Just keep us posted as that progresses. Thank you. Yes, sir.

C

um Just one question bob: uh you know you're going to be buying all the ambulances for the county.

C

What happens if there's a discrepancy between your bed price and what they.

C

Want for it, how are you going to mediate that one of the one of the discussions I've had with.

H

Roberta and tim burke is trying to formalize a process for that. That would be included in the mou.

H

And one of our discussions was potentially um the volunteers could could also secure an appraiser.

H

And then we work between the two documents or we take the document provided by the appraiser.

H

And we negotiate a final cost up to maybe 10 percent uh increase with the volatile companies.

C

Do you think that's better than letting the unit go ahead and depreciate al.

C

Throughout his lifetime and then be replaced by a county unit, I know that's a little more.

C

Paperwork a little more issue but seems like it would make sense. You have good units in.

C

Place, why should we purchase them now until we need to replace them yeah and that's that's a.

H

Good question, but the the ems revenue um that would go to the volunteers for the replacement.

H

uh We would need that revenue as well um for the purchase of this unit. So to me, that's that's.

H

Where our discussion started with it would just provide a clean process where we would replace it.

H

It would close the budget shortfall for personnel that we hire.

H

And it would just make it a simpler process, but that is definitely something. Is everybody.

C

Have you met with all the have you met with all the players and guys.

C

Came to that consensus is that well.

H

We're continuing to meet with the presidents, I think, there's a mixture of feelings on that.

H

A lot of questions associated would we repaint the units we wouldn't make any changes to the.

H

Units if pleasant valley's unit is, is sitting at the firehouse as long as it's still in service.

H

It'll remain uh the way it is. We would not invest money into an identity package. I think some see.

H

The opportunity of that's money that they may have already saved that they can put towards.

H

Fire apparatus, purchases or savings they wouldn't have to purchase any more ambulances. There's.

H

Also, a lot of questions about liability, so we're trying to work all those issues out.

H

Through the mou process, so I think we have mixed emotions. I think one of the biggest things is why.

H

Would we transfer the titles over without full payment? You know my position, you know, as I said,.

H

Earlier, obviously, as a county government, we're not going to default on our on our agreement,.

H

uh We will definitely make good on that, so uh I I believe those are one of the things that.

H

Are going to take um a lot more negotiation over time? I think we'll come to some type of consensus.

C

Well, communication will be your key factors. You started this with. So absolutely. Thank you. Yes, sir.

A

Bob yeah go ahead, commissioner. Lance a couple couple things for me: uh they're um next steps.

B

I guess for the mou bob as you work your way down through many of these details,.

B

You know, I think it's essential that now that this presentation uh you take to esac, uh because this.

B

Is you've really done a great job here? You've come a long way with the mou and I think next.

B

Steps uh would be to get that group involved and I would I would assume that's your intent. Correct.

B

Yes, there will be a briefing okay and then uh you know as it pertains to all of these details, as we.

B

Go down through and listen to all these, which you know, I think it's a great start here.

B

I really do one of the things that we're going to have to really pay attention to here, uh and this.

B

Is specifically to my colleagues is the fact that we haven't begun to discuss internal positions yet.

B

That a lot of these uh details in the mou will drive, and uh you know we dick and dennis you.

B

Remember we we sat and argued about one or two positions uh over the years uh and.

B

Actually, as recently as a year or so ago, we we, you know, we had a, we had a study of of who needs what.

B

In our departments uh to the to the to the degree, if we weren't able to to to meet those.

B

But as we continue to see, this mou drive this this engine, if you will no pun intended there.

B

um You know, we've got hr, certainly don't have enough people down there for this.

B

Risk management not enough people, there comptroller payroll, not enough people. There.

B

Budget office, not enough people, there you're talking about adding people out at the training.

B

Academy, it's fine to start with those one or two: that's going to grow uh very quickly!.

B

We're going to need to really look at personnel out there. I've worked in a training academy.

B

And you don't do it with two people, um so I love the mou. I think it's a great start. I do think you.

B

Need to point out bob- and you have that this is a work in progress. This is not set in stone, you're.

B

Working hard to get all these things and you'll tweak and change accordingly, but the fact remains.

B

We've got some hard decisions to make here because again this as you keep going down through the.

B

Cement of you, we got to make some some serious looks at the personnel uh at 225 north center.

B

In addition to that, we're going to have uh medical costs, uh you know I'm gonna have to give medical.

B

Exams to these folks, somebody's got to pay for that. So you know one other issue that has always.

B

Been on the front and center as we put career people in volunteer houses, uh there's no internet.

B

There's no interconnectivity uh to the county system. Everybody thinks.

B

Oh yeah: well, all the fire stations are lit up yeah. Well, that's fine, but there's no way.

B

They each individual fire company right now is responsible for getting an isp to light up that.

B

Last mile and there's no interconnectivity and we're going to need to do something there too.

B

So I my point here is, as we go down through this mou and continue to see uh the details come about.

B

And I want to be clear again, I think this is a fantastic start and I applaud you for all the work.

B

That you've done so far, we've got some serious discussions to to to have, because internally we.

B

Are not ready, and one thing to um that, I also wanted to add it. uh Do you think we're moving.

H

Oh go ahead, sir. No I apologize. Do you think we're moving too fast.

B

Well, I don't I don't. I don't necessarily want to address the speed um dick. I think I I think.

B

We're moving at the best pace we can uh right now, but I do think that there could be a possibility.

B

That we're going to have to put the brakes or pull the reins on some of these things as it pertains.

B

To associated costs that we are, quite frankly, not prepared, for uh you know you, you made a brief. You.

B

Made a brief statement today, dick about carroll, county public schools, and it probably went whoop.

B

Over everybody's head, but for those that have been paying attention over there, they're going.

B

To ask for right now I think it's six million more dollars. We've got kerwin on our plates and.

B

Mike fowler talked about that that there you know, hopefully there's going to be things in place, that.

B

That that that keep that in check for us um there there we we've got a lot on our plates and.

B

You know everybody saw that that article in the carroll county times last week about oh gosh, we're.

B

You know we're golden here, all kinds of money flying everywhere; okay, no, we don't no.

B

We don't and we we really need to pay attention here and uh we're we're not ready. So.

B

The pace at which we do things based on the mou has got to be together. uh I guess that's the.

B

Most the strongest point that I can make dick to your question. uh You know as we can, as as we get.

B

Into the first steps of the mou, okay, uh you know how many people does does kim frock have an hr.

B

Well, certainly not enough and a lot of these things that they've done already.

B

uh I applaud them, I don't honest honest to god. I don't know how they're doing it down there.

B

They're coming up with pay scales and all this stuff at the same time,.

B

They're doing everything they're responsible for currently, so I don't want to drag this out. I just.

B

We need to seriously look internally- uh and I said this before not only there uh for the fire service.

B

But what's going on internally with with uh with with retirements- and you know there, there may be.

B

We may have to to move some people around and and do different things in different departments.

B

To make this work is, I quite frankly, don't know where we're going to find all this money to hire.

B

All these all these people, so, but uh so so I appreciate you know what what you're sharing.

A

And I don't believe we should be looking at this as time driven. It should definitely.

A

Be um decisions made when tasks and uh you know, uh objectives are met and then we move forward.

A

And that's where this gantt chart and the risks associated that we've we've talked a lot about.

A

uh We we need to be aware of the time as we're moving forward, uh but.

A

You know this focus at this point, although you're putting you know benchmarks on there,.

A

200 days, 30 days, nine days, whatever it may be, keeping our keeping us aware are you meeting.

A

Those benchmarks in time and then also are you meeting those benchmarks in completing the tasks.

A

That's where it'll allow us to make better decisions. um This you, I don't want to say.

A

You know because commissioner wayne said the same thing: you've come a long ways. I think.

A

We have come a long ways and communications is uh definitely showing um in getting better in design.

A

um I think the esac is going to have and should have a more uh defined role in moving forward.

A

Not just in receiving briefings but using the subject matter, experts that are on that.

A

uh You know that they have. You know it with a knee set that you know steve you described last week.

A

You know you you're doing this each week. The intent here is definitely not just making.

A

Creating work for you to do but keeping us abreast and when decisions need to be made.

A

We're prepared to make those decisions, because, if not, you know we're going to be caught in a.

A

Bind where a decision needs to be made and we're not going to be prepared and that's the biggest.

A

Fear, you know, I think we all have when it comes to people and money.

A

You know that, commissioner, wants you we're alluding to so um no good good stuff, good.

A

Good briefing, I think it continued to needs to be defined and refined and we'll move forward. So.

A

But it should not be just time driven absolutely not. We do that and we're just really gonna pack.

A

Ourselves in a bad situation, so what else? Those those are your brother go ahead, dick.

A

Anybody else, no, I I agree wholeheartedly with you uh ed. It can't be time driven, but where.

B

The time comes in here, is you know when we get to step one, do we have the do? We have the resources.

B

Internally, uh to achieve step, one right: uh okay, we probably don't so now we're time driven now, we.

B

Gotta put step one on hold because we're not ready internally, so that that's where the time comes in.

B

I get what you're saying but- and this is a again this is a great bob. You have set the stage and.

B

It's fantastic, but now we we've got some serious. We've got some serious uh work to do internally.

B

In order to go down these adjacent paths on this journey, we're gonna get jammed up so that that was.

B

My only point so, no absolutely, I think we're saying the exact same thing so yeah um and.

A

Yeah, uh we have a lot of work to do. That's for that's for darn sure um bob any lasting comments.

H

With everything you're saying it cannot be time driven, uh but we have set the goal. We're going.

H

To continue to reach for that goal, and if this needs to slide to the right uh based on needs.

H

uh We'll be able to adjust so we're going to continue to work on all these items and come.

H

Back to you, weekly uh with progress reports- and I appreciate your time- okay, thanks, okay,.

A

Let's move on uh tom: double bass is going to talk about exercising option on some purchases.

A

And we have a handful of them, I believe so tom you're on. Thank you, commissioners, good morning.

N

Yes, we are pleased to be here today to request your permission to exercise options on five.

N

Installment purchase agreement ag preservation, easements totaling up 630 acres.

N

I'd like to just highlight real quickly, while the presentation presentation's getting set up.

N

The hard work and persistence that staff and that that'd be deb bowers, jp smith and jackie bratham.

N

You know been undertaking through this whole process. These projects and the ipa program are.

N

Are somewhat more complex in nature, and it takes a little bit more effort to work with the citizens.

N

And it's really challenging for these folks to to coordinate with the families, because.

N

Many times these families are are in the process of transitioning, with their states.

N

Or trying to figure out their futures, so this program uh provides a great option for.

N

Citizens, our citizenry, but it does take a little bit more thought and planning process. So with that.

N

I'm going to turn it over to jp and he can walk you through each one of these. These options and.

N

We'll request that you uh take consideration on each one individually, jp you there.

M

M

Okay, is that better much better good afternoon, commissioner, sorry about that tom um we're here.

O

Today, to present to you, our carroll county ag preservation, installment purchase agreement.

O

Farms for final approval, I want to tell you a little bit about our installment payment options.

O

These are leveraged installment, purchase agreements.

O

It's an agreement to pay for conservation easement using installments of tax-free interest.

O

At five percent for 20 years in exchange for a discounted purchase, price.

O

The principal is also paid in full at the end of 20 years and we use ipas because it.

O

Conserves and stretches taxpayer dollars. It enables more acres to be preserved per cycle.

O

And it lowers the final percent of fair market value paid compared to lump sum purchases.

O

Here are the five ipas that we're going to.

O

Be talking about today, we're going to go over each one of them individually,.

O

The first property is ralph and janet billings.

O

It's on bloom road in westminster and there's 119.362 acres and we'll be retiring. Seven lot.

O

Rights and this farm is located in district four and the estimated fair market value of the.

O

Billings property is nine hundred and seventy thousand two hundred and ninety two dollars.

O

The estimated cost for the ipa, which is 40 percent of the fair market value.

O

Well, the 40 value of the fair market is 388 117 dollars and our protected bond cost at 0.704.

O

Is 273 152 and we would be paying annual interest payments of nineteen thousand.

O

Three hundred dollars to the billings, the final county cost uh with the interest in the bond.

O

For this property is six hundred and sixty one thousand one hundred and fifty two dollars.

O

This is the farm down on bloom road.

O

And this is how the farm fits into other preserved farms in the area.

O

You can see it's just east of route, 27 and right in between that and bloom road.

O

At this time, we request final approval of the ralph and janet billings property.

O

And I'm willing to take any questions. Well, it's in my district and I'm forward on.

E

Motion we accept the ipa proposal for the billings property off bloom road.

D

Second, okay got a motion. Second, any discussion seeing hearing none all in favor.

A

Okay, we got five. Thank you, commissioners,.

O

uh Next, we have the estate of barbara crapster. This is at 1922 krause mill, road in tawny, town.

O

And it's 250 acres, uh we'll be retiring, 13 rot lot rights, and this is a district one property.

O

Estimated fair market value of this property is 1.59 million dollars. So the projected bond.

O

Cost of this property is 447 thousand seven hundred and forty four dollars and the forty.

O

Percent principal is six hundred and thirty, six thousand three hundred and thirteen dollars.

O

The estate will be paid thirty, one thousand eight hundred dollars annually and the final cost of.

O

The interest in the bonds will be one million, eighty three thousand dollars or 1 million 83 744.

O

Here's the farm as it sits right off of crouse mill road, and this is how the farm sits within the.

O

Other preserved farms in the area, this the tawny town area up there is just extraordinary. We have.

O

If you, if you don't count the roads, we have over 30 000, contiguous acres.

O

Up in this part of the county, it's just amazing what we've done up there um over the.

E

I'll move up years, what's out there, that's probably why I'll move up in the winter's district.

O

It's nice up there. I have to tell you it's really nice there's a lot of beautiful places in carroll.

O

County there's a there's, a reason why it was numbered district, one, okay, just saying just saying:.

E

I'll submit an application to go move up there with you. First uh I'll make the motion that we.

B

uh You exercise the option on the uh the crafter their farm this. This is a. This is a great farm.

B

And that estimated value there uh goes to show how tremendous it is. uh It's a wonderful area up here.

E

Second, okay: we've got motion in a couple seconds.

A

Any further discussion hearing scene, none all in favor.

A

Okay, let's go to number three. Thank you, commissioners,.

O

Our third property is the edgar disc property. This is uh located on emory road in reisterstown.

O

It's 100.7 acres. This is um this is a uh my goodness not ag. This is a conservation.

O

Zone property: that's why it's six to thirty lot rights um with sb 236.

O

In play, we're retiring less lot rights, but without it it's it's greatly accelerated.

O

This is in district 2. The estimated fair market value of the gift property is 677 thousand dollars.

O

uh 40, fair market value is 270 810 and the projected bond cost.

O

For the guests is 190 080 dollars our projected annual interest payment will be thirteen thousand.

O

Five hundred dollars, the total combined cost, will be four hundred sixty thousand eighty dollars.

O

Here's the gist farm.

O

And here's how it fits with other properties in the area.

A

Do we have other properties that are going to be uh that we're looking at.

A

Surrounding directions, we have been approached by a property just north of this.

O

um But there was some significant cleanup that needed to be done before we could.

O

Really entertain them as an applicant, um but we do have other properties in the area.

O

Here it shows where it's situated next to pinksburg.

O

Growth area and I think that's uh congoleum right there in the red.

O

This time we request. Finally, this area.

O

Yes, sir, this I'm very very familiar with this one. uh It's beside the uh agricultural part is.

C

Environmentally sound for the patapsco river, uh I think, comes down right through there.

C

And I know that other properties, adjacent properties are looking into these type.

C

Programs and with that I moved the board of commissioners exercise an option to purchase.

C

And sign the resolution for ag conservation easement with the edgar w guest property.

C

Second, okay got a motion. Second, any further discussion hearing scene, none all in favor.

A

Okay, we got five number four.

O

All right: next, we have the richard and barbara hunter property. This is right off of fsk highway.

O

North of tawnee town, just just below kingsdale, it's 91.36 acres and we will be retiring. 12 lot.

O

Rights, this is located in district 1. An estimated fair market value of the hunter property is five.

O

Hundred and fifty thousand eight hundred and six dollars, forty percent of the fair market value.

O

Principal will be two hundred and twenty thousand three hundred twenty two dollars.

O

And our projected bond cost for the hunter property is 140.

O

800, the projected annual interest payment will be 9 900 and the final county cost in 340 800.

O

Here's a richard and barbara hunter farm split by francisco key highway and this.

O

Is just south of the property that the parks and rec have recently purchased.

O

And here's how the hunter farm fits in with preservation.

O

Which is beautiful, hey jp, what's the what's the break there in that um here, right, yeah right there.

B

Yep, that is an attempt um to to show that these lines will no longer be there. This this farm.

O

Richard these lines actually belong up here next to richard and barbara's house and for some reason.

O

On the tax map they were placed down here, but this is going to be consolidated, so we'll be all one.

O

Property, so these lines are going to disappear, whether they're, here or up here, but that's what.

O

That's what that is okay, I didn't know. If there was, you know some sort of an easement or or it.

P

Has the easement you know, that's why I was asking yeah no problem, no problem. I've been expecting.

O

Some questions on some of these lines, even with mr gist, I guess at some point in the past, his.

O

Property, you know he was given a lot on the farm, but that's also going to be consolidated back in.

O

We um we consolidate every farm that we can uh when possible, so we have less future problems.

B

Okay, so I suppose that begs the question then these lines, uh because I know how they are- I just.

B

Went through this with uh some personal property that you know, the lines were thought to be here.

B

But they're 10 feet more over there and you know you get into a jam there because back in the day.

B

uh That's how it rolled I. I would suspect that we try to get these these boundaries.

B

Spot on before we make any attempt here is that right, oh yeah, yes, sir, we do, and we have some great.

O

People that also uh work in our department, uh gis people, uh specifically uh sandy baber.

O

And um mike roberts that are diligently every day, working on these property lines and to tell.

O

You, the truth, they're doing an awesome job anytime. We bring up any problems um that we have. They. They.

O

Fix them relatively quickly and they update often so so they are working on it. I mean there's an.

O

Awful lot of lines on these maps and um they're doing a tremendous job yeah it's interesting.

N

Go ahead, tom yeah! I just want to reaffirm that that there there also and jp, I think, can confirm.

N

This there are so there are survey, work done and many times, there's discrepancies when that survey.

N

Work is done between the property owners uh and what they think they have and what their neighbors.

N

Think they have, and sometimes that's why it's quite a while before these folks get before you.

N

With these farms, because there's some surveying disputes or challenges that have to be overcome,.

N

You know before we we bring them before you so jp. If I'm not mistaken, everything is very.

N

Much confirmed through survey, work and deed work and all before they get before the commissioners.

N

Correct that's correct: we have a surveyor um plot out the deed descriptions of every property.

O

Okay, I just want to make sure that's you know I personally on a piece of property, I had.

B

There was a rock that was the corner. You know back in the day, that's kind of what they did. You know.

B

They went from that rock over there to that rock and we're good we're good, but no we're not.

B

Okay, all right another good property in my district, it is close to where.

B

uh The future uh park and rec uh area is I'll, make the motion to go with this.

B

uh Richard and barbara hunter property, as long as the lines are straight.

A

Okay, we got motion, we got second, any further discussion hearing scene, none all in favor.

C

Answers crossing the line we got five, let's go to the last property.

O

I think this is our last property today this is uh everton connie morse property. This is right.

O

Off of grand valley, road in westminster and it's almost 68 acres retiring four lot rights.

O

Now, commissioner, wants this is another perfect example. If you notice this color is just a little.

O

Bit different here, this this line is an old lot line and when they took this off conveyance, they.

O

um For some reason, this was telling us that these people lived here and um and.

O

We have that corrected, um but for the sake of the map, this is all included in the east.

O

All this out front so anyway, um the estimated fair market value of the morse property is 360. 710.

O

And 40 principle is 144 284 and our projected bond cost for the morris property is 101 376.

O

Projected annual interest payment, 7, 200 and the final cost of the county will be 245 376.

O

This is a overhead view of the morse.

O

Property- and this is where it fits with other preservation.

O

In the area we do have other farms in the area that have come before you for our mouth.

O

Program that we're working on up here- and um there is other interests in the area as well.

B

Another another great area, yep, another great area. I don't know why we don't have more.

O

Farms coming in here, you know we're really looking forward. There's a lot of opportunity.

O

In this area of the county for us yeah yep, there is up there. It's uh interesting that I'd only.

B

Had four lot rights on it, I would suspect that that would have had more, but okay yeah they they.

O

Took the off conveyances to these two houses here on the corner which, in a perfect world.

O

That take that takes two more away because they didn't make them big enough to split them. So.

O

That's why that's why it's low, but it's a lower acreage property as well, and it's all absolutely.

B

Yep good good good area uh I'll make the motion for the edward and connie morris property.

A

Okay, I got a motion guys. Second, I guess I could have done that uh any further discussion.

A

Being here, none all in favor.

A

Okay, thank you absolutely good job as always jp. Thank you. Okay. Now, let's move on uh tom.

A

And you want to talk about a change order to the greens of westminster, storm water.

A

Management restoration contract- that's correct, commissioners, uh I'm joined by by chris hein.

N

Who's, our bureau of resource management today we're before you, because we we came into it.

N

Across a little bit of a problem in one of our stormwater management, retrofits.

N

uh And it's it's really um a rare incident where this happens, but we during construction found.

N

uh Sinkholes in one of those projects- and this was in the greens, which is just west of westminster-.

N

Actually, in the green subdivision during construction, when we initially started the project.

N

uh We did not know based on the geotechnical work that was done there and all that we would would.

N

Hit any marble in that location, and just so you know the marble is what people call limestone in.

N

This area- and it is the sinkhole driven geology in carroll county- and it is in some areas very.

N

Uniform and in other areas very sporadic- this is one of those sporadic areas.

N

So, having said that, when we started the project, one initial things that was to take place was a.

N

Relocation of a wastewater line, a sewer line, and we actually did hit marble at that point in time.

N

uh So we crossed our fingers that we wouldn't have any sinkhole issues and and the crossing.

N

Of the fingers did no good, unfortunately, so what ended up happening was uh when the facility was.

N

Excavated, initially, uh to remove some of the material that had deposited there.

N

During one of the storms that we had, we did have a sinkhole form in the bottom of the.

N

Facility uh when that happened, we undertook uh measures to mitigate that which basically ended.

N

Up being, we have to excavate a sinkhole, we have to fill it back properly and then we have to put.

N

Additional uh cover back over the facility in order to mitigate that when that took.

N

Place we found other sinkholes that opened up and that's usually how it happens, believe it or not.

N

When you get one you can get multiples. uh One other thing that we had, which I think is very.

N

Unique here I want to take the opportunity uh and we have some video of it. They actually were.

N

Taking the track of the large tractor across the bottom of the facility and in some places.

N

We proof rolled it, we rolled it with a vibratory roller to initiate sinkholes to create them once.

N

We found one and uh they found some soft spots in there when they were taking the bucket with the.

N

Track and pushing on the bottom of the facility it was like they were like one of those old wave.

N

uh Tanks that you used to have you know when back in the 70s, you could see the wave going.

N

Across the bottom of the facility for a short distance, that's how unstable the ground was so.

N

The to end this story, we did excavation there, we repaired all the sinkholes in those suspect areas.

N

Back filled it with the proper clay bottom that was required to make sure we were reinforcing.

N

It from future sinkholes and the change order that was required to do that. Work.

N

Amounted to seven thousand four hundred, ninety three dollars, fifty cents, uh and so that was.

N

Over our approved uh ability to to make the payment for that, which is a 10 threshold,.

N

And so uh we're here today for your request to approve that change order, uh keeping in mind that.

N

uh The project cost was uh and budgeted was 730 000. We actually were awarded or rewarded.

N

The contract to kibbler construction for 655 000, so we're we're just in that range of the.

N

Approved budget, so we feel very confident that we pretty much kept it within the budget range.

N

Initially so any questions you might have from myself or if there are any more.

N

Engineering type specifics about this project, certainly chris can answer them.

N

You request your consideration for the change order. You know my concern. Tommy.

A

Shared that, uh once you find one sinkhole, you're potentially are likely to find others.

A

And you're saying that this is going to be the last um the confidence level in uh you know once.

A

This is restored, or once the work is done, that this will be the last. How do you come up with that?.

N

We use the best available technology. Commissioner, our professional judgment. We do what what what we.

N

Can to prevent them in the future and have a lot of confidence that we did did a good job.

N

We've got vast experience, commissioner 30 some years in repairing sinkholes.

N

In carroll county government and uh I feel very confident that what we did out there.

N

You know achieve the goal of mitigating in this specific location.

E

Mr devil, this I thought you know I'll say it was the last because you're retiring.

E

All this excitement going on with rocks and dirt. You sure you don't want to stick around a little.

E

While longer for us, I would I will enjoy those rocks and all in a different mode. uh Did you.

C

Finish the project as it needs to be finished, uh even with this uh setback chris, do you wanna, dress,.

N

That, please sure yes, yeah did you finish the project as you need to, even with the setbacks.

Q

Yes, we did yes, the project is substantially complete um at this point. um The last couple.

Q

Items that need to be addressed are paving of the access road, which is weather, dependent and also.

Q

Making sure we get final state uh final vegetative stabilization, which is also weather dependent, so.

Q

All the construction work other than the paving is is done, and um the contractor has demobilized.

Q

And then, as the weather improves, we'll take care of those last couple punch list items.

C

Well, I knew the border county commissioner approved the changes.

C

uh Change order in the amount of seventy seven thousand four hundred ninety three dollars and.

C

Fifty three cents to the greens and westminster storm water management, restoration contract; second,.

A

Okay, I got a motion. I got a second. I appreciate tom, your response uh to my question because.

A

30 years of subject matter, expertise definitely goes a long ways.

A

Any uh further discussion comments, questions seeing hearing none, oh okay, go ahead.

B

Real quick refresh my memory: where is that exactly the project? What road is that and.

B

You say it's in the greens, but where is it again? I'm just curious.

N

Chris, it's right off the wamper avenue correct. What's the cross street, I don't.

N

I don't move across street okay yep I got it. I got it. Okay, good.

B

Okay, any further discussion comments, questions seeing hearing none all in favor.

A

Okay, we got 5-0. Thank you, gentlemen. Okay, absolutely thank you very much.

A

Good job tom chris now we're going to move into a public comment before we go into our agenda.

A

Review and uh open admin, we do have public comments. um Chris, do you want to uh sure.

A

Put them in order: okay, I'm the first person, please identify yourself and you'll have three minutes.

M

Caller number one you are commuted, I I apologize. Let me just uh you know a little ground rules if.

A

You have not provided public comments uh before the intent here is to be listened to from the.

A

Commissioners, there will not be a dialogue going back and forth between commissioners.

A

Any questions you may have, we will record and work to get back to you and be responsive to.

A

Your questions, but it's your opportunity to be heard and listen to at this time, go ahead. Caller.

M

Number one you have been unmuted, please identify yourself, aaron dockery, uh I'm a resident of.

C

Sunshine, lake and I would like to yield uh three minutes of my time to for my time to.

C

A fellow neighbor, his name is mike weiner.

M

Okay, we'll meet you and next one.

M

Caller three, please identify yourself. My name is chad costello, I'm also a neighbor of sunshine way.

M

And I would also like to yield my time to my partner in prior to signs that we.

M

Okay, thank you caller number. Seven, please identify yourself hi uh hello good afternoon, uh my name.

R

Is michael weiner of 589 sunshine way here in westminster? Thank you for taking your time today.

R

To hear my voice and the voices of my neighborhood, we, the residents of sunshine way between sullivan.

R

And han rhodes together have a message that you, the board of commissioners, need to hear our road.

R

In which we call home sunshine way has been a speedway for a long time. We've been working with.

R

The county for years on a solution that would safely protect our families and maintain the.

R

Aesthetic appeal that drew us to this neighborhood in the first place, although it isn't our primary.

R

Concern costs on us and the rest of the carroll county taxpayers also plays a factor in our.

R

Decision on how to best resolve this problem a couple years ago, at the request of commissioner.

R

Frazier, the county performed a traffic study which proved and quantified the dangers of our way.

R

Also at mr frazier's request, we formed a community committee which met prior to the pandemic on.

R

Multiple occasions with the county engineer chris lennon to work together on a design and design a.

R

Solution to our problem, our first idea that we had was simple and effective traffic enforcement.

R

However, it was then brought to our attention that the county sheriff louise was independent of the.

R

County and could not be instructed to perform any enforcement. All enforcement efforts would.

R

Only be provided if resources out of the county's control were available. Mr lanation introduced us.

R

To the concept of traffic calming which tries to slow traffic, by least affecting the flow.

R

From the beginning, all of us from the committee recognize this concept to be erroneous.

R

Given the problems that we witnessed daily with the curvatures of the road and the blind spots,.

R

That the topography and parked cars and driveways and on the street create we, as a committee.

R

Unanimously agreed with our combined decades and decades of driving experience that traffic.

R

Calming was not the solution. Every member of the committee favored to try the least expensive.

R

And safest option for our neighborhood, which was the installation of stop signs on the sunshine way.

R

The engineer mr levation initiated the claim that, in the concept of traffic calming stop signs do.

R

Not work respectfully, our committee rejected the need for traffic calming and emphasized the need.

R

For traffic, stopping we weren't arguing that the fact that in situations where.

R

Traffic calming can be implemented safely, affordably and aesthetically. Pleasing.

R

That the concept doesn't have its place, however, on our street the street we travel every single day.

R

Of our lives and the street, we know better than any other in existence. We need traffic to stop.

R

That our children and our community can safely share the benefits of the paved way.

R

Histler lanaonchen and mr frazier wanted to hear nothing of the sorts from us residents.

R

Even though stop signs our league are a legal option to control traffic on our street as.

R

They're doing countless residential intersections throughout the county, state and country for some.

R

Reason not explained to us the far-fetched idea that installing stop signs would make.

R

The neighborhood more dangerous is now being sold by mr fraser and the people who answered to him in.

R

The county, roads departments in an email received on february 25th of 2020, mr lanaton informed me.

R

That he was directed by the director of public works to proceed with the proposal of three center.

R

Islands and three center bump outs on the initial ballot for us residents to vote on. At this point.

R

Myself and my neighbor mr costello requested a zoom meeting with the director of public works.

R

To request that all legal options be placed on any ballot for the neighborhood to decide.

R

After all, the residents have the driving experience and personal experiences on our.

R

Street, to make a reasonable judgment on how best to resolve our problems.

R

So what happens? Next we have a zoom meeting with the director and other county officials who.

R

With seemingly deaf ears ignored, yet another attempt to consider stop signs.

R

Inequitably and equitably place them on the ballot at the request of the community. As expected, the.

R

Community rejected the initial ballot and the county began its attempt to cease further progress.

R

On the issue, as months went by, I continued to send emails to the county, requesting progress.

R

Finally, mr brown, the deputy director informed me that he will soon be sending a second ballot.

R

For the community to once again vote on this time, I demanded a stop signs being optioned.

R

On the latest ballot, once again the community was ignored. We were sent ballots with only one option.

R

The expensive and unfavored bump outs in medians. I'm sorry can somebody please mute their phone.

R

The expensive and unfavored bump outs in medians that have their own safety concerns.

R

Which were never addressed on mr casella's driveway, we as a neighborhood stepped into.

R

Action and attempted to distribute an addendum in the rain on labor day 2020, which proved which.

R

Provided a choice for the community, we had very little time to get this distributed at that point,.

R

The county team, with their less than legitimate, failed attempt to implement their concept.

R

Sent us notification that they are done working on this problem. They have traffic studies that show.

R

I'm sorry, there's traffic studies that show danger and putting this on hold for two years is not an.

R

Option we were never given an equitable vote or any idea that they would be stopping progress if.

R

That we were that they would be stopping progress and that, if we were interested in reapplying in.

R

Two years we could do so, I'm here to tell you today. This is not how this is going to work.

R

The safety of my children will not be placed on hold because the single option by the county did.

R

Not get approved, I have in my possession a new ballot that was taken door to door over the last.

R

Two weekends: we gave a choice. Unlike the county ballot, we allowed the neighbors to choose between.

R

A the county proposed traffic calming options and these stop signs of the 53 signatures we received.

R

100 of them are for stop signs, given there are 71 homes on our adjacent on or adjacent.

R

To sunshine way, this exceeds the county set requirement of 66 by a substantial amount.

R

We still have 18 houses that we didn't get answers to yet and we hold a 75 majority.

R

As far as his neighbors are concerned, stop signs are legal and exist everywhere else in the county.

R

We are here to demand that they are installed.

R

If the commissioners or anyone else wish to argue.

R

uh That stop signs are more dangerous. I have two questions for you, one. How many complaints do you.

R

Have from local residents that want their stop signs removed and two? How many intersections.

R

Have you removed or do you have approved plans to remove multi-stop, stop signs in residential areas.

R

We, the residents, have spoken. We are asking for reconsideration.

R

In offering support for implementing our favored resolution.

R

A representative from our party will drop off copies today to your to the commissioner's office.

R

For all of you to be reviewed by, please take the next week and discuss this amongst yourselves.

R

And we look forward to hearing your responses in next week's commissioner's hearing.

R

Thank you for your time. That's all. I have.

A

We will once receiving you know whatever correspondence will work on it from there, but.

A

Thank you. Okay. Next, caller caller 8 you've been unmuted. Please state your name. That's all! I have.

M

Okay, you have three minutes. Thank you.

M

You've been unmuted, do you have a public comment.

P

uh It may have been the entire group yeah they might have. Okay, if no comment.

M

We'll get back to you later, try again next thursday, thanks or this afternoon.

A

Okay, do we have any other public comments, none that I can see.

A

Okay, open admin, anything for open admin amongst us, roberta. You have a finger up.

S

Yes, thank you um so some time ago, I don't remember exactly how long day prior board, commissioners.

S

Established a long-term advisory council, they did their work, they.

S

And did a even a sort of a wrap up here um which uh was completed either.

S

January, 19 or january I think january of 19. anyway. So it's been some time since.

S

They've, been, uh you know, completed their work, but technically the board is still on.

S

Your books as a viable commission and just like your approval to eliminate that board.

S

Since they've completed their work, I I believe that they are coming through.

C

You're coming through very garbled yeah, that was all that was all broken up, but I think I.

B

Got the gist of it? uh I actually, I think uh I think I know what you're talking about and.

B

I think those folks uh that served on that we want greatly thank them. We already have many times they.

B

Did a great job, but uh I don't really see a reason uh for that group to continue. I think what they.

B

What they accomplished was good, we've got it and uh we actually have a lot of written uh work from.

B

Them as well, so I I would entertain the motion that we go ahead and and and and and this or just.

B

Stop that that commission, at this at this time, yeah I will uh I apologize, commissioner.

A

Did you second? Okay? So we got a motion, we got a second and I uh I agree with uh the sentiment.

A

That you you you made. I do believe that type of commission's, like a task force where you stand.

A

Up for a specific purpose, when that purpose is complete, you disband it and you take what they.

A

Provided so again our great gratitude- and we have provided that to that team. um So we had a motion.

A

In a second, is there any further discussion on the ltch seen here, none all in favor of disbandment.

A

Okay, the second boarding commission. I think that roberto would want to say.

A

Instead of her getting garbled has to do with economic development, commission.

A

Okay, well, I want to bring it up. uh I don't believe, there's a.

A

Continuing purpose for that commission to continue uh speaking with our economic development team.

A

And the work that they're doing um you know so again providing boards and commissions.

A

Gives us an opportunity for uh to leverage subject matter expertise within the community for specific.

A

Purposes um at this time, I don't think that it's active uh and I think that it would be appropriate.

A

If we just take that off of the books as well the economic development expression, the motion.

A

Okay got a motion in a second any further discussion on that: okay, all in favor.

A

Jay 5.0 any other uh open admin.

A

Okay, we're going to move into agendas.

A

Let's see starting next week wishing everybody a very happy valentine's day on the 14th, but.

A

I was going to say we're closing observance of valentine's day, but that's not true. We're.

A

Closed on monday, an observance of presidents, day tuesday february 16th planning and zoning.

A

Commission meeting with commissioner lance will be attending and commissioner weaver.

A

And I will be attending the veterans advisory council meeting at two o'clock on wednesday.

A

uh Is the day of mako the maryland association counties where commissioner frazier will be in.

A

The subcommittee for land use, commissioner lance for the tax subcommittee meeting, both at 9 30 and.

A

Then at 10 o'clock they will both be attending the legislative committee meeting of mako.

A

On wednesday, at uh 2 p.m is the economic alliance greater baltimore board meeting, which I will be.

A

Attending and that later afternoon, carroll community college board of trustees meeting.

A

Will be a virtual meeting with commissioner wants attending.

A

On thursday february 18th at 8 30 in the morning, the bwi business partnership.

A

The new garrison commander, installation commander, colonel nyland, uh will be the keynote speaker.

A

Personally, I can't believe it's about four or five commanders, since I commanded there so time does.

A

Fly but I will be attending that uh for a brief time at nine o'clock we will go into open session.

A

um Going through the typical state directives, the health update and legislative uh update.

A

From mr fowler we will then, as weekly, I have a fire ems update from mr mccoy.

A

Sheriff dewees and uh the state attorney carroll county state's attorney office. Mr d, leonardo will.

A

Be coming in to talk about uh law enforcement, body-worn camera project they'll be providing.

A

Us a briefing at that time. We will then get a loan request from the hampstead fire company.

A

um Let's see, we will have a bid approval uh request for a 2021 pipe culvert repairs.

A

Replacement uh on old hanover road we'll then go into our typical open admin. Public comments.

A

And review agenda reviews and then into close for land acquisition. We have nothing on friday.

A

Saturday and then sunday, commissioner weaver will be providing a podcast on the 21st. Excuse me.

A

On february 22nd monday, we have governor's emergency management, advisory council.

A

Or gmac, where commissioner wants will be attending virtually, uh we will have an open session at 10.

A

O'clock on tuesday february 23rd and right now we have uh legislative update with mr fowler, but that.

A

Will open session will fill up uh as as we move forward on wednesday? The 24th is again a mako with.

A

The land use subcommittee with commissioner fraser tax subcommittee with commissioner lance and then.

A

The legislative committee with commissioner fraser and wants all being virtual at this time.

A

On thursday, we have open session again the beginning of open session dealing with the state.

A

Directives, uh mr singer or and his team, giving us a health update, uh we'll have a legislate.

A

No, I apologize mike fowler will be providing that on tuesday will then go into fire. Ems. Excuse me.

A

Update from mr mccoy and we'll have a public hearing, if necessary,.

A

On the fy 22 transportation plan, um let's see and then we will have a public hearing on well.

A

On the proposed amendments to chapter 34 or ethics, chapter 34 ethics at 1104 after.

A

That 1105 scheduled is a piney run watershed study briefing by mr devilbiss. We will then.

A

Have a conversation about the fees dealing with water and sewer amendments by our planning team.

A

And then fees dealing with annexation requests again by miss eisenberg and planning we'll go.

A

Through uh public comments, agenda review that'll be the end of thursday um friday saturday. Nothing.

A

And commissioner frazier, I look forward to your podcast on the 28th ending up february.

A

Okay, do the agenda sound right, one change the 24th uh five o'clock. I know the board.

C

Of ed has an added uh work session about the opening of schools I'll be attending. Okay,.

A

Okay, where am I at.

A

Now, unless somebody else will go no go ahead, unless somebody else wants to attend.

A

Right now, you are tagged to attend. We'll figure it out. If there's gonna be a change.

A

I think at this point I need a motion to go into closed.

A

uh For land acquisition and then uh recess after that, going then going back into open at 1 30.

A

Okay, do I have a motion to go into closed at this time? Okay, all in favor.

A

Okay, do I have a motion then, to recess after close to then go until 1 30. still moved so moved.

B

Be careful when you recess going outside for recess today, it's kind of snowy.

B

Yeah I like recess, okay, we got two uh so moves, but we got no second anyway,.

A

We have a phil moved in a second all in favor, aye. Okay, we go into closed.

A