HomeMy WebLinkAbout250624 - Open MinutesI I
G Washington County
MARYLAND
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
June 24, 2025
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Invocation presented by Reverend Brandt Montgomery, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag by the full assemblage.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice-President Jeffrey A. Cline called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, to order at 9:03 a.m. with the following members present:
Commissioner Derek Harvey, Commissioner Randal A. Leatherman and Commissioner Randall E.
Wagner. President John F. Barr was absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the minutes of
June 3, 2025. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Harvey commented on Agriculture. He commended the City of Hagerstown, Mayor,
Hagerstown Police Department and he shared a new ordinance passed by the City. Commissioner
Harvey attended the Washington County Juneteenth ceremony at the Halfway African American
Cemetery.
Commissioner Leatherman attended the Washington County Juneteenth ceremony at the Halfway
African American Cemete1y. He commended Elizabeth Paul for her efforts with the cemetery.
Commissioner Leatherman thanked Officer Langley Dean for his service.
Commissioner Wagner attended the Washington County Juneteenth ceremony at the Halfway African
American Cemetery. He thanked Elizabeth Paul, the volunteers and Jaime Dick of the Recreation and
Parks Depa1tment. Commissioner Wagner shared information on local cooling centers.
Commissioner Cline wished Officer Langley Dean a speedy recovery. He thanked Officer Dean and
all officers for their service. Commissioner Cline attended the Washington County Juneteenth
ceremony at the Halfway African American Cemetery. He attended the Mayor's Miss Ma1yland
luncheon. Commissioner Cline attended the National Road Museum grand opening, and he thanked
Richard Keesecker and his team for their efforts on the opening. He attended the flag retirement
ceremony at the Williamsport Red Men Lodge 84 where Troop 58 of Downsville retired the flags.
STAFF COMMENTS
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, attended the Washington County Juneteenth ceremony at the
Halfway African American Cemetery. She thanked staff; Danny Hixon, Jaime Dick and the Recreation
and Parks Depa1tment for the installation of the bench. Ms. Gordon thanked the Board of County
Commissioners for making it possible to dedicate the bench to the friends of the Halfway African
American Cemetery. She attended the employee appreciation night at the Flying Boxcars game. She
thanked the Department of Human Resources and the Board of County Commissioners for providing
the event for the employees and their families. Ms. Gordon attended the University Systems of
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OPEN Session, Jww 74, :!O?~l
Hagerstown Board of Regents meeting. She attended the Governor's meeting on rural county public
safety with the Sheriff's Depattment, and she shared the topics that were discussed. Ms. Gordon met
with Delegate Shindler with President Barr to discuss 2026 potential legislative items. She extended
her prayers to Officer Langley Dean as he recovers from his line of duty injury.
1. YOUTH MERITORIOUS AW ARD PRESENTATION
Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented throughout the school year the Board of
County Commissioners present "Youth Meritorious Awards" to students attending both public and
private schools or those being home schooled in Washington County. The following individual was
selected based on her scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, community service performed or
other positive contributions to her community. The Board of County Commissioners presented the
Youth Meritorious Award to: Ariella Adjangba-Baker -Williamsport High School.
2. FY26 HEALTHY FAMILIES HOME VISITING GRANT -APPROVAL TO SUBMIT
APPLICATION
Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented the request to approve the submission of
the grant application to the Maryland State Department of Education in the amount of $400,000.00 and
to accept funding as awarded for the Healthy Families Home Visiting Grant.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the submission of
the Healthy Families Home Visiting grant application and to accept funding as awarded as presented.
The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
3. MARYLAND 9-1-1 BOARD APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION AND ACCEPT
AW ARD ED FUNDING
Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented the request to approve the submission of
grant application to the Emergency Numbers Systems Board in the amount of$2,681,763.76 and accept
funding as awarded to fund a Multi-Site Geo-Diverse 911 System Upgrade under a comprehensive 5-
year contract.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the submission of
the grant application to the Emergency Numbers Systems Board and to accept funding as presented.
The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
4. DAY REPORTING CENTER-APPROVAL TO USE OPIOID RESTITUTION FUNDS
Maria Kramer, Director, Grant Management; and Major Craig Rowe, Warden, Washington County
Detention Center, presented the request to approve use of$399,350.00 of the Opioid Restitution Local
Direct Funds to suppo1t two programs at the Day Repmting Center for FY26. Approval of this request
will allow for two vital programs at the Day Reporting Center to be fully funded for FY26. The
programs are the Washington County Jail-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment Program and
Recover, "Rebuild, & Reconnect" Reentry Workshops.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve use of $399,350.00 of
the Opioid Restitution Local Direct funds as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
5. MULTI-SIGNATURE CHANGE ORDER FOR COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE
SERVICES FOR INMATES -APPROVAL OF THE CHANGE ORDER
Major Craig Rowe, Warden, Washington County Sheriffs Office Detention Center, presented the
request to approve the Multi-Signature Change Order from $3,853,910.00 to $4,308,970.00, an increase
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OPEN Session, June 24, 2025
of $455,060.00 for inmate medical claims exceeding the amount originally budgeted. The State of
Maryland reimburses the County for claims exceeding a total of $25,000.00 per inmate. The County
expects to receive reimbursement of$308,477.84. The remainder can be absorbed in the FY25 budget.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the Multi-Signature
Change Order as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
RECESS
6. COMMUNITY LEGACY GRANT APPLICATION REQUEST FOR APPROVAL
Jennifer Kinzer, Deputy Director, Planning & Zoning; Carsten Ahrens, Senior Grant Manager, Grant
Management, presented the request to approve submission of the grant application for rehabilitation of
Fort Ritchie Building 603 to the Maiyland Department of Housing & Community Development
(DHCD) in the amount of $800,000.00 and subsequently accept awarded funding and enter into a
subrecipient agreement with Cascade Prope1ties, LLC.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve submission of the
grant application for rehabilitation of Fort Ritchie Building 603 and to accept funding as awarded as
presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
7. HOPEWELL ROAD PROPERTY ACQUISITION
Todd Moser, Real Prope1ty Administrator, Engineering, presented the request to approve the option
agreement for paitial property acquisition including fee simple and easements for I 0833 Hopewell
Road and Parcel 704 Lot I on Hopewell Road in Williamsp01t; and approve an ordinance approving
said purchase; and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the option
agreement for paitial prope1ty acquisition for I 0833 Hopewell Road and Parcel 704 Lot I as presented.
The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
8. ACCEPTANCE OF REAL PROPERTY, DECLARATION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY, AND
INTENT TO CONVEY REAL PROPERTY FOR THE CHASE SIX BOULEY ARD
PROPERTY
Todd Moser, Real Prope1ty Administrator, Engineering, presented the request to approve the
acceptance of real prope1ty conveyance from the Washington County Board of Education (BOE)
concerning property consisting of+/-1.61 acres located on the eastern margin of Maryland Route 66,
also known as Mapleville Road; to adopt the ordinance declaring the property as surplus; to approve
conveyance of the same; and to authorize execution of the necessary documentation to finalize
conveyance for zero consideration to Town of Boonsboro and the State Highway Administration. The
County's sole purpose and intent in accepting the transfer of the proposed surplus property is to act as
a pass-through entity to facilitate transfer of proposed surplus property to the Town of Boonsboro and
BOE for the Chase Six Boulevard Project.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the acceptance of
real property conveyance from the Board of Education; to adopt the ordinance declaring the prope1ty
surplus; and to authorize execution of the documentation as presented. The motion passed unanimously
(4-0).
9. FORT RITCHIE CELL TOWER LEASE
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OPEN Session, Jww ).I!, ;,o;,;r;
Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering; and Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public
Works, presented the request to approve the Fo1t Ritchie Cell Tower lease, and to authorize the
execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the lease agreement. Ve1tical Bridge (VB-SI
Assets, LLC/formally Liberty Towers) presented the County with a proposed lease extension consisting
of five additional, 5-year renewal periods beginning in February 2034.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the Fo1t Ritchie
Cell Tower lease and to authorize execution of the necessary documentation as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
10. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE EASTERN
PANHANDLE REGIONAL PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (REGION IX) AND
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
REPRESENTING THE HAGERSTOWN/EASTERN PANHANDLE METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION (HEPMPO)
Jill Baker, Director, Planning and Zoning; and Matt Mullenax, Executive Director, HEPMPO,
presented the request to execute the proposed MOU to assist the HEPMPO in carrying out regional
transportation planning efforts. There is currently an MOU between the Region IX planning council
and the Board of County Commissioners as they act on behalf of the HEPMPO that was executed in
2008. The purpose of the updated MOU is to clarify and update outdated language, acknowledge better
delineate the additional financial responsibility that has impacted Region IX in the last 18 years, and
amend the current administrators of the agencies.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to execute the
proposed MOU between the Region IX planning council and the Board of County Commissioners as
they act on behalf of the HEPMPO as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
11. WASHING TON COUNTY TRANSIT -FACILITY EXPANSION FEASIBILITY STUDY
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Shawn Harbaugh, Director, Transit; Matt Mullenax,
Executive Director, Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization; and Troy
Truax, Michael Baker International, presented for information purposes the Hagerstown Eastern
Panhandle Metropolitan Organization (HEPMPO) provided funding and contracted services via
Michael Baker International to complete a Washington County Transit (WCT) Facility Expansion
Feasibility Study. The study investigated WCT current and future facility and administrative needs
through the year 2050.
12. THE COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC CHARITY TOURNAMENT -LICENSE
AGREEMENT
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, presented the request to approve the License Agreement
with the Community Free Clinic to use Board of County Commissioners of Washington County owned
prope1ty at 520 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown for a Charity Tournament. The Community
Free Clinic hosts the annual MUDD Volleyball Tournament.
RECESS
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the License Agreement
with the Community Free Clinic as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
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OPEN Session, June 24, 2025
13. BID AWARD {PUR-1749) POLE BARN BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Tom Gozora,
Facility Administrator, Agricultural Education Center; and Jay Miller, Board Member, Agricultural
Education Center Advisory Board, presented the request to award the procurement of a Pole Barn
Building Design and Construction, to the responsive, responsible bidder, Reese's Home Improvement,
Inc., of Boonsboro, MD, for a total lump sum bid price of$87,200.00
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to award the procurement of a
Pole Barn Building Design and Construction to Reese's Home Improvement as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
14. QUOTATION AWARD {0-25-800) ELECTION MANAGEMENT SOLUTION AND
SERVICES FOR THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Cory Green, Election Program Supervisor, Washington
County Board of Elections, presented the request to award the quotation for the Election Management
Solution and Services to the responsible, responsive bidder, Soch Inc., of Richmond, VA who
submitted the responsive total lump sum of $70,177.87.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to award the quotation for the
Election Management Solution and Services to Soch Inc., as presented. The motion passed
unanimously (4-0).
15. REJECTION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL {PUR-1743) EVENT PRODUCTION
SERVICES
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing, presented the request to take action, in the best interest of the
County, and to request the proposal for the Event Production Services be rejected due to the proposal
exceeding the available budget, and request approval to re-advertise a revised document.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to reject the proposal for the
production services for the event and to re-advertise with a revised document as presented. The motion
passed unanimously (4-0).
16. CONTRACT AWARD {PUR-1747) NORTHWEST QUADRANT UTILITY EXPANSION
AT THE HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airpo1t,
presented the request to award the N01thwest Quadrant Utility Expansion at the Hagerstown Regional
Airp01t project to the responsive, responsible bidder, C. William Hetzer, Inc. of Hagerstown, MD who
submitted the lowest total sum bid in the amount of $344,860.00 and contingent upon the County
Attorney's Office approval of the contract Agreement.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to award the Northwest Quadrant
Utility Expansion to C. William Heter, Inc., contingent upon the County Attorney's Office approval of
the contract as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
17. SOLE SOURCE AWARD {PUR-1755)-MOYNO PUMPS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
WATER QUALITY
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Joe Moss, Deputy Director -Engineering Services, Water
Quality, presented the request to authorize a sole-source procurement for the purchase of two (2)
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OPEN Session, JrnH-'. ?.-11 ?o;,r;
Moyno Pumps from Geiger Pump and Equipment of Baltimore, MD., for the total sum in the amount
of$125,349.62 based on its quote dated June 10, 2025.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to authorize a sole-source
procurement for the purchase of two (2) Moyno Pumps from Geiger Pump as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
18. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE {INTG-25-0195) 2024 FORD F-
350 CREW CAB
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing, presented the request to authorize by resolution, for the
Department of Emergency Services to purchase one (I) 2024 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4X4 vehicle from
Apple Ford of Columbia, MD at the price of $83,977.00 and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract
(# I 0000666-5) that was awarded by Baltimore County to Apple Ford.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to authorize by resolution the
purchase one (I) 2024 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4X4 vehicle from Apple Ford as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
19. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE {INTG-25-0193) FIVE (5) 2026
CHEVROLET EQUINOX A WD FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PERMITS AND
INSPECTIONS
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Greg Cattrette, Director/Code Official, Permits and
Inspections, presented the request to authorize by resolution, for the Department of Permits and
Inspections to purchase three (3) 2026 Chevrolet Equinox A WD vehicles from Hertrich Fleet of
Milford, DE at the price of $29,172 each for a total of $87,516.00 and to utilize another jurisdictions
contract (4400004546) that was awarded by Howard County.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to authorize by resolution the
purchase of three (3) 2026 Chevrolet Equinox A WD vehicles from Hertrich Fleet as presented. The
motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
20. CONTRACT AWARD (PUR-1726) -INSURANCE BROKERAGE AND RISK
MANAGEMENTS SERVICES
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Tracy McCammon, Risk Management Coordinator, Human
Resources, presented the request to award the contract for the Insurance Brokerage and Risk
Management Services to the responsible, responsive proposer, CBIZ, Inc. of Cumberland, MD with
the total proposal cost of $96,000.00 per year, total cost of $480,000.00 for the five year period of the
contract.
ARF correction: The coordinating committee consisted of the Risk Management Administrator, Safety
Compliance Coordinator, Director ofHmnan Resources, Deputy Director of Human Resources and the
Director of Purchasing. The County Administrator was removed from the list.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to award the contract for the
insurance brokerage and risk management services to CBIZ, Inc., as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
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OPEN Session, June 241 2025
21. 2025-2026 PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE RENEWAL
Tracy McCammon, Risk Management Coordinator, Human Resources; and Patrick Buck, CBIZ
Insurance Services, presented the request to renew the property and liability policies with Travelers
Insurance Company and the airport liability with AIG. Also, approve the attached budget adjustment
to cover the additional premium for the cyber liability policy. The total renewal is a 14.7% increase in
premiums. The sub-limit for ransomware was removed which increased the cost for cybersecurity. A
budget adjustment is requested to transfer funds to help pay for the increase in the cyber liability
premium. Excluding the additional cost for cyber, premiums for FY 2026 are $1,886,000.00.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator shared that the budget adjustment is in the amount of
$30,000.00 with a reduction from General Operating budget's a Time to Care Act. The Time to Care
Act mandate for family coverage has been deferred to FY2027, which was already budgeted for in
FY2026, therefore we can fund the overage for the cyber liability coverage.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to renew the property and liability
policies with Travelers Insurance Company and the airport liability with AIG and the budget adjustment
as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
22. ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION ADOPTING A FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE CIVIL
CITATIONS OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY FIRE PREVENTION CODE
Greg Caitrette, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections, presented the request to approve the
resolution that adopts the civil citations of the Washington County Fire Prevention Code subject to
fines listed in the previously approved Fire Code Fee Schedule. Washington County held a public
hearing and adopted a local Fire Prevention Code and its accompanying Fire code Fee Schedule on
April 29, 2025. The Fee Schedule allows for fines as a result of civil citations. This resolution outlines
the provisions of the Fire Prevention Code, which are considered civil citations and punishable by the
relevant fee in the adopted Fee Schedule.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the resolution that
adopts the fee schedule for the civil citations of the Washington County Fire Prevention Code as
presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
23. MOU BETWEEN OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL (OSFM) AND WASHINGTON
COUNTY
Greg Ca1trette, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections; and Rosalinda Pascual, Deputy County
Attorney, presented the request to approve and to accept the revised Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) between the OSFM and Washington County pending State approval and County Attorney's
office final review. The OSFM has presented a MOU detailing what responsibilities the OSFM will
continue to have in Washington County and the responsibilities Washington County Division of
Permits & Inspections will assume for enforcing fire prevention and the adopted fire code. The Deputy
County Attorney provided redline changes in the ARF which was awaiting approval of such changes
from the State. An updated MOU was provided to the Board of County Commissioners, which was
approved by the State yesterday.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve and accept the
revised Memorandum of Understanding between the Office of State Fire Marshal and Washington
County as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
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OPEN Session, Jww ]A, 20;:,.r;
24. APPOINTMENT -WASHINGTON COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGING
COMMITTEE
Rosalinda Pascual, Deputy County Attorney, presented the request to approve the appointment of Doug
Mullendore to fill the vacancy on the Washington County Administrative Charging Committee due to
Charlie Summers' resignation. This current three-year term ends August 31, 2026. This is a paid board.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the appointment
of Doug Mullendore as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
25. REAPPOINTMENT WASHINGTON COUNTY POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD
Rosalinda Pascual, Deputy County Attorney, presented the request to approve to reappoint Steve
McCarty to serve his second full, three-year term with the Police Accountability Board from July 1st,
2025, through June 30th, 2028, and to appoint Amber Hill-Smart as the new Chair of the Police
Accountability Board, for the remainder of her term, which ends August 31, 2026. This is not a paid
board.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve to reappoint Steve
McCarty and to appoint Amber Hill-Smart as the Chair of the Police Accountability Board as presented.
The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
26. APPROVAL OF SITING STUDY AND CVS 30% DESIGN STAGE REPORT FOR
REPLACEMENT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER
Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airpo1t; and Andrew Eshelman, Director, Public Works,
presented the request to empower the BOCC President to execute documents related to Siting Study
and CVS 30% Design Stage services with Engineering firm ADC!, and to authorize the Airport Director
to apply for and accept related grant offer from the MAA. Project involves obtaining an updated
Replacement Air Traffic Contrnl Tower Siting Report as the previous report from 2016 has been
determined by the FAA to be too old to use. Project includes Virtual Modeling to obtain FAA approvals
and a CVS Report (Criteria, Plans, Cost) for the preferred alternative. Estimated to approximate a 30%
design level. Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) is offering to fund 75% of these costs as a
FY26 Special Grant for a project not to exceed $283,703.00. In addition, to approve a budget
adjustment; a request to transfer local funding from three existing Airport CIP projects as identified in
the budget adjustment document (EQP041 -$5,000.00, COM026-$59,930.00, BLD 117 -$10,932.00
and BLD088 -$5,996.00). MAA 71.15% share. Local Match 28.85% (Airport Fund) MAA
$201,845.00, Airport Fund $81,858.00. Mr. Eshelman pointed out that the numbers on the ARF are
corrected to the numbers provided by Mr. Doran due to getting last minute information from the state
at the end of the fiscal year regarding funding.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to apprnve to empower the
BOCC President to execute documents related to Siting Study and CVS 30% Design Stage services;
and to authorize the Airport Director to apply for and except related grant funding; and the budget
adjustment as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
27. 2025 SAFER GRANT APPLICATION -REQUEST TO APPLY AND ACCEPT
R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services, presented the request to authorize the Division of
Emergency Services (DES) to submit a FEMA SAFER Grant application to hire eighteen ( 18)
firefighters and accept the grant funding, if awarded. By authorizing the DES to hire eighteen (18)
additional firefighters, it will enable the DES to continue strategically placing firefighters in various
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OPEN Session, June 24, 2025
fire stations throughout Washington County. The grant period opened on May 23, 2025, and closes on
July 3, 2025.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, clarified that the FY2026 budget includes funding for nine
(9) additional firefighters. Mr. Hays is asking for eighteen (18) to be funded through the grant, if the
grant is not approved, the Board of County Commissioners will continue to fund the nine (9) firefighters
not the full eighteen (18).
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved request to authorize the Division
of Emergency Services (DES) to submit a FEMA SAFER Grant application and to accept funding as
presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to convene in closed session at 10:56
a.m. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation,
removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this
public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. (I).
Personnel matters are confidential, precluding discussion in open session.
• Discussion of hiring part-time position in DES.
• Appointment to County Board of Social Services
• Appointments to Agricultural Education Center Advisory Board
• Appointment to Tri-County Council for Western Maryland
• Hiring of Fire Plans Examiner in Permits and Inspections.
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter (7). Open session discussion would
breach attorney/client privilege.
• Update and legal advice from County Attorney concern
To consult with staff about potential litigation (8). Discussion in open session would damage litigation
strategy in forthcoming collections actions.
• Discussion of billing/collections for hazardous spill clean ups.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed; and reached a consensus to:
• Appointments to the Washington County Board of Social Services, and Tri-County Council
for Western Maryland; and Discussed membership Washington County Agricultural
Education Center Advisory Board;
• Hiring recommendation for patt-time Instructor, Emergency Services;
• Cost recovery for hazardous spill response;
• Received legal advice and updates on pending litigation matters for which the County is a
party; and
• Hiring recommendation for Fire Plans Examiner/Inspector, Permits and Inspections;
Present during closed session at various times were Commissioners Jeffrey A. Cline, Derek Harvey,
Randal A. Leatherman and Randall E. Wagner: Dawn Marcus, County Clerk; Michelle Gordon,
County Administrator; Rosalinda Pascual, Deputy County Attorney; Aaron Weiss, Assistant County
Attorney; Victor Scarpelli, Assistant County Attorney; R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services;
Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer, Greg Cartrette, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections;
and Chip Rose, Director Human Resources.
Page 10 of 10
OPEN Session, June 24, 2025
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION FOR POTENTIAL ACTION ON CLOSED SESSION
ITEMS
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to reconvene in open session at
I L :46 a.m. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Chip Rose, Director, Human Resources; and Greg Ca1trette, Director/Code Official, Permits and
Inspections, presented the request for a motion to hire James Morgan as the Fire Plans
Examiner/Inspector, at a Grade 14, Step 4, with an annual salary of $75,379.00. With an effective date
of June 21, 2025.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the hire of James
Morgan as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Chip Rose, Director, Human Resources, presented the request to hire a part-time training instructor for
the Public Safety Training, at a Grade 12, Step 2, with an annual salary of $62,69 L .00.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to hire a part-time
training instructor as presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to adjourn at 11 :49 a.m . The
motion passed unanimously (4-0).
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk