St. Mary's County, MD Commissioners of St. Mary's County, 22 Jun 2021

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From YouTube: 6/22/21 Commissioners of St. Mary's County

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Please come to order good morning welcome to the commission, st mary's county meeting.

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This date, tuesday june 22 2021, I am randy guy president commissioner of saint mary's, county.

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I'd like to introduce the other commissioners sitting to my right, representing the first commissioner district, which includes ridge, piney, point st georgia, mr coleman good morning.

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Mike represents the second commissioner district, which includes leonard town and hollywood,.

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Good morning, standing to my left representing the third commissioner district, which includes.

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Charlotte hall, seventh district uh golden beach and mechanicsvillage john o'connor good morning.

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Representing the fourth commissioner's district, which includes election department, some of the california, great mills and some of hollywood, mr todd morgan, david weiskopf,.

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Our county attorney and acting county administrator is sitting at the table.

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To my left good morning, alisa casas our communications director is set at the.

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Table to my right morning, amy carter, our video media producer behind the glass so.

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Everybody look good when you come up forward here. Please turn your cell phones off or on vibrate.

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At this time, we'll have the invocation and pledge by commissioner morgan. Please stand.

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Dear heavenly father, we ask you today for your blessings upon us.

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For us to remember why we are here- and our purpose have us be ever mindful of those.

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Around us watch over us and bless us, we ask us, in your name, amen, amen,.

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

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

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Next, we have needy approve of the consent agenda, so moved second, our first second.

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All in favor aye any opposed okay. Next, we have accommodation for mr john c rayley for retirement.

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Who's reading that commentation me, okay,.

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So john I'll read the um commendation to you and it reads: officially come as john c really.

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For 30 years and three months of outstanding praiseworthy and dedicated service with saint.

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Mary's county government, through your diligence, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.

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You have rightfully earned the community's gratitude, respect and admiration. We hereby express.

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Our sincerest congratulations on this occasion of your retirement and extend best wishes for.

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Your future endeavors and ask god's blessing to find you today, that's the date. Jesus 22nd.

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Just for july, first is dated that your first retirement date july, 1st 2021, thank you.

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There we are yep all right.

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Put that in your trophy case, thank you very much very nice, very nice yeah. I really appreciate.

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The incredible amount of work, uh which is not just physical but the organizational work.

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uh Within all the different teams, we've got to get done. What needs to be done for.

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The citizens of saint mary's county- I mean it's, been fantastic. I really enjoyed working with you.

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Been nice working with you seen a lot of change from the beginning.

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And you got any words you want to say to us all. Thank you for the opportunity of working with you.

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That's great well, I appreciate your 30 years yeah, like I said, a lot of change in the past 30 years.

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Oh yeah moving forward good good. Well hope you hope you have a great retirement. I will.

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Got trips planned now so good there you go good, that's what you need to do. Yeah.

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Thank you guys appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Official photos here.

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And next we have a video presentation for the uh sheriff's office district 3 virtual ribbon, cutting.

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Mr lisa cases will present it.

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I am president randy guy and on behalf of the commissioners of saint mary's county.

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I would like to welcome everyone to the virtual ribbon cutting ceremony for the sheriff's office.

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District 3 station this project renovated the former enterprise newspaper building.

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In first colony, to create a permanent district 3 office for the saint mary's county sheriff and to.

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Relocate the crime lab detective unit and vehicle search activity from the headquarters and building.

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In leonardtown, the commissions are proud to have funded this 2.7 million project and provide this.

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Additional space for our law enforcement partners. Thank you for joining us today for.

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This special virtual ribbon cutting to recognize this important project. Welcome and good afternoon.

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It's a pleasure to be here for the ribbon cutting for the sheriff's office district 3 station.

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Which will provide swing space for our criminal investigation, division personnel and our crime.

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Lab and the crime lab technicians, while our new sheriff's office headquarters project, begins.

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Cid in the crime lab will be then moved back to leonard town when headquarters is completed.

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And this structure will be occupied by the deputies, who will directly support this area.

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For some remarks today we have mr john dietrich.

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The director of the department of public works and transportation john.

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Thank you very much sheriff cameron truly, a pleasurable.

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Project to work on when this building came on the market, the sheriff's office, spotted it and.

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Knew it was the perfect location to deliver the community policing for this side of the county.

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Joining district 1 in charlotte hall to the north district 2 that operates out.

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Of the patuxent building until the new sheriff's headquarters is built.

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And the recently opened district 4 in lexington park. It also, as sheriff cameron pointed out, will.

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Be very valuable for swing space while we work out all the loose ends on those other projects.

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It has been a pleasure to work with the sheriff's office as ever to bring this to reality on the dpw.

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Nt team- I especially want to give thanks to gary whipple randy maczynski and drew kelly.

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Who handled the construction side of this, and I was able to just watch it happen thanks.

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Thank you, john.

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It's now my pleasure to introduce the commander of the criminal investigation.

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Division captain ed willemborg captain.

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Thank you sheriff, so how did we get here today in the fall of which seems every fall.

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Of the year we start talking, budget and space needs the sheriff's office lack of space.

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In this particular year of 2018, major american came forward with an idea. He proposed that we try.

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To purchase the old enterprise building located behind us, which was for sale.

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After much discussion, an agreement from the sheriff, he approached the county commissioners and.

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They were open to the idea and actually ultimately provided the funding both for the purchase and the.

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Renovation, so that occurred in about march end of march, beginning of april of 2019.

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And then working with department of public works and transportation.

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They worked on a contract, they ultimately awarded it to centennial construction at atlanta in july.

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Of 2020 and then work commenced in august of 2020, which brought us to this wonderful building today,.

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I just want to thank the sheriff cameron and major american for their leadership and support.

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And identifying space and making the request for funding through the commissioners thanks to the.

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Commissioners for their support of the project and allocation of the necessary funding to make this.

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Day possible, I'd like to recognize drew kelly. He was the project manager, the department of.

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Public works and transportation who was on it every day.

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Very organized I was very impressed with how we kept everything in line. He had assistance from.

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Chris bologna, with csbi, who served as the extra set of eyes and assisted with management of.

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The project information technology, bob kelly and his staff for all the.

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Work and connectivity to the building and all the state-of-the-art interview rooms that we now have.

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um And a wonderful smart board in our conference room and last but not least,.

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Megan roberts, our crime lab supervisor on her staff, who managed, in the end the furniture.

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Identifying colors carpet colors the lab itself and the layout, which took a whole lot of work and.

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um Coordination very thankful. It's going to be our new home for several years until.

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District based policing gets fully up and running just another step towards that community, policing.

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Mindset that the sheriff brought to the county when he was elected in 2006 with comstat.

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And hopefully, we're closer than ever to realizing his ideas and dreams. Thank you.

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Hey captain willboard.

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So, in closing, I'd like to also think and echo what captain willemborg said.

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Thank you to all those dedicated to this project. Our contractors.

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Facilities management, team information technology, captain willenborg, our crime, lab techs.

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And, namely major michael american, who scouted out and found this building, as the captain said,.

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This is part of our agency, which is an agency on the move and is always looking for new innovative.

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Ways to serve the public and decrease crime and the fear and threat of crime. This is one.

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More example of that and lastly, thank you to the commissioners of saint mary's counties.

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For supporting this very worthwhile project, so now we will cut the ribbon for district three.

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Thank you, lisa.

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Next, we have the department of human resources, people choice.

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Slash covet 19 response award this catherine preston, our director of human resources, will.

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Lead the way on this. Thank you good morning, commissioners, it's a day for celebrations.

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So, in recognition of the remarkable events of 2020, the 2020 people's choice awards are dedicated.

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To celebrating the exceptional achievements of county government, employees and community partners.

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Through the co throughout the covet 19 pandemic, this covet 19 response award celebrates notable.

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Efforts of county employees and of community partners who, through their dedication to the.

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Health and safety of county citizens and employees demonstrate what is best in saint mary's county.

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Many members of the county government and community partnership team responded to the.

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Challenging demands of the pandemic, with a commitment to excellence, to problem solving.

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Innovation and with the dedication to the community, they serve.

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Every department and multiple divisions within departments were nominated.

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In fact, so many nominations were received that today we will present awards to department heads.

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On behalf of their departments and will plan to visit each department this summer to individually.

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Present awards and acknowledge their many contributions so without further delay for.

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The department heads present please come up with your award as I read a summary of your nomination.

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Please stay for a photo, then step aside and remain for a large group photo at the end.

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And to begin the department of aging and human services and their many volunteer partners.

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The department is being recognized for their flexibility and can-do attitude.

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Exhibited during the pandemic from providing seniors with virtual programming and engagement.

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Opportunities to managing the covid19 vaccine hotline to increasing communication materials.

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To maintaining meal delivery, all critical functions extended to a vulnerable and.

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Grateful population for the entirety of the crisis, rsvp, volunteers and acts, volunteers.

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Are recognized for continuing to provide medical and convalescent equipment throughout the pandemic.

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And for making and distributing thousands of masks for community members in need the department and.

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Their members are described as a team with great heart and dedication. Congratulations.

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Thank you, lori. The alcohol beverage board is being recognized and complemented for.

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Continuing to service licensed business owners, new businesses and the community at large by.

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Implementing innovative measures and ensuring safety and compliance.

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The board of elections has received a nomination. I don't believe they're here today.

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But congratulations to them for ensuring that all citizens in saint mary's county.

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Had a chance to exercise their right to vote in an efficient, lawful and timely and safe manner,.

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The circuit court and building services- I think randy- is going to or john thank you if it had not.

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Been for the teamwork and tireless efforts of the courthouse staff in building services, the.

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Circuit court would not have been able to continue providing services to citizens during the pandemic.

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Judges, magistrates, judicial staff, security staff and saint mary's county building services.

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Department all contributed to ensuring safety protocols were followed, so services could be.

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Provided to the people of saint mary's county and to the state of maryland during the pandemic,.

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County administration, dr bridget and st mary's county health department, the health department is.

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Celebrating awards today, as well so dr brewster's unable to be here.

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The limited space at the detention center in implementation of covid restrictions put a strain.

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On available spaces to house rehabilitation services without dr rebecca bridget and dr.

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Mina brewster's vision, leadership and hard work.

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The community corrections center would not have been a reality.

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The legal office.

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The county law office created new procedures for how public meetings and hearings would.

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Take place for the commissioners of saint mary's county, as well as for.

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The approximately 50 volunteer boards that helped guide the county, all the department.

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Employees adapted supported and contributed to the success of the department during the pandemic.

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Economic development.

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Economic development focused on getting as much money to as many businesses as possible as quickly.

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As possible, the staff was willing to step in and assist respond, get information deal with.

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Issues and rectify any problems to aid businesses with successful completion of grant applications.

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The staff provided personal, effective, responsive services to a community in need.

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Department of emergency services, the department of emergency services, was.

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Called upon to step up and increase services to the community, the department's critical.

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Functions continued despite the pandemic, including 911 dispatchers,.

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Who reported to work every day while most were restricted to their homes?.

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Emergency management became the hub for critical community information and the department managed.

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The distribution for ppe, cleaning supplies and all materials needed to support the covid response.

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The department of human resources and county nurses.

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Thank you june. The department is recognized for coordinating volunteers for the vaccine clinics.

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For providing covet, 19 guidance for in for overseeing face masks, packaging and distribution.

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Hr staff continued to keep the number one goal of serving employees and customers.

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And every staff member stepped up and pivoted to get the job completed.

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The it department.

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The I.t department went all out to enable employees to work from home.

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By finding purchasing deploying and training on the necessary software and hardware solutions.

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And employing a multi-shift help desk to make sure employees could get the help needed when needed. It.

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Simply would not have been possible for the county to work remotely to achieve mission. Critical and.

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Citizen critical services without the solutions, the I.t department and their staff provided.

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Land use and growth management.

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Land use and growth management staff members worked each day without complaint to see that.

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The residential and commercial, new and rebuilding building construction. Excuse me, inspections.

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Change in business, occupancy sheds, pools garages and finished basement sales and purchases were.

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Processed, so that st mary's county economy would continue to grow and flourish during the pandemic.

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Public administ information office.

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The public information office pivoted to a new virtual world of commissioner meetings.

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Public hearings, public meetings, presentations, webex, sanitation efforts, new technology facing.

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Challenges all the while and moving forward a wealth of information to the staff members.

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As well as to the public, the communications department supported numerous broadcast meetings.

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And provided invaluable troubleshooting for meeting participants along the way, dpwt and sts.

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Sts drivers demonstrated compassion integrity and resolve by maintaining essential transportation.

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Services to the neediest in our community, the drivers transported individuals for.

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Medical appointments, including coveted tests and vaccinations, and for essential shopping trips.

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This amazing group of employees successfully managed during an incredibly difficult time.

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On we have sts and excuse me highways, dpw and highways.

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Bring the highway guy up now, the highways crews went above and beyond.

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By keeping the roads, storm damage and snow removal efforts going and by aiding the.

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Health department, when providing the site traffic control for the vaccination center.

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Their assistance to the health department helped maintain an orderly procedure in guiding the.

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Recipients for vaccines, health care workers and volunteers of the vaccination operation.

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The department of recreation and parks.

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The department's, full-time and hourly staff met the many challenges during the covid pandemic.

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Some examples of their tremendous commitment include a school-aged care program at hollywood.

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Rec center available as a hybrid learning center for students of working parents.

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The museum division, indoor and virtual programming and events, the comico shores, riverview restaurant.

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Safe indoor, food and beverage service recreation programming delivered in multiple locations.

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Including the great mills pool and the safe and welcoming outdoor parks that provided a needed.

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Respite for countless at-home community members, the office of the state's attorney was recognized.

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For ensuring the enforcement of law continued, including adapting strategies and procedures.

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To conform to safety requirements for the office and for employees, the treasurer's.

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Office was recognized for displaying great professionalism and technical expertise in.

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Transitioning the office from regular operations to a covered safe operation, the finance department.

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The finance department worked tirelessly this entire year, beginning last march,.

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As the county closed and budget work sessions and commissioner meetings were canceled.

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The budget team continued to work and came in to ensure that budget deadlines were met.

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Often coming to work when others were home, the extra time spent by staff to make sure that the.

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Finance work area was clean and covered free was truly effective and appreciated.

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The sheriff's office we have commendations for the sheriff's employees, the sheriff and then.

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The corrections division, employees of the sheriff continued working for the safety of the community.

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Often, at great personal risk, daily operations were maintained and the county experienced no shortage.

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In public safety response, even at the height of the pandemic, officers stepped up to support the.

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Community and were supported by staff who quickly instituted safety protocols and new ways of doing.

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Business in the corrections staff through true leadership and focus the staff of the sheriff's.

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Office in corrections maintain close communication with the health department, command and supervisory.

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Staff manage testing for inmates and staff sponsored vaccination initiatives instituted.

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Cleaning protocols and successfully maintained a safe environment and continued daily operations.

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And last, but certainly not least, the commissioners and the staff of the county commissioner's office.

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We have awards for you.

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The commissioners and the staff of the commissioner's office.

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Continued to forge ahead with the board's committees and commissions and continued to.

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Meet the needs of the customers all while keeping a clear head as things changed, they changed too.

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Guidance was administered from the governor's office from the health department and the county.

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Commissioner's office and the commissioners and staff were quick to turn to the new guidelines.

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And post information for the benefit of our community and as we celebrate the end of the.

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State of emergency and, hopefully nearing the end of the pandemic. We look to these examples of true.

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Leadership during a most challenging time and are truly grateful for the extraordinary efforts.

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That you all extended to maintain county operations for the benefit of the community.

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Please, and if we could we'll try, one group photo if you could all come on up.

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uh Thank you. How did you all try to get behind here this time? Why are we trying to get over here.

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Don't get too close down.

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Get everybody smile.

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Eric uh catherine, I think you're on again for the uh 221 safety matters, employee.

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Represent the awards, sarah miller good.

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Good morning my name is sarah miller. I am the chairperson for the saint mary's.

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County safety committee with me today to present this year's safety matters awards.

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Are my co-chair michael blackwell, director of the st mary's county library and rachel pulliam.

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St mary's county government risk manager and the safety committee administrator the safety.

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Matters employee awards program offer honors employees who are nominated by their co-workers.

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For consistently demonstrating involvement and leadership in creating and maintaining safety.

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At work not only for themselves but for their co-workers and citizens alike. Honorees, when you.

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Hear your name, please come up for some pictures. The 2021 awards recipients are rebecca kessler.

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Holmen, community services, division manager, department of aging and human services during.

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The past year, rebecca has demonstrated safety leadership through open communication with.

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Her staff about the status of covid19 precautions and county policies, her engagement with her staff.

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Regarding their needs to safely complete their job duties and methods to keep consumers safe, promoted.

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An open environment for communication about staff and consumer needs her efforts to provide ppe.

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And updated procedures, as well as her leadership and supporting staff as they continued to serve.

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Consumers in our community provided both provided for both staff and consumer protection during.

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The covit 19 pandemic rebecca, encouraged and supported additional training for her staff.

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On the covit 19 virus, safe service delivery and other health issues exacerbated by the pandemic,.

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This allowed staff to be well prepared not only for their own health needs, but for those.

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Of their consumers, as her division serves some of the most fragile and medically vulnerable.

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In our community rebecca's dedication to safe service delivery staff, awareness.

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And staff safety has been beneficial to her staff and to the community at large rebecca's.

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Efforts and dedication are greatly appreciated and perfectly demonstrate leadership in safety.

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Thank you, ladies.

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Next, we have sheila smith office manager with land use and growth management.

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Sheila is always thinking of her co-workers, safety and making sure safety protocol is followed. She.

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Always makes sure that the office is supplied with ppe and other necessities to ensure that.

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The office is a safe place to come to every day. Sheila is not teleworking at all and is here every.

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Day, supporting those who are teleworking and those who are not, she has always been very supportive of.

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Her office and her co-workers, she is understanding of everyone's level of concern during the pandemic.

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So next up we have the building maintenance workers with the department of public works.

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And transportation, if you could, please join us at the front.

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Today we recognize the hard work of angela bailey duncan campbell senior robert.

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Morgan jr jennifer quaid, chanel, rice, kevin stakowski, brittany sullivan george young bay,.

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Joyline cox and lakeisha white, the building maintenance workers had a mission during the.

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Covid19 global pandemic keep the public and county workers safe during a consistently changing and.

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Hazardous situation, this is a difficult job at the best of times and clearly the kovid 19 pandemic.

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Was not the best of times they have an awesome responsibility to keep us all safe from a wide.

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Range of germs viruses bugs and other threats to our health. The pandemic meant that they had had to.

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Exercise great creativity, resolve integrity and understanding of the threat to those who work and.

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Visit county government buildings they had to create a feeling that the buildings were clean.

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And safe, no small task with the information and disinformation that bombarded us daily during the.

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Pandemic they learned to use, deploy and deliver new sanitizing equipment and techniques. They.

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Willingly took on that responsibility and they didn't deliver just for the first week or a year.

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But are continuing to meet and exceed high standards.

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One more picture: one more picture: don't leave yet.

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Hey y'all bro. Thank you.

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Oh one more okay,.

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Is this the group holder, you want to go for this.

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Okay, we have one last award recipient who could not join us today.

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But we would still like to take the moment to effort, recognize her and her efforts. Vicki goss.

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Fiscal specialist with the department of finance deserves the safety matters employee award because.

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When covid19 first started, she prepared cleaning schedules and placed them in the bathrooms.

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And other areas throughout the department to ensure sanitation and to keep employees safe.

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Vicky has always been the organizer in the department to get everyone motivated, and she.

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Stepped up to keep everyone safe, congratulations to the safety matters award winners and thank you.

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Thank you, sir. Very nice.

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And thanks to all of you who kept us safe, appreciated.

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Next, on our main agenda, we have the office of the county attorney resolution, ending the.

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Local state of emergency, I want you every two minutes to leave. Certainly.

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You just wanted coffee, oh okay, all right, we'll take about a minute here. Everybody.

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All right dennis you got a big job, take care of her.

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Should I wait for the commissioners yeah no got three: okay.

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Commissioners, as you know, the governor the other day um rescinded the state of.

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Emergency for the state of maryland, based on the um that the state has surpassed 6.5.

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Vaccinations which you know I was interested to know what the population of maryland was.

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And believe it or not it's less than 6.5 million. So that's an interesting statistic.

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But also that the positivity rate was a record low of 0.82 and he has it set to expire on july, 1st.

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Whereas and some other things going all the way to august 15th.

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Such as, like you know, being able to renew your license and other administrative.

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Permits and things like that that we will mirror, but what we are asking today.

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Is for the commissioners to consider signing the end of the covid uh state of emergency for st.

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Mary's county and again mirroring the state that it would be effective july 1st of uh this year.

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I moved to approve and sign the resolution ending the local state of emergency. Second, with emphasis.

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

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Next, we have the department of human resources request for public hearing low sap 2021 benefit.

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Change good morning again, catherine preston, our director of human resources. Again, thank you.

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You may recall that last july you requested the emergency services board to review the covet 19.

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Impact and consider alternative benefit, credited credit options for county fire rescue.

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And als volunteers, if necessary, the fire board association and rescue squad submitted letters.

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Of recommendation to the emergency services board and in october of last year, the emergency services.

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Board voted in support of revision to lose out point award processes because of the pandemic and.

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Forwarded these to the commissioners in december of 2020, the 20-20 point award process was amended.

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And before you today is a request to have a public hearing to amend the 2021 process.

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Also recommended in that letter by the emergency services board the proposed.

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Changes include an award of four losap points each month to volunteers, able to demonstrate a.

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Reasonable restriction on participation during the pandemic, this will continue.

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Until the end of the state emergency on july 1 2021 and then there are descriptions of excuse.

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Me, reasonable restrictions and the companies themselves would certify these restrictions.

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This was presented to the losap board of trustees in june of 2021.

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And they supported bringing forward this request to the commissioners. Okay, I moved to schedule a.

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Public hearing in the morning to consider amending the saint mary's county code by modifying the.

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Low set point in service credit award process for calendar year, 2021. second discussion: please could.

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You describe for ms pratt's in the prohibition on volunteer participation by a member's employer.

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I believe, during the height of the pandemic, some employers had.

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Told their employees that they could not volunteer.

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With risk of losing their jobs, I believe so because of their exposure.

B

Okay, thank you. So this will be. This would take effect january through june of this year. Correct.

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Okay and for members that could demonstrate any of these restrictions, they would be awarded four.

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Points for each month that those restrictions were in place and since this is a low sap issue which.

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Is very important to a lot of people? Could we potentially move it to um coincide with our july.

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13Th public forum in the evening just do them. At the same time sure I accept the friendly amendment.

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Can you we have a public forum the evening of july 13th and if we could just do this at the same time,.

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Have this forum hearing can the forum can the forum be used to conduct a public hearing.

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It would be two things it would be, the public hearing and then after the public, at 6, 30 and.

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Then, after the public hearing, you would then have your forum. That's fine. Okay,.

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We might have and I'm sorry we might have to change the advertising dates, but we can make.

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It work I'm certain. The proposed date was the 13th, oh perfect, yep in the morning. So that's no problem.

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Do we have unanimous autistic yeah? I accepted the friendly amendment yeah.

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Okay, mike, are you okay with that come on? That's fine, so have the public hearing after.

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No before that will be right at 6 30., so you have the public hearing at 6, 30.

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And then we have the public format public forum afterwards. Okay, yes,.

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I have a first and second, all in favor, aye aye, any.

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Was opposed great, thank you so much. Thank you. Okay. Next, we go right into the.

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On the administrator time, thank you, commissioner, president guy and first is the draft agendas. The.

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First being for tuesday july 13th 2021 would be the next meeting at nine o'clock. The invocation.

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And pledge by commissioner, commissioner, president guy approval of consent, agenda.

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And then you would reconvene as the saint mary's county board of health. You would have a 9 30.

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Proclamation for national park and recreation month, 9 40 would be county administrator time.

I

10 15 commissioners time 10 25 a closed session for personnel and litigation, and then you would.

I

Adjourn and then you would have the um public forum and also the public hearing for the low sap.

I

And then tuesday july 20th would be the invocation and pledge by commissioner colvin approval of the.

I

Consent agenda 905 proclamation for the 31st anniversary americans with disabilities act.

I

And we right, we would have the 9 20 county administrator time and then 10 15 would be.

I

Commissioner's time and then adjourn okay and then moving into this morning's agenda, we have uh first.

I

Is the sheriff's office ceo cops office fiscal year, 2021 community, policing development crisis.

I

Intervention teams with captain yingling and lottie bell presenting good morning good morning.

M

This fy 22 grant opportunity is offered by the u.s department of justice office of community.

M

Oriented policing services, the application is for the amount of 250 000 over two years and.

M

Requires no county match. This is the first part of a two-part application process. Once we submit.

M

The pre-application documents we hope to receive the application documents to complete and submit.

M

We are requesting your approval to submit pre-application and subsequent application.

M

Documents for this grant to expand the saint mary's county, sheriff's office, crisis, intervention.

M

Team program by implementing a co-responder initiative, this initiative would pair trained cit.

M

Officers with licensed clinical social workers from the saint mary's county health department.

M

To respond to de-escalate critical scenes, better, evaluate the needs of the consumer and get them.

M

To more appropriate resources, this grant would be a new grant for the sheriff's office. It is not.

M

Included in our fy 22 budget, a budget amendment would need to be submitted at the award stage.

M

uh If it were awarded- and we are happy to answer any questions, you may have.

N

Mr young officer, I'm sorry I probably should call you captain right.

N

Call tell me the cops program in lexington park. Does that just work on a specific area, a specific.

N

Like is it all of lexington park, or is it just like, so the cops grant is the uh grant that our.

O

Cops unit uh has a designated area, what we call 4h2 uh kind of specialized. Those are.

O

The officers that are assigned to that area and that's kind of the core of lexington park.

O

So we're always trying to expand that program and resources. If you remember, we, we tried to.

O

Get a grant for north end, community police and it's all part of our more strategic vision towards.

O

Currently, the way we operate, you have 370 plus square mile county and it's divided in half and so.

O

300 or 183 about square miles that you're trying to police. So what our strategic objective is.

O

To get police officers in smaller areas who are more familiar with their community instead of the.

O

Broader areas, you guys have been very supportive of that initiative as far as the district.

O

Based policing and the resources in there there particularly district one district, three district.

O

Four, so that officers are working out of those areas. This is a slightly separate.

O

Issue, this is trained cit officers working with trained mental health providers to respond to.

O

People in crisis to help de-escalate those situations, part of the pnc building renovations.

O

And partnership with the health department to get those people to those resources to.

O

Divert that resource away from the overwhelmed ed and get them connected to emergency department to.

O

Get them in touch with more appropriate resources. uh If I'm sure you had the opportunity to read the.

O

Proposal, you saw we did just under a thousand eps with about 600 consumers, so that means.

O

Many of those consumers are repeat customers, that's how you're stinking. Are they the same.

O

People, yes, sir, so the goal of this is not is looking at it as a more holistic.

O

Approach, instead of dealing with the emergent situation that someone is there, my hope would.

O

Be with the social workers and the resources at working with the health department out of p and c.

O

That working with the detention center, so you have somebody with a known mental health issue being.

O

Released from the detention center, where they have been stabilized, where they've had services, they go.

O

Out in the community and sometimes they get lost, and so there's a mechanism that hey this person's.

O

Getting released, and so you have trained social workers and police officers going hey john doe, how.

O

Are you doing today, you have your medication, oh you haven't been able to get your medication. Let.

O

Me get you attached to those resources to do that. You have the person who is in crisis at the moment.

O

Which, from our use of force standpoint, those people in crisis are some of the most.

O

Dangerous situations we uh deal with, and so the the trained officers and the de-escalation to.

O

Resolve that uh situation peacefully and hopefully to work early on in that process to before they're.

O

In crisis to make sure that uh they are getting the services that they uh need, one I mean we're.

O

uh From a mental health perspective, we're a very underserved community and people get lost in the.

O

Shuffle and so being able to to connect them with services, and it's just an augmentation of.

O

That program, I guess what made me think of it is, you know we just did ribbon cutting for.

N

District three today sure district, four we've done district one. So would it expand into those parts.

N

Of the county, I guess I've always been used to the cops unit as being in lexington park on great.

N

Mills road, so so I I think what you're looking for and what we're looking for is a traditional.

O

Flipping of the switch, instead of being all over the count, officers who are district based.

O

In specific communities and I believe, the mission of the sheriff's office community police officer.

O

Community policing is every police officer's mission, it's not a special group and so have those.

O

Personnel working in those areas working with the same community members, so that uh I recently.

O

Worked with a citizen who was very frustrated because he has an ongoing issue about a land issue.

O

And so he he has. uh This officer responds one day the next day. It's a completely different, so he's.

O

Constantly explaining the same uh story to multiple different officers and different.

O

People have that different piece of it, a little separate from what we're talking about here so.

O

uh Emergency evaluations, mental health calls are some of our highest as a percentage of our call.

O

Volume situations that we deal with, and so these personnel wouldn't necessarily be constrained to.

O

Those that little area uh expand, they would be able to respond to other areas, but as a density.

O

Because of our population density in that area, that that is the greatest need to it,.

O

So that's why we're trying to attach it to that uh program? They wouldn't be limited. Just to that.

O

Okay, okay! Thank you. It's oh good! I was gonna say so. This funding.

K

Is it over a three-year period or a one-year period, so it's 250 000 over two year period.

K

What is the plan for when this funding evaporates so my my goal ultimately uh working with.

O

The the sheriff is to eventually look at fte positions for that co-responder program. Working.

O

With the positions that the health department is in the process of uh obtaining for that.

O

Co-Responder program but you're fusing those positions together, but hopefully I would have.

O

A unit working that would be responding to these mental health cross cause working with paramedics.

O

A holistic approach working out of the pnc area, but obviously that would be contingent.

O

On funding in the future, but this is a test of concept for that cit co-responder program now.

O

This program is not something new nationally, dr brewster and I recently traveled and did a rot.

O

Ride along in prince william county, where they're using it they've expanded it from.

O

Three officers and supervisors to about six officers and supervisor with a commensurate.

O

Number of mental health providers and what they've seen during our meeting is of a reduction in.

O

Use of force getting people to appropriate uh resources and putting the right resources there.

K

They're, looking at ftes versus going to contractual.

K

Like the health department, these are going to be ftes at the health department for the I can't.

O

Speak for the health department, my understanding is they're, looking at grants right now and then.

O

I don't know whether they're looking long-term of uh grant application. I can't speak for dr brewster.

O

Okay again, the purpose of this is a proof of concept over the long term to show that this.

O

Model works in our community now I understand I'm just wondering where the money is going. So are you.

K

Going to ask for more positions specifically dedicated to this, or are you going to use this.

K

Money to supplement current ftes currently, it would be available for overtime for over time for.

O

Current ft's gotcha, so I unfortunately the way the grant is written. I can't ask for ftes from.

O

That grant that's what I figured so it would have to be staffed internally. uh The money would be.

O

Available to use for training of new cit officers, the money would be available for to the offset of.

O

Of the staffing and things like that longer term and two three years down the future. But this.

O

Establishes a good core of a program that we could uh build on all right. That makes sense. Thank you.

B

So if I read this correctly, you have 234 officers and 117 have not been trained of 117 haven't been.

B

Trained you're going to use this for six to four about half of them, so we're we're going to.

O

In in the draft of this, just because of the way your meetings lined up.

O

And uh the way that the grant due date, uh your next meeting, not until july, uh I was out of the.

O

Office and so yes, some of this money is going to be used for training, but a lot of it uh and.

O

My my intention is to use it and apply the grant in a way that we can pair a cit, trained officer.

O

With a mental health provider that the health department is going to provide through a separate.

O

Funding source and have them working collaboratively, responding to those mental.

O

Health calls for service and helping attach those people to those services. So I guess by quite I'll.

B

Work differently of the 117 that aren't trained yet, according to what your data sheet says, are.

B

We looking to the quarter million dollars, we'll cover 117 of the quarter music, to cover 67. the.

O

The limiting factor on the uh training of the officers is more along the lines of.

O

The cit course is a 40-hour uh training, so that's offsetting personnel from the uh our resource over.

O

Two years that could get close, but the the cost of the course is not only them. It is taking the cit.

O

Instructors away from their job, so, for example, this year we put on for the first time we're.

O

Trying to make up from some classes that were delayed and covered, we put on four classes. uh This.

O

Year, we're kind of like oh great, we're putting on one a quarter. That's going to be great, but.

O

Some of my instructors are say detectives, and so we had been doing two classes a year. 24 students.

O

Say class, and so you take a uh a detective instructor away for two weeks. That's acceptable or.

O

That that's hard in a year, because that's not the only training that they're doing that's, not the re.

O

Refresher training, so if I take an instructor away for four weeks, that's four weeks of detective.

O

Works and not there's a big ripple effect, and so I'm trying to get as many personnel.

O

Through that uh cit training as possible, while also providing the the most service to the.

O

Community, by uh having those cit trained officers out there, where we've used this uh recently is we.

O

Had a number of citizens uh who were uh calling 9-1-1 all the time, and so when we got into that.

O

And so they're every day, an ambulance which is a at a critical uh shortage, as you know, going.

O

Out to the same residence over and over again, and so our behavioral health coordinator, and I.

O

uh Went out to the residence and and helped connect them with services so that they were.

O

Getting the medicines and the things that they need in a way that was not adversely impacting our.

O

Ems resources, in that particular case, it had nothing to do with us and so.

O

A good chunk of this will go to training that that remaining officers as our workforce turns over.

O

As it does, in corrections and in law enforcement, I can't guarantee that money will get 100 of.

O

My officers done, but we're going to get as many done as we can, but the key is not having a mental.

O

Health provider not paired with a police officer to get them out to de-escalate that situation,.

O

Thank you good. I think what you're seeing here is you know. Fortunately, I have the knowledge.

K

Of what a correspondent unit, mobile crisis, intervention and everything is there, but.

K

I think what you're seeing by the questions here is a lack of understanding of what this project is.

K

Basically, and how it's going to be rolled out in the partnership with the department of health.

K

From the board, you know the questions that are here, so if it's possible to have something that.

K

Can be provided to the board to really lay out how this is going to work, and maybe dr brewster can.

K

Come in and we had a brief presentation on it, but something that lays it out a little bit further.

K

And also because our department of emergency services is work working.

K

On mobile crisis intervention, which is different than the co-responder unit, so.

K

There's no duplication of effort, because that's something that they're working with the health.

K

Department as well, so I think it if we could get a little bit more information. So my colleagues.

K

Can understand exactly what we're saying here, I'm not saying they don't grasp it or anything.

K

Like that, that's not what I'm saying, but just some more information for them. um I think this is great.

K

Commissioner, along the lines of what you're talking about, I mean I understand that what we.

O

Are talking about here, as uh with anything with public safety, that we do we're cutting edge? Yes,.

O

This is not a tried and true uh uh strategy. This is a very promising forward, leaning uh strategy.

O

And so uh I I we have a series of meetings coming up with dr brewster to fine-tune this along with.

O

Including paramedics in the in this program and looking at it from a very holistic situation, so.

O

I look forward to our conversations along these uh lines and getting your input we're not looking for.

O

A blank check we're looking for something that can make a significant impact in our community yeah. I.

K

Think this is great. I hope it's something that can be long term, because it has proven successful, yeah.

K

That's why I want to make sure we have a good foundation. I mean this is. This is a great thing.

K

So and it's definitely needed in the community, so I moved to approve the pre-application grant.

K

Documents for the community policing development crisis intervention teams program grant from the.

K

U.S department of justice office community order, policing services for the amount of 250 000.

K

On behalf of the saint mary's county sheriff's office, to expand its current crisis, intervention.

K

Teams, program and authorize, commissioner president, to sign any related subsequent application.

K

Documents the sheriff's office staff to submit it electronically. Second, I have a first and second.

A

All in favor aye any opposed. I just have. I think it's like a great program, especially.

A

If it'll help out our emergency services the medical unit, so definitely thank you very much.

O

You're the first line for a lot of us, so thank you.

I

Thank you, commissioners. Next, on the list is the department of public works and transportation, and.

I

The patuxent river naval, air museum association, lease renewal, john dietrich presenting, and I.

I

Believe, there's somebody from the association in the audience too, if he'd like to come up.

C

Good morning, good morning, john.

C

Great pleasure, I bring this before you because of all the fine work that's being done out there.

C

They want to re-up for another three years and we're really glad to have public works.

C

And transportation is really glad to have them. They run an outstanding educational program.

C

As well as preservation of historic airplanes, which is no small matter, if anybody's ever.

C

Been involved in that sort of thing, they don't take care of themselves.

C

Kind of sitting out there on the tarmac, so they have an excellent.

C

Administrator director that they've been able to hire with their own funds, pay the utilities.

C

Take care of the building just really happy with they're a great tenant, and I would hope.

C

That you can authorized renewal of the lease for another three years. I say this has been a good.

N

Public-Private partnership, chad and what we've been able to do there with a county facility. But.

N

You guys have really been able to grow it, and I see you just recently got a blue angel down there.

N

Yeah we very much the association of course appreciates the commissioner's support uh for.

D

Our efforts and we're actually having a better year than we had in 2019 we've seen a rebound.

D

And we're well above the members there visitation is up. We have the our new v22, the blue angel.

D

That's in causing a lot of interest so uh looking for we're glad to have survived the.

D

Pandemic and looking forward to continue to bringing more people down to the county also.

N

Happy that you got your hundred thousand dollar bond from the uh annapolis, that was very nice of.

N

Them to help you out, and hopefully you can put up a nice sign there and we're in the planning.

D

Phases for that now and our uh that think that'll be a big another big improvement. We're.

L

Very excited about it. Thank you. I agree. Okay, mr miller, uh there's a unfortunately, I think, there's.

L

A lot of people in the county who don't realize what a treasure this museum is so is there any.

L

Plug you want to put for the people in the county who haven't been out to visit this museum yet and.

L

Really should come check it out. Well, the you know the the history of the the their naval aviations.

D

And is so intertwined with the history of the county that we have uh it's a a great legacy, then.

D

When I would invite everybody to come out and take part of that legacy and see the.

D

All the contributions the county's made and we have a couple of wonderful new exhibits coming.

D

On board the women in naval aviation exhibit is, is an exhibit we're working on right now. Obviously,.

D

We're looking forward to having the blue angel for public display and I think it's a a lot of people.

D

Drive by the museum, a sign will help pull them in, but a lot of people drive by the museum and look.

D

At the airplanes they're a lot more impressive close-up, as are the other exhibits, so I would say.

D

If you haven't had your your family or yourself out to the museum, now is the time definitely good.

A

I think the museum is a great draw for for us in the county. It's uh definitely, uh you might say the.

A

Gem of our museums that we have in the county- even I'm not downplaying any of them, but the naval.

A

Museum is a very important part of our history and right now, probably our greatest employer. So.

A

The navy, so it uh it's it, it does a good job for us to make it expand it as much as possible and.

A

Hopefully you got your future agenda. Whatever your agenda may be that we can help support you.

C

I think uh sabrina hex on the line uh she like says something about the interaction with the base.

F

Sabrina hi good morning, good morning, commissioners, good morning, everyone can you hear me you're fine,.

A

Sorry hi! Yes! um So we're excited. um You know the naval, the patuxent river naval.

P

Air museum is, you know, definitely showcased for the county, the visitor center and um it.

P

Definitely, you know, there's synergy there with pax river and saint mary's county, especially the.

P

Parking apron. We were excited last year when the intergovernmental support agreement allowed us to.

P

Repave the parking lot through saint mary's county contractors at a much.

P

Cheaper rate than a much quicker um quicker time uh had we had gone. You know our other.

P

Contracting processes, so that made the parking apron there much better for all the suited.

P

Aircraft and now we're just excited to continue our partnership. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you.

A

Anyone else motion please: I move to approve and authorize the commissioner president to sign.

N

The lease agreement between the commissioners of saint mary's county and the patuxent naval.

N

Air museum association incorporated second first and second, all in favor, aye aye, any disapprovals.

A

Nice have it thank you, mr miller, for all your work down there. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I

Next is the department of public works and transportation on the defense community.

I

Infrastructure program or dcip grant application. Thank you very much.

C

And once again, I believe uh miss hex on the.

C

On the call here, I'll run through a little summary of it, uh you have in your packet a number.

C

Of illustrations, the idea behind this is something that's actually in our cip program for planning.

C

Is to create a crosswalk from great gate, 2 over to great mills, road that was.

C

How we started the project, then, when we started to work with the department of economic development.

C

And miss hector at the base who brought this grant to our attention. uh We looked at the big picture.

C

And by building this project, we'd have sidewalk all the way from gate, one to the knox center. Just.

C

Past gate, 2. we'd have the crosswalk that already exists at gate. 1 we'd have the crosswalk at gate.

C

2 to allow people to walk or bike over to the business district for lunch without moving their.

C

Car and there's actually some people who already commute to the base on bicycle and that would help.

C

Accelerate that and every car- that's not parked at the base is a big benefit to them, as well as to.

C

The county and the rest of the commuters, so it's a joint effort uh from uh the base ded and dpwnt.

C

uh Ded will actually put if authorized will put the grant into the process into the dot grants.gov.

C

Program on the computer and if accepted, will have to come back to you for a budget amendment.

C

Similar to what the sheriff's department had to do with that previous grant, they just talked about.

C

And we have the money in our current budget to fund the share out of that cip project. That's.

C

Attached into the package so we'll we looked at a number of bigger projects.

C

But there's a nepa national environmental policy act requirement. You have to have a nepa document.

C

For a project, most of those take quite a while, for example, the y wouldn't fit.

C

Obviously, we're you know, maybe next year, uh when it gets further along.

C

uh But this year we already had this particular project in planning and uh it's a relatively.

C

Simple nepa documents called a cat, categorical exclusion done a number of those uh myself in the.

C

Past uh shouldn't have much of an issue so miss heck. Do you want to add anything to my explanation.

C

Appreciate it good morning again, this is sabrina heck. I'm the community planning.

P

Liaison officer for nas tax river and I represent the based installation commanding.

P

Officer captain brabazon and he did sign a letter of support.

P

For the crosswalk sidewalk at 8-2 across great mills road, we think this is a great project.

P

It shows resiliency. It follows the comprehensive plan, as well as the recent.

P

Pax river, multimodal study- you know we would be really honored if st mary's county would put this.

P

Project into their cip and request the grant funding. Oh my god, the cat showed up.

A

We thought you'd be attacked, I locked him in the other room too. He doesn't like me working so.

P

With that said, yeah we we would um we're definitely in support of that and we're.

P

Going to help facilitate the nepa documentation, we believe it would be a categorical solution.

P

And um if you have any questions, I'll pause for a moment sabrina, if I understand correctly, you.

B

The crosswalk would go across 235 from gate two. Would it be on the north side or the south side.

L

Looks like the south south side outside so go to where the old o'brian real estate building.

B

Used to be yeah, yes, okay and then the sidewalk will go from gate, two to gate. One.

B

I guess that will be inside on the grassy area, so it will not be attached to the street correct.

C

That's I'll jump in on that one, uh that's correct! Okay! Thank you. Just like the.

C

Sidewalk that will connect over to the knox building will be behind that guard. Rail, okay,.

C

Again, energies into the building in the grass area, I have a question on what is the average width of.

A

The side now I know one area, you say you tone it down to 4.5 feet because of building clearance.

A

What's going to be the average width all the way through five feet, uh the only place where it goes.

C

Down to four and a half feet is a short section right at the corner of the building between that.

C

And the gargoyle is five feet wide enough for a two-way type traffic uh on the walk. It seems.

A

To be off a narrow, 4.5 and very nice, it meets ada and that's what we're shooting for on this.

L

So just one comment uh that short section of sidewalk uh right next to the frank knox, building.

L

Connecting the back parking lot to the house office parking lot will be very valuable. That's.

L

uh That would be a very good addition right there. Thank you. I agree with that statement. Now. The one.

N

From gate, one to gate, two, that's quite a long stretch. Now I guess what strikes me is is what.

N

Would someone actually go to gate one and because usually when you get to gate one.

N

There's nothing there except gate one, or is there a pass officer that they would stop at or.

N

Offices there, but again would they walk, then all the way to gate two.

N

I just don't understand how if you're gonna have any traffic on it, it's more for bicycle. It's a.

C

Mile, uh so it could be more for bicycles, okay, all right, I think it's a good project and the.

B

Other thing looking down the road we might want to consider dsip is to put a sidewalk from the.

B

Lincoln housing project on willows up towards great mills; road, where that stretch is missing.

B

Right now, which would be good for the residents of lincoln housing to be able to walk up to the park.

N

Where's, that is, that the navy housing down there yeah yeah.

K

All right um who's going to be responsible before removing the snow off the sidewalk.

K

You are yeah yeah, you have done it. Thanks for volunteering, yeah see jason property owner so.

C

That would be the base, maybe navy, huh all right- the adjacent property out here all the way through.

A

Okay, well, there you go all right. I moved to allow dpwnt and ded to submit a grant application for.

K

The defense community infrastructure program dcip to improve pedestrian bicycle access to.

K

The great mills, business district and naval air station patuxent river by constructing.

K

A sidewall from gate, one where there is a crosswalk on three notch road to gate; two.

K

And crosswalk at gate, 2 and a crosswalk to great mills, road md-246 crossing the three-notch road.

K

Md-235 and authorized commissioned president to execute all related documents, exact. Second,.

A

I have a first and second, all in favor, aye aye any disapprovals eyes. Have it all right. Thank you very.

C

Much thank you miss. Thank you, commissioners. Next, we have the alcohol beverage board.

I

Here to discuss house bill 12, we have david willenborg, the chairman of the board and also.

I

Ms hildebrand, the administrator of the alcohol beverage board, and it looks like probably some of.

I

His other members are sitting in the audience as well um welcome good morning, good morning morning,.

Q

I want amy to yell at me.

Q

um We sent you some information earlier in regards to house bill 12, which allows businesses.

Q

To continue with strict regulations to go service of mixed cocktails primarily is the.

Q

Biggest thing that would concern and does concern most of the boards within the state.

Q

The bill mandates that the alcohol board establish need, based on the economic.

Q

Problems that covid created for our businesses, as well as to weigh in the welfare, health and welfare.

Q

Of the community, so the board has had tasked me to bring in various stakeholders. They've spoken.

Q

With the community alcohol coalition, the saint mary's county licensed beverage association.

Q

The maryland restaurant association and my staff recently in regards to the governor's order, which.

Q

Everybody is over the moon on had wanted to. Let them know that this bill did not automatically.

Q

Take effect for every jurisdiction that each jurisdiction has to choose to opt in. There was.

Q

A lot of misinformation via social media and media that misinformed a lot of our licensees. So we just.

Q

Wanted to let them know that the board has not made that decision yet and to stop. You know to.

Q

As of july 1, you must see some dis assists these practices that have been going on during covet.

Q

um At that time, a lot of our licensees were then volunteering information about the practices.

Q

That they had been doing during the pandemic and a lot of them to our surprise, once they were allowed.

Q

Seating kind of cut down delivery was definitely not profitable for most of them and curbside had.

Q

Even died down because the people in the community wanted to come back and socialize and and be in.

Q

Businesses and see people, and not just you, know, watch tv and sit at home with a fancy. Good tv.

Q

Dinner so to speak, you know so um so the majority of our businesses just want to go back to the way.

Q

Things were, and god bless them- they've been really resilient. The stats that I gave you.

Q

The majority loss the average loss the highest was 34 34 loss in overall sales.

Q

uh The majority of which we looked the only stats that our board takes as far.

Q

As financials is on our restaurants, because they have to maintain a food to alcohol ratio,.

Q

We found that the majority of businesses who stayed in the lower end.

Q

Of loss actually didn't increase their alcohol sales ratio wise. We have no data to.

Q

Differentiate what was take out and what wasn't um so that's, basically all we had, but we did glean.

Q

Some information in our phone calls uh last week and we do have a handful of businesses that that.

Q

Would like to continue this most of the businesses supported it in support of their fellow businesses.

Q

That they didn't want to, they probably were not going to continue, or they were.

Q

Going to phase it out, but they felt that there might be some businesses that this is what was.

Q

Keeping their heads above water, so now we come before you as the representatives of the county.

Q

To see where you stand, miss hillary and tell me we allowed a lot of outside seating. You know we saw a.

N

Lot of it in leonard town and different places- and I know we allowed alcohol to be served out.

N

There, as long as so what you're saying is, this will continue in that regard, people who are.

N

Allowed outside seating will now be designated an area where you're allowed to.

N

Have an open container, the governor's order actually didn't state anything in regards to.

Q

Outdoor seating that was done community by community, okay, okay, so the outdoor.

Q

Seating doesn't come into play. This is really for curbside pickup, take out orders, okay and delivery.

Q

We've actually got some information from some insurance companies that have come through.

Q

uh Very much in the beginning, in regards to delivery, most of our licensees liability insurance.

Q

Didn't cover delivery? Now we just recently found out even curbside you're going to have to go back.

Q

To your insurance agent, for I mean people wouldn't pick up alcoholic beverages that were mixed on.

N

Curbside, would they yes yeah? That's that's exactly what this is not that she was getting that, but I.

N

Just like that sounds like the old days of the driving window, that that's what you have.

I

Commissioner, this is this is basically legalizing to go. Cops. Yes right, I mean not to sound flippant.

I

Or or anything- and I that's not my my mean, but that's that's what you're being asked is.

I

Bottom line, yes, is to go cups, and- and you can only do it if the local beverage board you know, passes.

I

Rules and regulations on it so they're here today to say commissioners, what's your thought on it.

N

Keeps people from drinking and driving? That's the only thing I worry about there I mean there's.

N

No way to lock the container down until they get home and have a special key. But I guess my thought.

N

When I first read this was, is, I know, a lot of facilities will have like a crier's over there.

N

He's got an area outside that's a designated area. We can have an open container, but you can't have.

N

In the parking lot correct, so they kind of have so that's I didn't know this was about giving people.

N

The right to pick up liquor- and uh this is my ties to go yeah- I'm I mean really. I don't personally.

K

Have an issue with it from the big picture of it, based on all the data that you have. The reason why.

K

Is what's the difference if they pull up to the liquor store or wherever it is grab themselves.

K

A bottle and some orange juice throw it in a cup and drive down the road if they want to do.

K

It they're going to do it. That's point blank it's about education and intervention at that point, so.

K

You know if, if you have a process, that's in place, that is going to be case by case.

K

However, it is licensing you know. I, the alcohol beverage board has always made solid and sound.

K

Decisions and has a good enforcement program, so I think that, ultimately I trust your judgment.

K

In how this rolls out, I I don't see the difference. It's been successful. Had there been any.

K

Catastrophes that you've had dealing with this awareness, not that you're aware of okay- and I mean.

K

So if there hasn't been any catastrophes, I don't know why. I would I wouldn't sit here and say just.

K

Put a prohibition on it: there's been a few practices that would definitely be.

Q

Curbed under this bill right well, I mean that and that's all about what you're going to do and what.

K

You're going to put in place as a board, so I mean I, I just don't the legislation um frankly.

Q

Only gives the board um the ability to limit the size or amount of alcohol per order. It has to be.

Q

With a meal, okay, now, like my chairman, has said what defines a prepared meal there's really a.

Q

Vague definition of prepared meal we get into the weeds with hot dogs and p and pizza you know, is.

Q

Pizza, that's a meal for some people, pizza and a salad. That's that's a meal! So what concerns me is.

N

I know bartenders or people who serve alcohol have said. I think it's called cams or some kind.

N

Of training, so they can identify someone, who's had too much to drink and they don't.

N

Serve that person this way you wouldn't have that ability to find out if someone's showing up.

N

uh Inebriated or in some state of mind that maybe they had a few on the way over.

N

And now they're going to pick up the which is already paid for nine times out of ten right.

Q

Yeah there is concerns there um because again, there's no control that the person picking it up.

N

Is someone looking at them saying you've had too much to drink? Well, that's that's part of the.

Q

Concerns statewide on um enforcement. um Delivery. Wise. You know you have a delivery person, the the.

Q

Statute states, they have to be 21, they have to be alcohol awareness certified, but in the.

Q

Reality of life, when you go to somebody's door with food that they have already paid for.

Q

And and even if we put in the board, puts in as part of the requirements that they have.

Q

To keep a log book that they check the id, and you know the the driver's license number or.

Q

Something along those lines. Even then, it becomes very hard sometimes for employees.

Q

To say, oh, I can't give you your alcohol, because you appear to be intoxicated.

Q

You know and and who's going, how do we even enforce something like that? You know you can't.

N

Even tell me, liquor stores have that same requirement that if someone walks in this.

N

Obviously looks like they've had too much to drink that you're not supposed to.

N

Because you have no way of knowing if it is very difficult, tough, it's very difficult.

Q

And and it's difficult even without this bill, I mean you, like you just said: liquor stores.

Q

Go through that every day, every day they have to decide whether they're going to make a sale or not.

Q

So you know it does present a challenge so question on the legislation. This is proposed.

L

And was approved in order to provide economic recovery. Yes, for these organizations, is there.

L

A time limit on how long this will be extended, it is under a two two year sunset clause. um There's a.

Q

Lot of um documentation and research data that is supposed to be provided to the legislature.

Q

Six months prior to the end of that sunset clause, we're not quite sure how we're going to get that.

Q

Documentation because it's asking for 2020, 2021 and 2022. well 2020 is half you know is gone.

Q

Nobody knew they had to you know, so I don't know where what they're going to require and.

Q

They still haven't laid out what they're going to require um 2021 is halfway through, so even.

Q

If this board adopts it we're going to have to figure out okay, what kind of additional.

Q

Information is even needed that I'm going to need to request for my licensees.

Q

In order to help the health department and the alcohol tobacco commission, with this data right.

N

But I mean: will they they card people when they pull up to get the food? They say.

Q

They should be, they should be two jurisdictions during the during 2021. um 2020 did have the means.

Q

To do a secret shopper program and the results were not not really great. 40 failed to card.

Q

And they had a few uh businesses that were actually putting the take out in bags on the table.

Q

And the customer people just come in and pick it up and go yeah. So so there are those concerns.

Q

um You know it was a crazy year, so it's hard to say what happened. What didn't happen.

Q

I think, for the most part, our businesses did the best they could now did they respond. Did it it.

N

Actually helped them stay in business. Is this type of a sales help them because they're allowed to do.

N

It there well to go like I said: the to-go sales, the alcohol to food ratio, and I only had that.

Q

For my restaurants, I mean the ones that were hit. The hardest were bars that don't have food.

Q

Sure, okay and they were allowed during the pandemic, to sell drinks to go to try and keep.

Q

Their heads above water, they won't qualify under this bill because they don't have food. It may.

Q

Cause some of them, I know. During the pandemic, a few bars did actually up include or build kitchens.

Q

Or build out their kitchen um in thinking forward, but probably about 50 of our bars, will not qualify.

Q

For this so excuse so you're saying that a bar that does not serve food would not qualify for.

B

This correct, but a restaurant that serves food would qualify because the drinks have to be with a.

Q

Prepared meal, it's like you, said it could be steak and lobster or pizza and hot dogs doesn't matter.

N

It could be an order of french fries right. It sticks back in order of french fashion, yeah.

Q

All I know is it can't be, you know, packaged potato chips and a slim job, yeah yeah right.

K

Two bags of chips and rice right, mr willemboer. Yes, what as the chair I know, you've probably had.

K

Much discussion on this: what how do you feel about it? Well, I have concerns.

R

First thing is the understand that july one is when the wild west ends the emergency.

R

Declaration ends, and I have concerns about people stopping the practices that have been going on.

R

um I believe we even had some people using drive, drive through windows again during covet 19.

R

Because it was a way that was a safer way for our people. A lot of that stuff wasn't enforced. It was.

R

Emergency order allowed people to to do some stuff. That would normally not happen.

R

So we need everybody to step back july um if this, if the board was to approve this.

R

Then it could happen any it could happen next month. It could be three months. We we.

R

Don't we have a lead, we have the leisure being able to decide when we want to implement it.

R

Or not, I mean that's your board right, yes, yeah! So that's a concern. I don't want people not.

R

Having the information they need and do right um from the delivery aspect, one of the things that.

R

Concerns me is the dark porch. Some young person coming up a belligerent customer.

R

Give me my stuff: I bought it, I'm not showing you my id card. I've already purchased this.

R

You're by yourself, in a home with a bunch of people.

R

You don't have any any understanding of your surroundings, and what are you going to do? Did.

R

It happen you're just going to probably let it happen for your own safety yeah. You have.

A

To give it to him, let him go yeah, you know what so, so, how do you? How do you enforce any of this.

R

You can't can't do a sting operation. You know, I think that'll end up and possibly.

R

Been entrapment having some some detective or somebody ordering a meal and bringing.

R

The house and trying to see if they do right, um not to mention what officer would like.

Q

To have their home used. Yes, um you got a tough one here, harley, you have a tough one here, yeah.

N

I personally, I personally don't see serving mixed cocktails with a meal in a container.

A

Either well, then, I can see if you've got a sealed wine bottle, that's a can of beer. That's not open.

A

Selling that to them that would be okay, I would think, but a mixed cocktail in a.

A

Cup currently, you've brought us to another discussion. We've had currently.

Q

90 night, more than 90 percent of our bars and restaurants are allowed to sell to go.

Q

Closed factory sealed, as they got they're allowed to do that now, right now, without pandemic rules.

Q

You know they have always been allowed to do that. However, this bill, actually, if they were to.

Q

Utilize delivery: they couldn't do it for beer or wine. If they had not, they could not do it. No, they.

Q

Couldn't it's only yeah? The wording is bizarre. I agree if you're on sale only, which is a minority.

Q

Of my businesses being on sale, only you can only serve in your business, then you would be allowed.

Q

To deliver beer wine or a mixed cocktail. But if you're on off sale, which is the majority.

Q

You would only be allowed to do. The mixed coffee are most restaurants on sale. Only most.

A

Of my restaurants are on so you have to go to on off sale in order to do this, no they already.

Q

Are that's what I'm saying we're the opposite? We most of our restaurants are on off sale, meaning.

Q

They can sell to go, they can't sell to go yeah. I I have a very minority of them. Usually uh it's the.

Q

Big chain, restaurants, by their bylaws, are not allowed to do off sale or specifically, they're.

Q

Restricted for whatever reason the community doesn't want to offer, but tell me what I'm used.

N

To uh commissioner, president, guy with that on off sales, something familiar with from the elk slots,.

N

Is they can tell you, sell you a six-pack of beer or a bottle of liquor or something hadn't been.

N

Opened right, but this idea of giving you a cup and this board lit on it a few years back. We did.

Q

Growlers but the boards were given the um leeway in the law to distinguish to make a tamper-proof.

Q

Seal which our board did in the rolls and racks we required a tamper-proof seal on our growlers in.

Q

Order to not only keep the business protected and the customer protected, but also law enforcement.

Q

Would be able to identify if that had been a broken see if it was indeed an open container.

Q

This legislation names the type of containers, so the it's out of the board's hand to go any further.

Q

With restricting the container itself or how it's sealed, which means it could be a plastic.

R

Cup with a lid, a plastic lid, the only thing you can't have is a straw. It's a straw, hole.

R

Yeah, it can't have holes for a straw. Yes, you can't have a whole thing, there's nothing that prevents.

R

You from popping it open and taking it and snapping the shut. And if there was a car accident.

R

Because it's open it's that way, it could be spilled all over the car. The person could have.

R

Not drank at all right, so the the it couldn't be incriminating. It could be incriminating. Yes,.

K

Well, the question I would have, then I and I'm glad the sheriff's department is still here- is.

K

I don't believe they repeal driver consuming or possessing open alcohol container right so.

K

If they were a deputy happened to stop them, regardless of this law, where would it put them? You.

K

Know, while I personally don't see the difference of somebody getting a closed beer that they can.

K

Open in the cup, I think you know it puts you in a predicament where, how do you it's legal under.

K

This but hey traffic law says it's not so well. How does an officer identified, like you said, a mixed.

Q

Drink, even just because it does in a cup with just a lid versus a factory, sealed bottle of beer. That.

Q

You can then just yeah. That's a closed container yeah. I can tell you if you have a mixed drink.

K

In your car, with a straw in it nine out of ten you're getting that ticket obvious, that's right.

K

Among other things that may go with it, but so it it puts you it puts you in in a certain situation,.

K

For I guess our law enforcement as well, that adds to that and the last thing during this.

K

Whole pandemic did we see duis go up, they skyrock, okay, one of the sheriff yeah. That's.

B

That's what I'm come on up here. We have plenty of senior officers sitting in the audience.

F

There's a good one, big guns coming up law enforcement's take on this one.

K

I think it's important yeah.

E

So you wanted to talk more about crisis intervention, yeah.

E

That's what this turned out to be all right. It's a very complicated discussion.

E

Yeah, it really is, and it's just the on off premise, is not a simple premise and.

E

For us, we get into exactly what commissioner o'connor was talking about, is an open.

E

Container in a car for drivers consuming alcoholic beverages and driving it's illegal.

E

Open container and the public is illegal, with some exceptions by permit or other, so this.

E

Puts us or law enforcement in that situation to have to judge um you know whether it's a violation.

E

Of law, either operating or consuming in the public space and whether it was sold in compliance.

E

With our liquor laws, it would be difficult to do compliance. I mean we do compliance all the time.

E

That makes that a little bit different, uh you will I'm sure somebody will ask me: has there been.

E

An example of where this went awry, I can't give you one off the top of my head. I don't know of.

E

Really any issues that way, but um I I think mr willemborg captured it correctly during this covid.

E

uh Epidemic we were very sensitive to businesses being able to stay alive and and thrive so um and.

E

Again complicated scenarios um that was not our focus, it was trying to all of us work together.

E

To be able to keep businesses afloat and people engaged and give the public some outlet, so I.

E

Don't know if that helps you at all, but it is a complicated. It's a complicated scenario.

E

Yeah, for me, it does at least because you have conflicting laws. You have the enforcement of.

K

The laws putting law enforcement in what could be a precarious situation, trying to figure out.

K

Two ends which law where to come from: how did it come from and you're turning.

K

An open container into a uh you know a caper, I mean with a huge investigation but and then.

K

Your end of it well, my personal views are one thing, but I see the.

K

The woes that you're laying out here that could be accompanied with it possible possible yeah.

R

And we we've also seen a increase in the last um checks that they did compliance checks. I think.

R

um 21 failed yeah, so we normally month the month have zero failures. This time it was 21 percent.

R

So, that's, that's, that's not a good trend and nationally the trends are bad. I believe um there.

R

Was a large um upward trend of people actually drinking at work? In other words, tell them I mean.

R

Telecommuting from home and being and being drinking while they're on the job increase of.

R

Women by 41 of drinking um a binge drinking was it not yes, so so there are some national trends.

R

We don't have that data here or really a way to collect it. The other thing about this ordinance is.

R

I mean this bill is going to be it's going to put the responsibility on the board to.

R

Provide a permit for that people do this with no charge, and also any of the compliance checks that.

R

Are done in the future and the increase necessary that would have to be. The monitor um is all on us.

R

So that's another reason why we wanted to come here and have a discussion was that there could.

R

Be monetary issues and being able to run the board in the future? um Well beyond what the.

K

The sheriff has stated and his staff- I just recalled a conversation that I had.

K

With a chief of a rescue squad and they've been responding out to somebody that frequently calls.

K

9-1-1 and they said when they go, they would have lots of miniatures delivered. I mean, I think they.

K

The number they used was like 60 or something like that it was. It was insane, so I I could see.

K

That that might be shooting high, but I believe that was the number they used either way. I I think.

K

You have a long road ahead of you on figuring this one out, but if you take.

K

All of these factors in I think that the reset button is probably needed on this. A miniature.

R

Delivery would be one of the things that wouldn't wouldn't be allowed. It's clear. It says mixed drink.

R

Or cocktail, which is again a mixed, drink, yeah and and currently our rules and rags in saint mary's,.

Q

County have always prohibited delivery because of the enforcement aspect, our our aacs in our.

Q

Past ac's have always said: there's no way we can. It would be almost impossible to do compliance.

Q

Checks for delivery. What do you do? Follow? Follow the delivery van around all day. I I don't think so.

Q

Right, so it seems that what the businesses, mostly in the survey wanted, was a continuation.

R

Of the use of their expanded space um that they're using now people enjoy dining outdoors, um we don't.

R

Have any say over that? That's other agencies and we're like the final rubber stamps say. Yes, you can.

R

Serve drinks here, but we have no control over anything, but the final approval is saying: yes,.

Q

And and we have been working with the businesses even starting two months ago, my inspector was.

Q

Going out, we were looking at the coveted um approved outdoor premises, the ones that we thought.

Q

Could possibly uh qualify for fire marshal approval and all the safety agency approvals logan.

Q

So we started them on their applications. For that, thank you. So they are moving that way.

Q

Most of them- and I believe the corporate town of leonardtown is working on a town plan so um but.

Q

To it's only fair, I think, for us to also um give you some information that we got you you received.

Q

The letters from the beverage, the state beverage association, but we did have the local beverage.

Q

Association speak, and we had two members of that, mr david dent, who stated he supported the adoption.

Q

He believed that, under the emergency order, most of his peers acted responsibly as far as he knew.

Q

He said, even though restrictions are being lifted, businesses are still experiencing.

Q

Difficulties- and this would be a good tool for transitioning back to normal for those businesses.

Q

He did a lot of to-go food. He knows. Other businesses did do a lot of to-go drinks only.

Q

Of course, that would have to stop um mr carly, who runs the rex bar in leonardtown, and has a lot of.

Q

Bar experience behind him, he said this: he doesn't consider this legislation, an experiment as it's.

Q

Been going on for the last 18 months, he said most of his customers, who ordered from him were.

Q

Not looking for you know, throw me a bucket or uh ten rum and cokes. They were looking.

Q

For signature cocktails uh that they would get while when they could sit down and enjoy, you know.

Q

Some socialization at his uh place and he said, there's a before 10 p.m, crowd and then, after 10.

Q

P.M, crowd, and he said this would be more of his before 10 p.m: crowds those people who are still.

Q

Cannot, or are for a variety of reasons, cannot come and sit down at his establishment. Yet.

Q

And he stated that, as as far as he as a bar owner wouldn't want this to continue past 10.

Q

P.M now there is a 11 p.m. Deadline stop date, stop time on this, you cannot do delivery or curbside.

Q

After that time, however, he was like yeah. My staff would kill me if I kept it past 10. So you know.

Q

There are responsible, you know, they're thinking about it too, but I just wanted to put in that.

Q

They're positive points there too, because I know you know we have our concerns and- and I.

Q

Think they're legitimate concerns, um but I did want to put out. Let me ask a couple questions.

B

um You brought up leonard town, you know we have the outdoor seating and they've been doing a.

B

Really nice job of getting the planters out there versus the yellow barrels. That's right would this.

B

Does leonardtown have its own jurisdiction over this, or do we see the whole county over.

Q

Leonardtown has their own jurisdiction over land use and growth management, so they they.

Q

Don't go, they don't get vetted through permits on our. So my question on these to-go drinks are.

B

We deciding for the town of valentine's, aren't they going to decide for themselves? Yes, well, our.

Q

Board decides for leonard town, okay. Thank you. The second question I have is you just said: 11 o'clock.

B

Can this, can you change the time say to 10.? I don't think so. I mean the law states. What.

Q

It is, it would have to be the business's choice. Okay, um the really it's sort of a.

B

Contradictory question you know I was talking to a person who recently was selling a liquor.

B

Store and the new owners wanted to come in and say we want to stay open until 12 instead of 10.

B

And the property owner said well, no, the reason I'm not going to stay open, because only people.

B

Show up after 10 o'clock to get alcohol or probably somebody who really doesn't need.

B

Alcohol after 10 o'clock, but it's stopping by to get anyway, so I'm not going to allow you to stay.

B

Open past 10, I don't know if liquor stores in the county state will pass 10 o'clock or not. That's.

B

A question outside the domain, but as I look at the legislative record on this, it was pretty unanimous.

B

At both the senate and the house that they well, they pushed it through with only three no house.

B

Votes and one no senate vote, so the legislature was very clear on their intent with this one.

B

And now work you're coming back to us to sit there and say: how do we we feel about it and.

B

I'd like to send some to a little, I, the the evidence that you presented is great, but I.

B

Wouldn't mind going around asking a few of this bars and things like that, what their opinion is.

B

I have a funny fun, I know the answer, but it never hurts to go get the answer.

B

Unless you see it, look in their eyes and ask the question, I still worry about underage.

N

Drinking you know, go online, make your order pay for it. Credit card pull up whose card you.

Q

And and the you know- and this has always been the difficulty- uh the probably the thing that keeps.

Q

Business owners up at night is: is my staff going to do the right thing sure I think ultimately, the.

K

Commissioner, morgan makes a very valid point on the legislature and that is they've delegated. That.

K

Authority to the alcohol beverage board um that it's your decision and whatever decision you make.

K

You know that that's what is going to happen to the business. I appreciate the input.

K

And the dialogue on this and having the discussion on it, though I really do.

Q

This board has historically like a mr wellingborg, is new as our chair, relatively new and and.

Q

But this board has historically always even when they've, given the authority to do something.

Q

Where we're not required to ask for the county commissioner's input.

Q

We've never wanted to do this, it's your county! Thank you. I think your bars and.

A

Restaurants would like this bill because they make a lot of money off of a cocktail sales.

R

Right now, apparently, obviously they they haven't really, since the ratio of food to alcohol hasn't.

R

Changed it doesn't say that there's been much and actually a lot of some of these businesses said.

R

Wasn't profitable um and then there's going to be us making some whatever the requirements.

R

Are for data that's collected, which adds to cost? Well, I can tell you from last week's phone calls.

Q

Of the 66 restaurants that we contacted, we got 60, we made contact with 60. Only 20 did to go.

Q

Cocktails and eight said they would want it to continue. um 12 only used it during the time that.

Q

They could not have any indoor seating or their indoor seating was so little. It really wasn't.

Q

Helping them afloat again out of 49 bars, taking a good hard look at at their the way they operate.

Q

Maybe 19 will qualify for to fall under this bill because they have food, 49, 19, 19 out of 49.

Q

And of them only seven did to go cocktails so um and- and there were a lot of you know you you guys.

Q

Know way too well all the challenges of covid and and trying to get people in and um trying really.

Q

The big complaint, the big thing- that's hurting them now- is not having employees. That's that's the.

Q

Real, what's really hurting them right now is lack of employees lack of getting help even with our.

Q

Liquor stores we've got that's, I kind of wonder if our rise in non-compliance is because we have one.

Q

Person, the owner running the liquor stores, 24, 7 and just being dead on their feet. I mean we see it.

Q

You know our inspector goes out and he he sees them they're, they're hurting. So.

Q

uh You know so there were multiple challenges and, and people are just ready to be done with copious.

Q

As we all are well make the right decision yeah, I don't know that's why we're here to have this.

R

Discussion and and the thing is, we have a sunset clause and- and I don't know commissioner morgan.

Q

If, if maybe you had any insight on this, but in my um weekly meetings with the other jurisdictions.

Q

um We do believe that some of the sponsors, not the uh the people who pushed the build.

Q

And got sponsorship for the bill actually want to see this continue beyond. Hence the.

Q

Requirement of all this data six months before the next session, the end session, the sunset session.

Q

Of legislation, so that is a concern because we are only one of how many counties.

Q

I know our urban counties, our city counties are, are very they're already ready to go with this.

Q

They want this to continue. um They lost a lot of businesses, some to the tune of 50 of loss.

Q

In their business, like businesses just shut their doors and closed down and left, we have a resilient.

Q

People in saint mary's county- these guys are made of tougher stuff and they've hung on so.

Q

um So hence the understand understand thanks dan, any other questions. Commissioners.

A

No, you got a tough, tough job ahead of you on this decision, so we appreciate.

B

You coming forth and yeah, we appreciate it. Yes, yeah and uh personally, I don't see.

A

Buying a to-go cup of a drink. If I want my wood for reserve bourbon over ice by the time I get.

A

It home it's probably going to be half water. You made that same. I don't know I I don't know. I can't.

A

I just can't see myself, I can't see doing that, but I don't know I know, and I believe you made that.

Q

Same point with uh mr curly- and he said I don't know how my drink cap travels. How well it travels.

A

I don't know warm weather everything's the time I get home. That was one of the.

Q

Suggestions they make well. Maybe you should tell us we can't use ice. I mean.

R

Throw an ice put your knife, you get home right and you, and also these have to be delivered by.

R

Trained people right, there's, not the no third party delivery and all that is there.

B

Cash involved in this, or is this all credits in regards to purchase to delivery? That would.

Q

Be up to the business! Well, the I would hate to think that we're going to go have a cash.

B

Delivery system by a driver like a pizza, for example, and you go somewhere and it's a setup.

B

And I've been delivering drinks and I've got money on me and I pull into a neighborhood and come to a.

B

House and somebody's waiting on the side and I get robbed or mugged or beat up or the car gets stolen.

B

Which is all feasible? If you ask me sure, yes, it depends on the business model.

Q

And- and I mean even even if it was just credit- I mean if somebody wants to do something like that.

Q

If somebody has ill in mind, you know it could you could just be doing credit and have no cash.

Q

On you and still be a victim, that's true, yeah yeah! Well, thank you. Any other questions. Commissioners.

A

Anything else no, no. Thank you very much good luck on your decision making on this. Thank you thank.

A

You next commissioners, we have the department of economic development for the mouth of foundation,.

I

Fiscal year 2022 ranking nice kelly, hinkle, the deputy director and donna sasser here to present.

S

Good morning, commissioners, I am kelly hingle deputy director with the department of economic.

S

Development I'm joined today by donna sasser, the manager for the ag and seafood division within.

S

Our department, donna, is the department's expert in the subject area of the item. That's before.

S

You this morning we are presenting the saint mary's county's agriculture, land preservation,.

S

Excuse me advisory board's, objective, ranking of 10 applications that the department has received.

S

For funding from the maryland agricultural land preservation foundation, funds to place permanent.

S

Conservation easements on farmland in the county, the county has successfully leveraged mouth funds.

S

To preserve over 13 000 acres of the 27 000 acres that we currently have under perpetual.

S

Easements in the county, you have a list of those applications again. This is an objective ranking.

S

Based on the nationally recognized land, evaluation and site assessment system, known as lisa, the.

S

Applications before you represent an additional 1200 acres happy to answer any questions.

N

Okay, don't we have a goal that we're trying to reach as far as acreage under conservation.

N

And they're a number like 60, 000 or 60 000, okay and thought it had that number in mind.

N

Yes, how are we doing with that number? Are we getting close to it? I mentioned 27 we're at 27.

S

000 under conservation easement, currently so over halfway there, oh I'm under halfway there tell me.

N

I I saw here because I kind of knew that 60 000 acres, though I see you, have like a number nine.

N

Is 335 acres, but a number two is 71 acres. I guess my thought process would be that the larger the.

N

Piece, the better I mean we're meeting our goal and so how's the scoring work. What's the criteria.

N

That makes a 71 acre piece more rank higher than a 335 acre piece in the land evaluation.

T

Site assessment: there are two parts of it: land evaluation. The other part is site assessment, so.

T

Part of the score is strictly based on the soils of the property, and so the better. The soils.

T

For agricultural production, the higher the points that a property may get that that's half of the.

T

Of the scoring system, the other half of the scoring system is a set of nine questions.

T

That we go through and answer so, even though this may be only a 70-some acre parcel.

T

71 acre parcel if it is adjoining to other property, um that's already preserved, so it.

N

Actually increases it gets more points for that question. It would have gotten less points for.

T

71 acres is less than the average farm size of a county. That's one of the questions as well.

T

So it would have gotten a few less points where the 335 acres would have gotten the full.

T

10 points but when you add up all the points for the various questions of, do they have a.

T

Soul conservation plan um that kind of thing then this is you know that goes into the ranking just.

T

Again, very objectively going down, and nowadays using gis, we are much better at being able to say.

T

How many acres are preserved in the area? um You know? Are you two within a mile of.

T

Houses, you know that kind of thing, uh the number of houses we can do a much more objective, job and.

T

Making sure that if you walk in the door and say well, how did my property rank? We can walk.

T

You right through it and you'll, come up with the same number of points that um we did. Okay now in.

N

Trying to meet this 60 000 acre goal. How do we do we like put something out to potential people who.

N

Could qualify? I know. We've looked at the matapani area in the huntersville area. We have these two.

N

Designated areas, do we put out like letters or something to people who own acreage there and say.

N

Your property could qualify for this. Are you interested? Well, each year we do put out a press.

T

Release through the county and and advertise that our deadline to accept applications is may.

T

1St that gives us the opportunity, then, to rank the properties. We utilize the ag preservation, advisory.

T

Board and also then get to the commissioner, so we meet our july 1 deadline to the state.

T

So we do press releases, we normally use the cooperative extension newsletter to.

T

Also put out that information to landowners and really throughout the year we answer questions.

T

To landowners who call in I guess when you're allowed 12 and you only had 10, maybe you'd- have.

N

Had 12, if more people knew about it, I'm not saying that you know, and this is actually the.

T

First year the the least amount of applications that we've ever had and I think kobud again had.

T

A part of that, because normally there would have been more agriculture, winter meetings.

T

And events and activities that would have come up where people would have had more discussion.

T

About this, but this is the fewest amount of applications that I've ever submitted forward.

T

To uh maryland ag land preservation. Okay, thank you. Well, the good thing is that it's moving forward.

B

And you do have applications and we do provide opportunity, yes and then also, I guess you'd say.

T

Because we have the robust rural legacy program that is also offering landowners. Another option.

T

uh Rather than the maryland agland preservation program, they may find that.

T

Rural legacy is a better option for them, so based on having two areas for rural legacy and.

T

Those areas having been expanded over time it does give people more options, are both programs and.

N

Credited towards the 60 000 acres we're trying to get they all assist in the 60 000 acres, the.

T

Tdr program in the county goes towards those 60 000 acres and I believe some of the plotted.

T

Open space land in um and certain subdivisions go towards that as well. Okay, thank you. It's also good.

B

To recognize that this, these properties here do not have to be in the rural legacy areas it could.

B

Be anywhere in the county, that's correct. Thank you. I moved to support the saint mary's county.

K

Agriculture, land preservation, advisory board's, ranking of the properties to be considered for.

K

Malpf funding and to have the commission president sign all related documents. Second,.

A

I have a first and second, all in favor, aye aye aye many opposed nice heaven. Thank you, ladies.

A

Thank you. Thank you. Commissioners. Next is the department of human resources with the saint.

I

Mary's uh soil conservation district mou, miss uh catherine pratzen director presenting thank you.

H

Good morning, again again, catherine, you may recall that in february robert cooper, the chair.

H

Of the saint mary's county, soil conservation, district and bruce young, the district manager.

H

Requested, commissioner, consideration to develop a new agreement between saint mary's county.

H

And the soil conservation district related to funding this district manager position.

H

Specifically for the provision of retiree health and life benefits.

H

Since 1979 the soil conservation district manager position, the county has paid one-half of the.

H

Salary for that position and provides health, insurance and life benefits to that position.

H

Soil conservation districts are independent union units of government in every county.

H

And in many counties the individual holding that position as a county, employee.

H

The other half of the salary and benefits for that role is provided by the state.

H

Folks, commissioner, consideration and approval of an updated agreement with the district.

H

With soil conservation, district, continuing the provision of 50 percent of the salary.

H

For the district manager position and continuing the provision of subsidized.

H

Health and life insurance benefits and adding the provision of retiree health benefits is requested.

N

I'm not opposed to this, but who does the soil conservation manager.

N

Answer to somebody at the state or somebody at the county, the board, okay,.

N

The one the board we appoint right, so I guess that can be us and is this common in.

N

Other counties this yes in many other counties, this position is a county position all right.

N

Good well, I moved to approve the mou with the saint mary's county, soil conservation, district.

N

Outlining the salary and benefits provided by st mary's county government for the soil conservation.

N

District manager position and authorize the commission president to sign the related documents.

N

Second, I have a first and second, all in favor aye any opposed nice. Thank you, ms catherine.

H

Thank you thank you, commissioners, and next. The department of human resources, catherine.

I

Pratzen director, presenting again regarding the resolution for additional holiday leave.

H

And thank you and as we as we all lived through last week on thursday, the 17th of.

H

June president biden signed legislation making juneteenth a federal holiday and shrining june.

H

19Th as the national day to commemorate the end of slavery in the united states,.

H

In response, the federal office of personnel management announced that most federal.

H

Employees would observe the holiday on friday, the 18th following that announcement governor.

H

Hogan announced state government agencies and offices will be closed on friday june 18.

H

And the commissioners followed suit, presented today with a resolution granting june 18th as an.

H

Additional paid holiday for 2021 or as a floating holiday leave for employees required to work.

H

Additionally, floating holiday leave is typically required to be used by the end of the fiscal year.

H

Which is june 30. and as employees had no idea that this holiday was going to be presented. The.

H

Commissioners are asked to provide or allow those hours to be carried into the next fiscal year.

K

That's fair yeah. I moved to approve the resolution recognizing juneteenth.

K

As an official holiday providing county employees with a paid holiday on june 18th.

K

2021 or floating holiday leave for employees required to work on this date and to approve the.

K

Floating holiday hours earned on june 18 2021 may be carried into fiscal year. 2022.. Second.

A

Have a first and second, all in favor, aye aye any opposed nice have it. Thank you. Thank you.

I

Thank you. Thank you, commissioners. Last on the county administrator.

I

Time is department of finance with the american rescue grant spending plan just.

I

Cut more, mr president, what's going to go for our top person? Oh okay, please go ahead.

K

Good morning, commissioners, I see.

U

um The american rescue act funding was approved on march 11 2021 by the department of treasury.

U

And information was released actually on may 10th on the specifics and frequently asked.

U

Questions were provided on may 25th. They were also updated this past thursday on the 17th.

U

The fy 22 budget included 11.1 million budget authority with nine hundred ninety two thousand.

U

Three hundred and fifty three dollars already allocated for a county for county.

U

And a sheriff nurse five positions in the health department and scholarships for students at csm.

U

Who need additional assistance due to the impact of covet 19.

U

The amount included in the fy 22 budget is half of the allocation based on the county's population.

U

Remaining funds will be received next year. Application was submitted online to the department.

U

Of treasury on june 2nd and the 11 million to 23 993 dollars and 50 cents was received.

U

On june 14th, the period of performance for this award begins now and ends on december 31, 2026.

U

As set forth in the treasury's implementing regulation, the recipient may use the award funds.

U

To cover eligible cost during the period beginning march, 3rd 2021 and funds must be obligated by.

U

December 31st 2024, the obligation means the check was actually cut or the funds were encumbered.

U

There are seven uses allowed for spending the grant funds.

U

Supporting the public health response addressing the negative economic.

U

Impacts caused by the public health emergency serving the hardest hit communities and families.

U

Replacing lost public revenue providing premium pay for essential workers investing in water and.

U

Sewer infrastructure, investing in broadband infrastructure, county administrators sent an.

U

Email out requesting spending plans based on the seven allowed uses at the end of april, so we were.

U

Working on this process and trying to collect the items during the budget process, the request.

U

Spreadsheet represents the responses totaling. We receive 69.2 million dollars worth of requests.

U

To spend 22.2 million that was available based on the county's population, requests were reviewed by.

U

The county administrator human resources, director county attorney and myself, it was important to be.

U

Equitable and provide funding to all that had requested funds. County departments will receive.

U

5.1 million sheriff's office will receive 2.1 million csm 540 000 metcom 3.3 million the fire.

U

Department's 1 million and the health department will receive 10 million over the two years.

U

Overall, there will be eight grant ftes that will be funded for the two years.

U

The two-year spreadsheet identifies how the funds will be allocated by fiscal year in the related.

U

Youth category fy 22 funding was reduced to the actual amount received on june 14 2021.

U

So update on the other, coveted funding we've been dealing with this now for over a year.

U

And the health department cares, funding has a remaining encumbrance of thirty thousand.

U

Dollars outstanding and the final invoice is expected to be paid by june thirtieth.

U

The county cares was completely spent in may 2021.. The original coven 19 appropriation and fund.

U

Balance has a remaining balance of 1.9 million unspent. The reason why that money was really.

U

Still that amount unspent is because the cares money came in and we used that funding because.

U

Of the deadline that was originally set this past december, so the funding is available. This funding.

U

Is available for additional expenditures related to covet 19 still such as transitional funding for.

U

Paramedics and emts or other coven 19 related expense, such as personal protection, expense.

U

So you'll see included in the board. Docs we've got the one pager here that shows.

U

The recommendations that were reviewed and we're bringing to you today for the two years so on the.

U

Spreadsheet it shows five hundred thousand dollars for the fire departments to be processed through.

U

The emergency services department they'll work with them for each year, totaling one.

U

Million for the two years and that's under the category supporting the public health response.

U

Small business grants um that's representing roughly over the two years, 727 025 for any.

U

Businesses that may need assistance economic development. Well, you know maine. Currently, um you.

U

Remember all the relief money that was provided in all the grants that were provided with the.

U

Cares funding. This is an extension of that and, as they see fit um in any business that may.

U

Need assistance they can use those fundings for that department of public works is an sts office.

U

Trailer and that again is under the supporting the health department, health response, a building.

U

Maintenance 2 position, and we have that in there for two years, a program manager for storm water.

U

We have that funding in there for two years and then for the rac project, a usda funding, kitchen.

U

To help with that project and that's going to be included in the 23 budget, hr has a temporary nurse.

U

Nine hundred 27 thirty eight dollars um we felt the need would only be needed for fy22 I.t.

U

Facility connectivity and broadband telecom towers, um 1.5 million and 22 and then 1.5 million and 23.

U

Matcom, um 2.6 million for the saint clement shores, sewer base b and 22 and then white.

U

Common coast shores failing infrastructure, 720 000 in fy 2023, it was challenging to put.

U

The years between the two fiscal years trying to maintain the 11 for each for the budget authority.

N

Let me interrupt you for a second on this metcon part. I know the board of education is getting.

N

Ready to replace the uh leaching drip irrigation, whatever fields, the drain fields at town, creek,.

N

Elementary school right now, half that property's in the critical areas. It's only 1181 feet from.

N

The shoreline of st louis creek and my point is: is that reached out to them instead of spending.

N

161 000 to dig up and put new drain lines, and you know hooking it up to metcom- would be the way to.

N

Go because what it would do is relieve them of any maintenance. You know something goes wrong and the.

N

Toilet's not flushing, they call somebody. They indicated that it was more cost effective for.

N

Them to install the drain feel, but with the pipeline out front, it seemed like it would make.

N

I hate to use the term the right thing to do, because there's so many definitions of that.

N

Right but it seemed like it would make sense that a public school would be on public water and sewer.

N

Would this kind of money be available to help with that? I would leave that up to metcom to make sure.

U

um I don't think erickson asked me their request. Yeah george erickson asked me that question and I.

N

Said I'll have to ask you right right, and there is guidelines um that talks about each of these.

U

um Well, maybe you can get back to me. I can't get back to you sure if the guidelines don't.

N

Fit they don't fit right, but it just doesn't make sense that that that drain field was put in 1957.

N

And an elementary school of course has a lot of flushes per day, so it would make sense. You want.

N

To treat that affluent versus putting it back into the ground and leeching back in right and.

U

I don't believe that was one of the items that, um but we can get further information, but it was.

U

Like almost nine million dollars, I think of the request from metcom and that detail is on on the.

U

Request that totals in the package, okay, we can get more info on the school. So what you've done here.

A

You prioritized, we did. We took the the request that metcom made right, and that was the latest.

U

Request that we had received from metcom was the 2.6 million of the saint clement shore sewer.

N

I definitely support that. Yes and then the wycomico shores, failing infrastructure.

U

The sheriff community day reporting and behavioral health center. This will be similar to.

U

The center they have outside the corrections now an incarcerated, inmate program, classroom.

B

Office, where is the community day reporting behavioral health center physically located.

U

It's the correctional, cares: um the jail yeah up at the jail, the new right behind us. Yes,.

B

Thank you yeah and then the incarcerated inmate program, classrooms and office space.

U

And, of course, they have the nurse the nurse that was already provided, and we put that in there for two years, funding of 136 856 each year, recreation and parks.

U

Their request of summer enrichment program and a cip for carver recreation center. That would be.

U

Total request for two hundred thousand dollars for them: csm scholarships for the um the students that.

U

Need assistance we put the 270 000 in there for two years to help these students request.

L

Was specifically one year and they were pretty clear on that- we can review that and make sure I.

U

Mean if that's I'll go back and double check their request, and if it was just one year that would be.

L

Free up the 270 for another area, one time request: okay, okay! Well, that's good! That's.

B

What this is correct on that all right, then we can allocate that to 70 to another area and then the.

U

Health department, um there are five positions that were included in the record, their request.

U

That was in the recommended um for the two years, uh maintain ready level covered surge operations.

U

Totaling 3.5 million over the two years, behavioral health hub renovations phase, one and two 2.1.

U

Million is that the pnc building on great mills road? Yes, I thought they had money for that already.

U

No not at this point right. This was her request and we put these in priority order for her.

U

um And then behavioral health mobile crisis response totaling 3.3 million over the two years.

U

So you can see the total amount and um they're all broken out and put into the different categories.

L

I like that, you have them broken out, so we can see what category it fits in well and then we would.

U

Also set up, depending on your approval, we would set up the budget for 22. right now. We pretty much.

U

Put that into one account in the budget and the approved budget, and we would have to allocate it.

U

And then work with the agencies and the departments on their spending. Have we.

B

um Discussed any of this with the board of education they're getting a bunch of.

B

Money too, and I see the I.t connectivity there's, probably some because commissioner hewitt brought.

B

Up cooking up town creek to the water and sewer system, which is 100, maybe it can't be 100 yards.

B

From town creek to the line- oh no, it's not far! No, so I wonder if the board of ed's were going to.

B

Be supportive any of these projects? Are they just saying this is up to us and.

B

They're on their own right, the board of ed you'll- remember: we were here before they received over.

U

37 million dollars for their american rescue 26, they received more than the county, 26 million.

U

And the cranial virus relief for 11 million their funding was truly earmarked for instruction and.

U

They had sent over addresses for us to help um the underserved students, the connectivity um and.

U

You know, mr kelly had gone back and forth and they said you know sorry that funding is not available.

U

It's just for instruction, so we were hoping and I think, there's other grants that are out there.

U

That, if you remember the bus grant, which you know the broadband underserved students funding, came.

U

Later it was actually approved and came from the board of ed, they actually applied for it, and it.

U

Was a joint project with our I.t department and that came in july, so maybe there will be.

U

Some more funding um that will come for that kind of a connectivity or maybe the board of ed, will.

U

Look at their funding and see if they can provide some additional funding out of their 37 million.

B

um This is my opinion. It's a lot of money to make a decision on today and I haven't.

B

My personal personally, I haven't read a lot of this stuff myself. I've read it right.

B

But we get it on friday and make a decision on tuesday is rather hard. I would prefer to.

B

Defer this decision until we have some time the commissioners as a whole to look at you know.

B

There's a requirements out here yet we're making the decision right and my concern is, I have I.

B

Personally, have not enough time to review this. I don't agree with some of this stuff. Okay, so I'll.

B

Write, I would ask for deferment until we can get together, talk and go through this versus.

B

You know just saying: okay, fine, we get two weeks off. What's our timeline on trying to identify.

N

This and get the money well until the spending plan is approved, the funding won't be able to be.

U

Spent until you decide what funding or how we're going to go forward with this stun or spending so.

F

If we come back right right so if we come back on the 13th get on the agenda or another time in july,.

U

Then, at that time, you'll have more time to review it. Yes, there's a lot of stuff. I mean.

U

We've been reviewing this and looking at it and a lot of information and there's a lot of reporting.

U

Requirements um just to be able to um get the funds I feel like. I now have a security clearance.

U

Just to go through the federal u.s treasury portal, um so yes there's a lot of work involved. This is.

U

A lot of money- and yes, we want to make sure we have your blessing on the spending and there's.

U

um Interim reports there's an actual report on programmatic in the reporting. That's due to the us.

U

Treasury on august 31st there's actually a seminar that I need to register when I leave this meeting.

U

For us to learn more about the actual, um the plan and the reporting properties and then.

U

We'll have to actually um in october, do a start, our quarterly submission to the us treasury.

U

On how we spend the money, so I think we have time. The only thing it does is if we do not approve.

U

It or you don't approve the plan the day, which is fine. The spending will not start.

U

Until you approve the plan, that's all do we have a timeline that.

A

We have to meet in ending this or starting it. No okay does delaying it hurt. I don't.

U

I don't believe so: okay slowing down, I would be more comfortable with the 20th just because.

K

There's a a lot of large sums of money, and it may be that we need these individual.

K

Receivers of the money to go ahead and come forward and provide us with presentations on what.

K

They're actually going to be spending the money with like 3.3 million dollars on the mobile crisis,.

K

I mean I know mr walker has not been involved in that conversation to a certain extent um in depth,.

K

And that's something that I think emergency services needs to be involved in, so it may be.

K

Something that we need dr brewster to come back on the 13th and and explain what's going on with that.

K

um Okay, so I'm I'm good with the 20th. I mean just because I'd like to hear from these people.

B

I mean I realize it's: 11 million dollars, it'd be nice if you could get spent, but I don't want haste.

B

Makes waste yeah and I don't want to just go down the rabbit trail, because you got the money you.

B

Got to start spending, this is not washing this. The same air is counting exactly no. I appreciate that.

K

Yeah yeah, we took a good shot at it and reviewing it and looking at the request and you've done a.

A

Great job you got 69 million, requested down to 22. right and I- and there was no way to.

U

Make everybody's or meet everybody's request. One thing just me: I want to make sure we spend this on.

A

As much as possible infrastructure improvement now, if we're going to get into a bunch of fts and.

A

Everything I want the departments to understand how they're going to fund them in the out years.

A

When this funding dries up well, it's very important that they understand that this is.

A

That these in these positions, may be only part-time.

L

Right but the ones that we already approved in the budget, though, that spending can already start.

L

Correct, yes, if that's an approval that you would like to provide today, yeah, I think whatever's.

K

Already previously allocated 9.92 okay, I mean that's, that's already been thoroughly vetted.

K

um Okay, so you plan us, we can start that all right, so I guess you'll. Mr president, you'll.

K

Probably need a motion on that, so I I moved to approve the previous allocated amount for.

K

Immediate disbursement this come over. What was the total? I don't I'm trying to pull it up, but.

U

Like 992 000., what was that for? I don't even remember oh here it is 900 I'll, read it um 992 353.

A

Dollars already allocated for county and sheriff's nurse csm scholarships and positions in the health.

K

Department and defer the decision on the remaining balance for this portion until july 20th 2021.

A

That sound acceptable everybody got a second first, a second any more discussion.

A

With that said, we defer to the july. I was in favor all right and disapproval.

A

Nice to have it. Thank you. Thank you. Miss kevin, very good presentation. Thank you. Commissioners.

I

And that ends the county administrator time. Okay, all right we'll go right into.

A

Commissioner time and this time, we'll start with commissioner morgan. Thank you, mr president. um Not.

B

A lot to talk about, I want to first congratulate everyone who got their awards this morning for.

B

Their response during the covet epidemic, I think the county acted responsibly and quickly and.

B

Did our best to work and to ensure the safety of all the um all the citizens we could and to.

B

Dr brewster to mr dietrich, mr walker and everybody who worked collaboratively on this. Congratulations.

B

um I want to recognize the juneteenth holiday if I've ever said. Can government work quick.

B

Government will prove they can work quick when they want to work quick. So uh congratulations.

B

I'm sorry we weren't invited to the juneteenth celebration, but um congratulations everybody that.

B

Did attend and lastly, back on sports last friday, blue blue crab stadium, chopticon, 3a state baseball.

B

Champions what a game! It was a lot of fun being up there with everybody. Congratulations to them!.

B

And also the 4x100 track team, they won the state championship on saturday. So with that, I want to.

B

Say, congratulations to them and with that I hope you all very happy. Fourth of july. Okay,.

K

That uh yeah definitely congratulations to chopticon baseball. That was that was.

K

Great to see um the 4x100 amazing doing great things out of st mary's county when it comes to.

K

Sports, I believe, that's the second time in the last six years, they've won the championship.

K

So there's good things with baseball coming right out of there chat to khan, one I'd like to.

K

Thank commissioner morgan and my colleagues for um assisting department of emergency services.

K

In rolling out the uh ems plan, um it has been um yeah they've they've received, briefings.

K

They're working diligently and the reason I'm addressing this is because there's been.

K

uh So a lot of false information put out by individuals within the um the realm.

K

And that we're not going to have any services after june 30th and while I'm not going to get.

K

Into the individualistic nature of how things came about, what I can assure you is that the members of.

K

This board have given mr walker, the ability to do his job provide for the citizens of this county.

K

And there was a memo that was put out there: staff that is hired. There are paramedics that are hired.

K

Our department of human resources is working diligently, as I said earlier, the.

K

They're they're swimming and they're definitely doing a great job, and, and I appreciate that in.

K

The conversation with miss pratzen, so while we we see some of the misinformation, that's.

K

Being put out, I I can assure you that come june 30th there is going to be.

K

Advanced life, support paramedics and there's going to be basic life support in this county.

K

It's going to be through a different means, and what I, what I will add to this is that we're.

K

Not I know and I'll speak for me personally. I can't speak for the board, but I I I can say that.

K

We're not going to allow anyone to hold the citizens of this county and or saint mary's.

K

County hostage over any situation, we're going to rise to the occasion we're going to meet it.

K

And we're going to meet the demands of our citizens and the needs of our citizens and.

K

That's exactly what they're doing and that's the support that this board has given. So I I do.

K

Thank all of you for that support, commissioner morgan for meeting with emergency services and.

K

Seeing the data that was up on the board, it's something that that needed to be done and.

K

Again, thank you very much and mr walker and your team. Thank you for diligently working on this. I.

K

Know there's been a lot of long hours that have gone into this many phone calls and dr geary so.

K

Again, thank you to all of you: emergency services, human resources and the entire county team to.

K

Include the office of the county attorney for this agreement that um we're working on so thank you.

L

Very good, I hope that everyone had a good father's day over the weekend. It was a nice weekend. It was.

L

Good, I got a little bit of chaptico chicken for father's day. It was great with a short.

K

Weight better than that with a short weight with short weight they were jammed. There was a lot.

L

Of people getting chapped to go chicken over the weekend and it was good there's a reason for that.

L

So this morning we voted to end the state of emergency for the county. That's a big step.

L

It's time and it's been been a long time doesn't mean that covid has gone away or.

L

Is over, but I want to echo a lot of the comments about the people's choice awards that recognize.

L

County government and county employees and health department and sheriff's office it just being able.

L

To sit here and see kind of the behind the scenes and watch the teamwork that went on watch all the.

L

People involved, it was absolutely outstanding, absolutely inspiring to be able to just see.

L

For everyone, watching at home, your county government and all of the people who have.

L

Chosen to work here and support this community worked very hard to try and keep the community.

L

As normal as possible to keep things moving along as best as possible, and they did an outstanding.

L

Job and did really well together. So thank you to everyone who was recognized this morning. Great.

L

Work and then this morning we talked about the american rescue grant. We've known this funding.

L

Was coming for a long time, we did the right thing this morning. I think just kind of slowing it down.

L

Just a little bit because 22 million dollars is a lot of money, but there's a lot of needs. I.

L

I fully support continuing the broadband expansion with these funds, so that part of it I'm.

L

No doubt in my mind, that's a great use of the funds, but it's what's the most efficient use.

L

Of the funds and mr president, guy was right that I'd like to see a lot of this continue.

L

For infrastructure for our county, we've got a chance to really get ahead with some projects.

L

Making use of these funds and just really making the best use of these funds. So I'm looking forward.

L

To getting that finalized over the next couple months, thank you hey well, this past weekend.

N

I'm sorry, I missed the juneteenth, but it always falls on the same weekend as my wife's birthday.

N

Father's day and my grandson's birthday, so we were in bel air about 30 miles north of baltimore for.

N

That and uh honestly it was a great day. uh I know I'm getting older when about 15 kids wear.

N

You out at a birthday party, lord now, but it's a four-year-old's birthday party is a special event.

N

Coved restrictions, lifting the state of emergency we're getting back to normal, we're starting to.

N

You know, hopefully we resume our lives before covet. It's been a big interruption.

N

Every time we turn around, if something's wrong with something coveted, did it.

N

You know something wasn't delivered koved. Did it he's so nice to put that behind us and while we.

N

Should wear the mask whenever, when those kind of situations that uh demand it or whenever you're.

N

Not vaccinated it's important to get vaccinated and and be able to live your lives normally.

N

uh Today is june 21st, it's the first day of summer. It's amazing summer's already showed up, but it's.

N

Been hot enough for summer, it's supposed to be a little cooler today, but lord knows, let's not get.

N

Too hot too quick now we're off for the next two weeks. So I want to wish you a happy fourth of july.

N

That's always a midpoint of summer, and lord knows older. You get the faster these holidays come.

N

Lastly, just a little bit of information, I learned last night that there's potential.

N

For a land donation by someone in charlotte hall for a ymca in that area be a great idea. There's.

N

Still a lot of work to do to look into that. But if someone's willing to donate the land and.

N

Fund the ymca, hey, that's part of an original vision of three of them for saint mary's county.

N

And ymca is a good things. Thank you. Thank you. Commissioners. um We have no meeting.

A

In the next two weeks- and it gives all time to look at this american rescue plan as well as.

A

Reflect on the things that have happened so far during our budget process.

A

uh Unfortunately, I'd like to say happy fourth of july, but I don't know if I don't know.

A

Two places I think they're going to have fireworks this year. I understand solomon's island is going.

A

To go through with their fireworks, no they're, not huh they're, not no. I thought they were.

A

They reinstated it, they reinstated it as far as I know they got the money. That's what I just heard.

A

They reinstated it big petition. Yeah, there was a guy, he started the petition on facebook and um yes,.

K

Facebook live and all that yeah they got it back: yeah, okay and then up in uh charlotte hall. I think.

A

They're gonna home reception outside gonna have theirs too blue crabs. They're doing live fireworks.

A

Too blue crab too okay, so we got several places. You can go if you, if you're looking for fireworks,.

A

I I sort of miss them when we don't have them so uh try to get out, find the locations and enjoy.

A

Your fourth of july uh father's day was different from me. I told my wife, she said: what do you want.

A

Father's day- and I said I want fried chicken like mom used to fry, so she said, start frying.

A

So I never fry my own fried chicken for my dinner. It was good though well I should have.

A

Gone shopping but I've been in chapter before days like that and you had to stand in line to get your.

A

Chicken I said nah, I'm not going to do that. I said I'll fry my own chicken, so I did. It was very good.

A

Also, I wanted ribs, my wife doesn't like ribs, so I do my own rips.

A

That's the way it is that's just the way it is uh juneteenth is. uh I want to thank our acting county.

A

Administrators uh for the quick response that we went through that thursday trying to decide what.

A

To do with the holiday and then, of course, when the state came through and the fellow uh counties were.

A

Getting ready to do the same thing, we had to make a quick decision and I appreciate the help that.

A

Both you all gave me and getting that decision out there quickly to everybody. So we could.

A

Follow through with this uh quickly signed in holiday the day almost two days before it happened,.

A

So, uh thank you all very much for the work you've done with that being said, I want everybody to.

A

Say enjoy your fourth of july weekend and uh uh be careful and uh meet the adjourned. Oh.

A

Excuse me wait a minute! Mr president. Executive yeah, sorry pardon me! uh Mr president, I have a.

K

Motion to move into executive session for the purpose of discussing real property; okay, second,.

A

Kind of first and second, all in favor aye any days, none meeting over.

A