HomeMy WebLinkAbout260324 - Open Minutes1 1
G Washington County
MARYLAND
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
March 24, 2026
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Invocation presented by 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 8:00 a.m. with the following members present: Vice-President Jeffrey
A. Cline, Commissioner Randal A. Leatherman and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the minutes of
March 3, 2026. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
FIRST CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to convene in first closed
session at 8:02 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter. Open session discussion would breach
attorney/client privilege.
• Status update and legal advice from County Attorney on County-Involved legal matter.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cl ine, moved to reconvene in open session at 8: 13
a.m. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
RECESS
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner attended the Airport Advisory Committee meeting he congratulated the new
officers and welcomed new member Rob Ferree.
Commissioner Leatherman attended the Community Free Clinic Annual fundraiser at the Maryland
Theatre. He shared information on the Community Free Clinic. Commissioner Leatherman attended
the 70th Anniversary of the Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Department. He congratulated the Chief and
volunteer members, and he thanked them for their service to the Community.
Commissioner Cline attended the grand opening of the Route 11 Antiques on Pennsylvania A venue.
He attended the annual 4-H Youth Night of Recognition, and he shared information on the local 4-H
group. Commissioner Cline attended the 70th Anniversary of the Leitersburg Volunteer Fire
Department. He attended the Ag Education Center Board meeting.
Comm issioner Barr attended the Side by Side Youth Orchestra with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra
at the Maryland Theatre. He attended the annual Weed Control meeting and shared information on
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OPEN Session, March 24, 2026
their services. Commissioner Barr recognized Lane Heimer and his staff for their work along the
interstates. He attended the Community Free Clinic Annual fundraiser. Commissioner Barr attended
the 70th Anniversary of the Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Department. He attended the annual 4-H Youth
Night of Recognition. Commissioner Barr attended the Annual Meritus Crystal Ball fundraiser.
STAFF COMMENTS
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator attended the annual Weed Control meeting. She thanked Lane
Heimer and his staff who work to keep the weeds under control in Washington County.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, requested a letter of suppo1t with amendments for HB 1532
the Utility Relief Act. This bill is regarding solar panels and the permitting processes that disregards
fire fighter and residents' safety. The amendments would clarify that recommendations on the State
level zoning or permitting structure would be developed with consultation with County permitting
officials.
The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus (4-0) in favor of the letter of support for HB 1532.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, read the County's statement regarding the proposed I.C.E.
Processing Facility in the County. She shared information received from the County's meeting with
OHS officials on March 16, 2026, regarding the proposed I.C.E. Processing Facility in the County. Ms.
Gordon clarified the members of the County in attendance at the meeting were Commissioner President
John Barr; County Administrator, Michelle Gordon; County Attorney, Zachary Kieffer; Sheriff Brian
Albert and Colonel Pete Lazich, Washington County Sheriff's Office. She shared that the Board of
County Commissioners was not invited to roundtable discussion held by Congresswoman April
McClain Delaney in Hagerstown.
RECESS
1. PUBLIC HEARING APPLICATION FOR ZONING MAP AMENDMENT RZ-25-010
President Barr convened a Public Hearing at 9:30 a.m. to obtain public comment for the application for
Zoning Map Amendment RZ-25-010.
The County Clerk administered the Oath of Testimony.
Kyla Shingleton, Comprehensive Planner, Planning and Zoning, presented that the purpose of this
public hearing is to take public comment on the rezoning application. The Commissioners have the
option to either approve or deny the request after the public hearing closes or deliberate on the issue at
a later date. Application is being made to apply the Rural Business floating zone over a 3-acre piece
of a larger property through a rezoning amendment. The applicants David and Jessica Testa seek a map
amendment for the property at 20511 Leitersburg Pike. The applicant wishes to expand their already
existing trailer sales business that currently has an existing RB zoning district. This item was presented
to the Washington County Planning Commission at a Public Information Meeting held during their
regular meeting on December I, 2025. At that meeting, members unanimously recommended in favor
of the proposed map amendment. No public comments have been received in favor or opposition of
this proposal.
The Public Hearing was opened for Applicant Testimony; Attorney William Wantz presented
testimony on behalf of David Paul Testa Jr. and Jessica Testa business owners and Aaron Shroyer the
owner of the property. Mr. Testa testified as well.
The Public Hearing was opened for public comment:
Cmtis Reigh
Attorney Bill Wantz objected on standing.
Shaun Porter
Attorney Bill Wantz objected on standing.
The Public Hearing was opened for Commissioner questions.
The Public Hearing was closed at 9:50 a.m.
The Public Hearing was opened for Commissioner comments.
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OPEN Session, March 24, 2026
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the application for
Zoning Map Amendment RZ-25-010 as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
2. AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH PROCLAMATION
The Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation to Deborah Fleming, Executive
Director; Al Martin, Vice-Chairman of the Chapter; and Gierra Ortez, Board member, Greater
Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, in recognition of Red Cross Month.
3. NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY PROCLAMATION
The Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation to Jonathan Horowitz, Director,
Business and Economic Development; and Kelsey Keadle, Agriculture Business Specialist, Business
and Economic Development, in recognition ofNational Agriculture Day.
4. FY27 HIGHWAY BUDGET
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; and Zane Rowe, Deputy Director, Highways, presented for
informational purposes the FY2027 Highway Budget.
5. FY27 GOLF COURSE BUDGET
Ryan Crabtree, Golf Course Manager; and Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, presented for
informational purposes the FY2027 Golf Course Budget.
6. FY27 AIRPORT BUDGET
Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport; and Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works,
presented for informational purposes the FY2027 Airport Budget.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, shared that there will be a public hearing on April 28, 2026,
regarding Airport Rate Increases.
7. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT A WARD (PUR-1808) FOR MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR
AMBULANCE COMPANIES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EMEGENCY SERVICES
Brandi Kentner, Director, Procurement; and David Chisholm, Deputy Director, Operations Emergency
Services, presented the request to approve a sole-source procurement to Meritus Medical Center for
supplying medical supplies to Washington County Fire and EMS companies on an as-needed basis.
The Division has an agreement with Meritus Medical Center to provide patient care supplies and
pharmaceuticals for use by pre-hospital clinicians within Washington County. Meritus' purchasing
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OPEN Session, March 24, 2026
power provides the best pricing for items used in patient care, thus providing significant savings to the
County.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve a sole-source
procurement to Meritus Medical Center for supplying medical supplies to Washington County Fire and
EMS companies as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
8. INTER GOVERNMENT AL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-26-0227) FOR MEDICAL
SUPPLIES FOR AMBULANCE COMPANIES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY
SERVICES
Brandi Kentner, Director, Procurement; and David Chisholm, Deputy Director, Operations, Emergency
Services, presented the request to authorize by resolution for the Washington County Department of
Emergency Services to utilize the Charles County contract #RFP 22-42 awarded to Bound Tree Medical
LLC of Dublin, OH, to purchase supplies to stock County fire/EMS units and to provide stock for
Emergency Services staff on an as-needed basis not to exceed existing budget of approximately
$ I 00,000,00.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to authorize by resolution to
utilize the Charles County contract #RFP 22-42 awarded to Bound Tree Medical LLC of Dublin, OH,
to purchase supplies to stock County fire/EMS units and to provide stock for Emergency Services staff
as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
9. CONTRACT RENEWAL {PUR-1696) ORACLE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Procurement; and Josh O'Neal, Chief Technical Officer, Information
Technology, presented the request to renew the contract for Oracle Products and Services for the
Information Technology Department with Mythics, LLC of Virginia Beach, VA, based on its quote in
the amount of $377, I 06.15. This approval is contingent on the approval of the FY27 budget.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the request to
renew the contract for Oracle Products and Services with Mythics, LLC as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
10. CONTRACT A WARD {PUR-1640) RADIO SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
Brandi Kentner, Director, Procurement; and Torn Weber, Deputy Director, Wireless Communications,
presented the request to authorize the Wireless Communications Department to utilize the
Communications Systems and Service Sole Source (CSSA) contract PUR-1640 with Motorola for the
purchase of radio subscription services from Motorola Solutions, Inc. of Linthicum, MD, for a total
sum amount of $516,650.00 based on the 3-year contract proposal received.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to authorize to utilize the
Communications Systems and Service Sole Source (CSSA) contract PUR-1640 with Motorola
Solutions, Inc. as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
11. AMENDMENT: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-23-
0113) INMATE PHONE SERVICES, INMATE TABLET, INMATE VISITATION, AND
INMATE MAIL PROCESSING SERVICES PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY CONTRACT
(5026188)
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OPEN Session, March 24, 2026
Brandi Kentner, Director, Procurement; and Major Craig Rowe, Warden, Washington County
Detention Center, presented the request to approve the amendment to intergovernmental contract
INTG-23-0113 that was originally awarded by the Washington County Board of County
Commissioners on February 28, 2023, to Global Tel*Link Corporation dba Viapath of Falls Church,
VA. for Inmate phone, tablet, visitation, and mail services at the Washington County Detention Center.
We are requesting approval to comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
November 6, 2025, report and order FCC-25-75, which implements the Ma11h Wright-Reed Act, that
officially bans commission-based compensation to correctional facilities or premises provided for
incarcerated people's communication services.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the amendment to
intergovernmental contract INTG-23-0113 to comply with the Federal Communications Commission
November 6, 2025, rep011 and order FCC-25-75, as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
12. CONTRACT AWARD (PUR-1753) -LIQUID ROOF COATING SYSTEM AT THE
WASHING TON COUNTY TRANSIT DEPARTMENT
Carin Bakner, Buyer, Procurement; and Shawn Harbaugh, Director, Transit Department, presented the
request to award the contract for the Liquid Roof Coating System at the Washington County Transit
Depa11ment to the responsive, responsible bidder, 4 State Contracting, LLC, of Hagerstown, MD for
the total sum price of $71,850.00, contingent upon the approval of the Budget Transfer Request of
$9,450.00 from the Transit Capital Fund reserves to the Transit CIP project account.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to award the contract for the
Liquid Roof Coating System at the Washington County Transit Department to 4 State Contracting,
LLC as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the budget adjustment in
the amount of$9,450.00 as presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
13. FISCAL YEAR 2027 ANNUAL TRANSIT GRANT APPLICATION -APPROVAL TO
APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING AS AWARDED FOR THE ANNUAL MDOT/MTA
GRANT
Shawn Harbaugh, Director, Transit Depaitment; and Carsten Ahrens, Senior Grant Manager, Grant
Management, presented the request to approve the application for and accept funding as awarded for
the annual MDOT/MTA grant. The fiscal year 2027 application requests $1,525,784.00 in State and
Federal funds from MTA and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to subsidize the Transit system
at current level of service. The grant funds are used to operate transportation programs within
Washington County. There is a local commitment of$1,887,478.00.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the application for
and accept funding as awarded for the annual MOOT/MT A grant as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
14. 2026 HOUSING BOND ALLOCATION TRANSFER
Jennifer Kinzer, Interim Director, Planning and Zoning, presented the request to approve the transfer
of Washington County's 2026 Housing Bond Allocation in the amount of $7,429,023.00 to the
Depa11ment of Housing and Community Development for use in issuing housing bonds on behalf of
Washington County.
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OPEN Session, March 24, 2026
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the transfer of
Washington County's 2026 Housing Bond Allocation as presented. The motion passed unanimously
( 4-0).
15. MARYLAND JUDICIARY, MEDIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION OFFICE-
APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT GRANT A WARD
Mark Singer, Court Administrator, Circuit Court for Washington County; Deborah Cook, Family
Magistrate, Circuit Cou11 for Washington County; and Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant
Management, presented the request to approve the application and acceptance of funds in the amount
of$ I 08,600.00 or amount as awarded, for a Circuit Court Inhouse Domestic Mediation Program.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leathrman, moved to approve the application and
acceptance of funds for a Circuit Court Inhouse Domestic Mediation Program as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
16. FY27 SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTER GRANT APPROVAL TO SUBMIT
APPLICATION AND ACCEPT A WARDED FUNDING
Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented the request to approve the submission of
the grant application for the FY2027 School Based Health Center Grant Program to the Maryland State
Depaitment of Health in the amount of $317,957.00 and accept the funding as awarded. Funding in the
amount of $12,524.00 is included in the award for County administrative support.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the submission of
the grant application for the FY2027 School Based Health Center Grant Program as presented. The
motion passed unanimously (4-0).
17. AIRPORT STATION LEADER
Chip Rose, Director, Human Resources; and Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport,
presented the request to provide a market adjustment for Tina Smith, Airline Station Leader. This
adjustment would move Ms. Smith from an Airline Station Leader to an Airline Station Manager and
adjust her salary to a Grade 10, Step 8, $30.81 hourly, effective 3/1/2026.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator corrected the amount in the agenda report form and clarified
that her salary is a Grade I 0, Step 8 at $30.81 hourly at $64,085.00 annually.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the amended market and
position adjustment for Tina Smith, Airline Station Leader as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
18. AIRPORT FIREFIGHTING STAFFING REQUEST
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown, Regional Airport; and
Chip Rose, Director Human Resources, presented the request to approve the addition of 2 full-time
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting/Terminal Maintenance (ARFF) position(s) and 3 additional part-time
Maintenance/Firefighter positions; authorize support for increasing the Sierra Nevada Company ARFF
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) billable rates for additional and standby firefighting services; and
suppmt a scalable staffing model allowing the Airpo11 to adjust staffing levels in response to operational
demand.
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OPEN Session, March 24, 2026
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the additional Airport
Firefighting Staffing Request of two full time Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting/Terminal Maintenance
positions to the Sierra Nevado Company ARFF Memorandum of Agreement as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the Airport Firefighting
Staffing Request of three (3) pait time Maintenance/Firefighter positions to the Sierra Nevado
Company ARFF Memorandum of Agreement as presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
19, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS: HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION AND
HISTORICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE PROPOSED MERGER AND BYLAWS
AMENDMENT
Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator/Historic Preservation Planning, Planning and Zoning; Jennifer
Kinzer, Deputy Director, Planning and Zoning; and Aaron Weiss, Assistant County Attorney, presented
the request to accept and/or make changes to the Amended Bylaws for the Historic District Commission
(HDC); to merge this Historic Advisory Committee (HAC) into the HDC. The merger would be
effective as of July I, 2026.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to amend the Bylaws of
the Historic District Commission and approve the merger of the Historical Advisory Committee into
the Historic District Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
SECOND CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to convene in second closed
session at 11 :09 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 Animal Control Authority
• Discussion of appointment to Plumbing and HV AC Board
• Discussion of appointment to Board of Examiners and Supervisors
• Discussion of appointment to Public Golf Corporation (Black Rock Golf Course Board)
• Discussion of appointment to Veterans Advisory Committee
• Discussion of assignment of job duties to cettain County staff
• Discussion of employment and filling of position on county staff.
To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto
(3). Open session discussion would put County at disadvantage in negotiating acquisition.
• Discussion of acquisition of real property by lease.
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:
• Appointments to the Washington County Board Animal Control Authority, Plumbing and
HVAC Board, Electrical Board, Black Rock Golf Course Board and the Veteran's Advisory
Committee;
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OPEN Session, March 24, 2026
• Hiring recommendation for the Business Specialist position, Business and Economic
Development;
• Discussion of assignment of job duties;
• Discussion of EMS Employee Transitions;
• Discussion of acquisition of real property;
• 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,
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; Roger
Schlossberg, Esquire; Paula Cauffman, Permit Operations Manager, Permits and Inspections; Andrew
Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering; Todd Moser, Real Property
Administrator, Engineering; Greg Cartrette, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections; R. David
Hays, Director, Emergency Services; David Chisholm, Deputy Director, Emergency Services; Oley
Griffith, Volunteer Coordinator, Emergency Services; and Robert Buck, Chief, Community Rescue
Service.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to reconvene in open session
at I: 16 p.m. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to adjourn at l: 16 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously (4-0).
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk