Carroll County Board of Commissioners Open Session – May 28, 2026

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners held an open session meeting starting at 9:00 a.m. in Room 311 of the County Office Building. The 20-item agenda included a public hearing on proposed zoning amendments, a discussion on cluster subdivisions, approval of the five-year Transportation Development Plan, multiple contract awards and spending authorities, and commissioner reports during Priority Carroll. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Priority Carroll

Commissioners shared reports on events from the previous week:

• Commissioner Kiler spoke at the Hampstead Memorial Day ceremony, attended the Manchester Valley FFA Banquet, and the Carroll Community College commencement. He also mentioned his grandson’s scholarship at Winters Mill High School.
• Commissioner Gordon highlighted the West Middle School production of Legally Blonde Junior, McDaniel College's graduation (representing 25 states and 26 countries), the new Carroll County America 250th Town Story Map, and multiple Memorial Day observances.
• Commissioner Krebs honored Miriam Beck with the Community Spirit Award from Carroll Hospital, attended the 130th anniversary of Springfield Hospital Center (noting 200 patients now vs. thousands historically and a time capsule buried for 45 years), and attended the Carroll County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting, where an increase of 31% in the Battle of the Books program was reported and the Eldersburg branch remains the most-used library in the state.
• Commissioner Vigliotti participated in the Taneytown Memorial Day parade, toured the Taneytown Senior Center renovation (which will double available space and include a stained-glass cutting area), and attended the Commission on Aging & Disabilities meeting, where concern was raised about state cuts to senior programs.

Public Hearing on Proposed Ordinance Amending Chapters 158 and 155

County Attorney Tim Burke opened the hearing, with Planning Director Chris Heyn and Deputy Director Daphne Daly presenting the proposal to prohibit new residential uses in planned commercial centers (PCCs). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended removal of the accessory residential use after prior discussions.

Public Comments (five speakers):

• Beth Gray (Freedom Area resident) urged the board not to remove all residential from PCCs, citing the 2024 housing study (65% single-family inventory) and the need for affordable options for graduates and seniors. She noted the 2025 county roadshow and survey showed strong demand for housing variety.
• Rebecca Rolfs (Eldersburg resident) expressed concern about existing apartments (e.g., tires on balconies, safety issues) and questioned the process for checking citizenship. She also commented on the superintendent's salary ($290,000 plus benefits) and asked for better allocation of school funds.
• Diana Bergman (candidate for House of Delegates, District 5) opposed the limitation, arguing mixed-use spaces help retirees, veterans and seniors, and prevent blight. She urged reconsideration.
• Dean Camlin (architect) asked for the rationale, noting that a prohibition would ban live-work units and said more specific regulations might be better than a blanket ban.
• Terry Smack (business owner) supported using existing vacant Main Street properties before building new shopping centers, and emphasized the need for affordable housing.

Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Vigliotti explained the deferral was not a moratorium and highlighted the lack of design standards for PCCs – the two existing projects are not affordable ($2,000/month) and have parking/safety issues. Commissioner Kiler opposed removing the use entirely, arguing it would reduce options for younger residents and teachers. Commissioner Guerin also opposed permanent removal, stating he wants to improve regulations quickly. The board agreed to conclude the hearing and keep the record open for 10 calendar days.

Motion: I move the Board conclude the public hearing and keep the record open for ten calendar days. Vote: Unanimous (5-0).

Discussion on Cluster Subdivisions

Chris Heyn presented options for cluster subdivisions in residential and historic zoning districts. The three options were: no change, removal of §155.036(A), or modification. Staff recommended a stop-gap change to return to pre-2022 code (when cluster subdivisions allowed no minimum lot size and required a conventional plan for lot yield). Commissioner Viglietti emphasized the need for purpose clauses and design standards. After debate, the board directed staff to coordinate with the Planning and Zoning Commission on text amendments based on the 1993 code, with a target to bring recommendations back by August 1, 2026.

Motion: I move the Board of County Commissioners direct staff to coordinate potential text amendments or modifications to 155.036(A) – Cluster subdivision in residential and historic zoning districts, in accordance with the interests discussed by the board, using the 1993 code as a basis. Vote: Unanimous.

Transportation Development Plan Presentation

Lib Rood of KFH Group presented the draft five-year Transportation Development Plan (TDP) for Carroll Transit. Key recommendations included: real-time transit information (already contracted), security cameras on vehicles (for FY2028), marketing improvements (website, brochures, Spanish translation), earlier weekday morning hours for demand response (5 a.m. vs. 7 a.m.) starting FY2028, a second vehicle for the North Carroll Trailblazer, expanded evening hours (to 6 p.m.) in the mid-term, and evaluation of lower fares. The financial plan projected operating costs rising from $3.4 million in FY2027 to nearly $5 million by FY2031, with expansions locally funded. The plan was approved unanimously.

Motion: I move the Board of Commissioners approve the five-year Transportation Development Plan. Vote: Unanimous.

Other Key Consent and Action Items

• Contract Award – Liberty Water Storage Tank Booster Pump Station Inspection Services: Awarded to Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. for $99,789. The construction contract bids are due in late June. Approved unanimously.
• Transfer FY2026 Housing Bond Allocation: Authorized $8,368,353 to the State DHCD's Maryland Mortgage Program for first-time homebuyers. Staff reported 223 households have participated since 2021. Approved unanimously.
• FY2027 SCOF Grant Application: Approved submission of a $25,000 competitive grant to modernize senior center membership applications. Approved unanimously.
• CDBG Public Hearing Request: Staff directed to schedule a public hearing for the FY25 Family Shelter Renovation project (completed). Approved unanimously.
• FRF Update and Full-time Grants Analyst: The board approved using unallocated FRF interest to fund a full-time Grants Analyst position (estimated $600,000 over 4.5 years). The FRF plan is 82% spent on federal funds. Approved unanimously.
• Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Awards: Four contracts totaling $1,150,000 awarded to Boys & Girls Club of Carroll County (Youth/After School – $375,000), Habitat for Humanity of Carroll County (Housing/Homelessness – $375,000), Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaborative (Youth/After School – $25,000), and Westminster Rescue Mission (Behavioral Health – $375,000). Before the vote, public commenter Catherine Adelaide urged delay, arguing the funds come from cannabis tax revenue which she called illegal drug proceeds. The board approved the awards unanimously.
• Sheriff's Office Vests and Accessories (FY26 & FY27): Three purchases approved: MES Service Company ($104,327.08 for FY26 vests), Galls ($67,747.50 for FY26 accessories), and MES Service Company ($109,905.71 for FY27 vests). All approved unanimously.
• Food Services for Detention Center: Spending authority for FY27 ($750,000 to Summit Food Service) and additional $100,000 for May/June FY26 costs approved unanimously.
• Medical Services and MAT Expenses: Spending authorities for Primecare Medical Inc. (July 2026 medical services – $447,350.72; MAT expenses – $635,000; FY26 CAT billing – $80,000) and Genesis Inc. (MAT – $132,000) all funded through the Opioid Restitution Settlement Grant. Approved unanimously.
• Infrastructure & Investments Fund Transfer: $700,000 transferred to the Industrial Development Authority for business park development. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• The public hearing on the planned commercial center ordinance was closed, record open for 10 days.
• Staff directed to work with Planning and Zoning on cluster subdivision amendments by August 1, 2026.
• Approved the five-year Transportation Development Plan.
• All other 16 action items were approved unanimously.
• No opposition was recorded on any vote.