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

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

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https://www.carrollcountymd.gov

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Okay good morning it is thursday april 13th. We have.

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And then we will go into clothes for public safety and then reconvene right around 11 o'clock give or.

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Take to go into our work session downstairs for our budget. I honestly don't know the number now.

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Of work sessions, and then we will go as far as we can uh this afternoon for work session budget.

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Before we start, as always, let's stand for the pledge of allegiance in a moment of silence.

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Thank you. Okay,.

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Honestly, I can't remember if I started right to left or left to right. So, let's start with.

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Right to left, commissioner gering, what's in your mind, uh thank you good morning, carroll.

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County, I'm going to use my time this morning for priority carol to discuss the county's recognition.

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Of april 17th to the 21st, that's the next! That's next week this week next week as work.

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Zone safety awareness month. I think this is a timely declaration. Given the horrific events.

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On the baltimore beltway a few weeks ago, which directly touched carroll county lives,.

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Am I about mistaken was a father and son, which is absolutely horrific.

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And just anecdotally, we all are out on the roads and we see how people are behaving.

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And or not behaving on the roads nowadays it seems like it's much worse. So it's my honor to.

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Read this for uh for all to hear for immediate release, carroll county, recognizes april 17th to.

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21St as work zone safety awareness month, carroll county government will recognize that week as.

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National work zone awareness week, the county will have a variety of activities for the 2023.

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Week-Long commemoration to include a work zone safety, training day, a kickoff event go orange day.

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Social media storm in a moment of silence national work zone awareness week is an annual spring.

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Campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work.

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Zones, the carroll county board of commissioners will read a proclamation at a kickoff event at the.

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Carroll county maintenance center on meadow branch, road at 10 o'clock on tuesday april 18th, carroll.

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County recognizes the contributions of those who work in roadway, construction and maintenance, as.

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Well, as traffic engineers, traffic operations, personnel law enforcement, emergency personnel.

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And others who work environments include the open road and honor those who have been injured.

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Or lost in the line of duty and ask motorists to keep these workers in mind as you travel.

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Crashes can be prevented by ignoring distractions, staying alert, using extreme caution, reducing speed.

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Obeying signage and flaggers, and giving a construction area, your undivided.

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Attention, when approaching and entering a work zone, carroll county is dedicated.

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To ensuring the safety of work zones and are committed to raising driver awareness.

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With the aid of automated enforcement and other education and enforcement efforts to prevent.

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Crashes and injuries join us. The karen county board of commissioners in the county, recognizing.

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The importance of work zone safety every day. Thank you absolutely um any other additional.

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No thank you, okay, commissioner. According thank you uh first and foremost, would like to thank bge and.

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All involved last night with restoring the power here to over 23 000 residents in the westminster.

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Area that were out for roughly several hours um kind of echoing a little bit on commissioner.

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Garen's comments about driving, uh obviously, with the power outage last night, there were a.

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Wide array of outages on the roads, be it in town or also on 140. everybody just take a little more.

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Time I know we want to get places, but it was even more treacherous treacherous last night.

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If you happen to be out on 140 or main street, which I at one point was on both, so if everybody.

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Could just take a minute be a little aware of the people around you and your surroundings. I.

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Think that would be ideal for all involved, be it a power outage or just traffic in general,.

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uh Secondly, on saturday april 8th, I attended the westminster city park, uh annual easter egg hunt.

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That was held by find your purpose and billy live was an incredible turnout for the easter egg event.

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Roughly, I believe 8 000 eggs were distributed throughout the park and it was a wonderful time.

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For all the children in the community that were involved also, there were a wide array.

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Of gift baskets and other organizations were set up. Everybody from planet fitness to the carroll.

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County public foods sunday group that was handing out food for the public in some parts of that also.

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Like to thank westminster, police department for being involved, and and in that event as well was.

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A very very nice turnout in the community and it was nice to see a lot of happy, smiling. Kids. Last.

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Weekend and I'd be remiss if I also didn't mention congratulations to tony and ashley gerald of.

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Collision course, restaurant on main street, their signage, is now up front. That went up the other.

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Day and I was fortunate enough to just happen to be on main street as it was being put up, they're.

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Looking for roughly at a late spring early summer opening- and currently they are also serving a.

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Brunch on the weekends at river downs, golf course, and also a belated happy birthday publicly to tony.

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Which his birthday was yesterday and that's all I have thank you, cool okay, commissioner kyler.

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Had a great easter weekend with family and.

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Passovers one more day, one more day, I was going to say it's not quite over but yeah.

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um I missed last thursday and and I feel bad about it, but I ended up getting tied up in here with.

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Some stuff- and I missed the uh drug treatment court graduation and I'm sure it was good and.

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I'm sorry I missed it. I got a couple of texts from some other people there. uh Where are you.

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And I apologize, but I just I wanted to apologize to everybody. That was something important.

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And I just made it too tight, like I did walking in here one minute late. So you know I'm consistent.

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um Wednesday, uh commissioner rosting and I met with uh the.

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Secretary of the v.a anthony woods in annapolis, that was a great meeting.

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um I don't know if we're going to be going to annapolis anymore, but uh if something comes.

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Up that a meeting's worthwhile, we certainly will, but now that session's over it won't be.

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As important and it won't be as busy down there, but it's been very productive, I'm really glad.

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We did it and I'm sure you'll talk more about secretary woods, so I won't and then last night.

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Now tuesday night, um commissioner austin and I were out at the ag center and we gave the.

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Commissioners, carolina commissioners plate, which is an award they've established for an outstanding.

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Person there and he and I got to give it to mckenna, steele who's, a junior at westminster.

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And we were there probably an hour and a half, and it's just and I try to say this, every meeting I.

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Mean I love carroll county. I was born here, so it's not it's not that I came from someplace.

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Else and realized how great it was, but I I knew how great it was when you look around um the any.

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Event at the ag center and you see the business people, the farm, people, the families and I kind.

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Of said before we gave the award, 4-h is mostly about kids, but you see families there. You see.

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Grandparents, there you see business owners there, you see farmers that don't have kids there. It's.

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Just a great event- and I was honored that they let us be part of it, and uh fortunately you went.

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Ahead of me, so I did have 30 seconds, knowing that I had to say something. I thought we were going.

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To walk up and hand something, but it's just so great to be part of it. It was such a great event.

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um And then, as the weekends tomorrow is uh tony town's, business breakfast, which is always great.

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And then there's stuff going on back here in the building that that I'll need to be back.

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Here for at nine, so I might even run but and then a few of us are probably involved tomorrow night.

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With battle of the books at different schools and and again that's a great event, and I don't.

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Know if all of you have been there before but be prepared, um they will bug you to stay till.

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The very end and help with stuff and help with awards, and and it's it's just another great event-.

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And between the libraries and the school system, it's just more of why I love carroll county.

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Thank you now well said. Thank you, uh commissioner vigliotti. Thank you, commissioner rothstein. I.

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Will be a very brief commissioner. Kyler already touched on the business breakfast tomorrow morning.

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um So both of what I have to talk about today have to do with the farm museum. uh I was remiss and I.

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Will apologize following uh commissioner kyler's uh establishment of of protocol? I apologize for.

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Failing to mention last week that he and I had both attended, the farm museum volunteer uh awards.

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Ceremony, um we cannot do any of the things that we do without volunteers. There are we met and.

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Spoke with volunteers at the farm museum who put in hundreds of hours individually, there's.

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One gentleman who had over a thousand hours of volunteer time logged last year and that that is.

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Absolutely incredible also, yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the farm museum advisory.

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Board meeting and uh notable two notable things to me, at least, is that they're ready for the.

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Animals to come back for the season, they will be getting some chickens in, unlike the pig. These are.

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Live chickens so they're, not plastic chickens, because I remember everybody remembers. I made.

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The uh the slight mistake that the pig was going to be real, but but so they uh the animals will be.

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Back and then they are also uh in full uh full force, getting ready for events, whether you're.

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Talking about weddings or increasing the number of camps that they're offering kids this year and of.

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Course getting ready for the veteran ceremony on may 7th, and uh that is it from me for this.

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Morning, thank you, commissioner I'll say one more thing and I apologize and you always make me think.

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I'm going to get you to write for it, but um I do want to compliment um gray and sons for the paving.

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Around the building and I'm sure everybody feels like- I currently feel it's pretty much a pain in.

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The butt, but it's it's a great product when it's done and they've been orchestrating us around.

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um Pretty good, yeah and and pretty well. I should also learn to talk right pretty well and.

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um I just appreciate what they're doing and I'll get yelled at, but.

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With with gray and sons, miller, laney hti, kibler white pine, we are blessed in carroll county too.

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With some great contractors that do some great work, they fight over bids, which saves us money.

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But they're all pretty much good cooperative competitors, you know and and it's uh we're.

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Blessed with that, too, absolutely call that frenemies, you know they're they're.

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All friends, they all know each other and they're all working towards the bids.

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Here's a few things one appreciate, uh commissioner, karen talking about work zone um safety and I talk.

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To our administrator ms windham yesterday I said: okay, I'm on the road and I'm talking. I said how.

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Do you know when you're in carroll county and she paused she goes you're following a tractor, I said.

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Absolutely and this guy he was very, very large, and it was on 26 um and uh going east to west.

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You know you had to slow down, I mean you weren't gonna. If you wanted to go around, you were gonna.

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Do something illegal and dangerous and people were not getting up to his bud.

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He was, you know, we we kept distance and you just breathe out a little bit and you drive.

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um This is the time that large vehicles are on the road, and please uh I'm doing the commissioner.

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Weaver safety. uh You got the commissioner wentz former safety with fire. You got the.

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Commissioner weaver with the farming, okay and he would always say large vehicles on the road.

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Especially those that are green or orange and just be prepared to slow down and please slow.

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Down especially going over some of these hills, and there was no issues, um I had the opportunity to.

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Attend and participate in the board of education meeting last night. It was two hours the power.

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Went out so I think maybe that had something to do with only being two hours, but they kept on.

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Going and I was pretty impressed with uh those on the board of ed and those that participated.

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um You know from the community in talking on issues that were very relevant dealing.

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With blueprint and budget dealing with mental illness uh and recognizing and and how do we, how.

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Do we put resources to mental illness talking about bullying and um racial bullying and the.

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Concerns it exists, you can't put your head in the sand, it all exists and we've got to deal with it.

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And I applaud uh superintendent um mccabe and the entire board of education and ccps for the.

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Work they're doing as mentioned, went to the 4-h award ceremony and I also shared at the.

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Board of ed, I said, gifted and talented, aren't just coming out of the books and uh academia.

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Because I saw a whole lot of gifting talented at the 4-h award ceremony. I mean these young men and.

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Women very impressive with uh you know the things they've done, the experience that they've they've.

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Gathered over time and they are going to make and continue to make carroll county proud.

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Let's see some of them will challenge commissioner vigliotti in their writing. They could yeah. I don't.

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Really think so, you know drug treatment court, as as mentioned, uh commissioner gordon and I attended.

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One of the most profound comments made it wasn't his last one, but it.

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Was a few times ago is when a gentleman stood up and they give their remarks.

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Drug treatment court is 13 months at a minimum and it could be two years uh two plus years.

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um It is not easy, and these men and women going through it, have to go through continuous.

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Urinalysis and testing and get a job and and get themselves on their feet. And uh it is not a.

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Hundred percent um pass rate, it is, it is difficult, but this comment made a couple years ago was: I did.

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Some really bad things wrong decisions, and, thank goodness, I got arrested in carroll, county and.

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I'm like wow, you know uh and that's that was the truth. He uh this gentleman was arrested and he was.

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Detained in carroll county and allowed, through the goodness of the lawyers and judges engaged that.

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How do we make him a better citizen and lessen the recidivism of an individual like that and.

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Drug treatment court that we say not in carroll um matters, so I applaud, judge hecker and the entire.

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Team over there for the work that they're doing. um Lastly, secretary woods, we did attend a meeting.

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With secretary woods, it was 30 minutes of just continuing dialogue focused on the veterans home.

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That is scheduled to be built on slacks road down in sykesville. um It is funded through the state.

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And federal government I know sometimes I sound like a broken record about it, but the key is it's.

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Moving in the right direction and it's going to go through board of public works for funding for.

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Architecture, engineer design, so that's a step in the right direction uh in the next couple months.

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We also talked about the services that the county and our community provides for our veterans.

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And it was just a very good discussion talking about the county and the region.

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Segway into um on monday, between 9 30 and 10 30., the lieutenant governor, and I apologize, I cannot.

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Remember her last name, but the lieutenant governor and secretary woods will be here.

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In carroll county over a post, 31 9, 30, 10 30. and the purpose is threefold: one is an update.

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For the lieutenant governor on the veterans home two, the continuing services and update on what.

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The county's focus is, and the veterans advisory council, along with our citizen services, on what.

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They are doing, and three and most importantly, is the open discussion for our community to.

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Share with the governor lieutenant governor, the continuing needs and ideas that we have and I'm.

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Telling you nobody does it better in carroll county, so I know people shouldn't be shy in.

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Having those conversations I apologize, there is a fourth and that fourth is the lieutenant governor.

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Sharing what the administration is doing for our veterans, you know, and what they've done so far in.

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A very short amount of time and what their plans are moving forward. So it should be an hour and.

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That hour is going to go pretty darn fast, so um 9 30, 10 30. It is open to all our veterans.

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Support or veterans service organizations across the county, so I look forward to.

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To to that opportunity, battle of books, it's going to be awesome. It always is so really.

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Applaud those kids, the teachers, the helpers, the parents, the administration, I mean it's a lot of.

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Fun and I'll be participating over at century high school tomorrow evening. So I look forward to that.

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Probably with my headset or earphones on because it gets awfully loud, okay, um commissioner vigliai.

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Do you have a priority? Do you have a proclamation you'd like to share? I do commissioner rossi and.

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I do indeed do we want to bring people up or sure. Why don't you all come up and then.

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uh Proclamation could be shared and we could hear the wisdom from the two of you nope right up here.

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Go ahead, please.

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Please good morning to both of you proclamation april is fair housing month.

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Whereas the fair housing act enacted on april 11, 1968 and shrined into federal law, the goal.

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Of eliminating racial segregation, ending housing discrimination in the united states and whereas.

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The rare housing act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial.

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Status, national origin and disability and commits recipients of federal funding to affirmatively.

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Further fair housing in their communities and whereas carroll county is committed.

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To the mission and intent of congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all and.

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Whereas our social fabric, the economy, health and environment are strengthened in diverse inclusive.

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Communities and whereas more than 50 years after the passage of the fair housing act, discrimination.

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Persists and many communities remain segregated and whereas acts of housing, discrimination and.

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Barriers to equal housing opportunity are repugnant to a common sense of decency and.

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Fairness now, therefore, we, the board of carroll county commissioners, to hereby proclaim the month.

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Of april 2023 as fair housing month in carroll county as an inclusive community, committed to fair.

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Housing and to promoting appropriate activities by private and public entities to provide and.

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Advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of carroll.

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County adopted this 13th day of april 2023 signed the entire board of carroll county commissioners.

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Okay, any comments from us up front. Thank you. Yeah I'd like to share some thoughts. Oh if I.

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Could uh so good morning, we'd like to thank the board of carroll county commissioners for this.

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Proclamation and observance of april's, fair housing month uh chartered on january 18, 1956.

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It is our mission at carroll, county realtors, to provide equal housing opportunities for.

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All residents and prospective residents of carroll county we're committed to educating.

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Our members and the public about fair housing, consumers and realtors depend on strong, fair.

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Housing laws and practices for our communities and economy to thrive. We believe the american.

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Dream of home ownership should be available to all. Thank you again very much. Thank you.

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um A lot of work still needs to be done, no doubt no in our community, and we know that.

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You know again, just like other things, not being a ostrich's head in the sand.

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um You know, but working together, you know we'll get there, but it's it's always a challenge and we.

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We talk about it, a lot um yeah, it's it's getting, I don't know, seems to be harder and harder. Sometimes.

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So yeah, so we we understand completely and uh it's something that we're focusing on right now.

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Is getting people involved in the discussion you know, so it's got to start with talking about it.

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Realizing our differences, our biases, etc and and moving on from there so we're committed to that.

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Yeah very well said, um because we do, we have our own opinions and we're allowed to, and we should.

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Have opinions but having the ability to listen and learn from the other sides of I, the aisles and the.

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Other sides of ideas will get us somewhere further than we are right now so agreed. I appreciate that.

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um Any other thoughts, why don't we uh get a picture yeah he comes out. He knows.

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Do that in front, if I take this off.

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Get them get in the middle with them.

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The camera that takes weight off of it doesn't exist. Thank you.

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Honesty, stuff.

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Thank you. Thank you very much.

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On something that you did and I'll question it, okay, so I just want to know I'll be going open.

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Admin, whatever okay, okay, yep, I'm very patient. Okay, thanks a specific topic have a good day.

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I just questioned what you did with um together. We own it. Okay, so that'll be.

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Okay, mr uh fowler.

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Yeah I apologize sir um there's orange cards or salmon cards in the back. If you can fill out.

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The card and then provide it to mr burke that'd be great.

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How are you today, a lieutenant governor is aruna miller. That's it. Thank you.

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And I apologize to our lieutenant governor miller. Thank you. It's funny. You talked about.

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Farming equipment it reminds me years ago I was dealing with a carroll county farmer.

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On a land issue- and I I said well you're in a farming community, I imagine people are pretty.

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Patient when you're taking your equipment down the road- and he said well more often than not.

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They go around and blow their horn and tell me I'm number one so maybe they're not as patient.

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So I guess um the question overall is was the was the session a success and that always.

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Depends on how you rate success, I think, if you look at it at did, we have uh unfunded mandates.

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Did they try to impact our autonomy? That's overall, probably successful. Some of the.

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Bills that we were concerned about did not move forward, so I think overall I I call it a success.

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So that and again I apologize last week for the issues for the miscommunication about the the.

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Grants so I've been able to compile those, so the the board of education has gotten to 75 000 grants.

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One, each for westminster elementary in carrolltown elementary for their playground, improvements.

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You are getting a grant. The board is getting a grant for 225 000 for playground. Improvements in.

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Several carroll public schools. Let me just quickly stop you on that, because there was some discussion.

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When that was being discussed originally, the intent is that that 225.

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000 goes directly to the board of education, not to the commissioners, then to so, and I believe.

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That had been agreed with with the board of ed, so so so now it is coming to you as the board.

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That's the way the grant is is shown in the budget, so, okay, so then you will have to dispense it. Okay,.

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All right, thanks, uh you're, also getting a grant of 1 million to be directed to the sheriff's building.

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And you didn't get uh 500 000 for the hampstead volunteer fire department.

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And then, on the private side, the arc of carroll county gets a hundred thousand and the nate's.

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Place destination program it's 75 000., so I talked to senator reedy and obviously we'll.

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We've got next year to to look forward to so this is it? Is it possible um hampstead's getting.

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I mean again, I don't want to sound like I don't appreciate 500 000, but that's not what the plan.

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Was so, is it possible to maybe get that much more next year or who knows it is possible? It depends.

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On I think how much the general assembly wants to set aside for local grant initiatives, yeah.

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And I guess what else comes up in the interim that goes to the delegation.

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uh So I've kind of split it up I'll talk about the bills that actually did pass and were enacted.

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A number of these we've we've talked about, and some of them have changed a little bit. Obviously,.

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The facilities behind the most important one, I think for us and of course the big bill was the.

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Cannabis bill most of that bill really goes to how the program is put together. The direction of.

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Concerns about communities were impacted by the war on drugs, so it's it's setting up the program.

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uh The thing that we were concerned about obviously was any tax revenue, so as it.

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Stands the state will have a nine percent tax. The counties will get five percent of the nine.

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Percent that is collected within the county and for a location in a municipality. It will be five.

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Percent and the uh there will be a 50 50 split between the municipality and the county. For that.

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In the zoning, language still remains intact, so we still have those concerns about what.

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Is a reasonable, you know what's reasonable and what is unduly burdened so we'll we'll see that.

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Play out, and just as a side note, I think this is something that we need to look into very.

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Soon, including prohibiting on-site consumption, that's in the bill, so that is prohibited. Yes,.

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Or the county may prohibit, so we have yes, the local local government may prohibit on-site.

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Consumption yeah there's a limited number of licenses issued statewide for on-site, but you.

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Do have the ability to prohibit it? Yes, in my humble opinion, I think that is something that.

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We should look into yes, absolutely sorry, mike. I apologize. No, no that's good um yeah and so.

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So as far as the the licenses go, there's uh the existing medical will be able to convert.

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Their licenses a lot of conditions on these, as you might imagine how licenses are going to be.

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Distributed but I think some clear guidance will be disseminated. You know in the coming weeks and.

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Months it takes effects to july 1st, so it's going to be a quick turn. We energize mike I'm sorry mike.

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Didn't mean to interrupt you there uh quick question: can you give us any clarification on.

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What they're, concerning or noting as reasonable zoning classifications was to the reasonable.

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That's it okay. They need to be reasonable. That's kind of what I was wondering, but.

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Okay, thank you, yeah, and I think that the the zoning the way zoning affects the medical sites.

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My guess is, if you follow that same pattern, you're going to be fine, okay,.

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I think there are in the bill. There are, for example, limitations on how close to.

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An existing school existing daycare, those kinds of things.

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uh The next several are the governor's proposals and- and they have did passed.

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Mostly successfully his service program they're, basically going to convert what is now the.

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Maryland core into this, this new service option and we'll provide a stipend to the participants.

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It does focus primarily on disadvantaged youth and targets. These areas of climate, education and.

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Health, so there will be some opportunities there and the family prosperity act which expands the.

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Earned income tax credit and the child tax credit, uh his uh exemption for military retirement income.

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So for those under 55 it increases the exemption from five to twelve and a half thousand and then.

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For those 55 and over goes from 15 to 20., so that was that was, I think he originally.

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Proposed uh 25 yeah yeah higher than than what it yeah, I believe, is 25 and then um 42 at the end of.

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The day like that was the target was 42, but I think he was going afterwards yeah yeah. So I do.

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Have a question going back and there's probably not a further definition on disadvantaged youth.

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Is there um I mean, because I hear disadvantaged youth a lot, a few things come into mind. One is.

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Poverty another one is, you know uh mentally disadvantaged, um educationally disadvantaged.

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uh Is this a targeted group yeah, I I can give you the precise language in the bill, but it's it's.

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It's primarily uh going to be low income; okay, yeah, okay, right those.

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And they they can't be specifically racial, but there will be minority preferences in there.

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Okay, the constant yield bill. We talked about that one that that did go through.

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A bill, the housing community development, adaptive reuse- uh you had some housing folks in here, which.

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Is is a good segue? This uh would allow housing loans to be used to repurpose buildings, to.

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Multi-Family, affordable housing. uh That was a one of the priorities from the housing folks this year.

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The next bill, the accessory dwelling unit policy task force, so that's been a a goal in in the.

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Recent past there was a bill last year that did not go forward, but there is a concern. I guess a.

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An idea try to move forward of increasing density and you do.

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That, by allowing accessory dwelling units in residential areas, the bill last year was very.

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Was very strong in that it would eliminate things like setbacks, so building a a an.

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Additional into a house that would go up to the property line, for example those kinds of things.

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So they still haven't been able to work through that so they've they've created a study on this.

J

So I think, we'll see something come back on accessory dwelling units in the next session.

J

Broadband, so there's going to be a study of broadband incentives, how to better incentivize.

J

The providers, because that's one of the big challenges is this is done by by private.

J

Businesses, how to maximize federal grants, look at what other states are doing. The report will be.

J

January 1st, the 24th so hopefully that'll lead to some good ideas coming in the next session.

J

A bill that that our folks in aging were concerned about, in its original form the long-term care and.

J

Dementia care navigation programs, so each area agency has to develop a program on dementia care.

J

It will include programs, screenings, referrals, caregiver support, etc. The implementation, though,.

J

Is subject to funding, so there is a 2.4 million annual funding statewide for this.

J

So I think this relieves some of the concerns that they may have to put a program forward.

J

And you would have to look for additional funds to fund it. Private wealth safety act originally.

J

Came in where you would play a part in this, that is not the case. It's been amended now.

J

It deals with testing and forwarding testing results to a database maintained by the state.

J

Sediment control plans, discharge permits.

J

So the stormwater management regulations are to be updated by the end of 2025 and then they will be.

J

Updated every five years after that, any changes are going to be reviewed by a a significant.

J

Stakeholder group that does include mako, so there will be local government representation on that.

J

On-Site waste water services aboard, so I think we talked about this one earlier too. This.

J

Would limit inspectors to have a property transfer license only for inspecting property transfer? So.

J

There was some thought that they would have to inspect just have our inspection regime, but now.

J

It's inspecting for property transfers only it establishes a new fund for the fees and it moves.

J

Those penalties from the bay restoration fund to this newly created clean water fund a bill that.

J

We did not talk about is the pollinator friendly vegetation management on utility rights of way so.

J

Utilities now are starting to move away where they can from maintaining their transmission line.

J

Rights of way, which are the large tower lines from a mowing regime to try to create a more natural.

J

Environment- and they do this through a judicious use of herbicides to knock down tall woody growing.

J

Vegetation and to allow native plants to flourish one of the problems the utilities have run into.

J

Is some pushback from local governments on that? What this does is allows the utility to do that.

J

You cannot prevent them from doing that. There are certain conditions where they cannot do this, and I.

J

Was actually involved on a pilot here in columbia in a previous life, to do this and it's a it's a.

J

Really fascinating and and good way to manage these rights away, not done through large brush.

A

Tires correct, baltimore county. I drove through that area yesterday or two days ago.

A

It's amazing that fire, what was it called? uh Soldiers soldier's delight yeah? Yes, there's.

J

A yeah there is a transmission line through there and uh bge. I think over time worked with.

J

The forest service to do control burns right in that area. For that reason, I don't know if that's.

J

Continued or stopped or what yeah, but usually when there's a when there's a lot of fuel yeah.

J

That's the problem: they had another one yesterday too, on the east side of town brush fire, okay, yeah.

J

uh Our our class four winery license so that got amended down. It allows for the preparation and.

J

Sale of the listed foods as they currently exist, it does not limit it to pre-packaged those, so they.

J

Can prepare that list of foods uh it? It now very simply makes the hours of operation from 10 10.

J

A.M to 10 p.m, and the requirement for notifying advanced notices is out so no requirement on.

J

Gross receipts or getting a class b beer and wine license now will carroll county still.

D

Require a special event permit. This doesn't stop us from doing that. Does it I, I wouldn't.

K

Think so that um that's when your event is over 500 people and you get the um a permit through.

K

Zoning and the health department to make sure that they're, you know proper sanitation and.

K

Things so I I haven't looked at this, but I would hope that that wouldn't ameliorate, that.

K

No, no there's nothing in there about procure the name, any local permits, because that worked.

K

Yes, it's it's. It's helpful, yeah yeah. It also works. You know it gives us a heads up if they need.

K

To work with the sheriff's office or emergency management on traffic control and other kinds of.

K

um You know yes, if events get large enough, that can be a it could be a safety problem.

E

And mike, thank you so much for keeping up with this and keeping us informed about this through.

E

The the course of the session- I appreciate that I mean I know there are some things that we'll look.

E

At based on this, and you know very much appreciate you keeping us informed about it, thank you. I think.

J

You'll you'll see that these things go through a lot of twists and turns over the over the 90 days.

J

As far as conservation bill did did pass passed on the last day, the concern again is a loss of canopy.

J

And forest cover this will be addressed by this bill and our folks were heavily involved in the.

J

Discussions around it and and the amendments and they feel comfortable with it as it as it stands,.

J

And to you that there was some last minute work to try to preserve the local government's ability.

J

To review permits for a solar facility that has a cpcn again the issue of the presumption that.

J

The state has when the public service commission issues a certificate of public convenience and.

J

Necessity, the language was inserted that local governments should approve or deny where it said.

J

Previously should process- and I mentioned to you that there was another county in the eastern shore.

J

That sat on the permit and didn't didn't allow it to move forward. The bill as it was written would.

J

Would simply make you give it a rubber stamp as it were. This now allows you to approve or deny.

J

So that was a that was a good thing happened late, the next two. I want to reserve the right to to.

J

Follow up on these because they're they're still a little tricky, they were amended. One was amended.

J

In conference committee, so I'm still a little unclear on on how they, I guess, affect each other.

J

The first one public utility certificate of public convention necessity and meter.

J

Aggregation that was the one that was directed to the howard county situation, where they had.

J

Adjoining parcels and two megawatt installations on each one that was going to this will.

J

Sort of define or or define out of a generating station definition, a a two megawatt community.

J

Solar, so that they stay two megawatts or less they're separately, metered they're, individual.

J

Installations- and there is a limit on adjoining properties on the same or adjoining properties.

J

But the upward limit is, what's got me a little stumped, because the the second bill.

J

With the addition of property taxes and I'll get to that in a second. But.

J

That one lifts the megawatt limit at some point.

J

Well then it then it then it goes it under certain conditions, there's no megawatt limit if it serves.

J

A prescribed percentage of low-income subscribers or is used for agrovoltaics.

J

And then by 10 124 removes all the generating capacity limits and it's subject only to the net.

J

Metering capacity of the utility uh at the last minute they made some changes on property taxes.

J

And that's really what I'm most concerned about. I don't want to make a definitive statement on that.

J

Because I think it's there's some questions about how these are are taxed currently and how they'll.

J

Be taxed going forward, so I'm going to reserve uh completion on that one and I'll follow up.

J

With my folks at mako, and get some certainty on these two and how they relate to each other.

J

Okay task force to study solar incentives, so we're going to studying the impacts of all the grants.

J

The the tax credit and exemptions and property assessments, the impact of federal incentives and.

J

The valuing of these renewable energy credits and then this task force where we will include three.

J

Mega representatives, so urban, suburban and rural and then have the recommendations later this year.

J

For the next session- and this last bill here in packaging materials, so this is another bill.

J

That that was introduced, there's a a movement in a number of states to try to get producers to reduce.

J

Their packaging to reduce the impact in the waste stream. This this bill now creates this producer.

J

Responsibility advisory council they're, going to recommend to the general assembly by the creation.

J

Of this producer responsibility program with the intent of reducing that impact to the waste stream.

J

Library funding there was a. There was a problem in the last. uh The last bill that was, I think, was.

J

Last session that would fund the libraries increase, the funding in the libraries up.

J

Through fiscal year, 27., unfortunately, that's where it ended had they not made this change.

J

Funding would have zeroed out so they made it to continue indefinitely at the 2027 levels.

J

Big for the libraries elections, election reform act, this directs how precincts can be added or.

J

Removed you'll remember this one in its original form would have acquired carroll county to return.

J

To its pre-pandemic number of polling sites, which was higher, I think it would have had.

J

Somewhere between 8 and 10 additional polling sites, that's been amended out so that that does.

J

Not necessarily increase, and this will affect the 2024 election. The minimum compensation bill did.

J

Pass that requires new election judges to be paid 250 dollars a day and adds a one hundred dollar.

J

Bonus for those returning judges and it provides fifty dollars for the education of the judges.

J

uh Senate bill 379 and house bills, one second: what are we paying them right now? Do we know the judges.

A

I I know we've been having a conversation yeah that there's the member of the. I don't remember.

K

What the base amount was well, we can find out, does increase it above. I think what we were looking at.

C

The other day well above that, or at least above 250., no, I don't think so. I think it's the 100.

C

Right now is it 100 yeah I and that's okay. I know it's not a conversation right this second, but.

A

I know we were looking at raising right. That was a request by katy perry in the report of elections.

K

Because they, I think they saw this handwriting on the wall and I believe their request was to.

K

Go to 250, but I don't remember what yeah. If it was that's fine and we can look, you know.

A

But if it wasn't, let's just may need to make that adjustment. When we have a conversation later, okay,.

D

Yeah very nice of them local board of elections, and you said that with a straight face. Yes, well,.

B

I think that's important for people watching and listening. We have we pay for all this. The.

B

County, not the state yeah, it's a it's. The intent is an incentive to get election judges. There's a.

J

Sure there's a challenge of getting people to do that. And uh no because I 100 agree with.

A

Commissioner garen is: there are activities that are directed through legislation that.

A

We have to fund from the county and we don't have opportunity to say no. um We.

A

Try to sometimes through mako and other ways, but once the legislation put in place like this.

A

We will fund legislative judges or election judges to 250 per day, full stop and that's you know so.

A

Yes, it should not get unnoticed, so I I agree yeah and it's not. We joke sometimes, but you're.

A

Absolutely right and their work isn't just limited to one election day, there's the primary and then.

K

uh Election day and then, of course, there's early voting for both. So it's significant number of days.

K

That's a lot of work and it's a lot of work. Don't get many breaks. I know anecdotally at mount airy.

B

Middle last november, they didn't get any breaks in there. It was just non-stop it's a long day too.

K

Long day and we pulled, we didn't have the numbers, so uh we pulled folks out of the county uh through.

A

Volunteering, you know to get there, but okay thanks uh the next election bill does a couple of things.

J

One it will allow the the election board to begin to count absentee ballots uh before the polls open.

J

And of course, they can't release any totals before the polls close, but you know one of the.

J

Challenges, particularly in jurisdictions you get a lot of absentee ballots is if they can't start.

J

Counting those until the polls close the results are delayed and that's problematic, so they they're.

J

Able to get a head start, and this is also the bill that moves the primary up in 24 to may 14th.

J

On the public safety side senate bill, 330 was the body worn camera bill that directs the state to.

J

Negotiate the contracts for the purchase of the equipment and where the local jurisdictions can.

J

Be back on that contract, it can include the viewing editing and redacting footage as well.

J

The state disaster recovery fund- that was a bill we talked about that- would allow some.

J

Funding to be released by the state where fema did not declare a disaster.

J

And would make would allow the release of those funds to happen expeditiously.

J

It did pass it, it transfers the funds from what is the catastrophic event fund, which was the problem.

J

Because there were a lot of hurdles in releasing money out of that fund and it was also dependent.

J

On the fema declaration, so it will now make funds available to local governments in a timely manner.

J

And then the commission to advance and strengthen firefighting and ems within maryland. That's.

J

Comprised of the fire ems stakeholders, they'll review incentives and practices in other states.

J

And then report back to the general assembly in advance of the next session, our northeast.

J

Maryland waste disposal authority bill did pass now. Interestingly, it does allow for the authority.

J

To continue in its current state, so this is all dependent on the analysis that the department of.

J

Legislative services does so, if, if this, uh if this analysis uncovers that the the authority does some.

J

Things that are not able to be done by mes or are done better. Perhaps it will remain. I think.

J

The good thing uh out of this was we were able to get the amendments that allows or that that.

J

Allows the functions and the personnel and the active contracts from the authority.

J

To to be supported by mes in this interim period,.

J

But I thought that was interesting, that that there is a possibility that they can continue.

J

Electrical vehicle charging, so, while this some people might bristle at this, this actually kind.

J

Of makes sense that it's going to require new single-family construction to be ev ready, which.

J

Means it will have so this will be a single family, detached home that has a garage or town home that.

J

Has a garage will have a circuit run to enable the charging of an ev? um The reason for this.

J

Is because, obviously, the state's policy is to move toward total evs by 2037 or 35 or 37 all.

J

New cars sold in the state need to be evs so doing this now running additional circuit. Now.

J

As opposed to retrofitting makes sense if you're talking about a couple hundred dollars now in a.

J

New house versus maybe four times that to retrofit it makes sense so that that bill did move forward.

J

The baltimore regional water governance task force, of course, is is comprised of.

J

Baltimore city and baltimore county primarily, but because anne arundel cower carol, howard and.

J

Harford do draw water from the city they're going to be included. One member will be.

J

Included to represent these four counties to look at all aspects of that system and.

J

The city had, as you know, a lot of problems with billing over the years, so they've decided.

J

To finally take a big look at this and then, of course, didn't help to have the problems that.

J

At the water treatment plant over in baltimore county so it'll be.

A

One representative for the four counties correct: how are they going to determine the representative.

A

For the four counties, is there any insight to that? I think those four those four counties on the.

J

Baltimore metropolitan council they are, they are. My guess, is that they'll probably go to the bnc.

A

Oh, we have a meeting next friday, so we can be brought up his new business then.

A

Yeah I'll I'll, when I go back I'll check the bill and see if it. If it does that, because I mean.

A

It's not that I don't like anne arundel, howard and harford. I want to know what's in the best interest.

A

Of carol- and you know, and we're also in a very different position from the other counties and and.

K

um Because we we don't get treated water from them right all the other counties get treated.

K

Water from the city of baltimore and the three reservoirs- oh really yeah, okay, so.

K

um So I think our it was really hopeful that we would each have a representative, or at least two.

K

Representatives from the four organizations but yeah um yeah, okay yeah, if we can get.

A

More fidelity on this, I think it being our best interest, and I appreciate that comment.

A

I didn't realize that because we do have the treatment facility um right there in freedom and.

A

A large we are a large stakeholder and probably the way ms windham just shared a.

A

Larger stakeholder, so I want to make sure that we have the appropriate. You know saying this so yeah.

A

If you can follow up and then miss winderman I'll go to the bmc um friday yeah next friday, if they.

K

If, if it is them, that's gonna yeah yeah. If it is, then that's going to choose so okay, if there's an.

J

Opportunity to bring it up, you can certainly do that. Yep, okay, thanks uh and then I've broken out.

J

The bills that did not move forward and most of these we've discussed it's at some point uh house.

J

Bill 119, obviously we didn't expect that to go through and it did not um the the bill that would.

J

Fund the coordinators, the blueprint coordinators did not move forward. Wasn't that senate bill 119.

J

Now there was a senate version, but house bill. 119 is the one that passed in the house and went over.

J

To the senate consideration- and I got you she did not move either of them yeah I apologize. Thank you.

J

uh Yeah, so the blueprint funding bill did not move the bill. That would change the burden of proof.

J

On due process for children with disabilities that have the independent learning program did.

J

Not move forward the collective bargaining for public libraries failed. I suspect that will be.

J

Back next year, the big thing we'll have to make sure on that is that you maintain the.

J

Ability to send that back if you can't fund the agreement that the library and the union.

J

Agree to the school bus stop bill that we were concerned about the cameras that did not move.

J

Unfortunately, senate bill 40 was the was the bill that would limit requests for body camera.

J

Footage puts put conditions around what what could be released that did not pass. I suspect.

J

Senator said, nor will will bring that to bear again next year uh the police retention work.

J

Group that was a pro proposal by senator west and delegate tomlinson, did not move forward.

J

The voluntary 911 registry- that's where people could volunteer to put themselves on a registry.

J

Where 9-1-1 would know in advance, if there was a situation that particular location.

J

You had, for example, an autistic child, someone with with some issues there that would alert.

J

First responders to a particular set of conditions at that location. There were concerns some concerns.

J

That our 911 folks had about that take mostly about how the information would be compiled and.

J

How it would be kept up, because the bill would make it the responsibility of the individual.

J

To report back to the county of any changes or additions there, so things can change so so quickly.

J

And you may be sending out first responders with a set of expectations that didn't exist.

J

Like family members with dementia exactly and they pass on and and then it doesn't get updated.

A

Resource goes out there and there's nobody there. So, okay right so they'll continue to work on that.

J

Over the interim, I'm sure uh the maryland paint stewardship that's been at least last session.

J

Maybe two sessions, that's a program that would put a small fee at the retail level and then.

J

There would be a recycling program where people would take their old paint back to the retail.

J

Location that would take some pressure off of your local government collection sites. To take that.

J

Paint back that got tied up at the end about the fee and so that that failed. For the second time.

J

And then the task force on recycling policy we've seen that over the last couple of sessions as.

J

Well, that did not did not move forward so again. Overall, um I think from where we started to where.

J

We ended and think we were fairly successful. A lot of red flags went up in the beginning.

J

That didn't pan out yeah, but then we got a couple of.

J

Little gifts there toward the end, but overall I think we came out pretty well. As you see a.

J

Lot of this is going to carry over to the next session, so we'll be revisiting many.

J

Of these same things again next year, let me uh thanks mike any questions, comments.

E

Now, just to say thank you seriously from the bottom of my heart for keeping us updated about.

E

Everything and for coming back to report to us every week about it. Well, I and I have to say that.

J

um I I consider myself basically a pass through because all of these details come from your staff.

J

These are the subject matter. Experts, it's like you say you don't have to know the answers you.

J

Just have to know where to go to get them, and I know where to go to get them, because you've got.

J

Some really sharp people that are are involved at the state level, so they're fully engaged on a.

J

Lot of these policies proposals- and so I just want to take this opportunity to thank them.

J

For helping me get through this because if they weren't there, it wouldn't happen.

A

And did you go to mr burke for thai fashion, I'm just asking so you know.

A

I'm I'm very happy to see two gentlemen that are as comfortable with their feminine side as I am.

A

Yeah but mr burke turns red, that's the challenge! Oh I'm! Sorry! No! No! It's pink! Until you get above.

A

The collar then there's a whole lot of shades of red, but okay and I'm sorry, I.

D

Do have a question I I flipped each of you an email and I don't know what it means for us.

D

um The quantum telecommunications, the brown family got four grants worth, probably 16 million.

D

To serve about 1700 businesses or homes in carroll county, um but the cost of the total.

D

Projects is more like 22 million, so where does that other 6 million come from? You is simply.

K

The board, um so that's all part of the maryland broadband initiative, yes and, um and so the last.

K

Board and and when we get a little through budget, we're going to come to you with a update on where.

K

We are with frf spending, but the last board put a large chunk of the money we are get. We got from.

K

The federal government toward broadband, um and so this these projects were presented to the board.

K

um As well as mothers from other providers, with the understanding that, if they were awarded by.

K

The state, then, then we would have that money as match money. I believe with any other carroll.

D

County providers gun grants um not in this round so uh verizon and comcast also put in applications.

K

And they were not awarded uh grants through the maryland broadband. They were competitive.

A

Yeah I mean they were, they were competitive to go after them, um the frf from what I remember.

A

I think it was like 18.1 million that we put it was 16. to put towards broadband.

A

um So yeah this this is good stuff. These are oh, I know I know, but I I just wondered: if how well it.

D

Was planned for um and and if this was a surprise or nope expected. So that's great and using other.

A

People last question: um notwithstanding the paying how many years are left in your 10-year contract.

D

30 years [laughter].

K

We give to all employees that they can't leave. No. Thank you very much and thanks.

D

um Between some of his connections and you getting us around in your connections,.

D

Down there, we, I think it was for us, it was about as productive as it could be, and yeah.

D

And I've said this before it and you know that. But it's so reassuring to see um a lot of people.

D

Wanted our input you know and and that's great and of course, the mako network's awesome too.

D

So yeah, no, I I agree um any other comments, one quick question. Actually, so I know you had.

C

Reported on the uh the board of elections, issues did did the uh there was the topic.

C

A couple months ago about cleaning up some of the polling places in carroll.

C

Did that how did that play out that did not go forward? Okay, so we're still dealing with some.

C

Minimal people with singular polar polling places that theoretically their identities, can be figured.

C

Out, if need be, so that's unfortunate, so yeah well, you still have one session left to make.

J

That happen, okay and I'm not sure I haven't- talked to katy perry about why that was problematic if at.

J

All it could have been just a a casualty of time gotcha. I don't remember hearing anything specific.

K

But it was an unusual bill because of the way it was written it was, it was all numbers and I think.

J

Even the people in dls were a little confused by what exactly we were asking for, so it doesn't.

J

Surprise me, maybe the committee wasn't quite sure either gotcha. I appreciate it thanks mike.

A

um A couple of uh bills that did go through that we are not so much in favor of I believe.

A

Holistically, you know some individuals may be, but uh minimum wage went through.

A

uh Which is going to affect um private businesses and restaurants and others, and we're talking.

A

Through it with the budget, you know with the library you know, um so that's significant. I.

J

Think, fortunately, we got the indexing out of there right right. So there's not automatic.

J

Increases but the acceleration is problematic, correct for people's budgeting, so sooner so yeah.

D

Get used to self-checkout because you can't blame businesses, so that is, um you know a.

A

A concern for our community that that's in place and then the other is sb1 and the concealed carry.

A

um Has not gone through well, actually, it did sb113 to limit the concealed carry, and I know.

A

There's been a lot of discussion on that again, whether individually, we agree or disagree with it.

A

Community-Wide you know there is concern of that, and I know our delegation was not for.

A

It you know, and I I respect our delegation and I appreciate like going back to commissioner kyler.

A

The opportunity to have these open conversations with our delegation and our delegation keeping us.

A

Apprised of these votes and the due diligence that they are doing regardless of individual, you know.

A

um But that was significant of a bill that did get through um so we'll see where it goes on its.

A

Limitations and its enactment of sb1, but that I know there will be legal challenges. Correct.

J

No question about it: yes, we so we I haven't in the past and you know, it'll be my hope.

J

Is to sort of avoid some of those hot button issues that don't directly impact impact. The.

J

County abortion was another huge issue right in the legislature. Guns every year is a big issue.

J

In the legislature, we typically don't discuss those. We lean on the on the delegation to carry.

J

Those forward in the general assembly, I think, yeah, and I appreciate that and I think it's a.

A

Smart way to go, but there are bills and activity that we may not have direct engagement, because.

A

You know, let's face it, it's a super majority and we are in a very strong minority. You know for.

A

Legislation, but there are activities happening through legislation that affect our community.

A

We may not again have the ability to adjust it or change it. We may have opinions on it, but you know.

A

uh Going through covid-19, I mean taught us those lessons that you know when, uh when the governor.

A

Did things or legislation those are the laws regardless of our opinions, but they affected.

A

Our community, these are activities that are affecting our community, regardless of our you.

A

Know involvement but uh just be aware for these type of conversations and some are two edge. Some.

D

Of the ones you you talked about, like some of the veterans bills, are very positive for veterans that.

D

Live in carroll county, but it's going to cost us revenue yeah! Absolutely so you know it's too edged.

A

Absolutely and that's why you know overall with mako, we don't like these type of bills, because.

A

We don't want to force local governments to take money out of our own coffers without.

A

Our own say- and that's um goes right back to where commissioner garen was talking about.

A

The um election judges we are directed to take money out of our own coffers. To do this, the.

A

Veterans, tax relief, which I appreciate, but as an individual but collectively it's directing us to.

A

Take money out of our own coffers, so, okay, um any other comments or questions. I really appreciate.

A

The work uh that you do and, uh like commissioner college said, navigating us through annapolis,.

A

Getting us to where we needed to be um taking every opportunity, while we were down there to.

A

Meet up with our legislators and other legislators and secretaries. So just thank you so much. Okay and.

J

Now that you know your way around there, maybe we can get a little bit more aggressive and maybe.

J

Step out and visit some delegates outside of our delegation and let them know who we are and yeah.

A

And we did to a little but you're right, yeah. um So no, I I agree. Okay, um thank you very much. All right.

J

Thank you very much for your support. I appreciate it and questions celine, the entire group. That's.

A

You know in front of us is: are they all with you collectively, except for the gentleman here.

A

But I mean they're they're under your umbrella, like there's no individual wanting to speak.

A

Okay, there's a reason for my oh madness: okay, chris, is there anybody on the phone.

A

No sir, okay, gentlemen, if it's okay with you to get out a little of water, the gentleman in front of us.

A

Wants to have public comments, it can be a long meeting and instead of waiting till the very end.

A

um If it's okay with you, we can do open comment now, absolutely sure absolutely.

F

So, sir, why don't you come on up again? You feel free to stay as long as you want afterwards, but.

A

They become long, so this is mr morningstar alive and in person. Okay, sir.

A

um You have three minutes uh to share with us. What's on your mind, um it's not a give and take.

A

It's more of a a give and uh we'll take it in and then go from there. Okay! Well, I had a question.

F

Okay, um I volunteered with together we own it and apparently you pulled the funding from that.

F

Because it was for convenience and it's completely destroyed that program.

F

And I just thought I'd like a better explanation than for convenience. It might be convenient to.

F

Span the carroll county, public school system or the police department, or whatever.

F

I don't think that's a very good reason and I'd like to have more reason for it.

D

And this venue isn't question and answer, but can somebody get contact information so the proper.

D

People can get him his answer. That's yeah, one of the main reasons we have the comment yeah. I know.

D

I know and that's what we'll do um to get into a better dialogue or discussion with you we'll.

A

Reach out to you, with the appropriate staff, to give you the best candid thoughts we can.

A

At this time, just not from the dice I was, I was a little concerned because I think it sets us up for.

F

um These people to come out and sue us one of my most important things, the top of my.

F

List that I have is my reputation and you've basically destroyed the reputation of that group.

F

And of the individual that was in charge of it, and I would come after you illegally.

F

I don't know what they'll do that would be my recommendation to them.

F

Thank you for your time absolutely, and I hope you get in touch with me. Yes, sir, we will thank you.

A

Okay, let's move on to uh the items item number two approval to submit application.

A

Accept the award for fy24 snap, which is the supplemental nutrition assistance program,.

E

Good morning everybody 21 county match before we get started just celine. I got a very a word. I.

A

Don't typically use lovely note from gabby um okay, she has incredible handwriting by the way uh and.

A

um It just was very nice, so if you do run across her past my regards that it was received and I'm.

A

Bummed because she did give me a pin from her lanyard- and I I thought about this morning- I.

A

Honestly, just forgot to put it on, but uh I will let her know. Yes very, very much appreciated. Okay,.

A

Thank you, okay. So, what's on your mind, so I'm celine stacklow, the director of citizen services,.

L

With carroll county, I have debbie standiford with me: our grants, office manager, and then we also.

L

Have with us today, karen bernard, she is the family investment assistant director for carroll, county's.

L

Department of social services: today we are before you requesting approval to submit application and.

L

Accept the award for the fy24 summer, supplemental nutrition assistance program and authorize the.

L

Required county match the maryland department of human services, family investment, administration.

L

Administrative summer, supplemental nutrition assistance program- this was established to address.

L

Food insecurity during the summer and winter school breaks during which low-income children.

L

Don't have access to the school meals we came before you um well, it would just be commissioner.

L

Rosting last year, but but the rest of you for your knowledge, we we had. um You know during covet.

L

There were so many different food supports um and then, as there they are winding back.

L

um This was put into place last summer for the first time in many years. I believe.

L

um And so we were not sure last year if this would continue, but this grant did push out again most.

L

Recently- and we are here before you today- to ask for approval for this county match of forty five.

L

Thousand four hundred and thirty one dollars the state funding that would be provided would.

L

Be sixty five thousand three hundred and seventy six dollars. So I do want to ask karen to give us.

L

A little bit of information about how that program looked um this past year as they operated it and.

L

Then and a little bit more detail about the need for it here in carol. Okay, good morning, I'm karen.

M

Bernard good morning, uh the snap program formerly known as food stamps, which is the supplemental.

M

Nutrition assistance program during the normal year, a lot of households receive the benefits.

M

And then they rely on the children receiving meals while they're in school. So the summer.

M

Snap program set up to issue an additional benefit during the summer months, which is june july, and.

M

August for each child between the age of 5 and 18, the school-aged children and then also they.

M

Receive an additional benefit for the time that they're out of school in december, because they.

M

Don't have access to the school program food that they receive, so it causes a tad bit of a.

M

Hardship, and especially now that food is much more expensive than it has been in the past. So what we.

M

Would look to do again is provide that extra benefit for 1 000, the maximum of 1108 children.

M

That live in the areas of carroll county that are not closest to the food pantries and our soup.

M

Kitchens, because we have a lot of resources, but the customers that live in the more rural areas.

M

And are not able to get to the pantries due to transportation issues, so their targeted residents.

M

Are in the marriottsville area, kimar woodbine new windsor mount airy, hampstead and finksburg.

M

Other kids, that we um we provided the benefit to last year, and we will do the same this year.

A

Are there any questions.

A

When was the last time, the locations had been adjusted that you just share with us.

A

The locations yeah the the targeted locations, they were a j. I ran a report just monday.

M

Because constantly well, you know people are constantly still applying for benefits. You.

M

Know the state anticipated that the caseload would decrease after covet and things started to move.

M

Right but I think during covert a lot of families realized that they are actually eligible for that.

M

Assistance, um so the caseload did not decrease as anticipated. So I try to you know. Every week every.

M

Monday, we have new reports and new customers that are eligible yeah. I I don't think I would think.

A

The caseloads would decrease, I think locations may adjust, but also more towards celine is what.

A

Resources are we looking at in these communities to increase and serve where they don't need to go.

A

Through snap and I think, that's a great question and I know we have our next- our next presenter.

L

Which is stephanie, who is here for a different reason, with the westminster rescue mission, we.

L

We work very collaboratively with them and they are doing great work at really pulling our food.

L

Community, together to do they're hosting quarterly meetings regarding all the food resources and and.

L

Calling in all of those folks and stephanie can say this much better than I, um and I don't want.

L

To put you on the carpet, but do you mind a step to the mic and just give an overview of kind of your.

L

Food summit that you hosted in your quarterly meetings that you're having to talk about the.

L

Redistribution process to all of our soup kitchens and pantries, and targeting these needed areas sure.

N

Absolutely good morning I'm stephanie halley, I'm the ceo of westminster rescue mission.

N

um So yes I'll talk about something else in a minute, but for now on the food program, so.

N

We've been distributing food through our pantry on our campus here in westminster for years and.

N

Years, but what we've seen recently is the need in particularly in certain key areas where folks.

N

Can't get to the pantries, but at the same time there are lots of pantries right little. Some of.

N

Them are smaller, mom and pops, or in churches, in all sorts of places where people can access food.

N

But it's hard to navigate and it's hard to know where those are and so part of what we've been.

N

Doing in our kind of position in the community has been a couple of things number one. We are.

N

Not only not only do we have a pantry on our campus, but we are now the largest redistributor.

N

Of food in carroll county, and so what we do is we access food through farms through local.

N

Restaurants and grocery stores and through the maryland food bank, we gather those resources.

N

And redistribute them out to a network of partners across the county. We also do outreaches.

N

um In in areas where there aren't food, pantries or people can't get to them, um but some of the.

N

Work that celine was just talking about, is you know just bringing folks together like we do.

N

Well, in carroll county, in so many ways it wasn't happening as much in the food community and so.

N

We've been, we've started to bring folks together to share resources to share food, sometimes.

N

um To share volunteers and to identify: where are the gaps, and how do we get those resources that.

N

We have here in the community and too often are going to waste and instead of doing that,.

N

Making sure that they're getting to the folks who need it? So that's that's exactly the work.

N

That the community has been doing, thank you and, and that program is not just school children. It's.

D

Also, adults, no it's adults. Yes, many of them are seniors oftentimes. We we got a call. Actually, my.

D

Wife, people don't call me, um got a call sunday night and a local family that goes to two.

D

Different food pantries totally ran out of fruit food easter day and were crying and rhonda went.

D

Grocery shopping on monday morning and took some stuff from our church, food pantry also, but it's.

D

Covid showed us this need exactly and, and it was there and and.

D

um I think some of the food pantries felt like oh we're, going to do this for a year or two and then.

D

We won't do it anymore and they're getting busier and busier. That's true and uh I'd love to see if.

D

There's a list of where they are because, like you said about location, manchester has as much out in.

D

The boonies as hampstead, but very quickly you get to the baltimore county mpa line, so it may be to.

D

Serve carroll county a little more close to the town itself, but it's uh it's a lot of need in a.

D

Lot of areas- and it breaks your heart, it does I'd, be absolutely happy one of the things that.

N

We've done is pulled together, a resource list, an up-to-date resource list of where all of.

N

Those options are changes, but I'd be happy to provide that for you yeah. That would be great.

A

um You know there's there's efforts from the boys and girl scouts building these small.

A

Pantries of non-perishable goods- I know there's one down in eldersburg behind the library.

A

um You know you can't boil the ocean type of thing. You gotta, take it one step at a time.

A

um And I appreciate all the work: it's just that it continues to exist. um Transportation is a.

A

Big issue, um you know it's the number one uh issue with poverty is lack of transportation.

A

We have strong partnership with a non-profit and celine knows this very well vehicles for.

A

Change that provides vehicles for those in need at a very low cost, as long as they have.

A

A job in a way, a job, a residence and a way of paying for their insurance for the vehicle and.

N

It's a great program and it should be used. It is used across the state. But again I'm looking at.

A

Carroll county ends and how we can serve carroll countyans with this program, that much more.

A

Absolutely so, and with this at hand in particular, karen, like you said, the economy is not good cost.

E

Of food are going up and that does hit those of working class and below especially hard. um And I.

E

So I will say this before I ask this question, I'm in favor of doing this, but the uh paper.

E

Before us, references operating budget resolution 0-23.08- and I do not have a copy of that with me-.

K

E

The budget right to make, I guess, to make the the necessary fund transfer to make this happen again.

E

I'm in favor of doing this- I just I don't have the resolution in front of me and I'd like to.

E

See what that says before it's I mean it, it might just be me that doesn't have it. I don't know if.

E

Anybody else has it the one they sign; normally, we don't put them in it just well, but because.

E

This specifically referenced, I do want to read the resolution, but we normally don't put them in the.

K

Briefing book, for whatever reason they come at the last minute and usually just get in your second.

K

Folder but right, but because it was explicitly referenced, yeah appropriation really yeah. What.

A

This is is well I just I want to read it. I know what it does. I just want to yeah go ahead. I just.

E

Want to be you know, and while you're you're taking a look at that, I did want to say. We've also pulled.

L

Together, um a county-wide kind of leadership um round table around the snap benefit, reduction and.

L

Some of the coveted pieces rolling back so that the directors of some of the non-profits and some.

L

Of the state agencies and their managers, karen and stephanie, are both engaged with that, and we.

L

Decided to continue the meeting on a monthly basis until we can really understand what this impact is.

L

Having on our community so we're all on the same page, so that's been. We had our first meeting and I.

L

Think we generated at least seven pages of minutes from that meeting, which was very a lot of great.

L

Ideas, so we are trying to stay on top of it and be proactive rather than reactive. I understand that.

E

Completely okay, so yeah, please make one more comment and sorry. This stuff is near and dear.

D

To my heart, the other thing and I'm sure you guys are way ahead of me, but the other. The other thing.

D

I'm concerned with and like I say, I'm sure you guys you know, take care of it. Well, the household.

D

I was talking about, has no driver's license and no vehicles, so transportation's a thing, but.

D

And I think that's why my wife's so much better than I am. They need to be treated.

D

With the proper respect throughout the whole process, also, which can be touchy because and.

D

And mal here: well, I don't go to that food pantry anymore because they don't like how.

D

I get in line or I don't have a car, they don't have a place for walkers. You know it's it's. It's.

D

Hard and I'm sure you guys know all the ins and outs way better than I do, but thank you.

A

Well said: okay, anything else is there a motion motion to approve the submission of the.

E

Application and accept the award for fy24 summer supplemental nutrition assistance program, snap.

E

And approve operating budget resolution 0-23.08 to fund the required county match. Second, I got.

A

A motion: I got a second and further discussion seen here, none all in favor all right. Thank you.

A

Celine you get to stay with us along with deb and we're going to start talking about.

A

Now the uh the block grant correct.

L

So joining me now um is stephanie haley. She already thank you for uh your introduction.

L

Earlier and and sharing that information, I appreciate that um but, as you know, commissioners.

L

The westminster rescue mission wears many hats um and the the food distribution and redistribution.

L

And- and the pantry are just is just one of their many services that they provide, so we are here.

L

Today, really to we're kind of doing a pre-approval with you folks, before we start this process, if you.

L

Are in agreement, we want to come to you today to talk about approval, to develop an fy24 cdbg.

L

Recovery, housing, application for westminster rescue mission and hold a public hearing the.

L

The right now cdbg has opened up earmarked funding that is specific to the acquisition of recovery.

L

Housing that westminster rescue mission would like to apply for, and they are requesting to submit us.

L

To submit this application on their behalf, and I would like stephanie to give us a little bit of.

L

An overview she has a presentation that she'd like to share with us about the. Why that this.

L

Program is very important near and dear to all of our hearts, because we've all experienced the.

L

Struggles and challenges that this population experiences not being able to find appropriate.

L

Housing with their child, while they are going into recovery and I'll, let her speak to you to that.

N

Thank you, though, thank you very much, and it was great to be able to chat.

N

For a minute, because now I don't have to say anything about the food program.

N

um um But thank you very much for allowing me to come before you and to share just a.

N

Little bit about the mission and the why, for this particular um for this particular project, so the.

N

Westminster rescue mission for those of you who may not know we've been around since 1968 in the.

N

Community we've been doing work in the areas of food security, addiction healing and until.

N

Recently, our thrift operation, but now we are very focused- we've gone through significant strategic.

N

Planning and visioning and engaging with our partners in the community to define two very.

N

Particular areas where we think we can have the greatest impact and have been having that.

N

Impact one is in food security and the other is an addiction healing, so our addiction healing center.

N

um About four years ago, we became carf accredited carf. Is the commission on accreditation of.

N

Rehabilitation facilities- this is a seal of approval. It's something we go through. Every.

N

So many years um for a level 3.1 treatment program, that treatment program is for men and has been for.

N

Men for years we know we have known that there is great need in the community for the services.

N

That not only that we provide, but for women and additional levels of care. In addition to our 3.1.

N

Level of care we're making significant um we're planning and engaging right now in significant.

N

Growth around the levels of care, but one of the gaps in service really in the in the county is.

N

um Is really treatment, recovery services, both housing and treatment programs for women? We have.

N

I'll say just to to speak to the need in carroll county alone, so 67.2 percent of overdose deaths.

N

Here in the county, where individuals who access to services in the county within a year of their.

N

Death, 48 percent of those individuals, access services, some type of services within 30 days of.

N

Their death, what that tells me is that, yes, we do have services, but there are gaps in those services.

N

And one of the um biggest gaps that we have is for women, so women come.

N

And they seek support, but there's nowhere for them to go recently. The westminster.

N

Rescue mission has operated a women's program on our campus.

N

um We met a couple of different struggles with those programs. Number one, first and foremost was.

N

That the women who needed help had children and we didn't have the facilities for those children.

N

And the separation was too much to overcome in order to get them that the treatment that they.

N

Needed so this program that we're talking about speaks directly to that, while I would love to do.

N

That on our campus, in some ways, what we have also realized is that a number of those women.

N

And the kids that they that we would be serving have been in very difficult situations in terms.

N

Of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and so it's difficult to be an environment where there are.

N

Men and and to really focus on their recovery, and that is what we want. Long-Term recovery right and.

N

So a part of our vision, as our organization is to acquire a property off of our campus. That would.

N

Not be a downtown type setting, but that would be one that that would be you know. I've got.

N

Farm in my roots- and you know for those of you who do you know that um being out in that type.

N

Of setting being in a place where there could be small animals where there could be gardening and.

N

Where women and children could be working together and healing together, while accessing the services.

N

That we already that we already have would just be incredibly healing, and I think, would make an.

N

Incredible impact on our community so to have the opportunity to access funding outside of.

N

The county, this county has been very supportive of the mission in terms of our individual donors,.

N

In terms of our businesses supporting us in terms of our churches, supporting who we are.

N

And what we do and here's an opportunity to get significant funding from outside of the.

N

County to be able to invest in something that is so needed, so I appreciate the opportunity I what.

N

I would love to do is invite each one of you to come come visit. There have been a lot of changes.

N

In growth at our organization over the past few years and I'd just love for you to be able to see.

N

The operation so, on the back of my presentation, you'll see my email and my phone number. Please.

N

Email call me reach out I'd love to give you a tour. Thank you very much. Oh thank you stephanie. I.

A

I think I was out there three years ago or the women's dorm was complete. It's complete now. Yes,.

N

It is how many and so that location now, although we are not housing women on there now, okay, um but.

N

What we're doing is we're increasing our levels of care, so we're not only going to be offering.

N

A 3.1 level, but 3335 at potentially up to three seven, which will allow us to say yes to a lot more.

N

People, people who require additional supports than what we already provide in the thrift store is we.

N

Have closed the thrift store there, there wasn't as much need in the community. Lots of folks have.

N

Filled that space and we weren't able to make as great of an impact it's now a gymnasium. So you.

N

Can come it really work out while you're coming while you visit? Are there any questions, comments.

D

Yes, depending on the location the kids would go to school, could do extracurriculum absolutely, but.

N

Easy absolutely yes, absolutely I was. I was glad you mentioned the abusive relationships too. I've.

D

I've had wrestlers over the year that I pick up from such homes with a court order right that in.

D

Case I meet dad someplace else or something you know, but they the kids needed that opportunity.

D

Right absolutely that'll be provided. Yes, absolutely absolutely, and this is a dumb question.

D

um Your guy's donations, some of this stuff, has tightened up a little bit, for instance, in the.

D

Past uh we we talked about the ag center, we might buy a hog at the ag center, get it butchered and we.

D

Could bring the butchered meat there? Can we still? Yes, absolutely absolutely, and you wouldn't take.

D

It anymore, so we will take butchered me. We will take the butchered me, but you, I think you want.

D

It straight from the butcher: yeah, yes, but yes, just because of food safety issues; good! Okay! Sorry, I'm.

D

Rhonda and I will be calling you great dumb questions great. No, that would be great.

E

Commissioner power, I don't think you have any dumb questions in all sincerity,.

A

The um those numbers and percentages are really daunting.

A

um 67 plus percent from year to 48 to death and then 48 within that 30 days within 30 days. That's.

N

Actually the highest in the state or for that particular statistic, and so that's troubling.

N

Yeah, so people are the good news, is people are trying to get help? People are trying to.

N

Access services, the bad news is we're not doing our job well enough. um Well, it's hard yeah! I.

A

To take that part away about doing the job, um it's it's! It's terrifying.

A

um And I don't know if it's not doing it's not about you not doing your job. It's about us and.

A

The resources allocated to do better than what is showing and resources time, people and money.

A

um The rss, you know the um the saris houses that are out there in other facilities. uh There's a.

A

Lot of them, navigating from one to the other's challenge, like I said, the number one reason for.

A

Poverty dealing with transportation, you know- and you know, uh which can cause to a whole lot of.

A

Other things that could lead to addiction because of the the dimness it's I mean it's terrifying.

A

Just looking at at that I mean that's what caught me really pretty pretty hard.

A

um We got to do something about it, we do and uh I don't know what the answers are, but you know I I.

A

Appreciate the support with springboard with the boys and girls club with you know, penmar and all.

A

The others, the ark um but we're missing something we've got to figure out what we're missing a tough.

D

A tough thing to figure out how do you convince them that they need the constant help yeah.

D

um I banter I'll say joke with some as I'm driving them to circuit court. They want help they're.

D

Scared they're, whatever a week before that they were cocky about it. I don't need your help right.

D

You know how do you, how do you bridge that gap and because, if they don't want the help, you can't.

D

Force it right, no, it's true, and I I think that I think the the challenges I mean when somebody.

N

Doesn't want the help, quite honestly, in my experience, it's pretty tough to to give it to him.

N

um But I think where we have opportunity is the number of people who do want help, but who aren't.

N

Getting the help that they need and myself I'm a woman in recovery over 18 years and it's important.

N

um It's important that, when someone is ready um that we are there and the door is wide open and.

N

We get them the right support for them, which is different from person to person, but having those.

N

Options and supports and partnerships within our community to make those connections and that's.

D

Important because, like you're saying when they do recognize, they need it. You've got to be able.

N

To be ready, if you don't take it, it's it's going to go away exactly that. That's well said on all.

A

Parts I mean it's a community and you're, not an island. I mean you know. We talk about recovery, you.

A

Say I'm in recovery dealing with mental illness and you know until I was ready you know I wasn't.

A

Gonna, do anything right feeling a heck of a lot better now, especially for my family, um it is.

A

That we need to open up and say, listen, you're, not an island, there's others around you. This.

A

Is a community, let's figure this out um and then celine and others keep beating us down for more.

A

Resources, you know uh you may not get them right away, but you got to keep saying this is what we.

A

Need and here's the risk in not doing it um this one's relatively easy, because the county match is.

A

Zero, which we always like, isn't that great always like to do that's a good, easy. First ask for me.

A

Other people's money is always a good thing, so it is. Those percentages are just horrible. So I.

C

Think one of the nice things that you mentioned, though today is the fact that you're looking at.

C

A property that's got open space because that's that's so important. I think, for people when you've.

C

Got the ability to get outside in nature and and around you know, your surroundings are different.

C

You're not confined around concrete and lights and all the the other potential tensions in life. I'm.

C

Just out of curiosity, what what kind of I know I don't want to know specifics completely, but what.

C

Size type of property you're, looking at just out of curiosity, so we've looked at some we've been.

N

Looking but I don't have the place to purchase yet we tried um but we're looking for a really like a.

N

Farm right, a small farm at um that you know with as much property as we can handle, but really just.

N

A multi, you know an old farmhouse that can be. You know for multi-family use that we can just have.

N

You know multiple families, so 8 bedroom. You know it all depends on the setup of the fan. You know of.

N

The of the property, but would there ever been, I'm jumping the gun here, a little bit. Would there ever.

C

Be the opportunity, maybe, depending on the size of the property, then maybe continue an add-on down.

C

The road I mean I know, like I said, I'm getting ahead of you here, a little bit but nope. Oh I'm.

N

Right there with you, yes, yes, I think absolutely absolutely, and I think I think it should go.

C

Without saying, but I'll just say it, I think it's great that it's an opportunity both for women in.

C

In need in this regard, but also including the kids, because that's a huge component, I mean you know.

C

That's that's! That's tough! When you're separating people or it's a challenge of when they're, seeing.

C

Each other and all that so I think that's, I think, that's a wonderful opportunity. I think.

C

It's very very nice to see for uh carroll county and the people as a whole right will try hard.

A

um Okay, anyone else motion motion to approve the development of the fy24cdbg application.

E

And schedule the required public hearing. Second, I got a motion. I got a second I'm.

A

Getting used to looking back and forth all in favor all right, okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank.

E

You very much god bless you for what you do. uh I wanna point out the obvious to my.

B

Fellow commissioners, we have a daunting number of items to get to yeah, so I'm gonna do my best to.

B

Judicious, I think we probably should give it a shot and try to get to 11.. Commissioner, karen.

E

That's a fantastic point because I okay, I have budget this afternoon and I still think it's.

B

A very important issue for us to spend as much time on that as possible agreed approval for.

A

Grant application acceptance of award do I have a motion that works for me, I'm prepared he's ready.

O

Good morning, commissioners, good morning, we will be quick for you, but give you enough.

O

Information for you to feel comfortable with the applications that we're looking to submit.

O

um As commissioner rothdeen said, we're here to request your approval for a grant application.

O

And acceptance of award to go after design funding from the national fish and wildlife foundation for.

O

A future project in the town of new windsor, so as part of our mpds permit requirements, we need.

O

To look to treat currently untreated impervious area in downtown new windsor, there is no storm.

O

Water management for much of the older portion of the town, so we have been working with the town to.

O

Look at areas and have found a a site adjacent to their public works uh depot area where we're.

O

Currently, working on conceptual plans for a storm water wetland, so we've had success in the past.

O

Gaining funding from nif whiff for design funds, so we're here to ask your approval.

O

To go after seventy five thousand dollars to take our conceptual plans to final design plans.

A

And putting the county match of thirty thousand would be enough to go after the 75.

A

000., so the thirty thousand is what we have paid so far to a consultant for the concept plans.

O

So we're hoping that the 75 000 from the national.

O

Fish and wildlife foundation will take those plans to the finish line.

A

E

Motion to approve the submittal of the grant, application and acceptance.

E

Of award to the national fish and wildlife foundation, small watershed grants planning.

E

And technical assistance program for the new windsor wetland construction plans. Yes,.

B

Second, I have a motion. I have a second any discussion on this seen here. None.

A

All in favor aye, okay next is requesting the grant application acceptance award for roberts.

A

Fields- restoration, construction! Yes, yes, so this is another opportunity to seek funding from the.

O

National fish and wildlife foundation from their small watershed grants implementation program. The.

O

Bureau has been working on a design with the town of hampstead for the roberts field, storm.

O

Water management facility and nifwiff did provide funding through the technical assistance grant.

O

Program, they contributed fifty thousand dollars to the design for this facility. So we thought this.

O

Would be a great opportunity to go back to them to receive construction funding or a portion of that.

O

For this project, so while there is still a big gap from what we're hoping to get from grant funding,.

O

We are looking at other avenues for grant funding to help cover the cost of this project. So what.

A

Other avenues, so we have the department of natural resources. Typically in the fall of the year, opens.

O

Up a grant program, that's the chesapeake and atlantic coastal base trust fund. We can go after.

O

Funding through that program there is minimal county match required, but we have had success.

O

In gaining funding from them in the past, we've also submitted an application to the maryland.

O

Water quality foundation for funding. Unfortunately, while we ranked high in our recent application.

O

For this project, their priorities shifted so storm water was not a priority. This round of.

O

Funding they kind of reverted back to septic and wastewater treatment, plant improvement projects.

A

Is hampstead putting any is hampstead putting any money into this so through the mou that.

O

We have with the municipalities as part of the mpds permit. They have a 20 percent.

O

Contribution for the the project, but that's all part of the town county.

O

Agreement, so all that funding is through our our bureau. Okay.

L

This is funding that we will need to allocate going forward. This isn't already in the current.

E

Fiscal year budget, so we have, we have a seat, a cip for for these types of projects and we.

O

Typically are allocated 3.3 million dollars each year, so this is factored into our plan.

O

Moving forward, so that money is already is already there and taken into consideration.

O

Once we develop our cip, so thank you very much, yeah no problem. I just wanted to make sure we.

E

Weren't having to pull it out of nowhere right now. No thank you very much for that.

A

Any other questions or comments, so the three million you're mentioning it's already been.

B

Appropriated as part of the cip or as part of our request for cip from 24 to 29., I think.

O

um Yeah set three that what is looked at for resource management is approximately.

O

3.3 million dollars to support our mpds program as long as we don't touch it moving. You know so.

O

Yeah but please keep in mind that yeah yeah mpds is a compliance program. So if we do not meet the.

O

You know, regulations set forth in our permit, the county could face a shortfall and there.

O

Are which is why we shouldn't touch it fairly, dire consequence? Yes, so we will be before you. I believe.

O

um Next week to go over the mpds program and the permit and all that all the details that.

O

Are part of it? We actually might be sliding into the week after okay.

A

That's right: we've pushed you down a little bit further, so now just be a little bit more so.

A

Are there any question, I'm looking at the mpdes.

A

Right now, as far as the capital, it's and you're saying this is in the 24 to 20 this. It's not so.

A

Allocated for 23.- oh it is it's every year yeah this project was it and I think it goes.

A

Back to commissioner karen's question was the project funding in the cip allocated.

A

In fy 23, or is this something that we are to discuss in fy, 24's, cip,.

I

And say neither okay: this is an ongoing project. We budget money every year, your.

I

Plan as it exists, yes, is an ongoing project that is specific, okay right.

I

It's in your plan for all years and best we know, continues on forever for.

I

Any time frame we're planning on when these specific projects come to you.

I

They are being planned within the funding that is available or going to be available.

I

So- uh and I don't know the specifics on this- you know how the timing matches up to the money.

I

But all these projects, unless you hear otherwise, are budgeted for in a bigger way.

D

And you you attempt to get more grants, so you can do more with the money exactly since 2009.

O

um We've brought in over 17 and a half million dollars to support the mpds program.

O

So we have had great luck with grants. You know and we're going to keep going after additional.

O

Funds to support the program and to commissioner kohler's point we budget in a way that we believe.

I

Will allow us to meet our obligations when we get grants that gives us more room, maybe.

I

Someday we'll have so much room. We can reduce how much funding we're doing, but we're not there. Okay,.

A

Comfort level: okay, okay, as long as it's planned is there a motion to approve this in the middle.

E

Of the grant, application and acceptance of award to the national fish and wildlife.

E

Foundation, small watershed grants implementation program for the roberts field, restoration project.

D

Second, I got a motion. I got a second any further discussion, all in favor.

H

Aye aye. Okay, thank you. Thank you, commissioners. Thank you.

A

Okay, wow, why don't you come on up and let's talk about well, we started to talk about. I.

A

Think last week and that's now the adoption of the 2022 carroll county hazard mitigation plan.

P

Good morning, commissioners good morning is correct. Commissioner rothstein, we are here to continue our.

P

Discussion about the 2022 carroll county hazard mitigation plan- I have with me assistant manager,.

P

Jacob hill, he was definitely instrumental in getting this uh finished up and in front of.

P

Fema and mdem, and eventually all of the board. So we are here this morning to ask you to adopt the.

P

Plan we're certainly stand ready with any uh try to answer any questions that you may have thought.

P

Of in between excuse me last week and this week, but the reason that we're here is just the formal.

P

Formalize the adoption of the plan, so that is our request this morning.

D

You saw me last week. Thank you, commissioner.

K

And you get to make the motion.

D

Are we running yeah if you want to, I move the board of commissioners formally adopt the 2022.

D

Carroll county hazard mitigation plan. Second, I have a motion. I have a second all in favor.

E

Aye aye. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much. Commissioners talk to.

A

Us about emergency responder, radio communication enhancement system.

P

All right, let's switch seats with you I'm good morning.

Q

The office of procurement, in cooperation with the department of public safety, request, your approval.

Q

To award hanky's radio incorporated a single source vendor to provide an emergency responder.

Q

Two-Way radio communication, enhanced enhancement system at the carroll county maintenance center.

Q

In the amount of thirty five thousand four hundred thirty dollars, this cost includes.

Q

The design, the equipment, installation and testing this amount has been approved in.

Q

The fy 23 budget and no additional fund should be required and I'll. Let valerie explain the project.

P

Thank you, maureen, commissioners. This is a project late last year, the board of.

P

Public works, specifically facilities and roads reported an issue with the.

P

Radio signal coverage in the the old meadow branch maintenance center facility, so in.

P

Response to that report we have the facility professionally evaluated and it did show the.

P

Commission the results did show insufficient radio coverage in the building. We had a a.

P

P

It's that kind of day today we had a professionally evaluated.

P

By hanky's radio, they are our radio repair and maintenance.

P

Vendor, that's the word that I wanted and they had provided us with the with the proposal. It.

P

Was developed in uh coordination with their engineering staff, so the recommended means to.

P

Mitigate those radio signal, defense deficiencies was the installation of a bi-directional amplifier.

P

Or distributed and distributed antenna system, which is a bda, that's normally how it's referred.

P

To one thing, a couple things that I wanted to mention the age of the current system.

P

That's there is more than 20 years. We don't it's past institutional knowledge exactly when it was.

P

Installed, but it is definitely more than 20 years old. It has served us well for quite a long time.

P

So we should be expected that eventually, these things do need to be replaced. The we are utilizing.

P

Budgeted funds for this, but just to be clear, this was not a budgeted item but due to cost avoidance.

P

With some other items in our budget, we are able to utilize budgeted the fiscal year, 23 funding.

P

To accomplish this objective, so we don't need to ask for any additional funding to accomplish it.

A

Okay- and you said it was competitively bid correct now this is a single source vendor. It.

A

Is single source I apologize? We actually do have a term contract with hank. Yes,.

Q

um So we could use that, but they again were kind of tied in with them because they have.

Q

Put so much equipment in they're the experts on right how it's handled right, specifically.

P

For our, for they are the motorola vendor and distributor. That is there's only one for our.

P

Area so we need, you know we work with them as a single source to make sure that everything works.

P

Together on the for the within the system, or are they I'm sorry? Are they um reseller for motorola.

P

They are, they are, I think, they're an authorized deal. They are an authorized distributor for.

Q

Yes, maintenance and repair, and things like that, okay, so of of our authorized, reseller.

A

And there's different levels and okay, that's what they've been around a long time. Yes, very.

P

Long, okay, very long, we have, we have a very long and good relationship with with hanks.

A

Got it motion to approve awarding the emergency responder two-way radio, communications enhancement.

E

Systems at hanky's radio incorporated the amount of thirty five thousand four hundred.

E

Thirty dollars a second, I have a motion. I have a second any discussion on this.

A

Seen here, none all in favor, okay! Thank you, commissioners. Thank you. Thank you very much.

A

Okay, we're going to get to stay and we're going to talk about some lights over at the farm museum.

A

To join you, are you gonna, be playing solo. Are you, I hope, not everybody, bailed on you. I know.

A

It's like they ran the other way. Okay, it's been something I said: okay go for it, the.

F

Office excuse to trust yeah. That's that's true. That's the way I'll look at it. The office of.

Q

Procurement, in conjunction with the bureau of building construction request, your approval to.

Q

Award a contract to cn robinson, an approved term contractor for the purchase of 11, light poles and.

Q

Fixtures for the carroll county farm museum, in the amount of thirty nine thousand three hundred.

Q

Dollars and this amount is also approved within the budget, so I will let either dave or eric take.

Q

Over good morning, commissioners, good morning, all right this project will bring much needed.

R

Lighting to the area from the parking lot all the way to the wedding, barn it'll stretch along.

R

The interior blacktop path from the parking lot to the wedding barn. Currently there is no lighting in.

R

That area, so these lights will be 11 lights, will be spaced from the parking lot to the wedding, barn.

R

It also improved the safety and security of the various users and groups, but will also.

R

Approve the aesthetical appeal of the farm museum during yearly events with the installation of the.

R

Lights, the farm museum will now be able to have events in the fall and winter seasons as well.

R

Due to the extra lighting, the poles will also have outlets installed on them for better functionality.

R

For yearly lights, we will be purchasing the lights and poles under a term contract.

R

Then we will be reaching out to contractors to get quotes for installation. Currently, the estimated.

R

Lead time is 10 to 12 weeks for delivery. Do you have any questions? Okay, nope, that last.

A

Part answered that question so um as far as the expectation of when so okay, any questions on this.

A

No motion motion to award the contract for the carroll county farm museum lighting to.

E

See and robinson in the amount of thirty nine thousand three hundred dollars.

E

A second I got a motion. I got second discussion seen here. None all in favor.

A

Aye aye. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Okay, maureen. That was the easy button number two or three. Let's see.

A

If we can keep this up and let's talk about legal services bond council good morning, good.

Q

Procurement, in cooperation with the department of the comptroller request, your approval to.

Q

Contract with mckennan shelton and hen llp for legal services and s and h, is offering an.

Q

Annual fix price of 33 thousand dollars for a new money, bond or bond anticipation. Note.

Q

Issues other legal services will be charged at 250 an hour for attorney and 175 hour for.

Q

Paraprofessionals, this contract will be made through a baltimore county government contract.

Q

That was competitively bid and again this cost is within the budget and no additional funds.

Q

Should be required and then jenny can tell you about project itself sure just to give you a.

S

Little background, commissioners, when we issue tax exempt bonds, we are of a lot of legal tax.

S

Laws that we have to follow through, basically, this bond council assists.

S

Us when we are issuing our tax exempt bonds and make sure that we stay in compliance with.

S

The irs laws they give us legal advice make sure the projects that we are funding with bonds are.

S

Eligible to have that bond funding on and can remain bond tax exempt and provide public purpose.

S

And they prepare all the legal documents when we file, we have a binder, that's really thick.

S

And in addition, they're available all year long, if we have any questions on refundings.

S

Or any any tax laws regarding debt have we used them before I've been here almost 22.

S

Years and we've used them every year that I've been here so you're pretty comfortable, and I.

S

Am comfortable with them? Okay, so they don't. They don't do a retainer and you draw against it. They.

D

Just bill you, yes, they build and it's part of the bond issuance budget that we have yep.

A

Ocean, I'm sorry nope have at it. You got the motion. You want me to get the motion.

E

You got it I'll get the motion motion to approve contracting with mckennan shelton.

E

And hen llp for legal services related to bond council for the department of the controller.

D

Second, okay, any discussion sitting here in all in favor all right: okay, now, let's talk.

A

About independent financial auditing services, our requesting your award for the contract to provide.

Q

Independent financial auditing services to clifton larson allen, the county requested proposals from.

Q

Vendors capable and interested in performing this service, a committee was formed to evaluate both.

Q

The technical and financial proposals submitted and clifton larson allen scored highest overall.

Q

This contract has the potential to be renewed through june 30th of 2027 and.

Q

The cost is based on an hourly rate per position, and funds have been approved in the fy 24 budget.

S

As you see, we did receive three proposals. None of those are the current or the prior.

S

Auditors, from what I'm understanding they are not doing, government, accounting or auditing.

S

Anymore, I think, grant scared them away, um so we are required to have an annual audit and that's.

S

Maintaining and staying with, gatsby are generally governmental government accounting standards board.

S

um So the audit is making sure that our act for our annual comprehensive financial report.

S

Means the standards and is free from material misstatements. In addition to that act, for we are.

S

Required to file a uniform financial report with the state to make sure we're uniformly reporting.

S

Our financials, as well as 9-1-1 expenditures with the state of maryland um and then also the single.

S

Audit, which is a federal audit, it's a grant for the federal government of all of our federal.

S

Expenditures for grant and then we also have an I.t audit. So all of this is included in our audit.

S

Clifton larson allen actually had our award. We've had them prior to this last audit from.

S

Seven years ago, so I'm very comfortable with them you're right, there's a lot of accounting.

A

Services that are moving away from that service, specifically auditing, um so so that's why they.

D

Didn't furnish a proposal, the last one, from what I had been kind of led to is, they are getting out.

S

Of government, audit and services you talking about conor resnick, yes, yeah yeah, I think so too so yeah.

A

um Okay motion to approve the award of a contract for independent financial auditing.

E

Services to clifton larson allen. Second, I got a motion. I have a second any discussion on.

A

This one seen him none all in favor all right. Let's talk about financial advisor services.

E

We keep saying good morning to you with every every new issue before us laughs. Okay, we are.

Q

Here to request your approval to contract with davenport and company llc for financial advisor.

Q

Services for general obligation, bonds at an annual cost of 63, 328 and 13 cents. This contract will be.

Q

Made through a howard county government contract that was competitively bid and again, the cost is.

Q

In the project budget and no additional fund should be required and jenny can tell you more.

Q

About what this is for sure, um so the what do the financial advisors do. They assist us with.

S

Bond sales as well, they advise us on the markets where the bond markets are give us advice on.

S

um If there's refunding meaning, we could go out and get a better rate interest rate on bonds and.

S

These are the bonds that fund our major capital projects, schools, bridges, roads, etc. The financial.

S

um Advisor help us to monitor the entire portfolio of the debt for any future savings. In addition,.

A

To this, they work to prepare us for our bond rating correct. They help a lot with that.

A

Yeah because that's not what you wrote, but I mean that's a large portion, yes of their support and.

A

Guidance, so I'm with the board of commissioners approved contracting with.

A

That important company llp for financial advisor services and it causes 63 000.

A

300 and yeah: that's what is it? Oh, it's miss prince 63, 328, 30. yeah. I apologize 63 328.13.

A

For the department of the comptroller second, I got a motion in a couple of seconds. Any.

A

Discussion all in favor, aye, aye, okay, right off of uncollectible personal property tax accounts.

S

Me this morning.

S

I promise um so jim almonds here from the county attorney with office with me.

S

um We are requesting the approval to write off six accounts with.

S

Outstanding business, personal property taxes from 2016 to 2020, totaling, 58.

S

356.07, all these businesses have been dissolved and their assets have been liquidated.

S

um We have pursued, or I should say the county attorney's office has pursued legal judgments.

S

To their fullest extent and proved unsuccessful, then their recommendation is to write them off.

S

um Much of the remaining taxes are a result of estimated doubled assessments which we can.

S

Go into detail if you would like more information on that or unveiled tax returns the state if they.

S

Don't file tax return in the state automatically so put a assessment amount if they have included.

S

Their businesses properly, additionally, several of the account balances remain after we've accepted.

S

Any bankruptcy settlement officer offers as legal avenues for collection we've, exhausted.

S

All of those so we're asking for your approval to write these bill. These open balances off.

B

So essentially, we've got some people who didn't pay their taxes. It's pretty easy to start an.

B

Llc and start over again so do we have any safeguards or mechanisms within the county.

B

To ensure that some of these same individuals, whether for whatever reason things didn't work,.

B

Out for them, but they're not able to just come back again and well. um Commissioner, when we go.

T

To court we get a judgment um against these companies for the amount of taxes owed and if.

T

They don't pay that judgment, then we get a lien and that lien is open for 12 years. So if they, if.

T

That person wants to reopen a new llc within that 12 years. Then the county would know and.

T

That, then, we would have another avenue to pursue a collection of that original amount. All right, thank.

B

You I didn't realize that was a 12-year penalty. If you will so that's yes, the judgment's open.

T

For 12 years yeah, that was the exact question I was going to have. Is you know, change your name.

A

And you know type of thing with these llcs so and that goes with llc s, corp or any entity that they.

T

That's correct: okay! Okay! No thanks! How does this amount compare to past periods of time.

D

Maybe it would be more, but.

S

She's our collection- this is debbie- bear she's our collections good morning specialist. I believe.

U

um I believe last time we did it, we have not done it since covet during covid. We stopped.

U

Sending past dues final notices, so this is kind of a catch-up. um These have been sitting there.

U

For quite a while- and it brings us up, I believe, to 2020 yes, so you know it's pretty good. We've.

U

Had some success here lately we've been sending a lot out and we've been starting to get them so.

U

And I believe last time we did it, it was more like 75 000 and we usually in the past. We have.

U

Done them once a year- and we haven't done it for quite a few years now, so the 58's not too.

U

Bad compared to others for this period of time, I thought it would be more than that. I'm glad it.

D

Isn't yeah yeah yeah? It's not, it isn't awful and it's just six accounts. So it's really and a lot of.

U

It, as jenny stated, is estimated assessments. The state does that to get their attention.

U

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't in this case they closed up. They just don't care, so you.

U

Know we don't have, and we cannot do anything with it other than this without the state's instruction.

U

So our only avenue is to write them off to get them off the books. Okay and the revenue was never.

D

Recognized so this is a paperwork shuffle to clean it up exactly yeah, correct, okay motion to approve.

E

The write-off requests and authorize for the comptroller to execute the required forms. Second,.

A

I have a motion. I have a second any discussion on this sitting here. None all in favor all right.

A

Okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Chris. Do we have anyone on the line.

A

Do we have chris on the line? No sir,.

A

Okay, do we have anything for open admin, just the minutes, the closed okay from any of us, um okay,.

A

What I need you to review and then approve, is the april 6th 2023 closed mints for land acquisition.

E

Motion to approve second, if I got a motion, I think a couple of seconds and discussion all in favor.

A

Okay, agendas come on up miss wanda.

B

Okay, oh we have april 17th for next week.

A

At 4 30 p.m. Commissioner gordon will be attending the magics new autonomous robotics innovation.

A

Center here in westminster and then on tuesday, we and we now have the lieutenant governor to.

D

Add, oh, I apologize that's correct. um We have thank you lieutenant governor miller, along.

A

With secretary woods from mdva, zero or 9 30 to 10 30. over at american legion post, 31.

A

um You can say roundtable discussion, okay veterans, roundtable discussion.

A

um Have we determined who is participating from us I'll, be there I'll be in attendance as well.

C

I'll be there, I'm pretty sure I'm going to double check my schedule, but I think.

E

I should be able to make it okay. If commissioner vigliotti is done with tea time, he'll also attend.

A

um Right now we have three with a tentative of four and just uh we'll confirm that, but thank you.

A

um Tuesday 9 a.m. Commissioner gordon is participating in the playing and zoning.

A

Commission down the reagan room uh yep on that afternoon, we are scheduled for.

A

uh Work session open session work session for our budget at 1 pm and then.

A

Advisory meeting, commissioner gordon, is scheduled to attend and me and commissioner kyler.

A

At 5 00 p.m. uh Commissioner kyler will be.

A

Attending the carroll community college board of trustees meeting and then there will be a.

A

Board of education, town hall, meeting conducted by superintendent, mccabe and commissioners, gordon and.

A

Kyler will be in attendance over winters mill, high school and I will make sure she knows. I'm.

D

Going to be late because of the community college, but I'm I definitely want to get there, and I would.

A

Expect she's listening right now, so commissioner kyler will be late. Okay at 7 pm, commissioner.

A

Yeah, that is me: okay, we'll be uh participating in the esac emergency services, advisory council.

A

Over at the training center here in westminster on thursday, we go into open at um nine, we'll.

A

Talk about purchasing, washers and dryers. I take it's over the detention center, with the sheriff.

A

The sheriff's office, um we will submit fy24 dhcd to housing, um homelessness, solutions, program, grant.

A

uh Application and acceptance of that award from dcs submit application for the interagency family.

A

Preservation services grant for fy 2428 uh with the intent of accepting accepting the.

A

Award as well approval to submit applications for the promoting safe and stable families grant.

A

Again with mystical and then 2023 hot mix, asphalt, paving number two dpw will come in front of us.

A

And share with us, I take it. The scheduling of the roads that are going to be worked on.

A

um Term contract use pavement condition, surveys for the paving management program again, dpw.

A

Will be in front of us.

A

Introduction and possible decision on zoning waiver for manchester's annexation, number 41.

A

Patapsco 91, llc and I'll be from plans and then the county npdes program and our newly issued.

A

Permit um they want to do that overview with the board to explain the program and the permit.

K

um And uh but we're probably going to almost assuredly move that to the following week. In.

K

Order to leave time for that appeal, the procurement appeal between the board that.

K

Is going to hear so we'll we'll figure that out? I appreciate that then, on friday,.

A

You're going to the bmc: no okay, typo, that's typo, um the baltimore metropolitan council.

A

Board I'll be attending and also um miss windham will be attending as well. uh On saturday.

A

There's an open house over the hampstead fire company. It's really a ribbon cutting not just.

A

An open house, isn't it a commercial caller, I'm sorry the hampstead, that's right! Hampstead fire.

A

It's it's a ribbon, cutting it's an open house but they're completing the project. Yeah, it's an open.

D

House for their first phase completion so and uh I'm pretty sure, senator west and delegate stanko.

D

Will be there yeah and I'm going to try and get up there as well um and then that afternoon the.

A

Westminster fire department's 200th anniversary you've got commissioner gordon kyler, vigliotti and.

A

I attending that and I'll have the podcast on the 23rd monday 24th, nothing scheduled tuesday, 25th.

A

It is the intent at 10, not 10 p.m. I sure hope, yeah I'll be in bed. I would expect it's 10 a.m.

A

That we, the board of county commissioners, will release the fy 24 proposed budget.

A

At wednesday, at wednesday april 26 8 a.m. Secretary of agriculture secretary addicts will be over at.

A

The ag center and right now we got commissioner gordon collar and myself attending there'll, be a.

A

Board of education meeting that afternoon, 5 pm and somebody will be there. Let's just put a tbd for.

A

Now, um commissioner, gordon will be participating in a virtual planning and zoning commission work.

A

Session and then at 6 30 pm, there's a veterans appreciation uh dinner, not diner with the freedom.

A

District lions club down the american legion hall in sykesville, commissioner kyler and I'll.

A

Be attending in commissioner karen, just let me know if you, okay, also it's uh just a great.

A

Opportunity to say thank you to veterans um thursday. We have open session at nine.

A

9 15. public hearing to support the westminster rescue missions, application.

A

um For recovery, housing for fy, 24 recovery, housing, we'll talk about the manchester.

A

Annexation, if necessary, if a decision had not been made the week before public safety.

A

Server infrastructure replacement from I.t then we'll go into closed for legal friday.

A

Saturday, with nothing scheduled, commissioner vigliotti has the podcast on april 30th.

A

um Sunday april 30th, I wonder, did I do okay, okay,.

A

Let's see we, I need a motion to go into.

A

uh Recess into closed we're going to go into close for public safety, we're going to go into.

A

Close for public safety, yes and then, once we're done with closed for public safety, we will go into.

A

You have a budget session at 11 15. Is that it well that ain't gonna happen so at one, so we will have.

A

We'll go into recess till 1 pm and reconvene at 1 pm for budget. If that's okay with everybody, okay,.

A

So you need two motions, so I need a motion to go into closed for public safety, so moved sorry.

E

I got a motion a couple seconds, all in favor all right and then a motion to go after closed into.

A

Recess and reconvene at 1 pm for work sex budget work session so moved. Second, all in favor, aye.