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Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
July 28, 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 JohnF. Baff 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, Commissioner Neil C. Parrott and Commissioner
Randall E. Wagner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leathe1man, moved to approve the minutes of
June 30, 2026. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner thanked the Ag Expo Board for taking the Commissioners on a tour and inviting
them to breakfast. He congratulated the Board on the Ag Expo Fair as it was very well attended with
a successful Market Sale for the 4-H and FFA members.
Commissioner Leatherman commented on registering for classes for the fall semester at Hagerstown
Community College. He attended the Eagle Scout Ceremony for Makayla Higdon. Commissioner
Leatherman shared that he met a lot of new friends at the Ag Expo Fair and including Avery Mundy
who requested that he purchase his rabbits at the Market Sale. He congratulated A ve1y and the other
members on their sales at the Ag Expo.
Commissioner Parrott commented on the Ag Expo Fair and the blessing that it is for the community.
He thanked the Ag Expo Board for the work that they do getting ready for the fair. Commissioner
Parrott commented on the upcoming Special Session of the Ma1yland General Assembly to change one
item, Al1icle III, Section 4 of the Maiyland Constitution. He commented on the section, his objection
to the change, the political impact on Maiyland, and he urged all Legislators to vote against the change.
Commissioner Cline attended the Eagle Scout ceremony for Makayla Higdon with Troop 23 out of
Funkstown. He congratulated her and he recognized Scoutmaster, Rich Gaver for being her mentor.
Commissioner Cline thanked the Ag Expo Board for inviting the Commissioners to breakfast and to
tour the facility. He commented on the Ag Expo Fair, attending at lunchtime for the National Anthem
which was played at noon each day, and he thanked Joe Frey and the members of the Ag Expo Board
for a successful event. Commissioner Cline commented on running into Kevin Atticks, Secretaiy of
Agriculture at the fair. He attended the Battle of Funkstown reenactment and recognized County
Employee John Phillips and his team for their role in giving back to the community with the event.
Commissioner Cline commented on the completion of project Making Connections with four (4) major
highway upgrades and improvements.
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OPEN Session, July 28, 2026
Commissioner Barr congratulated the Ag community for their annual Ag Expo Fair and the highlight
of the event, the Market Sale. He recognized Joe Frey and his staff on the Agricultural Board and
thanked everyone who worked hard and tirelessly to have a successful Ag Expo this week.
STAFF COMMENTS
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing, recognized employee Aaron Weisner for obtaining the Certified
Professional Buyer certification and his completion of the Certified Professional Public Buyer
examination with the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council program through the
National Institute of Government Purchasing. The Board of County Commissioners presented a
Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Weisner.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator requested a consensus from the Board of County
Commissioners for a letter of support for the National Park Service efforts to acquire three prope1iies,
approximately 18. 72 acres of land in the vicinity of Sharpsburg, Antietam National Battlefield tracts
05-172, 05-173 and 05-174. They are not requesting any funding from the County.
The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus (5-0) for the letter of suppmi for the National Park
Service as requested.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, attended a meeting with the State Director of Rural Economic
Strategy, Carl Anderton. She attended a MA Co County Administrator's meeting. Ms. Gordon attended
the ribbon cutting for Professional Boulevard, the final project in the Making Connections Campaign.
She shared information on the project which opens up access to 157 acres of immediately adjacent land
for development, emergency accesses and economic growth. She congratulated Scott Hobbs, Director
of Engineering, and his staff for the completion of the project. Ms. Gordon attended the Ag Expo
Board Commissioners breakfast. She thanked the Ag Expo Board for organizing the Ag Expo Fair and
shared that the annual event highlights the Agricultural Community. Ms. Gordon recognized Kelsey
Keadle for her work on the Ag Expo.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, recapped the County's statement regarding the proposed
l.C.E. Processing Facility in the County and corrected false information that has been circulating online.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, shared the contents of the envelope for the Washington
County Board of County Commissioners that was included in the Time Capsule recently opened by the
City of Hagerstown.
1. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILILTIES ORDINANCE (APFO) MITIGATION PROPOSAL-
TOWNES AT ROCKSPRING
Je1mifer Kinzer, Deputy Director, Planning and Zoning; Tracie L. Clabaugh, Esquire, representing D.R.
Ho1ion, Inc., Developers of the Townes at Rockspring Subdivision; Jeff Otenesek with D.R. Horton,
Inc., and Joe Young with D.R. Horton, Inc., presented the request for a motion to approve or approve
with conditions an APFO school mitigation plan for the Townes at Rockspring subdivision S-23-023
& S-26-026. D.R. Horton, Inc, the contract purchaser and developer of The Townes at Rockspring
subdivision, is coming before the Board with an APFO school mitigation plan as required by the new
APFO which became effective on July 1, 2026. The developer is proposing to utilize the Alternate
Mitigation Contribution (AMC) method to mitigate school impacts as a result of the proposed
subdivision. The subdivision contains 123 Townhouse style homes that would have had an AMC
contribution of $2,191.76 per lot or $269,586.48 under the previous version of the APFO. The
developer is proposing a mitigation plan to provide a moneta1y contribution of $3,000.00 per lot for a
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OPEN Session, July 28, 2026
total of $369,000.00. The Engineering Department is working with D.R. Horton, Inc., to address
additional conditions to meet the traffic flow at the new Hickoty Elementa1y School.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the Adequate Public
Facilities Ordinance Mitigation Proposal at Townes at Rockspring to increase the alternate mitigation
contribution with the additional conditions as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
2. CLARIFICATION OF APPROVED TEXT AMENDMENT TO SECTION 19C SPECIAL
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT -RZ-26-002
Zachaty Kieffer, County Attorney, presented the request for an amended motion to approve the text
amendment RZ-26-002 may be warranted, at the conclusion of Board discussion. County staff is
seeking clarification of motion and vote approving the text amendment to Section 19C -Special
Economic Development District of the Zoning Ordinance. Following a public hearing at the July 21,
2026, regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, the Board voted to approve the
application for text amendment, RZ-26-002. The motion included a revision to the original proposed
text amendment. Prior to the amendment becoming effective on July 31, 2026, staff is seeking to clarify
the extent of the revision to the text amendment. Pursuant to Section 4-203 of the Land Use Atiicle of
the Maryland Code, a zoning regulation may not become effective until ten (10) days after the public
hearing by the legislative body. They recommended that the Food and Beverage Processing be allowed
as a future use.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator brought f01ward the comments from the residents of Cascade
which were put into the record at the last meeting.
Commissioner Parrot, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to amend the motion to move the
Food and Beverage Processing from 19C3 to 19C2 as a permissibly permitted use without the two
times distance requirement. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
3. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT (PUR-1835) WEBSITE TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND
MANAGEMENT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Procurement; and Josh O'Neal, Chief Technical Officer, Information
Technology, presented the request for a motion to approve a sole-source award to Hub City Mobile of
Hagerstown, MD in the amount of $50,676.00 for Support and Maintenance services for the
Washington County Government Website. This approval is contingent upon the approval and signing
of the contract agreement. This is for the continued performance, security, and scalability of the
County's WordPress-based web services, which are critical to maintaining public communication,
digital service delivery, and internal operational workflow. This award shall be tentatively for the
period of July 20, 2026, through July 19, 2027.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve a sole-source
award to Hub City Mobile for Suppoti and Maintenance services for the Washington County
Government Website as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
4. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-26-0343) TWO (2) NEW
2027 MACK GRANITE 4X2 PLOW TRUCKS WITH J&J DUMP BEDS AND PLOW
PACKAGE FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Procurement; and Zane Rowe, Deputy Director, Highway Department,
presented the request for a motion to authorize by Resolution, for the Washington County Highway
Depaiiment to purchase two (2) new 2027 Mack Granite 4x2 Plow Trucks with J&J Dump Beds and
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OPEN Session, July 28, 2026
Plow Package from Baltimore Truck Center, Hagerstown Division, of Hagerstown, MD, for the total
amount of $620,424.00 and to utilize a competitively bid cooperative contract No. 032824-MAK that
was awarded by Sourcewell.
Commissioner Parrott, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve to authorize by Resolution
the purchase of two (2) new 2027 Mack Granite 4x2 Plow Trucks with J&J Dump Beds and Plow
Package from Baltimore Truck Center as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
5. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE {INTG-26-0331} -PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) FOR DIVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Brandi Kentner, Director, Procurement; and Eric Jacobs, Assistant Director, Emergency Services,
presented the request for a motion to authorize by Resolution, for the approval of the purchase of 19
sets of Personal Protective Equipment, coats and pants, for the Division of Emergency Services from
Maryland Fire Equipment Corporation of Rockville, MD at the contracted unit prices totaling
$70,004.00, based on the contract awarded by the Arlington County, VA contract (C26314).
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to authorize by
Resolution the purchase of 19 sets of Personal Protective Equipment from Ma1yland Fire Equipment
Corporation as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
6. FY27 BUDGET AMENDMENT -HIGHWAY FUND
Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer; and Doug Levine, Supervisor of Operations, Highway
Department, presented the request for a motion to approve the FY27 budget amendment for the
Highway Fund as presented. Staff is requesting approval to draw funds from the Highway Fund balance
to complete extra line striping. On August 26, 2025, the BOCC approved an additional $175,000.00 to
be used for line striping, making the FY26 total $350,000.00. The highway department was unable to
utilize the entire $350,000.00 in FY26 and is requesting to draw the remaining $108,900.00 out of fund
balance in FY27.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the budget adjustment as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
7. EMPOWERING BOCC PRESIDENT TO SIGN/EXECUTE ADCI TASK ORDER NO. 15 -
COMPLETION OF DESIGN WORK FOR A REPLACEMENT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
TOWER
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; and Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport,
presented the request for a motion to empower the President of the Board of County Commissioners to
sign/execute ADCI Task Order No. 15 in the amount of $1,117,144.00.
Commissioner Parrott, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to empower the
President of the Board of County Commissioners to sign/execute ADCI Task Order No. 15 as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
8. MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND WASHINGTON COUNTY
BLACK FLY TREATMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, presented the request for a motion to approve execution of
the Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland Department of Agriculture for controlling Black
Flies on the Potomac River and adjacent tributaries. The Maryland Black Fly Suppression Pilot
Program was established in 2016, with the first stream treatments beginning in 2017. Administered by
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OPEN Session, July 28, 2026
the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), the program requires participating in local
jurisdictions to provide a 50 percent cost share for suppression activities. The FY27 estimated
contribution is $50,000.00.
Commissioner Parrott, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve execution of the
Memorandum of Understanding with the Matyland Department of Agriculture for controlling Black
Flies on the Potomac River and adjacent tributaries as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-
0).
9, LETTER OF CONCURRENCE FOR FISHER BIOSERVICES TO USE A PORTION OF
FTZ#255'S ALLOTTED ACREAGE IN FREDERICK, MD
Linda Spence, Financial Programs Administrator, Business and Economic Development; and Jonathan
Horowitz, Director, Business and Economic Development, presented the request for a motion to
approve the Letter of ConcmTence supporting Fisher BioServices in Frederick, Matyland to operate
within Foreign Trade Zone#255C.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the letter of
concurrence suppmting Fisher Vio Services to operate within Foreign Trade Zone #255C as presented.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
10. OPPORTUNITY ZONE 2.0 CENSUS TRACT NOMINATION APPROVAL
Jonathan Horowitz, Director, Business and Economic Development; and Linda Spence, Financial
Programs Administrator, Business and Economic Development, presented the request for a motion to
approve the complete nomination packet for all eligible census tracts within Washington County for
submission to the State of Maiyland as part of the Federal Oppo1tunity Zone 2.0 designation process.
Opportunity Zone 2.0 is the next federal round for designating eligible low-income census tracts to
receive tax-advantaged private investment. The updated program strengthens requirements and
expands benefits, supporting projects like housing, commercial redevelopment, and workforce
development. The Department of Business and Economic Development is seeking the Board of County
Commissioners' approval to submit our seven eligible census tracts to the State of Maryland for their
approval consideration.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the complete
nomination packet for all eligible census tracts within Washington County for submission to State of
Maryland as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
11. QUIT CLAIM A PORTION OF EARLEY DRIVE
Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering, presented the request for a motion to approve
the quit claim and authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the quit claim. A
portion of Earley Drive was platted and partially built but never completed or accepted into the County
road network. Conservit, Inc. owns land on both sides of the platted right of way and would like to
control the entire parcel of land for future development. The platted right of way would serve no future
connection.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the quit claim and
authorize the execution of the necessaty documentation to finalize the quit claim as presented. The
motion passed unanimously ( 5-0).
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OPEN Session, July 28, 2026
12. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MULTI-PARK USE MOU FOR
FIRE AND EMS SERVICES
R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services; and Oley Griffith, Volunteer Coordinator, Emergency
Services, presented the request for a motion to authorize the Division of Emergency Services to enter
a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Department of the Interior for the
purpose of supp01iing fire and EMS services delivery to the various National Parks located within, and
surrounding Washington County, MD. The MOU will formalize existing and long-standing service
relationships between both agencies. Secondarily, but not limited to, the Division of Emergency
Services intends to support fire and EMS responses with manned and unnmnned aircraft (UAV's). The
addition of these new capabilities further solidifies the need to formalize our working relationships.
There are no funds associated with the execution of this agreement.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve to authorize the Division
of Emergency Services to enter into Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Department
of the Interior as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
13. RECOMMENDATION TO HIRE TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, presented the request for a motion to hire Eric Dykes for
Position #157, Transportation Engineer at Grade 15, Step 2, at $39.08/hour, $81,286.00/annually.
Commissioner Pa1Tott, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to hire Eric Dykes as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
14. WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES APPOINTMENTS
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk, presented the request for a motion to appoint Ashley Whaley, to serve
a partial term through June 30, 2027, and to appoint Karen Hays, to serve a first-full, three-year term
from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029, on the Board of Social Services. This is not a paid Board.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the appointments
of Ashley Whaley and Karen Hays as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
15. ADULT PUBLIC GUARDIANSHIP REVIEW BOARD REAPPOINTMENTS
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk, presented the request for a motion for multiple reappointments and
upon acceptance of the recommendations the Board also requested a waiver of the two-term limit as
outlined in the Boards and Commissions County Policy PR-22. This is not a paid board, it is a state
mandated board with specific positions required.
She requested a motion to reappoint Dr. Allen Ditto to serve a thirteenth, three-year term from July 1,
2026, through June 30, 2029, to serve as the General Physician.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the reappointment
of Dr. Allen Ditto as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
She requested a motion to reappoint Jill Zamostny to serve a sixth, three-year term as a Person with
Disabilities representative from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the reappointment
of Jill Zamostny as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
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OPEN Session, July 28, 2026
She requested a motion to reappoint Marcia South to serve a fourth, three-year term as Department of
Aging Representative from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the reappointment
of Marcia South as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
She requested a motion to reappoint Jennifer Sprecher to serve a fourth, three-year te1m as Disabilities
Professional Representative from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029.
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the reappointment
of Jennifer Sprecher as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
16. HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk, presented the request for a motion to appoint Heather Holman, to serve
a first, full, three-year term from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029. In addition, to appoint Alexa
Vetter, Sarah Butler-Michael and Jean Banzhoffto fill three (3) non-voting vacancies from August 1,
2026, through July 31, 2029. This is not a paid board.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the appointments
of Heather Holman, Alexa Vetter, Sarah Butler-Michael and Jean Banzhoff as presented. The motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to convene in closed session at
I 0: 16 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. (1) Personnel matters are confidential.
• Discuss assignment of County employee
• Discuss discipline of County employee
To consider. a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate,
expand, or remain in the State. ( 4) Open session discussion would disclose proprietary commercial
infmmation or business development strategy and damage County competitive advantage in bringing
business to County
• Discussion of incentive program to attract business to locate in the County.
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter (7). Open session discussion would
breach attorney/client confidentiality.
• Legal advice pertaining to a legal matter involving the County.
• Legal advice pertaining to contracts of which County is a party.
• Legal advice pe1iaining to legal matter.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed; and/or reached a consensus regarding:
• Received legal advice pe1iaining to contracts of which County is a pa1iy;
• Received legal advice pe1iaining to a legal matter of involving the County;
• Discussion regarding Economic Developments RISE incentive program;
• Assignment of County position#1573 IT Training Specialist;
• Discussion regarding discipline of County employee; and
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OPEN Session, July 28, 2026
• Received legal advice and updates on pending legal matters for which the County is involved.
Present during closed session at various times were Commissioners John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline,
Randal A. Leatherman, Neil C. Parrott and Randall E. Wagner: Dawn Marcus, County Clerk and
Zachary J. Kieffer, County Attorney; Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; Rosalinda Pascual,
Deputy County Attorney; Victor Scarpelli, Assistant County Attorney; Todd Moser, Real Property
Administrator, Engineering; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Jonathan Horowitz, Director,
Business and Economic Development; David Hays, Director, Emergency Services; and Chip Rose,
Director Human Resources.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to reconvene in open session
at 11 :40 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to adjourn at 11 :40 a.m. The
motion passed unanimously (5-0).
0,'Jw?Knf4 ~
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk
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