HomeMy WebLinkAbout251118 - Open Minutesl l
i Washington County J
MARYLAND -------
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
November 18, 2025
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Invocation presented by President John F. Barr, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by
the full assemblage.
CALL TO ORDER
President John F. Barr called the regular meeting of the Board of County Conunissioners of Washington
County, Maryland, to order at 9:0 l a.m. with the following members present: Vice-President Jeffrey
A. Cline, Commissioner Randal A. Leatherman and Conunissioner Randall E. Wagner. Conunissioner
Derek Harvey was absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the minutes of
October 21 , 2025. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
C01m11issioner Wagner thanked the Veterans who have served and thanked all who pai1icipated in the
events on Veterans Day. He attended the Veterans Day ceremonies at Marty Snook Park and the
Vietnam Monument War Memorial service. Commissioner Wagner thanked Jim Kline for organizing
the ceremonies. He attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at the Cheste1ton
Academy of the Divine Family.
Conunissioner Leatherman attended the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Marines at Elmwood Farms. He
congratulated and thanked all Marines for their service.
Commissioner Cline attended the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Marines at Elmwood Farms. He attended
Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department ammal banquet. Commissioner Cline recognized Darryl Benner
for his 50 years of service to the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department and noted that he was awarded
Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year in 2012. He commented on the ISO rating in Sharpsburg which
lowered property insurance for the residents in the service area. Commissioner Cline attended the
Warriors Amongst Us ceremony at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ in Boonsboro. He shared
that Veteran Jack Myers was a speaker at the ceremony. Commissioner Cline attended the one year
anniversary of Ruths Market and Sweet Notes Bakery in Williamsport. He attended Veteran's Day
ceremonies at Marty Snook Park, in Funkstown and the Vietnam Monument War Memorial service in
Hagerstown. Conunissioner Cline attended the Veterans Day assemblies at Boonsboro High School
and Clear Spring High School. He attended the Meritus Go for the Gold Weight Loss Program event.
Commissioner Cline thanked Hagerstown Community College for hosting the Pre-Legislative Forum
with the Delegation. He thanked the Delegation for meeting with the Board of County Commissioners.
Conunissioner Cline attended the dedication of the historic Springfield Manor house in Williamsport.
Commissioner Barr attended the Veteran's Day assembly at Clear Spring High School. He thanked the
Clear Spring leadership, principal and staff for the event. Commissioner Barr attended the fall
Maryland Association of County's event sessions. He shared legislation information discussed with the
State of Maryland Cabinet members. Commissioner Barr attended the Maryland Symphony Concert
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OPEN Session, November JH, ?.02'.}
at the Maiyland Theatre. He commented on the 40 years of service that the Maiyland Symphony
Orchestra has provided to our community.
STAFF COMMENTS
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator attended multiple meetings with State Officials over the last
couple of weeks regarding County programs and Economic Development initiatives. She attended the
Veteran's Day Wreath Laying ceremony at Marty Snook Park. She recognized her husband and her
son as Veterans of the United States Marine Corp and her stepson who is currently serving in the United
States Army. Ms. Gordon thanked all who have served in Washington County. She extended her
condolences to the family of the tragic fatal fire as well as to the first responders who were on the scene.
Ms. Gordon shared that staff are currently working on the FY2027 budget. She commented on the State
of Ma1yland's deficit, revenue projections for FY2027 and forward and that they are cutting some of
the Homeland Security Grants which funds a small potiion of positions and equipment for the first
responders and law enforcement which will likely cause cost cuts and shifts to grant programs and other
areas as a result of the deficit.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator requested a consensus for a letter of suppoti for No Small
Change. They are applying for a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust. They are not requesting
any funding from the County.
The Commissioner reached a unanimous consensus (4-0) in support of the letter for No Small Change.
1. YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARD PRESENTATION
Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented tlu·oughout 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 student has been
selected based on her scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, community service performed and
other positive contributions to her school and community. The Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County presented the award to Gabby Gatchalian of North Hagerstown High School.
2. PRESENTATION OF THE JUNE 30, 2025, AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Chris Lehman, Patiner, SB & Company; and Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer, presented a review
of the external independent audited financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Mr.
Lehman shared a slide presentation.
3. OPTIONAL 4TH EARLY VOTING CENTER FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
Tammy Downin, President, Board of Elections; Nancy Armstrong, Assistant Secretaty, Board of
Elections; and Barry Jackson, Director, Board of Elections, presented the request for approval of a
fomih Early Voting center in Washington County. They recommended the Virgina Avenue Election
Facility site.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman moved to approve the fomih Early
Voting Center as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
4. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE {INTG-25-0220) ONE (1) NEW
2026 FORD F-350 EXTENDED CAB FOR THE BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AND FACILITIES
DEPARTMENT
Carin Bakner, Buyer, Purchasing; and Daniel Hixon, Deputy Director, Buildings, Grounds and
Facilities, presented the request to authorize by Resolution, the Buildings, Grounds & Facilities
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OPEN Session, Novcrnbt~r 18, 202.5
Depmiment to purchase one (1) New 2026 Ford F-350 Extended Cab with snowplow attachment from
Apple Ford of Columbia, MD, for the total sum amount of $64,836.20, and to utilize another
jurisdiction's contract (SCON-10003179) that was awarded by Baltimore County.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to authorize by
Resolution the to purchase one (I) New 2026 Ford F-350 Extended Cab with snow plow attachment
from Apple Ford as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
5, BID AWARD (PUR-1774) SWIMMING POOL AND WATER/WASTEWATER
TREATMENT CHEMICALS
Carin Bakner, Buyer, Purchasing; Davina Yutzy, Deputy Director, Water Quality, Environmental
Management, presented the request to award the bids for Swimming Pool and Water/Wastewater
Treatment Chemicals to the responsive, responsible bidders with the lowest bids meeting the
specifications for each item as follows:
Product/ (Estimated Annual Usage)
Item No. 4 Polymer
Item No. IO Sulfuric Acid 93%-95%
Item No. 11 Sodium Hypochlorite
Item No. 12 Potassium Permanganate
Item No. 13 Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide)
Item No. 15 Hydrotluosilicic Acid (H2SiF6)
Item No. 16 Hydrotluosilicic Acid (H2SiF6)
Item No. 17 DelPac 2000 PAX-XL6
Item No. 19 Sodium Hypochlorite
Item No. 24 DelPac 2020
Item No. 29 Bacterial Enzymatic Powder
Item No. 33 DelPac 2000
Item No. 34 Liquid Aluminum Sulfate
Item No. 35 Micro C 2000
Vendor
Pollu-Tech, Inc.
George S. Coyne Chemical
Univar
Univar
Univar
George S. Coyne Chemical
George S. Coyne Chemical
USALCO
Univar
Univar
Maryland Chemical Co.
Univar
Univar
George S. Coyne Chemical
Unit Price/Unit of Measure
$13.42 Gallon
$5.5812 Gallon
$4.55 Gallon
$4.81 Pound
$2.59 Gallon
$5.4482 Gallon
$5.4482 Gallon
$0.248 Pound
$5.05 Gallon
$4.96 Gallon
$8.58 Pound
$5.72 Gallon
$2.27 Gallon
$5.5861 Gallon
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to award the bids
for Swimming Pool and Water/Wastewater Treatment Chemicals as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
6. CONOCOCHEAGUE WWTP PAVING CONTRACT
Mark Bradshaw, Director, Environmental Management, presented the request to authorize Craig
Paving Inc. to perform $100,155.08 of paving work at Conococheague WwTP and to add the project
to the existing Pavement Maintenance And Rehabilitation Program FY '24 -Hot Asphalt (HMA)
Applications contract that was awarded to Craig Paving Inc.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to authorize Craig
Paving Inc. to perform paving work at Conococheague WwTP and to add the project to the existing
contract as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
7. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-25-0219) (3) VEHICLES
FOR WATER QUALITY
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Mark Bradshaw, Director, Environmental Management,
presented the request to authorize by Resolution, for the Depmiment of Environmental Management to
purchase three (3) 2026 Vehicles from Greencastle Chevrolet of Greencastle, PA for the total amount
of$183,903.45 and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract (Bid No. 26-07-0711) that was awarded by
Costars. Per the Vehicle/Equipment Replacement Guidelines the following vehicles are to be replaced:
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OPEN Session, i\lm!f)tnb0r U:1 J.0:?S
2005 Chevy Trailblazer, 2008 Chevy 250 4X4 and a 2017 Ford F350. There is a correction to funding
account: BEH007.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to purchase tlu·ee
(3) 2026 Vehicles from Greencastle Chevrolet as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
8. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-25-0221)
INSTALLATION OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
WATER QUALITY AT FIVE (5) WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Mark Bradshaw, Director, Environmental Management,
presented the request, to authorize by Resolution, for the Department of Environmental Management
to purchase and have installed video surveillance equipment at five (5) water treatment facility locations
from Skyline Teclu1ology Solutions of Glen Burnie, MD in the total amount of$90,899.26 and to utilize
another jurisdiction's contract that was awarded by the Carroll County Public Network (CCPN)
contract (#49-F-1-24/25) November 13, 2024.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to authorize by Resolution to
purchase and have installed video surveillance equipment at five (5) water treatment facility locations
from Skyline Technology Solutions as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
9. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-25-0215) -ONE (1)
WHEELED COACH 1170 AMBULANCE ON A FORDF550 4X4 CHASSIS FOR THE
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services, presented
the request to authorize by Resolution for the purchase of one (I) Wheeled Coach 1170 Ambulance on
a Ford F550 4x4 chassis to Atlantic Emergency Solutions, of Manassas, VA., for the total stun of
$402,431.00 and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract (122123-RVG) that was awarded by
Sourcewell.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to authorize by Resolution for
the purchase of one (I) Wheeled Coach 1170 Ambulance on a Ford F550 4x4 chassis to Atlantic
Emergency Solutions as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
10. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-25-0218) -TWENTY
(20) 2026 CHEVROLET TAHOE VEHICLES FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Brandi Kenter, Director, Purchasing; and Sheriff Brian Albert, Washington County Sheriff's Office,
presented the request to authorize by Resolution, the Sheriffs Office to purchase twenty (20) 2026
Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles from Hertrich Fleet of Milford, DE, for the total sum amount of
$1,128,486.00, and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract (4400004546) that was awarded by Howard
County to Hertrich Fleet.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to authorize by Resolution to
purchase twenty (20) 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles from Hertrich Fleet as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
11. CONTRACT EXTENSION (PUR-1522) GROUP HEALTH-VISION
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; Jason Miller, Benefits Coordinator, Human Resources; and Chip
Rose, Director, Human Resources, presented the request to authorize the extension of the Vision
portion of the Group Health Insurance with EyeMed of Mason, OH, for an additional one-year term,
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OPEN Session, November 18, 2025
or the option of a 4-year contract which the County could cancel at any time. This extension includes
a nominal increase in premiums however, in return, EyeMed is willing to increase the allowance on the
high option coverage.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the extension of
the Vision as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
12. CONTRACT AWARD {PUR-1640) COMBINER/MULTI COUPLER UPGRADE
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Joshua O'Neal, Chief Technical Officer, Information
Technology, presented the request to authorize the Wireless Communications Depmiment to utilize the
Communications Systems and Service Sole Source (CSSA) contract PUR-1640 with Motorola for the
purchase of equipment and system integration services for ten (10) Customized T-Pass Combiners with
Multicouplers from Motorola Solutions, Inc. of Linthicum, MD, for a total sum amount of
$1,442,756.00 based on the proposal received. They are also seeking approval for a budget adjustment
from capital reserves in the amount of$1,442,800.00 to cover the unanticipated expenditure.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to authorize the purchase of
equipment and system integration services for ten (10) Customized T-Pass Combiners with
Multicouplers from Motorola Solutions and the budget adjustment as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
13. SOLE SOURCES PROCUREMENT {PUR-1784) TWO {2) STRYKER LP35
MONITOR/DEFIBRILLATORS
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services, presented
the request to approve the sole source purchase of two (2) Sttyker LP35 Monitor/Defibrillators for the
Division of Emergency Services in the amount of $105,561.50 from Stryker Sales Corporation
(formerly Physio Control, Inc.) of Chicago, IL.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the sole source
purchase of two (2) Sttyker LP35 Monitor/Defibrillators from Sttyker Sales Corporation as presented.
The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
14. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT AWARD {PUR-1785) CASE MANAGEMENT
SERVICES, RECOVER, REBUILD AND RECONNECT PROGRAM
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Meaghan Willis, Program Director, Day Repotiing Center,
presented the request to approve the award for a sole-source procurement to Potomac Community
Services of Hagerstown, MD, for the following three positions; Position No. 1: Case Manager at
$60,000.00, Position No. 2: Assistant Program Manager at $22,500.00, and Position No. 3: Clinical
Supervisor at $1,100.00 for a total amount of $83,600.00 for the Recover, Rebuild, and Reconnect
Program, aligning with Matyland's Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration. The
Behavioral Health Administration allows for one targeted case management agency per county;
Washington County's being Potomac Community Services.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve Position No.l,
Position No. 2 and Position No. 3 to Potomac Community Services as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
15. WESTERN MARYLAND CONSORTIUM LEASE
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OPEN Session, Nnve1,1IH~r :W, 201:-;
Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering; and Andrew Eshelman, Director, Public
Works, presented the request to approve the proposed Western Maryland Cons011ium lease agreement.
The new lease is for a 5-year term at a rate of$9.00 per square foot and the County pays all utilities for
the property at 3 3/3 5 West Washington Street.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the proposed Western
Mmyland Consortium Lease agreement as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
16. FEDERAL LITTLE LEAGUE LEASE
Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering; and Andrew Eshelman, Director, Public
Works, presented the request to approve the proposed Federal Little League (FLL) lease agreement for
the property located at the Central Section Highway Department, 601 Northern Avenue, Hagerstown.
The lease is for an initial 5-year term with a single I-year renewal, with no monetmy consideration, the
FLL is responsible for maintenance of the fields, structures and appm1enances and will pay all metered
utility costs incurred by the FLL.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the Federal Little League
lease agreement as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
17. DISTRICT COURT OF MARYLAND COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE LEASE EXTENSION
Todd Moser, Real Prope11y Administrator, Engineering; and Andrew Eshelman, Director, Public
Works, presented the request to approve the proposed four-month extension for the District Court of
Mmyland Commissioners' Office lease of approximately 1500 square feet of office space located at
500 Western Mmyland Parkway.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the four month
extension to for the District Court of Maryland Commissioners' Office lease as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
18. MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENERGY
MODERNIZATION GRANT
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Work; and Carsten Ahrens, Senior Grant Manager, Grant
Management, presented the request to approve two Local Government Energy Modernization (LGEM)
grant applications and acceptance of capital funding from the Mmyland Energy. Area of Interest I
(AOII) -Non-Competitive Formula Block Grant up to $4,246,663.00. Area of Interest 4 (AOl4) -
Competitive Implementation Project Grant up to $1,390,000.00 Administration.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the Local
Government Energy Modernization grant applications and acceptance of funds as presented. The
motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
19. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION FUNDING -AVAILABLE FUNDING AND SERVICE
PRIORITY AREA
Maria Kramer, Director, Grant Management, presented the request to approve the Community
Organization Funding Service Priority Areas and their respective available funding amounts. It is the
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OPEN Session, November 181 2025
recommendation of the County's Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Grant Management that the
amount offnnding made available for each respective service priority be set as indicated for FY2027:
Service Priority Area Funding Available Percent of Available Funds
Arts & Culture $135,600 11.3%
Domestic Violence $386,400 32.2%
Families & Children $494,400 41.2%
Recreation $33,600 2.8%
Seniors $136,800 11.4%
Other $13,200 1.1%
Total $1,200,000 100%
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the Service Priority Areas
and fonding amounts as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
20. APPROVAL OF HIRE FOR CHIEF OF SURVEYS POSITION
Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources, presented the request to extend an offer to Alex Shifter for
position #172, Chief of Surveys, at a Grade 15, Step I 0, at $44.98 /hour ($93,558.00 annually):
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve to extend an offer to Alex
Shifter as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
21. APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Jill Baker, Director, Planning and Zoning; presented the request to approve the appointments of
Douglas Wright Jr. and Laura Lane-Unsworth to their first 5-year term that will run from January 1,
2026, through December 30, 2031, on the Planning Commission. This is a paid Board.
The Board of County Commissioners thanked David Kline and De1mis Reeder for their years of service
to the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the appointments of
Douglas Wright Jr. and Laura Lane-Unsworth as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to convene in closed session at
I 0: 19 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 appointment to open position in County Government.
• Discussion of reclassification of position in County Government.
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter (7). Open session discussion would
breach attorney/client privilege.
• Legal advice pe11aining to enforcement of County policy.
• Status update and legal advice from County Attorney on two County-involved legal
matters.
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OPEN Session, November 18, 2025
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed; and/or reached a consensus regarding:
• Reclassification of Sr. Office Associate Position, Permits and Inspections;
• Hiring recommendation for the Assistant Medical Director, PSTC Paramedic Program;
• Review of County policy;
• Received legal advice and updates on pending litigation matters for which the County is a
party. •
Present during closed session at various times were Commissioners Jolm F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline,
Randal A. Leatherman and Randall E. Wagner: Dawn Marcus, County Clerk and Zachary J. Kieffer,
County Attorney; 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; Greg Cartrette, Dfrector/Code Official, Permits and
Inspections; Becky Gander; Chief of Permitting, Permits and Inspections; Chip Rose, Director Human
Resomces; and Danielle Weaver, Director, Public Relations and Marketing;
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Conunissioner Wagner, moved to reconvene in open session at
11 :30 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
ADJOURNMENT
Conrn1issioner Wagner, seconded by Conunissioner Cline, moved to adjourn at 11 :30 a.m. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk