County Council - Regular Meeting

Hey. Um, tonight we got a special night. We got a a lot of important people here tonight. That's for sure. So, okay, if you could go ahead and stand, we're going to say the prayer and the pledge of allegiance of the flag. Heavenly Father, as we always do, we open this uh meeting up with uh with with our thanks for uh for for your love, your mercy, your grace, your blessings, uh your healing, your keep, your all. Father, we just thank you for blessing our county. We thank you for blessing our state, our nation, our world, and just uh thank you for all that you do for us on a day-to-day basis. It's in Jesus most precious and holy name we pray. Amen.

Amen. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Okay. All right. I appreciate everybody coming tonight. So, let's start off with the agenda. Has um the council has um looked at the agenda. Is there any uh additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda? Yes, President Callahan. I have one correction to the agenda this evening. Like to amend the agenda to remove the update on the regional medical center project by Mr. Cazelle on this evening. Okay, that'd be great. Second.

Okay, we got a motion and a second to amend the agenda in poll. Mr. Cazelle um off the agenda. All in favor? I Do you want to call the role? Yep. Mr. I. Mr. Ste. Hi. Mr. Lusher. Hi. Miss Milky. Hi. Miss I. Okay. All right. And I think we'll have him rescheduled somewhere. I think Jess December 16th, correct?

Yep. So, he'll be back with us December 6 and give us a report on the new hospital. Okay. Next on the agenda is going to be um the dispersements of October 21st and October 28th. The council's had a chance to take a look at that. Um any additions, deletions, or corrections to the dispersements, council? Okay. Hearing none, the chair moves that the dispersements be accepted as unanimous consent. Okay. Tonight's first thing is the uh Tula County free library, the 100th anniversary. Madam Secretary, could you go ahead and read that into the the record for us, please?

100th anniversary, Toba County Free Library. Whereas the Toba County Free Library began celebrating its centennial year on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. And whereas founded in 1925, the Toba County Free Library, the library was established with funds provided by subscriptions from the citizens of the county and members of the library association, raising a total of $4,149. The [snorts] library board selected two rooms on the first floor of the Avon realy building located at 11 South Washington Street in Easton at a rent of $15 per month. And the official operation of the library began under the careful guidance of Caroline Bernett Walker, the first champion of a free public library in Tal County. Over the years, generous benefactors have contributed to the growth and development of the library, transforming it into the pillar of the Talbet County community it is today. And whereas in 1941, through the generosity of Mr. Mrs. James Dixon's and Mr. Mrs. Lindsay and Mrs. David Lindseay Gillispy's donation of 1500 books, pamphlets, periodicals, maps, and other materials, the Maryland room was established. And whereas also in 1941, the library began providing regular bookmobile services throughout Talba County, achieving recognition as the first bookmobile on the Eastern Shore and the second in Maryland, traveling to 26 public schools and 17 deposit stations on a bi-weekly basis during the school year. And whereas since its founding, the library has relocated several times to accommodate the growth of the Talbet County community, has added branches, and has increased its services to accommodate the changing needs of our community, providing not only books, but also multimedia resources, broadband internet, public

access, computers, technology training, and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages. And whereas for 100 years, the Talba County Free Library has played an invaluable role in promoting equity, opportunity, and civic engagement by ensuring free access to information, supporting workforce development, and offering programs and classes that expand knowledge and spark creativity and has been and continues to be a place of inspiration, imagination, and inclusion, strengthening our community through education, innovation, and connection. Now therefore, we the county council of Talba County in appreciation of and respect for all the wonderful and impactful work done by the board members, staff, and volunteers of the Talbet County Free Library, do hereby recognize the library centennial celebration and encourage all residents to join in honoring this milestone and to take advantage of the abundant resources and services provided by the library. In witness thereof, we have here unto set our hand 28th day of October in the year 2025, the 249th year of the independence of the United States and the 365th year of the establishment of Tula County, Maryland. Given under our hands in the great seal of Talba County, this 28th day of October in the year of our Lord, 2025.

Okay. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Good job. Is there a motion? So move. Second. Okay. We got a motion second to put it into the record. Madam Secretary, could you call the the role, please? Mr. Callahan, hi. Mr. Stef, hi. Mr. Leser, hi. Miss Milky, hi. Miss Hi. Okay. Any you want to come on up? Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. Well, we'll we'll we'll start. You can give remarks, then we'll come up for the for the picture. [clears throat]

I don't have a lot of remarks. I just want to say that I think Susan said it all in the proclamation that we really are here to serve the community. It's service above self. That's our motto. That's the Rotary motto, but it's also the motto for the library. Everybody who works for the library is here to help people. They have a passion to help people. And I would not be able to do it without our volunteers and without our staff and without our board um and everybody else, the foundation and our friends. Uh we have so many people that are so um tied to the library in some way and you can speak to almost anybody on the street in Talbet County and they have a library story that is so meaningful to them. Usually from childhood but not necessarily or about children. Um, but we are about people of all ages and it's not just about books. I always say books are just the tip of the iceberg and everything underneath it is something to discover at the library. So that's all I really have to say and we hope to be here for another 100 years and we thank you so much for the support that you've given us over the years. So thank you.

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Le, you want to start off? Sure.

Yeah. Well, thank you for all that you do because because you are a pillar of this community. You are probably used by more citizens of Talbet County. As I said at the centennial celebration, there are probably more library card holders in this community than licensed drivers. And that's because the bar is so low. You just need to be able to sign your own name. my son when he was I don't know three or something like four years old when he could sign his own name and get his own library card that was a special moment for him as as it was when when I was a child as well to be able to to borrow books under my or other library materials on my under my own name. I went to the library for uh I went to the library for movies. We borrowed not only artwork but music and artworks and all kinds of things from the library when when I was growing up. What you do to provide resources for people to do everything from file their taxes to grow their businesses to raise their children. You touch so many lives in this community. It is such vital work. Thank you for what you do.

Thank you. Mr. I'll just keep in the spirit of thanks and it was awesome to uh I mean it's awesome that the the the entire history of uh you when when this started is in this proclamation. So I think that's pretty awesome. And speaking of the multimedia part, right? So books are books are books. But thanks for keeping the spirit of a blockbuster alive where you can still go in [laughter] and look certainly look at movies and check one out, you know. So so thank you. And you'd be amazed at how many people still check out DVDs. I mean, we have a lot of people in this uh county that love their DVDs. So, absolutely. That's good. Appreciate appreciate all that you all do. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Um congratulations. Um also wanted to comment on the um celebration that occurred last week, which was just fabulous and seeing all these um people that looked like they came out of uh uh what is it? Prohibition. Well, prohibition. Yeah. Um it was just great. to speak easy. Yeah.

And just to add to what my colleague said, last week was fantastic. You did an amazing job transforming that um library into that event last week, but thank you for all the work that you do and I realize that my 70year-old father still uses DVT. So, please keep those DVDs in the library. We're glad to hear that. Yes, he does. He does. So, thank you for all your hard work and all that you do. Thank you. And same thing, thank you guys. Thank all the volunteers and the people that work at the library. You you guys really mean a lot to us and you really set a tone for this county and I can't wait for St. Michaels to get on the same um same uh wave is is the the new expansion and all that.

So, we're hoping for February. You are? Great. Great. Well, we're looking forward to it. So, come on up, guys.

Thank you. All right. first. Perfect. [applause]

[laughter]

Okay. The next the next proclamation is an east day of 2025. Madam Secretary, could you read that into the record, please?

Proclamation 158th anniversary Nay's Day celebration. Whereas since 1867, the town of Trap, Maryland, has hosted the celebration known as Nay's Day, the longest continuously held celebration in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved persons which occurred in Maryland on November 1st, 1864, and on which date Maryland by the popular vote of the people adopted a new state constitution which abolished slavery in the state. And whereas the annual Nes Day celebration now in its 158th year was the creation of Nathaniel Nace Hopkins, a trap native of African-American descent and his fellow citizens of the community of trap to recognize and celebrate this important historical event. And whereas Nathaniel Hopkins continued to build upon and expand this celebration for the remainder of his life, organizing and leading the celebration parade for 33 years and ensuring that it would continue after his passing. And whereas though born into slavery, Nathaniel Hopkins, affection affectionately known as Uncle Nace by all who knew him, enlisted in the Union Army as a member of the United States colored troops and returned to his native county to work for the betterment of the county's African-American community as a civic leader. And whereas Nathaniel Hopkins was a highly respected leader in the trap community and throughout Talba County and was the individual primarily responsible for the establishment of the first school for African-American children in trap for the creation of free black communities throughout Talbet County for advocating to the county's elected officials for the construction of roads to service these communities and was instrumental in the establishment of Scott's United Methodist Church, a pillar and mainstay of the trap community.

And whereas throughout its 158y year history, the Hopkins family and the community of trap have kept the observance of commemorating this day of important significance to the state of Maryland, Talba County, and particularly the African-American community to both celebrate and honor not just this historic event in our history, but to honor a man who had accomplished so much for the citizens of Tula County and who earned the respect, trust, and admiration of so very many of our Talbert County citizens. And whereas Na Hopkins legacy continues today through the Nace Hopkins scholarship fund for local youth seeking higher education and through the great commitment shown by his descendants who have ensured that the legacy of Nathaniel Hopkins personal integrity, civic duty, and leadership will remain a shining example for generations to come. Now therefore, we the county council of Talba County do hereby recognize the 158th anniversary of the Nay's Day celebration which brings the citizens of trap and Talba County together to honor the achievements and legacy of Talbet County's native son Nathaniel Uncle Nace Hopkins. Given under our hands in the great seal of Talbet County this 28th day of October in the year of our Lord 2025.

Thank you, Madam Secretary. Good job. Okay. Is there a motion? So moved. Second. Okay. We got a motion second. Go ahead and put that into the record. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Calhan. Hi. Mr. Stef. Hi. Mr. Leser. Hi. Miss Milky. Hi. Miss H. I. Okay. Um, let's see here. Yes, sir. Come on up. Um, I'm just coming on behalf of that here. Yes, sir. And would you want would you mind sitting down, please? There you go. There you go. I knew you were. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, sir. [laughter] That's all right. That's all right. I just want people to hear you and know who you are. That's all.

Okay. My name is Dale Kevin Brown the First. I'm a great great great grandson. And um on behalf of the family here, we have on the front row. Yes, sir. We have Reverend Brown. Who is a great great grandson who has helped uh lead many of the ministers on the Eastern Shore. We have next to him another great great grandson, Walter Billy Brown, who has played in most organs, keyboards, and anything that has pipes or keys on the Eastern Shore. And he played for Billy Graham at one time before he passed. And I know you know the gentleman, the other great grandson on the front row. Yeah. Um, a former chief of police. Yeah. Walter Chase Senior. Yeah.

And we have another great great grandson, David Chase, sitting [snorts] back there. and the rest of us are on a continuum. And I know that was kind of a brief uh history of what he's done, but he not only had an impact on the African-American community, but probably impacted some of you and your families because um in the state of Maryland, they had four drafts during the Civil War. Tobac County only had to participate in one because when Okan came back, he recruited others to go. And so the African-American population volunteer was so great that we did not have to county did not have to participate in the last three drafts. Wow.

So he was instrumental in doing that. So that probably had an impact on many families of those that did not have to go go to fight because he did that. Right. Right. And um if you're going to ask us to come up, could I move three of the chairs so I could get these three gentlemen up here for let's let's let's say a couple of things here. Let's say a couple words here. Um, Kesha.

Well, first and foremost, I remember the Nasis Day parade ever since I was a little girl and in the Tallbit twirlers baton group. Every year we participated in [laughter] that parade. And today, I'm so glad that it still exists and that we still continue to have this parade and this celebration recognizing Uncle Nay. So, thank you all for coming out tonight. This is an honor for us to be able to present this proclamation to the family and give you something that you will be able to hang up and and recognize for years to come. So, thank you all for coming out tonight and I look forward to the parade um as well. Well, NACE and the parade is um

such a spectacular um um commentary on the history of Talba County and uh really a very special um day to celebrate um and what we celebrate. So, I'm glad that you continue to sponsor this, continue to put it together, and we just um are very indebted for preserving our history. Thank you.

Well, Frederick Douglas said, "I will never forget the difference between those who fought for liberty and those who fought for slavery." And that's fighting for liberty is precisely what Nace Hopkins signed up to do and led others to do. And trap is just uniquely positioned in the entire United States of all the towns that sent [snorts] that sent their sons to fight. Only trap has kept that celebration going every year right up to today. And that is something that is something for this community to be proud of. Congratulations. echo [laughter] everything's already been said. But well, here's what I would like to add though, just because this is just what what's written on this document is just a snapshot as we all know. So,

um I'll I'll throw in a I'll throw in a plug for uh the exhibit that is right now at the uh Toba County Historical Society. So, anyone who's interested in in all in all of this wonderful history and to really see it come to life, I'd uh I'd encourage everyone to stop on down there and take a look at that because it's it's truly amazing uh piece of county history. So, thank you all for being here. Um just really appreciate it. Thank you. And I would say the same thing. I really appreciate all the descendants coming here tonight and I and I really appreciate it. Means a lot. 158 years is a big deal. It it sure is. and you kept it going for that long. And um not might not be here for the next one.

I know. [laughter] Exactly. Exactly. And I just want to throw a special thanks to to Mr. Chase. I I you know, I kid him all the time, you know. He's he's a I tell you, he's a great man. He's he's done a lot and and it's it's people like that that bring out the good in people. And I've worked with him for for several years on a lot of committees. And I tell you, Walter, that the the stuff that you bring to these meetings and bring to Toby County and bring the trap means a lot to a lot of people in this whole community. So, we love you and I truly mean that. And anything that we can do for you and your family, that's for sure. We're here for you. I can tell you that. [applause]

Okay, we get lined up. on behalf of the family in Scott's church in which he founded, please come down and visit with us on Saturday and enjoy the time, the food, and what we have planned for you. That sounds great. That sounds Oh, absolutely. Yep. Yep. Yeah. I I want you guys to actually come up front.

Yeah. Hey, check out that [laughter]

That's what I was doing. Congratulations.

He does. Pressure. Good.

I'm missing some heads. [laughter] There we go. That's a little better. Okay. Is there anyone else back there that I can't see? Okay. All right. I think we're ready. All right. Ready? One, two, three. Perfect.

We're all good. [applause]

There we go. Every time you just fell. I know the size.

Hey I called you last night. Okay. Save on it.

Okay. Is there is there anybody here from the historical society that can come up? Thank you. Congratulations.

I got her number. Huh? Who? She found it. Genius. Paul Cali did. Did she request it? She request if she's out there.

Thank you, Sarah. I thought it was Paul did. [clears throat] Yeah.

Yes. Okay. Next on the agenda, we we'll go ahead and start the public hearing. Um, we'll go ahead and uh um Mary Kay, you want to come on up?

I'm start with my apologies because I'm fighting allergies. So, if I call We understand. We understand that time of the year, but Yep. [clears throat] No problem. No problem.

So, good evening, Councilman. Thank you very much for having us this evening. Um, Tobac County was the recipient of CDBD COVID funding in 2020 and again in April of 2025. In April, the council entered into an agreement with DHCD for an additional $116,500. The council then partnered with Subreients Neighborhood Service Center for 68,000 and St. Michael's Community Center for 48,500. These funds are being used by our local food pantries for food equipment and support staff. Assistant Secretary Carol Carol Gilbert recently offered to provide an additional 150,000 as a second amendment to our COVID CV grant to our two existing subreients. [clears throat] These funds can be used for services, food supplies, shelter improvements, appliances, equipment, new food pantry staff, and food bank facility improvements. In the last quarter, the neighborhood service center served 182 families totaling 364 individuals. In addition to 4,619 hot meals, St. Michael's Community Center provided 392 15 pound food pantry bags and 388 freezer bags to our local citizens. Each of the food pantries have confirmed that they will be able to spend the original and all subsequently approved CDBG COVID grant funds by the deadline of June 30, 2026. So, we are here this evening seek seeking council support and to host a public hearing for the grant increase of $150,000 75,000 each with our two very active

CDBG COVID food pantry partners. Okay, that's great. So, okay. So, um, I guess at this time I'll go ahead and open it up to the public hearing. And anybody would like to go ahead and come up and speak on behalf of the CDBG project on the amendment. Um, you'll have three minutes. And if you're representing somebody, I'll give you five minutes. Do we need to start by reading the title into the record? what what the public hearing is.

Amendment number two to 2020 Maryland Community Development Block Grant CDBG program federal CARES Act COVID funding for homeless shelters and food problems. Okay, that sounds great. All right, like I said, um anybody that would like to come on up here? Yes, ma'am. Come on up.

Thank you. Yeah, thank you.

Good evening. My name is Amy Horn. I'm the executive director for the St. Michael's Community Center. So, first of all, I'd like to thank the county council for being so supportive of our work that we do down at the community center. Um, we are the social service hub for that part of Talbet County for the whole bay hundred from Royal Oak on down to Tilman Island. And, uh, thanks to the support from the county, we are able to continue providing meals to to residents in need. We deliver every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we deliver at least 100 hot meals to homebound neighbors in need. In addition to serving uh another ranges anywhere from 50 to over 150 meals in the center on those days, plus we have our pantry bags. We have a well stocked food pantry. We provide all three of those food distribution programs three days a week. Plus, on Tuesdays, we do a dedicated senior lunch. Um and uh so and we typically have about 20 folks who are seniors. We also have a group of people from the Benedicting School who join them. And so we really have an incredibly robust food distribution program. We could not do that without the county's support. Um we we've been seeing an increase as have many other pantries and of course we're very concerned about what's going to happen starting this Saturday when there is no more SNAP funding available. And so we're preparing right now to see an increase in um in our food pantry needs, but also I learned an interesting thing today that many people, especially those who are homeless, they use their SNAP money to they're they're able to use their SNAP money to purchase hot prepared foods. And that's a lot of times what they do because they don't have the means to prepare food themselves. So we're anticipating an increase in our kitchen as well because of that. So, this funding would really help us be able to meet this increased need that we're seeing in the community.

Uh, we also we've got a lot of children in the neighborhood who after school they come right to the community center because they want to snack. Some of them will also shop the pantry shelves while they're there and go up to the counter to get a hot meal to take home for their dinner and then they just go right out the back door onto whatever it is they're doing. So, we really sometimes it's almost difficult for us to give an exact number of how many people we're feeding because we have so many different programs and so many different ways that we provide food to people in in our community. So, um thank you for your consideration and we really, like I said, I really appreciate the county council's support. Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it.

Okay. Would anybody else like to come up and and speak about this CDBG money? Okay. All right. At this time, I'll go ahead and close the public hearing. Um and uh any discussion? We've we've just just that we've we've heard um really good testimony from uh community center director Amy Horn. the need is very real uh in in this county um with the audience that that that they serve, but uh

but also for for the neighborhood service center that will be impacted by this uh this and we know that this can't uh meet all of the need in the community. Uh but this is an important stop gap measure that will that will go some distance toward it. Just grateful that we have this opportunity. Yep. Exactly. So, okay.

Yeah. I I agree with Councilman Leer. Um in fact, I had a call today from someone that said that the Rol Oak Pantry Amy down at the church um was empty. And so they are really concerned um about the SNAP benefits um that will be lost effective on Saturday. So um we know that this will help a little bit, not solve the great need that we're going to have in Talet County, but this is a start. So, thank you so much for all that you do and the neighborhood service center as well. We know that this would be a great asset for them and help them greatly. Okay. Great time through the holidays as well. Yeah. Right. Being able to serve some holiday meals.

Yeah. It's fortuitous that this has come along and uh couldn't have come at a better time. So, so Mary Kay um what's our next step with this? Um so I don't think required, but if you want to make a motion to approve us moving forward with sending this information to DHCD to have them review and approve the second amendment, this funding for the additional $150,000. So, just council direction. Okay, I'll make a I'll make a motion. Second. Second.

Okay. U we got a a motion second to go ahead and approve this application to try to get more money for the uh CDBG program. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan, I. Mr. Steppp, I. Mr. Liser, I miss Milky. I miss I. Okay, that sounds great. All right. Thank you. Good. Good job.

Okay. Um, okay. Next on the agenda is introduction of an administrative resolution. Madam Secretary, could you go ahead and um read that into the record, please? An administrative resolution entitled a resolution of Talbet County, Maryland. the county authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation [clears throat] bonds in a principal amount not exceeding 7,18,942 pursuant to the authority of bill number 1619 enacted by the county council of Talbet County on August 12th 2025 the public local law section 10203 of the local government article of the annotated code of Maryland 2013 replacement volume as amended the enabling Act sections 9-16001 to9622 inclusive of the environment article of the annotated code of Maryland as replaced supplemented or amended the MWA act and section 623 of the charter of Talbet County Maryland the charter the bonds to be designated to county Maryland general obligation bonds MWFA project series 2025 the net proceeds of the sale thereof to be used and applied for the public purpose of financing or refinancing the costs of certain wastewater facilities and sanitary district facilities. Prescribing the form and tenor of the bonds and the terms and conditions for the issuance and sale thereof at private sale. Providing for the dispersement of the proceeds of the bonds. Authorizing the loan agreements in connection with the sale of the bonds. providing for the levy and collection of any taxes necessary for the prompt payment of the maturing principle of and interest on the bonds and providing that the full faith and credit and taxing power of Talbet County, Maryland shall be pledged

to the payment of such principle and interest subject to the limitation on the tax levy set out in section 614 of the charter of Talbet County and [clears throat] generally relating to the issuance, sale, delivery and payment of the bonds. Okay. Good evening, council. Martha Sparks, director of finance. Uh, Ray Clark, county engineer. Um, we have been working closely with public works on this. Um, they've actually been working on this for three years. Long time.

It's been a long time. So, we've had we've had some hiccups along the way, but this these are the last steps for us to um go forward and close on these MDE bonds. and that closing our schedule um with council's approval of this administration, this administrative resolution um will be August 17th through the 19th. Um Okay. So, we are we're on our way. Great. Great. And just note, I think from talking with Martha, I think we should be getting the funds by the end of you, I think November. End of November. So, that's very good.

Yeah. So, um Jean Whisman just can't say enough about how awesome Jean is. And Jean hold everything together. So, uh these are will be reimbursed for almost 100% um of the bond. This is a reimburseable bond which means that Mendee has to approve all of the invoices that have been charged against this bond. So, Gan did all of that leg work. So, we will be they will be submitting a payment to the controller on the day of closing for a little over $5 million. I gota Okay. All right. Good. Okay. Um. All right. So, is there a motion?

I'll I'll move for the resolution. Second. Okay. Okay. We got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. I. Mr. Steppp. I. Mr. Lesher. I. Miss Milky. Hi. Miss Hayes. Hi. Okay, that sounds great, guys. And I I just want to say what what uh you know, this this is a quick approval. It's an easy decision for us, but this is really significant in what it's doing for our wastewater infrastructure and for ultimately cleaner waters in and around Talbot County. Uh so thanks uh Mr. Clark and to all your staff and to Martha and your staff for uh for all your work in in moving this forward. This is this is um a really significant move and and shouldn't go unremarked. Thank you.

Yep. Great. Thank you guys. Appreciate it. And the secretary is very grateful that this didn't require a second reading. [laughter] Yes. Exactly. And and so is our bond council, too. So, y Okay. So, um Jeie Hadway, Rickyo is back in the building here. Okay. She snuck out on us pretty quick. So, Jeannie, you want to come on out, please? Yeah. We want to go ahead and hand you Okay. This is the uh the proclamation for N's day copy for the historical society gen.

Yeah. You want to share? Okay. Well, for the record, Jeannie Haway Ricko. I'm a board member of the Tabet Historical Society and we're very pleased and proud to be working with Scots United Methodist Church and the town of Trap and of course our our friends here at the county to celebrate this important history in our community. And in an effort to try to bring the history to life, we have professional actor Darius Wallace who will be joining us on November 1st

on site in trap um to do a a live presentation and reenactment of um Nathaniel Hopkins legacy and also um there will be a repeat performance on November 3rd at the Oxford Community Center. I know that several of you join us already for the parade and the other festivities and we're just greatly um appreciative to you for your support of these efforts to keep this history alive. Thank you. Okay, great.

[applause]

Thanks, Genie. Thank you. Okay. Um, next on the agenda is going to be introduction of legislation. Madam Secretary, could you go ahead and read that into the record, please? A bill to amend chapter 190, zoning, subdivision, and land development, sections 1902.2, two table of land uses and 19029 commercial uses regarding funeral homes and crematorium. Okay. All right. Mr. Thomas, you want to go ahead and bring us up to speed on that?

Sure. So, um, this is a zoning text amendment that was requested by Brendan Melany on behalf of his client, Woodlaw Memorial Park. In July, the council voted to send this proposal to the planning commission for their review and recommendation. Uh and this bill reflects the planning commission's recommendation which was developed in consultation uh with with the applicant.

The bill proposes to permit funeral homes and crematoria as special exception uses in the AC zoning district uh subject to the following. A minimum property size of 40 acres. The property must above a principal or minor arterial roadway and the use must be operated in conjunction with a public cemetery offering sub services to the general public. Okay, that's great. So, okay, this introduction. So, just um go ahead and show of hands uh to u introduce this. So, introduced by Cal Callahan, step Milky and and H.

Okay. This will be known as bill number 1621. And the public hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at 5:30 p.m. Okay, sounds great. We go ahead and read the next one, please. Madam Secretary,

a bill to amend chapter 190, zoning subdivision and land development of the Talbert County Code for the purposes of providing for classes of short-term rental licenses and amending certain provisions pertaining to short-term rental licenses, including one, the composition and term of the short-term rental review board, two contents of new applications, three hearings, decisions, and appeals. four, renewal, five, grounds for denial, and six, additional restrictions. Okay. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Mr. Thomas, you want to give us just a brief on this, if you don't mind? Yes. Um, this this, uh, zoning text amendment was requested by Vice President Leer and Council Member Milky.

Um, this follows the proposal they brought forward earlier this year, uh, which the council had voted to send to the planning commission for review and a recommendation. Uh the the bill reflects the proposal as initially brought forward uh with three changes all of which had been uh recommended by the planning commission. Uh so the changes are uh the proposed increase in the minimum night stay for certain zoning districts from 3 days to seven seven days has been removed. The proposed requirement for a landline telephone has been removed and the proposed requirement for keeping a log of rentals has been removed. Um, otherwise the bill is as it was originally uh seen by council referred to the planning commission. I got you.

The the zoning So the zoning code only requires that the planning commission review and make recommendations on zoning text amendments uh such as this. It doesn't actually require that the bill be bound by those recommendations. Um and as as this language has been reviewed by the planning commission, it is now eligible for introduction by the council. But any subsequent substantive amendments would need to go back to the planning commission for review and recommendation. So, okay, just to outline the process and where we are. Okay. Okay. So, at this time it's just um to raise a hand to introduce introduced by Lester Milky.

Okay. This will be known as bill number 1622 and the public hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at 5:30 p.m. Okay. That sounds good. All right. Next on the agenda is the county manager. So Jess is taking over tonight. So for tonight, play stuff. You know, he'll be he'll be back tomorrow. He'll be back. He'll be back though. He'll be back. Um under board and committee appointments for the animal control board. I'm requesting the appointment of Karen Roberts. So moved. Second. Okay, we got a motion second to go ahead and uh put Karen on the uh

animal control animal control. Yep. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. Hi. Mr. Steppp. Hi. Mr. Leser. I. Miss Milky. I. Miss Hayes. Hi. Okay. Next, I have a request from the Department of Public Works to award change order number four for bid number 2219 phase 2 resolution 235 region 2 sewer system extension of sewer force main installation. Ray is here to discuss the change order. This is would be going to Schumer in the amount of 137,447.

Thank you. and council. This is associated with um resolution 235 or extension to uh of sewer into let's say um the Arcadia Shores, Averly Farm areas um as well as Big Bend or I'm sorry North Bend and some areas in Royal Oak as well as Roy Range. Uh this was associated with materials that we had to have um that was in in addition to what was originally specified. So, um, this is just basically making sure we have all the eyes dotted and te's crossed for the funding. Sure. Okay. And it's coming out of contingency as well. It's already been identified. Okay. Make a motion. I'll second.

Okay. We got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. I. Mr. Steppp. I. Mr. Leer. I. Miss. Milky. Hi. Miss H. I. Okay.

Great. Next, we have a request from the Department of Parks and Recreation, and we have Brian Harris, the facilities manager here, to utilize fiscal year 26 capital outlay funding for the purchase and installation of eight water source heat pump units at the community center. And this will be piggybacking on a contract through Wcomako County. Um, and this would be to award the work to electrical automation services in the amount of $17,93. And again, there are sufficient funds available in the fiscal year 26 capital outlay budget. And Brian, if there's anything to fill in.

No, this is long overdue process. We got aging equipment out there and trying to start the process next two years. Get them get them changed out. Okay, sounds good. Is there a motion? So moved. Second. Okay, we got a motion to second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan, I. Mr. Steppp, I. Mr. Leer, I. Miss Milky, I. Miss Hate. Hi. Okay. Thanks a lot. Appreciate it. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

And uh we also have a request this evening from Hog Neck Golf Course. You have Rich Setter here, your golf course manager, uh, to award bid 2517, asphalt paving, front nine cart pass at HogNet Golf Course. And we're requesting the award to the sole bidder, East Coast Land Management, in the amount of 277,08 and there are sufficient funds in the capital budget for this. That's good. Good evening everybody. Rich Shutter, Hogn Golf Course. Any questions? Rich, this is part one of three, right? Correct. To we because we were breaking it out over three three years to repave everything.

Front front nine this fall, next fall back nine. Following fall, of course. Perfect. Nice. Good job. Good. I'll make a motion. Okay. Second. Okay, we got a motion. Second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan. I. Mr. Stef, I. Mr. Leer, I. Miss Milky, I. Miss Hate, I. Okay, good job. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

And then lastly this evening, I have a request to declare Tuesday, November 4th as a special legislative day. Uh the council's meeting schedule has changed slightly for the month of November. You will be meeting on November 4th and November 25th. The 4th is the first Tuesday of the month, and we're requesting that be declared a special legislative day. Okay. I'll move to uh declare November 4th as as the special legislative day. Second. Okay, we got a motion and second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan, I. Mr. Steppp, I. Mr. Leer, I. Miss Milky, I. Miss Hay, I Okay, thank you. Good job. Good job. You're a lot faster than Clay, you know.

We like it. God, we love it. We love it. We won't tell him now. We won't tell him. [laughter] Okay. All right. So, next um uh oh, there we go. There we go. Mr. Leer. So, for public comment tonight, we have one person who signed up in in advance, and that is Bradley Cheney.

Yes, sir. Come on up. Hi, my name is Brad the Jeni. I'm a person that suffers with mental uh illness that would like to help people that are homeless or anybody that wants to save money on rent, especially those with mental illness. I've painstakingly researched ways to live in a civilized way in a tent that allows a person to function in society as a working citizen. Meaning, I found ways to shower without a gym membership outside, warm oneself with thermal electric heat that fits in your backpack. All without causing a disturbance in society like negating the need to make fire pits in the street since thermal electric is safe and quiet. It's all possible. I have the research that shows how to do all this. Uh but because it's not legal to pitch a tent on any public or private property, nobody is allowed to even try something like this. I have tried as I've done this in my backyard and with experiments when I was voluntarily homeless. I would love to share this information, but I really don't know how. So, here I am. The difference between this and a homeless shelter is that it may be cheaper in the long term if the person sustains their gear properly to make it last long. But also, if someone were allowed to do this, they'd be empowered to teach themselves to live responsibly since they now have something to protect. They'd be able to save money on rent and would always have something to work towards since they can all since they can always buy more upgrades for their tent setup. Thus, they'd be more likely to invest in proper gear instead of drugs or drugs and alcohol. I call this uh this all the mind method. for modern Indian as if Native Americans/Indians woke up in modern society and embraced modern technology with their same lifestyle of living in the tent. Uh as someone that's used these items to to sustain myself in in circumstances where I was truly homeless, I can safely say that I think these items/products when used in the right way can save

lives. If you have any questions about how these amenities I found work and what they are, feel free to ask. Okay. Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. Can can we make sure that we get his uh contact information for staff so that we can uh do the proper follow-ups? Be great. Appreciate you coming in. Thank you. Okay. Anybody else like to come on up? Okay. Nothing tonight. Nothing. Okay. Gotcha. Gotcha. All right. You're welcome. Um, okay. Uh, council comments. I guess I'll start off with Mr. Stepp over here. How are we? Good.

Pretty pretty quiet today. Pretty quiet. Okay. Great meeting. Great celebrations and uh, you know, all good things for Tula County. Great. Thank you. Okay, Mr. Pleasure. Yes. Today Today was the funeral for Mike Hiner.

Yeah. Uh yeah, a principal of Willow of Construction, a deacon of the Lutheran Church, a pillar of this community, and a family man. Mike's integrity boosted the reputation of Willow Construction, which built a number of high-profile projects around this community, the Temple Benet, Israel, and the new emergency services training center, which we just dedicated uh this uh this past Saturday. projects for the county government itself, including the new basketball courts at the Talbert County Community Center. Mike was taken from us at far too young an age, and so many in this community are going to feel this loss. Our sincerest condolences go out to the Heiner family. I have a I have a second item here which is uh that la last month for September 2,145 Talbet County households with nearly 3,700 individuals including almost 1500 children. This is approximately 10% of our county's entire population. received an aggregate of $66,289.84 in SNAP benefits. This is a topic that came up earlier in this meeting. As a consequence of the dysfunction of Congress and the administration, all of these Talbet County residents are at risk of losing this support. And our food banks, the Talbet County Public Schools, Care Packs, Brooklet's Place, and other local organizations are bracing for the impact, which undoubtedly they cannot fully backfill. At the same time, they are anticipating the needs of furled federal employees and contractors. They are in Talbet County, too. two of them in

Easton that I know who are personally stretched thin. These consequences will be felt by our neighbors and indeed some of them already feel them. Thank you. That's a hard act to follow. That is that was tough. Yeah. Yeah. Um just happy Halloween everybody and be sure to check out Nay's Day. [clears throat]

Yep. Yep. Well, first I want to give a shout out to our Talbet County government um volleyball team that plays their first game tonight at parks and w at the gym. So that's exciting. So I wanted to give that shout out. But second um certainly echo what Councilman Leer said about Mike Hiner. Um he was supposed to be at our groundbreaking ceremony last week when I got the news that he had passed away and that would have been our second um construction project together. So, it it really touched me at that event because Mike was truly a kind and humble being and we could learn a lot from from him. Um, but to also um piggyback off of what Councilman Leer said about SNAP benefits, um, our community is going to feel that sooner rather than later. Um, and also I would like council to consider if there is anything that we can collectively do in response to that, but also federal workers because we have federal workers right here in Talet County um that have reached out and they're not getting paid, right?

They are being furled and they're not getting a paycheck. So, um, I would really like us to really try and put our heads together to see what type of resources we can start to bring to the forefront for our federal workers specifically. um that live right here in Talbet County because I do believe we have to take care of our own um first and foremost. Um so with that, God bless everyone and have a wonderful um rest of your week.

Yep. And I and I'll just um comment too on Mike um Hiner with Willow too. He he's a special man, special family, pillar on the community like Pete was saying. Um he meant so much to the community. That that's for sure. Not only that, he he meant a lot to us as West and Callahan, too, because we worked together. Um, we we shared work together. Um, and the other special thing is I knew his father very well, and I worked with his father was a draftsman, and I worked with him in the 80s. So, um, him and his mom. So, um, very close family, very beautiful family, and, um, my heart goes out to him. Um but um I really appreciate the time we spent together and work together. So um the other thing is is I really want to grad congratulate Kesha because Thursday was a special day for you for the groundbreaking and you did a great job. Um we had a lot of phenomenal people there. You know, you had the first lady there that's you know so that that took a little bit of something to get her there you know. So

took some work. It did. It did. And um you know, I'm I'm proud of you. Um and I appreciate you asking me to say a few words and it it was fun and um you know, I want to wish you luck and you're going to be um definitely going to be leading a lot of things because you got a little niche, that's for sure, helping them young ladies. So I'm proud of what you're doing and um and um you know, you're going to do good work that's for sure in the future and I appreciate that. Well, thank you for coming, Councilman Steppp, Councilman Milky, Pete couldn't be with us, but thank you all for attending. I greatly appreciate that. Great event. Yep. It was it was awesome. So, okay. Other than that, Pete, last word.

The county council's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 4th, which has been declared a special legislative day beginning at 5:00 p.m. The council will be convening in open session at 3:30 p.m. 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 move. Second. Okay, we got a motion second. Madam Secretary, could you call the vote? Mr. Callahan, I. Mr. Steppp, I. Mr. Leser, I. Miss Mily, I miss I. Okay, I appreciate everybody being here tonight. Thanks a lot. See you soon.