Talbot County, Maryland

11/26/2025

Category: County Manager’s Office

The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.; Council President Chuck Callahan was absent.

Council Commendation – Hannah Ward, Maryland 9-1-1 Board Communication Specialist of the Year

Hannah Ward, center, is presented a Certificate of Commendation. 

The Council presented a Certificate of Commendation to Hannah Ward, recognizing her selection as the Maryland 911 Board’s 2025 Communication Specialist of the Year. Ward was nominated by Talbot County Department of Emergency Services for her exceptional professionalism, steady leadership, and positive presence within the 911 Center.

Holley Guschke, 911 Division Chief, noted Ward’s nomination highlighted her calm and teachable approach, unwavering reliability, and willingness to support coworkers by covering open shifts and stepping in wherever needed. Ward is known for handling emergency calls with “calmness, clarity, and compassion”; demonstrating strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and a consistent commitment to customer service, even during the most high-pressure situations.

The Council’s commendation recognized Ward’s “professional, courteous, and responsive service to County citizens using the Talbot County 911 emergency system,” as well as the kindness, empathy, and respect she shows to both callers and colleagues.

Council Member Dave Stepp praised Ward’s demeanor during emergencies, stating, “I really appreciate the three C’s…calmness, clarity, and compassion. When someone calls 911, it may be the worst day of their life, and people like Hannah are the ones there on the line. We are fortunate to have her serving this community.”

Proclamation: Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month – November 2025

Julie Lowe, Executive Director of Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS), accepts proclamation recognizing November 2025 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month.

The Council issued a proclamation recognizing November 2025 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month in Talbot County. The proclamation honors the work of local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, public agencies, and community partners who provide shelter, food assistance, and essential support to residents experiencing hardship.

Julie Lowe, Executive Director of Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS), accepted the proclamation on behalf of the many organizations collaborating to address these challenges. Lowe shared that TIS currently has a waitlist of 140 people, and both its shelters and transitional housing units are at full capacity. TIS presently shelters five families and 14 individuals in its single-adult facility and operates 21 transitional housing units, housing more than 60 people at any given time.

Lowe noted that senior homelessness is an increasing concern, as older adults often have limited income and reduced ability to work, making it difficult for them to transition into stable housing even with supportive services.

Council Member Lynn Mielke emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “The more problems we have with our economy, the more this problem is going to grow. Thank you for everything you do in this community.”

The Council encouraged residents to support local organizations working to alleviate hunger and homelessness and reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with agencies to strengthen services and housing stability for all Talbot County residents.

Proclamation: Festival of Trees Week – November 28 to December 2, 2025

Festival of Trees founders Leslie Ware (left) and Midge Menzies (right) discuss the importance of hospice care, and celebrate Festival of Tree's 40th anniversary with Friends of Hospice organizers. 

The Council issued a proclamation recognizing November 28–December 2, 2025, as Festival of Trees Week in honor of the event’s 40th anniversary. Many events make up the Festival of Trees, including the signature tree display in the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Room, the Preview Gala, Carols by Candlelight, Santa’s 5K Run, the Poinsettia Sale, and the Luminary Sale.

Festival of Trees founders Leslie Ware and Midge Menzies accepted the proclamation alongside fellow organizers from Friends of Hospice.

Ware shared that organizers are “overwhelmed by the amount of support received from the community over the years,” noting that while the 40-year milestone is meaningful, “the more important story is why we do this.” Funds from the event help ensure that Talbot Hospice can continue providing professional, team-oriented, and compassionate care to patients facing life-limiting illnesses with care delivered in an atmosphere of comfort, dignity, and respect.

Since its beginning, the Festival of Trees has served as a major fundraiser for the Talbot Hospice Foundation, raising more than $3.7 million to support hospice care in Talbot County.

This year’s festival aligns with National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, further highlighting the vital role hospice services play in supporting patients and families.

Council Vice President Pete Lesher shared that the Festival of Trees is one of his favorite community traditions each holiday season, noting, “I especially love the student musical performances — they bring such warmth and joy to the celebration.”

Administrative Resolution – Funding Assurance for Resolution 235 (Region II Sewer System Extension)

The Council approved an administrative resolution providing additional financial assurance for Resolution 235, which advances the Region II Sewer System Extension for the Talbot County Sanitary District.

Finance Director Martha Sparks explained that Talbot County is working with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to secure a funding package that includes grants, bonds, and loan forgiveness. The County has already authorized $7,018,942 in general obligation bonds through Bill No. 1619, to be repaid through Sanitary District revenues.

MDE requested added assurance that reserve funds would be available if needed. The resolution authorizes the pre-approval of General Fund Reserves for debt service should the Sanitary District be unable to meet obligations. Under the County’s Reserve Policy, the County Manager must certify availability of funds before any use.

The Council passed the resolution unanimously, 4–0.

Public Hearings

Bill No. 1621 – Amendments Related to Funeral Homes and Crematoria

The Council held a public hearing on Bill No. 1621, which proposes amendments to Chapter 190 of the Talbot County Code regarding funeral homes and crematoria. The bill would update the Table of Land Uses and related provisions in §190-29 (Commercial Uses) to clarify where these uses are permitted within the County.

The bill is eligible for vote on December 9th, 2025 and written comments will be accepted until Friday, December 5, 2025 at noon

Bill No. 1622 – Short-Term Rental Licensing Amendments

Council held a public hearing on Bill No. 1622, which would amend several provisions of the County’s short-term rental regulations set forth in Chapter 190 of the County Code. The bill proposes establishing two classes of STR licenses and updating several components of the program, including:

• Composition and terms of the Short-Term Rental Review Board
• Requirements for new applications
• Procedures governing hearings, decisions, and appeals
• Renewal provisions
• Grounds for denial
• Additional operational restrictions

Anyone wishing to review the full public comments may do so by watching the public hearing and accessing the agenda packet on Granicus.  The bill is eligible for vote on December 9th, 2025 and written comments will be accepted until Friday, December 5, 2025 at noon

County Manager’s Report

• Board and Committee Appointments:
  • Economic Development Commission: Council unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Michael Meier as the Town of St. Michaels representative.
  • Midshore Board of Health Board of Directors: Council unanimously approved the appointment of Amie Hoffman (Director, University of Maryland Medical Systems – Shore Regional Health Behavioral Health Unit) and the reappointment of Shanez Jenkins (Peace of Mind Health Services).
  • Planning Commission: Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Phillip “Chip” Councell.
• Letter of Support – Eastern Shore Land Conservancy: Council unanimously approved submitting a letter of support for the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Grants Gateway program for the San Domingo Creek Park Environmental Enhancement project. No County funds are requested.
• Maryland Energy Administration – Local Government Energy Modernization (L-GEM) Funding Application: Council unanimously approved a request to apply for and accept funding through the Maryland Energy Administration’s Local Government Energy Modernization Program (L-GEM) to support existing capital improvement projects for energy-efficiency improvements at County facilities. Specifically, the $1,825,101 request is looking to fund the following projects: Detention Center (replacement of air handler unit and controllers in the amount of $1,131,000), and Courthouse (replacement of HVAC in the amount of $281,500). As part of the agreement, the county would be required to pay 10% of the cost share, totaling $182,510.10 based on the project requests.  Vice President Lesher stated, “Kudos to staff for identifying this opportunity.”
• Parks & Recreation – Engineering Services for Ice and Curling Rink Dehumidifier Replacement: Council unanimously approved the Department of Parks & Recreation’s request to utilize FY26 Capital Budget funding to procure engineering services for replacement of the dehumidifier systems serving the ice rink and curling rink at the Talbot County Community Center. The cost for engineering through Electrical Automation Services, Inc. totals $45,100 and the County will be piggybacking on a contract with Wicomico County.
• Contract Authorization – 9002 Goldsborough Neck Road Property: Council approved County Engineer Ray Clarke’s request to enter into a contract for the purchase of approximately 1,333± sq. ft. of real property at 9002 Goldsborough Neck Road in the amount of $3,306.80.
  Council Member Keasha Haythe opposed the request and questioned the standard operating procedure for entering into a purchase agreement. Clarke explained that an appraisal would cost approximately $2,000 and stated that a recent appraisal of an adjacent, similar parcel within the past 18 months provided sufficient basis for valuation.
• Easton Airport – Award of Bid No. 25-13 (Farmland Rental): Council unanimously approved awarding Bid No. 25-13 for farmland rental proposals at Easton Airport to the highest bidder, Edward Roe, in accordance with the Airport’s recommendation.
• County Manager Stamp announced that County offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28.

The County Council’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will held in the Bradley Meeting Room, South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton, and is open to the public.  

council highlights meeting highlights resolution 235 bill no. 1621 bill no. 1622