These highlights only reflect the business items covered from the Council’s approved agenda. To view the complete County Council meeting, please visit: Talbot County Meeting Videos – Talbot County, Maryland (www.talbotcountymd.gov).

All Council members were present with Council member Price arriving at 6:35 p.m.

Introduction of Martha Sparks, Talbot County Finance Director – Council welcomed Martha Sparks as the County’s new Finance Director.  Ms. Sparks began employment with Talbot County on July 6, 2022.  She received an MBA for Wilmington University and a B.S. Degree in Accounting from Wesley College.  Additionally Ms. Sparks is a graduate of the Academy of Excellence in Local Governance from the University of Maryland, School of Public Policy.  Ms. Sparks has worked in local government for the past eight years and has furthered her government knowledge by working with the Maryland Municipal League and Maryland Association of Counties.  She and her family have lived in Talbot County for 24 years. Ms. Sparks stated, “I love the community I live in and I’m excited to bring my professional knowledge and skills to work for my home county as its new Finance Director.  Thank you for the opportunity to do so.”  Council members welcomed Ms. Sparks.  Council member Divilio stated, “First and foremost welcome home.  Thank you for stepping up for this opportunity.”

Request from Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism to Apply for and Accept Grants from the Maryland Rural Economic Development Fund – Cassandra Vanhooser, Director, Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism requested Council approval to submit the following applications to the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund which will be administered locally by Maryland’s five regional councils and specifically for our area to the Mid-Shore Regional Council (serving Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties):

Goldsborough Neck Road Culvert Improvement Project – $1,000,000

Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe Master Plan Phase II Pre-Development and Implementation Costs – $750,000

Strategic Plan for Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism – $125,000

Development and Implementation of Minority Ventures Program – $100,000

Feasibility Study for Talbot County Visitors Center – $50,000

Feasibility Study for Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry (Matching funds for Economic

Development Administration Grant Application) – $25,000

A sub-committee of the County’s Economic Development Commission will be reviewing and ranking all grant proposals.  The final list of projects will be presented to the County Council for review and action at their July 26^th meeting.  Upon motion by Council member Divilio, seconded by Vice President Lesher and unanimous consent, Council approved submitting letters of support for the six projects presented.

Public Hearings:

Resolution No. 330, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDING OR MODIFYING THE TALBOT COUNTY CAPITAL PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2023 AND 2024 TO ADD A NEW CAPITAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1.5 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SOUTH WELL FOR THE TOWN OF EASTON was brought forward for a public hearing.  Brennan Tarleton, Acting Planning Officer, noted the Planning Commission reviewed Resolution No. 330 and by a vote of 5-0 found it to be consistent with the County’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan.  Ray Clarke, County Engineer, noted the Public Works Advisory Board recommended the Council approve Resolution No. 330 by a vote of 3-0.  Upon motion by Council member Pack, seconded by Council member Price the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 330 which will take effect immediately.

Resolution No. 331, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECLASSIFYING AND REMAPPING TWO PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 29659 MATTHEWSTOWN ROAD (MARYLAND ROUTE 328), EASTON, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 26 AS PARCEL 45 AND LOCATED ON CAMAC STREET, EASTON, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 26 AS PARCEL 186, FROM “W-2” AND “S-2”, PLANNED WATER AND SEWER SERVICE IN 3 TO 5 YEARS, TO “W-1” AND “S-1”, IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS was brought forward for a public hearing. Brennan Tarleton, Acting Planning Officer, noted the Planning Commission reviewed Resolution No. 331 and by a vote of 5-0 found it to be consistent with the County’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan.  Ray Clarke, County Engineer, noted the Public Works Advisory Board recommended the Council approve Resolution No. 331 by a vote of 3-0.  Following the public hearing and questions by the Council, the written record will remain open until Friday, July 15, 2022.  Resolution No. 331 will be eligible for vote on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.  Council member Price commented, “The impact fee developers pay does not begin to cover the impact to the County for services such as public schools and public safety.  These are on-going expenses to the taxpayer.”  County Manager Stamp noted the County is working with TischlerBise, Inc. on updating the County’s impact fee structure.

Resolution No. 332, A RESOLUTION TO PLACE QUESTIONS ON THE BALLOT AT THE 2022 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND SECTION 207 OF THE CHARTER OF TALBOT COUNTY TO INCREASE THE COMPENSATION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL FROM $14,400 PER ANNUM TO $25,000 PER ANNUM, WITH THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL $1,000 PER ANNUM AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE COUNCIL MAY SET, BY RESOLUTION, COMPENSATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL DIFFERING FROM THAT SET FORTH IN SECTION 207; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH RESOLUTION SHALL REQUIRE AT LEAST A FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE OF THE COUNCIL, BE ADOPTED PRIOR TO THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER, AND TAKE EFFECT COMMENCING WITH THE FORTHCOMING COUNCIL TERM was brought forward for a public hearing.  Vice President Lesher introduced an amendment to Resolution No. 332 which would set the future County Council’s salary at $19,200 per annum beginning in 2022.  Following discussion about establishing an appropriate salary for future County Councils based on inflation, time commitment and duties involved, Council member Price proposed an amendment to Vice President Lesher’s amendment to set the salary at $23,000 per annum with the Council President to receive an additional $1,000 per year.  The motion was seconded by Council member Divilio and passed by a vote of 3-1-1 as follows:

Mr. Callahan – aye

Mr. Divilio – aye

Mr. Lesher – nay

Ms. Price – aye

Mr. Pack – abstain

Following a motion by Council member Divilio, seconded by Council member Price, Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 332 as amended. Council member Price stated, “The last time the Council’s salary was adjusted was 20 years ago.  Talbot County is the lowest paid Council in the State of Maryland.  While this is a part-time job, it does entail a lot of work.  I ask the public to consider what is the value to somebody who dedicates their time, family life, and job to serve as a Council member?”  Council member Pack commented, “To serve as a Council member is not about showing up every other Tuesday for a Council meeting.  It involves many hours of reading documents, speaking with constituents and staff members, responding to e-mails, serving on various boards and committees and serving the public. It’s not a part-time job – the public expects you to be responsive at all times. It’s not about the money, but about what the money says that the position is worth.”

Eligible for Vote:

FY23 Capital Enabling Legislation was brought forward for third reader:

Bill No. 1501, A BILL TO AMEND BILL NO. 1474 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRPORT ROAD was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1502, A BILL TO AMEND BILL NO. 1418, TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR A CAPITAL PROJECT FOR THE CONNECTION OF BAR NECK AND FAIRBANK COMMUNITIES TO THE REGION V (TILGHMAN) WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1503, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE IMPROVEMENTS TO COUNTY BRIDGES was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1504, A BILL TO AMEND BILL NO. 1478 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR THE EXPANSION OF BROADBAND TO UNSERVED AND UNDERSERVED AREAS OF TALBOT COUNTY was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1505, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE A STUDY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE 911 DIVISION COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH (CAD) SYSTEM was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1506, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE IMPROVEMENTS TO COUNTY ROADS was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1507, A BILL TO AMEND BILL NOS. 1361, 1332, 1307 AND 1267 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR THE MAPPING AND EVALUATION AND REHABILITATION OR REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY CULVERTS was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1508, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE DESIGN, RENOVATION/CONSTRUCTION OF OFFICES AND OTHER WORK AREAS FOR THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS FOR TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1509, A BILL TO AMEND BILL NO. 1484, TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR A CAPITAL PROJECT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES STATIONS  was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1510, A BILL TO AMEND BILL NOS. 1457, 1422, 1335, AND 1317 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND UPGRADES FOR GOLDSBOROUGH NECK ROAD AND AIRPORT ROAD was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1512, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE A CAPITAL PROJECT FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AN EMERGENCY GENERATOR FOR THE MARTINGHAM SANITARY DISTRICT was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1513, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE IMPROVEMENTS TO COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1515, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE RESURFACING/REPAVING OF THE ST. MICHAELS SCHOOL PARKING LOT was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1516, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RENOVATION OF THE ST. MICHAELS BRANCH OF THE TALBOT COUNTY FREE LIBRARY was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1517, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STORAGE FACILITY FOR THE TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1518, A BILL TO AMEND BILL NOS. 1082 AND 1285 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TUNIS MILLS BRIDGE was brought forward for vote and approved by a vote of 4-1 with Council member Divilio voting nay.

Bill No. 1519, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE COUNTYWIDE WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No. 1520, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF A SUN SHADE STRUCTURE FOR AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AND PLAYGROUND FOR THE WHITE MARSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

Bill No.1521, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF A SECURITY FENCE FOR THE WHITE MARSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was brought forward for vote and unanimously approved by Council.

County Manager’s Report:

• Board and Committee Appointments – Mr. Stamp requested the reappointment of Samantha Martinez to the Talbot Family Network Board of Directors which was unanimously approved by the Council.

• Request from Parks and Recreation to Purchase Flooring Mat System for Ice Rink – Mr. Stamp requested Council approval to purchase a mat system from American Arena in the amount of $55,000 using FY23 contingency funds.  This is an unanticipated and emergency procurement for the ice rink in order to get through the 2023 season.  The piping that runs throughout the ice rink floor is over 40 years old and is failing.  A full replacement of the ice rink floor will be requested as part of the FY24 budget.  Council voted unanimously to approve the procurement request as outlined and to seek proposals for full replacement of the ice rink floor.  Council member Divilio commented “We are fortunate the floor lasted as long as it did.  Thank you Mr. Peper for saving the ice for this season with this temporary fix.”
• Request from Department of Administrative Services for Sole Source Purchase of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Software from ADP – Mr. Stamp requested Council approval to procure the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) software package from ADP in the amount of $51,828.69.  There are sufficient funds in the FY23 budget for the procurement which will provide more effective and efficient accessibility to employee records and information for data analysis, reporting and budgeting. This is an expansion of our existing system and will improve our processes by leveraging technology. Council voted unanimously to approve the procurement request as outlined.
• Request from Roads Department to Purchase Truck with Utility Body – Mr. Stamp requested Council approval to purchase a 2023 International CV515 4×4 truck with utility body at a price of $151,393 from Beltway International, LLC of Baltimore.  The County would utilize the 2023 Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement.  It will take approximately 1 year for the truck to be delivered. Council voted unanimously to approve the procurement request as outlined.
• Request from Hog Neck Golf Course to Purchase Garage Doors and Heat Pumps for Pavilion – Mr. Stamp requested Council approval to purchase and install 9 garage doors from First Choice Garage Doors in the amount of $72,855 for the Hog Neck Golf Course pavilion. There are sufficient funds in FY23 Capital Outlay for Hog Neck Golf Course for the purchases.  The procurement of heat pumps for the pavilion is still being analyzed and scoped appropriately for the size of the project. Council voted unanimously to approve the procurement request as outlined.
• Request from Department of Corrections to Apply for and Accept Grant from the Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC) for Examination and Treatment Grant – Mr. Stamp requested Council approval to accept grant funding in the amount of $352,194 from the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center’s Examination and Treatment Grant program for the Talbot County Department of Corrections.  This is a two-year grant and the DOC will be partnering with the Talbot County Health Department for services to enhance the Medication for Opioid Use Disorder program to address chronic opioid use.  Council voted unanimously to approve the acceptance of grant funds as outlined.
• Request for Letter of Support for Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Entrepreneurship Grant Application for Workboat Repair Program – Mr. Stamp requested Council approval for a letter of support for a grant application in the amount of $100,000 to the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Entrepreneurship Grant program for an application to create a Workboat Repair Program.  Talbot County proposes to partner with Dorchester County on the program to offer grants to assist commercial watermen with funds to assist with boat repairs and upgrades.  To qualify for this program, each applicant must hold a commercial fishing license and own his/her/their own boat that is used for fishing, charters and/or tours.  This will be a reimbursement type grant with commercial watermen paying 25% of the repairs and the grant reimbursing 75% which will meet the required match for the grant.  Council voted unanimously to send a letter of support for the grant application.

The Council’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 6 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

At the 2022 Maryland Community Action Partnership Human Services Conference held during May 11 – 13, 2022 in Ocean City, Maryland, the Talbot County Council was awarded the Community Action Vision and Value Award.  This year’s conference theme of “Future Focused: Advance, Build, Connect” highlighted improvements within communities as a result of community action services and partnerships. The Talbot County Council was nominated by Marilyn Neal, Executive Director, Neighborhood Service Center, for “continued support for Neighborhood Service Center in its mission toward eliminating poverty by empowering individuals and families to become self-sufficient.”

Council member Frank Divilio stated, “The last few years have been especially challenging.  Many of these challenges are the same ones that the Neighborhood Service Center helps the public with daily.   I am thankful that we already had many channels set up to help the community and appreciate everyone working together to keep us afloat.  While we faced many challenges, I am beyond grateful for the programs that we already have in place and watching them expand rapidly to fill the needs.”

The Neighborhood Service Center located at 126 Port Street in Easton serves as the County’s Community Action Agency, providing services and assistance to low-income families and elderly residents of the county since 1969.  Programs include After School Youth Program, Emergency Food Pantry, Electric Universal Service Program, Emergency Services Program, Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), Mobile Food Pantry, On-the-Job Training for Homeless Individuals, and Rapid Rehousing.  Additionally, the Neighborhood Service Center operates Webb’s Hope, a low-income rental property located at 36 West Street in Easton.

Talbot County has supported and partnered with Neighborhood Service Center on a variety of grants through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development including:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Homeless Initiative for the acquisition of 6 South Street in Easton and renovation of three apartments ($414,000).  Project completed in October 2018.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) – provides direct financial assistance and housing stability services to renters struggling to make payments for rent and utilities.  Assistance can be for rental arrears, prospective rental payments, prospective and arrear utility and home energy costs, and “other expenses related to housing incurred due, directly or indirectly, to COVID”.

ERAP 1 – $2,439,498. Expenditure period commenced July 1, 2021 and will conclude on September 30, 2022.

ERAP 2 – $1,678,514. The award end date for ERAP 2 funds is December 31, 2022.

For more information about the Neighborhood Service Center please visit www.nsctalbotmd.org or 126 Port Street, Easton (410-822-5015).

AGENDA: Tuesday, June 14, 2022

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Closed Session – Legal, Personnel, and Real Estate Matters

Council Meeting to begin at 6:00 p.m.

I. Moment of Silence

II. Agenda

III. Minutes – May 24, 2022 and June 7, 2022

IV. Disbursements – June 14, 2022

V. Introduction of Numbered Resolutions:

A. A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDING OR MODIFYING THE TALBOT COUNTY CAPITAL PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2023 AND 2024 TO ADD A NEW CAPITAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1.5 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SOUTH WELL FOR THE TOWN OF EASTON

B. A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECLASSIFYING AND REMAPPING TWO PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 29659 MATTHEWSTOWN ROAD (MARYLAND ROUTE 328), EASTON, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 26 AS PARCEL 45 AND LOCATED ON CAMAC STREET, EASTON, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 26 AS PARCEL 186, FROM “W-2” AND “S-2”, PLANNED WATER AND SEWER SERVICE IN 3 TO 5 YEARS, TO “W-1” AND “S-1”, IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS

C. A RESOLUTION TO PLACE QUESTIONS ON THE BALLOT AT THE 2022 GENERAL ELECTION TO AMEND SECTION 207 OF THE CHARTER OF TALBOT COUNTY TO INCREASE THE COMPENSATION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL FROM $14,400 PER ANNUM TO $25,000 PER ANNUM, WITH THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL $1,000 PER ANNUM AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE COUNCIL MAY SET, BY RESOLUTION, COMPENSATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL DIFFERING FROM THAT SET FORTH IN SECTION 207; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH RESOLUTION SHALL REQUIRE AT LEAST A FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE OF THE COUNCIL, BE ADOPTED PRIOR TO THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER, AND TAKE EFFECT COMMENCING WITH THE FORTHCOMING COUNCIL TERM

VI. Public Hearings on FY23 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Projects 6:30 p.m.

A. Habitat for Humanity Choptank – 122 S. Locust Lane, Easton, MD 21601 – $100,000 for Rehabilitation of Single Family Home in Historic Area of Easton

B. Building African American Minds (BAAM) – 31 Jowite Street, Easton, MD 21601- $347,138 for Construction of 3-story Academic Center

VII. Introduction of Administrative Resolutions:

A. ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) SFY23 APPLICATION FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CHOPTANK FOR THE REHABILITATION OF A HOME LOCATED AT 122 S. LOCUST LANE, EASTON, MARYLAND 21601

B. ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) SFY23 APPLICATION FOR BUILDING AFRICAN AMERICAN MINDS (BAAM), 31 JOWITE STREET, EASTON, MARYLAND 21601 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACADEMIC CENTER

VIII. Public Hearings:

A. Bill No. 1499, A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 56 (ELECTRICAL STANDARDS) OF THE TALBOT COUNTY CODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF INCORPORATING AMENDMENTS TO THE MARYLAND ELECTRICIANS ACT ENACTED BY THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY PURSUANT TO SENATE BILL 762 – CHAPTER 708, ACTS OF 2021 AND INCORPORATING THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, AS UPDATED FROM TIME TO TIME, AS THE MINIMUM STANDARD FOR ELECTRICAL WORK IN TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND

B. Bill No. 1500, A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 60 (ETHICS PROVISIONS) OF THE TALBOT COUNTY CODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF INCORPORATING AMENDMENTS ENACTED BY THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY PURSUANT TO HOUSE BILL 879 – CHAPTER 31, ACTS OF 2017, HOUSE BILL 363 – CHAPTER 252, ACTS OF 2021, AND HOUSE BILL 1058 – CHAPTER 425, ACTS OF 2021 AND PROVIDING THAT THE MEMBERS OF CERTAIN COUNTY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES SHALL BE SUBJECT TO CHAPTER 60 AS NONELECTED OFFICIALS

IX. Eligible for Vote:

A. Resolution No. 328, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN TO REVISE CHAPTER THREE – AMENDMENT PROCEDURES

and Amendment

X. Council Discussion of Proposed Text Amendments:

A. Application by Talbot Country Club, Inc., 6141 Country Club Drive, Easton, Maryland to Amend the Talbot County Code Section 190-78 “Terms Defined” to add a definition of the term “Country Club” and Section 190-48.3 to add a new subsection “F. Expansion of the uses and structures of a country club in the RC District”

B. Application by Ryan Showalter, Esq., MDSW, 100 N. West Street, Easton, Maryland to amend the Talbot County Code Sections 190-15 “Critical Area Overlay District (CAO),” 190-31 “Marine Uses,” 190-33 “Accessory uses,” and 190-78 “Terms defined” regarding erosion control measures, piers and riparian structures

XI. County Manager’s Report:

A. Request from Department of Public Works to Award Bid No. 22-06, TALBOT COUNTY
SANITARY DISTRICT – SEPTIC SYSTEM CONNECTIONS TO COUNTY SEWER – THREE (3) YEAR CONTRACT – TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND

XII. Public Comments
http://www.talbotcountymd.gov/uploads/File/council/Talbot%20County%20Council%20Meeting%20Protocols.pdf

XIII. Council Comments

XIV. Closed Session – Legal, Personnel, and Real Estate Matters

These highlights only reflect the business items covered from the Council’s approved agenda. To view the complete County Council meeting, please visit: Talbot County Meeting Videos – Talbot County, Maryland (www.talbotcountymd.gov).

Council held a Special Legislative Day for the purpose of introducing FY23 Capital Enabling Legislation.  The bills are listed as follows:

A BILL TO AMEND BILL NO. 1474 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRPORT ROAD was introduced as Bill No. 1501 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AMEND BILL NO. 1418, TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR A CAPITAL PROJECT FOR THE CONNECTION OF BAR NECK AND FAIRBANK COMMUNITIES TO THE REGION V (TILGHMAN) WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT was introduced as Bill No. 1502 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE IMPROVEMENTS TO COUNTY BRIDGES was introduced as Bill No. 1503 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AMEND BILL NO. 1478, TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR THE EXPANSION OF BROADBAND TO UNSERVED AND UNDERSERVED AREAS OF TALBOT COUNTY was introduced as Bill No. 1504 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE A STUDY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE 911 DIVISION COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH (CAD) SYSTEM was introduced as Bill No. 1505 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE IMPROVEMENTS TO COUNTY ROADS was introduced as Bill No. 1506 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AMEND BILL NOS. 1361, 1332, 1307 AND 1267 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR THE MAPPING AND EVALUATION AND REHABILITATION OR REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY CULVERTS was introduced as Bill No. 1507 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE DESIGN, RENOVATION/CONSTRUCTION OF OFFICES AND OTHER WORK AREAS FOR THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS FOR TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND was introduced as Bill No. 1508 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AMEND BILL NO. 1484, TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR A CAPITAL PROJECT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES STATIONS was introduced as Bill No. 1509 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AMEND BILL NOS. 1457, 1422, 1335, AND 1317 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND UPGRADES FOR GOLDSBOROUGH NECK ROAD AND AIRPORT ROAD was introduced as Bill No. 1510 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION/CONSTRUCTION OF A TALBOT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FACILITY was introduced as Bill No. 1511 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE A CAPITAL PROJECT FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AN EMERGENCY GENERATOR FOR THE MARTINGHAM SANITARY DISTRICT was introduced as Bill No. 1512 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE IMPROVEMENTS TO COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES was introduced as Bill No. 1513 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AMEND BILL NO. 1489 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER was introduced as Bill No. 1514 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE RESURFACING/REPAVING OF THE ST. MICHAELS SCHOOL PARKING LOT was introduced as Bill No. 1515 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RENOVATION OF THE ST. MICHAELS BRANCH OF THE TALBOT COUNTY FREE LIBRARY was introduced as Bill No. 1516 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STORAGE FACILITY FOR THE TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS was introduced as Bill No. 1517 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AMEND BILL NOS. 1082 AND 1285 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TUNIS MILLS BRIDGE was introduced as Bill No. 1518 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE COUNTYWIDE WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS was introduced as Bill No. 1519 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF A SUN SHADE STRUCTURE FOR AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AND PLAYGROUND FOR THE WHITE MARSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was introduced as Bill No. 1520 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF A SECURITY FENCE FOR THE WHITE MARSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was introduced as Bill No. 1521 by Council President Callahan, Vice President Lesher and Members Divilio, Pack and Price.

The public hearings on Bills No. 1501-1521 has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.

A copy of all legislation can be found on the County’s website at www.talbotcountymd.gov.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

These highlights only reflect the business items covered from the Council’s approved agenda. To view the complete County Council meeting, please visit: Talbot County Meeting Videos – Talbot County, Maryland (www.talbotcountymd.gov).

Council members Callahan, Lesher, Divilio, and Price were in attendance. Council member Pack was absent.

1. Certificate of Recognition to Kelly Griffith, Ed. D., Superintendent, Talbot County Public Schools

The Council provided a Certificate of Recognition for Dr. Griffith in appreciation of her devotion and commitment to the children of Talbot County, their parents and caregivers, and the community-at-large for more than 34 years as a teacher, principal, administrator and superintendent for Talbot County Public Schools.

Council member Price stated, “It has been an honor to work with you. I got to know you while you were principal and being on the Council and working on the budgets. It was really great having you there and we appreciate everything that you’ve done. We’re going to miss you. Thank you for all of your hard work and your heart shows you care.

Council member Divilio added, “I’ve seen what you’ve implemented in schools firsthand with my children who are now in the schools. And think about the generations that you’ve seen go through there. I have a lot of pride in the public schools here. I know that you do too, and it does show that you are out there cheering them all and rallying. The public school is the largest educator in Talbot County and it’s a big driving force that puts kids into programs such as Chef Cook and Johnson and Wales, college sports, or Chesapeake College through dual enrollment. We have the great connections and the ability to raise our own and bring them back and you’ve done that. We owe you a huge debt of gratitude.”

Council Vice President Lesher commented, “You have my gratitude for the transformation that you have brought to education in Talbot County. Your commitment that every child will learn, grow and succeed is measurable in many ways. The reduced dropout rates and the increased graduation rates are the successes that we see in program after program through the schools. You leave a legacy behind you in Talbot County. Thank you for all your work.”

Council President Callahan said, “You’re such a special person. I have enjoyed working with you for the last eight years. You’ve made many, many friends over the years and a lot of people respect you. And I appreciate your professionalism and everything you have done. Thank you.”

1. Proclamation:  National Gun Violence Awareness Day – June 3, 2022 – Mary Hunt-Miller, Upper Shore Local Group, Maryland Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Susan Moran, Clerk to the Council read the proclamation into the record which states in part, “Every day more than 110 Americans are killed by gun violence, in addition to the more than 200 individuals who are shot and wounded. Gun violence is more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic which, after more than two years of increased gun sales, has exacerbated gun violence, caused an increase in calls to suicide and domestic violence hotlines, and has increased community gun violence. Talbot County encourages citizens to honor the lives of its victims and survivors, to renew our commitment to reducing gun violence by pledging to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, and to encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our residents safe.

The Council unanimously approved this proclamation.

Ms. Hunt-Miller stated, “I want to thank the County Council very much for their willingness to give us this proclamation for Talbot County. It’s important. I got in the car today to come here and turned on the radio and heard the terrible news about another school shooting in Texas. So, the fact that my own county is willing to speak up and say we need to have awareness of gun violence is very moving. For me, and for the rest of the people, the volunteers in my organization, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, we wish to thank you very much for raising awareness of this whole problem in our country.”

Council member Divilio stated, “Thankfully, we’re not seeing gun violence like that repeated every single day monthly. But I appreciate anyone who steps up and wants to make the community safer. And I would love to see you connect with organizations and businesses like Albright’s Gun Shop, Shore Sportsmen, and the Rod and Gun Club about gun and hunter safety programs they offer to the community.”

Council member Price added, “I agree with Mr. Divilio in that partnering with these organizations who work so hard to encourage safe habits, teaching the right way to do things and working with who’s out there promoting this message to the public. Working together, as always, is the best way to keep people safe.”

1. Update and Request by Mid-Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.(MSBH) – Kathryn Dilley, LCSW-C, Executive Director, Mid-Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.; Shannon Joyce, MPH, CHES, Behavioral Health Coordinator, PASRR & Aging, Mid-Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.

Dilley stated, “One of the things we’re hoping to do this evening is to get your endorsement and support for continuing to serve in FY23 as your core service agency in oversight, planning and development for the Public Behavioral Health System in Talbot County. Since COVID-19, we’ve tripled the amount of responsibilities that we’ve had and the need is certainly there, as mental health and substance use needs and services are on the rise. Our work has been to try to get ahead of that and find ample resources to bring into the community. So, we’ve been working very diligently with our state and federal partners to do that.”

Dilley stated that May is Mental Health Awareness Month as well as MSBH’s 30th Anniversary. The mission of the organization is to continually improve the provision of behavioral health services for residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties through effective coordination in care in collaboration with consumers, their natural support systems, and providers and the community at large. The organization’s vision is a rural healthcare delivery system that is clinically and culturally competent. This system will ensure access, have a community focus, be cost-effective, and be integrated to serve the community as a whole.

Dilley noted, “One of the biggest things that the state is focusing on in the Behavioral Health Administration in the Department of Health is how we enhance our crisis response system. MSBH oversees the Crisis Response System, not just for the five counties of the metro region, but for all nine counties on the Eastern Shore. The focus recently has been on the child and adolescent population, specifically meeting with children and adolescents in the agency’s transitional age youth. MSBH is also piloting a care traffic control system to be able to fast track individuals that have met with crisis response into treatment. This is parallel with 988, which is the national suicide line that is going live this summer in July. MSBH continues to bring in funding for our population facing opioid dependency and treatment needs through crisis beds, the safe station development project, and adolescent clubhouse initiatives. MSBH is part of the Bay Bridge Partnership, working on managing people in crisis on the Bay Bridge and other locations. MSBH also started a farming wellness initiative to look at new innovative ways to do community education and partnering activities that address the stigma around getting mental health help in that community. MSBH is also working with Channel Marker, doing an expansion to that facility to include bringing on eight mental health crisis beds. MSBH has a new COVID 19 wellness ambassador, working specifically with our wellness and recovery centers and our mental health and behavioral health providers to address any stigma or concerns that clients and patients have with either adhering to masking and universal precautions to keep themselves. In FY21 Talbot County served 1,589 individuals with mental health services and 707 individuals with substance use services through the public behavioral health system.

Joyce reported that MSBH attends and participates in the Local Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council, Talbot County Goes Purple, Shore Regional Health Opioid Task Force, and EOC/COVID-19 calls. Dilley is serving as the Chair for the Talbot Family Network/Local Management Board for FY22. MSBH hired a youth outreach coordinator who is working with the Talbot County Public Schools to support the anti-vaping campaign. MSBH sponsored the Out of Darkness Suicide Awareness Walk on September 25 and organized the first in-person regional Going Purple Together event on September 24. MSBH coordinated and facilitated Shore Regional Health meetings for high-risk behavioral health consumers who are returning to their community. MSBH supports the leadership and participation in the Talbot County Mental Health Workgroup with a focus on the public school system and what we can do in response to the COVID 19 pandemic to address the gaps in services. MSBH also has a behavioral health assisted living pilot for individuals with a primary mental health diagnosis who need assistance with activities of daily living.  Ms. Dilley announced that their 24-hour hotline is 1-888-407-8018.  The MSBH office number is 410-770-4801.

The Council voted unanimously to approve the FY23 Letter of Agreement with Mid Shore Behavioral Health.

1. Update from Talbot County Department of Social Services on Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center – Linda Webb, Director, Talbot County Department of Social Services; Juana Blue, Assistant Director for Family Investment Administration, Talbot County Department of Social Services

Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

Talbot County received $72,133 in direct services federal funds for LIHWAP for two years. The new program runs from February 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first. It is first-come, first-served. LIHWAP is a one-time payment toward arrearages for residential: Water services (disconnect prevention) and Wastewater services. LIHWAP provides a one-time grant of $100 -$2,000 (paid to water provider) and paid toward residential water and/or wastewater arrearages (more than 30 days past due and with at least $100 owed). Payment must satisfy the account to be in “good standing” with the utility provider.

For LIHWAP eligibility, participants must be a Maryland resident who is responsible for water and/or wastewater bill, live at the property for which assistance is being requested, and meet program income criteria. Households with at least one member currently receiving one of the following are considered automatically eligible: Office of Home Energy Programs, Temporary Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Disability Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, Means-tested Veterans Programs, and Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Talbot County DSS currently has a relationship with Easton Utilities and the Towns of Trappe and Oxford and has paid out $1,800 to date.

Applications to LIHWAP can be completed online at https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/ or dropped off, mailed, faxed or emailed to:
Talbot County Department of Social Services
301 Bay Street, Unit 5, Easton, MD 21601
Phone: 410-770 4848, Option 4
Fax: 410-820-7117
Email: talbot.customer@maryland.gov

Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center

A Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a comprehensive response to incidents of child abuse, provided by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals in a child-friendly location. It is a model of best practice to reduce childhood trauma. Through an 18-year partnership with the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, the Talbot CAC provides Forensic Interviews, Mid Shore Medical Program (Forensic Medical Examinations, 5 County Mid Shore region), Family Advocacy, Mental Health and Other Therapies, Independent Living Skills, Team Building Activities, and Emergency Financial Assistance. So far in 2022, the CAC has provided 437 Family Advocate sessions, serving 123 children and adults. The CAC has conducted 60 forensic interviews and 13 medical examinations. The CAC has a new Medical Director, has provided 63 training opportunities to members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team and had its re-accreditation site visit on May 10, 2022 and has been recommended for re-accreditation.

Council member Divilio stated, “I can’t thank you enough for what you do in such difficult circumstances to help the family as a whole get back together. It’s by far one of the most important and troubling issues affecting Talbot County right now and it has been for a long time. Thank you for being there for those families.”

1. Presentation on Chapel District Elementary School Feasibility Study – Kevin Shafer, Director of Operations, Talbot County Public Schools; Tom King, AIA, Principal, Noelker and Hull Associates, Inc. – Mr. Shafer asked the Council for a letter of support for TCPS to continue the planning process to develop a plan for addressing the infrastructure issues at Chapel District Elementary School. The 30-year-old building has infrastructure issues that need to be addressed immediately. Tom King presented the three possible options for addressing the issues:

Option 1: Modernize the existing building systems and spaces to meet current code, life safety, and educational functions with no new construction. This option does not meet all of the space needs in the Educational Specification space summary. ($15,930,530 for a 46,070 sq.ft. building)

Option 2: Modernize the existing building systems and spaces and construct new additions to meet all space needs, as defined in the Educational Specifications, site improvements, and educational functions. ($19,099,608 for a 55,600 sq.ft. building)

Option 3: Construct a totally new elementary school on the same site to meet all educational program and space needs as defined in the educational specifications. Demolish the existing building and reconfigure the site amenities. ($21,862,808 for a 55,600 sq.ft. building)

The current enrollment at the school is 346. The State has projected the school will have a need for 363 enrolled students. Talbot County has projected that the County will have a need for 471 students based on the possibility of several housing developments being built in the County.

Kevin Shafer reported that the Board of Education supported Option 3, which also offers an opportunity for expansion. The Board of Education believes Option 3 is the best option as it provides the longest life expectancy, the least amount of instructional disruption, best value in terms of comparable costs and addresses site limitations.  Mr. King stated in his professional opinion that Option 2 is the best option based on the enrollment figures he has as of today’s date.

Council discussion ensued about the timeline for the project, waiting to send a letter until the housing projections in the County are more firm, evaluating other school needs in the county, and the property’s flexibility for athletic fields at the site. The Council voted unanimously to approve the motion to send a letter in support of the Talbot County Public Schools continuing the planning process to address the issues with the Chapel District Elementary School.  Ms. Price requested the letter include a statement about the discrepancy in enrollment figures based on anticipated development projects in the County.

1. Introduction of Administrative Resolution:

ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TRANSFER OF PAID PARAMEDICS PARTICIPATING IN THE EMPLOYEES’ COMBINED SYSTEM TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS’ PENSION SYSTEM (LEOPS)

The Council voted unanimously to introduce and approve the resolution.

Council member Price stated, “It was a long time coming for our Sheriff’s deputies and we’re happy to be able to include our paramedics. Hopefully next year we’ll get the legislation to get our correctional officers into the Correctional Officers Retirement System (CORS) program as well as it’s very important with what they do as 30 years is way too long in that field.”

1. Update on Easton Airport – Micah Risher, Manager, Easton Airport and Jack Pettit, President, Airport Board

Mr. Risher provided the following overview

• Airport Business Remains Strong as a Self-Sustaining Enterprise (30 years) with businesses growing/expanding. Hangar space is at a premium (3-5 year waitlist)
• Runway Improvement Project – Remains on schedule and completing enabling objectives
• Community Engagement – Tours/Events and ACE Program coming back post-Covid

Capital Improvements Update

• FAA Grant Status AIP 47 – Pay Request for $789,449.80 submitted on May 19, 2022 for Reimbursement for Avigation Easements
• FFY2022 FAA AIP Grant – Grant application submitted requesting to move to Design phase (project total of $1,885,261.00) – runway construction
• Obstruction Removal Program Phase 2- Work is complete and Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) to reimburse $297,818
• Automated Weather System (AWOS) – Replacement – Coordinating with MAA on funding solution – 2 years (Procurement & Construction)

Talbot Business Center

• FAA expected to award AIP Grant to Design the Runway Project by September 2022
• All leases expire on December 31, 2022 and will continue “month to month” into 2023
• Expect First Construction Package Grant to be awarded by September 2023
• Construction is planned to begin by January 2024 – will be partnering with the Talbot County Repurposing Center on recycling materials from demolition – outstanding issue with Forest Conservation Act and working with the Town of Easton.

Improvements Update

• Security – Additional security cameras and “command post” installed in office; Gate controllers replaced & modernized; and new keycards and access tracking
• Terminal Building – Lobby painted; new signage; digital displays for advertising Talbot Tourism focused brochure stands; flex workspace and meeting room; and curbing and accessibility improvements in the pipeline

Community Outreach

• Events & Activities – Successful Easton Airport Cruise-In, Runway Safety Action Team Meeting, Walk & Talk Open House Tours, Business After School Program
• Headlines & Community Relations – Obstruction Removal Program Updates

ESN Staff Interviews, Shore Monthly Interview, Supporting Talbot Softball and Ballfield, ACE Flights & Passport Program

• Noise Abatement – Updated graphics and materials, New brochures and handouts, pilot community outreach; continue advocating our “Good Neighbor” policies

Statistics

• • • Air Traffic operations returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2021
    • Flight Training accounted for 59% of the activity with 43,268 ops
    • Military Flight Training accounted for nearly 25% of the VFR Pattern activity and 15% of the total traffic with 10,743 operations

• • • Itinerant General Aviation & Military activity accounted for 29,933 or nearly41% of total operations (highest ever recorded)
    • Business Users (Air Taxi/Charters) totaled 3,381 flights in 2021 (highest ever recorded)
    • An average of 9 “charter style” operations occur daily (In 2011, the average was 3 per day)

• Fuel Statistics

44% increase in sales – Jet-A

40.1% increase in sales – Avgas

Mr. Pettit reported that there are going to be great opportunities in aviation in the future, especially for women. The ACE Program can help encourage students in Talbot County to consider aviation careers.

Mr. Risher reported that a woman just completed all of her flight training at Easton Airport and is now working as a commercial pilot.

Ms. Price reported that she is bringing 15 board members from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to tour the airport in June.

1. County Manager’s Report: Jessica Morris, Assistant County Manager provided the report.

• No Board and Committee Appointments
• Request from Department of Public Works to Award Bid No. 22-07, REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ENGINEERING SERVICES – COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWERAGE PLAN UPDATE – 2022/2023 REPORT OF THE REVIEW – TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND

After a review of the proposals submitted by Rauch, Inc. and Wallace-Montgomery, the Bid Review Committee recommended the engineering services be awarded to the low bidder, Rauch, Inc. in the amount of $129,530.00.

            The Council unanimously approved the bid award to Rauch, Inc.

• Request from County Manager to Award Bid No. 22-01, REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – REAL PROPERTY FOR TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX

A total of 9 bids were received in response to Bid No. 22-01.  The County Manager is recommending the award of the bid to Nova Sixa, LLC in the amount of $6,000,000.  The Council voted unanimously to approve the bid award to Nova Sixa, LLC.

Council Vice President Lesher stated, “I want to thank the staff team and the Sheriff in particular for his input in selecting the suitable location we heard tonight. We are working under a deadline from the airport property that we will have to inevitably move the Sheriff’s Office sooner or later and this is an important step in that process. So thanks to all who’ve gotten us to this point.”

Council President Callahan added, “I think this is a big step for the citizens of Talbot County in public safety. The Council worked really hard and the staff worked really hard to find a location and I’m very proud of the selection that we’ve made.”

Request for Approval of 4^th Quarter Budget Transfers for the Fiscal Year 2022 – Ken Davis, Acting Finance Director, presented the 4^th quarter budget transfers. The summary of the transfers includes:

Salaries and Benefits – net decrease of $825,070

Operating Expense – net decrease of $1,072,700

Capital Outlay – net increase of $240,500

Payments to Municipalities, Public Accommodations Tax – net increase of $550,000

The Council voted unanimously to approve the 4^th quarter budget transfers as outlined.

Request to Declare Tuesday, June 7, 2022 a Special Legislative Day

The Council voted unanimously to designate Tuesday, June 7, 2022 a Special Legislative Day for the purpose of introducing capital enabling legislation.  The meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m. and be held in the County Manager’s Office.

Ms. Morris thanked the Council for approving the LEOPS transfer for paramedics, stating, “We have 37 Paramedics that will be eligible for LEOPS and we have the required 60% who have signed on to that program so that is truly a monumental event and we appreciate your support.”

Ms. Morris announced that County offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2022 in recognition of the Memorial Day holiday.

The Council’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 3 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.  The Council will be meeting with elected officials from the towns of Easton, Oxford, Queen Anne, St. Michaels and Trappe on Tuesday, June 7^th at 5:00 p.m. in the Wye Oak Room, Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

These highlights only reflect the business items covered from the Council’s approved agenda. To view the complete County Council meeting, please visit: Talbot County Meeting Videos – Talbot County, Maryland (www.talbotcountymd.gov).

Council members Callahan, Lesher, Divilio and Price were in attendance. Council member Pack was absent due to his father’s death.

A moment of silence was held for Council member Pack’s father.

Proclamation: National Safe Boating Week – May 21 – 27, 2022. The Council presented a proclamation to Reed Carey, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Edward Burke, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Tyler Laski, Boatswain’s Mate, 2^nd Class, U.S. Coast Guard. The proclamation noted that the vast majority of boating-related accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment or environmental factors; and that a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would still be alive today had they worn their life jackets. The proclamation also acknowledged that safe boaters have applied knowledge gained by attending the United States Coast Guard approved Safe Boating classes, and safe boaters operate vessels that have passed a Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron Vessel Safety. The proclamation urged all those who boat to practice safe boating habits and wear a life jacket at all times while boating,

Carey reported that this past year in Maryland there were148 boating accidents and six deaths. This rate has increased by 25% over a one-year period. He commented, “Taking steps toward staying safe and staying sober while boating substantially decreases the risks to boaters. National Safe Boating Week has been recognized nationally since 1958. Traditionally now as the week before Memorial Day weekend, it’s a great time to remind boaters who are getting back on the water to be safe. The Coast Guard and the Department of Natural Resources will be out there keeping us safe.”

Council member Divilio stated, “I grew up here waterskiing and wakeboarding and playing in the different rivers around and I certainly know the hazards and have seen plenty of dangerous activity out in the water and so I appreciate the work that you guys do to keep us safe while we’re out there. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum started their boater safety class tonight that will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays this week, as well as July 19 – 21and August 23 – 25. Anyone born after 1972 is required to take a boater safety course. It’s very easy to get lost out there and that basic boater safety class teaches you how to be a lot safer.”

Council Vice President Lesher added, “We know that even though it’s not mandatory for those of us who are born before that date to take the Boater’s Safety course, it’s still good practice. So thank you for all you do to promote boating safety. I remember an incident some years ago where I was just out there with my kids and a DNR officer came along and gave them each an ice cream coupon because he observed them to be wearing life jackets aboard – that was just great positive reinforcement. I’ve also seen the tragic side of this as I’ve personally known a couple of people who have not just been injured, but lost their lives out in the water. Everything that we do to save a life and everything that you do to promote safety and save lives out there is so important to us.”

Council President Chuck Callahan states, “As my colleagues have said, I was born and raised here and spent time on the water all the time. You provide emergency services to people day or night. We appreciate everything you do to protect citizens and visitors to Talbot County.”

Presentation of Letters of Interest for SFY23 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Mary Kay Verdery, Talbot County Grants Administrator

Mary Kay Verdery, Talbot County Grants Administrator, explained that the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) is a federally funded program designed to assist county and municipal governments with activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, housing opportunities, economic development, and improved public facilities and services. The Maryland CDBG program is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). CDBG funds are provided primarily as gap funding for projects selected by the jurisdiction to meet our community needs. CDBG funds provided must meet a national objective and additional Maryland objectives. CDBG applications are accepted on a competitive basis. This applies at the County and State levels. The maximum amount Talbot County may request, for a single project or cumulative projects, is $800,000. Upon receipt of notification from DHCD of the SFY23 grant application process, Talbot County created and posted a notice of Community Development Block Grant funding on the County website.

Verdery requested the Council’s support to partner with the following non-profits for SFY23 CDBG grant applications:

1. Habitat for Humanity Choptank (Habitat Choptank) – Seeking $100,000 to renovate a home located in the historic area of Easton at 122 S. Locust Lane. Funds will be used to support the demolition, stabilization, interior and exterior rehabilitation of an existing single-family home located in the historic area of Easton, known as “The Hill”. The subject lands were purchased by Habitat Choptank in January 2022. Habitat Choptank’s affordable home program serves those in Talbot County who earn between 35% and 65% of the HUD defined Area Median Income (AMI) which equates to between $35,385 and $65,715 annually. Additional funding opportunities for this project include a Legacy grant and Town of Easton American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
2. Building African American Minds (BAAM) – Seeking $400,000 toward the construction of an Academic Center located at 31 Jowite Street, Easton, MD 21601. The new 3-story state-of-the-art facility will be located in the Town of Easton in a low-to-moderate income (LMI) service area. The facility will continue to provide after-school and summer programs for 1st – 5th-grade students from Easton Elementary School and the middle school program. In addition, they will expand programming to offer a workforce development program for youth and the community. Partnerships include Chesapeake College and other community organizations that will provide educational programming for youth, parents, and the community in areas such as financial literacy & budgeting, job skills/enhancement training, GED courses, wellness, and arts programming.

Applications are due to DHCD on June 15, 2022, by 2:00 p.m.and will be awarded on a competitive basis. DHCD will score the project(s) independently based on many factors including public purpose and benefit to LMIpersons, project impact; project management and readiness to proceed; and local commitment and leveraging of funds.

Council member Divilio made a motion to partner with both Habitat Choptank and BAAM on the SFY23 CDBG application; it was seconded by Council member Price and unanimously approved by Council.

Council member Divilio complimented Ms. Verdery on her efforts stating, “I think the community would be shocked at how many grant projects you have processed through your office and grant dollars you have been successfully awarded to benefit the community and local citizens. I know I am very impressed. I think might end up being an untold story, so I would make sure to keep track of the grants you have initiated. Thank you very much.”

Eligible for Vote:

Bill No. 1498, AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE 2022-2023 ANNUAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE was read into the public record.

Ken Davis, Acting Finance Director presented the following summary for the County’s 2022-2023 Annual Budget:

The FY 23 proposed general fund budget is approximately $112,607,000 which is essentially flat as compared to the FY 22 budget. The FY 23 budget for operating expenses is increasing by 7.7%, which is less than the 8.5% increase in the consumer price index. The budget includes a one-cent increase in the Property Tax rate to fund County operations and a one-cent Educational Supplement to support Talbot County Public Schools budget initiatives.

Public safety is a top priority with budget increases for first responders such as the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Emergency Services, and Talbot County volunteer fire departments. This budget also includes funding for property acquisition to house the Sheriff’s Office and the Talbot County Health Department.

The budget fully funds the educational commitment and additional requests to make investments in roadways, culvert replacements, and extension of sewer systems, as well as investments in information technology for greater efficiency, transparency and data security. There is also funding for increased retirement expenses with our paramedics joining the Law Enforcement Officers’Pension System (LEOPS) to help fund their retirement and it also includes the important Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and step increases for all eligible employees to address inflationary recruitment and retention issues.

The budget also includes rate increases for our enterprise Sanitary District to help ensure that these costs are self-funded by revenue through the customers served and it uses approximately $14.3 million of the fund balance with a projected ending balance of $31.6 million for FY 23 and beyond.  Mr. Davis reported that it is a very healthy fund balance to help manage volatility in the market and an uncertain economy.

Mr. Davis read the proposed budget amendment into the record:

Amendments:

Appropriation Budget

DEPARTMENT	FROM	TO	CHANGE
Sheriff’s Office Salaries & Benefits Operating Expense	$5,698,270 $1,124,942	$5,785,601 $1,112,942	$87,331 ($12,000)
County Roads Capital Outlay	$525,000	$475,000	($50,000)
Senior Services Operating Appropriation	$562,284	$587,284	$25,000
Health Department School Health Addictions Program	$12,000 $885,308	$885,308 $12,000	$873,308 ($873,308)
Employee Benefits Other Operating	$855,102	$802,771	($52,331)
Miscellaneous	$341,879	$343,879	$2,000
TOTAL	$10,004,785	$10,004,785	–

 

Capital Budget

CAPITAL BUDGET	FROM	TO	CHANGE
County Facilities Health Department – New Facility	$12,000,000	$13,000,000	$1,000,000
TOTAL	$21,932,430	$22,932,430	$1,000,000
Long Term Borrowing County Facilities	$16,900,000	$17,900,000	$1,000,000
TOTAL	$16,900,000	$17,900,000	$1,000,000

 

Council member Price introduced the motion to approve the amendment; it was seconded by Council member Divilio and unanimously approved by Council.

Upon motion by Council member Price, seconded by Council member Divilio, Bill No. 1498, as amended, was unanimously approved by Council.

Council Vice President Lesher commented, “Budgets are our policy documents. They are a reflection of our priorities. And in this case, it reflects our commitment to the voters to fund public safety – adding sheriff’s deputies, raising the deputies’ pay, and funding the LEOPS retirement system for them will help us to recruit and retain sworn officers. This is really important work. Likewise with EMS, making that unit in the northern part of the county full time and allowing our paramedics to buy into the LEOPS retirement system. This is important work and part of the commitment that we made when we asked the voters to allow an extra penny on the property tax. This is essentially a flat budget year over year and reflects our spending within our means. So, I want to thank all the staff who have supported us through this process and got us to this point and my fellow Council members for working through all these issues so smoothly this year. This is an important step forward for Talbot County.”

Council member Divilio stated, “This is my last budget cycle. I’ve really enjoyed the budget because it’s collectively working together to solve the problems of the community. And we’re challenged financially because we don’t have infinite dollars to spend. It’s been a real pleasure to sit down with a unique Council from different backgrounds and different ages and try to come up with the best solution for the community. My current concerns are mental health and the financial stability of this community. And I’m glad that we’re addressing those issues in identifying a new location forthe Health Department. For individuals to be able to get the immediate resources that they need and being able to walk to those places easily is the perfect solution.”

Council member Price commented, “This is my 12th and final budget and it has really changed dramatically and I’d like to thank Angela Lane for working together on all of those budgets. It has gotten a lot more expensive to do business and retain employees from 12 years ago. We’ve maintained the second-lowest income tax rate in the state over the last three Councils. This $14 million transfer from the fund balance to help with the operating budget is returning an overpayment of taxes to the public. And that’s what should be done. As far as public safety goes, we made that commitment to the voters who allowed us to have some extra revenue. But I certainly thank the people in the Finance Office and all the department heads for really doing everything they could to get the most bang for their buck when asked and present those flat budgets to us. They all have done that. And that enables the Council to keep the taxes as low as possible.”

Council President Chuck Callahan commented, “What is special about this budget is that the staff blended together and did great, great work. We’re providing the citizens with a new Health Department and a new Sheriff’sOfficewhile upgrading Emergency Services. I think we provide the best we can with the services that we have. Thank you to the employees who help support us in all we do.”

Clay Stamp concluded, “I want to thank the staff and everybody who’s worked hard to come up with a modest budget, recognizing the uncertainties that we’re in right now, and addressing the priorities that the voters have given us. And I want to thank the Council for their support and for helping us put together this budget. It supports our operational strategy of investing in our workforce – we must keep the good people that we have. You’ve invested in technology to help us streamline some of our processes, supported major road projects, and helped us move forward toward the completion of rescuing failing septic systems. It has helped us build a North End EMS station to make sure we can deliver that eight-minute response time for our paramedics to people in trouble. And finally, we are building a public safety building and a health department as the third prong of our strategy. I certainly appreciate our staff and you have a lot of support behind you, Council.

County Manager’s Report:

Board and Committee Appointments

Airport Board – Mr. Stamp requested the reappointment of Hugh Grunden to the Airport Board. The Council voted unanimously to approve the reappointment of Mr. Grunden.

Request from Talbot County Free Library for Letter of Support to Provide Matching Funds for Design and Architectural Engineering Services for the St. Michaels Library Expansion Project –Mr. Stamp noted the Talbot County Free Library is seeking Council approval for a letter of certification to the Maryland State Library Agency to provide $45,000 in matching funds for the design and architectural engineering services for the St. Michaels library expansion project.  The project includes upgrades to more efficient heating and electrical systems, additional space for both patrons and staff including study rooms, a larger meeting room, and larger youth spaces which can accommodate up-to-the-minute technology and can take into account the physical limitations of patrons and/or staff. Dana Newman, Director, Talbot County Free Library stated, “Once this project is completed, we are confident that the larger and newly renovated library will have an even more powerful impact on the entire community it serves, citizens and visitors alike.”

Council member Divilio made a motion to send a letter of support; it was seconded by Council member Price and unanimously approved by Council.

Request from Talbot County Free Library for Letter of Support of the Library’s Application to the FY24 Maryland Library Capital Grant Program– Mr. Stamp noted the Talbot County Free Library is seeking Council approval for a letter of support to the Maryland State Library Agency for the FY24 Maryland Library Capital Grant Program funding for the St. Michaels library expansion project.  Mr. Stamp confirmed the project is included in the County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Council member Divilio made a motion to send a letter of support; it was seconded by Vice President Lesher and unanimously approved by Council. Council President Callahan thanked the Library staff for what they do.

Announcement – Mr. Stamp commented on National EMS Service Providers Week which is celebrated May 15-21, 2022.  “We have an excellent system here with our providers and we make a difference each and every day” Stamp commented.

Council member Frank Divilio reported that the Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park community discussion will be held on Monday, May 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 29761 BolingbrokeDrive in Trappe. The public is invited to attend and more information is available at the Talbot County Parks and Recreation Department website (www.talbotparks.org).

The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.

The Council meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

Front Row:
Edward Burke, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Reed Carey, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Council Member Frank Divilio, Officer Nate Bradley, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police and Tyler Laski, Boatswain’s Mate, 2nd Class, U.S. Coast Guard
Back Row:
Vice President Pete Lesher, President Chuck Callahan, Council Member Laura Price

These highlights only reflect the business items covered from the Council’s approved agenda. To view the complete County Council meeting, please visit: Talbot County Meeting Videos – Talbot County, Maryland (www.talbotcountymd.gov).

Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Brian Moore, Talbot County Facilities Manager; Joe Duncan, Northeast Regional Manager, Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup; Jason Ortt, Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup; Cody Erb, Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup – The Council presented Certificates of Recognition to Brian Moore, Talbot County Facilities Manager and Joe Duncan, Jason Ortt and Cody Erb from Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup in recognition of their mitigation efforts as a result of a fire in the North Wing of the Courthouse in December 2021. Mr. Callahan stated, “Just like my colleagues said, “Everybody had a part in it, what a phenomenal team you guys were; Royal Plus, top notch, we really appreciate everything, we really, really do – your response was phenomenal.” Mr. Stamp stated, “Had it not been for the work of these gentlemen before you, not only would the cost have been a lot greater, but we would have had a very difficult time getting back in a healthy building. I just want to say that Brian Moore cut his vacation short and we made a call to Matt Odachowski, the owner of Royal Plus, and these gentlemen here, who, within hours, had multiple people here, 14 -15 people, vehicles, tractor trailer, equipment which they immediately fired up, began mold abatement and everything else. It was an amazing sight to see.”

Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Corporal Pierre L.A. Tue, Talbot County Department of Corrections Employee of the Year 2021 – Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Corporal Pierre L.A. Tue who has been recognized as the 2021 Department of Corrections Employee of the Year. Corporal Tue has been employed with Talbot County Department of Corrections since September 2019. Terry Kokolis, Director, Department of Corrections stated, “I introduce Corporal Pierre Tue to you. He is our Employee of the Year, but not only is our Employee of the Year, but he is one of the chief multipliers of the Department of Corrections. His work, both behind the walls and in the community, is to be commended. Corporal Tue had long had a sense of empathy – he has the size – but he has the empathy that when he approaches any scenario, people listen, and if they first listen because they see size, they then hear what it is that he is saying, and what he says is a combination of setting people straight – young people. He works extraordinarily well with young people in the community and has long worked with them in the community; he is a resident of Easton and is a member of the Department of Corrections that is preceded by the term ‘Talbot County’. It’s Talbot County’s correctional system that is manifested as the Department of Corrections. Corporal Tue is the Talbot County Department of Corrections inside and outside…..You can see all his colleagues in the back of the room that are here because that is the type of command respect that he has from both his peers, subordinates, managers and the entire inmate population of the Department of Corrections.”

The update and request by Mid-Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. was postponed to a later date at Kathryn Dilley’s request.

Introduction of Legislation:

A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 56 (ELECTRICAL STANDARDS) OF THE TALBOT COUNTY CODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF INCORPORATING AMENDMENTS TO THE MARYLAND ELECTRICIANS ACT ENACTED BY THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY PURSUANT TO SENATE BILL 762 – CHAPTER 708, ACTS OF 2021 AND INCORPORATING THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, AS UPDATED FROM TIME TO TIME, AS THE MINIMUM STANDARD FOR ELECTRICAL WORK IN TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND

Mr. Thomas provided a briefing on the purpose of the legislation, stating that the proposed legislation is required to address changes in State law related to licensing for certain classes of electricians and an update on language referencing the National Electrical Code. Bill No. 1499 was introduced by Mr. Callahan, Mr. Divilio, Mr. Lesher and Ms. Price; Mr. Pack was absent. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 60 (ETHICS PROVISIONS) OF THE TALBOT COUNTY CODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF INCORPORATING AMENDMENTS ENACTED BY THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY PURSUANT TO HOUSE BILL 879 – CHAPTER 31, ACTS OF 2017, HOUSE BILL 363 – CHAPTER 252, ACTS OF 2021, AND HOUSE BILL 1058 – CHAPTER 425, ACTS OF 2021 AND PROVIDING THAT THE MEMBERS OF CERTAIN COUNTY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES SHALL BE SUBJECT TO CHAPTER 60 AS NONELECTED OFFICIALS

Mr. Thomas provided a briefing on the purpose of the legislation, stating that the proposed legislation is in response to a letter from the State Ethics Commission advising that certain changes needed to be made to the County’s Ethics Code to comply with recent State law as well as changes made in State law in 2017 that were not made to the County’s Ethics Code; it also brings various County boards, commissions, and committees under the County Ethics Code, including the Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee, which are required under State law to be under the County Ethics Code. Bill No. 1500 was introduced by Mr. Callahan, Mr. Divilio, Mr. Lesher and Ms. Price; Mr. Pack was absent. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

Eligible for Vote:

Resolution No. 328, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN TO REVISE CHAPTER THREE – AMENDMENT PROCEDURES

Resolution No. 328 was brought forward for vote. Mr. Thomas stated that at Council’s direction following the meeting of April 26, 2022, he had drafted an amendment which clarified that resolutions to amend the County’s Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan which are initiated by the County may be introduced by Council on any legislative day. The amendment to Resolution No. 328 will be scheduled for review by the Planning Commission at the earliest possible date.

County Manager’s Report:

• Board and Committee Appointments
  o Adult Public Guardianship Review Board – Council unanimously approved the appointment of Heather Howes, LMSW, Channel Marker, to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.
  o Golf Board – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Ron Vener to the Golf Board.
  o Social Services Board of Directors – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Sarah Cloxton, Brenda Wooden and Rosalee Potter and the appointment of Reverend Susan Browning, Sandy Brown and Samantha Jeter to the Social Services Board of Directors.
• Request to Replace Hot Water Heater at Department of Corrections – Council unanimously approved the replacement of the hot water heater at the Department of Corrections and to award the work to Electrical Automation Services, Inc. in the amount of $225,000. There are sufficient funds in the FY22 budget.
• Request to Declare May 17, 2022 Special Legislative Day – Council unanimously approved the declaration of May 17, 2022 as a Special Legislative Day for the purpose of adopting the FY23 budget.

Announcements – Mr. Stamp announced that Talbot County has been issued a 2022 Achievement Award from National Association of Counties (NACo) for the following program, “Creativity in County Government: Talbot County Leverages Resiliency Strategy to Address COVID-19 Pandemic”. Mr. Pack will accept the award during the NACo conference in Colorado this July. Mr. Stamp stated, “This recognition allows us to peek into the underpinning of a community that cares. Leaders from all parts of our community came together to address needs to ensure that we addressed those needs as they surfaced. It shows together we can be strong.”

The County Council’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 17, declared a Special Legislative Day, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Council will be convening in Open Session at 4:30 p.m. and then adjourning into Closed Session, to discuss real estate, legal and personnel matters as listed on the Statement for Closing that Meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

Photo: Talbot County Staff and Roy Plus Disaster Cleanup Staff accepting Certificates of Recognition for their mitigation efforts as a result of a fire in the North Wing of the Courthouse in December 2021. First row: Register of Wills Patricia “Patti” Campen; Clerk of Circuit Court Kathi Dulin Duvall; Hon. Stephen H. Kehoe, Court Administrative Judge Circuit Court for Talbot County; Council Member Laura Everngam Price; Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup Northeast Regional Manager Joe Duncan; Talbot County Facilities Manager Brian Moore; Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup Local Estimator Cody Erb; Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup Delmarva Mitigation Manager Jason Ortt; Council Vice President Pete Lesher; and Council Member Frank Divilio. Second Row: Council President, Chuck Callahan

Photo: Talbot County Department of Corrections 2021 Employee of the Year, Pierre L.A. Tue, accepting Certificate of Recognition. First row: Council President, Chuck Callahan; Corporal Pierre L.A. Tue; Family members of Corporal Tue. Second row: Council Member Frank Divilio; Council Vice President Pete Lesher; Council Member Laura Everngam Price (hidden)