Council Highlights for July 23, 2024
07/25/2024
Category: County Council
The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on July 23, 2024 at 5 p.m.; all Council members were present. The council also had a work session at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed closure of MD Rt. 662 and related legislation and agreements.
Certificate of Recognition for John M. Schwaninger, IV
Council recognized John M. Schwaninger, IV on having received the Civil Air Patrol Amelia Earhart Award and congratulated him on his promotion to Cadet Captain within the Civil Air Patrol Easton Composite Squadron.
The Amelia Earhart Award marks the completion of Phase III of the CAP Cadet Program, recognizing sustained excellence in all four areas of cadet life: leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. Further, Cadets receiving the Amelia Earhart Award have passed comprehensive examinations on the topics of leadership and aerospace.
“I’m delighted to see the dedication and leadership you have shown through this program,” said Vice President Pete Lesher. “It encourages me for the next generation to see this sort of [achievement] happening…congratulations for showing the way for your fellow cadets.”
Capital Enabling Legislation
Bill Nos. 1554-1574 were all approved unanimously by Council. These bills authorize funding for capital projects that were included in the FY 2025 budget. Projects range from funding for expansion of the St. Michaels Branch of the Talbot County Free Library, a new recycling station, improvements to the Talbot County Detention Center, road infrastructure, building equipment, expansion of sewer service, and more.
Bill No. 1569 authorizes construction and improvement to the Concession Stand located on the Talbot County Community Center’s sports fields. As Council Member Stepp said, “this piece of legislation will put the ‘cherry on top’ of all the work that has been done at Parks and Recreation, which most recently includes year-round ice, a gymnasium, and pickleball courts.
A public hearing was held on Bill No. 1575, capital enabling legislation which would the replacement and improvement of a cart bridge located on the 9th hole at Hog Neck Golf Course. Following the public hearing, the legislation was brought to third reader and received unanimous approval.
While funding is now authorized on these projects, per the County Charter, funding cannot be spent until 60 days following enactment.
Other Business
- Council accepted the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Sub-Committee recommendations to award just under $2.3 million to three (3) County projects, two (2) Broadband projects and 15 non-profit organizations located in the County. Council Member Mielke abstained, and Council Member Haythe recused herself from the vote.
- Bill No. 1576, introduced by Council, will authorize financing for the final loan under the U.S.D.A. Rural Development for the St. Michaels Sewer Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $88,000, which reflects a portion a change order from the contractor, Schummer, Inc., for road improvements and extension of a sewer line on Canton Street in St. Michaels. Ray Clarke, County Engineer, stated that the amount was paid for by the Town of St. Michaels and has been received by Talbot County. Once the funding for the loan has been secured, it will be used to pay off the loan in order that the grant funds included in the change order can be obtained. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.
- Bill No. 1577, introduced by President Callahan, Vice President Lesher, and Council Member Stepp, is an emergency bill proposes to amend Bill No. 1231 which was approved by the Council in 2013. County Attorney, Patrick Thomas, stated that the purpose of the proposed legislation is to facilitate MD Rt. 662 reconfiguration of the new hospital’s development which changes the timeframes set forth in Bill No. 1231. The legislation is proposed as an emergency bill in order to avoid any delays in construction of the new hospital and to mitigate any delays on U.S. Rt. 50 during the 2025 summer season. A public hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in the Bradley Meeting Room.
- The County Manager presented board appointments for the Council’s consideration:
- Board of Appeals - Council unanimously approved the appointment of Keith Prettyman as an alternate member to the Board of Appeals.
- Historic Preservation Commission – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Holly Baldwin and Earle Asche . to the Historic Preservation Commission.
- Parks & Recreation Advisory Board– Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Jeffrey “Jeff” Harrison Bay Hundred District to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
- Weed Control Committee – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of William Foster to the Weed Control Committee.
- Talbot County Social Services requested approval to award Bid No. 24-13 to the Law Offices of Stevens Palmer, LLC in the amount of $99,555 for child and adult welfare legal services. The request was unanimously approved; the County will be reimbursed by the State.
- Chesapeake College requested a Letter of Intent from the Council for their revised Queen Anne’s Technical Center project. The revised space plans to build a roughly 36,000 square foot facility for trade professions including agriculture, electrical, welding, fabrication, HVAC, manufacturing, construction, and more. If the project is ultimately approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, Talbot County will provide a 21.8% share of funding for FY26, 27, and 28 for design, construction, and furniture/equipment. The request was unanimously approved. Council cited the importance of inspiring students to pursue trade career opportunities. “I have been looking for this for 20 years, it’s one of the reasons I’m here [on council],” said President Chuck Callahan. “I’m so happy this is coming; it’s definitely needed for all the counties. It couldn’t be a better time for these trades…it’s going to make a difference in 10 years, probably make a difference in five.”
- The Department of Public Works requested approval to enter into an amended and restated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for solid waste disposal for the Midshore counties of Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. Tim Ford, Managing Director, Environmental Operations, Maryland Environmental Service (MES) stated that the current Midshore II landfill location, Midshore II in Ridgely, has subsequent adequate space to accommodate acceptance of solid waste beyond its scheduled closure date of December 31, 2030. The revised MOU provides for Midshore II to remain open until December 31, 2042, extends the term of the counties’ agreement with MES from 80 to 92 years and would provide financial support to Caroline County in the form of fee services for their accommodation of the landfill for an additional 12 years. Council unanimously approved the MOU.
- The Department of Public Works requested approval to purchase equipment for the Region II Wastewater System using remaining contingency funding from U.S.D.A. Rural Development grant funding for the St. Michaels Sewer Rehabilitation Project. The equipment will be used to monitor and maintain the Region II Wastewater System. The request was unanimously approved. Council commended Ray Clarke, County Engineer, on seeing this project to the finish line.
- The Department of Emergency Services requested approval to utilize FY25 approved funding for several projects including: two new ambulances, 44 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and 7 public safety radios. These requests were unanimously approved.
- The Department of Emergency Services also requested approval to utilize State Homeland Security Grant Funding to purchase a door access control system and security cameras for the Talbot County Public Safety Complex, located on Marys Court in Easton MD. Funding for these projects will be a combination of capital project and grant funding. These requests were unanimously approved.
- Roads and Facilities requested approval to purchase four Tiger mowers in the amount of $194,153.72 from Tiger Mowers. These mowers will be attached to previously purchased John Deer tractors to support the County’s grass mowing efforts along County roads and properties.
- County Manager Clay Stamp announced that the County’s Burn Ban expired on July 21, 2024 and the Burn Ban Committee does not recommend renewing at this time due to significant rainfall.
The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room located in the South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton. The meeting open to the public.
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