[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6476637,"mediaKeyId","5717664-2fe0ad78ad728ba64dd96712bd394d4e","parentId",5717664,"title","Carroll County commissioners approve grant awards, contracts and purchases; set CDBG and renewable-energy hearings","audioSeconds",2275,"startMs",2679000,"endMs",4954000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5717664-2fe0ad78ad728ba64dd96712bd394d4e&start=2679&end=4954","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5717664-2fe0ad78ad728ba64dd96712bd394d4e/thumbnail_2679000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6476637/Carroll-County/Maryland/Carroll-County-commissioners-approve-grant-awards-contracts-and-purchases-set-CDBG-and-renewable-energy-hearings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476637-12b7c03d37a5c3a8d5159d1668931b70/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188225&Signature=GPy957U84i39pAJO6EdTNXfgPLED~IlnNGIIGUdZSyti2GKC3gp~Ne-cajiOo08qT0~EAl38hjRF9z9MqXRvM9BzQVP7rVtXoQVENxwnGweXQ58uIRKB5kEqqj-AmRV0Q-iOqB5j04bXL90oaadH~gir46ECIoGsaQ51uTkyILBCJ6j1ltmbx8Ql-nMxTcnx7cmUKoeCRlz1ilbZRJHjkS4RzTkNAy4iJm~CvQiD~u0REoN9IQlHi5NBBhDqaTFWN3eKlhAAfoTc3ewqYJmJRAbENHofmUJBttw4X-2KJi6cM0~f8zQnayOBg263A23LBCVWkhcojfL20sXYcSnMdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Carroll County, MD","date","2025-09-04T15:54:06Z","article","Carroll County Commissioners on Sept. 4 approved multiple grants, contracts and purchases during their open session and set public hearings on several community-development and energy-related items.

Key votes included acceptance of a federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant to fund a domestic-violence prosecutor position, authorization to schedule a public hearing and develop an FY26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for Springboard Community Services’ senior-apartment renovations, and approval of dozens of procurement contracts and capital equipment purchases across county departments.

The state's attorney described the VAWA grant as a $117,000 award that primarily funds the domestic-violence prosecutor position (county match component described in the meeting). The board approved submission and acceptance of the FY26 VAWA grant.

On housing and community development, the board directed staff to schedule a public hearing and to develop the FY26 CDBG application for Springboard Community Services’ proposed senior-apartment renovations at West End Place, noting the county’s non‑entitlement status for CDBG funding and the program’s 20‑year low/moderate-income use requirement.

Public-safety and emergency-services items approved included an additional FFY 2024 State Homeland Security grant allocation of $4,787.17; purchase of fixed license-plate-reader hardware ($32,770) to expand LPR capability; approval to buy hospital-grade transport ventilators ($47,700); and approval to outfit three new ambulances with medical equipment ($600,804.45).

Facilities and infrastructure approvals included replacement of two aging cooling towers ($400,545), replacement of fire-alarm systems in the county office building and the Carroll County Humane Society (about $202,630 and $30,684 respectively), replacement membranes for the Freedom District water-treatment plant ($1,419,700), a 2025 hot-mix asphalt paving contract (approx. $5,748,616) and multiple other routine procurements. The board also approved moving services for the new Board of Elections warehouse and office ($25,274.50) and renewal of several technology and software maintenance contracts.

On renewable-energy policy, staff briefed the board on the State Renewable Energy Certainty Act (Senate Bill 931 / House Bill 1036) and proposed county code updates to conform to state law; commissioners directed staff to schedule a public hearing on those proposed zoning changes for solar and battery-energy storage devices to allow public comment before adoption.

Votes at a glance

- FY26 VAWA grant submission and acceptance — Approved (motion; outcome: board approved)
- FY26 CDBG: schedule public hearing and develop application for Springboard Community Services — Approved (motion; outcome: board approved)
- Employment Campus ordinance amendments (Ordinance 158.081) — Adopted 3–1 (see separate article)
- Additional FFY24 State Homeland Security allocation ($4,787.17) — Approved
- Purchase: fixed LPR hardware, Leonardo US Cyber & Security Solutions — $32,770 — Approved
- Purchase: VM-2000 emergency and transport ventilator package, Boundary Medical — $47,700 — Approved
- Purchase: equipment to outfit three ambulances, Stryker Medical — $600,804.45 — Approved
- Award: replacement membranes, Freedom District Water Treatment Plant (Zenon/Xenon Environmental) — $1,419,700 — Approved
- Award: 2025 hot mix asphalt paving (Grana Sun Inc.) — $5,748,616 — Approved
- Contract awards/renewals for cooling towers, fire-alarm systems, EIFS repairs, technology maintenance and others — Approved as presented
- Renewable Energy Zoning (state law conformity) — Staff directed to schedule public hearing to solicit public comment

Ending: Staff said they will publish public-hearing notices and post details for each approved contract and grant. Several commissioners emphasized outreach for larger infrastructure and zoning items so residents have opportunities to comment during the posted public hearings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Open Session September 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Carroll County Commissioners on Sept. 4 approved multiple grants, contracts and purchases during their open session and set public hearings on several community-development and energy-related items.","taxTitle","Carroll County, Maryland","taxId",7748,"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},6476641,"Carroll County amends Employment Campus zoning to allow phased site plans, limit heights near residences; ordinance adopted 3-1",684,3067000,3751000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5717664-2fe0ad78ad728ba64dd96712bd394d4e&start=3067&end=3751","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5717664-2fe0ad78ad728ba64dd96712bd394d4e/thumbnail_3067000.jpg","/articles/6476641/Carroll-County/Maryland/Carroll-County-amends-Employment-Campus-zoning-to-allow-phased-site-plans-limit-heights-near-residences-ordinance-adopted-3-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476641-89228dbeb9701f823a317489ab74599a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188226&Signature=F2zdWm6J5bxEK~fY~twh9PntGOFUW~YSLd5gSOVKmFGZkOA37cZ4j7-fuZhEbxunLIFUuC7a8lwa9ET3BfV~AcFqIr9j2W1HhCTMsVvpX0MvKdy6D0wpG9Eaxh4HRFAB0MCsZMjtu1YagDtes1LHL9MmQoa4zDcdoNeLlyuvQgmeDYKgE5RN-GebDuNEp9nP8kIsNbR80PR8IC6C8o0KVv5kn2L7pHjoc8LhEsVxTirP1pfFYgVrs0TbCxUKLPppCdUzpT0349pWHGRD7QBbuiN17wSvNkE16Ch5nn-BLpm7fS3CzI9xKqpyUnCHJ5WVori0scUk9ziM8a-4G~RuVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Carroll County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 4 adopted amendments to the county’s Employment Campus zoning rules, changing review procedures and some use and bulk standards. The measure passed 3 to 1 after discussion of public-notice concerns.

The amendments replace the previous requirement that developers submit a single development plan showing building location and shape for an entire campus with a process centered on site-plan review. County staff and the planning commission said site-plan review provides the same details but allows buildings to be proposed and reviewed in phases rather than requiring a single master plan at the outset.

The planning staff presentation, led by Chris Hine of the county’s planning staff, said the revision removes duplicate language on parking, landscaping and solar facilities that are covered elsewhere in the zoning code and adds a requirement that a developer submit a written or graphic explanation showing how the project meets the purpose and intent of the Employment Campus District.

The change also adds bulk requirements for employment campus properties that adjoin residential districts: while the district’s standard maximum height remains 60 feet, the new language caps maximum building height at 35 feet where an employment campus borders a residential zoning district. The planning commission also recommended making light manufacturing a permitted use rather than a conditional use.

Commissioner concerns focused on public notice and community understanding. Commissioner Gering said residents frequently learn of development only after stakes go in the ground and urged keeping opportunities for comment prominent; Commissioner Kyler and Commissioner Gordon argued the county had advertised amendments and that delaying approval could prolong uncertainty for potential projects. The board voted 3–1 to adopt the amendments.

The amendments affect property already zoned Employment Campus (the transcript identified two county-owned areas, including one off Clear Spring/Cleas Mill Road and another near the northern landfill) and would apply to any future areas zoned Employment Campus.

Ending: The county clerk will publish the adopted ordinance language and staff said they will receive inquiries as permitting requests arrive; commissioners signaled they may continue outreach to improve resident awareness of future development proposals.","The Board of Carroll County Commissioners voted 3-1 on Sept. 4 to adopt amendments to the Employment Campus zoning rules that replace a large, single development-plan requirement with site-plan review, add a 35-foot height limit where campuses border residential districts and make light manufacturing a permitted use.",{"_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},6476646,"Carroll County proclaims Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; local peers, public-health officials urge resources and training",1318,1889000,3207000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5717664-2fe0ad78ad728ba64dd96712bd394d4e&start=1889&end=3207","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5717664-2fe0ad78ad728ba64dd96712bd394d4e/thumbnail_1889000.jpg","/articles/6476646/Carroll-County/Maryland/Carroll-County-proclaims-Recovery-Month-and-Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-local-peers-public-health-officials-urge-resources-and-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476646-a23b60557001ff0c617740ce47f9ee77/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188226&Signature=o-B1kga5~4X6LKqt1IlJMyrP1-7NAFtmhuDXfJJKDE7rycs7DeVnIoynKGP8vTQZI1w2vNTmksqfM055xcEpGQ6dd~ks~zKrEMYG0q-M-0XU9eZWeMhq4IfleCuYa8zI9VQFvZvZVoSc0GngEL96Y0yYsFe0HvEfknSIm4beLWvKQ~IBNIB~BiAIspIvGLcVgvR6U~jb2mjHuvjV7C~u60bWnW3mtAwbPq7fZSckrMZTvjLkdTrlnfBAnuDnn5nciOIX~4FuKZTu7K7Letr5vgA8OGKe1k2bZGu~0EsL56VQCBkTCffWciQrNaWYkfe1S9AxmMjHnSX0yNsf0y3eVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carroll County Commissioners on Sept. 4 proclaimed September as both Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and heard personal accounts and program descriptions from county health staff and peer recovery specialists.

Amy Baker, program director for special populations at the Carroll County Health Department, said the national Recovery Month observance “highlights the critical messaging that behavioral-health recovery is real and achievable,” and described peer recovery support as an important community resource. Baker noted local events and supports available during the month.

Germaine Thornton, supervisor for the Health Department’s peer recovery support unit, spoke as a person in recovery and described how recovery has allowed him to resume family and community roles, including coaching his son’s youth football team. “Recovery is something that’s real and obtainable,” Thornton said.

Ron Brody, who identified himself as a person in recovery, urged that recovery month help reduce stigma and create peer support and community belonging for people with substance use and mental-health conditions.

Brooke Fox, director of prevention services at the Carroll County Health Department, described suicide-prevention trainings available in the county, including Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and Mental Health First Aid and urged wider community participation. Fox also introduced Christina Warren, the department’s substance-use and suicide-prevention coordinator.

Margie Nijhoff, a peer recovery specialist and chief recovery officer at the Hoffa Foundation, spoke about her personal experience as a suicide-attempt survivor and the role of compassion and education in prevention. Another peer, Christine (last name not specified), described seven years in recovery from suicidal behaviors and urged community support and training.

The proclamation read by the commissioners noted national data and local context: the county’s proclamation text cites national figures and states that suicide accounted for 250 deaths in Carroll County from 2012 to 2023. The board encouraged residents to use the 988 crisis lifeline and pointed to local programs and trainings as tools to prevent deaths by suicide.

Ending: County health officials noted community events tied to the month, including a recovery walk and vendor fair in Westminster and the county’s “Aging Your Way” expo; officials asked residents to contact the Carroll County Health Department for information on trainings, peer support and crisis resources.","The Carroll County Board of Commissioners proclaimed September as Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month on Sept. 4, 2025. County health staff, peer recovery specialists and residents described recovery experiences, local resources and calls for stigma reduction and training such as QPR and Mental Health First Aid.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Carroll County commissioners approve grant awards, contracts and purchases; set CDBG and renewable-energy hearings

Carroll County amends Employment Campus zoning to allow phased site plans, limit heights near residences; ordinance adopted 3-1

Carroll County proclaims Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; local peers, public-health officials urge resources and training