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@Washington County
MARYLAND
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Ope11 Session Minutes
February 24, 2026
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 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Vice-President Jeffrey
A. Cline, Commissioner Randal A. Leatherman and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner. Commissioner
Derek Harvey was absent.
RECESS
EMERGENCY CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to convene in an emergency closed
session at 9:06 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to reconvene in open session
at 9: 16 a.m. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the minutes of
February 3, 2026. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
RECESS
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner commented on the recent weekend snow event and shared parts of the County
were effected harder than other areas. He thanked staff, the road crews and first responders who worked
during the event.
Commissioner Leatherman commented on the reopening of the Clear Spring Country Dfoer on
February 13, 2026. He attended the Maryland Symphony Orchestra at the Maryland Theatre with his
wife. Commissioner Leatherman shared that he was contacted by a resident of Halfway who had
suffered a massive heart attack on January 28, 2026, at his home and the citizen extended his extreme
thank you to Company 26 for responding and for their delivery of services to him.
Commissioner Cline attended the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescues Association where
they recognized the Fire Police volunteers on their many years of service. He thanked the Association
and the Fire Police for the service to the community. Commissioner Cline attended the Washington
County Emergency Ice Training exercise at Blair Lake. He attended the reopening of the Clear Spring
Diner. Commissioner Cline attended the Washington County Parks and Rec Annual Volleyball
Championship game for the Elementary Division Championship and recognized the Turtles as the
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Champions of the game. He thanked the Parks and Rec Department, the coaches, the parents and the
players who participate in the league and he shared that it is recognized as the feeder program for the
state championship high school teams. Commissioner Cline attended the Smithsburg Annual Awards
banquet where they presented the Board of County Commissioners with a Certificate of Recognition
for their monetary suppmt and support for multiple areas to include hose testing, ladder testing,
uniforms and other areas. He attended the Long Meadow Volunteer Fire Company Annual Awards
banquet they also thanked Washington County Government for our support. He commented on being
recognized for the County's monetary support and our paitnership with the volunteer fire companies.
Commissioner Barr shared that he attends the Maryland Association of County meetings on
Wednesdays while the General Assembly is in session in Annapolis or via Zoom calls. He commented
on the review of many bills that are before the Legislature. Commissioner Barr attended the Board of
Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools for their Annual Essential Service
Personnel Awards, and he congratulated the four finalists. He thanked Dr. Sovine, the Administration,
Staff and School Board members who were in attendance. Commissioner Barr attended the event
Passpmt to the Arts at Barbara Ingram School for the Arts.
STAFF COMMENTS
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, had an administrative change to the agenda and she removed
item 9. FILTER REPLACEMENT CHANGE ORDER FOR SMITHSBURG WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PLANT ENR UPGRADE, PUR-1623. This item will be brought back at a later date.
Ms. Gordon thanked the Public Safety employees and the Highways Depa1tment for their work over
the weekend to combat the winter storm and as Commissioner Wagner stated some pa1ts of the County
were effected more than others. She attended the District 2 evening meeting in Annapolis with our
County Delegation. Ms. Gordon attended the County Delegation meeting regarding pending
Legislative issues. She attended the girls' volleyball championship games, and she congratulated the
winners and those who have patticipated during the volley ball season with a special thank you to Jaime
Dick and the Parks and Rec staff for making these youth programs available to the community.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, recited the findings of Open Meetings Act opinions 20-73,
2026 and 20-071, 2026.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, read the County's statement regarding the proposed l.C.E.
Processing Facility in the County.
1. HOTEL RENTAL TAX FUNDING FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY AG EXPO
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, presented the request to approve a contract awarding Hotel
Rental Tax Funding for the Washington County Ag Expo and Fair in an amount not to exceed $5,000
annually for 10 years (July 2026-July 2035) and an amount not to exceed $10,000 annually for an
additional IO years (July 2036-July 2045). In recognition of the contributions made to the Washington
County Agricultural Education Center (Ag Center) by Adna "Ad" Fulton in support of the agricultural
community, staff is proposing that the Board consider the approval Hotel Rental Tax Funding for
continuation of the Washington County Ag Expo and Fair in recognition of Ad Fulton's lifetime
commitment and contributions to the Ag Center, the ag community by giving back to the residents of
Washington County.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve a contract awarding Hotel
Rental Tax Funding for the Washington County Ag Expo and Fair as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
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OPEN Session, February 24, 202G
President Barr recognized Commissioner Cline's efforts in moving this request fmward.
2. FY26 BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF
EDUCATION'S GENERAL FUND BUDGET
Jeffrey Proulx, Chief Operating Officer, Washington County Public Schools; and Eric Sisler, Executive
Director of Finance, Washington County Public Schools, presented the request to approve the
adjustments to the Board of Education's FY2026 General Fund Budget. The changes that the Board
of Education approved on February 17, 2026, across major categories. Therefore, these requested
adjustments must also be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the FY26
Washington County Board of Education's General Fund budget adjustment as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Commissioner Cline thanked Dr. Savine for his service to Washington County.
3. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION'S DRAFT
FY2027 GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR WASHING TON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
{WCPS)
Darrell Evans, President; Dr. David Savine, Superintendent; Dr. Gary Willow, Deputy Superintendent;
Jeffrey Proulx, Chief Operating Officer; Eric Sisler, Executive Director of Finance; Kameron Shives,
Budget & Financial Reporting Analyst, Washington County Public Schools; and April Zentmyer,
President, presented for informational purposes the Board of Education's Draft FY2027 General Fund
Budget for Washington County Public Schools. They shared a PowerPoint presentation.
4. PRESENTATION OF THE 2027-2036 CAPITAL BUDGET -DRAFT 1
Zane Garrett, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance, presented for information purposes, the proposed
FY2027 -FY2036 Capital Budget. He shared a PowerPoint presentation.
5. FY2027 GENERAL FUND BUDGET-REQUESTED VERSION
Zane Garrett, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance, presented for information purposes a summary of
the Requested Version of the FY2027 budget process. The Office of Budget & Finance will
recommend adjustments to these requests at a future date to balance the budget for FY2027.
6. CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVE IMPLEMENTATION GRANT APPLICATION
LETTER OF SUPPORT
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, and Sean Griffith, Executive Director, Hagerstown
Housing Authority, presented the request to approve sending the drafted letter of suppmi to the
Hagerstown Housing Authority for their Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Implementation Grant
Application. The Hagerstown Housing Authority and the City of Hagerstown are co-applicants for a
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Choice Neighborhoods Initiative
Implementation Grant. The applicants have requested a letter of support from Washington County
outlining the County's planned capital investments within the grant application boundary. No funding
is being requested from the County.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve sending the letter of
suppoti to Hagerstown Housing Authority for the Choice Neighborhood Initiative Grant as presented.
The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
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7. BID AWARD (PUR-1639) ON CALL STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE
TASK ORDER NO. 2 FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF STORMWATER AND WATERSHED
SERVICES
Carin Bakner, Buyer, Purchasing; and John Swauger, Stormwater Management Coordinator, Water
Quality, presented the request to authorize the Department of Stormwater and Watershed Services to
utilize contract PUR-1639 with Patriot Land & Wildlife Management Services, Inc. dba Patriot Natural
Resources for maintenance and repair of various locations based on the hourly rates per the contract
totaling $85,014.40.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to authorize contract PUR-
1639 with Patriot Land & Wildlife Management Services, Inc. as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
8. BID AWARD (PUR-1713) SHARPSBURG WATER SERVICE UPGRADES
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Joseph Moss, Deputy Director, Engineering Services,
Environmental Management, presented the request to approve additional funding in the amount of
$24,334.60 to Core & Main to complete the Sharpsburg Water Service Upgrades. On November 26,
2024, the Board awarded the contract for the Upgrades of the Sharpsburg Water Services to Core and
Main for $257,103.96.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve additional funding
in the amount of $24,334.60, to Core & Main as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
9, FILTER REPLACEMENT CHANGE ORDER FOR SMITHSBURG WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PLANT ENR UPGRADE, PUR-1623
This item has been removed from the agenda and will be brought forward in a future meeting.
10. STONER FAMILY FARMS LLC RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM (RLP) EASEMENT
Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning, presented the request to approve
the Stoner Family Farms LLC RLP Easement project, in the amount of$346,725.00 for 61.30 easement
acres, paid for I 00% by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and to adopt an ordinance
approving the easement purchase and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to
finalize the easement purchase. The Stoner Family Farms, LLC. property is located on Shaffer Road,
Sharpsburg, and the easement will serve to permanently preserve a valuable agricultural, scenic, and
environmental prope1ty in the County.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the Stoner Family
Farms, LLC Rural Legacy Program Easement project as presented. The motion passed unanimously
( 4-0).
11. ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL HOTEL RENTAL TAX SUPPORT FOR JAMISON DOOR
COMPANY
Jonathan Horowitz, Director, Business and Economic Development; Dwight Clark, President and CEO,
Jamison Door; and Andrew Serafini, former Maryland State Senator and Delegate George Edwards
Board, presented the request to approve the use of Hotel Rental Tax (HRT) funds to support Jamison
Door Company's relocation, new construction, and job creation in Washington County. Approval is
requested for $2,000,000 over a five-year period, beginning Fiscal Year 2025, subject to performance
requirements, final agreement terms, and prope1ty acquisition at Mount Aetna Technology Park. As a
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OPEN Session, February 24, 202G
condition of this incentive, Jamison Door must purchase the propetty and construct the facility as
proposed. The incentive would be funded through the hotel rental tax revenues structured as a
performance based agreement tied to the investment and job creation milestones. If this project does
not proceed as presented, any hotel rental tax funds distributed would be clawed back to protect the tax
payers.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the use of Hotel Rental
Tax funds to support Jamison Door Company as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
12. HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Dawn Marcus, County Clerk presented the request to approve the reappointment of Austin Colby to
serve a second, full three-year term, from February I, 2026, through January 31, 2029, on the
Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission. This is not a paid board.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the reappointments of
Austin Colby as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
13. APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO AREA AGENCY ON AGING ADVISORY COUNCIL
{AAAAC}
Zachary J. Kieffer, County Attorney, presented the request to approve the revised Area Agency on
Aging Advisory Council Bylaws. The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is tasked with carrying
out advisory functions in furtherance of the Washington County Commission on Aging's mission of
developing and coordinating services for older individuals. The proposed revisions align with the new
or updated regulations applicable to the Commission on Aging and Advisory Council
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the revised Area
Agency on Aging Advisory Council Bylaws as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to convene in closed session at I 0:50
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. Personnel matters are confidential.
• Discussion of appointment to Area Agency on Aging Advis01y Council
• Discussion regarding EMS station and personnel.
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter (7). Open session discussion would breach
attorney/client privilege.
• Status update and legal advice from County Attorney on County-Involved legal matter.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed; and/or reached a consensus regarding:
• For boards and commissions reappointments to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory
Council;
Discussion regarding EMS station and personnel;
• Received legal advice and updates on pending litigation matters for which the
County is a party.
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OPtN Session, r0brn;11y IA, ?Olb
Present during closed session at various times were Commissioners John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline,
Randal A. Leatherman and Randall E. Wagner: Dawn L. 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; and Oley Griffith, Coordinator, Volunteer Services,
Emergency Services.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at
12:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
RECESS
EVENING MEETING WITH THE TOWN OF FUNKSTOWN
Location: JOO West Washi11gto11 Street
Hagerstown, MmJ,faml
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 evening meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, to order at 6:00 p.m. with the following members present: Vice-
President Jeffrey A. Cline, Commissioner Randal A. Leatherman, and Commissioner Randall E.
Wagner. Commissioner Derek Harvey was absent.
TOWN OF FUNKSTOWN LEADERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Mayor Paul Crampton introduced the Council members for their questions. He provided an update on
Jerusalem Park and the grand opening on August 29, 2026. He requested an additional $5,000.00 in
funding from Hotel Rental Tax funding. He also requested the Commissioners suppo1t in helping to
offset Legislative bills. Mayor Crampton shared that there will be an election for the Funkstown on
May 4, 2026, and a new Mayor will be installed. He thanked the Commissioners for their cooperation
in his forty-two ( 42) years of working together during his service to the town. He shared information
on the purchase of the farm and the use of it for reenactments.
Councilman Rich Gaver requested information regarding the sidewalk issues, and Stouffer Avenue
issues.
Assistant Mayor, Sharon Chirgott, thanked the Commissioners for assisting with development of the
parks. They receive many compliments from the Citizens on the parks.
Brenda Haynes, Clerk-Treasurer, shared information on the new Jerusalem Park Pavillion rental.
COMMISSIONERS' AND COUNTY ADMINSTRATORS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Barr welcomed the Mayor and Council to the meeting. He requested information on
the reenactments. Commissioner Barr congratulated the Mayor on his years of service to the Town.
I
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OPEN Session, February 24, 2026
Commissioner Leatherman requested information on the Pavillion rental. He also requested
information on the status of the farm that the town purchased.
Commissioner Cline congratulated the Mayor on his years of service to the Town.
Commissioner Wagner discussed the Town's leadership. He congratulated the Mayor on his years of
service to the Town.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator shared that the request for the sidewalk is in the Capital
Improvement Plan and is approximately four (4) years out. The Stouffer Avenue issues will be
addressed by our T.A.C.T. Committee. Ms. Gordon shared that she would review the additional request
for Hotel Rental Tax allocation with our Budget and Finance Department. She will have the Director
of Grants Management reach out to the Town as well.
STAFF COMMENTS
Scott Hobbs, Director of Engineering, provided an update on the sidewalk for Edgewood Drive. He
will review the Stouffer Avenue issue with the Highways Depa1tment.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to adjourn at 6: 14 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously (4-0).
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk