Public Meetings - Carroll County, Maryland

The Planning & Zoning Commission of Carroll County, Maryland, met on June 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Reagan Room. The meeting covered three major agenda items: a presentation on proposed code changes for retirement homes and villages, the introduction and certification of the 2025 Planning Annual Report, and a discussion on text amendments for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) mandated by state law. The commission heard public comments from multiple developers and property representatives, and set a timeline for finalizing amendments before an October 1, 2026 state-imposed deadline. Retirement Homes and Villages – Code Changes (Introduction) - Troy Truax of Michael Baker International presented findings and recommendations on age-restricted housing (retirement homes and villages) following a deferral in the Freedom area. The presentation highlighted key findings: current regulations lack specific design standards, amenities requirements, and density frameworks. Best practices from nearby communities (e.g., Amblebrook in Gettysburg, Bloomfields in Frederick) were reviewed, emphasizing master-planning, flexibility, and amenity requirements. - Recommendations include creating a standalone section for age-restricted housing, establishing a net density framework (instead of gross), requiring context-sensitive design, universal design features, minimum acreage, amenity requirements, and improved emergency access and sidewalk standards. - Public comment: - Mike Kallinock (JPB Partners) requested that requirements be scaled to smaller projects (31 villas on 6 acres) to avoid making them infeasible. - Bruce Harvey (Waynesburg Homes) echoed concerns about small communities and urged that text amendments not apply retroactively to projects already in process. - Chris Armstrong (Lenar Homes) stated that their Freedom’s Grant project (237 homes) already meets many of the proposed standards and requested that it be grandfathered to avoid further delays. - Gus Bauman (representing St. John Properties) called the deferral a “land use moratorium” and argued that their Eldersburg Overlook project (120-acre Beatty property) has received multiple approvals and should be protected by a grandfather clause. He noted that St. John’s project already includes amenities, walkability, and proximity to services. - Tom Pelon (St. John Properties) added that their project is compact and well-located, and that the current zoning code is sufficient to achieve quality development. - Commissioner discussion: Several members expressed support for design standards but raised concerns about affordability, the impact of amenities on costs, and the need to balance requirements with market realities. Commissioner Robertson questioned the 25% open space calculation and net vs. gross density. Commissioner Gordon noted compatibility concerns with surrounding neighborhoods. Commissioner Lester emphasized the importance of building scale and transition. Commissioner Kirkner cautioned against interior design requirements and overly prescriptive amenities, noting that many buyers prioritize location over resort-style features. - The commission directed staff to incorporate feedback into draft code amendments and present them at the June 16 meeting. 2025 Planning Annual Report – Introduction and Certification - Tiffany Fossett presented the annual report, which is required by the Maryland Department of Planning. Key statistics for 2025: - 23 new residential lots approved (16 county, 7 municipal), 21 new units. - 84.36 acres of residential development approved. - Non-residential: 158.3 acres approved (64 county, 94 municipal). - 317 building permits for new construction issued; 53.9% residential inside priority funding area (PFA), 28.7% residential outside PFA. - 289 new construction use and occupancy certificates issued. - Agricultural preservation: 101,066 acres preserved (including 17 farms); $5.7 million spent (63.6% county funds). - Buildable land inventory: 67,048 existing dwelling units, 18,658 potential lots; 41% of potential lots inside PFAs. - Commissioner Gordon raised questions about tracking solar project statistics separate from other non-residential development, and requested a breakdown of industrial vs. commercial development to assess tax diversification goals (target 16-17% of revenue from commercial/industrial). - The commission voted to certify the annual report: 5 in favor (Hayden, Robertson, Kirkner, Lester, Smith), 0 opposed, 1 abstention (Gordon). Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Discussion of Text Amendments - Tiffany Fossett presented updates to the proposed text amendment for ADUs, required by state law (HB 1466) to be in effect by October 1, 2026. Key provisions discussed: - Purpose and intent statement added: to allow ADUs as permitted use on lots with single-family detached dwellings while maintaining community character. - Applicability: across all zoning districts; only one ADU per lot; owner occupancy required (either principal or ADU). - Parking: no additional parking required unless a county parking study is conducted (per state law). - Size: maximum gross floor area 75% of above-grade livable area of principal dwelling (using SDAT definition); for detached and attached ADUs, footprint limited to 75% of principal dwelling’s footprint. Interior ADUs (e.g., basement, attic) would not be subject to the 75% footprint rule but must meet the 75% area limit. - Lot size and distance: detached ADU must be within 50 feet of principal dwelling and not closer to neighbor’s dwelling than to principal. - APFO/concurrency management: staff recommended that ADUs be tracked but not counted against APFO capacity limits; however, if annual concurrency report shows inadequacies (schools, roads, etc.), no new ADUs would be permitted until conditions improve. - Commission discussion: Commissioner Robertson raised concerns about parking enforcement, potential for container homes, and the difficulty of ensuring compliance with deed restrictions. Commissioner Gordon asked about semi-detached eligibility (current draft excludes them). The commission agreed to keep parking requirements as proposed (none required) but asked staff to seek clarity from state on whether a minimal impervious surface standard might be allowed. Commissioner Gordon and others requested that staff provide a memo with the specific issues raised for review before the next meeting. - The commission did not take a vote; the text amendment will be brought back for action at the June 16 meeting, with final recommendation to the County Commissioners by July 21. Key Outcomes - The 2025 Planning Annual Report was certified (5-0-1). - Draft code amendments for retirement homes/villages will be presented at the June 16 meeting for discussion. - The ADU text amendment will be presented again at the June 16 meeting for potential recommendation. - A timeline was set to have both sets of amendments recommended to the Board of County Commissioners by July 21, 2026, with final adoption before October 1, 2026. - The commission discussed the importance of defining a “complete application” for vesting purposes before the state’s October 1 deadline, and asked legal staff to provide guidance. - Commissioner Gordon reported that the Board of County Commissioners added $3 million to the ag preservation budget specifically for larger critical farms, and staff will bring criteria recommendations for review.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners held an open session meeting starting at 9:00 a.m. in Room 311 of the County Office Building. The 20-item agenda included a public hearing on proposed zoning amendments, a discussion on cluster subdivisions, approval of the five-year Transportation Development Plan, multiple contract awards and spending authorities, and commissioner reports during Priority Carroll. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Priority Carroll Commissioners shared reports on events from the previous week: - Commissioner Kiler spoke at the Hampstead Memorial Day ceremony, attended the Manchester Valley FFA Banquet, and the Carroll Community College commencement. He also mentioned his grandson’s scholarship at Winters Mill High School. - Commissioner Gordon highlighted the West Middle School production of Legally Blonde Junior, McDaniel College's graduation (representing 25 states and 26 countries), the new Carroll County America 250th Town Story Map, and multiple Memorial Day observances. - Commissioner Krebs honored Miriam Beck with the Community Spirit Award from Carroll Hospital, attended the 130th anniversary of Springfield Hospital Center (noting 200 patients now vs. thousands historically and a time capsule buried for 45 years), and attended the Carroll County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting, where an increase of 31% in the Battle of the Books program was reported and the Eldersburg branch remains the most-used library in the state. - Commissioner Vigliotti participated in the Taneytown Memorial Day parade, toured the Taneytown Senior Center renovation (which will double available space and include a stained-glass cutting area), and attended the Commission on Aging & Disabilities meeting, where concern was raised about state cuts to senior programs. Public Hearing on Proposed Ordinance Amending Chapters 158 and 155 County Attorney Tim Burke opened the hearing, with Planning Director Chris Heyn and Deputy Director Daphne Daly presenting the proposal to prohibit new residential uses in planned commercial centers (PCCs). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended removal of the accessory residential use after prior discussions. Public Comments (five speakers): - Beth Gray (Freedom Area resident) urged the board not to remove all residential from PCCs, citing the 2024 housing study (65% single-family inventory) and the need for affordable options for graduates and seniors. She noted the 2025 county roadshow and survey showed strong demand for housing variety. - Rebecca Rolfs (Eldersburg resident) expressed concern about existing apartments (e.g., tires on balconies, safety issues) and questioned the process for checking citizenship. She also commented on the superintendent's salary ($290,000 plus benefits) and asked for better allocation of school funds. - Diana Bergman (candidate for House of Delegates, District 5) opposed the limitation, arguing mixed-use spaces help retirees, veterans and seniors, and prevent blight. She urged reconsideration. - Dean Camlin (architect) asked for the rationale, noting that a prohibition would ban live-work units and said more specific regulations might be better than a blanket ban. - Terry Smack (business owner) supported using existing vacant Main Street properties before building new shopping centers, and emphasized the need for affordable housing. Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Vigliotti explained the deferral was not a moratorium and highlighted the lack of design standards for PCCs – the two existing projects are not affordable ($2,000/month) and have parking/safety issues. Commissioner Kiler opposed removing the use entirely, arguing it would reduce options for younger residents and teachers. Commissioner Guerin also opposed permanent removal, stating he wants to improve regulations quickly. The board agreed to conclude the hearing and keep the record open for 10 calendar days. Motion: I move the Board conclude the public hearing and keep the record open for ten calendar days. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). Discussion on Cluster Subdivisions Chris Heyn presented options for cluster subdivisions in residential and historic zoning districts. The three options were: no change, removal of §155.036(A), or modification. Staff recommended a stop-gap change to return to pre-2022 code (when cluster subdivisions allowed no minimum lot size and required a conventional plan for lot yield). Commissioner Viglietti emphasized the need for purpose clauses and design standards. After debate, the board directed staff to coordinate with the Planning and Zoning Commission on text amendments based on the 1993 code, with a target to bring recommendations back by August 1, 2026. Motion: I move the Board of County Commissioners direct staff to coordinate potential text amendments or modifications to 155.036(A) – Cluster subdivision in residential and historic zoning districts, in accordance with the interests discussed by the board, using the 1993 code as a basis. Vote: Unanimous. Transportation Development Plan Presentation Lib Rood of KFH Group presented the draft five-year Transportation Development Plan (TDP) for Carroll Transit. Key recommendations included: real-time transit information (already contracted), security cameras on vehicles (for FY2028), marketing improvements (website, brochures, Spanish translation), earlier weekday morning hours for demand response (5 a.m. vs. 7 a.m.) starting FY2028, a second vehicle for the North Carroll Trailblazer, expanded evening hours (to 6 p.m.) in the mid-term, and evaluation of lower fares. The financial plan projected operating costs rising from $3.4 million in FY2027 to nearly $5 million by FY2031, with expansions locally funded. The plan was approved unanimously. Motion: I move the Board of Commissioners approve the five-year Transportation Development Plan. Vote: Unanimous. Other Key Consent and Action Items - Contract Award – Liberty Water Storage Tank Booster Pump Station Inspection Services: Awarded to Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. for $99,789. The construction contract bids are due in late June. Approved unanimously. - Transfer FY2026 Housing Bond Allocation: Authorized $8,368,353 to the State DHCD's Maryland Mortgage Program for first-time homebuyers. Staff reported 223 households have participated since 2021. Approved unanimously. - FY2027 SCOF Grant Application: Approved submission of a $25,000 competitive grant to modernize senior center membership applications. Approved unanimously. - CDBG Public Hearing Request: Staff directed to schedule a public hearing for the FY25 Family Shelter Renovation project (completed). Approved unanimously. - FRF Update and Full-time Grants Analyst: The board approved using unallocated FRF interest to fund a full-time Grants Analyst position (estimated $600,000 over 4.5 years). The FRF plan is 82% spent on federal funds. Approved unanimously. - Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Awards: Four contracts totaling $1,150,000 awarded to Boys & Girls Club of Carroll County (Youth/After School – $375,000), Habitat for Humanity of Carroll County (Housing/Homelessness – $375,000), Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaborative (Youth/After School – $25,000), and Westminster Rescue Mission (Behavioral Health – $375,000). Before the vote, public commenter Catherine Adelaide urged delay, arguing the funds come from cannabis tax revenue which she called illegal drug proceeds. The board approved the awards unanimously. - Sheriff's Office Vests and Accessories (FY26 & FY27): Three purchases approved: MES Service Company ($104,327.08 for FY26 vests), Galls ($67,747.50 for FY26 accessories), and MES Service Company ($109,905.71 for FY27 vests). All approved unanimously. - Food Services for Detention Center: Spending authority for FY27 ($750,000 to Summit Food Service) and additional $100,000 for May/June FY26 costs approved unanimously. - Medical Services and MAT Expenses: Spending authorities for Primecare Medical Inc. (July 2026 medical services – $447,350.72; MAT expenses – $635,000; FY26 CAT billing – $80,000) and Genesis Inc. (MAT – $132,000) all funded through the Opioid Restitution Settlement Grant. Approved unanimously. - Infrastructure & Investments Fund Transfer: $700,000 transferred to the Industrial Development Authority for business park development. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - The public hearing on the planned commercial center ordinance was closed, record open for 10 days. - Staff directed to work with Planning and Zoning on cluster subdivision amendments by August 1, 2026. - Approved the five-year Transportation Development Plan. - All other 16 action items were approved unanimously. - No opposition was recorded on any vote.

The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Reagan Room of the Carroll County Office Building. The agenda listed three cases: Case 6611 (commercial kennel, 9:00 a.m.), Case 6612 (retirement village, 10:00 a.m.), and Case 6609 (commercial kennel, 11:00 a.m.). The transcribed proceedings cover only Case 6609, a request by Rachann Mayer for a conditional use and multiple variances to operate a commercial kennel for more than 10 dogs at 6270 Davis Road, Woodbine, on property zoned Conservation District (Election District 13). The hearing included extensive testimony from the applicant, witnesses, and cross-examination, but was not completed; the board continued the matter to June 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Numerous letters and emails in opposition were read into the record. Opponents included Jennifer Henneman (resident of Davis Road for 40+ years), Adeline, Jennifer Mooney (Shaladon neighborhood, Mount Airy), Michael Hines, Wick Lane, Margaret and William Dore (requested continuance), Dr. Charlotte Dunnegell (incompatibility with conservation district, unsafe driveway), Todd Bender, Dan Smith, Valley High Ross, Pete Maharitis (strong odors, well water impact from 120+ dogs), Katie Harshman (odor, waste management), Tammy Boyd, Erica Loden (half-mile away, noise, traffic), James Garrity, Eric and Susan Purt, Gail Hawkins, and Michelle Lahoefer (traffic concerns). - No oral public comment was provided at the microphone before adjournment, but several audience members asked questions of the applicant during cross-examination. Discussion Items - Applicant Testimony (Rachann Mayer): Ms. Mayer, owner of the existing Mariah Bell Manor Kennel (a green-certified facility), described her 21-year experience in kennel operations. She proposed a new facility on 21.03 acres (8.31-acre use area) with a fully enclosed kennel building (designed with soundproofing, rock wool insulation, small rooms of 10 dogs each) and a multi-use building for indoor pool, aquatherapy, and play areas. The facility would accommodate up to 120 overnight boarding dogs and up to 30 daycare dogs (total 150 at capacity), with an industry-standard fill rate of 68–75%. Drop-off/pickup would feature a valet service (doggy drive-thru). Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (closed to public Sunday mornings). Employees: 4–6 per shift. Waste would be bagged, stored in a metal dumpster, and removed weekly. Sound mitigation methods included low ceilings, separate office, and hillside placement. Ms. Mayer acknowledged the existing driveway width of 9 feet (variance from 18 feet) and expressed openness to widening or adding pull-offs but did not include them in the application. - Witness Heather Reese (Mariah Bell project manager): Testified to the cleanliness and low noise at the existing kennel, with no odor from the dumpster. - Witness Marty Sitterding (retired attorney, client): Testified that noise at Mariah Bell is barely audible with doors closed and that no odor issues exist. - Expert Witness Mike Van Sant (surveyor/site designer): Confirmed site constraints (steep slopes, stormwater easement, heavy forest) and that the requested variances met the county code definition. He noted the driveway width variance (requested 9 feet) was because full 18-foot width was not feasible due to site constraints and unnecessary impervious surface. He identified a 0.18-acre area where the kennel could be placed without any distance variances. He testified that Davis Road is an old historical road not up to current standards, but in his opinion it could handle the expected vehicle types. - Cross-Examination by Opposing Counsel (Grant Amadeus Giel): Challenged the applicant on driveway safety (potential gridlock without pull-offs), noise projections (decibel readings taken with a non-professional app, no continuous monitoring), consistency of the wildlife area usage, and whether the application accounted for the full 150-dog Class C license. Opposing counsel argued that the use would negatively affect property values (citing a 15–20% reduction), create dangerous traffic conditions on narrow Davis Road, and was incompatible with the residential character of the area. - Questions from Audience and Board: Audience members raised concerns about security, well water impact, number of dogs outside simultaneously, and the applicant's relationship with the on-site renter. Board members asked about the layout of the relief area (1200 sq ft open-air courtyard, 5–7 dogs at a time), sound reflection from the building, and the need for conditions to run with the land. Key Outcomes - The board did not reach a decision on Case 6609. The hearing was adjourned and will continue on June 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to hear additional testimony (including a traffic engineer) and closing arguments. - No votes were taken on the other agenda items (Cases 6611 and 6612) as they were not addressed in the transcribed portion of the meeting.

On May 21, 2026, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners met in open session at the Carroll County Office Building, Room 311. The morning session began at 9:00 a.m. and the afternoon work session at 1:00 p.m. The agenda covered the FY27 budget adoption, a self-service storage deferral discussion, a Board of Health briefing, the Water Resources Element, spending/contract approvals, and an afternoon work session on road design and traffic impact studies. No minutes were provided; morning items are summarized from the agenda and staff briefing papers, while the available transcript covers the afternoon work session. Morning Open Session Items - FY27 Budget Adoption (Item 1): The Department of Management and Budget (Ted Zaleski) was scheduled to present the budget for adoption with no public comment. No outcome was recorded in the available materials. - Self-Service Storage Deferral (Item 2): The County Attorney’s Office (Tim Burke) led a public-comment discussion on the temporary deferral of final approval for self-service storage facilities in the Freedom Designated Growth Area. The deferral was enacted December 18, 2025, and extended to October 9, 2026. Staff presented options to leave the deferral as is, amend it to exempt projects at a designated development stage, or repeal it; options two and three would require a public hearing and ordinance adoption. No decision was recorded. - Board of Health (Item 3): The Health Department (Dr. Matthew Levy, Martha Stuart, Maggie Kunz) and collaborative partners presented an informational briefing on the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion federal initiative (2026–2030) providing $10 billion annually to states. Maryland received $168 million. The Carroll County proposal includes a Trisector Integrated Health Hub at Access Carroll, a paramedicine/Mobile Integrated Health program led by Fire/EMS, and expanded behavioral health services. No action was requested. - Water Resources Element (Item 4): Planning and Land Management (Christopher Heyn, Brenda Dinne) briefed the Board on the proposed Water Resources Element, intended to satisfy state comprehensive-plan requirements. The staff recommendation was to approve proceeding to public hearing. No action was recorded. - Fire Department Equipment Testing (Item 5): Staff requested spending authority up to $80,576.35 for annual NFPA testing of fire hose, pumps, and ladders by IIA Fire Department Testing, using a Frederick County, VA competitively bid contract. The item noted approximately 138,000 feet of fire hose, 40 fire apparatus pump tests, 135 ground ladders, and 6 aerial ladders. No vote was recorded. - Counseling Services from SBDC (Item 6): The Department of Economic Development (Denise Beaver) requested approval of a $75,000 sole-source purchase of Small Business Development Center counseling services for calendar year 2026. No vote was recorded. - Liberty Water Storage Tank Booster Pump Station (Item 7): Public Works (Bryan Bokey) requested a contract award to Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP for construction administrative services in the amount of $71,862 for the Liberty Water Storage Tank Booster Pump Station project. No vote was recorded. - Priority Carroll (Item 8): Listed on the agenda as a public-comment item; no details or action were included. Public Comments & Testimony No public comment testimony was included in the transcript. The agenda indicated public comment was permitted for Items 2–8; Item 1 had no public comment. Afternoon Work Session: Road Design and Traffic Impact Studies Bryan Bokey (Public Works), Doug Brown, Christopher Heyn (Planning and Land Management), and Fire Chief Michael Robinson presented an overview of road design, development review, fire/EMS access, and traffic impact studies. - Staff described roadway design as a balancing act among safety, neighborhood access, cost, community character, parking, and emergency response. Road types include arterials, collectors, and local roads; most county-maintained roads are local roads. NFPA standards adopted by Carroll County include NFPA 1, NFPA 70, and NFPA 101; NFPA 1 Chapter 18 requires a 20-foot clear width for fire access roads. The county’s typical new local road standard is 22 feet wide, with larger widths considered when on-street parking or other conditions exist. - For subdivisions and site plans, staff explained the Technical Review Committee (TRC) process, which brings agencies together early, and noted that most projects have at least two or three public meetings. Private site plans, such as Nell's Acres, do not have to meet county roadway design standards but are reviewed for emergency access and site-plan compliance; no-parking signs are conditions of approval, and enforcement would be through zoning complaints rather than sheriff enforcement on private property. Commissioner Gordon asked about these private-community enforcement issues. - Traffic impact studies are required when a development generates 50 or more peak hour trips, or 25 or more trips in growth areas. The county’s minimum acceptable level of service is D. The studies are developer-funded but reviewed by county staff, focus on intersection functionality rather than roadway width, and can require mitigation. The separate Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance process evaluates the functional classification of roadways and can require widening. The Planning Commission may require a traffic impact study for any project. - Commissioner Krebs said the county needs predictable, consistent, written standards so developers know expectations up front. She raised concerns about counting garage/driveway spaces as parking in age-restricted and dense communities, narrow sidewalks without usable verges, and the need to design for how people actually use streets. She also said road design should include natural traffic calming and avoid overbuilding, and she praised developers who provide clear parking delineation and wider sidewalks. - Fire Chief Michael Robinson said the county’s adopted NFPA standards address fire access width, that volunteer fire companies receive site plans through the Adequate Public Facilities process, and that incidents in older communities with larger apparatus and on-street parking require adaptation. He noted EMS vehicles face challenges with narrower roads, parked cars, and snow accumulation. - One commissioner raised accountability concerns about the Nell's Acres project, stating a traffic impact study was failing before expansion, that required remediation had not been approved, that taxpayers may pay for a proposed access road due to an expensive gas-line issue, and that fee-in-lieu or remediation decisions should come back to the Board rather than be made administratively. The same commissioner called for traffic impact studies to be reviewed earlier and for mitigation or escrow mechanisms so the burden does not fall on the general fund. Key Outcomes No formal votes on the morning agenda items were recorded in the provided materials. In the transcribed portion, staff indicated they are continuing revisions to the design manual and developing recommended text amendments on site-plan road design, verges, and related standards for Board consideration. The only formal action captured in the transcript was a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and passed unanimously.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, May 21, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM in the County Office Building, Room 311. The meeting included adoption of the FY27 budget, a lengthy public hearing and discussion on the self-service storage deferral ordinance, a presentation from the Board of Health on a $3.5–5 million federal grant proposal, and approval of several routine items. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:30 PM with a recess scheduled for a 1:15 PM work session on road design and traffic impact studies. Consent Calendar - FY27 Budget Adoption: The board adopted the FY27 budget, property tax rates (unchanged), and water/sewer rates. The water/sewer rate resolution passed 4-1 (Commissioner Krebs dissenting), with Krebs expressing concerns about high rates in county-served areas and a lack of grant advocacy. Tax rates and the budget itself were approved unanimously. - Fire Department Equipment Testing: Approved spending up to $80,576.35 with IIA Fire Department Testing via a competitively bid contract (Frederick County, VA). - Counseling Services from Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Approved $75,000 sole-source purchase for SBDC counseling services for calendar year 2026. - Contract Award – Liberty Water Storage Tank Booster Pump Station: Awarded $71,862 to Whitman, Requardt & Associates for construction administrative services. Public Comments & Testimony - Self-Service Storage Deferral (Item 2): Seven residents of the Carroll Highlands neighborhood in Eldersburg spoke in opposition to the proposed self-storage facility on Liberty Road. They cited zoning inconsistencies, a deed restriction on one parcel, the project’s size (260 ft long, 37.4 ft tall), and the community’s unanimous opposition expressed over multiple meetings since 2022. Several speakers noted the developer continued advancing the project at his own risk after the deferral was enacted. One speaker, Kelly Miller, representing the developer, requested that any modification to the deferral be taken to a public hearing, noting the project had received all technical agency approvals. Discussion Items - Self-Service Storage Deferral and Possible Modification: The board debated three options: leave deferral as-is (expiring October 9, 2026), amend to exempt projects far along in process, or repeal. Commissioner Krebs strongly opposed exempting the Carroll Highlands project, citing years of community opposition, a flawed comprehensive rezoning, and the need to first complete a corridor study. Commissioner Gordon raised procedural concerns about reconsideration of a vote taken three weeks prior. Commissioner Vigliotti outlined legal risks and timing constraints. The board ultimately voted unanimously to postpone the decision to the June 4 open session, when the consultant’s report on self-storage best practices will be presented. - Board of Health – Rural Health Transformation Program: Dr. Matthew Levy, Health Officer, presented a $3.5–5 million first-year proposal under a $168 million state allocation from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Key components include a Trisector Integrated Health Hub at Access Carroll, a paramedicine/Mobile Integrated Health program led by Fire/EMS, and enhanced behavioral health services. The only request of the board was approval to use limited space on the second floor of the Distillery Building for staff and services. Commissioners requested additional details on floor plans and long-term sustainability; no formal decision was made, but staff were directed to provide information by end of business May 22 to allow the grant submission by May 26. - Water Resources Element (WRE): The briefing/discussion was postponed by unanimous consent to a later date. Key Outcomes - FY27 Budget Adopted (unanimous for budget and tax rates; 4-1 for water/sewer rates). - Self-Storage Deferral Discussion Postponed to June 4 (unanimous vote). The consultant’s report on self-storage regulations will be presented that day, and the board will continue discussion on possible exemptions. - Board of Health Space Request – No vote taken; further information requested by May 22. - Fire Equipment Testing, SBDC Counseling, and Liberty Water Tank Contract – All approved unanimously. - Proclamation for Davis Library 75th Anniversary – Issued, declaring May 28, 2026 as Davis Day.

The Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission met at 9:00 AM in the Reagan Room in Westminster, Maryland. The commission established a quorum, approved the agenda and the April 21, 2026 minutes, heard reports, approved the Zepp Estates residential lot-yield transfer on a roll-call vote, gave concept-plan direction on the Liberty Exchange amended site plan, and received presentations on the Education Facilities Master Plan and Carroll County Transit. It also discussed the HB 1466 accessory dwelling unit (ADU) text amendment. No final action was taken on informational or discussion-only items. Call to Order, Approvals, and Reports - The meeting was called to order, a quorum of five members was confirmed, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. - The commission approved the agenda and the April 21, 2026 meeting minutes by voice vote. - Commission Chair report: The chair noted approval of the River Run final site development plan (S-22-0004) and the Summerfield three-lot subdivision (M-25-0025). - Ex-officio report: The Board of County Commissioners did not adopt the proposed off-premises billboard sign amendments, leaving current sign provisions in place; a future planning commission review of off-premises signs and digital sign provisions was requested. The planned commercial centers recommendation to remove second-story residential uses is scheduled for a public hearing on May 28. The BOCC voted to hold a public hearing on extending the retirement home/retirement village deferral; staff later corrected that the self-storage deferral had already been extended, while the clustering deferral was not acted on. A consultant was selected for the Freedom area small-area plan amendment, and solar energy applications were noted as an increasing trend. - Administrative report: No extensions were granted. Two Board of Zoning Appeals cases, both for commercial kennels of 10 or more dogs, were reviewed and found generally consistent with the master plan. Public Comments & Testimony - Zepp Estates: William Wance of 1337 Pleasant Valley Road, owner of the adjacent 19.12-acre wooded parcel, supported the lot-yield transfer because consolidating the old road wedge would preserve his only right-of-way into his property off the realigned Halter Road. Mark Stillman of 1330 Stone Road raised concerns about well-water reliability, noting that three people within a mile on Stone Road had already had wells go dry, and about stop-sign enforcement and traffic safety at the Stone Road/Halter Road intersection. - Liberty Exchange: Mike Myers of 5805 Artisan Drive, secretary of the Sumner's Hollow HOA, supported the new retail uses but asked St. John Properties to again post no-construction-traffic signs and keep construction traffic off residential streets; he also described existing backups between Exchange Drive and Garaway. Lisa Masano of Ronsdale Road said the three-way stop problem is mainly compliance, not volume, and requested rumble strips, flashing stop-sign lights, or additional signage, warning that buildout of Liberty Exchange 2 could worsen conditions. Laura Thorpe of 708 Conservatory Drive, HOA member at large, also requested rumble strips, a four-way stop at Old Liberty Road and Exchange Drive, and a three-way stop at the Gera/Garaway and Old Liberty Road intersection, and said repeated requests had received only under-discussion responses. - No public comments were made on the Education Facilities Master Plan, the transit presentation, or the ADU text amendment; there was no general public comment. Special Report: Zepp Estates, Section 2 - Residential Lot Yield Transfer - Staff and applicant requested a determination under Carroll County Code Section 155.033(B) to transfer one residential lot yield from an approximately 2.2-acre parcel on the east side of Halter Road to the west side in the Agricultural District. The old Halter Road alignment, realigned in 1965, left the east-side wedge with the right to build one house. Under the proposal, the east-side wedge would be consolidated into the adjacent wooded parcel, and the moved lot yield would be recognized through a minor subdivision on the west side. - Staff explained that the code generally requires the transferring tract to retain at least one residential building right or be combined with another tract; in this case the east-side parcel would be combined with the adjacent parcel. - The applicant stated the proposed transferred lot was sized around 2.6 acres to avoid creating a small wooded remnant and to accommodate well and septic placement; further details would be handled through the subdivision review process. - Following public comment, the commission voted 4-0 to allow the transfer under Section 155.033(B), with the transfer to proceed through the regular minor subdivision process. Concept Site Plan: Liberty Exchange (S-23-0019) - Amy Barcroft presented the first amended concept site plan for two new retail buildings on undeveloped Lots 1 and 3 of the Liberty Exchange business park at 5954 and 5955 Exchange Drive, Eldersburg. Building G would be about 9,500 square feet and Building I about 9,472 square feet, each with outdoor seating, with access via Old Liberty Road and Exchange Drive. - The property is zoned light industrial and is inside the Freedom Growth and Priority Funding Area, served by public water and sewer. The proposed buildings are about 29 feet high; photometric levels at property lines are zero; landscaping would be enhanced; and a 30-foot freestanding monument sign has been constructed. - The original business park traffic study included more intense uses, such as a sit-down restaurant and a convenience store with fuel pumps, so the lower-impact retail uses did not trigger additional traffic mitigation under the engineering review. Stormwater, forest conservation, and landscape concepts were approved; grading and utilities comments remain for final site plan. - The existing three-way stop at Old Liberty Road and Exchange Drive was a citizen concern. Staff stated the concerns were forwarded to the State Highway Administration, which submitted a design request. The commission noted that Old Liberty Road is county-maintained while Exchange Drive is private and controlled by St. John Properties. - Commission direction: the county and developer should work together on specific mitigation for the three-way stop, such as rumble strips or other measures to improve stop compliance, without creating a four-way stop that could back traffic onto Liberty Road. The developer should also study the westernmost access point of Lot 1 near Garaway, including considering a right-turn-out-only option, and report back at the next review. St. John Properties representatives committed to maintaining pavement markings on their private property. Education Facilities Master Plan (Introduction) - William Caine presented the annual update of the 10-year Education Facilities Master Plan. It had been presented to the Board of Education the previous week, is scheduled for Board of Education approval in June, and is due to state agencies by July 1 as a requirement for state capital funding. - The Freedom Elementary addition and Sykesville Middle addition were removed from the plan because updated enrollment projections are lower than previously expected. Enrollment grew by about 800-850 students from 2017 to 2023, but the district declined by almost 400 students over the last two school years. - No school is projected to exceed 120 percent capacity in the next six years. Freedom Elementary is projected at about 114-116 percent and will continue to be managed with portables; Sykesville Middle is projected above 110 percent in three of the next six years before declining. - Phase one of the pre-kindergarten expansion will add 10 classrooms and about 200 seats, with classrooms opening this summer and next summer; phase two and three are recommended to be pushed out two years due to slower-than-expected Blueprint enrollment growth. - Liberty High School renovation is in the plan and was included in the county proposed capital budget. A feasibility study will begin this summer on replacement versus renovation, with results expected around December-January. The Career and Technology Center, completed in 2024, was described as highly utilized, with most programs full and some waitlists. - Next steps: the electronic plan will be shared with the commission, and a draft letter of consistency will be brought back for commission review at the June meeting. Carroll County Transit (Informational) - Brian Boge and Stacey Graham from the Department of Public Works presented an overview of Carroll Transit System, which has provided transit service for over 50 years. Current service is operated by Ride With Us under the Butler Medical contract; the system was formerly known as CATS. - Services include seven Trailblazer fixed routes in Westminster, North Carroll, and Taneytown that converge at the Workforce Development Center; a demand-response door-to-door service; and a veteran shuttle to VA facilities, which is the only service leaving the county. - Trailblazer fare is $2; demand-response fares are mileage-based up to $9 one way, with discounts for seniors, dialysis clients, and college students. Fares were last increased in 2011. - Ridership is recovering after COVID; the county is on pace for over 85,000 riders in FY26, with about 40,000 trips per year by disabled riders. South Carroll has the second-highest demand-response use; a previous South Carroll fixed route was discontinued in 2021 due to underutilization. - The fleet includes 31 demand-response vans, 8 Trailblazer buses, and 3 veteran shuttle vehicles. Deviations are available for $1 within three-quarters of a mile of fixed-route stops, and free deviations are provided to certain libraries. - The Transit Advisory Council meets the second Monday of each month; the Transportation Development Plan is scheduled to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners the following week. Grant funding has been essentially flat, fuel is a county expense, and the buses are county assets. - The presentation was informational; no action was taken. Accessory Dwelling Unit Text Amendment (Discussion) - Staff introduced a draft new ADU section needed to respond to HB 1466. An internal county workgroup includes legal, development review, zoning, permits, and health department staff. - Clarifications provided to the commission: sprinklers are required for exterior new construction, including new structures and additions; stormwater and forest conservation may apply depending on site conditions; attached ADUs may require septic expansion depending on the existing system, while detached ADUs automatically require an additional septic system and replacement area. Water supply review, adequate public facilities, and age-restricted housing questions remain under review. - Draft provisions include: owner occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the ADU; one ADU per lot; compliance with building and health regulations; direct exterior access; a parking provision reflecting state limits; HOA/covenant language stating that approval does not eliminate or modify private restrictions except as provided under Maryland law; and a prohibition on subdividing, selling, or conveying an ADU separately unless the property is lawfully subdivided. - The state definition of an ADU caps it at no greater than 75 percent of the size of the primary single-family detached dwelling and requires that it remain subordinate in use. The 75 percent calculation method was not resolved; staff will bring visual examples using different methods, such as finished/livable floor area versus building footprint. - The commission agreed to keep the two-bedroom limit in the general provisions. Staff recommended, and the commission did not object to, removing the three-acre minimum for detached ADUs in Agricultural and Conservation districts and removing the subdivision-rights prerequisite for detached ADUs in residential districts to comply with state law. - The commission leaned toward making ADU height limits consistent with underlying district heights, subject to further discussion, and generally keeping existing bulk and setback requirements unchanged for now. - No text amendment was adopted; staff will return with a revised draft, utility and infrastructure options, and size-calculation examples. Key Outcomes - Approved the meeting agenda and the April 21, 2026 minutes. - Approved the Zepp Estates residential lot-yield transfer under Section 155.033(B) by a 4-0 roll-call vote, to proceed through the minor subdivision process. - Gave concept-plan direction on Liberty Exchange requiring further traffic-mitigation work on the three-way stop and the Lot 1 western access point; the concept plan will return for the next review. - Received the Education Facilities Master Plan introduction; the commission will review a draft consistency letter at a future June meeting. Upcoming meetings are June 3 and June 16, 2026. - Received the Carroll County Transit overview as informational only; no action was taken. - Continued the ADU text amendment discussion; staff will bring a revised draft, 75 percent size-calculation examples, and utility/infrastructure recommendations to the next meeting, with further discussion planned.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Carroll County, Maryland, met on March 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Reagan Room. The meeting covered routine approvals, informational briefings, concept plan reviews, a text amendment vote, and a master plan work session. A quorum was established with five members present. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve the agenda passed unanimously. - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from February 4, 2026, and February 17, 2026, were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Lionsgate Major Subdivision (Item 9): Two citizens spoke. The first, a resident of Collins Estates, requested a cluster of evergreens be planted on the development side of the submerged gravel wetland to break the visual corridor from his property to the proposed lot six. The second, a resident of Bartholow Road, requested visual screening (pine trees) and expressed concerns about an unmarked spring, drainage, and the need for updated plans to be shared with homeowners. He also noted that the existing plan does not reflect a third lot approved in the adjacent Alliance Crossing development. The developer offered to work with neighbors on aesthetic screening. - No public comments were made on the City of Westminster Annexation, Bear Branch Solar, or the Text Amendment. Discussion Items - City of Westminster Annexation 72 (Patamy, LLC): Staff presented an informational briefing on the annexation of 8.3 acres (plus 1.446 acres of MD 140 roadbed) at 10 Sullivan Road. The petitioner seeks annexation to obtain 1,332 gallons of water per day for a convenience store with gas pumps. The annexation is consistent with the Westminster Comprehensive Plan and is located in the municipal growth area. No zoning waiver is required. The commission voted to concur with staff findings and support the annexation to the Board of County Commissioners. - Lionsgate Major Subdivision (Concept Plan): Staff presented a proposal to create six residential lots on 12.43 acres off Hodges Road. Lots range from under 1 acre to 3.08 acres. Access is via a 16-foot wide use-in-common drive (wider than the required 12 feet) with a 35-foot cul-de-sac. Lots will be served by public water and private septic systems. The developer noted that the property is the last undeveloped Collins family parcel and that tree removal will be minimized. A landscape screening recommendation was noted for lots 1–3 adjacent to the county-owned Hodges Park salt barn. The commission recommended that the most current stormwater and grading plan be shared with nearby landowners to address flooding concerns. - Bear Branch Solar (Concept Site Plan): Staff presented a 4 MW solar facility on 63 acres (20–27 acres impacted) at the terminus of Lamb Drive, off MD 97. The project received a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service Commission on January 31, 2025. The solar array is set back 65 feet from property lines (preempting the county’s 100-foot setback requirement). A 50-foot landscape buffer of native trees (6–10 feet tall at planting) is proposed. No forest mitigation is required because no existing trees are removed—a point that drew concern from commissioners who noted that residential development would face significant forest mitigation costs. The developer stated the facility will power approximately 1,500–1,600 homes. No action was taken; the commission will review the plan again at a later stage. - Text Amendment: Planned Commercial Centers: Staff proposed removing the residential accessory use provision from the Planned Commercial Center code (Sections 155.092 and 158.083). The change would prohibit new residential uses above commercial spaces while grandfathering existing approved projects as of December 18, 2025 (the date deferrals took effect). The commission discussed the need for better design guidelines for mixed-use development and agreed that the master plan process should address these questions. The motion to approve the text amendment and forward it with a favorable recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners passed 4–0. Key Outcomes - Vote on Annexation 72: Motion to concur with staff findings and support the annexation to the BOCC passed 4–0. - Lionsgate Subdivision: No formal action required; commission directed staff to share the updated stormwater plan with affected landowners. - Bear Branch Solar: No action taken; commission will review again at a later stage. - Text Amendment: Approved 4–0 to remove residential accessory use from Planned Commercial Centers, with grandfathering as of December 18, 2025, and forward to the BOCC. - Master Plan Work Session (continued): The commission began discussing land use recommendations from work groups, including extending the Priority Preservation Area east of Westminster and south of MD 27, exploring a Transfer of Development Rights program (retained for further study), and comprehensively reviewing zoning for commercial/industrial/mixed-use designations. The discussion will continue on April 1, 2026. Next Meetings - Evening Meeting: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM – Reagan Room - Day Meeting: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM – Reagan Room

On May 14, 2026, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners held an open session covering a range of routine approvals, proclamations, presentations, and policy discussions. Key items included contract awards for community support services, technology upgrades, and infrastructure projects; a budget transfer and contract for a small area plan amendment in the Freedom area; debates on extending temporary deferrals for cluster subdivisions and retirement villages; a decision not to adopt amendments to billboard regulations; and a briefing on proposed forest conservation code revisions. The meeting also featured presentations from Scouting America, EMS services, and Older Americans Month. Presentations & Proclamations - Scouting America: Rebecca O'Hara, an Eagle Scout from Troop 8634, presented the state of scouting. Key statistics: 1,178 co-ed youth, 693 adult leaders, 32,000 pounds of food collected, 51,000 community service hours, 47 Eagle Scouts in 2025, and nearly 2,000 merit badges earned. The board presented a challenge coin to the scouts. - National EMS Week (May 17–23): Chief Michael Robinson and Assistant Chief Eric Zaney accepted a proclamation. They noted over 100 paramedics, 500 EMTs, and 20,000 annual calls. Highlights include a whole blood program that is a state model and a pilot point-of-care testing program with Johns Hopkins. Commissioner Kyler raised a question about cancer screening for retired volunteers; the chief indicated they are working on extending screening under a grant. - Older Americans Month: Celene Steckel and Rich Otone presented statistics: 2,000 unduplicated individuals attended fitness classes, 127 meals served daily across five senior centers, and 550 daily visitors. They highlighted the 54-year history of senior services, a new expansion at Tawny Town Senior Center, and a "Boxing for Balance" program for Parkinson's patients. The board proclaimed May 2026 as Older Americans Month. Routine Approvals & Contract Awards All items below passed unanimously unless noted. - Contract Award – Coordinated Community Supports Services (Item 2): Awarded to Sheppard Pratt Health System, Inc. ($1,135,729), Advanced Behavioral Health, Inc. ($447,430), and Carroll County Youth Service Bureau ($663,123). Funded 100% by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (MCHRC). Discussion included how the selection was made; Commissioner Gordon expressed disappointment that Boys and Girls Clubs of Carroll County were not funded, citing the school system's priorities. The motion passed 5-0. - Grant – Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) Round 2 (Item 3): Approved submission of a $50,000 grant for the Youth Action Board (YAB). The board noted YAB's success in engaging homeless youth and fostering leadership. Passed 5-0. - Grant – MARBIDCO Local Government Cost Share for Faithful Friends Farm (Item 4): Authorized application and acceptance of award. Commissioner Krebs abstained, citing her husband's service on the MARBIDCO board. Passed 4-0-1. - Purchase – Cisco Hyperflex Replacement (Item 5): Approved $1,049,736.36 to ePlus Technology Inc. for migrating to Nutanix. Passed 5-0. - Purchase – Pavement Testing & Rehabilitation Recommendations (Item 6): Approved $112,474.50 to O’Connell & Lawrence, Inc. for evaluation of 84 roadways (44 miles). Passed 5-0. - Purchase – Storm Water Pipe CCTV & Evaluation Services (Item 7): Approved $149,859.10 to Reybold Construction Technologies for inspecting 192 pipes (12,458 linear feet). Passed 5-0. - Purchase – Pipe Lining (Item 8): Approved $57,800 to Proshot Concrete, Inc. for shotcrete and Thermoform lining on Woodside and Glen Drives. Passed 5-0. - Contract Award – Janitorial Services (Item 9): Awarded to Summit Building Services, Inc. for $295,930.02, covering 11 county buildings for one year with four renewal options. Passed 5-0. - Purchase – IT Partitions (Item 10): Approved $121,446.88 to Douron for new modular partitions and furniture for the IT area. Passed 5-0. - Contract Award – Commissioning Services for Carroll Community College Central Plant (Item 11): Awarded $54,690 to RMF Engineering for commissioning of boiler/chiller systems. Passed 5-0. - Change Order – State’s Attorney’s Office (Item 12): Approved $106,971 additional cost to Dustin Construction for unforeseen soil conditions. The project budget includes contingency. Passed 5-0. Freedom Area Small Area Plan & Overlay Zoning District (Items 13 & 14) - Budget Transfer (Item 13): Approved Resolution O-26.05 to transfer $59,860 from Reserve for Contingencies to Planning and Land Management for consulting services. Passed 5-0. - Contract Award (Item 14): Awarded $59,860 to Downtown Redevelopment Services, LLC for the small area plan amendment and overlay zoning district for the Freedom Area. The consultant will evaluate the MD 26 corridor and consider overlay regulations. Passed 5-0. Extension of Temporary Deferrals in Freedom Designated Growth Area (Item 15) The board discussed extending deferrals for cluster subdivisions and retirement villages/homes. Staff presented a timeline complicated by the Maryland Housing Certainty Act (effective Oct 1, 2026), which establishes early vesting for residential projects. For retirement villages, the board voted 4-1 (Commissioner Kyler dissenting) to direct staff to hold a public hearing on an ordinance extending the deferral on final approval only until October 1, 2026. For cluster subdivisions, after debate, Commissioner Krebs withdrew her motion to extend the deferral due to lack of a second. The board agreed to add a future agenda item to discuss possible removal of cluster subdivision provisions from the code. A representative from St. John Properties, Thomas Pelon, spoke against any extension, calling the current deferral a moratorium that is "unconstitutional, illegal, and manifestly unfair." Billboard Zoning Amendments (Item 16) The board considered amendments to §158.115 (off-premises signs) and §158.113 (general regulations) that would allow consolidation of nonconforming billboards. After public input and discussion, the board voted unanimously not to adopt the amendments. Commissioner Kyler noted community opposition to the size and digital nature of potential consolidated billboards. The board also directed staff to bring back administrative text amendments and to study digital billboards and their alignment with the master plan. A separate motion to require staff to draft language ensuring all ordinances align with adopted master plans failed due to lack of a second. Forest Conservation Code Revisions (Chapter 150) (Item 17) Staff presented proposed changes required by Senate Bill 526 (2023) and additional staff-recommended changes. Key changes include: expansion of priority retention areas to cover 60% of the county; new public notification requirements for clearing priority forest; increased mitigation (all unforested stream buffers must be planted); reduced mitigation for non-priority forest in priority funding areas (0.5:1 ratio); retention banking allowed; and a revised stream buffer definition (50 ft intermittent, 100 ft perennial). Staff-recommended changes include aligning the forest clearing threshold with the state (40,000 sq ft), exemptions for agricultural activities with Schedule F documentation, and a fee-in-lieu option. The board voted unanimously to proceed to a public hearing on the proposed changes. Public Comments - Catherine Adelaide, Carroll County Republican Central Committee, provided updates on the MDGOP convention and invited commissioners to the Maryland Right to Life Convention on May 16. Administrative Session & Agenda Review - The board reviewed the upcoming week's agenda, including the FY27 budget adoption on May 21, and noted various community events.

The Board convened at 10:00 a.m. in the Reagan Room of the Carroll County Office Building to hear first-time event applications, two violation cases, and several new business items. The meeting included extensive discussion on nonprofit fundraising events, alcohol sales to minors, food-to-alcohol ratios, and administrative policies. Consent Calendar - Approved an outdoor seating expansion for the American Legion Lounge in Hampstead (Chris McLean) for a summer experiment with no more than six Adirondack chairs. The licensee agreed to use no glass containers. - Approved a one-day beer garden license for St. John Church (Westminster) for its "Priests on the Roof" event on May 31, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with wristbands and a two-beer limit per person. - Approved a one-day license for the American Legion Post 223 in Sykesville for a Memorial Day beer garden (members and guests only). - Approved an outdoor seating expansion for Tony Hazio (Mount Airy) to extend existing patio by 28 by 60 feet. - Approved an outdoor seating area for Patapsco Distilling (year-round) with iron fencing. - Approved participation of Jeannie Bird in the city of Westminster "Toast of Italy" festival. - Accepted the automatic pour system rules submitted by Double Burrow (Ashley Ratino): up to 12 ounces of wine over two hours, staff monitoring. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made outside of scheduled hearings. First-Time Event Hearing – Celtic Star Inc. 5K Run - Applicant: Celtic Star Inc. (nonprofit) represented by its treasurer, seeking a one-day liquor license for a 5K run at the Carroll County Farm Museum on a future date (under 300 runners currently registered, hoping for 600 total). - Key Positions: Inspector Ledford and Commissioner Harmony expressed support, citing potential to bring visitors to the county and clear nonprofit purpose. Commissioner Barnhart expressed reservations about the involvement of for-profit sponsor Corrigan Sports Enterprises but ultimately joined the majority. - Outcome: Approved 2–1 with conditions: (1) supply a list of all charities benefiting from proceeds, (2) provide a detailed post-event accounting of all income and disbursements within 60 days, and (3) confirm that no for-profit entity receives profit (only reimbursement of expenses). Violation Hearing – Case 6610: Johansson’s Dining House (Sale to Minor) - Licensee: David Johansson, Champs Inc. t/a Johansson’s Dining House. Inspector Ledley testified that on April 6, 2026, an underage volunteer was served a Corona after the manager, Sarah Redding, misread the date on a vertical Maryland ID (thought DOB was Feb. 2026, actually Feb. 2027). The server, Jane Evans, had asked for ID and deferred to the manager. - Positions: Licensee and manager accepted responsibility, noted 15 years without a violation, and stated they have since reinstated a policy of no vertical IDs. - Outcome: Found culpable of sale to a person under 21. Fined $300, to be paid within 30 days. The board noted the long clean record and that the violation was a mistake, not deliberate. Violation Hearing – Case 6614: Ernie’s Place (Rule 20 – Alcohol vs. Food Sales) - Licensee: Ricky Jones, Ernie’s Place. The renewal packet showed 83% alcohol sales (violating the 59% cap). Jones contested, claiming accounting errors due to a computer system crash and an accountant using wrong data. He provided new, uncertified figures showing approximately 47% alcohol sales. - Discussion: The board questioned discrepancies, unpaid taxes (workers’ comp/unemployment) that had placed a hold on the license, and whether the licensee had followed proper procedures. The board tabled the Rule 20 violation to June 10, 2026. - Key Outcomes: The board directed Jones to obtain from the Maryland Comptroller written confirmation that all taxes (sales, unemployment) are paid and the hold is released. Additionally, Jones must provide quarterly sales reports for 15 consecutive months (Jan. 2025 – March 2026) and a certificate of workers’ comp insurance for 2025. The $50/day late fee from April 20, 2026, will apply until the state confirms payment. If the hold is not resolved by 30 days from April 20 (i.e., May 20, 2026), the license is subject to suspension and a new hearing for reinstatement. New Business: Distillery Legislation Update - Jennifer Young (Covalent Spirits) reported that House/Senate bill allowing Class 1 distilleries to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages passed and awaits governor’s signature, effective July 1, 2026. She requested that the $500 on-premise permit fee not increase. The board noted the update. Discussion Items - Advertising Violations & Posting Signs: The board agreed to (1) advertise all violations in the newspaper (not just hearings) for transparency, and (2) post a standard-sized sign on the premises of any licensee with a violation hearing (same as for new applications). A policy email will be sent to all licensees. - CJIS Retention Policy: The board approved a written policy for retention and destruction of fingerprint and background check records, as required by the state Criminal Justice Information System audit. Records are kept under lock and key, then destroyed after scanning (within three days of hearing completion). - Alcohol vs. Food Sales Ratio: The board discussed reforming the renewal form to require “food sales” and “alcohol sales” rather than “gross sales.” This would remove non-food items (e.g., bowling shoes, arcade games) from the denominator. A grace period of one year will be used to collect true data, followed by a public hearing and possible ratio adjustment or creation of a new entertainment license. The board will also discuss at the annual seminar. Key Outcomes - Votes & Decisions: - Celtic Star one-day license: Approved 2–1 (Harmony and one other in favor, Barnhart opposed). - Johansson’s Dining House: Culpable, fine $300 (unanimous). - Ernie’s Place: Tabled to June 10, 2026, pending state tax release and quarterly reports. - All consent items and new business approvals (outdoor seating, beer gardens, distillery update) were approved without objection. - Next Steps: - Celtic Star to provide charity list and post-event accounting within 60 days. - Ernie’s Place owner must obtain state clearance and submit 15 months of sales data by June 10. - Liquor Board staff to update renewal forms, advertise violations, and post hearing signs; send policy notification to all licensees. - Future Meeting: June 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.