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Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
August 25, 2026
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Invocation presented by Pastor Randy Buchman, 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, Commissioner Neil C. Parrott and Commissioner
Randall E. Wagner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Leatherman, seconded by Commissioner Wagner moved to approve the minutes of July
28, 2026. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-1). Commissioner Parrott abstained.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner thanked staff who assisted with calls and concerns from our citizens this week.
Commissioner Leatherman attended the Maryland Association of Counties summer convention last
week. He shared information on the educational opportunities at the event. Commissioner Leatherman
attended the Antietam Recreation Celebrates 50 Years event. He attended the Pool Dedication
Ceremony at the Robert Johnson Community Center. Commissioner Leatherman met with the
Smithsburg Historical Society, and he shared information on the Smithsburg Town Museum. He
commented on the first day of school and safety of the students.
Commissioner Parrott thanked Bob and Mary Rotz and congratulated them on the 50 year anniversary
of Antietam Recreation. He shared information on the many events at Antietam Recreation.
Commissioner Cline attended the Pool Dedication Ceremony at the Robert Johnson Community
Center. He attended the Spud Fest event at the Rural Heritage Museum. Commissioner Cline attended
the Washington County Commission on Aging renaming of the Senior Center building to honor the
late William K. Beard. He shared information on Mr. Beard's advocacy and contributions to
Washington County. He attended the Augustoberfest Festival and commented on the hard work of Jill
Colbe1t and the volunteers who staffed the event. Commissioner Cline attended the Peach Festival in
Leitersburg. He attended the reopening of the 40 West Bridge and commented on the citizens
responses to the opening. Commissioner Cline attended the Grain Bin Safety and Rescue training for
first responders at the Public Safety Training Center.
Commissioner Barr congratulated Bob and Mary Rotz on the 50 year anniversary of Antietam
Recreation and he commented on their service and dedication to the community. He attended the
Ma1yland Association of Counties summer convention last week and he shared information on his
responsibilities and meetings attended at the event. Commissioner Barr attended the Maryland Tech
Council Symposium on Data Centers and AI. He attended the Washington County Commission on
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OPEN Session, August 25, 2025
Aging renaming of the Senior Center building to honor the late William K. Beard. and he commented
on the dedication and advocacy of Mr. Beard.
STAFF COMMENTS
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator has a schedule change Item 17. MASS CARE SHELTER
AGREEMENT WITH WASHING TON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS will be removed from
today's agenda and will be brought back at a different date.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, attended the Pool Dedication Ceremony at the Robert Johnson
Community Center. She attended the Maryland Tech Council Symposium. Ms. Gordon attended the
Maryland Association of Counties (MACO) conference and the informative sessions on Data Centers
and AI. She attended the MOOT CPT Transportation Priorities meeting at the MACo conference, and
she shared the transportation priorities of the County. Ms. Gordon commented on the Taste of Maryland
at MA Co and shared that we highlighted products from two vendors Delisha Bakery and Heavy Branch
Cidery, and she shared that Delisha Bakery's Cakes in a Can were a big hit at the event.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, shared information on halfway houses and recovery
residences. She shared an update on the County's Data Center Moratorium. Ms. Gordon recapped the
County's statement regarding the proposed I.C.E. Processing Facility in the County and corrected false
information that has been circulating online.
1. FORGET-ME-NOT MONTHS (SEPTEMBER. OCTOBER, NOVEMBER 2026}
PROCLAMATION
Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation to Ron Hoffman, Disabled American
Veterans Organization in recognition of Forget-Me-Not months.
CONVENE AS THE WASHING TON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to convene as the Board of
Health at 9:24 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
3. TRUE YOU MARYLAND -GIRLS, INC. OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Earl Stoner, Health Officer, Washington County Health Department; and Danielle Stahl, Deputy
Director, Community Health Outreach Prevention & Promotion, presented the request for a motion to
approve that the Board of Health approve the contract to Girls Inc. of Washington County in the amount
of $200,000.00 for funding legislated for the True You Maryland Adolescent Health Program. Girls
Inc. of Washington County works closely with the Washington County Public Schools targeting the
high schools. The contract period is July l, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve !hat the Board of Health
approve the contract to Girls, Inc. of Washington County for the True You Maryland Adolescent Health
Program as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
4. SEXUAL RISK AVOIDANCE EDUCATION (SRAE) -GIRLS, INC. OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY
Earl Stoner, Health Officer, Washington County Health Depa1tment; and Danielle Stahl, Deputy
Director, Community Health Outreach Prevention & Promotion, presented the request for a motion to
approve that the Board of Health approve the contract to Girls Inc. of Washington County in the amount
of $64,327.00 for funding legislated for the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Health Program. Girls
Inc. of Washington County were the sole bid provided on RFP 2024-02 as option year #3. Girls Inc.
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OPEN Session, August 25, 2025
of Washington County works closely with the Washington County Public Schools targeting the Middle
schools. Contract period is July I, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve that the Board of Health
approve the contract to Girls Inc. of Washington County for the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education
Health Program as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
RECONVENE AS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, W AHSING TON COUNTY
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to reconvene as the Board of
County Commissioners, Washington County, Maryland at 9:27 a.m. The motion passed unanimously
(5-0).
RECESS
2. PUBLIC HEARING REQUESTS BY ORGANIZATIONS TO BE ADDED TO THE
BOARD'S COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION FUNDING LIST ("1-108")
President Barr convened a Public Hearing at 9:30 a.m. to obtain public comment for requests for
organizations to be added to the Community Organization's Funding List 1-108.
Zachary Kieffer, County Attorney; and Maria Kramer, Director, Grant Management, presented that
following the public hearing, the Board may move to approve inclusion of one or more organizations
to the 1-108 List or may take the matter under advisement for action at a later date. The following
organizations have submitted letters of request to be added to the 1-108 List: Literacy Council of
Washington County, Inc.; South Prospect Street Porchfest, Inc.; Frozen Petals, Inc.; Boonsboro Athletic
Boosters, Inc.; Gatekeepers Organization; Hancock Flag Football, Inc.; Mark 923 Broken & Saved,
Inc.; Meritus Health Foundation, Inc.; Music Instrument Collection, Inc.; Spectrum Strong Foundation;
Maryland Association of Social Services Board (MAS SB); and Franklin Fon Helping the Needed.
The Public Hearing was opened for applicant testimony:
Allan Bare on behalf of the Literacy Council of Washington County
Deb Kepler on behalf of the South Prospect Street Porchfest
Athens Alston on behalf of Frozen Petals, Inc.
Julia Hartman on behalf of the Boonsboro Athletic Boosters, not present.
Julia Smoot on behalf of Gatekeepers
George Newman on behalf ofMeritus Health Foundation
Brenda Bush on behalf of Music Instrument Collection
Christina McCauley on behalf of Maryland Association of Social Services Board
Angela Pearce on behalf of Franklin Fon Helping the Needed
The Public Hearing was opened for public comment:
Shaun Po1ier
Steven McDonough, not present.
Gretchen Graves
The Public Hearing was opened for Commissioner questions.
The Public Hearing was closed at 10:12a.m.
The Public Hearing was opened for Commissioner comments.
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OPEN Session, August 25, 2025
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the additions to the
1-108 list as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
5. DEPARTMENT OF WATER QUALITY 2006 INTERNATIONAL V AC-CON
David A. Mason, Interim Director, Environmental Management, presented a request for a motion to
allow the Depat1ment of Water Quality to retain the 2006 International Vac-Con Vacuum truck. On
July 29, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of a new vacuum truck for
the department with the assumption the 2006 Vac-Con would be sold on GovDeals. The Department
placed the Vac-Con on the GovDeals site for sale on three separate occasions with the reserve not being
met each time. The reserve was initially set at $35,000.00 to recoup repair costs. The reserve was
reduced to $30,000.00 for the second attempt and $25,000.00 for the third attempt for sale. Resale of
this unit through a dealer would be approximately $90,000.00
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Parrott, moved to approve the Depat1ment of
Water Quality to retain the 2006 International Vac-Con Vacuum truck as presented. The motion passed
unanimously (5-0).
6. BUDGET TRANSFER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOLID WASTE FOR THE
VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
David A. Mason, Interim Director, Environmental Management, presented the request for a motion to
approve the Budget Adjustment for the Solid Waste Vehicle/Equipment Replacement CIP Project The
Depat1ment of Solid Waste sold two 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 an International Water Truck at $17,201.00 and a John Deere Motor Grader at $10,000 for
a total of$27,201.00.
Commissioner Leatherman seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the budget
adjustment for the Solid Waste Vehicle/Equipment Replacement CIP Project as presented. The motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
7. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-26-0346) LEASE FOR
ONE (1) NEW 2026 CATERPILLER D7 DOZER
David A. Mason, Interim Director, Environmental Management, presented the request for a motion to
authorize, by Resolution, for the Department of Solid Waste to lease One (I) New 2026 Caterpillar D7
Dozer from Carter Machinery Company, Inc. of Baltimore, MD, for the total cost of$ 969,079.55 and
request to utilize a competitively bid contract that was awarded by Sourcewell to Caterpillar #011723-
CA T. This contract offers a discount of 20%. This is also contingent on the final approval of the lease
agreement by the County Attorney's Office.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to authorize, by
Resolution to lease One (I) New 2026 Caterpillar D7 Dozer from Carter Machinery Company, Inc. as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
8. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-26-0345) -LEASE FOR
ONE (1) NEW JOHN DEERE 744 TIER WHEEL LOADER AND LEASE FOR ONE (1) NEW
JOHN DEERE 410P WHEEL LOADER BACKHOE
David Mason, Interim Director, Environmental Management, presented the request for a motion to
authorize, by Resolution, the Department of Solid Waste to lease One (I) New John Deere 744 Tier
Wheel Loader, and One (I) New John Deere 41 OP Wheel Loader Backhoe, from James River
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OPEN Session, August 25, 2025
Equipment of Stephenson, VA., for the total amount of$743,550.55 and request to utilize competitively
bid contract that was awarded by Sourcewell to John Deere (#011723-JDC). This contract offers a
discount of between 32% and 41 %. This is also contingent on the final approval of the lease agreements
by the County Attorney's Office. The ARF was amended to eliminate the 41 OP wheel loader from the
request. The cost of the John Deere 744 Tier Wheel Loader is $453,919.63 at 4.99% interest rate for a
total request of$524,775.03.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve to authorize, by
Resolution to lease One (I) New John Deere 744 Tier Wheel Loader, from James River Equipment at
a total cost of$524,775.03 as presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-1) Commissioner Parrott
opposed.
9. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT -{PUR-1843) ONE (1) DRUG ANALYZER
Sheriff Brian Albeit, Washington County Sheriff's Office; and Sergeant Clayton Stottlemyer,
Washington County Narcotics Task Force, presented the request to authorize a Sole Source
Procurement for One (I) Drug Analyzer for the Narcotics Task Force/ Washington County Sheriffs
Depa1tment in the amount of$140,484.18 from Agilent of Wilmington, DE.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve to authorize a Sole
Source Procurement for One (I) Drug Analyzer as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
10. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT !PUR-1844) ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT FOR HAMILTON VENTILATORS FOR THE DIVISION OF EMERGENCY
SERVICES {DES)
David Chisholm, Deputy Director, Operations, Emergency Services, presented the request for a motion
to award a five (5) year contract for Hamilton Ventilators for the Division of Emergency Services to
Hamilton Medical of Reno, NV for the amount of$59,625.00 based on its proposal dated July 10, 2026.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to award a five (5)
year contract for Hamilton Ventilators as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
11. BID AWARD {PUR-1810) REGIONAL PARK TRAIL BRIDGE
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, presented the request for a motion to award the contract
for the Regional Park Trail Bridge to the responsive, responsible company Creative Pultrusions, Inc.,
of Alum Bank, PA, with the lowest total lump sum bid amount of $5 l, l 90.00. The work under this
contract includes designing, manufacturing, and delivery of a Fiber Reinforced Polymer Prefabricated
Bridge for the Regional Park Trail Project. Funds are budgeted in the capital improvement plan account
Regional Park Walking/Hiking Trail.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve to award the
contract for the Regional Park Trail Bridge to Creative Pultrusions, Inc., as presented. The motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
12. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION RESIDENTIAL
SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM -APROV AL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION
AND ACCEPT FUNDING
Carsten Ahrens, Senior Grant Manager; Grant Management; and Meaghan Willis, Program Director,
Washington County Sheriff's Office, presented the request for a motion to approve the submission of
the grant application for the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program to the Governor's Office
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OPEN Session, August 25, 2025
of Crime Control and Prevention in the amount of $200,000.00 and accept funding as awarded. The
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program grant will suppo1t the Washington County Detention
Center's Jail-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment Program by funding a contracted patt-time Peer
Recovery Specialist, long-acting injectable buprenorphine, and low-barrier reentry supports. There is
an in-kind or cash match requirement associated with the grant, estimated on the GOCPP website at
$66,667.00, which will be accomplished through in-kind payroll match of2 WCSO employees.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the submission of
the grant application for the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program and accept funding as
awarded as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
13. JA HORST & SONS LLC CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
{CREP) EASEMENT PROPOSAL
Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning, presented the request for a
motion to approve the JA Horst & Sons LLP CREP easement project, paid for l 00% by the State, in
the amount of $97,350.00 for 20.00 easement acres, to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of
the easement, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the easement
purchase. The JA Horst & Sons LLP property is located on Ashton Road, Clear Spring, and will protect
14 acres of woodland and 6 acres of pasture land and serve to buffer roughly 1,950 linear feet of Toms
Run.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the JA Horst & Sons LLP
Conservation Reserve Easement Project and to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of the
easement as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
14. STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM -APPROVAL TO SUBMIT
GRANT APPLICATION AND ACCEPT AW ARD ED FUNDING
Cody Swope, Emergency Management Specialist, Emergency Management and Communications; and
Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented the request for a motion for ratification
of the submission of the application of the State Homeland Security Grant to the Maryland Emergency
Management Agency in the amount of $93,089.78 and a motion to accept funding as awarded. Due to
the delayed release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity from the Maryland Emergency Management
Agency and the constricted application submission deadline, we proceeded to sign and submit the grant
application on the deadline August 3, 2026. The State Homeland Security Grant program is
administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and passes through the State Emergency
Management Agency to be distributed to local jurisdictions. The program is intended to enhance and
maintain current Homeland Security initiatives as they pettain to prevention, preparedness, response,
recovery, and mitigation.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve ratification of the
submission of the application of the State Homeland Security Grant to the Maryland Emergency
Management Agency and to accept funding awarded as presented. The motion passed unanimously
(5-0).
15. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT -APPROVAL TO RATIFY
THE SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT APPLICATION AND ACCEPT A WARDED FUNDING
Cody Swope, Emergency Management Specialist, Emergency Management and Communications; and
Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented the request for a motion for ratification
of the submission of our application for the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program to
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OPEN Session, August 25, 2025
the Maiyland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) agency and a motion to accept the
funding as awarded by the agency. Due to the delayed release of the Notice of Funding Oppo1tunity
from the State Emergency Management Agency and the constricted application submission deadline,
we proceeded to sign and submit the grant application on the deadline July 15, 2026. The purpose of
the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program is to provide federal funds to states
to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management agencies in obtaining the resources
required to supp01t the National Preparedness Goals associated with the areas and core capabilities.
The MDEM is expected to award the County $97,907.22, which will fund other related equipment for
emergency management.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve ratification of the
submission of the application for the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program to the
Maiyland Depa1tment of Emergency Management agency and to accept the funding awarded as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
16. PASS-THROUGH FUND AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD, INC.
Zachmy Kieffer, County Attorney, presented the request for a motion to approve the Pass-Through
Fund Agreement with Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, Inc. The intent of the
agreement is to establish a fund with the Community Foundation. The purpose of the fund is to provide
financial supp01t for initiatives that support Washington County in times of emergencies. Setting up a
fund with the Community Foundation provides a mechanism by which tax deductible donations can be
made to the fund, which then may be distributed to the County in the event of an emergency. The fund
will be a cash account and not subject to investments. Community Foundation will charge a
management fee in the amount equal to 1.5% of the annual distributions.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the Pass-Through Fund
Agreement with Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, Inc. as presented. The motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
17. MASS CARE SHELTER AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
This item has been removed from today's agenda and will be brought back at a different date.
18. EQUITABLE SHARING AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATION
Zachary Kieffer, County Attomey, presented the request for a motion to approve the Equitable Sharing
Agreement Certification. The Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification (ESAC) is an annual
Depa1tment of Justice reporting requirement that ensures state and local law enforcement agencies
accurately disclose all federal equitable sharing funds received and how those funds were spent.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Leatherman, moved to approve the Equitable
Sharing Agreement Ce1tification as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Parrott, moved to convene in closed session at
11 :00 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
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OPEN Session, August 25, 2025
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. (I) Personnel matters are confidential.
• Reappointment to volunteer County board
• Discussion of assignment and duties of volunteer County board
• Reappointment to volunteer County board
• Reappointment to volunteer County board
• Hiring discussion of open County position
• Discussion of discipline of County staff member
• Hiring discussion of open County position.
• Discuss appointment for open County position.
To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose. (3) Open session discussion would
disclose County negotiation strategy and weaken bargaining position.
• Potential acquisition of real property for public purpose.
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 County legal matter.
To consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation (8). Open
session discussion would divulge litigation strategy or legal advice from counsel.
• Discussion re potential civil litigation
• Discussion re potential litigation
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed; and/or reached a consensus regarding:
• Hiring recommendation of Deputy Director, Airp011;
• Hiring recommendation of Assistant County Attorney;
• Discipline and removal of County employee;
• For boards and commissions, discussion of duties, appointments and reappointments
to the Washington County Board of Social Services, Local Management Board,
Washington County Police Accountability Board, and Washington County
Administrative Charging Committee;
• Conducted interviews for Division Director of Environmental Management;
• Hiring practices;
• Received legal advice pertaining to a County legal matter;
• Received legal advice on potential Civil Litigation for which the County may be a
party;
• Received legal advice and updates on pending litigation matters for which the
County is a patty.
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 L. Marcus, County Clerk and
Zachary J. Kieffer, County Attorney; Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; Rosalinda Pascual,
Deputy County Attorney; Victor Scarpelli, Assistant County Attorney; Jonathan Horowitz, Business
and Economic Development; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Todd Moser, Real Property
Administrator, Engineering, Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management; Carsten
Ahrens, Senior Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management; Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown
Regional Airport; Chip Rose, Director Human Resources; Patrick Buck, Account Executive, CBIZ;
Tracy McCammon, Risk Management Coordinator, Human Resources; and Interviewees.
l
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RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
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OPEN Session, August 25, 2025
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Parrott, moved to reconvene in open session at
3:31 p.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Parrott, moved to adjourn at 3:31 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
()Jowl'(~~
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk