St. Mary's County, MD Commissioners of St. Mary's County, 20 Jul 2021

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From YouTube: 07/20/21 Commissioners of St. Mary's County

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A

Please come to order good morning welcome to the commissioners of st mary's county media.

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This date, tuesday july 20th 2021, I am randy guy president commissioner of st mary's county I'd.

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Like to introduce the other commissioners sitting to my right representing the first commissioner.

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District, which includes bridge piney, point st george island, mr eric coleman good morning.

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Representing the second commission, which includes leonard leonardtown, miss hollywood, mr mike hewitt good morning center to my left, representing the third commissioner.

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District, which includes charlotte hall, 7th district golden beach and mechanics former.

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John o'connor good morning representing the 4th commissioner district, which includes lexington.

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Park somewhere, california, great mills and some of hollywood, mr todd morgan, david weiskopf, our.

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County attorney and acting county administrator is sitting at the table to my left good morning.

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Elisa cassis, our communications director is setting the table to my right morning. Amy.

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Carter, our video media producers behind the glass. Please turn your cell phones off from vibrate.

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At this time, I'd like to please stand and we'll have the invocation and pledge by commissioner.

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Colvin, almighty god, we thank you, father that we are in this position to serve.

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We know that you have placed us here to serve our county to serve our citizens.

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We ask that you guide us today during our meeting that we would just be able to have.

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Clear heads and open hearts in your name, we pray, amen, amen. Please join me in the pledge.

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which.

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It stands one nation under god, and indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you.

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Commissioner coleman, thank you. Next, I need the approval of the consent agenda so moved. Second.

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First and second, all in favor, aye, aye, aye disapproval, nice havoc.

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Next, we have a proclamation for the 31st anniversary of americans with disability act.

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Very good uh commissioner colvin will be presenting, so this proclamation is going.

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To be accepted by lydia meliovska, the chair of the commission for people with disabilities, if.

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You'd like to come forward and uh jw and sherry. If you all, would like to come forward too, to.

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Join in up here, that'd be great, I'm just going to read it for you all. So, whereas.

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On july 26 1990 president george h bush signed into law the americans with disabilities act.

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Ada to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities, one of the most compassionate and.

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Successful civil rights laws in american history and whereas this legislation established a.

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Clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals.

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With disabilities and has sought to ensure respect as equal citizens with equal opportunities for the.

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Disabled and whereas on the 31st anniversary of the americans with disabilities act, we celebrate.

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And recognize the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principles of equality and.

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Inclusion and recommitting our efforts to reach full ada compliance. Now, therefore, we.

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The commissioners of saint mary's county do hereby recognize the 31st anniversary.

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Of the americans with disabilities act and encourage public officials, business leaders, people.

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With disabilities and all saint mary's county citizens to pursue the ada's promise of equal.

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Opportunity and to celebrate the freedom that is envisioned with the passage of the ada. Thank you.

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Just take a few minutes to say a few words please thank you, commissioners, for um recognizing the.

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Importance of the ada, my name is lydia beliavska and I'm the executive director of southern.

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Maryland center for independent living, it's a non-profit agency that works with individuals.

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With disabilities, but also I'm the chairperson for the commission for people with disabilities, here.

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In st mary's county, as you know, the purpose of the commission is to advise you in any matters of the.

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Ada or compliance or any citizens who might have concerns regarding accessibility or their equal.

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Rights according to the ada, we are very honored to be recognized today, as the ada is so important for.

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Our individuals with disabilities in the county, and also I would like to take this opportunity to.

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Present, um or to remind you of the annual rewards program that the commission puts on every year,.

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We have six awards six categories, and this year we push it back a little bit. We are going to award.

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uh The awards in october, on the 5th one of your meetings here on tuesday and the deadline for.

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um Submitting the nominations is september, 1st anybody any citizen from saint mary's, county or.

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Other counties can nominate somebody from our county to receive the awards. We have.

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Like I said, different categories volunteer, notable employer care partner award, innovative.

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Program and the vicki brown award, that has two categories, which is a student and an.

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Adult award, but we would love for any citizen to nominate a notable employers or individuals with.

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Disabilities in our county, uh who do a lot to promote the rights and accessibility so.

D

Thank you so much again and have a wonderful day. Thank you for all your work. Thank you.

A

Thank you very much.

A

Looks like now we move right into county administrator time. Mr weiskopf.

E

Thank you, commissioner. President. Guy first is the draft agenda for july 27.

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2021 first, it would begin at nine o'clock with an invocation and pledge by commissioner hewitt.

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The approval of the consent agenda 905 the proclamation for tom hodges.

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Auto sales, 31st anniversary 910, would be the commendation for jack curtis's.

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Retirement department of emergency services would do a presentation for the eoc partners.

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And then the decision for the department of human resources, lowsap 2021, benefit change.

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And then at 9 45 would be county administrator time. 10 45 would be commissioner time and then.

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10 55 would be closed session for legal advice adjourn and then at 2, 30 mako's. Annual brief would.

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uh Occur right here in this room and then there are no meetings on august 3rd and august 10th.

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And start off is the sheriff's office department of justice, edward j burns, memorial, justice.

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Assistant grant program for fiscal year, 2021 local solicitation, and we have miss lottie bell.

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And assorted staff coming up dietrich and miss marianne thompson.

E

Welcome commissioner senator weiskopf morning, ladies, this recurring grant opportunity from.

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The u.s department of justice office of justice programs, bureau of justice assistance is for a.

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Formula based grant the amount allocated to st mary's county for fy 22 is seventeen thousand.

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Seventy five dollars excluding county funding: this is the first part of a two-part application.

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Process once the pre-application documents are submitted, we hope to receive an invitation to.

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Submit application documents, if approved this grant funding, would be used toward the purchase.

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Of a utility task vehicle, which would be used by corrections to maintain parameter security.

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And mandated rounds as prescribed by the maryland commission on correctional standards.

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Although there is no required match for this grant, approximately five thousand dollars in additional.

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County funding would be needed to cover the procurement of the utv. A budget amendment would.

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Be submitted at the grant awards stage to adjust the project budget and realign funding within.

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The sheriff's correction division budget for the additional county funding needed your approval is.

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Requested to submit the related pre-application and subsequent application documents for this.

F

Grant we are happy to answer any questions you may have. What would you use it for.

G

No, I'm sure you, ladies, can tell us.

H

H

Numerous we have a basement on the right hand, side of the building to be able to.

H

uh Distribute supplies we could use that instead of use it on the campus. Yes, on the campus.

H

Thank you. Thank you other vehicles, so american drive around that too, sir.

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Misspelled, didn't you say in your briefing that you'd be using it in accordance with the.

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uh Maryland correction standards to do perimeter patrol yes, okay, all right, I moved to approve the.

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Ffy 2021 edward byrne, memorial justice association, grant program, local solicitation application.

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Project us2236 from the u.s department of justice in the amount of 17 075 dollars to go towards.

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The purchase of a polaris rangers side-by-side utility task vehicle utv to be used by members.

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Of the sheriff's office correction division, an authorized commissioner president signed.

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Any related subsequent application documents and sheriff's office staff to submit electronically.

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Second, first and second, all in favor, aye aye, any disapprovals always have it. Thank you all.

A

Very much for the break. Thank you. Thank you enjoy. Thank you. Next is the department of public works.

E

And transportation regarding the north county farm market update and we have um money morning.

J

Good morning, good morning, good morning, good morning, commissioners.

J

No action required on this one just sit back and enjoy the show.

J

In addition to cindy greb from our cnd drew kelly is in the audience and he's the project manager.

J

For dpwnt, so he manages the contract that we have with rc d to get this project completed.

J

So uh I think it'd probably be better just to let just to start the powerpoint and.

J

Ms grabble run through that and take questions at the end. Thank you good morning, commissioners,.

K

We appreciate you letting us give you a quick update and I'll be brief.

K

On this amazing community project, that's occurring up in charlotte hall and um I'd like from rcd and.

K

Our staff and all of your partners that we've been able to pull together to thank you for letting us.

K

Be a part of this incredible project I need to there we go. Should I look left or right, you can.

L

Orient yourself with this screen right there there you go and just tell me when you want your slide.

K

Advanced, thank you well. The first slide obviously was one of the renderings of the market. Year-Round.

K

Market building, that's approximately 5100 square feet. That'll have vending space inside of it. It'll.

K

Be operated, year-round it'll have a full kitchen a restroom inside, but it also has access to two.

K

Restrooms outside 24 hours a day, potentially they may be locked in the evenings for anybody usually.

K

Utilizing the site for either the trail extension or activities, their agritourism events or even the.

K

Seasonal market, when they come over to that next slide, please! So if you look to the left, you'll see.

K

A very small picture of the approved site plan and I'll run briefly through where we are with.

K

The status of the project next slide, so we went to planning commission in august of last of 2019.

K

We started I'm sorry, yes, 2019. We started um the engineering development plan, it took us.

K

Until about october of 2020 to get all the approvals, including state, highway,.

K

We have our access permit, we have all of our permits in hand, grading permit included. Then we.

K

Started the architectural components those have all been completed, permits have been issued and.

K

The construction has already started that started back in march of this year. Next slide. Please.

K

There you just have a few site pictures from march 8. Well, this is april and may.

K

Next slide, that's the value-added market. Then we have the seasonal market.

K

The seasonal market is 14 stalls that will be open.

K

Hopefully, to bring majority of the vendors from the library parking lot over into this facility.

K

They'll have a secured storage area behind their site, where they'll be able to store their wares.

K

And feel you know very comfortable, have a gate and locked and then whoever's managing the market will.

K

Make sure that the those vendors are taken care of and they're whatever's inside, that storage area.

K

Is taken care of next slide? Please what I had asked from department of economic development.

K

Was to provide us with a list for you all to understand what the capabilities and uses of this.

K

Farmers market complex as it grows and evolves. Everybody is on the same page and understands what.

K

What the capabilities are for this site? So, if you've had a chance to look through that.

K

Do you have any questions on that slide? I did real quick, yes, sir, will people be required to move from.

G

The charlotte hall library, if they want to stay there, can they stay there. It's my understanding.

K

And when chris castlemas is here that there won't be, there will not be the elect the ability for any.

K

Of the vendors to stay in that parking lot, okay, so we'll we'll essentially eliminate.

G

This uh farmer's market at uh the library- yes, sir, okay, as far as I understand we're just doing.

K

The building component, design and engineering and building I don't as far as operations- that's going.

K

To be, I just saw your economic development tab here said you're going to relocate again, that's.

K

The intent we did work very closely with the county and the vendors that are currently there.

K

Over the prior two years to make sure that we accommodated any interest, desires or needs that.

K

They may have for that seasonal stall market that was really their design, so they were very integral.

K

In the design, and now the development of this project on that piece, okay, intent to move them.

K

Next slide, please yeah. If I could interject that's, certainly the approach that public works felt.

J

That we ought to take, and that's been ours, our presumption going through that that site would.

J

Be closed down at the library and we would restore the site back to the way it should be landscaping.

K

Again, this is just a continuation of the capabilities of the site.

K

These are just a few once you all are able to go there and see this project. It's really whatever.

K

Your mind wants it to be, and I think that as the community grows, the uses and capabilities of the.

K

Site will also grow, it has room to expand and it's very flexible. The only thing we are limited by.

K

Is more the wetlands and the septic? You know capabilities and capacity right there. What.

A

I've just seen the last few days most of the you might say the superstructure is already up.

G

It's very exciting, look at it too yeah, so I call it the framing is good. I don't believe how.

A

Fast they've moved on it very good. Thank you next slide, please. I just want to do a brief overview of.

K

The grants that we've either a are in process of application stage or and or have been awarded for.

K

This project, and, as you can see, the county and somatic did a grant application through marbidco.

K

And they've actually been conditionally awarded 210 000 for the tenant fit out of the kitchen.

K

Component so hopefully, if we can get some intent, letters from institutional users we'll be able.

K

To take advantage of that two hundred and ten thousand dollars during the construction phase.

K

We did um also rc d applied for twenty thousand dollar grant for the hood ansel system and we've.

K

Been conditionally approved for that we're in the final stages of that application, it's not.

K

Been granted yet, but hopefully we'll be able to get that during the construction phase. So.

K

It's not a retrofit and then we also rc d working closely with saint mary's county.

K

Understand that there's going to be a need to do management components of the farmers.

K

Market, not just this one, but potentially all the farmers market in this county and we applied for.

K

A grant- and we did 75 total of what we feel it would be for the cost to have a management.

K

Company and or employees manage this new facility and or potentially the other farmers markets as a.

K

Combined team and we have been invited to submit- and we already did on friday- the final application.

K

For that ninety two thousand dollars not already done through our ded at don sasser and hair crew.

K

As far as management team and set up management, all those all the ones.

G

Around the county, I thought those are llc. They're, llc's and they're individually run.

K

So there is not an entity or a com, or a component already set up from what I understand. They've.

K

Been working diligently to try and develop what that needs to be so they've sent out rfps, but.

K

I'll, let chris speak to that good morning. Yeah, the homegrown market is run by an llc.

M

But the california farmers market and the north county farmers market in the library are just.

M

Run by the county, but we do have an rfp out for management we'd like to have one management entity.

M

Handle all three markets, that's that's. I remember the people over at.

G

Where the u-haul is on on great mills road, they had offered to have a farmer's market out in that.

G

uh Parking lot, but it never happened, and I thought that was a county decision.

M

No, that's not ringing a bell. Okay, no problem just go ahead; no, no keep on you're done, hopefully,.

K

Hopefully we just submitted it on friday. If we're awarded, then we did present to the.

K

County on friday, through their rfp process, that we would offer to help administer this.

K

Grant in conjunction with helping them find a management company to bridge the gap between now.

K

And next fiscal year, where, hopefully there's more a more established component to manage this and.

K

Or potentially all the markets in place, so it kind of gives the county an opportunity to have.

K

Some flexibility to figure it out as they go along without having a lot of exposure, so that.

K

Grant would go through, probably if we're able to get it I'd say march of next year and then.

K

Hopefully, the market is up and running and be able to use the funds that are earned.

K

The revenue from the current market to finish out that management, company or employee until.

K

The end of june, and hopefully by then there's something more, you know stable established.

K

Then the final two grants, as you all are pretty already aware: our rc d was awarded two forty.

K

Thousand dollar grants one for the uh towards the construction, the value-added market, building.

K

Which we've already utilized and one forty thousand dollar grant towards the construction.

K

Of three notch trail, which we've already used and sent to a conservation district towards the.

K

Future development of that trail, but we do need to utilize that this fiscal year, otherwise we.

K

Have to give it back next slide, please! So here you have a picture of the three notch trail.

K

We have been working very very closely with seoul conservation, district and.

K

Mde and department of public works and have come up with the least impactful component through.

K

The wetlands mde has approved it. We've gotten our letter of authority, authorization from mde.

K

uh Soil conservation district will submit it through public works and land use and growth.

K

Management for the final permitting, hopefully, this week or next, the only concern we have is how we're.

K

Going to be able to fund it, there were some. um The project was bid. Last fall, the funding was in place.

K

In the budget, however, as you all know, due to covet and lumber prices, the new new bids are coming in.

K

40 to 50 000 more than what last fall was the bids came in. We were not able to award the contracts.

K

Because it was this year's fiscal funding, so as of july 1st is when we could award the contracts.

K

So, basically, because the lumber's gone up so much yes, sir we're sort of in a holding pattern and.

C

You said four to fifty thousand dollars. Yes, sir, like lumber's coming down, though that's what's my.

G

Thought so just so you know also rcd is diligently out doing a donation campaign to try and raise.

K

Funds not only for fun, stuff, site, amenities, butterfly benches and herb gardens and all kind.

K

Of fun, stuff that'll make accent kind of the icing on the cake on this project, but we're also trying.

K

To hit the contractors to try and get some larger funding components to try and help with this trail.

K

So it doesn't, it doesn't get, pushed and pushed because obviously one we have permits, but two we.

K

Have a forty thousand dollar grant that we'd lose if we're not able to put that boardwalk in place.

K

So we need to to need to work closely to make sure we do that next slide. Please.

K

There you have the um some of the wonderful renderings that the architect and.

K

Our contractor have provided to us on the left. Top obviously is when you pull into the site.

K

You'll see the value-added market building on your left, you'll see the seasonal market.

K

Stall, building on your right when you and then on the bottom left, is again the value-added market.

K

Right side: seasonal market, when those stall doors open on the front, it'll, actually it'll, look like.

K

Another set of double stall doors, so it'll be a beautiful, beautiful structure. As you drive by.

K

Thompson corner road: it looks really nice but tell me value-added market. What's that mean chris, sir.

K

I have my own opinion, I mean look, I understand seasonal market. You know that's kind of what.

G

We got yes, sir, a value-added market, that's where you take the whatever's produced and.

B

Make it into something more valuable? I eat grapes into wine exactly right, you're taking.

M

The raw materials what's grown on the farm and you're doing something to it to make it.

M

Make the jelly out of it pickles? Okay, so we're going to be selling county preserves or whatever.

M

Yeah and meat meat can be sold there to meet you sausage, good stuff. That's not! I guess I'm confused.

G

Because I know we got the rack going on, we got damaged, you know, slaughterhouse, going on, we got.

G

Now we got the value added market. Okay, so that's going to be the 24. I mean 24. uh 12 month a year.

G

Operation, yes, yes, six days a week twenty-four you know all year round, will it be they make what they.

A

Call the cottage goods okay: will it be expected to turn a profit or are we just gonna see how.

G

It goes well, the management company will set their rates based on what they need to cover the cost to.

M

Manage the market, so um so I mean that management company I mean, I guess they'll make a little.

M

Bit of money, but the idea is not a totally. You know big money maker for them. It's supposed to.

M

Be what's it take to really cover the cost to run that market? Well, the thing is: provide the service.

G

To the constituents of the county that or the citizens of the county that they can buy local.

G

Goods right right, right, yeah and just for your information, the home, the homegrown market, does.

M

Have value-added products and fresh the california market just has pretty much fresh produce. You're.

G

Talking about the one down in the red, barn gate, yep, yes, yeah, eight, three, okay, all right! Well! Thank.

G

You for that explanation next slide, so mr dietrich was um joined us on thursday and I'm I'm hoping.

K

He was happily impressed so here you have some pictures from last thursday, so you've got you're.

K

Actually, standing in the storage area or he's actually up on a big pile of dirt in the storage.

K

Area next to the stall market, and then the value at a market is in the background next slide. Please.

K

Again, value-added market, I think it's a little bit further along today. The next slide, please.

K

This is the interior, the value-added market, if you look straight through you're actually on.

K

The side, the parking lot side towards where there's going to be parking for.

K

The biking or agritourism events- and you can see that there's actually a storage loft above.

K

On the one side of the building, where the um whoever's managing the market or the vendors.

K

Of the market will have ability to put stored goods up there next slide, please. This is the.

K

Inside of the of the stall building, we met with the amish and the vendors that are currently using.

K

The library parking area and although they had originally decided they wanted to have individual.

K

Stalls 14 stalls in this very long building. They requested that all the interior walls get removed.

K

Anything that was not structurally required, so we had the architect do some minor modifications. We.

K

Can always add walls, but we can't take them out without concern, so they wanted to be able to draw.

K

The vendor, the customers into their stall and then have the kind of the next vendor, tease them along.

K

So that they didn't just have to go in and out of each one of the stalls, so we were able to.

C

Work that out idea just like you know well the shanty town up there by charlotte hall.

C

You sort of bounce back and forth and see what's going on between the various fenders.

C

And by not having walls, I think that keeps the the feeling for lack of better word, going a lot better.

C

So that's a cool idea: they want to tease them between vendor to vendor to vendor, and um there.

K

Is this corner stall is actually going to be, I think a primo stall, it's beautiful. So when.

K

You get an opportunity to go up there. You should look at that stall. Next slide. Please there you go.

K

Are there any questions? I had one question for chris um they had said 14 stalls right. Yes, sir.

A

How are these going to be distributed between? I call them the amish mennonite.

A

Farmers and the english farmers are, is there going to be a first? Come first serve somehow.

A

Or is it going to yes once once we determine where once we open it up, it will be first.

M

Sign up, you know, whoever signs up first will be able to get to get a spot, but I you know.

M

I think we can more than cover. I think there aren't that many. There certainly aren't that.

M

Many vendors up at the library right right now how many of you are now amish midnight, uh cameo idea.

A

How many there now, how many are up at the library site? Now there are 12 stalls up there. There are 12.

A

Stalls there now 12 different vendors up there and there's 12 different vendors at different times.

N

But at each of the vendors stalls there may be more than one person's product there.

N

Okay, for each other, so we have 25 market applications, 25 applications now.

A

Wow, are we charging them a rental for these stalls or is it uh there will be a charge right? It will.

M

Be a charge, yeah there'll be a charge and it'll be more than they're paying. Now I think they pay.

M

25 is that right, 25 now is what the fee is for the california market and for the um north county.

M

Farmers market in the library, but at the homegrown market you know they pay a lot more because they.

M

Have an indoor space they have to cover their costs, heating, whatever it is, so it'll be it'll.

M

Be more expensive but it'll be reasonable to be in line with what other places are charged.

M

Throughout the state, throughout the country yeah, if demand exceeds capacity, how are you going to.

G

Distribute it fairly, uh it'll be again, it'll be a waiting list, and people will once once you're in.

M

You'll get to re you'll get to stay in. If you leave, then it'll be kind of the waiting list.

M

But they'll also be some um policies for who gets in and who doesn't get in so.

M

Somebody from st mary's would have precedence over someone from calvert or charles, for instance, all.

A

Right right, right, yeah, because you're right on charles kind of line right there, almost yeah.

B

So, looking at these artists, renderings, which look gorgeous, is there enough parking? Yes, sir, there's.

K

Actually, more than enough, we wanted to take into account for the bike the three-notch trail, so that.

K

We could draw everyone from the library parking, not just the farmers market component, but also to.

K

Provide an opportunity for events, agritourism events, but also you know, bike races. Whatever.

K

um I normally go to john baggett park park and then ride my bike, so this will now be a wonderful.

K

Hub and a safe place for people to to park and and then we actually did the trail on both sides.

K

Of the seasonal market to draw people not only to the restroom, but also um to the parking lot area.

K

So they can come in, buy their wares. Have lunch, um it's my thought to maybe have picnic tables and.

K

Butterfly benches and sounds good wonderful stuff, so it's exciting, but so hopefully in october, if.

K

That we're gonna plan for an oktoberfest, maybe harvest, fall fest with flowers and mums and do.

A

You think this is a real opening does october every time about yes, sir it'll be done by then.

K

Sir, yes, it will buy. I hope so that sounds great sounds great. Being any horrible storms or anything.

K

Yeah, I'm going to compliment you on getting the work with my bitco and rim fifth to get these.

C

Grants because that's something we usually go out of the way, but I think you know having a different.

C

Mindset to put this together, you've really been thinking outside the box to get that and those.

C

Guys giving us those grants, I know whether I do through tri county council or the rimpiff or.

C

Marbidco, it's right! It's really good what you're doing well! Your county staff has been amazing, so.

C

Thank you very good, very good, very good job, very good job and don't hesitate to call me stop by.

A

Thank you very much for the update and briefing appreciate it. Thank you very much. Thank you. Chris.

A

Thank you, john. Thank you, mr mr president, I'm under subpoena for a matter that's going to be.

I

Adjudicated in charles county, I believe I am going to have to leave early. I don't know if you mind.

I

A moving item g since it's a very important item and there's been much discussion um to take care.

O

Of that now move out of g4, if you don't mind just because I'm under subpoena that's fair, certainly.

A

Okay, everybody, okay, let's move item g forward, then the department of finance american rescue.

A

Act allocation decision- if ms cudmore is cud moore's here she's here, if you're ready for this.

L

Morning morning morning, so this is a follow-up to last tuesday's meeting.

L

And you heard presentations from county departments and agencies and sheriff's office.

L

Health department, and today we are coming in front of you for direction um and also I just wanted to.

L

Let you know now- I didn't say this last week or the weeks before that um the interim final rule.

L

Has not completely been updated, it we've got a a preliminary version. There were questions.

L

um That were going to be received through last friday, the 16th of july and now they're going.

L

To take that information and hopefully add some clarity um to some of the eligible uses.

L

So that is still more info that could be coming. I'm not sure if there's going to be.

L

Additional uses, I just think at this point they're going to try to people are. I can't, I think.

L

Probably in the same boat that we are um trying to understand what the uses are and exactly you know.

A

Yeah, okay and I had a legislative other guidelines. Yes, legislative meeting with.

A

The mayoral association of counties last week and they're expecting more guidance on how we spend.

A

This there's no pressure right now to move forward with spending this now correct, correct and.

L

Some of the funding that you've already approved, which was in the fy 22, the 992 137, the two outside.

L

Agencies that were in there, the csm and the health department, their five positions.

L

um I did send out sub recipient agreements and now they've come back and I need them signed um by.

L

Commissioner, president guy and also at that point they can start spending their money and we have.

L

The sheriff's office nurse, I think, they're still in the process of hiring and also we have hourly.

L

Nurses for county department right, so those can be expenses. Please finish, go ahead right! Those can be.

L

Expenses that could be in or not be in the report that is due august 31st to the u.s treasury. That's.

L

Going to be for any expenses that come through july 31st at this point, I don't really foresee.

L

Having any um because of where we are, um and then it'll also be like, maybe a preliminary where.

L

You know what is the the plans of the county might be a part of that august 31st. I still haven't seen.

L

What that report looks like um and then the reporting, the quarterly reportings.

L

Will actually start in october on all expenses, I think when commissioner ghana attended that.

C

Legislative meeting, like you said, everyone is still wondering what the parameters are.

C

And they did sort of indicate through the neco representative they're subject to change.

C

So the if you could provide my recommendation would be. Could you provide us a brief on.

C

Sort of where we are, but I don't think today we're really in a position to make a decision.

C

On this, so because the rules aren't finalized right and and like I said, the comments you know.

L

There was an initial um guidance that came out on may 17th, the interim final rule and then a part.

L

Of that guidance they also said that there'll be questions. That'll, be received um comments.

L

From counties or agencies across the country um that will be received um on any comments on.

L

The interim final rule, and now that that timeline has passed now, I'm waiting for them to go through.

L

And review all the comments I mean there was actually something on conduit street yesterday.

L

Saying that the counties and they're going to start reviewing it and some of the comments so.

L

I'm expecting I don't know if it's going to be this week or when it's going to be, I would hope.

L

Sometime in the near future, there'll be an updated interim final rule which I'm hoping will provide.

L

Clarity on some of the original uses or additional uses if they choose to provide additional uses.

C

There's been a lot of discussion about expanding the uses, um small businesses have been pressuring.

C

Restaurants and people, because people don't want to go back to work or pressuring because they.

C

Don't want to shut down again right, so that's just you know the things that I've been hearing.

C

From talking to other folks around the state right, so I'm here as follow-up to last tuesday's meeting.

L

To provide direction to receive direction from you on the american rescue act as presented on july 13.

L

Or other eligible use, outside of the presentation, with the interim final rule, still being updated.

L

Perhaps direction can be partial or wait until the final guidance is complete.

A

Well, I moved to table our decision until you get further guidance and you will pass it on.

A

To the second, if that's a motion, but what else are we supposed to learn? I mean it seems that.

G

It's been pretty uh pinpoint as what we can use. There's been information provided since march.

L

Yes and there's been updated to frequently asked questions, and you know the interim final rule and.

L

um A lot of counties have made decisions, a lot of counties have not made decisions, but I even saw.

L

Something I think from anne arundel county last week, where they're actually putting a survey out.

L

To their citizens to try to find how they can spend the money or the best uses for the county.

L

And I haven't heard any more about that. I know charles county made a decision, I'm not sure the.

L

Status of calvert county, but I don't really look to see any further uses. um I think it's just gonna.

L

Hopefully, they'll provide more clarity um to the interim final rule, but I'm well a disconnect for.

G

Me is when I look at your list here. You know, support the public health response. I get it.

G

You know address the negative economic impacts caused by that public health emergency. I get it.

G

Serving the hardest hit communities and families, I get it investing in water and sewer infrastructure.

G

I'm not sure I get it. uh My point gets to be is that I know congress is talking about an.

G

Infrastructure bill that could anywhere from I don't know a trillion to wherever the number.

G

May be, and my point is, is: will we be able to use those kind of fundings for these types of things.

G

I I just get. I don't have that information right. Well, maybe you can.

G

uh Help some clarity later when it comes out right. I think that's why waiting for final guidance on.

I

This is important because if we allocate the money now then we're done, you know we're not going to.

I

Be able to pull it back and then move forward and if there's additional uses that are there.

I

You know we we've misstepped, so also with that infrastructure bill. You know that could be covered.

I

Which that monies could be allocated elsewhere, so I think that there's no rush to go ahead and.

I

Spend this money: it's not an emergency, so it's better well allocated with critical thinking and.

I

Processes behind it right and you do have more time to spend the money. I mean it's not like.

L

When we got the cares money last year, where we had originally, we had less than a year to spend.

L

It and then, of course, they expanded, extended their um deadline. um You haven't to encumber in.

L

The monies by december 2024 and actual checks written completed by december 2026.. So you have to.

G

Spend it by the 20th, you should have it encumbered or spent by 2024 2027 sound like a long time.

G

Away it is, it is, but that gives us time to write through this. So we have time so I'm not opposed to.

B

Finalizing the plan at a later date, but there are some areas here where I think we would all.

B

Pretty much be in agreement on and it wouldn't hurt to get started. So could we do a portion.

B

Of the funds so say some funding to broadband, so that mr kelly can keep moving forward.

B

And keep going with that or should? Are we better off to just totally wait altogether.

C

I just prefer we wait: okay, yeah, I see where you're going with it, but I think.

I

There's money that's allocated already. Those projects are moving forward. This would be just.

I

More doesn't stop him from planning those projects. So, if we're earmarking, those funds already.

I

I don't see why it couldn't say: look we're going to start building out based on this.

I

This funding being earmarked- I don't think any of us here- are going to pull that money back.

I

um Well, that money has not been earmarked at this point. Okay well put on the list as a request. Okay,.

L

So there's been no decisions to use that money at this point well, tell me: when do you expect.

G

Guidance to come out is that, like two weeks two months, I'm hoping it's soon. um I did not.

L

See anything I'll go back on the website and I'll continue to go on the website and see if they have.

L

An idea when that final reporting will come out. Okay, yeah. I think that that's probably a good idea.

I

Keeping commissioner colvin's point: um let's see what they're saying about how long the guidance is.

I

And maybe there's something where we come back, not approving that as a whole but saying okay.

I

We understand that broadband isn't going to change and if mr kelly needs the money, then we.

I

Can approach it on a a piecemeal basis versus this overall approval process right project by project.

I

If necessary, right, you know just let's, let's look at this a little different, there's areas that are.

L

A little bit more clearer than other right right, that's my point! So right yeah. I think.

I

I can meet you halfway on that one. You know. Definitely any other questions. I got first.

A

And second, all in favor aye any opposed. I just have it. Thank you very much, there's no as soon.

A

As possible, thank you I'll. Let you know. Okay! Thank you, ms codmore. Thank you, mr president. Okay back to.

E

D right, yes, now we're back to d! Thank you, which is the department of public works and transportation.

E

Regarding the non-public school out of county student transportation, mr john dietrich, presenting.

J

Thank you once again.

J

J

In case there are any questions on this, I think it's pretty straightforward, but.

J

We're prepared here to answer any questions, of course, that you might have last year when covid.

J

Hit the schools and our department talked and decided that we did not want to transport out of.

J

County students to the non-public schools because of the risk of covid from the other counties.

J

We do charge for that service and that charge is based on.

J

The way I understand it anyway, the uh the actual cost uh that it takes for that bus driver to go up.

J

North or uh east uh to pick up additional students from either charles county or over in.

J

Kelvin yeah kellford, I was saying the two c's.

J

At this point again conference between the schools, the bus operators, we.

J

Think that that can be resumed, that service can be resumed and we recommend that we do that. uh The.

J

It's it is, uh it was a well used service and it doesn't really, if apparently affect the budget.

J

We will, if you allow us to reinstate that service, we will begin tracking. I couldn't find.

J

Anything in our records and either could miss wind about how that 900 number.

J

Was developed we think it sounds probably about right averages out, but again we.

J

So what we're asking is permission to reinstate uh transporting out of county students.

J

And uh charging the nine hundred dollars that we previously charged for it.

J

And uh and then you will know that we will be tracking actual costs through the year.

J

To try to figure out if that 900 is the right number.

G

Okay, I had a few questions on this. First off, we are required to transport public school.

G

Children to whatever school they need to go to to attain the education they need to attain, because.

G

That service may not be available in saint mary's county. Is that true.

C

uh We don't talk about public school, you know. I can't answer that question well,.

G

I'm pretty used to it from back a while back, but that's what we used to say is if we couldn't meet.

G

Your needs in our school system, we had to send you to summit school which, outside of annapolis and.

G

Different things like that, so second question is: do other counties contribute to the cost of this.

G

If these kids leave out of st mary's county and say, there's 10 12 14 of them on this bus.

G

Do they pick up kids in caliber to pick up kids and charles.

P

I'm sorry, can you repeat that, do they pick up kids in other counties, the bus, or do they just go ahead.

G

And go straight to whatever school they're headed for so they would pick up from what we would call.

P

A cluster stop so, for example, if we had say four students in calvert county, we would pick them up.

P

In st mary's county at a cluster, stop they would be responsible for getting to that parking lot or.

P

Designated location, the bus would pick up those four students at the cluster stop at one time.

P

And then continue on the route to the school or to would cal charles pay. Part of this cost is my.

G

Point, I don't believe they contribute to the cost, it's solely for the parents, and I've always been.

P

Told that the parents pay for it because they do not contribute to saint mary's county taxes.

G

hmm Interesting, well, you know, I know the honorable louis goldstein, god rest his soul in 1939.

G

Proposed a law that said saint mary's county will you know transport its uh parochial school kids on.

G

uh Public school buses at a public expense and it's one of the few counties, if the only.

G

County in the state of maryland does that I'm not opposed to it hey. It is what it is, but I do know.

G

Kids have to go to like summit school outside of annapolis, and typically their parents will.

G

Transport them and they're reimbursed for that have we looked at that opportunity for.

G

Just reimbursing, uh I don't believe so, okay! Well I mean I'm not opposed to this I mean it's.

G

uh But the the deal is, it is breaking even just doesn't seem fair. We have to, we have to transfer.

G

Transport, parochial school children per something to happen in 1939, which is fine, and we have to.

G

Transport public school students, but the public school students get transported out of county for.

G

Free and these children- don't all right. That's my statement, sorry, okay, but to speak. To that note, we.

P

Don't saint mary's county does not in non-public school bus transport, the students outside of.

P

The county: we understand that what commissioner hewitt says he what we do public we take the.

C

Public school kids up the road for special needs and concerns with no external charges.

C

Yet we charge to bring non-county students into the county to go to school here correct. Well, no.

G

We're charging parochial school kids to go out of county. These are non-public school students or.

G

You know we're not doing it for the public school kids especially have to go way up. The road.

G

Yeah, I know, excuse me, but it seems like the calvin. Charles should kick in too for picking up their.

G

Kids, but again, that's look. It's not enough money to like make a big deal over. It's just something.

G

That, if you can keep an eye on it and keep us you know how'd, they figure this out kind of thing. Sure.

P

um Commissioner hillard, I'm not sure I still understand: why do we pay? Why do these kids.

G

Have to pay and public school kids? Don't okay! So why do people schools from charles county coming.

P

Into our schools in saint mary's county have to pay. I thought we were transporting out of county.

G

No, we only transported kids in other counties and bringing them here right then to go to our private.

G

Schools- and I guess my point- is how come they're not paying their well all right. Just sometime.

G

Offline we'll talk about this and you can help me understand it. Let me take a crack at it. One.

J

More time, no, not so the this is a special program. That's based on that legislation that, from 1939.

J

And it is uh just something that was devised to bring equity, because the catholic parents are.

J

Paying county taxes and in this county that was recognized, it's a problem all over the country and.

J

Virtually no one else does what saint mary's county does, which is to bring equity to the.

J

Catholic or amish or mennonite families it, we transport those students that are in county to.

J

Their in-county schools, we don't transport them anywhere else. We don't take them out of the county.

J

The students that want to come to saint mary's, county, parochial schools, we've got this uh program.

J

That we feel is awash financially that allows that to happen, we're going to check to make sure it's a.

J

Wash though so that we're fiscally responsible, I hope that helped well, I'm going to move to.

G

Approve and authorize, commissioner president, to reinstate out of county student transportation.

G

For the non-public school students attending private schools in saint mary's county second.

A

I have a first and second, all in favor aye any opposed eyes have it. Thank you, john.

J

John one other thing before you leave here: uh I got a call from the administration, the taylor farm.

A

Do you know anything about them? The uh they had requests for transportation. It's a long-term fuel.

A

Facility in bushwood- yes, I'm familiar, have you had somebody yeah and uh yeah? Miss wins.

J

Been I received a call, and this went received a call and we've been working. They've requested me.

J

Apparently, they were receiving transportation using federal funds that they weren't actually.

J

Eligible for there may be some of their the people who are in the facility that are eligible, but.

J

The whole facility is not eligible, okay, so, and so some individuals call up and.

A

For transportation to a doctor's appointment whatever, if they're, handicapped or whatever.

A

They just need to complete an application, and that was the conversation that I had with. I don't.

P

Recall her name at the moment or her title, but I believe she was the facility manager or director.

A

Okay, so I explained to her that we could no longer run private charters to and from that location it.

P

Was against federal regulations with the federal dollars and grant monies that we received and then.

P

I invited her to have her uh residents apply for service. Each resident has to do that. Yeah.

P

Asked to apply and be approved for service, and I passed that on too. If you already talked about.

A

That's fine, that's good! I I I got a couple weeks ago that I talked to okay great great. I appreciate.

A

That thanks yeah another uh facet of that is so a discussion that allison and I had yesterday is.

J

Should we come to you to see if we could buy small buses or minivans that are wheelchair equipped.

J

With local money, then we can actually do a service like that.

J

The problem is, we can't use federally funded buses unless everyone on the bus is eligible.

J

And if we would come to you to buy money, a bus with local funds that would allow us to do.

J

Something like that, okay, I think that would be good if we could find some kind of flexibility.

B

To be able to help them out, because we don't want the the letter of the law to stand away.

B

In the way of the spirit of the law and and what we're trying to do here, whatever you try to do.

A

This because I I got a feeling we're going to get more and more of these facilities coming up and.

A

They're going to need some kind of transportation asset that they don't, they can't provide so yeah.

D

I appreciate whatever you can do to give us some heads up and what we can possibly do to.

A

Fill in this gap, I agree. Yeah taylor farms is also one of the sites of our wetland mitigation.

J

Projects so they allowed us to construct a wetland on their property that helped mitigate.

J

I don't I don't remember if it was fdr or the airport uh at any rate, they're.

J

Good people they've helped us out. Now we can help them. That sounds good to me. Yeah.

A

We need to do that and more and more it's going to happen that you're going to find it in this consensus. But our aging population is getting bigger and same where it's counting but more.

A

These small cities yeah, so it's going to happen, so. Thank you very much, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Thank.

E

You next is department of economic development with the expansion of mattapany rural legacy area.

E

And miss donna, sasser and chris casalimus. This information only type of thing.

M

Correct, commissioner, president guy, this is an information only item.

M

I'm joined by donna sasser our ag and seafood manager, so today we wanted to make you aware of.

M

A proposal to greatly expand the mattapani rural legacy area. Our department received an intent to.

M

Request: an expansion of the mattapani rural legacy area from southern maryland, research conservation.

M

And development cindy grebs group in march of 2021 since then, in discussions with the navy, the navy.

M

Has also indicated interest in expansion of the mattapani boundary to further protect naval air.

M

Station patuxent, river and wolf from encroachment, so what's happened is resource. Rc d has talked.

M

To most of the major, I think, probably all the major property owners in the existing matapanai.

M

And those are either some of those property owners are interested and they're scheduled to have their.

M

Land put in in perpetual easement, others are not interested. So next few years, they'll run through.

M

That money, but then they'll, be kind of to the end of that existing manapanai. So the idea is that.

M

Navy is greatly interested in expanding around the webster outlying field and they want additional.

M

Protection from encroachment, so in discussions we come up with a draft map which is in your packet.

M

That map will for sure change. This is just an idea of what it would probably look. What.

M

It could look like it's kind of patchy, because we've tried to cut out parcels that don't need.

M

To be in, it does need to be a contiguous map, and even though it doesn't look like it, it is, it is a.

M

Contiguous map- it's always connected it's in some place, but there are certain property owners that.

M

Are not affected at all if you're under six acres, you're not affected, if you're, great or equal to.

M

35 acres you're not affected, but even though some people are not affected by this, like if.

M

You're, you have a one acre lot: we've told people when we've done expansion in the past you're.

M

You've got one acre, this doesn't affect you at all and they say well, I don't want to be in it.

M

It doesn't they're concerned so we've had to go back and revise maps in the past, because people.

M

Are concerned, even though this doesn't affect them at all, so the idea the process is for.

M

um It's initiated by a request by marilyn rcnd to the rural legacy board. The rural legacy board.

M

Then forwards a request to the maryland board of public works, which has final decision authority.

M

And a letter of support from the commissioners of saint mary's county for expansion.

M

Of the boundary must accompany southern maryland, rc d board's request to the state.

M

So, as I mentioned this, will this expansion will more than double the size of the rural legacy area.

M

We plan to do a public meeting or maybe more than one public meeting with property owners to.

M

Explain what this means to them the opportunities. There are many property owners, as I mentioned in.

M

This expansion area who've approached rcnd, so we're interested. We have a big chunk of land.

M

We're interested in being a part of this program, so we think we have a lot of interest. Of course,.

M

The navy's interested, but we want to make sure that the property owners understand so we'll.

M

Meet with the property owners, we'll do a little more refinement of the map and then we'll come.

M

Back with a final map to the commissioners and mr gasoline, I think would be very helpful if you.

G

If you explain your scoring process, so people would say, hey look, I think. I'm a candidate.

G

uh Great, what's the scoring, you know, and I end up with 311 acres, but I'm number 15 where.

G

70 acres got number two, so you're scoring. You know it's not based upon solely the uh acreage.

G

I I'm assuming yep that's a good suggestion, commissioner hewitt, and also remember that this.

M

Program is voluntary, so if you're a property owner, you have no interest in this program.

M

That's fine, if you have an interest and you want to put your land a perpetual easement for some.

M

Funds, you can do that it's totally voluntary, but it's a good idea to talk about how how.

M

They're ranked and donna knows that very well and she can do that so with rural legacy. It's.

N

The it's very much different, the maryland land preservation foundation has a scoring system that.

N

We use it's called land evaluation site assessment. You all get that each year, the end of june.

N

For the mouth properties with rural legacy, it's a bit different, um I think so far.

N

And maybe miss greb should be the one to address this. It's not been so much about. um It's been.

N

The closer you are to the base, those have been the properties that have been focused on first.

N

And as you go further out, but sometimes it's funding factors and again a lot of it comes.

N

Back to what? What significance does the property have for the navy, in particular in the rural.

N

Legacy program: well, you know, I think it's a great program because it it obviously protects the navy.

G

It gives the landowner some kind of remuneration for not developing or having potential to develop.

G

Their property, I just think it's somewhat unfair to people who are liking. The a coups already.

G

Say all that those buildings in lexington park that can't be redeveloped if they're in the a.

G

Coupes, you know, and it just just tends to make that lexington park area or some parts of it.

G

Less desirable because the they can't just you know, tear the building down and change it to.

G

Something else because there's a coups out there, it's always been a disconnect for me that we'll.

G

Take care of these people who have farm properties and that's a good thing. That's a good thing.

G

But we have these commercial properties impacted too bad. So we have had many discussions about that.

N

In our office, we have, in the past, put a cip project forward that was called urban legacy.

N

So the rural legacy program is, is rural, the rural properties, it's a program that.

N

The county has put matching funds towards county funds, state funds and navy funds. There is no.

N

State urban legacy program out there that we're aware of so if we wanted to create a program.

N

In saint mary's county it could be matched with navy funds. If you were looking at aq's properties.

N

But the county would have to be the other, so matching source.

N

So again, it's something we've discussed, because I guess personally I feel the same.

N

Way is that if you are, we have some large properties that are under aqs, that can't.

N

Can't be developed, and then you also have small properties and um houses, commercial properties.

N

That can't be redeveloped, so I guess in some ways this is similar to um years ago. The flat tops.

N

Program, you know that that was an initiative that was taken on, um but I I'm going to say it doesn't.

N

Fall under the realm of agriculture, but again it's a discussion within economic development.

N

That I have brought forward over the years that there should be some compensation and thought.

N

About the herb and I'll call it, we called it urban legacy program to assist in those in.

N

Lexington park, where properties are under the aqs now do do these programs also exist in say, like.

G

Aberdeen or other areas where they have large military installations where they have to protect.

G

Land around that installation- yes, so it's kind of a statewide program actually um at the.

N

For the navy, this is really a national program: okay, good for it not we're a.

N

Legacy again, where you we utilize rural legacy, which is a state program, but the whole idea.

N

Of protecting property with reppy funds, navy funds, federal funds is all across the country.

N

And we are um even for maryland preservation foundation map we're still looking at.

N

Mouth becoming a partner and being viable so that we have more of our farms in chapterco. Seventh.

N

District area that are impacted by dalgren to also be able to receive funds for those to be protected.

A

Very good, any other questions. Commissioners, thank you. Thank you all very much for the information.

A

Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Next is the department of economic development.

E

Again, regarding a property tax, credit incentive for coherent technical services, inc for expanding.

E

Employment, mr castellis, presenting thank you, mr weiskopf. Today we're asking commissioners.

M

To approve granting ctsi uh coherent technical services incorporated a property.

M

Tax credit under our new and expanding business tax credit incentive program.

M

As you know, the commission has approved this program in 2017.. The property tax credit allows.

M

Businesses in certain industries that will create 10 or more jobs, to reserve to receive a property.

M

Tax credit for up to 10 years, the following industries are targeted commercial application of.

M

Defense technologies, cyber security, aerospace and aviation, unmanned, autonomous systems, agriculture.

M

Aquaculture and value-added agriculture, products, technology and manufacturing the incentive applies.

M

To both businesses that construct new facilities and those that are in existing buildings and they.

M

Can own or lease in the case of ctsi they leased the property and that's allowed under this program.

M

Ctsi is expanding their fabrication production and manufacturing business in saint mary's county.

M

They're, making a large investment to support upcoming contract awards for the mining industry.

M

Railroad industry and shipboard electronic systems they'll be investing in new staff.

M

And new equipment and they believe they will hire 50 full-time employees over the next three.

M

Years in saint mary's, county and they've already hired for those people so because they don't pay.

M

Property taxes directly the entity that owns their building is hollywood group llp.

M

We have an agreement in your packet which, where they say they will take the property tax credit.

M

That the county gives them and reduce ctsi's lease rent uh by that same amount. Is that enforceable.

M

It is I'll defer to we've done this once before. We have for them before yeah for ctsi right for the.

M

Hayden, the hayden property on 235 cts I applied and yeah. I get it but suppose someone says hey my.

G

Taxes or something gone up, I can no longer pass this on to you. I mean: what's what's the mechanism.

G

There well it's an agreement that we have with them and they've they've signed it. So to me, it.

E

Would be an enforceable contract? Okay, um hopefully we don't get to that point. Well, it seems like.

G

It would be, if someone's going to add 50 jobs, obviously they're expanding and, thank god right.

G

But why wouldn't they want to go out and buy their own piece of property, build their own facility and.

G

Appreciate this tax return on their own, I mean look, it's. I just want to make sure that if a.

G

Landlord decides I'm getting it, but I'm not going to give it there's some mechanism involved to.

G

Help that we certainly would try, certainly do we when um ctsi did this the first time did we.

C

Verify that they created enough jobs to meet the criteria on the old hayden property on 235.

M

Yes, commissioner morgan, they did create the jobs. They said they were going to.

M

I will say that ctsi has some very interesting things developing and um since they took over.

C

The building I used to have my office and it's going to be interesting to see how they progress.

M

And uh commissioner hewitt, you know there are many many companies I think most of them tend to.

M

Lease around here there aren't a lot of companies that buy their own buildings. I think they do that.

G

Until they get established now, these guys have been around for a little bit of time. Now I mean.

G

What at least 15 years do you know todd? Excuse me: how long do you think ctsi has been around they've.

C

Been about 20 years they're, not from air inc- and I guess my point to you is- is that they are.

G

A people do lease going in because you know you're not sure right, but once you establish your.

G

Foothold and you tend to repeat the contract, so you tend to grow, but it's their business plan not.

G

Mine, this is a move to enter into the memorandum of agreement between the commissioners of saint.

C

Mary's county and hollywood group llp saying that hollywood group llp shall reimburse coherent.

C

Technical services incorporated the amount equivalent to 100 percent of the property tax.

C

Credit actually received for the real and personal property tax on the property, at least to ctsi.

C

And to have the commissioner president sign all related documents. Second,.

A

First and second, all in favor aye any opposed as hammer. Thank you, commissioner. Thank you, mr castle.

E

Thank you, commissioners, and that ends the county administrator time.

A

Okay, we move right into commissioner's time and we'll start with uh commissioner morgan today.

C

Well, thank you, mr guy. um It's been a relatively quiet week. We've had a couple um sad passings.

C

This week, um jimmy bannig in the seventh district, one of the original seventh.

C

District optimists um died about a week and a half ago, and his service was yesterday and.

C

I think of the original seventh district optimus, there's two or three still living, so it shows you.

C

The longevity of all the things that he did and if you do anything about oyster cans, probably.

C

One of the greatest collections in the world of oyster cans, jimmy bannigan, has or had I'll put.

C

It that way, but uh really sad to him, see him pass and tom meiser a long time luxury park resident.

C

Worked at a railway store and then a contractor and did a lot of sailing he passed away also so.

C

It was a book end of funerals yesterday with jimmy in the morning and time in the afternoon.

C

On sunday, commissioners, guy and hugh, and I attended the tesla electric charging port.

C

Opening over at harris, teeter interesting event well, over 100 people, I think, were probably there.

C

Most of them, quite frankly, came from out of the area a couple drove down from atlantic.

C

City, a guy came from california, etc and uh we're seeing the evolution of a new industry.

C

um And we'll just see where the thing goes over time, did he come from california on one charge.

C

No, it took him like three to four days to get here, yeah and lastly, next week the olympics start.

C

um A great time for american patriotism a great time to honor our country and remember that we.

C

Are one nation under god, and we should truly respect the honor and privilege to represent.

C

The united states of america in these olympic games and use it as a use it as a venue to.

C

Show true allegiance to supporting the united states with that. Thank you. Thank you very good.

B

So I also want to send my condolences to the banning and heiser families. um It's always.

B

Tough to lose a loved one, so my condolences to you all. um I also want to give my congratulations to.

B

Second, district volunteer fire department rescue squad on their 70th anniversary banquet. They held.

B

That over the weekend, so congratulations to all of you. It's a lot of hard work.

B

The building is looking incredible as it's going up. It's it's going to be a really good building.

B

For the community for the fire department, rescue squad so great work, there um important to note.

B

This week is the maryland: buy local week so buy local. There is so much incredible stuff that we're.

B

Talking about farmers markets this morning, but if you have, if you don't regularly go to one of our.

B

Farmers markets or shop from one of our local farm stands. You really should check it out this week.

B

um Get yourself some frost back peaches, there's nothing better in the world in the middle of.

B

Summer than a trough back peach, there's just so much great stuff- that's made or grown right here.

B

In saint mary's county, you definitely want to take advantage of that. This morning, jeff bezos.

B

Has a lot of money, he used some of it to fly into space. If I had a lot of money, I'd fly into space.

B

Too, but he did that, but more noteworthy, some of my friends sitting up here at the board. I don't.

B

Remember this, but they probably remember in 1969 the apollo 11 mission landed on the moon today,.

B

So it's a pretty incredible day in history and with that I'm done. Thank you, mr hewitt.

G

Well, uh this past week we appointed the redistricting committee. I had to change my.

G

Selection after it came out that the the meeting schedule there was recently some criticism that.

G

Maybe we had stalled this committee and I don't think we did. I think there we had.

G

This impression that there wasn't much to do or there wasn't anything really to do until they.

G

uh Got the information and what that's done, it's kind of given us a disservice. People wanted to.

G

Serve on this board and I had initially appointed linda limas, I know linda very well from lexington.

G

Park, rotary club and our efforts with the feed, st mary's food bank and she's, a wonderful person and.

G

Was my pick? But once she got the list of meeting schedule because it has to be done by the 31st.

G

And the timeline has been so condensed: there's a lot of meetings, sometimes twice a week. You know.

G

Six seven meetings a month, maybe more depending on what they have to do so, uh dr uh patricia.

G

Richardson former superintendent of schools was a superintendent when I was on the board of ed 20.

G

Some years ago uh had agreed to take her place and thank you, dr richardson you're you'll, be.

G

A a welcome addition to that board, but my point is: is that these people have a lot of work to do.

G

And they don't have much time to do it now, we're very hopeful that we get this census information.

G

Right after labor day, sometime early early in september, but lord knows it's going to be a big.

G

Undertaking and for those people who have volunteered and uh agreed to serve on that.

G

Group welcome. Thank you uh godspeed! Good luck! Whatever other adjectives, I can use to help you.

G

Get to where you need to go because it's a big job and it needs to be done fairly and it needs to be.

G

Done um with compassion for everybody out there, so everybody has a chance to feel represented.

G

There was two events last week that made me glad to be an american first was the the tesla event.

G

Not that it was the best of the two, but it was a good event and what made it so unusual was it's.

G

It's here you had all these people buying all these electric cars. Now I use the term I'm an.

G

Old motorhead, what I mean by that is my dad was a mechanic? Had a gas station had it since I was.

G

11 years old- and lord knows I did it all through my high school junior high school time.

G

Thank god. I got away from it while I went to college, but then I came back and.

G

Ran it for 38 years, I never ever thought we would find a time when an electric car.

G

Could make it say across country or long distances like a a fossil fuel car like an automobile.

G

But that technology has developed and as an american I'm proud to say.

G

There's people like elon musk people like steve jobs, god rest his soul, bill gates.

G

This guy zuckerberg, I mean whether you like them or not, or bezos, or whether you like these people.

G

Or not but they're a testament to american ingenuity and what you can do here in america.

G

Where, if we take the reins off and say, hey go at it, build that better mousetrap we're going.

G

To build it in this country, and also it allows us to reduce our footprint. I personally have ordered.

G

A new car, but I may cancel that and look at these teslas they were pretty impressive. Last thing was.

G

Is last wednesday night we had a storm brew up now, of course, I was out and doing some errands and my.

G

Wife asked me to pick up some stuff at bj's. I did I come out and boy the wind was blowing and the.

G

Rain was raining and the hail was coming down. It was well maybe it's climate change. I don't.

G

Know but it was a heck of a storm, so I started home and uh of course I called my wife and said.

G

Look I'm a little backed up, so she said well be careful a lot of limbs down in the yard.

G

Well, as I got home on sadly road, there were five big trees blocking me from getting to my house.

G

Now I got chainsaws, like probably everybody else does, but they were at the house.

G

And sure enough, I couldn't get home, so what I did is called 9-1-1. Thank god.

G

Some people from uh hollywood volunteer rescue squad showed up, but they had their brush truck and.

G

They had some equipment, but they did not have the equipment that you needed to move these big trees.

G

So they said mike you're going to have to call the county I'd already called the county, but.

G

Look other people had needs too. This storm hit the county. There was trees down all over. So look. We.

G

Just had to take care of ourselves, so I called my neighbor keith dugan good man and I said keith you.

G

Know I can't get home and you can't get out how about you know you got a chainsaw. Yes, he does so.

G

He got his brother, brian got his nephew michael and they started at their end, working towards.

G

Towards me, well, lo and behold, these wonderful people who have moved into saint mary's county.

G

Jeff and sue wanna make her. They bought a dr simony's horse farm they've done a wonderful.

G

Job converting it well jeff shows up with his chainsaw, sees what we're dealing with and says.

G

This isn't going to be big enough, goes home and gets some type of piece of equipment that he owns.

G

To work on his farm come back cleaned all those trees out cleaned it all up for the neighborhood.

G

It was like didn't want any money didn't expect any money. We all chipped in. There was probably.

G

10 of us, but it was a real community event trying to get ourselves in a position where we can get in.

G

And out we knew the fire service, the rescue squads and emergency services were probably overwhelmed.

G

There were other people with with greater needs than ours, but this was a community.

G

Effort really made me proud to be an american and to be from saint mary's county. Thank you.

G

Jeff and sue wanamaker all right. Thank you. Thank you. All. uh I too attended the tesla. I was really.

A

Impressed that this company is investing so much not only in our county but throughout the country.

A

And they put up eight of these supercharged uh stations at harris teeter, and um I thought maybe.

A

It was standard, but they talking to the people who owned them or that people that were owned.

A

The cars there they said these supercharged they can plug their car in within 20 minutes.

A

Supercharge their battery full charge where at home it might take them three to four hours.

A

With the normal charge that you that you have at your home, so I'm impressed that this company is.

A

Investing throughout the country, but then the same thing: it's a marketing thing for them to sell more.

A

Vehicles, there's no doubt about it. That's not the reason why they're doing that, but I'm sure that.

A

Cost them quite a bit of money to do that, and our local uh smeco is investing with us to put in. I.

A

Think we're putting eight total in throughout the county, and so uh there's no doubt in my mind that.

A

We're heading for that kind of electric vehicles everywhere, the way it's going and I don't own.

A

One yet, but I'd be interested buying one, but of course the one I looked at this one guy had a.

A

I think the xl, which was the biggest most expensive vehicle there, was 92 thousand dollars.

A

But I was impressed when he at the end he pulled out his phone pressed the button.

A

And the car started up and pulled out of his parking spot towards him. He stopped it opened all.

A

The windows opened the top up the two doors: spung open, the two gold doors at the rear, sprung up.

A

And I said you got to became all with this phone, just absolutely amazing. The technology. That's.

A

Already there in these cars- and he that particular vehicle has a range of with one charge, 420 miles.

A

That's unbelievable that the kind of stories now exist and it's only getting better. So I I would.

A

Say that that kind of thing? It's not it's not long. Of course, some have been out. We, my family's, been a.

A

User of toyotas and we've had a prius for some time now and I think the third generation now.

A

And and they're a hybrid, but they still get about 60 to 65 miles to the gallon and and they do get.

A

Up to speed them slow sometimes, but you know, we've we've gotten to pretty high speed for those those.

A

uh Things kind of, but anyway it's the time. It's going to happen. There's no doubt that uh we're.

A

In that framework now, and eventually we're going to be getting more and more into electric vehicles,.

A

My heart out to the manikins and sub district, I say this man was a stepping stone for all the.

A

Developments down there as far as the uh our our various non-profits in seventh district and I'm.

A

Sorry for the great loss last week was a very hot week. We were in the 90s and this week it's going.

A

To be high, 80s 90s so be careful with your self, with your pets and everything else, and definitely.

A

The the stands are wide open with all the different vegetables and everything.

A

And locally with me, it's just unbelievable all the things that are available now and so do shop.

A

Local and do the best you can to help our local farmers as we continue to expand our markets.

A

It's great to eat some fresh corn and especially the tomatoes. I love. I love tomatoes, so the fresh.

A

Tomatoes are all good with that. I need a motion to enter into closed session.

F

Second, our first second, all in favor, aye aye opposed eyes. Have it. Thank you. You.