Hagerstown City Council to Address Numerous Purchases and Locomotive 202 Donation at Upcoming Session

The Hagerstown Mayor and City Council are scheduled to convene for their 18th voting session on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting, held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, will cover a broad agenda, including multiple purchase approvals for various city departments, appointments to key authorities and councils, and discussions on significant resolutions, such as opioid settlement agreements. Residents are invited to provide public comment on agenda items, either in person or via email by 5:00 PM on the day of the meeting.

The council’s agenda features a substantial number of consent items, primarily focused on departmental expenditures. The Police Department is seeking approval for a range of equipment and services, including ballistic vests from Angel Armor for $13,374.10, speed camera charges from Alumint for $504,000.00, firearms and holsters from Atlantic Tactical totaling $33,096.25, and an annual software maintenance agreement for their police mobile system from Keystone Public Safety, Inc., amounting to $129,633.00. Additionally, purchases of ammunition from The Gun Shop ($21,252.20), new police vehicles from Keystone Ford ($158,300.00), and Chevrolet vehicles from Hertrich Fleet Services ($172,868.00) are up for consideration. The department is also requesting funds for recruiting initiatives from Safeguard Recruiting LLC ($25,000.00).

The Fire Department is looking to acquire a technical rescue support truck for $225,409.00 and a self-contained breathing apparatus decontamination machine for $32,456.08. The Technology and Support Services division is proposing a $27,675.00 project management contract for a Workday conversion with Intellitime Systems Corporation. Engineering department requests include pavement markings from Alpha Space Control, LLC ($80,000.00) and a decorative fence for Weller’s Alley from Hanada Contracting ($100,000.00). Public Works has several items on the agenda, including landscape and grounds maintenance from Custom Landscape Management, Inc. ($92,055.55), a transit van from Keystone Ford ($52,239.00), a backhoe from James River Equipment ($159,090.00), a mower from Deere & Company ($46,108.50), and two trucks for parks from Hertrich Fleet Services, Inc. ($93,958.00).

The Utilities department’s agenda includes a three-year SCADA maintenance contract for water systems with ABB, Inc. for $285,950.00, hydrant repair parts from Core & Main ($11,004.00), additional engineering services for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Improvement Project from Black & Veatch ($240,000.00), a preventive maintenance contract for a generator from Cummins ($13,006.22), a pressure regulating valve for DAFT from Heyward Incorporated of Virginia ($11,864.29), and biological nutrient removal mixers from Hills Industrial ($29,587.06).

In addition to these purchases, the council will consider several important resolutions. These include voting on the donation of Steam Locomotive 202 to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, a parking agreement with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, a user agreement with the Hagerstown Fairgrounds Softball Association, and a service center agreement with One Call Concepts, Inc. Crucially, the council will also vote on national settlement agreements related to opioid addiction crisis litigation, specifically with Purdue/Sackler and with eight other defendants, contingent upon confirmation from the State of Maryland regarding fund distribution.

The meeting will also address appointments to various boards and commissions. Amanda Gregg is slated for reappointment to the Hagerstown Housing Authority. Brian Selders and Micheal Line are proposed for appointment to the Hagerstown Loan Review Authority. Furthermore, a slate of individuals is proposed for appointment to the Hagerstown Youth Council, with terms expiring in August 2026 and August 2027. The council will also consider resolutions related to proclaiming Forget Me Not Month, Washington Goes Purple, and National Dog Day. The session will begin with an Executive Session at 6:00 PM, with the Regular Session commencing at 7:00 PM.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the City of Hagerstown Mayor and City Council.

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