Talbot County, Maryland

10/29/2026

Category: County Council

The Talbot County Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Council Approves Increased Benefits for Volunteer Emergency Services Personnel

The Council unanimously approved Bill No. 1654, amending the County's Volunteer Emergency Services Longevity Award Program (LOSAP) to increase benefits for qualifying volunteer emergency services personnel.

The legislation establishes a minimum monthly benefit of $100 for life for qualifying active volunteer members, with opportunities to earn an additional $50 per month (up to $200 per month) for each additional five years of certified active volunteer service, subject to program requirements. The bill also updates eligibility definitions, recordkeeping requirements, and the point system used to qualify for benefits.

Council President Chuck Callahan recognized the volunteer firefighters and emergency services representatives attending the meeting, thanking them for their dedication to protecting the community.

"You deserve this," Callahan said, expressing appreciation for the work volunteers do to keep Talbot County residents safe.

Vice President Pete Lesher emphasized the importance of retaining experienced volunteers and encouraging continued service.

"We hope this provides an incentive for members to continue to give their time," Lesher said, recognizing the importance of volunteer emergency services to the community.

Council Approves Property Transfers Supporting New Hospital and Woodland Park Access

Following public hearings, the Council unanimously approved three resolutions authorizing property transfers to support public infrastructure and recreational development.

• Resolution No. 399 authorizes the conveyance of approximately 4.195 acres to the Maryland State Highway Administration, along with associated easements, to support roadway improvements related to the new medical center. The improvements include access and traffic infrastructure near Route 50 and the Talbot County Community Center.
• Resolution No. 400 authorizes the conveyance of approximately one acre to the Town of Easton and 1.253 acres to Shore Health Systems, Inc., as part of the Developers Rights and Responsibilities Agreements (DRRA) associated with the new regional medical center.
• Resolution No. 401 authorizes the conveyance of approximately 1.785 acres of County-owned property at Poplar Hill Farm to the Town of Easton for public access to their Woodland Park property. The transfer will allow the Town to establish roadway access from Easton Parkway to its planned park property, rather than relying on access from Oxford Road.

On Resolution No. 401, Vice President Pete Lesher emphasized the importance of providing appropriate public access to the future park and recognized the collaboration between the County and Town of Easton in moving the project forward.

He noted that the transfer represents an important step toward making the property available as a public recreational asset.

Talbot Humane Presents Annual Update

Talbot Humane Executive Director Patty Crankshaw-Quimby presented the organization's fiscal year 2026 accomplishments, highlighting animal welfare services, community assistance programs, and progress toward a new shelter.

During the fiscal year, Talbot Humane reported:

• 350 initial animal control calls, a 14% increase from the previous year.
• 588 stray animals received and 200 animals reunited with their owners.
• A 93% live-release rate.
• 1,321 spay and neuter procedures for shelter and privately owned pets.
• Medical assistance for more than 400 community pets.
• Distribution of approximately 10,000 pounds of pet food to residents.
• An 18% reduction in owner surrenders.

Crankshaw-Quimby credited community assistance programs, including veterinary care and pet food distribution, with helping more families keep their pets.

She also provided an update on plans for a new animal shelter adjacent to the organization's existing location. Talbot Humane has purchased the former Saints Peter and Paul Church rectory and parking area, is finalizing building plans, and has begun the permitting process.

She thanked the Council, donors, volunteers, and community partners for their continued support.

Other Council Actions

• Short-Term Rental Notification Requirements: The Council approved Bill No. 1653 in a 4-1 vote, amending public hearing notification requirements for new and renewal short-term rental licenses. The legislation limits notifications to properties within 1,000 feet, including across waterways, or the 50 nearest properties, whichever is less.
  Councilmember Lynn Mielke voted against the bill, expressing concern that the County should review the short-term rental ordinance as a whole rather than making piecemeal changes.
•  Economic Development and Tourism Board Consolidation: The Council unanimously approved Bill No. 1655, which combines the County's Economic Development Commission and Board of Tourism into a single Board of Economic Development and Tourism; implementation is planned for March 2027, the effective date of the legislation. The legislation is intended to streamline operations and improve coordination between the current two boards. Council Vice President Pete Lesher expressed concerns about the pace of the process and voted against advancing the legislation to third reader (4-1) citing rushed process but supported its final adoption (5-0).
• Goose Neck Road Water and Sewer Plan Amendment: The Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 398, as amended, reclassifying 21 parcels along Goose Neck Road in Royal Oak from “Unprogrammed” to “S-1” immediate priority status under the County's Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan. The amendment clarified that one parcel contains two residences with separate addresses.

County Manager's Report

• Board and Committee Appointments: The Council unanimously approved the appointment of the following:
  •  Commission on the Aging: Amand Adkins
  • Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe Committee: Reappointment of Marci Ross, representing the Maryland Department of Commerce
• Easton Airport Runway Project: The Council unanimously approved Change Order No. 1 for Bid No. 25-11 in the amount of $8,459,048 allowing construction to begin on the next phase of the airport's runway improvement and extension project. Additionally, the Council unanimously approved the award of Professional Engineering and Construction Management of the project to AECOM at a cost of $433,120.  Airport Manager Micah Risher reported that funding and grants are in place, and construction is expected to begin immediately. The project includes grading and paving approximately 2,700 feet of runway, and additional taxiway improvements; work is anticipated to continue into 2028. To follow along on this project, visit the Easton Airport website: Airfield Modernization Program - Easton Airport.
• Easton Airport Hangar Lease: The Council unanimously approved awarding Bid No. 26-13 to West Air Aviation for the lease of an aircraft hangar at 9465 Jet Lane. The lease will support expansion of the company's aircraft maintenance operations, with monthly rental payments of $6,000.
• Hog Neck Golf Course Cart Paths: The Council unanimously approved awarding Bid No. 26-17 to East Coast Land Paving for $469,440 to reconstruct cart paths on the back nine holes. The project is the second phase of a three-phase improvement plan, with preliminary work anticipated to begin in November.
• Hog Neck Golf Course Two Tier Driving Range: The Council unanimously approved rejecting all bids received for Bid No. 26-14, the proposed two-tier driving range project, after all bids exceeded the current budget for the project. Staff will re-evaluate the project and return with a revised approach.
• Waterfowl Building Restoration: The Council unanimously supported a request from Waterfowl Festival, Inc. for a letter of support for its application to include funding in the Governor's FY2028 Capital Budget. The organization is seeking $1.3 million to continue restoration and revitalization of the Waterfowl Building (the historic Easton Armory). The facility serves as a venue for community events, performances, and cultural programming throughout the year.
• Department of Corrections Inmate Food Service Management: The Council unanimously approved awarding Bid No. 26-10 to Aramark for inmate food service management at the Talbot County Department of Corrections. The recommendation considered pricing, equipment investments, staff training, and opportunities for incarcerated individuals to develop food service skills that can support successful reentry into the community.

Next Council Meeting

The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room located in the South Wing of the Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton. The meeting is open to the public and is also streamed live.

Recordings, minutes, and transcripts of past Council meetings are available through the County’s meeting video archive at talbotcountymd.gov.

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