Category Archives: General News

Dorchester County Council Meeting March 18, 2025 – Unofficial Notes

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Submitted By Sharon Smith, CAN

Attendance: George Pfeffer, President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; Rob Kramer, Jr; William Nichols; Ricky Travers; Jerry Jones, County Manager; Irene Barnes, Administrative Specialist; and Charles MacLeod, Attorney were all present.
I. Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance – 6:08 pm.
II. Calls for Additions/Deletions to Agenda
III. Financial Report: General Fund Cash on Hand: $ 34,605,884
IV. Closed Session Summary §3-305(b): (1), (13) & (7) to discuss personnel matters and legal advice on several topics.
V. Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda was approved, 5-0.
  • County Council Open Session Minutes – March 4, 2025
  • Accounts Payable Disbursement Report – Week Ending March 14, 2025
  • Intradepartmental Budget Transfer Request – Recreation & Parks – Public Works
  • Grant Submission Requests – Federal Aviation Administration – Airport
  • Contract Renewal – LexisNexis – Council’s Office
  • Grant Submission Request – FY25 Community Programming for Youth – Recreation & Parks
  • Letter of Support – National Trust for Historic Preservation Grant Application – Applegarth Tubman Medicine Hill Preservation and Education
  • Letter of Support – Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund – Mid-Shore Regional Council
  • Annual Housing Bond Allocation – Department of Housing & Community Development
VI. Proclamation – Endometriosis Awareness Month – March
  • Vice President Detmer read the proclamation, including some statistics, such as one in ten women will develop the disease for which there is no cure. Shannon Hannawald of Endo Warriors accepted the proclamation and shared her personal story.
VII. Presentation – Budget Update – Board of Education
  • Dr. Jymil Thompson, Superintendent of Dorchester County Schools, and Board member Chris Wheedleton provided a brief overview of the school budget. The board has decreased their projected 2026 budget deficit from $10.1M to $5.5M and hopes to obtain additional Blueprint funding from the state. The 2025 budget was $88M and the projected 2026 budget is $93M. The county schools rank 23rd out of 24 education systems in the state, behind only Baltimore City. The goal is to rank 15th in three years, and he is developing a strategic plan to achieve this.
  • Discussion ensued lead by Commissioner Detmer on ways to decrease the school budget deficit including the cost of sports programs and school plays. Mr. Detmer said if the county must fund the schools $5M budget deficit it would require a 15% increase in county property taxes. An idea to close one of the county’s two high schools was dismissed after a discussion of the multiple negative effects.
  • Commissioner Pfeffer is pursuing a waiver of some Blueprint requirements from the state. He said that the original projected cost for the county to implement the Blueprint was $26.8M by 2030, but the county has already invested $26.3 with more than $10M in costs to come in future years.
VIII. Legislative Agenda
  • VP Detmer introduced legislation to increase the 911 fee from $2/line/month, which was just approved on March 4, 2025 (Bill 2025-2) to $4.25. He explained that the current budget to operate the 911 center is $1.9M and with the previous fee of $1.50/line/month, $660K was raised. Increasing the line fee to $4.25 should raise $1.8M, making the center almost self-funded. The motion was approved 5-0.
IX. Action Items
  • Request to Advertise for Proposals – Closure Construction New Beulah Municipal Landfill Closure – Geosyntec Consultant – Landfill
  • Request for Approval – FFY2025-2030 Airport Capital Improvement Plan for the airport, which gets submitted to the FAA.
  • Grinder Pump Purchase Sole Source Request – Water & Wastewater $11,553
  • James G. Busick Foundation Fundraising Request – Recreation & Parks – to hang three fund-raising banners for three months.
  • Request to Advertise for Proposals – to convert Hurlock tennis courts to pickleball courts – Recreation & Parks
  • Poll Confirmations
X. Council’s Comments
  • VP Detmer shared that the state is considering privatizing the inspection of septic systems.
  • President Pfeffer announced that there is another Budget Workshop scheduled for Thursday, March 20th at 5pm in the Room 110, county office building.
XI. Public Comments
  • The City Manager will try to post on the county website budget slides prior to Thursday’s budget meeting.
XII. Adjournment – 7:19pm

Unofficial Notes City Commission Meeting – March 17, 2025, 6:00 pm

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https://townhallstreams.com/stream.php?location_id=87&id=63770

Attendees:  All Ward Commissioners, Mayor, and City Manager were present

Agenda:

Mayor to Convene Commission in Regular Session

S. Cephas, asked that Item #8 Resolution 25-03, regarding the human resources generalist, be tabled until the next regular scheduled city council meeting.

Motion to approve amended agenda and seconded. Commissioners approved 5-0.

 1. Mayor and Commission to approve or amend agenda as presented.

Consent Agenda

2. Meeting Minutes

  • February 10, 2025, Regular Session
  • February 24, 2025, Work Session
  • February 24, 2025, Regular Session
  • March 3, 2025, Special Meeting

3. Robin Sample will hold “3rd Annual Lupus Awareness Walk” on Saturday May 10, 2025, from 9am-12pm beginning at Long Wharf. Please see specific route details on application.

4. Georlisha Wallace  from God’s Gifts and Services, will hold “Christian Youth Rap Concert/Holy Block Party” on Friday August 8, 2025, from 2pm-6pm on the corner of Race and Cedar Street. Please see application and map for additional details.

5. Proclamation Honoring Women’s History Month

 Motion to approve consent agenda and seconded. Commissioners approved 5-0.

Presentations from the Approved Guests 

6. Proclamation Honoring Women’s History Month – Citation given to American women contribution to community

  • Brief Biography Honoring Former Commissioner Jackie Vickers from Judd Vickers Citation and Key to the City given to Judd Vickers honoring his mother, Jackie Vickers.
  • Citations Honoring Former Elected Officials  – Citation given to Laurel Atkiss for her service as Ward 1 Commissioner.

Ordinances for First Reading  – none

Ordinances for Second Reading – none

Old Business  – none

New Business

7. Empowerment Center, Renewal Lease Agreement

a. Council Agenda Report – Asst City Manager Brandon Hesson

  • The Empowerment Center Leadership recently asked the city to renew its lease agreement to use the building located at 615-B Pine Street.
  • Staff discovered that the most recent lease expired in 2023. In order to apply for grant funding for programming, the Empowerment Center leadership needs an updated and current lease, which is in the city’s best interest.
  • The proposed lease will date back to the expiration of the 2023 lease and extend 15 years from now. This is being presented as a lease addendum to the original terms of the lease.

Discussion

S. Lewis-Sisco, Ward 2 – Was the previous lease 15 years? Answer from City Attorney: No, previous lease was 2018-2023. Extending the lease to 15 years will assist the Empowerment Center in being eligible and applying for grant funding.

Motion to adopt the proposed 2025 lease addendum for Empowerment Center and to approve the lease extension renewal raised and seconded. Commissioners voted 5-0.

8. RESOLUTION NO.  25-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND APPROVING THE CREATION OF THE POSITION OF HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST. Deferred to next meeting.

9. RESOLUTION NO.  25-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE PAVING CONTRACT WITH DAVID A. BRAMBLE, INC. TO PERFORM CERTAIN ADA REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS FOR A TOTAL SUM NOT TO EXCEED $150,000 City

a.   City Manager Glenn Steckman

  • On September 19, 2024, the Commissioners voted to award a contract to David A. Bramble, Inc. with the amount of $447,150 to perform the Resurfacing Project. The original approved budgeted amount was $600,000.
  • The Resurfacing Project as described in the Paving Contract did not provide for improvements at sidewalk crossings impacted by the Resurfacing Project as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”).
  • Bramble, Inc has advised the City that it can perform the ADA-required improvements at those sidewalk crossings impacted by the Resurfacing Project for the sum of $125,000.
  • It would not be in the City’s fiscal interest to solicit requests for proposals to perform the ADA-required improvements, as Bramble Inc was the lowest qualified bidder for the Paving Contract and can more efficiently and effectively perform the ADA requirements.
  • Would like the Commissioners of Cambridge to approve an amendment to the Paving Contract authorizing Bramble, Inc to perform the ADA-required improvements at those sidewalk crossings impacted by the Resurfacing Project for a sum not to exceed $150,000, with the additional $25,000 being allocated to any cost overages.

b.  Council Action

Motion raised to adopt Resolution #25-04 and seconded.

Discussion

G. Steckman, City Mgr.

  • Just want to remind everyone that the approved original budgeted amount was $600,000. The $447,150 plus additional $150,000 is just under $600,000.

F. Stout, Ward 3

  • Was the list of roads approved for repaving? Answer Glenn Steckman, City Manager: Yes, approved by the commissioners in Sep 2024.
  • So, the approved roads have been brought up to the previous standard. Are there roads in the city that have “0” compliance to previous standards? Is the approved road list a hard and fast list? Answer Glenn Steckman, City Manager: The roads on the approved list came from an outside resource that came in to look at the roads and determined the ones to focus on. Mr. Jackson (Engineer) and Mr. Steckman (City Manager) will go out and re-evaluate the roads again to determine what should be high up on the repaving list. If one of the newer developments in the city (within the last 5 years), has incorrect sidewalk cutouts for ADA regulations, the city has asked the contractor that did the sidewalks to make the correction.

S. Cephas, Ward 4

  • Commented that he had been talking to someone from the state highway about another matter. Mr. Cephas was not made aware of any roads in Cambridge that were glaringly out of compliance. His suggestion was to continue with the repaving list they have approved. Eventually, all the roads will be brought up to the ADA current standards.

B. Summers, Ward 1

  • Wondering why the amount needed for meeting the ADA regulations is almost exactly the amount of the original budget amount, $600,000. Did the Bramble Paving Co. know that amount? Answer Glenn Steckman, City Manager: Mr. Jackson assessed that bringing the intersections up to ADA standards would roughly cost $6,000 an intersection. That is how they came up with $150,000.

B. Roche, Ward 5

  • The Engineering Department composed a list of roads that need to be repaved. If we do not follow that order, then some roads could fall further behind in needed repairs and updating to standards.

S. Lewis-Sisco, Ward 2

  • I would like to see the list of roads approved for repaving. I am hoping they are distributed evenly across the city. Answer: B. Roche, Ward 5 – I will state again that professional engineering analysis was done for this project. The roads chosen as the worst ones are at the top going down to the best roads at the bottom of the list. The worst roads (which would take into consideration those that were most heavily travelled) come first as dictated by ruling.
  • City Manager, Glenn Steckman – We will post a list of the roads (from Sep ’24) being repaved, and being brought up to ADA standards, on the website so the community can view it.

Commissioners approved Motion to adopt Resolution #25-04. They voted  5-0.

Meetings

All meetings are listed on the city website under Meetings at choosecambridge.com.

Motion to approve all meetings was raised and seconded. Commissioners approved 5-0.

Public Comment – none

City Manager Comments

10. Administrative Report from City Manager Glenn Steckman from March 13, 2025

  • Commented that the special meeting on Saturday, March 15, 2025, was very positive. He wanted to thank everyone for their contributions, discussing projects that the city would like to move forward. It is the combined effort of the senior city staff and the city council working together to make this happen.

Commissioners’ Comments

Brett Summers, Ward 1

  • Will be attending the CWDI meeting on Wed, Mar. 19. He wants to talk to them about hiring a commercial real estate broker to market the site to developers. Wants the commercial broker to work with CWDI on attracting developers to the site.
  • Is the liaison for P & Z meetings so looking forward to that.

Shay Lewis-Sisco, Ward 2

  • Thanked the city personnel and community that responded to the fire/explosion in Cattail Crossing Development.
  • Attended meetings in Washington DC at the National League of Cities conference. There were so many resources available. She would like to see some relationship-building between our affiliate city councils in other cities.
  • Reminded the community about the CWDI board meeting on Mar 19th.
  • The Health Department is leading a clean-up of the neighborhood in the Greenwood Ave area on April 20, 2025. Please join us.

F. Stout, Ward 3

  • Thanked everyone for the work put into the special work session we had on Saturday. Thanked the city staff for getting agenda packets together.
  • Congratulated the Boys Basketball Vikings team on bringing home the State Title.

S. Cephas, Ward 4

  • Attended National League of Cities conference. He always gets alot out of conferences and finds it rewarding.
  • Mentioned the Human Resources position (item #8 tabled until next meeting) and encouraged the commissioners to support this position.

B. Roche, Ward 5

  • Thought the goal setting meeting on Saturday was rewarding and worthwhile for all.
  • Is looking forward to the completion of Cannery Park. The skate park, which is situated in Cannery Park, still needs some more funding. However, the city is in the homestretch for Cambridge’s own, “Central Park.”
  • Will be attending the Strong Towns Conference, which is a spinoff of the Congress for New Urbanism, in June 2025.

L. Cephas, Mayor

  • Attended the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) banquet. They honor the families that have lost a loved one serving as a police officer.
  • Spoke with Andy Harris, at the National League of Cities conference, about providing funding for our police department.
  • Spoke to someone at the National League of Cities who is very interested in bringing jobs to Cambridge. She is hoping to schedule a meeting with this person very soon.

Motion to hold a closed session and seconded. Commissioners voted 5-0.

Closed Session 

Reconvene in Open Session 

Adjourn 6:43 PM

Notes taken by CAN Member, A. Kennedy

Unofficial Notes – City of Cambridge Planning Commission Meeting – 4March2025

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Unofficial Notes – City of Cambridge Planning Commission Meeting – 4March2025 Commission Members Present: Mary Losty (Dorchester County), Chair, William (Bill) Craig (Ward 1), Chan’ Tay Nelson (Ward 2) Robin Stanley (Ward 4), George Brown (Ward 5), Matt Pluta (Mayor … Continue reading →

Unofficial County Council Meeting Notes – March 4, 2025

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https://townhallstreams.com/stream.php?location_id=153&id=65766

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

Open Session:  Called to order at 6:07 PM

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Closed Session Summary

Mr. Pfeffer reported on the closed session, covering a personnel matter and legal advice.

Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda was approved.

  • County Council Open Session Minutes – February 18, 2025
  • Accounts Payable Disbursement Report – Week Ending February 28, 2025
  • Intradepartmental Budget Transfer Request – Emergency Medical Services
  • Request for Proposals – Mowing Services – Public Works
  • Stormwater Management Agreement – Public Works
  • Surplus Request – Vehicles/Equipment – Public Works
  • Letter of Support – FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending – Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay –
  • Economic Development
  • Letter of Support – Maryland Historic Trust Grant Application – Cambridge Woman’s Club

Commendations: Pageant Winners – National Outdoor Show – Miss National Outdoor Show, Little Miss Outdoor Show, and Little Mister Outdoor Show were given commendation letters.

Presentation: FY 2026 Annual Transportation Plan.  Grant application from Delmarva Community Services. Andrea Watters, Grant Specialist.  The grant application is for the following amounts.

  • Operating funds for public transportation totaling $1,577,377, of which $394,344 is requested from local funds.
  • Transportation of the elderly and disabled totaling $334,218, of which $83,554 will be local.
  • ADA funds totaling $55,556, of which $5,566 will be local.
  • Preventive maintenance for the buses totaling $50,000, of which $7,500 will be local.
  • Propane conversion totaling $77,000, of which $11,550 will be local.

Legislative session:

Public Hearing  – 911 Fee Increase  – Bill No. 2025-2

AN ACT OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO MD. CODE ANN., PUBLIC SAFETY § 1-311 TO AMEND CHAPTER 85 – EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CHARGE, § 85-1 OF THE DORCHESTER COUNTY CODE BY INCREASING THE 911 FEE FOR DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND TO $2.00 PER MONTH.

Vice President Detmer engaged the council in discussing how the 911 emergency telephone fee is collected by the telephone service providers, forwarded to the State Public Services Commission, and then sent back to the counties based on the location of the phone account owner. Mr. Detmer explained that the Dorchester County fees did not seem reasonable. The most recent detailed data provided by the PSC is from 2021, and there is no apparent way to audit the money trail. Inquiries will be made. The bill had a second reading to raise the fee to $2 per line and was moved and approved.

Action items:

  • Bid Award – County Towing Services – Public Works. Public Services requested a competitively bid contract for county towing services – Approved.
  • Interdepartmental Budget Transfer Request – Finance – Approved transfer of $51k
  • Renewal Request – Medical Services Contract – Corrections – Approved for ~$1.278M/yr.
  • Mosquito Control Budget Agreement – Maryland Department of Agriculture – Approved for $497,750.
  • Chesapeake College requested to use their fund balance to engage a 10-year facilities master plan consultant, not to exceed $242,550. Approved 4 -1 Mr. Detmer nay.
  • Request to send a letter from the county to the state legislature opposing the solar bill SB 931. Mr. Pfeffer and Mr. Detmer journeyed to Annapolis last Friday to meet with the legislature to discuss county priorities. Approved.
  • Received feedback that the Congressionally Directed Spending Projects (earmarks) that were approved and forwarded at the last meeting and were returned for not meeting the requirements of the request. The three projects were: rehabilitating sewer lines and pumps stations, design and study of a potential Hoopers Island Causeway, and moving the Dorchester County Department of Health operation to Race Street. The projects must map to a grant program for which the county is qualified. The county will seek other possibilities.
  • For All Seasons requested a letter of support for an earmark to acquire property at 111 East Dover Street, Easton, to expand services. – Approved.
  • Delmarva Community Services requested the county release the lien placed on 709 Church Street, Cambridge. This was one property in the 2018 agreement allowing DCS to acquire properties, renovate them, and sell them. The property is ready for sale. – Approved.
  • Policy amendment to collect real property taxes annually rather than biannually when a property is transferred. Approved.
  • Request from CWDI to rebate taxes paid earlier on abated properties. Approved.
  • Letter of support for the sheriff’s department grant application. Approved.

Council Comments:

  • Mr. Travers commented on the brush fires that have occurred in the county in the last three days, including at Blackwater National Wildlife Park. Asked that the county manager and county attorney press the Board of Education to complete a land transfer agreement for a parcel on Glasgow Street.
  • Mr. Detmer thanked the firefighters who have been fighting the brush fires. It appears that the solar bill SB931 will be significantly amended.
  • Mr. Pfeffer announced that several county charter changes on last year’s ballot as referendum cannot be implemented because the county did not advertise them correctly. The county will seek alternative means to achieve its goals.

Public Comments

  • Laurel Atkiss encouraged citizens to stay involved in local matters, especially the CWDI development of Cambridge Harbor.
  • Terri Robbins asked and was assured that the boat races would occur.

Adjournment: 7:20 pm

Notes taken by  Sharon Smith, CAN. Edited by K. Miller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dorchester County Council Budget Meeting Notes – February 27, 2025

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A meeting was held at 5pm to discuss the current county draft budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026. The county council, county manager, county government department heads, and concerned citizens were in attendance.

The draft budget was reviewed by the County Manager, Jerry Jones. Currently the draft budget is very fluid given the uncertainty of federal and state contributions and mandates. Additionally, insurance rates are unknown. County roads are being inspected given the harsh winter. Maple Elementary and the high school need repairs. These potential additional costs are being assessed.

The county council members had the following comments and concerns:

  • Nicholls expressed concern about the poor condition of some of the housing.
  • Kramer expressed concern about public safety, EMS/Sheriff operations and road conditions.
  • Travers commented that this is the worst budget condition he has experienced as a council member. The state is no friend to rural counties. And counties will not receive the final state budget until May or June.
  • Detmer and Mr. Pfeffer expressed concern about the “outrageous” mandates from the state and their ability to pay the bills.

A representative from Enterprise Vehicle Leasing gave a brief virtual presentation about the total cost of ownership of vehicles, particularly within the Sheriff’s department.

Several capital improvement requests were discussed, including:

  • 911 logging recorder for incoming calls
  • Aging ambulances
  • Excavators for solid waste and public works
  • Wildlife fencing
  • Future replacement of the public safety facility ($30M)

Before the unexpected state mandates/cost-shifting, the county budget appeared to be balanced when taking $2.4M from reserves. However, after $5.6M in cost shifts from the state, the county appears to have a $6,214,842 deficit. This does NOT include the county school system’s potential request for county support with a projected $10M deficit.

The current revenue projection for the county is $87.7M with an expenditure projection of $93.9M.

Submitted by Sharon Smith, Cambridge Association of Neighborhoods

Get Involved in Local and State Tax Decisions

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Get Involved in Local and State Tax Decisions – by Sharon Smith, CAN Board Member

As you probably know from social media, television, and local newspapers Maryland and Dorchester County are facing large deficits in funding in the upcoming year. This is certain without knowing what actions the federal government may take. Both the state and county are entering the tax planning season now.

Now is the time for all concerned taxpayers to get involved and voice your priorities for your tax dollars to your elected officials.

The impending Dorchester County budget deficit is largely the result of the state pushing expenses onto the counties, especially “The Blueprint” for education expenses, according to recent County Council comments.

The current county budget is $82M, of which $38.6M comes from property taxes – the average Maryland property tax rate is 1.02-1.07%: Dorchester County’s rate is 1.00. Another $18.M comes from income taxes – the 23 counties and Baltimore City levy local income tax as a percent of the state income tax. Rates range from 2.25% to 3.20%. Dorchester County’s rate is at 3.20%

The remainder of the funding comes from many sources – fees, licenses, permits, fines, etc., the largest of which is $6.3M in federal, state and local aid.

The single largest expense for Dorchester County is the Department of Education at $23.7M. However, the DoE is projecting a deficit of $4.8M ($88.5M – $83.7M) this year and $11.5M ($86M – $97.5M) for 2025-2026. This is according to the Board of Education work session in January 2025.

In 2024 the per pupil funding in Maryland for Pre-K through 12 averaged $19,427. In that year, Dorchester school funding was $20,104: $14,405 was state funding and $5,698 was from the county according to the Department of Legislative Services. State education funds vary greatly across counties.

What can you do?

You can attend budget meetings, read and understand the budgets and the issues, discuss the problems and opportunities with your County Councilman, contact your state senator and representatives, and the governor and comptroller.  Contact information is included.

The upcoming county Budget Work Session #1 is Tuesday, 02/25/2025– Capital at 6:00 p.m.

Budget Work Session #2 is Tuesday, 03/11/2025 at 6:00 p.m. Both are in the County Office Building.

The council is asking for your input!

Contact Information

Dorchester County Council Members

Governor

Wes Moore  By Phone​. (410) 974-3901 1-800-811-8336.  Email at link https://md.accessgov.com/governor/Forms/Page/cs/contact-the-governor/0

Comptroller

Brooke Lierman   (410) 260-7801 Brooke@marylandtaxes.gov

Maryland General Assembly

Maryland Legislative District 37

Please see the following budgets of interest:

January Dorchester County Public Schools Budget Briefing

Current Dorchester County Budget:

 

 

CAN Notes – Dorchester County Council Meeting – February 4, 2025

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Live stream: https://townhallstreams.com/stream.php?location_id=153&id=65392

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

Open Session

Closed Session

Reconvene into Open Session:  6:06 PM.

Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance

Financial Report: General Fund Cash on Hand – General Fund has $32,945,917.14 on hand.

Closed Session Summary –  Mr. Pfeffer reported on the closed session which covered a personnel matter.

Consent Agenda – The consent agenda was approved.

  • County Council Open Session Minutes – January 21, 2025
  • Accounts Payable Disbursement Report – Week Ending January 31, 2025
  • Administrative Office of the Courts – AY2025 Courthouse Security Funding – Circuit Court
  • Request to Advertise for Proposals – Towing Services – Public Works
  • Letter of Support – FY25 Educational Facilities Master Plan – Dorchester County Public Schools
  • Cooperative Agreement – Noxious Weeds – Maryland Department of Agriculture

 Proclamation(s)

  • National Outdoor Show Month – February – introduction of Miss Outdoors, Little Miss Outdoors and Little Mr. Outdoors.

Presentations

  1. Blackwater Wildlife Refuge Update by Marcia Pradines, Project Leader –

The Refuge was established in 1933. In 2024, the refuge planted 49 acres of corn,150 acres of clover and 12 acres of millet for wildlife; very dry conditions have made results okay, not great; avian flu a problem but they haven’t had as many ducks and geese as usual (but did test one Great Blue Heron which was positive); planning 100 acre marsh restoration; 883 acres sprayed to control phragmites and some other invasive grasses; created 27,000 feet of firebreak in the forest area, covering one-third of the area.  Two acquisitions: 150-acre easement in Wicomico County, 460 acres purchased right across from Visitor Center. Their money comes from hunting permits, no tax dollars involved. 1500 muskrat trapping units awarded, some new trappers, to manage population growth; 4176 deer hunting permits, 1200 bow hunting (Sept – Jan). They’re encouraging lead-free ammo, have workshops and $25 or $50 gift cards available. University of Delaware did a deer survey indicating 62-70 deer per square mile, but they have no previous data to frame this finding. New parking lot at Key Wallace Drive for snakehead fishermen, and Visitor Center restoration is planned.

    • Detmer complained that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages 36,000 acres and the county only gets $50K in taxes annually; he complimented their proactive approach to wildlife management.
    • The refuge draws many visitors to the area, who spend money here.

 

  1. Cambridge Resiliency Initiative by Larry White, P.E. – (a FEMA approved and funded Flood Mitigation Project) requesting approval of tie-in to six properties in Dorchester County. Background: by 2050 a two-foot sea level rise is anticipated, including intense storms with 5” rain in an hour, 15” over 24 hours. They propose two sites for tie-in: Pinks Pond and Bellevue Ave. Proposing Living Shoreline, which differs from hard infrastructure like levees in that it  absorbs energy, but they need greater elevation, so they’re planning an embankment with Living Shoreline on the water side (FEMA loved this). Designed for overtopping, the berm will look like a sand dune. They have $1.7M for Phase I, Design, which is 30% complete and have applied for $1.6M for Phase II. The project will ask for citizen input in June, after design drawings are completed. The Army Corps of Engineers discovered that some NJ projects survived Hurricane Sandy and they’re basing their plans on those. Trying to blend in with existing shoreline, though there will be rip-rap at Pinks Pond. The road (Hambrooks Blvd) will have to be elevated 4 feet. Great Marsh Park will become a stormwater management center with an embankment. They will excavate the park and put in pervious material to absorb water. They will have ongoing maintenance to keep the infrastructure up. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is also funding habitat restoration along with the living shoreline.
    • Detmer: will this reduce recreational use at Great Marsh Park? No, their goal is to have water drain off overnight or in a couple days max.
    • Travers: has this idea been tested? Yes, they found a San Francisco project like this, but this design hasn’t been done a lot; cutting-edge engineering.
    • Travers: yes, the Army Corps promised ten years ago that Rooster Island would come back if they carried out a planned project, but it did not.
    • Travers: have they talked to the residents about a 7’ berm and a 4’ raised road? No, waiting on Council approval, but Mr. White says people will be able to see over the berm.
    • The Council is not willing to approve the county tie-in until the project talks with property owners.

Legislative Session: 911 fee increase to $2 per month – approved

Action Items:

  1. Wild Goose Chase (a bike race) at Blackwater on September 14th – approved
  2. Earmarks discussion: The County Manager Jerry Jones was asked to create a list of possible expenditures to be provided to the state legislators.
  3. Poll confirmation – approved
  4. Approved submitting a grant application for $489k for a sewer pump upgrade.

Council comments:

Mr. Travers: loss of a long time Fire Department member.

Mr. Detmer: meeting of Choptank Solar and Storage Co tomorrow at Packing House 4-7. He then reiterated his concerns about decommissioning solar installation; suggested bond. He announced that 1099s coming from Comptroller’s office have printing error.  More and more concerned about state budget deficit – the numbers are bad and they’re going to get worse. He encourages people to be informed. Raise property taxes 10%? No, but that’s what they’ll have to consider.

Mr. Pfeffer: the state is pushing $3.5 – 4M in expenditures onto Dorchester County to help balance the state budget.  The county takes in $36M, schools get $26M and want more because the Board of Education has a $10M deficit largely because of the Blueprint for Excellence expenses. In 2008, the county had to lay people off and now they have no fat to cut. The sheriff’s department costs $6M; the EMS $5M – can’t get any savings there. He says if they refuse to pay the money the state wants, the state will impound county tax receipts.

Public comments

  1. Kathleen Abbott: Miss Outdoors Dorchester will be chosen February 21-22
  2. Sharon Smith: Dorchester County residents need to send messages of concern to our state delegations and governor about the budget crisis. Mr. Pfeffer says the Big 8 (Central MD counties) don’t want to touch Blueprint.
  3. Morgan Tolley asks for state contact information to be placed on county website.
  4. Bucky Jackson: we have too many schools for the number of students, so close some schools.
  5. Nichols expressed at length about his unwillingness to increase taxes; tells a story about an 87-year-old woman who can barely afford to remain in her home; can’t do anything that would affect elderly.

Adjournment  – 7:48 PM

Notes submitted by Richard Bearman & Sharon Smith, Cambridge Association of Neighborhoods (CAN)

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