Public Meetings - Calvert County, Maryland

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on March 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting included an invocation, approval of the agenda, a proclamation for National Agriculture Appreciation Day, new business on tax differential rates for the towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach, appointments to advisory committees, a consent agenda, a presentation on vaping awareness among youth, a work session on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY2026–FY2031, public comment, and commissioner reports. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session for personnel, real property acquisition, and legal advice. Consent Calendar - Department of Parks & Recreation: Calvert County Youth Opportunities Recreation Fund 2025 Application – approved without objection. - Department of Community Resources: Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation Grant Application – approved without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public spoke about stormwater management, advocating for better design standards (e.g., capturing more realistic rainfall data and keeping water near the source), requiring developer bonds or warranties for maintenance, and expressed concern about proposed state cuts to Program Open Space and Rural Legacy funding. The speaker urged the board to act quickly to prevent under-designed systems. Discussion Items - National Agriculture Appreciation Day Proclamation – Multiple representatives from farms, agricultural organizations, and FFA spoke in support of local agriculture. Commissioners emphasized the importance of farming, preservation, and supporting the next generation. The proclamation was read and adopted. - Tax Differential Rates for Chesapeake Beach and North Beach – Mayors Benton (North Beach) and Wall (Chesapeake Beach) thanked commissioners for maintaining the differential, noting the challenges of running small towns with new councils and staff transitions. Commissioner Mark Cox stated the differential prevents double taxation. The board voted unanimously to maintain the existing rate of 0.336 per $100 assessed value for FY2026. - Appointments – Ricardo Pierre was appointed to the Student Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee (no vacancies remain). Kama Friedman was appointed to the Calvert County Blueprint Committee (one citizen vacancy remains). Both appointments were approved unanimously. - Vaping Awareness Presentation – Dr. Fatineza Mora and Jane Dodds (Calvert County Health Department) presented data showing higher youth vaping rates in Calvert County compared to Maryland state averages. They explained health risks (nicotine addiction, lung injury, cancer-causing chemicals) and the difficulty of quitting. Commissioners discussed regulatory gaps, enforcement of age 21 sales, flavors attracting youth, and school-based education. The health department offers free cessation programs, including for minors. Commissioners expressed support for stronger education and enforcement. - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) FY2026–FY2031 Work Session – Danielle Russell presented a 16.8% reduction ($15.1 million) from the staff-recommended capital budget, focusing on grant-funded projects and critical infrastructure. Discussion centered on prioritizing needs vs. wants, multi-year commitments, and the impact of rising costs. Commissioners requested a prioritization list from departments and deferred further direction until the next meeting. The board expects more clarity in mid-April due to pending state budget decisions. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved with an amendment to add executive session for legal advice. - Tax differential maintained at 0.336 per $100 assessed value for FY2026 (unanimous vote). - Appointments approved unanimously for Ricardo Pierre and Kama Friedman. - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - CIP discussion continued; staff to provide prioritized lists and justifications; further action scheduled for the next meeting in two weeks. - Executive session approved for personnel, real property acquisition, and legal advice. - Commissioner reports highlighted community events (Mount Harmony Elementary Monument Maker event, Eagle Scout recognition, farm-to-table breakfast) and noted that the FY2026 budget public hearing received no public comments.

The Calvert County Board of Commissioners held its first public step in the FY2026 budget process on March 12, 2025. County Administrator Mark Willis and Finance Director Bruce Miller presented the staff‑recommended budget, which projects a $15.4 million deficit that could grow to $27.4 million if state realignments materialize. No tax increase is planned, and service reductions are anticipated. No public comments were received. The board also noted an error in last year’s procedure that will be corrected via a public hearing in the near future. Discussion Items - Budget Overview: Bruce Miller explained the use of zero‑based budgeting for the first time. General fund revenues are essentially flat at $387.5 million (down $60,000 from FY25), while expenditures rise $15.3 million to $402.9 million. Revenues are flat because a $6 million increase in property taxes and a $3.5 million increase in income taxes are offset by other declines. The deficit is driven entirely by expenditure growth. Additional state realignments of $6–$12 million could push the total deficit to $27.4 million. No new positions (except EMTs and 911 dispatchers funded by offsetting revenues) and no new vehicles are included. The county intends to preserve fund balance and use it only for one‑time capital expenditures. - School Budget Presentation: Superintendent Dr. Andre Townsell presented the Board of Education’s proposed FY2026 budget, requesting flat funding at the FY2025 level of approximately $164.7 million. He highlighted the county’s academic achievements (e.g., first in state for English proficiency, 94% graduation rate) and noted that the budget uses prior year savings ($6.25 million from FY24 and an estimated $2.5 million from FY25) to cover increased costs from the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the expiration of ESSER funds. No staff reductions are proposed. The new MOE estimate from the state is $163 million, which is lower than the school’s request. - Commissioner Comments: - President Hance warned of “pain” and predicted cuts to county services (road patching, trash disposal, recreation hours). He stated that the county will not raise taxes and that furloughs are “not off the table.” He noted the challenge of finalizing the budget before knowing the full state impact (legislature ends mid‑April). - Commissioner Hart expressed optimism about cooperation with the new Board of Education and recalled overcoming past financial challenges (COVID, prior deficits). He emphasized the need for fiscal conservatism. - Commissioner Socks emphasized belt‑tightening and maintaining open communication. - Commissioner Arlen voiced concern about unknown state impacts and stressed protecting road maintenance. - Commissioner Karlen (likely President?) noted that a deficit of this magnitude (potentially $27 million) is unprecedented and will require difficult decisions. Key Outcomes - The board voted unanimously to keep the public record open through April 11, 2025, to receive additional written comments. - A public hearing on the commissioners’ budget is scheduled for April 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. - The commissioners will work with county leadership to refine the budget, with a final commissioner‑adopted budget due by late April.

The Calvert County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on March 11, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The meeting included approvals of consent items, a presentation on FEMA grant holds, a public hearing on a budget amendment for the Armory Site Development project, a presentation from the Tri-County Council, a work session on personnel code amendments, and commissioner reports. The meeting recessed into executive session at approximately 12:00 p.m. and was scheduled to resume for a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget at 7:00 p.m. Consent Calendar - Department of Public Safety: Memorandum of Agreement for cost recovery for Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad. - Department of Public Works: Application for Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration for drinking water projects. - Circuit Court: Fiscal Year 2026 grant application for Adult Treatment Court. - Department of Public Safety: Grant application for local flood-risk reduction at 6851 12th St., North Beach. All four items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the 11:45 a.m. public comment period. Discussion Items - FEMA Grant Hold (Old Business): Emergency Management Division Chief Mike Rears and Hazard Mitigation Specialist Stacy O'Donnell presented on multiple FEMA grants placed on hold for further review. The county has unexpended funds of $654,660.94 and outstanding reimbursements of $916,021.69 in hazard mitigation assistance. Other grants affected include Emergency Management Planning Grant ($164,777.64 outstanding), State Homeland Security Program ($38,797 outstanding plus $93,000 in progress), and Port Security Grant ($600,000 unexpended). The division recommended continuing with the demolition of a cliff-side property, pausing new elevation and acquisition projects, and completing four in-progress SHSP projects. Commissioners voted to direct the county administrator to review all federal grants (motion carried) and accepted the division's recommendations (motion carried). - Armory Site Development Budget Amendment (Public Hearing): Director Julie Oberg presented a budget amendment to allocate an additional $454,270.67 from the Rural Maryland Economic Development Grant for the Armory site project, including an ice rink and commercial kitchen. The total grant contribution from the Tri-County Council now exceeds $2 million. The board closed the public hearing and approved the resolution and budget amendment BA 2025-000310 unanimously. - Tri-County Council Presentation: Executive Director John Hartline presented a check for $454,270.77 in forward funding for the Armory project, noting the funds were reallocated from other counties that could not complete their projects. - Personnel Code Amendments (Work Session): Human Resources Director Melanie Woodson, Deputy Director Dina Davis, and Finance Director Bruce Miller led a discussion on proposed amendments to Part 3 of Chapter 86 (Pay Plan and Adjustments). Key topics included: - Transitioning from daily overtime to weekly overtime (following FLSA guidelines). - Compensatory leave (comp time) management: many employees carry large balances, creating a $1.4 million liability. Options discussed included annual payout, capping balances, or eliminating comp time. Sheriff's Office Lt. Col. Payne stated eliminating comp time would cost an additional $800,000 annually in overtime. Commissioner Hart suggested capping at 100 hours and paying out annually. - Proposed standby pay of $22.50 per day ($106,000 annual cost). - Expanding shift differential to all non-exempt employees for hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. (expected savings of $52,000). - Increasing Field Training Officer pay from $1 to $2 per hour ($23,000 additional cost). - New critical incident response pay for exempt employees (estimated $137,000). - Other adjustments: promotion step increases, holiday premium pay, and call-in pay changes. - Commissioners requested fiscal notes on all proposals before further action. The board indicated support for a one-time annual payout of comp time with a 100-hour cap, and payment upon promotion. Staff will refine the amendments and return for a public hearing. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - FEMA Grant Hold: Two motions carried: (1) county administrator to evaluate all federal grants, (2) acceptance of Emergency Management's recommendations to continue demolition, pause new elevation/acquisition, and finish in-progress SHSP projects. - Armory Budget Amendment: Approved and adopted (resolution and budget amendment BA 2025-000310). - Personnel Code Amendments: No formal vote; staff directed to incorporate commissioner feedback, include fiscal notes, and schedule a public hearing. - Executive Session: Motion to recess into closed session under §3-305(b)(1), (4), (5), (7), and (8) carried unanimously. - Public Hearing (Evening): The FY2026 Staff Recommended Operating and Capital Budget public hearing was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. that evening.

The Calvert County Board of Appeals held a public administrative hearing on March 6, 2025, to consider two variance applications. The board unanimously approved both requests after hearing testimony and reviewing evidence. The meeting also included an administrative update on a previous appeal and opened the floor for public comment, which yielded no speakers. Case 24-4206: Cox – Critical Area Variance for Porch Addition - Applicants: Michael and Anna Cox, owners of 5500 Sixes Road, Prince Frederick (Tax Map 26, Parcel 246). - Request: A Critical Area variance to allow construction of a wraparound porch (approximately 500 sq. ft.) and an enclosed addition on the north side of an existing residential structure located within the Critical Area Buffer. - Background: The dwelling was originally permitted in 2019 as a single-family home but was mistakenly re‑permitted as a “pole barn” due to a staff error. The variance pertains only to the porches; the legalization of the dwelling as a residence will occur through the building permit process. The property is zoned Farm and Forest District/Critical Area/Resource Conservation Area (FFD/CA/RCA). - Key Testimony: Applicants argued that the porches are necessary for safe ingress/egress (three exterior doors at 10 ft elevation), for structural integrity, and to provide shade in a house without central air conditioning. They emphasized that the entire parcel is in the Critical Area, that the original site plan placed the house outside the 100‑ft buffer, and that the buffer was expanded in 2021. The applicants also noted that 13 letters of support were submitted from neighbors and environmental experts (e.g., Dr. Walter Boynton, Tom Horton). The Critical Area Commission submitted a late comment letter (received the morning of the hearing) questioning the size of the porch and other issues; the board accepted it over objections about timing, noting that only one paragraph was relevant to the porches. Staff recommended conditions related to mitigation and permitting. - Board Discussion: Members acknowledged the importance of the porches for safety and the project’s long history. They agreed that the variance was the minimum adjustment needed and that the applicants had demonstrated unwarranted hardship due to the property’s Critical Area location and changing regulations. - Vote: Unanimous approval (5‑0). The order includes a condition that the Coxes must comply with all county permitting requirements. Case 25-4214: Kadjeski (COA Barrett, LLC) – Forest Conservation Variance for Specimen Tree Removal - Applicant: Joe Kadjeski of COA Barrett, LLC, on behalf of property owner Dowell Properties, LLC. The property is 25 Armory Road, Prince Frederick (Tax Map 24, Parcels 779 & 598), zoned Town Center District. - Request: A Forest Conservation variance to remove 38 specimen trees (≥30 inches DBH) to construct a two‑story assisted living and memory care facility (86 units) and ten age‑restricted residential duplex cottages (20 units). - Project Details: The project is located in the Prince Frederick Town Center, a priority funding area. The applicant’s representative, Doug Cooper of SHA Capital Partners, testified that Calvert County is “woefully underserved” for senior housing, with only Asbury (24 assisted living units) and the Hermitage (skilled nursing) in the county. The facility would employ 50‑55 full‑time equivalents and provide a purely rental model (no entry fees). - Site Constraints: Engineer Joseph Kadjeski explained that of the 22.18‑acre site, only about 10.8 acres are buildable due to steep slopes, streams, wetlands, and buffers. The design was downsized three times: from an initial 62,000 sq. ft. one‑story building with 20 duplexes, to a two‑story 41,300 sq. ft. footprint with 10 duplexes, reducing specimen tree removal from 57 to 38. The project will place over 8 acres of existing forest into a conservation easement (exceeding the minimum requirement of 6.7 acres by 20%). Stormwater management facilities (micro‑bioretention, extended detention pond) will mitigate water quality impacts. - Board Discussion: Members noted the project’s alignment with the comprehensive plan (town center development, housing variety) and the need for senior care. They questioned the viability of the downsized project; the applicant affirmed it remains feasible. No public comments were submitted. - Vote: Unanimous approval (5‑0). The motion included findings that special topographical conditions exist, the variance is the minimum adjustment, and it will not injure the public interest or water quality. Administrative Session - Update on Appeals: Staff reported that the Maryland Supreme Court denied a writ of certiorari in David Gilbert v. Calvert County Board of Commissioners (Petition No. 386, September Term 2024), upholding the lower court’s decision. No update was available on the Running case. Public Comment - No members of the public offered comments. Key Outcomes - Case 24-4206 (Cox): Critical Area variance granted unanimously, subject to compliance with county permitting conditions. - Case 25-4214 (Kadjeski): Forest Conservation variance granted unanimously, allowing removal of 38 specimen trees for the assisted living and memory care development. - Administrative: The board acknowledged the final court ruling on the Gilbert appeal. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after a unanimous vote.

The Calvert County Planning Commission held a regular meeting on March 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Harriet E. Brown Community Center in Prince Frederick, with virtual participation available. All seven commissioners were present, establishing a quorum. The agenda was amended to move the executive session to the end of the meeting, and the summary of actions from the January 15, 2025 regular meeting was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Master Plan of Town Centers (Long Range Planning): Tay Harris, Long Range Planner, presented a proposal to consolidate all individual town center master plans into a single document called the Master Plan of Town Centers. Chapter 1 would include county-wide background and goals, with subsequent chapters dedicated to each town center. A timeline was proposed for adopting the Prince Frederick and Dunkirk chapters, with a public hearing targeted for May 2025. Staff recommended prioritizing updates based on the oldest plans (Owings, Huntingtown, Lusby, Solomons, St. Leonard). The commission voted unanimously to adopt the staff's proposal to consolidate and follow the proposed timeline. - Lusby Architectural Review Committee (LARC) Case 2024-02 – Lusby AutoZone: Jessica Gaetano, Planner III, presented an application for a new AutoZone store in the Lusby Commons shopping center. The proposed building facade is 100 feet in length, exceeding the 50-foot limit, but staff recommended approval because the project meets conditions for an extension up to 150 feet. The architectural review committee lacked a quorum, so staff reviewed administratively. The commission voted 7–0 to approve the facade length and application as recommended by staff. - Hallowing Point Park Master Plan Update: Stephanie Sperling, Park Planner, presented a draft master plan update based on a survey with over 2,000 responses. Proposed improvements include synthetic turf fields, a paved walking path, improved baseball fields with dugouts, a new pavilion, tot lot, skate park, and expanded basketball court. The commission voted to direct staff to send the plan to agencies for review, schedule a public hearing for May 21, 2025, and notify agencies and adjoining jurisdictions at least 60 days in advance. - Department of Public Works Text Amendment 25-01: James Ritter, Deputy Director, proposed an amendment to require all county-owned facilities within 300 feet of public water and sewer lines to connect, improving efficiency and environmental sustainability. During discussion, it was noted that no existing facilities are affected, and irrigation wells would be exempted. The commission voted to direct staff to add language clarifying that agricultural irrigation wells are not affected, then send the amendment to agencies for review, schedule a public hearing for May 21, 2025, and notify agencies and adjoining jurisdictions at least 60 days in advance. Public Comments & Testimony - David Beary (speaking for himself) expressed concern that the public would not have adequate time to review and comment on Chapter 1 of the Master Plan of Town Centers before the hearing. Staff responded that Chapter 1 mostly contains previously vetted material and will be available for public comment at the hearing. - Sean McGuire (speaking on behalf of Save Lusby Inc.) provided an update on the Lusby Villas project appeal, informing the public of ongoing litigation and urging community support to oppose the development. He did not direct comments to the commission due to legal advice against discussing the project. - Sarah Weems (Lusby resident, speaking virtually) questioned the addition of an AutoZone across from an existing auto parts store, arguing that Lusby needs different businesses such as a fitness center. She expressed frustration that projects like the AutoZone are approved while necessary facilities are overlooked. - Megan Farringer (Lusby resident) also criticized the AutoZone approval, urging the commission to consider unique businesses that improve quality of life, such as a gym, rec center, or library. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval (7-0) of the Master Plan of Town Centers consolidation and timeline. - Unanimous approval (7-0) of the Lusby AutoZone facade length and architectural review application. - Approval (unanimous) to proceed with Hallowing Point Park Master Plan public hearing process (schedule hearing for May 21, 2025). - Approval (unanimous) to proceed with Text Amendment 25-01 public hearing process, with an added amendment clarifying irrigation well exemptions. - The commission entered an executive session for legal consultation regarding pending litigation (public not present) and later adjourned. - The next regular planning commission meeting was announced for March 19, 2025.