OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Carroll County Board of Commissioners Open Session – April 21, 2026

County Commissioners & Boards — Tuesday, April 21, 2026
BodyCarroll County, Maryland
SessionCounty Commissioners & Boards
DateTuesday, April 21, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:34:00

Transcript — Verbatim
2:56

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

2:58

Welcome to the Thursday, April sixteenth, two thousand twenty six open session for the Carroll County Board of Commissioners.

3:03

As we always do, we'll begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent reflection.

3:11

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

3:15

And to the Republic says one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

5:00

So it'll be interesting.

5:02

I hope not, but I think we need to prepare.

5:05

Um I I left Annapolis and went to Finksburg.

5:10

The Veterans Book Club met at Finksburg Library.

5:13

They celebrated their 10th year of that Veterans Book Club being in existence and meeting.

5:24

They even met during COVID outside regardless of the weather.

5:30

So they've been 10 years.

5:39

And uh supporting them.

5:42

It's interesting.

5:44

Um let's say there's 25 of them.

5:48

Uh they meet monthly, they read a book, they discuss the book, and I wondered uh, I'm naive.

5:54

I wondered how they get the books.

5:57

Do they keep the books?

5:58

Do they have a stack of books?

5:59

Whatever.

6:00

They actually borrow the books from libraries throughout the state to get enough, read them, return them, and borrow new books for the next month.

6:10

So I I just think that's awesome.

6:11

Like I say, I'm probably naive, probably the librarian people knew that, but uh, but again, thank you, Heather Erlings, thank you, library, Kerr County Public Library, all of them, not just Finksburg, and uh and and um congratulations to the Veterans Book Club.

6:31

I I know a lot of book clubs, but uh at 10 years consistent, that's pretty good.

6:37

We've been working on budget enclosed on Tuesday.

6:40

Uh Ted will be part of our meeting and release the proposed budget, and then we have a month, maybe to uh meet in open to discuss it.

6:54

Uh Ted will do his road shows at libraries and uh put out info about it, and then we'll do a public hearing at the Carroll Arts Center, and then hopefully we will uh approve a final budget.

7:09

Uh by law we have to, but so hopefully we will.

7:13

Um Carroll County 4 H, they did their achievement program at the YAG Center the other night, and uh I I don't know if everybody knows it.

7:24

I don't know if everybody up here knows it.

7:27

Um they gave away, I don't know, a hundred awards probably, but one of them is the Carroll County Commissioners Award and the uh 4-H uh the male 4-H guy of the year won that award, and uh so that was kind of nice.

7:47

But again, it's uh anything with 4H or FFA or the Ag Center, it's it's such great families, great volunteers.

7:54

They gave uh I think Andy Cashman, they they gave uh awards to volunteers 20 years, 25 and up.

8:03

I think he was 45 years, and and he got an award.

8:07

So great people out there, great um great families, great volunteers, great kids.

8:14

And uh the 4H obviously knows this, but they do so much more than animals.

8:24

Um they they do speaking, they do judging.

8:27

Uh two of the award winners at least were at a national convention in DC and couldn't be there that night.

8:33

They they are very, very active and learn a myriad of skills.

8:39

Um been meeting some taxpayers, um, and I want to mention that for a reason.

8:46

Um if you have an issue and you email, text, call, um, all of my emails and numbers are public.

8:55

I get criticized for that, but uh um I even answer scam calls just in case it's uh somebody real and uh Rhonda yells at me.

9:06

Sometimes I'm not real polite with the scam people, but uh but I answer it just in case.

9:12

So if if you want to meet, you have an issue right now.

9:15

There's still a lot of things going on on the uh transmission line, um, and there's solar popping up every place, and uh um staff, me, um I'm trying to divide some uh invite some delegation people because the state has really tied our hands on what we're allowed to do.

9:41

I understand um, for instance, the last winter's right between us at Albert Rue and uh Route 27, and I don't think we can stop it, and I don't think we can make them do anything more than the state allows.

9:58

And uh I think that's sad.

10:00

I like local control, we we deserve local control, but but we will still meet, we'll meet with groups uh um and and if you have you have a complaint, contact any of us.

10:13

Uh we we all answer and uh and we'll meet.

10:17

Um yesterday I went to drug court, they had eight eight graduates.

10:23

Uh that's always awesome to see them and their families and past graduates will that be there.

10:30

And that is uh, I think minimum 13-month process, some sometimes it's 36 months, but um they do a lot of work to to graduate from drug court, and uh they have a pretty good success rate.

10:46

Um anybody involved with uh with addictions uh knows that um there's no guarantee ever, but it's it's just a great program, and Judge Hecker did a great job as always.

10:59

Met with the uh Carroll County uh community college trustees last night, great meeting with them, and uh it always is.

11:08

They're they're a great group, and uh and Carroll Community College, and we talked about it a little bit last night.

11:15

Um if you don't know what all they do, uh check into it.

11:20

Um they do GED classes, they do CDL classes, they do welding, they do auto mechanics, um, and and uh most of the community colleges around the state and the country are doing a lot more than reading, writing, and arithmetic.

11:36

Um they're doing trade skills, and and I think um one of the things that uh our community college is working to adapt to, and others have, and and if not they need to.

11:53

When the community college started, and I forget in the 80s, um, we graded the site, I can't remember, but um it it's its purpose was to supplement high school, maybe get a two-year degree and transfer to a four-year college.

12:11

That was pretty much the purpose.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning Regulations████████████████16%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Signage Regulations█████████9%
Legislative Update████████8%
Public Safety█████5%
Master Planning█████5%
Affordable Housing████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Carroll County Board of Commissioners Open Session – April 21, 2026

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners held their open session on April 21, 2026, at the County Office Building in Westminster. The meeting included a proclamation for Fair Housing Month, a public hearing on proposed amendments to billboard regulations, a legislative update from the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, and approvals for several contracts and grants. Key actions included closing the public hearing on billboard amendments with a 10-day comment period, approving a grant for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program, authorizing spending for catastrophic medical expenses at the detention center, awarding a contract for a fire suppression water storage tank, and purchasing a transit bus.

Proclamation – Fair Housing Month

  • Sharon Heiner, executive vice president of the Carroll County Realtors, along with association leaders, presented a proclamation designating April 2026 as Fair Housing Month. They highlighted their commitment to fair housing through education, a scholarship essay contest, and continuing education requirements for realtors. Commissioner Krebs noted the importance of hearing local stories about rental housing challenges to inform state legislation.

Public Hearing – Amendments to Billboard Regulations (Chapter 158)

  • The public hearing addressed proposed amendments to allow consolidation of non-conforming off-premise signs (billboards) on the same or adjacent parcels, with a maximum of 672 square feet per side and a height limit of 50 feet. The proposal originated from a citizen request on behalf of Clear Channel Outdoor.
  • Public comments (in person and virtual):
    • David O'Callahan (Finksburg) opposed the amendments, citing the Finksburg Corridor Plan's goal of eliminating billboards over time. He urged a plan for complete removal within 20-25 years.
    • Laura O'Callahan (Finksburg) argued the amendments would replace smaller billboards with even larger ones, diminishing the county's appeal and contradicting community planning efforts.
    • Michael Davis (Finksburg) recounted the history of billboard proliferation on Route 140 and said the current proposal would degrade the gateway to the county. He questioned the process that allowed digital billboard conversions without public transparency.
    • Kim Zentz (Hampstead) asked the board to deny the amendment and review how digital billboards were authorized in 2021, noting the lack of clear public notice. She expressed concern that residents' voices are being ignored.
    • Kelly Miller (on behalf of Clear Channel Outdoor) supported the amendments, stating they allow limited consolidation without increasing total sign area, respect property rights, and provide a reasonable way to modernize. She noted billboards are used by local businesses and nonprofits.
    • Catherine Adelaide (Westminster) commented generally on the need for transparent processes and requested the record remain open for additional public input.
  • Board discussion: Commissioner Vigliotti noted the public hearing was to gather input; the board would consider merits after the comment period. Commissioner Kiler expressed concern that the proposal conflicts with the Finksburg plan's intent to phase out billboards, and also questioned the process that allowed existing billboards to be illuminated, making them permanent. Commissioner Guerin asked for data on the number of signs in the Finksburg corridor. The board voted unanimously to close the public hearing and keep the record open for 10 calendar days.

Legislative Update

  • Pam Meister, Legislative Liaison, reported on the 2026 session, which ended in early April. Key outcomes included:
    • Passage of the Carroll County Public Facilities Bond Bill ($27 million).
    • Workers' compensation bill for Carroll County deputies (heart disease/hypertension presumption).
    • Unpaid personal property tax bill passed.
    • Relief Act for energy – estimated $150 average savings per household.
    • Voting rights bill expanded to local levels (no immediate change for Carroll County).
    • Blueprint for education saw only technical adjustments.
    • Bills to override local zoning for housing (silver/ starter/ middle housing) were defeated, but a study was passed.
    • Firefighter scheduling mandate (Senate Bill 445) passed, requiring a shift schedule change by October 2028. Commissioner Krebs and Guerin expressed concern about loss of local control and potential workforce impacts.
  • Commissioner Krebs also raised concerns about a bill requiring 311 systems; Meister clarified that the bill was enabling, not mandatory. The board directed Meister to continue outreach with the delegation and MACo during the interim.

Discussion Items

  • The board approved submission and acceptance of the FY27–FY29 Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) grant ($125,824 total, with $83,044 to CCYSB for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and $42,780 to HSP for Family Center services). The program aims to prevent foster care placement and strengthen families. The motion carried unanimously.
  • Spending authority for Primecare Medical Inc. ($55,510.42) for catastrophic medical expenses at the Detention Center through February 2026 was approved unanimously.
  • Contract award to Stambaugh's, Inc. for installation of a 30,000-gallon fire suppression water storage tank at 1738 Old Taneytown Road (Carroll Lutheran School) at $320,810 was approved. Commissioner Guerin noted the project addresses a critical water supply need for fire protection.
  • Approval to purchase one Ford 9x2 BOC/Lift transit bus from Sonny Merryman ($119,714) using federal and state grants was approved. The vehicle will replace a full-size bus to improve agility on small roads and reduce fuel costs.

Public Comments & Testimony (General)

  • Catherine Adelaide, member of the Carroll County Republican Central Committee and newly elected president of Carroll County Right to Life, provided updates on central committee meetings and upcoming events. She thanked outgoing leaders and invited candidates to attend meetings.

Key Outcomes

  • Public hearing on billboard amendments: Motion to close hearing and keep record open for 10 days passed unanimously.
  • PSSF grant approval: Motion to submit application and accept award passed unanimously.
  • Primecare spending authority: Approved unanimously.
  • Fire suppression tank contract: Awarded to Stambaugh's, Inc. for $320,810 unanimously.
  • Transit bus purchase: Approved to Sonny Merryman for $119,714 unanimously.
  • Administrative session: Board moved into closed session for legal/potential litigation matters after open session adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Thursday, April sixteenth, two thousand twenty six open session for the Carroll County Board of Commissioners. As we always do, we'll begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent reflection. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic says one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. So it'll be interesting. I hope not, but I think we need to prepare. Um I I left Annapolis and went to Finksburg. The Veterans Book Club met at Finksburg Library. They celebrated their 10th year of that Veterans Book Club being in existence and meeting. They even met during COVID outside regardless of the weather. So they've been 10 years. And uh supporting them. It's interesting. Um let's say there's 25 of them. Uh they meet monthly, they read a book, they discuss the book, and I wondered uh, I'm naive. I wondered how they get the books. Do they keep the books? Do they have a stack of books? Whatever. They actually borrow the books from libraries throughout the state to get enough, read them, return them, and borrow new books for the next month. So I I just think that's awesome. Like I say, I'm probably naive, probably the librarian people knew that, but uh, but again, thank you, Heather Erlings, thank you, library, Kerr County Public Library, all of them, not just Finksburg, and uh and and um congratulations to the Veterans Book Club. I I know a lot of book clubs, but uh at 10 years consistent, that's pretty good. We've been working on budget enclosed on Tuesday. Uh Ted will be part of our meeting and release the proposed budget, and then we have a month, maybe to uh meet in open to discuss it. Uh Ted will do his road shows at libraries and uh put out info about it, and then we'll do a public hearing at the Carroll Arts Center, and then hopefully we will uh approve a final budget. Uh by law we have to, but so hopefully we will. Um Carroll County 4 H, they did their achievement program at the YAG Center the other night, and uh I I don't know if everybody knows it. I don't know if everybody up here knows it. Um they gave away, I don't know, a hundred awards probably, but one of them is the Carroll County Commissioners Award and the uh 4-H uh the male 4-H guy of the year won that award, and uh so that was kind of nice. But again, it's uh anything with 4H or FFA or the Ag Center, it's it's such great families, great volunteers. They gave uh I think Andy Cashman, they they gave uh awards to volunteers 20 years, 25 and up. I think he was 45 years, and and he got an award. So great people out there, great um great families, great volunteers, great kids. And uh the 4H obviously knows this, but they do so much more than animals. Um they they do speaking, they do judging. Uh two of the award winners at least were at a national convention in DC and couldn't be there that night. They they are very, very active and learn a myriad of skills. Um been meeting some taxpayers, um, and I want to mention that for a reason. Um if you have an issue and you email, text, call, um, all of my emails and numbers are public. I get criticized for that, but uh um I even answer scam calls just in case it's uh somebody real and uh Rhonda yells at me. Sometimes I'm not real polite with the scam people, but uh but I answer it just in case. So if if you want to meet, you have an issue right now. There's still a lot of things going on on the uh transmission line, um, and there's solar popping up every place, and uh um staff, me, um I'm trying to divide some uh invite some delegation people because the state has really tied our hands on what we're allowed to do. I understand um, for instance, the last winter's right between us at Albert Rue and uh Route 27, and I don't think we can stop it, and I don't think we can make them do anything more than the state allows. And uh I think that's sad. I like local control, we we deserve local control, but but we will still meet, we'll meet with groups uh um and and if you have you have a complaint, contact any of us. Uh we we all answer and uh and we'll meet. Um yesterday I went to drug court, they had eight eight graduates.

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