Public Meetings - Calvert County, Maryland

The Calvert County Board of Appeals convened on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Chesapeake Hearing Room, Prince Frederick, in a hybrid format. The Board heard five cases: four variance/special exception requests and one alleged error decision. Key outcomes included approval of variances for a townhome development, a pet grooming home occupation, a single-family home on steep slopes, and a pier, plus a ruling that the zoning officer erred and the Board granted a tolling of a site plan approval during pending litigation. Case 1: Case 25-4236 – Variances for Wetland/Stream Buffer Impacts (305 & 445 Main Street, Prince Frederick) - Applicant: Anthony Olekson of COA Barrett, LLC on behalf of Main Street Development Partnership. - Request: Two general variances for impacts to a wetland and stream buffer (not for stormwater management) to construct 24 townhomes and one commercial office building on a narrow, steeply sloping lot. - Public Testimony: None. - Discussion: The lot has limited frontage and a 40-foot elevation drop. The existing sewer connection lies within the buffer. The applicant argued the variances are the minimum necessary; stormwater management will improve downstream conditions. The Board questioned the lack of a final site plan but accepted that variances must precede planning commission review. - Outcome: Motion to grant the variances passed 4-1 (Mr. Ireland opposed). Conditions include site plan approval from Calvert County staff and an approved mitigation plan at a 2:1 planting ratio as determined by the county environmental planner. Case 2: Case 25-4237 – Special Exception for Home Occupation (8821 Limerick Lane, Owings) - Applicants: Brittany & Jarrett Baumgartner. - Request: Special Exception Class B to operate a mobile pet grooming trailer with on-site appointments. The trailer will be parked in the driveway; gray water disposed at Lusby landfill. - Public Testimony: Two emails of support were read into the record. - Discussion: Mr. Clark expressed concern about setting a precedent for commercial mobile units in residential areas. Staff clarified that home occupation rules govern the business, not the trailer type. The applicants noted they have no employees and only one client at a time. - Outcome: The Board granted the special exception with an added condition that it applies only to the current property owners at the current location. Vote: unanimous. Case 3: Case 25-4225 – Critical Area Variance & General Variance for Steep Slopes (1116 El Paso Circle, Lusby) - Applicant: Jeff Toewell of COA Barrett, LLC for property owners Roger & Kristie Reed. - Request: Critical area variance for disturbance of steep slopes and general variance to reduce the 10-foot setback off steep slopes to 0′ for a Cape Cod house with basement, deck, and stoop. - Public Testimony: Four emails of opposition were noted (Charles Lumadue, James McQueen, Pawan Gupta, John Trass). John Trass attended virtually and questioned the validity of a 20-year-old perk test; staff confirmed the health department renewed it. - Discussion: The applicant proposed an earth berm and stone outlet structure to direct runoff away from a downstream neighbor. The Board discussed the permanence of the berm and potential liability. - Outcome: The Board granted both the general variance and the critical area variance, with conditions requiring the proposed stormwater management plan and sediment control, using best available technology at the time of construction. Votes: unanimous on each. Case 4: Case 25-4239 – Variances for Lateral Line Setbacks (358 Gideon Lane, Solomons) - Applicant: Jeff Toewell on behalf of Suzanne Weems. - Request: Two variances to reduce lateral line setbacks from 25′ to 8′ (adjoining Parcel 349) and to 11′ (adjoining Conservation Open Space B) for a 6′ x 16′ pier on Back Creek. - Public Testimony: None. - Discussion: The lot has only 32 feet of waterfront; the 25-foot setbacks overlap. The pier will not extend into the harbor line. No opposition received. - Outcome: Motion to grant both variances passed unanimously. Case 5: Case 25-4238 – Decision on Alleged Error (Lusby Villas, 11770 Lusby Parkway, Lusby) - Applicant: Stephen Oberg of Council Baradel on behalf of Lusby Town Center, LLC. - Request: Review of the zoning officer’s interpretation (Item 4) that the detailed site development plan approval is not tolled during pending litigation over the final subdivision plan. The applicant seeks a ruling that the three-year approval clock is tolled. - Public Testimony: Vicky Richardson (local resident) and Larry Singer (Save Lusby, Inc.) spoke in opposition, citing traffic, crime, and overdevelopment concerns. - Discussion: The zoning officer, Rachel O’Shea, testified that the zoning ordinance does not authorize administrative tolling; therefore, she could not grant it. The county (Jason Brinkley, Director of Planning and Zoning) argued that tolling is a judicial remedy, not administrative. The applicant argued that the officer failed to make a decision and the Board has authority under Section 30-9 to issue a new order. - Outcome: The Board first voted 3-1-1 (Mr. Ireland, Mr. Briscoe, Mr. Clark in favor; Ms. Wagner abstained; Ms. Dolwell opposed) that the zoning officer erred by not rendering a decision on the tolling request. Then, on a motion to toll the site plan approval until litigation is finalized, the Board voted 5-0 to grant the tolling. The Board issued an order tolling the expiration of the detailed development plan during the pendency of the court case. Public Comment - Vicky Richardson (11995 Rousby Hall Road) expressed frustration with traffic, school capacity, and crime related to the Lusby Town Center development. She said residents feel unheard and that the Board is catering to wealthy developers. - Larry Singer (Lusby resident and Save Lusby, Inc. vice president) stated that 276 apartments would bring Section 8 tenants from Baltimore, increase crime, and strain infrastructure. He threatened to sue the Board for overriding planning staff and the zoning officer’s opinion. Key Outcomes - Case 25-4236: Variances granted 4-1 with conditions (site plan and mitigation plan approval). - Case 25-4237: Special exception granted unanimously with condition applicable to current owners. - Case 25-4225: General and critical area variances granted unanimously with stormwater management conditions. - Case 25-4239: Lateral line setback variances granted unanimously. - Case 25-4238: Board found zoning officer erred (3-1-1); then unanimously granted tolling of site plan approval during litigation. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:00 PM after public comment.

A virtual special meeting was held on January 28, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The agenda was amended to remove one new business item. The meeting featured a presentation on data centers from a Virginia county, followed by votes on data center siting parameters, several funding approvals, appointments, and a consent agenda. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Department of Public Safety: First Amendment to Lusby Tower Lease Agreement with CellCo Partnership (Verizon Wireless) – approved. - Department of Parks & Recreation: Forest Service Prescribed Burning – approved. - Department of Planning & Zoning: Recertification of Calvert County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program – approved. - Department of Parks & Recreation: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Equity Mini-Grant – approved. - Department of Communications & Media Relations: Board of County Commissioners Citations, Proclamations and Letters of Greeting Administrative Policy – approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comment either in person or online. Presentation – Data Centers in Mecklenburg County, Virginia - Alex Gottschalk, County Administrator of Mecklenburg County, VA, presented an overview of his county’s experience with large-scale data center campuses since 2008. Key points included: data centers now comprise 40% of Mecklenburg’s total real estate valuation; the county has the lowest real estate tax rate in Virginia and has funded $300 million in school construction without raising taxes; the industry has increased local incomes by $55 million over two years; construction traffic caused road damage, but the industry paid for repairs; noise complaints have been minimal; water usage is from a lake with plant expansion paid by the industry; and the county applied a reduced personal property tax rate of $0.66 per $100 on computer equipment (versus $3.26 general rate). Commissioners asked about power sourcing, transmission upgrades, housing displacement, setbacks, and consultant use. Gottschalk recommended pre-negotiating infrastructure improvements and hiring external engineering firms for road assessments. Discussion Items - Motion for Data Center Siting Parameters: Commissioner Hance introduced a motion requiring future data centers to: (1) use closed-loop cooling systems, (2) be banned from drilling wells for cooling, (3) collect all roof runoff for cooling, (4) pay all associated infrastructure costs, and (5) use Tier 4 diesel generators for backup power. The motion also directed that these requirements be incorporated into a zoning text amendment and that a work session be scheduled for February 10, 2026, to discuss additional parameters. The motion passed unanimously (4-0, with Commissioner Hart present online). - Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) – Additional FY2026 Recommendations: Two additional awards were approved: $547,469.68 total (corrected from a transposed number in the memo). The Calvert County Health Department received funding for a behavioral health crisis response program, and Mount Olive United Methodist Church received funding for youth programs in the Yardley Hills community. The motion passed unanimously. - Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Collection Contract: A six-year contract with Eagle View was approved for biannual aerial flyovers. Cost increases from $40,400 to $50,400 per year (3.76% annualized). The new imagery will have nine times greater resolution. Staff noted the data integrates with permit and public safety systems. The motion passed unanimously. - FY2026 Opioid Restitution Fund Recommendations: Three applications totaling $154,500 were approved (with an additional three deferred for direct procurement of training). Budget amendment BA2026-000528 was adopted. The motion passed unanimously. - Budget Amendments for Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park: Two budget amendments (BA2026-512 and BA2026-513) were approved to align the project budget with state CROF funds, increasing state grant revenue by $5,735,985. The motion passed unanimously. - Motion to Explore an On-Call Data Center Consultant: Commissioner Hance moved to direct staff to explore retaining an on-call consultant for data center negotiations. The motion specified no financial obligation at this stage; staff would bring back options for a future vote. Approved unanimously. Commissioner Reports - Commissioners thanked county road crews and first responders for exceptional snow and ice removal. Several commissioners reported attending the opening of the Maryland legislative session in Annapolis, noting bills that would reduce local control over housing density. Commissioner Cox urged residents to check on neighbors during the continued cold weather. The one-year anniversary of the national airport tragedy was acknowledged. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda (5 items) unanimously. - Approved all appointments: Commission for Women (Michelle Redding), Ethics Commission (John Kaiser, Ray Shackelford, Laura Regan as alternate), Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (Brad Ray), Board of Library Trustees (Emily Barson), Environmental Commission (Richard Rapier and James Levin), and updated annual committee assignments for 2026. - Approved data center siting parameters (specific requirements and text amendment direction) unanimously. - Approved CRRF additional funding ($547,469.68) unanimously. - Approved GIS data collection contract (Eagle View, 6-year) unanimously. - Approved opioid restitution fund awards ($154,500) and budget amendment unanimously. - Approved Ward Farm budget amendments (BA2026-512 and BA2026-513) unanimously. - Directed staff to explore an on-call data center consultant unanimously. - Scheduled a work session for February 10, 2026, to further discuss data center regulations. - Recessed to executive session at approximately 1:00 p.m. for personnel, legal, and business discussions.

The Calvert County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Chesapeake Room at 150 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD. All seven commissioners were present (Commissioners Bury, Freeland, Gadway, Kernan, McQueen, Toohey, Weems), establishing a quorum. The meeting included routine approvals, a work session on the Water & Sewer Comprehensive Plan 2025 Update, scheduling updates, and a public comment period. Consent Calendar - Approved the proposed agenda for the evening. - Approved the Summary of Actions from the December 17, 2025 Regular Meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Bob Estus, speaking on behalf of the Friends of Hunting Creek, expressed concern about the inadequacy of current rainfall models used for stormwater management design. He noted that a 2024 report from CBL provided recommendations that have not been implemented, and that updates to the Calvert County Construction Standards book or a temporary rainfall requirement could serve as a stopgap. He urged the Planning Commission to encourage faster action to prevent inadequate stormwater facilities. Discussion Items Work Session: Water & Sewer Comprehensive Plan 2025 Update - The Department of Public Works (DPW) presented the draft update to the Water and Sewer Comprehensive Plan. Cheyenne Nader (Project Engineer) and Francis Monkowski (WRA consultant) outlined the plan's purpose, key updates, and approval schedule. Major changes include updates to groundwater supply tables, removal of decommissioned wells, addition of new wells, revised CIP projects, and updated maps. - Commissioners raised questions: - Commissioner Kernan asked about data center impact on aquifers. Director J.R. Cosgrove replied that data centers may use gray water (treated effluent) rather than groundwater, and the county would prefer that approach. - Commissioner Bury asked about naturally occurring arsenic in wells. James Ritter (Deputy Director of Enterprise Funds) clarified that only the Marley Run water system requires arsenic removal filters; other systems are monitored and remain below the 10 mg/L average. - Commissioner Freeland inquired whether the Northern High School sewer system redesign accounts for the school's ongoing addition. Director Cosgrove stated the design would need to be reviewed, but agreed it should be considered. - Commissioner Kernan noted that he had submitted written comments on outdated data in the plan and suggested updating those sections before agency review. Key Outcomes - Motion made and seconded to direct staff to send the Calvert County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan 2025 Update to agencies for a 60-day review. Approved unanimously (7-0). - The public hearing for the plan is scheduled for April 15, 2026. - The February 18, 2026 Public Hearing was scheduled for the Draft Dunkirk Town Center Master Plan and the Solid Waste Plan. - A discussion on the Prince Frederick employment center zones will be brought back to the Planning Commission for consideration, with a potential public hearing in March. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned after public comment. No additional items were discussed.

The Board of County Commissioners met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Prince Frederick, Maryland. The meeting included proclamations, a public hearing on the Prince Frederick Town Center Master Plan update, a public hearing on the Opioid Restitution Fund budget amendment, new business items, and presentations on the Police Accountability Board and the Calvert Safe Housing Network. The meeting concluded with public comment and commissioner reports before recessing to executive session at approximately 1:40 PM. Consent Calendar - Department of Economic Development: Maryland 250 Once in a Generation Grant Application – Approved. - Department of Planning & Zoning: Historic Preservation Tax Credit 2025-07 (Patuxent Manor) – Approved. - Department of Community Resources: Mutual Assistance Agreement for Disaster Response – Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing on Prince Frederick Master Plan (December 2, 2025 continuance): One member of the public, Joe Cormair, spoke about the Owings Town Center, expressing that the public’s comments were not being heard and that the proposed expansion into farmland and watersheds was unwanted. He urged the board to listen to public input. - Public Hearing on Opioid Restitution Fund Budget Amendment: No public comments were offered in person or by phone. - General Public Comment (1:30 PM): - Joe Cormair (self) criticized the county for redacting the name of a third party in an agreement, alleging lack of transparency. He also raised concerns about a proposed data center campus in Lusby, stating that plans show encroachment on historical sites (two tobacco barns and the Baltimore and Drum Point Railroad) and that the county should require data centers to generate their own power without new transmission lines. - Myra Gowins (Calvert Citizens Inc.) expressed frustration with the Board of County Commissioners, accusing them of backroom deals and failing to protect citizens in the First District. She referenced a recent appeals board meeting regarding a proposed apartment project in Lusby, alleging that the board did not ask questions and that a Memorandum of Understanding was never recorded in land records. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Draft Chapters 1 & 2 of the Prince Frederick Town Center Master Plan Update (Continuation): - Jason Brinkley (Planning & Zoning Director) and Tay Harris (Long Range Planner) presented updates. The board had previously requested analysis of the employment center (EC) zone parcels to be included in the town center. Approximately 252 acres of EC land to the north (Calvert Health site) have no known development potential; 50–60 acres to the west are developable but constrained by steep slopes. The current EC zone allows only limited residential uses (max 4 du/acre). Staff proposed creating an “edge commercial” subdistrict to prohibit residential development while fulfilling the comprehensive plan’s goal of phasing out EC zones. Commissioner Hart expressed concerns about unknown future uses and traffic, preferring to leave the area unchanged. Commissioner Hance noted that Prince Frederick is already overburdened. Commissioner Grasso moved to restart the approval process by directing staff to modify the master plan to designate the EC area as edge commercial, send it back to the Planning Commission for public hearing, and then return to the BOCC. The motion passed unanimously. - Public Hearing – Opioid Restitution Fund Budget Amendment (BA2026-000528): - Jennifer Moreland (Community Resources Director) presented. The county has received over $1.3 million in opioid restitution funds. Six applications totaling $309,000 were submitted; only $154,500 is requested for FY2026 to establish a spending category for program administration. The board held the hearing and voted to leave the record open for 10 days per Local Government Article 9-105. Adoption will be deferred until at least 10 days after the hearing. - New Business – Approval of Multi-Year Contracts for Phone System Maintenance: - Stephen Pereira (Technology Services Director) and John Silcox presented. Three maintenance contracts for the county’s VoIP phone system are being renewed. Staff recommended a multi-year contract to lock in pricing and avoid 5–10% annual escalations. The board approved the motion to adopt the resolution authorizing the multi-year contracts with Avaya (the existing vendor) and authorizing the County Administrator to execute them. - New Business – Priority Funding Area Certification Request in North Beach: - Tay Harris presented. A failing septic system at 3690 Third Street needs connection to public sewer. The Maryland Department of Planning advised that the area qualifies as a Priority Funding Area (PFA) because it is a growth area on the 2017 tier map and designated S1/W1 in the Water and Sewer Plan. The Planning Commission found consistency on December 17, 2025. The board certified the PFA request unanimously. - Presentation – Calvert County Police Accountability Board 2025 Year-End Report: - Melanie Woodson (HR Director), Ed Baylor, and Susan Justice (PAB/ACC chairs) presented. The board has been operating for 3.5 years. In 2025, the Sheriff’s Office handled over 110,000 calls for service with only 32 complaints (0.03% complaint rate). The Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) reviewed 32 complaints; only a few resulted in policy violations (mostly body camera issues, now resolved). One case went to trial board. The board has conducted outreach, but no public attended library meetings. They aim to improve public awareness. The commissioners commended the board and Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation and low complaint rate. - Presentation – Calvert Safe Housing Network: - Peg Haskellow (Executive Director) presented the nonprofit, founded in early 2025. Services include emergency hotel placements, affordable housing assistance, financial aid, and case management. Since May 2025, they have served 31 adult survivors and 21 children, responded to 112 crisis calls, provided nearly 1,500 safe nights, and helped 13 survivors obtain permanent housing. They are transitioning operation of Safe Harbor Shelter (25 beds) to Calvert Safe Housing. The proposed FY27 budget is $926,250, with a request of $277,500 from the county (same as prior year funding for Safe Harbor). The board expressed strong support and thanked the team. Key Outcomes - Prince Frederick Master Plan: The board voted to restart the approval process for the EC-to-TC conversion by directing staff to create an edge commercial subdistrict, return to the Planning Commission for public hearing, and then come back to the BOCC (estimated 4–6 months). - Opioid Restitution Fund Budget Amendment: The record was opened for 10 days; adoption will occur after that period. - Phone System Maintenance Contracts: Approved multi-year contracts with Avaya, authorizing the County Administrator to execute. - North Beach PFA Certification: Approved unanimously. - Commissioner Reports: Several commissioners reported attending Eagle Scout ceremonies, a Cub Scout meeting, the opening of a new indoor play park, and a corrections graduation. A “Night to Remember” event for special needs individuals was announced for February 28, 2026. The board also noted the start of the legislative session in Annapolis. - Executive Session: The board recessed to executive session at approximately 1:40 PM to discuss personnel matters per General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(1)(i).

On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Calvert County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting at 150 Main Street, Prince Frederick, Maryland, convening at 9:00 a.m. The sole agenda item was a closed executive session scheduled for 9:05 a.m., with the agenda listing adjournment at 10:30 a.m. The session was authorized under General Provisions Article, Section 3-305(b)(4) of the Annotated Code of Maryland to consider a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the state. No minutes were available, and the raw transcript is limited to the motion to enter executive session. Executive Session - The board made and seconded a motion to move into executive session, closed to the public. - The motion carried unanimously by voice vote (all in favor, none opposed). - The purpose, as stated in the agenda, was a confidential discussion permitted under §3-305(b)(4) concerning a business/industrial location, expansion, or retention matter. Key Outcomes - The board voted unanimously to enter executive session. - No other public actions were taken. The meeting adjourned per the agenda schedule; the transcript does not record the actual adjournment time.

The Police Accountability Board (PAB) held its regular quarterly meeting on December 23, 2025, to review case trends, hear the Sheriff’s quarterly report, and welcome new members. The board discussed a continued downward trend in citizen complaints, community outreach challenges, and upcoming initiatives. The meeting was adjourned after unanimous approval of the agenda and no public comment. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval: The agenda was approved by unanimous voice vote (all ayes, no nays). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items - Chair Update & End-of-Year Report: The chair announced that a vacancy on the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) has been filled by Patrice Evans, restoring full quorum. The PAB conducted a three-year review confirming all processes are in order. An end-of-year report will be presented to the County Commissioners in January 2026, covering an overview of the Police Accountability Act, the three boards (PAB, ACC, Trial Board), policy recommendations, MOU review, community outreach, and goals for the next year. - 2026 Meeting Dates: The board set meeting dates for 2026: February 25, May 27, August 26, and December 2. The reporting period for complaints was standardized to November 20 through November 19 each year. - New Member Introductions: Two new members were introduced: - Anthony Green, a Chesapeake Beach councilman, Health Department employee, and entrepreneur, expressed interest in bridging neighborhoods and police. - James Johnson, a retired law enforcement officer with 25+ years from DC and Prince George’s County, now serving as a safety advocate at Calvert High School, emphasized mentoring and community-police relations. - Complaint Trends Analysis (2025): The board reviewed a trend analysis showing a progressive decline in complaints since the PAB’s inception. Over a 12-month period, there were 32 complaints (down from 35 in an earlier five-month period in 2022). Only two policy violations were found. Complaints by district were highest in District 2 (central Calvert), attributed to higher congestion and population. In relation to over 110,000 calls for service (with approximately 171 officers), complaints represented 0.03% of interactions. Policy violation subcategories included inaccurate reporting (3), ending recordings (4), equipment issues (3), and conduct toward public (4). The sheriff noted that body-worn camera violations decreased as equipment became routine. - Sheriff’s Third Quarter 2025 Report: The sheriff presented highlights: - School Resource Officer (SRO) Program: Two new SROs added, goal to have a deputy in every school (currently six schools short). Eight hundred school checks conducted in first week. - Recruitment: Three new deputy sheriffs sworn in; an academy class with three more deputies underway. Challenges in finding qualified candidates. - Citizen Police Academy: First class graduated; next class starts March 2026 with applications in February. - Calvert County Sheriff’s Foundation launched to accept donations for community needs and equipment. - DARE program reintroduced in schools; fifth graders included this year. - Online reporting for minor crimes under exploration but not yet adopted. - Traffic and safety: 27,520 calls for service, 1,386 traffic citations, 73 DUIs, 491 accidents, 8,500 warnings. Fatalities reduced from 14 in 2024 to 2 so far in 2025. - Concerns: Organized retail theft, juveniles from out-of-county, drug trends (Kratom, synthetic drugs), and homeless services support. - Drug Awareness and Kratom Discussion: Members raised concerns about Kratom (sold as a dietary supplement) and other synthetic drugs accessible to youth. The sheriff committed to investigating and updating enforcement. - Community Outreach: The board acknowledged poor outreach results this year and discussed future efforts, including potential participation in the county fair. The PAB must define its boundaries before engaging in booths or giveaways. - CLIA Accreditation Update: The sheriff reported that CLIA certification is progressing; agency is expected to be certified by summer 2026 after a panel interview. - Sheriff’s Foundation Board: The foundation is newly formed with four initial board members; seeking civilian members. - Next Meeting Location: All 2026 meetings will be held at the new County Administration Building, 150 Main Street, in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room (Chesspeake Room). - Refresher Training: Voluntary refresher training for ACC and PAB members will be held June 8–9, 2026 (one day each). Key Outcomes - Agenda approved by unanimous vote. - New members welcomed: Anthony Green and James Johnson joined the PAB. - Quarterly report accepted: The sheriff’s presentation was received with no formal vote; members expressed appreciation for the positive trends. - End-of-year report scheduled: Presentation to County Commissioners in January 2026. - Next meeting: Scheduled for February 25, 2026, at the new County Administration Building. - Adjourned: Motion to adjourn carried by voice vote (all ayes).

The Student Safety and Wellness Advisory Committee (SISWAC) met on December 19, 2025, to receive a report from the Modern Facilities and Resources Work Group and to continue reviewing and consolidating recommendations for the committee's final report. The meeting focused on school safety, staff training, mental health resources, and the student code of conduct. Discussion Items Report from Modern Facilities and Resources Work Group - Sergeant Wolford presented findings from a meeting with Larry Titus and Shashita Wall. Key concerns included: the IGen Tech camera system platform, staffing needs for safety advocates and SROs (with understanding of nationwide recruitment challenges), a desire for a full-time IT technician dedicated to safety and facilities to handle firmware, licensing, and repairs, and a dedicated operating and capital budget for school safety. The group also discussed the need for a dedicated security budget to cover unforeseen costs like software updates, data storage, and training, especially for weapons detection systems. A two-year state study on weapons detection systems is underway, with phase one complete. Sergeant Wolford noted that Calvert County is being proactive in evaluating vendors for such systems. The committee chair emphasized that technology alone is insufficient and that dedicated staffing and a dedicated safety budget are critical. Safety advocates reported that there are no substitutes, leaving schools uncovered when advocates are out, and that elementary schools currently have no safety advocates, while middle and high schools have one or two respectively. The work group suggested an additional safety advocate per high school and middle school as a minimum. Review of Final Report Recommendations - The committee reviewed consolidated recommendations, focusing on the following categories: Mental Health Visibility and Accessibility - Recommendation: By July 1, 2027, the Local Behavioral Health Authority (LBHA)/Health Department, in coordination with CCPS Student Services, will release a comprehensive community-aligned mental health and wellness implementation plan. The plan will identify priority needs, define roles, provide a phased timeline, and include evaluation measures. Specific goals include destigmatizing mental health services, creating a district-level communication strategy using student-friendly language, and ensuring regular visibility of supportive staff. The committee agreed the language is broad enough to allow flexibility. School Climate and Community Building - Recommendation: CCPS should implement a district-wide evidence-based bullying prevention program with fidelity. Components include comprehensive staff training, integration of restorative practices, clear implementation expectations, and use of data to monitor effectiveness. The committee discussed the need for urgency (targeting progress by the next school year) and potential barriers such as limited professional learning days. Suggestions included phasing the recommendation and inviting the superintendent to discuss current programs. The committee decided to refine the recommendation further. Communication and Transparency - Recommendation: Create a dedicated district-wide communications role for student safety and wellness. Establish a student-led social media communications team at each school, overseen by school administration, with a district-wide branding guide. The district should have access to school accounts for emergencies. The committee supported this as a way to improve consistent messaging and proactive communication. Code of Conduct Revision - Recommendation: By July 1, 2027, CCPS will complete a comprehensive review and revision of the student code of conduct. Key goals include: creating developmentally appropriate versions (elementary, middle, high school) by 2029, implementing a district-wide communication strategy, and establishing clear guidelines for consistent enforcement. The committee agreed to soften mandatory language ("will") to "recommends" and to allow the school system to determine the process. The committee emphasized this is a top priority, noting that the current code is inconsistently enforced. Bullying Policy - The committee consolidated a duplicate recommendation on bullying into the previous bullying prevention recommendation, adding language for a clearly defined policy specific to bullying, harassment, and intimidation, in alignment with Maryland law. Centralized Resource Hub - Recommendation: Develop a centralized digital hub for families, students, and staff to access student supports, safety information, and mental health services. Include a decision flow chart for common scenarios. The hub should be overseen by the Office of Student Services in collaboration with communications staff and community partners. Threat Assessment and Behavioral Data - The committee discussed training on threat assessment procedures. Consensus was that administrators and counselors should be trained annually, but instructional staff should be informed about the process and early warning signs (not necessarily full training). The committee also recommended a centralized data system for behavioral incidents and a public-facing dashboard to track outcomes and promote transparency. Student Support Services - Recommendations include: increasing access to counseling and support services (both school-based and community), establishing a wellness/de-escalation space in each school (refined to "wellness space for student de-escalation"), reducing caseloads for counselors and social workers (with a goal of 10-20% reduction, but the committee found this vague and will refine), and enhancing staff mental health resources and communication about existing resources (such as EAP). The committee also discussed addressing staffing gaps for school psychologists, personnel workers, and safety advocates, especially at the elementary level. Staff Training and Support - Recommendation: Provide standardized de-escalation training (e.g., Life Space Crisis Intervention) for all staff, but the committee noted that LSCI may be too intensive for all staff and suggested focusing on awareness and applicable skills. Communication of existing staff wellness resources should be enhanced. Youth Mentoring and Partnerships - The committee suggested moving this recommendation into the resource hub and not as a standalone, but to highlight the need to strengthen youth mentoring and positive activity partnerships. Future Meetings and Next Steps - The committee agreed to meet in person in January 2026. Subgroups will work on refining specific recommendations (bullying, code of conduct, caseloads, threat assessment) between meetings. The chair requested a review of the code of conduct section regarding threats to staff, as raised by safety advocates. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered in person or virtually. Key Outcomes - The committee will continue to refine the final report recommendations, with an updated draft to be circulated before the next meeting. - The Modern Facilities and Resources Work Group's report will be incorporated into the final recommendations. - The committee will invite the superintendent and relevant staff (e.g., Suzanne McGann) to provide input on current programs and feasibility. - The next full committee meeting is scheduled for January 2026, in person.

The Calvert County Planning Commission held a regular hybrid meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Chairperson called the meeting to order with a quorum of six members present (Commissioners Freeland, Gadway, Kernan, McQueen, Tui, Weems; Commissioner Burry arrived later). The meeting focused on two long-range planning items: the Dunkirk Town Center Master Plan draft and a Priority Funding Area (PFA) certification request in North Beach. Public comment was none. Consent Calendar - Approved the proposed agenda unanimously by voice vote. - Approved the Summary of Actions from the November 19, 2025 regular meeting unanimously. Discussion Items A. Chapter 1: Town Centers and Chapter 3: Dunkirk Town Center Master Plan (Dec. 2025 Draft) Kat Lockwood, Planner II, presented revisions reflecting agency, departmental, and public comments from a 60-day comment period (June 20 – August 19, 2025). Key updates included fiber-optic expansion (now countywide) and identification of vacant properties 10+ acres. Two parcels of 10+ acres are encumbered by septic drainage fields, forest retention, stormwater management, and planned road ROW, leaving 8–10 developable acres. Two additional parcels (8+ and 4+ acres) are north of the area. Tay Harris noted this information was also shared with the Board of County Commissioners. B. Priority Funding Area Certification Request in North Beach Kat Lockwood explained that the Calvert County Health Department sought state funds via the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to connect a property at 369 3rd Street (failing septic) to public sewer. The proposed PFA certification area includes 506 units within 135 acres, already designated a growth area (Tier 1) in the 2017 Growth Tier Map and the 2010/2019 Comprehensive Plans. The area is designated S1/W1 in the water and sewer plan. Commissioners questioned why adjacent small lots (categorized as S3/W3) were excluded; staff explained they lack current water/sewer access and would require a separate water/sewer category change process. Jason Brinkley noted that some excluded lots may be in flood/marsh areas. Tay Harris indicated the water and sewer plan is scheduled for review by the commission soon. A commissioner commented that leaving out small lots seemed "ridiculous" but acknowledged the need to expedite funding for the failing septic. Key Outcomes - Dunkirk Town Center Master Plan: The commission voted unanimously to advertise a public hearing on January 21, 2026, for the revised draft Chapter 1 (Town Centers) and Chapter 3 (Dunkirk Town Center Master Plan). (Motion by Commissioner [unstated], seconded, voice vote with all ayes.) - North Beach PFA Certification: The commission voted unanimously to find that the proposed PFA certification area is consistent with the Calvert County Comprehensive Plan. (Motion by Commissioner [unstated], seconded, voice vote with all ayes.) This finding enables MDE to allocate funds for the sewer connection. - Commissioner David Burry joined the meeting during the PFA discussion.

The Board of County Commissioners held its regular meeting on December 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting included the election of new board officers, multiple appointments, a distinguished budget award presentation, two public hearings, consent agenda approvals, new business items, a fiscal year 2025 audit presentation, public comment, and commissioner reports. Election of Board Officers - Commissioner Todd Ireland was elected as President of the Board for 2026 (motion by Commissioner Hart, unanimous vote). - Commissioner Mark Cox was elected as Vice President (motion by Commissioner Hart, unanimous vote). - Outgoing President Earl Buddy Hance thanked the board for the privilege of serving. Appointments - Economic Development Authority: Reappointed Dana Jones and Terry Wolfey. No vacancies remain. - Calvert Marine Museum Board of Governors: Reappointed Tim Jervis, Deborah Jacobs, and Michael Jordan. - Fire and Rescue Commission: Appointed Barbara Warner. - Historic District Commission: Reappointed Michael Kent. - Building Board of Calvert County: Reappointed Dale Weems. All appointments were approved unanimously. Award - Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: For the 24th consecutive year, Calvert County received this award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The board recognized the Finance & Budget team for their work. Public Hearings - Department of Public Safety – Proposed Updates to Chapter 7 (Animals): The ordinance, not revised since 2008, was presented. The board voted unanimously to keep the record open for 10 days. No public comment was offered in person or online. - Department of Parks & Recreation – Budget Amendments (BA2026-000512 & BA2026-000513) for Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park: These amendments adjust the CIP to reflect state CROF awards totaling $5,735,985, funding a multi-purpose building, maintenance facility, paved trail, and well. The board voted unanimously to close the record and approve the resolution and amendments. Consent Calendar - Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative easement agreement. - Change of Designation of Resident Agent. - Apparatus grant for St. Leonard Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company 7 (Ambulance 77). - Apparatus grant for Calvert Rescue Dive Team (Utility 12). All consent items were approved unanimously. New Business - Incident Response Software Contract: Approved a three-year, $128,841.89 contract with ESI Acquisition (a Juvare company) for WebEOC software and the new Crisis Track module, which will aid in damage assessments and FEMA grant applications. The contract was approved unanimously. - Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) Recommendations: The board approved $640,000 in FY2026 funding for 14 of 17 applications, supporting youth programming, housing/homelessness prevention, job training, and services for individuals impacted by incarceration in Prince Frederick and Lusby. The board authorized the county administrator to sign grant agreements. Approved unanimously. Presentation - Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Results: Chris Lehman of SB & Company presented the audit. The county received an unmodified (clean) opinion on its financial statements, with no material weaknesses, no instances of fraud, and full cooperation from management. The single audit is still in progress but expected to be clean. The board took no formal action. Public Comments & Testimony - Joseph Cormir (speaking on behalf of himself): Raised concerns about the county’s transparency regarding data center negotiations, noting that Commissioner Hance acknowledged signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). He requested a moratorium on data center contracts until after the November 2026 election. He also questioned water and energy impacts. Key Outcomes - Election of Officers: Todd Ireland elected President, Mark Cox elected Vice President. - Appointments: All five appointments approved. - Budget Award: Recognized. - Animal Ordinance Public Hearing: Record kept open 10 days. - Ward Farm Budget Amendments: Approved. - Consent Agenda: Approved. - Incident Response Software Contract: Approved for three years. - CRRF Funding Recommendations: Approved for FY2026. - Fiscal Year 2025 Audit: Received with no action. - Adjournment: Motion carried at approximately 12:00 p.m. Commissioner Reports - Commissioner Grasso reported on attending an Eagle Scout ceremony, tree lighting, parades, and thanked departing county attorney John Norris and acting CFO Stephen McGibbon. - Commissioner Hart congratulated state championship football teams (Huntingtown, Patuxent), thanked parade organizers, and thanked John Norris for his legal guidance. - Commissioner Cox thanked staff for the parade, congratulated teams, thanked President Hance, and wished a happy holiday. - President Ireland thanked Senator Harris for a meeting, announced plans to recognize championship football teams, thanked donors for holiday decorations, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.