 COVID-19 Update
Emphasis continues to be on rolling out the local vaccination plan. You can check the status of the vaccinations plans here:
Carroll County Health Department Vaccination Information
State of Maryland Vaccination Information
The state of Maryland regularly updates information on the phase and access to the vaccine. People can visit https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine#locator or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX for information on other vaccination clinics in pharmacies, larger clinics, and mass vaccination sites. Several pharmacies in Carroll County are now offering the vaccine.
More people are being vaccinated each day and vaccines are becoming more available.
CCHD Clinics
MDH - for information on mass vaccination sites and pharmacies
Maryland also has a page dedicated to vaccination FAQs.
The Carroll County Health Department’s COVID-19 call center remains open 8 am – 5 pm, Monday - Friday; the number is 410-876-4848. After hours, callers may leave a message or call 2-1-1. People with emergencies should continue to call 9-1-1.
Transportation Available to Local Clinics
Don’t let transportation be the reason you don’t get the COVID-19 vaccine. Carroll Transit System (CTS) dispatchers are standing by to schedule your ride to Carroll County COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
Rides are available for residents traveling to any Carroll County Health Department (CCHD) sponsored vaccination clinic, Monday thru Friday from 7 am to 5 pm. After scheduling a vaccination appointment with CCHD, anyone interested in transportation should call CTS at (410) 386-5550, advise the dispatcher that this ride is to the vaccination clinic, and rides to and from the location will be scheduled.
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 County Participates in COVID Vaccination Town Hall
Board of County Commissioner President Ed Rothstein and Carroll County Health Department Health Officer Ed Singer participated in a Town Hall on March 9th to answer community questions about Carroll County’s COVID-19 vaccination status and plans.
Replays of the Virtual Town Hall are available for viewing on the county YouTube channel and Comcast Channel 24.
Piney Run Watershed Study Update
The Carroll County Department of Land and Resource Management presented alternatives for the Piney Run Dam in Open Session with the Carroll County Board of Commissioners on March 18th. The commissioners voted to move forward with Alternative 1, the strictly compliance choice for the Piney Run Dam. Alternative 1 will raise the dam, widen the spillway, and armor the downstream end of the auxiliary spillway with concrete. This decision will not involve any changes to the water level of the reservoir or change its current recreational status but also does not preclude the county from pursuing the reservoir as a water source in the future. More information can be found on the press release and the county’s dedicated webpage https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/land-resource-management/resource-management/piney-run-watershed-study/.
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Construction continues on the retrofit of two stormwater management facilities and the restoration of approximately 1,800 linear feet of impaired stream in the Woodsyde subdivision off of Ash Grove Court in Eldersburg. The project will assist the county in meeting pollutant reductions required by our National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit. The stormwater facilities are being retrofitted to filter stormwater runoff while the stream restoration will repair the degraded channel and improve the natural habitat of the stream. A substantial portion of the project is being funded by the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration.
Development Review Updates
Residential developments in process:
1. Long Reach Farms Lot 20, Planned Commercial Center, 34 residential units over commercial
2. Hoby Wolf property at Oklahoma Road, 103 residential lots
3. Byron Hills at Oklahoma Road, 4 residential lots
4. Yousef Estates at Oklahoma Road, 5 residential lots
5. Gerstmyer Property at Snowdens Run Road, 2 residential lots
6. Mineral Hill Property at Oklahoma Road, 14 residential lots
Community Solar
There is continued work and planning for the Community Solar Zoning Text Amendment. Staff are working with the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding details. Meetings have included hearing from farming representatives as well as the solar industry. At this point, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the amendments and staff will proceed to brief the Commissioners and request a public hearing. Please see the county webpage for more information.
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Brood X is a type of Periodical Cicada found throughout the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, northern Virginia, Maryland and south eastern Pennsylvania, and emerges from the ground once every 17 years.
They are expected to emerge sometime between May and June, once the soil temperature reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The entire process from their emergence to adulthood only lasts up to 4 weeks. After emerging from the ground as nymphs, within about a week they molt their exoskeleton into adulthood. They then mate and lay their eggs in small tree branches. After 2-3 months the Cicada egg hatches, drops to the ground, burrows down and feeds on tree roots for the next 17 years.
Since the females lay their eggs in young tree branches, which could greatly harm the tree, wait until the fall to plant new trees this year. If you’ve recently planted young trees, simply put netting over them to try and protect it from the cicadas.
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The Patapsco Regional Greenway (PRG) Concept Plan and Implementation Matrix identifies and prioritizes a shared-use path system along the Patapsco Valley between Sykesville and the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. This 58-mile system uses existing trails, roads and utility corridors to connect neighborhoods and destinations in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard and Carroll Counties. Read more about it here.
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Since the last District 5 update, the Department of Planning continued its work with the Commissioners on Comprehensive Rezoning efforts.
Commercial, Industrial, Employment Campus Update
In January 2021, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) completed the final step of Master Plan implementation of the commercial, industrial and employment zoning districts with the adoption of Ordinance 2021-01. This comprehensive rezoning changed 13 of the County’s zoning maps by rezoning eighteen properties to employment-related districts at the request of the property owners. It was the culmination of a year’s worth of staff analysis, public input, Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) review, BCC work sessions and a public hearing. The process was initiated early in 2020, when the Planning Department began accepting applications for this “by request” phase of the comprehensive rezoning. This followed the adoption in 2019 of changes to the text of Chapter 158, the Zoning Code, for the commercial, industrial and employment campus districts. Thirty-one applications were submitted and reviewed for consistency with the appropriate land use plan, with 28 moving forward. The PZC transmitted recommendations to the BCC in October, and the BCC held numerous hearings and work sessions before final action. Each property was individually and carefully discussed before a final vote was taken. In all, 18 properties comprising 13 zoning maps changed reflecting these requests. All information regarding the process and changes can be found on carrollrezoning.org. The final properties and their votes can be found at: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/planning/carroll-county-comprehensive-rezoning/.
Residential Update
The residential text amendments are currently being reviewed with the PZC. To date, the PZC has reviewed parts of Chapters 158 (zoning regulations) and 155 (subdivision regulations), for consistency with the plans, to make them easier to understand, easier to use and more modern. Unlike the commercial/industrial/employment campus districts amendments, no new residential districts are being proposed; however, they are being updated. Changes proposed include: Principal uses are primary activities for which a site is used; the addition of Table of Uses format as in commercial/industrial districts; major changes limiting Multifamily Senior Housing; certain commercial uses in the residential districts; restricting certain community and recreational uses; and changes to the cluster provisions. Information and updates are on the county's Comprehensive Rezoning webpages for residential and a presentation on Residential Districts and Zoning Administration Text Discussion
For more information, please go to: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/planning/carroll-county-comprehensive-rezoning/comprehensive-rezoning-residential-text/
The county's FY22 budget process began with Ted Zaleski, Director of Management and Budget, presenting an overview of the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and FY 22-27 Operating Plan to the Carroll County Board of Commissioners (BOC) on March 9th. On March 23rd, the detailed Recommended Budget was presented. The presentations and proposed calendar of virtual meetings are available on the county's website and press releases.
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New State Veterans Home Project Approved for Sykesville
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs earmarked funding in its FY22-26 Capital Improvements Plan for a new state Veterans Home project to be built in Sykesville. The project constructs a 120-bed skilled nursing facility to provide additional bed space for Maryland's aging Veteran population at a more centrally located and state-of-the-art establishment. The designated location is at the end of Raincliffe Road in the vicinity of Buttercup Road, currently part of the state police training area.
The project, with expected costs of over $81M, was selected by the U.S. Department of Verterans Affairs for a State Home Construction Grant, a federal program which shares the cost of new Veterans homes with states. Funding will be 65% federal funds and 35% state GO Bonds. The State of Maryland is actively meeting and working on the project with the Board of Public Works approving a vendor and now preparing documents for the Department of Budget and Management and Department of General Services.
Stay tuned and watch for future updates in this newsletter.
Consumer Protection Information
State of Maryland Attorney General Frosh's website is full of information including protecting seniors, consumer protection, environment and public safety. The Consumer Protection Division dedicated to continue providing services to Marylanders who need assistance with consumer or health billing issues.
Common consumer scams and helpful resources:
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/CPD%20Documents/Tips-Publications/ConsumerGuideForMarylanders.pdf
Rain Barrel and Composter Pre-order Sale Ends April 18th
Carroll County Government Office of Recycling Operations is holding a rain barrel and compost bin pre-order sale. Order deadline is April 18, 2021, at www.enviroworld.us/carrollcountymd.
Rain barrels and compost bins must be picked up on April 24, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carroll County Office Building, 225 N. Center Street, Westminster, Maryland. Items will not be available for pick up after this date and cannot be purchased at the event.
Household Hazardous Waste Spring Cleanup Event
A Household Hazardous Waste Spring Cleanup Event will take place on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at the Carroll County Vehicle Maintenance Facility, 1250 Old Meadow Branch Road, Westminster (Off Md. Rte. 97, north of Westminster, go past Meadow Branch Road to Old Meadow Branch Road). Carroll County residents can drop off dangerous household items from 8 a.m. until 12 noon and shred sensitive documents from 8 a.m. until noon or until the truck is full, whichever comes first. Please read further for more details and accepted/not accepted items.
Items ACCEPTED at the household hazardous waste drop-off area include gasoline or gas/oil mix, kerosene, oil-based paints and thinners, solvents, stains, sealants, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, photographic and pool chemicals, household cleaners, compact fluorescent light bulbs, fluorescent light tubes, nickel-cadmium, and NIMH batteries.
Items NOT ACCEPTED include: latex paint (dispose of this with household trash after adding an absorbent agent such as cat litter, sand, mulch, or shredded paper to dry), medications (unused and expired medications can be taken to the following police stations: Westminster, Taneytown, Sykesville, N.E. Greenmount, Mt. Airy; they do not accept syringes), rechargeable batteries, household batteries, explosives, ammunition, fireworks, medical and biohazard waste, radioactive material, compressed gas tanks and cylinders, asbestos, items from commercial and industrial businesses or farms, vehicle batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, (vehicle batteries, motor oil, and antifreeze accepted year-round at Northern Landfill Recycling Center, 1400 Baltimore Boulevard, Westminster; Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shredding is residential only; no businesses. Items ACCEPTED include invoices, bank statements, personal records, lease balance sheets, audit reports, credit reports, checks, medical reports. Maximum 3 boxes or bags per resident.
For details, call Carroll County Government Recycling Operations at 410-386-2510 or the Northern Landfill at 410-386-4550. For additional information please visit: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/public-works/office-of-recycling/
 Recreation & Parks Needs Assessment Survey
Carroll County Department of Recreation & Parks recently conducted a Needs Assessment survey that requested input from citizens to help establish priorities for recreational opportunities for our residents. This information is used to help determine priorities in the capital budget as well as evaluate programming and areas for improvement. Nearly 1,100 responses were received, and an update will be provided to the County Commissioners and Recreation and Parks Advisory Board in the coming weeks.
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Annual Big Fish Contest
Piney Run Park is once again holding their annual Big Fish Contest with a $1,000 prize for the biggest fish caught between March 1 – November 30, 2021. If the winning fish breaks the park’s record of 45 inches long and 36.6 pounds, an extra $500 will be awarded to the winner. Last year, John Brashear caught the winning fish, measuring 41.25 inches and weighing 27 pounds.
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Piney Run Nature Center Renovations
Piney Run Nature Center is getting a facelift! Recreation and Parks staff have been busy with renovations to the interior of the center including new flooring, rest rooms, painting, reception area and relocation of the wood stove and hearth. Materials have been purchased using Park Restoration funding provided by the Commissioners that help to maintain couour park infrastructure and labor is being performed by staff, saving the County thousands of dollars. In the past few years, park staff have also replaced the siding, roof, and front entrance of the building. The nature center is anticipated to reopen to the public in mid-April and additional renovations will continue throughout the year.
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Program Open Space Funding
Each year, Carroll County receives an allocation of Program Open Space funding from the State of Maryland that may only be used for park land acquisition or development. These funds are generated from a .05% transfer tax that is collected by the state with funding going to both Maryland state parks and each county. In accordance with a long-standing town-county agreement, Carroll County allocates 25% of their funds each year for municipal projects with the towns participating on a rotating basis. For fiscal year 2022, Sykesville, Mt. Airy, Hampstead and Manchester are scheduled to receive funding estimated to be over $82,000 each. Actual funding is dependent on final approved state budget and projects will be presented to the County Commissioners later this spring for approval.
Business Grant Information
The Relief Act of 2021 provides funding to Carroll County for direct assistance to hotels and restaurants, and a limited amount of funding specifically to businesses to set up online sales and employee telework options. Information on the grants is expected in the near future.
To receive information on forthcoming business grants, please subscribe to the Carroll County Department of Economic Development enews. Sign up here.
The grant offers working capital to assist certain Maryland small businesses with disrupted operations due to COVID-19.
To apply for this program, you must first create an account here. Once you have an account, you will receive an email with a link to the application and be asked to login. Applications start March 30 at 9 am EST through April 6 at 11:59 pm EST. Funding is extremely limited and may ultimately result in approval on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Maryland Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account COVID-19 RELIEF Program has a new allocation of $10 million in state Relief Act funding to be distributed through the Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) program. It is the only lottery-funded program in the nation that is dedicated to providing loans to small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
 BERC Update
BERC’s Youth Program serves Carroll County youth ages 16-24 who have one or more barriers to employment. BERC offers guidance and career training as well as opportunities for youth to work in paid positions through the county to gain meaningful work experience. The Paid Work Experience program offers youth participants the opportunity to work onsite with Carroll businesses while getting paid through the county so there is no financial risk for their business partners. It’s a great opportunity to mentor a young person and introduce them to a possible career!
BERC’s Summer Program supports youth ages 16 and 17 with paid summer work opportunities. Partnered with local businesses, youth participants gain the experience they will need to be successful in the workforce. This year’s program will be a hybrid model focusing on job skills as well as the soft skills needed to navigate the working world. The program runs for six weeks starting in July with openings for up to 30 youth.
BERC is now recruiting for youth participants and business partners. Applications for participants can be found on BERC’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Businesses and youth who are interested in participating in these programs should contact BERC’s youth program coordinator, Megan Blizzard, at 410-386-2826 or mblizzard@carrollcountymd.gov. Tammy Haines, BERC’s Employment Services Supervisor, can also be contacted at 410-386-2831 or tshaines@carrollcountymd.gov for more information.
Looking for a job? BERC has many local job openings and will meet you virtually or in the center by appointment. Visit www.carrollworks.com.
Save the Date!
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) Virtual Program on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 9am to 12pm
THEME: Reconnecting Our Community to Protect Older Adults
This year’s WEAAD program will feature speakers who will discuss how the pandemic has made older adults more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, and how citizens can prevent, identify, and report elder abuse.
Segment 1: Why Elder Abuse is an Important and Growing Problem: Demographic Info and Statistics
Segment 2: Financial Scams
Segment 3: How to Protect Yourself from Financial Exploitation
Segment 4: Health Impact of Social Isolation; Health Deficits and Abuse: A Vicious Cycle
Segment 5: Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities: Connecting the Public to Programs and Support
Wrap-Up: Where and How to Report Suspected Elder Abuse; Questions & Answers
Watch for more information on the website.
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Aging & Disabilities Virtual Open House
Join the Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities for a week-long Virtual Open House beginning April 19th as we explore Carroll County’s Aging and Disabilities services through program presentations and featured speakers. Register online at https://carrollcountymd.gov/aging-and-disabilities.
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Eviction Prevention Information is Available
If you or someone you know is behind in rental payments due to COVID-19, there may be eviction prevention assistance available. Visit the county's webpage or the Human Services Programs of Carroll County page.
Carroll County Commissioners
225 N. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157
410.386.2043
www.carrollcountymd.gov
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