Dorchester County Council Meeting, April 1, 2025

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Unofficial Notes Submitted By Sharon Smith, CAN

https://townhallstreams.com/stream.php?location_id=153&id=66247

Present: 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

The Consent Agenda was passed without discussion.

Thomas Oliver, Department of Emergency Services, was commended for his 20 years of service to the county as an EMT upon his retirement.

There were three proclamations read by President Pfeffer –

  • Public Health Week, week of April 7th – 13th – President Pfeffer read the proclamation and some notable successes in health over the last 30 years 1.) adult smoking rates have fallen in the US from 25% to 11%, 2.) infant mortality has fallen from 13.8 deaths per 1000 live births to 5.4, 3.) mental health has improved, 4.) elevated lead poisoning among children has fallen from 4.4% to 0.5%, and 5.) improvements in pandemic preparation. Several people in the health department were recognized for their service.
  • Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April – In the US 81% of women and 43% of men report having some type of unwanted sexual encounter during their lifetimes. For All Seasons rape crisis center has the highest rate of calls by 38% from Dorchester County among all Maryland counties served for sexual assault. They are seeing a big uptick in alcohol and drug assisted assault, “sip safe.”
  • Child Abuse Prevention Month, April – Child abuse is addressed in the county by collaboration across service providers. The Department of Social Services spoke on behalf of the child advocacy center. Preventing child abuse is a community-wide responsibility.

Action items approved included contracts for public works activities of fuel station re-piping, and mowing at the marina, landfill, and county facilities and tax properties. Additionally, the contract for medical billing services was extended.

Mr. Detmer reported on the Traffic Safety Committee meeting, which surfaced a public complaint about parking on county property near the Ragged Point Causeway by people fishing.

Seven county-level boards and committees have vacancies that the Council would like to fill. Mr. Collins asked to be re-appointed to the Planning Committee and was approved.

Poll confirmations are how the council confirms any motions made and voted upon between physical council meetings. The motions are repeated, voted upon and recorded during the next live council session. This meeting’s poll confirmations were for permission to apply for various grants.

Jerry Jones, the county manager, introduced the new Director of Public Works, Matt Osmer, who most recently served in that capacity in Trappe.

Mr. Detmer recognized Delegates Sample-Hughes and Hutchinson for standing up for Dorchester County during the recent state legislative services. Delegate Adams was noted for his opposition to the “solar bill,” SB931/HB 1036. Mr. Pfeffer noted Senator Mautz’s service as well. The council voted to send them all an official thank you letter.

Public comments. An attendee called council’s attention to “astronomical abuse and neglect” occurring at Mallard Bay Nursing Home, that she witnessed while working there. She reported the abuse to the Director of Nursing, the Assistant Director of Nursing, and reported it to the state, following up with 14 phone calls. A supervisor with the state said it would take six months before an investigation will occur. The most recent investigation was conducted in 2022. The attendee pleaded for help. Amanda Leonard, States Attorney, was in attendance and is meeting with the attendee. Also, Commissioner Ricky Travers offered that Delegate Hutchinson is looking into the level of care at Mallard Bay and suggested she meet with him.