The Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County held its regular meeting on June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Prince Frederick, Maryland. The meeting included an invocation, approval of the agenda (with amendments to defer items 9 and 10), a ceremony recognizing correctional academy graduates, a public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects, three proclamations, a consent agenda with 16 items (two deferred), three new business items, a work session on a proposed data center moratorium, public comment, and commissioners' reports. The most significant discussion centered on the data center moratorium, where a motion to schedule a work session and public hearing failed on a tie vote (2-2), with no further action taken.
During the public comment period, 16 individuals spoke (in person and virtually), all but one opposing data centers and urging the Board to impose a moratorium. Speaker Patrick Flaherty criticized the Board's transparency and actions, noting a petition of over 8,000 signatures against data centers. Patty Stuckler referenced past votes against a moratorium and urged voters to reject incumbents at the June 23 primary. Pam Warner (Indivisible Calvert County) highlighted the Environmental Commission's analysis of heat islands and diesel emissions, arguing that current setbacks are insufficient. Jeff Dixon described noise impacts from the existing Dominion LNG plant and called for independent health studies. Dylan Johnson urged the Board to avoid partisanship and work together. Alison Ziggler noted the county's resident guide omitted heavy industrial uses like nuclear and LNG plants. Carmen Porello demanded cumulative impact analysis and inclusion of the Environmental Commission. Sherry Burden (Marley Run HOA board) detailed the county's long development planning and argued a moratorium is needed for public accountability. Kathy Decker (Calvert Citizens for Student Safety and Responsible Development) challenged the legal basis for an alleged “unlimited clause” and criticized the Board's transparency. Others echoed concerns about environmental health, wildlife, and the lack of independent studies.
Of the Board of Calvert County Commissioners. We're going to start out this morning with our invitation. Pastor Charles Harry Harrell with Asbury and Solomon. Morning, sir. Morning. Good morning. Let us pray. Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth. How majestic is thy name in all the earth. On a beautiful morning, dear Lord, you have graciously given to us to be up and about and in the service of our fellow human beings. And we give you thanks for the gift of life, the privilege of community, and the richness of service. As we find ourselves now in this span between Flag Day on Sunday and Independence Day, just two and a half weeks hence, we are mindful of the cherished inheritance of freedom purchased at a high price and secured over and again by the blood, treasure, toil, and perseverance of America's patriots, her sons and daughters by birth or by adoption, and we are grateful. As we're poised at the threshold of the summer season, we celebrate with our graduates and their achievements, with students everywhere as they find a momentary release from their studies, and with our educators and staff who are beginning to enjoy a well-earned break from their important labor. In this elder abuse awareness month, we remember especially the most vulnerable among us, from the youngest to the elderly, and all those who find themselves at the margins of society and of our awareness, asking your special protection for these, and that you grant vigilance for us, their friends and neighbors, that childhood might be a time of joy, and the elder age a season of continued fruitfulness and blessing. Holy God, we have no agency at all apart from your power to enable and can accomplish no good thing absent your grace. Grant these your servants, our commissioners, and all who here gather the power and grace both to will and to do that which is best for the people of Calvert County, that which is conducive to the prosperity and safety of all, and to build and perfect this place. We call home. We make this prayer with a view towards the good of all our neighbors and the blessing of that majestic name to whom be all glory and honor now and forever. Amen. Amen. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor Harold. Would you like to say anything? Thank you very much. It's a privilege to be with you this morning. And uh just want to uh put in a plug for the community where I work, Asbury Solomon's, the only community of its type here in Southern Maryland, CCRC, wonderful place where I've been these 13 years now. And uh also to remind everyone that it is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Certainly, if you see something, say something. We need to protect our elderly. Thank you, sir. Thank you. We appreciate it. Takes us to the approval of the agenda. Are there any amendments to the agenda? If not, we have a motion. I move that we approve and adopt the agenda as submitted. Second. So we have a motion and second to adopt the agenda as submitted. Hearing a discussion. Hearing none, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed. Motion carries. Takes us to our public service announcements. Election 2026 information. Early voting is underway and continues through June 18th. Early voting centers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registered voters may cast their ballot at any Calvert County Early Voting Center. Ward Farm Park Boat Center, located at 10455, Ward Road in Dunkirk.