Public Meetings - Carroll County, Maryland

The Board of License Commissioners met on February 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Reagan Room of the Carroll County Office Building. The meeting included approval of routine event permits, discussion of renewal procedures and compliance checks, hearings on two new liquor license applications, and a legislative briefing on proposed changes to distillery and craft beverage laws. Consent Calendar - Approved multiple event permits for the City of Westminster, including wine stroll, beer and barbecue, oyster stroll, Selton canner, and a toast to Italy, all with state festival permits. - Approved letters for Sykesville events (Maine on Vine, E.W. Beck's, passive discovery, and a third Friday/Saturday night out in the courtyard). - Approved three one-day permit applications from Westminster: Mudders Run, Whiskey and Chocolate Pairing, and Fall Fest. - All approvals were unanimous with no objections. Discussion Items - Renewal Packets & Compliance Checks: The board discussed the upcoming renewal cycle for 174 licenses. Packets will be hand-delivered starting February 2026, due back April 1, with a $50/day fine after April 10. A change to compliance check notifications was announced: violation reports will now be sent via email instead of postal mail to save time and money. The inspector reported he conducts about 15–20 checks per night, averaging 6 hours per week on underage checks (roughly 50% of his time). He noted that volunteers are sometimes hard to schedule due to competition with tobacco checks that pay cash. Last year establishments were checked three times; the goal is two to three waves per year. - Annual Alcohol Retailer Seminar: Scheduled for June 17 (not June 4 as previously stated) at the Carroll County Fire Training Center, catered by Genie Bird Donuts. - Case 6596 – Double Barrel Tasting Room (New Class D License): James and Ashley Ratino applied for a Class D beer and wine license at 73 W. Main St., Westminster. They plan a wine tasting room using an automated pouring system (Napa Technology). Discussion covered RFID cards vs. PIN-based access, drink and time limits (board suggested two drinks per 1.5-hour visit), food offerings (pre-packaged charcuterie boxes), and hours of operation (Tue–Wed 12–4, Thu 4–8, Fri–Sat 12–9). Character witnesses testified to the applicants' responsibility and passion. The board unanimously approved the license, with operational details (e.g., exact pour limits and time windows) to be finalized at a later meeting. - Case 6598 – River Downs Golf Club (New Class C License): Clarinda and Rafiqul Islam applied for a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license for a golf club at 1900 River Downs Dr., Finksburg. The course will reopen in phases: driving range by March 1, full course by July 2026. The clubhouse restaurant (52 indoor seats, 4 outdoor) will serve a limited menu. The applicants noted a planned junior course and community engagement. Zoning administrator requires a variance for the restaurant (hearing scheduled for February 24). Health department had minor findings (cleaning, peeling paint) to be resolved. Character witnesses supported the application. The board approved the license conditionally upon receiving the zoning variance and passing all required inspections. - Legislative Briefing (Jennifer Yang, Covalent Spirits): Yang presented two proposed Carroll County bills: (1) adding food service to the existing distillery on-premises consumption permit (class one; fee $50), and (2) creating a new Class L license allowing Maryland manufacturers to sell other Maryland craft beverages for on-site consumption (fee $250). Board members expressed support for both bills while recommending they be merged into one and clarifying that only state-licensed Maryland manufacturers are eligible. Concerns were raised about the low fee for Class L compared to other licenses, and about maintaining the three-tier system. The board voted to support both bills with those recommendations. Sponsors on the state side are Delegates Jared Solomon and Don Guile. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of all event permits and one-day permits for Westminster and Sykesville. - Approval of Case 6596 (Double Barrel Tasting Room Class D license) with operational specifics to be set later. - Approval of Case 6598 (River Downs Golf Club Class C license) conditioned on zoning variance and final health inspection. - Motion carried (3-0) to support both proposed legislative bills (food at distilleries and Class L license) with recommendations for consolidation and language clarification. - Next regular meeting scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the County Office Building, Room 311, in Westminster, Maryland. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including approval of multiple grants, discussion of zoning code revisions, planned commercial centers, proposed billboard regulations, and the presentation of a proclamation for National Marriage Week. Public comment was also taken. Consent Calendar - FY26 Courthouse Security Grant: Approved submission and acceptance of a $30,319.89 grant from the Administrative Office of the Courts for security upgrades; no county match required. - Zoning Code Review Budget Transfer: Approved Resolution O-26.02 transferring $76,743 from Reserve for Contingencies to Planning and Land Management for consulting services. - Contract Award – Zoning Code Revision: Awarded a $76,743 contract to Michael T. Baker International, Inc. for review and revision of zoning and site development codes. - Coordinated Community Supports Partnership (CSP) Hub Grant: Approved submission and acceptance of a $3,107,678 grant to fund behavioral health services for students, with no county cost. - Federal 2025 Continuum of Care Renewal: Approved the match ($50,037) and renewal of a $691,834 grant for homeless services, including permanent supportive housing and coordinated entry. - Rural Health Transformation Program Grant – Whole Blood Enhancement: Approved submission and acceptance of a 5-year, $911,311 grant to expand the prehospital whole blood program; no county match required. Public Comments & Testimony - Diana Bergman (parent and candidate): Advocated for a feasibility study for Liberty High School, suggested budget savings through device leasing and later school start times, and encouraged use of federal grants for road projects. - Amy Hardesty (Eldersburg resident): Thanked county and state road crews for snow clearing efforts. - Catherine Adelaide (Carroll County Republican Central Committee): Praised transparency and thoroughness of meetings, announced upcoming events, and expressed support for the board's letter on redistricting. Discussion Items - Legislative Update (Pam Meister): Presented a new legislative tracking system and reviewed over 200 bills. Key issues included redistricting, the “Bambi Bill” (housing predictability), and the “Silver Starter Home” bill. The board voted to draft a letter to the General Assembly opposing mid-cycle redistricting and supporting the county’s delegation. Additionally, the board voted to send letters on the Bambi and silver starter home bills articulating county concerns about state mandates driving up housing costs. - Planned Commercial Centers (PCCs): Staff outlined that residential uses were allowed as accessory uses in PCCs but lacked design standards, leading to poor outcomes. The board voted to direct the Planning Commission to remove residential as an accessory use in PCCs as a stopgap while the master plan process defines appropriate mixed-use guidelines. The action also provides time for community input. - Proposed Text Amendment – Off-the-Premises Signs (Billboards): Staff and a Clear Channel Outdoor representative presented a proposal to allow consolidation of existing nonconforming billboards into larger signs (up to 672 sq ft per side, 50 ft height) to reduce the total number of signs. The board voted to schedule a public hearing after first holding an informational session for the Finksburg community, where many billboards are located. The discussion included concerns about height, lighting, sound, and traffic safety. Additional clean-up amendments for sign regulations were also noted. - Marriage Week Proclamation: The board proclaimed February 7–14, 2026 as National Marriage Week, recognizing the contribution of strong marriages to community well-being. Key Outcomes - All grant applications, awards, and contracts were approved unanimously as listed in the Consent Calendar. - Approved a motion to draft a letter opposing the redistricting bill and supporting the county's state delegation. Approved motions to send letters on the Bambi bill and silver starter home bill. - Approved a motion to direct the Planning Commission to remove residential as an accessory use in Planned Commercial Centers, pending further master plan consultation. - Approved a motion to schedule a public hearing for the billboard text amendment, with a prior informational session for affected communities. - The board also discussed future agenda items including a commissioner scholarship proposal and winter Olympics activities.

The Carroll County Planning & Zoning Commission met at 6:00 PM in the Reagan Room, with four members present and a quorum established. The meeting covered a joint Water Resource Element public hearing, a final site plan approval for EVAPCO, and a master plan work session on the adopted vision and goals. Note: The printed agenda is dated February 4, 2026, while the supplied meeting timestamp is February 6, 2026; this summary uses the supplied meeting date. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comment during the Water Resource Element public hearing. - No public comments were offered on the EVAPCO final site plan. - No general public comments were offered later in the meeting. - Staff noted that one member of the public attended the January 14 public information session on the Water Resource Element. Discussion Items Water Resource Element (Public Hearing) - Staff presented the 2024 Water Resource Element (WRE), mandated by Maryland House Bill 1141. The WRE is a single document prepared jointly by the county and all eight municipalities to show opportunities and limitations for water resources and to inform future comprehensive plans. - The draft was available for public review starting November 15; state agencies and adjacent jurisdictions received it for a 60-day review. State comments were received January 20. - All town planning commissions had held public hearings except Taneytown and Mount Airy, whose hearings were scheduled for February 23. - Manchester and New Windsor Planning Commission members attended and introduced themselves. Staff recommended leaving the record open through February 23 because two town hearings would still take comments until that date. - Staff said that after comments are reviewed, staff recommendations on revisions will go to all planning commissions for their own decisions. EVAPCO Contractor Storage Yard – Final Site Plan - Staff planner David Becraft presented; Jim Matthias of Development Design Consultants represented the applicant. - The proposal is a 3-acre outdoor storage yard for equipment prior to shipment, located on the middle 54-acre parcel of a 78-acre property east of Crouse Mill Road and west of Allendale Lane (Tax Map 19, Grid 19, Parcel 389). The property is outside the Priority Funding Area but inside the Taneytown designated growth area. - The use is a conditional use in agriculture zoning, approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals on September 26, 2023. The approval conditions include no lighting, hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional Saturday work, and no manufacturing on site. - Traffic impact studies were not required. The plan includes a 25-foot paved access drive crossing a stream. Floodplain management and water resources variances were approved. The developer will upgrade an existing culvert under Crouse Mill Road to three culverts. - Stormwater management will use three submerged gravel wetlands. A forest conservation easement is proposed on the EVAPCO property across Crouse Mill Road. State and federal permits have been issued. - Staff recommended approval subject to the eight conditions in the staff report. The commission approved the plan 4–0. Master Plan Work Session: Vision and Goals - Staff reviewed the adopted master plan's vision statement and all 15 goals for possible updates. This portion was discussion only and not a public comment session. - Commissioners generally supported keeping the vision statement as working text. - Goal 1 (interjurisdictional coordination): Commissioners said 'communication and coordination' was too passive and asked for stronger language about active engagement, mutual support, and joint problem-solving. They cited examples such as the Manchester bypass, Taneytown traffic, and municipal water/sewer needs, and asked the plan to identify specific challenges. - Goal 3 (water quality): Commissioners supported keeping the goal broad and consistent with the WRE. - Goal 5 (transportation): Commissioners felt the broad language should remain, while noting the county's transit system is difficult to serve given the county's geography. - Goal 6 (housing): Commissioners called housing affordability a major priority and asked for deeper work on recommendations, including nontraditional housing types such as modular or container homes, mixed-income development, and coordination with municipalities because water and sewer capacity is largely in towns. Some commissioners stressed avoiding subsidization and preventing slum conditions. - Goals 7 and 8 (agricultural preservation): A commissioner urged a more strategic approach to preserving agricultural land, saying the county should fill in existing preserved blocks and priority preservation areas. The commission discussed merging the two goals. The county is at roughly 75,000 preserved acres, with a goal of preserving at least 100,000 acres. - Goal 9 (parks): No substantive change was proposed. - Goal 10 (heritage): Commissioners suggested adding 'promote and enhance' to 'preserve.' - Goals 11 and 12 (environment/minerals): No material changes were proposed. - Goal 13 (economic development): Commissioners requested objective economic development metrics and strategic site identification, such as the highway corridor near Mount Airy, with county-municipal coordination. - Goals 14 and 15 (development pattern): Commissioners supported the existing growth-management direction. They also asked whether broadband and energy should be added as topics, with energy potentially deserving its own section. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved; administrative report had no matters. - Water Resource Element hearing record left open until February 23, 2026, by each commission: Carroll County 4–0, Manchester P&Z by voice vote, New Windsor P&Z by voice vote. - EVAPCO Contractor Storage Yard final site plan approved 4–0, subject to the eight conditions in the staff report. - Master Plan work session was discussion only; staff will draft revised goal language based on commissioner input and return with it at a future meeting. - Next meetings: February 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM and March 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

The Board of County Commissioners met on February 5, 2026, for two open sessions. The morning session (9:00 AM) addressed multiple agenda items including grants, zoning code revisions, and legislative updates. The afternoon session (1:00 PM) was dedicated to a joint meeting with the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) to review the EAC's 2025 annual report and proposed 2026 work plan. This summary covers the afternoon session in detail, as the transcript for the morning session was not provided. Morning Session (9:00 AM) - Priority Carroll – Briefing. - FY26 Courthouse Security Grant – Staff recommended approval of a $30,319.89 grant from the Administrative Office of the Courts for courthouse security improvements. - Legislative Update – Presented by Legislative Liaison Pam Meister. - Zoning Code Review Budget Transfer – Staff recommended transferring $76,743 from contingencies to fund a consultant review of zoning and site development codes (Resolution O-26.02). - Contract Award for Zoning Code Revision – Staff recommended awarding a $76,743 contract to Michael T. Baker International, Inc. - Planned Commercial Centers – Discussion on regulations for residential accessory uses in planned commercial centers. - Off-Premises Signs (Billboards) – Discussion on text amendment to allow consolidation of existing billboards. - Coordinated Community Supports Partnership (CSP) Hub Grant – Staff recommended approving a $3,107,678 grant application and acceptance. - Federal 2025 Continuum of Care Grant – Staff recommended approval of the renewal with a $50,037 county match. - Rural Health Transformation Program Grant – Staff recommended approval of a five-year grant for whole blood program enhancement. No transcript was available for the morning session; therefore, specific discussion points and votes could not be recorded. The recommended motions are as stated in the briefing papers. Afternoon Session (1:00 PM) – Environmental Advisory Council Joint Meeting The Board met jointly with the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) to receive the EAC's 2025 annual report and to discuss the proposed 2026 work plan. The EAC Chair Brenda Dinne and other members presented. 2025 Accomplishments: The EAC reported on several activities: - Updated the environmental stewardship booklet. - Published "Climate Resilience in Your Own Backyard" guide. - Prepared a report on environmental impacts of the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (high-voltage transmission line) at the Board's request. - Held Environmental Action Awards at Carroll Environment Fest in October 2025. - Participated in Earth Day and other public education events. - Two new members joined; one vacancy remains. Proposed 2026 Work Plan: The EAC proposed to: - Prepare for 2027 Environmental Action Awards. - Update the environmental stewardship booklet for 2027. - Continue public education and outreach. - Complete a deferred project on cost savings with environmental benefits that identifies capital projects with dual benefits (aiming for completion by April 2026). - Update the guide to becoming a community solar subscriber. Board Discussion: Commissioners expressed appreciation for the EAC's work, particularly the transmission line impact report. They discussed ways to increase visibility and public access to EAC resources through Carroll Connect. The Board then suggested additional topics for the EAC to consider in 2026: - Guidance on where large-scale solar installations should be located to avoid prime agricultural land. - Research on solar panel disposal and recycling as panels reach end-of-life. - Evaluation of best practices for capital projects, including geothermal and solar, with cost-benefit analysis of past county/school geothermal installations. - Exploration of emerging technologies such as data centers, including their environmental impacts (water usage, energy, land use) and future implications. - Gathering information on alternative renewable technologies beyond solar (e.g., geothermal, parking lot solar canopies). The Board also encouraged the EAC to collaborate with local colleges (Carroll Community College, McDaniel College) on research projects. Key Outcomes - The Board concurred with the EAC's proposed 2026 work plan (no formal vote required; consensus was reached). - The Board directed the EAC to consider the additional topics raised during the discussion as part of their work plan. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:00 PM (motion by Commissioner, seconded, all in favor).

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners held an open session on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the County Office Building, Room 311. The meeting included public hearings, contract awards, a briefing on solar decommissioning, a special announcement from Congressman Johnny Olszewski, and public comment. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a presentation of winners of the "Shop Small Win Big" contest, which ran from November 17 to December 24, 2025, generating 335 entries and encouraging local spending. Public Hearing – 2025 Fall Amendment to the Water and Sewer Master Plan - The Board conducted a public hearing on the proposed fall amendments to the Carroll County Water and Sewer Master Plan. The amendments involved updates to service areas and demand tables for Taneytown, Mount Airy, and Freedom. Amendments submitted on behalf of Shamrock Farm were not included, as previously deferred to the spring cycle. - No members of the public offered testimony in person or by phone. - The Board voted unanimously to conclude the hearing and keep the record open for ten calendar days. Discussion Items Proposed Temporary Deferral of Data Processing Centers - Commissioner Gordon introduced a proposed eight-month moratorium on accepting and processing applications for data processing centers, which are not specifically addressed in the County Zoning Ordinance. Concerns were raised about noise, water and energy use, and potential impacts on neighboring properties. - Staff briefed that research on how other jurisdictions address such centers is underway and will be presented to the Board. - The Board voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on the deferral. Briefing/Discussion – Decommissioning Requirements for Solar Energy Generation Systems - Staff presented an overview of state and county decommissioning requirements for solar facilities. The county code includes more robust provisions than state law, such as requiring removal of all above- and below-ground infrastructure, restoration within 12 months, and prohibiting on-site burial. The bonding requirement is co-held with the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). - Commissioners discussed concerns about salvage value assumptions, the role of property owners, and coordination with the PSC. No action was taken; the briefing was informational. Contract Awards - Mowing of Carroll County Parks – North Region: Awarded to BrightView Landscapes LLC for $110,924.58. The contract is for one year with four renewal options. Motion passed unanimously. - Mowing of Carroll County Parks – South Region: Awarded to BrightView Landscapes LLC for $167,136.06. The contract is for one year with four renewal options. Motion passed unanimously. Adoption of Carroll County Code Chapter 50 – Solid Waste - The Board adopted revisions to Chapter 50 (Solid Waste) following a public hearing on January 8, 2026, and a ten-day comment period. Motion passed unanimously. Special Presentation – Congressman Johnny Olszewski - Congressman Olszewski announced federal funding secured for Carroll County projects, including $829,000 for McDaniel College's nursing facility, $52,000 for Deeds of Faith food pantry expansion, $1 million for a veterans center, $1 million for the Youth Service Bureau, $1 million+ for Westminster water purification, and $500,000 for New Windsor sewer improvements. - He also discussed opposition to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (power lines) and his work on bipartisan legislation. Commissioners thanked him for his partnership and raised the need for a veterans home at Springfield Hospital Center. Public Comments - Catherine Adelaide (individual citizen) expressed support for the data processing center deferral and thanked the Board for keeping records open. Speaking as a member of the Carroll County Republican Central Committee, she provided updates on upcoming events and the March for Life. Key Outcomes - Water and Sewer Master Plan: Public hearing concluded; record open until February 8, 2026. - Data Processing Centers: Public hearing scheduled for a future meeting. - Mowing Contracts: Two contracts awarded to BrightView Landscapes LLC. - Solid Waste Code: Chapter 50 adopted. - Agenda Review: Approved the agenda for the weeks of February 2 and February 9, 2026, with minor adjustments.

[The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on January 27, 2026, at 225 North Center Street, Westminster, MD. The board heard four cases: a conditional use for a family cemetery, a motion to reconsider a previous variance denial for an accessory dwelling unit, an appeal of a zoning administrator’s determination regarding a drug treatment facility, and a conditional use for a contractor’s equipment storage yard with variances. Decisions were made on all four cases.] Public Comments & Testimony - Joseph Bence (Case 6581): Resident of nearby neighborhood testified that he and his wife clean up trash along Poole Road and have noticed increased trash and discarded needles since the facility opened. He expressed concern about the presence of a methadone clinic near a school bus stop. Discussion Items Case 6595 – Conditional Use for Small Family Cemetery (9:00 a.m.) - Applicant: Blaine Harman, seeking to establish a private family burial site on a property located at 1785 Stover Road, Taneytown, zoned Agricultural (A) District. The site is 12 acres? (Not specified, but property is in a farm). The proposed cemetery is in a wooded area, not on agricultural fields. The applicant stated that the farm is being placed in a family trust, with headstones and fencing. Planning staff found the request consistent with the 2014 Carroll County Master Plan. The Ag Advisory Board must approve at its February 2026 meeting. The zoning administrator requested a zoning certificate for record-keeping. Case 6589 – Motion to Reconsider Variances for Accessory Dwelling Unit (9:30 a.m.) - Applicant: DRS Associates (Todd Krauss) requested reconsideration of a previous BZA decision (October 28, 2025) that denied variances for an accessory dwelling unit. The property is at 64 Warfieldsburg Road, Westminster, zoned Agricultural (A) District. The variances requested: area variance from 3 acres to 2.5 acres (0.5-acre variance) and distance variance from 50 feet to 290 feet (240-foot variance). Attorney Kelly Schaefer Miller argued that the property’s unique shape, existing improvements (septic field, easement, garage, pool) create practical difficulty. Board members questioned the size of the variance (nearly six times code) and whether the applicant had exhausted other options. The board voted to uphold the original denial. Case 6581 – Appeal of Zoning Administrator’s Determination (10:00 a.m.) - Appellant: Richard E. Robey, appealing the zoning administrator’s finding of no violation regarding a drug treatment facility (Healing Hearts Treatment Center) at 688 Poole Road, Westminster, zoned R-10,000 Residential District. The property is a medical office complex with a non-conforming use as a medical center (approved in 1981 and 1984). The zoning certificate issued in January 2024 for a “change of tenant” listed a methadone clinic. The appellant argued that the use is a drug treatment facility, which is prohibited in R-10,000 under 2023 code amendment. The zoning administrator testified that the use remains a medical center (non-conforming), and the change of tenant was proper. The board denied the appeal, upholding the zoning administrator’s decision. Case 6560 – Conditional Use for Contractor’s Equipment Storage Yard with Variances (11:00 a.m.) - Applicant: Jonathan Villanueva, seeking approval for a contractor’s equipment storage yard at 2331 Hampstead-Mexico Road, Westminster, zoned Agricultural (A) District. The property is 12 acres. The proposed storage yard area is 2.19 acres (variance of 1.19 acres from the 1-acre code requirement). Multiple distance variances are also requested. The applicant previously received approval in 2023 but it expired. The current use is less intense than before (no mulching, fewer employees, organic debris removed). The board found the property unique due to its topography and orientation, making variance compliance impractical. The request was approved. Key Outcomes - Case 6595: Approved unanimously. The conditional use is granted subject to approval by the Ag Preservation Board (February 2026) and issuance of a zoning certificate. Written decision within 30 days. - Case 6589: Motion to reconsider denied unanimously. The board reaffirmed its original decision (October 28, 2025) denying the variances. Written decision within 30 days. - Case 6581: Appeal denied unanimously. The board upheld the zoning administrator’s determination that no violation exists. The use remains a legal non-conforming medical center. Written decision within 30 days. - Case 6560: Approved unanimously. The conditional use and all requested variances (area and distance) are granted. Written decision within 30 days.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners held its open session on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Carroll County Office Building, Room 311. The board recognized a retiring employee, received a legislative update, approved numerous contracts and property transactions, and directed staff to draft a forest conservation mitigation fee-in-lieu structure. Action items were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Priority Carroll / Opening Remarks - Commissioner Kiler discussed recent state news about the Shamrock Farms property, emphasized the need for local input in state decisions, and reported on MACo activities and community events. - Commissioner Gordon reported that Carroll County's unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, the lowest in Maryland; Queen Anne's County was next lowest at 3.7 percent. He also thanked first responders and road crews for the upcoming weather and offered condolences for Patricia Robertson Miller. - The board presented a proclamation honoring Kathy Dietrich's 42 years of county service, including work in Public Works, Fleet Management, Management and Budget, the Commissioner's Office, and Citizen Services. County Administrator Roberta Windham and other staff praised her professionalism; Dietrich said she planned to spend retirement with family, travel, history projects, and a grandchild expected in summer. Legislative Update - Legislative Liaison Pam Meister said the General Assembly session was busy and the governor's FY27 budget, introduced the previous day, would be difficult. She introduced a new legislative tracking tool, noted four MACo priority initiatives - highway user revenues, housing tools, school construction, and budget - and said MACo positions may not always match Carroll County positions. - Commissioner Kiler asked staff to share HB0272 (on-farm food services) and HB0347/SB0090 (workers' compensation/hypertension) with all commissioners for tracking. Meister said she would send a written report and provide a deeper bill-by-bill briefing the following week. Public Comments & Testimony - Karen Donaldson, describing herself as a taxpayer and 37-year real estate agent, criticized the county's process for selling the Raywell Avenue and Chapel Road properties, saying delayed decisions, no-inspection terms, and a listing error that remained for 22 days may have cost taxpayer money. Staff acknowledged the process could be refined. - Catherine Adelaide, a member of the Carroll County Republican Central Committee, thanked county employees, promoted local Republican and Right-to-Life events, and spoke in support of the national March for Life, saying a 10-week 3D sonogram showed a beating heart. - Andrew Manning used public comment to challenge the board's public-comment guidelines. After repeated warnings, the board suspended his comments. Following his departure, commissioners defended the guidelines as among the most lenient in Maryland and thanked the Carroll County Sheriff's Office deputy for assistance. Discussion Items and Approvals - Health and welfare consulting services: The board renewed the contract with Bolton in the amount of $135,000, the third year of a five-year competitively bid agreement. The fee is capped annually, guaranteed through 2028, and offset by Medicare Advantage commissions. - Former New Windsor Middle School: Staff provided a briefing only. Springdale Preparatory School through New Windsor Holding LLC exercised an option to purchase the former school for $4,250,000 (per the county briefing paper), with settlement expected within 60 days. The property had been leased since 2018; the option was exercised December 30, 2025. Staff noted Springdale has about 200 students, about 100 local students, more than 60 employees, and expansion plans. - FY27 Annual Transportation Plan: The board directed staff to advertise the option to request a public hearing using the preliminary funding requests. Carroll Transit System provided more than 105,000 passenger trips in FY25 and more than 56,000 trips to date in FY26 with a 37-vehicle fleet. The preliminary FY27 operating budget is $3,484,310 and the capital request is $682,270, including four replacement vehicles. Because CARES funding expires June 30, 2026, the county contribution is projected at nearly $1.9 million, including roughly $108,000 in required match and $1.1 million in overmatch. A final budget will return in March. - Sale of two county-owned properties: The board approved the sale of 640 Raywell Avenue, Union Bridge, for $276,500 and 1011 Chapel Road, New Windsor, for $300,000. Both properties were determined to be no longer needed for county projects. - Janitorial services: The board awarded a contract to Community Bridge, Inc. of Washington, D.C., for $242,817.58 annually to clean 11 county-owned buildings. Twelve bids were received; the contract is one year with four one-year renewal options and requires employee background checks. - Chevrolet Tahoe purchase: The board approved the purchase of one 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4 PPV from Criswell Fleet Sales for $61,138 using a Baltimore County contract. It will replace a Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services unit. - State's Attorney's Office commissioning: The board awarded KCI Technologies $54,600 for commissioning services for the new State's Attorney's Office building, a roughly 41,500-square-foot building under construction in Westminster. - Carroll Community College turf field and lighting: The board awarded Tarkett Sports/Field Turf $4,354,854 for construction of a synthetic turf field with an NCAA-level track and field complex, and awarded Musco Sports Lighting, LLC $519,000 for field lighting, including four 80-foot poles with 32 LED luminaires. Staff discussed stormwater management and noted a 10 percent construction contingency. - Freedom District wells: The board awarded CDM Smith $99,500 for engineering services to evaluate water appropriations and consolidate three groundwater withdrawal allocations for nine Freedom District wells, which could provide a secondary supply to the Freedom District Water Treatment Plant. Forest Conservation Mitigation - Department of Planning and Land Management staff briefed the board on the depletion of private forest bank credits, which have supplied about 20 acres of mitigation per year. Only about 10 acres remain in the county-owned forest bank, and private bank rates are around $18,000 per acre. Staff presented a proposed fee-in-lieu rate structure based on Howard County rates: $27,225 per acre for a single-family building permit inside the Priority Funding Area (PFA) and $32,670 per acre outside; commercial/subdivision rates of $54,450 per acre inside the PFA and $65,340 per acre outside. - Commissioners raised concerns that Carroll County's five-year maintenance requirement may be stricter than other counties and increase costs, asked about allowing existing forest at a 2.5-to-1 ratio as Frederick County does, and questioned the higher commercial rate. Staff said rates are adjustable, the goal is not to compete with private banks, and forest conservation code amendments are due by July 1, 2026. - The board directed staff to draft a resolution establishing a fee-in-lieu payment structure for forest conservation mitigation. Rural Legacy Program - The board approved submission of the FY27 Rural Legacy Program grant application and acceptance of an award. Carroll County has received more than $23 million from the program since 2000, preserving more than 5,400 acres across the Upper Patapsco and Little Pipe Creek Rural Legacy Areas, which cover nearly 100,000 acres. This year's application includes 14 potential properties. - The board exercised the option to purchase a conservation easement on the Stewart Wisner Jr. and Helen Wisner property, a 23.136-acre farm on Wesley Road in Finksburg, for $144,699.45, using 100 percent state Rural Legacy grant funds. That equals about $6,254.30 per acre, or approximately 70 percent of the appraised land value. Commissioners also asked staff to follow up with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on whether some rural legacy easements restrict utility transmission lines. Key Outcomes - Renewed Bolton health and welfare consulting contract at $135,000. - Directed staff to advertise the FY27 Annual Transportation Plan public-hearing option. - Approved sale of two county-owned properties and all listed contract awards. - Directed staff to draft a forest conservation mitigation fee-in-lieu resolution. - Approved the FY27 Rural Legacy application and the Wisner conservation easement purchase. - Received the New Windsor Middle School sale briefing with no action required.

The Carroll County Planning Commission met on January 20, 2026, at approximately 9:15 AM until about 12:30 PM to discuss a range of planning and zoning matters. Key actions included approval of revised bylaws, forwarding a text amendment on off-premises signs to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and acceptance of the annual concurrency management report. The meeting also included updates on the Shepperton Solar appeal, zoning deferrals, consultant selection, and the master plan review process. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting agenda with a revision to move Item 11 (Planning Commission bylaws) to Item 6. - Approved the minutes from November 5, November 18, and December 16, 2025, meetings as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the designated public comment period at the end of the meeting. Discussion Items Planning Commission Bylaws (Item 11 moved to Item 6): - Staff presented a redlined version of the bylaws incorporating changes discussed in December. Key changes included striking specific references to named positions (replaced with titles like "director or deputy director" serving as secretary), clarifying meeting types (regular, hearings, work sessions), and adding attendance and compensation language. - Commissioner Lester advocated for two-term limits (10 years) and moving meetings to evenings to increase public participation and attract new members. He argued that term limits would bring fresh ideas and that day meetings disenfranchise working people. - Commissioner Robertson opposed term limits, stating that the current system allows reappointment based on performance and that there has been no problem with indeterminate terms. He also favored keeping day meetings, noting that the public can submit written comments. - Other members expressed mixed views on meeting times; some suggested hybrid options. No consensus on term limits was reached, and the language was left unchanged. - Staff agreed to explore technical options for virtual public comment and consider holding business meetings in the evening for controversial projects. - The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the bylaws with the amendment adding the deputy director as secretary. Administrative Reports: - Staff reported that the Shepperton Solar Project rejection has been appealed; the appeal is pending. - Legislative session updates: Several bills are in play, including the "Starter and Silver Homes Act" on housing. A full update from Brenda Dinney is scheduled for February. - The BOCC approved deferrals on cluster subdivisions (6 months), retirement villages/homes in Freedom area (6 months), self-service storage (3 months), and planned commercial centers (8 months). An RFP for consultant services to review zoning code changes related to these deferrals is in process; results anticipated in spring. - A work session with BOCC on commercial districts in the Freedom area occurred; the direction was to pursue a small area plan amendment rather than a countywide zoning overlay. This complements the consultant's scope. - The fall water and sewer master plan amendments public hearing is set for January 29. The Shamrock Farm amendment was not sent to hearing due to insufficient information. Extension Updates: - One extension was granted: Eldersburg Station site development plan (S 17042) for a hotel/restaurant in District 5 – fifth one-year extension. BZA Case 6595: - A request for a conditional use for a small family cemetery at 1785 Stover Road in Tawnytown (agricultural zone). Staff finds the request consistent with the master plan. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) – Preliminary Recommended CIP: - Ted Sileski presented the preliminary recommended CIP for fiscal years 2026-2031. The plan is a starting point for commissioner discussion; it does not commit funding. - Notable school projects: Freedom Elementary and Sykesville Middle additions are included but may be paused. Liberty High School replacement is not included; a full replacement would be a major cost. - Monroe Avenue Connection and other road projects are not funded. - Airport expansion land acquisition is nearly complete; construction timeline depends on FAA funding (90% federal) and may take over a decade. - State assessment data: Group 2 reassessment average +15.7%, but revenue impact is limited by the 5% homestead tax credit cap. - The county maintains a AAA bond rating from all three major agencies. - The commission will review the CIP further and provide a letter of recommendations to the BOCC by February. Text Amendment – Off-Premises Signs (Item 9): - Clear Channel Outdoor presented proposed revisions to allow consolidation and relocation of non-conforming off-premises signs, aiming to reduce sign clutter. - Key provisions: maximum sign area 672 sq ft per panel (14x48), height up to 50 feet, relocation within 25 feet of an existing sign, and electronic messaging only in commercial/industrial zones. - The commission discussed and refined the text extensively, including: - Striking language that mandated relocation into commercial/industrial zones if part of a split-zoned property (to allow flexibility). - Adding a provision that the sign consolidation date applies to all zoning districts, not just commercial/industrial. - Revising the language on removal of signs to clarify that rights are permanently extinguished via affidavit, not just consolidation. - Splitting the time frame for traffic visibility obstruction: 30 days for removal, 90 days for relocation or modification. - Making administrative adjustments to reference correct hearing procedures and timelines. - The commission passed three unanimous (5-0) motions: (1) approving the changes to the consolidation and relocation text, (2) approving the obstruction language with 30/90-day split, and (3) approving the administrative adjustments. A final motion to forward the entire package to the BOCC with the three recommended changes also passed unanimously. Concurrency Management Report – FY2025: - Development Review staff summarized the annual report. 2,129 residential permits were issued over the six-year reporting period (well under the 6,000 cap). A map showed even distribution across the county. - School data: Projections have been adjusted downward due to lower-than-expected enrollment growth. The school addition timelines (Freedom Elementary, Sykesville Middle) will impact future capacity. - Fire/EMS: Westminster and Sykesville stations meet standards; all other stations face challenges but are improving after full county staffing began in February 2025. The 24-month look-back period still includes legacy data from volunteer/ hybrid operations, but recent data shows improvement. - No specific recommendations for permit caps or capital improvements were made. The commission unanimously approved the report with no changes and forwarded it to the BOCC. Master Plan Review – Follow-Up: - Staff proposed beginning review of the vision and goals from the existing master plan, then examining work group recommendations sorted by implementation category (capital improvements, policies, regulatory, land use). - Commissioner Lester advocated for a redline version of the plan to help citizens track changes. Staff presented a table assessing which chapters could be redlined and which would be difficult due to new data or state mandates. - New state legislation (8 planning principles) may require alignment, adding complexity. - The commission agreed to postpone substantive discussion to the next meeting (February 4, 2026) and assigned members to review the vision statement, goals, and the provided table before then. Key Outcomes - Bylaws Approved: Unanimous (5-0) approval of Planning Commission bylaws with amendment adding deputy director as secretary. - Text Amendment Forwarded: Three unanimous votes (5-0) on specific language changes for off-premises signs (consolidation, obstruction visibility, administrative adjustments), then a unanimous vote (5-0) to forward the entire package to the BOCC. - Concurrency Report Forwarded: Unanimous (5-0) approval to forward the FY2025 Concurrency Management Report to the BOCC with no changes. - Master Plan: No vote; continued work deferred to the February 4, 2026 work session. Members were asked to review the vision and goals in preparation.

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners held two open sessions on January 15, 2026: a morning session beginning at 9:00 AM and an afternoon work session at 12:30 PM. The morning agenda included approvals for 9-1-1 dispatch system licenses, acceptance of state funding, FY27-32 capital improvement plan bond authorization, and an agricultural preservation briefing. The afternoon work session focused on self-storage facilities, commercial zoning districts, and guidance for future text amendments, with additional discussion on data centers. Morning Public Session (9:00 AM) Approval to Purchase – Dispatch System Licenses for 9-1-1 - The Board approved the purchase of five-year licenses, service, and support for the emergency dispatch system from Priority Dispatch Corp. at a total cost of $589,700. The first three years cost $96,100 and the final two years $150,700, with 100% reimbursement from the MD 9-1-1 Board (Project 26-143). Acceptance of MD 9-1-1 Board Funding for Emergency Dispatch System Service and Support - The Board accepted the proposed funding of $589,700 from the MD 9-1-1 Board for the protocol maintenance agreement with Priority Dispatch Corporation. FY27-32 Preliminary Recommended CIP and FY27 Bond Authorization - The Board approved a bond authorization of $27,000,000 for FY27 to be submitted as part of the County’s legislative package. Briefing – Agricultural Preservation Program (Information Only) - Staff presented an informational briefing on Carroll County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program, noted as the most successful in Maryland for preserving farms and acreage through purchase of preservation easements. No action was taken. Public Comment - The agenda included opportunities for public comment on each item, but no specific comments were recorded in the available materials. Afternoon Work Session (12:30 PM) – Self-Storage Facilities & Text Amendment Guidance Discussion - Director Christopher Heyn from the Department of Planning & Land Management led a briefing on commercial zoning districts (C1, C2, C3) and their application countywide, with particular focus on the Freedom area. Staff presented three options to address concerns raised about self-service storage facilities and other commercial uses: 1. Review and change uses and bulk requirements in one or more commercial zoning districts (text amendment affecting the entire county). 2. Develop creative zoning solutions, such as an overlay zoning district for the Freedom area to encourage development unique to its commercial core. 3. Evaluate whether existing commercial land use designations in the Freedom planning area remain appropriate through a small area plan amendment. - Commissioner Vigliotti expressed concern that the transition from old BNR and BG zoning to C1/C2/C3 was flawed, noting that many properties originally designated as neighborhood commercial (BNR) were incorrectly placed into C2 rather than C1. He emphasized the need to correct permitted uses, not just bulk requirements. - The Board agreed to focus on the Freedom area rather than a countywide approach. Commissioners favored pursuing a combination of a small area plan to reassess land use designations and an overlay zone to address bulk and design requirements specific to Freedom. - Staff also briefly discussed data centers. Commissioners expressed interest in a delay while staff research the definition, impacts, and best practices from other jurisdictions. A deferral ordinance is being drafted by the county attorney. - Commissioner Kiler noted that the existing self-storage facility deferral (originally three months) may need to be extended to align with the broader study. Key Outcomes - Approved the 911 dispatch system license purchase ($589,700) and accepted the MD 9-1-1 Board funding. - Approved FY27 bond authorization of $27,000,000. - Directed staff to begin work on a small area plan for the Freedom area to evaluate commercial land use designations and zoning, with public and property owner involvement. - Requested that the upcoming zoning consultant review countywide bulk requirements and use definitions, and provide recommendations for an overlay district in Freedom. - Directed staff to research data centers and prepare a deferral ordinance to temporarily prohibit new applications while the study is underway. - The existing self-storage deferral may be extended to accommodate the broader review process.