Public Meetings - Carroll County, Maryland

On March 11, 2026, the Carroll County Board of License Commissioners held public hearings starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Reagan Room of the Carroll County Office Building in Westminster, Maryland. The meeting addressed routine one-day liquor license approvals, violation hearings for underage sales, license transfers, and a license type change application. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:30 p.m. Consent Calendar - First time event holder (Women's Club of Hampstead): Approved to hold a fundraiser at the Fireside on Main in Hampstead, featuring a catered dinner and wine tasting, with expected attendance of 100 people. No objections. - Ryland Green additional bar area: Approved to add a new bar at the Island Green to alleviate weekend lines, with 12 bar stools and 40-42 driving stations. No objections. - Veteran Celebration of Carroll County: One-day license approved for the annual event at the Foreign Museum. No objections. - Wine and Art Music Festival: One-day license approved for the event at Tarnetown Memorial Park. No objections. - Renewal forms wording change: Board agreed to remove the words "and miscellaneous items" from the food/alcohol sales renewal form and to replace the notary requirement with a certification under penalties of perjury for certain forms. - Katina Sushi ownership change: Notification letter from Matt Hurf, Esq. regarding a change of ownership for Katina Sushi of Mount Airy – no objection. - Sykesville block party participation: Letter from Tyler Whitig (The Local Motive) approved pending the town obtaining a state non-festival permit. Also approved Peddapso Distilling Company and Vine on the Main to participate in all four Sykesville events. - Stables Restaurant deck parties: Letter from Stanley Jacowski Kafowitz approved to hold outside deck parties on Saturdays and Sundays from May 16 to September 26, 2026 (previously only Sundays). No objections. - Kuhn Club adding liquor: Board agreed to handle the request to add liquor to the existing club license as a business meeting rather than a full hearing, and will bring them in at a future meeting. Public Comments No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items Case 6602 – New York Pizzeria (Ana Perla Flores, t/a FS Rest, LLC) - Violation: Sale of alcohol to a person under 21 on January 21, 2026. An underage volunteer purchased a Corona beer without being asked for ID. The server, Reese Edwards, had no TIPS/TAMS training and was a college student working her second shift. - Licensee testimony: Owner Jose Sanchez stated the server had been trained but forgot. The licensee (Ana Perla Flores) noted the business had two prior violations in 2015 and 2019 (before she was manager) and this was her first compliance check as a licensee. Since the incident, she sent 8 employees to alcohol training. - Board discussion: Commissioners expressed disappointment that the first check failed, citing lack of training and education. They noted sincere efforts to mitigate the problem. - Decision: Licensee found culpable. Fine of $400 to be paid within 30 days. Case 6601 – De Cantera (Miguel Ochoa, t/a De Cantera LLC) - Note: This hearing was originally scheduled for 11:00 a.m. but was continued to 1:30 p.m. due to missing information. - Violation: Sale of alcohol to a person under 21 on January 21, 2026, and failure to have an alcohol-aware trained person on premises. An underage volunteer purchased a Corona beer without being asked for ID. The server, Wilson Joel Monteflor Purry, had no TIPS/TAMS training and produced a Guatemalan ID. The manager, Jose Duran, was also untrained. - Licensee testimony: Miguel Ochoa (10% owner) explained the server was hired based on experience at another restaurant, and they assumed he was certified. The restaurant had passed two previous compliance checks but failed the third. Since the incident, employees have taken training. - Board discussion: Commissioners noted a lack of accountability and training, but acknowledged the licensee’s cooperation and steps taken. - Decision: Licensee found culpable for both violations. Fine of $400 for the underage sale and $100 for the training violation, total $500, to be paid within 30 days. Case 6593 – Twin Arch Tavern (John Christopher Beck) - Application: Transfer of license from Gennaro Illiano to John Christopher Beck, as part of a business swap involving three restaurants. Beck was a 50% owner and will become 100% owner. He has been involved in operations for years. - Character witnesses: Three individuals testified to Beck’s fitness and character. - Board discussion: Commissioners noted Beck’s excellent track record and qualifications. - Decision: Application approved, subject to providing updated corporate documents. Case 6599 – TJ’s Corner Grill (William T. Leach) - Application: Transfer of license from Joyce B. Leach to William T. Leach due to a domestic separation. Leach has operated the restaurant since 2008 and lives upstairs. He has a strong record with only one prior violation. - Character witnesses: Three individuals testified to Leach’s honesty and fitness. - Board discussion: Commissioners praised Leach’s experience and community reputation. - Decision: Application approved. Case 6603 – Liquidity Aleworks (Raymond Tignall Jr. and William Deavers) - Application: Change license type from Class D (beer only) to Class B-R (beer, wine, and liquor). The microbrewery partners with Walkers on Main, which operates a semi-permanent outdoor kitchen (custom-built trailer affixed to the building) to provide food. - Discussion: The board extensively debated whether the outdoor kitchen qualifies as a food truck under state law. The board concluded it is not a food truck because it is not routinely moved, is attached to the building via utilities, and was custom-built for the location. The Town of Mount Airy has approved the arrangement. The applicants noted the microbrewery industry is struggling and the upgrade will allow them to host events and increase revenue. - Board discussion: Commissioners acknowledged the business is underperforming projections and the upgrade will help adaptation. They emphasized the unique nature of the arrangement and that it does not set a precedent for food trucks. - Decision: Application approved, with the understanding that the food service operation remains semi-permanent and does not move locations. Key Outcomes - Fine imposed: New York Pizzeria – $400 (underage sale). - Fine imposed: De Cantera – $500 ($400 for underage sale, $100 for training violation). - License transfer approved: Twin Arch Tavern (John Christopher Beck). - License transfer approved: TJ’s Corner Grill (William T. Leach). - License type change approved: Liquidity Aleworks from Class D to Class B-R. - Consent Calendar items: All routine approvals granted as listed above. - Next meeting: Scheduled for April 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.

The Carroll County Police Accountability Board (PAB) met on March 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 003/004 of the Carroll County Government building. The meeting covered updates on trial board training, a review of the End of Year Report presented to the Board of Commissioners, legislative efforts to allow expungement of unfounded complaints, new complaint processing deadlines, and a summary of recent Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) cases. Law enforcement agencies from across the county reported on their activities and upcoming initiatives. Trial Board Training - Trial board training is scheduled for March 23 and August 24, 2026, in Sykesville. The board noted that all officers who may serve on a trial board must complete this training; a recent trial board was postponed because an officer lacked the required training. Chief Snyder confirmed that the postponed trial board will now be held on May 1, 2026, in the same building as the meeting. Meeting with Carroll County Board of Commissioners (End of Year Report) - PAB Chair Bill and ACC member Tom briefed the commissioners on the End of Year Report. The commissioners were pleased with the statistics: 83,000 police interactions in Carroll County, 51 officers complained about, and 4 charged, yielding a ratio of incidents to charges of 0.006%. Commissioners expressed strong support for the quality of law enforcement. - The board discussed the issue that complaints remain on an officer’s record permanently. Commissioner Krebs indicated this was an overreach and supported creating an expungement process for unfounded complaints. Doug, an ACC member, reported working with Delegate Tomlinson on a bill for the next legislative session. - A proposal for a “compliment button” (or comment button) on the complaint portal was rejected by the county executive due to unspecified issues; the board considers the idea dead. - The commissioners approved three-year terms for PAB and ACC members (already effective for current terms). A request for increased stipends was not approved, as it is a budget matter to be reviewed. - Outreach efforts were discussed, including a booth at Westminster Fall Fest. Commissioners suggested speaking to city councils, using social media, and producing a video. The PAB will consider these suggestions. - The report concluded that law enforcement in Carroll County is excellent, a sentiment echoed by the commissioners. New ACC Complaint Deadlines - Effective October 2025, police departments have 334 days after a complaint is filed to submit it to the ACC. The ACC has 30 days to adjudicate, and the entire process must be completed within 395 days. After that, jurisdiction is lost. Tom noted that some departments have had cases close to the deadline, but Carroll County has generally been timely. ACC Case Updates (Tom) - December 2025: No cases. - January 2026: Two cases from Westminster – one racial profiling allegation was unfounded after video review; the other involved an off-duty officer whose dog attacked another dog, and the officer was rude. The officer was charged with a Category B violation and received loss of leave. An anonymous complaint from Manchester was deemed invalid because the complainant was not identified and the officer had retired, so no jurisdiction. - February 2026: Four cases – one from Sykesville and three from the Sheriff’s Office. Three were found to have no violations (traffic stop, car accident, drug task force stop). The Sykesville case involved an officer who turned off his body camera after a traffic stop and engaged in a personal conversation, asking the woman for her phone number. The officer admitted the conduct and was charged with a Level A violation (letter of reprimand) for violating body camera policy, and one day loss of pay for unprofessional conduct. - So far in 2026, there have been six complaints and two charges. In all of 2025, there were four charges. - Tom noted that 28% of 2025 complaints came from non-county residents; in 2026, half have been from non-residents. Complaint Log Handout - The PAB distributed a complaint log. Two cases are open: one from Westminster (officer accepted discipline, case closed on the log) and one from Sykesville (case 2502, pending officer’s acceptance of discipline). The board requested that agencies notify Bethany when discipline is accepted or a trial board is requested to keep the log accurate. Law Enforcement Agency Updates - Carroll County Sheriff’s Office: Captain Blunde reported nothing new. - Westminster Police Department: Deputy Chief Jason Jones announced two initiatives: a follow-up program based on medical research (to reduce complaints) and a post-contact survey (QR code/text/email) to gather community feedback. Two officers are attending CIT training this month. - Sykesville Police Department: Chief Spaulding said he will meet with the officer in case 2502 this week and will inform Bethany of the outcome. One use of force incident (emergency petition) was found compliant. - Hampstead Police Department: Chief Snyder reported one case in route to the ACC and noted that Commissioner Kyler showed interest in Hampstead during the commissioners’ meeting. He also mentioned that recurring complaints from specific individuals should be tracked. - Taneytown Police Department: Major Bob Mitchell reported that one investigation will be submitted to the ACC within days. - Manchester Police Department: Chief Hess reported nothing new. He provided details on the anonymous complaint that went through the IA Pro portal; the portal had a glitch but enough information was captured. The likely complainant had a history with multiple departments and was cooperating with the State’s Attorney’s Office. Key Outcomes - Trial Board Training: Reminder sent to all agencies to ensure officers are trained for trial board service. - Legislative Action: The PAB and ACC will prepare a bill for the 2027 session to allow expungement of unfounded complaints. - Three-Year Terms: Approved and effective immediately for current PAB and ACC members. - Compliment Button: Declined; no further action. - ACC Deadlines: All agencies reminded of the 334/30/395-day timelines. - Complaint Log Accuracy: Agencies asked to report discipline acceptance or trial board requests to Bethany. - Next Meeting: June 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:45 a.m.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners held its Thursday open session on March 5, 2026, in Room 311 of the Carroll County Office Building. Commissioner Thomas Gordon was absent due to illness. The board approved a drug court grant, two construction contracts, a PILOT agreement, and a Westminster annexation comment letter; heard a detailed FY2027 budget overview; and deferred the FY2027 Consolidated Transportation Plan priority letter for revision. Public Comments & Testimony - Catherine Adelaide, a member of the Carroll County Republican Central Committee, gave public comment. She expressed support for pro-life legislation, opposition to assisted-suicide and infanticide-related bills in Annapolis, thanked commissioners for attending the legislative breakfast, promoted the Maryland March for Life, and reminded Republicans to sign up as election judges. No other public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Adult Drug Court FY2027 Grant – Approved: Judge Fred S. Hecker and Drug Court Coordinator Dina Black presented the request. Since April 2007, the Carroll County Adult Drug Court has accepted 571 participants; 305 have successfully completed the 13-month program and 38 are current participants. The board approved submission and acceptance of the FY27 Office of Problem-Solving Courts Discretionary Grant application and award totaling $371,343.60, including $4,745 in county funds for grant-ineligible expenses. Commissioner Kiler praised the program and noted the county contribution was less than 1.5% of program cost. - Priority Carroll, Proclamations, and Red Cross Month: Commissioners gave community updates. Commissioner Krebs reported that opioid overdose numbers are down 50% from last year, with two fatal overdoses in the past 12 months (a 33% decrease), zero heroin overdoses, three fentanyl, zero cocaine, eight opiate, and six prescription-drug overdoses; she also cited 56 crashes on a less-than-two-mile stretch of Route 26 last year, including one fatality, 13 personal injuries, and 42 property-damage crashes. Commissioner Kiler shared personal opinions on volunteer fire company support, a proposed billboard rule, and that, in his view, community solar "doesn't belong on AG" land. The board proclaimed March as Red Cross Month; Executive Director Lenora Henry reported the Central Maryland chapter assisted 1,778 individuals in 642 households during 361 disasters, collected 38,189 units of blood, trained 18,810 people, and provided 822 services to military members, veterans, and families; she also noted the Red Cross provides 40% of the nation's blood supply and canceled 800 blood drives due to the storm. - Legislative Update: Legislative Liaison Pam Meister said the county is tracking about 401 bills, with the introduction deadline March 9 and crossover around March 23. She discussed the importance of clear support/oppose letters and coordinating with the delegation. No vote was taken. - Budget Overview Presentation: Budget Director Ted Zaleski presented the FY2027 budget and FY2027-2032 plan. Current county budget is about $580 million, with a projected FY26 year-end of about $625 million. Revenues are expected to come in $44.2 million over budget; he projected about $2 million left in reserve for contingency, $36.7 million in existing unassigned fund balance, $3 million going to stabilization funds, and a 1% surplus transfer of $5.5 million, leaving about $79 million at year-end. Zaleski cautioned the county remains "over-committed," with out-year expenditures growing faster than revenue, and noted FY32 currently shows a negative balance of roughly $8–9 million. Assumptions include Carroll County Public Schools at 3% (though actual increases have exceeded that), salaries at 3.5% for FY27 and 5% in out-years, and general services at 3%. He identified state cost shifts (teacher pension, community college pension, library pension, private pre-K/MSD payments), Blueprint funding uncertainty, income-tax volatility, and federal funding changes as major risks. The recommended budget will be presented March 17. The board adopted, during this item, a motion to include a Liberty High School feasibility study (about $450,000) and a motion to include for discussion $3 million for CCPS technology refresh and building maintenance plus approximately $1.4–1.5 million for stadium lighting. A proposed Carroll Community College project was deferred to a future budget work session. - PILOT Agreement for Residences at Hampstead School – Approved: WinnCompanies sought a 15-year Payment-In-Lieu-of-Taxes agreement for the 85-unit, 100% affordable senior property. Project Director Alex Pereira described rehabilitation beginning Q3 2026, lasting 7–10 months, with no resident displacement and rents unchanged, preserving affordability covenants for 30 years. Two options were presented: Option 1 (40% discount, flat for 15 years; about $237,000 county savings over life, $190,000 additional loan capacity) and Option 2 (50% discount with 3% annual escalation; about $223,000 county savings, $220,000 additional loan capacity). Pereira called Option 2 "a win-win"; Comptroller Jenny Hobbs said it was consistent with the county's existing PILOT. The board approved the PILOT agreement under Option 2. - Cape Horn Park Synthetic Turf Field Design-Build Contract – Approved: The board awarded a contract to Tarkett Sports Construction for $89,920, funded within the FY26 budget, for design-build services for the new synthetic turf field at Cape Horn Park in Hampstead. - CCSO Headquarters Early Demolition GMP – Approved: The board approved Phase 1 Guaranteed Maximum Price for the early demolition package for the new Carroll County Sheriff's Office Headquarters to Dustin Construction for $507,796. The work will remove three residential structures and one commercial structure on the five-acre site at Greenwood Avenue and Manchester Avenue. - Westminster Annexation No. 88 (Route 309, LLC) – Comment Letter Approved: Staff presented the 2.49-acre annexation at 1199 McGregor Road. The county I-2 Heavy Industrial property would become City of Westminster I-R Restricted Industrial; no zoning waiver is required. The proposed use is an above-ground propane distribution facility by Great Valley Propane. The board approved, signed, and forwarded the county comment letter to the city. Commissioner Kiler asked about landscaping/visual barriers for the tank use. - FY2027 Consolidated Transportation Plan Priority Letter – Deferred for Revision: Planner Clare Stewart and Deputy Director Daphne Daly reviewed changes from last year's letter, including new breakout requests for MD 26 design, a pedestrian tunnel near Center Street on MD 27, MD 97 improvements, MD 32 construction, and transit/bike-ped items. Commissioner Krebs urged rewriting the letter to emphasize safety, complete streets, system preservation, and project-readiness/match funding, and to group projects by funding phase/priority. The board did not approve the draft letter; it directed staff to work with Commissioner Krebs and bring back a revised letter before the April 1 MDOT deadline. Key Outcomes - Approved FY27 Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant application and award acceptance ($371,343.60, including $4,745 county funds). - Proclaimed March 2026 as Red Cross Month in Carroll County. - Approved a 15-year PILOT agreement for Residences at Hampstead School under Option 2 (50% discount, 3% annual escalation). - Awarded Cape Horn Park turf-field design-build contract to Tarkett Sports Construction ($89,920). - Awarded CCSO Headquarters Phase 1 early-demolition GMP to Dustin Construction ($507,796). - Approved forwarding the Westminster Annexation No. 88 comment letter. - Directed the FY2027 CTP priority letter be revised and reconsidered before April 1. - Directed inclusion of Liberty High School feasibility study and CCPS one-time funding items (tech refresh/maintenance and stadium lighting) in the FY27 budget proposal for discussion. - After agenda review, the board moved into closed session for land acquisition.

The Planning & Zoning Commission of Carroll County, Maryland, met on March 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Reagan Room. The meeting focused on two major agenda items: a text amendment to remove residential accessory uses from Planned Commercial Centers, and a work session to discuss preliminary recommendations for the county's master plan. Commissioners debated housing affordability, growth tiers, agricultural preservation, and development processes, reaching several consensus decisions to guide future code changes and master plan language. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting agenda unanimously. Discussion Items Text Amendment: Planned Commercial Centers (Introduction) - Daphne Daly presented a proposal to remove residential as an accessory use in Planned Commercial Centers (PCCs) and to create a separate mixed-use category in the code. The change is intended to address concerns that PCCs with residential units lack design guidelines, especially in the Freedom area. Currently, only two PCCs with residential exist in the county, both in Freedom. The proposal would allow existing residential units to remain (grandfathered in as of a certain date) while prohibiting new residential accessory uses in PCCs. - Commissioners expressed strong support for removing residential from PCCs, arguing that "planned commercial center" implies commercial-only use, and that mixed-use developments should be intentional and designed appropriately. They favored creating a separate mixed-use section with clear standards, particularly for areas near municipalities with water and sewer infrastructure. Commissioner Stephen Smith noted that such developments could provide affordable housing options, but must be done right to maintain Carroll County's character. - The commission directed staff to return at the next meeting (March 17, 2026) with draft code language that explicitly ends residential accessory uses in PCCs and establishes a new mixed-use classification. Master Plan Work Session: Preliminary Recommendations - Staff led a review of policy recommendations from the work groups (economy, housing, agriculture, etc.). The commission discussed and voted on several items: - Agricultural Preservation Study: Affirmed a recommendation to conduct a countywide study to strategically identify areas where ag preservation should be prioritized versus areas where development may be more appropriate (e.g., along major corridors). - Growth Tiers & 7-Lot Cap: The commission debated a conflict between two recommendations: one to maintain the current 7-lot cap on well-and-septic subdivisions (affirmed at the last meeting) and another to revisit growth tiers to lift the cap. After discussion, the commission agreed to revisit the topic of growth tiers to evaluate the merits of adoption, recognizing that the 7-lot cap has helped ag preservation but may limit housing supply. The recommendation was revised to “revisit growth tiers to evaluate the benefits of adopting them.” - Housing Supply & Financial Tools: Several housing policy recommendations were reviewed, including incentives for affordable housing, financial literacy programs, and support for partner agencies. The commission agreed to keep most recommendations, but deleted a specific recommendation to “establish key performance indicators” after noting it was too vague and difficult to enforce. - Development Review Efficiency: The commission supported combining two recommendations about streamlining the development review process, but deleted a recommendation for mandatory timelines, citing that the current process works well and that mandatory timelines could be counterproductive. - Intergovernmental Coordination: The commission endorsed re-establishing quarterly Council of Governments meetings with municipalities to improve coordination, and deleted a separate recommendation for a formal economic development agreement, noting that the council meetings would suffice. - Advocacy for State Regulatory Reform: The commission agreed to add clarifying language to a recommendation advocating for state-level review of regulations (e.g., stormwater management, forest conservation, building codes) that increase development costs and conflict with affordable housing goals. - Community Outreach & Education: The commission supported combining several recommendations about public education and outreach to overcome the stigma of affordable housing and generational barriers. - Redevelopment Policies: Approved a recommendation to incentivize redevelopment of blighted properties, striking language about penalties (preferring carrots over sticks). - Environmental Practices: Agreed to revise a recommendation to “continue and enhance environmentally responsible development practices” while also acknowledging that state policies (e.g., from MDE) sometimes hinder growth in Carroll County. - School Redistricting: Noted a board of education comment that this is a board decision, not a planning commission matter. Key Outcomes - Text Amendment: Staff will present draft code language at the March 17, 2026 meeting to remove residential accessory uses from Planned Commercial Centers and create a new mixed-use category. - Master Plan Recommendations: The commission approved several revised recommendations for inclusion in the master plan, including conducting a countywide ag preservation study, revisiting growth tiers, streamlining development review (without mandatory timelines), re-establishing Council of Governments meetings, and advocating for state regulatory reform. The “key performance indicators” recommendation was deleted. - Next Meetings: March 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM and April 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM, both in the Reagan Room.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the County Office Building, Room 311. The agenda included a proclamation for National FFA Week, a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Public Safety Pension Plan (introducing a Deferred Retirement Option Plan – DROP), several routine contract awards, a grant application for workforce mobility initiatives, a legislative update, and public comment. All contract awards and the grant were approved unanimously. The pension amendment public hearing was held open with a scheduled decision for March 12, 2026. Proclamation - The Board recognized National FFA Week (February 21–28, 2026) with a proclamation. FFA chapter presidents and advisors from Carroll County schools spoke about their agricultural education, career plans, and the importance of the organization. Consent Calendar - Contract Award – Piney Run Park Pavilion 3 Paving: Awarded to M.T. Laney Company, Inc. in the amount of $58,072 (RFP 36-F-5-25/26). Six bids were received; amount within FY26 budget. Approved unanimously. - Contract Award – Fairhaven Wellhouse Radionuclide Pilot Project Engineering Services: Awarded to CDM Smith of Lancaster, PA, for $84,200 via a competitively bid term contract. The well is offline due to radionuclide levels exceeding MDE standards; the pilot will evaluate treatment. Approved unanimously. - Approval to Purchase – Dust Collecting System: Awarded to Nichols Contracting in the amount of $105,000 for a turnkey dust collection system at the Maintenance Center wood shop. The contract is piggybacked on Howard County’s competitively bid contract. Approved unanimously. - Grant – Advancing Workforce Mobility and ASCEND Partnership: Approved submission of application and acceptance of award (if granted) for $250,000 (Advancing Workforce Mobility) and $30,000 (ASCEND partnership). Funds from Walmart via Education Design Lab to assist SNAP/Medicaid recipients and veterans with skills identification and employment. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Catherine Adelaide (Carroll County Republican Central Committee) commented on: upcoming legislative breakfast (Feb. 28); pro-life legislation (assisted suicide bill defeated); and election integrity. She thanked the Board for keeping the pension hearing record open so constituents could provide input. Discussion Items - Legislative Update (Pam Meister): Ms. Meister reviewed the status of numerous bills, emphasizing the cumulative impact of state cost shifts to counties (e.g., early voting, teacher pensions, Board of Elections). Commissioners discussed the need to articulate the lack of local control and the pressure on the county budget. The Board directed staff to compile historical data on unfunded mandates for use in advocacy. - Public Hearing – Amendments to Carroll County Pension Plans (DROP): The Board held a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 35 (Public Safety Pension Plan) to add a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). Key proposed features: 3-year participation period, 3% fixed interest, annual participation caps (10 in first year, then 5 per year per department), forfeiture of interest on early voluntary withdrawal, eligibility limited to employees with fewer than 30 years of service. - Sheriff Jim DeWees, Mike Carolinko (IAFF), and Ash Owens (FOP) testified requesting modifications: eligibility without a 30-year cap, 5-year drop period, 5% interest, no penalty for early withdrawal, and a monthly cap of 1% of the workforce instead of annual limits. They argued these changes align with best practices in other jurisdictions (LEOPS, MSP) and aid recruitment and retention. - HR Director Kristy Bixler noted that the current system is antiquated and that the actuarial study assumed different parameters; she expressed concern about administrative burden and the importance of “skin in the game.” - Commissioners debated fiscal uncertainty, the need for a review mechanism, and the fairness of penalties. Commissioner Guerin proposed adopting his preferred provisions (35-year service cap, 5-year drop, 5% interest, no penalty, 1% monthly cap) but withdrew the motion after learning a 10-day waiting period is required by law. The Board voted to keep the record open for 10 days and place the item on the March 12, 2026 agenda for a final decision. Key Outcomes - Pension Amendments (DROP): Public hearing closed; record kept open for 10 days. The item will return for a vote on March 12, 2026. Staff will prepare analysis of Commissioner Guerin’s proposed modifications. - All Consent Agenda Items Approved Unanimously: Piney Run Park paving, Fairhaven Wellhouse pilot, dust collection system, and workforce grants. - Legislative Advocacy: Staff directed to compile a summary of state cost shifts for use in letters and testimony. - Agenda Preview (March 5 and 12, 2026): Approved with noted additions; Commissioner Kiler to attend Annapolis hearings and may adjust open session schedule.

The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals met on February 24, 2026, to hear two conditional use requests: a vehicle sales lot for golf cart sales (Case 6597) and a full-service clubhouse restaurant at River Downs Golf Club (Case 6600). Both requests were approved unanimously with specific conditions. Discussion Items - Case 6597 (Vehicle Sales Lot for Golf Carts): Applicant Brad Miller, owner of Miller's Custom Carts, sought a conditional use to operate a golf cart sales, service, and repair business at 5339 Enterprise Street, Sykesville, in an I-1 Light Industrial District. The site previously housed a motorcycle repair shop. Testimony indicated the business operates primarily indoors, with 3-4 walk-in customers per day, 8-10 golf cart sales per month, and deliveries via trailer. Board members noted the use is less intense than the prior motorcycle use and conforms to the Schultz v. Pritt standard. The application was approved without additional conditions. - Case 6600 (Full-Service Clubhouse Restaurant at River Downs): Applicants Clarinda and Rafiqul Islam requested approval to operate a public restaurant in the existing clubhouse at 1900 River Downs Drive, Finksburg, in a Conservation District. Zoning administrator Anastasia Yemelianova explained the golf course and clubhouse had operated since the 1990s, but a standalone public restaurant required BZA approval under current code. The applicants confirmed the golf course and driving range would remain active and fully operational, with significant upgrades planned. Board members emphasized the importance of the restaurant being accessory to an active golf course. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Aubrey Harley, a resident whose property abuts the driving range, expressed concerns about increased menu items attracting raccoons, traffic impacts, and maintaining the community’s character. He later stated satisfaction after reviewing the menu and hearing the applicants’ commitments to community engagement, including a community advisory board. He also asked whether approval could lead to future housing development, which the board clarified was not permitted under current zoning and covenants. Key Outcomes - Case 6597: Motion to approve the conditional use for a vehicle sales lot (golf carts) carried unanimously (3-0). The board’s oral decision will be followed by a written decision within 30 days. - Case 6600: Motion to approve the conditional use for a full-service clubhouse restaurant in conjunction with a continually fully functional and operational 18-hole golf course and driving range carried unanimously (3-0) after an amendment to clarify the condition. The board’s oral decision will be followed by a written decision within 30 days.

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners met on Thursday, February 19, 2026, for their regular open session. The meeting included commissioner comments, a legislative update, a presentation from the Police Accountability Board (PAB) and Administrative Charging Committee (ACC), a public hearing on a proposed temporary deferral of data processing centers, and several contract awards and approvals. The board also received briefings on the second-quarter FY26 budget, the FY25 Concurrency Management Report, and the FY27 Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) priority letter. Commissioner Comments - Commissioner Vigliotti reported visiting Glenwood School (a nonprofit serving students with learning differences) and H&S Bakery. He also met with Friends of Robert Moton about a museum project involving drafting students. - Commissioner Guerin highlighted a book on school outcomes, "Failure Factory," and emphasized the importance of outcomes over funding. - Commissioner Gordon noted a meeting with MAGIC (Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory) and recognized National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day (Feb. 15). - Commissioner Kiler discussed joint ESAC meetings, solar energy issues, wrestling state championships, and concerns about the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan. - Commissioner Vigliotti also noted that recent state legislation regarding immigration enforcement does not affect the Sheriff’s Office. Legislative Update - Legislative Liaison Pam Meister reported that most bills have been introduced. She highlighted several bills: Senate Bill 75 (grocery store liquor licenses), a Sunday deer hunting bill for Carroll County, and the unpaid property tax bill that passed committee favorably. The county sent letters supporting Shamrock Farms enabling legislation and the alcohol bill. - Commissioner Kiler raised concerns about the middle housing bill and the need for the state to support infrastructure and school construction. The board discussed the importance of opposing the Silver and Starter Homes bills and supporting the Building Affordability in My Backyard (BAMBY) bill. Police Accountability Board (PAB) and Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) End-of-Year Report - PAB Chair Bill Wade and ACC Chair Tom Beyard presented the 2025 report. Key statistics: 83,867 total police interactions (calls for service and traffic stops) in 2025, 51 complaints filed (less than 0.1%), 4 officers charged with misconduct, and 1 recommendation for dismissal. The most common complaint category was professionalism (rudeness). - The board discussed challenges with two-year terms due to required 40-hour state training. They proposed extending terms to three years and staggering appointments to maintain institutional knowledge. The board voted unanimously to adopt the change to three-year terms (motion by Commissioner Kiler, second by Commissioner Krebs). - Other recommendations: annual presentation to commissioners, public outreach (booth at Fall Fest, civic group presentations), and a website comment button for non-complaint feedback. The board also discussed the need for expungement of frivolous complaints from officers’ records. Public Hearing: Proposed Temporary Deferral of Data Processing Centers - County Attorney Tim Burke explained that data processing centers are not currently addressed in the zoning ordinance. The proposed deferral would halt acceptance and processing of applications for eight months to study impacts on water, energy, noise, and neighboring uses. - No public comment was received. The board discussed extending the deferral to one year to allow thorough study and to align with potential state regulations. The motion to approve a one-year deferral passed unanimously (motion by Commissioner Kiler, second by Commissioner Krebs). Contract Renewal – Cohort Instructional Program at Carroll Community College - Kristy Bixler (Human Resources) requested approval to renew the contract with Carroll Community College for $50,000 to fund the Sheriff’s Training Academy Police Entry Level Training (PELT) program for up to 30 students. Since 2019, over 215 participants have earned an A.A.S. in Law Enforcement. The motion passed unanimously. Budget Update – 2nd Quarter FY26 - Budget Director Ted Zaleski reported that property tax revenues are on track, income tax is exceeding projections, and recordation tax is slightly above expectations. Expenditure challenges include a $350,000 increase from recent holiday pay changes and higher overtime and inmate population costs at the Sheriff’s Office. Savings in Public Works from open positions and lower fuel costs. The update was for informational purposes only. Contract Award – 2026 Pipe Culvert Repairs/Replacements - Public Works Director Bryan Bokey recommended awarding the contract to Stambaugh’s Inc. in the amount of $867,205. The project covers 28 sites on 10 roadways. Only one responsive bid was received, but it was within 1.3% of the engineer’s estimate. The motion passed unanimously. Approval of Increase to Term Contract Project Limit for Skilled Trades and Professional Services - Comptroller Jennifer Hobbs and Procurement Manager Carrie Dulski requested raising the internal project limit from $150,000 to $300,000 due to inflation and market conditions. Projects over $50,000 will still require board approval. The new term contracts will be for three years with up to seven vendors. The motion passed unanimously. Briefing – Concurrency Management Report, Fiscal Year 2025 - Planning Director Christopher Heyn and Development Review Manager Laura Matyas presented the annual report. For FY25, the county approved 1,517 residential lots (preliminary) and 1,106 final lots. Building permits issued totaled 1,965 units over six years, below the 6,000-unit cap. Schools improved due to lower actual enrollments, but fire/EMS staffing is now fully countywide (as of February 2025). Planning & Zoning Commission forwarded the report with no recommendations. Commissioners discussed the lag in school enrollment data and functional vs. state-rated capacity for middle schools, leading to a brief disagreement between Commissioners Kiler and Krebs. Approval of Resolution – 2025 Fall Amendment to Water and Sewer Master Plan - Deputy Director Daphne Daly presented the amendment, which updates service area maps and capacity tables for Taneytown, Mount Airy, and Freedom. No public comments were received. The board voted unanimously to adopt the amendment and forward it to MDE. Briefing/Discussion – FY 2027 Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) – County Priority Letter - Daphne Daly and Clare Stewart presented the preliminary priority letter, listing five highway capacity projects (MD 26, 27, 32, 97, 140), two streetscape projects (New Windsor and Sykesville), and the Patapsco Regional Greenway trail. Commissioners discussed the need to prioritize projects and consider county seed money to advance planning. The letter will be brought back for approval on March 5, 2026, with a deadline of April 1, 2026. Public Comment - Catherine Adelaide, a member of the Carroll County Republican Central Committee, gave a report on upcoming events, including the legislative breakfast on February 28 and candidate filing deadline (February 24). She also provided a pro-life legislative update, noting that assisted suicide legislation has not been filed and that bills are being considered on abortion coercion and conscience rights. Key Outcomes - Extended Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee member terms from two to three years (unanimous). - Approved a one-year moratorium on data processing center applications (unanimous). - Renewed the Cohort Instructional Program contract for $50,000 (unanimous). - Awarded the 2026 Pipe Culvert Repairs/Replacements contract to Stambaugh’s Inc. for $867,205 (unanimous). - Increased the term contract project limit for skilled trades and professional services from $150,000 to $300,000 (unanimous). - Adopted the 2025 Fall Amendment to the Water and Sewer Master Plan (unanimous). - The board will further discuss and vote on the FY27 CTP priority letter on March 5, 2026. - The meeting was closed for legal and budget discussions and then adjourned.

The Planning & Zoning Commission of Carroll County, Maryland, met on February 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Reagan Room. The meeting covered agenda items including administrative reports, an informational annexation briefing, a decision on the preliminary recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a legislative update, and a master plan work session. Four members were present, establishing a quorum. Approval of Minutes & Consent Items - The minutes from January 20, 2026, were unanimously approved. - Commission member reports were brief, with no significant items. Administrative Report - Staff reported that a public information meeting on billboard text amendments will be held on February 19, 2026, in the Finksburg area, with a public hearing to follow. - Consultant Michael Baker has been selected for the Freedom area code review (kickoff later that week). - An RFP will be issued for a consultant to lead a small area plan amendment for the Freedom area, focusing on commercial designations and possible rezonings, likely including self-storage uses. - Staff presented two BZA cases: Case 6597 (conditional use for a vehicle sales lot to sell golf carts at 539 Enterprise Street, Sykesville) and Case 6600 (conditional use for a full-service clubhouse restaurant at an existing golf course). Both were noted for information. City of Westminster Annexation 88 – Informational - Staff presented details on the proposed annexation of approximately 2.49 acres at 1199 McGregor Road by Route 309, LLC, who plans to construct an above-ground propane distribution facility (two 30,000-gallon storage tanks and a future office). - The property is within Westminster’s growth area and is designated industrial in the city's comprehensive plan. The annexation would not automatically extend priority water service, but the property owner could request a water/sewer map amendment. - No action was required from the Planning Commission; the next step is presentation to the Board of County Commissioners on March 5, 2026. Preliminary Recommended CIP – Decision - Staff presented a draft comment letter to the Board of County Commissioners regarding the preliminary recommended CIP. The letter highlights projects supporting the master plan, including funding for agricultural land preservation, park projects, water/sewer improvements, and school additions. - The Commission noted two projects not included in the recommended CIP (Arrington and Ring Cliff Road connection/realignment and Prather Road extension) that were requested last year and may continue to be requested. - Vote: The motion to approve the CIP letter passed 4-0-1 (one abstention). Legislative Update - Brenda Dinne provided an overview of numerous planning-related bills introduced in the 2026 legislative session, many focused on housing due to the governor's affordable housing initiatives. - Key bills discussed included SB/HB on comprehensive plan elements (adding economy, equity, resilience, place, ecology), SB 836/HB 1503 authorizing district planning commissions in Carroll County (sponsored by the county delegation), the governor's housing package (e.g., allowing single-family lots to be divided into three units), Mako's alternative housing bill, vesting bills, middle housing requirements, accessory dwelling unit expansion, solar siting bills, and transfer tax preservation funding. - Commissioner Gordon confirmed the district planning commission bill was requested by the Board of County Commissioners to enable flexible local governance, not necessarily to create additional commissions immediately. - Concerns were raised about state preemption of local zoning and the rapid implementation timelines. - Public comment was invited but none was offered. Master Plan Work Session – Preliminary Recommendations Discussion - Staff led a discussion of recommendations extracted from the five work group reports, organized under six broad themes. - Key topics included: - Enable growth where infrastructure exists: Discussed project-ready sites, downtown revitalization, transportation corridors, digital connectivity, and water/sewer technology solutions. Commissioners suggested removing area-specific recommendations (e.g., PantPlex, North Carroll Business Park) to a separate list and broadening the language on agricultural land preservation to require a comprehensive study of the program’s effectiveness and future direction. - Protect rural lands while supporting targeted development: Reviewed recommations to maintain the 100,000-acre ag preservation goal, prioritize easements on land with residential lot yield, maintain the 7-lot cap, and minimize ag land conversion for solar. Commissioners expressed support for studying ag preservation programmatic shifts, especially near growth areas, and advocated for linking solar development on ag land to funding for preservation. - Definition of agriculture and compatible uses: Discussed updating the definition of agriculture, supporting ag incubator businesses, reinstating the Agricultural Commission, and defending property rights. Solar digesters and composting were mentioned as needing clearer treatment. - The work session concluded with a plan to continue discussion at the next meeting (March 4, 2026 evening, and March 17, 2026 day). Key Outcomes - CIP letter approved (4-0-1).\)n- Master plan work session: staff will regroup recommendations, remove area-specific items for later discussion, and circulate revised goals. - Next evening meeting: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM; next day meeting: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM. - Public comment: No public comments were made during the general public comment period or on specific agenda items (public was invited but no speakers signed in).

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners met jointly with the Emergency Services Advisory Council (ESAC) on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Reagan Room of the County Office Building. The afternoon session, covered by the transcript, was a Fire and EMS briefing and discussion covering accomplishments, FY27 staffing requests, apparatus replacement, volunteer funding, recruitment/retention, and a possible third-party operational study. The agenda also listed earlier open-session items (courthouse security purchase, Priority Carroll, legislative update, medical supplies spending authority, propane contract award, Ford F-250 purchase, and a Chapter 94 public hearing request), but no transcript or minutes for those items were provided. DFEMS Accomplishments and Operations - ESAC Chair Rick, who also represents stations 1, 12, 13, and 14, reported that the Department of Fire and EMS (DFEMS) responded to 25,517 incidents over the past year. He noted that all 13 stations now have planned career staffing for fire and EMS positions. - More than 30 administrative and operational policies have been written or updated, including driver training, an accident review board, command/chain-of-command protocols, common radio terminology, and on-scene reporting. ESAC approves safety-related policies in draft while awaiting further comments. - Leadership changes include making EMS supervisor positions lieutenants with supervisory authority, improving span of control at Mount Airy, Sykesville, and Westminster. - New clinical capabilities were highlighted: ventilators, IV pumps, and the whole-blood program. ESAC credited Medical Director Dr. Kemp for training and life-saving successes. - Training program accomplishments: 10 students passed EMT certification; 15 students started Firefighter 1 class; 79 juniors participated in a September junior day; another junior day is planned for April 11 and an awards ceremony for April 7. FY27 Staffing Requests - The department currently has 224 total personnel, compared with the 232-person target set with the previous board. ESAC requested: - Eight additional floater positions to cover leave, FMLA, light duty, and injuries. In 2025 there were 26 holdovers of more than 24 hours, 91 holdovers of 12–23 hours, and 40 holdovers of under 12 hours, totaling 2,080 unplanned holdover hours. Chief Michael Robinson said holdovers are a major retention and morale issue and can force paramedic ambulances in Mount Airy and Union Bridge to be downgraded to EMT ambulances. - Four safety officers, described by ESAC's chair as the top priority, to provide dedicated on-scene safety at incidents and to manage compliance training, equipment maintenance, and OSHA/MOSH requirements. The chair cited an Illinois town that declared bankruptcy after a line-of-duty death and a $31.5 million lawsuit upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court, as well as a prior Maryland OSHA citation. - Three station captains by upgrading existing lieutenant positions at Mount Airy, Westminster, and Sykesville (no net new positions), creating a single point of contact for volunteer chiefs and promotional opportunities. - One additional logistics support person; currently one logistics person serves 13 firehouses, and the quartermaster recently suffered an on-duty fall with no backup. - Chief Robinson asked the 14 volunteer departments for staffing requests and received a request for 29 additional people. ESAC acknowledged that a total of 42 new positions is unlikely but discussed using SAFER grants to fund some positions, noting counties still must match funds and costs rise in the third year. Apparatus and Fleet Replacement - Three new ambulances are on order for delivery in late 2027 or early 2028. ESAC warned that by 2028, two ambulances will approach 300,000 miles, one will be over 20 years old, and 16 ambulances will have over 100,000 miles. It recommended purchasing five ambulances per year over two budget years and considering demo units, which can be delivered in about six months compared with a two-to-three-year build time. - Chief Robinson described industry constraints: only about six major ambulance manufacturers remain, tariffs and supply chains affect aluminum and components, and large departments like FDNY consume much of production. The county has one county-owned reserve ambulance and two owned by CC VISA, but ideally needs six reserves. - On the fire engine side, ESAC reported volunteer corporations have committed about $7.5 million for apparatus (four engines, a heavy-duty rescue squad, four utility vehicles, two duty vehicles, and an ATV), and more than $22 million in equipment has been reviewed through the ESAC process since it began. One new Sykesville engine, built by E1, costs $1.3 million. - The county has only one reserve engine when three are expected for ISO insurance ratings. ESAC warned that missing reserve-engine requirements could raise homeowners' insurance by $200 to $600 per year and significantly increase commercial insurance costs. It recommended establishing an apparatus replacement schedule, looking at demo fire trucks, possibly rehabbing the current reserve engine, and supporting volunteer companies that keep multiple engines. Volunteer Funding and Retention - ESAC said the annual 3% county budget increase for volunteer companies is not keeping pace with wear and tear, call volume, higher apparatus costs, and longer delivery times. Volunteer insurance deductibles have risen from $1,000 to $10,000 per incident; the county pays when a career employee is driving, but volunteer corporations must pay when a volunteer is driving. - The existing $50,000 interest-reimbursement cap in the CC VISA budget is another concern; one department already exceeds it because of a building mortgage plus a new engine purchase. ESAC said departments requested $300,000 in interest reimbursement this year, which the county indicated it cannot sustain. - Chief Robinson noted the county and CC VISA have consolidated common purchases across the 14 companies, used county procurement contracts, and paid utilities and maintenance, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. - For retention, ESAC said career employees currently have no published pay scales, while neighboring jurisdictions do; pay scales would be projected career steps and a major retention tool. Volunteer-side ideas included improving LOSAP, restarting a tuition/student-loan reimbursement program, and offering property tax breaks, citing an Anne Arundel County example of a 10-year tax break for volunteers meeting LOSAP and public safety employees living in the county. One commissioner questioned who would pay for tax breaks and whether they are fair to all taxpayers. Third-Party Operational Study - Chief Michael Robinson recommended a comprehensive third-party evaluation of the entire Fire and EMS department, using ISO, NFPA, and accreditation benchmarks, plus interviews with stakeholders and citizens, to guide the next phase of the transition. He said studies typically take four to six months and vendors include ICMA and the International Fire Chiefs. - ESAC cautioned that past studies sometimes became “shelfware” and that the RFP must be tightly scoped and attainable. Commissioner Kiler stated a third-party study is “a must.” Commissioners asked ESAC and the department to provide prioritized needs and quantified costs. Key Outcomes - No formal action items or vote tally are recorded in the supplied transcript for the afternoon session; it was largely a briefing and board discussion. - The Board asked for additional data, including a prioritized ranking of staffing requests, quantification of accident deductibles and interest costs, and possible RFP parameters for a third-party study. ESAC indicated its own priority order: safety officers first, floaters next, and the logistics position as a separate need. - At the close of the meeting, the Board thanked Rick for his six years as ESAC president, noting he is term-limited and cannot serve another term. The meeting ended with a voice vote, though the transcript does not identify a substantive motion.