County Council - Regular Meeting

Welcome everybody. Sorry I'm a little bit late here with council. So, um if we could all go ahead and stand and we're going to say uh the prayer and the pledge of allegiance of the flag. Heavenly Father, as we always do, uh we thank you. We begin by thanking you for uh for everything and all that you do. We just uh thank you for your love, your grace, your mercy. We thank you for all your blessings that you bestow upon us here in Tula County. And just uh we ask that you be there for uh for those who uh th those who uh know they need you and those who don't know that they need you. Father, we just uh we thank you, we love you, we appreciate you, and we do all this in Jesus most precious holy name we pray. Amen. To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay, council. Thank you. Appreciate everybody being here tonight. So, let's go ahead and get started on the agenda. Um, we have it before us. Is there any additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda, council? Okay. Hearing none, the chair moves that the agenda be accepted as unanimous consent. Next is the minutes of September 9th and September 23rd. We've had a chance to take a look at that. Um is there any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes?

Okay. Hearing none, the chair moves that the minutes be accepted as unanimous consent. Um dispersements of September 30th, October 7th, and October 14th. Um, we've had a chance to take a look at that. Any uh any uh additions, deletions, or corrections to the dispersements? Okay. Hearing none, uh the chair moves that the dispersement be accepted as unanimous consent. Okay. Starting off tonight on the agenda, we got our first proclamation of the uh the the mobile integrated health week. Um ma madam secretary, would you go ahead and read that into the record for us?

Yes. Mobile Integrated Health Week October 5th through the 11th. Whereas the goal of mobile integrated health providers is to aid in the prevention of overutilization of emergency departments and emergency medical service agencies for non-emergency conditions to improve the quality of life of patients and to reduce disparities in health care access. And whereas mobile integrated health relies on its established partnerships within the emergency medical services community as well as multidisciplinary teams of health care providers across the emergency and non-emergency care continuum to help communities reduce readmissions and to assist patients in properly managing their health care issues. And whereas the Taba County MIH team comprised of paramedics, EMTs, and registered nurses, offers the following services free of charge to our community: home visits, home safety, and health needs assessments: fall prevention assistance, guidance, and connections to local healthc care resources, and medication review. And whereas it is proper and timely to bring recognition to the value and accomplishments of mobile integrated health care and the dedicated personnel who work tirelessly to improve the delivery of care in our county. Now therefore, we the members of the Taba County Council do hereby declare October 5th through the 11th as MIH week in Taba County and encourage citizens to become informed on mobile integrated health care for themselves or their loved ones and call upon the health care professionals in our community to join the growing network of professionals serving in this need given under our hands in the great seal of Talba County this 14th day of October in the year of our Lord 2025.

Okay. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Okay. Is there a motion? So moved. Second. Okay. We got a motion, a second to approve it. Um, Madam Secretary, could you call the RO? Mr. Callahan. Hi. Mr. Steph. Hi. Mr. Leser. Hi. Miss Milky. Hi. Miss. Hi. Okay. You guys want to come on up? Brian, Rachel, and and Carrie. Yeah. You want to say a few words? Yeah. You guys, you guys want to She ready for

Yeah, she is. Take a couple seats. Yeah, just stand around. Yep. You can sit here. Thank you guys. Yeah. Thank you. You can sit there.

This is uh so this is Carrie. Remember Carrie Audi? She works with me. She's the senior care program coordinator for the Palman County Health Department. Melanie Chapel is a pharmacist from the hospital that I work with very closely. Very blessed to have her on the team. She helps me. Fantastic. And then Dr. Bobby. Yeah, there he is. Yep. So, we're all here part of the team. Um and then as the proclamation mentioned, we also have another registered nurse, Kim Mitchell, works with us from the health department. And then we have um two other paramedics and two three EMTs now on the team, including myself. So, we're very busy. you want to tell the public just a little bit, you know, about about what you guys

One of the other things that I like to mention and make sure everyone aware the program is free and it's open to anyone in Toba County the ages of 18 and older, right? Um we can we provide home safety assessments, fall prevention techniques. Melanie is very crucial with us for our medication reconciliation.

Um and that's just a simp a fancy term of saying just how you managing your medications. can you afford your medications or just educated about I'm not sure what this medication is, what does it do? And that can sometimes prevent people from being compliant with it. But once you sit down and talk to them, they understand why and they want to do it. Um, definitely reducing readmission rates to the hospital. I cannot tell you how crucial that is for everyone in the health care system right now, not just EMS, not just 911, but the ED in general, to reduce ED weight times and making sure that our emergency beds are open for very big emergencies. It's very crucial, especially in such in such a rural area as this is where we have only one hospital to go to. It's it's very important. Um, our last numbers came in hot off the press as as fresh of last night at six o'clock when I finished them up was we were able to so far for our participants for our first grant year, which was starting July of 2024 up to today been able to produce 911 calls amongst our participants by 42%.

So, I don't have a cost number to that, but by 42% I think everyone can agree that that's a good start and we're hopefully that trend will continue upward and we'll get better. But um it's a good start so far and that's what I want everyone to be aware of. Yeah. So so making people aware of this is it is there a way they can get a hold of you? Yeah, absolutely. So if you go to the county website and click on the NIH, there's my contact information. Um

and anyone can either self-enroll or we prefer referrals from like the hospitals or doctor's office. But but this actually this last couple weeks where we've been doing a lot of Facebook and media social media posts. I can I was actually with the commission on aging able to do a Talbert spy interview which was f fabulous. I've got number of phone calls and emails for people. Oh, I know this person or my mom needs help or my neighbor would be good for the program. So I I you know I'll talk to anyone and and listen and see and see what we can help them out with. So great. Well, really appreciate it. Council did you want to add anything? Y

not really. I didn't prepare to speak today, but um this is just a great addition to our community to help connect people with resources and just um you know, it's just an added benefit for our seniors and um disabled folks in the community. Um so, it's really been a great partnership and it's um so wonderful that we have grant funding for it now that can help pay for some of these positions. And um and did you mention they're also doing an equipment supply drive? So many so many things going on.

Yeah. So any kind of durable medical equipment or medical supplies we're collecting to be able to redistribute out to needy people in the community. Um and there's drop off centers at uh Brooklyn's Place at the health department. Um Oxford Community Center, St. Michael's Community Center, Parks and Recck on 50 and Partners in Care. So, I'm getting phone calls every day about that as well. So, spread the word. We're looking for unused herbal medical supplies

and we're storing them at the health department and when anybody needs something, it's a matter of what what do you need and we're able to just provide them with it right then and there. That's that's the no waiting for insurance clearance or someone to save up money. A lot of our senior citizens especially are living on very limited income, right, of I've seen as little as $800 a month after and that was before their housing came out. So, you know, examples like that, that's really where we want to make the difference and I think that's where we do a great partnership with with the health department as well.

Okay. So, I was just going to say it's proud moment for Talby County. This is collaboration that makes a difference every day for people out in the community and uh it's something that started before COVID and it survived kind of through CO and now you've given it a shot in the arm and uh it's really doing well. It's it's a proud moment because not every county in Maryland does this. A matter of fact, there a number of counties that are trying to get this program up and running. So, you know, statewide we are an outlier still in delivering this kind of service to the community. And it's really impressive, especially when you step in with the the medications, you know, the proverbial shoe box of medications and you you kind of help make sense out of it for people

um because it has a way of growing and so uh they do just wonderful work. Y it's great. Thank you, Clay. Okay. Sure. Well, I certainly see the benefit and the added value for this program because my mother-in-law used it. She's 85 years old with Parkinson's and oh my gosh, trying to go through that medication list and having you guys come in and help with that is really a godsend. So, kudos to all of you. Thank you so much for doing this program and it is truly a value um to our senior citizens in Tobet County. We love going to go see Miss H. We really do. And she loves she calls me and Jillian all the time and we love so we we love her so much.

Well, she just came home from another bout with rehab. So, she's back now and she's happy to be back in her home. Good. Yes. Good. So, thank you so much. You're welcome. Um, we want to thank you for giving another option for keeping Tula County healthy place to be and live and indeed live.

Thank you. This is just another piece of uh helping people, helping our our seniors and and others a age in place. Um boosting that quality of life for uh for a lot of our residents. Uh there there are other elements to this, but this is this is an important one and and uh thank you very much for making it happen. I'll just keep going down the line. This is a no-brainer. It's a big thank you. Yeah. Thanks. Simple. Thank you, sir. All right, guys. Come on up.

Yep. It happens all the time. All the time. All the time.

Ready.

Thank you. [Applause] Okay. Um, the next proclamation would be uh Colonel Trench Tillman week. Um, Madam Secretary, could you go ahead and read that one?

Yes. Colonel Tench Tilman week, October 19th through the 24th. Whereas Tench Tilman was born in Talba County on December 25th, 1744 on Falsy Creek, a branch of the Miles River. And whereas Tench Tilman received his early education in Easton in St. Michaels and his formal education at the college academy and charitable school of Philadelphia founded by Benjamin Franklin after which he went into business with his uncle Tench Francis Jr. who served as a trustee for the college academy and charitable school of Philadelphia founded by Benjamin Franklin. And whereas Tench Tilman dissolved his business partnerships with his uncle upon the breaking out of the troubles to share the fate of his country and from 1775 to 1776 was commissioned as a captain of an independent company known as the Flying Camp formed by George Washington and comprised of a group of militia men from the colonies of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware to serve and protect citizens in case of an invasion. And whereas Tench Telman served as General George Washington's aid to Comp and personal secretary for seven years from 1776 to 1783, refusing compensation for the entirety of his service to General Washington, but standing by his side in nearly every battle in which General Washington participated. And whereas Tench Tilman was entrusted to carry the official word of Lauren Conwallis's surrender in Yorktown, Virginia on October 19th, 1781 to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 24, 1781, for which Congress awarded him a horse properly and an elegant sword and testimony of their high opinion of his merit and ability. And whereas Tench Tilman sacrificed his time, energy, fortune, family, and health in support of the

cause, the American independence and freedom. Now therefore, we the members of the Talba County Council do hereby declare October 19th to the 24th Colonel Tench Tilman week in Talba County and encourage citizens to honor his accomplishments and to remember his contributions to the cause of establishing a new nation based upon the principles of liberty and freedom which the residents of Talba County continued to enjoy nearly 250 years later. given under our hands in the great seal of Talba County this 14th day of October and the year of our lord 2025. Okay. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Okay. Council, got a motion. So move. Okay. Second.

Okay. We got a motion. Second. Um Madam Secretary, could you call the role? Yes. Mr. Callahan. Yes. Mr. Stepp. Hi. Mr. Leer. I. Miss Milky. Hi. Miss Hate. Hi. Okay. Uh is Mr. Hay good here? Yes, sir. Come on up.

Welcome. Thank you so much. Yes, sir. I've prepared a statement for all of you. Yes, sir. Could you tell everybody who you are, please? I will start with that. Yes, sir. But first, I just wanted to say, Chairman Callahan, yes. Vice Chairman Leer and members of the Talbot County Council. My name is Wes Hagood and I am the president of the Colonel Tinchman chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution or S for short. I'm also a member of the Talbot County Talba 250 commission. And again, thank you to all of you for appointing me to that position. I really appreciate it.

Great. Uh, our mission is to honor our patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country. Here with me today are Dr. Warren Tuis, who is our chapter historian, and Mr. Sha O'Donnell, one of our newest members, and he's a descendant of the Tilman family here on Maryland's Eastern Shore. I'm also joined by Dana Newman, as you all know, the director of the Talbert County Free Library, who will again be hosting our celebration of Colonel Tentoman week. On behalf of the Colonel Tinchman chapter of the S, I would like to thank you once again for declaring October 19th to 24 as Colonel Tinchman week. And as you know, Colonel Tilman was a local hero, although not many people know that. Um, you've already heard about when and where he was born, but I'd like to add that his father's name was James Tilman. That's significant. And his mother was Anne Francis. They were both members of prominent families here in Talbet County. Tench Tilman's uncle and his eventual father-in-law, Matthew Tilman, was one of the leading citizens in Talbet County and the likely author of the Tolbot resolves, which is commemorated in one of the two historical markers found on the Talbert County course lawn. That was Tinch's uncle. Uh, Tinch Tilman was named after his maternal grandfather, Tinch Francis, who served as a clerk of the Talbot County Court and also served as a legislative representative for Talbot County for three years. The other historical marker on the front lawn of the Talbot County Courthouse honors Tinch Francis Jr., not Tinch

Francis himself, but his son, who was Tinch Tilman's uncle. Uh, Tinch Francis Jr. was a Revolutionary War patriot. He was the father of the United States Navy Supply Corps. And Tinch Francis Jr. contributed heavily from his f personal fortune to finance the revolutionary cause. And I'm assuming that's why the historical marker is on the courthouse lawn. Uh after graduating from college, Tinch Tilman started a successful import export business in Philadelphia with his uncle Tench Francis Jr., the one who's mentioned on the uh historical marker. After the Revolutionary War began in 1775, Tench Tilman closed his commercial affairs as quickly as he could and volunteered as an infantry company as a lieutenant. During 1776, his unit was folded into the flying camp as you heard about and he was promoted to captain. And that's likely where George Washington um first met him and caught his eye. Washington uh had an amazing ability to identify talent in people and pick the right people for the right role. And so uh although what Washington although he needed General Washington needed a standing army which the Continental Congress was reluctant to give him because of the cost. Uh early in the conflict what Washington needed most were capable men known as aid to camps or personal secretaries. Men who could write a letter quickly and well to help Washington manage the war effort. And that's what Tinch did. Tinch volunteered to become one of these indispensable men and became Washington's most loyal and longest serving aid to camp from the time he joined as you heard in the proclamation in 1776. He served in that capacity until the end

of the war unlike the other aid to camps who came and went. Alexander Hamilton is example one. It came and went uh after the British closed the port of Boston in response to the Boston Tea Party in June of 1774 to destroy the Massachusetts economy and teach the rest of the colonies a lesson. Tinch wrote the following. Upon the breaking out of the troubles, I came to a determination to share the fate of my country and that I might not be merely a spectator. The Colonel Tinch Tilman chapter of the S selected October 19th and 24th to celebrate Colonel Tinch Tilman week because of the two dates that were mentioned in the proclamation. October 19th being the day that uh General Lord Cornwallis surrendered his troops at Yorktown and of course Tench took off the next morning to carry that news to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. And then October 24th, the date that he arrived to inform Congress of the surrender, which really marked the the beginning of the end of the war. The war actually went on for two more years, but it was largely, as I would say, a mopping up operation trying to get the British out of all the forts in the the British regulars out of all the forts in the the southern part of the country. Um those thus those are the two dates for the beginning and the end of Colonel Tinchman week. Uh we all know of the famous ride of Paul Rivere to warn the Americans that the British regular troops were coming to Lexington and Concord which marked the beginning of the war. However, less well known was Tinch Tilman's journey from Yorktown, Virginia to Philadelphia, some of which did involve a ride that marked the beginning of the end of the war. Washington chose Tilman because Tinch knew the area intimately and he would find the quickest route to carry the good news to Philadelphia, but also

because he wanted to honor and reward Tilman, his longest serving aid to camp for his faithful service during the war. That's why he was selected to make uh the excuse me, the journey. And as you heard, Congress did um choose to honor Tilman by providing him with a horse, a saddle, a bridal, and an elegant sword. That sword is actually displayed in the Maryland State House um just off the old Senate Chamber if you've ever been there. And it's near a portrait of George Washington, General Lafayette, and Colonel Tinch Tilman, the three of them. And in the painting, Tilman is holding the articles of capitulation in his left hand that were signed to surrender Lord Cornwallis's British army to General Washington. Therefore, I believe it's only fitting that we should remember Colonel Tilman and honor him because again he sacrificed time, fortune, family, reputation, and ultimately his health in support of the cause of freedom and American independence. This year during our second annual celebration of Colonel Tinch Tilman week we are honored to have our guest speaker Dr. Richard Bell who is a professor of history at the University of Maryland College Park and he's also an expert on the Revolutionary War. In fact, he has a new book coming out in early November that talks about how the Revolutionary War had an impact upon the entire world, not just this country, but the way it affected the entire world. I'm looking forward to reading that book. Um, Dr. Bell will make a presentation titled Divided Loyalties, the Tilman family in the American Revolution. During his presentation, he will describe how Colonel Tilman and General Washington himself navigated relationships with members of the Tilman family, including Colonel Tilman's father, James Tilman, his uncle, Matthew Tilman, and

uh, Tinch's brothers on both sides of the war. They chose different sides to support and what the story will reveal about unity, conflict, and the personal cost of nation building. It's more than just a history lesson. This talk is going to offer timely insight into how we can bridge ideological divides today, drawing lessons from the past to foster understanding, civility, and common purpose in our ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union. Um, Dr. Bell's presentation will draw lessons about how Tinch Tilman was able to maintain a strong and supportive relationship with his family members despite different family members choosing different sides of the war. These lessons learned can be used to help our citizens in Talbet County on different sides of ideological divides better understand each other's perspectives and treat each other in a more respectful and civil manner. Uh, Dr. Bell's research and his presentation about this important topic is made possible by our SAR chapter and by a grant from the Maryland 250 commission. Although Tilman is a local hero, he is not well known and that is why the celebration of Colonel Tinch Tilman week is so important. So, I would like to invite each of you to attend this year's celebration that will occur on Saturday, October 25th, 2025 from 11 to 12:30 at the uh Tula County Free Library. And council members David Steppp, Pete Leer, and Lyn Milky have already accepted the invitation. I'm hoping Chuck and Kesha might too. We have a seat reserved for you if you'd like to come. And again, I just like to say thank you once again for proclaiming October 19th to 24 as Colonel Tinchman week.

And now hear from Dana. Good job.

All I want to say is that this is a wonderful way to begin our 250th celebration for next year. And um the library is really proud to be a part of this. Um, General Washington described Tilman as a zealous servant to the public, faithful to him for five years, serving most of the time without pay. Um, it is through examples like Tench Tillman that we can find stories that inspire us today. And so, I just wanted to um let everybody know I've left flyers out there for people to attend the program and we'll be promoting this. And I hope everybody here will help to promote the program because it's really such a wonderful way to celebrate heroes from the past. Um, and they really inspire us today. So,

would add Okay. Thank you. I'll just uh so uh thank you. Thank you guys both for a a wonderful cover of uh how important this history is to our country and that what uh Tench did for us. uh looking forward to uh next Saturday. Thank you. The same. I'm I'm certainly looking forward to this presentation and appreciate the partnership between the uh Tent Tilman chapter and the library.

As an American studies major, I'm really excited about this. Um we've gone from or we'll be going from Paul Rivere writing and saying the British are coming to Tench Tilman writing and saying the British have capitulated. It's just a wonderful, wonderful story and so proud of our county for supporting um this this memory. Thank you. Thank you. Well, thank you for sharing and um greatly uh appreciate you coming in and giving us that information this evening. Unfortunately, I'll be in New York next week, so I'm unable to attend, but I wish you well, and I'm sure Lynn will update me on the good things that happen.

We hope you have a good time in New York.

Thank you. Well, come on up, guys. Yan McDonald and one of our newest members who is descendant of the family [Applause] Thanks a lot.

One thing I'd like to say is directed. Okay, that that was great. Um, okay. Uh, one more proclamation which is economic development week. Madam Secretary, could you go ahead and read that one, please?

Yes. Economic development week, October 20th through the 24th. Whereas economic stability and growth are key to the prosperity and quality of life of Talba County and its citizens. And whereas the staff of the Taba County Department of Economic Development and Tourism in partnership with members of the Economic Development Commission and the Tourism Board champion the economic well-being of the business community by helping create, retain, and expand jobs, facilitating growth, enhancing wealth, and providing a stable tax base. And whereas the economic development and tourism staff and economic development commission members work together to form strategic partnerships with employers, institutions of higher education, and state agencies to attract and retain highquality talent, laying the groundwork for attracting and retaining the workforce of tomorrow. And whereas the Taba County Department of Economic Development and Tourism staff and its partners work to stimulate the community's entrepreneurial spirit while supporting the development of the next generation of small businesses and business leaders, setting the course for Taba County's future. And whereas the Taba County Department of Economic Development and Tourism is recognized as an award-winning driver in igniting economic strength and stability for Talbet County by connecting businesses and nonprofit organizations with resources essential for growth and sustainability. And whereas tourism and business development go hand in hand in Talba County with our people making it work to provide quality jobs and economic vitality. Now therefore, we the county and council of Talba County, in keeping with the state of Maryland and jurisdictions throughout the state, do hereby proclaim the week of October 20 through the 24th as economic development week in Toba County and encourage all citizens to join us in recognizing and reaffirming the importance of business development on a local and statewide

basis given under our hands in the great seal of Talba County this 14th day of October and the year of our Lord 2025. Okay, Madam Secretary, I appreciate it. Um, is there a motion? So, move. Second. Okay, we got a motion second to approve the um proclamation as presented. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Yes. Mr. Callahan, I. Mr. Steph, I. Mr. Leer, I. Miss Mily, I. Miss Heath. Hi. Okay. Good evening, council. Thank you so much. Yeah. Cassandra Vanhuser, director of economic development and tourism for Talba County. It's a real pleasure to be here tonight with all of you. I almost said huzzah. when she read that in honor of Mr. Tinch Tilman.

Uh but uh I just have a few comments tonight. First, I want to uh bring greetings from the economic development commission and my chairman Debbie Wsworth was unable to join us tonight as she has a big tax deadline tomorrow. Uh so uh she was unable to join me. Typically she would uh but I just have a a few uh you know really brief comments. Economic development I believe often gets misunderstood. Some people hear those words and they think unchecked growth or development for development's sake. Uh that's not what we're talking about here. For us, economic development is a thoughtful, strategic process. It's how we make sure Tobacet County can preserve what we love without uh while securing what we need. Why does it matter? A stronger economy means a broader tax base to support our schools, our public safety, and our infrastructure. It means more good jobs so our children and grandchildren can build their futures here, here at home instead of somewhere else. It means small businesses, our shops, our restaurants, our farms have the support they need to grow and thrive. In short, economic development is the engine behind community prosperity. One of the most important anchors for that prosperity is health care. You have uh received recently our healthcare impact study. The new University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Center is more than a hospital, though. Uh, it's a cornerstone for our economy here in Tova County. During construction, hundreds of workers and con contractors benefit. Once the doors open, it will provide stable, high-paying jobs. Employers look closely at health care when they decide where to locate, and modern facilities give us a powerful advantage. Families too benefit from having advanced care close to home, saving time, money, and stress. And healthier residents mean healthier, more productive workforce. Health care in

Toba County is not just about healing bodies. It's about fueling our economic future. But a strong economy takes more than one anchor. In Tobac County, our economic development priorities are clear. diverse industries like health care, aviation, financial services, construction, aquaculture, and tourism. Skilled people with training aligned to local jobs. Ready infrastructure like the broadband access that we've all worked so hard to achieve. Strong small businesses that know we're their first call when they need support. And quality of life, our villages, waterfronts, and heritage that attract visitors, talent, and investment. These priorities make Taba County not just competitive but resilient. I'll close with this. Economic development is how we protect Taba County, the Taba County we cherish while preparing this place that we love for the next generation. The choices we make today about health care, infrastructure, business, and people will echo for decades. Let's make sure those echoes ring with prosperity, resilience, and pride during economic development week and beyond. Thank you, council.

Thank you. Well, you know, I'm biased. So, I always say economic development is the thread that connects every industry, and you hit it spot on um Cassandra. So, I'm glad that we are um doing this proclamation for economic development um week. We've been doing this for a long time in our field of economic development. So, thank you for bringing this to us. Support you all the way. Um I'll ditto that. and uh y'all are doing a great job and we thank you for that. Thanks. Important to our county.

Yeah, we we recognize as as the council certainly how important the work of your staff and the commission uh to to this county, not only not only for business attraction, but we know the work that you do also for b business retention in this county. Thank you. I just if if the uh chamber breakfast that we had this this morning any indicator of how we're doing here in Tula County. I say it's live and well. So, thank you for the work that not only they they do, but of course you and your team do, Cassandra. So, do all good things. Thanks so much, Cassand. You've done a great job, committee, your staff, everything. So, we really appreciate it. Well, thank you. We really appreciate your support.

Yeah. Come on up. Good job. Okay. Moving on to um on the agenda is an update from uh Toba County Cares. You guys want to come on up? welcome.

Good evening. Thank you, council. Appreciate you having us here.

Um, so these are the guys that are really uh doing the hard work on this program. So I think everybody knows the value of CPR and AED in a life-saving instance when somebody drops for a sudden cardiac arrest that um you know that defibrillation and rapid CPR is really the life-saving effort that needs to be done immediately not when not waiting for EMS but somebody from a lay person that can access this equipment and training. So, u this is a very important program, but I want to turn it over to the folks that are really doing the hard work on this because they have done phenomenal work and have grown this program uh leaps and bounds over the last few years and even last few months. So, this is the gentleman that needs no introduction. U Mr. Wayne Diet, former council member of the Tula County Council and president of the Tula County uh or I'm sorry, the Tolbert Paramedic Foundation. And then, uh Rachel, the special programs paramedic that you heard from earlier. So, I will turn it over to these guys.

Okay, sounds great. Well, welcome. Thank you for having us. Uh, Rachel has a PowerPoint. I'd like for her to go through that first and then we'll speak on the success of the program so far. So, Rachel, there's a mouse right there.

Oh, okay. Perfect. So, it's really short and sweet. I promise. It doesn't look like it's moving. Oh, you got to thank you. I'm sorry. Thank you. Okay. So, as we mentioned, uh, to the cares and the pad program, the public access defibrillator program, it's been what, how many years? 20 plus years. 20 plus years, long before my time here, obviously. Um, but definitely something that taking over in that special programs position that I was able to start full-time last year has been able to actually, like, uh, director locate said, grow this program tremendously. So I felt it was a good time to do an update. So just a little map that we put together of our locations. This is not all of them. It's the last map that we had done. Katie Staff is our GIS specialist. My map lady I call her. She does a great job. She put a map together for us just highlighting some of our locations for our Talbit Cares which is our outdoor AED program. So those towers and those boxes that are sitting outside that are temperature regulated and monitored. Um that's what we call that specific program. So recently completed. Um I kind of wasn't sure exactly how far to go back, but just as a summary, YMCA at Peach Blossom, the pickle ball courts. Um Hog Neck Golf Course, we have one there now. Parks and Rex, um at the pickle ball court, their pickle ball court, we added an outdoor one out there. Uh Motton Park, um completed East High School Sports Complex. There's a total of five. Five out there. Yeah. And then I won't I won't call Mr. way any more nightmares. But our our our home run Baker part, the rear field, that was a a multi-year project. That last one out there caused us a lot of trouble, but we finally got it put together and it's up and running. Um upcoming, we just walked the St. Michael School complex. That's going to need seven um seven towers or AEDs outside to cover all of the sports fields and athletics

uh fields at the St. Michael School Complex, if you're not familiar, is huge. It's a very large field and I took some time to think about some possible future projects some things and ideas that I have in the back of my head that I run where I would love to see different ones um additional units obviously through Talbert County Public Schools so that cover all the sports fields uh rails to trails and public boat ramps. I think that might be the I think that's just my own personal opinion of of where I think the next direction of where we're going to put some more would like to put some more outdoor ones to make sure we have more coverage. And I did want to give a little pad program update. So, they're a public access defibrillator. The pictures here on the side for pretense. So, we had um our EMS providers actually do a little competition this spring and I had them go out and do a help me do some of these AED checks. So, we um sent them into county buildings, the county um multiple places all over the county um in between calls and they were able to take pictures with the some of the count employees. They were at the BAM center. They absolutely loved it and it got them out into the community and got everyone even more interested in the project. So, it was just more way to bring more light to it. And we added AEDs to BAM uh legal assets, Bailey Chase, and additional units to East Utilities um their some of their mobile trucks and things like that. And we have a total of 294 AEDs in the program right now. We'll be over 300 before the end of the year. Um 160 locations. and I've actually was able to add 10 new CPR instructors. And I thought this was an interesting statistic. We issued over 1,000 CPR cards. Um that's just that's also not counting the number of handsonly training that we did. So the hands-only training is not a certificate issue. That's just the number of CPR cards. So we trained many more than that. Um so I thought that was a good good addition to add in on there.

That's it. That's it. Okay. That's good. thought you'd take more time.

Thank you, council, for having us. Um, representing Tber Paramedic Foundation's part of this very important program. Um, we fund the program. We do all the installations, but Rachel is the heartbeat of this organization. Um, she actually does all the work. All I do is all the installations. and Miss Angela Lane, my board member and treasurer in the back pays the bills. So to paramedic Foundation um in partnership with uh team trace, another foundation, local foundation uh came together three years ago and started the topic cares program um which you're very familiar with. Um, so we decided that we were going to take the opportunity to combine our resources and add AEDs to all public uh, sports centers and public parks. And we've been very successful in doing that. Right now, as Rachel said, we have 30 um, installed and we have seven more to do at St. Michael's High School and there's more planned in the near future. Um to cares program is very costly. Um each one of these units that we install is around $6 to $7,000. Um so at the end of this year um we will be just about at $250,000 allocated to this program through Talbert Cares. That's not the public access defibrillator program that we partner with the county with, which is another very important program that was started much longer before uh the to

cares program. Um uh our late board member, Mr. Will Howard and I started that program some 20ome years ago trying to get public access AEDs in businesses around Talbet County that didn't have AEDs. Um, so that p that started a little over 20 years ago and as Rachel said, uh we will have over 300 public access AEDs um in businesses throughout to county and public act public places of gathering um where it's needed and has been used and successfully used. Um so as you can see the um program is ongoing. We're working very hard to make it and expand it. Um like I said to Paramedic Foundation um in conjunction with Tob team trace um we look forward to raising funds and continue to raise funds for this program. Um we are in the throws of a fundraising program right now for Talbert Paramedic Foundation and as you can see uh the monies that we raise certainly goes to good use in our community and all our funds that we raise um and Miss Angela Lane makes sure that she's a good steward of the funds that we raise and they're used to the right u reasons. So, it's with great pride that I'm here today representing to Paramedic Foundation again and uh stand by to answer any questions you might have about our program.

Sounds great. Thank you so much for being here. Um truly appreciate the program and to see um the CPR numbers. Oh my gosh, that's great. I need to do a CPR class, too, by the way. and um just to see what you're doing in the community and the placement um of these devices is incredible. So, thank you for the work that you do. I I join in that uh gratitude for what you do. Um I just had a question though because I see your map here and you've got four regions in Tula County. What's the status of Oxford and what's the status of Y Mills?

So, we have not been able to place any outdoor cabinets yet in those areas. places I believe Oxford we had looked at the launch there's three places established in I'm sorry yeah no go ahead oh I'm sure you're working on it I just wanted it's um the historical aspect we have to kind of play that too you have to do a colonial version of this come up with something that looks a little bit more aesthetically pleasing good thank you

yep I I I remember when you were first getting these uh however 20 years or more ago that you were getting these into a lot of top county institutions uh and uh they remain there. Uh I I think that you've actually updated and replaced some of those in in that amount of time. Uh and certainly have seen the work as you're installing these outdoor units around. uh really really commendable for the coverage that you're you're providing and you will doubtless you will doubtless save some lives in this county with all these efforts. Thank you.

Keep on thanks training it all day so far. Keep it up. Um I also just I just wanted to call out too that with the picture up there too. I love the stop the bleed kit that you guys have also put in there too. So a perfect addition to to which is already a life-saving kit that uh I just think is wonderful. So, thank you for pointing that out. I was going to I didn't want to interrupt the council comment, but I did want to add that in all of the Talbit Cares, so all of the towers that are outside, right, there's not only uh the AED, but then there's a Narcan kit for overdose, and there's a stop the bleed kit for um some trauma. So, there's the tourniquet and there's some bandaging and things of that nature. So, if somebody were to get hurt in a significant manner, um there's some life-saving equipment right there that somebody lay person can use until EMS can arrive. That sounds great.

It's good eye, Mr. Okay, good. Um, I guess I got mine from uh when I did my surplus, too. Just saying. All right, guys. Well, thanks a lot for giving us an update and really appreciate everything you're doing. And Wayne, you're you're the best. So, really appreciate it. Yep. Thank you. Thank you, guys. Okay. All righty. That kind of stuff makes Toblen County the best. It really does, you know. So, okay, let's go ahead and start uh the public hearing. Um, Madame Secretary, want to start on the resolution 383, please?

Yes. Resolution 383, a resolution to amend the Talba County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan to reclassify and remap certain real property located at 8356 Lenup Lane, St. Michaels, Maryland, shown on tax map 32, grid 1 as parcel 186 lot 2 from S3 to S1 immediate priority status pursuant to an application filed by Michelle Lewis. Okay.

Good evening, Ray Clark County Engineer uh council. We did re receive an application uh for resolution 383 and on uh September 25th, the public works advisory board reviewed uh resolution 383 and ultimately via 4 to zero vote recommended that the county council adopt this resolution. Okay, council. Thank you. Bryce Yelton County Department of Planning and Zoning. On October 1st, 2025, the planning commission reviewed this resolution. A motion was made and approved four to zero uh to certify that Resolution 383 is consistent with the 2016 TOBIC comprehensive plan, the seven relevant standards in accordance with the environmental article of the Maryland annotated code.

Okay, then. All right. Well, at this point, I'll go ahead and open the public hearing to um resolution 383. And if you're single person who wants to talk, I'll give you three minutes. If you're representing a corporation or something, I'll give you five minutes. So, um, on this side over here, anybody like to come up and talk about 383? Okay. On on this side over here, anybody like to talk about 383? Okay. So, at this time, I'll go ahead and um uh go ahead and um open the floor. Is anybody want to come up and talk about it? Okay. So, at this point, we'll go ahead and close it. Public hearing on 383. Um, it's eligible for vote. Oh,

and and we we learned when when this was introduced that uh that on this 44 acre parcel uh there is a single family uh dwelling. It is already developed and that there are no remaining development rights available to this parcel. So, uh this this extension will uh will not enable further development. It will simply serve uh to clean up uh provide take take that one house off of set there. It's an animal rescue um property, isn't it? It's a I'm sorry. Animal rescue horse. Yeah. How are you?

Okay. Any other Go ahead. No, I was just going to say so with that make a motion to approve Okay. the request. Second. Okay. We got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. I. Mr. Stef. Hi. Mr. Leer. Hi. Miss Milky. Hi. Miss Hay. Hi. Okay. Sounds good. All right. Madam Secretary, could you do the next one? Um, resolution 384.

Resolution number 384, a resolution to amend the Talba County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan to reclassify and remap certain real property located at 24823 Race Point Road, St. Maryland shown on tax map 32 grid 15 as parcel 27 from unprogrammed to S1 immediate priority status pursuant to an application filed by Robert H. McWills Jr.

Again, council Ray Clark, county engineer, um the public works advisory board on September 25th uh reviewed this application. Again, they voted four to zero to recommend the county council adopt resolution 384. Uh as part of their discussions, we did note um one of the things that we'd like to do is work with the property owner to go ahead and secure possibly a 20 foot rideaway so we could extend a force man down. I believe it's um Race Point Road. Uh we have roughly about 14 to 15 lots that are down there. So at some point in the future, if we ever extended sewer, we'd have a right away to do so. Uh during those discussions, the public works advisory board noted that we might want to try and do that with all resolutions in the future is to establish maybe a 20 foot rideaway along roads along the edges of the roads. So it provides us that opportunity to extend sewer in the future.

Okay.

Council brace Yelton County Department of Planning and Zoning. On October 1st, 2025, the planning commission reviewed this resolution. Motion was made by the planning commission to certify this resolution was consistent with the 2016 topic comprehensive plan and the seven relevant standards in accordance with the environmental articles of the Maryland annotated code. Uh the commission voted 4 to zero to approve this motion. Uh the council uh usually asks about the development history on the property. This is a 20.4 acre property that's zoned RR rural residential. Typically when we see 20 acre parcels like this, they're in the RC district with no remaining development rights. This property is moving from unprogrammed to S1. However, has four development rights remaining on the property.

The property, the way it's deed, currently has four deed parcels that are already separated in a in a deed parcel way. And so on the existing plat, they have four deed parcels. Um, and so only utilizing one of those. Uh, today they're only applying for the one edu. and Ray can confirm that typically when the county has done these resolutions in the past that they would have to come back if they were to further develop the site. I just wanted the council to know that they had three remaining

and that is correct council if they ever wanted to come back with an additional .edu or more. We would require them to do a another resolution possibly modifying this resolution or just doing a separate resolution at that point in time increasing the number of edus.

Okay, sounds good. Okay, so Okay. At this time, I'll go ahead and open it um open the public hearing. Um uh you'll have if you want to come up um and talk about it, I'll give you three minutes. If you're representing an organization, I'll give you five. So, at this time, um anybody is welcome to come up and talk about 384. Resolution 384. Okay. At this time, I'll go ahead and close the public hearing on 384. and it is eligible for vote. Any questions?

Just appreciate the uh the note from uh Mr. Yelton uh clarifying that uh and and Mr. Clark clarifying that uh to serve those additional parcels the um would require further council action. So, uh we're we're not opening up we're not facilitating further development by extension of S1 to this okay to this lot. Good. Any other council? Okay. No, I was going to make a motion. Okay. I was just going to make a motion, but in that motion to adopt uh resolution 384, I was just going to notate that it has one .edu and that they would have to come back as part of the motion if that's needed. Sometimes things get lost. That's fine.

Okay. Yeah, I don't see any problem with that. Is there a second? Second. Okay, we got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. I. Mr. Ste. Hi. Mr. Leer. Hi, Miss Milky. Hi, Miss H. Hi. Okay. Um, Patrick, can you make a note of that, please, for me? Yes, I will. Yep. That'd be good. So, we can take care of that. That'd be great. Okay. We got resolution um 385. Madam Secretary,

resolution number 385, a resolution to amend the Tula County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan to reclassify and remap certain real property located at 27050 St. Michael's Road, Eastern Maryland, shown on tax map 33, grid 15 as partial 49 from S1 MEBA to S1 region 2 wastewater treatment plant immediate priority status pursuant to an application filed by Lee Brown on behalf of the trustees of NEA training plan. Yeah.

Okay. Go ahead, Ray. Council Ray Clark um public works advisory board basically on September 25th voted four to zero to recommend the county council adopt resolution 385. Just to give you a little bit of history, the um um MIBA I guess came to us probably about six months ago um seeking uh trying to seek an extension of sewer to their facility. Um, when we met with MDE, we were unable to get them a whole lot of funding through the Bay Restoration Fund for septic systems. So, we contacted MDE and MDE is working with us to go ahead and fund this through the um Bay Restoration Fund for wastewater treatment systems, which actually opens the door for additional grant funding. So, we've been working very closely with MEBA and Mr. Brown on that application, and we will continue to do so to get them the maximum amount of grant funding possible. At the same time, just note that the one big change here is that uh instead of the instead of MDE funding a treatment plant upgrade to ENR that might cost several millions of dollars, they're actually connecting to the uh region 2 wastewater treatment plant, which ultimately is probably going to be hopefully less than a half a million dollars.

Okay, council. Thank you. Bryce Yton County, I'm sorry. All good. Good. Bryce Yelton County Planning and Zoning. On October 1st, the planning commission reviewed this resolution. A motion was made and seconded to find it consistent with the comprehensive plan and the seven relevant standards uh of the Maryland annotated code that was passed the motion of four to zero. Okay, that's great. Okay, I have a question. Is there any plan to further develop this property?

To my knowledge, there is none. There's there's no plans to do any additional development than what they have there today. So they what we um that we talked to with the public advisory board as well um they currently based upon their flow that's the number of edus that they're all they they pay to MDE how many I think it's close to 30 but we were I think establishing I think 35 but that's associated with the bar restaurant we bill on the services as well as the hotel and the school component so I believe it was 35 I'm sorry it was 30 ED use is what we've got incorporated in this resolution.

Okay. Any other questions? Okay. So, I'll go ahead and open it up um to public hearing. If um somebody wants to come up, I'll give them three minutes. If they're representing an organization, I'll give it give you five. So, anybody that would like to come up and talk about 385, please come on up. Resolution 385, come on up. Okay. So, at this time, I'll go ahead and close the public hearing on 385. Um it's eligible for vote. Um any questions from council? Okay. Yeah, this is this is already uh as we've heard uh classified S1. It simply is moving from its own private

wastewater treatment system to to the the county owned one. Okay. Yep. All right. Any other questions? Do I have a motion? I don't think you you just call the vote. Okay. Um, Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Call, I. Mr. Ste, hi. Mr. Leer, I. Miss Mily, nay. Miss Hay, I. Okay, that's good. Um, I do want to make one clarification. Um, Patrick. Yes. Um, going back to 384. Okay. We made a note that Miss Hath wanted to um to to make an an adjustment to the the bill. Yes. Okay.

That was that was the motion. From the way I understood it, that was the motion and a second to to make a note, but then we didn't vote on the bill. Should we vote on the bill? Unless that was unconditioned approval. That was how I understood it. And I believe that language may actually already be in the resolution itself. Okay. What what she would like that have it's already in there. So the 18 would you mind checking on that just to make sure? are sure to specify how many edus are being provided further subdivision or the additional service requires an amendment to the plan but we'll we'll confirm.

Yeah, just confirm just to make sure if I have to do something. Okay, great. Thank you, Mr. St. All right. Okay. Um Madam Secretary, we're at uh resolution 386, aren't we? Yes.

Yep. Resolution number 386, a resolution to amend the Talba County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan to reclassify and remap certain rail property located at 26401 Royal Oak Road, Eastern, Maryland, shown on tax map 41, Grid 2 as partial 57 from unprogrammed to S1 immediate priority status pursuant to an application filed by Alexandra Olsen. Again, Ray Clark. Uh, on September 25th, the Publishers Advisory Board voted 4 to zero to recommend that the county council adopt resolution 386. Just so the council is aware of this, that we um, as part of resolution 235, we extended sewer down uh, um, 3 was it 3 Royal Oak Road. I'm 329.

Yeah, 329. And ultimately there is our force main exists in that area. Uh, this is a parcel that's about 1.25 acres. the house on it. Uh this would basically be getting sewer to that house and we'd be utilizing the force main from resolution 235 which already runs across there. Gotcha. Okay, council. Thank you. Bryce Yelton to county planning and zoning. On October 1st, the planning commission reviewed resolution 386. Motion was made and seconded to find it consistent with the 2016 Talbert comprehensive plan and the seven relevant standards of the Maryland annotated code. Planning Commission voted four to zero in favor of the motion.

Okay, that's great. Okay. Um, appreciate it guys. We'll go ahead and open it to the public hearing. I'll give you guys three minutes for somebody that wants to come up here and talk about it and five minutes if you want to on behalf of an organization. So, um, anybody that wants to speak about 3 386, come on up. Resolution 386, please come up. Okay. 3 386 resolution. Okay. hearing none. We'll go ahead and close the uh the public hearing on that and it's eligible for vote. Any questions for council? Okay. Um Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Cahan, I. Mr. Ste, I.

Mr. Leser, I. Miss Milky, I. Miss, I.

Okay, great. Okay, moving on. Madam Secretary, we've got bill number 1620. Bill number 1620, a bill to enact a new chapter 35 of the Talba County Code entitled Community Reinvestment and Repair Special Revenue Fund for the purposes of establishing a community reinvestment and repair fund to receive monies received from the state cannabis community reinvestment and repair fund established pursuant to section 1-3A-03 of the alcoholic beverages and cannabis article of the annotated code of Maryland and establishing a tool county reinvestment and repair commission to administer the same.

Okay. So, I'll go ahead and um open a public hearing on this. Um Mr. Thomas, do you want to you want to say a few words? Yes. I just give I gave a summary previously. I'll give an even one, but um but as the title states um the alcoholic beverages and cannabis article

establishes a community repair and reinvestment fund. The fund consists of sales and use tax revenue from the sale of cannabis, conversion fees for medical licenses and other sources. Uh the percentage of the funds are are distributed to each county and each county has to pass its own law establishing the purposes for which the funds are used. Um the just for example right now the county has about $730,000 um in CRF revenue that's received. It can't use these funds until it passes the law to uh to set up the the fund, right?

Um it these funds have to be used for community based initiatives that benefit lowincome communities uh or ser disproportionately impacted areas. Um they some examples They can be used for education, after school programs, behavioral health, crisis response, and homeless housing and homeless prevention initiatives. Um, so this bill implements the county's plan for that funding.

Um, and it, um, authorizes the use of the funds for all the purposes permitted under state law. It also um creates a commission to administer the funds which would be the current membership of the tool family network and then they would also be developing administering a grant application process so that uh interested parties could apply for the funding.

Okay, that's great. That's great. Okay. Um I'll go ahead and open that up to the public hearing on um bill 1620. So, if you would like to come up here um sing uh single and um talk about it for three minutes, that's fine. Um if you're representing an organization, I'll give you five minutes on bill 1620 if you want to come up and and talk about it. Okay. Bill 1620. Okay. I'll go ahead and close Well, not at this time. Um I'll keep the public hearing open, but it is We we could go to a third reader or um wait until the 28th which is another meeting. I I guess the the the question to the staff I saw in in today's Baltimore Sun that uh Baltimore City I think it was has already uh expended or distributed 40% of the funds from this and I guess the question is whether um you know obviously we cannot begin this process until this uh until this uh process is constituted um and uh and we have a mechanism for doing so. Uh, do we have a clock running that we should be accelerating this process or or can this take normal legislative order and go to the next meeting?

So, it be staff's recommendation, council, consider going to third reader tonight so we could start the process a little bit sooner, get the get the program right. Okay. Thank you. Well, then in response to that, I will I will move that we uh take this to third reader. Okay. Do I have a second? Second. Okay. We got a motion second to go to third reader. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. Hi. Mr. Ste. Hi. Mr. Leer. Hi. Miss Mily. Abstain. Miss. I. Okay. And can authorize third reader now? Yep. We can authorize third reader. Okay.

Okay. Bill number 1620, a bill to enact a new chapter 35 of the Topa County Code entitled Community Reinvestment and Repair Special Revenue Fund for the purposes of establishing a community reinvestment and repair fund to receive monies received from the state cannabis community reinvestment and repair fund established pursuant to section 1-3A-03 of the alcoholic beverages and cannabis article of the annotated code Maryland and establishing a tool county reinvestment and repair commission to administer the same. Okay. Um I'll open the public hearing on this.

You can just call the vote now. Okay. All right then. I'll call the vote. I Mr. Ste I. Mr. Leer I. Missy abstain. Miss I. Okay. Great. Okay. Sounds good. All right, moving on is um Clay Stuff, you're up. Thank you, Mr. Council President. Yep.

Your county manager report this evening uh have a number of items. Uh first, board and committee appointments. And the first one will be a local emergency planning committee. The town of East is recommending the appointment of Sergeant Eric Keller uh for the East Police Department. The town of St. Michaels is recommending the appointment of Mr. Don Richardson, the town manager to serve on the local emergency planning committee. Okay. So moved as noted. Second. Okay. We got a motion second. Madam secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. I. Mr. Ste. I. Mr. Leer. I. Miss. Milky. Abstain. Miss H. I.

Thank you councel. Next is the Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee requesting the nomination of Kesha Hay as primary and Lyn Milky as the alternate member of the Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee representing the council. Okay. Uh move I move the appointments. I'll do a second. Okay. We got a motion second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. Hi. Mr. Ste. Hi. Mr. Leer. Hi. Miss. say I I would hope. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Uh in in the next uh the next request uh will please uh Council Member Milky

this is for the Senior Citizen Task Force. We're requesting the appointment of the following Commission on Aging Jennifer Marky. Delm Marva Community Services, Michelle Nichols, Tolbet Interfaith Shelter, Julie Lowe, Neighborhood Service Center, Andy Hollis, Midshore Behavioral Health, Shannon Joyce, Tolby County Health Department, Carrie Audi, Mobile Integrated Health, Rachel Cox, Eastn Town Council, Robert Ranken, Talby County Council Lynn Milky, two citizen representatives, which would be Mr. Bob Willie and Mr. Bob Wand. Um, Bill Wheel, I'm sorry, Bill Wheeland. Bill Wheel,

and asking council consideration for the appointment of those individuals to the task force. Okay. Motion to approve. Make a second. Okay, we got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. I, Mr. Ste. I, Mr. Lusher. I, Miss Milky. I, Miss I. Good. Thank you, council. Congratulations. Congratulations. Yes, that takes care of committee request. tonight. Uh so the first uh item up I asked Learian Blake to come forward. Learian is your assistant director of parks and recreation. He has two requests I believe or is it three requests? Three requests. Three requests.

Okay. The first one, the department of and and he'll fill in where I don't uh address something. The Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking council approval to amend the county's contract with ARK Systems for the installation of video surveillance equipment for the Toba County Community Center at a cost of $87,37. This will allow for interoperability. There are sufficient funds in the budget for this project. And again, Liddaren is here this evening and can answer any questions relative to this request. Darian.

Good evening, council. Learian Blake, assistant director of parks and recreation. Um yeah, so this request is mainly about um security enhancements. Uh there are some areas around the community center that we're kind of lacking in that regard. Um so additional cameras to um help boost security that we have. Okay. And these cameras are part of a a bigger countywide um video monitoring program. So the interoperability piece is very important. That's why we're asking to amend the contract. Yeah. So we actually have the same system at uh both community pools. So we kind of in can integrate it all and we can give remote access to any parts of the facility as well as the pools all in this one system.

And I'm assuming in your plans down the road um the um boat ramps are are in that Yep. Yep. So that's part of the the long range plan as well. Okay, great. That's great. Um the um the proposal has a number of ad alternates and I see that the the what you're requesting for for us is uh a total of 87,000 and and and some uh does that include I haven't done the math there and gone through that but does that include all of the ad alternates uh in the bid proposal? Yes, it does. Okay. Thank you. I'll make a motion to approve. Second. Okay. Okay, we got a motion second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Hi.

Mr. Ste. Hi. Mr. Leser. Oh, I Miss Milky. Hi. Miss me? Hi. Thank you, council. And the time has come again. I think we had another successful year with our pools uh with Coastline who takes care of the uh the pools for us. Learian is here to requesting council approval to renew the pool contract with Coastline Pool Services for the operation and maintenance of the George Murphy and Bayund pools um for the 2026 season amount of $310,745. There are sufficient funds in the budget for this project. And again, Darian is here to answer any questions you might have or fill in where I may have missed.

Yeah. So, we've contracted uh pool services with Coastline since 2021. Um, this was my first year working with them personally and I give kudos to them. Um, we've got nothing but positive remarks from their staff. Um, they handle everything from pool chemicals to any facility maintenance issues. Um, they're very responsive to our needs and our request. Um, so I see no reason why not to continue their services. Okay. Any questions? Council. No questions given the fact that you've been working with them for a number of years. Motion to approve the request. Second. Thank you. Okay, we got a motion second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Cowan, I. Mr. Ste, I. Mr. Leer, I. Miss Mily, I miss

I. Thank you, council. And finally, Learian is here requesting council approval to contract with audio Video Group LLC for the installation of a whole building public address sound system at the community center. Parks and Recreation proposing to piggy back on Maryland Education Enterprise Consortium contract. The project is 90% re reimburseable through the program open space funding. There are sufficient funds in the budget for this project. And again, Learian will add any additional information he'd like to.

Yeah. So, um, a couple items with this again, um, more security enhancements. Um, it allows us to be able to make public service announcements to the whole facility. uh with the gym expansion and everything else we have going on now. If you go by the community center only any Saturday or Sunday, you got the gym full, the ice going on with games, uh meetings all over the place, stuff happening on the back field. So, um just a lot of moving pieces, a lot of different groups coming uh into our facility. So, we want to make sure that we keep everyone safe or any uh major announcements that need to be made. um as well as um helping enhance any um our meeting spaces uh for any meetings or conferences that we have to be able to provide a higher quality audio experience. Okay.

Any other questions? I think this one's a long time coming. I was getting ready to say hallelujah. Thank for this. I am so happy. And I'll make a motion to approve. Okay. Okay. We got a motion to second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. I. Mr. Ste. Hi. Mr. Russer. Hi. Miss Milky I miss I

and council. Thank you. And just before um Learian steps down, just kudos to Emily, Learian, Brian, the staff in parks and recreation. They're just really working hard. Great things are happening at the community center. They're being very patient with the with the neighbor that's building a very big building next door. Um and uh and then also just uh they've done a lot of really good work in our parks around the county. um using a contractor to support removing a lot of uh um vegetation and opening up the view the view scene at Bat Creek Park um Oak Creek and Belleview and uh you're just doing a really good job. I want to give you a shout out.

Thank you. Yeah, we're playing catchup a little bit but you know trying to get back to the beauty that we have to provide. You're doing a great job. And the other thing is everybody doing pretty well with the new entrance. you know, we got to come not the new one, but it's getting done now. But everybody seemed to be surprisingly, yes, we haven't gotten much push back at all. The signage helps a lot. Uh we had a big push uh social media wise and on our website to kind of communicate that to as many user groups as possible. So, so far so good. That's great. That's great. So, good job. Thank you. Y Thank you.

And I don't know whether Ray or Josh wants to come up. Okay. So, what we have next, council, Eastern Utilities is actually requesting an easement along Bonfield Manor Road. Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, Madam Secretary.

Okay. Department of Public Works is requesting council approval to submit for grant and loan funding for the Maryland Department of Environment State Revolving Fund and USDA rural development as follows. There's a preserve at Y Mills wastewater treatment plant for up to $750,000 loan funding. Calhoun mea engineering school sewer extension as loan and grant funding up to a million dollar. And Martingham preliminary engineering report a loan and grant funding up to $40,000. And of course you have Ray Clark here, your county engineer, and Josh the assistant. And they they'll add any additional I would just note on the Calhoun thing. I apologize. I made a boo boo. Um that should be $1.5 million. Well, how about that?

Sorry, that's just in case we need the money. So, you know, you know, but yeah, that's uh part we learned, I think, when talking with the uh Maryland Department of the Environment uh with the Preserve Ys, we actually have to uh put our application in before the end of June or January in order to secure the funding for the uh Preserve It Ys, which is under a consent agreement with MDE. So, um, we're going to go ahead and make that application in December and make sure that's, uh, submitted and hopefully we'll get the funding. We're hoping that, uh, we're not going to be needing 750,000, but more like 500,000, but we're kind of shooting high just in case, um, we we may need it. As far as the Calhoun, um, just to let you all know, the reason we're going a little high on this project is because of the sludge. Uh, removing of the sludge, if we decommission those lagoons, could have p FOS in them. So that's something we are looking at. However, for the Mingham Lagoon, we actually did an insitu kind of strategy, treatment strategy. Uh that ultimately it took us about five years and we hoping we can work we will be able to work with MEA on that. But ultimately uh it did not cost us anything. We could basically we grew grass in the in the sludge in the sludge for five years, tested it and we were clean. So that's what we're proposing to do at the same time. So Ray, just one question.

Given the fact that the government is shut down, you're going to still submit the USDA application or are you going to wait until they're back open? Uh in this situation, uh these these are going to be we'll be submitting all of the applications for rural development. The advantage we have with rural development, uh the to your point, they may not be with the government being shut down, they may may not be open. However, they're not time. Um they don't have a deadline. Uh we can submit at any time. So it we may be delayed in making that application with MDE. It we are required to submit by the end of January. So that's why I'm asking you all now. Okay. Thank you.

Yeah, because they're not returning emails right now. Uh we're getting no responses as well. Right. They're sitting there. Motion to approve the request if there are no other questions. Second. Okay, we got a motion. Second and before we call the vote, uh Mr. Clark, I I I recall as as before that where there are loan portions of these, those loans are all given to the sewer districts. They're not liability of the taxpayer of Tula County generally, but only of the rateayers for that sewer district. That is correct. And in this situation, the loan, let's say for me, would be responsible by Amea. So they would pay for that loan amount on a 30-year basis. So that is correct.

Thank you. paid by the users. Okay. Did you second that? I seconded it. Okay. So, we got a motion to second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. I. Mr. Ste. I. Mr. Leser. Hi. Missy. Hi. Miss. Hi. Thank you, councel. And while we have them here with the next item, we have Eastn Utilities is actually requesting an easement along Bonfield Manor Road in Oxford as part of their ongoing fiber optic installation project. The existing roadway consists of an 18 foot easement across the Oxford Conservation Park. Turn it over to Josh and Ray to give you any more detail that they believe is necessary.

Uh yeah, this one is pretty straightforward. The Oxford Conservation Park has a private road that goes down it. County owns the Oxford Conservation Park. There's already an easement across that road and Eastn Utilities has seven or eight homes they need to serve down that road. It's just an additional easement. Okay, I'll I'll move approval. Okay, second. Okay, we got a motion in second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Hi. Mr. Hi. Mr. Lusher. Hi. Missy. Hi. Hi. Okay. Thank you, council. Appreciate that. Thank you, Ray. Rich Sedter, can you come up, please?

So, we invite Rick Setter, your golf professional, up uh for a request this evening. So, Rich is here this evening requesting council approval to award bid number 2516 to a sole bidder, Growing Solutions LLC, in the amount of $37,188. There are sufficient funds in the budget for uh this project which is a residing of the front nine championship greens at the hog neck golf course and uh Rich will fill in any detail. Uh good evening council Richter golf professional general manager Hogneck Golf Course. I can answer any additional questions you might have on the project.

Okay, any questions council? Okay, we're good. This is this is within the budget you'd set for this. Uh you only had a single bidder, but it was it was still within the the range of what you would uh expected for this residing project. Yes, it came in a little bit under. Yes. Mhm. Great. Okay. This is a this is an approved council um CIP project. Okay. Um so it did come in under budget. The funds are in place for that. So move. Second. Okay, we got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Hi. Mr. Hi. Mr. Leer. Hi. Missy. Hi.

Miss. Hi. Okay. Thank you, Rich. Appreciate Appreciate it. And we're ask your director of corrections to come forward.

Joey. uh he's here this evening and he's asking your consideration for approval to complete the chiller replacement at the department of corrections and the at the cost of $197,616. The county will be using a source well u contract for the uh furnishing and installation of the chiller. Uh there are sufficient funds in this budget. This is a capital improvement project that has been funded. So again there are funds in place for that. And uh this is just another project and an ongoing infrastructure replacement of our corrections facility that is necessary and council's aware of that. And Joey's here to add any additional information. So good council. Joe Hughes, director of corrections. Um the chiller, it's been going down little by little. We've been trying to hold it up as long as get us through the season. Um, but it needs to be replaced and it's just the parts is it's cheaper to replace the whole thing.

Gotcha. Okay. Any questions? Council. No. To approve the request. Second. Okay. We got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. I. Mr. Hi. Mr. Leer. I. M. I. Miss. I.

Okay. Thank you, Joe. Additionally, uh the director is requesting council's consideration for the approval of a partial partial replacement of air handling controllers and control panel at the department of corrections in the amount of $354,276.40. County again will be using the source source well group purchasing contract uh for the furnishing and installation. There are sufficient funds in the budget. It's under the same capital improvement project. And again, Joe Hughes is here to answer additional questions or provide information. Yes.

So, this is four units up on the third floor. Um, we're replacing the controllers and the controller panel. That will be when we do the total job, the control panel. We can just replace and add to. So, it's just to get the main panel in and start for the controllers. Okay. So, moved. Second. Okay. We have motion second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. Hi. Mr. Ste. Hi. Mr. Leer. Hi. Miss Milky. Hi. Miss. Hi. Thank you, Joe. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Joe. Appreciate it. Good job.

Council, the next item I have is the town of East on behalf of Verdigrow, an Italian company, is seeking a letter of support from the county for product specific ter tariff exclusions as they begin the construction of their new manufacturing facility at Mistletoe Drive in Eastston. Okay. Any discussion on that council? I you know I I had the uh the mayor of Easton uh speak with me this morning about this this project. This is a major economic development uh

right project. I think that is being done jointly by east and county uh in making use of that that commercial industrial light industrial land that we have set aside over at mistletoe hall. Uh this is this is uh if we can make this happen going to be an economic development success and uh we uh now see a potential barrier with the uh with the tariff policy and that they can't bring the equipment in this manufacturing equipment in uh so I hope that we can prevail on uh the administration to uh to to wave the the tariffs to to bring these jobs here. I'll move approval.

Second. Got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Kelly, I. Mr. Ste. I. Mr. Leer. Hi. Miss Mily. Hi. Miss. Hi. Okay. So, I'll ask Wayne Diet and Brian to come forward. This is the fun part of the county manager report tonight. Okay. Good.

So, it does it gives me great honor along with Brian and um and Wayne um on behalf of them and they're here to speak for themselves. We're asking consideration of the council to dedicate the north EMS station which is presently under construction and we had a groundbreaking to Miss Sylvia Jarbo Ganon. Um I had the honor but as had many of you who knew her for years of working with her a little bit in my early days. Uh Miss Sylvia Ganon is just was an amazing person lifelong service to the county. first female council member, founding member of the Talbet County Paramedic Foundation, instrumental and supportive of the creation of our advanced life support program, much of which you heard here tonight. Um, as you know, staff along with um the council president had been working with the Ganon family. Uh, we know that we've had a a gap in the northern county as far as getting our achieving our eight minute response. Cordova for years had been able to do that and uh and they've just gotten to a place where they weren't able to do that and um we were able to negotiate with the Ganons to be able to place an EMS station on um on their property across from the chapel school. Um, so I'm just going to hand it over to Wayne and Brian to say a few words, but the request tonight for you is your consideration to authorize the dedication of that building to SI Sylvia Jarbo Ganon and then we would order a plaque with her likeness on it and at the uh at the dedication of that building um the Ganon family would be invited along with council to dedicate the building. So

So I'll be brief. Uh Clay kind of said everything there is to say about Mrs. Gaden. So I I was very fortunate enough to in this position work with her before her passing on the paramedic foundation. And uh she was at every turn was very supportive of EMS and public safety as a whole. And then when we started looking at uh property in the north part of Toba County and we ran data because we always try to make data driven decisions. We were looking at really where does that station need to be that it can service the most of Toby County citizens and uh that property showed up on there. So we we approached the Ganons and um it was very difficult to get that to get the uh station built there not because of the Ganons but because we couldn't uh get a piece of piece of the land to perk right and we were getting frustrated. I remember Clay and I being in meetings with the Ganons and we were saying is it time to just look for other property and the Ganons Mr. Gan, Greg Ganon and the Ganon family said absolutely not. Like it's going to be here that you your data says it's here. We want it to be here. It's going to be here. So they actually re re-energized us to say all right we'll figure this out. And we have. So luckily we're we're in the process of putting that station up and it's going up pretty quick if for those that haven't driven by. But this would be a really um great thing if we can dedicate it to Miss Mrs. Ganon um for for all of her support through this. And you know, Wayne's always a silent guy. You don't hear much out of him, but I'll tell you what, he stood side by side with Sylvia Ganon, right?

Many years.

So, I cannot think of a better way to honor Miss Sylvia Ganon and the Ganon family than naming that station after her and her family. Uh, Miss Sylvia was like Clay said, founding men founding member of Toba Paramedic Foundation. She worked tirelessly in this community serving on many committees. Um she even tirelessly worked on this council sitting on this esteemed council. Her love for this county u was evident to anyone that had the great opportunity to speak with her. She was never lost for words to celebrate what this county meant to her and her family. Um, the Gand family continues to work today um in this community in any way that they're asked. They support us. They support this county. Um, I never missed the opportunity for the the years that we after we developed the the notion that we wanted something in the north county. Um, I never missed an opportunity to get Sylvia aside and talk with her about and she always wanted something up there because she knew that was a need because she served on the right committees and knew that that was the area that it had to be. So, I never missed an opportunity to plant the seed and knowing that their property was up there that there was some time that come that we would want to be asking for something up in that area. and her family always, as always, has stepped up and offered that property and it's making it true fruition. So, it's an honor for me to be here today to ask you to support Clay in his request to honor Miss Sylvia and her family with that property.

Sounds good. Any any questions? No questions. Well, for for all the reasons that that uh that we've we've heard here tonight and and I think that we heard before we got into this room, this this seems entirely fitting. So, thank you for bringing this to us. And just to add to her biography, she was Miss Miles River Yacht Club. So, she was a beautiful person inside and out. So, no hesitation with this request. That's great. That's great. Okay, I'll take the compliments and turn them all into a uh a well-deserved motion. Second. Okay, we got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan, I. Mr. Hi. Mr. Leer. Hi. Miss Milky. Hi.

Miss I. Okay. Good. Thank you guys. Good job. And council, that uh completes your county manager report for this evening. I thank you as always for your support. Okay. Good job. Good job. All right. We got um public comment. Is it got a Do we have a signup sheet out there? I don't know. We don't know. Cryander, could you check and see if there's a signup sheet if possible? Everybody's leaving. I think everybody's leaving. We have We have the invisible citizen. Oh, really? Okay. Okay. No name on it. Oh,

they're invisible. Well, here let me let me one of them. Okay. Wes Hey, good. He already spoke and war. Yeah, both of them were here. So, no other. Okay, it's all on you now. Yeah, we drove them out. Drove them out. Okay. All right. Had a little bit of a long one here tonight. So, at least we know it's not quarter of nine. I mean, it's Yeah, it's it's quarter six. Quarter seven. Quarter seven. So, all right, guys. Um, we got council comments. Mr. Ste, no comments.

Yep. Okay. Well, I I had the pleasure this morning of joining several other council members uh and members of the business and nonprofit community from uh across the county of attending the the chamber's annual economic symposium co-sponsored in part by by our own economic uh development commission uh which provides really valuable insight into economic conditions and trends both for local government and for these these misses and nonprofit leaders. What we heard is that the economic uncertainty that is felt nationally is certainly also manifesting itself locally. We've got stubborn inflation and a weakening labor market. Uh and with that u major banks rate the risk of recession in the next 12 months as as elevated uh giving that as a 30 to 45% risk nationally. and uh economist Donn Basu wondered aloud whether Maryland may already be in a recession but with the federal government closed release of the data to make that determination may uh will be delayed the regional job market is essentially flat and unemployment while still low by historical standards is moving in the wrong direction uh 3.4% a year ago here in Tala County which we heard at the same presentation a year ago up to 4.0% 0%. Uh now with the latest available numbers, uh we dealt with one local impact of the economic uncertainty in our agenda this evening uh by appealing for relief from tariffs that could bring a local industry right here to Tula County, the Vita Grow uh proposal. Uh the continued chaos in Washington and dysfunction in Congress that created the current federal shutdown clearly impacts us right here in Talbet County and we can only ask our representatives to get back to work and negotiate their differences to bring a

prompt end to this before further damage is done both to the lives of public servants and to our broader economy. Okay.

Um there are a lot of events coming up. We're a great county because we have so many fun things to do. Um, one is the Eastern Prayer Breakfast which is Thursday morning at the fire hall. Um, there is a celebration for the library's 100th anniversary. Same day later in the afternoon, there's a fundraiser for Tall but Humane um, at uh, the Ivy Cafe on Friday. Um and then as you all heard um we have coming up the um celebration for Colonel Tench Tilman on the 25th. Um so if you want days, places, and times um just consult our

call you. Yeah. Yeah, you can call me. Yeah, you email me or you could just check the uh website and you'll find it all there. Good job.

Oh my goodness. So, as uh Councilman Leer mentioned, uh the economic symposium this morning, um one takeaway from Honorbon Bassu that I did want to mention is that while Tolett County is in a good place for economic development right now, we must be proactive and plan and prepare for the jobs of the future. And I'm confident that Cassandra's strategic plan will do just that. And so um just to be cognizant of that while we are on the right path and our unemployment is low, we do need to be prepared um for future economic development and AI and technology because we do have a niche here in Talbit County um to create jobs for our future generations. So um just wanted to add that and then mention the resource day event that is on October the 18th which is Saturday.

And your groundbreaking next week. Yes, you mentioned you can say that. I won't say that, but or someone else can say. All right, I can say that. You know what I mean? So, we got groundbreaking here at the New Hope um help me out. The new New Hope Center here on Washington Street. That's next Thursday at 10 11 11. So, um anybody that can make it, um please come out and support um the Hope Foundation and support Kesha. She's done a great job. Um and um really uh um looking forward to it. Thank you for being in there.

Yep. Yep. And Cassandra, I apologize this morning. Um I'm in the workforce area and I had to work. So, um you know, so I I I know I know you did a good job in in putting all that together because you always do. Um and I really appreciate that. You worked hard last week too because you had that um that conference last week too. And what was the name of that conference? I'm sorry. Main Street. Main Street. Yeah. The Main Street Conference. So um for that Yeah. You you spent a lot of time and effort and and and on that. So um you did a great job. So um my big event this weekend is my son's getting married.

Yes. Yes. So um congratulations. Yep. Yep. So, Saturday, Clark's getting married and we'll wish him all the best. Other than that, congratulations. Yep. Yep. Pete, you want to take over? The county council's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 28th, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Council will be convening open session at 2:30 p.m. for a work session on the Frederick Douglas Park on the Tuco project and then adjourning into close session as listed on the statement for closing that meeting. Therefore, is there a motion to adjourn this meeting and reconvene as noted? So moved. Okay, we got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. I

um I So okay. Well, thanks a lot. I appreciate it.