Talbot County, Maryland

07/10/2025

Category: County Council

The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.; all Council members were present.

Introduction of Town of Easton Town Manager

Council welcomed Andrew Kitzrow, the newly appointed Town Manager for the Town of Easton. Kitzrow takes this new role after serving as the Salisbury City Administrator since 2023, and as the Deputy City Administrator since 2017. As Easton Town Manager, he will be responsible for overseeing all town operations, acting as a leader to personnel, and serving as a key point of contact for the Mayor, Town Council, and residents of Easton

National Parks and Recreation Month – July 2025

Council presented a proclamation recognizing July as National Parks and Recreation Month in Talbot County. The proclamation celebrates the County’s parks, programs, and recreation staff for their contributions to quality of life and community wellness.

Staff recognized for their long-time dedication and service to the Department of Parks and Recreation include: Tom Callahan, Michelle Bedard, Ellie Kilmon, Jonny Brown, LaDarian Blake, Marvin Brown, Emily Gilmer, Brian Harris, Cathy Jones, Blake Thalheimer, Eric Lane, Donna Condon, and Kevin Hackett.

Not pictured: Parks Maintenance team members Dave Larmore and Ryan Seymore, along with several other dedicated part-time employees.

Emily Gilmer, Parks and Recreation Director noted in particular James Handy, Tom Callahan, Kevin Hackett, and Marvin Brown are part-time employees who have each contributed over 20 years of service to Talbot County Parks and Recreation. Additionally, Dave Larmore and Brian Harris, both full-time employees, have served the County for more than two decades.

Throughout the month of July, Talbot County Parks and Recreation will be celebrating Parks and Rec Month with Play Across Talbot, a series of free, family-friendly activities and special events designed to showcase local parks and encourage residents of all ages to stay active and connected.

More information about Play Across Talbot can be found on the department’s website at talbotparks.org and social media channels.

Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan Amendments

Council held public hearings on Resolutions 378–382 for proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan.

• Resolution No. 378, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN TO RECLASSIFY AND REMAP CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ON KEMP ROAD, EASTON, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 24 AS PARCEL 41 FROM “UNPROGRAMMED” TO “S-1” IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS, PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION FILED BY BACK NINE, LLC.  The Public Works Advisory Board has requested additional information on this proposal.  As a result the Planning Commission has not yet provided their recommendation to the County Council.
• Resolution No. 379, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN TO RECLASSIFY AND REMAP CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8294 BOZMAN NEAVITT ROAD, ST. MICHAELS, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 31, GRID 10, AS PARCEL 333, LOT 1 FROM “UNPROGRAMMED” TO “S-1” IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION FILED BY BARBARA PORTNOY LEVINE SPECTOR.  Upon favorable review and recommendation by both the Public Works Advisory Board and the Planning Commission, Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 379.
• Resolution No. 380, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN TO RECLASSIFY AND REMAP CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7874 BOZMAN NEAVITT ROAD, BOZMAN, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 31 AS PARCEL 21 FROM “UNPROGRAMMED” TO “S-1” IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION FILED BY DANIEL BALL. Upon favorable review and recommendation by both the Public Works Advisory Board and the Planning Commission, Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 380.
• Resolution No. 381, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN TO RECLASSIFY AND REMAP CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7930 CHURCH NECK ROAD, ST. MICHAELS, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 32, GRID 13 AS PARCEL 154, LOT B FROM “UNPROGRAMMED” TO “S-1” IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION FILED BY JILL AND JON OLMSTEAD. Upon favorable review and recommendation by both the Public Works Advisory Board and the Planning Commission, Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 381.
• Resolution No. 382, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN TO RECLASSIFY AND REMAP CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6163 LONG POINT ROAD, NEAVITT, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 39 AS PARCEL 66, LOT 17 FROM “UNPROGRAMMED” TO “S-1” IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION FILED BY WILLIAM AND KAREN KING. Upon favorable review and recommendation by both the Public Works Advisory Board and the Planning Commission, Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 382.

Capital Enabling Legislation

Council held public hearings and subsequently voted on 31 bills related to capital improvement projects as included in the FY26 budget, which included appropriations for improvements to County roads, wastewater treatment infrastructure, public safety facilities, parks and recreation, library facilities, and other county-owned buildings. With the adoption of Bill No. 1585, the FY26 budget and appropriation ordinance (adopted by Council on May 27, 2025), funding was obligated for various capital projects.  Capital enabling legislation is done in accordance with Section 612 and Section 217 of the Talbot County Charter and reflects the addition or change in source of funding for new and previously established capital projects.  Notably, legislation was introduced to authorize:

• Improvements to Hog Neck Golf Course and Talbot County community pools
• ADA compliance projects at County properties
• Extension of sewer and water lines to Regional Medical Center project
• Amendment to North EMS Station project
• Recycling station improvements in St. Michaels
• 911 Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system upgrades
• Sewer extensions and pump station repairs throughout the Talbot County Sanitary District
• Improvements to County roads

As outlined in the capital enabling legislation, funding will become available sixty (60) days after enactment, or September 6, 2025.

Bills to amend Chapter 190 Zoning Code

Council held public hearings for Bill No. 1617 and Bill No. 1618. Both bills are eligible for vote on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, with the Council meeting beginning at 5:00 p.m. Both bills were previously reviewed by the Planning Commission for recommendation.

Bill No. 1617 – Proposes to add a text amendment in Talbot County Code § 190 regarding the storage and use of dissolved air flotation (DAF) residuals, food processing residuals, and liquid organic soil amendments.

In summary, the amendment limits where and how these materials can be stored, prohibits open-top storage, requires setbacks from neighbors, and ensures storage only occurs on regulated, actively farmed properties.

The draft legislation can be found here: Bill 1617 - Bill to Amend Ch. 190 Talbot Co. Code - DAF Residuals, etc..pdf

Bill No. 1618  – Proposes to add a text amendment in Talbot County Code § 190 Land Uses to establish requirements for cannabis growers, processors, and dispensaries.

This proposal establishes where cannabis businesses can operate, requires large setbacks and lot sizes for cultivation and processing, demands strong odor controls, and restricts dispensary proximity to sensitive sites like schools and parks.

Based on discussion at the public hearing, Council may consider additional amendments prior to final vote. The current draft legislation can be found here: Bill 1618 - Bill to Amend Ch. 190 Talbot Co. Code - Cannabis Growing, Processing and Dispensaries.pdf

Proposed Text Amendment for Funeral Homes and Crematoria Land Use – Council referred a proposed text amendment with changes to Talbot County Code §190 Land Uses regarding land usage of funeral homes and crematoria to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.

Council President Chuck Callahan, and Members Dave Stepp and Lynn Mielke voted in favor of sending the proposed text amendment to the Planning Commission for review. Council Vice President Pete Lesher voted against and Council Member Keasha Haythe abstained from vote.

County Manager’s Report

• Board and Committee Appointments:
  • Animal Control Board – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Mary Newcomb and Cassandra Vanhooser.
  • Board of Appeals – Council approved the appointment of Meredith Watters as a full-time member and Elizabeth Connolly as an alternate member.
  • Ethics Commission– Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Dr. James Bell.
  • Parks and Recreation Advisory Board -  Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Kurisha Hoffman as the Board of Education’s representative.
  • Tourism Board - – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Mareen Curry as the Town of Easton’s representative and the appointment of Eric Levinson to represent the bed and breakfast sector.
• Public Works – Tilghman on Chesapeake: Council unanimously approved the award of Bid No. 25-09 to Unity Landscape Design/Build, Inc. in the amount of $988,060 for the Tilghman on Chesapeake Resilient Green Infrastructure Project. Construction costs will be paid by State and Federal Grants; this contract is contingent on plan approval from the Department of Natural Resources.
• Public Works – Goldsborough Neck Road: Council unanimously approved a contract with Easton Utilities in the amount of $50,555.22 for the relocation of utility poles along Goldsborough Neck Road for the road-widening project. This project will require a short detour while construction takes place.

The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room, South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton. The meeting is open to the public.  The County Council will be holding a joint meeting with the Board of Education on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the Talbot County Free Library, Easton branch.  The meeting is open to the public.

parks and rec month council highlights meeting highlights cwsp budget boards public works daf cannibis