Public Meetings - Carroll County, Maryland

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners held an open session on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the County Office Building in Westminster. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silent reflection, and Priority Carroll announcements, including a proclamation declaring November 4–11 as Operation Green Light for Veterans. Commissioners approved multiple funding requests, contracts, and technology upgrades, discussed cluster subdivision regulations, and directed staff to prepare a public hearing for a potential land transfer to the Veterans Independence Project (VIP) for a Freedom Center. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Item 2 – Farm Museum Security Cameras: Approved funding not to exceed $150,000 from the reserve for contingency to install security cameras at the 145-acre Farm Museum. - Item 3 – Farm Museum Fair Mill Reconstruction: Approved the project with a $100,000 budget, funded by the museum's Patron's Endowment Fund. - Item 4 – Friends of Robert Moton MOU Addendum: Approved the addendum and directed facilities staff to begin planning meetings to build out an African American history museum at the former Robert Moton High School. - Item 5 – Park Field Restoration Funding Advisory Sub-Committee Charter: Approved the charter, authorizing the sub-committee with Chair Gary Davis and Deputy Chair Don Gerkin to develop recommendations for field improvements. - Item 6 – Generator for Patapsco Valley Wastewater Pumping Station: Awarded a $177,192 turnkey contract to Fidelity Power Systems for a 180 KW replacement diesel generator. - Item 7 – Additional Cost for State's Attorney's Office Testing: Approved a $25,000 change order for construction testing and inspection services due to unexpected underground water. - Item 8 – Hammond Avenue Storm Drainage Pipe Replacement: Awarded a $296,000 contract to Kibler Construction Co., Inc. for replacing 1,300 feet of storm drain pipe. - Item 9 – 2026 Pipe Culvert and Storm Drain Rehabilitation: Awarded a $1,730,750 contract to Pleasants Construction, Inc. for cured-in-place pipe lining at 87 locations on 31 roadways, saving an estimated $1.9 million vs. full replacement. - Item 10 – Resolution C-27.01 for CCPN Phase III: Approved a $9,000 budget transfer for the network upgrade. - Item 11 – CCPN Phase III Upgrade Purchase: Approved a $1,533,712.34 purchase from Skyline Technology Solutions, LLC–the final phase replacing end-of-support hardware at county and elementary school locations. - Item 12 – Virtual Timecard Interface (VTI) Clock Upgrades: Approved a $64,240 purchase from IntelliTime Systems Corporation to replace 16 end-of-life time clocks across county facilities. Public Comments & Testimony - Vincent Vertico (chaplain, American Legion Post 120 and VIP): Spoke in support of establishing a Freedom Center for veterans, describing a one-stop resource hub for physical/mental health, housing assistance, case management, and benefit navigation. He stressed that the center would complement existing services and urged the board to continue its support. Discussion Items - Cluster Subdivisions (Item 13): Consultant Troy Truax (Michael Baker International) presented findings and best practices on cluster development, recommending potential code amendments to improve design standards, open space usability, and long-term stewardship. Commissioner Krebs raised concerns about net vs. gross density calculations, lack of design requirements in current subdivisions, and high HOA fees that provide minimal amenities. She noted that the Freedom Master Plan originally intended net developable acreage and that later code changes (adding "gross") have led to dense, poorly designed projects. Commissioner Guerin argued that net vs. gross is less important and that clustering saves infrastructure costs. Commissioner Gordon favored referring the matter to the Planning and Zoning Commission now rather than waiting for the master plan update. After debate, a motion to direct staff to work with the Planning and Zoning Commission on potential amendments to Chapters 155 and 158 passed 4–1 (Commissioner Krebs opposed). Key Outcomes - All contract awards and purchase approvals listed under Consent Calendar passed unanimously. - Cluster Subdivision Referral: The board voted 4–1 to send the consultant's recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further evaluation and possible code amendments. - VIP Freedom Center Land Transfer: The board unanimously agreed to add to the November 5, 2026 agenda a motion to direct staff to schedule a public hearing on a land transfer for the Veterans Independence Project's Freedom Center. - Approved closed minutes from October 22, 2026 for land acquisition. - Agenda for November 2–6 and November 9–15 reviewed and adopted, including a delayed start on November 12 due to a veterans breakfast and the formal farewell to retiring County Attorney Tim Burke. - Operation Green Light for Veterans Proclamation read by Commissioner Guerin, with presentations from the Division of Aging and Disabilities and the Veterans Advisory Council highlighting services and success stories.

On October 28, 2026, the Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) convened the fifth day of hearings in Case 6609, a continuation of Rachann Mayer's application for a conditional use and multiple variances for a commercial kennel of more than 10 dogs at 6270 Davis Road, Woodbine, Maryland, on property zoned Conservation District. The hearing included rebuttal testimony by the applicant's witnesses, questions from unrepresented neighbors, closing arguments from both attorneys, and a unanimous board vote to deny the application. Applicant's counsel noted the hearing had previously convened on May 26, June 26, July 28, September 22, and now October 28, 2026. Rebuttal Testimony - Rachel Mayor, the applicant and owner of the existing Mariah Bell Kennel, testified that the traffic data she provided was a raw, unaltered export from Paul Partner, an industry-standard customer management database; she also described industry employee-ratio standards of 1 staff to 15 daycare dogs and 1 staff to 20 to 25 boarding dogs. She confirmed the six comparable kennels identified by appraiser Tom Wygand all hold Class D licenses (more than 50 dogs), and introduced applicant exhibits 17 and 18 showing those kennels are on agricultural or conservation-zoned parcels ranging from 6 to 37 acres. She said the existing outdoor riding arena was installed by the previous owner and confirmed as permitted at closing, that she planted 50 additional trees near that property line, and that she intentionally placed the proposed kennel at the bottom of a hill for buffering at added excavation cost. She also said 38 of her current clients signed the opposition petition, and that her discussion of the petition aligned with letters received by the board saying some signers did not realize the applicant was Mariah Bell. She withdrew the access-drive width variance and agreed to conditions comparable to her 2025 BZA Case 6574 approval: a maximum of 140 dogs on site and supervision of dogs outdoors between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. - Mike Van Sant, a professional land surveyor previously qualified as an expert in surveying and site design, testified that site-distance issues at existing county intersections are not a county requirement for a property owner to fix, and that fire and EMS review is part of site plan approval. He presented applicant exhibit 19 comparing Davis Road to seven other county roads: Brick Church Road (11.5 to 13 feet wide), Dr. Stitely Road (14 to 18 feet), Jordan's Retreat Road (12 to 16 feet), Hoffman Road (12 to 14 feet), Old Westminster Road (13 to 16 feet), Sam's Creek Road (12 to 16 feet), and Stellar Road (11 to 13 feet). He found no sidewalks on any of them. He also measured substandard sight distances at Old Westminster/Stone Chapel (126 feet available versus 555 feet required) and Stellar/Nicodemus (95 feet versus 390 feet). He described Davis Road as recently paved with asphalt, about 20 to 22 feet wide near the site but 15 to 16 feet in some sections, and said he had no reason to believe the project could not meet stormwater management and health department requirements during site plan review. - Tom Wygand, the applicant's appraisal expert, presented applicant exhibit 20: 13 closed sales near the subject property since March 2026, with nine agents confirming fair negotiation and no influence from the proposed kennel, plus 14 sales within 0.5 miles of Green Acres Pet Center, with 11 agents confirming no influence from that kennel. He criticized opposition appraiser Tom Casper's 10 percent external-obsolescence conclusion as not credible, testifying that Casper did not verify the sale and that Mr. Wygand's own contact with the listing agent for 683 East Watersville Road confirmed the adjacent kennel had no effect on the $350,000 sale price. The board admitted the exhibits with continuing hearsay objections from opposing counsel. - Nick Dribben, the applicant's traffic engineering expert, rebutted opposition traffic expert Lawrence Green. He said the daycare-center trip-generation analogy was inappropriate for a dog daycare/boarding operation with staggered arrivals and overnight boarders. He cited zero police-reported crashes on Davis Road in the vicinity and on Gillis Falls Road near Davis Road from January 1, 2019 through the most recent available 2026 data. Applicant exhibit 21 doubled the previously analyzed traffic to 80 trips per peak hour, and all study intersections still operated at level of service A. Dribben said his best estimate was 28 total trips per peak hour (14 in and 14 out), versus 40 in the original analysis, and that Green's daycare approach assumed 140 dogs instead of the proposed 92 daycare dogs. He also discussed driver familiarity factors, the availability of speed and queuing studies, and said he observed no queuing problems at Mariah Bell. Public Comments & Testimony - Today's unrepresented public participants did not give new formal testimony; they asked cross-examination questions of the applicant's witnesses. McKenzie Cantrus of 6245 Davis Road asked Mr. Van Sant about pedestrian use along Davis Road and the lack of sidewalk space near the subject property. Stephen Uphoff and Julie Uphoff of 6120 Davis Road asked about sidewalks, school bus stops, the recent asphalt paving of Davis Road, whether paved roads encourage higher speeds, and whether sight-distance code requirements have changed over time. Several safety-related questions were objected to and not answered because roadway safety was outside the surveyor's expertise. Closing Arguments - Applicant's attorney Kelly Schaefer Miller argued that the applicant had met the conditional-use standard of Schultz v. Pritz because the proposed kennel would not create adverse effects above and beyond those inherent to any commercial kennel, regardless of location in the zone. She argued the variance standard was satisfied through the property's unique topography, stormwater easement, and irregular shape, and that purchasing property that cannot comply with zoning is not a self-created hardship under Maryland case law. She characterized opposition testimony as based on presumptions rather than evidence, noted the use is permitted by the code in the Conservation District, requested approval of the conditional use and distance variances, and confirmed withdrawal of the access-drive variance. - Opposing counsel Grant Hamadayas Keel argued that the applicant failed both the conditional-use and variance standards. He said the property was not unique, that more than a dozen distance variances could not be justified, that the traffic study underestimated trips and ignored local road conditions and school bus stops, that the external obsolescence analysis relied on distant and non-comparable sales, and that the petition and testimony from nearby residents showed substantial opposition and impacts on quiet enjoyment, property values, school children, a nearby church, and an autistic neighbor. He asked the board to deny the conditional use and variances. Board Deliberation - Board members expressed concerns about the size and intensity of the proposed kennel, which they described as much larger than other kennels in the record, and about the large number of distance variances, with more than half of the requested variances for distances less than 300 feet when 600 feet is the code requirement. - Board Member Caldwell said the use would harm the community, reduce surrounding property values, create a potentially dangerous unmarked left-turn entrance on Davis Road, and impose noise and visual impacts on close neighbors; he did not find the uniqueness argument persuasive. - Another board member said a smaller request, such as a 35-dog kennel, would be a different conversation and would be open to discussing a cap on dogs, but would not approve the current plan with roughly 15 or 16 variances. - Another board member said the case had not shown the use was compatible or appropriate for the location under Section 158.133G and voted no. - Another board member noted the property's very small usable footprint for a kennel without variances, but concluded the scale and intensity of up to roughly 150 dogs, the lack of comparable kennels that size, the road width, sight-distance problems, and impacts on nearby homeowners made the location unsuitable. Key Outcomes - The applicant withdrew the access-drive width variance during rebuttal testimony; the conditional use and remaining multiple variances were considered by the board. - Applicant exhibits 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 were entered into evidence, with hearsay/relevance objections noted for several exhibits. - The BZA voted unanimously on a motion to deny Case 6609, denying the conditional use for a commercial kennel of more than 10 dogs and the associated distance variances. - The board's written decision is to be issued within 30 days, and any appeal must be filed with the Carroll County Circuit Court within 30 days of the written decision.

The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) held public hearings on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Westminster, Maryland. The board approved an extension of a prior conditional-use approval, approved a contractor-equipment-storage conditional use with variances, denied an expansion of a nonconforming mobile home park, and did not take up the scheduled telecommunications facility case. Public Comments & Testimony For Case 6641 (Anchor At Ziles Park mobile home park), three neighboring residents testified in opposition: - Patricia Gamola, an adjoining property owner on Westview Road, expressed total opposition. She cited a 1987 denial of an earlier expansion, a 1995 zoning decision that said enlargement would not promote orderly growth or conserve residential property values, traffic and safety concerns on Route 27, aquifer and well-contamination concerns, the location of proposed septic fields near her well, questions about an on-site storage business and untagged vehicles, open-burning/smoldering incidents, and a July 2026 real-estate listing that described approval for six additional home sites as already received. - Stephen H. Zile, a Ridge Road neighbor, urged denial. He said the 5.1-acre parcel is below the 20-acre minimum for expansion, cited the park's nonconforming status and outdated 1982 site plan, complained about lighting, trash, burn piles, unpermitted storage, untagged vehicles, and traffic accidents along Maryland 27, and submitted copies of the 1986 and 1995 zoning decisions as exhibits. - Timothy Conkling, a Kimberly James Court resident, opposed the expansion because of well-water/aquifer impacts and asked about buffering; the board responded that tree-planting and buffering details would be handled during the site-plan process. Discussion Items - Case 6597 – Vehicle Sales Lot Extension: Brad Miller requested a 12-month extension of the BZA's February 25, 2026, conditional-use approval for a vehicle sales lot at 5339 Enterprise Street, Sykesville. Attorney Kelly Schaefer Miller said the client was working with county staff on a simplified site plan and building-permit compliance, and although the full 12 months might not be needed, it was requested out of caution. The board approved the extension. - Case 6635 – Contractor's Equipment Storage Yard and Variances: Julio and Patricia Coello and Luis Adonay Coelho sought a conditional use for a contractor's equipment storage yard on 3.0029 acres at 4909 Buffalo Road, Mt. Airy. The proposed use would be passive storage only, with no employees at the site, no work performed there, no sign, and no fuel or materials storage. Variances were requested for driveway width, distance from neighboring properties, lot size, and related setbacks. Agency comments included environmental-health concerns about water supply and septic area. Board members noted the property was well maintained, the use was low intensity, and no neighbors appeared in opposition. The board approved the conditional use and variances. - Case 6619 – Telecommunications Facility: The agenda listed a request by The Towers, LLC d/b/a Vertical Bridge for a 199-foot monopole within a 50-by-50-foot fenced compound at 4506 Grave Run Road, Manchester. This case was not heard at this meeting; the transcript includes a reference to a postponed hearing expected in late January or February. - Case 6641 – Mobile Home Park Expansion: Anchor At Ziles Park, LLC requested permission to expand the nonconforming mobile home park at 3513 Ridge Road, Westminster, from seven to thirteen trailers by adding six lots. Applicant representatives Frank Samuel and Charles Knill, with surveyor John Lemmerman, said the existing park had been improved, occupancy was full, no new public-road entrances were proposed, a new well had been drilled, and septic-system upgrades had been designed. Agency and staff comments included planning-staff findings that the request was inconsistent with the 2014 Carroll County Master Plan as amended; a traffic review citing serious roadway-safety concerns along Ridge Road/Maryland 27; and an environmental-health comment requiring adequate water supply and septic-system area. The applicants also noted that they had initially requested 14 additional lots before reducing the request to 6, and the surveyor said an older county-approved site plan had shown 12 additional pads. Key Outcomes - Case 6597: Approved a 12-month extension from October 27, 2026 through October 26, 2027. - Case 6635: Approved a conditional use for a contractor's equipment storage yard with six distance variances, a lot-size variance, and a driveway-width variance. - Case 6619: No action taken; hearing postponed. - Case 6641: Denied the request to expand the nonconforming mobile home park from seven to thirteen trailers. For all decided cases, written decisions are to be issued within 30 days unless extended; any appeal must be filed within 30 days of the written decision.

The Board of County Commissioners convened for its open session on October 22, 2026, at the Carroll County Office Building. The meeting included a morning session starting at 9:00 a.m. and an afternoon session at 1:00 p.m. This summary is based on the published agenda and the transcript of the afternoon bond sale item. No minutes or transcript were provided for the morning items. Morning Session – Scheduled Items (9:00 a.m.) Based on the agenda, the following items were scheduled for discussion and decision. No record of the actual discussion or votes is available. - Item 1: Priority Carroll – No additional details were listed on the agenda. - Item 2: Contract Renewal – Taser Certification and Equipment – Staff recommended approval of an $88,834 renewal with Axon Enterprise Inc. under a competitively bid contract. The amount was budgeted in FY27. - Item 3: Local Care Team (LCT) FY 2026 Annual Report – A briefing on the LCT, which served a record number of families in FY 2026. No decision was required. - Item 4: FY27 MIEMSS Advanced Life Support (ALS) Funding Grant – Staff requested approval to submit an application and accept a $12,000 grant (100% funded, no match) for paramedic continuing education. - Item 5: Revised TrailBlazer Routes – Staff proposed two route changes for Taneytown and North Carroll to improve efficiency and ridership. Staff recommended approval and moving forward with public notice. - Item 6: Carroll Transit System Safety Management Plan – Staff requested approval of an updated Safety Management Plan, required annually under federal regulations. No cost involved. - Item 7: Purchase of Land for Northern Landfill Master Plan – Staff negotiated to purchase 46.328 acres near Reese Road, Westminster, for $3,400,000. Staff recommended approval. Afternoon Session – Bond Sale Award (Item 8, 1:00 p.m.) Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session. Comptroller Jennifer Hobbs presented the results of the bond sale held earlier that day. The county received ten bids on $19.15 million of tax-exempt General Obligation bonds. All three major credit rating agencies reaffirmed the county’s AAA (or equivalent) ratings. The winning bid came from Robert W. Baird & Co. with a true interest cost of 4.15%, which was below the pre-sale estimate of 4.36%. Bond counsel Emily Fusting (McKennon Shelton & Henn LLP) and financial advisor Jennifer Diercksen (Davenport & Company LLC) confirmed that the rate was competitive, noting that the second-lowest bid was less than one basis point higher and that another comparably rated county received a higher rate earlier in the week. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the rating scales and number of bidders. The board then voted unanimously to adopt the Bond Sale Award Resolution, authorizing the sale to Baird and empowering the Board President to execute settlement documents. Key Outcomes - Bond Sale Award Resolution – Approved unanimously by voice vote (motion by a commissioner, seconded). - Other Agenda Items – Staff recommendations were presented for Items 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7, but the outcomes of board decisions on these items are not recorded in the provided materials. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were recorded or transcribed for this meeting based on the available sources.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners met in open session on Thursday, October 22, 2026, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent reflection; Commissioner Krebs was absent. After Priority Carroll updates and the Residence Rights Month proclamation, the Board approved a Taser contract renewal, an FY27 ALS grant application, revised TrailBlazer routes, the updated Carroll Transit Safety Management Plan, and a landfill land purchase. No public comment was offered. Priority Carroll / Reports - Commissioner Gordon reported on the Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center ribbon cutting, National School Bus Safety Week, and the free residential scrap tire recycling event. He also clarified that the Planning and Zoning Commission's unfavorable vote on a self-storage facility could be appealed to the Board of County Commissioners, the Board of Zoning Appeals, or Circuit Court, saying the newspaper article was incomplete on that point. - Commissioner Kiler discussed MOWPA assistance for failing septic systems, volunteer fire company events, the Radcliffe facility, and Carroll Community College trustee activities. He noted the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board voted to raise the self-help limit from $25,000 to $35,000. - Commissioner Vigliotti promoted upcoming community events and early voting, and the Human Resources team announced the fourth annual Carroll County Government Employment Expo on Wednesday, October 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Shipley Arena. - The Board adopted a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Residence Rights Month. Long-Term Care Ombudsmen Gail Gannon and Courtney Clinton reported that Carroll County has 10 nursing homes and 27 assisted living communities with 1,770 long-term care beds, and that ombudsmen made more than 450 visits and attended 76 resident council meetings in the 2026 program year. Discussion and Action Items - Taser Certification and Equipment Contract Renewal - Item 2: Sheriff Jim DeWees requested renewal of the contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. for $88,834, utilizing National Purchasing Partners contract RFP 2530. The Sheriff's Office described the coming transition to the Taser 10 and the use of virtual reality goggles for training. The motion to approve was seconded and carried unanimously. - Local Care Team FY26 Annual Report - Item 3: This was a briefing with no decision. Maria Lowry reported 40 unique LCT referrals and 49 LCT review meetings in FY26, stating both a 63% increase over FY24 and an 11% increase over FY24; the transcript contains this inconsistency. Other data included 55% female referrals, 52% of referrals ages 5 to 11, and the top three presenting concerns unchanged from prior years: anger/aggression, multiple mental health diagnoses, and self-harm or suicide ideation. In response to Commissioner questions, staff discussed social media's impact on female youth and school cell-phone policies. - FY27 MIEMSS Advanced Life Support Grant - Item 4: Fire and EMS Director Michael Robinson requested approval to submit and accept the $12,000 MIEMSS ALS educational grant, which is 100% funded with no match. Funds will support paramedic continuing education for career and volunteer providers. The motion carried unanimously. - Revised TrailBlazer Routes - Item 5: Public Works Director Bryan Bokey and Ride With Us Executive Director Crystal Winebrenner presented Transit Advisory Council-supported changes: remove Hampstead Village Center and NESAP from the North Carroll route, and remove four Taneytown stops (Baumgardner and Roberts Mill, Taneytown Senior Center, George and Baltimore, and Food Lion) while rebranding the Taneytown route as the West Carroll route and adding Union Bridge. NESAP would remain available by deviation near Hampstead school; Commissioner Kiler supported and staff agreed to a one-year waiver of the $1 deviation fee for NESAP riders. Changes would be effective January 1, 2027, with 30-day notice and public notices posted as early as the following Monday. The motion carried unanimously. - Carroll Transit System Safety Management Plan - Item 6: Staff presented the annual PTASP update, noting the main change was MTA's request to use a new template. Zero-fatality, zero-injury, and zero-assault targets were retained, and targets for major events and vehicle collision rate were reduced by one annually. The motion to approve carried unanimously. - Northern Landfill Land Purchase - Item 7: Public Works requested approval to buy 46.328 acres near Reese Road, Westminster, identified as Map 53, Parcel 1003, in fee simple for $3,400,000, for the Carroll County Northern Landfill Master Plan Project. Staff noted the earlier 326 acres were acquired in 2021. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was made in person or by phone during the open session. Administrative and Future Items - In administrative open session, Commissioner Gordon requested a future discussion on restoring the county's waste disposal coupons, which were removed April 2, 2020 by the previous board in a 4-1 vote. The Board agreed to place the topic on a future agenda. - The Board reviewed the upcoming two weeks' agendas, including the October 28 Employment Expo, the November 3 election day, and the November 5 open session items; Commissioner attendance adjustments were made. - Because the bond sale had not yet occurred, the Board voted unanimously to enter closed session for land acquisition, then recess, then reconvene in open session for the bond sale award resolution. The bond sale resolution vote was not reached in the transcript before the closed session began.

The Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission convened on October 20, 2026, to address several significant development proposals and planning initiatives. Key actions included the approval of a major subdivision, the denial of a controversial self-storage facility, the approval of a solar farm, and the initiation of a public engagement process for the Freedom Plan area. The commission also spent considerable time discussing strategies to achieve the county's Agricultural Preservation goals. Routine Approvals - The commission unanimously approved the agenda for October 20, 2026 and the minutes from the July 15, 2026 meeting. - Administrative reports were acknowledged, including two development extensions (Hudson Forest Estates 4 and Liberty Road Crossing) and several upcoming BZA cases. Public Comments & Testimony - Harvest Creek Subdivision (Item 8): Mai Coachunas, a resident of Shalen Drive, requested the commission deny the plans, arguing they do not align with the R-40,000 zoning and would negatively affect traffic and community character. Dan Buford raised a specific property boundary discrepancy based on historical deeds, stating the proposed plat may extend 22.21 feet onto his property, and requested a deferral of approval until the issue is resolved. - Carroll Highlands Self Storage (Item 9): Sarah Penn criticized the original rezoning of the property as a "mistake" and stated the county's response had been "inadequate." Nancy Lynch, an adjacent property owner, provided a detailed analysis arguing the rezoning was a mistake and highlighted a deed restriction on Lot 19 that explicitly prohibits commercial activity, asserting deed restrictions can trump zoning. Multiple speakers read from the Freedom Plan, arguing the project represents a fundamental transformation of their community against their will. - EOTC Bachman Valley (Item 12): Alex Votov, an attorney representing nearby residents, asked the commission to deny the application outright, citing severe safety concerns. A resident detailed the dangerous traffic conditions on Bachman Valley Road and argued the large religious facility does not serve the local community. Discussion Items & Key Outcomes Harvest Creek Final Subdivision (Item 8) - Proposal: Final approval of Section 1 of the Harvest Creek subdivision, consisting of 79 single-family lots off Ridge Road in the Eldersburg area. - Staff Report: Kierstin Marple (Development Review) presented the plan. A concurrency review for Ridge Road showed it was "approaching inadequate," but testing even the full 137 lots with neighboring developments did not cross into the "inadequate" threshold. All other facilities were deemed adequate. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners discussed traffic impacts, open space maintenance (to be handled by the HOA), and landscaping buffering. Commissioner Gordon stressed the importance of making developer commitments to landscaping legally enforceable within the approved plans. - Outcome: Approved. The commission approved the final subdivision plan under Chapter 155 and the concurrency management approval under Chapter 156. Vote: 7-0-1 (Gordon abstained). Building permits reserved for 50 lots in FY26 and 29 in FY27. Carroll Highlands Self Storage (Item 9) - Proposal: Final site plan approval for a 650-unit indoor self-storage facility on Liberty Road (MD 26), zoned C2. The developer had reduced the building height by embedding it into the hillside and exceeded landscaping requirements. - Staff Report: David Becraft (Development Review) noted that a previous county deferral on self-storage had expired, allowing the application to proceed. Staff recommended approval based on compliance with all county codes and SHA requirements. - Commission Discussion: Commissioner Peter Lester strongly opposed the project, arguing the property was a "mistake in zoning," having been rezoned to C2 instead of C1. He cited a deed restriction and questioned the project's compatibility with the neighborhood. Commissioner Hoff acknowledged the code conflict but expressed concern for the residential community. The developer stated they do not believe they are violating the deed restriction. - Outcome: Denied. A motion to approve failed on a tie vote. Chairman Michael Kane cast the deciding "No" vote. Final Vote: 3-4. The developer may appeal the decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Bear Branch Solar (Item 11) - Proposal: Final site plan for a 4MW solar facility on a 63-acre agricultural parcel off Lamb Drive in northern Westminster. - Staff Report: David Becraft presented the plan. The project had a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the state PSC, which included specific license conditions. Staff recommended approval with five conditions. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners inquired about stormwater runoff calculations, resident complaints, bonding, and how the project's energy benefits the local community (answered as part of the state's Community Solar program). The developer agreed to provide the county with copies of all PSC compliance updates. - Outcome: Approved. Vote: 6-0-1 (Gordon abstained). EOTC Bachman Valley Special Report (Item 12) - Purpose: Developer requested clarification on the traffic study and fire/EMS impact analysis requested by the commission at the June 2026 meeting. - Stakeholder Input: Chief Michael Robinson (Department of Fire & EMS) detailed significant concerns, including the need for a 30-foot wide access road, a minimum 30,000-gallon on-site water tank for sprinklers, and proper emergency vehicle turnaround. The church representative stated that special events (1,500-2,000 guests a few times a year) would have traffic control and that buses were used only infrequently. - Outcome: No vote was taken. The developer stated they received the clarification they needed to proceed with preparing the requested studies. Freedom Plan Small Area Amendment (Item 13) - Proposal: Formation of a Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) to provide local input on the amendment study for the MD 26 and 32 commercial corridor. - Staff Report: Tiffany Fossett outlined the project work plan and proposed a CAG of 22 members (community representatives, public safety, business/property owners, real estate/development professionals). - Commission Discussion: Commissioners supported the initiative as critical for gathering input from the Freedom District. - Outcome: Approved. The commission voted to create the CAG and appointed Commissioners Janice Kirkner and Peter Lester as ex-officio members. Vote: 7-0. Agricultural Preservation Program Discussion (Item 10) - Purpose: Staff initiated a strategic discussion on how to achieve the remaining 17,697 acres needed to meet the county's 100,000-acre preservation goal. - Staff Presentation: Chris Heiden and JP Smith presented data on the remaining pool of eligible land, the current ranking criteria, and potential "green flags" and "red flags" for future acquisitions. - Commission Feedback: Commissioner Lester recommended against preserving farms along major transportation corridors where they could be used for economic development. Commissioner Robertson raised concerns about farms that have been heavily subdivided prior to applying for preservation. Commissioner Gordon emphasized the need to be strategic in the program's final phase. - Outcome: No formal action. Staff will incorporate the feedback into a broader discussion with the Ag Pres Advisory Board and the Board of County Commissioners. Other Business - The commission approved the minutes of a closed session held on October 7, 2026, regarding legal advice on code revisions and litigation. Vote: Approved unanimously. - Work sessions for the Master Plan update were scheduled for November 18, 2026, January 20, 2027, and February 17, 2027.

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners met in open session on Thursday, October 15, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Room 311 of the Carroll County Office Building in Westminster, Maryland. The board received opening reports and a proclamation, considered planning and floodplain matters, and approved financial, grant, property, and public works actions. No consent calendar was used; each item was considered individually. All votes were unanimous except the sports complex contract award, which passed 4-1. Opening Remarks and Proclamation - Commissioner Vigliotti thanked county facilities staff and BGE for maintaining power during Columbus Day weekend electrical work, reported on recent regional and community events, and announced that all three major credit rating agencies reaffirmed Carroll County's AAA rating. - Commissioner Gordon recognized Bridging Life as the number-one hospice in Maryland for the second consecutive year, the fifth Carroll County Women's Conference (attended by more than 325 women; scholarships totaling more than $92,450 through 2025), several new businesses, and first responders who handled two vehicle accidents without serious injuries. - Commissioner Guerin reported on the Maryland Shock Trauma board meeting and encouraged residents to attend Stop the Bleed training; Commissioner Krebs reported on a Lakebridge Health strategic retreat and the Women's Conference; Commissioner Kiler reported on Harney Volunteer Fire Company's 75th anniversary and the Farm Bureau banquet. - The Board proclaimed October 20, 2026, as National Community Media Day. Community Media Center representatives accepted the proclamation and noted that the county's cable franchise is due for renewal this year. Public Comments - No in-person or phone public comments were made during the public comment period. Discussion Items and Decisions - Super-Majority Tax Rate Resolution: The board approved a new resolution requiring a supermajority vote for tax rate increases, repealing the 2011 and 2023 resolutions, adding recordation tax, and preventing rates from being reset above today's base. The motion carried unanimously. - Freedom Small Area Plan Amendment: Planning and Land Management staff updated the board on the consultant-led effort to amend the 2018 Freedom Community Comprehensive Plan and consider an overlay zoning district for the MD 26/MD 32 commercial core. The contract with DRS/KCI was awarded May 14, 2026, and the project kicked off June 1. The August 4-6, 2026 site visit included a public open house. Planned next steps include a citizen advisory group, a second open house and joint work session in January, Planning and Zoning Commission review around March-April, and possible adoption about a year later. Commissioner Kiler expressed frustration with the timeline, process transparency, and lack of board input, and raised concerns about storage facility projects under current zoning; staff said the timeline is needed to complete required public outreach and legal process. No vote was taken. - Floodplain Management Code Amendments: The board unanimously directed staff to schedule a public hearing on proposed updates to Chapters 153 and 38 to comply with new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps effective November 27, 2026. Changes include updating from the 2015 maps, adding floodway requirements along the South Branch of the Patapsco River, and modernizing construction standards. Staff reported five structures are newly mapped into the floodplain and no map appeals were filed. Commissioner Krebs asked about flood insurance costs and the impact of stricter local standards; staff explained the minimum federal requirements and the county's Community Rating System discount. - Fire Company Revolving Loan Program: The board unanimously approved a $10 million revolving loan program for the county's 14 volunteer fire companies to finance eligible apparatus purchases. Requests will be reviewed by the Emergency Services Advisory Council and a county Fire Loan Committee before coming to the board. - Financial and Banking Services Signatories: The board unanimously adopted the resolution updating authorized signatories for county bank accounts, adding Investment Manager Laura Tawes. The Comptroller noted the briefing paper incorrectly listed Commissioner Vigliotti, but Commissioner Kiler remains a signatory. - Dulaney Property Transfer: The board unanimously approved transferring the approximately 75-acre county-owned Dulaney property behind Century High School in Eldersburg to the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) for Employment Campus industrial/commercial development. Economic Development Director Denise Beaver and IDA Chair Sue Chambers answered questions about covenants, building quality, and permitted uses. - Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area FY27 Mini-Grant: The board unanimously approved submitting the grant application and accepting the award. The $5,000 state grant for Fair Mill signage will be matched with $5,000 from the Farm Museum's Patron Fund. - MIEMSS Cardiac Devices Grant: The board unanimously approved submitting and accepting the FY27 grant for one Lifepak-35 cardiac monitor. The grant is $37,613.02, with an equal county match, for a total project of $75,226.12. The board amended the motion to correct an eight-cent discrepancy in the briefing paper total before voting. - Carroll County Sports Complex Contract: The board awarded a $393,716.40 landscape architectural and engineering services contract to Site Resources, Inc. for restoration and reconstruction of the Carroll County Sports Complex. Commissioner Krebs voted no, stating she wanted the project considered together with broader recreation equity, youth and volunteer rec council needs, and Freedom-area open space priorities. The motion passed 4-1. - Dr. James Ball Athletic Complex and Facility Additional Cost: The board unanimously approved a $217,536.93 change order to Field Turf USA for loose athletic equipment needed for the regulation NCAA track at Carroll Community College, on top of the original $4,354,854 contract and an earlier $44,964.90 change order. - Routine Purchases and Change Orders: The board unanimously approved: - Purchase of two 2027 Chrysler Pacifica minivans from Hertrich Fleet Services, Inc. for $82,426 for the Senior Inclusion Program. - A $7,305.40 additional cost to Priority Install, LLC for upfitting a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe for the Fire and EMS Safety Officer. - $69,540.50 to Houck and Company, Inc. for Carroll Community College bell tower and N-Building facade repairs. - A $7,000 additional cost to MD Partitions, Inc. to add a fifth cabin to the Hashawha Environmental Center partition project. - $175,629.88 to PDI Sheetz Construction Corporation for repairs to three bridges: CL-251X, CL-306, and CL-324. Administrative Session and Agenda Review - After the public comment period, the board held administrative open session and reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule for the weeks of October 19 and October 26, including the October 22 open session and bond sale. The board then voted unanimously to adjourn. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were approved. The only dissenting vote was Commissioner Krebs on the Carroll County Sports Complex contract award, which passed 4-1. - The board directed staff to schedule a public hearing on the floodplain management code amendments. - No public comments were received. - The board is next scheduled to meet in open session on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

The Carroll County Board of License Commissioners met at 10:00 a.m. on October 14, 2026, in the Reagan Room of the Carroll County Office Building in Westminster, Maryland. The Board heard no corrections to the September 9, 2026 minutes, approved a one-day event license, conducted three contested hearings, and discussed rule changes and administrative updates. All motions passed by voice vote with no opposition. Opening & Administrative Business - No corrections or additions were made to the September 9, 2026 minutes. - Commissioner Barnard said he has learned to produce transcripts of Board hearings and offered to share copies with board members or add them to the minutes; no action was recorded. Public Comments & Testimony - In the Mt. Airy Liquors transfer case, character witnesses Steve Slaughter, Pragnes Patel, and Arunkumar Patel testified that Jayendra Patel is hardworking, customer-focused, and careful about checking IDs. Arunkumar Patel cited her refusal to hire his 17-year-old son as an example of her age-awareness. - In the Tequila y Mezcal MX case, server Mazzy DiCarlantonio, former co-worker Yaritza Sanchez Vera, and Kathleen Kreimer (owner of Esquire Liquors in Union Bridge) supported Joel Castillo as fit and proper, with Kreimer describing him as cautious and particular. One-Day License – ABATE of Maryland Motorcycle Show - ABATE of Maryland, through Rick Dixon and Ken Eaton, requested a one-day license for a motorcycle show and flea market at the Carroll County Ag Center in Westminster on December 12–13, 2026. Eaton estimated roughly 100 attendees per day and said the event would include a beer garden inside Shipley Arena with beer, wine, and limited mixed drinks. - Board members questioned security, ID checks, wristbands, and the risk of adults passing alcohol to minors. The applicant agreed to use different colored wristbands for under-21 and 21-and-over patrons and to keep alcohol within the event space. - The Board approved the license with conditions, including separate age wristbands, no alcohol outside the building, and no liquor sales before noon on Sunday. A Board inspector will be present. Case No. 6629 – Violation: Piper’s Wine & Spirit Barn - Inspector William Ledley testified that on June 26, 2026, at about 8:45 p.m., an underage volunteer purchased a four-pack of Seagram’s Calypso Colada from Piper’s Wine & Spirit Barn in Manchester after the clerk asked for and reviewed the ID but served the volunteer anyway. - Licensee Rick Estes accepted responsibility, described employee training and signs prohibiting vertical IDs, and said the clerk misread the birth date. The clerk was not TIPS/TAMS certified at the time and has since completed a diversion program. - Commissioners noted a prior underage-sale violation in 2020 but credited Inspector Ledley’s assessment that Estes runs a tight ship and characterized the server as a rogue employee. - The Board assessed a $300 fine. The motion recited the license as Class B, while the agenda identified it as Class A; this discrepancy was not addressed on the record. Case No. 6640 – Transfer: Mt. Airy Liquors - Attorney Abraham Hurdle sought approval to transfer the Class A beer, wine, and liquor license for Mt. Airy Liquors at 321 E. Ridgeville Boulevard, Mt. Airy, from Benjamin Golueke/Pineapple, Inc. to Jayendra Patel/Mt. Airy Liquors, Inc. - Hurdle disclosed that Patel is currently named on a Howard County license where a July 2024 underage-sale violation led to a $1,000 fine and a weekend suspension in October 2025. Paperwork to remove her from that license had not yet been filed but was expected before the Carroll County transfer closed. The purchase price was stated as $2.55 million. - Missing items included the SDAT certificate of good standing, workers’ compensation certificate, bulk transfer application, lease assignment, and resolution of 12 permit violations. Current owner Ben Golueke said most violations were resolved and the fire extinguisher issue was being addressed. - The Board approved the transfer with stipulations that all missing documents, permits, and inspections be completed before issuance. Case No. 6634 – New Class B License: Tequila y Mezcal MX - Joel Castillo requested a new Class B beer, wine, and liquor license for Tequila y Mezcal MX at 9 North Main Street, Union Bridge, in the former Buttersburg Inn. The full-service restaurant had been open about 40–45 days and planned to serve only tequila, beer, and wine, mainly for margaritas. - Castillo testified to almost 30 years in the food industry, prior restaurants in Washington, D.C., and Rockville, a 2016 Montgomery County underage-sale violation that resulted in a $2,500 fine, and a DUI about six years ago following personal difficulties. He said he and his staff were not yet TIPS/TAMS certified but would complete training, and he would card everyone and not accept vertical IDs. - The Board approved the license conditionally on submission of the LLC operating agreement, a readable lease, TIPS/TAMS certification, and all required inspections and approvals before issuance. Discussion Items: Rule Changes and Administrative Updates - Rule 6: The Board voted to accept proposed wording that adds LLC language mirroring existing corporate requirements. The amendment will be advertised for public comment before final adoption. - Rule 67 and rule-review schedule: Commissioners discussed TIPS/TAMS requirements, noting state law currently requires certified personnel for Class B and D licenses. They agreed to review the full rule book in November, take public comment in December, and vote on proposed changes in January. - Spargo’s: Staff reported the licensee had not been heard from since September 30, 2026, and the landlord was evicting the business; the premises would close as presently operated. - Website and forms: The Board discussed outdated website forms, including a growler/crowler application citing former Article 2B, and directed staff to remove outdated forms. A revised food/alcohol sales report form, without the notary seal and with a perjury statement, will be used for 2027 reports; the Board will revisit percentage thresholds and possible new classifications after a year of data. - Pending approvals: Staff updated the Board on previously approved but unissued licenses, noting expected opening dates, outstanding health department or fire marshal inspections, and Comptroller holds. Some licenses were expected in November 2026; one build-out was not expected until early 2027. Key Outcomes - Approved the ABATE of Maryland one-day license for December 12–13, 2026, with conditions. - Fined Rick Estes/Piper’s Wine & Spirit Barn $300 for the June 26, 2026 underage sale. - Approved the Mt. Airy Liquors transfer to Jayendra Patel with conditions. - Approved the new Class B license for Tequila y Mezcal MX with conditions. - Endorsed the Rule 6 amendment for public comment and scheduled the rule-book review and public hearing timeline. - Directed staff to remove outdated forms from the website and use the revised food/alcohol sales report form for 2027 reporting.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners held its weekly open session on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Room 311 of the County Office Building. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent reflection, followed by Priority Carroll reports from commissioners, a recognition ceremony, and a reordered agenda that placed a discussion on expanding the supermajority requirement for tax increases early in the session. Commissioners unanimously approved several routine grants and purchases, and after extensive debate, voted to direct staff to begin a process to permanently ban data processing centers from all zoning districts while extending the current temporary deferral. Recognition & Presentations - Commissioner Gordon, Krebs, and Kiler reported on attending the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Meeting on October 6, 2026, at Piney Branch Golf Course. Speakers noted an economic presentation by Dr. Anbambasou of Sage Policy Group and the participation of students from the Finance Academy at Carroll County Public Schools and Gerstell Academy. - Commissioner Gordon welcomed 17 new firefighters and EMTs beginning their modified recruit training program. - Commissioner Kiler mentioned attending a "Lighting the Way for Survivors" event by the Care Healing Center and other community events. - The Board presented a Certificate of Recognition to Carl Luxick for 33 years of distinguished service as a 911 dispatcher, including his roles as supervisory lead and communications trainer. Mr. Luxick spoke about his career and emphasized the need to recruit young people into the profession; he will continue as a part-time contractor. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made in person or virtually. Discussion Items - Expansion of Supermajority Requirement to Include Recordation Tax – Commissioner Gordon raised the issue of including the recordation tax under the Board’s supermajority requirement for tax increases, noting that prior resolutions (from 2011 and 2023) covered property and income taxes but omitted recordation. After a detailed exchange about whether the base rate should be the 2011 level or current (October 8, 2026) rates, Commissioner Gordon amended his motion to freeze rates as of October 8, 2026. The motion passed unanimously. Staff was directed to draft a new consolidated resolution. - Data Processing Centers – Temporary Deferral and Proposed Permanent Ban – Christopher Heyn, Director of Planning and Land Management, briefed the Board on the current one-year deferral (expiring February 19, 2027) and highlighted concerns about energy demand, water usage, noise, and health impacts. He recommended extending the deferral by another year and exploring regulations for smaller “edge” facilities. Commissioner Vigliotti made a motion to direct staff to schedule a public hearing to revise the county code to prohibit data centers in all zoning designations. Commissioner Kiler seconded. Discussion followed about defining data centers, preventing circumvention via multiple small projects, and coordinating with state and MACo efforts. The motion passed unanimously. Consent Calendar (Routine Approvals) - Child Support Administration Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement (FY27) – Approved unanimously. Federal share: $42,378; county match: $25,730; total: $68,108. Magistrate Poole noted the program supports child support enforcement services for the Circuit Court. - Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Renewal Application (FY26) – Approved unanimously. Grant request: $111,194.05 (no county match). Staff highlighted graduates who achieved homeownership, debt reduction, and self-sufficiency, including one participant who received an escrow disbursement of $8,163.37 used as a down payment on a home. - Procurement Card Services Treasury Management Resolution – Approved unanimously. Authorized Comptroller Jenny Hobbs as additional signatory for PNC procurement card program. - Laserfiche Basic Support Purchase – Approved unanimously. $56,900.98 for MCCi, LLC for document capture and archiving support. - Laserfiche Managed Cloud Storage Purchase – Approved unanimously. $78,750 for annual cloud storage on three servers. Key Outcomes - Motion to draft supermajority resolution: Direct staff to draft a new resolution consolidating prior supermajority requirements (2011 and 2023) and adding the recordation tax, with rates frozen as of October 8, 2026. Passed unanimously. - Motion to pursue permanent data center ban: Direct staff to schedule a public hearing and draft text amendments to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts, including a clear definition, and to extend the current deferral as needed. Passed unanimously. - Closed Minutes: Approved the closed legal minutes from October 1, 2026. - Next Meetings: Agenda review set for October 15, 2026, including a briefing on the Delaney property (economic development transfer) and other items. The board also noted upcoming events and confirmed a bond sale approval on October 22, 2026.