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Economic Development Commission Minutes — 2026-03-25

Minutes March 25, 2026 · 4 page(s)

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EDC Meeting Minutes for March 25, 2026
I. Call to Order and Determination of Quorum
The meeting was called to order by EDC Chair, Shelly Gross-
Wade at 9:01 am.
Board members Present:
Shelly Gross-Wade, Vice Chair
Mason Popham, Vice Chair
Lee Bridgman, Secretary
Lara Wilson, Treasurer
Shawna Payne
Deayna Ewell
Jim Reilly
Kelsey Karbaum
Heather Bacher, Past Chair
Doug Silber (Zoom)
Larissa Costello
Pat Fox (Zoom)
Members Not Present:
Kenneth Knight
John Anderes
Ryan Snow
QACETD Staff Present:
Heather Tinelli., QACETD Director
Debbie Gil, Economic Development Coordinator
Lisa Gallow, QACETD Office Coordinator
April Plummer, QACETD Marketing Administration
Connie Dean, QACETD Workforce Development Administrator
Others Present:
Gigi Windley, Kent Narrows Development Foundation
Steve Johnson, QAC Planning & Zoning (Zoom)
Fred Beau, Centreville Town Council
Dave Harper, Chesapeake College
Jim Williams, QACRCC
Stephanie Jones, QAC Principal Planner
Mary Ellen Gray, Senior Planner
Jody Schulz, KNDF Member, Business Owner
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II. Approval of Agenda: On a motion made by Heather Bacher and seconded by Jim
Reilly, the March meeting agenda was unanimously approved by all members
present.
III. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: On a motion made by Jim Reilly and
seconded by Doug Silber, the February EDC Meeting Minutes were unanimously
approved by all members present.
IV. Treasurers Report. EDC Treasurer, Lara Wilson, stated the current balance for the
EDC account is $8269.24. This included payment of $24.14 administrative fees to
Chesapeake Charities. On a motion made by Heather Bacher and seconded by Jim
Reilly, the Treasure’s report was approved unanimously by all members.
.
V. Commissioner’s Report: QAC Commissioner Patrick McLaughlin, provided an update
to the EDC members. Commissioner McLaughlin discussed the recent
announcement regarding lowering property taxes, county's financial stability and
upcoming budget process, highlighting the need to evaluate library usage and
potential camera installations. The group debated the implementation of red light
and speed cameras, with concerns raised about their effectiveness and public
reception. Queen also mentioned the Board of Education's request for additional
funding, emphasizing the importance of using the money for teacher salaries rather
than administrative costs. Commissioner McLauglin introduced the topic of solar
panels and solar farm regulations which included a discussion that raised questions
about bond requirements for solar farms and the potential for environmental
contamination over time. The conversation then shifted to the ACE program banquet,
where Queen Anne's County students presented well at a competition involving
multiple high schools.
VI. Department of Economic & Tourism Development Update: QACETD Director,
Heather Tinelli, provided a February 2026 Department Update. Ms. Tinelli presented
the Economic & Tourism Development report to the QAC Commissioners at the
March 24th meeting. The report highlighted a $2.8 billion GDP with an 8% year-over-
year increase, the second-lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.9%, and
consistent commercial development investment. The department is supporting
business growth through accelerator programs, including the recently completed
Catalyst Q program for minority entrepreneurs, and is planning an upcoming visit
from the Secretary of Commerce in April. Ms. Tinelli shared details of the recently
hosted and very successful Construction Roundtable event. The meeting also
covered tourism initiatives, including an upcoming boat show and the Shore Pours
campaign, as well as plans to refresh the museum space in their building.
V. New Business:
A. Legislative Committee-Review of Proposed County Text Amendments-
#26-03 § 18:1-98 Noncontiguous Development, Application and Standards.
James P. Goodmand and Ann Karwaeki Goodman c/o Willard C Parker, II
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EDC Meeting Minutes
March 25, 2026
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.
#26-04 § 18:1-34.D Airport Protection and Kent Island Gateway (APKIG) District.
Hink BB Holdings, LLC do Ryan Showalter
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.
#26-05 § 18:58.8 Additional uses and regulations, Three Seas, LLC c/o Brendan
Mullaney
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.
#26-06 § 18:1-2 I.E Suburban Commercial (SC) District. Deep W. LLC and Robert A.
Schauber c/o Brendan Mullaney
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.
#26-07 § 18:1-26 Waterfront Village Center (WVC) District. Lot 3, LLC do Joe Stevens
To increase the by-right maximum non-residential area ratio from 0.30 to 0.40 and
remove the bonus standard that allows for a floor area ratio of 0.40.
#26-08 § 18:1-26 Waterfront Village Center (WVC) District. Lot 3, LLC do Joe Stevens
To add additional provisions to allow commercial apartments within the WVC District
to locate the commercial apartment dwelling unit on any same floor.
#26-09 § 18:1-101 and 104 Transfer of Development Rights Thompson Farms, LLC
c/o Jeff Thompson, Managing Partner, and Shirley F. Sheaffer
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.
B. EDC Recommendations:
1. 26-03-Will further discuss new details that were presented and let Ms.
Tinelli know their decision.
2. 26-04-Motion to support made by Heather Bacher, seconded by Doug
Silber and approved by all members in attendance.
3. 26-05- Motion to not support made by Doug Silber, seconded by
Heather Bacher and approved by all members in attendance
4. 26-06-Motion made by Mason Popham,
seconded by Heather Bacher and approved by all other members with
the exception of Pat Fox whose was opposed to the motion.
5. 26-07- Motion to support made by Lee Bridman, seconded by Mason
Popham and approved by all members in attendance.
6. 26-08- Motion to support made by Lee Brigman, seconded by Mason
Popham and approved by all members in attendance with exception
to Pat Fox or was opposed and Shawna Payne who chose to abstain.
7. 26-09- Motion for no recommendation made by Lee Bridgman,
seconded by Heather Bacher and approved by all other members
in attendance.
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EDC Meeting Minutes
March 25, 2026
VI. Old Business
A. Subcommittee Strategic Plan Priorities Updates:
1. Elevate Tourism- The Tourism Subcommittee, chaired by Shelly
Gross-Wade, stated the subcommittee meetings will begin to merge
with the monthly Travel & Tourism Advisory Committee meetings.
2. Workforce Housing & Transportation- Shawna Payne, chair of the
Workforce Housing and Transportation Subcommittee, stated the
committee will meet again on April 14th.
3. Business Growth & Attraction- Jim Reilly shared that the business
. growth and attraction subcommittee will meet in person on April 15th
to review business survey data
3. Community & Quality of Life- The March Subcommittee meeting was
cancelled and will meet next on May 21st.
B. New Business Visits- Debbie Gill, Economic Development Coordinator for
QACETD shared details related to business visits that have been conducted.
VII. EDC Member Updates- Due to additional time required to discuss the proposed
text amendments, member updates were omitted.
VIII. Liaison Updates
A. QAC Planning & Zoning - Steve Johnson provided a Planning &
Zoning update.
B. Chesapeake College- Dave Harper provided updates. He stated the plans
for Building Design are beginning and they are looking forward to working
with the CTE directors throughout their five counties to make sure it is truly a
regional center. In addition to their welding trailer, their new construction
trailer is currently being outfitted. Mr. Harper also stated that he had the
privilege of interviewing candidates for Teacher of the Year.
C Kent Narrows Development Foundation- Gigi Windley provided the EDC
members with an update for Kent Narrows. Ms. Windley stated the
ownership of the Kent Narrows Boatel has changed. Off the Hook Yacht
Sales purchased the smaller Jamal property at the corner of Piney Narrows
Road. Cedar Cove Marina sustained some property damage from the March
17th storm. The newest version of the Kent Narrows Visitors Directory is now
available. There will be a Boat Expo for three weekends in April in Kent
Narrows as well as the Bay Bridge Boat Show on April 17th through 19th.
B. Adjourn- Ona motion made by Heather Bacher and seconded by Larissa
Costello, all members present approved to adjourn the EDC meeting at 10:53am.
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