HAMPSTEAD — At its Dec. 17 meeting, the Hampstead Planning & Zoning Commission received a detailed update on the town's water treatment plant and pipeline work, discussed a Carroll County planning deferral affecting the Freedom District and approved several routine permits.

Zoning administrator (speaker 2) told the commission that three bid packages for the water‑system project — two construction contracts and one inspection services contract — were submitted to MDE for review last week and that, once MDE signs off, the town intends to execute contracts with Conewago (construction) and RK&K (inspection). “We plan to issue the notice to proceed to both of those organizations on February 1,” the administrator said, adding the town hopes “we'll be able to break ground on a new water treatment plant sometime in April.” Staff said full construction of the treatment plants is expected to take about two years, with overall project completion likely in May–June 2028.

The administrator also reported pipeline progress: Mille Lacs Utilities is working on Dakota Road and will work on Shiloh in front of Hampstead Elementary during the school break to advance task 3 of 5. Staff said completing that task would put the pipeline work over roughly 60% complete and that crews intend to do much of the school‑front work while school is out.

Commissioners then considered routine permitting items. Applicant Kelly Rumbaugh proposed storefront signage for 1222 North Main Street for Homes and Farms Real Estate; zoning staff confirmed the proposed decals and a non‑illuminated sign comply with the town's sign rules and sit well below the 33% window‑coverage limit. The commission approved the sign application by voice vote.

The panel also approved a zoning certificate for 1006 South Main Street to replace vinyl siding with Hardie board and complete porch brickwork, and a certificate for 1306 North Main Street to add a 9‑foot forward addition. Staff reminded commissioners that the Board of Zoning Appeals had previously approved the required variance for the 1306 addition and that variances remain with the property and do not expire.

On county planning matters, staff presented a Carroll County Department of Planning update and identified Claire Stewart as the county’s temporary liaison and deputy director. The county memo flagged a potential temporary moratorium in the Freedom District affecting acceptance and approval of new plans for retirement villages, subdivisions, planned commercial centers and self‑storage projects. The memo described the pause as “a 6 month or 3 month moratorium,” and staff warned commissioners that projects already in progress could be halted while the county evaluates possible code changes.

During public comment, a resident thanked public‑works crews for timely snow clearing during recent storms. The commission adjourned after approving the day's routine items.

Votes at a glance:
- Minutes (11/19/2025 regular meeting): motion to approve made by Tony Ogden; second not explicitly named; approved by voice vote.
- Sign application — 1222 North Main Street (Homes and Farms Real Estate): motion to approve made by Tony Ogden; second by the chair; approved by voice vote.
- Zoning certificate — 1006 South Main Street (exterior renovations): approved by voice vote; staff to issue certificate.
- Zoning certificate — 1306 North Main Street (9‑foot addition): approved by voice vote; staff noted the variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals remains with the property.

What comes next: staff said they will distribute the county planning booklet and bring the town's annual report materials to the January meeting, and will proceed with contract execution and notices to proceed on the water projects once MDE grants approval.