[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6551891,"mediaKeyId","5322925-055ad07927fba8e314e3d2162dc30493","parentId",5322925,"title","Votes at a glance: Mount Airy council actions on minutes, road closure, agreements, appointments and contracts — July 7, 2025","audioSeconds",1917,"startMs",6139000,"endMs",8056000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322925-055ad07927fba8e314e3d2162dc30493&start=6139&end=8056","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322925-055ad07927fba8e314e3d2162dc30493/thumbnail_6139000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6551891/Maryland/Votes-at-a-glance-Mount-Airy-council-actions-on-minutes-road-closure-agreements-appointments-and-contracts-July-7-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551891-c1b4a801b4ad5b8b4c9a67cdd6a4ebf8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438307&Signature=JLKoDR-qxgn5nQoIJddBeGc6-gazDn7TxqLQC1YZaTfaCMSHjFnFpfA~H0Wb3~jR83ZkZ7NuGGSajlKh4BMk0wIDSydbMN6xNpJOQFdHUuKd9FR9KPpGRFpA6YjoipNCWuh0TXkQ~0OIlEWpZrJQTIpn2lPCi8czznKgPSR-6XC0jHJQ7~aI7kJLK2-BNiL-GJFJBfIi-OjGEfQ70ZT7CVYFT3MHBIP3zJdQZw9pqjaJcwDbwmfowkykuUh~Q0P0mepinHWUQxXyfW4ULbV06THMGMeq17AQbprHh~RitBwnM4vAlQLpKRiagXUYAnINMq789C9Mq7eWcpyQJgQ1gA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mount Airy Town, MD","date","2025-07-01T18:46:44Z","article","Mount Airy, Md. — The Mount Airy Town Council took a series of administrative and policy actions at its July 7 meeting. Below is a concise summary of motions, outcomes and immediate next steps as recorded in the meeting transcript.

What passed (voice votes unless otherwise noted):
- Approval of June 2025 council meeting minutes (with a wording amendment to replace the word “stay” with “remain” in the ordinance reference) — approved by voice vote.
- Approval of June 2025 closed meeting minutes (litigation subject) — approved by voice vote.
- Approval of June 2025 closed meeting minutes (land acquisition subject) — approved by voice vote.
- Road closure for the Mount Airy Mile (Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, 8:00–10:00 a.m. from East Ridgeville Blvd. down Main Street to 8 N. Main St.) — approved by voice vote.
- Reschedule September town council meeting from Sept. 1 (Labor Day) to Monday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. — approved by voice vote.
- Approval of the fiscal year 2026 town–county agreement with Carroll County (same basic language as prior years; numeric values updated) — approved by voice vote.
- Award of A&E design services for the Mount Airy Police Station to Moseley, $575,575 — approved by voice vote (separate article covers details).
- Award of IT/computer services contract to Clark Computer Services, $67,683.24 — approved by voice vote.
- Appointments: Linda Schaff to Recycling & Sanitation Commission; Carly Schreiner to Recreation & Parks Commission — both approved by voice vote.
- Ordinance 2025‑17: Emergency budget amendment to add $110,000 for Rails to Trails east of Main culvert and paving — adopted as an emergency ordinance by voice vote (staff explained the timeframe for in‑stream work and the need to act this season).
- Annexation Resolution 2025‑47 (50.98 acres north side of Wattersville Road) — introduced and referred to the planning commission for review.
- Ordinance 2025‑16 (rezoning of four South Main Street properties) — introduced for future consideration by council.

Notes on process and next steps:
- The council frequently approved items by voice vote; the transcript records “aye”/“opposed” calls but does not provide numeric vote tallies. Where noted, the council directed staff to proceed with contract finalization, ordinance drafting or referrals to the planning commission.
- The emergency ordinance for Rails to Trails was framed as time‑sensitive because in‑stream work in the trout stream is restricted between Oct. 1 and April 1; staff said approval was needed to contract and complete work during the available construction window.
- The A&E and IT contract awards were accompanied by staff presentations explaining procurement, comparisons and budget context; staff will finalize contracts and begin work.

Formal actions (extracted):","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mount Airy Town Council Meeting 7-7-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal actions taken by the Mount Airy Town Council on July 7, 2025, including minutes approvals, a road closure for the Mount Airy Mile, a town–county agreement, awards for A&E and IT services, appointments, and an emergency budget ordinance for rails to trails.","taxTitle","Mount Airy, Carroll County, Maryland","taxId",72996,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6551896,"Mount Airy council awards architecture and engineering design contract for new police station to Moseley, $575,575",545,6561000,7106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322925-055ad07927fba8e314e3d2162dc30493&start=6561&end=7106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322925-055ad07927fba8e314e3d2162dc30493/thumbnail_6561000.jpg","/articles/6551896/Maryland/Mount-Airy-council-awards-architecture-and-engineering-design-contract-for-new-police-station-to-Moseley-575575","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551896-badcf5cae23d7d88776f24281e662519/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438307&Signature=eZF7sSa~suORgah9Za2iFowBhQGGlE1Ia9xumgHBOR9gVMLrP57fVl~o2LmMSUXkbhDrvvtd~PjaHFPT5v~jtsXm4bo76fD9vfpgy6953zTJL6GG6vBqnM1pqbqH8~jDelN6VDf5Pez7SlbwmOeGm-5CFayxkyNOdoJR7TQMCvjikoHNrF2~RjxIBFgW87eBManiXzXFH-ARu5RHrPWbZeUmF4dqCFEkxjHg0jP8kAKM97JR8ydWNKBOQ1l8yMNyPN3UkA765~3P2j8Cic2ZFPhyUwk13fa3BxscQ1hL0KWWZ8~gGCM0P3weLlp6QvuQvE6aY~bTq4uIoh5HNjKPYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mount Airy, Md. — The Mount Airy Town Council on July 7 approved an award of architecture and engineering design services for the planned police station to Moseley in the amount of $575,575.

Town staff said seven firms submitted qualifications, four were interviewed and a qualifications review committee recommended Moseley. Barney, the town engineer, summarized the selection process and said the award amount was within roughly 4% of the budgeted design estimate. Council members and the mayor praised the interview process; council member Demoter, who served on the review committee, said he checked references, including a deputy chief at a jurisdiction where Moseley previously completed a police facility, and reported favorable feedback on cost control, scheduling and community partnership.

Financing and context: Council members noted the town plans to finance construction with a bond anticipated for $4.5 million; staff said the AE award fits within the budgeted amount for design services (budgeted at $552,000, award within about 4% of that figure). Speakers described the planned new station as a long‑term civic building at the north end of town and noted the need for on‑site project management during construction.

Vote and next steps: The council approved the A&E contract by voice vote; staff will complete contract documents with Moseley and proceed with the design phase and community outreach as outlined by the firm and the town’s project timeline.

Voices (selected): Barney (town engineer); Mayor Hushauer; Council member Demoter; Council member Kelly.","The town council voted to award A&E design services for the planned Mount Airy police station at Candace and North/North Main Street to Moseley for $575,575; councilors said the firm was chosen for prior experience, cost and schedule performance.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6551900,"Mount Airy business owner asks town to address repeated flooding near Wooden Bridge Lane",392,2405000,2797000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322925-055ad07927fba8e314e3d2162dc30493&start=2405&end=2797","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322925-055ad07927fba8e314e3d2162dc30493/thumbnail_2405000.jpg","/articles/6551900/Maryland/Mount-Airy-business-owner-asks-town-to-address-repeated-flooding-near-Wooden-Bridge-Lane","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551900-45b8564422e7eec51baa1ff365f245d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438307&Signature=hfVrRagDqYpq0ZK7Ul24oxbAUrK1qTjHzEosK6c-UUM21y6z9onp7fWjVn~Uj~W8860kucd5jIW0EhEJtqHtbzzmC2c7khPYNJM0Vm2OzV5LWcyN7Q3Ky5R1dtnWwPCCwEIQXTXgr9uyoGeXVt1BoSxXSlK1EGELdJWKcmQdSZ8vdlfQmvzwmZcT755ArZHfqxEiRWX2C~ti3bRb98d3Ae0Y9mldbFWpUojDeyjVSHqnFXhfQ2ZrSKINyc2xPt4aDtNfzWraDH7cMt0d83w2Lmfve69Nl6QLjtUXtUk7NQwqTwHQkEGmfOKaWsmWLsA3Mpozg~X~rBv7kOQVBpODZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mount Airy, Md. — During the public‑comment portion of the July 7 Town Council meeting, local business owner Doug Leslie asked the council to address chronic drainage that floods property at 1410 Wooden Bridge Lane, behind the Five Guys restaurant and near Conestoga.

Leslie and his wife, Chastity, said the problem has been ongoing and affects about five neighboring properties. He said Carroll County inspector Timothy Matt visited the site, prepared an assessment and told the Leslies that the ditch needs maintenance and possible regrading to convey stormwater safely; the inspector told them no work had been done on the ditch in six years. Leslie said the county advised him to present the issue to the town and that, because the flow is stormwater, he is not permitted to do the work himself.

Leslie told the council he has historical knowledge of the property and believes runoff has grown worse as nearby development increased. He offered to share the county inspector’s email and a short video of stormwater flowing through the property; council members asked him to forward the materials to the town engineer, Barney, for review.

Action requested and next steps: Town officials asked Leslie to forward the inspector’s email and the video to town staff; council members instructed staff to ensure the town engineer receives the materials for review and follow up. No formal council vote was taken; the item was raised during public comment and received direction to staff.

Voices (selected): Doug Leslie, local business owner and property owner at 1410 Wooden Bridge Lane; Chastity Leslie (public commenter); Timothy Matt, county inspector (referenced); Barney (town engineer, requested to receive materials).","A Mount Airy business owner asked the town to investigate recurring stormwater overflow that floods property behind 5 Guys (1410 Wooden Bridge Lane); county inspector says ditch needs maintenance and regrading but owner says he cannot do the work without county approval.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6551905,"Mount Airy water and sewer panel urges 8% annual rate increases to stop recurring deficits",643,2890000,3533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322925-055ad07927fba8e314e3d2162dc30493&start=2890&end=3533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322925-055ad07927fba8e314e3d2162dc30493/thumbnail_2890000.jpg","/articles/6551905/Maryland/Mount-Airy-water-and-sewer-panel-urges-8-annual-rate-increases-to-stop-recurring-deficits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551905-4d3ff7c6a98a211a62d916a4eee54d29/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448346&Signature=DYUUuBUMHEoSmVvDOoiZ-NKt9o1V1fw46F8WLyEalB~KmqSEJaxKIusHTN4RiGt7vEPKW3apduPK6tapg0nytQILhKZKfdNOTLk~pz5ZkKwPt-RdOPjWFrLN65aiiy4yNDAp3lAr28Irw-22Lmy7ZPTANdZz0E9PehH9ZVI3YUVFHqbSNjgIOlEewGqHf~NBoGtIFV9OxoBYkSeYoCukAwOGAIHlbcB2VKLoxwekQGXwmpJG-1iBHvO23R23Acgx~j7s7AoKZUIdlBA3gvGrfw4OaTcZm3OujoXAXIW7K-zPIs1ite3A0VkVIWn-gDsxCR4SoiLXuG1ncoxmQaeLgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mount Airy, Md. — At the July 7 Mount Airy Town Council meeting, Vic Swanson, chair of the town’s Water and Sewer Commission, told the council the town’s water and sewer enterprise is running recurring deficits and recommended the council introduce an ordinance to raise user rates by 8% in the first year followed by 8% in each of the next two years.

Swanson said the enterprise fund is not operating on a breakeven basis and that “funds are routinely taken from reserves to cover costs that are not recovered through fees.” He said reserves fell by $1,589,000 — a 27% decline — between February 2022 and May 2025 and cited a $517,000 programmed deficit in the current budget. He also presented line items cited by the commission: annual operating costs of about $3,100,000, water and sewer capital costs of about $4,980,000, and recurring operating items including chemicals and utilities that the commission said contribute to the shortfall.

Why it matters: the town’s water and sewer utilities are operated as an enterprise fund and are intended to be self‑supporting through user fees. Swanson and commissioners said ongoing deficits reduce emergency reserves, limit the town’s ability to finance capital projects and increase the risk of service shortfalls in the event of large equipment failures.

Council reaction and next steps: Council members asked for additional planning detail before committing. Council member Demoter, who serves as a liaison to the Water and Sewer Commission, said any ordinance increasing rates should require a multi‑year operating and capital plan that explains how the additional revenue would be used and what performance or reporting the council should expect. Council member Kelly asked whether an across‑the‑board 8% increase would restore breakeven, and Swanson responded that the commission’s modeling assumed the increases would begin July 1 and projected a modest surplus by the third year but cautioned that surpluses can be drawn down again as costs rise.

Swanson also recommended creation of a multi‑year budget working group to set priorities, forecast capital needs and explore alternative water supplies. Town staff and council members said they would work with the commission and the town engineer to prepare an ordinance and the operating/capital forecast for council review and possible introduction at the next meeting.

Key figures and context presented to the council (as stated at the meeting): reserves declined $1,589,000 (27%) from Feb. 2022 to May 2025; the budget showed an aggregate water and sewer total of $8,112,000 (operating $3,100,000 plus capital $4,980,000); a programmed deficit for the fiscal year of $517,000 (6.4% of the total); several recent capital projects with costs cited (examples given include water tower repairs, pickup truck replacements and a wastewater sludge pump); and $300,000 per year cited for chemicals and roughly $300,000 per year for electric utilities for the systems. Swanson said a recent large project was paid from ARPA funds.

What council did: No ordinance was introduced or voted on at the July 7 meeting. The council directed staff to work with the Water and Sewer Commission and the town engineer to prepare an ordinance draft and a multi‑year operating and capital plan for council consideration.

Voices (selected): Vic Swanson, chair, Water and Sewer Commission; Council member Demoter, liaison to the Water and Sewer Commission; Council member Kelly; Mayor Hushauer; Barney (town engineer).","The Water and Sewer Commission presented town leaders data showing multi‑year deficits and recommended an ordinance to raise water and sewer user rates 8% in each of the next three years to restore financial stability.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Mount Airy council actions on minutes, road closure, agreements, appointments and contracts — July 7, 2025

Mount Airy council awards architecture and engineering design contract for new police station to Moseley, $575,575

Mount Airy business owner asks town to address repeated flooding near Wooden Bridge Lane

Mount Airy water and sewer panel urges 8% annual rate increases to stop recurring deficits