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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
Open Session Minutes
September 21, 2018
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner John F. Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag by the full assemblage.
CALL TO ORDER
President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, to order at 10:07 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 1113,
Hagerstown, Maryland, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and
Commissioners John F. Barr, Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr.
Introductions:
National Park Service: Kevin Brandt, Superintendent, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National
Historical Park (C&O Canal); John Noel, Deputy Superintendent, C&O Canal; Robert Brennan,
Executive Director, Maryland Economic Development Corporation; Sara Greaves, Chief Financial
Officer, Washington County Budget and Finance; Donnie Stotelmyer, Town of Williamsport,
Town Manager; Jim McCleaf, resident; Susan Harrison, resident; Dan Spedden, President,
Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Tom Riford, Charter Board
Member, C&O Canal Trust; Charles Brown, Williamsport Town Council; Dennis Grove,
Williamsport Town Council; Jen Knode, Assistant Mayor, Town of Williamsport; Bill Green,
Mayor of Williamsport; Susan Small, Business Leader, Washington County Department of
Business Development; Greg Snook, President, Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial
Foundation, Inc. (CHIEF).
APPROVAL OF AGREEMENTS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE
ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY IN WILLIAMSPORT TO RELOCATE THE
CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK HEADQUARTERS
Susan Buchanan, Director, Office of Grant Management, requested that the Commissioners accept
the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Strategic Demolition Fund
Statewide Grant Agreement for Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park Headquarters
(C&O NHP) Relocation which would provide the County with up to $1.25 million to purchase the
property located at 122–142 West Potomac Street, Williamsport, Maryland; and also to
subsequently enter into a ground lease agreement with the Maryland Economic Development
Corporation (MEDCO), which will improve the property for use and long term lease with the
National Park Service for the relocation of the C&O NHP.
Ms. Buchanan stated that the proposed Grant Agreement provided by DHCD has been reviewed
by the Office of Grant Management and the County Attorney. Ms. Buchanan explained that the
performance period begins upon execution and the County has until June 30, 2019 to complete the
purchase of the property. Additionally, there will be a 25% matching fund requirement associated
with the grant; however, the State will consider the investment provided by MEDCO as the
required match.
Page 2 of 2
OPEN Session, September 21, 2018
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to accept the DHCD Demolition
Fund Statewide Grant Agreement for the C&O NHP relocation, and to subsequently enter into a
ground lease agreement with the MEDCO, as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cline thanked his fellow Commissioners for supporting this project. Commissioner
Cline also thanked the Mayor and Council of Williamsport for their efforts and support. He shared
a phrase associated with the project as, “remembering the past to ensure the future.”
Commissioner Myers thanked all those involved for their persistence.
Commissioner Keefer stated that there was a remarkable partnership created by this project
between multiple layers of Government to include municipal, County, State, and federal levels
working together. Commissioner Keefer added that he appreciates that the needs of the local
community are being met from an economic and recreational standpoint.
Commissioner Barr stated that to have the C&O NHP located in Williamsport is a very historic
event.
President Baker stated that he believes that Williamsport, Maryland, is the only location for the
C&O NHP. President Baker also thanked his fellow Commissioners for adjusting their schedules
to attend the meeting, ensuring this monumental moment.
Rob Slocum, County Administrator, thanked Washington County elected officials, staff and
representatives who participated in the meeting. He also thanked DHCD, Secretary Holt’s Office,
Senator Edwards’ office, and Chris Shank, Deputy Chief of Staff with Governor Hogan’s Office.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Myers, moved to adjourn at 10:25 a.m. The
motion passed unanimously.
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Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator
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John Martirano, County Attorney
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Krista L. Hart, County Clerk