The Public Meeting Index

The Golden Planning Commission held a regular meeting on September 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The primary agenda item was consideration of PC26-32, a new GURA (Golden Urban Renewal Authority) plan area boundary for The Junction property (51.2 acres at 5079 State Highway 93). The commission voted 5-2 to forward a recommendation of approval to City Council, finding the proposed urban renewal plan consistent with the 2026 Comprehensive Plan. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Approval of Minutes from August 19, 2026: Approved with a note to correct the spelling of Grace Fleming’s name and to consider adding more detail (e.g., who made motions). Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda public comment: None offered. - Written comment received: An email was distributed to commissioners prior to the meeting expressing concerns about additional traffic on Highway 93 and water supply during drought. Staff acknowledged the comment and noted that detailed traffic and water studies will occur during future preliminary plat and site plan reviews, not at this stage. Discussion Items - PC26-32 – The Junction GURA Plan Area Boundary: Planning Supervisor Carl Onsager presented the proposal to establish a GURA plan area boundary for the recently annexed property (formerly Jefferson County open space, zoned M1 industrial and C1 commercial). The boundary designation would enable tax increment financing (TIF) to fund public improvements such as a pedestrian/bike bridge over Highway 93, a roundabout, and trail connections. The commission’s scope was limited to determining consistency with the city’s Comprehensive Plan. - Staff argued the proposal conforms with several Comprehensive Plan goals (e.g., multimodal connectivity, economic development, partnerships) and noted the city already zoned the site for development upon annexation. - Commissioners questioned the order of operations (GURA finding of blight before Planning Commission review), the future of the North Valley annexation area, water supply, and wildfire risk. Staff clarified that GURA acts first per statute, and water/fire details will be addressed in later entitlement applications. - Objections raised: Commissioner Webb called the proposal “sprawl” and questioned prioritizing M1 development given vacancy rates and the site’s location in a high fire risk zone. Commissioner Hilliard questioned the vacancy rate assumption in the TIF model. - Staff and economic development manager Tim Dwyer clarified that no city general funds are used; financing comes from developer equity, metro district bonds, and future TIF revenue (about $15 million in increment over 25 years, based on property taxes only). The developer is Evergreen Development. Key Outcomes - Vote on Resolution PC26-32 (recommending approval to City Council): Motion made and seconded. Roll call vote: 5 in favor (Commissioners St. Angelo, Rudder, Hilliard, Fraser; also noted “Yes” from two others – likely Klein and Swarred, though not explicitly listed); 2 opposed (Commissioners Sword and Webb). Commissioner Caldwell did not vote (full regular member seated). The motion carried. - Next steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for a final decision. Additionally, staff noted an appeal from an August 19th hearing will go to City Council on October 13, 2026, and code amendment work (sliding scale) is ongoing. The commission’s next regular meeting is October 7, 2026.

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) met on September 16, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, a presentation on the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM), a discussion on utility reliability, and approval of a contract amendment and power purchase agreements. All votes were unanimous (4-0) with one board member absent (Jennifer Hollingsworth joined remotely for part of the meeting). The meeting adjourned around 8:30 PM. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes Approval: Approved minutes from the August 5, 19, and 21, 2026 meetings as presented. - Agreement with Black & Veatch (AGR26-60): Approved a $674,958.33 contract for engineering services for condition assessments at the Abiquiu and El Vado hydroelectric plants. The vote included a contingency of $75,000 and a budget revision (2027-20). - DPU Mission, Vision, Values, and FY28 Strategic Goals: Approved the updated mission, vision, values, and FY2028 strategic goals and objectives. - Budget Revision 2027-01A (Carryovers): Approved $14,507,148 in expenditure carryovers and $3,619,826 in revenue carryovers from FY2026 to FY2027, with a net fund balance decrease of $10,887,322. - EA-4 Powerline Grant Application: Approved staff to apply for a New Mexico Capital Development Program grant for the EA-4 power line replacement, with a 25% match ($1,250,000) to be budgeted if awarded. - Power Purchase Agreements (Item 4.f) – Moved to Department Business: See Discussion Items. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the two public comment periods (start of meeting and before adjournment). No remote commenters raised hands. Discussion Items - Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for October 2026 – March 2027: Ben Olbrich, Deputy Utility Manager-Power Supply, presented a request to authorize up to $18,509,400 (plus gross receipts tax) for competitively selected power purchase agreements to serve Los Alamos Power Pool load. The need arises because Foxtail Flats solar/battery plant is not yet online. The six-month period allows staff to reassess needs after Foxtail Flats production begins (expected April 2027) and to prepare for EDAM entry in October 2027. The amount is within the FY2027 budget. The board approved the motion (4-0). - EDAM Presentation by UAMPS: Mason Baker (General Manager) and Matthew Hastings (Assistant General Manager) of Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) presented lessons learned from the May 1, 2026 EDAM launch. Key points: - EDAM goals are sound but results have been mixed; members with dispatchable resources benefit, while those reliant on market purchases face significant cost increases (36% average, 40-70% for some members). - Resource Sufficiency Evaluation (RSE) is critical; Los Alamos is “capacity-light” and must engage early in PNM’s tariff development (PNM joins EDAM October 2027). - UAMPS experienced operational burdens (staff, settlements) and market liquidity issues with power marketers. - Recommendations include hiring an EDAM consultant, deciding on a Scheduling Coordinator, and modeling RSE impacts. - Board members asked about rotating mass requirements and the role of the Laboratory’s combustion turbine. The presentation emphasized proactive engagement with PNM. - Reliability Discussion (After Action Outage Report): Deputy Utility Managers Dennis Astley (Electric) and Clay Moseley (Gas, Water, Sewer) reviewed August 2026 outages and service issues: - Electric: SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) for the 12-month period ending August 2026 was 114 minutes (benchmark 60 minutes). August outages included a mysterious underground fault on Quemazon Road (multiple blown fuses, suspected bad switches) and a failed 1970s vintage direct-bury cable on Piedra Loop. Planning to replace live-front switches and shorten secondary runs. Discussion included long-term replacement of aging underground cable. - Gas/Water/Sewer: August saw 40 gas leaks and 42 gas smell calls due to higher mercaptan concentrations in the “virtual pipeline” gas supply. Many leaks were minor but led to red tags on customer appliances. One major third-party damage incident occurred when a contractor struck a steel gas line (Atomic Fiber project). Water leaks (8) were routine. Sewer backups (12) included root intrusion at one location. The board noted the safety concern and staff’s increased awareness. - Amendment No. 1 to Services Agreement AGR25-925 (Andritz Hydro): James Martinez (Deputy Utility Manager-Engineering) presented a request to increase the contract by $81,771.75 (plus tax) for tariff fees related to the Abiquiu Hydroelectric Plant draft tube replacement. The original contract ($576,531.57) did not anticipate tariffs on imported steel. A $87,190 budget revision is needed to cover the shortfall from Electric Production fund reserves. The board approved (4-0). Key Outcomes - Approved: Consent agenda items (4.a–4.e) as presented (4-0). - Approved: Power Purchase Agreements up to $18,509,400 plus GRT for Oct 2026–Mar 2027 (4-0). The motion was moved by Member Heavner and seconded by Member Nakhleh. - Approved: Amendment No. 1 with Andritz Hydro Corp. for $663,720.70 total contract amount, including tariff fees, and Budget Revision 2027-22 for $87,190 (4-0). The motion was made by Member Stromberg and seconded by Member Heavner. - No Action: Reliability discussion and EDAM presentation were informational only. - Future Items: The board will engage in PNM tariff comment process, continue reliability improvement planning, and address rooftop solar connection charges at a future meeting (per Member Stromberg’s request).

The Park Ridge Farmers Market Committee met on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in the City Hall Finance Conference Room in Park Ridge, Illinois. The agenda covered roll call, approval of the August 19, 2026 minutes, public comment, city liaison and market reports, discussion of rules of operation and new banners, a banner purchase action item, and subcommittee reports. Roll Call and Minutes - Roll call was conducted. - The agenda item to approve the minutes of the August 19, 2026 meeting was taken up. The transcript does not record a separate vote or objection. Public Comments and Testimony - No members of the public addressed the committee during the citizens-wishing-to-be-heard-on-non-agenda-items portion of the agenda. City Liaison and Market Reports - The city liaison report was brief; the market season was wrapping up, and the Halloween market will include children's activities with a possible additional music tent. - The market master and market manager reports did not raise major new action items. The final market of the season was expected to be the Halloween market. Discussion Items - Rules of Operation - Discussion only; no approval was sought. - Committee members agreed to add language protecting the Farmers Market logo to the rules and regulations before sending changes to the city attorney. - Application fee language was discussed; fees should be included in the application itself so the same information is not maintained in two places. - There was extended discussion of Illinois sales tax ID requirements. The finance department reportedly suggested including a statement that applicants must have a valid Illinois sales tax ID rather than collecting or tracking the ID. Some members questioned whether asking for the information without using it created liability and whether a simple note to comply with all Illinois rules and regulations would be better. - The market would not police state certification of scales; that issue was between the consumer and the business. - Participants discussed the existing requirement that vendors provide their own table and chairs and noted some vendors had not complied. - There was discussion about a previous committee decision not to limit business opportunities to Park Ridge businesses and about the market's smoking, vaping, and tobacco rules, including enforcement questions when conduct occurs on public property outside the market boundary. - A formatting issue was raised because an item labeled G appeared to be a standalone requirement under the phrase must meet one of the following categories. - Purchase of New Banners - Discussion. - Brenda presented an inventory of banners, their sizes, and locations, noting that the city stores them and that the park district rotates a limited number. - Not all of the 20 banners are posted at once; only two banners were seen posted in South Park, and two new banners were produced in 2024 after the city changed specifications. - A correction was noted about a small banner at the cemetery; it was not one of the four-by-six grommet banners. - The committee discussed giving the park district a recommended banner size rather than an open-ended request. Action Items - A motion was made to print two additional 4-foot-by-6-foot banners with grommets for use at the swimming pool and one extra TBD location. Discussion followed about whether a blanket motion was needed if another location is identified and about the uncertain cost. The transcript does not record a final roll-call vote or an explicit vote tally on this motion. Sub-Committee Reports - Finance: The finance subcommittee reported an internal city budgeting issue involving SNAP and the general budget from the city council. Funds would need to be moved from what was described as a 'time bank' due to the budget process, but the money is available. - Marketing and Transition: Brenda and Steffi are working through Brenda's proposal with Bridget to divide marketing tasks between the city and the committee during the off season. At least two new committee members will join, and the group discussed keeping marketing active during the transition. Amy indicated willingness to help with the poster design contest after an offline conversation. Key Outcomes - No rules-of-operation changes were approved; the draft changes continue to city attorney review. - A banner purchase motion was made for two additional 4-foot-by-6-foot grommet banners, but the transcript does not show a recorded final decision. - The committee will continue the marketing transition and resolve the internal budget transfer before the next season.

The Calvert County Planning Commission held a hybrid regular meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in the Chesapeake Room of the County Administration Building (150 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD), with virtual participation via Microsoft Teams and phone. A public hearing was convened at 7:00 p.m. prior to the regular meeting. The commission acted on one major preliminary subdivision (Westside on Main), reviewed a detailed site development plan for a light manufacturing building, and discussed a proposed representative position. Routine Approvals - Agenda approved by motion without discussion. - Summary of Actions – August 19, 2026 Regular Meeting approved by motion without discussion. Major Subdivision Preliminary Review and Action: SD-143478 Westside on Main - Project Description: Preliminary subdivision plan for 24 residential lots (Lots 1–24) and two commercial lots (Lots 1–2) at 305 and 445 Main Street in the Old Town sub-area of the Prince Frederick Town Center. The project was reviewed under the 2020 process, combining the conceptual site plan (CSPR 143260) and preliminary subdivision plan (SD 143478). - Staff Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to the conditions and agency comments in the staff report, including final approval of the traffic impact analysis (TIA) and any required roadway or access improvements through the detailed site development plan process, with applicable county and state highway administration review. - Commissioner Concerns on Density: Commissioner Gadway stated that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) made clear in August 2024 that future density in Prince Frederick should be 4 dwelling units per acre (du/ac), not 14. He expressed that the proposed density of 6.7 du/ac plus commercial uses on Main Street would "forever redefine what Main Street looks like," though he indicated he would have no problem with the project at 4 du/ac. - Traffic Impact: Staff explained the project remains under the traffic threshold (recently reduced by half in the last couple of years), so a new traffic impact study would only be triggered if a future intensification of use occurs. - Grandfathering Discussion: Staff confirmed the grandfathering/grandfathering clause originated from this board's January 2026 recommendation and that a project submitted prior to the zoning ordinance date may proceed if it meets specified requirements. Staff noted a project generally is not vested until all approvals are achieved and construction has commenced. - Neighboring Business Outreach: The applicant stated that representatives of Infinity (the adjacent business) were consulted and had concerns about the project's appearance and construction; the applicant presented a street-level rendering of the project in response. - Decision: A motion carried via roll call vote finding SD 143478 consistent with the comprehensive plan and approving the preliminary subdivision with the conditions recommended by staff and contained in the staff report. Site Plan Review and Action: Light Manufacturing Building (12,350 sq ft) - Project Description: Category one detailed site development plan, representing step two of the site plan process under the 2025 zoning ordinance update, for a 12,350 square foot light manufacturing building with a partial mezzanine level, associated parking, access, landscaping, and stormwater improvements. - Background: A change of use application was filed on 2/2/2024 and heard by the Planning Commission on February 21, 2024. Building one approval was conditioned on approval of building two because the only fixed on-site restroom facilities are in building two. A redline site plan was required for building two for the change of use from flex space to indoor recreation. - Staff-Recommended Conditions: Site plan approval per Section 4201 of the I-1 district requirements, a drop-off area accommodating at least three vehicles, and a designated indoor waiting area of a minimum of 100 square feet. All outstanding agency and final review comments must be addressed to the satisfaction of the appropriate reviewing agencies before final approval. - Deferral Motion: A commissioner moved to defer the site plan case and request placement on the BOCC agenda for discussion, citing the need for input from the Board of County Commissioners. The motion passed by voice vote with no discussion. Items for Discussion and/or Action: Proposed Representative Position - Staff noted the parameters of the proposed position, along with administrative guidelines, were included in the meeting packet. The representative would have no standing authority and would not necessarily be a requirement. - A commissioner stated the additional information needed was input from the BOCC and moved to defer the item and request placement on the BOCC agenda for discussion rather than consideration. The motion passed by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - None - no public comments were offered at the time public comment was called. Key Outcomes - SD-143478 Westside on Main preliminary subdivision plan: APPROVED with staff conditions via roll call vote. - Light manufacturing building site plan: DEFERRED - action postponed and request made to place the item on the BOCC agenda for discussion. - Proposed representative position: DEFERRED - request made to place the item on the BOCC agenda for discussion.

The City of Rockville Board of Appeals held meeting 03-2026 on September 16, 2026. Chair Alan Frankel presided with members Jimmy Hauer and Roy Deutschman. The Board unanimously approved a zoning variance for 5 Lee Court, approved the prior meeting minutes, and acknowledged a transition in City Attorney assignments. Public Comments & Testimony - The Board heard applicant Stephanie Siegel, owner of 5 Lee Court, who testified that the existing carport needed to be widened to accommodate her large SUV, children, and a planned future electric vehicle, and deepened for storage. - A letter of support from Bob and Diane Wells of 4 Lee Court, the adjacent property owners, was submitted. - No other members of the public spoke either in favor of or against the variance. Discussion Items - City planner Chris Davis presented staff's recommendation to approve variance application 2027-402-VAR. The property is in the Woodley Gardens area, zoned R90 for single-family detached residential use. The applicant requested a side yard setback variance from 11 feet to 8.5 feet, a 2.5-foot variance, to convert an existing carport into a fully enclosed one-car garage. A proposed front addition and porch were not part of the variance request. - Staff explained that the approval criteria were met: the property has an unusual narrowing lot shape and steep rear topography, the hardship was not created by the applicant, the garage would be consistent with neighborhood character, and there was no opposition. - During Board questions, staff confirmed that the existing carport currently complies with the required setback, but the enclosed garage needs to be slightly wider to allow safe access to and from a vehicle. Staff also confirmed there were no similar variance requests identified in the immediate neighborhood, though similar conversions have been approved elsewhere in the city. - The Board closed the public hearing after assuming no other speakers were present, including an unidentified phone participant thought to be the project manager. Key Outcomes - The Board unanimously approved variance application 2027-402-VAR (3-0), allowing a side yard setback of 8.5 feet instead of 11 feet for the garage conversion at 5 Lee Court, subject to the conditions in the staff report. - The Board approved the minutes of meeting number 02-2026, held May 20, 2026, as submitted. - City Attorney Nick Oslick announced that he would no longer advise the Board of Appeals and introduced new attorney Nisha Talati, who joined from New York City. Board members thanked Oslick for his eight years of service. - The Board discussed scheduling a future training session on the city's recently rewritten zoning ordinance, effective August 1, 2026. A link to the Engage Rockville page summarizing the changes will be sent to Board members. - The Board adjourned until its next scheduled meeting on October 21, 2026.

The New Albany Historic Preservation Commission met on September 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Present were: Colt Sanders, Kate Verliner, Matt Bergman, Marlena Mayfield, Jacob Rush, David West Reynolds, Jim Sprickler, Michael Weber, Ex officio member Scott Wood, and Lar Renwick. The meeting included routine approvals, updates on conservation districts, enforcement matters, facelift awards, the historic homes tour, and planning for future activities. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the agenda as published: passed unanimously. - Motion to approve the August meeting minutes as presented: passed unanimously. - Financial report: none provided; staff will attempt again next month and may remove the item from the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No applicants or members of the public were present; the introductory statement was skipped. Discussion Items - Certificate of Appropriateness Applications: Staff reported that all applications were approved at the staff level. Commissioners discussed details of ongoing work, including a roof replacement on Spring Street where the owner changed contractors and replaced the tile roof after it could not be saved. A commissioner noted that detailing on a gable and dormers on another project had not yet been completed. - Sidewalk Issue: Commissioner Jim Sprickler raised a personal concern about dangerous brick sidewalks on his street, noting that the city is replacing good sidewalks with brick elsewhere but not repairing the hazardous sections on his block. The commission suggested he gather a neighborhood petition and send it to the city council, street department, and community development. Fellow commissioners offered to help circulate the petition. - DePaw Avenue Conservation District: The timeline for the final plat approval is on hold due to a lawsuit. The preliminary plat was approved in November; the six-month clock was stopped by the lawsuit. Staff indicated that the final plat would require approval from the preservation commission for building designs. - Potential New District Designations: Staff reported on a meeting with Silver Hills residents on August 29 (attendance 35–40). Opinions were mixed: a few residents opposed any restrictions, while others supported at least a National Register district. The historical society declined to take a position. Commissioners discussed the options of a full historic district, conservation district, or National Register listing. No firm consensus was reached; the neighborhood will need to take the lead. - Enforcement Update: Letters were sent to realtors marketing 812, Cedar Baum, 138 East Market, and to new owners of 118 East Market and 916 East Spring. Commissioners noted work at other properties including a building at 12th and Main (now with for rent signs), the former Spring Valley funeral home (signs of possible work), and a building across from the fire department on Market (siding being removed). Staff will monitor. - Facelift Awards: Nine properties will receive plaques; ten certificates (including a co-owner) are ready. Staff reported responses from several owners. Histories and a PowerPoint presentation are being prepared. Invitations will be sent to the mayor and other officials. - Historic Homes Tour Recap: Approximately 260–270 tickets were sold, down from previous years. Competition from other events (e.g., Home Rama in Moable), extreme heat, and timing (Labor Day weekend) were cited as factors. Commissioners suggested moving the tour to a later date to avoid the heat and holiday travel. - Commissioner Term: Matt Bergman’s term ends in December; he will not seek reappointment. Commissioners were asked to recommend potential replacements with interest in preservation, history, or planning. - Upcoming Trainings: The state preservation conference on September 29 in Franklin, plus web-based trainings in October, November, and December for continuing education credits. Key Outcomes - Agenda and minutes approved unanimously. - No formal votes on substantive items; all actions were administrative or informational. - Staff will send invitations and finalize materials for the facelift awards ceremony. - Commission will seek a new member to fill Matt Bergman’s seat by December. - Sidewalk issue: Commissioner Sprickler will pursue a petition with neighborhood support. - Silver Hills district: no action taken; staff will await neighborhood initiative. - Enforcement: letters sent, ongoing monitoring of properties. - Historic homes tour: timing and promotion will be reconsidered for next year.

The Northfield Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) met on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Chair Rob Hanson called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. Commissioners Petri, Provancha, Shmurak, Hanson, Pryor, and Youth Representative Halverson were present (6 votes). Commissioners Haroldson and Podracky were absent. The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 PM. The primary topics were sustainability considerations for the zoning code update and a review of municipal energy rebate programs. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda (Motion: Petri/Provancha, 6-0 in favor) which contained the minutes from the August 19, 2026, EQC meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was received. Discussion Items - Item 26-477: Environmental Quality and Sustainability Considerations for the Zoning Code Update: Sustainability Coordinator Sara Pabich led a discussion on integrating environmental quality and sustainability criteria into the city’s zoning code update. Commissioners asked questions and provided comments on the considerations. No formal action was taken on this discussion item. - Item 26-478: Discussion on Energy Rebate Programs: Sustainability Coordinator Sara Pabich gave a presentation on the City’s residential energy efficiency rebate programs and the Climate Champion rebate program for businesses. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session with commissioners. No formal action was taken. - Item 26-479: Staff Update: Sustainability Coordinator Sara Pabich provided general updates on city staff activities related to environmental quality. Key Outcomes - The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 PM (Motion: Provancha/Petri, 6-0 in favor). - All regular agenda items (26-477, 26-478, 26-479) were conducted as informational discussions; no formal votes, directives, or referrals were made on these items. Note on source materials: The raw transcript provided for this meeting did not contain substantive dialogue matching the agenda items. This summary was compiled from the official meeting agenda and minutes, which were consistent and complete.

The Benicia Industrial Safety Citizen Oversight Commission met on September 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers with remote participation via Zoom. The meeting included the adoption of previous minutes, introduction of a new commissioner, election of officers, updates on air district grants, incident notifications, and the formation of an ad hoc committee for public outreach. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM. Consent Calendar - The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the June 17, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present in person or online, and no public comments were received. Discussion Items - Open Government Training: Commissioners discussed the annual training requirement. Staff confirmed that most commissioners have submitted their training certifications except for Commissioner Fentress and Commissioner Manetti, who were reminded to complete it. - Commissioner Introduction: New Commissioner Cynthia Pappas introduced herself, noting her 20+ year career at PG&E as a hazardous materials subject matter expert, her certification in hazardous materials management from UC Berkeley, a Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt, and past service on the Solano County Civil Grand Jury. - Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary: The Commission elected David Lindsay as Chair, Commissioner Nelson as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Manetti as Secretary for one-year terms (Chair and Vice Chair from December 2026 through December 2027; Secretary from September 2026 through December 2027). All votes were unanimous. - Bay Area Air District Local Community Benefits Fund: Chief Chadwick reported that the Air District Board approved a $30 million catalyst grant for the city on September 2, supporting clean energy, clean mobility, just transition, and community health. For the opportunity and seed grants, the community equity health and justice committee did not recommend funding for the Benicia Community Air Monitoring Program (B Camp) five-million-dollar opportunity grant (final board vote on October 7), but did recommend $199,420 in seed grant funding to upgrade existing air monitor capabilities. Commissioners expressed concern about the opportunity grant denial and discussed seeking alternative funding and improving monitoring given the refinery closure and ongoing industrial risks. - Air Quality Monitoring Program: Commissioners discussed the need for continued monitoring post-refinery closure due to chemical transfers, eventual decommissioning, and regional refinery pollution. Staff noted the city has a grant-writing firm (Townsend) that sends monthly grant opportunities. The ad hoc committee on public outreach was later formed. - Industrial Safety Community Notifications: Chief Chadwick reported that only one incident required notification since the last meeting: a Mercaptan odor event on August 29-30 from contractors cleaning a tank at the refinery. The fire department responded, air monitors showed no hazardous readings, and community notifications were issued. Commissioners asked to receive text notifications directly; staff agreed to sign up commissioners for the non-emergency notification system. - Public Education and Outreach: The Commission discussed creating an ad hoc committee to develop outreach initiatives such as newsletter articles and a farmers market booth. Chief Chadwick noted no budget for hiring experts but suggested using existing city channels (newsletter, farmers market). The Commission approved a motion to form the ad hoc committee. - Ordinance Oversight: Chief Chadwick reported that the city is calculating costs to invoice Valero for the fire department response to the Mercaptan incident, per the industrial safety ordinance. The Air District will also issue a public nuisance violation to Valero. Key Outcomes - The Commission unanimously approved the June 17, 2026 meeting minutes. - David Lindsay was re-elected Chair, Commissioner Nelson elected Vice Chair, and Commissioner Manetti elected Secretary, all for one-year terms. - An ad hoc committee for public education and outreach was created with volunteers Chair Lindsay, Commissioner Anderson, and Commissioner Pappas. The committee is tasked with planning outreach initiatives (newsletter blurbs, farmers market booth) through September 2027. - Staff will enroll commissioners in the non-emergency community notification system for incident alerts. - The Commission noted the $30 million catalyst grant award and will monitor the October 7 Air District board vote on the B Camp opportunity and seed grants.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., the Calvert County Planning Commission held a hybrid public hearing (in person at the County Administration Building in Prince Frederick and virtually via Microsoft Teams and telephone) to consider six proposed text amendments (TA 26-25 through TA 26-30) to the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance. A quorum was present, with Chair Freeland presiding alongside Commissioners Gadway, Kernan, McQueen, and Weems. Staff from the Department of Planning & Zoning (Will Hager, Planner 3; Rachel O'Shea, Deputy Director of Zoning; and Beth Rimmer, Division Chief) presented each amendment. The Commission closed the record and voted to recommend adoption of all six amendments by the Board of County Commissioners. No members of the public provided oral testimony during the hearing. Public Comments & Testimony - No testimony was given on any of the six amendments. One individual signed the in-person speaker sheet but did not indicate which amendment they wished to address, and no speaker came forward when called. Staff confirmed for each amendment that there was no public comment or no one online to speak. Discussion Items - TA 26-25 - Section 29-5, Permitted Signs: Would allow electronic message centers (reader boards) at public recreation areas with reader boards in existence as of the effective date of March 1, 2025, in any zoning district. In response to commissioner questions about new recreation areas, staff noted that a prior text amendment exempts county- and school district-owned properties, but this amendment would also apply to public recreation areas not owned by the county (such as the fairgrounds). - TA 26-26 - Section 31-5, Exception Lots and Family Conveyance Lots: Extends the sunset date for obtaining preliminary approval of exception lots by one year, from March 1, 2027, to March 1, 2028. Staff stated the extension responds to recent conditions that have not been conducive to perk testing, providing fairness to property owners who have been unable to complete perk tests; after the new sunset date, the ability to create exception lots would end. - TA 26-27 - Section 22-3, Limited Developed Area: For clearing of 30 percent or more but less than 50 percent of existing natural vegetation, the amendment would require replacement planting at two times the area of the entire clearing. Staff stated the current replacement planting requirement is too burdensome and costly for property owners and that the Critical Area Commission agreed to relax the requirements in these specific circumstances to lower the financial burden on property owners. - TA 26-28 - Section 18-7, Business and Personal Service (Home Occupations): The amendment explicitly exempts in-home daycares and home commercial kennels from the condition that a home occupation be conducted entirely within the dwelling or an enclosed accessory structure, and it adds a special exception requirement before the Board of Appeals for home occupation kennels operated commercially. Staff explained the special exception process notifies neighbors, gives them an opportunity to comment in writing or at the required public hearing, and allows the Board to impose conditions such as minimum setbacks. In response to commissioner questions, staff clarified that the indoor kennel area is limited to 600 square feet; the entire yard may be used for an outside run area, but the dogs must be housed in the indoor area; standalone kennel buildings are defined separately with their own setback requirements; and noise complaints would be addressed through the Calvert County noise ordinance by the Calvert County Police Department and/or animal control, since the zoning ordinance does not regulate noise. Staff noted past neighbor complaints about commercial kennels operating at residences and framed the special exception process as a way to resolve potential disputes before they become problems. - TA 26-29 - Section 4-2, Agricultural Preservation District (APD); Section 18-2, Use Tables; Section 18-11, Industrial: A companion piece to the updated agricultural preservation rules and regulations, tentatively scheduled for public hearing in October. The amendment removes provisions from the zoning ordinance that are now more appropriately placed in the updated rules and regulations, adds conditions for land clearing debris and landfills to the zoning ordinance, and removes the special exception requirement for sand, gravel, or mineral extraction without processing on APD parcels because Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board approval is already required, making Board of Appeals approval unnecessary. - TA 26-30 - Section 255, General Design Requirements (Dunkirk Town Center): Restores the setback policy for new lots in Dunkirk Town Center that was in place prior to the zoning ordinance update effective March 1, 2025. Staff stated this simply corrects an omission made during that update. Key Outcomes - The Planning Commission closed the public record and recommended adoption of all six proposed text amendments (TA 26-25 through TA 26-30) by the Board of County Commissioners. Each motion passed by voice vote with all commissioners in favor and no opposition or dissent noted in the transcript. - The Board of County Commissioners will take final action on the recommendations. The companion update to the agricultural preservation rules and regulations referenced in TA 26-29 is tentatively scheduled for a public hearing in October 2026. - With no further text amendments to consider, the public hearing ended and the Commission took a five-minute break before moving into its next session.