Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Government topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Washington County commission approves minutes, highlights community events and warns of burn ban
Summary
The Washington County Commission opened with an invocation and pledge, unanimously approved Oct. 15 minutes, and heard commissioners’ reports on local events, veteran services and school visits; the commission also emphasized a county burn ban and traffic changes on Route 70.
The Washington County Commission opened its meeting with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the minutes of its Oct. 15 meeting by voice vote after a motion from Unidentified Speaker 2 and a second from Commissioner Wagner.
The commission spent the bulk of its time on commissioners’ reports. Commissioner Wagner described community activities including the Valley Mall’s 50th anniversary and a heavily attended Trunk-or-Treat at HCC, thanked Parks & Rec, HCC and the Maryland State Police for their support, and noted a topping-and-signing ceremony at Meredith for new student housing. "Encourage everybody if you haven't voted yet, you got till 8 o'clock, get out there and vote today," Wagner said.
Commissioner Kiefer highlighted November as National Family Caregivers Month and promoted the Washington County Commission on Aging’s family caregiver and grandparent support group (301-790-0275). Kiefer announced a Veterans Day dinner at Hancock United Methodist Church on Nov. 11 from 12–3 (sign-up: 301-678-6440), thanked local volunteers Nicole Montgomery and Shannon McKinley, and described tours of Clear Spring Elementary, Clear Spring Middle and Clear Spring High School, Western Heights Middle School and Salem Avenue Elementary.
Another commissioner recognized local honors and fundraisers, including a Mason-Dixon District Scout distinguished citizen award for Heather Gesford and a Potters Bowl fundraiser benefiting the community free clinic.
The presiding official closed the remarks with safety reminders: a county-wide burn ban is in effect because conditions are extremely dry, and residents were urged not to burn outdoors. "County has a burn ban currently. Absolutely no outdoor burning of any type or any sorts," the presiding official said. The official also urged motorists to slow down during hunting season and noted lane-reduction work on Route 70 at Sharpsburg Pike and Downsville Pike that has created narrow lanes with Jersey barricades.
No ordinances, contracts or budget items were taken up for a formal vote during the portions of the meeting captured in the transcript. The meeting proceeded from the invocation to routine approvals and announcements without recorded legislative action beyond the minutes approval.
