Carroll County, MD CCG 24 News, 13 Jan 2023

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From YouTube: Delegation Meeting January 13, 2023

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This is a meeting of the MD State Delegation being recorded in the hearing room of Carroll County Government.

A

Everyone we're going to go ahead and get started on time. So if you could all join me to say the pledge.

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To the flag of the united states of america and to the republic.

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

A

Well, thank you all again for coming out today we look forward to hearing from everyone. I'm.

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Delegate april rose uh here served here in district five, and I am the current delegation.

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Chair along with my co-chair, senator reedy, so we're going to go ahead and get started. Our.

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First order of business today will be the adoption of our rules. All of our members.

A

Oh, I'm sorry! Yes, it's. My first me running this meeting. Let's have everyone introduce.

A

Themselves, because we have some new members, I'm josh stanko from district 42c.

B

You were already on, I think I was on okay, I'm chris west from district 42 in general.

B

Senator justin reedy, representing district five dog, get rose delegate chris tomlinson district five dog at eric boucher district, five.

C

Okay, do people know what these districts are? Probably not a one sentence go ahead. You go.

B

Ahead: okay, so so yeah district five is the entire county, except for district 42. and district 42.

C

If you imagine a triangle going from hampstead to westminster to finksburg that sort of district 42.

C

um It's a little bit like a mandible claw, though.

A

Wonderful, thank you. Senator west we're happy to have um uh delegate stonko join.

A

Us so we now have an extra delegate and uh and senator west. So that's very nice.

A

um So again, our first order of business today will be the adoption of our delegation rules.

A

Which our delegation had all received, um so I don't know if anybody has a question or if you.

B

We would entertain a motion entertain a motion to accept our rules, a motion to accept the rules.

D

I'll second, it any discussion all in favor aye, aye. Okay, so we now have rules. That's good.

A

um Our first order of business on our agenda would be the request from our carroll county.

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Commissioners, and I believe mr fowler was going to come- oh okay, very good.

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And as he's coming to the microphone as we have everyone.

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um uh Testify today doesn't necessarily I mean you, because I know you have a lot of.

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Information usually for us, but we're going to try to keep it to about three minutes so that.

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We can be mindful of everyone's time today and we'll kind of go from there take a lot of time.

E

For for new members, I'm ted zoleski, I'm the director of management and budget for the county.

F

And also what we're doing here, carroll county to issue debt has to come to the.

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General assembly for approval, so each year we send you a number to put into the legislation.

F

That we've used for many years now- um oh yeah, if you'd rather have mike fowler, I can bring him up.

B

It's been great ted, it's like you've done this before yeah, so uh so this year we are asking.

F

For 65.6 million dollars, that's based on the cip as it exists now, knowing that we still have work.

F

To do with the commissioners ahead of us, we have historically, given you a letter and a a.

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Spreadsheet that shows the project that this is based on. I have those with me today. We can mail.

F

Like we usually do, or we can leave it behind for you, you know whatever you would prefer.

F

That's that's really all there is to say we'll get that from you. Thank you.

B

Very much yes, thank you. Does anybody have any questions for okay? Wonderful, thank you. So much.

A

um Next on our agenda would be the request from our board of licensed commissioners. Our liquor board.

G

Good afternoon, members of the delegation.

G

I'm dave groening, chairman of the carroll county board of license commission. We have introduced.

G

Two bills for your consideration: the first bill- I think you have both of them before you three lr842.

G

Is a bill to allow seating of 15 seats at the bar to satisfy a restaurant's of 50 seats or more.

G

Yeah the second bill 3lr0851, is a bill to allow a increase in fees for a class.

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As well as add a class for over 40 events per year, primarily this class is only applicable to.

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Fire companies and the carroll county arts center, the arts center has been a user of.

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The increase class of up to 40 events per year over that they have had to get a one-day license.

G

A one-day license is fifty dollars they have had in their fiscal year to date. 40 events.

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Which satisfies their license of of 31 to 40 events per year at a fee of five hundred dollars.

G

They have scheduled 44 additional events under the current licensing. They would be required to get a.

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One-Day license at a fee of fifty dollars, as you can see, that far exceeds the classification that.

G

This bill would allow them all events 41 and over for a fee of two thousand dollars.

G

At the present time, based upon those figures, they would pay well over four.

H

Okay, is there anyone else that would be dumpster recognized? Is there anyone else would be doing.

B

More than probably just them, they are the only one the various license fees are based on zero.

G

To ten events, which we have 10 fire companies 11 to 20 events, which we have two far companies 21 31.

G

31-40 we have zero and 1 over 40, which is manchester fire company.

B

And you were going to expand, could you expand on the the increases in the fees.

B

For the the lower license you you would talk to us, I think a couple of us offline can you.

B

Talk a little bit about the reason for that, and the reason for that is.

G

A one-day license is fifty dollars. You can have it under this classification.

G

10 events for 125 dollars, which is one-fourth of what it would cost for any other non-profits to.

G

Have the same 10 events same way with 11 to 20 and so on and so forth, the highest fee that we charge.

G

Under other classifications is twenty two hundred and fifty dollars. We had two public hearings.

G

With no opposition to the two thousand dollar fee that we are proposing for over 41 events,.

A

Does anyone else have any other questions? Senator west hi, I'm a I'm a lawyer, so I.

C

Read texts carefully um you have to put up with me, so it looks at to me as if the the change in.

C

The seating requirement would be, um restaurants could have regular seating at tables, including.

C

Not more than 15 seats at bars and counters for at least 50 individuals are there any restaurants.

C

Already in the county that have currently more than 15 seats at bars, encounters that would have.

C

To reduce their seating as a result of the senator, currently, there are no seating allowed at bars.

C

None okay, so this would allow up to if you have several establishments that are rather cramped.

G

For 50 seats, this would allow them to use up to 15 seats at the bar to satisfy the 50 seating.

G

Good, okay, thanks! Thank you great. What kind of license does the art center have right now.

G

They have the same as olafar companies. Under the classifications. The only license are.

G

Available under that classification are fire companies and the carroll.

G

Arts center, okay, there are 14 fire companies, but only 13 have a license.

G

It's a class c license as present. Okay yeah, because I mean I've been there and I know.

I

When they have movies and whatnot, I mean they'll sell like some wine or something.

I

Okay, the uh the request for this came from the arts center. Oh okay, they requested that because.

G

Last year, they paid like thirty three hundred dollars in fees when you pay a thousand dollars.

G

In fees and everything over that 50 bucks and they add over a hundred events, it adds up.

D

If I might chairman brownie, it's always good to see you thanks for being here today. Would you.

D

Happen to know how, long ago, the last time these fees were raised, the annual license over three.

G

Decades ago, over 30 years ago, well, that's very pertinent. Thank you thanks for adding that, yes, sir.

A

Wonderful anyone have any other questions. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

G

For your consideration, is there anyone else that wants to speak on this issue.

G

Okay back in trouble! That's why I'm standing up shaking.

A

No problem, no problem. Thank you, mr browning. Thank you, sir.

A

Okay, we'll move on to the next item of business. um We have a credit request from.

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The town of mount airy- we have someone here to present for that. Oh okay, oh yeah,.

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I think we have.

A

This thanks, that's good! Thank you. Thank you. Let me get them a copy too. Thank you.

A

Okay, thank you for being here mayor go ahead, and uh uh yes, uh thank you so much for having me here.

J

This is this thing suitable test test, all right thanks, so much for uh letting me speak up here.

J

The town of mount airy is once again trying to seek uh authorization. Urban renewal authority.

J

uh That could be used as a tool. We consider it a a narrow uh that uh that exists, that that we're.

J

Able to use to get some dilapidated properties moving. So that's why we're we're seeking this.

J

There's not a lot of dilapidated properties, but I would tell you in 2020, which is uh what's in that.

J

Folder that I gave you when we first were asking for this, and of course we were under the frederick.

J

Delegation at that time we were seeking this in in just the mere thought of seeking urban renewal.

J

Authority got got at least one of our projects moving in town, so I think it's an important tool.

J

For us to have- and I would hope that you would support us being able to get that authority- please.

J

Mayor, if I may ask what has been the feel of your constituency on this issue, uh constituents.

J

Are fine on it uh to be honest with you for quite a while uh before we add our current.

J

Town administrator, we were not aware of urban renewal authority and what its uses could be.

J

And how how we needed to obtain it once he came in he used to work in chevrolet, so he had quite.

J

A bit of knowledge about urban renewal authority, and once he brought that to our attention, we we.

J

Thought it was an important tool. I've had no problem from any constituents who have talked.

J

About us obtaining this, like, I said, we're not we're not seeking to go out there and take over.

J

Any properties or anything along those lines, but we would like to have this there to kind of send.

J

An alert to a developer who's led a property sit around for two decades and not move on it.

J

If you've been down to our liquidity, ale works that building set empty for 18 years as soon as.

J

The uh and I'm not saying it's a sole reason, but as soon as we started talking about urban renewal.

J

Authority, all of a sudden, the property moved and and now it's a terrific place to go and.

J

Get a beer if anyone's interested, so thank you very much. Yes, we have another question.

A

Senator yeah, just for the benefit of the I was looking at the um look at the bill and.

B

I've seen it before, of course, when delegate cox introduced it previously, um it's it's a.

B

Long bill, can you talk about how many this is not new the mount airy? Would you know how many other.

B

Towns in I I believe this in the neighborhood is 60 to somewhere around 60 municipalities.

J

Okay, I knew it was. I knew it was a good number. So it's it's something. That's been rolled out.

B

A lot of places- and I believe in the last session, williamsport and um and another uh uh municipality.

J

Obtained it at that point, there was some confusion. Last year between the uh the frederick delegation.

J

That uh they kind of pointed a finger at each other and said well, I thought he was going to.

J

Do it and uh and it went back the other way so uh so it it almost made it through and then when.

J

It didn't pass, we, uh I called senator huff and delegate cox and they both said well. I thought.

J

He he didn't want it, and uh so, but uh hopefully the carol delegation is on board and and we'll.

J

Get this for us, we also, whatever we vote on we'll have to. If we were to agree, we also have to get.

B

Frederick delegation authorization so I'll, uh but we'll probably have to talk to them as well. Yeah.

J

And I have talked to uh members over there and they seem on board with what we're doing so. Thank.

B

You very much thank you. Thank you anything else, any other questions. Okay, thank you. So much great.

A

uh We have now come to the portion of requests from our community organizations. I'm going to go.

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And order from our agenda and then, if there's anyone else, yes and I'm going to have senator.

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Reedy's going to sort of give an overview and explanation on how the bond initiatives work.

B

And I'll try to avoid the 300 years ago, explanation of when this all started, but so some.

B

Of you that are here, know this process, or at least someone in the process, but these are legislative.

B

They used to be called bond bills and now they're called legislative bond initiatives. There is about.

B

There are roughly 15 million dollars million, not billion million dollars set aside in the state's.

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Capital budget every year for, what's known as legislative bond initiatives, they're specific.

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Earmarks for different projects in the community that are not otherwise eligible for other state.

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Capital funds, at least normally the idea is you're prioritize these projects, because they're.

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Not usually going to be able to get funding from maryland, department, the environment or.

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Maryland, department of transportation in their capital, budgets- and so this is uh these- are for.

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15 million dollars there are 188 state legislators, so you can imagine it's not we don't. We don't get.

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Handed three or four million dollars to hand out we get it's, it's it's competitive and it's um and.

B

It's selected, it's limited, but it you don't, have our delegation generally. What we've always we have.

B

Done in the past was, we would take requests and we would we would decide if we're going to introduce.

B

Them sort of as a delegation any individual legislator up here or in the general somebody.

B

Can introduce a legislative bond initiative on their own, so what you were here to present today.

B

Is is to present them to us as requests that our delegation, not just as a whole but individually.

B

Can consider it is true, though, internally it's a little, it's not a very straight line process. It's.

B

A little murky, we obviously will be asked at times to prioritize, and even when we prioritize the the.

B

Capital budget subcommittee chairman in both the house and the senate, they have a lot of autonomy.

B

So just laying that groundwork for you this year, we have more people on this list and there's even.

B

A couple that have requests that have come in that they won't be here today. We we, uh we have more on.

B

This list than we've ever really seen in a long time. We don't typically get a chance to. We could.

B

Put all of them in and ask for all of them, but we won't get all of them so just wanted to set that.

B

Groundwork, you know from the beginning, I hate to sound negative, but just to be sure everybody knows.

B

If, if you come today, and if we, if, whether we put it in or whether we end up deciding to wait a year.

B

You can always come back, so you know we're going to do our best to get as much as we can, but just.

B

Wanted to make it clear that we we don't get handed three or four million dollars. We usually.

B

Get handed, you know a few hundred thousand and and more on the lower end than the higher end of that.

B

So uh I wanted to lay that groundwork. We do want to hear from everybody today and and see kind of.

B

What what the project is and how we can be helpful, and I think actually um chairwoman rose, we we have.

B

One that the farm museum is not coming today, so we can strike them off the list, um but we'll start we.

B

Actually we're going to start with the mayor of mount airy here uh you got to sit down and take.

B

A break, and now you can come back up since you were going to be up we're going to start with you. uh You had two projects um so potentially as potential lbis. So go go right ahead. Yes, and I have.

J

Some good news for all the municipalities and you as well. I sat down with my town, administrator and.

J

We went through those two projects, the flatiron building, which we definitely would love to restore.

J

We don't consider it shovel ready because we're we still have a council vote on the floor. That says.

J

That three out of five council members desired to demolish a building. So that's something that.

J

I have to deal with over the next year. What I would ask for is support in grant funding, as we.

J

Go through this, in terms of if we apply for grants, I'd love to have a letter from the delegation or.

J

From each of you separately, supporting whatever grants we apply for on that building, I might as.

J

Well, jump right into your second issue, which is that we initially were looking for some.

J

Money for rails to trails, which is a great project in town once again, uh terrific we.

J

In talking with the town administrator, I might have jumped on that one too, a little bit early.

J

So we're going to be looking at program open space, land acquisition uh for a property that.

J

We're looking at- and I would tell you it's unique in that- it's uh the pro the county line goes right.

J

Through the middle of it, between uh frederick and carroll county, so that either opens up an.

J

Opportunity or slams a door, I'm not sure which, but uh well at the very least, you've got to have.

B

A nice infomercial for everything going on with mount airy and what I am able to do is prep. You.

J

For next year, when we come back- and it's good news for everybody sitting here, that is here for.

B

A bonding issue because there's two less projects we have to consider. So that's all all very good.

B

So, thank you very much for coming and thank you stay in touch about those other items. Thank you.

A

um You mentioned the farm museum is not here today, so we will move forward to. Oh, I'm sorry.

A

No, it's good nathan baker foundation, playground nate's place in sykesville.

B

And do please introduce yourself to the record when you come up thanks good afternoon, my name.

K

Is nick shakti and I'm here today as the vice president of the nathan chris baker,.

K

Foundation on behalf of justin and katie baker and the foundation we are here today.

K

To request supplemental funding for our current and capstone project, we're working collaborative.

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Collaboratively to build a unique playground that will be named nate's place at freedom.

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Park in sykesville, it's always been a dream of nate's family and the nathan chris baker.

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Foundation to build a playground in nate's honor, we are now making that dream a reality. Nate's.

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Place will be ncbf's last major project after more than 10 years of supporting our community.

K

We're currently engaged in a memorandum of understanding with carroll, county, rec and parks to.

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Provide a minimum of one hundred thousand dollars to create an obstacle course style and destination.

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Playground wrecking parks. Excuse me reckon parks has partnered with an anonymous donor willing to.

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Match up to two hundred thousand dollars for every dollar we raise for the playground. If we meet our.

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Goals a 400, 000 playground will be installed at freedom park in sykesville we've already given.

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Fifty thousand dollars towards the project in 22 and we're confident we will raise another 50 to 75.

K

000 in the coming months, we're here today to request additional funding to get us closer.

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To the 200 000 goal, so we can benefit from the full matching amount from the anonymous donor.

K

Over the past years, a nathan chris baker foundation has donated over 350.

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Thousand dollars to our local community for playgrounds, athletic fields and scoreboards.

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In addition to providing financial, physical and emotional support to families in our community.

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The vision of ncbf is to empower communities with strength, resources and hope needed to go out and.

K

Be great our message nate's place at freedom park in sykesville will do just that. Thank you for your.

K

Time and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We also have information on our.

K

Website about our foundation and our our project nate's place. Thank you. I did have one question.

A

You kind of ran through it really quickly. um So how close are you currently to the 200.

A

000. we've we've already committed: we've already made a a donation of fifty thousand dollars and.

K

We expect in the coming months, to do another 50 to 75, um so that'll put us at at 125.. Okay, thank you.

A

Okay, thank you very much for being here today. Okay, uh the farm museum.

A

Again, not here today, us we are now up to our friends at the arc of carroll county.

L

Well good afternoon, my name is don round the executive director at the the arc carroll county.

L

It's a pleasure to be with you this afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity I'm here today.

L

With corrine corpus, our board president and jen most our director of development it'll also be.

L

Sharing a few brief words about uh our project. uh For those of you that don't know or aren't aware.

L

The arc supports about a little over 600 adults and children in carroll county, and we do that.

L

Through a variety of different programs, employment programs and vocational programs, transportation.

L

Programs- and we also have a nice collaboration with carroll county public schools. But what.

L

We're here today to talk about, and the request is really for our residential program and help me.

L

Talk a little bit more about that project. I want to introduce jen moss our director of development.

M

Good afternoon, thank you for your time. I'm jen moss, I'm the director of development with the art.

M

Carroll county. The reason that we're here today is the arc in our service of developmentally.

M

Disabled adults and children we own eight homes in carroll county in those homes, approximately three.

M

Residents reside that are not related, and during the recent pandemic it was. It became keenly aware.

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Of the restoration and repair, as well as quality of life upgrades that were necessary to those.

M

Homes, um the ark maintains the care of the homes, just as it would a family home in the community.

M

And we provide not only 24 7 care for the individuals that live there, but also all of their.

M

Transportation services during the pandemic, the residents were home all day every day. The amount.

M

Of use, wear and tear increased drastically and the homes welcomed visitors so that the individuals.

M

That we served weren't isolated and when, in welcoming those visitors, there was a increase.

M

In use to our patios decks and such as a result, the repairs and the quality of life renovations.

M

Are primarily structural related to accessibility and independence? So it's actually the opportunity.

M

For them to get in and out of their own homes through their ramps and through their decks.

M

uh Additionally, it was identified that there are many quality of life, repairs that are necessary.

M

For an aging population, during being very mindful of the age and the ability of the individuals.

M

That we serve and to participate fully in their lives. We wanted to rectify the limitations by.

M

Lowering countertops for our new wheelchair use, individuals that didn't use wheelchairs in the.

M

Past we want to create adaptive sinks. We need to provide, you know, recessed cabinetry, so that those.

M

Individuals can actually roll up to their kitchen and assist in the meal preparation so that they.

M

Have a full empowered ability to participate in their own life instead of just the assignment of.

M

um The changes would allow our individuals to take a more active role in their daily living.

M

Including the improvement of their quality of life, the necessary renovations and repairs.

M

Are beyond the traditional scope of cost care reimbursement, and so therefore we are turning.

M

To our donors, our community, our legislators and our families for support to assist us in making.

M

Those repairs so that the individuals that we serve through no fault of their own can.

M

Live the most empowered and beneficial life that we can offer. Thank you for your time. Thank you.

M

Thank you, jen, and I just I'd like to introduce uh corinne corpus, our board president, to talk.

L

A little bit about the the board's support and some other support that we have as well.

H

Good afternoon, thank you for having us today. um I I appreciate this opportunity to make this much.

H

Needed request for our organization as a volunteer with the ark, I'm so proud of our commitment to.

H

Making sure that the people that have selected the ark to receive our services receive the best care.

H

And opportunities to be independent and we want to make sure that they're fully engaged in the life.

H

Of our community, our board is fully committed to this project and we are actively working to.

H

Raise money through not only the bond funding but with our donors and our found other foundations.

H

So we really are working hard to make sure that we get all the funding. In addition to the bond.

H

That we're asking for we greatly appreciate your continued support and consideration and.

H

We look forward to working with you to fully fund this effort. Thank you again for the opportunity.

L

Again, just uh thank you for for hearing us this afternoon. I also wanted to share too that you.

L

Know the ark is supported by about 250, just truly amazing staff members, many of whom work in these.

L

Homes- and so they see the impact that they have on the lives of folks, and so we just we want to make.

L

Sure that um you know that their work uh is able that they've got the tools and things necessary.

L

To do the work that they do so we'd be happy to answer any questions. Mr royale, I just want to.

D

State that what you and your organization does is truly blessed work and we're all very grateful. In.

D

This community, for what you do, because it would be a burden upon the rest of the community if.

D

You weren't there doing what you do so bless your soul and everything you do for our community yeah.

L

Thank you for those kind words, and it was great to see your group in annapolis and we're looking.

A

Forward to getting to see in person, yes, you're, wonderful uh community to come down and see us.

A

Again, we'll be down there, we've got about, uh I guess 11 folks they've been asking for two years.

L

Good, that's a highlight. Yes, it is zoom is not the same thing. Anyone else yeah, um roughly speaking,.

I

Where are these eight eight homes, so we have uh three in tawny, town and five in westminster, okay,.

A

Very good thanks again for being here today: okay, we are now ready to hear.

A

um From if there's someone here today from carrolltown elementary school.

A

To make a presentation hi good afternoon, thank you so much for being here. My name is nikki geinen and.

N

I'm the president of carrollton elementary's, pta I'm here with my treasurer scott mccadden. He also.

N

Has some remarks prepared for you in july of last year the majority of carrolltown's main playground.

N

Was deemed irreparable and dangerous and was removed from the grounds and so what's left right.

N

Now are pieces that are quickly deteriorating and we'll also need to be replaced in the near.

N

Future at this time, it's definitely inadequate for the amount of students housed at carrollton.

N

I quickly found out that our pta is responsible for raising the funds for this vital piece of.

N

Educational equipment and we immediately got to work. I put out a call for help and I assembled.

N

A team of parents to tackle this task- we've strategized and planned since july, to raise.

N

The funds, so our 650 students have the adequate equipment for our population. I wasn't aware in.

N

July, how much this would cost so I want to let you all know. This is what I've found out the equipment.

N

Only to replace what was removed, not the whole playground is 165 thousand dollars. This doesn't.

N

Include the poured rubber ground cover that would be durable, requires little maintenance and would.

N

Make this playground safer and fully accessible to children, regardless of ability? This is especially.

N

Crucial for carrolltown, because we are home to one of the district's early childhood and special.

N

Needs programs, so we have very many differently: abled children at our school factoring in the cost.

N

For the accessible ground cover, our pta is tasked with raising over two hundred thousand dollars.

N

We've had many restaurant nights, a fun run, silent auctions, a fall festival, a winter carnival and we.

N

Have a few more events planned this year, we've explored grants, we've been soliciting corporate.

N

Donations, our fun run this year raised just over fifty thousand dollars, which is pretty remarkable.

N

For an elementary school, but we would need to do this three more times to get a playground.

N

Our winter carnival this past wednesday, just two days ago, where we had thousands of dollars.

N

In donations and for which a team of parents has been working tirelessly since september, raked in.

N

About twelve thousand dollars, but we wouldn't need 16 more of these to have a playground for.

N

Our kids we've encountered generosity for sure during this fundraising campaign, but.

N

Corporations aren't able to shell out enough at this time to make a large dent in our budget.

N

We've had just one donor of ten thousand dollars and to up for five thousand dollars, plus some.

N

Small donations, our families can only afford so much, and so after seven months of fundraising, we.

N

Just broke the halfway point: two days ago, fatigue is sitting in for our parents and our community.

N

And we still need so much more. Our children need this playground to be successful in school and.

N

They deserve to have safe equipment that all of their classmates, regardless of ability, can play on.

N

The surrounding community also deserves this playground for meetups on the weekends and.

N

Breaks carrolltown is a really open area, school district, it's very walkable and we.

N

Get families all through the year who access that playground and also contribute to the.

N

Wear and tear so we would need more equip. We need more durable equipment.

N

As it stands, the children at carrolltown have done without sufficient equipment this year.

N

And if our current timeline holds, it will be another year without a playground. Unless you.

N

Can help us it's my understanding that the bond we're eligible for and that our principal has put.

N

In for is fifty thousand dollars, which would help us tremendously. It would get us three quarters of.

N

The way there, if there's any chance that this could be increased, though perhaps up to 75.

N

To almost match our efforts, it would mean our children could have a playground by this next.

N

School year, please consider us for this worthy worthy cause. It would add so much value to the.

N

Lives of the children and families in carroll in south carol. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

O

I am scott mccadden. Thank you all for hearing from me today. I'm the treasurer.

O

Of the carrolltown elementary pta, um so as nikki noted, we've we've been putting.

O

In the work, uh we've also been saving our money, so just even coming into the year.

O

um We have been very careful about the way we handle the money that we receive in the form of.

O

Donations from the community there's a few small donors, we've a few large donations, we've gotten.

O

But the vast majority of the funds that come into the pta are from just the working families in the.

O

Neighborhood, so these are just the parents of the elementary school kids who are putting in we're.

O

Talking two hundred thousand dollars and they're doing it we're putting in the work we've got the.

O

Volunteers, there's lots of eyes on this. It's really amazing how much momentum we have if the.

O

If there's anything I can say, I understand, there's politics involved and that's your specialty, but.

O

If there's anything, I can say to get that number from 50 000 to 100 000 to match what we've done.

O

It would actually get us to the finish line, and that would be an amazing thing. um Well, as I've.

O

Taken over this, uh this role is a treasurer and be talking with other parents in the community.

O

People are shocked to find out that the playground is something that this, like the school doesn't get.

O

The money for like everything else in the school is funded through taxes, but the the playground is.

O

Is something that the families have to pay for, and one of the bigger challenges that relates to this.

O

Is the fact that you know I'm a cpa, I'm a dad. I've studied how the the money comes from the state or.

O

The county into the school, but by the time anyone figures all that out, their kids have moved on from.

O

Elementary school and then they're into middle school and there's another group of people taking.

O

Over now, we're building the infrastructure in our local pta to have the documentation in place and.

O

All the connections that need to be made amongst each other to know how things work, but it's a big.

O

Effort, um I would say that some of the key takeaways here our playgrounds, are getting.

O

More expensive, um thankfully, the nathan baker chris foundation, actually helped us with our.

O

Playground that is designated specif specifically for uh the differently abled children, but they're.

O

They're more inclusive these days, which is a good thing and they're also safer. These.

O

Days, if you know anything about playgrounds like swings like you, we're not even contemplating that.

O

um Because it's just you know, things are very expensive, everything's, more expensive playgrounds.

O

Even more so, but there's also a lot more eyes on this right now the parents are showing up. We had.

O

At our most recent fundraiser I mean that place was packed. I'm surprised the fire marshal didn't.

O

Come in and shut us down, we had so many people, so I would ask you to consider- and I understand.

O

If it takes time, you know whatever it takes and I'm happy to help with the leg work, but.

O

Get us get us over the finish line, please we can do this. We've got lots of momentum, but.

O

There's only so much the working families in our in our neighborhood can handle. Thank you.

A

Thank you very much for being here and thank you for your enthusiasm and.

A

um Do we have any questions from our group? I do I'm, commissioner rusty.

B

Well, he's delegates.com, oh and delegate also does have a question.

E

It's really for anyone and I'll ask the same of the for the westminster elementary school.

E

Is there has the new board of ed? Can you just give a lens on where they stand with us and.

E

Has there been a formal framework around that um at this time we are talking with steve whistler.

N

um He lives in the carrolltown area, so he knows his son went to carrolltown um his stepson.

N

Who's now in seventh grade um he's working, but I know that it's not in their normal school.

N

Improvement plan budget- that is not normally a line item there should be or not, yep.

P

In the next several years,.

E

Yeah but I for me it was less about the in the context of this. The budget than.

E

Where they stand as a group in in terms of the playground itself and replacement the last time.

O

um Our president nikki actually went and spoke with the board of education uh when the playground.

O

First came out and uh politics of this really don't matter because it went across the board.

O

um Their response was that we should just save our money and plan for it.

O

And they said that really they really can't do a good job at building playgrounds, because things.

O

Take so long, and maybe if they did it, it wouldn't be as good so that that's the last we heard which.

E

That's obviously thank you for your hard work. I really appreciate it [music] sure rothin.

Q

Commissioner, ed rothstein, okay- um or I guess mr ed rothstein for that matter being here just.

Q

In full support of what's happening down in carrolltown, I was at the uh event the other.

Q

Day and like it was said, uh it was packed and I never seen a community come so together. As I saw.

Q

The parents, with the kids spending a whole lot of of money in in this, the silent auction. All of the.

Q

Events that were happening, the board of education ccps, is fully supportive of these playgrounds. The.

Q

Challenge is that the funding isn't there from the board of education, the best solution and I've.

Q

Said it before nobody knows carroll county better than carroll county and it's a community effort. So.

Q

Whatever we can do holistically from the community to get us as far as we can, you know, nathan, baker.

Q

Foundation is phenomenal in taking care of our kids, we're going to continue to do it, but.

Q

Same request, whatever you can do to support these type of projects, it's going to go a long way for.

Q

Our community, so thank you. Thank you any questions for commissioner rossi. Okay. Thank you very much.

A

um Delegate thomas and has a question for the pta folks. I know you said that if you, if you guys were.

I

Able to get the money it could be completed by next school year. Yeah! That's the plan as soon.

N

Soon, as we have the money in place, the we would put in the formal order for the equipment, that's.

N

Already been designed, it's already we're just waiting for the funding before we can get okay.

I

Even like in today's climate, I just I know with a lot of construction related, I mean I.

I

Understand playground's different than you know, building a warehouse, but uh I mean I know a lot.

I

Of construction, I mean there's still heavy delays, but the you guys are being told that they could.

I

Get this done pretty quickly. I I was told that I haven't actually spoken to I'm on the playground.

N

Committee, as the parent representative, I haven't actually spoken to the designer of.

N

The playground, but it is my understanding that they are ready to go as soon as we can pay them.

O

Have some extra color in that regard, so there's a couple things we can do in terms of timing to.

O

Get this done as quickly as possible. One strategy is to just take the money that we.

O

Have and just get started on it and um other schools in our area have done the same thing.

O

Where they they take, what they have, and they at least get off the ground and get running on it.

O

Some other things that we're looking at, though, in terms of you know, because we.

O

Can't we don't control construction timelines in my experience with anything like nothing,.

O

Ever gets done uh faster than you think, but we can certainly get the process started. The.

O

Sooner, you know, we we at least know we're going to have enough funds to complete the project.

R

Okay, have for you guys who have been around you know, senator west um sanderidi delia rose. Have we.

I

Have we submitted before requests like this for playground equipment and had any success with it.

B

I have um I've gotten playgrounds previously, for I believe we were up to three schools now.

B

Hey, we have hampstead westminster elementary freedom, elementary.

B

And I I think that's all and in baltimore county I've got money for playgrounds and um this past.

C

Year for a track and for tennis courts at the local high school, so it's unfortunate you would.

C

Think that these sort of athletic facilities would be paid for by the school board. But it's not the.

C

Case in baltimore county- it's not the case in carroll county, so we have to be resourceful.

C

What tends to happen is you know, do we want the taxpayer funds to be used for new hvac systems.

B

And roofs or do we want the playgrounds, and I hate that that sounds like I'm not trying to.

B

Be cold and heartless! That's what it's been said to me in a nice way, not in a bad way, and it and.

B

You understand that point of view and we need to hear from the other folks on our on our list. But.

B

um We we need to continue this conversation. I think it's fair to say: we all need to continue.

B

This conversation we're trying to be helpful. We didn't even know until about three years ago that.

B

That this was like a thing and that we could help with it, so we've tried, but we also try to be fair.

B

We don't want to favor anybody over another so and we only get so much allocated. So that's kind of.

B

Our situation, but we definitely want to keep the conversation going. So let me address timing for a.

C

Second, so the general assembly ends in early april. By that time you will know how much bond money has.

C

Been allocated to the various projects, including yours, the money typically is not available till.

C

July 1st, when the new fiscal year starts, but then it is available from that point on right.

A

Great point: thank you for that information. Great. Thank you very much.

A

Okay, we are now ready to hear from westminster elementary school.

P

Good afternoon my name is stacy tracy and I'm a certified public accountant and treasurer of.

P

The westminster elementary school pto, I have two children who attend westminster elementary.

P

School and I'm also the assistant controller of mcdaniel college, I'm here to speak on behalf of.

P

The westminster elementary school pto and all of the staff and children at the school to request.

P

Partial funding for a new ada compliant playground. Unfortunately, more than half of the school's.

P

Playground was removed by the county because it was deemed hazardous for the past two years.

P

We've done everything we can think of to try to raise funds to replace this playground, which was.

P

Torn down by the county, we've raised approximately eighty two thousand dollars through pto sponsored.

P

Fun runs readathons restaurant nights, bingos, gofundme campaigns, paint nights, grants and.

P

Sponsorship requests from local businesses of the 82 000 that we've raised fifty thousand dollars.

P

Was a capital grant that the state awarded us last year, which we are very grateful for.

P

Throughout our research, we have discovered that carroll county public schools have successfully.

P

Raised funds for some playgrounds by parents like freedom, elementary, which is a higher income area, a.

P

Lot of students that attend westminster elementary school live in a lower income area, which is.

P

Comprised mostly of apartments and townhouses, these parents want to help as much as they can, but.

P

They don't have access into income to contribute, especially with inflation, the demographics for our.

P

School show that 44.6 of students have free or reduced lunches and breakfasts for most of our.

P

Before most of our playground was torn down by the county, the playground was used daily.

P

By students at the school abc care, which is the before and after school program and the community.

P

Play is an essential part of childhood and development. This playground will help support.

P

Our students, physical health and increase their chance of succeeding in the classroom and in life.

P

Our goal is to install a new ada compliant playground, that's suitable for all abilities.

P

And ages, the cost of the equipment, construction and landscaping is a hundred and sixty thousand.

P

Dollars we know this is a large endeavor, but we're confident with your sponsorship. We can.

P

Make this happen since we've already raised 82 000 we're asking that you sponsor the remaining 78.

P

000. we've met with a contractor that is used frequently by carroll county public schools.

P

And they're prepared to install the playground if it's fully funded in 2023.

P

In fact, right now, with the amount of money that we've already raised, we can buy the equipment now.

P

At today's prices and they'll store it for us for free until we're ready to start, which is something.

P

That we're looking into right now, according to the state of maryland's website, the state awarded many.

P

Schools last year, the entire amount for their playgrounds through these legislative bonds.

P

Here's just a few for your reference. Warren elementary school in baltimore county was.

P

Awarded a hundred and fifty thousand dollars cromwell elementary school 150, 000 dollars.

P

Montgomery county public schools, one million three hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

P

Greenbelt playground, a hundred and fifty thousand dollars upper marlboro county, 275 thousand dollars.

P

Baltimore county smart playground, three hundred thousand dollars prince george's county state.

P

Of art playground two hundred thousand dollars, and those are just a few time- is of the essence.

P

To raise these funds for our students, because right now they hardly have anything to play on.

P

We ask that you sponsor our school for a 78 000 bond so that we can fully fund our playground.

P

Without your help, I don't believe we're going to be able to fund this for several more years.

P

Because of the demographics of our students and our parents, unfortunately, we don't live in such.

P

A wealthy area as carrolltown I wish that was the case um below, is a photo in my testimony.

P

Of the remaining playground for your reference, the whole entire. It's on the second page.

P

um It's a small photo, so I wanted to take a look at it. um You can see how little left the children.

P

Could have to play on thank you for taking time to listen to our request today and please let.

P

Me know if you have any questions, and I have my email on the second page of the testimony as well.

A

Thank you very much for being here today. Do we have any questions or why did the county.

I

Tear it down, did you say.

P

So, for the last a couple of years they've had, if you look at the picture, hardly nothing to play on.

P

And you know, we've really done everything that we can possibly think of, and we still are. We've.

P

Applied for over 50 grants, um we've sent over a hundred letters to local businesses asking.

P

For money, um we have different sponsorship levels where they can donate to get put on.

P

Our playground sign or a website- and um you know we have a team of 10 parents that are just doing.

P

Everything they can but [music] um yeah. I just you know after looking at how much we funded you.

P

Know our fun run brought in roughly thirty thousand dollars, and um I think it probably.

P

Would looking at our budget, it would take a couple more years to fund it. We've really skimmed back.

P

To the bare bones on anything else, supporting the kids in our school, which is also a little.

P

Sad because it's taking away from the things that you know software, that we used to support for the.

P

Students as well as assemblies and you know any other projects, we've just you know the principal.

P

And us have just cut everything down to bare bones. Okay, great! Thank you very much. Thank you.

A

Thank you and I believe, winfield fire volunteer fire companies here.

A

Did anyone come from winfield today? That's a no okay, okay,.

A

um So before we move on to the next section, I just wanted to take a brief moment to recognize some of.

A

Our folks that are here um we had commissioner rothstein is here today. You wanna you already.

A

Spoke we have commissioner gordon here today, commissioner kenny kyler, commissioner vigliotti.

A

I think that's all of our commissioners here today and then.

A

And we have tara battaglia here today as well from our school board. So thank you.

A

All for being here today, I'm going to throw in we have you already heard, of course, from the.

B

Mayor of mount airy with his tour through mount airy, and you we also, but we do have. I see mayor.

B

Perry jones from union bridge and mayor neil root from new windsor. I don't know if I missed. Oh it.

B

Stays mayor link, I'm sorry, you're right there, I'm looking right at you mayor lang from sykesville.

B

And uh and then finally, uh we have our state's attorney here haven, shoemaker, so.

B

um Just to let everybody know and those watching that we've got a lot of our local.

B

Elected officials here and we look forward to partnering with them on these things and many.

B

Other items as we uh as we move forward so, yes, thank you. Okay, next, on our agenda would be a.

A

Request from the carroll county board of elections- and I believe I saw katie- be right here- thank you.

A

That's great, thank you. Katie does a really good job and it's been a big challenge over the last.

A

Couple of years, with all of the map changes, so we appreciate the work that you do. Thank you.

S

Action director with the carroll county board of elections, I'm here today to speak on behalf of.

S

My five-member board every 10 years we undertake redistricting and redistricting, has three levels.

S

Congressional legislative and commissioner districts so in carroll county, because we.

S

Have commissioner districts when the lines are redrawn on the county level, they are submitted to.

S

The general assembly, in the form of a bill, and of course that was done last year when we were able.

S

To overlay all of the maps in time for the delayed primary election, an overlay means congressional.

S

Legislative and commissioner districts all go combined together. That forms our election.

S

District precinct map that you see so what I have before you is a request, because, when we undertook.

S

Redistricting we went from 36 precincts in carroll county to 52 and we have have now undertaken a.

S

Term called micro, precincts and ghost precincts, so those that are less than 150 registered voters.

S

And we have two precincts that actually have zero voters, so what this request does is clean up some.

S

Of the micro precincts and the main concern that the board has is concerning voter privacy, because.

S

There are some locations that may only have four registered voters in them, so if those folks go and.

S

Vote in different ways by mail at early voting and on election day, there is a potential that.

S

Someone could put in a pia request to find out how certain individuals have voted, because it is.

S

So small and micro, so what I've provided on the second page you'll see a census population that.

S

Is what the census drew in? That is not necessarily the number of actual registered voters. The number.

S

Of registered voters is less and then the number of people that actually voted is even smaller. So.

S

In our case, in two of these precincts, we have had five voters vote in one of them and seven.

S

Voters vote in another one. There are some other just ancillary effects to having these micro.

S

Precincts that involve space in my warehouse and my my office that we are limited on it creates a.

S

Very hard situation with determining where polling places are located because there are certain laws.

S

That restrict us from going over more than one precinct line, so this bill would essentially.

S

um Clean up some of the map- and it would reduce you know just some of that voter privacy issue.

S

That we are having and experiencing now this is different than the congressional and the.

S

Legislative because it goes through the the commissioners and through the delegation to.

S

Get that to be a specific bill to the county, so that's all I have for today. Thank you.

C

Thanks for coming in um this is it's very complicated, so is if we move these precincts.

C

This only affects the county. Commissioners, that's correct. So, for example, uh you want.

C

To you're, suggesting that um precinct 11-2 be moved from one current commissioner district.

C

To another, if if we did, that, would that change the population or the lines of any congressional.

C

District or legislative district, where is it only going to change the commissioner district lines.

S

um So I only did for the commissioner district. I I believe most everything is within the legislative.

S

District five and then the same congressional district. Okay, it doesn't matter quite so much.

C

For the legislative districts, but for the congressional districts, for whatever reason.

C

Each one is supposed to have exactly the same population and that you might, but we.

C

Might run into problems in annapolis if one of these switches changed the population of.

C

Congressional districts sure I can double check, go back and double check on that, but I know.

S

Many of them are all in the same. It's interesting thanks yeah, if I'm a senator west, are you sure it.

D

Needs to be exactly the same, I thought there was supposed to be that it has to be for congressional.

D

Exactly for the legislative we have wiggle room, but for the congressional literally they're.

C

Supposed to be exactly the same! Well, that's a very good point. You just made thank you.

B

So can I ask you two questions. One is that we probably should be sure it doesn't change anybody.

B

In a state legislative district either, and not because I care about it, changing our districts.

B

But because I think that could also run to a problem in annapolis, where they would say.

B

Well, we can't start changing anything about state legislative districts, um but the second thing was.

B

You talking about the privacy a couple of these precincts. Obviously, there's almost no people in.

B

Them but the ones that are more people- and I know people's, not voters. You made that point very well.

B

How can I understand, how would somebody file or a freedom.

B

Not the identity of a person or if it's just two people voted, let's say: can you explain.

B

That one more time just so it's clear sure I mean I guess, anything's possible.

S

um For for them to do that, we've never had that case happen before, but we have.

S

Yeah because now there are essentially three ways of voting and early voting by mail and.

S

Election day, so if only one person voted say, vote by mail because now maryland has ballot.

S

Styles by precinct, so that precinct, when you see the election results for vote by mail, if.

S

You only have one person vote in that precinct. You can essentially identify you know, potentially.

S

Who that voter? Because there was one mail-in ballot in that precinct and one vote for so.

B

And so, and that okay and candidates can request information, for you know who requested mail-in.

S

Ballots and that type of thing, so it is definitely possible- nobody's ever admitted to doing it, but.

A

Any other questions. Okay, thank you! So you'll get back to us with okay, that's wonderful! I'll! Make.

B

A quick comment: we will be checking to be sure we can. Actually, if we wanted to do this, we need to be.

B

Sure we actually can do it, so I guess I did get an official attorney general's opinion and it is. uh I.

S

It is possible because it only impacts the county right. That's correct, yep. Thank you. Thank you.

A

Okay, thank you very much. We are now going to move on to the carroll county.

A

Professional firefighters and paramedics we have somebody here.

K

Yes, everybody got their nice little packet, we got everybody going here, so my name is.

T

Michael karolenko, I'm president of the carroll county, professional firefighters and paramedics.

T

Association, this has been an evolving issue over the last couple days. We've.

T

Had a conversation down in annapolis, that kind of necessitated us moving forward to.

T

um Work on enabling legislation with our relationship with the county, so uh I have a.

T

Few remarks here and then we can, of course I can answer your questions. Moving forward with that.

T

The carroll county, professional firefighters and paramedics association is asking to.

T

Introduce enabling legislation that would allow the board of county commissioners.

T

To establish a meet and confer relationship with our organization and recognize us as an.

T

Exclusive representative of the employees of the carroll county department of fire and ems.

T

As an organization has been, the our organization has been the career representative of the current.

T

Full-Time fire and ems employees of carroll county that are currently working for the fire companies.

T

We sit as a representative and member of the emergency services advisory council for the county.

T

As established by the esac bylaws and board of the county commissioners, we have functionally.

T

Participated in the development of the department of fire and ems to include the strategic planning.

T

Process this last year and of an ongoing dialogue with the board of county commissioners and the.

T

Department of fire and ems chief robinson with the transition of the department of fire and.

T

Ems, we will soon have county employees who are represented by our organization.

T

There will be as many as 150 employees at the beginning of fy, 24 and 240 in fy25.

T

To keep our relationship within legality, we are asking that this, enabling legislation is put.

T

Forward to allow for meet and confer between our organization and the county officially.

T

We have always ensured respect for the value and recognition of our volunteer counterparts and the.

T

Authority of the department of fire and ems and the county government, our organization firmly.

T

Believes that the best route for the future health of the carroll county department of fire and ems.

T

Is a collaborative inclusive, equitable culture that values all stakers stakeholders in the.

T

System, it includes the citizen, volunteer, career and governmental partners. We want to maintain.

T

Our seat at the table to continue offering our perspective and advocating for the health safety.

T

And working conditions of our members, this bill bill would enable commissioners to continue that.

T

Relationship and our participation above board, certainly not for not to force anyone's hand.

T

I want to be clear that this build is expressly does not do, does not allow for any level of.

T

Collective bargaining or binding arbitration: it does not remove the final save from the board.

T

Of county commissioners or chief robinson, the department of fire and ems, and it does not force.

T

Any employees uh to join this organization- and it is it, is and always will remain, a voluntary.

T

Membership, I have the you know. We put together a proposed initial language for the bill. We.

T

Charles county recently, I think, was 2017 how to build that one through with the organization.

T

Down there, the representative down there, that was for collective bargaining. We are not looking for.

T

Anything of that sort we're looking for the meet and confer and the recognition. So we kind of took.

T

The meat and potatoes out of that that document to try to put it here, unfortunately it'll, have that.

T

The legal expertise of mr west or anyone else of just a lowly criminal justice major with a short.

T

Interaction with all that, so we've done our best here and we will look forward with this process.

T

Moving forward, I also want to say that we wanted to make sure we came here with the public hearing.

T

To make this, this presentation with you all very important to us is that we would get the support.

T

Of the commissioners moving forward in this process- and I know that they're working through.

T

That, although I don't not want to speak for them at all and they're they're, I guess process working.

T

This out for themselves, I mean, if I may, I think I appreciate you and all your membership for all.

D

The hard work you put into helping us with the ems transition here in carroll county. Yes, sir.

D

I appreciate all the information you supplied when I got to my desk this morning. This is the.

D

First thing I read and I like the fact that you referenced charles county because demographically.

D

In population as the most parallel to carroll county, so thank you for all the work you put.

D

Into this and we'll put deep consideration in this, for you. Thank you. Yes, sir. I appreciate that.

A

Do we have any other comments or questions yeah? Let me just.

C

Say I I find this whole thing confusing. Are you telling us that.

C

um That it's that, unless the maryland general assembly enacts a bill, you don't have the right.

C

To voluntarily meet with the county commissioners and chat with them well, certainly not, I think.

T

That there's an important dialogue, that is, this exists with accounting commissioners.

T

um I think there's a functional relationship that moves forward as we move from you know,.

T

Solely the advocacy group of between us and the county commissioners through this whole process.

T

Out to becoming county employees, um we're we're a subsidian of the international association.

T

Of firefighters and through that, we have a whole host of resources that we're able to bring to the.

T

Table that includes grant writing. It includes member services, uh different avenues for you.

T

Know searching out funding all of those kind of things. um [music] I think what we want to do is.

T

We want to make sure that there is a you know: the legality and the the specificity and the.

T

I guess the structure of that relationship as we move forward. I think the the two pieces we have in.

T

Here, obviously, it's enabling legislation so we're you know this would put the conversation back to.

T

The commissioners to- and you know, dialogue to figure out how this is implemented, but.

T

um You know, ultimately, I I'm a fan of of structure and expectations and I think you know ultimately.

T

Creating an mou of some sort that lays out the meet and confer relationship allows the future of.

T

That relationship to move forward in a consistent basis. So we're not looking at any scenario where.

T

Maybe conversations go sideways and they start appealing to some kind of issue that isn't.

T

Pertaining to this meet and confer relationship, and I would point towards uh benefits and pay and.

T

Things like that, that's not what we're talking about here is the is the term meet and confer.

C

Some kind of a term of art, because if I want to talk to kenny kyler I'll call, kenny, kyler and.

C

The two of us will just talked: I don't need to get a piece of legislation passed in annapolis,.

C

For me to talk to kenny kyler, why why do you you all need? Why do you think you need legislation.

C

Passed in annapolis. Well, so you can talk to kenny kyler well. I would also push that back down to the.

T

Fact that you know I, the ffp has a relationship with the sheriff sheriff is certainly elected.

T

And everything else and has his his processes with that, our our leader in our department is.

T

An employee of the of the department, um I think that it's out of respect on our side, that we want.

T

To make sure that this is structured and that there are the expectations and the parameters.

T

That are set to that that relationship uh in a structured way to allow, for you, know, protection.

T

For that individual as well, whoever the chief is of the department and how to structure that.

T

Relationship I'd also point to in here we are asking and I'll be clear about it to be recognized.

T

As the exclusive representative of the employees, um you know, I think that we've done a fair job and.

T

Certainly an effective one up to this point of bringing the collaborative voice together.

T

For the career staffing of uh carroll county, you know it. I think that relationship only continues.

T

um This, sir, are you aware of any other case in which a county uh has asked the general.

C

Assembly for legislation authorizing people like you to talk to the county commissioners.

T

I can certainly look into it. I know so. Obviously this is something that's I'm working through and.

T

I'm learning about also, as we kind of meet these initial phases of this, um I I can tell you clearly.

T

That we were, we were given kind of direction from from our mentors to people above us and our you.

T

Know the the structure of the international association of firefighters that this would.

T

Be an advantageous step take to make sure that we're solidifying the relationship with uh the.

T

County and the department of fire and ems to make sure that we're within legality at any given point.

T

Okay, we'll take a look with you, because I I can anticipate if we filed this bill and sat there.

C

To testify in annapolis, before fellow senators, uh and wanting this, I can see them asking the.

C

Same questions of me that I've just been asking of you: why do you need a piece of legislation right.

C

So the these firefighters can talk to the county. Commissioners, sir well, and I think it's different.

T

Too we have, you know the volunteers, have the carroll county volunteer, emergency services.

T

Association baltimore county- has you know likewise with that? um I I think that the difference kind of.

T

Becomes between them and and the county or them, and us is that you know the employment standards.

T

Is that you have the legality of employment and everything else, I'm certain we don't want any.

T

Kind of uh issue that you know in the process of conversations and working things out that.

T

You know anything would be in jeopardy as far as somebody's employment status.

T

Or something of that sort, so I think there's a lot of structure to be. You.

T

Know gained from this. A lot of you know, security on both sides of the conversation.

T

um I promise you that I'm going to go look into those issues, so we have that. Like I said this is.

T

A a moving target for us initially as we're moving into it because we're learning about it. I know the.

T

The county commissioners are also working through it on their side and that dialogue will continue.

T

There- and I hope a lot of this is- is hashed out in the coming days, while we get that, I.

T

My full one admit that we understand that this is a tight timetable. As far as this conversation is.

T

Considered I, what the county employees coming in as early as the first county.

T

Employees coming in as early as february or march this year, um I have a concern that if we don't.

T

Motivatedly work towards a solution or motion in this legislative session here by the time we're.

T

Able to start doing that again, we're looking at a year and a half two years of employment.

T

If this isn't, if this is necessitated um before we have that that relationship established, I.

T

Will say wholeheartedly that if we determine in this process that we don't need that that.

T

We're above legality that we're okay on all this processes. As far as our relation goes.

T

Moving forward, I think that that's a ferment- and you know finance are just the same at.

T

I want us to see a have a great relationship just as we've had this whole time. It's benefited the.

T

Whole process with the department of fire ems moving forward. um It certainly give a.

T

New perspective, the carroll county in this whole conversation of firing, ems delivery, and I want to.

T

See that continue, that's certainly where we are. We have a seat at the table now and we don't want to.

T

Lose a seat at the table tomorrow, so I appreciate your concerns wholeheartedly and I'll make sure I.

T

Follow up, let me just finish by saying that there is a deadline for us to introduce bills. Yes, sir,.

C

It's coming pretty soon, so if you can get that information get back to us quickly, it would be.

C

Appreciated that was my my whole goal of the next hours, so I promise I'll get you that sir they'll.

U

Get tomlinson um yeah, just kind of piggyback off what senator west was asking. um I mean meet and.

I

Confer I mean the definition of this I mean so in reality. What does that mean? Does that mean that.

I

You as the as the uh president of the local organization and chief robinson, I mean you, know.

I

Have a have a 12 o'clock meeting time every other thursday, or does that mean that you shoot him.

I

A email that he's got to respond to you, I mean I don't understand like what the relationship you're.

I

Putting the functional part of that- and maybe I don't know if it answers some questions for.

T

Mr west, as well uh it it, the difference is when we start talking about policy, and things like this, so.

T

We're not dealing with anything that goes back to benefits, pay anything that's associated with that.

T

We're not negotiating by any means, but where we can then start to give some feedback in is certain.

T

Is policy so, for instance, operational issues if there's some kind of administrative, whatever.

T

Else we can help. We can work through, like maybe a review process of some sorts to provide dialogue.

T

Back to that, we are not by any means dictating or negotiating with the county, but it does give us.

T

An ability, as the representative for the employee on you know, understanding the employees concerns.

T

The collective conversation we have outside of this to be able to bring that perspective.

T

Back into these conversations give the feedback on the policies whether they're being developed.

T

Or otherwise, and then that way, hopefully guide proactively the department, as we move forward.

T

I think that if I look outside of maybe having a legal definition of meet and conference, my concern.

T

Becomes that if there's any kind of point where me as an employer, even a member of this president.

T

Of this organization, but also a hopeful employee of those department, starts receiving policy ahead.

T

Of everybody else, there could be a moment where that the lack of structure and that exists in that.

T

That potential relationship without something like this in place would lead to maybe questions.

T

Or issues as as that goes forward, so I you know, like I said, is as we hash us out we'll.

T

Be able to answer those questions a little bit more in the coming minutes, hopefully, but.

T

um You know I want to make sure that we're staying above board in those moments as well, um so so.

I

Right now, your organization represents paid mem paid employees of the individual fire companies.

I

Now correct me: if I'm wrong the with the big all the changes going on. Yes,.

I

Those folks who work for the individual fire companies do not have automatic jobs with the.

I

County government, they all have to reapply correct. So speaking from the comments made in open session.

T

um And and everything that we've understood this whole time, um we've obviously been concerned about.

T

Making sure that we're taking care of those individuals that are currently serving the.

T

County and in many cases I've been doing it for decades, but the county has clearly stated.

T

Their responsibility and the legal you know like a little responsibility, not to use the.

T

Word over again, but the they have to vet their employees coming in so there's a hiring process.

T

Has been established for everyone, that's been that's applying to the department of.

T

Fire ems, whether it's an outside employee or a current uh somebody, who's working for one of.

T

The fire companies and currently serving the the citizens of carroll county through that capacity.

T

um In open session, it's been stated multiple times you you, you meet that vetting criteria.

T

You meet the criteria of the hiring process. You have preference as far as moving forward.

T

In that service of carroll county becoming department, part of the department of fire.

T

And ems, we would certainly hope that that the words that have been you know, like I said, set.

T

Out in the open session before we continue to stand true, but you know it isn't obviously a.

T

Translation and a process to go from where we are here now, with the hiring process actually.

T

Taking place right now to where we're going to be in a you know, a few weeks, a few months.

I

And how many members are there of your organization? We have over 60 right now, 60. sir.

I

So if every one of them gets hired, you would still be at 60, and I I can tell.

T

You that commonplace to the to the fire department, uh international membership is.

T

A a pretty consistent piece of that because of all the resources that we bring we're not just.

T

The representative on this level of this kind of thing, we bring mental health uh and peer support.

T

Services even to the point that we have an inpatient mental health treatment facility.

T

That's targeted just towards firing ems service members. For this there's a lot of other resources.

T

And educational training, otherwise that our organization brings to the table for the members.

T

So it's not just the aspect of the of this kind of representation. It's a the international as a.

T

Whole and the resources, so those members as they come and typically join into these organizations.

T

um You know, according to the supreme court, there's no closed shop anymore by any means.

T

And we wouldn't certainly we there's, never been our policy even before they made a decision like.

T

That to crazy close shop scenario, um every one of our members is a voluntary member who.

T

Pays dues and comes and wants to be part of our organization and and the conversation we hold.

T

um We want to see that move forward. You know being at the number that we're here right now. We don't.

T

Have 150 employee full-time employees out there serving the county right now at all that number.

T

Is going to expand as we move forward and it starts filling in positions that were previously.

T

Covered in other some capacity, where a lot of guys were working for multiple companies at a.

T

Time so that number is going to change and evolve as we move on, and so too will our membership.

T

The the number of our members and everything else is that that expands. We will have more members in.

T

A you know: continuing significant proportion of that membership. As you know, this thing unfolds.

T

Thompson, I understand there's a lot of future tense in this, and this is certainly the whole.

T

Enabling legislation idea is a conversation of future tense, we're enabling the future.

T

Conversation process of of handling and knocking all this, this out the details.

T

Out as we move forward to a potential decision, you know in the future of the commissioners to.

T

Enact you know a a local ordinance to allow for this relationship to take place, so you.

T

Know learning and moving right now, but we're going to continue doing that moving forward.

T

And developing that with the commissioners as we move as well, senator reedy yeah mike.

B

Real quick, so the difference between cc visa and you yes right now in how you.

B

Interact with the commissioners is what so, uh specifically cc. Visa is listed multiple times.

T

And cited multiple times as a representative of the volunteers and different documents that.

T

Are you know exist whether it's the esac or otherwise? Are they in state law, though,.

T

But this doesn't list us in the state law either. So I would, I would say that is that all this.

T

Enabling legislation and state law says is that it gives the county the ability to rep to recognize a.

T

um A group organization so but it does not list us solely as that group, so justice the same as.

T

Ccv is looking at enabling legislation. I can't remember the verbiage, particularly off the top.

T

Of my head that exists as far as naming cc, visa or otherwise in that whole organization, that or that.

T

That legislation um I I can't I was just curious yeah so but yeah but just the same. We would we.

T

Would not be looking for be named in the state legislation. That process would then be pushed.

T

Back to the commissioners for their decision- and you know how they want to move forward on that and.

B

Then we're gonna the commissioners so just for just for my commentary- and I know we've talked.

B

About this business for the public record, I mean I, you know, I think we're wanting to hear from them.

B

As to what at least, I am- and you know so, we're wanting to hear from from them and what their.

B

Thoughts are, and I think, they're gonna it sounds like there's gonna, be that dialogue over the in.

B

The coming days, so I I certainly hope so I know I've I've spoken to all the commissioners at this.

T

Point and uh I've passed off all of the I sent it to many of everybody that could find their email.

T

For in a short amount of time in the mess but um making sure everybody has the same information.

T

Moving forward so they'll go through their process all right. Well, I appreciate that yeah I just was.

B

Trying to understand the the distinction, so that's great! Thank you very much. Yes, sir. I appreciate it.

C

Thank you. Thank you. One more thing: senator west yeah yeah, um it's really enough for you. It's.

C

I would feel more, I would feel more comfortable if the attorney one of the turn the attorneys for.

C

The commissioners were to meet with us and tell us that in the attorney's view under existing.

C

Law, it's not possible for you to meet and talk with them unless we pass this legislation. Well,.

T

Certainly, okay thanks yeah and not not to be argumented by any means, because my intention.

T

Just to clarify the other piece of that would be the the recognition pieces is another concern.

T

In there for us, which is incorporated into the enabled legislation, is allowing them to do that. So.

T

That's that's the other side of that and I think it maybe that comes to part of our conversation.

T

The intent of what we what we move forward with, so I appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you.

A

um Delegate thomas and have one more follow-up: well, actually, no off of what senator west.

I

Just asked me behind you, mr burke, I see you back there. Do you avoiding this? Do you, okay,.

I

Don't worry about you you're off the clock, yeah. We trust that you will all be working together.

A

And we'll get get back to us with follow-up information, we don't desire to put anybody on the.

B

Spot yet we appreciate that well, I was actually soliciting a good one-liner joke from burke. You.

D

Got any, I think, no, I think, we'll pass on that. Okay, um we're gonna move on to new business, but.

A

It was brought to my attention. We had two other elected officials here. I just wanted to recognize.

A

Sykesville councilman mark dyer and new windsor councilman dave hoffman here as well. So thank you.

A

For being here today, so we're going to move on to the last item um is new business. So if you.

A

How should we do this um I'll call names if you've signed up to speak.

A

If you're here, you can come forward so we'll start off with gary mcginnis.

R

Yes, good afternoon, I don't have any specific issues. I just have.

R

One question: would it be possible for the delegation to have one.

R

Email address that you could share, so we don't have to type in six names whatever.

B

um We we don't have an official government email address for that. We have put down to oh yeah.

B

Generally, what yeah, because it's generally what we've done is we've had you email, usually the.

B

House and senate chair, but so it's april and I for right now and we we disperse.

A

That either one of us, you could email and we will, we will be sure, that's actually a great.

B

Gary makes a great point so, if you're watching the thousands of millions watching right now.

B

And also or later, potentially millions of people could be watching this potentially.

B

Yeah sure, no actually, if you're in the room or if you're you see this later,.

B

Or watching now, if you email, uh delegate rose or myself and it's something for the.

B

Delegation we'll be sure to distribute that to all six so that you know, in fact, we want.

B

That anything you've seen today or heard today we want to give a comment on we're.

B

Not voting them today. Obviously we're going to be meeting to vote in in the future.

B

So we we definitely want any input that anybody has and any thoughts. Anybody has.

R

uh Part of me for looking for the morning like how did you schedule the dove instrument yet.

R

uh News, the tbd we're working on it we're working on it. We have some logistical issues.

A

In annapolis, right now, they've completely demolished the department of legislative.

A

Services building and most of our meeting spaces are now so we have to be off-site.

B

We have to be off-site yeah, it's a bit of a challenge, but we'll work on that yeah.

A

You're welcome thank you for being here today. uh We have next jack hayden here.

U

So I'm I'm here today kind of an informative way. uh Thank you for this forum.

U

um It's good to know what you guys do for us and- and I guess we're all.

U

Here begging for money, that's what it looks like, but anyway.

U

um So there's several there's two that I know I'm aware of uh solar uh commercial, solar projects.

U

Going on in in the county right now going through the, uh I guess, you'd call it the approval process.

U

Of meeting all the criteria, the commissioners, a few years back, uh changed the zoning law to allow.

U

Is uh solar fields in on small agricultural pieces of ground that and I think it was done.

U

Because the state's leaning on the county to have more solar and and it'll help, the farmer out who.

U

Only gets a hundred dollars, an acre or whatever he gets, and he only has 50 acres. So he can't make.

U

A living, but all those issues aside, there's a heated debate going on by the communities and.

U

I'm one of them that I have to look out my front door and see it that I'm vehemently opposed to it.

U

uh And I think it's totally inappropriate that you put a non-conforming use on an agricultural.

U

Piece of ground by right, I think I think it's a misuse of the zoning law, but as we fight through.

U

This and there's two more proposed, I believe I heard about uh under the same guidelines.

U

One to make you aware of it so that you can be, uh you know, people and it may not be your area.

U

Or your responsibilities, but you know people and we we need a voice. Sometimes so we say: hey you.

U

Know who do we talk to at the county about this or that or the other, and and it's it's good if.

U

You'll be at least available for us and aware of it, uh that's that's uh one of the main reasons. I'm.

U

Here today and- um and I and of course there's so many things- I could say it's inappropriate that.

U

The state has to lean on the county for some solar project when they're building massive warehouses.

U

Everywhere- and it should be a building code, uh perhaps uh requirement that, if you're building.

U

A 200 000, you know square foot warehouse that you you get to put solar on your roof.

U

um I'm an advocate of solar. I just bought an electric car- oh my god, um and uh uh we're looking.

U

At putting solar on our roof, you know, and it's very strange- I've been involved in a commercial.

U

Solar project and they limit you to only amount of juice that you use. It's like, they don't want. You.

U

To be in the business for profit, and I understand that these solar farms are wildly profitable.

U

Which I was unaware of, but apparently they're, very lucrative, and um so we need help to rein.

U

In at least all these regulations that are they're going through right now, I think, are trying to hide.

U

Them so that nobody has to see them, that's one of the issues so anyway, you're aware of it, and we may.

U

Come to you for advice, thank you for bringing that um that to us today, several years ago, when I was.

A

First in office, I actually did work with our board of commissioners at that time to try to make sure.

A

That you know a solar farm is not agriculture, and you know that's obviously, what's most important to.

A

Our community and there's certainly a place for it. You know, as you mentioned, and I think that's.

A

A great ongoing discussion maybe to have with you know we have a new board of commissioners.

A

And with the zoning, that's just my my little aside, I passed some legislation about that.

A

But then I think the attorney general struck it down or something like that. God love him. um Okay,.

A

um Next we have on our list uh mayor mayor. Roop is here from new windsor.

V

Good afternoon you know rope mayor new windsor. uh Thank you delegation for being here today for many.

V

Years uh the pounds wanted to get together with the delegation, and you guys have opened that up.

V

For the last couple years, so we greatly appreciate this opportunity. You should have four sheets there.

V

From the town of new windsor uh has our water and sewer projects on. We appreciate your help in the.

V

Past and we look forward to soliciting your help again on our water projects. On the first page, we.

V

Have three water projects about a 10 million dollar project to replace a 116 year old water.

V

Line every municipality has aging infrastructure and we're no exception. This was put in in about.

V

Like I say 116 years ago, and it's almost about a three mile water line, it feeds are the most of.

V

Our water resource and we're afraid that in the next few years we're going to see some major, we.

V

Already had in the past year and a half a major winter break on that line, and we just see that.

V

Probably continuing, unfortunately, the water system evaluation around 75 to 100 000, that's just to.

V

Take a look at all of our options, also with the lehigh quarry new windsor quarry that lehigh has.

V

And then uh with that's number three there, but the evaluation is to take a look at our our systems.

V

Second page sewer projects is a pump station upgrade of uh low under 500 thousand dollars.

V

And then another pump station upgrade in atlee ridge, that's uh about 350 to 400 thousand dollars.

V

And the wastewater treatment plant that you were very helpful with getting funding last.

V

Year, we still will have a shortfall of that and the amounts are all down there listed below.

V

And then number four, the sewer lining if you're not familiar with ini, that's infiltration and.

V

Inflow, whichever municipality is dealing with, and this would basically uh help line our sewer.

V

Lines instead of having to tear up the roads and replace the pipes, we've done this on high street.

V

And main street to prepare for our streetscape project and, as you can see, the projects there.

V

All totals and then the then the last page is an update with state highway administration.

V

I've talked to a few of you about this. Originally it was going to be a 10 million dollar project.

V

Which included a roundabout and replacement of springdale realignment of springdale avenue and.

V

Then the state highway administration said that's too much money for this project, so we cut out the.

V

Roundabout, we cut out the realignment and a couple other things and got it down to about.

V

Seven million dollars and they broke okay with that, and then they come back and say well now.

V

That's too much money, all we're going to do is repave the road and replace the sidewalks, which.

V

Is nice don't get me wrong, however? It's a safety enhancement project and the most dangerous areas.

V

Of the streets are not going to be taken, care of a lot of people have to walk literally in a.

V

Highway to mow their bank on the yards, so we want to eliminate that with a retaining wall and as you.

V

See, there's a shortfall there just to give you a little more update this past town council meeting.

V

We approve a basically a four million dollar project to replace the aging water line on.

V

High street and high street and main street, so that's our portion of the responsibilities for.

V

Streetscape, once that's done, hopefully, in a year and a half than state highway administration will.

V

Come in and do their share so we're on a time frame. You know I've been working with secretary.

V

Brinkley and then also secretary of transportation, to try to get us additional funding and in the.

V

Scheme of projects throughout the state, another two and a half three million dollars to to get to.

V

The total amount that's needed for the for their responsibility. You know, I think, that's a easy fix.

V

But that's everybody! Everybody wants money, so I understand that everybody has street projects.

B

Okay: question real quick and what you got, the the funding we were able to secure with.

B

Governor hogan for the wwtp upgrade there was another sum of money, also foreign for.

B

The water line replacement for the water line, so that's in that's reflected in this.

B

This yes, okay! Well, we took we took that project out, it's not on here, because you.

B

Got it because it's funded all right? Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, any other questions.

D

Beirut, yes, I'm glad you're back in the seat as mayor again appreciate today's most days.

V

Yes, thank you. I have to say that we have another former mayor here: haven, shoemaker,.

D

And I think he has empathy for what you all go through in these small towns. It is a tough job.

D

To fill you don't have a whole lot of resources, you don't have the the large population, but yet.

D

You still have all the same necessities of water and sewer, and I feel for you and we'll.

D

Do what we can to try to help you out? Thank you. Thank you and I'll speak a little bit for all.

V

Of our mayors here you know we do what we can with the limited resources and anytime we can.

V

Get assistance from you guys from the state of maryland is very helpful to keep lower water and.

V

Sewer rates and that's that's huge with with every municipality, so thank you for your assistance and.

D

I know mayor jonestown is even smaller than yours. You guys got your challenges as well.

A

Okay, thank you very much. Next on our list, we have mr bruce holstein.

W

Thanks for holding his hearing, I know you're busy, I'm going to be very brief. There are four bills.

W

That have been introduced that deal with solid waste and they are the reclaim renewable energy.

W

Act and there's two bills on composting and one on a waste authority. Evaluation act. The renewable.

W

Energy act will remove subsidies from incineration. There are only two trash incinerators operating.

W

In maryland, one in montgomery county and one in baltimore city, montgomery county, has indicated it.

W

Wants to close their incinerator, the contract with baltimore city expires in 2026 and the subsidies.

W

That are being paid for trash and incineration can be reprogrammed and spent on more efficient.

W

Methods of solid waste disposal. In addition, this act would eliminate subsidies from maryland's rps.

W

Being paid to the lorton incinerator and amounting to 15 million dollars over about a 12-year period.

W

The composting bills have passed will allow farmers to compost more scraps. The food scraps.

W

And help schools set up composting programs that always arrest significant portions of solid waste.

W

Roughly 30 percent of all the trash volume is solid of solid waste is food materials that can.

W

Be composted and almost 70 percent of all solid waste can be reused in some fashion. The last bill.

W

The waste authority evaluation act will have the department of legislative services evaluate the.

W

Northeast maryland waste disposal authority to see if it can be merged with other state agencies.

W

Performing similar duties, carroll county pays a membership fee of about 174 thousand dollars.

W

To the waste authority, other state agencies can provide the same services that little or no charge.

W

To the county, some of you will see these bills in your committee, and all of you will see them on the.

W

Floor if they're voted on, I ask you to support the above mentioned bills, and I've provided written.

W

Documentation over here that they can give you the I've got highlights in my testimony. You don't have.

W

To click, one of them, I'll reprint them out for you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Any questions. Thank.

A

You very much for being here today. um I had mayor link next, but I believe she had to step out. Okay,.

A

uh Yvonne zaminski.

X

Good afternoon, let me see good afternoon thank you for holding this forum.

X

The newspaper said for us to bring your ideas or concerns, so I do bring a concern. My name is yvonne.

X

Zaminski has stated: I live at 732 david avenue in westminster, known as the fairfield community.

X

And my I have a serious concern, as do many of my neighbors. With regard to the number of sober.

X

Living recovery centers that have been allowed to be established in our home development. We.

X

Have a total of five group homes in our 100 home community? There is one adult with disabilities.

X

Homed home and it's owned by the target community and educational services incorporated.

X

And we have four sober living recovery centers and of the sober living recovery centers two.

X

Are on my street, one is just two doors down and there are two on franklin avenue two streets over.

X

My concern focuses on the four sober living recovery centers that are not owner occupied.

X

They are subleased, there are three operated by mulligan recovery center of westminster. The.

X

Right on main street and the properties are owned by a property management firm.

X

Based out of pennsylvania, called b elite, just the letter b b, elite properties, llc.

X

And the other is the maddie house operating out of a property owned by bayview mobile home park. Llc.

X

So how did this happen to our beautiful community? Sorry, I get a little nervous. um I am asking for.

X

The 2023 legislation session to seriously look at the maryland law that has allowed this to happen.

X

Address the density and saturation of sober homes for those of us who live in older communities with.

X

No hoa protection and pass new legislation that will protect us and others in carroll, county and.

X

Thank you for your time. Thank you for being here. You did a very nice job. You have any questions.

A

Senator reedy, I just wanted to more of a comment, but I know we've spoken and we've. Some of us have.

B

Been working on on this issue already, um I think the community has been really great.

B

As they've reached out because they're not against sober living homes but at all and.

B

They understand, they need to go, we need them and they need to be somewhere correct, but I.

B

Think the frustration is the density of four in a two in one square block, basically for lack of.

B

A better term, and so that's a concern and we're trying to work on that. But thank you for being.

B

Here, thank you just to know in relationship.

X

Townsley and she is my neighbor across the street and I've known her since she was a little girl.

X

And um her parents are my next-door neighbors and jake and ann townsley, and they are wonderful folks.

X

So I just you know just so you have that relationship. That's why I brought it here.

X

Because no one else in our community were able to come, and so I said I'll go so thank you.

A

Did delegate tomlinson it? It's okay, and these are all out of city limits, correct.

I

Yes, we don't live in the city, yeah the city limits. um You know, that's what I thought. Yeah.

X

Yeah! That's that's exactly right! Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions. Thank you for being here.

A

Okay, we have next on our list: uh keith benfer, with the liquor board.

A

I think he was oh here, he's good okay, okay, uh mayor jones, you're up.

A

Y

Y

Mayor jones, from town of union bridge- uh sorry, I didn't get there sooner, but we are a very limited.

Y

Staff with only a thousand population and it's the smallest town in union bridge in carroll, county.

Y

When you look at the projects that we've been going through for the last several years, uh I.

Y

Don't anticipate you to take the time right now to look at all of them, but I did highlights some.

Y

Of the projects that we do need funding on uh first project, we're running about eighty seven.

Y

Thousand dollars short on the community center playground and walkway improvements, we were like.

Y

This the school board or the school was talking about. We have some playground equipment that is.

Y

uh Obsolete when it came down to inspections last year we had to remove some of those preg.

Y

That playground, equipment and uh this project you see the project- was 181 thousand dollars.

Y

What we have done is uh put in for a program open space. We got some money through there and.

Y

We are hoping to get some more, but we're not sure we're going to get that because it goes.

Y

Between the eight municipalities every year, you split up your money. We do have uh volunteers that.

Y

Are going to do this work because we have to tear all the mulch out? That's in there and put.

Y

Down this new rubber coating that you have to use that's to make you use on playgrounds nowadays, so.

Y

We have volunteers to help finish this project if we are able to get this 87 thousand dollars.

Y

In the funding, our next project is a track loader with a mowing attachment that we're we put a grant.

Y

In for that's eighty thousand dollars and um if you've ever been to union bridge you'll see, I know.

Y

um Delegate bridge has been there, but we have one of the nicest walking trails in the county.

Y

And uh just to keep this mode and our stormwater imagine projects modes, it's going to make it a lot.

Y

Easier, we have this, uh it's actually a skid steer and we put a mower on the front where.

Y

We can get around the trees when that project was put in back in like year, 2000 people came.

Y

Out and helped volunteer to put trees in nobody ever anticipated, putting them in rows. They just.

Y

Put trees everywhere so when you're out there it's almost hard to without having something and.

Y

You can have a mower in front of you to go around and mow these trees. uh It is you need some goats.

D

Yes, it is a 1.2 mile track that goes around it's off the road. We have millions of people.

Y

A year that I'd like to have, if I could put a toll on there and charge five cents for every.

Y

Miles walking on there, I could pay for all these projects, but it's well used every day and week.

Y

um And uh you can see down through here. Our next project is security of our town office. We did.

Y

Get some money through the county and we want to make sure our building is secure. I mean you have.

Y

Seen like tony town had incidents a couple years ago, where a gentleman tried to drive through the.

Y

Building we want to make sure our building is more secure. We do have bulletproof glass where.

Y

You come into one door, but we want to go and make our other doors more secure and make our building.

Y

More secure to make sure that we're taking care of not just our employees that are at the office.

Y

But when we have council meetings when people come in and they're safe, um we uh last year with your.

Y

Help we did get secure five million dollars for some uh upgrades to our water treatment plant and.

Y

We are working on that right now and it's going to be another additional 10 million dollars to.

Y

Build this plant out completely because we have a plant that was built in 1965, and so we are going.

Y

To build a whole new plant so that we can take care of some of our projects. Our other thing is.

Y

We have a lot of artifacts for the town of union bridge. We do have a building right next to our.

Y

Town office that we would like to renovate and make our museum and we're looking at a estimate.

Y

Of about 1.5 million to do this building, we have some it's a nice brick building, but we have to.

Y

Go and do a lot of renovations. We have to do it used to be a pump house and we have to go.

Y

In and have the building uh secured underneath and everything like that, but we have artifacts.

Y

That goes back from the town was incorporated in 1872, and we just would like to have a place.

Y

To display these pieces, so when you get the time you can look at to write up on the rest of these.

Y

Projects and I'm always available if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your time and.

Y

Thanks for having us today, mayor before you go, I want to give you recognition for your lifelong.

D

Commitment to your community, I believe it was your father started a business. I think it was.

D

The first african-american business established in carroll county, you served in the town council.

D

You have you served as mayor, you served as a commissioner. You have devoted your life to that.

D

Community and you deserve the greatest recognition and respect from us. Thank you. Thank you. Just pass.

Y

Thank you, gentlemen. These gentlemen, back here as of uh august or october, about 50.

Y

Years and fire company is a volunteer. Thank you very much. Thank you mayor.

B

The mayor says you can skip the applause. Just give me the money [laughter].

A

Or maybe you could put a tip jar out. You know when that on that walking trail, you know volunteer.

A

um We have next mark dyer from sykesville.

Z

Good afternoon, I'm not here to ask you for money [applause]! Yes, I'm here to ask you for law. In my previous.

Z

Life before I went into local politics, I was a computer scientist dealt with technology.

Z

A couple of things you can never have too much of computing power and bandwidth. So, as I read.

Z

Technical journals, still to this day, I read an article in the uk that all new construction.

Z

Must have gigabit ethernet connectivity, so I marched over to our.

Z

Town manager, figuratively uh called him on the phone and said we ought to do that, and I also.

Z

Mentioned to the people in the county, we ought to mandate that people have gigabit connectivity.

Z

And I found out that we can't do that because that would require a law. So I'm.

Z

Here to ask you to make such a law if the brits can mandate gigabit ethernet for their citizens.

Z

How can we ask for anything less we've been around since 1837, but we're still.

Z

Vital and today we are trying to maintain our technology as good as anywhere in the world.

Z

I know this is somewhat symbolic in that there are still places in our county not yet supported by.

Z

Any broadband connection and we're working that, but what I'm trying to do is make sure.

Z

That, if someone wants to build a new home or a new business or tear it down to the.

Z

Slab and build back up again, whoever moves in will have connectivity because those children.

Z

Who live? There need education, so I'm asking you for a law that would allow zoning boards and our.

Z

Planning commission, to mandate that if I am wrong that it is not required, because I was.

Z

Assured it was, I would just like a ruling on that, so I could hand to a planning commission sale. You.

Z

Can mandate it? This is part of an existing law. So anyway, I'm not asking for money. I'm asking.

Z

For a law and I'm more than willing to accept any questions, this gentleman seemed to have one.

U

Right now is this:.

U

The monopolies that are given to the cable companies and not covering all.

U

Accounts and in today's world, with all the zoom and the pandemic and kids at home and.

U

Yada yada and it could be a half mile away and you can't get cable. I have a house, we.

U

Have I have two of the satellite times because one only works half the time, so I have two.

U

And they're both crap, that's a technical term, I'm familiar with it, so yeah we've. I think.

U

Everybody in the community should have availability of high school well, actually.

Z

I like well you're as a member of the carroll county regulatory cable regulator, because we do.

Z

We had a meeting last night and one of our. We are desperately trying to make sure that every citizen.

Z

In this county has internet the problem, is you can't go to a company and say by the way I want.

Z

You to go off and do everything I want because well it's called freedom and it's ugly, but we.

Z

Are encouraging in every way possible? I don't want to go into detail, but it is a fact. So. Companies.

B

Yeah so that brought rural broadband is a huge issue which we could talk about for.

B

A while, maybe we could talk out after the meeting, but there is a lot of there's a lot.

B

That's happening now with it, but it's still a long way off, which is nobody likes to hear it's.

B

Almost like rural electrification, it really is so uh I don't know about mandating it at.

B

All and all uh in all new construction, but I don't know what the connectivity, sir, I'm.

B

Going to a company and go you've gotta, I'm saying that when, whenever a company shows up.

Z

And says I got my data fiber, they don't go. uh What do you do with it? Well, I plug it in like.

B

I should understand you have water, you have electricity, you have gas codes, all I'm asking.

Z

For is a connected connection data code, where someone shows up with a wire and goes what do I.

Z

Do you go like that and they go? Oh thanks. Click all right. The lights come on. uh I'm banging the.

Z

Drum in any group I can I've spoken to the mml and I'm speaking to you, this is my crusade. Now.

Z

And I'm trying to make it happen. uh All I'm asking again is either a ruling that says no.

Z

You can make this happen or a law that says: thou shalt make it happen. Thank you very much.

B

I know if you don't have internet to watch tv. I know yes well, we hear we.

A

Hear from a lot of our constituents about that, all the time there's been.

B

Some progress made, but it's very slow and we need to keep pushing it for sure.

B

All righty uh next one um on our list here is mr pete samios.

AA

Okay, I'm pete savios from the carroll county licensed beverage association and I'm here.

AA

To request a change in the law about two years ago, supreme court came down with a.

AA

Ruling in tennessee case that uh basically outlawed residency requirements that are.

AA

Tied to length of stay in the county or voting or paying taxes or any of that kind of stuff, so the.

AA

Liquor board just voted for their regulations to uh we we forever. We had to have the carroll county.

AA

Resident the whole license uh and because of that supreme court ruling, they voted to make it a state.

AA

um Just had to be a resident of the state with no requirement for two years or any of those.

AA

Restrictions uh but current law uh says carroll county. You have to be a uh local county resident.

AA

The whole license, so I think that we need to put a law in to change that, to the state.

AA

So uh I wrote I typed or I printed it out and I'll give a couple copies to the chairman here.

B

It's pretty, if you have any questions I'll, try to answer them, we'll get cop and we'll get copies to.

A

Everyone, I don't have enough copies for you also, so uh so the liquor board changed the regulations.

AA

uh Yeah they voted, but really state law supersedes liquor board regulation. So what they really did is.

AA

They didn't do anything yeah, that's the way I look at it, but I mean of course, they'll go by.

AA

Their regulation- that's somebody, challenges them, and we should try to avoid that. Try to avoid that.

AA

That's all, I don't think they'll disagree with that. I was hoping they would be here. So I talked.

AA

To jeff kelly at wednesday and he's the one who told me he we should clean it up. Okay, are you.

A

Going to vote on this as a board and I'll I will just let us know: yeah yeah. They really shouldn't.

A

Have a problem they already voted on. Okay, okay, I mean that's their policy, I'm just trying to make.

AA

Them all in the compliance with their policy: okay, okay, very good! Thank you. Any questions.

A

Okay and our last speaker for today, angelica bailey, is it hi everyone, angelica bailey, fupari,.

AB

I'm with the maryland municipal league, I'm our legislative director. Thank you very much for having us. I will try to be quick, especially since this is the first time in 13 years. Mml is.

AB

Not asking for money now that her has finally passed, um so we wanted to meet with all of.

AB

You this evening, thank you again for your time. Unfortunately, our ceo teresa coons couldn't join.

AB

Us she's on the transition team for the incoming comptroller and they had a last minute meeting.

AB

Scheduled so you're all stuck with me, but we, you know we'll keep it quick this year, one of our top.

AB

Priorities deals with police accountability, boards and administrative charging committees, you'll.

AB

Remember a few years ago, 2021 house bill 671 passed the big police reform, suite of legislation.

AB

Part of that included the establishment of police accountability boards and administrative charging.

AB

Committees on the county level as part of a new police disciplinary framework, fantastic.

AB

No objection except municipalities were completely left out, not sure if it was an oversight but and.

AB

Senator I'm sorry, I know you heard this pitch yesterday. Thank you for bearing with me.

AB

But we do have 88 out of our 157 municipalities that have their own police departments that are.

AB

Exclusive and independent from their county counterparts, so that's 88 municipalities that.

AB

Are they do not have an official seat at the table? They are not officially part of this.

AB

Process so this year we're asking for a simple tweak just enabling legislation just allowing.

AB

Any municipality that has a police department has the resources and the inclination and the.

AB

Emotional energy to undertake this to go ahead and create their own police accountability board.

AB

And administrative charging committee mako has no opposition. We've met with the presiding officers.

AB

Leadership and committee chairs, so we very much hope for your support. We are optimistic that we.

AB

Can get some meaningful municipal representation this year? I'm happy to answer any questions and.

AB

I also have a one pager for you all if you're interested great questions, we'd love to have that.

A

Thank you so much for being here, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of you in annapolis.

A

And I believe, delegate tomlinson said that perhaps ms berry might have some follow-up.

A

Information for us that quickly from the earlier discussion, she's efficient. No thank.

S

You I just wanted to clarify that it does not. Our proposal does not impact the congressional or the.

O

Legislative districts, it's simply like, although those types of lines are staying, it's just simply.

S

Moving the commissioner districts changing their colors on our map, so, okay, a question follow the.

B

Question, if, if we did, if we did this, how would it be communic one concern I have is I don't.

B

I know every voter knows exactly who they voted for for county commissioner and remembers it.

B

For four years, but I mean in all seriousness, how would we, how would that be communicated.

B

I want to be sure to be publicized if we're thinking about doing this, so people know to comment, but also, how would it be communicated if we did make that change? Yes,.

S

Yeah, it's required to send out voter notification cards to the voter, voter polling, location or.

S

District, we would highlight that in the um the mail and it would also go.

S

On our social media website and sample ballots, when it comes time for that.

B

Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you thanks for getting that so quickly, um since we do.

A

Have our state's attorney here I didn't know if you had anything that you wanted to say.

AC

Is god and identify yourself by yourself for the record, give us some home spun uh stories.

D

Now the uh the only thing I would say to you all is you know. Thank you all very much for.

AC

Going to uh annapolis, representing the good people of carroll county and fighting a good.

AC

Fight for us, uh you know the other day when you started monday at noon. I looked at my was it.

AC

Or wednesday at noon, yeah, that's right, yeah, but in any event, whatever day it was, uh you know I had.

AC

uh Delegate withdrawal uh for about five minutes and it went away so hang in there. God bless you.

A

Let's enjoyed serving with you um and just just wanted to say I have a very good friend.

A

In the audience I've known for 20 years, I think at least who gave me my own gavel.

B

So we don't get out of line yeah. um So thank you, john wafer, my very good friend. um If there's.

A

Nothing else for the good of the order does anyone else want to speaks anything? I will just add that.

D

Mr wafer has known me in this room longer than anyone else here. So I'm glad you're here. Yes,.

A

Well, thank thanks to everyone for coming out. You know that we're always available to speak.

A

With you at any time, if there's no other folks that want to come up and say anything.

A

Or speak, we will entertain a motion to adjourn so moved. Second, all in favor aye and I'm gonna.