Calvert County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting – July 22, 2025

The Calvert County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to address a full agenda including presentations, public hearings, proclamations, appointments, and both new and old business. Key discussions centered on the 2026-2031 Economic Development Strategic Plan, adoption of the Hallowing Point Park Master Plan, budget amendments for health department core funding and the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, approval of a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, and the lifting of a FEMA grant freeze.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) Public Hearing: Joe Cormy, speaking as an individual, asked for clarification on what constitutes a "disproportionately impacted area" or "low-income area" and how the funds would be targeted. He noted that under the Enough Act, only a small area near Barstow Elementary qualified as low-income. Staff responded that Lusby has been designated as a disparately impacted community by the Office of Social Equity, and that Prince Frederick is eligible as a whole. A survey is currently gathering feedback from these communities.

Discussion Items

• 2025-2031 Economic Development Strategic Plan Presentation: Anirban Basu of Sage Policy Group presented the plan, which was developed through data analysis, a SWOT analysis, and stakeholder focus groups. Key findings include: population 95,000, labor force 49,000, unemployment 2.8%; high median income but declining school enrollment and aging population; 70% of residents commute out of county; and limited water/sewer infrastructure. Commissioners expressed concerns about balancing growth with rural character, the high cost of infrastructure, and challenges of housing affordability for the workforce. Commissioner Hart noted that the county faces a “box” where citizens want amenities but no new traffic or taxes. The plan recommends infrastructure investment, data center development, and town center revitalization. The presentation sparked extensive discussion on water/sewer, density, and the need to generate tax revenue without spurring unwanted development.
• Public Hearing – Hallowing Point Park Master Plan: Stephanie Sperling (Parks & Recreation Planner) presented the updated master plan for the 81-acre park, proposing synthetic turf fields, paved/natural trails, a skate park, additional playground, and improved signage. The plan was developed after a survey with over 2,000 responses. The Planning Commission recommended adoption after a 60-day review period. No public speakers appeared. The board closed the record. (Action deferred per 10-day rule.)
• Public Hearing – Health Department CORE Funding Budget Amendment: Jennifer Moreland (Community Resources Director) and Champ Thomas Scuddy (Health Dept. Deputy Director) presented the request to approve a budget amendment of $777,401 from prior year fund balance to meet the county's match for $6,460,620 in state core funding. The public hearing received one comment from Joe Cormy questioning the timing and calculation of the match. Staff explained that the state allocation arrived after the regular budget process. The board closed the record, approved the amendment, and authorized the County President to sign the core agreement. (Vote: unanimous.)
• Public Hearing – Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Ordinance: Jennifer Moreland presented the ordinance required by state law (SB 894, Chapter 195) to establish a local fund for communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis enforcement. The ordinance outlines eligible uses. After public comment and no other speakers, the board closed the record and adopted the ordinance. (Vote: unanimous.)
• Proclamations: Three proclamations were read and presented: (1) Buy Local Week (July 17-27, 2025), with a kickoff event on July 28 at Tetamers Produce; (2) National Night Out (August 5, 2025), coordinated by the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse; (3) Parks & Recreation Month (July 2025), recognizing 40 years of growth and service.
• Appointments: The board approved multiple appointments to boards and commissions: Board of Appeals (Ronald Scott), Economic Development Advisory Commission (reappointments and new members), Economic Development Authority (Michelle McGovin), Marine Museum Board of Governors (Dr. Michael Brooks, Tim Carvias), Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (David Braun), Family Network (Deborah Harris reappointed), Commission for Women (Lynn Williams), and Employees Retirement Plan Board of Trustees (Eric Thompson, Tim Carvias). All appointments were approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: Two items approved without objection: FY2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant (Public Safety) and Community Development Block Grant Budget Amendment (Community Resources).
• New Business – Microsoft Enterprise Agreement: Stephen Pereira (Technology Services) requested approval of a 38-month renewal (through September 2029) with SHI International at a cost of $49,170.16. The board approved the resolution and authorized a subscription term not to exceed 20 years. (Vote: unanimous.)
• Old Business – FEMA Grant Freeze Update: Dave McDowell, Cara Buckmaster, and Mike Grierson reported that FEMA had lifted its freeze on several grant programs. Outstanding reimbursements of $1,027,524.62 have been received, and $142,623.14 in new requests are processing. The board approved moving forward with the remaining projects as planned. Additionally, Commissioner Hart made a motion to explore surplusing county-owned properties acquired through FEMA grants to generate revenue; the motion passed with direction to the County Attorney.

Key Outcomes

• The Hallowing Point Park Master Plan public hearing record was closed; adoption will be considered after a 10-day waiting period.
• Health Department Budget Amendment (BA2026-000001) was approved, authorizing the County President to sign the core funding agreement with the state. (Unanimous)
• Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Ordinance was adopted, establishing a local fund and designating the Community Resources Director as manager. (Unanimous)
• Microsoft Enterprise Agreement renewal was approved for 38 months with SHI International, with an option to extend up to 20 years. (Unanimous)
• FEMA-funded projects (hazard mitigation and homeland security) were authorized to proceed now that the freeze is lifted. (Unanimous)
• The board directed staff to explore surplussing county-owned properties acquired via FEMA grants, for potential revenue generation. (Unanimous)
• All appointments and proclamations were approved as presented.
• The board recessed to executive session at 1:00 PM to discuss personnel matters, a business relocation proposal, and potential litigation, citing General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(1)(i), (ii), (4), and (8).