[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",6491933,"mediaKeyId","5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e","parentId",5602113,"title","Emergency services brief commissioners on Hurricane Aaron threat; rip currents and coastal impacts expected","audioSeconds",82,"startMs",1488000,"endMs",1570000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e&start=1488&end=1570","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e/thumbnail_1488000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6491933/Worcester-County/Maryland/Emergency-services-brief-commissioners-on-Hurricane-Aaron-threat-rip-currents-and-coastal-impacts-expected","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491933-42f9f1589c9d098df59e0c5ae6fed377/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911856&Signature=m-ylDnP1oLX2lZdYj2t2th6-iTpd~1aI3STfUmCzLsKiPtT~nzpVtWpqcTBPXLW50IVqg3IlVwieTru7jwQfNE~LlP02SEVSHNOshPWVWXN7Av4DNnR~rkNpQx~q8wmx7sJ6korQbB35w9b0nuy7mVYFKy5Y8Wd1X-Var38lamXyINIb-KrFWfD2nS-Eioqv6npYfZfyAMGQpWk5lCEar078ZODe6AbzngzK9Y6c3EPngbycVxCbnHw88bWwaSso~hdeeoQhYAqnE9AI0sjgkCZI0eyO-7yOLjVjaHh9xQ2SRNGVUnUaKXdvDFmK-UsUxDYKtqgpMLTVlFYOphlOOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Worcester","date","2025-08-19T00:00:00Z","article","Worcester County emergency services provided an update Aug. 19 on Hurricane Aaron, describing a large storm forecast to remain offshore but expected to affect the county with hazardous rip currents and possible tropical-storm-force gusts along the beaches.

Director Schafer and the county’s deputy director of emergency services told commissioners the county had been tracking the system for nearly a week. As of the morning update, the county was under a tropical storm watch and staff assessed roughly a 50% chance of gusts in excess of 35 knots (about 40 mph) primarily along coastal areas. The single biggest hazard identified was an extremely high risk of rip currents; Assateague State and Federal beaches had closed in response.

Forecast rainfall amounts were described as low (around a quarter-inch in the latest update), but staff said the potential for flooding along the Pocomoke River and back bays depended on timing with tides and wind direction. Emergency services said they were in contact with state partners, FEMA and local fire departments and would continue to issue weather updates and coordination messages as conditions evolve.

Commissioners discussed emergency declaration thresholds and FEMA funding. Emergency services staff reviewed the Stafford Act process for requesting federal public assistance and emphasized documentation and adherence to federal application procedures; they also cautioned that recent presidential declarations in other states showed variability in federal approvals.

Why it matters

Coastal communities face the highest immediate hazard because of rip currents and gusts, which can pose a risk to beachgoers and mariners. The county is monitoring potential back-bay and river flooding, which depends on tide timing and wind shifts.

Ending

Commissioners asked emergency services to continue daily updates and to coordinate with state and federal partners. The county’s advice to residents emphasized avoiding ocean swimming while the rip-current risk remains high.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Worcester - County Commissioners Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","Worcester County emergency services reported Aug. 19 that Hurricane Aaron is likely to generate hazardous rip currents and possible tropical-storm-force gusts along county beaches despite remaining offshore.","taxTitle","Worcester County, Maryland","taxId",53952,"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},6491938,"Board approves groundwater and landfill gas monitoring contract; commissioners request future competitive bids",62,734000,796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e&start=734&end=796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e/thumbnail_734000.jpg","/articles/6491938/Worcester-County/Maryland/Board-approves-groundwater-and-landfill-gas-monitoring-contract-commissioners-request-future-competitive-bids","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491938-50c4e9b8c5d90f70835534c1b94d1479/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911856&Signature=YKzh9qbo9yvU2dFV-fYNke6fwdVOrHfJSGV8ciN2iBU-Qzw62PeLmgdtI~gNYZhUGq7BhWGaSFQ6ReQl5X--gE9qqPcCVQf4jCsEqsIKSh~jOZ5F9k5ak7HsrO-vYYb2e2Tbb2tEGAiw-f76ys0uO6cjineCXug1hsSbGOq4MSI4J5yEOO89UY8AGhc-~r1tfVb-3EauyWWkQ63twApACtTuJAycZqo90P8oV-ZbqsHUv8fd1SMguTvJq6D~rpxwUiAZfQrqCouatYStbrDt2KkK8699JgNwm5Js1Okbc2FU0J7Gsur7WlFL9ObWLkSCKIWQ9t9QVArgVSdaVeuvNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worcester County Commissioners approved a contract Aug. 19 for groundwater and landfill gas monitoring and reporting at the county’s closed landfill facilities. The motion was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

A commissioner asked whether the county had bid the services recently; staff replied it had not. The commissioner requested that the county competitively bid the contract prior to the next procurement cycle, saying familiarity with the incumbent contractor should not preclude competition or drive pricing.

Staff described testing costs as the primary expense driver (for example, testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances may raise laboratory costs) and agreed to pursue competitive procurement before the next renewal or contract extension.

Why it matters

Monitoring and reporting contracts are part of the county’s environmental compliance for closed landfill facilities. Ensuring competitive procurement can reduce costs and maintain technical oversight; laboratory testing requirements can significantly affect total contract cost.

Ending

The board approved the contract and directed staff to pursue competitive bidding before future contract actions. No specific dollar amounts were disclosed during the meeting.","The Worcester County Commissioners approved a contract for groundwater and landfill gas monitoring and reporting for closed county landfills and asked staff to pursue competitive bidding before the next contract cycle.",{"_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},6491943,"Commissioners add names to proposed solar energy systems amendment; staff to refine decommissioning language",206,828000,1034000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e&start=828&end=1034","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e/thumbnail_828000.jpg","/articles/6491943/Worcester-County/Maryland/Commissioners-add-names-to-proposed-solar-energy-systems-amendment-staff-to-refine-decommissioning-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491943-e31a3907e93f39e91cfa509ec2448f67/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911856&Signature=UIjskTfNksPBcqycQ6a6Hi4k-n-R9a3a~9wrhpZ~yZcl7diRQDwYOfMAMck42isxVdAUYXLIgKvDB4-n0KfRxBUv~PAzOAwEFA1s4M~cxs47HW59fLOIFe7FvUp-sCeWd8xKKB2U5aB86esUhoQapn~Vq-lmKvmjBeTFwByEXwlSSDK9rnsDzk9of~gH9n5XgL51Drl5m8cHE9ES8w0JFMyvW1JVTbQUpkte4-t9QoPSsGoC5flo15YpuMp2d3Pd917AIBbAXjMeh1btOMY2YuhCSPOsYcr-FWfbBPPrPPxLe1j3E6g3ch26mqw7A~EvzD8eQCl5WOtluEB4~iFBOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worcester County Commissioners indicated support Aug. 19 for a text amendment on solar energy systems that would add decommissioning requirements, align definitions with state law and revise the county’s utility review process. Commissioners signaled support by adding their names as sponsors; the transcript records no formal roll-call vote but shows multiple commissioners agreeing to be listed on the bill.

County planning staff presented the draft amendment and said they had added decommissioning language at the board’s request. Commissioners discussed bonding levels, whether the state or local jurisdiction can hold a decommissioning bond, and how to handle gaps if a bond proves insufficient at the time of decommissioning.

Planning staff said the bill requires an initial decommissioning estimate prepared by an independent, certified professional engineer, with evaluations every five years and a requirement for an updated estimate when decommissioning is triggered. The draft also establishes failure to decommission as a nuisance, allowing the county to call the bond and, if necessary, lien the property for excess expenses.

Commissioners raised additional topics they want addressed in the final text: whether local bonding is permissible or preempted by state law for larger systems, explicit treatment of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and whether soil-cement use should be prohibited or regulated to preserve future farmland viability. One commissioner asked staff to research testing standards for soil that would demonstrate restoration to farmable condition.

Why it matters

The amendment could change permitting requirements and financial assurances for solar projects in Worcester County, including how decommissioning is secured and enforced and how related components such as batteries are regulated. Commissioners asked for more precise language on bonding, timelines, inspection/testing standards and possible prohibitions on construction practices that permanently alter soil quality.

Ending

Staff will refine the bill language before public hearing; commissioners expect to return the amendment for formal introduction and public comment. The board instructed staff to prepare draft language on soil-cement and to research bonding authority and battery-storage treatment.","Worcester County commissioners signaled support for a text amendment on utility-scale solar that includes decommissioning bond language and related definitions; staff will draft more precise language, including possible restrictions or testing standards for 'soil cement' and consideration of battery storage.",{"_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},6491948,"Commissioners approve rezoning of Racetrack Plaza parcels A and B; Area C denied",335,1915000,2250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e&start=1915&end=2250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e/thumbnail_1915000.jpg","/articles/6491948/Worcester-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-rezoning-of-Racetrack-Plaza-parcels-A-and-B-Area-C-denied","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491948-c8b046614bebfe739bbd37440efe835c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911856&Signature=U7utxlTGBjPZe~55NkariHo~xnvve0Gz4NrqaWb3QgRKQmMUoTgeRTZnYUZ42rhiZAvXfFv5x6YxRfJZBaC2N7ND-dLqRROMRdVXo~Wf2nc3BPUMEaThsFHgjyXmuT8OwXRcF~F8z2FVItyCpdPAWGpiv0BGY3~~zfmEwhbdH7Uc0EBR0LWrtqJKLSUNTf-jIepZ0FzQEduA2BO33FcsNoPWRJ9UQwLi6pvxm-f6eY9P10p1v-R7Ax6lBj9HZc2w8I~wPsJeJWTXdwlA84R1391U431~kxWw3mC4FfgjJs0xSL-T56P2M3EsNFmfM~ZHnNo5nWdpAfryRqeHOLGueg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worcester County Commissioners approved rezoning for two of three segments in Rezoning Case 448 (Racetrack Plaza LLC) during a public hearing Aug. 19, 2025.

The board voted unanimously to rezone Areas A and B from RP (resource protection) to C2 (general commercial) and to exclude Area C from the rezoning. The motion to approve Areas A and B and not include Area C was made by Commissioner Bertino and seconded by Commissioner Fiore.

The applicant, represented by attorney Mark Spencer Cropper, told the board the request covers approximately 1.072 acres at 10329 Racetrack Road and described the filing as a “correction or adjustment” to align zoning with Critical Area boundaries. “All we're seeking to do is make consistent the C2 and RP zoning on this property with the critical area boundaries,” Cropper said.

Frank Lynch Jr., a licensed surveyor retained by the applicant, testified as an expert on parcel boundaries and corroborated the applicant’s exhibit and the Planning Commission’s analysis for Areas A and B. County staff and Planning Commission materials in the record described Area C as inconsistent with the draft Critical Area remapping and recommended denial for that segment.

Planning staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval for Areas A and B, citing a change in neighborhood character and infrastructure improvements that made sanitary sewer EDUs available to the defined neighborhood. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended denial for Area C on grounds that it was not consistent with the draft Critical Area map boundary.

Why it matters

The decision changes the zoning designation for two small parcels adjacent to Ocean Downs and Racetrack Road, which could affect permissible commercial uses and future permit reviews. The board’s action follows the Planning Commission’s recommendation to limit approval to the parcels that the commission found consistent with current critical-area mapping and the county’s comprehensive plan amendment.

Ending

The board closed the public hearing and recorded a unanimous vote. Any future development proposals on the rezoned parcels will follow county permitting processes and remain subject to Critical Area regulations and any applicable state approvals.","After a public hearing on Rezoning Case 448, the Worcester County Commissioners approved rezoning of Areas A and B from RP to C2 and declined the rezoning of Area C. The request covered approximately 1.072 acres at 10329 Racetrack Road; the Planning Commission had recommended approval for A and B and denial for C.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":103,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":106,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491951,"Worcester County commissioners approve multiple routine and land-use items; closed session, contracts, appointments recorded",1076,2991000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5602113-aeb4ad2f6909ddaf557855235410ea8e&start=1915&end=2991","/articles/6491951/Worcester-County/Maryland/Worcester-County-commissioners-approve-multiple-routine-and-land-use-items-closed-session-contracts-appointments-recorded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491951-601acb13a45f883cdd8cf049178fa2d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911856&Signature=kIXk45IFnDvSPNeBbgM44rK45VRb-uI1BarjrtCUDGJiXfBAhd9kw7QHGR1wEvOKt4ThP2AVoSn5ihKQU~WV6kICR~d~0o2aHrrOzGjKoF~NGj4asktM2dp-tUjpwTEryGouesoYsMLxJSRsTYX5iW8egH1gEqejekTp0dzTKMt5UD0T2a4VT~w0TvmPwtKOLiFDzGaboyJ2Zm8Sv~sc8zgD7thZvkl3ziVeU9nH4P4KEro7TIC0cPqZuO6MzFvrCn95HDevdZYPQF27848smgbcDe7MxnuP~nrttV52P4vphHf3TxtvLoww94A-yyTduot8uxzW4mO2-Hv1vEkt9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worcester County Commissioners voted on a series of consent and substantive items during their Aug. 19, 2025 meeting, including a closed-session authorization, multiple personnel and equipment transfers, a contract for landfill monitoring and a rezoning decision for part of Racetrack Plaza.

The board first moved into closed session at the start of the meeting to discuss personnel matters and other administrative topics. The motion to close the public meeting was made by Commissioner Abbott and seconded by Commissioner Purnell; commissioners recorded six votes in favor with Commissioner Bunting absent from the room.

During open session the board approved the Aug. 5 minutes; adopted the consent agenda (items 2–13); approved naming private lanes in the Landing subdivision; approved transfer of surplus vehicles and equipment to the Worcester County Board of Education; approved a contract for groundwater and landfill gas monitoring for closed county landfill facilities; and approved personnel classification and appointment items. Motions were moved and seconded as recorded in the minutes and carried by unanimous voice vote where noted.

The commissioners also heard and recorded a public hearing and subsequent decision on Rezoning Case 448 (Racetrack Plaza LLC). After testimony and a Planning Commission recommendation, the board approved rezoning for Areas A and B (RP to C2) and declined rezoning Area C. That vote was moved by Commissioner Bertino, seconded by Commissioner Fiore and carried unanimously.

Itemized recorded actions from the meeting include: the closed-session approval (personnel, property acquisition, legal advice), consent-agenda approvals, transfer of surplus vehicles to the Board of Education, awarding a groundwater/landfill gas monitoring and reporting contract, the board’s adding their names to a proposed solar systems text amendment (no roll-call vote recorded; commissioners indicated support), appointments and reappointments to the Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee, a maintenance-classification change to master HVAC mechanic, and the rezoning decision on Case 448.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to enter closed session to discuss personnel matters, acquisition of real property, legal advice and administrative functions: mover Commissioner Abbott; second Commissioner Purnell; outcome: approved (6 in favor, Commissioner Bunting absent from the room).
- Approval of Aug. 5 minutes: mover Commissioner Purnell; second Commissioner Fiore; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Consent agenda (items 2–13): mover Commissioner Bertino; second Commissioner Fiore; outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Name private lanes within Landing subdivision (item 14): mover Commissioner Bertino; second Commissioner Abbott; outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Transfer of surplus vehicles and equipment to Board of Education (item 15): mover Commissioner Bertino; second Commissioner Purnell; outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Groundwater and landfill gas monitoring/reporting contract for closed county landfills (item 16): mover (recorded as Commissioner McChesney/McChesek); second Commissioner Abbott; outcome: approved (unanimous). Commissioners discussed bidding history and requested competitive procurement in future cycles.
- Request to schedule/introduce a text amendment on solar energy systems and to add commissioners as sponsors (item 17): commissioners indicated support and added their names; no formal roll-call vote recorded in the transcript; next steps: bill to be amended and scheduled for public hearing.
- Appointments and reappointments to the Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee (item 18): mover Commissioner Bertino; second Commissioner Abbott; outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Reclassification in Building Maintenance to Master HVAC Mechanic (item 21): mover Commissioner Matricek; second (recorded); outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Rezoning Case 448 (Racetrack Plaza LLC), 10329 Racetrack Road: motion to approve rezoning for Areas A and B (RP to C2) and exclude Area C; mover Commissioner Bertino; second Commissioner Fiore; outcome: approved (unanimous). Planning Commission had recommended approval for Areas A and B and denial for Area C.

Why it matters

The meeting bundled routine administrative business with several land-use and procurement decisions that shape county services and development. The rezoning decision alters the zoning status of roughly 1.07 acres associated with Racetrack Plaza and follows a Planning Commission review. The monitoring contract affects long-term environmental compliance at county landfills and prompted a commissioner request for future competitive bids. The board’s addition of names to a solar text amendment signals forthcoming public hearings and potential changes to siting and decommissioning standards for utility-scale solar projects.

Ending

The board adjourned following brief commissioner remarks and recognitions. Several items will return to the agenda for public hearings or further staff work, including the solar text amendment and any procurement follow-ups for landfill monitoring.","At their Aug. 19 meeting the Worcester County Commissioners voted to enter closed session, approved consent items, awarded a landfill-monitoring contract, made appointments to advisory panels and approved rezoning for portions of Racetrack Plaza property. Several administrative personnel and procedure motions were also adopted.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Emergency services brief commissioners on Hurricane Aaron threat; rip currents and coastal impacts expected

Board approves groundwater and landfill gas monitoring contract; commissioners request future competitive bids

Commissioners add names to proposed solar energy systems amendment; staff to refine decommissioning language

Commissioners approve rezoning of Racetrack Plaza parcels A and B; Area C denied

Worcester County commissioners approve multiple routine and land-use items; closed session, contracts, appointments recorded