Carroll County, MD Board of County Commissioners Open Sessions, 26 Jan 2023

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From YouTube: Board of County Commissioners Open Session January 26, 2023

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Okay good morning, commissioner, ed rossi in january 26th, the last.

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Session in january, 2023 is moving right along as always, let's stand.

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For pledge of allegiance and then a moment of silence and keep those in mind that have.

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Lost their lives in california, those last couple, mass shootings and all happening.

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To the republic for which it stands, one nation under.

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God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

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Okay, thank you just tragic. May the memories be a blessing to all those that knew them.

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And let's try to figure all this out, but just horrible.

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um Okay, we're going to jump right into uh priority carol and what I like to do is knowing.

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That the three of us are probably going to talk about the same thing. At least one of the topics.

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um Celine, why don't you come on up and whoever else you want to bring up to talk about.

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The uh the pit, which is a point in time looking for.

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I don't say looking for, but having the accountability for our homeless in our community.

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um It's done annually. uh The three of us had the opportunity to participate.

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From up here with the team, just highlighting just how I think proud of all of us are with um the.

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Work, you do uh the coordination, the leadership, the commitment that you have uh to our community.

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um And just taking a couple hours out looking and talking to folks, you know meant a lot.

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So um I know I had a couple of uh pictures. I don't for some reason. My mantra is not.

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Working, I see something now. Let me see if I push a button. It'll work, maybe.

D

Yeah so uh a couple of the the pictures in preparation- oh.

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And um how many folks did you have total come out our volunteers, volunteers, um folks that went out.

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In the community and then were also based at their organizations, we probably had about 40 people, okay,.

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And then um how many ships were there? I know there was a morning early morning, thanks perfect yeah. We.

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Had an early morning shift that got started at about 6 30, and then we had the second wave that.

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Came in at 8 30 and throughout the day we visited over 90 sites between all of our different teams.

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Last night, commissioner kyler and I went to a reception uh with mako the maryland association.

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Counties and I was walking with uh montgomery county councilman and he was going out last.

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Night and I'm like well that kind of thing's going out last night at nine o'clock, I was like first.

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Off who wants to be woken up at nine o'clock on a nasty evening? The way it was so, I think at least.

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We had the luxury of going out in a relatively nice day um and uh and see what we could.

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um There was a couple of encampments that I had the opportunity to take.

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um This was one and uh if you look closely at the door, there's actually a cat door on the bottom.

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So um you know somebody's trying to do the best they can with what they have, and this is a second.

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And those are basically ponchos tied together, um you know and us you know, checking it out. You know.

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Walking up with full dignity and respect um asking if anyone's there and if they are going through.

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um You know a questionnaire on what their needs may be um and going from that, so I.

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Just wanted to start throw that out, I'm going to hand it off to you in a second I'd like.

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um College commissioner, vigliani and kyler to say a few words about your experiences. So please.

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Yeah, it was great, thank you and uh it's it's interesting. We were asked to volunteer our time.

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To do it and like so many volunteer experiences, I got more out of it than I gave, and uh I hope you.

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You guys didn't mind, I asked a lot of questions and uh got a lot of answers and and- and I assume.

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You designed it that way, but I ended up in my neck of the woods so uh I could. I could also tell you.

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Guys who owned, which building and who used to own it and what was happening to it and and a couple.

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Of the places we stopped, I got hugs. I hope that didn't offend anybody, but but I do know the people.

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There so that made it neat and- and I just it's an awesome thing to do and and it's got to be tough.

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For it's similar to enrollment at schools, it's whatever september 30th and that's what it is.

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And it could be totally different october 1st and you guys have to deal with that the day you.

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Do it is the count, and uh so thank you and good luck, commissioner, big leah, so I'll uh I'll keep.

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My remarks a little limited because I had more to say that I'd worked into priority carol for later.

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So ed, you may want me to go last when that comes around, but um I wanted to say thank you for the.

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Invitation to participate in this as well, you know, as commissioners, rothstein and kyler had.

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So you know eloquently themselves said that you know you get more out of it than you give and.

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You know it really is important uh that that you know those of us who are in positions being able.

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To help people in some way do that you know, and I cannot commend you guys enough and everyone who.

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Works in that department and other volunteers for the for the amazing you know, professionalism and.

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Kindness that that was demonstrated, you know, and it it again without getting too much into what I.

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Want to say in a couple of minutes I mean I again count me in for next year and and I you guys are.

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A blessing absolute blessing so uh sheriff to wish you heard that eloquent we are eloquent according.

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To commitment just saying I there's a king in there somewhere, I think I don't know but yeah.

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Please yeah one thing that more eloquent scott and I had written, but um we all changed. We also.

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Were fortunate enough to end up at table of grace and what an awesome thing they do and and to walk.

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Around that room, and- and um it's embarrassing for me to say this- uh my wife rhonda has helped.

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There for many many many years, but that's the first time I've ever been there. So thank you.

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um Yeah, let's turn over to uh you, ladies and share with us some. You know how long we've been doing.

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This some of the uh output from the other day and what are the next steps forward. So I did want to.

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Start by just thanking you, the commissioners for accompanying us on the point in time, homelessness.

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Count because it really shows uh you as well as our county administrator. It really shows.

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The commitment from the county and the connection you want to have with our community to support us.

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In this in this outreach, because it's not a short time that we were out, we were out for a very long.

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Time driving to all corners of the county- and it was great to have you along because you definitely.

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Commissioner kyler was with me, I know you did ask a lot of questions, but they were very pertinent.

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Questions and- and I hope that you all had that opportunity to learn a lot from everyone- I did.

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Want to say that and I'll get to the numbers in a little bit. But I did also want to talk about the.

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Commitment that we have to ending homelessness in carroll county, you can see by the volume of.

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People that participated in the count on tuesday are volunteers and community entities different.

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Agencies that assisted us that we really do have a wonderful group of people willing to step up to.

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The plate to end homelessness. Here we had seven stationary teams that were at different service.

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Locations like our senior centers, dss access carol, and then we had our 11 teams that went.

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Out into the community- and it truly does take a village to fight homelessness, and it is a.

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Fight, because it's it's not it's not ending, I don't know that ending homelessness will.

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Happen, but our goal to end homelessness by hud's definition is that we have a point of access for.

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Someone to get into shelter immediately, we are not quite there yet, but that is our goal.

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um This type of effort to reach to the corners of the county takes great coordination. The driving.

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Force behind this effort was danielle yates, our bureau chief of housing and community connections.

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And then stephanie krome our homeless management information system coordinator. So I do want to.

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Thank both of you because there was a lot of work put into this, as you can imagine, with the.

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Mapping and the directions to go to all of these 90 locations throughout the community, so thank you.

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Ladies, you did great work. I also wanted to say I wanted to thank our carroll county gis team.

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They also they're not in the audience today, but I hope they're watching. They helped us to develop.

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A new survey platform this year through a mobile application that allowed us to collect this survey.

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Data and information and enter it directly in real time onto our phones into this survey, and then it.

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Aggregated this data it even allowed allowed us to pinpoint the location of where we were taking.

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That survey information, so we could see where we were encountering homeless, individuals throughout.

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The county and and that team was tom down, allowed ferris salmon solomon and kevin stephen stevens.

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They worked very closely with us, especially with stephanie, to help create this this new, um this new.

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Software platform for us- and that was great, so we did get that information right away and stephanie.

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Could track it all day, long on her data dashboard, so that was wonderful. The clown is reflective of.

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One day, however, our efforts do not stop. On this day. I do want to acknowledge a core team of.

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Outreach professionals who are engaged every day in this in this effort and they're, not just on.

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Our team they're identified throughout different agencies in the county, one of those includes mike.

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Clavin and then his staff jennifer gribble from carroll county health department, their outreach.

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Specialist judy nance from hsp master deputy mcginnis from carroll county sheriff department.

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uh Victoria ash from westminster cities, police department- that's just to name a few, but the.

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Efforts of all the agencies across the spectrum that provide supports to homeless individuals in.

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Carroll county is truly amazing from access carol to hsp's team carroll, county health.

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Department's team, dss fire ems law enforcement, healthcare providers, our faith-based communities.

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Food pantries soup kitchens, and especially our department of citizen services, because.

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I think I I push them a lot to keep driving this forward, but really it it's a collaborative team.

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And we couldn't do it alone, we really couldn't the point in time. Count does remain open for.

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Six days after the count, so our number that we'll report here today may increase a little.

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Bit based on additional folks that we encounter that were homeless on the night of january 23rd,.

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That is our count night. um We did identify with our survey this year. 23 unsheltered individuals.

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And 74 sheltered individuals for a total of 97.. This did include 12 children. All the children are.

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Sheltered they were not unsheltered and there are six veterans, five of whom are sheltered.

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One who has been unsheltered for many years- and he reported that out to us we can. We are engaged with.

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Him we know him and we'll continue to follow up with him as we do and encourage him to come into.

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Shelter in the 2022 count, which was last year, we did identify 14, unsheltered and 65, sheltered.

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Individuals just to give you kind of a a baseline of where we are, but last year we did not do.

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We did not do the aggressive volunteer outreach that we did this year due to covid, preventing.

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Us from doing that level of outreach, so um pre-covered numbers uh we in 2019 we had.

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Identified 23 unsheltered individuals and 121 sheltered for a total of 144 individuals that.

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We encountered that were homeless. I do want to say, as I think commissioner rothstein identified, the.

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These point in time, counts are just one day. This is not reflective of the volume of work that we.

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We have in front of us and behind us that we do each year with our homeless population in.

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Carroll county last year in 2022 we did work with 507 homeless individuals to provide services so.

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Just to keep that in mind, this is just a point in time. This is one day and many of these folks.

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That we encounter will get into housing, and- and that is the positive thing to know, because we.

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Have a great continuum of sheltering and then housing options for people to step through.

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um Our our housing and housing stability uh process, so, okay, ladies, would you like to just.

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Continued thanks, like celine, said most importantly, even though the pit or the point in time count is.

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One day every year you know, there's got to be continual awareness with our specialty of the.

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Outreach team: we will continue to go out every day, make contact with these individuals and work.

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To end homelessness and get these folks housed yeah, I I agree: it's not it's not about just that.

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Above the fold picture and article that we see in the paper one day when we do it, but it is a.

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365 24 7, so I definitely appreciate and you uh the unsung hero of making all work right.

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um Since you shared the picture with the cat door, commissioner I'll share that our unsheltered.

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Veteran had a little hole cut in the side of his tent as a cat door as well. So um I thought.

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That was pretty cool that he was taking care of his cat. Absolutely sometimes you need that so.

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um Now appreciate all the work that you know, ulys do especially you for really. You know.

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As we say, boots on the ground and really doing a lot of the coordination, so thank you so much.

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um With that, uh do you have more you want to share about yes, sir yeah, a couple yeah a couple so feel.

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Free one is our priority: carolyn priority carol all right. Well, thank you, uh commissioner. Rothstein.

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um So the first thing I want to say is that for anybody who has emailed me or or sent me.

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Comments or called me over the last you know week and a half I'm doing my best to to catch.

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Up to everything, I have not gotten back to you yet, please forgive me, um and uh you know if, if I.

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Haven't responded in a timely enough fashion. Please feel free to reach out to me again.

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um So the very first thing I want to do before I get into yesterday. uh You know during the the.

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Conversation last week on solar, I wanted to extend uh compliments to chris heinen to brenda din for.

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The professionalism that they demonstrated during last week's meeting- you know uh public hearings.

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Can sometimes get a little heated and, and you know it's not their fault, where solar does or.

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Does not go, um and you know anyone whether they support or oppose sol, or it's no reflection on.

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The work that they do- and I know in particular there was one comment that really did kind of.

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Irritate me, somebody described the work that they did, the informational graphics they put together.

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Was quote comic book and I reject that assertion. I think that what they do is very professional. I.

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Think it's well received, and I think that you know that goes for all of our departments. The.

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Information that we received is important and I think it's they're professional they're well.

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Created and again they're well received, uh so as commissioners, rossin and kyler did in our county.

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Administrator did and some others I had the honor of heading out for a point in time.

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Homelessness counts earlier this week and I had the specific privilege of joining kerry verts.

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From the bureau of housing and sheriff's deputy kevin mcginnis and covering an area between union.

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Bridge tiny town and wakefield valley- and we found a couple of people and we offered them.

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Ways to seek assistance, and, and specifically I want to compliment uh both ms verts and deputy.

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Mcginnis, who conducted themselves with the utmost professional and absolute kindness with those.

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That we encounter and you can easily see that the there is a tremendous amount of compassion.

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That they had, and it's good to know, that our county employs people like them and, like you.

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um uh Yesterday I participated in my first meeting with the commission on aging and.

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Disabilities presided over by the capable jimmy karen, it's a wonderful group of people and I'm so.

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Very grateful to be a part of them and two quick things of note that I picked up from yesterday's.

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Meeting since the new year, there's been a 30 increase in the people using the senior centers.

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And that number has remained steady since and secondly, free training is going to be offered.

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For caregivers, for those who have someone in their charge, that is aging or disabled.

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uh You know again it's an it's in heartening to to continue to meet so many good people who are.

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So dedicated to this place that that we know is our home and it's unhardening to understand that.

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This dedication that this love is for other people and in thinking about this, while I was.

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Driving around the other day, with deputy mcginnis and ms verts about how each person matters about.

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How each person has a soul that is handcrafted by god. I was reminded of how complicated life.

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Can be and how important it is to remain humble and, above all, to to remain grateful.

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You know we get caught up in disagreements in our daily lives. You know not even just.

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Political but personal too, and we we tend to focus on the things that the divide us and we.

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Forget to see each other, you know and I'm not saying that we shouldn't have discussions or.

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Conversations we do need to speak more often, but we also have to try not to speak past each other.

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And instead of you know trying to find that moment now you know it's so popular or you.

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Know you make a statement and you drop the mic and you you walk away from someone. You know we.

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Ought to try to find a moment to listen and try to genuinely understand, and you know we we may.

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Not agree in the end, we may even disapprove, but you know we're not going to cast each other out.

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In the process and those things that really do matter, things like life and love are the things.

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That ultimately, are going to prevail, and uh so I was incredibly grateful not only to help out this.

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Week in different ways and to get to understand and to to learn more, but I'm incredibly grateful.

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For this, because of the reminders of humility and gratitude that I'm always going to try to carry.

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Forward in all that, I do, and you never know who the next person you meet is going to be no matter.

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How old they are, what their living situation is or where you find them, and uh you know it's just it.

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Is a credit to our county that we we pay attention to to those who would otherwise be forgotten and.

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I thank all of you again for for all that and roberta thank you for participating the other.

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Day and and commissioners, thank you as well, and I know we had some others as well. I think matt also.

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Participated wherever he is, thank you to him as well so and correct. Thank you and chris as well.

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And so thank you very much and that's it for me, commissioner. Okay, who wants to follow that.

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Go for it I can and quick um yeah. It's uh we've been at this and now.

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For about two months almost and it's still exciting and I'm still learning hopefully.

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um I try um last saturday round and I went to lumber fire department. They had a wards banquet.

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And one of the things that I was so impressed with and we've talked already a bunch about volunteers.

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A lot of their award winners, a lot of the volunteers who did a lot of hours.

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Were young all you seem to hear today is all the the lions clubs, the whatever clubs the.

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The fire department, the volunteers, you have you know well, it's an older group and the.

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Young people don't do it well, the young people do and- and it's impressive and.

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um They're, actually big award for the year went to a pretty young person. Now they still have.

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People, my age, that are doing a lot of errors and doing stuff, but it's so great to see.

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Young volunteers, pitching in in this county, I discussed some projects with economic development.

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um As commissioner rothstein said, we did a couple different mako activities this week.

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And again, thank you. Thank you for the point in time count and I did visit some of the potential.

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Solar sites just to get an idea of how they looked and where they were and similar to your comments.

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I've talked to a number of citizens about issues: I've gotten emails, I've, gotten phone calls and.

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I'm trying hard to get back to everybody in a timely manner, but two points I want to make one.

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If people want it anything they talk to me about will remain confidential as where it.

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Came from or whom it came from and- and I just wanna emphasize that because so many people.

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Seem to be afraid to voice their opinion because you're gonna right away, say: oh yeah, john smith,.

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Told me uh whatever whatever well, that's, not how it works and and, as my eloquent commissioner said,.

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um Call email, please contact and and uh on on my emails, is my cell phone number and please call.

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um Emails can be code. I can be blunt to begin with, but emails make it even look.

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Worse, so uh I I love talking. Thank you absolutely, commissioner. Gary yeah I'll forgo uh my time for.

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The extra time I'll forgo my priority curl, but I want to mention: why am I the seat next to me.

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Is empty uh commissioner, gordon's attending a uh very important ribbon cutting ceremony for.

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A very important business in carroll county- that's expanding, so I'm sure he'll have more.

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To say about that at a later date, but he'll be joining us later, but uh that's all okay.

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I have a february 28th, a town hall meeting um and it's a special town hall meeting from the.

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Comments and impact that I received from I guess two weeks ago and is specifically.

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Focused on a proposed storage facility down in the eldersburg area in the carroll.

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Highlands community on 26., more information to follow on that. But I have the developer.

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For that proposed site, that's going to be there with me and get input from the community.

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Any kind of dovetails with what commissioner kyler shared is, you know we're here. We don't.

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Have all the best answers you do collectively getting that information to us is so important.

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Social media is absolutely not the best way to do it, uh one as a commissioner shared it can.

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Be a sewer or it could be sewage that goes in. If your comments, they're directed to any.

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One of us pick up the phone email text phone call. Social media just doesn't cut it because.

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At least I know for me, and I I believe the others there's not going to be this interaction on social.

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Media because there's no value uh so, but um there is lots of value in picking up the phone.

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Or calling or coming in and having a conversation uh because there's a lot of activities that are.

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Happening in our community and we want to address all of them, um so I ask that we just continue to.

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To push forwards towards that, I know sometimes I'm a broken record and sharing that, but uh you.

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Know it becomes challenging uh sometimes not a broken record. It's a good song yeah.

A

A

Prepared uh you know, honestly, what's on my mind, is um the horrific events that have been happening.

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In california, the couple of murders that happened uh or mass murders- um and I just you know, wishing.

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That strains, the courage is given to the families and friends and.

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That all the memories be a blessing to those that have been lost, because it's.

A

Pretty sad um and just knowing that it can happen anywhere, um so that's kind of what's on my mind,.

A

Okay, I apologize ladies for keeping up here. You didn't have to- and I didn't say, go ahead, but thank.

C

You thank you so much. Thank you very much. Keep your names on the list for next year. Absolutely.

I

I think they just got volunteered. That's right. No, we're volunteled.

A

And ms windham was color coordinated and all looking good out there. I was like really.

A

um Okay, sheriff deweese and team money come on up in approval to lee space for the offender.

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Diversion unit, I think we have a couple powerpoint slides, but I will try and explain all this as.

J

Eloquently as possible, there's a lot of moving parts to what I'm going to explain. But before.

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I get started you guys know. Mrs mcdonald, behind me is colonel shrine, he's a warden next to him.

J

Is colby brewer he's the program manager for the offendered version unit or pre-trial as you would.

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Know it he's been to program manager since 2013.? um Do you want to go ahead and read the so good.

K

Morning, commissioners, good morning um so we're here before you this morning, the carroll county.

K

Sheriff's office, in coordination with management and budget staff request your approval to lease.

K

Space for the carroll county, sheriff's office offender diversion unit, the ccso requests your.

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Approval for one of the options for lease payments, with a new law enforcement building being located.

K

On the greenwood avenue complex, the building currently housing, the staff that work in the.

K

Offender diversion unit in the roadway building is it's finally known will need to be taken down.

K

After reviewing several options for moving housing and finding housing for the staff, the best option.

K

Is to lease space long-term for them a proposal lease space at 37, south cranberry road has been.

K

Received the space will be sufficient for the long-term needs of the unit. In addition, the.

K

Landlord is open to several payment options which are listed below sheriff. We shall continue on so.

J

I'll give you kind of an overview of what we're looking at, as ms mcdonald said, we're looking to.

J

Leave space, it's approximately 3 000 square feet exactly 3082 square feet at 37, south.

J

Cranberry road, that is the cranberry business center, is what it's located is what it's called.

J

So if, as we share the map, it's kind of right there, next to the texas roadhouse and as you.

J

Look at the map, it's about 2 000 feet from our current free trial release or the old roadway.

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Building which she's pointing at now so the proximity is right. There mackenzie real estate.

J

um Services who we've been negotiating to contract with a little bit about the offender offender.

J

Diversion unit or pre-trial it's currently located at the old roadway building, it's been there since.

J

2011., the building is approximately 4 200 square feet. The offender diversion unit free trial.

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Currently has 1700 square feet of space, which includes pre-trial electronic monitoring and our.

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Transportation unit there are 11 employees that work out of that particular office. The warehouse.

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Portion as you see, the back is approximately 2500 square feet and we have we house records.

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There inmate supplies and some evidence in that particular section of the building and.

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Next to the building is our impound lot that we store vehicles motorcycles, those sort of things.

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That we store for any particular reason primarily for um fatal collisions that take place or search.

J

Warrants that need to be executed, the pre-trial release model itself started in 1996. It used space.

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Under the jail that was adjacent to our patrol unit, they quickly grew out of that space and in.

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2011 they expanded and used inmate labor to clean the front of the old roadway building so that they.

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Could start using that as their operation at the time the building only had two bathrooms.

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For both employees and inmate testing and in 2017, the county approved the projects that we.

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Could build an additional bathroom so that we can handle the amount of urinalysis and drug testing.

J

That was taking place. The pre-trial concept model in 1996 was years ahead of its time, and it's now.

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This particular pre-trial as a model for all other local detention centers throughout the.

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State we regularly get calls and farm our folks out to other detention facilities so that they.

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Can model our program, the pre-trial odu action currently monitors a number of of individuals.

J

They generally rotate between 200 and upward of 240 250 inmates that go through that facility.

J

At any given point, they do approximately in 2022 they did just over 5500 year. Analysis.

J

um They typically uh have a what we consider a rate of compliance of about 96 percent when we.

J

When we look at whose court ordered to that particular program, um so so, essentially and.

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I've, I believe I've explained to the commissioners before pre-trial, did not exist and we had no model.

J

Like that, instead of having 150 inmates in our jail, we would balloon up probably to upward of.

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300 or or over inmates these individuals, these cases kind of the way the pre-trial model works.

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um Individuals are arrested, they go before in district court or a circuit court judge, and one.

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Of those judges typically orders them to be under the a pre-trial model or monitored by pre-trial.

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They go directly over to pre-trial after the the judge orders them. They register and mr brewer's.

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Staff starts that monitoring in one way shape or form whether it's regular testing sobriety or home.

J

Detention, one of those things takes place that mr colby's staff starts to schedule. So the proximity.

J

To the courthouse is extremely important, because most of these folks are walking from a courthouse.

J

To to pre-trial the pre-trial model itself, individuals generally stay in that at monitoring.

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Realm for average of about 150 days so from the time they hit pre-trial about 150 days, they're in.

J

That pre-trial system and they constantly rotate so there's new clients on a regular basis that.

J

Come in and out of of pre-trial, we did look at multiple locations throughout the westminster area.

J

um This particular location happens to be perfect because of its proximity. It's wide open and will.

J

Be built out by the owner to our specifications, the owner will add two additional bathrooms, so.

J

That we can get arrestees in and out in a timely manner, and the location is large enough that we.

J

Can expand if need be, and this is the future of of corrections, the community corrections model or.

J

Pre-Trial model, so so we met a couple weeks ago about that particular location in that compound.

J

And I believe I've taken most of you around there. This request is the beginning of a multi-stage.

J

Project to move the offender diversion unit or the roadway building out of there and pre-trial.

J

So there are future headquarters can be built. There are three capital projects that surround.

J

This particular property project number one, which is what we're talking about today, is a.

J

1.2 million dollar project to move everything and everyone out of roadway and take it down.

J

So how do how does that work in the original project design, the original project, design of.

J

1.2 million dollars was to to contract with a company and put office trailers.

J

Somewhere on the compound, presumably behind the historic jail in that parking lot, that would.

J

Obviously, require utilities, plumbing electric those sort of things and those trailers would.

J

Stay up for several years so that projects number two and projects number three could take place.

J

Project number two: once project number one is done, which is to take down the roadway building, would.

J

Be to start the law enforcement headquarters, which would go really right exactly where pre-trial is.

J

Currently, sitting that project is already on the move. We've contracted with an architectural firm.

J

And we're about to put out a construction, at-risk rfq to start looking at construction management.

J

Firms for that project and finally, project number three, which is a 1.42 million dollar.

J

Project would be to construct the old patrol division so that we can then take down those.

J

Trailers and move pre-trial back under the jail where, honestly, they originally started.

J

um I said the reason we're here today is to ask for you guys to discuss this. Look at the options.

J

Ask questions: we have a couple of options that are that are on on the the summary that we want.

J

You to look at. We believe that the 2000 square feet are the the proximity of three thousand.

J

Square feet of proximity to where we're located is vitally important. I've had some discussions with.

J

Some of you regarding the why the 10 10 year lease, why not annual lease, which is 1a or 1b.

J

um We we kind of look at things when we look at what.

J

When it comes to leasing property, we believe that one point two million dollar project um will take.

J

About a million dollars to move everything out of there and house a pre-trial for 10 years as.

J

Opposed to setting up temporary trailers and then taking them temporary trailers down how.

J

Long, I don't know I'm assuming maybe three or four years we could. We can put these folks in in.

J

High quality adequate space indefinitely for for the price of what it would take just to put them.

J

Somewhere temporarily, that's not to mention moving into project number three, which is almost a 1.5.

J

Million dollar project to upfit them uh in in the old patrol division after we move out of there so.

J

It it seems to make sense to me that that we look at one of the leasing options, because for a number.

J

Of reasons it seems to make financial sense to me, but two. If once we start taking down the roadway.

J

Building parking is going to be a mess around here and then once we we put in trailers to adequately.

J

Put that operation somewhere on the compound it's going to consume even more parking, which is to the.

J

Rear of the historic jail, I think that's the only place that you can that you can put it. So I think.

J

Moving forward, you really have three options. You can either go with 1a 1b or simply do nothing.

J

And we continue with the projects as they were designed, which would start july. 1St of this fiscal.

J

Year, our reason for coming over now is because the space is available and its proximity, and if I.

J

Don't move on it now, we'll we'll simply lose it. I believe mackenzie will find a suitable tenant for.

J

It if we, if we don't move on on this property soon, so essentially we're asking for either you look at.

J

Reserve or contingency money pay for a 10-year lease for 600 over 600 000, or we look at reserve.

J

For contingency money and pay for two months of lease, we believe by the time they build that out.

J

It would be may around may 1st that we can move into it, so it would be two months of lease. Then.

J

The fy money would become available for the overall project. Moving forward in 2024 were.

J

I know I threw a lot at you so that sheriff thank you for being here this morning and so that would.

B

Explain the difference between why the one option is for a 10-year occupancy lease and the second.

B

Option is for the two months, which would get us into the next fiscal year. Am I understanding that.

B

Correctly, that's correct. It's still both for a 10-year lease. It's just two options of how to pay.

K

So and just so you're aware the 10-year option the owner discounted, so the 666 000 includes a.

K

Discount in the square footage and the annual escalation, because obviously he would agree.

K

Love to have not only us there for 10 years plus, but then the the payments are done for the lease.

K

And it does include the common annual the common area maintenance annually, so it includes both the.

K

Lease payment for 10 years and that so roughly the savings is about sixty two thousand dollars to pay.

K

One-Time upfront money, um the you're correct in that the annual is continue with the 10-year lease.

K

What you traditionally see paying monthly out through operating, etc for 10 years? That's just.

K

To get us to lock in so one of the things I had mentioned is we did receive a proposal release I'm.

K

Not sure if you've received it, but that would get it signed and started and then obviously.

K

They're looking for us to kind of to commit to a start date so that they can say yep we're.

K

Good you're locked in they're looking to spend a lot of money and completely build that space out.

K

For us, and not you know, and the owner will will basically amortize that so that's kind of why the.

K

Negotiating negotiations took that kind of a an angle to make it a win-win for everyone. They've.

K

Got a long-term place: we've got a long-term home, that's set for us to grow into that. We wouldn't.

K

Be like oh in two years, we need space, for you know three more people. It would accommodate something.

K

Like that, so we took all that into consideration when we did the programming for the space. Let me.

J

Also disclose there are upfront costs to this and and over the next, probably two weeks, yeah I'll, be.

J

Back saying this is what the upfront costs are. We we believe the upfront cost to get into that.

J

Facility will be roughly 300 000, and so, when you look at the total cost of a 1.2 million dollar.

J

Project that starts february july, 1st, as opposed to we believe we can move into that facility. Four.

J

Million dollars over a 10 10-year period, I know mr zaleski has come in over the last eight years.

J

That I've been sheriff saying that we need a new detention center. That's that's without.

J

Argument we absolutely need a new detention center. The goal would be to move the offender.

J

Diversion unit within a new facility when, when and if it's built sometime in the in the future,.

J

um So that so that that 10-year mark kind of hits that sweet spot, I I would think I don't.

J

Know that I'll be around to to see a new jail or any of you, but it does at some point, have to be.

J

Put on a capital budget, it's just inevitable, but the goal would be to move that offender diversion.

J

Unit out of where it's at, but but even as we sit today, if you, if you slam the gavel and said.

J

Let's go ahead and do this it would be 10 years before a jail would even be built with the amount.

J

Of time it takes to design something like that and get the funding from the state and locally.

B

And sheriff so, if I'm I'm sorry did anybody want to also think about one other question.

B

um So if you know, given that the 10-year lease option, uh you know you can conceivably see.

B

Yourselves being in that building for at least 10 years, I mean, if, let's say, for the sake of argument,.

B

God forbid, there was some reason why you had to vacate get out of there right. Are there going to.

B

Be any penalties on the 10-year leases? Does money come back? Is there a fee of something.

J

The way it's established is is that there's a 10-year option in the and the escalation is set.

J

If you say I don't want to do the 10-year option and we go with a annual lease, then the escalation.

J

Is set differently, so it would be a three percent escalation instead of a two percent escalation and.

K

Those kind of details of what happens shorter than 10 years are usually negotiated as we go through.

K

So the next step after the proposal release is signed, then there's work to actually design the.

K

Lease and go back and forth with mr burke's office on details, and it's not like at some point. The.

B

Gentleman or the individual who owns this building, this property would say. I want more five years.

B

From now like he, wouldn't he wouldn't be able to come back based on not based on what we've.

K

They've presented these two options to us, and the proposal at least has both of those. So, whichever.

K

Option you go with. He offered the discounts to um for the one-time, 10-year payment of 666 000.

B

And he's locked into that, it's not like he's gonna come back in five years and say I kind of you know.

B

I should have asked you for this. Instead of that, the lease would actually be structured and signed.

K

Based off of that for 10 years, one of the other questions is utilities. You already pay utilities.

J

At the roadway building, so those utilities would would still be paid at at the new facility. So.

J

There's I don't know, I would hope that the new facility is more efficient than than an old steel.

J

Building that we're out of, I would imagine it is, but um and the question being, do I see us there? It.

J

Minimally, I I would have to see us there or even those temporary trailers on the back parking lot.

J

Two years, two and a half almost three years, maybe just until that pro so so understand that patrol.

J

Has to be built, a headquarters has to be built. Everybody moves out of the basement of the jail.

J

Where patrol is at into the new facility, another capital project takes place to upfit the basement.

J

Of patrol put new bathrooms in increase I.t and security for pre-trial, then they move into that.

J

Facility and then those temporary trailers are taken down and and they then start operating.

J

It's kind of a big circle that needs to be done, but that roadway building is standing in the way.

J

Of doing an awful lot of that, some of the other portions of that money would have would be used.

J

To the 1.2 would be to store an awful lot of stuff. That's in the back of the roadway building bedding.

J

Records the things that that uh that we don't usually go over and and use on a regular basis.

J

But has to be stored somewhere in proximity to this compound um we're looking at options.

J

With jason green on other other buildings that we own locally, as opposed to setting up steel.

J

Containers out on the back parking lot to store a bunch of stuff temporarily until these things are.

J

Built so we do have some buildings locally, that we believe we can put this stuff in, so that we don't.

J

Spend a hundred thousand or two hundred thousand taking up more parking spaces. That eventually, is.

J

Just temporary and and it's money down the drain, so we're looking at options like that.

K

And then that third project, that is something that wouldn't happen so then to spend that additional.

K

1.4 million to basically redo the patrol area after the new building is built, wouldn't happen.

K

To me, that's that building at some point would be going down so to spend that kind of money for a. I.

K

Wouldn't say short term but relatively short term, just to then move again. This kind of takes care.

K

Of all of that in one shot, and then it is done, they're moved they're in a place that functions.

K

For them taken care of and we're not spending all this additional money over all these extra.

K

Projects and being more fiscally responsible with that type of funding. Thank you very much is um is.

A

This project in the fy24 budget right now there is a project in the capital for the approximately.

K

1 million a little bit over. um Obviously it's structured differently because it is a capital.

K

Project, so my understanding is that, should you choose to take the annual monthly payment approach.

K

And go with option one b then there's some work to be done for out year, budgets and things to.

K

Take that project and restructure it, I'm not sure that I'm explaining that correctly, but basically.

J

Either 1.2 would have been to put trailers up and, and it wouldn't have been anything ongoing.

J

um Because it would eventually come down it's a capital project, not not an operating project, so.

J

It would have been so much money there. What we're saying is that the 1.2 and the 1.5 you can. You can.

J

Do all this and move everybody out for 40 years, if you felt like it or longer, we're saying that the.

J

10 years is adequate, then we would have to look at it 10 years from now. Do we have a detention.

J

Center, that's on on the capital project. Is that something that we we can or do we now then go year.

J

To year, until until that's done, our goal is to do everything under the 1.2 that begins in july 1st.

J

And then get rid of the 1.5 million dollar project that was in out years to upfit patrol but but but.

J

Heidi would have to go back and do some structure of what that capital money looks like in out years.

J

Because it then becomes operating money as opposed to one-time capital money, and this.

A

The request here for that 666 000 is taken out of reserve for contingency. It would have to take it.

J

Out of reserves now, but it would technically, is the capital money that would be available july.

J

1St, so so we're asking for it two years ahead of time- and I I would imagine, ted or heidi would be.

J

Able to explain a little bit better how that that money would be we maneuvered around within the.

J

Budget so fortunately we have ted behind you yeah. So if you can ted share a little bit more insight.

L

Okay, well we're talking about options here, but really the whole focus has been on this lease.

L

Space now right, the capital projects are no longer part of our our plans. uh If, if.

L

We do this, you will need to make a transfer from the reserve for contingencies both for.

L

The lease money and for whatever one-time costs we have associated with it, foreign.

A

It seems, like you know, option 1a, it's obviously a large amount, but we're saving a lot of money.

A

You know if it negates at 1.4 million down the road.

B

And that's my that's my understanding right. If, if we go with option a that will negate.

B

The necessity for that 1.4 million at some point down the road, so we're saying we don't need that.

J

Capital project to take place in patrol what what a future board, not not anybody sitting.

J

Here, or probably me will have to deal with is in 10 years once that lease is up have.

J

We moved to a new detention center or then we start looking at annual leases. What I'm telling.

J

You is that if you get rid of the 1.5 million dollar project, which we're fine with that, that.

J

um Based on the escalation, it's it's even a no-brainer to to stay there until until a new.

J

Facilities built even if it's 20 or 30 years from now you're still at the end of the day,.

J

Not going to spend nearly the money to to do it, my thing is: is that we're spending? We would be.

J

Spending money on stuff- really that's just simply temporary- that we're going to put up and take down.

J

Just to move people around, and it just seems to make more sense that we position ourselves for 10.

J

Years in a place and and then and then figure out where we're at from in 10 years from now.

B

I appreciate that sense of responsibility. Do you ed [laughter],.

F

If it were 1a, when is the payment due good question vicki, that would be part of the.

K

Next round of the negotiations for the lease, because they'd want to go through and actually.

K

Have a signed lease on the county's behalf, so it's raw clean space. So it's it's! It's drywall.

J

On all four corners and that's it, and so they would have to once the they get a commitment on.

J

The lease they have their own contractors, their own folks that buy furniture. They would then.

J

um Start the construction, but we would not move in to a facility until it was constructed and and.

J

uh But but there they're not getting money if it's just sitting there so there once this lease would.

J

Go through, they would start construction almost immediately. We believe that that optimally, the.

J

Kind of the sweet spot for us would be um right around mayish june. The other issue is, is that.

J

We we have to have we've had six then, and the folks from it over facilities. We'd have to do.

J

Some I.t there, um but but getting fiber there and the switches doesn't happen overnight. So.

J

We'd have to do a number of temporary things until those items come in and are ordered so.

J

That we can keep track of security and the things that are that are taking place on that compound.

J

But but they've all been worked out with other departments in the county so that we understand.

J

Where we're at, if this this goes through, what is the, um I guess clear or significant risk.

A

By doing option c and that's do nothing um kind of kind of you're like I said the the.

J

Commissioner, big deal out of your your: if you do nothing and we go with the project as it's set.

J

um For for july, 1st you're going to put up um 2 000 square foot of temporary trailer space.

J

Somewhere on the compound and that temporary, that temporary space is going to come down two or three.

J

Years from now I I don't even I I don't worry about parking, because I've got a police car so.

J

I'll but I'm gonna tell you: parking's gonna be a mess around here sometime in the very near future.

J

And when we start throwing, if we were to throw up temporary trailers on on a portion of the.

J

County parking lot that's going to take up more because I've got a bunch of cars that are going.

J

To come in and out of a temporary holding area for testing and and staff and all those things.

J

um I think doing nothing is not a not a good option. I think we got to do something you're.

K

Also, looking at a total cost right now, without inflation in dollars of two and a half million.

K

Dollars for both projects right, so that's the other thing uh sheriff you sort of preempted, one.

D

Of my questions, so a lot of construction is going to be taking place. There always seem to be space.

D

Issues, probably a lot of them are unforeseen, so at some point in the near future. If we do go ahead.

D

And do the lease for this? Could you, if you decide you have to repurpose this particular building for.

D

Something else is that going to be an issue with the lease and the owner, so the the, if you, if you.

J

Say we're doing that that building has to come down? I mean the the the the building that you're.

D

Trying to lease at 37.- oh yeah- I mean I could I don't ever see- I mean it. Would this building.

J

um We've worked with mckenzie and the folks there um and looked at a specific design for.

J

The interior of that building that meets the needs of pre-trial and the defender offender diversion.

J

Unit could another part of my operation or county government. I suspect that it that it could it's.

J

Quality space- and it's close to the compound- I don't believe that we would need it if we were.

J

To move out of there, if we were to build another detention center and a headquarters, then then we.

J

Would have more than enough adequate space, so if in 10 years something's stood up then then.

J

I would say we get out of that that lease and not even use that building anymore.

F

Okay option a um you would I think you said there there be no.

F

Common charges, no repair parking lot; no taxes. No, the owner agreed that that amount would cover the.

K

10 years annual maintenance at a discounted square footage and then a discounted annual.

K

Escalation rate and the common area maintenance because they gave us the square foot cost for that.

K

So they were. I actually called and reconfirmed that earlier this week that they were good with.

K

That number, covering both of those. How would that be with option b, with option b, the escalation.

K

Would be higher, so it's instead of the discount is two percent escalation for year versus three.

K

Percent and then the square footage is 17.18 without so a dollar a square foot for the entire.

K

Property for the entire lease and a percent less than the escalation, which equates to about 62 000.

K

In savings over the life of the lease, so neither and neither way would have if they decide to repay.

F

The parking lot- that's you! You don't contribute to that. You have none. As far as I know today, I.

K

Would say: no unless there's something written into a lease for some kind of a project that they would.

K

Do an assessment for which I don't know that we haven't gotten that far yet, but today no you're.

K

Right, the common area maintenance covers all their typical annual cost, you're right insurance, snow.

K

Plow maintenance, all those kind of things for the parking and the exterior of the building.

K

Etc in in either 1a or 1b is there or will there be you're still negotiating an option to renew.

K

Renew so whether they'd be annual a five-year, those are things we'd, probably put in multiple.

K

Options and the 10-year commissioner guaranteer your question. The tenure with looking at a.

K

Potential that that ties into a lot of things so, as we said with the detention center, if it.

K

Were to move back that would be a a time frame that we wouldn't be getting out of a lease, but.

K

Yes, just not renew, because that may be a good time frame. If not, then we would definitely have.

K

Options to keep them there because we did take the time to do the programming for the long-term.

K

Needs looking at wow over 10 years with without a crystal ball, what do we think we would need for.

K

Growth, so we put that into the equation as well. Looking at that, but yes, we would definitely put.

K

In negotiations to extend depending on what they would prefer, and you can look at the building on.

J

The on the computer: here it it's been completely rehabbed and and it's not it's, it's good quality.

J

Space and the parking lot is is equally as nice. It's it's just quality space that I don't see them.

J

Needing to do a whole lot over the course of the time that we may be there and yes, your question.

K

The owner just completely redesigned and rebuilt out all this space. So that's why it's all being.

K

Like released and that's why some opportunities so it it's been sitting waiting for tenants.

K

Which they were gracious enough to say, how do you want it built out.

F

And and and since it is a lease- and I know it's still being negotiated, for instance, if hvac goes.

F

Up that would be correct and it would depend yes, whether, yes, whose responsibility that's all.

K

Part of yeah- that's not in the proposal alicia that would be in the actual lease negotiations.

F

And then, um lastly, I'm curious um ted, you said where the money would come from are.

F

There any disadvantages or advantages between a and b along the future budget on uh how it's.

F

Handled on the cost of time and money, etc, well, you're getting a better price with the upfront.

L

Money we're in a position to do it if you, if you choose to so that's, not a concern for.

L

Me it's like a tip and there's no concerns with budget moving forward because of this.

F

uh Other than you're going to have to make an action to yes fund an unbudgeted. Yes,.

A

But it's gonna and it's not necessarily for you ted, but it's going to happen regardless.

A

Of when it happens, it's got to happen. I mean one, I think one of the things we talked about.

J

A couple couple weeks ago is these projects, these two projects that are on that compound.

J

The state's attorney's office and and my office just say the state's attorney's office.

J

Takes off first and they start construction, I don't even know where they're going to put.

J

Equipment and stage equipment trailers, those sort of things. I would imagine the roadway building.

J

Would come down have to come down sooner than later in order to stage that's off so a company.

J

Can operate out of there I'll swiftly kick them out when our project is is up and running, but but.

J

Still they've got to go somewhere and I and that's a paved parking area so yeah and we did discuss.

J

That with mr burdine and and there's agreement there that yeah we've got to have space for folks.

J

To state so that building's got to come down, it's just no two ways about it. It's gotta, it's gotta, go.

A

Okay, any other questions comments, if not is very motion on either one of those options motion to.

B

Approve the lease for space at 37, south cranberry road and the accompanying resolution, 0-23.03.

B

In the amount of 666 160 dollars to fund the one-time lease payment for 10 years of occupancy.

A

Second, I have a motion. I have a second. Is there further discussion seen here, none all in favor.

J

Aye all right, okay! Thank you, commissioners. I appreciate it absolutely good discussion.

A

Yes, sir, really appreciate it, mr fowler, why don't you come on up a reminder just for those that are.

A

In the room, if uh you're here to make comments um to ensure you fill out a salmon color card.

A

I guess or orange whatever they are and hand them over to either miss windham or mr burke.

A

So we're prepared to do that when the time comes and then also those that are on the.

A

Line, I believe, chris, you said, there's a handful um same same thing. If you are.

A

Waiting on the line for it's item number eight dealing with uh solar, please be patient and I.

A

Don't want to give an estimated time, but you know intenses by around 11 30. We should get there so.

A

If I was to guess, mr fowler puts the pressure on me to move quickly. How was your meeting with.

A

The legislation this morning uh very uneventful uh everything went forward. Okay, expected to fantastic.

M

Yes- uh and I believe I didn't hear earlier, did you mention the mako legislative reception last night.

A

um That, commissioner kyler was drinking cranberry and something what what was I.

A

To mention I just wanted to wanted to mention the value. Oh absolutely yeah, the value of of.

M

uh Mako and some of the opportunities that we get one introduction we made was with the.

M

Governor's new director of intergovernmental affairs, molly byron, who actually knew that.

M

Carroll county had the highest per capita number of veterans in the state.

M

Prince george's has the highest number, but you have the highest per capita number. So we also.

M

Raised the issue of may's veterans celebration, she seemed very excited about that. In fact, she she's.

M

The one that brought the veterans issue up so now we have another door to go in. Besides just the.

M

I I appreciate you uh following up on that, because you're you're right that was like the last thing.

A

I did before leaving was meeting uh meeting molly. She was in the meeting down in cambridge.

A

When we had it with the governor-elect at that time, when I was you know, it was with the board.

A

Of mako and we highlighted the veteran issues um and she clearly took note of that and.

A

um We invited the governor for the may event, the veterans event as well, and the new secretary.

A

Of veteran affairs in maryland, the other is uh the secretary of agriculture. We met last night.

A

Where I guess he's still secretary-elect or whatever we call them, um no stranger to the.

A

County no strangers of the county and he'll get his feet on the ground for a month or two and then.

A

We'll get him out here and you know continue for him to be an advocate for us, but no definitely.

A

um Definitely good discussion so but, and I I was fortunate enough to meet the mayor of hagerstown.

F

Who was going to it's now going to be opioids and and great discussions, and you guys have done this.

F

Longer than I, but I don't want to defend their activities in annapolis, but a lot of them are.

F

Very busy, I was almost disappointed that a few didn't make it, but I was amazed at the.

F

Ones from baltimore city, howard, county other jurisdictions that I got to meet and and talk.

F

To a while, it's like you say they may go, offer some great opportunities yeah. We even uh had a.

M

Discussion with the individual in department of I.t, who gave do it presentation on yep, she.

A

Did a great job and we talked about how to how to better ourselves in cyber security.

A

um Here in carroll, county and building that relationship, so no you're you're, absolutely right.

A

um Good good opportunities so, but thanks so the the legislature, uh the the flowing.

M

Flow of bills has been relatively light. It looks like they're starting to pick up now.

M

um In the early weeks, much of the committee's time has taken up in briefings by state agencies, but.

M

One of the one of the big events of last week obviously was the release of the governor's.

M

Budget and there's some some differences this year as a result of the referendum in the 2022 election.

M

So the general assembly- I guess, after having about six or seven years of a republican governor having.

M

Total control the budget have decided that they wanted a little more control, so they now have.

M

The ability to move money around in that in the governor's budget increase, decrease, move around.

M

The but the final budget must be equal to or less than, the governor's budget as it's uh proposed and.

M

Additionally, the governor has currently has line item veto over the capital budget as part of that.

M

Referendum, he now has the power of line item veto for for um operating. So that's that's. One change.

M

And that'll be very so as as we go forward now with all the budget discussions, that's going to.

M

Be much more robust, I think than it has been in the past. You had asked last week about delegation.

M

Bills, so I've presented those to you go just go over very quickly. Senator reedy currently has.

M

Two as a co-sponsor, one is to decouple the the consumer price index from the gas tax and the.

M

Other is financial literacy. I think we've seen a bill like this proposed. I think delegate shoemaker.

M

Was behind in past years uh to add financial literacy to the state curriculum senator west.

M

Is the most active of of all he has about 10 or 11 bills and he's on judicial proceedings? So most of.

M

His bills align to that subject matter criminal justice so forth, but he does have a couple that.

M

I think are are important for us. One he's he's proposing a war group to look at. How can we retain.

M

Recruit and retain police through the formation of a war group. Also, last year there was a a bill.

M

That that sort of restructured, the way on-site, wastewater or septic inspections would be done.

M

If a, if an inspection for a property transfer were to be done or excuse me of any inspection.

M

Were to be done, the inspector would have to have a property transfer license now this bill would.

M

Restrict only those inspectors that are inspecting four property transfers are required to have that.

M

License and that establishes a new fund for some of the fees that are associated moves.

M

Some of the penalty money around out of the pay restoration fund and creates a new clean.

M

Water fund and then the bill was specific on how the geographic areas would be represented on the.

M

On the board and his proposal is to reduce that board by one and then to just say that that all.

M

The areas of the state have to be geographically represented on that board. Another one that I I.

M

Think he proposed last year, but he he wants to and he's our primary sponsor on. This wants to require.

M

Every school construction project to consider placing solar panels on the roof of the school.

M

If that doesn't work for that particular project, then the board of ed would have to come forward.

M

To the interagency for school construction and and tell them why that's not appropriate.

M

Also, a bill: that's he's bringing back from last year the maryland paint stewardship.

M

Program, so this is a program whereby a producer would contract with a third party to establish.

M

Retailer recycling of pain and there would be a small fee added to each purchase on.

M

Each container of paint that's purchased and which would ultimately mean that all paint.

M

Recycling would occur at a retailer so that really relieves the landfill of paint recycling.

M

It did pass the house last session it got held up in the senate. I think it was the.

M

Fee structure that they that a lot of the senators couldn't get past so we'll see how.

M

That moves forward our our public works, solid waste folks are in favor of that, as you might.

M

Imagine, and then delegate rose is a co-sponsor on a bill that would exempt family farms from.

M

A filing fee of filing documents, with the state department of assessments and taxation and then.

M

Exempts the filing fee for any business that has no personal property tax owed.

M

um I should say I mentioned that delegate. Thomason is a health sponsor of a of a coach.

M

Bill that mirrors senator westville that previous retention work group so.

M

The other delegates have not yet submitted any bills, but I'll keep my eye on that. For.

M

You a long list on the on the environment and ag bills. I'll just mention I I did talk.

M

About the northeast maryland waste disposal, authority, um evaluation and termination that.

M

Came up in in the mako legislative committee uh mako will support that with amendments. The.

M

It is a fate accompli. The bill requires dls to analyze the movement of the authority and what.

M

They do into maryland energy administration or, excuse me, the maryland environmental service.

M

But it also requires dls to craft legislation. To do that, so the the star commission had recommended.

M

That the the responsibilities overlap, so I think we're going to see the authority go away.

M

And be merged into mes the amendments. Of course they want to ensure that there's a continuity.

M

And that communication continues to exist. As you know, the authorities of member association.

M

And we would move to strictly working with a state agency, so there'll be some adjustments. There.

M

A bill- that's not yet uh been scheduled for a hearing, but it would be pfas monitoring and.

M

Publicly owned treatment works. I think that you will see this bill opposed by mako. It's my feeling.

M

uh Quarterly quarterly monitoring of effluent, influent and biosolids. The standards really.

M

Haven't been adopted by epa yet they're in draft form, so the bill is is a little premature, but it.

M

Is is going to be a big price tag on that and and and then from what I understand, the ability.

M

To actually measure this really doesn't exist yet so I think this may be discussed.

M

In the general assembly, but I'm not so sure it can move forward yet.

M

Also, there's a recycling bill to require hotels to recycle material. It's very broad in in what.

M

It says must be recycled and that maker will will propose amendments because not all counties.

M

Recycle all materials in the same way, so we'll have to drill down a little bit on that also again.

M

Another bill from last session, the task force on recycling policy and recycling in waste systems.

M

This studies and reports on updating the maryland recycling act, but it also require will involve the.

M

Feasibility and sighting of regional recycling facilities- that's that's pretty significant.

M

Another bill from last year, the climate crisis plan. I think they named that better, together with.

M

Our weather act 2022. This is another one that mako opposes it. uh It requires a very detailed and time.

M

And resource intensive effort to develop these plans, and so I will be opposing that the funding.

M

Of libraries, I think I mentioned today that to you last week, where there is a a problem in the.

M

Wording of that bill, where it it increased the funding through fiscal year, 27 or 28. But then it.

M

Didn't add the language and every year hereafter, which means that the funding would disappear.

M

After that, so the language will be added to ensure that that funding continues. After that, that point.

M

uh The last two I have for you are two different bills: that that try to do the same thing and that.

M

Is require remote access to all court proceedings. There is a a big funding mandate on that. The.

M

The state funds three of the four levels of court, the county funds, the district court- so.

M

It has a pretty high price tag: I've seen 20 to 30 million across all counties, so.

M

The support member with amendments will be to to ask the state to provide all that funding.

M

And I'll just mention in closing up the the big things that we're waiting for uh the minimum.

M

Wage acceleration bill is going to be withdrawn and a new bill will be put in its place, not sure.

M

What else that will say other than they want to accelerate it, but we'll we'll see, I think.

M

The governor is going to have some influence on that bill and then, of course, the the big one.

M

We're waiting to drop is the cannabis legislation. There's a lot of aspects to that. We've seen some.

M

Of that proposed in the bills last year, that did not go forward that tried to build a structure.

M

Of taxation and whether local jurisdictions could opt in or opt out how that how the tax money would.

M

Be spent education or the general fund, so that's going to be a big one that we'll have to. I think.

M

It discuss in a little more detail and probably to vote, maybe an entire session to that and then.

M

Of course, the the budget activity I mentioned that will start to take place. I think we've found.

M

At least one bond issue that was left out of the budget and I think the senator west and delegate.

M

Thomason will be meeting over the weekend to try and figure out a way to get that back into the.

M

Budget, so I don't know if you have any questions or any other bills that that you want to discuss.

D

I do have a question uh thanks, mr farrell. This is great. uh Going back to age, to house, bill 161.

D

Again, the the authority that we're that the county belongs to we, I my understanding, is.

D

That the county benefits greatly from this relationship and it does save us money. It.

D

Costs money to be a part of it, but we do save money. So you're saying that mako is supporting.

D

This particular bill. I just hope the amendments address some of those concerns that I've seen.

D

That I've my own concerns, particularly in terms of cost, because this could cost the county money.

D

uh If we were forced to withdraw out of this- yes, yes and that's going to have to be part of.

M

The analysis is, what are the cost benefits of the authority versus mes and what what can be done to.

M

Try to maintain the benefits that that we achieve so you probably know cliff angle in the bureau of.

M

Solid waste chief is a member of the board on behalf of the county, so yeah. I think that there.

M

There seems to be a split in the membership about this. A lot of it, I think, goes to waste to energy.

M

You know, there's a lot of opposition to waste to energy and, and the authority has been up. I think a.

M

Works at that they're, not an independent authority that works on their own. They work for the benefit.

M

Of the members so but they've been involved in those projects, so I think that that probably plays.

M

A part as well. Thank you so recently, as you know, we received um uh fire ems legislation and we want.

A

To respond back to our delegation appropriately, so I want to get staff to put something together.

A

The uh you know we discussed with you know our county attorney and receive some outside legal.

A

Counsel as well to get our, I want to say our act together, but to understand the issues and concerns.

A

And we do have some with what was proposed to us and just at this point, feel that it's a bit.

A

Premature to move forward with that legislation, so um I like these for the staff and I'm looking.

A

At you, but I'm really talking to my colleagues saying to put something together to provide to.

A

The delegation- and we can then just go from there. Okay, we'll do any issues with that. You guys think.

A

I don't think we need a motion whatsoever, I think just don't think so. Yeah, okay, cool.

M

They're looking to you for directions, so that's good sounds good. Any other uh questions again.

A

Appreciate all that you're doing for us uh down in annapolis, so thank you, okay. Thank you very much.

A

Thank you mike again reminder if anybody has any cords for talking points, please give them to.

A

Roberta over to my right and uh your left as we're going to move forward, let's talk about.

A

Carroll county no excuse me: 2022, fall amendment to the 2019 water and sewer master plan.

N

Good morning, commissioners, good morning, I am here this morning with price wagner, our comprehensive.

N

Planner we came to you on january 12th for a public hearing regarding the amendment and.

N

Today, we're here for discussion and decision for the adoption of this amendment. This amendment is.

N

Not approved until we forward and get approval from maryland department of the environment so.

N

Even though these changes are adopted in our plan, they're not official until mde approve the changes.

N

So with that, I'm just going to turn it over to price wagner and just reacclimate. You whoops.

N

With where we left off morning, commissioners, good morning, we've got a you know, a brief slideshow. I.

O

Broke it down in two different sections, uh a brief synopsis of what we went over and then.

O

If you need a little more in depth, we have the maps to give you some better insight.

O

As linda said, obviously this is the 2022 fall amendment. This is for discussion and decision.

O

And this were background, the planning, commission and board accounting commissioners timeline, the.

O

Carroll county planning commission forwarded to the book the bcc in november of last year.

O

We briefed the county commission, the new county commission on december, the 12th and, as linda said,.

O

We held the public hearing on january, the 12th, and we have received no comments at all so far.

O

So the amendments we had three of map amendments, the freedom, sykesville area for water and sewer.

O

Hampstead, water and sewer service area and then the for the manchester water service area and.

O

Then one chapter amendment and table amendment, which was for the city of westminster, pertaining.

O

To their new watery uh facility and moving forward with that aspect, so again, if you would.

O

Like we can definitely show you more in-depth information for any uh any aspect or if not, we.

O

Can go ahead with a with the discussions and then go forward with a staff recommendation and emotion.

A

If you like, uh further viewing of the maps or nope, I'm good, okay, okay! Well, that said,.

A

Is there a motion, I move the board adopt the 2022 fall amendment to the 2019 water and.

F

Sewer master plan and forward to the maryland department of environment for final approval.

B

Seconded I got a motion, got a second-hand discussion, senior none all in favor.

A

Aye aye: okay: let's talk about the carroll county, economic development and landing. Thank you.

N

So I'm I'm with you for most of the morning here um and today, you're one for one. So, let's see where.

A

We go from here so today we're here to present to you um the introductory to our carroll county.

N

Economic development and land use study we came before the prior board and during the last budget.

N

Cycle to begin to prepare our budget for the next master plan, update, which will be in 2025.. For that.

N

Master plan, we thought it was very important to do a couple. Preliminary studies to lay the groundwork.

N

For the next master plan, one of those preliminary studies is the economic development and land use.

N

Study the last time we did. One of these studies was in 2007 that was run by economic development.

N

And planning at that time again to get a base for what land we had for commercial industrial.

N

Employment campus type zoning, as well as other economic development drivers within carroll county.

N

So, who is involved in this plan and I'm going to actually invite courtney up to the table and drew from our department so um obviously come sit down. Yep.

N

And um so our team internally, as myself, the director of planning, as well as drew gray who's.

N

Been helping through this project, as well as we're working hand in hand with economic development.

N

We've also again retained consultants for this project with me today is courtney powell.

N

From wgi, who is the planning manager for this project, as well as molly, mckay and erica guten,.

N

How do you pronounce her last name? Yes, okay, all right! Yes, um so she's not with us today,.

N

But molly ismal. If you want to come up to the table and we can switch up with her.

N

They're coming from northern virginia area, so I think traffic sometimes can be a little.

N

Challenged coming from that far away, um so what again is this economic development and land use.

N

Study, this study will look at where, in the county, economic development should occur by analyzing the.

N

County's current infrastructure, so where our roads and roads that can't handle that type.

N

Of development are, zoning patterns are water and sewer infrastructure. We talked a little bit about.

N

In the sheriff's presentation, our fiber network, so all of the things that you need to put together to.

N

Have land that can be development developed for manufacturing distribution, all those economic.

N

Development drivers and part of the plan is to provide guidance on lane use and zoning for the.

N

Future market trends, infrastructure constraints, jurisdictional coordination and what we mean by.

N

That is our partners and our municipalities. Our municipalities, have the majority of the.

N

Water and sewer infrastructure, so it's very important that we have conversations with.

N

Them and bring them to the table in this process and, of course, engaging the public.

N

So the study is important because it will provide a snapshot of where the county currently stands.

N

How the county is positioned to prosper and a competitive economic region it'll give us baseline.

N

On current infrastructure, land uses and zoning patterns and will be used again to help draft the.

N

General development or next master plan. So again the purpose of this isn't to say where we should.

N

Be going in carroll county, but really give you the information to help make the decisions on how you.

N

Would like to proceed forward in the future so again where and how economic opportunities will.

N

Be available to ensure the county again has that stable economic revenue stream and this.

N

Will help guide, ultimately, the futures growth for the next 10 years in the general development plan.

N

So we have set up, and commissioner rothstein is going to be one of our.

N

Stakeholder interviews, stakeholder interviews, we have set that up with a cross-section of.

N

Community leaders, municipalities, either their town administrator or mayor we've.

N

Also worked with lead businesses within the county. Economic development helped vet. This list with us.

N

And then we're going to have some public workshops, one of our first public workshops will be february.

N

16Th at 7 pm at exploration commons, where our consultants will be presenting on some.

N

Of their initial information and for us to get feedback from the public, the reason we.

N

Chose exploration: commons is because a lot of times when we go out for community meetings.

N

It's here so people intentionally have to come here and know that there's a meeting here after.

N

Hours and we thought having it at the commons is a wonderful space and we would get typically people.

N

Who aren't maybe, as engaged in, what's happening in county government, we could bring those people.

N

Into our space, invite them in to be a part of this process, so it's always good to kind of.

N

Meet people where they are- and we thought this was a good opportunity centrally located and checked.

N

All those boxes we'll also be doing uh briefings with the planning and zoning commission they're.

N

Integral in this process and helping develop this plan and then you, the commissioners will be coming.

N

To you, throughout this process, with findings and potential recommendations to move forward.

N

So again, we're trying to also brand um this effort and developing you know a.

N

Simple branding marketing strategy, so that when you see the symbol, this graphic, this.

N

Imagery you'll know that this pertains to the carroll county, economic development and land.

N

Use study and just for ease of use, we have a qr code for those that are watching that can.

N

Just snap a pic and be able to be directed to our main webpage for this information.

N

um So with that, I'm going to go ahead and pass it off to courtney and molly just to introduce themselves and give you a little bit of background on wgi and wilden.

P

Thank you linda good morning, commissioners, we're morning pleased to be here. Thank you.

P

For having us this morning, as linda mentioned, my name is courtney powell and I'm the project.

P

Manager for this study and with me, is molly mckay on our economic development side.

P

Here is just an overview of the main team players that we have from wgi and will dan that are.

P

Working on this, so we have various planners as well as economic development, specialists.

P

Molly and I and a few other team members from wgi are here locally just in northern virginia.

P

And I'll speak a little bit about wgi and then I'll pass it off to molly on will dan.

P

But wgi is a multi-disciplinary firm with engineering and planning resources where.

P

We look at different land development applications and also future growth.

P

We're based throughout the nation and really looking into this area as a key development.

P

Area for us, and so we're pleased to be able to work on this project with you all.

Q

Good morning again my name is molly mckay and I'm the managing principal of wildan's real estate and.

Q

Economic development practice out of washington dc will dan is also a multi-disciplinary technical.

Q

Services firm we're a publicly traded company, headquartered in california, with about 1600 people.

Q

But I serve in the public finance division where there are about 75 of us and we work nationally.

Q

Really from coast to coast, I've been living in the dmv area for 30 years and have done quite.

Q

A bit of work in in maryland and really where wildan fits into this picture is, with the with.

Q

The economic development analysis I'm also a certified economic developer. According to.

Q

The international economic development council- and I am a market analyst and an infrastructure.

Q

Finance specialist, so we're going to be combining all of those disciplines to focus.

Q

On the data collection really to inform some of the land, use, findings and recommendations.

P

So, as linda mentioned, our project scope is really a study of kind of where carroll.

P

County is currently to help inform where you all may want to go during your master plan.

P

Study so we're here to help kind of suss out any specific questions that you all may have.

P

That may develop, while you're doing your master plan process before you make policy decisions.

P

And really give you a snapshot of what today, it looks like doing some short-term kind of.

P

Future projections to give some idea of where it's going but again really just.

P

Trying to help create a great groundwork for you all, so you can move on to the next point.

P

This slide shows our general project timeline. We were able to officially kick off the project with.

P

Staff in october and we are looking to wrap up the study by the end of this august of 2023 and.

P

So we're really starting to hit the stride of kicking off this project with the community in.

P

February and with you all today, with some of the public, open houses and the focus groups as well.

P

As the key stakeholder interviews and so we'll be conducting that through the next few months,.

P

Also I'll just point out that by the summer time is when the draft study is really going.

P

To start taking some shape and the components of it, so everything leading up to that is going.

P

To help inform that with the urls input and direction and be able to see that this summer.

P

And so what we've been doing, since we kicked off with staff in october, is really trying to.

P

Create good framework for this project before we launch officially with the community, and so we've.

P

Developed a communications plan, so we know how to efficiently run this project. Also, the public.

P

Engagement plan who needs to be involved? What is the best way to engage this community and we had.

P

A great site tour with staff back in december december. Yes, so we got to go in the van with.

P

Staff and tour around the whole county take some pictures, learn some things so we'll be. I.

P

Think doing another one here soon as well and like linda mentioned, creating a project brand for this.

P

Project was important when we started to make sure that that identity was kept for everybody.

P

And just looking forward in the in the next two months, we are going to start looking at analyzing.

P

The zoning in land use and how that compares with some of the demographic data and economic.

P

Data that wildan is pulling again creating that that framework baseline for everybody looking at.

P

um Strategic areas also strategic partnerships, looking how all of that.

P

May blend together and, most importantly, having our public open house february.

P

16Th, where we will present to the community what this project is, what we're kind of set.

P

Charged with, but also having interactive engagement with them, where they can work.

P

With posters and help give us feedback, we can have direct conversations with.

P

Individuals and be able to document that and incorporate that as we move on to each phase.

N

So so that's the highlights of this study. You wanted to bring it to you early and we'll be here.

N

As often as you'd like and we'd like to keep you informed as this progresses forward, are there any.

N

Questions um for myself or the team courtney molly. Thank you so much. uh The qr code works. So that's a.

A

Good thing, yeah and um yeah look forward to um the continued interaction and uh the expectation of.

A

um You having the ability to be flexible uh in listening and learning to the community.

A

Because it ain't the five of us that knows what's best, it's really those that are our.

A

Neighbors and community that are living there, you know and what's best for their streets and.

A

What's best for their neighborhoods um in moving forward so and uh so yeah, I I don't.

A

Want to say this is a long time coming. I think this is great timing. You know, uh especially with.

A

um You know the luxury of us as a board coming on on board for the next four.

A

Years so this is to me perfect timing in doing this, but any thoughts or comments.

B

Yes, thank you very much great. Thank you all for your time this morning. Absolutely thanks.

N

And I'm still here two for two. So let's uh have a request to go to public hearing.

A

For uh page number, 228 aldersburg investors.

N

All right so with me today is hannah weber, who is a planner in our department.

N

um We came before you um before for rezoning case. 229 was a little bit out of order.

N

um But this is now rezoning case 228 and the reason this is 220 is because they actually came.

N

In with their application first, just the other project happened to be ready to become before.

N

You, prior to the last one, so this is rezone in case 228 and fun fact: that's how many rezoning.

N

Cases we've had in carroll county 229, so we order them uh numerically, obviously, and so.

N

This is a briefing and a request to go to public hearing for eldersburg investor to llc, so with.

N

That I'm going to have hannah weber introduce um the project to you and what the rezoning case is.

R

Good morning, commissioners, I'll start out by saying that the representative of the applicant is.

R

Here, kelly schaefer, as well as the property owners eldersburg investors to answer any questions.

R

That you may have, but getting into the rezoning request, this rezoning request is totaling 12.47.

R

Acres, we are in commissioner district five in the freedom designated growth area. We are just across.

R

The street from liberty exchange off maryland 26.. This rezoning request is four total parcels that.

R

Are requesting to be rezoned, they are currently zoned c2 commercial, medium, and the request is to.

R

Rezone all four parcels to c3 commercial high. The applicants are arguing that there is a mistake in.

R

The current zoning designation of c2 and that there was a substantial change in the character.

R

Of the neighborhood, so since the applicant is arguing that there was a substantial change in.

R

The character of the neighborhood, we all had to establish a neighborhood boundary that the change.

R

Occurred inside of and this is the agreed upon boundary we came up with you- can see, it includes.

R

The four uh parcels up to be rezoned and we go across 26 to liberty, exchange going west along.

R

26 down approximately to the 26th and cleves mill, road intersection and then looping back around.

S

Okay, yeah um so existing zoning. As I said it, all four parcels are currently zoned c2. The request is.

R

To rezone all four to c3, you can see kind of a mix of zoning in the area we have conservation, our 20.

R

000 residential, our 40, 000 residential and then also i1 industrial light so to date on.

R

On the january 17th planning commission meeting, they gave a favorable recommendation to you all.

R

The county commissioners, we are here today for an introduction and a request to go to public hearing.

R

I'm a tentative public hearing schedule of february 16th has been set where we will.

R

Hear staff and applicant arguments as well as take public comment and a possible decision to.

R

Be made then, and then, if not on the 16th, we have february 23rd reserved for a decision.

R

That does it for me. Were there any uh comments in public or excuse me in the planning commission.

N

No, there were no comments from planning commission other than a favorable recommendation to move this forward from c2 to c3.

T

Okay, any yeah, please can you do your best and give us a kind of a use case for c2 versus c3.

D

What does that look like? What does that mean to the average person to now? It's c3 as opposed to c sure um so, commercial c2 is our commercial medium zone.

N

um And that zoning district has less intense uses than the commercial high, we have limits.

N

On square footage, size and also types of uses, c3, obviously, is our largest more intent. Most intense.

N

Commercial district, it allows much more intense uses, larger facilities can be placed. There were.

N

More regional nature- and it also allows for a planned business park, type situation where.

N

You can have a mix of types of uses from the percentage, residential and commercial.

A

And then, where? Where can you find? Because it's a lot of information- and I know it's available.

A

So where can you find that succinctly so that is found in our code? um There's a link to the.

N

Code under planning's webpage and also the zoning administrator, and I believe the county attorney's.

N

Office, um we also have a handy use table and I can just show you very quickly: a handy use table.

A

Yes, so um when we re when we revamped our code, one of the things that we developed is part of.

N

Our code effort is to include a use table, um and so, instead of a list of every single use,.

N

That's allowed what we did instead was put it in tabular form by grouping, so it would make.

N

It easier for someone to be able to follow along exactly what you're asking what uses are allowed.

N

In c2 versus c3 and them next to each other, so I'm going to go really quickly to our zoning code.

N

Oops no cheese there we go.

N

And we published this online through american legal publishing our zoning.

N

Code regulations are found under chapter 158.

N

Underneath there, if you go to the districts that has every district.

N

Listed out from our ag conservation, residential districts and then our.

N

Commercial industrial unemployment, campus districts, so here is our c2 district and.

N

Our c3 and I'm going to scroll down to the bottom, so you can see the table of uses.

N

Of what's allowed in the district there you go so, as you can see here,.

N

We have the land use description, category, the district, c1 c2 c3, i1, i2 unemployment campus. We.

N

Grouped liked things together, so our residential districts are together again conservation.

N

Districts are together and our commercial industrial unemployment campus since they're.

N

Similar in nature, with the non-residential usage for to the most extent, and then we did them by a.

N

Categorically and p means it's. A permitted. Use c means it's a conditional use, meaning you need to.

N

Go to board of zoning appeals for authorization and x is prohibited at the end. Our additional.

N

Regulations with links to other regulations that may pertain to this particular section.

N

Of code, so this is our one-stop kind of shop of what can and cannot happen in the c2 and c3.

N

So just try to pick out a distinct difference, a lot of the difference.

N

Choose between c1, which is very small scale in nature, but for instance, and.

N

Not that we have a conference, centers really proliferating carroll county, but that is a.

N

Conditional in commercial medium, and that is permitted in commercial, high um indoor.

N

Theater is conditional and the commercial medium permitted and the commercial high.

N

And you can also see there's a little bit of um overlap too, with the lower.

N

Intensity, industrial zones as well, when you get into the c3 district, for instance, um rent.

N

Of vehicles and goods with primarily outdoor storage equipment is permitted in c3 and i1.

N

um When we updated the code, we spent years with a different groups of looking at.

N

um What makes the most sense and how to um place uses in these individual categories, working with.

N

The business community working with our constituents and multiple work sessions.

N

With the board of county commissioners, just for for your clarification, when we did this.

N

We only had two commercial districts, business, neighborhood, retail and business general with.

N

This effort we added a third commercial district which did not exist before, as well as putting.

N

Into action, unemployment campus district, which we had on the books but never applied anywhere,.

N

There any other questions and I'm happy to send this up too, if you're interested, if.

N

You want to look side-by-side comparison at the districts. I can send you the information.

A

Okay, thank you thanks. Thank you.

A

Do I have a motion motion to schedule? A public hearing for rezone in case number.

B

228 eldersburg investors is that two correct llc. Thank you. Second, I got a motion. I got a second.

A

Any other discussion seen here, none all in favor, all right. Okay, all right! Thank you all. Thank you.

A

Okay: let's talk about the fy24 grant application award acceptance for the rural legacy program.

A

Gentlemen morning, commissioners, good morning good morning, commissioners, so we're here uh to talk a.

U

Couple of issues related to ag preservation, uh they're, not properties. These are relate to the.

U

Funding of the program and I'm going to turn it over to jp smith, our program administrator to.

U

Talk you through the process good morning again, commissioners um we're before you today for their.

V

Approval for the fy24 grant application and award acceptance for our rural legacy.

V

Program, we have two rural legacy areas in the county: little pipe creek rural legacy area in.

V

The western side of the county and the patapsco rural legacy area on the east side of the county.

V

um Carroll county has been a major recipient of these grants. In the past we've received.

V

More than 20 million dollars since 2020 or year, 2000. I'd, like the other one, better yeah right. I.

V

Know it's a pretty quick, um so uh roll legacy has helped us preserve over 5200 acres in the county.

V

These are a lot of environmentally sensitive areas. Woods, streams, wetlands and things of.

V

The sort our real legacy areas are almost 100 000 acres in the county, they're. Both watershed areas.

V

And each year we submit an application for a grant. Normally that grant averages around.

V

Eight hundred thousand dollars, so it's been a very vital part of our preservation here in the county.

V

um So the grant that we have uh prepared it reflects all the properties that we.

V

Are expecting to preserve within the next year and we're hoping that they will fund that at a.

V

Significant level so that we can achieve those goals, so today we are looking for the approval.

V

Of us submitting the grant and the approval for us to accept the grant when it is awarded.

A

Any questions or motion to approve the submittal of the fy24 grant.

B

Application and acceptance of award to the rural legacy program. Second,.

A

And I'm motion second, any discussion seen here: none all in favor, all right, okay,.

A

One for one, thank you, commissioners. Our next topic is um recertification report.

V

For the department of planning um see here.

U

Down at the bottom over to the right, am I not getting this right up a little bit? I didn't.

U

Know you had it right there up just a little bit there. You go. Sorry, not my strong point.

V

So uh today um we are coming to you um with our five-year report for recertification.

V

For our ag land preservation program, this report covers fiscal years 2018 to 2022.

V

um The certification program allows the county to keep 75 percent of the.

V

Ag transfer tax- that's collected here in the county, where non-certified counties.

V

Only get to keep 33 percent of the ag transfer taxes collected.

V

The people who review the report of the department of planning at the state and.

V

Maryland ag land preservation foundation, we have been back and forth with the planning.

V

Department at the state and making sure that we have everything in compliance on our report.

V

Foreign, we're still maryland's best preservation program in the state.

V

We are also among the nation's best preservation program. We're number three.

V

Out of all the counties in the nation that that preserve acres through easement purchase.

V

Our program operation we operate independently as well as operating.

V

In coordination with the state of maryland,.

V

The programs that we do run here in the county are critical farms program, which is where we.

V

Help someone purchase a farm and then they agree to preserve the property with the state. We have.

V

Our own carroll county ag land preservation program. We, as I mentioned in the meeting.

V

Before this, that we have a rural legacy program, sponsored by the department of natural resources.

V

And again, the maryland ag land preservation foundation program which started it all.

V

For the last five years covered in this report, we have preserved 7156 acres at a cost.

V

Of approximately 30 million 899 523 dollars that comes out to an average of 43 117 dollars per acre.

V

Here's how it breaks down between the programs, mouth carroll, county, rural.

V

Legacy we have a maryland environmental trust donated easement on there as well.

V

And, like I said about our premier program, our critical critical farms program, we preserve.

V

1367 acres, total 13 farms and 5 million six hundred and twenty four thousand dollars.

V

Currently we're completing settlements from the fy 22 cycle. We have 27 properties in the fy 23.

V

Cycle and that's comprising 2232 acres and we still have a very strong demand for our program.

V

And if you have any questions, this is who you need to contact myself, jackie.

V

Our preservation, specialist or chris hein, our director.

A

Okay, I moved the board of county commissioners, approve the state.

W

Recertification report for the carroll county agricultural land preservation program; second,.

A

I got a motion and I got a second any discussion on this seen here. None all in favor all right.

V

Thank you very much. Thank you, commissioners. Absolutely thank you. What we are going to do is.

A

You're going to take a step back uh for a minute and we're going to bring in mr robinson.

A

And let's talk about purchase of staff uniforms and dress uniforms for the department of fire ems.

A

As I believe, this will take a little bit less time than uh discussion, we're going to have in.

A

Item number eight uh good morning, commissioners, let me start out with the historical perspective.

X

Now I'm just kidding yes good morning, um I said les the office of procurement and cooperation with.

X

Fire and ems request your approval to award the purchase of uniforms to the whitmer public safety.

X

Group class b uniforms for staff will include you have it in your briefing there, essentially all.

X

The items to start off our initial hires and our senior staff will be going to uniforms, including.

X

A class, a uniform for all the special events that we attend. The total on this would be 56.

X

219 dollars the whitmer public safety group does a lot of the uniforms for other departments in.

X

The area and they'll actually come to our site and do all the measuring of the new employees.

X

um This was approved in the fy 23 budget and no additional funds will be required.

A

Thank you maureen [laughter], so we didn't even see your lips move. I was I was impressed. I was.

Y

Pretty good I was, but I will let you know that this is these uniforms through whitmer group.

Y

um Are through a competitively bid project through crow stars, which is the commonwealth of.

Y

Pennsylvania and most of the items are discounted, at least by three percent, about what percent three.

Y

Percent: okay off the list: price, okay, cool, so any questions: if not, is there a motion.

B

Motion to approve the purchase of uniform to the department of fire and ems from the witten.

B

Republic safety group at a cost of fifty six thousand two hundred nineteen dollars. Second,.

A

Got a motion guys second aid discussion, seen here: none all in favor, aye, aye! Okay, thank you.

A

Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay, thank you both now, let's uh go back to item number eight.

A

Which is the proposed moratorium on this community solar facilities in the county's agricultural zone?.

A

um Chris okay you're here.

A

Mr swam, do we have anybody on the phone? Yes, sir, we have four callers waiting to make public comment.

Z

I believe on this item, with the new version of go to meeting, we have no way of telling what ver, what.

Z

They're calling in for if they call in during the meeting okay. So if you give me an opportunity to.

Z

Kind of go over how they can unmute themselves. We can get this started. What whether you would.

Z

Like to go with the callers first or whether you'd like to go from in the room yeah, let's go uh call.

A

Us first so certainly callers. We have four of you on the line. There's no way for us to distinctly.

Z

Determine whether you've called in any time so I'm going to ask you to hit star six to unmute.

Z

Yourselves, you will have three minutes at that point. You will hear a sound and please wrap up.

Z

Your comments before you start making comment. Please identify yourself in the area. You're.

Z

Calling from and uh thank you and if you'll hit star 69 on your phone, we can begin. I believe that.

Z

Should work for you, we have no way of unmuting you star six, chris right, I'm sorry star. Six.

Z

Caller, I I they don't know they don't know what color they are roberta. I can't I can't do it.

Z

That way, no, we just have to ask them to to unmute themselves one at a time and speak one at a time.

Z

Okay, callers begin one at a time.

Z

Caller 10 you're, currently unmuted. You can begin.

Z

Okay, hello! Okay, can you hear me yes, sir hi, uh my name's ryan dorsey, uh just calling in.

AA

In regards to the uh uh solar moratorium, um I I apologize ryan. What what is your address as well.

AA

Oh okay, my address is 33-13 bullfrog road, pawnee town maryland, 21787. Okay, thank you.

AA

Well, uh I spoke with uh commissioner bigliotti uh the other day here in regards to this issue and.

AA

Just kind of wanted to give the commissioners a um snapshot uh how this is uh potentially impacting.

AA

My family, um I I me and my wife- we had uh been saving for a private farm for years. uh We've.

AA

Been wanting to get into agriculture- and I had an opportunity a couple years ago- to buy a farm.

AA

In carroll uh again on the right side of pony town and, um unfortunately, the same time that we bought.

AA

Our farm, um my oldest daughter, was born severely disabled and she has a plethora of health issues.

AA

From hydrocephalus to cerebral palsy to epilepsy- and um we uh you know the past year, her health.

AA

Has been so impacted that my wife had to leave her full-time job to be, uh you know, full-time.

AA

Caretaker for her- and uh you know obviously that's really impacted us financially. uh We.

AA

Were we're looking for uh certain ways to kind of supplement that income and uh you know we're we're.

AA

Definitely big believers in uh some of the green options, uh we were very interested in solar and.

AA

um You know we uh had been approached by a solar company. uh That's interested.

AA

In a two megawatt installation on about 11 acres of our 100 acre farm.

AA

And uh again, I just just wanted to you know: share the situation with you.

AA

um You know in light of my daughter's conditions, you know, I'm I'm not a again, I'm not a big time.

AA

You know: uh um investor or company, I'm a small uh local. You know westminster guy. I grew up in.

AA

Westminster I graduated westminster high in 03.. I've got a lot of family in the carroll area and.

AA

uh You know my my family desperately needs this, and this moratorium is really going to.

AA

Impact us, uh you know we're looking for you know again, some supplemental income and.

AA

uh You know I really really just wanted to. You know kind of share that story um and let you.

AA

Know I'm one of the little guys um you know. That's! That's really needing one of these options to help.

AA

My family, so you know we don't lose our home and and uh really really just want to take the time.

AA

For you guys to consider that and appreciate you letting me share today, yes, sir, thank you.

Z

Okay, next caller, if you could identify yourself with your address and you can unmute by hitting.

Z

Star six, thank you sure. Maybe I'll give it a try. Can you hear me? Yes, yes, sir, we can hear you.

AB

Thank you. uh This is peter dyke. um We have property in the county at 1500, fanny, dorsey, road.

AB

um Right off woodbine road and we have a solar project- that's currently being hit.

AB

Before the county for final approval, um yeah very similar to the last caller, a lot of the.

AB

Same concerns, a farm is also about 100 acres been a family, for, I think, just over 50 years.

AB

um Want to have it for another 50 and it's just part of the reason, we're and again very similar.

AB

A couple a couple megawatts, which I think is about 11 to 13, 12 acre or something like that.

AB

But we're here to express you know I'm here my family in the background to express support of.

AB

The current solar ordinance and in opposition to the proposed moratorium on solar we've.

AB

Had a family a lot of time, researching and keeping up with the kind of work on the development over.

AB

The past couple of years- and I think the county over the last couple years as you all.

AB

Well, know has worked on developing one of the most restrictive ordinances in the state and and likely.

AB

In in what we can see, and the ordinance heavily already restricts solar work and be located.

AB

Has numerous very smart, we think and protective development requirements.

AB

um Build to the county's land conservation goals are already stated in our record and.

AB

Brings in additional tax revenue to the county and they've, you know, residents on electric bills,.

AB

And that sort of thing, so we've been really careful with this we've been really thoughtful.

AB

We started to spend time and money a few years ago um and as sort of further background, our.

AB

Land is, you know, further subdivision rights, but rather than put up homes or another, you know.

AB

Another uh housing development and which we you know, would certainly monetize a lot more than a.

AB

You know took the county two years to get this existing solar code right and then we partnered.

AB

With a solar developer or we'd like to community power group, um small shop, um a couple employees.

AB

And um we were one of the first to submit a project to the county under the recently passed.

AB

Code we've been depending on that code and and now it looks like that's, that's being threatened so on.

AB

The eve of this project getting the approvals that needed to move forward. I think final approvals.

AB

As I've understood it now, we're being told that the project may get killed because of a proposed.

AB

Moratorium- and it really disrupts everything we've been trying to you know carefully do over the last.

AB

Couple of years- and you know as a family, we're making this decision and um pretty excited about.

AB

It so sounds a little outrageous that this is happening to us at the last minute. It's action.

AB

By the county, um it'll cost us certainly a lot of money and it'll cost the developer the money. It's.

AB

Already invested in tax revenue that we thought would have been well received by the county.

AB

um I could have just another moment: it's just kind of taken up from family notes here.

AB

um It's important and getting a little granular chapter, two of the of the county, I think, is.

AB

Comprehensive plan goals, it's called you know. The county specifically acknowledges that the.

AB

Planning process allen. I think this quote is right. The perspective on planning goals, while.

AB

Promoting the need to respect property rights and accurately advise participants trade-offs between.

AB

Various forms of development based skill, world effects- sorry I was reading that but um and the.

AB

Emphasis on the private property rights and the real effects and we're you know we we we're we're.

AB

Feeling that, and we certainly value the rights as landowners and families on this farm for 50 years.

AB

But put up this mod to solar array, I think they call it. So um maybe we'll leave it at that, but we.

AB

We made the real decision in a meaningful decision and decision. That's cost us time and money based.

AB

On the code that was in place- and it's not easy to research, these things and understand them and.

AB

Pretty long and exhausting process, so that's why we're calling in and um to see that this, maybe.

AB

All changes, thank you and just a reminder. We are going to try and keep it right around that three.

A

Minutes uh there will be some flexibility, but I do know we have uh a lot of speakers to go through.

A

And the intent here is to get the gist of what you're sharing uh without um cutting you off.

A

Whatsoever, but uh just be be aware of that so um and just a reminder: this is not a hearing on.

AC

The proposed moratorium- it's a it's a chance for you to comment on a proposal to send the proposed.

AC

Moratorium to public hearings right, nothing is getting adopted today. If that affects any of your.

AC

Comments: yep, okay, chris. Thank you. Yes, thank you. If you can have the next caller star six to unmute.

Z

Okay, caller, we have somebody unmuted. If you can name give us your name and your address and.

Z

Begin you'll have three minutes. Thank you hi good afternoon my name is daryl miller. Can you hear me.

AD

Yes, yes, sir hi, we have a property at 75 land drive which is uh route 97, going just north.

AD

Of westminster uh again, it's a family farm and uh we've had for about 50 years.

AD

um And you know over the last 50 years, we've done different things on it, with uh keeping in.

AD

Mind the historical world nature of the county and we put parts of it uh under ag preservation, we've.

AD

Had forest conservation parts we've done some tree banks there in addition to the farming activities.

AD

We do have substantial development rights on it, uh which we've explored over the years, but uh you.

AD

Know recently, over the last couple of years, we've uh recognized the county's uh traffic issues, water.

AD

Concerns in the city of westminster and we're kind of coming up away with uh that, we could give back.

AD

To the community, while also benefiting us and we started to explore and did a lot of research and.

AD

Time, hours, money all that sort of thing that the last caller mentioned as well and thought that.

AD

Solar was the best of both worlds, uh where we could provide tax revenue, jobs uh to the county.

AD

Without burdening its um its infrastructure, and uh um so we, you know we're just uh and we're in.

AD

The middle of that process, submitting plans and following the county's restrictive uh guidelines.

AD

And we're in a situation where we think that we can have a solar facility there. That will.

AD

Not be able to be seen by any uh neighboring uh property owner, um and so I we do believe.

AD

That they are parcels within the county where solar can work on on ag uh on ag parcels, and we.

AD

Would just ask that that process be allowed to be played out uh without a moratorium.

AD

And these projects looked at on an individual basis, uh rather than a blanket moratorium on.

AD

Them because we do feel that some of them, uh like the one that we're proposing that can't.

AD

Be seen from uh any neighboring parcel that will eliminate uh for in perpetuity any development.

AD

Going on our parcel uh would be beneficial to the county. So that's why I'm calling in today again.

AD

Daryl miller, I just wanted to share my thoughts and comments. Thank you so much. Thank you, sir.

Z

Okay, next caller, uh if you could hit star six to unmute yourself and begin.

Z

By identifying yourself and giving us your address and then you'll have three minutes.

AA

Hello, can you hear me yes, sir? Yes, sir, you may begin.

AE

Yeah hi, my name is mike burkowski uh 267 long point um and uh we're.

Z

Sorry about that mike could you uh hit star six again. I.

Z

Was trying to change your name? Sorry about that. Can you hear me now? Yes, yes, sorry about that! Yeah.

AE

No worries so yeah. My name is mike workowski uh 267 long point um we're a maryland-based.

AE

Solar developer, uh we were present at many of the initial public hearings on the current solar law.

AE

um Which, uh in in all these public hearings, they, you know, discussed the implementation uh of.

AE

Potential, solar ordinances and- and it was a it- was a really long, thoughtful and exhaustive process.

AE

uh That really vetted. So many of the items uh that we hear some folks in in carroll county discussing.

AE

um But we sat through those and and then we identified some land that uh fit all.

AE

The parameters of the code- you know in an exhaustive process, trying to find all that and.

AE

um You know we put an application in, we were one of the first applications to to get put.

AE

Into carroll county for a community solar garden, we had to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars.

AE

In engineering fees and landscaping, fees and storm water management and and all sorts of.

AE

Things uh to get that application ready to meet all the code. You know requirements of the county.

AE

um And we went through the public hearing and there were so many items in that public.

AE

Hearing that were just simply not true just things like ems and killing birds and.

AE

Property values and and and we dispelled many of those in that public hearing.

AE

um And you know to have gone all the way through that now to find out that a moratorium could get.

AE

Put in place that kills the project after you know, all this money spent um is is just really.

AE

Concerning and so you know things like- ems killing birds, you know very uh easy to research and and.

AE

Determine that those those things just aren't don't exist with regards to solar, um you know.

AE

And one of the others I just want to talk about is property values right people talk about property.

AE

Values uh and and how solar may or may not impact that, and you know there are tons of studies out.

AE

There that you can easily research and show that solar has not and does not impact property value.

AE

But I I want to give you guys the the uh the ability to do that research on your own and it's.

AE

Very simple, very easy: you can go on zillow redfin, uh put on the map, view and you'll easily be able.

AE

To locate solar farms as one in ten oaks and in uh howard, county and others, even throughout maryland,.

AE

And similar marketplaces- and you can look at historical sales, look at current sales. Nobody when.

AE

The solar farm goes in nobody rushes to try and sell their property, and if somebody by chance does.

AE

Go to sell their property, it sells it the exact same price that any other near parcel sells at.

AE

And so uh you know, there's other positive impacts that you know who your neighbor is going to be. You.

AE

Don't have uh you know the farm chemicals being sprayed on it? Please finish up your thoughts.

AE

um And so anyway, I just I want to just say that you know that this moratorium could seriously.

AE

Impact us and for things like uh home values that can be easily researched uh and determined that.

AE

uh The false that's there, thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Chris. Are there any others.

Z

I have two more callers. I don't believe that it's spoken. Okay, if you are here to.

Z

Speak for public comment. Please unmute. By hitting star six you'll, have three.

Z

Minutes, please identify yourself first and give us your address.

Z

Okay, somebody's unmuted! Well, yes, yes! Yes, my name! My name is um kathy gresh. My husband.

S

Gary and I live at 1529 old manchester road, a it's an approximately 30 minute.

S

um It's about it's a 30, acre farm we've lived here. 27 years, we've raised our child here we.

S

Basically, I went, we did attend a meeting of approximately five years ago um and we began.

S

Investigating this we were approached by a solar developer and um maybe five to seven years ago, so.

S

We've been carefully studying this and, like the earlier callers, um I just want to say we support.

S

All the earlier callers um and what they said we've been into the process, we're near we're very.

S

Careful we're very supportive of carroll county agricultural history and we feel solar respects.

S

That history and at preservation much more than housing development, um the 20 years when our lease.

S

Would run out, we would be able to turn it back to ag if we need it to unlike a housing development.

S

um So we would really we are at in the process where we could be moving forward within the next.

S

Year and um we are also- um we have 10 to 18, we have 18 acres and that are actively farm now.

S

um The farmer who leases our land and does that is very elderly. We're not sure how long.

S

That he would be able to continue, and so we would like to add additional income to.

S

Our retirement as we are very near retirement ourselves by having a solar farm and we hope.

S

We could move forward that we were very sort of. We were very surprised by the moratorium.

S

Suggestion- and we hope you will reconsider that. Thank you very much. Thank you. Ma'am.

Z

They still have one caller uh if they could unmute themselves. If you haven't spoken.

Z

Going five, four three two one back to you, commissioner rosting. Okay, thank.

A

You roberta, if we can. Okay, um mr mark hamilton,.

A

Okay, go to the next okay. Next uh stephen roberts.

AF

Good morning, steve roberts, 6571 jasana court I'll be brief. um First off I'm unaware of anybody.

AF

As opposed to green energy, but where it's appropriate, we've mentioned that before I'm.

AF

Here, because I'm fighting for my pure and natural environment that I chose to live in commissioner.

AF

Rothstein you've made this quote many times it's uh just because you can doesn't mean you should.

AF

um But many times that gets overlooked when money's involved. This is about money.

AF

AF

So my question to you guys, um by the way, your commitment to this community you've.

AF

Said it a thousand times you you respond to emails, you've come out and visited sites.

AF

Commissioner rothstein your town halls, I attend those uh very enlightening to.

AF

Me you are committed to this community. You are in the right roles. Trust me.

AF

For for uh for my specific case, um my question to you is to ask these landowners. I've heard it.

AF

On the phone calls they did not buy this property to invest in solar. I bought my property to invest.

AF

In the quality of life that my family has, so I encourage you to please pursue this amendment.

AF

Thank you. Okay, thank you. I think maybe came back to the room, mark, hamilton, laughs,.

AG

All right, I sorry about the appearance, I'm a little hard on hearing, so I don't want to.

AG

Miss any it's all good anything when I, when I speak, um I'm totally in support of placing.

AG

A moratorium, an effect on solar community solar facilities being built in carroll, county's.

AG

Agricultural zone districts not only being full support of carroll, county's agricultural land.

AG

Preservation programs, land conservation mission, but to be in place to protect the rights of each.

AG

And every one of its citizens, families and their neighboring properties from these so and solar.

AG

Energy generating facilities popping up and being built nearby that are causing unseen.

AG

Chaos and not realizing the effects they cause on the everyday lives of its residents. As you.

AG

Can see from all these people's testimony? uh In my particular case I know you've probably remembered.

AG

Me from last week, um I'm a 38 year resident of carroll county. I don't plan on moving anywhere.

AG

A process of having a proposed solar farm 17, .25 acre site across the street from me.

AG

200 with the first panel 252 feet off the front wall of my house, and it just it just isn't.

AG

Something that the people in a residential area want when they're bordering an industrial area.

AG

And I'm sorry an agricultural area, it just isn't an ideal situation and a place to put a solar farm.

AG

So I can probably spare you the rest of my moments sounds good to.

AG

Me that's that's why I'm here today! Okay! Thank you. Yes, sir. Thank you, john miller,.

AH

Foreign thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak john miller 105 through three dorchester.

AH

uh In woodstock, so I just wanted to mention that the carroll county ordinance as written.

AH

Was well thought out had significant opportunity and benefited from a lot of public comment and.

AH

Collaboration, it took a significant amount of time, I want to say over a year and it resulted.

AH

In a very strong and restrictive ordinance, frankly, the work that the commission and the.

AH

Staff put into putting the ordinance together was second to none, and it does include a significant.

AH

County oversight through its staff agencies and planning board, I think, there's somewhat.

AH

Of a conception that these things can just pop up overnight, without that oversight just wanted.

AH

To briefly go over some of the benefits that these projects can provide. uh Firstly, there's.

AH

The tax benefits as we project that a standard two megawatt project under the ordinance would.

AH

Pay approximately one million dollars in property tax to the county over its life.

AH

Without really requiring any county services, so that's a significant tax benefit. Community solar.

AH

Also provides savings to its subscribers, which many times are residents and small businesses.

AH

And those are people that's going to be available to people in carroll county. We project that our.

AH

Project project sunshine would save approximately 4.4 million dollars to its subscribers over its.

AH

Term, so that's a significant amount of savings that can result from community solar, specifically.

AH

Versus some other types of solar, like utility, scale, much larger projects, you don't have.

AH

That direct benefit that flows from it. Some other tertiary benefits also include the local economic.

AH

Benefits these projects to often use local labor for things like the civil work, fencing contractors.

AH

Landscaping contractors benefits during you know to local restaurants and small businesses during.

AH

Construction and a really large benefit, and it actually worked out perfectly who came before.

AH

Us are the agricultural conservation, so, as part of the ordinance land is going to be placed into.

AH

Agricultural conservation, you guys have a very aggressive goal, a hundred thousand as as shown and.

AH

Solar can play a very large part in meeting those goals without requiring the county to pay for it.

AH

Right the county, not only have you committed to doing it, you've come out committed financially.

AH

To do so, and the ordinance as written is a way to meet your goals without having the county to use.

AH

Their already strained resources to do so uh I'll also just mention that you know as a developer.

AH

I've been doing this for 13 years. What we just are asking is to be a resource for you guys right. The.

AH

Last commission had the opportunity to go through that. We know some of you may not have so we want.

AH

We just want to be a resource through the process, provide you, information on what solar is and what.

AH

It isn't uh we love that opportunity in a public setting to do so and also really to echoing, with.

AH

Some of the landowners said earlier find a way for local landowners to be able to benefit.

AH

From the development of their property in carroll county, okay, thank you. Thank you, sir francis hugas.

AI

Good afternoon my name is francis yuhas, I'm at 5133 mountain road in pasadena, I'm a project.

AI

Developer with turning point energy and like some of the previous speakers was also involved in the.

AI

Original process by which you decided to adopt the zta to allow solar on remainder parcels and.

AI

Appreciate the ability to address you all today, I oppose the moratorium, like some other callers. Yes,.

AI

We have projects in the permitting process and it would be devastating to have those projects. Those.

AI

Projects, I guess delayed, so the moratorium would be premature as none of these projects have been.

AI

Yet able to be developed under the zta, of which I believe, the thought of the commissioners at.

AI

The time was that, once these projects were a few projects were actually installed, there would be.

AI

The ability to review view the projects review, the benefits to the community and therefore reevaluate.

AI

The situation, then, once those projects were able to prove themselves, we wholly support the local.

AI

Control and land use objectives and we propose responsibly cited projects that incorporate the.

AI

Appropriate setbacks and buffers while enabling the residents to benefit from community solar, so.

AI

The again, the the process that you went through before was very extensive and it was an open.

AI

Process for all stakeholders, so community solar really does support land preservation. It promotes.

AI

The continuance of viability of farming and agricultural uses it's a temporary use. It's.

AI

One of those uses that, at the end of the life of the project, it reverts the farmland back to.

AI

Formal farmable land for that next generation and there are ecosystem benefits. Community solar. You.

AI

Know there will be pollinating plants underneath the solar panels creates habitat for birds, beads.

AI

And small mammals, pollinator habitat and particularly as ideal, ideally shared with.

AI

Farm with farm and agricultural land nearby solar use decreases pesticide use, it there's no impact.

AI

To well water- and there are very robust storm water facilities put into place. So with that.

AI

There's minimal reliance on infrastructure, there are no new roads, schools, water sewer or police.

AI

Oversight needed so with that I thank you very much. I hope that we can continue the conversation.

AI

And maybe discuss a little bit about what your concerns? Thank you. Thank you. Man, john forgash,.

AJ

Good afternoon, commissioners, my name is john forgash principal of soul, harvest energy.

AJ

A developer of community solar projects, one of which is located on a remainder.

AJ

Parcel north of westminster, the parcel is owned by the donald miller, family.

AJ

Company and you heard from daryl miller earlier early today,.

AJ

Last year we agreed to move forward with the project that, together, we feel could be.

AJ

Designed to meet all the requirements, while also minimizing nimby impacts,.

AJ

My discussions with the miller family began several years ago and from the beginning.

AJ

They were cautious about using their property for community solar project at this location.

AJ

Over the course of many discussions to family educate itself on what exactly is.

AJ

A community solar project, the technology and construction methods used what would.

AJ

Happen to the land under the system, protection for decommissioning and, of course, its overall benefits.

AJ

Please note that these are the same topics that were discussed and argued at length.

AJ

To memorialize the solar text amendment over the course of the past couple years,.

AJ

Ultimately, family got comfortable putting their name behind the idea of installing a project at.

AJ

This location, as daryl mentioned earlier, they were aware of the challenges and the changes.

AJ

That this type of property- excuse me, this type of development would produce they're, also very.

AJ

They understand the importance as well of their reputation in the community.

AJ

And also the roles that will be required of them.

AJ

It just seems quite unreasonable that suddenly a moratorium to roll back all the work completed.

AJ

In good faith over the last few years by local stakeholders, various companies.

AJ

Landowners and, of course previous commissioners is being discussed and potentially fast-tracked.

AJ

In its most simplistic form, a moratorium would take the decision-making power.

AJ

Out of a landowner's hands to use his or her property as desired.

AJ

And in a legal manner such as for this permitted use.

AJ

Aren't these inherent property rights.

AJ

A fundamental characteristic of what it means to be an american landowner.

AJ

Optimal locations for community solar projects that no one would object to do.

AJ

Exist in the ag zone, please do not close the door on these opportunities with a blanket.

AJ

Restriction or significant delay.

AJ

Appreciate your your understanding and your consideration. Thank you, sir. Yes, robin eason.

C

Robin oh okay,.

C

AK

So my name is robin eason, my husband marty and I own the property at 2705 deer park.

AK

Road we've owned that property since 1996. my family and I have been and remained citizens.

AK

Of carroll county, not far from here since 1969., I'm opposed to the six-month moratorium.

AK

On solar farm installation proposed here today, the reason given for this moratorium.

AK

Is more for research needs to be done well, as you've heard from some people already, there's.

AK

Hundreds of solar farms throughout this county- I don't even know how many are in the country.

AK

um They've been developed successfully and all the research has already been done and.

AK

Documented and it's available as you've heard for any uhas who you've already heard from from.

AK

Turning point energy has spoken with community members to expand this experience, but that doesn't.

AK

Seem to matter what seems to matter is their view from their land from our land. In my opinion, this.

AK

Moratorium is simply a ploy to waste taxpayer money and time of tpe hoping they will put out.

AK

Pull out of the project, I'm curious. How, if that happens, how would we be compensated both tp and.

AK

E and me personally, there's been a lot of money. A lot of time spent on this and we've had to go.

AK

Through a myriad of red tape associated with installing a solar farm in carroll, county.

AK

The opposition has formed an association, a website and is now written a newsprint article all to gang.

AK

Up on a husband and wife, all we want to do is do the best that we can with the land that we have.

AK

When it became my responsibility to provide- oh I'm sorry, when did it become my responsibility.

AK

To provide this association's members with their viewing pleasure, this association declares that.

AK

Their rights far outweigh our rights as landowners. Should the association members continue to be.

AK

Concerned about their view of their property, I have a couple suggestions. um One would be put.

AK

Your money, where your mouth is, they should chip in and buy our land. Then they can do what they want.

AK

They can turn it into a community park if that's what they choose for those members whose property.

AK

Borders, heirs that will have a direct line of sight. We give you permission to plant a little.

AK

Cypress trees on our property along the property line. What view is not 100 hidden by tpe will be.

AK

Will be secured by this, uh their own personal leyland spruces number two. um I wish that these.

AK

People would pay attention to their own property and make the best of it, just as we have done for.

AK

The last 27 years, our property, is not here for your viewing pleasure. If you bought or built.

AK

Your property primarily because our property affords you a nice view. Well, I'd say that.

AK

Wasn't a realistic idea if this association succeeds in taking the opportunity from us.

AK

To benefit from our land via solar farm, then they had succeeded in changing the zoning laws.

AK

If that is so, then we too should be benefiting from changing the zoning laws and be able to.

AK

Sell our land as residential building lots. Perhaps we can divide our 41 acres into one to.

AK

Two acre lots just as two of our neighbors direct neighbors have recently bought and built the one.

AK

Or we could use commercial, you use it for commercial use.

AK

To conclude, I would personally opt for the solar farm. It would preserve most of the view and the.

AK

Habitat for the wildlife again, my name is robin eason and I support the community solar farm.

AK

And oppose any delay tactics such as place in a moratorium on solar farm development. Thank you. Man.

Q

Cheryl bossy.

AL

Good afternoon cheryl bossy, 4148, nora, drive finksburg, and I spoke last week and I emailed.

AL

All of you this week, thank you for reading that and thank you for your responses to the email.

AL

um I'm here today in opposition of the community solar farms that don't benefit the community.

AL

These are industrial, solar sites, metal and glass panels. They change the definition of.

AL

Agriculture nothing's growing there I mean under other than what they talk about, might.

AL

Be growing underneath, which is what's there now, I'm here today, fighting for my life, quite frankly,.

AL

um I'm offended, as I said in my email to all of you, that the county and the state would subject.

AL

Myself and my family and my neighbors to this threat of.

AL

Being you know the possibility of having to view this solar commercial, solar facility.

AL

For the rest of my days, 20 years from now when they're talking about decommissioning, I probably.

AL

I mean, I hope, I'm here, but I don't know it's set to be seen. I'm also representing many many of my.

AL

Neighbors that couldn't be here today because of having to work or other circumstances. So I.

AL

Feel that we're all in the same boat here we're fighting for our lives for our quality of life. I.

AL

Wasn't aware, when this by the former board, this amendment came in to play back in may of 2021.

AL

That was a time when we were all reeling from covid from coming back rebounding from lockdown.

AL

Had we been aware, had the residents been aware of what was going on at that time? I'm sure we would.

AL

Have been here again to represent each other in our opposition of solar on ag property to.

AL

Address what robin just spoke of here about hiding this from us, there is no way with the.

AL

Tobography of the land from our decks from our second stories of our homes, if they put 20 foot.

AL

Complete evergreen screening in from day one, we would still be viewing this project, as would the.

AL

People who are driving by and the surrounding families, so please continue with your research.

AL

Of this continue with the moratorium as planned and then further to reverse ag.

AL

Property back to what it should be- agricultural, not commercial. Thank you. Thank you, frank muchia,.

I

Is going to pronounce and read sorry.

AM

Thank you and good afternoon. It's a pleasure to meet you and thanks for the opportunity to.

AM

Give a couple of comments here. My name is frank macia, my wife angie and I live.

AM

At 3909 lewisville road in finksburg and my backyard is directly adjacent.

AM

To one of the proposed solar fields on deer park, road 2705, deer park, road.

AM

um We see the whole field, um it's 15 acres. We could see it all. There's an elevation.

AM

um That could be as high as 50 feet from the very bottom. We bought this lot and built it in 2018.. We.

AM

Did that because we, this is the last home for my wife and I were retired here now or soon we'll be.

AM

um And we did it because I I think that the area, including all of our neighbors homes,.

AM

And their their properties is indicative of the way of life that people in carroll county want.

AM

um Lando's owners have a right to do things. They do. I've heard some compelling arguments.

AM

And statements not only from robin but the folks on the phone, the landowners but within.

AM

The guidelines of the zoning rules and regulations there should be some limit.

AM

You know we bought this property when it was agriculturally zoned, and that was our.

AM

Our preference is to keep it agriculturally zoned and it because it's beautiful and now it's changed.

AM

Now we can build or the landowners can build, an industrial type project.

AM

In our in our communities- and we just think that's wrong.

AM

um Landowners have a right to do things for their own revenue stream and their income, but.

AM

Do we have a voice to the residents that surround these? These these fields have a voice. We see.

AM

um A rush in our county to get these projects in and get them approved. We are hearing more.

AM

And more solar farm construction projects throughout the county. It's quite shocking.

AM

To me- and I think it's because we need to you respectfully the commissioners- you need to.

AM

Spend some time and look at the regulations and make sure they're right, they're, not they're, not.

AM

Suitable, it's not suitable to have an industrial commercial project in an agriculturally zoned area.

AM

In my view, I'm talking to jonathan bowman the uh gentleman that's in charge of the landscaping plan.

AM

His landscaping plan is not suitably updated to accommodate solar fields and commercial in.

AM

Agricultural areas, so I'm concerned about not only seeing the field I'm concerned about all.

AM

The other things that are associated with a project like this in an agricultural zone to.

AM

Include water runoff potential to include toxicity going into the ground every resident around the.

AM

Field that I'm mentioning is on a well and there is no benefit to any resident it. Nobody in our.

AM

Community needs uh subsidized reduced bg e bill. I burn wood. Many of my neighbors do the same thing.

AM

So I appreciate the opportunity to talk to you. I appreciate the fact that you're listening to.

AM

Us we need you to listen to us, and the moratorium doesn't mean that these projects are dead forever.

AM

It just do the right thing is what I ask, and the right thing is sometimes.

AM

Sometimes the hardest thing. Thank you. Thank you very much, annette fleischel.

AN

Good afternoon my name is annette fleischel. I live at 1401, fanny dorsey road, I'm directly.

AN

Across the proposed spring valley, solar facility, right after the announcement in the carroll county.

AN

Times about the commissioners voted to put a moratorium on agland, I wrote a letter to the.

AN

Editor now I'm going to read that letter to you, because I seriously doubt that they're going to.

AN

Print my letter, but this way I can let everybody hear it: okay, kudos to sherry greenfeld. She was.

AN

The reporter for writing this article and for carroll county times for printing it. What was.

AN

Not mentioned was the number of concerned citizens from all over carroll county who.

AN

Attended that meeting the commissioner's room was filled to overflowing with residents who.

AN

Opposed the development of community solar energy generating systems which are popping.

AN

Up in their backyards and on viable, valuable and currently farmed land kudos, also the to the newly.

AN

Elected commissioners ta-da, um who have listened to their constituents, read their impatient emails.

AN

And letters identifying their deeply held feelings and stories. There are so many residents of carroll.

AN

County who live in agricultural and residential neighborhoods, who were born here and will never.

AN

Move away, I often hear people come to me and say I used to fish at your pond when I was a.

AN

Little girl and guess who's fishing there. Now my kids, it's great to hear. There are also many like.

AN

Me who moved here 20 years ago or less to seek the royal ambience and country appeal. There is.

AN

A reason why the number one industry in carroll county is agriculture. Surprise. Did you know that.

AN

50 percent of the land mass in carroll county is agricultural in use that there are 708 farms did.

AN

You know that carroll county is number one in ag preservation. We just heard that again today, so.

AN

On january, 6 2021 before the county commissioners wrote to change the amendment to the development.

AN

Of uh of agricultural land, the carroll county farm bureau penned a letter to reiterate their policy.

AN

Recommendations, this policy had been adopted by the farm bureau membership at their annual.

AN

Business meeting in october, 2020 and after uh and it stated after reviewing all the information and.

AN

After much discussion, the legislative committee decided to submit a policy recommendation that.

AN

Quote: oppose any community solar implementation on agland, whether it be an ag remainder or not period.

AN

uh Think about for that, for a minute, the organization that represents farmers and.

AN

Farming in carroll county said: don't do this and I'm sorry, but they did do that and that was in.

AN

2021 of may most of the residents and communities in carroll county do not oppose solar attempts to.

AN

Generate energy, they do oppose the ground mounted solar panels. The institutional fencing months of.

AN

Construction in their backyards, there is a myriad of valid reasons and you've heard a number of them.

AN

Put them on rooftops, put them on barn, roofs, brownfields, there's a lot of areas, industrial.

AN

Areas is where they belong, because solar panels is an industry. I would ask you, commissioners, do.

AN

Your due diligence do your research. Do your outreach, seek knowledgeable and experienced.

AN

Professionals in the field of solar energy who are unbiased in their methods do not cave into.

AN

The external forces from state mandates pressure from solar energy companies to meet green energy.

AN

Goals and projections seek the input of your communities and your residents in.

AN

Your respective districts- oh, I ran out of time so I'm going to go to the last. The last page on.

AN

A personal life, my life was completely changed when a sign appeared in the field across from my.

AN

50 acre farm, inviting me to attend a trc meeting and we said what kind of meeting what's this, what.

AN

About who who's solar development who's? What we knew nothing, we knew nothing. Please don't.

AN

Let this happen again in carroll county. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, terry. Smack.

T

Yeah good morning, I think it's still morning, gentlemen, thank you for letting me speak and I.

T

Really appreciate everybody that has stand up and spoken against um the solar field projects here in.

T

Carroll county I live at 3775 aaron, jacob drive in taneytown maryland. My and my um spouse, not a.

T

Spouse but my significant other property backs up directly towards um the brown llc project. That is.

T

um Subject to take over about 10 acres, which would be directly in our backyard, I, like other.

T

People moved to this site because of how beautiful it is, I mean it is amazing and to stand out our.

T

Back door and to look at the the few trees that we have and to know that all the wildlife exists and.

T

I I have said this over and over I've emailed you guys a couple of times, but from the bottom of my.

T

Heart, I really hope that you guys think about what this will do to our communities again. Someone said.

T

They didn't know if they were going to be here 20 years from now. I don't know whether I'm going to.

T

Be here for 20 years now I don't know what's going to happen to that ground, can anybody give us any.

T

Information, those from the solar company, can you give us any information, some history of how those.

T

Panels affected our lives or will affect our lives. You know, I'm not sure whether you have them.

T

In your backyard or not, I would love to know that, because I would love to hear your side if they're.

T

In your backyard and not that you're making money off of them, but then you're in your backyard.

T

That's the point that I want to make the people that are coming in from this are not from our.

T

Area they're, not carroll, countyians they're, not farmers, they're, not people who brought.

T

Their property for the beauty of it. I think that that needs to be taken into consideration by I'm.

T

Sorry for the people on the phone that you know went into this project and you know I understand.

T

If you can hide it, but you can't hide it from the from the fences that they're being put up.

T

You're going to have to have burns so high, you know for some of these people there.

T

Was a gentleman here at the other meeting that you know his son from his view of his.

T

Son's window in a second story home could see those solar panels if they were built.

T

I don't want to be part of that. I know that most of people in this room don't want to be part of.

T

That I know some of you live on farmland and I don't think that you want to be part of that. So.

T

I hope that you will take into consideration to continue to put this moratorium and show.

T

Real research has been done that doesn't belong to have finances attached to it.

T

I don't want the money attached to it because in the end most people say follow the money.

I

Thank you, patty toth,.

AO

Good morning, good afternoon my name is patricia toth. I live at 6565 jazana court good afternoon.

AO

uh Thank you, commissioners, for the opportunity to speak to you today. My husband lou and I own the.

AO

125 acre remainder portion along fanny dorsey road in sykesville is the site of the proposed project.

AO

Sunshine, community, solar development. Yesterday I sent an email to all of you, including several.

AO

Staff members, I hope you receive that email and I hope you get the chance to read it and I would.

AO

Like to highlight some of my points in that email this morning, our home on jazana court.

AO

Will is adjacent to the form property? We will see this project out of our windows as well.

AO

Those of you that know lou- and I know that we are local. We are business owners in this community and.

AO

And we have supported carroll county in every imaginable way. The county employees have taken.

AO

Tremendous time and effort to develop this zoning text amendment this booklet that was published in.

AO

July of 2001 defines all of the requirements to be met before these can be approved. Your predecessors.

AO

The previous board of commissioners approve this process. I think the time for debate is over this.

AO

Was approved, it was fully vetted, there were public hearings, public comment periods and your county.

AO

Staff fully understand the reasoning behind this amendment. I urge you particularly the the new.

AO

Commissioners, I respectfully urge you to talk to your staff members understand why this was put in.

AO

Place understand the benefits to carroll county understand what is at stake? If we don't do this.

AO

Your staff also knows that there are previous boards of commissioners that.

AO

Made zoning decisions that were incorrect and the entire taxpayer base of carroll county is.

AO

Still paying the price for that, I implore you to take the time if this moratorium is in place to.

AO

Read the document that the county put out. It is not my responsibility to provide a pretty view.

AO

Out others windows: I urge you the entire board to come visit. Our property walk the 125 acres.

AO

With illumini see the benefits to these types of solar developments, I thank you for your time. I'm.

AO

Willing to answer any questions from anyone in the audience. Thank you, okay. Thank you. Adam dubinsky,.

AP

Try to read this off my phone good afternoon. My name is adam dubitsky. The address is 721.

AP

Howard's loop, annapolis maryland, I am not from carroll county. I represent a group called land.

AP

And liberty coalition, we work with farmers, landowners, property rights activists, renewable.

AP

Energy companies in maryland, we also have affiliates in other states too. We oppose the.

AP

Moratorium as drafted community solar in carroll county around the state has a solid track record.

AP

Of safety- and we respectfully don't believe it should take six months to find a balance that.

AP

Preserves everybody's interest: those are farms trying to keep land in their family for future.

AP

Generations protects property rights, safeguards the well-being of farm families, economic growth.

AP

And certainly the interests of the neighbors, solar and carroll and other counties is not.

AP

The main threat to agriculture, it's residential and commercial development, a farm that's sold to.

AP

Real estate developers is lost forever projects for solar they're, not everybody's, first choice.

AP

We certainly understand that they're not for everyone or not, certainly not for every community.

AP

Or landowner, but they don't have kids, they don't commute to work, they don't take showers, they don't.

AP

Drive on the roads, yet they help fund these priorities. They help fund the schools without.

AP

Requiring new ones to help fund roads, repairs and infrastructure without requiring additional ones.

AP

I watched it january 19th hearing and I don't think a single farmer spoke the people who were.

AP

In favor of the moratorium talked about protecting their views, but no one specifically mentioned.

AP

Protecting farmers and their land- quite simply, you cannot protect farmers without protecting farmers.

AP

A lot of these farm families are struggling to make ends meet and annapolis in an increasingly.

AP

Washington are regulating a lot of these families out of their business.

AP

A family who owns a farm that is forced to make a decision.

AP

Preserve it, which is fine if the monies are there in the county or from neighbors.

AP

Sell it to a developer, it's gone forever or to use a portion of it for a period of time.

AP

To solar, it's a choice that they should be able to make farm profits in maryland. They range from.

AP

About 151 to 620 per acre, depending on the crop for solar rents, it's 800 to 3.

AP

000 an acre and is often built in- um I forget the word but increases for cpi and inflation too.

AP

um And also there's no fuel, no fertilizer, no pesticides, no pumping equipment, no farm equipment.

AP

No fuel and no costs labor costs. The opposition to the uh solar seems to really be two-fold. One.

AP

Or just some frankly, unsupported claims and concerns about health and safety. If you take.

AP

A look not only in maryland, but around the country, farms, solar farms, actually do the opposite. You're.

AP

Not putting the pesticides down you're, not putting the fertilizer down and in fact it.

AP

Protects the watershed: it protects the ecosystem and pollinators help restore the land. I'm running.

AP

Out of time, so I'll just make this quick, there's no evidence on property values, but the other.

AP

Argument that I believe we heard from most of the proponents of the moratorium is simply that we.

AP

Like seeing farms and what I would leave you with finally, is that these farms are not props. These.

AP

Farms are not actors in colonial williamsburg, they're, small businessmen and women. They are not.

AP

One person actually said, but we like watching the hay being veiled. We like looking at the hay bales.

AP

The farmer did not do that for people's viewing pleasure. He did it for his income. You know, and I.

AP

Would um just strongly strongly uh urge you to consider all the claims not only mine, but also.

AP

The residents also the solar companies, take a look at the facts and find a balance that works.

AP

For the county, the community, uh the neighbors and um our environment too, thank you. Thank you.

I

um Sorry, the last name's pretty difficult. No, no. The last name is difficult to read.

I

So I'm going to butcher it in in advance. I warn can do it good. Thank you. It's okay.

AQ

Good afternoon, commissioners, my name is ken donathan.

AQ

um And I actually do live in carroll county to answer some of the questions I've been.

AQ

I've lived in carroll county for 25 years. I own a business earth and air technologies up by the.

AQ

Airport right in our backyard, if we've installed hundreds of systems in the county in the state.

AQ

um Throughout the years since 2010, if you've eaten any uh eggs in the county, you probably have eaten.

AQ

Sunnyside farms, eggs that we installed solar on if you've gotten grain pet food from bauman's.

AQ

Feed and pet, you probably benefited from the systems that we put in that sends electrons.

AQ

To their stores, if you took muffy to uh air park animal, you probably benefited from the electricity.

AQ

It's generated from that system and yes, I do have a solar system in my backyard and I haven't paid.

AQ

Electricity bill in since 2013. we employ about two dozen employees here and we put the and we're.

AQ

Hiring more as a result of this amendment, so taking a step back from this amendment will.

AQ

Severely affect what we have in place to assist in the development and installation of solar systems.

AQ

One thing we have to remember is: why are we here? We are here because the.

AQ

State mandates in 2030 that 50 percent of our electricity has to be from renewable sources.

AQ

And they test the counties and local jurisdictions to assist in that- and this is what this great text.

AQ

Amendment does it assists in allowing systems that the county has a voice in where it can be placed.

AQ

Do we want to step back now with a moratorium and have the state come in and tell us where.

AQ

We can put solars solar systems, I don't think so. So that's something we have to think about.

AQ

uh When we go behind closed doors and determine do we want to put a moratorium, because it's going to.

AQ

Affect a lot of industry, I'm local I've lived here for 25 years, my family, my grandkids. We all live.

AQ

Here they benefit from the solar from the projects that my company, small business, have installed and.

AQ

We probably installed more systems, not size wise than any other company in the state of maryland.

AQ

So I just want you to step back and consider the reason that we're here as the state it's.

AQ

Tasked us by 2030 to have 50 percent of renewables generated in the state. Okay,.

A

Thank you thank you and I assure you nothing will be behind closed doors sergeant, schaefer.

AR

Good afternoon my name is clark schaefer, I'm a lawyer that represents several companies.

AR

That are doing uh solar projects in the county.

AR

I don't think anybody in my in the industry or elsewhere disputes uh the the process whereby.

AR

You respond to constituent concerns and take a look at your ordinances and your zoning. That's.

AR

What you're doing I think the dispute is, is the is a moratorium? The way to do that uh you've heard a.

AR

Lot of testimony today, I'm not going to reiterate it because I think that'll come later, but I would.

AR

Urge you to not uh introduced this moratorium ordinance but to engage in a a public process.

AR

Which, by the way, was was done uh largely before the implementation of the existing.

AR

Ordinance where the industry and interested citizens can participate in a work session, a.

AR

Study group with you as to what these are, what they do so you have to see you can take a look.

AR

At it, putting a moratorium in uh at this short notice uh as you as you've heard it, it destroys.

AR

Or impacts investment-backed expectations, which is the which are the essence of private property.

AR

uh In other words, people have invested in these things, money, time and energy. Many of these.

AR

People have paid thousands tens of thousands of dollars to to your county for review fees.

AR

And why they do that, because you passed an ordinance that said before you can do anything.

AR

You have to go through this elaborate review process. You've required a conservation, easement.

AR

Your predecessors, but I I speak corporately um and and your existing ordinance is not without teeth.

AR

um And and it does fulfill, I think one key point that was made was uh it's really a big.

AR

Contributor to your one that one hundred thousand dollar goal uh of conserved conservation land, I'm.

AR

Not talking about the merits per se here because I think that's for another day, I'm talking about.

AR

That a moratorium uh cutting people's basically over people that have been in the system in good.

AR

Faith uh based on your published ordinances uh and all of a sudden boom nope, not you and and.

AR

We'll get back to you in six months: that's not the way to approach it. uh The way to approach.

AR

It is to do some more study, take a look at it and, yes, you have legislative prerogatives and.

AR

You're gonna, you can use them. uh Thank you for uh thank you for listening. Yes, sir, your bishop, that's.

I

The last comment card I have my name is frasier bishop. I live at 2810 deer park, road finksburg.

AS

When I was 11 years old, I wanted a horse, I'm very pro farming and my parents made.

AS

Me an agreement. They would get me a horse if I'd run the 40 acre farm. So I'm very pro for.

AS

Farm oriented I moved to carroll county in 07 because I wanted to live in a farming community.

AS

uh I feel like the solar farms is like moving into a commercial establishment. When I drive.

AS

Down the road- and I start to see all these solar farms and all so I'm losing the farms that I love.

AS

Also, someone mentioned the fact that the eggs that we get in carroll county were probably.

AS

From carroll county, if we lose all this farmland to solar panels, where are we going to grow the.

AS

Crops to support our beef production, our egg production, etc. uh I think you get the overall.

AS

Gist so I'll save some time, but I think that we need to keep the idea of whether we want.

AS

A moratorium and or using some of the other things how we're going to proceed to preserve.

AS

The farmland and prevent carroll county from going into a commercial industrialized county if.

AS

I want to do that I'll, go to baltimore, county or somewhere else. Thank you. Thank you. That's it. Okay,.

A

um Appreciate all the comments both on the phone and here mr burke, I'd like for you to.

A

Share one more time, the timeline as if we were to move forward with this, this is not putting a.

A

Moratorium in place, this is proceeding to a public hearing which would take how long the next step, if.

AC

You're inclined to go that way is to direct me to schedule a public hearing in order to do that.

AC

I have to run two advertisements in the carroll county times. In addition to some other publicity.

AC

That takes several weeks, so I think we're looking at about three to four weeks for it and actual.

AC

Public hearing on the proposed moratorium and everybody at that public hearing will get a chance.

AC

To speak pro or or khan as to the moratorium on that date, so, okay, thanks. Okay, um any discussion.

F

Yes, um either way I'd like to kind of more general. I want to thank everybody that talked.

F

um Either on the phone this sent emails sent stuff um and I'm not anti-solar, um I'm not.

F

Sure, where I am with this, but I I wouldn't want a 20-acre solar farm 150 foot from my front door,.

F

I do know that um and not properly screened. I want to complement everybody for and against um the.

F

Comments were respectful. I don't know if we'll get to the point where we can all agree to disagree.

F

But we're closer than a lot of places, and I really really complement you and and on a personal note.

F

My granddaughter juliet who's 11. wanted the public comment. She almost liked when you said.

F

We'd do this at 11 30., but she had to go back into class and she was only she said for 10 to 11 30.

F

Now she did send in a letter, and- and can you tell us where are they viewed, is where can people that.

F

Sent letters for public comment, you don't have you don't display public comment? No wow. I mean.

I

When there are public hearings- those yes um frequently with, uh I, I just assumed the county.

F

Had a page on the website that displayed public comment. um Sorry, you never have, but at any rate.

F

um I did tell her her letter was shared with the commissioners and uh and she would have uh bashed.

F

Me probably, but but she has every right to do so so again, I just want to thank everybody and.

F

um I I think we need to move forward with at least investigating this, and but I understand I.

I

Just want to make that clear when it's a public hearing those comments are understanding, are.

I

Codified and provided um the the we haven't gotten to a public hearing right. So no, no, I.

F

No, I was a little. I was specifically asking about public comments, just in general. No, we have never.

I

Done that, like I say, I'm sorry, I shouldn't assume I'm learning guys I'll learn. Oh good.

F

So that's enough I'll, stop um more conversation and emotion. Go ahead, commissioner. At the time I.

B

Thought you were gonna. I was just gonna echo uh commissioner kyler's uh comments, though.

W

um Obviously it's a it's a topic that there's two very different sides on this.

W

um I do appreciate all the emails I do appreciate everybody coming in the phone calls.

W

um We are aware we do listen um and we understand it's a complicated uh matter that we're looking at.

W

um And again, you know: public input is important if you have a concern.

W

On any topic, be this or another, we do appreciate you reaching out and.

W

Interacting with us, I think, that's a very valuable part of the process, so thank you.

B

And then I'll I'll, you know associate myself with the comments previously made by commissioners.

B

uh Kyler and commissioner gordon, I think that you know the the public comment that we've received.

B

Today and over the uh last week and a half or so is demonstrative demonstrative of the fact.

B

That we do need to proceed to a public hearing and the reason. Why is because you know again, you.

B

Know anybody who'd heard my comments at the very beginning of this. uh This meeting I spoke talked.

B

About how you know, we really need to gain a better sense of understanding. I certainly understand that.

B

There are some who'd argue, while the previous board of commissioners decided to do this, and.

B

Therefore, you should follow a suit, but none of us would be doing our due diligence as elected.

B

Representatives, if we did not hear out people as this was in process- and I certainly understand.

B

The argument: well, you know why would you put a moratorium in place before something occurred? Well,.

B

That, in my mind, that's the time to do it before anything actually does occur. To make sure that.

B

As we proceed, we're doing the right thing um you know. I certainly take these arguments that that.

B

You know certain property rights, arguments and and whatnot and without getting too much into.

B

The discussion of the subject matter itself again: I'd come back to this idea that that you know this.

B

Demonstrates that there is a need for a public hearing that we do need better input from the.

B

Public um and so uh you know, I will be supporting a motion to proceed with a public hearing.

A

The couple comments that were made- uh I do believe that nobody knows carroll county better than.

A

Carroll county- and it's not just a saying um another thing: I've learned over time is what.

A

Incentivizes me doesn't necessarily incentivize others and what incentivizes others may not be.

A

The priority for me um and the reason I'm sharing that is sometimes we get things.

A

Wrong, so we have to take: have the ability to either take a step back to take two steps.

A

Forward or take a larger understanding of the community um because we got to get it right and.

A

This is not a moratorium. This is an opportunity to go into a public hearing to decide.

A

If a moratorium should be in place, if this is not a win or lose uh situation right now, you know so.

A

There's no applauses and you know ovations. It's we got to get it right because we're carroll county.

A

um We got a long ways to go and with the new administration that's going to be put in place.

A

It's going to be very interesting where he, along with his cabinet, is going to go as we see through.

A

The maryland association counties and where we see some of the legislation, because it's going.

A

To be significant uh over the next year or two, um you know we want to be able to tell our story.

A

That was the intent of doing this. In the first place, it was a six-month process from december.

A

2020 to may of 2021 it wasn't five years ago. It wasn't six years ago. It wasn't behind closed doors.

A

It was five planning commission meetings. It was during open session directing the staff to take.

A

A look at this- it was, after all, of those steps going to public hearing, then to make a decision.

A

um Whether we knew about well whether you collectively knew about that process or not.

A

That is the process. um Some were engaged, others weren't. The farm bureau wrote a specific letter.

A

Associated with it, I think one of the lessons that we're learning is how to get more folks engaged on.

A

Telling our story in carroll, county and ensuring carroll county does what's right for carroll.

A

County, that's the biggest lesson that I'm taking away right now and I rather take a step back.

A

To get it right to then take two steps forward, so I am supportive of this going into public hearing.

A

For a moratorium and a whole lot of work that needs to take place between now and then this is.

A

Not sitting on our hands so with that is there's a motion. Take a look. I move the proposed ordinance.

D

Establishing a six-month moratorium on the review, processing and permitting of.

D

Community solar facilities and the county's agricultural zone proceed to public hearing.

A

Second, I got a motion. I got a second, I do have a question. Is the proposed ordinance going to.

A

Be available or be available, is it available? It is currently it's available part of the agenda.

I

It's part of the agenda, so it's available so for everyone who doesn't see our agendas.

A

They're online, the proposed ordinance establishing this six-month moratorium is available for your.

A

Review or for your situation, awareness and it will be listed under the section for upcoming.

AC

Public hearings as well it'll, be listed in the section for upcoming public hearings as well. Okay,.

A

I have a motion. I have a second any further discussion on this. All in favor, aye, aye, okay,.

A

Let's move on to open administration we're going to take a couple minutes.

A

For at least a minute, we will start the environment a little bit later.

A

Not at one o'clock, obviously, but at one, probably 1, 45 or 2 o'clock, so.

B

You see that was probably going to miss that last part. We said we'll start the.

A

Environment uh meeting at thanks, probably two o'clock, you know to give us time to.

I

Feels good to stand up, they may be bringing food in for us, as we can ask them to.

A

um Okay, while it's okay, while she's out, uh let's.

A

Take a look at this close summary of closed minutes from january 19th.

A

Regarding legal advice, yeah.

A

And it feels like it was a month ago any issues with that.

A

If not, I need a motion to approve the closed minutes for legal advice.

B

Motion to approve closed minutes for legal advice from the date of january 19th 2023.. Second, I got.

A

Motion got second any further discussion soon. Can I suggest an amendment? There was also land.

AC

Acquisition discussed that day. Well, there's there's a second yeah second document here.

A

Yes, I was going to do one and then the other okay. Thank you volunteer aware. That's fine, okay,.

B

You sure would it be easier to approve both at the same time, whatever's easiest for the.

AC

Board I'll make uh if anybody, if everybody's okay I'll make a friendly amendment to include.

B

Both uh the closed session minutes for 119.23, uh as well as the hold on.

A

Same date, so one for legal advice and one for land acquisition for legal and for land.

B

Acquisition. Second, okay: I got a motion. I got a second for close minutes for legal advice and.

A

Land acquisition on january 19th, any discussion seen here: none all in favor, aye, okay, so open admin.

A

um We did that already so before we go into agendas.

A

We had a conversation earlier wanting to.

A

um Go through the election process for the officers of the board of county commissioners.

A

um And either before we go right into that, is there any discussion and we want to have.

B

How do we want to do balloting? We have them, we have them yeah, so we don't vote for the president.

I

Then vote for the vice president, I'd like to call for point of order on that, though, barring.

W

That we have no rules practice or precedent other than we've done voice vote to date. I'd.

W

Like to have an open, transparent fashion in which that we do every vote in this room and.

W

That we do not allow secret ballot and that we use strictly voice vote for today's ballot.

B

When you say voice vote, do you mean by general consent you mean specifically, which specifically.

W

We would each vote for who we're voting for versus it being a written piece of paper. I.

W

Think transparency is what we all wrote on uh when we got elected and I think it's utmost importance.

W

In all that we do so, I think it should be completely transparent, sounds good breed.

A

So we can go one two, three, four five, well real, quick before we'll go. So let's bye, commissioner.

I

Nominate somebody, oh yeah, so that was gonna say that's the first step well before we go.

B

Into this I just want to say you know very clearly that you know whatever the outcome of.

B

This is whoever votes or whoever it's not going to change the you know the working relationship.

B

Or the friendship that we've built up with each other, um I want to say very clearly that.

B

You know, however, anybody votes is not going to affect my opinion of you in one way or the other.

B

um And uh you know, I know that you to some people that this can seem like a like a serious major.

B

Thing that's going to to you, know, divide or make or break, or whatever the case is, but.

B

You know again from my perspective approaching this: I'm not you know I don't hold grudges. I.

B

Don't do anything like that, so you know, please don't feel that uh you know well I'll leave it.

B

At that, okay, so, and along with that, I think the the public, I'm not sure, fully understands, but.

F

um To piggyback that it, these offices are kind of an administrative function, kind of.

F

Deal and we do all work together, regardless yeah, that's correctly yeah, because there was there.

A

Were some social media? You know saying that the president, which is me, sets agendas which I do not.

A

um Has a higher level of being than the others, and I absolutely do not. um It is an opportunity.

A

To gavel in and out of a meeting and on the bylaws of the ag board meeting that I participate in the.

A

Ag board, I'm not sure, there's much more to it than that. uh You know doing the weather calls I've been.

A

Participating in so uh so I I think the way to go about this, then, is to make a motion sure I'd like.

W

To make connect, can I make one clarification? I know this was discussed, or at least has been.

W

In previous boards, are we looking at a one-year term? Are we looking at potentially a two-year term.

W

Because, historically, it has been a one-year term minus the 59th board, where there were two singular.

W

One-Year terms by one party, where the entire board selected that individual's president and I know.

W

There has been two-year terms in a more recent fashion, but I guess we need to discuss that as.

W

Well, well so, keep in mind years ago, before you had five commissioners by district, it was just done by.

I

Whoever was the highest vote getter because the board ran across the organization, and I don't I.

I

Don't know I wasn't here at the time whether there was even a vote or it was just a fatal.

I

Complete because you were the highest vote getter, you got president and then vice president and.

I

There was a secretary at the time um since then the boards have have had until the 30, the 61st.

I

Board have had annual elections and you're right. One person did get elected at least twice in a row.

I

um In the 59 port, the 61st board, my urging went to two-year terms.

I

um You can do what you want with regard to. uh You know terms of office, so it's totally up to you, but.

I

It is difficult for folks, especially even inside the county, but especially outside the county, to.

I

Keep track if we do change annually. So that's the only reason I I sort of eye for two-year terms, but.

I

I'll make a motion that the officers are elected into a one-year term.

A

Second, I got a motion a couple of seconds. One question: um are there term limits? Can somebody.

F

Be re-elected, that's totally up to you. That's us! That's us yeah, yeah, so one-year terms, but.

F

Somebody like a garrett county's had some guy for six years because he keeps getting.

A

Reelected that's up to them, but there would be election once a year. Absolutely. I think.

D

It'll be imperative for this particular board to clarify a couple of those things going forward.

D

You know how: how is that done, so I'm prepared to make a motion, but I will mention that, and I know.

D

We're not bear with me, we got the motion and a second we're going to one year term. Is this.

A

Put into that, or should we should we vote on that and then go to where you want to go that.

A

Either way, I'm fine either way I just need to you know either keep the motion and second on.

A

The floor or yeah I I would second that motion for a one-year term. Okay. So now I got a motion motion.

A

On the table three seconds, so is there a further discussion on motion and the three seconds we have.

A

Seen here none all in favor, aye, aye, okay, okay! Now so we got that so all I can do. I know we're not.

D

The board of education, mr kyler you're, intimately familiar with that, but there's a few key points.

D

uh Before I do make my motion, or I can make it uh the board of education across right across.

D

The parking lot from us does do one-year terms and for the, as far back as I can tell the first.

D

Act of that board was to appoint a new president and vice president, that's the first thing they did.

D

And that has been the case for the carroll county board of commissioners.

D

Dating back to 2010 in december of 2010 11 12 14 15, 16, 17 18 2 in december of all those years.

D

The new board, the first thing they did when they raised their right hand.

D

Was to choose a new president and vice president in january of 2021, and I don't know the details.

D

But commissioner rothstein was elected president. I don't know that what the delay was in there.

D

But uh clearly 50-something days have gone by and I'm just going off.

D

Of what the board of education has done- and I know that doesn't necessarily work for us.

D

But the first thing they did was make a motion, and I will do that. I motion noting the prior.

D

History well documented in accordance with prior elections. I declare the office of the president.

D

Of the carroll county commissioners, that's the president and vice president vacant. That's the.

D

First thing they did when they started that meeting they have to declare vacant.

B

Is that the motion that you want to make? Yes I'll? Second, it all right.

A

Okay, any discussion on now having a vacancy senior none all in favor, all right. Okay,.

A

So now is there a nomination for the position present of the board of county commissioners.

B

I will nominate commissioner ross seen for the.

B

Ensuing one-year term as president of the board of county commissioners.

A

Okay, is there a second I'll? Second, it? Okay, I got a motion in a second. Is there.

A

Any further discussion on this seen here, none all in favor, aye, okay, against no okay,.

A

All right, oh, I said okay, three, two so.

A

I'll retain president board of county commissioners for a one-year term now.

A

Do I hear a nomination for vice president of the board of county commissioners I'll make.

A

The motion of commissioner kyler, as vice president of border county commissioners for a one-year term.

A

Second, I have a motion. I have a second. Is there any discussion on this seen here? None all in favor.

AG

Aye say: hi yeah: okay, did you say hi against? Oh you're, good, okay, okay, five cool! I don't believe.

A

We've had a second and a secretary and all that- and I don't believe, that's necessary. So, let's just.

D

Abolished a few years back, for whatever reason we did that, I think in 2019 we stopped it because it.

A

Was no value, it wasn't me yeah at the time years ago the secretary was the person the only duty.

I

That they sort of speak duty that they had they did once and it was to be the third signature on.

I

Official checks and things, but um there's no need for that. So I wonder why don't you come.

F

On up and and while she's coming up and and we don't need to beat, beat everything to death. But.

F

In the in in my brief past, and I assume moving forward, the president has said we're invited to.

F

Cabinet meetings we're invited to stuff we're always- and I assume it's going to.

F

Continue to be like that, we're open and, like I say again, it's not a. He doesn't lock his door.

F

Always, oh, I refuse to lock my door and uh the expectation is to get back into.

A

The timing, where it'll be probably december before the new year and we'll go from there.

A

So we'll not be quite a year, but it was just the last time was just that the board I'm.

A

Not even sure what was going on that, they just decided to do it. In january honestly,.

A

I don't know there was no particular reason I know yeah. I I don't remember so I'll go with.

D

Commissioner carl's words, I don't guess we don't need to beat a dead horse on this one, but.

I

Draft letter say for grant- hopefully you have a chance to look at it if you're good with it.

B

I'm very grateful that the the letter now reflects the number of medical calls that.

B

We've had in the county, I think that's incredibly important as we approach the.

B

Senator with information about the safer grant, that was the big thing was qualifying. The numbers.

A

Okay, monday january 30th, wow sandy mount cub pack 3.95., commissioner kyler will terrify.

A

The cub scouts of 395 at 6 pm at 6 30 p.m, is a maryland association counties coalition bill.

A

Review commissioner kyler, if he's not beat up by the cub scouts, we'll attend with me,.

A

um That's been valuable, so um 12 p.m. On tuesday january 31st, carroll, county health department.

A

Meet and greet lunch at the health department westminster commissioners, gordon karen and.

A

Vigliotti, I'm not sure I thought it was on my calendar as well. um Let's check with vivian.

A

Because I think it is, is it on yours or no? What's that the uh the health department lunch yes, yeah.

A

I think it is too, I think it's all of us yeah. I thought it was it's on my calendar.

B

um You guys are so fancy with your calendars on your phones. I still use a paper calendar.

AJ

So wednesday february 1st, I will not be attending to four meet alliance. uh Key leader series.

A

Unfortunately, uh but I will be participating in a subcommittee for uh maryland association counties.

A

Dealing with taxes I will be in commissioner kyler will be on the subcommittee for education.

A

um And then we will both be participating in the maryland association counties, legislative.

A

Committee meeting and that'll be virtual. The two of us will be going down to annapolis.

A

And then we'll meet with the delegation afterwards, just opportunity, um 6 p.m. That.

A

Evening as a planning and zoning commission um will be virtual with commissioner gordon and then.

A

At 6 00 pm on wednesday is the board of education, fy 24 operating budget sharing.

A

um Is there anyone who wants to attend is an official um ex-officio for the board.

A

I will attend so you can put me on the 6 pm. Tell vivian I'm a glutton.

A

It's my weight watchers program, thursday february 2nd. We go into close 8 a.m. We go into open.

A

We have the rezoning case, number 229 hutton street 21 llc request approval to accept money from the.

A

911 board ms hawkins from public safety request approval to purchase five year renewal contract.

A

To priority dispatch again ms hawkins, I guess she's on for a few request- approval to accept.

A

The funding for the maryland 911 board and then request approval to make a purchase from carousel.

A

Industries using the combination, I'm not one board, homeland security grant and operating budget funds.

A

um Then dpw guard rail repairs and install in various locations and that'll, be it for that week.

I

um Actually, starting that day and then the next uh four weeks um we'll be scheduling, the all of.

I

The agencies that the county funds to come in and have 15 minutes and it'll be up to.

I

You guys to keep them to 15 minutes. We tell them. You have to hold their feet to the fire.

I

um Presentations on basically what they do and how they do it, as we've discussed.

A

Monday february 6th maryland association counties rural county coalition, bill review. Commissioner.

A

Kyler and I at 6 30 p.m. At 7, 00 p.m. On tuesday I'll be attending the ag center board meeting.

A

On wednesday, maryland association counties again, commissioner kyler and I will be participating.

A

Board of education board meeting fy24 preliminary budget adoption.

A

uh Please take a look: who wants to be a taker on that? It's at 5 pm on wednesday.

A

Thursday february 9th we got uh cc, we got the public library exploration, commons, funding.

A

So we got andre birsler coming in fy 23 second quarter budget update from mr.

A

Zaleski rezoning case number 229 hutton street 21 from department of planning.

A

Briefing from on the 2024 consolidated transportation, priority letter from.

A

Again, planning ms heisenberg and that's all right now scheduled.

A

For but there will be a one thing: clock also and there'll also be a one o'clock.

A

Nothing scheduled on the 10th or the 11th and on the 12th I have the podcast.

F

um What one question um that's that meeting's two weeks from the day and you think that would be.

F

Premature to do the public hearing based on your advertisements, etc. Tim, mr burke, yeah. Sorry, that's.

F

Two weeks from the day, you think that would be premature to do the public hearing that day thanks.

I

Advertisements, okay has to be advertised in the newspaper twice two weeks, so it.

C

Takes excessive weeks, yeah, yep yeah? Okay, what I need is a motion to.

A

Ed kern and then right because you're meeting with the eac so motion to adjourn right or do I need.

A

Motions of recess to no you're just you're, going to another person's meeting another organization's.

AC

Meeting, okay, okay, so I got a motion to adjourn. I need a second second, all in favor all right. Okay,.