Talbot County Council Meeting Highlights, July 22, 2025
07/25/2025
Category: Parks and Recreation County Council
The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.; Council Members Keasha Haythe and Dave Stepp were absent.
Program Open Space
Emily Gilmer, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, presented the FY26 Program Open Space (POS) Annual Plan for Talbot County. The plan outlines proposed land acquisition and recreational development projects eligible for State funding through the POS program. For FY26, the Department requested playground replacement and ballfield improvements at Home Run Baker Sports Complex, located in Trappe, MD.
Ms. Gilmer noted in her request to Council, “The 20+ year-old playground at the Home Run Baker Sports Complex is in need of replacement to meet modern safety standards and provide inclusive, accessible play opportunities for children of all abilities. As a heavily used recreational site for youth sports and community events, the Complex plays a vital role in serving local families.
A new playground will offer updated safety surfacing, modern equipment, and accessible features that support physical activity, social interaction, and inclusive play. This upgrade will enhance the overall experience at the Complex and ensure it remains a welcoming space for all. We are also evaluating the need for repairs to the ball fields at the site. While plans are not yet finalized, maintaining safe and functional playing surfaces is an important part of our long-term vision for the facility.”
Council unanimously approved the submittal of the FY26 POS funding request to the State.
Administrative Resolution for the Mid-Shore II Landfill Cell Extension Project
As part of a regional agreement among four counties, Talbot County participates in landfill services through the Maryland Environmental Service (MES). Earlier in 2025, the Council approved continued use of the Mid-Shore II Regional Landfill located in Ridgely, Maryland, as the primary disposal site for the region. The landfill still has available capacity, and this arrangement is governed by the Waste Disposal Service Agreement, which all four counties signed earlier this year.
At the July 22 meeting, the Council introduced an administrative resolution acknowledging MES’s plans to construct and equip two new landfill cells (Cell 5 and Cell 1) to maintain future capacity. The resolution also authorizes MES to issue up to $28 million in revenue bonds to finance the project, ensuring the long-term availability of regional waste disposal services.
“This may sound like a lot of money to throw away our trash, but these [landfills], to meet federal requirements, are not inexpensive to build and operate,” said Council Vice President Pete Lesher. “By building the additional cells at Mid-Shore II in Ridgely, we are staving off the day, and the more expensive bill that will come with building the next landfill in Queen Anne’s County.”
Council approved the resolution.
Bond Sales for Wastewater Facilities and Sanitary District Funding
A bill (Bill No. 1619) authorizing Talbot County to borrow up to $7,018,942 through the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds was introduced by Council members Callahan, Lesher and Mielke. The funds will finance and refinance improvements to wastewater facilities and sanitary district infrastructure, specifically outlined in Resolution 235, which aims to extend sewer service, rebuild the Royal Oak pump station, and connect specific properties to the Region II (St. Michaels) Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Currently there are 90 properties that have signed up to receive connection as part of Resolution 235, 30 of which have been connected to services at this time. Bill No. 1619 was introduced by Council members Callahan, Lesher and Mielke. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 12th at 5:30 PM.
Bill No. 1617 – Zoning Amendment for Organic Residuals
Council approved Bill No. 1617, which amends Chapter 190 of the Talbot County Code to establish regulations for storing Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) residuals, food processing residuals, and liquid organic soil amendments. The legislation requires major site plan approval, imposes a 500-foot setback from residential properties (with limited exceptions), mandates closed-top storage, and prohibits open-top storage structures.
County Manager’s Report
- Board and Committee Appointments:
- Talbot Family Network Board of Directors: Council approved the appointment of Tina Jones.
- Historic Preservation Commission: Council approved the appointment of Tom Costigan.
- Hog Neck Golf Course: Council approved the use of FY26 capital outlay funding for the purchase of a Toro Workman Greens Sprayer in the amount of $65,028.33. Council also approved the sole-source purchase of a Reel Grinder using FY26 capital outlay funding in the amount of $56,000.
Recycling Bins at Perry Cabin Park - Due to ongoing concerns about the recycling bins at Perry Cabin Park, specifically their incompatibility with nearby sports field activities and repeated misuse including household trash, the Talbot County Council authorized Maryland Environmental Services (MES) to remove the bins from the park’s lot. To continue supporting recycling, MES will place bins at the Midshore Regional Landfill, located at 7341 Barkers Landing Rd, Easton, MD 21601. Additionally, the Department of Public Works is planning a new recycling site to better serve the Bay Hundred area. More details will be shared as the project progresses. - Caleb Schneck, Office of the County Manager Intern: County Manager Clay Stamp introduced the County’s newest intern, Caleb Schneck, a rising junior at the University of Maryland, College Park. Caleb will assist the Office of the County Manager in developing an internship guide to help expand and strengthen the County’s internship program. The County looks forward to using his work to enhance opportunities for future interns. “The late Senator Paul Sarbanes told me, ‘We need good people in government’, and that applies not only to elected office, but to all the staff that serves the public as well. Thank you for stepping up and joining the ranks,” noted Council Vice President Pete Lesher.
Note on Cannabis Zoning Legislation
Public comments at the meeting focused heavily on Bill No. 1618, proposed legislation that outlines zoning requirements for cannabis growers, processors, and dispensaries in Talbot County. The bill sets zoning restrictions on where cannabis businesses may operate, including minimum lot sizes, significant setbacks, odor control measures, and distance requirements for dispensaries from schools, parks, and other sensitive locations.
Local legislation follows the passage of HB805 by the Maryland General Assembly, effective June 1, 2024, which updated State law to give local governments greater flexibility in regulating cannabis businesses beyond what was included in the Cannabis Reform Act of 2024. The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) has issued guidance to assist jurisdictions in creating zoning ordinances, which can be found here. At present, the State has allocated two standard dispensary licenses for Talbot County. The State has provided the Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Data Dashboard to keep track of sales, volume, licenses, etc. of cannabis in the state of Maryland, learn more here.
The public hearing for Bill No. 1618 took place on July 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., following review from the Planning Commission. The bill is scheduled for a vote at the Council’s August 12, 2025, meeting.
Next Meetings
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., the County Council will host a work session to discuss the proposed Administrative Resolution to Establish a Senior Citizens Task Force. The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Both meetings will held in the Bradley Meeting Room, South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton, and are open to the public.
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