HomeMy WebLinkAbout260414 - Open Minutesl Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
April 14, 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 24, 2026. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
FIRST CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, 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 Leatherman, moved to reconvene in open session
at 8:35 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
RECESS
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner commented on the Easter Holiday. He attended the kickoff for the Terminal
Expansion at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, he thanked staff for their hard work on the project at
the airport.
Commissioner Leatherman attended the opening day of the Washington County Girls Softball League
at Kemps Mill Park. He attended the 2026 Telecommunications Banquet, and he shared the story of
the 911 calls during the severe storms of April 19, 2025.
Commissioner Cline attended the kickoff for the Terminal Expansion at the Hagerstown Regional
Ail·port. He attended the Washington County Telecommunications luncheon, and he shared
information on their calls and the call response times. He attended the 2026 Telecommunications
banquet and shared information on the awards. He recognized John Kline for receiving the Legacy
Award for over twenty years of service, the group of twenty employees who received the Team Award,
Amanda Wagner for receiving the Dispatcher of the Year award and Alan Crawford for being
recognized as Supervisor of the Year. Commissioner Cline congratulated all of the 911 employees and
Page 2 of 6
OPEN Session April 14, 2026
thanked them for their service to the County. He attended the opening day of the Washington County
Girls Softball League. Commissioner Cline attended the Harassment Training for the employees at the
Public Safety Training Center. He attended the grand opening of C&O Coffee Collective in Clear
Spring.
Commissioner Barr shared that the Legislative Session's Sine Die occurred yesterday. He thanked the
Delegation for their service during the session. Commissioner Barr attended the Maryland Symphony
Orchestra Pop Concert at the Maryland Theatre. He congratulated Composer John Williams.
Commissioner Barr attended the Hagerstown Community College Scholarship Fundraiser Tribute for
the Nursing Program. He recognized Wells and Karen Ridenour for their continued support of the
Hagerstown Community College programs. Commissioner Barr attended the kickoff of the Terminal
Expansion at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, and he thanked Neil Doran and his staff.
STAFF COMMENTS
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator recognized Telecommunicators Week and thanked the 91 l
Personnel for all that they do and for being the calm voice during an emergency call. She attended the
Terminal Expansion at Hagerstown Regional Airport.
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
DHS officials on March 16, 2026, regarding the proposed I.C.E. Processing Facility in the County. Ms.
Gordon shared that there was not a quorum of County Commissioners at the meeting. She shared
information on a water and sewer updates and infrastructure needs. Ms. Gordon shared information on
letters that were sent to the Washington County Historical District Commission regarding the proposed
I.C.E. facility. She shared that the Board of County Commissioners were not invited to roundtable
discussion held by Congresswoman April McClain Delaney in Hagerstown on March 23, 2026, and
they were not in attendance.
2. HUMANE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY: 2025 HIGHLIGHTS
Colin Berry, Executive Director, Humane Society of Washington County provided for informational
purposes an update on the Humane Society of Washington County. She shared a PowerPoint
presentation.
l. PROCLAMATION FOR SEXUAL ASSUALT AWARENESS MONTH
Renee Caldera, Director of Community Services, CASA, Inc.; Karon Moore, Casa. Inc.; and Jenn
McNeil, Manager, Forensic Nurse Program, Meritus, shared information on sexual assault awareness.
The Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation to the group in recognition of Sexual
Assault Awareness Month.
3. PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK PROCLAMATION
Alan Matheny, Director, Emergency Management; Kelly Fisher, and Alan Crawford shared
information on the 91 l telecommunicators and recognized the award winners. The Board of County
Commissioners presented a Proclamation to the group in recognition of Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week.
Commissioner Cline left the meeting at 9:48 a.m.
4. FY2027 TRANSIT BUDGET
Page 3 of 6
OPEN Session April 14, 2026
Shawn Harbaugh, Director, Transit; and Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, presented for
informational purposes the proposed FY2027 Transit Budget. They provided a brief update on the
expansion of the facilities. There are corrections needed to the amounts on the Agenda Report Form
that will need to be clarified with the Budget and Finance Depattment.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator shared that the majority of the funding is derived from the
Federal Transit Administration and the Maryland Transit Administration, of the $4,084,430.00 (this
amount has been corrected from the Agenda Repott Form), approximately $880,000.00 is expected to
be transferred from the General Fund.
Mr. Eshleman shared a brief update on the expansion of the facilities and the grant process for the
facility renovations.
5. FY2027 GENERAL FUND BUDGET -PROPOSED -DRAFT 3
Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer; and Kim Edlund, Director, Budget and Finance, presented for
informational purposes the proposed FY2027 General Fund Budget -Draft 3. A consensus was
requested to prepare the documents for the Budget Hearing.
The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus (3-0) to prepare the documents for the public
hearing.
6. BUDGET TRANSFER FOR THE SOLID WASTE VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT
REPLACEMENT
David A. Mason, Deputy Director, Solid Waste, presented the request for a motion to approve the
Budget Adjustment for the Solid Waste Vehicle/Equipment Replacement CIP Project. The Depattment
of Solid Waste sold several items on Gov Deals. This adjustment moves the revenues from these sales
to the fund's Vehicle/Equipment Replacement CIP Project for future purchases. The items sold include
a roller for $1,475.00, crane truck for $12,834.00, Mack dump truck for $14,400.00, and John Deere
Zero Turn Mower for $575.00. The total amount of the budget adjustment is $29,284.00
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the budget
adjustment in the amount of $29,284.00 as presented. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).
7. WCDC DAY REPORTING CENTER-APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION AND
ACCEPT FUNDING AS AWARDED
Meghan Willis, Program Director, Washington County Detention Center; and Carsten Ahrens, Senior
Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented the request for a motion to approve submission of
application and accept funding as awarded for the Day Repotting Center. The Washington County
Sheriff's Office (WCSO) Day Repotting Center (DRC) seeks authorization to apply for federal funding
through the Bureau of Justice Assistance to enhance services for veterans who are at risk of involvement
with the criminal justice system due to untreated behavioral health needs, including PTSD, substance
use, and other service-related challenges. Funding would primarily support and enhance services
within the District 11 Veterans Treatment Court. The Office of Grant Management has reviewed the
grant funding guidelines and grant application. This grant has a four-year performance period, to begin
on October I, 2026, and end on September 30, 2030, and will provide $1,000,000.00 to fund veteran
suppott and assistance through the Day Reporting Center, within Washington County.
Page 4 of 6
OPEN Session April 14, 2026
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the submission of
application and accept funding as awarded for the Day Reporting Center through the Bureau of Justice
Assistance as presented. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).
8. MARYLAND SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION
AND ACCEPT FUNDING AS AW ARD ED
Lt. Daniel Monn, Washington County Sheriffs Office; and Carsten Ahrens, Senior Grant Manager,
Grant Management, presented the request for a motion to approve submission of application and accept
funding as awarded for Maryland Sex Offender Registry enforcement. The Governor's Office of Crime
and Prevention and Policy anticipates the awarding of$34,l88.00 to the Washington County Sheriff's
Office to ensure compliance with Maryland law by persons who are required to register or re-register
with the Maryland Sex Offender Registry.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the submission of
application and accept funding as awarded for Maryland Sex Offender Registry enforcement grant as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).
9. CONTRACT RENEWAL (PUR-1544) -TRASH REMOVAL SERVICES AT COUNTY
FACILITIES
Carin Bakner, Buyer, Procurement; and Danny Hixon, Deputy Director, Buildings, Grounds and
Facilities, presented the request for a motion to renew the contract for Trash Removal Services at
County Facilities with Republic Services of Hagerstown, MD, per the rates included in its letter dated
March 24, 2026. Republic Services is requesting a 4.4% increase above the current rates for work
performed for the subject services. This increase is based on Consumer Price Index for Water, Sewer
and Trash.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to renew the
contract for Trash Removal Services at County Facilities with Republic Services as presented. The
motion passed unanimously (3-0).
10. BID AWARD (PUR-1802) GRINDER PUMPS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER
QUALITY {DWQ)
Carin Bakner, Buyer, Procurement; and David Mason, Interim Director, Environmental Management,
presented the request for a motion to award the procurement of sixty-eight (68) Liberty grinder pumps
and thitiy-eight (38) Liberty control panels to the responsive, responsible bidder, Aquaflow Pump &
Supply Company of Hagerstown, MD, for a total sum bid price of$l l3,638.00.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to award the procurement of
sixty-eight (68) Liberty grinder pumps and thirty-eight (38) Liberty control panels to Aquaflow Pump
& Supply Company as presented. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).
11. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE {INTG-26-0225) -POLICE
VEHICLE EQUIPMENT FOR THE WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Carin Bakner, Buyer, Procurement; and Captain James Grimm, Washington County Sheriffs Office;
and Major Joel Footon, presented the request for a motion to authorize by Resolution for the
Washington County Sheriffs Depa1tment to pmchase Police Vehicle Equipment for the upfitting of
eleven (l l) 2025 Chevrolet Tahoes, to the responsible, responsive bidder, Front Line Mobile Tech, of
Jessup, MD at the total price of$l20,323.50 at the discounted unit prices awarded to Howard County,
Maryland, contract no. 44000052 l 4, through a competitively bid process.
Page 5 of 6
OPEN Session April 14, 2026
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to authorize by Resolution for
the Washington County Sheriffs Depatiment to purchase Police Vehicle Equipment for the upfitting
of eleven (11) 2025 Chevrolet Tahoes from Front Line Mobile Tech as presented. The motion passed
unanimously (3-0).
12. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-26-0228}-PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND CITY OF
HAGERSTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Procurement; Major Joel Footen, Washington County Sheriffs Office; and
Captain James Grimm, Washington Sheriffs Office, presented the request for a motion to authorize by
Resolution, for the approval of the purchase of29 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the
Washington County Sheriffs Depatiment and 23 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the
City of Hagerstown Police Depatiment from Safeware of Lanham, MD for a total price of$118,639.30
at the contracted unit prices awarded to Fairfax County, Virgina, via Omnia Partners through a
competitively bid process; contract #440008468. The State of Maryland issued (BPO#00IB5600065),
to facilitate tracking and to enforce contract compliance under Maryland regulations.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to authorize by Resolution,
for the approval of the purchase of29 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the Washington
County Sheriff's Department and 23 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the City of
Hagerstown Police Department from Safeware as presented. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, shared that Agenda items number I 3 -15 will need to be
moved to a future meeting as Commissioner Jeffrey A. Cline, had to leave the meeting for a personal
emergency. Per the Code of Local Public Laws, the Sole Source procurements require approval of 4
out of 5 Commissioners.
13. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT AWARD (PUR-1812} FOR WESTERN MARYLAND
CONSORTIUM DISCONNECTED YOUTH SERVICES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY,
MARYLAND
This item has been removed from the agenda and will be brought forward in a future meeting.
14. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT AWARD (PUR-1813} SCHOOL BASED HEALTH
CENTERS
This item has been removed from the agenda and will be brought forward in a future meeting.
15. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT AWARD (PUR-1814) SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL
HEALTH PROGRAM IN WASHING TON COUNTY, MARYLAND
This item has been removed from the agenda and will be brought forward in a future meeting.
16. TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES LETTER
Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering, presented the request for a consensus to submit the Transportations
Priorities Letter as drafted. Transportation priority letters are submitted in the spring and identify
priorities for consideration in the State's Consolidated Transpotiation Program. Priorities in the letter
have remained consistent throughout the last several years with the Interstate 81 widening project as
the County's number one transp01iation priority.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to submit the
Transpo1iation Priorities Letter as drafted. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).
SECOND CLOSED SESSION
Page 6 of 6
OPEN Session April 14, 2026
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to convene in second closed
session at I 0:22 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (3-0). Commissioner Jeffrey A. Cline was
absent.
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 ( l ). Personnel matters are confidential and not appropriate for open session
discussion.
• Appointment to County Volunteer Board.
• Discussion re EMS volunteers.
Discussion of public security ( I 0). Public discussion would constitute risk to public safety.
• Public Safety Assessment Review.
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter (7). Open session discussion would
breach attorney/client privilege.
• Discussion re agreement negotiation.
• Update from County Attorney on County-Involved legal matter.
Jn closed session, the Commissioners discussed; and/or reached a consensus regarding:
• Appointments to the Washington County Gaming Commission;
• Discussion regarding EMS Volunteers;
• Discussion regarding Public Safety review;
• Discussion regarding a grant agreement;
• 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, 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; Maria Kramer, Director, Grant Management; Andrew Eshleman, Director,
Public Works; Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering; Alan Matheny, Director,
Emergency Management; Jason Malloy, Operations Domain Leader; R. David Hays, Director, Division
of Emergency Services; David Chisholm, Deputy Director, Division of Emergency Services and Oley
Griffith, Volunteer Coordinator, Emergency Services.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to reconvene in open session
at 12:00 p.m. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to adjourn at 12:00 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously (3-0).
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk