Author Doug Sanders was the special guest at Hagerstown’s Aug. 3 council meeting. Sanders’ new book, “Ralph R. Teetor: The Man Who Knows How Fast You Drive,” retells Hagerstown’s industrious history through Teetor’s lens, the blind innovator who invented vehicle cruise control.
The book chronicles Teetor’s life and career, including his work with Perfect Circle/Dana Corporation. It is available for purchase and at the Hagerstown Library, 10 W. College St.
Michelle Huntington reported Jubilee Days was a great success. The cruise-in and fish/chicken fry additions were heavily attended on July 31, and the Aug. 1 parade continued despite the rainy weather, she said. Huntington said they hope to expand next year to accommodate more vendors.
Resident Jacquelyn Mullin questioned a parking ordinance barring parking in front of her 98 S. Perry St. home. For years, parking was permitted for visitors to nearby businesses. Mullin fears the ordinance’s verbiage may cause confusion for both businesses and nearby residents. Council plans to update the ordinance to please all parties. Council member Donnie Benedict mentioned a similar issue on Factory Street concerning wider vehicles, such as tractor trailers. An ordinance may be reviewed.
Following a public hearing on July 27, attorney Jon Madison reported the land exchange agreement for 65 W. Main and 51 S. Perry should be complete on or before Oct. 15. The funds, along with the 198 N. Perry St. sale, will go in a newly approved unsafe building fund to rehabilitate properties.
A first reading for the abolition of Hagerstown’s court was introduced. Madison said this begins a long process that involves notifying state and county officials, transferring records and cases to the Wayne County Clerk’s Office, and addressing the court’s salaried employee, which is an elected position.
Madison suggested a new plan for the railroad issue near S. Washington and stated the town’s insurance counsel will handle the slip-and-fall lawsuit.
Town manager Chris LaMar reported blueprints for the water plant’s catwalk project are underway, water meters were ordered and water line project reimbursements will arrive soon. The street team received compliments throughout Jubilee Days, it will pursue Community Crossing grants on Sept. 1 and a student intern will join its ranks through a work-based program this fall. Wastewater treatment operator Crystal Taylor introduced a document that details their procedure for residential calls.
In department reports, the police had 231 calls in July. Police Chief Keith Folkner met with the Recovery Works director to discuss how their interactions are handled. He said it was a good meeting. Fire Chief Rick Cole reported 27 calls last month, with an increase of nine motor vehicle accidents; one with a fatality. Two firefighters left the department, but they are vetting four candidates. One truck is receiving a battery replacement while the station undergoes a new paint job.
The advisory planning commission submitted ordinance revisions citing the current verbiage is too broad. Ordinances for junk, rubbish and waste material, and grass and weed management, will receive council review. They also plan to replace the current residential electric code with the state’s mandate.
The airport board will advance leasing the 4-H building to a vendor and the parks board’s next meeting was Aug. 10.
Three residential sewer credits and an ordinance for the 2026-27 school resource officer contract with Nettle Creek Schools corporation were approved.
Due to Labor Day, the next meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at 49 E. College St. The public may attend.
A version of this article appeared in the August 12 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
