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Board of County Commissioners Minutes — 2026-03-24

Minutes March 24, 2026 · 10 page(s)

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March 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 Corchiarino, at 5:05 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 5:10 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.
COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH:
On a motion made by Commissioner Dumenil, seconded by Commissioner Corchiarino,
the Board unanimously agreed to reappoint Doug Bishop, Dorine Fassett, and Stacey Woodworth
whose terms will expire on December 31, 2026, and appoint Nicole Chase-Powell, Jone Taylor,
Colleen Williams, Deyanira Murga and Melissa Lujan whose terms will expire on December 31,
2027.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
CLOSED SESSION:
March 24, 2026
1

Pursuant to State Government Law Section 3-305(b), (7) to consult with counsel to obtain
legal advice on a legal matter; “The County Commissioners held a Closed Session on a motion of
Commissioner Dumenil, seconded by Commissioner Corchiarino, at 5:10 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 consulted with counsel.
OPINION OF COUNCIL – RESCISSION OF A DONATION APPROVED FOR
THE MARYLAND STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTIAL
CAMPAIGN:
On a motion made by Commissioner McLaughlin, seconded by Commissioner Wilson,
the Board unanimously agreed to rescind the decision to donate funds to the Maryland State
Firefighters Association for the presidential campaign of Billy Faust.
As part of the motion, 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
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 March 10, 2026, and the Closed Session Minutes of March 10, 2026.
PRESS & PUBLIC COMMENT:
 Bente Cooney – Plastic Free QAC & “Skip the Stuff”
March 24, 2026
2

 Brynja Petersson – Plastic Free QAC & “Skip the Stuff”
 Jay Falstad – Solar Project
LEGISLATIVE:
COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 25-12:
A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT CONCERING Use of Growth Allocation in Resource
Conservation Areas in Queen Anne’s County; FOR THE PURPOSE of amending the existing
growth allocation standards within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area to allow for the award of
growth allocation within the Resource Conservation Area (RCA), non-adjacent to an existing
Limited Development Area (LDA) or Intensely Developed Area (IDA), for the expansion of
current non-profit institutional uses as of June 29, 1988 that provides secondary education or is
used as a youth camp lawfully existing as of the date of enactment of this amendment; providing
a definition of Secondary Education; including specific conditions; limiting such award of growth
allocation to no more than 150 acres; and generally dealing with and revising the growth allocation
standards within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area in Queen Anne’s County;
On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Corchiarino,
the Board unanimously agreed to schedule a public hearing for April 14, 2026.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 26-01:
A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT CONCERNING Traffic Control Signal Monitoring Systems
(Red Light Cameras) in Queen Anne’s County. FOR THE PURPOSE of authorizing Traffic
Control Signal Monitoring Systems (Red Light Cameras) in Queen Anne’s County; providing
definitions; providing for operation and administration of such systems; providing for trial
requirements, civil penalties, and defenses and adjudication; providing for the use and
confidentiality of recorded images; and generally authorizing and regulating the use of Traffic
Control Signal Monitoring Systems (Red Light Cameras) in Queen Anne’s County.
No Action was taken.
March 24, 2026
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Public comment was received and read.
COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 26-02:
A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT CONCERNING Speed Monitoring Systems in Queen
Anne’s County. FOR THE PURPOSE of authorizing the use of Speed Monitoring Systems in
Queen Anne’s County; providing for the locations of such systems; providing procedures for
activating such systems; providing for the issuance of warnings for the first 30 days after activation
of such systems; providing for hours of operation of such systems; providing authorization to
acquire and use such systems and to enter into agreements for the furnishing of such systems;
providing for the imposition and payment of civil penalties for citations issued as a result of the
use of Speed Monitoring Systems; and generally authorizing and regulating Speed Monitoring
Systems in Queen Anne’s County;
No Action was taken.
Public comment was received and read.
PRESENTATIONS:
ECONOMIC & TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE:
Ms. Heather Tinelli, Director, Economic & Tourism Development presented to the Board
the Economic and Tourism Development Department Update along with the CatalystQ Closing
Reception. Some highlights shown were:
 2nd Lowest in the State for Unemployment Rate
 $22 million in “Deals Closed” last year
 Key Economic Development Projects 2026
 Visitors from 14 Countries stopped by the Vistors Center
 MD250 Committee Highlights
 Career & Workforce Development
CATALYSTQ CLOSING RECEPTION:
Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development (QACETD) was able to
continue and expand its minority business training accelerator program in FY26 with CatalystQ –
The Catalyst for Minority Business Excellence in Queen Anne’s County. This is the second
minority business focused program for QAC and is part of a series of business accelerators
providing training to local businesses looking to start or grow their business in the county. The
first minority business accelerator, META, was funded by the Rural Maryland Economic
Development Fund (RMEDF) and completed in 2024.
March 24, 2026
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QACETD worked with the LMB to establish continued funding through the Community
Reinvestment and Repair Fund. The program was allocated $100,000 in FY26 which included
$45,000 in consulting funds and $55,000 in mini grants to participants for professional services
and products that provide foundational growth opportunities.
Bay Crossing Consulting was the consultant selected for the CatalystQ program which
implemented a dynamic suite of services that address key barriers faced by minority entrepreneurs,
including access to capital, business knowledge, legal and regulatory compliance, and networking.
FY2027 COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S BUDGET:
Mr. Todd Mohn, P.E., County Administrator and Mr. Jeff Rank, Director, Budget and Finance,
presented the FY 27 County Administrators Budget to the Board.
Some highlights shown were:
 12% increase in Revenue from prior year.
 County Funding for the Board of Education is $91,429,260. Which is $8,864,767 above
Maintenance of Effort. This does not include the full $1.3 million teacher pension liability
state may be passing to the County.
 Funding for Employee Recruitment & Retention actions including 3% Cost of Living
Adjustment and Pay for Performance.
 State Pass downs:
o Teacher Pensions
o State Assessment Office at $73k
o Chesapeake College Pensions at $47k (Pending state legislation)
On a motion made by Commissioner Moran, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil, the
Board unanimously agreed to reduce property tax from $0.83 to $0.80.
As part of the motion, Commissioner Moran, Commissioner Wilson, Commissioner
Corchiarino 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
March 24, 2026
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WEEKLY CORRESPONDENCE AND PRESENTATION OF DOCUMENTS FOR
SIGNATURE:
The Board reviewed various correspondence with Todd Mohn, County Administrator.
ACTION ITEMS:
AMENDED DEED OF OPEN SPACE EASEMENT – ROBERT AND TERESA SMITH
(HOPELANDS):
Mr. Doug Summers, County Planner, Planning and Zoning, submitted to the Board for their
review and approval the Amended Deed of Open Space Easement – Robert and Teresa Smith
(Hopelands).
Previous ownership of the subject parcel received Planning Commission approval of a
Major subdivision to create (13) new residential lots on the subject parcel. Consequently, the
owner placed 35.701 ac. of Lot 1 into a protective open space easement to support the
development. The current owner received Planning Commission approval in 2022 to create Slide
Lot 14 at 1.250 acres and reduce the existing building pad by 0.18 ac. As a result, open space
requirements on Lot 1 decrease from 35.701 acres to 34.639 acres. The owner is seeking to amend
the existing open space easement to protect the 34.639 acres required.
On a motion made by Commissioner Corchiarino, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, the
Board unanimously agreed to execute the Amended Deed of Open Space Easement for the Robert
and Teresa Smith (Hopelands) Major subdivision plan.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin Absent
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
AMENDED AND RESTATED PERPETUAL PROTECTIVE AGREEMENT DEED OF
FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND RELEASE – R.B. BAKER & SONS, INC:
Mr. Doug Summers, County Planner, Planning and Zoning, submitted to the Board for their
review and approval the Amended and Restated Perpetual Protective Agreement Deed of Forest
Conservation Easement and Release – R.B. Baker & Sons, Inc.
March 24, 2026
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Current ownership of the subject parcel received County approval of a Major Site Plan to
create (2) new industrial buildings on the subject lot. Consequently, the owner placed 2.12 acres
of existing woodland into a protective forest easement to support the development. In anticipation
of future development on-site, the owner is now seeking to increase the net tract area for
development from 14.10 ac. to 17.93 acres. Consequently, mitigation for forest conservation
requirements increases from 2.12 to 4.27 acres. The owner is proposing to terminate the current
protected forest area consisting of 2.12 acres and provide 4.27 acres of protected forest in a new
location on site. Like the current forest conservation area, the proposed protected area consists of
existing mature woodland.
On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Moran, the
Board unanimously agreed to execute the Amended and Restated Perpetual Protective Agreement
Deed of Forest Conservation Easement and Release for the Baker & Sons, Inc. Amendment to
Forest Conservation plan.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin Absent
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION –
ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS APPROVAL AND SIGNATURES:
Mr. Mike Clark, Executive Director, Housing Authority & Family Services, submitted to
the Board for their approval the Community Development Block Grant Application –
Environmental Process Approval and Signatures.
The Department of Housing and Family Services (DHFS) requested the Commissioner’s
approval and signature on documents related to the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) application awarded on December 22, 2025. To complete the CDBG-required
Environmental Review Process, Queen Anne’s County must obtain elected officials’ signatures
approving the Statutory Checklist, Request for Release of Funds form, and Public Facility
Agreement. To maximize services, DHFS requested $136,000 in FY26 CDBG funding contingent
upon approval of the Environmental Review Process. When finalized, the funds will support the
Department’s ongoing efforts and directly benefit low-income residents of the Fisher Manor and
Riverside Estates Housing Authority properties by funding repairs to parking lots and drives at
both locations.
On a motion made by Commissioner Corchiarino, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, the
Board unanimously agreed to approve and execute the Statutory Checklist, Request for Release of
March 24, 2026
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Funds form, and Public Facility Agreement for the Community Development Block
Grant’s Environmental Review Process for the Department of Housing and Family Services.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
ZOLL ZENIX CARDIAC MONITORS:
Chief Scott Haas, Director, Emergency Services, submitted to the Board for their approval
the Zoll Zenix Cardiac Monitors.
The Department of Emergency Services currently utilizes ZOLL X Series
Monitor/Defibrillator cardiac monitors for advanced life support patient care. While these
monitors remain operational, the platform is aging and will require replacement in the near future
to maintain modern clinical capabilities and long-term manufacturer support. Upgrading to the
ZOLL Zenix Monitor/Defibrillator will provide improved usability, enhanced clinical decision
support tools, and better integration with modern EMS data and reporting systems, ensuring
paramedics have the most current technology available to support high-quality patient care. ZOLL
is currently offering a limited early trade-in incentive and 0% financing for five years if the order
is completed by March 31, 2026. Taking advantage of this opportunity will generate total savings
of $256,141.84 through combined trade-in value and financing benefits. Approving this capital
request now allows the County to modernize critical life-saving equipment while maximizing
available cost savings and avoiding increased replacement costs in future budget cycles.
On a motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil, the
Board unanimously agreed to authorize the Director of the Department of Emergency Services to
purchase 19 Zoll Zenix Cardiac Monitors at 0% financing for 5 years totaling $219,755.72 per
year.
As part of the motion, 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
March 24, 2026
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MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONTRIBUTION:
The Maryland Science Center is celebrating their upcoming 50th anniversary and
advocating for an opportunity to reflect on the science center’s meaningful partnership with
students, educators, and families of Queen Anne’s County. Last year over 4,500 QAC students,
teachers and families participated in programming at the Science Center. They are now seeking
financial support and recognition for their services, and any financial assistance would have a
direct positive effect on the county's students by underwriting field trips for our students. Despite
a lack of any financial support, they continue to provide learning opportunities to our residents
free of charge. In the past five years, QAC citizens have participated in a free field trip.
On a motion made by Commissioner Dumenil, seconded by Commissioner Corchiarino,
the Board unanimously agreed to contribute $2,500 to the Maryland Science Center for their 50th
Anniversary.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran Absent
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
HINCKLEY - BAY BRIDGE AIRPORT VARIANCE REQUEST:
On a motion made by Commissioner Corchiarino, seconded by Commissioner Dumenil,
the Board unanimously agreed to convey to the Airport Board for review and recommendation
back to the Commissioners.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran Absent
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
COMMISSIONER’S ROUNDTABLE:
Commissioner Corchiarino discussed the following:
 Solar Project Hearing:
March 24, 2026
9

On a motion made by Commissioner Corchiarino, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, the
Board unanimously agreed to send a letter of opposition to the Public Service Commission for the
LSE Aquarius LLC CPCN Application – Kent Point Road Solar Project.
Commissioners Yes No
Moran x
J Wilson x
McLaughlin x
Dumenil x
Corchiarino x
 Gave information to Senators regarding 301/405 Speeds
Commissioner Dumenil discussed the following:
 Boat Shrink Wrap Recycle Program
Commissioner Moran discussed the following:
Commissioner Wilson discussed the following:
 Solar Projects and Land Preservation
 Speed Zone Camera at the 405/301 Bill in the Legislation
 Trade Round Table
Commissioner McLaughlin discussed the following:
 Solar Bill Opposition
There being no further business, they adjourned at 7:45 p.m. to meet again on Tuesday,
April 14, 2026.
_________________________ ____________________________
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT PRESIDENT
March 24, 2026
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