Brooke Garver

The board reviewed a purchase offer for city-owned property, discussed an annual police and fire pension actuarial review with recommendations for funding policy changes, and evaluated the 2024 Summer Camp Grant Program with proposed allocations for local agencies. Additionally, the council addressed the termination of an Invest Hagerstown redevelopment grant due to non-compliance, considered reallocating forfeited grant funds to other incentive programs, reviewed proposed amendments to the billboard ordinance, authorized grant applications for Project Restore 2.0, and approved a request for lamp post decorations honoring graduating seniors.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss a business redevelopment project and potential property acquisition. In the special session, the council approved the purchase of two vehicles for the criminal investigative unit, five blue light police call box stations, and 60 crime cameras for city-wide system expansion. The work session featured a proclamation for Women's History Month, a discussion regarding the designation of a new drug-free school zone near the Hagerstown Children's School, and updates from the city administrator regarding golf course repairs, garbage tote distribution, electric service terminations, and various infrastructure projects.

The City of Hagerstown's Strategic Plan aims to foster an inclusive, business-friendly, and sustainable community with vibrant neighborhoods by enhancing the quality of life, celebrating diversity, and promoting economic development. The plan focuses on eleven key areas: Affordable Housing & Homeless Solutions, Blight and Urban Revitalization, Water/Wastewater Sustainability, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), Economic Development, Public Safety, Social Issues, Civic Pride, The Arts, Green Space, and Community Engagement.

The meeting comprised three segments: an Executive Session, a Special Session (86th Voting Session), and a Work Session. The Executive Session discussed the acquisition of real property for public purposes, consultation with counsel, matters concerning business or industrial organization location, and personnel matters, though no formal action was taken. The Special Session resulted in the unanimous approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services for the P.R.O.T.E.C.T Program, which will assign a state employee coordinator to the Police Department at no cost to the City. During the Work Session, a proclamation naming February 2024 as Black History Month was read. Discussions also covered a water system educational video, the conversion of a part-time Police Records Specialist position to full-time (to be placed on the February 27 agenda), and an update on current and pending development activities, including road improvements, downtown projects, commercial/industrial growth, and residential starts. Additionally, the Council discussed proceeding with the annexation of Blaine Properties, LP (A-2023-02), despite prior complications with County Commissioners regarding zoning density and school capacity concerns. An update on various legislative bills from the General Assembly, covering topics like property assessments, police recruitment, worker's compensation, cannabis licensing, and affordable housing, was also presented.

The document details several sessions held by the Mayor and City Council, including a joint meeting with the Board of County Commissioners. Key discussions during the joint meeting focused on collaboration regarding the city's water and wastewater utility projects, including major infrastructure upgrades costing an estimated $150 million, and the structure of emergency services management, specifically regarding collaboration between City and County fire/EMS entities. Additionally, updates were provided on the Hagerstown Fieldhouse, parking deck, police drone program, and cultural trail enhancements. Other agenda items included the approval of an ordinance amending the City Code regarding the Code of Ethics, an update on Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) programs such as Micah's Backpack and the Refugee Welcome Network, and a recommendation to forgive remaining 2023 lease payments and set 2024 lease payments to zero for the City Park Concession Stand due to operational losses. The Council also authorized staff to reapply for the Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) grant for a public art proposal titled 'a Storied Playscape' near Park Circle, and reviewed the 2024 City of Hagerstown Sponsorship Packet. An Executive Session was held to discuss the acquisition of real property and personnel matters.