HomeMy WebLinkAbout251125 - Open MinutesBoard of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
November 25, 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 Commissioners of Washington
County, Maryland, to order at 9:02 a.m. with the following members present: Vice -President Jeffrey
A. Cline, Commissioner Derek Harvey, Commissioner Randal A. Leatherman and Commissioner
Randall E. Wagner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the minutes of
November 4, 2025. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the minutes of
November 5, 2025. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-1). Commissioner Barr abstained.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner wished the citizens and staff a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.
Commissioner Leatherman shared that the 63rd Annual John F. Kennedy 50 Mile Race occurred on
Saturday. He recognized Hans Troyer for winning the race in 5 hours, 10 minutes and 25 seconds.
Commissioner Leatherman shared that deer season will open in Maryland on Saturday. He commented
on the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday, and he thanked his fellow Commissioners and County staff
for welcoming him this year.
Commissioner Harvey thanked Commissioner Leatherman for joining the County. He commented on
the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday and thanked County staff for their support and hard work.
Commissioner Harvey commented on Staff and Leadership across the County. He commented on
remembering the Pilgrims this Thanksgiving. Commissioner Harvey shared that the Washington
County Health Department is a State run organization in addition to the Department of Social Services
and the Library. He commented on the difference of the roles and missions of the State, County and
the City. Commissioner Harvey commented on the upcoming General Assembly, State budget deficit,
unfunded obligations and the shift of fees and taxes to the counties and chartered cities.
Commissioner Cline shared Commissioners Harvey's sentiments on the upcoming General Assembly.
He attended the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association meeting, and he
congratulated James Sprecher Jr. for his reelection as President. Commissioner Cline wished his
colleagues a Happy Thanksgiving and he appreciates all County employees for their work. He attended
the November Chamber Bash at the 19th Hole at Black Rock Golf Course. Commissioner Cline
commented on upcoming events. He shared this Saturday will be the 25th Anniversary of the Turkey
Trot organized by the Recreation and Parks Director Jamie Dick and his team.
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OPEN Session, November 25, 2025
Commissioner Barr shared that he is thankful to serve alongside his fellow County Commissioners. He
thanked Commissioner Leatherman for joining the County. Commissioner Barr thanked County Staff
for their work throughout the County. He shared information on the Salvation Army Red Kettle
Campaign kick-off.
STAFF COMMENTS
Dawn Marcus, County Clerk presented the request to approve a correction to term dates for the Planning
and Zoning Commissions appointments of Douglas Wright Jr. and Laura Lane-Unsworth previously
approved during the November 18, 2025, meeting. The correction is needed to change the end of term
date from December 31, 2031, to December 31, 2030. The corrected terms they will serve are first,
full five-year terms, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030. This is a paid board.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the correction to
the term dates as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, attended the Board of Advisors meeting for the University
Systems of Maryland's Hagerstown Campus. She attended several other meetings including a meeting
with the City of Hagerstown. She echoed Commissioner Cline's comments regarding the Turkey Trot
and recognized Jaime Dick, Director of Recreation and Parks and his staff for organizing the event.
Ms. Gordon wished a Happy Thanksgiving to County staff and County residents.
1. 35th ANNUAL ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD MEMORIAL ILLUMINATION
AND PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION
Andrew Banasik, Superintendent, Antietam National Battlefield; Georgene Charles, Founder &
General Chairman, 34th Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination; Tom Riford,
Committee Member, Antietam National Battlefield Committee; Dr. Thomas Clemens, Keynote
Speaker, 35th Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination; and Judi Quelland,
photographer, 35th Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination shared an update of
the battlefield illumination. The Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation for the 35th
Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination. Conunissioner Cline shared a letter from
Michael Wickline of Magic Lantern Productions.
2.2025 MARINE CORPS RESERVE TOYS FOR TOTS CAMPAIGN
Kathleen Prest, Coordinator, Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, presented information regarding the
2025 Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. The Board of County Commissioners presented
a donation of Toys on behalf of Washington County.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve a one-time donation
of $1,000.00 to Toys for Tots from the Commissioner Contingency Fund. The motion passed
unanimously (5-0).
3. CONTRACT AWARD (PUR-1775) OUT OF SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR THE OFFICE OF
GRANTS MANAGEMENT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Maria Kramer, Director, Grants Management, presented the
request to award the contract for Out of School Program for the Office of Grants Management to the
responsive, responsible proposer, MBA Growth Partners, LLC. of Rockville, MD, for a total sum
amount of $84,259.00 based on the proposal received.
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OPEN Session, November 25, 2025
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to award the
contract for Out of School Program to MBA Growth Partners, LLC as presented. The motion passed
unanimously (5-0).
4. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-25-0222) -
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR WOODLAND WAY NEIGHBORHOOD PARK FOR
THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Pamela Boyd, Parks Supervisor, Parks and Facilities,
presented the request to authorize by Resolution, the Parks and Recreation Department to purchase
playground equipment for the Woodland Way Neighborhood Park from GameTime c/o Cunningham
Recreation of Charlotte, NC, for the total sum amount of $149,812.77, and to utilize another
jurisdiction's contract, City of Charlotte (2017001134) that was awarded by Omnia Partners.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to purchase
playground equipment for the Woodland Way Neighborhood Park from GameTime as presented. The
motion passed unanimously (5-0).
5. AGRICULTURE — FACES OF FARMING PRESENTATION
Kelsey Keadle, Business Specialist, Agriculture, Business and Economic Development presented
"Faces of Farming" is an agricultural -focused video marketing campaign that showcases local
Washington County farms every month, for one year. The "Faces of Farming" marketing videos will
be showcased on the County's website, as well as Facebook and other social media platforms, and will
target a new industry and highlight a local farmer from that specific agricultural industry. Today's
Faces of Farming videos highlighted the 2025 Agricultural Week Dairy Goat and Fair Videos.
6. RECLASSIFY SR. OFFICE ASSOCIATE (GRADE 8) AS PERMIT SUPPORT ASSOCIATE
(GRADE 8)
Greg Cartrette, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections; and Chip Rose, Director of Human
Resources, presented the request to reclassify the Sr. Office Associate, Permits and Inspections to
Permit Support Associate at a Grade 8.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to reclassify the Sr. Office
Associate, Permits and Inspections to Permit Support Associate at a Grade 8 as presented. The motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
7. ASSISTANT MEDICAL DIRECTOR - PSTC PARAMEDIC PROGRAM
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; and Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources, presented the
request to advertise and hire for the part-time position of Assistant Medical Director, Emergency
Services to serve as the Medical Director for the Paramedic Program at the Public Safety Training
Center.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to advertise and
hired for the position of Assistant Medical Director, Emergency Services as presented. The motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
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OPEN Session, November 25, 2025
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to convene in closed session at
9:53 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
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. (1).
Personnel matters are confidential, precluding discussion in open session.
• Discussion of open position in County Government.
• Discussion of reclassification of two positions in County Government.
• Discussion of open position in County Government.
• Discussion of open position in County Government.
• Discussion of performance and compensation of County employee.
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter (7). Open session discussion would
breach attorney/client privilege.
• Legal advice pertaining to Water System Allocation.
• Legal advice pertaining to MOU negotiation.
• Status update and legal advice from County Attorney on two County -involved legal
matters.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed; and/or reached a consensus regarding:
• Creation of DES Job Family for Fire Fighter/Paramedic;
• Reclassification of FF/ALS Supervisor;
• Hiring recommendation for 911 Operations Manager;
• Creation of Deputy Director of Environmental Management;
• Advertise for the Director of Planning and Zoning position;
• Execution of Memorandum of Understanding with Black Rock Golf Course;
• Legal advice pertaining to Memorandum of Understanding;
• Update of status of Highfield Water System;
• 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 John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline,
Derek Harvey, 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; Alan Matheny, Director, Emergency
Management and Communications; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Davina Yutzy, Deputy
Director, Water Quality; Mark Bradshaw, Director, Environmental Management; and Chip Rose,
Director Human Resources.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to reconvene in open session
at 12:01 p.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
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OPEN Session, November 25, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to adjourn at 12:01 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously (4-0).
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Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk