[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6176678,"mediaKeyId","5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd","parentId",5345516,"title","Hagerstown considers donation of locomotive to Western Maryland Scenic Railroad with timeline and funding questions","audioSeconds",111,"startMs",398000,"endMs",509000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd&start=398&end=509","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd/thumbnail_398000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6176678/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/Hagerstown-considers-donation-of-locomotive-to-Western-Maryland-Scenic-Railroad-with-timeline-and-funding-questions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6176678-64b5f18d2c86d57ac14b81306630160c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155829&Signature=j5JHDuaYHEyjtD9Sos9DmBGJJEffrgMNhfz5KRVhAY4QQCBAM9chtSdfrGBSs3SIrvte4dNAHPid2Z-vCCk4rnyAfFJTKlssD7nCObGa7zaUgyVOQXSvbavLQiUQjWW~2YhBaRS8IfOj0LtYkybDxA70NZnoG0ea5D3ollNlA9xEng2HBaK1g01tJ8ff3qKqaYla6DGtp2R-m7LDFVVexLJE1KaFjDjeBAWwydCcYKDUNjAymAhSYicQI91eIocZsy8-QwlncmbWTtXdqqtDZPhE1V7fjeEKkCPYhl0uF0fXdbKnYRiy7BESC9eWjsUcmIAMKfo7MhFEIvnqIG7Ssw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Hagerstown, MD","date","2025-07-10T04:14:00.293Z","article","HAGERSTOWN, Md. — City staff presented a proposed donation agreement under which the City of Hagerstown would transfer ownership of locomotive frame 202 to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) for $1 so the railroad can relocate and fully restore it for scenic operations.

According to the draft agreement discussed at the meeting, WMSR would bear all relocation and restoration costs, would transport the locomotive to its Cumberland, Maryland, facilities and would not use parts of the locomotive for other restorations without the city’s written consent. The agreement includes a proposed 10‑year target for completion of restoration work; WMSR also committed to a 25% discount for Hagerstown residents on operating-excursion tickets in perpetuity.

Council members pressed staff on timelines and contingencies. The draft agreement requires WMSR to transport the locomotive to its facilities within 180 days of closing; failure to do so would allow the city to terminate the agreement and retain the locomotive in City Park. Council members expressed concern that the contract contains limited intermediate benchmarks and asked whether the city should require WMSR to set aside funds or escrow amounts to guarantee relocation and progress, citing estimated moving costs of roughly $100,000 to $150,000.

City staff said WMSR has inspected the locomotive recently and believes it can be restored; staff also described earlier city restoration plans that had been costed at about $500,000 for cosmetic work and a later bid that returned a single offer near $3.3 million, which exceeded the city’s budget and led staff to seek alternatives.

No formal vote was taken at the work session. Staff said the draft donation agreement and its exhibit timeline will be refined with the railroad and legal counsel, and the matter will return to the council for formal consideration in a regular session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 8, 2025 | Mayor & Council Meeting: Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented a draft donation agreement to transfer locomotive frame 202 to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for restoration; WMSR would pay relocation and restoration costs and offer a 25% ticket discount for Hagerstown residents in perpetuity.","taxTitle","Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland","taxId",4678,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6176683,"Hagerstown utility warns customers of higher costs after PJM capacity price surge",709,1162000,1871000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd&start=1162&end=1871","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd/thumbnail_1162000.jpg","/articles/6176683/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/Hagerstown-utility-warns-customers-of-higher-costs-after-PJM-capacity-price-surge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6176683-b5d9322ce5a44e523ecd6dac1f459242/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155829&Signature=kkh1~7PtnXDSIRRITZEX1OJrmFDFi-ZxNjVsZoCNsTSJ1mqChCrqZTaa5DBGr8kSR5oLD0fqyN7iIxF4pGF~fDFD37xKrSOhKJeN~GYVkSqFskFycO2zk9oowuuXr3qFHVFu-mX48ZBPioAEL9Cqqss2xDoqbihVV52oLWWAOKEdy4odfeQkZp4yjB7ktQTvuG5paklVn3TZlY7RZZ52zpyWWuSMHnf-HR4FzZS3ZUmbw2Y1IHcYP1gWvEIKPyoI~ha7YcalAFPW5c8co380WAehOCZCChpiwx-tL8GTV48n6bYbdPqeHpjF4Mf9ZFse1j0XxgX~xjRkxK58t0sC~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Hagerstown utilities staff told the mayor and council that a sharp rise in PJM capacity-market prices will increase the city’s power purchase cost-adjustment (PPCA) rate, with an average projected rise of about 1.64 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Nathan Frydinger, the utility presenter, said PJM reported capacity prices moving from about $2,300 to more than $16,000 per day for the region — a change that equates to roughly $5 million in annual costs that will be passed through in the city’s PPCA. Based on Hagerstown’s sales assumptions, Frydinger estimated the increase would add about $16.40 per month for an average residential customer (about 1,000 kWh per month) and roughly $111.50 annually.

Frydinger said the market spike is driven by higher demand (including large data centers and industrial onshoring), retirements of carbon‑emitting plants and challenges siting new generation. He told the council the city can pursue demand-side measures to reduce its peak-load contribution — the portion of the system’s five peak days for which a utility is billed — which would lower the PPCA calculation.

Options under study include distributed solar (limited by available land in the service territory) and energy-storage batteries, which Frydinger said can deliver megawatt-hours rapidly during peaks and could be deployed in partnership with a developer. “We can lower our peak-load contribution,” Frydinger said, adding that consultants are evaluating cost-sharing models and other technical solutions.

Staff noted the market change began in June and the city plans to reflect the new PPCA on customer bills in August after it receives and processes the June invoice. The utility has posted a frequently asked-questions document online and will include a notice on bills, as required by the Maryland Public Service Commission. Officials also pointed residents to energy-saving tips from the Maryland Department of Energy and outlined customer-assistance options including average payment plans and direct payment arrangements handled by customer service representatives.

Council members asked about comparative rates in neighboring territories and whether the increase will significantly change typical bills. Frydinger said the headline jump in daily capacity costs does not translate dollar-for-dollar to retail bills; because the PPCA is one component of several pass-through charges, the projected residential effect is modest in dollar terms but material for households on thin margins.

No council vote was required; this item was presented as an informational update and staff said they will return with more detailed proposals if the council wants to pursue storage or other peak-shaving investments.","City staff said a spike in PJM capacity market prices will increase Hagerstown’s power purchase cost-adjustment rate by about 1.64¢ per kWh on average, raising the typical residential bill roughly $16.40 per month; the city plans outreach materials and options to mitigate peaks including energy storage and peak shaving.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6176688,"Hagerstown council approves six-month ordinance banning outdoor lodging on city property",55,71000,126000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd&start=71&end=126","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd/thumbnail_71000.jpg","/articles/6176688/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/Hagerstown-council-approves-six-month-ordinance-banning-outdoor-lodging-on-city-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6176688-358e19bb4d55311b31ac9f40dac70e01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155829&Signature=gTN~VmRjlRLTKEgZ0doKalTM3uG1ngYdP2kCuM9oY0pNoZ8HYRTRQeegHg12D1QukbtO-qWwvIOGgJypaW8C14OTGgld7ZSUSLRxrdHKlWyH9pYJOvYu6F7UToSwCNYw5NeJvKyjZlKxSDEYav3zPrzQ9WkKc~G9c8K3ykIn2MnT9J9AFMNL6lhfFUBqHvTyM4uPraa5cqEA--3SDm-yeiZr-bP68a5R7M3m~wqKEgsSyNg5SA-7YRmAItSo6-apCcClhvBuqoEHHR1LSbENIEPnjQgeQBHfYy1CeScx2PpqJiV5aR~cNNAwKGRplDiGpgfhjYCLNkGlR2BFbOex9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Hagerstown Mayor and Council voted to adopt an ordinance adding chapter 173-32 to the city code that makes it unlawful for any person to sleep or lodge outdoors in a public place on property owned by the City of Hagerstown.

City officials said the ordinance applies only to city property and includes a sunset provision that requires review by the mayor and council six months after the ordinance’s effective date.

Council members and staff described the measure as an additional enforcement tool rather than a standalone solution. Councilwoman Burnette said she initially opposed the ordinance but supported it after the inclusion of the sunset review and assurances that the city would continue to pair enforcement with outreach and services. “What the outdoor lodging does not do is criminalize people simply because they’re experiencing homelessness,” Burnette said, adding she expects the council to pursue complementary strategies including partnerships and outreach.

City staff and council members emphasized limits to enforcement authority. Officials said the ordinance does not allow Hagerstown police to enforce the provision on county, state or private property and that existing code provisions addressing related conduct remain in force. One council member described the ordinance as “a tool in the toolbox” alongside hotel registration and rental-registration measures previously adopted by the city.

The council passed the ordinance during the special session; no roll-call vote names were stated in the public transcript. The measure includes the six-month automatic sunset unless the mayor and council take action to review or extend it.

Next steps indicated in the meeting record include monitoring implementation during the sunset period and further work by the mayor’s office and department directors on coordinated enforcement, outreach and possible county/state collaboration.","The Hagerstown Mayor and Council approved an ordinance adding chapter 173-32 to the city code that makes sleeping or lodging outdoors on city-owned public property unlawful; the measure includes a six-month sunset evaluation and applies only to city property, officials said.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6176668,"Council approves $15,725 purchase of portable remote firing cart funded by Coverdell grant",33,236000,269000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd&start=236&end=269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd/thumbnail_236000.jpg","/articles/6176668/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/Council-approves-15725-purchase-of-portable-remote-firing-cart-funded-by-Coverdell-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6176668-31d1f96123677fac1ae0a7b9ca7bec28/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155829&Signature=gJ-giCK4ao4tw6KRg1uaFTIqne9~B5~~Pj5un4zUW7k03XYrlY1VTSE1060Cu~rdH7BQQBo-5spPgLIuHb~BuwHyjy1APdawFYxMVTtzj58WpU8RCpFcMSJApHIa9kvuSDSaiFEU2AP~Fl3qkIpQ5-UMuASOQfJc8KO16FN8L64Pgu1XC9QOLhojSmEStW7TAgdIMwLcYwVRrQo3Awie~sOKNx5LuqXiia6uA4ccfILWKwn1R8bAEU8yeip5FWkM5QewzXOjYSglAIyMpUL6oOi8H0ABBxL7jfK-6upAhS-k2AGI0PDgjua3E~Dm2--Wf4vfnjl4jW--FwgaNTULXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Hagerstown Mayor and Council approved the purchase of a portable remote firing cart for a total price of $15,725, funded by the FY23 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant.

A city representative moved the item and the council approved it by voice vote during the special session. Staff said the grant will cover the full cost and that purchase will support forensic laboratory operations.

No additional funding or amendments were proposed at the meeting; staff indicated the purchase is routine equipment acquisition covered by the listed grant.","The Hagerstown Mayor and Council approved the purchase of a portable remote firing cart for $15,725, to be paid from the FY23 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant, council recorded.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6176673,"City staff to update subrecipient agreement for Main Street Startup Grant after state request",87,2431000,2518000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd&start=2431&end=2518","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345516-b7888365c56e65f5bf809beb2faa33cd/thumbnail_2431000.jpg","/articles/6176673/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/City-staff-to-update-subrecipient-agreement-for-Main-Street-Startup-Grant-after-state-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6176673-ebccd61a51b47855a9947a88713bdb5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155829&Signature=FgSIB0i5PN~kKZSRnvhKZEu6o7JIwdTYX6vIQLmKLCJGx5Gm8l86rWMSTCjs5SIPglNYNbyNe1iUYiijh4ix96nkwbEGJmdIZpYfWCR3xePI-SdY247ulHjb~l3VsXA41Fiwaw7dZXh1ORgKZBC0PokCLXIA3UYu8yJSMs1sZvYlBzJeeFYC3AeURP5uLUQY6L1R5gCWWSFEEfDX~2IuRxl9UxRpWBDURuYG0~weHbklm4mRBfp2q8qTWDN58x82QH7XHyZ~ErYjSEA4kzPuQLTEp-GSYEsFFgK7CI7Zmq0fUnQsrZMVmxPyUMbsDJ-rorP8SE47oJ8l5jHu8cDRUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HAGERSTOWN, Md. — City staff introduced a revised subrecipient agreement for the Main Street Startup Grant program, a pass-through grant funded under the state’s Project ReStore program, and said the changes reflect the state’s requested contract language.

Chris Simon, who presented the draft revisions, said the redline changes remove the landlord as a contracting party at the state’s request, clarify hold‑harmless provisions and confirm that the recipient property addresses lie within the city. Simon said the city will bring the revised agreement to a future regular session for formal approval and then return to prior awardees who must sign the updated form; two recent awardees were already handled under earlier authorized language.

Council members indicated general support; staff said the revisions are administrative and intended to align the city’s subrecipient agreement with state requirements so the city may continue to administer the program and issue funds to qualifying businesses.

Once the council approves the revised agreement in the regular session, staff will seek signatures from earlier recipients who have not yet signed the updated document so the city can proceed with remaining grant awards.","Hagerstown staff presented a revised subrecipient agreement for the Main Street Startup Grant (Project ReStore funding) that removes landlords from the agreement and clarifies hold-harmless language; council will consider the revised document at a future regular session and staff will ask prior awardees to sign updates where required.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hagerstown considers donation of locomotive to Western Maryland Scenic Railroad with timeline and funding questions

Hagerstown utility warns customers of higher costs after PJM capacity price surge

Hagerstown council approves six-month ordinance banning outdoor lodging on city property

Council approves $15,725 purchase of portable remote firing cart funded by Coverdell grant

City staff to update subrecipient agreement for Main Street Startup Grant after state request