[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6506866,"mediaKeyId","5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4","parentId",5545550,"title","Caroline County names Kyle Frata MD as EMS medical director; consent agenda approved unanimously","audioSeconds",1058,"startMs",2613000,"endMs",3671000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4&start=2613&end=3671","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4/thumbnail_2613000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6506866/Caroline-County/Maryland/Caroline-County-names-Kyle-Frata-MD-as-EMS-medical-director-consent-agenda-approved-unanimously","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506866-6febf09156e695a0f48799db9abeda7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027524&Signature=g0yzsmjGIc5d~SAI8tqZ3iTBqBm5TV7Wi0-BFD3j2~B41NHvV~BtAHlGuzZgyBP-z1O1udP3QUlOw2XgLPRRAGqw59B2zLP-bnIadVhQ~jt8d0M2WHok6Z4NDpGgCnwK~dy3fYLyw7iEs3SGd31NegDx0TyUo0nwkM2O4aFRyYL5dfKynntTMby4r8xKIcoCPJcaQBZOZ1P~vW-Lr7MYTuOZO4-CFLmYzEGLuvb2jSgHBOYxtzybS~NBf1Y-jN0EBEtRU~wYbLVzkCx7sB-p~EYIn-8GsK7bzbZFdR3AoO~TwHNcFIZRnVZP-dPhnYjG~tGA8uSdoVtDKW2Zw~knvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caroline","date","2025-08-05T00:00:00Z","article","Caroline County's interim EMS leadership told the commissioners on Aug. 5 that a search and interview process produced three candidates and that the department selected Dr. Kyle Frata to serve as medical director. Dr. Frata is board certified in emergency medicine, completed an EMS fellowship at Johns Hopkins, and worked under Dr. Matt Levy; the county noted this will be his first medical director position.

Department leaders described the proposed contract as 36 hours per month, with at least 24 hours to be spent in the county. They said Dr. Frata has begun ride‑alongs with local crews, will participate in quality assurance, training and clinical protocol development, and may respond on calls with a county vehicle and clinical bag. Commissioners and staff welcomed him and discussed operational priorities for EMS in a county without a hospital, including long transport times and ED off‑load delays at nearby hospitals.

The appointment of Dr. Frata and other items on the consent agenda were approved by unanimous voice vote after a motion to approve the consent agenda; the record shows \"ayes have it.\" Commissioners charged staff with continuing work on EMS operational issues and to arrange a formal meet‑and‑greet for the new medical director.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Caroline - Caroline County Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After a multi‑candidate search and interviews, county EMS selected Dr. Kyle Frata as medical director; commissioners approved the consent agenda, including his appointment, by unanimous voice vote.","taxTitle","Caroline County, Maryland","taxId",61674,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506871,"Commissioners approve change to retiree health benefits; actuary says OPEB remains funded above 100%",747,1856000,2603000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4&start=1856&end=2603","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4/thumbnail_1856000.jpg","/articles/6506871/Caroline-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-change-to-retiree-health-benefits-actuary-says-OPEB-remains-funded-above-100","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506871-2cb90d1ffd88901a0f10e07fb1085f4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027524&Signature=VEth0cQOFTBoD1kYNuMqz7byiCeSAG1pu0aUvgAOUMVp2vXvr8w4DLSlC7WUqdwIQoyOMVW6meAmcGuv9T7uvSifKk8QAgciPWJr53AWQtdzXfZjKKE9BoZDfSf91rDv~5k8COQuTpJiDDtqDQzsfugcchCgwy8YvIhhspkG5B9IiouXULUQ-WwRA--4TfT6b2i5G8~ua8jJLXlzXAUP4fhO54jD8euGVdMk4Bm0LB2BwFiYafIXEXNwOaiB4Jzs3nY2koN009Adj9koxTiH4czv~52NDrAGfW7PeMc17sbN-9CGX6njLYtRV0oxglSOljckZ017PTrA4a2LpGDCew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caroline County commissioners approved Resolution 2025‑024 on Aug. 5 to amend personnel rules governing retiree health benefits after a presentation by OPEB board members and county staff. Sherry (last name not specified) summarized an actuarial study by Bolton Partners that analyzed the effect of adding a pre‑65 health insurance subsidy for retirees and standardizing benefit tiers for future retirees.

Staff described the proposal as preserving benefits for current retirees who had not taken an HRA or Medicare supplement and establishing a tiered subsidy for new retirees based on years of service: employees with 25+ years would receive 85% of the individual premium, 20–24 years 75%, and 15–19 years 65%; the county said the subsidy would continue post‑65 for Medicare supplement coverage. Bolton Partners reported that the liability would increase from about $6.2 million to $7.6 million under the proposal, and projected funding would remain at about 131% of liabilities using current asset levels.

Commissioners asked staff about solvency risk and whether the changes would require general fund contributions; staff said the actuarial projections did not require annual county contributions and that conservative assumptions had been used. Staff noted that the county has budgeted $10,000 in grant funds for potential legal counsel and that the effective date for the change could be Sept. 1 if the board proceeds.

A motion to approve Resolution 2025‑024 passed by voice vote; the record reflects unanimous approval. Commissioners directed staff to notify eligible retirees and proceed with implementation tasks tied to payroll and benefits administration.","The board approved Resolution 2025‑024 to amend retiree health care rules after an actuarial review by Bolton Partners showing the county's OPEB fund would remain above 100% funded under the proposed changes; new pre‑65 subsidy tiers and protections for current retirees were adopted and an effective date around Sept. 1 was discussed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506876,"Commissioners hold second reading and public hearing on zoning rewrite for agricultural processors",233,1588000,1821000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4&start=1588&end=1821","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4/thumbnail_1588000.jpg","/articles/6506876/Caroline-County/Maryland/Commissioners-hold-second-reading-and-public-hearing-on-zoning-rewrite-for-agricultural-processors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506876-101c6d2621e88078fd743d84576948b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027524&Signature=Q5Ya7KZZ1UEznfShEhPqd90NHLR-DkrmdfOsdtqION52g~NnoFDwHf-wSYU4lIyIvnMRcCWS43iBr9ttVG0FQZGE8zlgNkv1x2wjcG7r3EFw0hsGDexzbDj1lS7E4d4sdqqUdIwq-n~oPmygYo~oQniVYOrAheB6MJxKY~wLnaDNje8ejWdJ5u24xnigOu01jxz6l5x1F7jjdce2BHfT5qDpytVN54~yQdNWQ-PwzLlm9X2WG6OmyJCv2E3BnKzVuVx~shyej~qhWLpIOsYFSt4oGwP39yZTZnmVNS-AR7Ibze-mgGykwoJT6eg8nUMDfoSMPhd~1bJY2Azn90IJIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caroline County Commissioners opened a public hearing Aug. 5 for Legislative Bill 2025‑008, an emergency measure to repeal and reenact Code of Public Local Laws Chapter 175, section 175‑34, governing agricultural and fishery products processing plants. Mr. Barrell read the notice and summary of changes, which would alter language and setbacks for specific processing activities in the R‑Rural district.

The proposed amendments would: (1) change a conjunction in subsection (a) and reduce the minimum required setback for flour, feed and grain packaging, blending, storage or milling from 500 feet to 200 feet from all lot lines when such activities are permitted in the R‑Rural district; and (2) revise subsection (b) so the commercial slaughtering and processing of farm animals, fish or seafood must be located at least 500 feet from all lot lines.

County staff stated they had not received any written public comment before the hearing and no members of the public spoke at the meeting. After opening the hearing, the commissioners closed the public comment period by motion and noted the bill will return for third reading and possible enactment at the Aug. 19 meeting.

No substantive amendments were proposed at the Aug. 5 hearing. The commission did not take a final vote on the bill at this meeting; the matter is scheduled for the third reading and potential enactment on Aug. 19.","Caroline County held the second reading and public hearing on Legislative Bill 2025‑008 to repeal and reenact zoning section 175‑34, changing setback and locational language for agricultural and fishery processing; no public testimony was received and the bill will proceed to third reading on Aug. 19.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506879,"Caroline County seeks chair and charging committee members for Police Accountability Board",416,1158000,1574000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4&start=1158&end=1574","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4/thumbnail_1158000.jpg","/articles/6506879/Caroline-County/Maryland/Caroline-County-seeks-chair-and-charging-committee-members-for-Police-Accountability-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506879-0f2e5eea3945d102c8019ee6c40dde18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027524&Signature=JtSQY5mP1ZMN005YPdFn4uidcibeGG-AUj2hiSOogzexhveC9TxwYEdfHSHlB1H8IbeGYgm4LrwqRMXX0efxpIkC3Ko5Oq2Q8KDioNTWe~i2mdpTBp~I43e3WE0X8NB~Uqk2v7ULjyTONQxmyRFbQBLTLf2H9XAKEJdRUDY1a1ZlSaFIH2kyBBk74PDFrH2iT2EW8hscJmEiRr9V1LvS2BKy65nrWG2L55Fkq2wngJLnrQDczLbQNmneVfy2SRRdlrYH8FE0iNsOWjwkq0GUds84JbXm0LLWdslL-1Dq6hixfrvnsdWEg4MxL1uJCKD6Ace7wTYaG7lS0JbayFgBuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kim Raider, administrator for the county'appointed Police Accountability Board (PAB) and the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC), told commissioners on Aug. 5 she needed direction to fill a PAB chair and two ACC vacancies before the PAB's quarterly meeting next month. Raider said the board currently lacks an attorney and a chair and that two ACC members resigned, which could jeopardize quorum if more vacancies occur.

Raider said Todd Lord has offered to serve as PAB chair and could also fill one ACC vacancy because members of the PAB may sit on the ACC. Commissioners and staff noted that any appointees must complete required training: the full five‑day training for PAB/ACC chairs and members in Sykesville; prior partial training would not substitute for the full course. Raider said the county has budgeted $10,000 in a state grant for outside counsel should the board want to retain an attorney.

Raider reported two pending complaints under investigation that had not reached the ACC and said staff were revising rules of procedure for both the PAB and ACC; drafts were under review. Commissioners directed staff to advertise the two ACC vacancies and said they would seek applicants and be prepared to appoint members. Commissioners and Raider discussed paying travel and lodging for training and noted that weekday, week‑long training is a barrier for potential volunteers.

No appointments were made at the Aug. 5 meeting; commissioners directed staff to advertise the vacancies, consider applicants and prepare an appointment letter for any nominee to the PAB and ACC.","County staff asked commissioners for direction to fill a PAB chair vacancy and two vacancies on the Administrative Charging Committee ahead of the board's quarterly meeting; Todd Lord offered to chair the PAB and potentially serve on the ACC, but training and formal appointment steps remain.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506883,"Local vendor urges Maryland law change so retail off‑site alcohol permits work for farmers markets",106,413000,519000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4&start=413&end=519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545550-3c28505a0a6cbe188514f0e1c1b251d4/thumbnail_413000.jpg","/articles/6506883/Caroline-County/Maryland/Local-vendor-urges-Maryland-law-change-so-retail-offsite-alcohol-permits-work-for-farmers-markets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506883-74c60d2224beb00532165bdfa10952d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027524&Signature=JPrHe1P~TQ60fDOqZLq8W8FipmicRUyx0iZ~n9qWaGLQ75~xWhq2jlaRZ4h~7ZdgI2dwUy68KuCTcog2GwlOoZSgCtQLaLIt3OcGdo4kvYnqLqpH8DJv8Duz0qj5kkZ6b-QGL6t2Jf3Qv-JfZjPhJnPInwo0dWt6Aakl5SyG-eCnPQ-cfhEVRcl0MmmqJCGzjepM2PC5rUYmH5zay9uMgScuIQS6kklT0pbX1iiS6jZG~2yKUQzT0cgki52pgo9GuxSjSkKKVTnzADrg6bRLJnwpfq8UyjKL0SRzjktDayzL14Xm-Rjr5cEVIfn0XbMiaq9eJ4h95ZPNaw-KuzR8Kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Robin Ritter, owner of Red Laid Liquors LLC, told the Caroline County commissioners on Aug. 5 that Maryland's retail off‑site alcohol permit does not allow the seasonal farmers'market presence she expected and asked the county to consider supporting a change at the state level. Ritter said she thought the permit would allow a retail licensee to vend at three farmers markets for a season, but learned the permit limits holders to \"not more than 3 farmers' markets in the jurisdiction\" and—based on how agencies enforce the rule—often is interpreted as only three appearances rather than three separate markets for a season.

Ritter said the current implementation makes the permit \"a useless license\" for vendors who want to appear regularly at a market to build customer relationships. She described the effect on vendors and on volunteer organizations that hire third‑party servers, saying fire companies and other community groups struggle to staff Events when they must rely on TIPs‑certified servers.

County staff summarized the state regulation as part of the discussion and said the rule comes from the state Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article and related regulations; staff explained the permit language about farmer's markets is in state code. Commissioners advised Ritter that the appropriate venue for changing the statutory language is the Maryland General Assembly and suggested she consult local legislators; one commissioner offered that the county could consider a letter of support if the request gained traction among state lawmakers. Ritter said she planned to contact state legislators and would report back to the commissioners.

County staff and commissioners discussed enforcement and practical limits. A staff member said state inspectors handle enforcement of state licenses and that local zoning could impose separate restrictions on on‑site consumption. Staff also said the state'issued retailer off‑site permit allows sales of sealed bottles, samples and mixed drinks where permitted, and that some local farmers markets require vendors to sign up for a full season, which conflicts with a three‑appearance limit.

Ritter requested two specific changes: (1) a statewide clarification or amendment allowing retail licensees with an off‑site permit to vend at farmers markets for a full season rather than only three appearances, and (2) a carve‑out for farmers markets so they can contract seasonal vendors. The commissioners did not take a formal vote at the meeting but recommended Ritter contact Del. Aaron (surname not specified) and Sen. Mase for advice and possible sponsorship and said the county could consider supporting a legislative request if it had broader regional interest.","Owner Robin Ritter of Red Laid Liquors LLC asked Caroline County commissioners to support a state law change after discovering Maryland's retail off‑site permit limits vendors to three farmers'market appearances total rather than three separate markets for a season.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Caroline County names Kyle Frata MD as EMS medical director; consent agenda approved unanimously

Commissioners approve change to retiree health benefits; actuary says OPEB remains funded above 100%

Commissioners hold second reading and public hearing on zoning rewrite for agricultural processors

Caroline County seeks chair and charging committee members for Police Accountability Board

Local vendor urges Maryland law change so retail off‑site alcohol permits work for farmers markets