Meeting will also be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/

Agenda Session Times are Approximate

The Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter. 

*To comment on agenda items – please send to comments@garrettcounty.org

 3:00        Administrative Session  

• Mr. Null will review a number of administrative and managerial matters under his authority and jurisdiction with the Board of County Commissioners 

 4:00       Call to Order of Public Session, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance

              County Administrator – Additions/Deletions to Public Meeting Agenda

              Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes

4:05       Recognition:  Rush Services – 40^th Anniversary

4:10        Resolution and Contract of Sale – Lot 3 in the McHenry Business Park to Hannick                  

               Construction, LLC

4:15        Public Commentary

 ADJOURNMENT

Public issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public Meeting should be scheduled with Carol A. Riley–Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator.    

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners next scheduled Public Meeting will be Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM.

“Sometimes people forget Deep Creek Lake was built to produce electricity,” remarked Dustin Droege, the director of operations at Brookfield Renewable US, the entity responsible for overseeing the dam that powers the region.

Indeed, Deep Creek Lake’s hydroelectric generation station, constructed nearly a century ago, stands as a testament to a bygone era of energy innovation. Permitted by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the dam has been a vital source of power for the area.

However, a recent development threatens to alter the dam’s operational landscape. Senate Bill 837, spearheaded by Sen. Mike McKay and Del. Jim Hinebaugh, aims to impose restrictions on the dam’s functioning. The legislation proposes periodic lowering of the lake’s water levels to facilitate studies on invasive plant species and sedimentation between November 30 and February 28.

“If we can’t operate, then we don’t have a business,” Droege emphasized, underscoring the potential ramifications of the proposed bill.

At the heart of the matter lies a clash between environmental stewardship and economic interests. Proponents argue that the proposed studies are essential for safeguarding the lake’s ecosystem, while opponents, including Brookfield Renewable US, contend that the bill jeopardizes their ability to meet consumer demand and fulfill public obligations.

Central to the debate is the contention that the proposed legislation circumvents established regulatory processes. Brookfield Renewable US points to the rigorous permitting procedure overseen by the MDE, which involves stakeholder engagement and public input. The company insists that existing frameworks are sufficient for addressing environmental concerns without resorting to legislative mandates.

Jess Whittemore, a longtime resident and advocate for the Youghiogheny River, expressed surprise and dismay at the lack of consultation with stakeholders impacted by the proposed bill. As a liaison for Friendsville, a town that thrives on tourism generated by whitewater rafting enthusiasts, Whittemore voiced concerns about the potential economic repercussions of altering the lake’s water levels.

Indeed, the economic ripple effects extend beyond Deep Creek Lake, permeating local businesses and communities that rely on tourism revenue. Kim Spear, who has witnessed the influx of visitors to Friendsville’s liquor store during whitewater season, echoed sentiments of apprehension regarding the bill’s potential impact on the town’s prosperity.

Roger Zbel, representing commercial outfitters on the Upper Youghiogheny River, penned a letter to Sen. McKay highlighting the adverse effects of prolonged lake drawdowns on rafting, whitewater activities, and fisheries. His concerns mirror those of many stakeholders who fear the unintended consequences of hasty legislative action.

As the legislative debate unfolds, voices of dissent grow louder, questioning the origin and implications of SB 837. John Bambacus, a former state senator and advocate for transparent governance, underscored the need for inclusivity in policy discussions, lamenting the exclusion of affected parties from the decision-making process.

Ultimately, the fate of Deep Creek Lake hangs in the balance as policymakers grapple with competing interests. In a landscape where environmental preservation collides with economic imperatives, finding common ground remains elusive. As the legislative process unfolds, one thing remains certain: the future of Deep Creek Lake hinges on the delicate balance between progress and preservation.

for more information Bill to lower Deep Creek Lake faces opposition | Local News | times-news.com

Maryland’s hunting season for 2023-2024 has drawn to a close, leaving behind a tale of successful hunts and conservation efforts. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released its report, revealing that hunters across the state harvested a total of 72,642 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, spanning from September 8, 2023, through February 3, 2024.

Breaking down the numbers, the harvest comprised 30,025 antlered and 38,511 antlerless white-tailed deer, along with 1,912 antlered and 2,194 antlerless sika deer. While these figures depict a robust harvest, they also mark a slight decrease of 5% compared to the previous season’s total of 76,687 deer.

Karina Stonesifer, the Director of Wildlife and Heritage Service, highlighted the significance of deer hunting in Maryland, not just as a recreational pursuit but as a crucial tool for wildlife management. She emphasized, “Deer hunting is essential for managing the state’s deer population and assists with reducing agricultural damage and deer-vehicle collisions.”

One noteworthy aspect of this season’s hunt was the inclusion of Sundays for deer hunting, permitted during certain weeks in 20 out of Maryland’s 23 counties. Hunters took advantage of this opportunity, accounting for 10% of the total harvest with 7,074 deer harvested on Sundays.

Regionally, the harvest in deer management Region A, covering Western Maryland, decreased by 4%, from 9,552 deer last year to 9,169 this year. Meanwhile, hunters in Region B, encompassing the rest of the state, harvested 63,473 deer, marking a 6% decrease from the previous season’s tally of 67,135 deer.

Frederick County retained its title as the county with the highest reported harvest, boasting 6,549 deer. Carroll County followed closely with 5,729 deer, and Garrett County secured the third spot with 5,108 deer. Rounding out the top five were Baltimore and Washington counties, with 4,550 and 4,418 deer harvested, respectively.

The hunt not only provides recreational opportunities for hunters but also plays a vital role in wildlife management and conservation efforts. By controlling deer populations, hunters contribute to mitigating agricultural damage and minimizing deer-vehicle collisions, thus fostering a healthier ecosystem for both wildlife and humans alike.

As one season ends, anticipation builds for the next, with hunters already preparing for future endeavors in the ongoing cycle of conservation and tradition that defines Maryland’s hunting legacy. For more information Maryland Hunters Harvest 72,642 Deer for 2023-2024 Season

In a bid to fortify the electric grid and enhance service reliability, Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has recently concluded significant service reliability projects spanning across Allegany, Frederick, and Garrett counties in Western Maryland. These initiatives mark a proactive step towards minimizing the impact of power outages for nearly 5,000 customers in the region.

The culmination of two pivotal projects signifies a substantial leap forward in grid resilience. These initiatives empower Potomac Edison to swiftly respond to disruptions by automatically rerouting power through adjacent lines in the event of damages or maintenance requirements on primary lines. Particularly, customers in the West Frederick, Frostburg, and Finzel areas stand to benefit from this adaptive measure, which promises fewer and shorter service interruptions.

Moreover, the installation of 14 automated reclosing devices in substations and along neighborhood power lines underscores a strategic approach to outage management. These devices act as advanced circuit breakers, promptly isolating faults and swiftly restoring power within seconds. By leveraging smart technology, Potomac Edison aims to limit the frequency, duration, and scope of service disruptions, thereby enhancing customer experience and satisfaction.

The implementation of these smart grid technologies offers multifaceted benefits-

1. Improved Safety and Efficiency: Automated reclosers enhance safety and efficiency by autonomously restoring service without the need for manual intervention, thereby minimizing risks associated with outage response.
2. Enhanced Fault Localization: By swiftly pinpointing fault locations, utility personnel can expedite restoration efforts, ensuring minimal downtime for affected customers.
3. Isolation of Outages: In the event of more severe issues, such as fallen trees on electrical equipment, these devices isolate outages, limiting the total number of affected customers and streamlining restoration processes.

Infrastructure Reinforcement: In addition to these technological advancements, Potomac Edison has proactively replaced approximately 50 miles of aging underground cable with a more resilient alternative. Engineered to withstand various environmental challenges, including dirt, rocks, lightning, and water, this upgraded cable infrastructure promises enhanced durability and longevity, further bolstering the region’s electric infrastructure.

The successful completion of these service reliability projects underscores Potomac Edison’s commitment to delivering robust and dependable electric service to its customers in Western Maryland. By embracing smart grid technologies and investing in infrastructure upgrades, the utility is not only enhancing resilience but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable and efficient electric grid. As the region prepares to face future challenges, these initiatives position Western Maryland to navigate disruptions with greater agility and resilience, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential electric services for residents and businesses alike.

for more information Western Maryland Electric Grid Stronger and More Resilient Following Smart Enhancements (prnewswire.com)