Carroll County Board of Commissioners Open Session – April 9, 2026
Carroll County Board of Commissioners Open Session – April 9, 2026
The Board of Carroll County Commissioners held an open session on Thursday, April 9, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM in the Reagan Room 003 of the County Office Building. The meeting included proclamations, a public hearing, legislative updates, multiple grant approvals, contract renewals, a rate increase vote, and a vehicle purchase. Commissioners present: Joseph A. Vigliotti (President), Michael R. Guerin (Vice President), Thomas S. Gordon III, Kenneth A. Kiler, and Susan W. Krebs.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Self-Storage Deferral Public Hearing: Two residents (Sarah Penn, Audrey Novak) spoke in favor of extending the deferral, citing the need for community character, adherence to the Freedom District plan, and the value of waiting for consultant recommendations. One representative (Kelly Miller) opposed the extension on behalf of developer Scott Cooper, arguing that the developer had made significant concessions (e.g., reduced building height to 18 feet 8 inches), there is no emergency, and the use is low-intensity. The board closed the public hearing and then voted.
- General Public Comment (after agenda items): A resident voiced concern about a proposed solar farm on Eckert Road, noting it would be near preserved farmland and newly built homes. Commissioners responded that state authority overrides local control on such projects and encouraged the resident to contact state officials. A representative of the Carroll County Republican Central Committee reported on pro-life activities and legislative updates.
Proclamation
- National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18, 2026): The board proclaimed the week honoring dispatchers. Director Valerie Hawkins, manager Ashley Bergen, and specialist Meredith Beck accepted. Statistics: the center provides CPR instructions, delivers babies, and handles over 100 servers virtually; they have peer awards for life-saving calls. The proclamation was signed by all commissioners.
Legislative Update
- Pam Meister, Legislative Liaison, reported on the final days of the state legislative session. Key bill: House Bill 929 (Carroll County Office of Permits and Inspections denial of commercial permits for unpaid personal property taxes) passed third reading and is awaiting the governor's action. She provided a list of capital budget items for Carroll County: $1,000,000 for Westminster Fiber Project; $500,000 for Mount Airy Public Safety Infrastructure; $250,000 for Glenwood Academy Infrastructure; $200,000 for Ancient Oaks (unidentified project); $500,000 for Warfield Community Development Corporation; $150,000 for Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company; $250,000 for Manchester Volunteer Fire Department; $35,000 for Westminster Elementary School digital sign; $50,000 for Flat Iron Building. A bill for deputy workers' compensation also passed. Discussion included queries about dissenting votes on the local bill and clarification on the Ancient Oaks and female detention center items.
Discussion Items
- Public Hearing – Extension of Deferral on Self-Storage Facilities in Freedom Area: The board heard public testimony and then debated. Commissioners discussed zoning history (change of “mini-storage” to “storage” allowing larger buildings), the current project’s status (technical reviews nearing completion), and fairness to the developer. The deferral, initially three months until December 16, 2025, was proposed for another six months. The motion passed 3-1-1 (Commissioner Guerin opposed, Commissioner Vigliotti abstained).
- FY27 Homelessness Solutions Program Grant: The Maryland DHCD allocation is $653,415, a reduction of $120,016 from FY26. The department requested one-time county funding of $120,016 to maintain FY26 service levels. Programs include street outreach (82 participants served last year), emergency shelter (312 served), rapid re-housing (52 participants, 85% housed), housing stability, and homeless prevention. Service providers (HSP of Carroll County) presented success stories. The board approved the grant application, acceptance, and additional one-time funding unanimously.
- Division of Aging & Disabilities FY2027-FY2030 Area Plan: The plan updates services for 60+ population (47% growth since 2000) and includes eight core service areas. State funding allocations are pending; the board approved the draft submission of the narrative and service needs forms. The new SOAR program (Supporting Older Adults with Resources) will replace Senior Care and Assisted Living Subsidy programs, with details to follow. Estimated total budget: $4.6 million (county portion $1.7 million). Approved unanimously.
- Contract Renewal – VMware vSphere Subscription: Renewal with ePlus Technology Inc. for $91,099.84, covering 100+ virtual servers. Approved unanimously.
- Recommended FY27 Water and Sewer Rates: The Department of Public Works proposed a quarterly increase of $23.19 for water and $29.89 for sewer (total ~$53.08 per quarter) to fund aging infrastructure, CIP projects, and rising energy costs ($80,000 BGE increase, chemical increases, valve replacements). The previous year’s increase was $10.23/quarter. Commissioner Krebs requested a delay to further understand the cost structure and explore grants, but the board voted 4-1 to approve the rates with the FY27 budget adoption.
- Purchase – One Side Entry Conversion Van: Approved purchase of one van from Rohrer Enterprises LLC for $73,874 (state contract) to replace a veteran shuttle minivan. The program averages 38 trips/month serving 23 veterans. Vehicle holds 3 passengers and a wheelchair and will be delivered by FR Conversions (local). Approved unanimously.
- Work Session – Road Design and Traffic Impact Studies: Tabled due to time constraints; no public comment was scheduled.
Key Outcomes
- Self-Storage Deferral: Extended for six months (motion carried 3-1-1).
- Homelessness Solutions Grant: Approved submission and acceptance of award, plus $120,016 one-time county funding (unanimous).
- Area Plan (Aging & Disabilities): Approved draft submission for FY27-FY2030 (unanimous).
- VMware Contract: Renewed for $91,099.84 (unanimous).
- Water and Sewer Rates: Approved increase averaging $53.08/quarter with FY27 budget adoption (4-1).
- Van Purchase: Approved $73,874 (unanimous).
- Legislative Update: Noted; further report on passed bills to come.
- Future Meetings: Next open session April 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM includes Proclamations for National Work Zone Awareness Week and Fair Housing Month, another legislative update, a public hearing on Chapter 158 billboards, and several contract/grant approvals.
Meeting Transcript
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Thursday, April Ninth, Two thousand twenty-six open session for the Board of Carroll County Commissioners. As we always do, we'll begin with a Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent reflection. They were awesome. A lot of people there, a lot of good conversations, and uh and it's it's interesting. Uh that's a night flood zones normally closed. Um I'm I'm blessed that if I come into there on a night they're open, I find construction people I knew as regular customers. So none of those were there that night because that's a night they're closed, but it was still great. And then later that night I went to uh Manchester Valley to meet the coaches and uh state champions girls' basketball team. They had their banquet there, and a great group of kids and great to win the states, great group of coaches. Uh their coach was named Coach of the Year also, so they've they've had a lot of successes this year, and uh great group of girls, great, great talented. I I think um State's attorney was there early, took some photos, spoke and left, and then uh a board of ed member uh Greg Malvo was there at the end. He and I did photos with him and spoke, so we were kind of bookends to uh the school facility and the school people, and uh just a great program, a great JV program, and it's interesting. Uh spring sports are here, so uh some of the girls were in softball uniforms, some of the girls were in lacrosse uniforms because they were playing other games earlier that evening. But it was just great to see them, see Heather DeWiz, their coach, and all their JV and assistant coaches, and uh hear from all of them. Um like I say, she was coach of the year also. And that's it. Thank you very much, Commissioner Kowler. Commissioner Gordon? Well, good morning, Carroll County. I have to ask uh Commissioner Kyler since he mentioned the Hall of Fame nominees. What's what's the most appropriate way for somebody to apply for that? Saying how can they apply for the uh nominations? Uh contact any of the committee members, contact me, and uh yeah, if they're interested. There's some criteria like uh state had a criteria of 25 years experience, but the national, I think changed it to 20. There's some criteria, and and there's a good number of uh applicants. It it's uh it gets pared down each year to maybe 15 to 20, down to five. So it's it's pretty competitive. It's interesting. But yeah, and that's and that's why I wanted to mention it, because we'd love we love applicants. Absolutely. So thank you. Absolutely, thank you. And uh anybody please apply or submit nominations for that. Obviously, something well worth doing. Uh I've got two things this morning. Uh first want to mention that uh April is the time to recognize the incredible spirit of service that strengthens our communities, and during National Volunteer Month, I wanted to highlight an opportunity that makes a difference right here in our home. Um I'm gonna mention specifically the Westminster Fire Department, because we're always they're always looking for volunteers, but not just Westminster. Any of our volunteer fire companies can all are always looking for additional members to join and step up and serve. Uh it's a great way if you feel called, you know, for to fire fighting, emergency services, or supporting operations behind the scenes. There's a role for everyone. And this is something that anyone in the community can get involved with. You don't need prior experience, just a willingness to learn and a desire to help others in your community. Uh the training will be provided for you as you gain valuable skills, build lasting friendships, and of course be part of something bigger than yourself. So this like I said, this is a great time with it being uh this month being uh service month. National Volunteer Month to get involved with our volunteer fire companies, but not just them, any organizations in our community. We do a great job in our community in this county as uh volunteering, which we are quite successful in doing, but just wanted to make that as a highlight this morning. And secondly, um wanted to congratulate Tom Baird on his appointment to the Westminster Common Council. Uh Tom Baird brings with him decades of dedication and service to the City of Westminster, along with a deep understanding of local government. He's been involved with a number of things over his long career combined with the city as well as local boards and commissions, and it speaks volumes to his commitment to public service. So I just want to congratulate him and make everyone aware that the uh City of Westminster has filled that open vacancy.
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