Category Archives: General News

Unofficial Notes Dorchester County Council Meeting January 21, 2025

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Recorded Live stream: https://townhallstreams.com/stream.php?location_id=153&id=64105

Present: George Pfeffer, President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; William Nichols; Ricky Travers; Jerry Jones, County Manager; Irene Barnes, Administrative Specialis

Absent: Rob Kramer, Jr; Charles MacLeod, Attorney

The Open Session of the meeting was called to order at 6:06 PM. 

Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance  

Calls for Additions/Deletions to Agenda

  • There were two additions to the agenda –approved 

Financial report: General Fund has $36,322,216.66 on hand.

Closed Session Summary §3-305(b): (1), (13), (7) & (3) V.

  • Pfeffer reported on the closed session summary.

Consent Agenda

  • County Council Open Session Minutes – January 7, 2025
  • Accounts Payable Disbursement Report – Week Ending January 17, 2025
  • The consent agenda was approved.

Legislative Session

  1. PUBLIC HEARING – ABOLISHING BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS The state licenses electricians and the County sees no need to be redundant.  Joe Foster spoke in favor.  Passed
  2. PUBLIC HEARING – BURIAL SITES PRESERVATION REPEAL – including appointment of a Board to regulate burial sites.  Dorothy Samonisky spoke in opposition: Dorchester County has been burying people since 1669; there are many private burial sites, and construction occasionally unearths graves and remains; she asks policy to be extended two years. Ashley Samonisky spoke in opposition: protection of private sites is required and should have serious teeth; outsiders are coming in and building summer houses on top of private burial sites.

Mr. Pfeffer asked why a non-profit entity couldn’t protect burial sites; the Samonisky’s indicated it wouldn’t have the necessary authority. Deborah Wooten asked for clarity as a church and cemetery board member; she was assured this action would not affect established church cemeteries.

Mr. Detmer stated he would vote to repeal Chapter 63 because it was too difficult to keep a board filled and staffed but noted that improved mapping and an extension of the statute of limitations was desirable. Dorothy Samonisky asked whether realtors would be required to reveal the presence of private burial sites to potential buyers.  This question was not answered but Mr. Detmer stated that affiliation with County government is a detriment to the functioning of the board (apparently the prior board had a history of highly adversarial meetings, and the issues were often kicked upstairs to the County Council).

Mr. Travers proposed a one-year trial to see if the board could remain filled and handle matters effectively.  General agreement that County staff were taxed to the max.  Pfeffer challenged the Samonisky’s to keep the Board filled and effective.

Motion not to repeal was approved. Travers’ motion to have a one-year trial period was passed by the board. 

  1. INTRODUCTION OF BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 144 – Community Reassessment and Repair Fund – Bill introduction approved by board.

Proclamations:

  • Burn Awareness Week (Feb 2-8, 2025)
  • Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January 2025)
  • National Outdoor Show Month (February 2025)

Action Items:

  • FY25 Program Open Space Update – Recreation & Parks -approved
  • Request to Sole Source – Pool Services – Recreation & Parks -approved
  • Event Request – Cubmobile Derby April 13– Boys Scots of America Del-Mar-Va Council -approved
  • Poll Confirmation -approved
  • Stormwater Management Agreement – Public Works -approved
  • County wishes to purchase Camp Thebdara to add to Parks & Rec -approved 

Council’s Comments:

Jerry Jones expressed his fears about the state pushing responsibilities back onto counties due to its deficit.  This was then reiterated by each of the Council members in turn; The Department of Education Blueprint was cited as a particular offender – an excellent program but one that was put into effect without a fiscal note, so an unfunded mandate. Mr. Nichols went into great length regarding his unwillingness to add 1 cent to County taxes. The state was accused of expecting Dorchester to pick up an additional $2.5 M whereas Council members saw their jobs as primarily assuring staff would be competitively compensated so other counties wouldn’t be poaching them (Travers).

Egypt Road Solar was reported to have borrowed $67M from the Bank of Canada and the concern is that it would go out of business before the solar panels would be decommissioned, leaving that to the County (Detmer).  The state budget is a self-inflicted disaster (Detmer).  $3.5M will have to be found in new money (Pfeffer).

The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced the first presumptive positive case of  H5 avian influenza [(HPAI) A(H5N1)] in a commercial broiler farm in Dorchester County. Direct any comments, questions or concerns to the MD Dept. of Agriculture.

Public Comments:

  • Someone suggested increasing taxes for foreign nationals owning property in Dorchester County.
  • Someone suggested State of Maryland employees located in offices in Dorchester County should be charged more. Pfeffer: County has an agreement with the State to provide an office.
  • A question about the Rte. 50 plowing responsibility by the State was answered.
  • An attendee is thankful for the Council approving recent plan and will follow up.
  • A concern mentioned about snow goose falling from the sky however no hunters around.   

Adjournment: 7:21 PM    

Minutes submitted by Richard Bearman. Edits and additions by Kim Miller.

 

Unofficial Notes on CWDI Board Meeting – JAN 15, 2025 – 4 PM

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Unofficial Notes on CWDI Board Meeting
JANUARY 15, 2025, 4:00 PM
DORCHESTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Attendees: Angi Hengst, President; Frank Narr, Treasurer; Natalie Chabot, City Appointee; Michael J Frenz, State Appointee; Tim Crosby, County Appointee; Gaver Nichols, City Appointee (virtual); Glenn Steckmann, City Manager; Jerry Jones, Dorchester County Manager; Lajan Cephas, Mayor (audience); Sputty Cephas, Ward 4 Commissioner (audience)

AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL & CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM

Ms. Hengst affirmed that a quorum was reached after roll call.

II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion raised to approve Agenda and seconded. Approved by all board members present 8-0.

 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

November 20, 2024 – Regular Meeting

Motion raised to approve November Regular Meeting Minutes and seconded. Approved by all board members present 8-0.

 IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A.OCC: Angie Hengst

  1. Promenade Groundbreaking – December 19, 2024
    • Hengst talked about the groundbreaking ceremony for the Promenade on the waterfront that occurred in December 2024.
    • Encouraged citizens to view the progress that has already been completed.
    • Hengst emphasized CWDI’s community-first approach to developing Cambridge Harbor by securing permanent, public access along the waterfront.
  1. 2025 planning for public information session(s)
    • There was a discussion of having a public information session in the near future.
    • No date has been set when this will occur.
    • Tim Cosby referred to the survey that was taken by Cambridge residents in 2022. He emphasized the importance of outreach to the community.
  1. Possible community events
    • Hengst said the waterfront property is available for community events if anyone wishes to schedule something in that space.
    • Anyone interested in scheduling an event should contact CWDI.
    • CWDI will be planning a community event sometime in the future.

  B. FINANCE COMMITTEE: Frank Narr

  1. YTD November Financial Statements
    • Sale of land to Yacht Maintenance brought in much needed revenue.
    • Yacht Maintenance needs another 1.5 acres. Possibly more income for CWDI in 2025.
    • City had promised more ARPA funds to CWDI. Mr. Narr said it was $200,000. He asked Glenn Steckmann if the money would be forthcoming and how much it would be. Mr. Steckmann said he had wanted to bring a check to the meeting but the financial director is out ill. He did not state what the ARPA sum was going to be.
    • FYI – Will be available on Cambridge Harbor website. In the future
  1. December Expenditures Report to City/County Work
    • Ongoing design work done by Lew Oliver Inc on infrastructure and other details.
    • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is still on the table
    • FYI – Will be available on Cambridge Harbor website in the future.
  1. Payment to General Contractor – Promenade
    • Contractor has not been paid for any work done on Promenade as yet.
  1. 2025 Operating Budget Draft
    • Looking for monetary assistance from the city or the county, if possible.
    • Will be able to cover costs for the next month.
    • FYI – Will be available on Cambridge Harbor website in the future.
  1. 2024 Financial Audit & Form 990 Preparation
    • Coming up soon
  1. 2025 Authorized Check Signers
    • Check signers will be Angie Hengst, Frank Narr or Natalie Chabot.

C. PLANNING COMMITTEE: Frank Narr

  1. Promenade Update
    • Work continues on the Promenade.
  1. Planning & Zoning Work Session Meeting 01/15/25

NOTE: Refer to townhall streams for recording of this meeting. In addition,  official minutes have been posted on choosecambridge.com

    • CWDI shared the “Horizontal Infrastructure” of the Cambridge Harbor site (parking/roads/streetscape).
    • “Underground utilities” and “above ground” streets, parking, sidewalks, and the layout of boat ramp (etc.) were included.
    • Members of CWDI in attendance at P & Z meeting
    • Presented by Frank Narr, CWDI Planning Committee Chair; joined by Design Team:
      • Ed Johnson, Network Realty Partners. Development consultants since CWDI inception.
      • Ian Lockwood, Livable Transportation Engineer with Toole Design (joined virtually)
      • Ken Usap, Principal/Engineer with Morris & Richie Associates. He has institutional knowledge of this site and has been with project for quite a long time.
  1. Lew Oliver Design Meetings
    • The infrastructure design phase continues with Lew Oliver, Inc.

D. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Angie Hengst

  1. Shay Resignation
    • Hengst read Shay Lewis-Sisco’s resignation letter. Ms. Lewis-Sisco is now the Ward 2 Commissioner on the City Council and will no longer serve on the CWDI board.
  1. Election of New Officers (Board Action Required)
    • Hengst agreed to extend her position of President for another year.
    • Frank Narr will continue as Treasurer.
    • Natalie Chabot will now include duties as Secretary.

 Motion raised to approve New Officers and seconded. Approved by all     board members present 8-0.

  1. Committee Assignments/RMM Board Appointment
    • Hengst stated the assignments of board members to the various CWDI committees.
    • Hengst said that if City Manager and Dorchester County Manager would like to join a committee they would be welcome to do so.
  1. Bylaw Revisions
    • The City Council voted on the bylaw revisions for the CWDI Charter. Changes were approved in a city council work session in November 2024.
    • CWDI has accepted these changes and they are being made to the Charter.
  1. Proposed Board Meeting Schedule
    • Wednesday, March 19 @4pm
    • Wednesday, May 21 @4pm
    • Wednesday, July 16 @4pm
    • Wednesday, September 10 @4:30pm
    • Wednesday, November 12 @4:30pm

V. PUBLIC COMMENT

Alison Kennedy

    • Question: Is Lew Oliver the “Master Developer”? Answer: No. This is the design phase. The project is not ready for development. Question: Why is Lew Oliver doing the infrastructure? Isn’t this the job of the “Master Developer”?
    • Answer: It can be but it doesn’t have to be.
    • Question: Is Lew Oliver following the BCT Concept Design?
    • Answer:
    • Question: In the financial documents stating upcoming operational costs; CWDI has $148,000 for projects. CWDI asked the city and county for monetary help. Is CWDI taking into consideration the owed ARPA funds?
    • Answer: No because the ARPA figure is an unknown. Looking for any financial help the city/county can provide.
    • Comment: The 2022 survey that CWDI conducted through BCT Design asked about “condos” on the waterfront. The people that took the survey were not in favor of condos at the waterfront at all. However, they were okay with apartments above shops/stores/restaurants at the waterfront.

David Stevens

    • Commented that he resided in Easton for several years and now lives in Cambridge. He has seen the positive benefits of the Avalon Theatre on the community of Easton. He would like to see a similar establishment at the waterfront in Cambridge.
    • Stevens is fully in favor of putting the YMCA at the waterfront.

New Cambridge Resident 

    • Newly retired and new to Cambridge. She is out seeing what is happening in the city. She is retired from the Environmental Protection Agency. She is in favor of CWDI being environmentally conscious with all aspects of the project, including green products for building.

Mill St Resident

    • Previous work in city planning on the East and West coasts. Stated that attempts to plan the waterfront without first observing how the waterfront is now used, will not work.
    • Mill St resident has observed that the playground and picnic area next to the Sailwinds building is well used. She suggested that perhaps a coffee cart should be placed down at the site for the families that use the playground.
    • This could then be extended to having food trucks available in the same area.
    • One successful addition would lead to more ideas and would progress organically from the first addition of the coffee cart.

Alison Kennedy 

    • Building on the previous comment, there are numerous new and exciting temporary art installations that could enhance the waterfront area and attract people.
    • Drone Light Shows – there are shows that “tell a story”. Cambridge could do a story in the sky about Harriet Tubman or the Life of a Waterman.
    • Art installations that go into the water – Hong Kong Harbor currently has 2 large inflatable yellow Rubber Duckies anchored there to “make people happy”.
    • These shows could be seen from the bridge and could celebrate things that are uniquely Cambridge.
    • Pleasing to children and adults.

Lajan Cephas

    • Remembers a carnival that used to come to Cambridge when she was a child.

Sputty Cephas

    • Liked the comments that welcomed all residents to the waterfront to enjoy it.
    • Past conversations about the waterfront have catered to a certain group of people.
    • He likes the idea of food trucks offering different types of food in the waterfront area.

VI. NEW BUSINESS / BOARD MEMBER OPEN COMMENTS

No new business

VII. ADJOURN 5:30 PM

Notes taken by CAN member, Alison Kennedy

Photo by Kim Miller – Cambridge Creek

CAN Public Meeting Jan 30th @ 6 PM Dorchester County Historical Society 1003 Greenway Dr.

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Join Us

We are excited to announce that Chief Justin Todd of the Cambridge Police will be joining us as a guest speaker at the CAN Public Meeting on Jan 30th at 6pm to discuss the 2024 crime statistics and the new initiatives put in place this past year.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Chief Todd!

Enjoy some croissants with toppings to celebrate National Croissant Day!

The meeting will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person (links below):
https://www.youtube.com/@whcpstudio4716
https://www.facebook.com/WHCPRadio/videos

Join CAN for FREE at https://CambridgeCAN.org

CAN Unofficial Notes Dorchester County Council Meeting – 17Dec2024

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Present: George Pfeffer, President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; Rob Kramer; William Nichols; Ricky Travers; Jerry Jones, County Manager; Charles MacLeod, County Attorney; Irene Barnes, Administrative Specialist

The Open Session of the meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM followed by the invocation and pledge.

Two additions and one deletion from the agenda were approved.

Financial report: General Fund has $35,554,XXX on hand. Mr. Pfeffer reported on the closed session summary. The consent agenda was approved.

Legislative Session:

  1. Rural Event Venue – Guest Cottage Text Amendment was approved
  2. Introduction – Abolishing Board of Electrical Examiners was approved. Public meeting to be scheduled.
  3. Introduction – Burial Sites Reservation Repeal was introduced.

Mr. Kramer presented a commendation for Dalton Robinson, police officer.

Joe Candella, Board President; Eric Johnson, Executive Director; and Lei Ellingson, Deputy Director gave a presentation of VAMSA, Veteran & Military Support Alliance. VAMSA provides resources and support to veterans and military in Dorchester County through a partnership with For All Seasons. VAMSA has its 501(c)(3) since 2023. All services are offered free of charge.

FY2026 Rural Legacy Application (P&Z) was approved.

The Ethics Commission Board appointment was approved. Two additions to agenda were approved; one requests a letter of support

Council comments: Mr. Nichols thanked the many people who helped his grandson who lost everything in a fire. Mr. Kramer & Mr. Travers wished us all a Merry Christmas. Mr. Detmer congratulated Mr. Pfeffer on his election to Maryland Association of Counties (MACO) leadership and noted that state mandates for education and energy goals were problematic.

Public comments: Dorothy Sandinsky had comments about VAMSA, burial sites, and solar.

The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM.

Minutes submitted by Richard Bearman.

CAMBRIDGE ASSOCIATION OF NEIGHBORHOODS PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES – 5Dec2024

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CAMBRIDGE ASSOCIATION OF NEIGHBORHOODS
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
December 5, 2024, 6PM-8PM

Board Members Present:  Chuck McFadden (President), Roman Jesien (Vice President, Kim Miller (Interim Secretary), Sharon Smith, Judd Vickers, Andre Duerinckx

Board Members Absent:  Dave Thatcher (Treasurer), Tom Puglisi, Mary Ellen Jesien, Brad Rice

Live Stream Recording: https://www.facebook.com/WHCPRadio/videos/1259475525267014

1.  Opening Comments: Chuck McFadden (President) – Topics: 1) Nominations for Board 2) Facilitation on important issues in Cambridge and what should CAN focus on in 2025. Chuck discussed past CAN work:

  • Ongoing Unofficial Communications of City and County meetings: council, zoning, etc.
  • Code enforcement awareness
  • CWDI review of strategy, finances, minutes, discussions with CWDI  and Y leadership. Created Y-Survey and presentation to Council, YMCA and CWDI in 2024.
  •  Cannery Park – support of bike path, park – plans. Helping to connect people to discuss how to maintain and create awareness for the park.  Friends of Cannery Park need your support.
  • Shore line resiliency project updates
  • Ongoing discussions with council members, city leaders and administrators:  Administrative Building, Train Garden, Hearn Building, Police force- resourcing/crime, Fire Equipment, Marina, Downtown development
  • Schools: education curriculum improvement awareness- new superintendent presentation/discussion

2.  Code enforcement: Judd discussed examples of code enforcement issues within Cambridge.

3.  Chuck talked about how CAN brings issues to City Council.

4.  Facilitation Exercise: Participants placed a single response on a post it note. Multiple responses were allowed. Like responses were categorized/combined. Categories were reviewed. Categories were prioritized by participants (3 votes allowed for each participant).

  • Twenty (20) ‘in person’ participants for Question 1: What do you think is the most important issue within Cambridge?
  • Responses by Priority:
  1. CWDI accountability & transparency. (17/20)
  2. Managing growth, marketing and revitalization of city. (13/20)
  3. Code enforcement of laws and regulations. Property upkeep. Street Parking. Historic Comm. Permits. Mismanagement of state funded homes. (11/20)
  4.  Education/curriculum (4/20)
  5. Sea Level Rise (Sewer project, Resiliency project)  (3/20)
  6. Racism (1/20)
  7. Citizen/community involvement with government (1/20)
  8. Cannery Park (1/20)
  9. High Tax rate assessment given services provided  (1/20)
  10. Crime (1/20)
  • Twenty-two (22) ‘in person’ participants for Question 2: What do you think CAN should focus on in 2025?
  • Responses by Priority:
  1. Maintain pressure on CWDI and Cambridge Govt. to ensure forward appropriate progress. (19/22)
  2. Continue to attend city and county meetings. Track City initiatives. Take unofficial minutes. Ask questions. Encourage transparency on issues and budgets. Bring community issues to the council as needed. Speak Truth to Power.  (17/22)
  3. Code Enforcement – make the council aware of issues (see also above). (14/22)
  4. Community involvement/ outreach/ clean-up projects. Helping people in need to attempt to improve the overall quality of life in Cambridge. Connecting people to educational, social services, art/cultural resources, etc. (14/22)
  5. Communicate to the Cambridge thru Community emails, Facebook sites US Mail, Next Door: newsletters, unofficial meeting minutes, news articles, announcements/updates. Hold public meetings. Maintain CAN website (https://cambridgecan.org/) and CAN Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/cambridgeassociationofneighborhoods). Expand membership from 1100 members and find ways to engage potential members from other wards. (9/22)
  6. Downtown Development (including parking) (8/22)
  7. Police force (more officers/support) (6/22)
  8.  Mill Street School Development (4/22)
  9. Cannery Park & additional dog parks (4/22)

5.  Nominations:

  • Tom Puglisi- stepping down as secretary due to relocation.
  • Nomination of Kim Miller to Secretary (acting as interim secretary now). Renewal of Sharon Smith, Andre Duerinckx, Roman Jesien. All 4 nominations were accepted at the meeting.
  • Two additional board members can be added.

6.    Questions/Comments from the audience.

  • How does CAN get information to and from ALL communities?  We do our best to advertise meetings on Facebook, Next Door, email, CAN website, post flyers in laundromats, post office, and library. Our website and Facebook pages have a “Contact Us” page and Facebook Administrators receive and review questions/concerns as needed.
  • What are the mounds of dirt? Promenade (possibly) – will inquire.
  •  Suggestions/discussions:  Music venues. Survey on CWDI.

Chuck McFadden thanked the audience for participating in the meeting and we all enjoyed holiday desserts.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Minutes submitted by Kim Miller, CAN Interim Secretary

CAN Unofficial Notes Dorchester County Council Meeting – 19Nov2024

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CAN Unofficial Notes Dorchester County Council Meeting
November 19, 2024

Present: R. Travers, M. Detmer, L. Pfeffer (chair), R. Kramer.  Absent: W. Nichols
Call to order 6:07pm.

Items: Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda: Additions (1). Deletions (0.)
Finance report [$35,903,914.85 cash on hand General Fund].

Consent agenda:
1. Commendation to Audrey Wanax, HS student, for requesting a crosswalk at North Dorchester HS.
2. Legislative session – Proposal to allow rural event venue passed. Schedule public hearing. Mr. Travers discussed art license and venue license will be necessary -passed.

Action Items:
1. DCHD Connect – MD Home Stretch difficult to serve – a grant to provide enhanced broadband to homes and businesses that are set back from the road @ $8K: passed
2. Tower license renewal Greenbriar Road; originally approved 1995, renewed twice, most recently 2012; renewed
3. Architecture Commission appointees – approve all; passed
4. FY2025 Project Open Space: put pickleball courts on tennis courts (2 for 1); passed
5. FY2025 Operating grant agreement with Delmarva Community Services; MTA grant – there’s a local match built into budget; approved
6. Traffic Safety Commission – Mr. Detmer presents:
a. Guard rail requested; approved
b. Special needs child sign; approved
7. Two final (inaudible) funding requests ;passed

Council comments:
Mr. Tavers reported getting complaints from Hambrooks area re: flooding
Mr. Detmer spoke approvingly about tournaments coming to Cambridge; continued concerns about doing solar correctly; notes CPD officer killed 20 years ago

Public comment:
Q: Can we have a speed camera at NDHS?
A: There is a speed camera trailer which perhaps can be scheduled.

Adjourn: 6:50pm
Notes compiled by D. Bearman