The Town of Hampstead - Maryland
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Hampstead
The Town of
Maryland
Volume 27 March - May 2021
Mayor
Christopher Nevin
From The Mayor’s Desk
Town Council Spring is in the air, the uncertainty of the last year is fading and
Marlene Duff shots are getting into arms (albeit more slowly than we would like). In
Deborah Painter this Newsletter we will cover changes and events coming to and mov-
Joseph Renehan ing from Main Street as a result of the Revitalization Project’s comple-
Wayne Thomas, Sr. tion and the start of the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company’s project.
Dave Unglesbee All have one thing in common, we are opening back up – from Hamp-
Planning & Zoning stead Day to the Farmers Market, Annual Car Show and Firemen’s
Commission Carnival. As we have done from the start, State Regulations will be our
Diane Barrett guide on mask wearing and we will leave it to your personal and parental responsibili-
Sharon Callahan
ty on how you wish to participate.
Lou Konior
Kevin Malinowski On Memorial Day Weekend, Main Street will host the return of Hampstead Day
Town Office on Saturday May 29th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. After a 5-year absence due to
410-239-7408 construction, the Lions Club has decided to return “home” to Hampstead. Now that
Tammi Ledley, Town Manager Main Street is completed, the Town has more control of traffic and road closures. As
Cheryl Rhine a result, Main Street will be closed from Shiloh Avenue to Rinaman Avenue. People
Christy Collins attending will be walking in the road with the vendors along the curbs. The Lions Club
Xiomara Almenas
Jim Roark
will be headquartered at Matthews Tire, non-profits will supply food, there will be a
car show and the Town will sponsor a band at the War Memorial around the mid-day
Department of lunch hours. As in years past, additional parking and a shuttle service will be provided
Public Works at North Carroll High School.
410-239-6659
Kevin Hann,Superintendent As I write this article, the American Rescue Plan Act was just passed and signed.
Toby David, Asst. Superintendent Until a few days ago we had no idea of the scope of funding we are about to receive,
Richard Armacost
which we are being told is approximately $5.4 million. One can argue as to the rea-
Michael Harris
Jim Thompson sonableness, level and need for that amount of funding but now that we will receive
Jarrod Bohn the funds, it is our job to spend the money wisely and in what is the long term best
Jeremy Dietrich interest of our Town. We are waiting on the regulations and restrictions that come
Daniel Thompson with the funds but we know they cannot be used for tax breaks. We can spend the
Police Department funds primarily on infrastructure which in our case is the water system. In that regard,
410-239-8954 the timing is good because we have one project about to start which will replace the
Chief David Snyder water lines connecting to the new Main Street line and the one along Lower Beck-
Lt. Stacey Gaegler leysville Road. We had planned to Bond this project but will now use the Rescue Plan
Corporal Jonathan Cranshaw funds. Other improvements where we will use the Rescue Plan Act funds will likely
Corporal Daniel Vanik be centered on our water system as well and are needed to offset the more stringent
Samantha Geiger, Administrator limits being regulated by the environmental agencies.
PFC Clint Thorn
PFC Rob Orem Included in this Newsletter is an article on an emerging contaminant found in one of our
PFC Matt Baughman wells. Mind you this man-made chemical is not new, having been in the groundwater for
PFC Matt Spencer over 40 years, but something the EPA has now decided needs action. In addition, this is the
Officer Matt Shifflett
first contaminant measured in parts per trillion. The environmental agencies have gone
www.hampsteadmd.gov
(continued on page 5)
Town Manager’s Corner
As I read through the articles in this newsletter, I realize that our Town has many functions
that tend to move in different directions at any given time (and that I am the last person to
submit my article). Every day I am amazed how hard the employees of the Town work on
behalf of the citizens who call Hampstead home. In addition to the ever-increasing daily
operations and new projects that need to be managed, the past year presented additional
responsibilities from maneuvering through the pandemic to implementing new MDE regula-
tions. Kudos and a well-deserved “Thank you” to all Town staff! Although each resident may
not concur with every decision that is made, please know that each choice is made with the intention to make
our Town a better place.
In partnership with Carroll County, the Town has been working towards the realization of many projects
including assisting with the redevelopment of North Carroll High School. The Chesapeake Real Estate Group
has an amazing vision for the community use of this property and has already begun working with other civic
organizations like the Farmers’ Market. Stay tuned for more details as they develop.
The Town is also partnering with the Lions Club, Fire Department and Main Street Beautification Commit-
tee to bring Hampstead Day back to Main Street. This is especially exciting news for me as it was one of the
first events that my family attended when we first moved here almost 20 years ago. As the Mayor stated, the
Hampstead Police and Public Works are closing Main Street from Shiloh Avenue to Rinaman Avenue to make
your Hampstead Day experience even better. All Hampstead Day Stakeholders hope that many people will be
able to safely enjoy the day as the Governor continues to lift or decrease quarantine requirements.
Governor Hogan recently removed the capacity limits for our small businesses and restaurants but the so-
cial distancing guidelines remain. With the six-foot spacing protocol still in place, businesses especially restau-
rants are unable to utilize full capacity. Please continue to support your local businesses.
News From the Police Department
Spring is finally approaching which means more pedestrian and bicyclists on our roadways.
Remember the rules of the road. As for bicyclists, Maryland law states that drivers can be fined for
up to $500.00 if they pass within 3 feet of a bicyclist. Be aware of your surroundings, and watch
for children at play. Always stop for school buses when their lights are lit for loading and unloading
children.
Virtual Learning and Cyber Safety: Be mindful of what your children are viewing on-line! Make
sure you have safety discussions with your children about internet usage and precautions. Once a photograph is
placed online, anyone may be able to access it and download the image. Teach your children to make smart decisions
now in order to avoid future regrets.
Please remember to lock your vehicles and store all valuables out of sight! Thefts from unlocked vehicles are crimes
of opportunity – if your car is locked, most criminals will just move on to the next targeted vehicle until they find one that
is unlocked. Protect yourself and your valuables with a simple click of the lock button!
The Main Street project has for the most part concluded, and we would like to pass along a few reminders. Mind
your speed on the new road surface. The speed limit on Main Street through Town remains at 30 mph and Officers will
be enforcing the speed limits.
The Main Street Revitalization included new sidewalks. Parking on the sidewalks is prohibited. The new sidewalks
are not designed for the weight of vehicles. Check and make sure you are not parked in a prohibited area or in front of
a driveway. Officers will be enforcing parking laws and vehicles parked on the sidewalk or prohibited areas will be cited.
Finally, thanks again for the support and assistance the community provides to the Police Department as we do our
part to help Hampstead continue to be a special place to live and work.
Hampstead Newsletter Page 2 March - May 2021Serving the Town of Hampstead for more than 100 years
HVFC TO BUILD NEW STATION / SOCIAL HALL The multi-phase project includes:
Chief Troy Hipsley President James Dwyer 1. Construct a new interim operations building at the
rear of the existing property which will be built first and
During our 120 years of service to the Hampstead will house all of the Fire and EMS vehicles, equipment
community, the demands on the fire, rescue and emer- and personnel for about one year while we demolish
gency medical services has grown exponentially in and rebuild the main station. This building is expected
complexity, sophistication and skills required to deliver to be ready by the fourth quarter of 2021.
these advanced services. Our current building located 2. Demolish the existing Fire Station and construct a
at 1341 North Main Street in Hampstead was built in new building fronting on Main Street as the primary op-
the early 1970s and was never designed to house duty erations center for emergency services. This building
crews or to address the complexities and requirements will house all emergency vehicles, and contain offices,
of cleaning and detoxifying from hazardous materials bunk rooms, training rooms, kitchen, and necessary
and carcinogens. storage and cleaning capabilities to keep equipment
The recent pandemic has emphasized the criti- and turnout gear ready for service. Slated for comple-
cal nature of Fire and EMS services as the first line of tion by the end of 2022.
assessment and intervention to protect all citizens and 3. Upon completion of the new Fire Station, all of the
deliver lifesaving care. It has also highlighted the need equipment in the interim operations building will be re-
to separate front line emergency service areas used by located to the new Fire Station and the interim build-
Firefighters, EMS and HVFD personnel, from public ac- ing will be converted to a fully functioning Social Hall.
cess areas routinely used for fundraising, public service The new Social Hall will be designed to host wedding
education, social events and community meetings. receptions, parties, meetings, and fundraising events
With all this in mind, we want to take this oppor- with the capacity of up to 325 people depending on
tunity to make you aware of a significant investment configuration of the event. This will permit the appro-
the HVFD is making to ensure the highest level of Fire, priate separation of emergency services from fund-
Rescue and Advanced Life Support EMS services for raising and will provide a much needed higher end
the Town of Hampstead, Carroll County and surround- social venue for the community. The Social Hall is ex-
ing communities. We plan on breaking ground in the pected to open Spring 2023.
Spring of 2021 on the first phase of constructing a new
Fire and EMS Operations Station, and a new Social We encourage and welcome any of our citizens
Hall to be located on the site of the current fire station at who may be interested in volunteering your time and
1341 North Main Street in Hampstead. talent to help in fundraising, to please check out our
homepage at:
https://www.hampsteadvfd.org/content/recruit/
We will continue to keep the community appraised
of our progress and how you can support these invest-
ments.
Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department
410-239-4280
Learn more at: www.hampsteadvfd.org
Hampstead Newsletter Page 3 March - May 2021Main Street Spotlight
Hampstead Big A Auto Parts began in 1962 by Richard Matthews
who would become Maryland Delegate Richard Matthews. Locat-
ed at 1363 N. Main Street, the business was sold in 1985 to Leslie
Wheeler and sons, Rob and Doug. In July 1992, the auto parts
business relocated to 1318 N. Main Street, which was the Hyson
Furniture and Applicance Store. Big A became a part of the Car-
quest franchise in 1998. Carquest is open seven days a week sell-
ing auto and truck parts, snow plow parts, lawn mower and tractor
parts as well as farm equipment parts. A third generation business,
they have 24 hour towing services, U-Haul rentals and hydraulic
hoses made to order. Call Carquest at 410-374-6144 for all your
automotive services.
Hampstead Farmers’ Market
Exciting Announcement!!!
Welcome to the 2021 season of the
Hampstead Farmers’ Market!
What’s new for our 12th season? We’re moving!!!
We’re over the moon excited to call our new home a place
that’s near and dear to the hearts of many in our area. Yes, we’re moving to the former North Car-
roll High School property, located at 1400 Panther Drive. We would like to thank the Hampstead
Volunteer Fire Department for being our venue for the past 11 years. With renovations and im-
provements to their location, relocation was necessary. We were fortunate to find a home that is wel-
coming and offers plenty of space...and we no longer have to relocate for two Saturdays in August!
Thank you to the new owners of the property for welcoming us and we look forward to many years of connect-
ing local farmers, businesses, bakers, and artisans with an awesome community at this great venue! Same
times, different place. Our 2021 season will be held every Saturday, June through September from 8:30 am -
12 noon on the grounds of the former North Carroll High School (look for us this season by the “Water Tower”!).
Interested 2021 vendors: the Hampstead Farmers’ Market is a juried market; vendors must grow, make, or
bake what they sell. Anyone interested in applying to join us for the 2021 season should visit
www.hampsteadfarmersmarket.com and click the “Become a Vendor” tab for more information. Thank you!
In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our “shop direct” tab for a list of vendors who offer sales during
the off season. We’ll see you all June 5, Opening Day!
Hampstead Newsletter Page 4 March - May 2021Hampstead Merchants Association
The Hampstead Merchants Association (HMA) is excited to begin a new year as an asso-
ciation continuing our mission of “Bridging Business and Community”. The year 2020 required
us to adjust to our “new normal”. Our merchants persevered through the COVID-19 Pandemic
and adjusted to new protocols and ways of promoting commerce, while keeping their employees
and customers safe. We are certainly blessed to be in a close-knit community where Hampstead
citizens are very loyal to our “mom-and-pop” shops. It is also humbling to see how many of our
merchants throughout town have adapted to these difficult times and found new and unique ways to still offer their
products and services.
Despite the circumstances of the Pandemic, the HMA had one of its best fiscal and membership years to
date. Our 4th annual “Vino at the Vineyard” fundraiser had over 120 members in attendance for this outdoor event
at Galloping Goose Vineyards and raised $5,070.00 for our MVHS Community Scholarship Fund. In addition the
HMA saw membership increase by over 12.7 percent. We started out the year with 55 Members and ended the
year with 62 Members!
The Hampstead Merchants Association’s 2021 Board of Directors and Officers consists of: President: Connor
Eline, Eline Funeral Home & Eline Monuments, Vice President: Missy Shock, Rapha Holistic Wellness, Secretary:
Kathryn Turner, North Carroll Cooperative Parish, Treasurer: Ryan Dudash, Truist Financial, Directors: Sherye
Sims of State Farm, Donn Dietrich of NESAP, Melissa Brooks of Edward Jones, and Jim Roark of the Town of
Hampstead.
Katie Redding, owner of Weigh4Life retired from our Board after over 6 years of service. Katie served as a
President, Vice-President, Secretary and Director. She was a pivotal member of the HMA and helped with many
key aspects of our mission and vision. Katie was key in the inception of our “Vino at the Vineyard” fundraising event,
now HMA’s largest annual fundraiser. In addition, she helped create and run our “Hallmark in Hampstead” small
businesses event promoting Main Street commerce and participation during the Holiday season. We know Katie
will still be an involved HMA Member through Weigh4Life, and we are grateful for her outstanding service on our
Board!
For 2021 the HMA is excited to continue with our annual events and meetings. The 2021 Board met on January
19th for our yearly planning meeting. We will have a few more exciting details and events to share in the coming
weeks! Our next meeting will be a lunch meeting on Tuesday, April 14th at 1pm at Luna Zul. The May Meeting will
be our 2nd Annual Biz Bowl at Greenmount Station on Friday, May 21st
from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. This event is a popular one, so get your team en-
tered early!
On behalf of all of our local businesses, we truly thank Hampstead
and our incredible citizens for supporting our Main Street Merchants
and making the personal decision to shop & stay local. Your commerce
and commitment is never taken for granted, thank you!
Fondly,
Connor F. Eline Biz Bowl - 2019
2021 HMA President
Mayor’s Message (continued)
from measuring contaminants in parts per million to parts per billion to now parts per trillion. So when you hear
a limit of 70 parts per trillion, the focus goes to the first number not the number on which it is being measured.
The increase in the measurement represents a 1,000 times lower reading when moving from parts per million
to parts per billion to again parts per trillion. A reading of 70 parts per trillion equals a reading of .00007 parts
per million. The environmental agencies provide a necessary service but they should standardize the basis of
measurement for all contaminants to give the public a more accurate understanding and picture of contaminant
levels. Rest assured that our water supply meets and exceeds every requirement and is safe to drink.
We look forward to seeing you outside and enjoying all the Spring and Summer events as we get back to a
normal operating environment and please continue to support our local businesses.
Hampstead Newsletter Page 5 March - May 2021Hampstead Day Notes from Public Works
• Please trim your shrubs and tree
Hampstead Day branches away from your utility
meters - if you can’t get to the me-
ters, we can’t get to them and we’ll
returns to be sending you a letter to trim the
Main Street!
vegetation back anyway.
• Please do NOT dump anything
in the stormwater ponds! This includes not only junk,
Saturday, May 29, 2021 trash and litter, but yard waste as well. Maryland De-
partment of the Environment (MDE) has very strict
8:00 am - 4:00 pm regulations about the upkeep of these stormwater
As the date draws near, visit the Town’s locations and if the Town gets fined for violating the
rules, that cost is passed on to you, the taxpayer.
Facebook page for more details:
• Please do NOT blow your grass clippings into the
https://www.facebook.com/TownofHampstead
street! As soon as it rains, those clippings go down
into the stormdrains and - you guessed it - MDE could
give us a surprise inspection and fine us if we fail.
Again, that cost is passed to you, the taxpayer. Keep in
mind that when wet, those grass clippings can become
slick and cause a safety hazard for motorists.
• Our goal is to work in partnership with our residents
to abide by the MDE regulations and to ensure the
safety and well-being of our neighborhoods. We need
your cooperation to make this goal a reality. We thank
you in advance for your assistance!
PFAS in the Water.....Now What?
Last fall, a situation developed with one of our produc- was well #24. We have started working with our Engineer to
tion wells. The Town mailed a public notice to all our water develop a plan to resolve this issue. Once we have a plan
customers but a recent newspaper article seemed to raise of action, it will be submitted to MDE for approval. MDE
concern among our residents. will oversee the Town’s implementation of a new treatment
Here are the facts as they developed to help ease any system and facility.
cause for concern. On September 18, 2020 we received a We also hired an independent lab to take two samples
letter from Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) from both of our water towers. The samples at the Panther
informing us of their intention to sample all our production Water Tower and the North Water Tower were well below
wells for the emerging contaminants known as PFAS (per- the EPA HAL of 70ppt. Across the nation, EPA is working in
and polyfluoroalkyl substances). On November 4th and conjunction with State Environmental Agencies to address
10th samples were taken by MDE and examined for PFAS this emerging contaminant.
contaminants. On November 18, 2020, MDE informed the Hampstead is fortunate that we have reserve capacity
Town that well #24 had sampled over the Health Action in our water system to allow us to remove these wells from
Limit (HAL) of 70ppt set by the Environmental Protection service and not create a negative impact to our customers.
Agency (EPA). We immediately took action and shut off our Our mission statement at Public Works is a simple one:
wells #24 and #25. We will ensure that:
Although well #25 sampled well below the HAL, we also • Our drinking water is pure and consistently available;
took it out of service due to its close proximity to well #24. • Our roads are kept in good order;
That decision was made in conjunction with our partners • Our parks are safe and well-maintained;
at MDE and Carroll County. On November 20th, MDE re- • Our services are performed in an efficient manner.
turned to Hampstead and sampled wells #24 and #25 to Sometimes the playing field changes when you least
confirm the earlier sample results. Those results confirmed expect it and that is what happened on November 18th.
the earlier findings and both wells remain out of service. However, we have adjusted and will continue to provide our
I am happy to report that after MDE sampled all the wells in customers with safe and affordable drinking water.
our water system and the only well which exceeded the HAL Kevin Hann,
Superintendent
Hampstead Newsletter Page 6 March - May 2021Military Banners Scholarships Available
There are a few spots remaining The Town will award three $1,000
in the 2021 Military Banner Pro- scholarships in May 2021.
gram to honor your loved one on Applicants must live inside Town
Main Street. The 2021 applica- limits, have acceptance into a
tion is posted on our Facebook College or University, and have
page or you can click below for a good scholastic standing, with a
copy of the application. “B” average or better.
The MML Carroll County Chapter will be awarding three
Military Banner Application Form $1,000 scholarships in May as well.
Eligibility requirements and applications are available at
The American Legion covers a $50.00 donation to www.hampsteadmd.gov, the Town Office and Manches-
each banner. Donations are tax deductible. ter Valley High School Guidance Office. Don’t miss this
opportunity!
Water Line Replacement
In 2015, the Town replaced the 1936 water main under Check Hampstead on Your Taxes
Main Street. Now that our Main Street Revitalization
On the top section of your Maryland Income
project nears completion, the Town will be replacing
Tax Return form is a box asking you to fill
the remaining 1936 water mains located under side
in the name of your “City, Town or
streets in the Main Street area. Crews will be working
Taxing Area”. We ask that all
on West Street, Rinaman Avenue, Ralph Avenue, Shi-
Hampstead residents take note
loh Avenue, Hillcrest Avenue and Upper Beckleysville
to fill this box in with our Town
Road. The water main under Lower Beckleysville Road
name. By filling in this box you will
will also be replaced. Please be aware of work crews
not be required to pay an additional tax but will
while driving in these areas.
ensure that our Town receives its proper local share
of the taxes you pay to the State. The amount we
Hydrant Flushing receive from the State as our local share of State In-
come Taxes is a significant part of our annual income
and helps to keep our property tax rate low.
Bucket of Paint Program
The “Bucket of Paint” program
encourages residential property
owners in the Main Street Revitaliza-
tion Area to renovate the exterior of
their homes. The town will reimburse
Beginning at about 9:00 pm on Wednesday, April 21st, property owners up to $250 for the
the Town’s Department of Public Works personnel will cost of paint and painting supplies in-
systematically flush all fire hydrants. This may cause cluding painter’s tape, brushes, rollers & disposable drop
some slight discoloration during the flushing hours and cloths, etc., used to enhance the exterior of their Main
during the day on Thursday, April 22nd. Please run your Street property. More information and an application can
cold water tap until the water is clear. You may wish to be found under Helpful Links and Documents at hamp-
draw enough water before Wednesday night to accom- steadmd.gov. or simply click this link:
modate your early morning consumption (coffee, etc.) Bucket of Paint Information & Application
since the average house system contains less than 100 In addition, Carroll County True Value
gallons of water. It also would be advisable to refrain is offering a 10% discount on all
from doing laundry during flushing hours and on Thurs- exterior paints and paint accessories
day morning. Be assured that the water received, to be used in the Bucket of Paint Program. The store is
though possibly discolored, is still fully-treated and located at 4001 Houck Avenue, Hampstead, MD 21074.
potable. Please bear with us during this important and For more information, please contact the store at 410-
necessary purging of the water system. Thank you! 374-4876.
Hampstead Newsletter Page 7 March - May 2021Town of Hampstead Standard Pre-Sort
1034 S. Carroll Street U. S. Postage
PAID
Hampstead, MD 21074 Wesminster, MD
Permit No. 15
Hampstead Day Returns to Main Street • May 29, 2021 • 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Town Meetings & Events Hampstead Elections 2021
April The Town of Hampstead will
02 - Good Friday - Town Hall Closed hold its local elections on
05 - Yard Waste Pickup Begins (every Monday through
the beginning of December)
Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
12 - Election Nomination Packets Are Due By 4:30 pm Three (3) members of the
13 - Town Council Meeting - 7:30 pm - Town Hall Town Council will be elected.
21 - Hydrant Flushing - 9:00 PM All three position terms are for four (4)
28 - Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm
Town Hall years. If you are a registered voter in
May the County and a Town resident, you are
11 - TOWN ELECTION - Polls open at Town Hall from eligible to vote in Town elections. Voter
7:00 am - 8:00 pm registration forms are available at the
12 - Town Council Meeting - 7:30 pm - Town Hall
26 - Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm
Town Office or by calling the Elections
Town Hall Office at (410) 386-2080. Voter Registra-
29 - Hampstead Day - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm tion will close on April 11, 2021. If you
31 - Memorial Day - Town Hall Closed
are interested in running for one of the
June open seats please stop by the Town
05 - Farmers Market Opening Day - 8:30 am - Noon
at the former North Carroll High School property Office to pick up a nomination packet.
08 - Town Council Meeting - 7:30 pm - Town Hall Nominations must be filed with the Town
23 - Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 12, 2021.
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