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Board of County Commissioners Minutes — 2026-02-24

Minutes February 24, 2026 · 12 page(s)

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February 24, 2026
The County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County met this date pursuant to its last
adjournment and there were present:
James J. Moran
Jack N. Wilson, Jr.
Patrick McLaughlin
Philip L. Dumenil
Christopher M. Corchiarino
CLOSED SESSION:
Pursuant to State Government Law Section 3-305(b)(1) to discuss the appointment,
employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation,
or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has
jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; “The
County Commissioners held a Closed Session on a motion of Commissioner Dumenil, seconded
by Commissioner McLaughlin, at 5:00 p.m. in The Office of the County Commissioners, The
Liberty Building, 107 N. Liberty Street, Centreville, Maryland.” The Board adjourned in Closed
Session at 5:06 p.m. Those in attendance were Mr. Todd Mohn, P.E., County Administrator, and
Mrs. Stephanie Jarrell, Executive Assistant to the County Commissioners and Administrator.
The Board discussed Boards and Commissions.
PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARD:
On a motion made by Commissioner Moran, seconded by Commissioner Corchiarino, the
Board unanimously agreed to recommend William Walmsley, Richard Fratzke and Tonya Wright
to fill one of the vacancies on the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board. This term will expire
on June 30, 2031.
As part of the motion, Commissioner Moran, Commissioner Wilson and Commissioner
McLaughlin asked questions and/or made comments on this topic.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
February 24, 2026
1

CLOSED SESSION:
Pursuant to State Government Law Section 3-305(b), (3): to consider the acquisition of
real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; “The County Commissioners
held a Closed Session on a motion of Commissioner Dumenil seconded by Commissioner
McLaughlin at 5:06 p.m. in the Office of the County Commissioners, The Liberty Building, 107
N. Liberty Street, Centreville, Maryland.” The Board adjourned in Closed Session at 5:25 p.m.
Those in attendance were Mr. Todd Mohn, P.E., County Administrator, Mr. Patrick Thompson,
County Attorney and Mrs. Stephanie Jarrell, Executive Assistant to the County Commissioners
and Administrator.
The Board discussed land acquisition.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
MINUTES:
On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil, the
Board unanimously agreed to approve the amended agenda for the current meeting, the Regular
Minutes of February 10, 2026, the Closed Session Minutes and the Roads Minutes of February 10,
2026.
LEGISLATIVE:
2011 COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWERAGE PLAN AMENDMENT 11-26 –
PUBLIC HEARING:
The Town of Centreville - The Town seeks a text amendment to revise or replace the
current requirement on the ownership of lands used to spray irrigate treated wastewater effluent.
Currently, the Plan requires land used by a municipal government for effluent disposal to be owned
in fee simple. The Town requested this provision be modified or replaced to allow for spray
irrigation on “leased agricultural land and, where appropriate, public green space (e.g. parks and
athletic fields)”.
Mr. Patrick Thompson, County Attorney, conducted the hearing on behalf of the
Commissioners and noted all legal requirements had been met. The record will remain open until
April 7, 2026. No public comment was given.
February 24, 2026
2

COUNTY ORDINANCE #26-03 NONCONTIGUOUS DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATION
AND STANDARDS:
To amend and allow the open space on the developed parcel following Phase 2 of the
development to be administratively subdivided to allow for change in ownership of less than the
entirety of open space with no change in the protected lands.
COUNTY ORDINANCE #26-04 AIRPORT PROTECTION AND KENT ISLAND
GATEWAY (APKIG) DISTRICT:
To add boat sales and repair and marinas to the list of individual uses/or tenant space that
can occupy more than 65,000 square feet of gross floor area.
COUNTY ORDINANCE #26-05 ADDITIONAL USES AND REGULATIONS:
To amend the required distance and point of measurement from which the entrance and
exit from a property that contains fuel pumps, underground fuel storage tanks and islands,
including canopies are required to be from any intersection.
COUNTY ORDINANCE #26-06 SUBURBAN COMMERCIAL (SC) DISTRICT:
To increase the maximum impervious surface ratio for commercial and industrial uses in
the SC District that were operating prior to December 31, 2025, from 0.45 to 0.80.
COUNTY ORDINANCE #26-07 WATERFRONT VILLAGE CENTER (WVC)
DISTRICT:
To increase the by-right maximum nonresidential floor area ratio from 0.30 to 0.40 and
remove the bonus standard that allows for a floor area ratio of 0.40.
COUNTY ORDINANCE #26-08 WATERFRONT VILLAGE CENTER (WVC)
DISTRICT:
To add additional provisions to allow commercial apartments within the WVC District to
locate the commercial apartment dwelling unit on any same floor.
COUNTY ORDINANCE #26-09 TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS:
February 24, 2026
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To amend and allow a transferor parcel (transfer of development rights open space) to
reconfigure lot lines by way of administrative subdivision, but not create additional lots.
COUNTY ORDINANCE #26-10 NONCONTIGUOUS DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATION
AND STANDARDS:
To amend and allow the open space on the developed parcel and noncontiguous parcel to
be administratively subdivided (but not reconfigured) by way of administrative subdivision, but
not create additional lots.
COUNTY ORDINANCE #26-11 NONCONTIGUOUS DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATION
AND STANDARDS:
To amend and allow the open space on the noncontiguous parcel to be administratively
subdivided (but not reconfigured) by way of administrative subdivision but not create additional
lots.
On a motion made by Commissioner Corchiarino, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil,
the Board unanimously agreed to convey all the 2026 Citizens Sponsored Text Amendments to
the Planning Commission for investigation and recommendation.
As part of the motion, Commissioner Wilson asked questions and/or made comments on
this topic.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
PRESENTATIONS:
ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT UPDATE:
Mr. Roy Geiser, UHY LLP, presented to the Board an update on the Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report Update.
QAC COMMISSIONER’S CHARACTER COUNTS! SPOTLIGHT FOR FEBRUARY
2026:
February 24, 2026
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Commissioner Dumenil read the Commissioners Character Counts! Spotlight for February
2026.
The Character Counts! pillar celebrated in February is RESPECT. This pillar is both given
and received and at its core is simply treating others the way you would want to be treated. Our
honoree this month shows RESPECT with dedication, compassion, and a lot of fun!
Diane Moorman-White brought Soul Line Dancing to QAC Parks and Recreation in
September of 2023. The class size quickly grew by word of mouth with participants raving how
Diane and the dances provide good cardio, good fellowship, and all-around exercises for mind and
body. Diane ensures everyone is supported and warmly welcomed into the fold, routinely
celebrating birthdays and special milestones of participants. Many times, after class, the group
will go out to a local establishment to keep the dancing going. Her dedication and RESPECT for
her participants doesn’t end there, at the end of the year, Diane plans a celebration of their
commitment with dancing, food, and fellowship.
Diane’s RESPECT for her participants was particularly evident to Jayme Duckworth.
Jayme had been taking Diane’s class since the very first session and even celebrated her 80th
birthday with the class in 2024. When a medical condition sidelined Jayme for several weeks in
2025, Diane decided to take the class to her. Jayme was surprised and thrilled to see her classmates
and was deeply touched by the visit. The class performed three dances and Jayme even joined in
for one! This level of RESPECT and inclusivity is common for Diane.
Thank you, Diane, for showing RESPECT and going above and beyond to make your
participants feel welcome, important, and valued.
PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATE:
Mr. Steve Chandlee, Director, Parks and Recreation, presented to the Boad the Parks and
Recreation Update. Some highlights shown were:
 2025 Completed Projects
 2026 Upcoming Projects
 Trails Recap
 Recreation Events
 Public Landings
 Blue Heron Golf Course
WEEKLY CORRESPONDENCE AND PRESENTATION OF DOCUMENTS FOR
SIGNATURE:
February 24, 2026
5

The Board reviewed various correspondence with Todd Mohn, County Administrator.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:
S.E.W. FRIEL GRANT OF EASEMENT AND RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT FOR
GRANGE HALL ROAD:
Mr. Shane Moore, Chief Roads Engineer, Public Works, submitted to the Board for their
approval the S.E.W. Friel Grant of Easement and Right-of-Way Agreement for Grange Hall Road.
S.E.W. Friel is requesting an easement for the construction, maintenance, repair and
replacement of an irrigation water line and electric service under Grange Hall Road. The first phase
of which is to install a 14-inch conduit for a future 10-inch water line and a 4-inch conduit for a
future electric line. Once executed the County will sign off on the Utility Permit application. This
agreement has been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney.
On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil, the
Board unanimously agreed to execute the S.E.W. Friel Grant of Easement and Right-of-Way
Agreement for Grange Hall Road for construction, maintenance, repair and replacement of an
irrigation water line and electric service.
As part of the motion, Commissioner Moran, asked questions and/or made comments on
this topic.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
SOUTHERN KENT ISLAND SANITARY PROJECT – PHASE 4 – MDE LOAN
RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZATION TO INCUR DEBT:
Mr. Alan Quimby, Director, Public Works, submitted to the Board for their approval the
Southern Kent Island Sanitary Project – Phase 4 – MDE Loan Resolution – Authorization to Incur
Debt.
February 24, 2026
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This is a Resolution prepared by the County’s bond counsel, McKennon, Shelton & Henn
LLP, to enable the Sanitary District to incur debt up to $11,150,517 to fund the eligible costs
associated with serving Phase 4 of the SKI project with County sewer (Chesapeake Estates, Sunny
Isle of Kent, Matapeake Estates Subdivisions as well as the Batts Neck/Normans community).
The Loan Agreement will be finalized by MDE at the time of loan closing. Once MDE receives
this Resolution, and other submittals prepared by staff, MDE will schedule the loan closing with
bond counsel, and the Sanitary District will be able to seek reimbursement for funds already
expended. The project is well underway with the community’s mains 100% completed last year,
and the STEP tanks’ installation being initiated on March 15, 2026.
On a motion made by Commissioner Corchiarino, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, the
Board unanimously agreed to adopt the MDE Loan Resolution #26-02 in order to secure Maryland
Department of Environment Loan Funding to fund the ongoing sewer improvements for Phase 4
of the Southern Kent Island Sanitary Project and further move to accept the format of the Loan
Agreement.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
ACTION ITEMS:
RESOLUTION NO. 26-01 RATE OF INTEREST TO BE PAID UPON REDEMPTION
OF PROPERTIES SOLD AT TAX SALE:
This Resolution establishes the rate of interest to be paid upon redemption of properties
sold at tax sales. The state legislature recently limited the rate of redemption for owner occupied
residential property to not more than 10% per year (currently we are assessing a 12% rate). This
resolution establishes the rate at 10% per the new state statute.
On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil, the
Board unanimously agreed to adopt Resolution #26-01 establishing the rate of interest to be paid
upon redemption of properties sold at tax sales.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
February 24, 2026
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McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
LETTER OF SUPPORT – BAY BRIDGE RUN 2026:
On a motion made by Commissioner Corchiarino, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil,
the Board unanimously agreed to execute the letter of support for the Bay Bridge Run to be held
November 8, 2026.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM – AGREEMENT OF SALE
AND PROJECT AGREEMENT ON THE LANDS OF RALPH C. WHALEY, JR. AND
APRIL D. WHALEY:
Mr. Joe Pippin, Soil Conservation Aide, Soil Conservation, submitted to the Board for their
approval the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program – Agreement of Sale and Project
Agreement on the Lands of Ralph C. Whaley, Jr. and April D. Whaley.
There are 35.2 acres of a 245.98-acre property owned by Ralph C. Whaley, Jr. and April
D. Whaley ready to be submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for review
and final approval. Submission of the complete CREP package includes the Agreement of Sale
and Project Agreement signed by the County Commissioners. Total funding is being provided by
the CREP Easement program through Program Open Space, no County funds are being utilized.
Ralph C. Whaley, Jr. and April D. Whaley property is located within the County Priority
Preservation Area and will add to the 616.373 acres of CREP Easements that are already preserved.
On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil, the
Board unanimously agreed to execute the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Easement
Agreement of Sale and Project Agreement for the Ralph C. Whaley, Jr. and April D. Whaley
property.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
February 24, 2026
8

J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
MARYLAND 250 ONCE IN A GENERATION GRANT:
Ms. Heather Tinelli, Director, Economic & Tourism Development, submitted to the Board
for their approval the Maryland 250 Once in a Generation Grant.
Queen Anne’s County Economic and Tourism Development has been awarded a $15,000
MD Two Fifty Once in a Generation grant. The grant funds will be used for the project Queen
Anne’s County 250: Celebrating Our Heritage in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the
signing of the Declaration of Independence. There are no county matching funds required of this
grant.
The QACETD project is three-faceted:
 QACETD will develop a QAC MD250 Trail brochure to guide visitors to more than
20 historic sites.
 QACETD proposes to co-sponsor an expanded Fourth of July Celebration at the
Courthouse Green with the Queen Anne’s County Historical Society.
 QACETD proposes to co-sponsor a Community Picnic and Vintage Baseball
Showdown with the Sudlersville Betterment Club on October 10, 2026 (the birth
month of Jimmie Foxx).
On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil, the
Board unanimously agreed to support Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development
in their application for the $15,000 grant and approve to move forward with this project.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
MILLINGTON FREEDOM SERENITY TRAIL PARK GRANT APPLICATION LETTER
OF SUPPORT:
February 24, 2026
9

On a motion made by Commissioner McLaughlin, seconded by Commissioner Wilson,
the Board unanimously agreed to execute the letter of support for Millington’s Freedom Serenity
Trail Park Grant Application.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
BUDGET AMENDMENT #CC-7 – MODERATELY PRICED HOUSING:
On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner McLaughlin,
the Board unanimously agreed to approve Budget Amendment #CC-7 – Moderately Priced
Housing.
As part of the motion, Commissioner Moran, Commissioner Dumenil and Commissioner
McLaughlin asked questions and/or made comments on this topic.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
ASSIGNMENT OF CHINO FARMS RURAL LEGACY DEEDS OF CONSERVATION
EASEMENT:
In 2001 the County and the State of Maryland through the Department of Natural
Resources were the Co-Grantees of a Rural Legacy Easement on 3,612 acres granted by Grasslands
Properties, Inc., also known as Chino Farms. In 2021, the Commissioners unanimously voted that
the County would assign its interest as a Co-Grantee over to DNR as the sole Grantee of the
Conservation Easement. However, a formal Assignment instrument was never executed.
Currently, Washington College, which leases part of Grassland Properties, land, is seeking to
amend the existing Rural Legacy Easement plat to accommodate an institutional use on one of the
parcels for development of a Bird Banding Station. In order to obtain written approval from DNR,
the Assignment from Queen Anne’s County must be formally completed and recorded in the Land
Records.
February 24, 2026
10

On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil, the
Board unanimously agreed to execute the Assignment of Rural Legacy Deeds of Conservation
Easement to the Department of Natural Resources for Chino Farms.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
LETTER OF SUPPORT – FY27 MOOR GRANT APPLICATION:
This is a support letter for our local Opioid Education & Prevention Program which is
managed by the QAC Public School System.
On a motion made by Commissioner McLaughlin, seconded by Commissioner
Corchiarino, the Board unanimously agreed to execute the Letter of Support for the FY27
MOOR Grant Application.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
COMMISSIONER’S ROUNDTABLE:
Commissioner Corchiarino discussed the following:
Commissioner Dumenil discussed the following:
 Shrink Wrap Program
Commissioner Moran discussed the following:
 Met with MDTA and SHA regarding replacement Bridges. Public still has time to
comment.
Commissioner Wilson discussed the following:
February 24, 2026
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 SB755 Waterman & Fisheries asking for a letter of support.
o On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner
Corchiarino, the Board unanimously agreed to execute letter of support for the
Senate Bill 755.
Commissioner McLaughlin discussed the following:
 Midshore III Committee established
 Attended NACo Conference
 Olympics
There being no further business, they adjourned at 6:52 p.m. to meet again on Tuesday,
March 10, 2026.
_________________________ ____________________________
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT PRESIDENT
February 24, 2026
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