[{"_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",6472683,"mediaKeyId","5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea","parentId",5775968,"title","Consent agenda approved; county approves private-road plan for 20-townhouse development and several board appointments","audioSeconds",342,"startMs",1210000,"endMs",1552000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea&start=1210&end=1552","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea/thumbnail_1210000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6472683/Worcester-County/Maryland/Consent-agenda-approved-county-approves-private-road-plan-for-20-townhouse-development-and-several-board-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472683-5eb739705841f52b188aa8dfe42fd89a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770551111&Signature=mhDvp35WFUM-KqeYuUoYZDtZy8fiL2stBMh2uJNRuk4AXN4j~8WC09fk54CVmVp6ZVwWbOOncY25UmbJM3aabs8vMxBWPK046oyE2JEuhO2pydgVuVS6~MkQNFDbArsDTcRvSHNGrESo7uRUirEfpRS-HslST3k9TiMGvthgYqUESfiLj9zyJjUhxWcv1tZvKiz~gcL0BVXHpFEY8gUNOy1zIWrD7vpUJIZofhFk2sS5~-aHOn4aiUQZzE~mn8fPddAj71gTu3ZrNad6wRMVz8XVcoXFTajK3~HVN1wy7nbsnT8kYytdU0DCdKp56ohzrgB5ANHuSBNANmFciY78yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Worcester","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","Worcester County commissioners approved a set of routine items on the consent agenda, approved a private-road request and deviation for a 20-lot townhouse development, and confirmed multiple board and youth-council appointments during the Sept. 16 meeting.

Consent agenda: Items 2 through 10 were presented as a single consent block. A motion to approve was seconded by Commissioner Fiore; the record shows the consent package passed with four in favor, Commissioner Bertino opposed and two commissioners absent.

Private-road townhouse development (Item 12): Planning staff described a proposal for a fee-simple, 20-lot townhouse development on Route 611 just south of the Green Turtle restaurant. The plan deviated from the county’s RPC road standard; technical staff reviewed the deviation and reported no comments. Commissioner Bertino moved to approve the private road request; Commissioner Metresick seconded. The motion passed 5–0 with two commissioners absent.

Board and youth-council appointments (Item 13): Commissioners approved several appointments. Commissioner Fiore nominated Tina Dykes to the Worcester County Commission on Aging and a slate of youth-council nominees (listed below); Commissioner Purnell presented four additional appointments. The record shows unanimous approval of the appointments with five commissioners present and two absent.

Votes at a glance (selected):
- Consent agenda (Items 2–10): Approved (recorded 4–1, two absent).
- Private-road deviation for 20-lot townhouse on Route 611 (Item 12): Approved 5–0, two absent.
- Board appointments (Item 13): Approved unanimously, five present.

Appointments confirmed (excerpt): Tina Dykes — Commission on Aging; youth-council nominees: Jaden Boulware, Brooklyn Brady, Malaysia Dennis, Levi Goddard, Griffin Hager, Micaiah Hammond, Trent Hillard, Jace Johnson, Jesse Mariner, Sienna Mumford, Gina Thomas; additional appointees per Commissioner Purnell included Theophilus Hub, L and B Ward, Vaughn White (Solid Waste), Nancy Howard (DSS). (Names recorded from the meeting packet and public motion records.)

What it does and next steps: The private-road approval allows the developer to proceed with the townhouse plan subject to conditions in the site-plan and engineering review. Appointees will be considered seated per the county’s established appointment processes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Worcester - County Commissioners Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved items on the consent agenda, approved a private-road request for a 20-lot townhouse development, and confirmed multiple board and youth-council appointments. Several actions carried by majority/consensus votes recorded on the transcript.","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},6472685,"Commissioners press staff after transfers coded to Ocean Pines cover negative escrow balances; treasurer reconciling accounts",376,3954000,4330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea&start=3954&end=4330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea/thumbnail_3954000.jpg","/articles/6472685/Worcester-County/Maryland/Commissioners-press-staff-after-transfers-coded-to-Ocean-Pines-cover-negative-escrow-balances-treasurer-reconciling-accounts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472685-98213d6e35b8a0e985a7df2904288ab3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770551111&Signature=hvw1qrmii1WvFw1cYupRkB7qJN7iqVwTOdOk6p0PohMNDsG1~wk809mVvJunSlsJ7GMZ09BFIorGixmLBrEkm6UbHE65P7wBCW3fT6uNC41yBK5y0pz~6c7i0uyApXv5Knfn6vLAd8p7tRFhcm7tXmiK0u87laxew~1hsFEHZQQRNbkckPOnO-uesRdKW9SUF-UJjd8TVp9WiJF6wKWTAUS4aMSBCSgXSmduwSuhDmQZ9E1Ln69YboboJohGbLgQf0OjcfNvd4t63kyjPOZP1~U1lPPRSWbErtLy7IaJyAEm3iz0s60aHuvxXsGq1MVnFM6JmaaoHRPbj5KwMrfkyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners pressed county staff Sept. 16 over a series of transactions that used funds coded to the Ocean Pines water/wastewater service area to correct negative balances in other shared-facilities escrow accounts.

Commissioner Bertino asked why money had been moved from Ocean Pines to “rectify negative balances in other service areas” and said ratepayers in Ocean Pines appeared to be footing the bill for prior oversights. Staff and the treasurer’s office said they are reviewing the transactions and trying to reconcile developer accounts to determine which balances are collectible.

Quinn, identified in the meeting as the county’s enterprise-fund controller, explained that the transfers were “coded to Ocean Pines” because many shared-facilities transactions had historically been processed under that account, and that coding made Ocean Pines the ledger account on which the transfers appeared. Quinn said the county has since received a $46,000 payment from River Run to cover that project’s negative escrow balance.

Commissioners asked why the issue was not flagged earlier; staff said the transactions span prior administrations and multiple past employees. The treasurer’s office is compiling a reconciliation and will provide an update at the next meeting, staff said.

Why it matters: Commissioners noted the transfers could affect Ocean Pines’ enterprise fund if not reconciled and asked staff for a timetable for returning any improperly moved cash. Staff said the transfers are being examined and that the county will attempt to collect outstanding amounts from developers where possible; for defunct developers the county may write off balances.

Next steps: Staff committed to providing a reconciliation update at an upcoming commission meeting and to continuing collection efforts and accounting adjustments as the treasurer’s office completes its review.","Commissioners questioned staff about transfers that used funds coded to the Ocean Pines water/wastewater service area to cover negative balances in other service-area escrows; staff said the treasurer’s office is reconciling developer accounts and that about $231,000 was moved, with River Run repaying $46,000.",{"_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},6472690,"Commissioners table solar ordinance after debate over local decommissioning bonds and state preemption",381,2403000,2784000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea&start=2403&end=2784","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea/thumbnail_2403000.jpg","/articles/6472690/Worcester-County/Maryland/Commissioners-table-solar-ordinance-after-debate-over-local-decommissioning-bonds-and-state-preemption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472690-47d26bf798f423f8be35edab9932b245/orig.mp4?Expires=1770551111&Signature=GmsRHwPnyOmlNFwCl54S2OBfedhdQnItcLrLPf5n8YK3d9~WLp9HS-XUyZxndMBwRG~c0N2W854RV1npGT3cBTjYEU57b7d-odOshKyLGumHQXd0FWy~bh-ZeoGqte~JJVbxi6slq5RiBupogNo9V6teEhWhsyvZ~AidCmMGeNuxb9qZegr0SBor0jr8-AG34fjHZU4l6QikrHlF9ebWW3lin7lhrnbOOjv7weTEiGPGM1fQqVohAyhzcJ8oNMgYf1TssAQdi9oQSLNbmxyz8M1O-5RNUk34jNwzvJPvGOUkzdTeOe5aTOhmJwgCEfV8e2uSSsRMF0u3IY~LEJGBhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worcester County commissioners on Sept. 16 tabled consideration of Bill 2504, a text amendment updating solar energy system regulations, after extended discussion about local decommissioning and bonding requirements and the limits of county authority relative to state law.

Planning staff described the package as aligning local definitions with state law, adding decommissioning and restoration-plan requirements and local bonding for major and utility-scale projects, modifying lot requirements, and adding a nuisance provision to the public health article for abandoned projects. Staff said the planning commission had amended the bill to enhance landscaping buffer provisions and to require decommissioning plans and bonding for projects of 200 kilowatts and greater.

Commissioner Bertino pressed staff on whether decommissioning bonds would be enforceable at the local level if state law later preempted the field. Planning staff said the decommissioning plan and bond “would be required locally” and that the county’s language attempts to protect local interests; staff acknowledged they could not guarantee future state action would not preempt local requirements. Staff also noted the state allows salvage value to be deducted from bond amounts while the county’s draft would include salvage costs in the bond calculation.

Because emergency enactment would require a higher threshold of votes than were present, and at the commissioners’ request, Commissioner Bertino moved to table the bill to the next meeting so the full board can consider it. Commissioner Fiore seconded the motion; the motion to table carried.

Key details: Planning staff said the draft requires decommissioning plans and bonds for any major system of 200 kW or greater, and that projects over 1 MW are generally preempted by state review. The package also adds a geotechnical report requirement before final inspection of a decommissioned site.

Next steps: The bill was tabled to a future meeting. Staff said two 2-megawatt projects in the pipeline in the Bishopville area would be affected if the bill becomes effective; tabling gives applicants and staff time to determine whether they can obtain signature-level approvals before a final adoption date and whether the county should pursue emergency enactment when more commissioners are present.","An emergency bill revising county rules for solar energy systems (Bill 2504) was tabled to the next meeting after commissioners raised questions about local bonding for decommissioning, state preemption for larger projects, and whether the county should seek immediate adoption or wait for a full board.",{"_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},6472694,"Commissioners approve text amendment allowing multifamily units in C2 commercial zones adjacent to R3/R4",750,1648000,2398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea&start=1648&end=2398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea/thumbnail_1648000.jpg","/articles/6472694/Worcester-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-text-amendment-allowing-multifamily-units-in-C2-commercial-zones-adjacent-to-R3R4","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472694-4e8b04f482c598a7e267571537f02bca/orig.mp4?Expires=1770551111&Signature=TAs9syPHbupz3wm7RR~Ghq8MoNONBsEkYuC-PkW1pCz95VVBLT0hdToyqhGd-f92hBdjrxBNl5MNThE1r0FgamGvSOUgR30bzEI1P4gu29CFVzd-ZRrjgWXvqSXicQ2yjS1nuMh-jGuwaXawU8EfcZLuXb25oQmDJ5dYEaM6UICTdThYyrs7F3vf3GpDojSwujGkAcHEP0QSbUpz7NpzL7yO47~91ePmtt872a3heSMg~7hROiEuMPG6BLrlrYV4Uu4w8Kvs4qCrk1a8jhhi5Z-423UVSeyZ4cUSCfjvdIv8oLBQyXAMTDUYmVBdqgrzn2xpZepLeL5YADOrbWhPHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worcester County commissioners voted 5-0 Sept. 16 to approve a zoning text amendment (Bill 2503) that adds multifamily residential as a permitted accessory use in the C2 General Commercial District where those commercial parcels directly adjoin R3 or R4 residential zoning.

Planning staff told commissioners the amendment would apply only to parcels that meet a series of conditions: the property must be at least 65% commercially developed, be served by public water and sewer, have available EDU allocations and sufficient parking and open space. The planning commission had given a favorable recommendation at its July 3 meeting; staff estimated about 63 parcels countywide could potentially qualify.

A representative in the public hearing, who identified himself as representing Todd Franti, described the change as “very limited applicability” and tied it to the county’s comprehensive plan principles favoring mixed use in town centers and shorter trips between housing and jobs. He said one parcel under discussion already meets the 65% commercial threshold and that, on that site, “we could fit 12 multifamily units here” that he expected would house workers for nearby businesses.

Commissioner Fiore moved to approve the amendment; Commissioner Metresick seconded. The public hearing was closed and the motion carried 5–0 with two commissioners absent.

What it does: The amendment allows detached or associated multifamily dwelling units as an accessory use to commercial development in C2 where the parcel directly adjoins R3 or R4 zones; requirements for parking, net lot area and open space are set by formula in the bill and would be applied at site-plan review.

Limitations and implementation: Staff and the agent emphasized the change is not broadly permissive — it is contingent on parcel-specific factors including available EDUs and utilities. The county did not provide a parcel-by-parcel unit estimate in the hearing; staff said unit counts would depend on site-specific net lot area calculations and applicable density formulas in the ordinance.

Next steps: The approved text amendment moves into the county’s enactment process per local procedure; projects seeking to rely on the new provision would still need site-plan approvals and any required permits.","A text amendment to permit multifamily dwelling units as accessory uses in the C2 General Commercial District adjacent to R3 and R4 zones was approved 5-0; staff and the planning commission said applicability will be limited to about 63 parcels that meet water/sewer and parking requirements.",{"_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},6472697,"Worcester County to request Ocean City buy 170,000 gpd of sewer capacity to serve The Landings and Assateague Point",239,1251000,1490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea&start=1251&end=1490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775968-51e584d823faab36e22979acf0ca90ea/thumbnail_1251000.jpg","/articles/6472697/Worcester-County/Maryland/Worcester-County-to-request-Ocean-City-buy-170000-gpd-of-sewer-capacity-to-serve-The-Landings-and-Assateague-Point","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472697-0a19266220e60e2f91bd63424e4df12a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770551111&Signature=kFzebhUtAhlSSb2eRocydLswMj9sceAWmeyoLXeGCbtZtCi1Fkw6MnqJc5uqoVu~fD8Wo1DjNOAgQ7p7dw~w-UIXwHPF2NpSyf-mo0CjCiqWm-y5z3DBJ8NVv5ZrNofATKGUlzBfNnyL~i7eNHyhd-9rta3P~GDBmDxfuS1bdms4cow7cvW44A5gIsHX1kDP2559wjEqaTSAVB2fFlZ6RxC~EwdSnJt1-d4MS9jboWArlG4NhQbEelw3UclExo04Ypwg8TORzuIWQtb4IgqTglIHTVhZHjPDmJdRUzavIPebzIngLmfG3-anxTR8lDLo19I461vpvnRl~QBqmrPkew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worcester County commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 16 to ask Ocean City to buy 170,000 gallons per day of sewer capacity so wastewater from The Landings and Assateague Point service areas can be sent to Ocean City for treatment.

The request was presented by Dallas Baker, the county’s director of public works, who told commissioners the county added “a 15% factor of safety” to the capacity request and explained why the county is seeking Ocean City’s treatment: The Landings treatment plant is rated for 100,000 gallons per day but its injection wells can only remove about 36,000 gpd. Baker said the county had estimated alternatives, including a long pipeline and storage lagoons, that would cost roughly $30 million if Ocean City does not accept the flow.

“If we can send this flow to Ocean City for their treatment, there’s significant benefit,” Baker said, citing a 2023 Oxford plant upgrade that the county’s memo put at about $4 million in design/administration plus $16.5 million in construction to move from lagoon treatment to enhanced nutrient removal.

Commissioner Michael McDermott moved that the commission “have the president and vice president attend a work session of the mayor and city council of Ocean City, and request this proposal.” Commissioner Purnell seconded the motion. The roll call was unanimous with five commissioners voting in favor and two absent.

Why it matters: Baker told the commission the Landings plant’s injection well limits and potential future state pressure to require enhanced nutrient removal at lagoon systems make offloading to Ocean City potentially far less costly for county taxpayers. He estimated about $1 million in pipeline work would be needed to connect to the West Ocean City service area and bypass a nearby Mystic Harbor plant.

What commissioners asked and confirmed: Commissioner Bertino asked whether the requested purchase included any operating restrictions; Baker said the public-works request was “just to straight buy the 170,000” EDUs and did not include restrictions. Commissioner Fiore highlighted the county memo’s total-cost estimate if the purchase is not approved — “approximately $30,000,000” — and Baker confirmed that figure.

Next steps: The commission’s motion directs county leadership to pursue a formal work session with Ocean City elected officials to present the county’s proposal and seek their agreement to purchase the capacity. Staff will return with any developments to the commission.","County public works proposed sending sewage from The Landings and Assateague Point to Ocean City for treatment; commissioners voted unanimously to have the county president and vice president attend a work session with Ocean City to request purchase of 170,000 gallons-per-day of capacity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Consent agenda approved; county approves private-road plan for 20-townhouse development and several board appointments

Commissioners press staff after transfers coded to Ocean Pines cover negative escrow balances; treasurer reconciling accounts

Commissioners table solar ordinance after debate over local decommissioning bonds and state preemption

Commissioners approve text amendment allowing multifamily units in C2 commercial zones adjacent to R3/R4

Worcester County to request Ocean City buy 170,000 gpd of sewer capacity to serve The Landings and Assateague Point