Talbot County, Maryland

12/15/2025

Category: County Council

The Talbot County Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Talbot County Courthouse. All Council members were present.

Certificate of Recognition – Cassandra Vanhooser, Maryland Tourism Person of the Year

The Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Cassandra Vanhooser, Director of the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, in honor of her selection as the 2025 Maryland Tourism Person of the Year by the Maryland Travel and Tourism Summit.

The certificate recognized Ms. Vanhooser’s consistent enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to promoting Maryland as a world-class tourism destination. It also highlighted her professional background as a travel writer and her leadership in strengthening regional partnerships, supporting small businesses, celebrating local heritage, and showcasing Talbot County’s quality of life.

Council members praised Ms. Vanhooser’s impact on the County, noting the strong connection between tourism and economic development. Council Vice President Pete Lesher said, "Talbot County has a distinctive and singular brand. There is no place like it," crediting Ms. Vanhooser’s leadership with elevating the County’s statewide recognition.

Council Member Dave Stepp added, "You really brought Talbot County to another level," citing her extensive personal commitment and visibility at community events throughout the year.

Introduction of Numbered Resolutions – Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan Amendments

Council introduced five resolutions proposing amendments to the Talbot County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan (CWSP). Each resolution would reclassify properties from “unprogrammed” or lower "S-2" status to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status, allowing for potential connection to public sewer service.

The introduced resolutions include the following, all scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.:

• Resolution No. 387 - 801 Port Street, Easton – Application filed by the Town of Easton
• Resolution No. 388 - 7508 Cooper Point Road, Bozman – Application filed by Linda Zecher-Higgins
• Resolution No. 389 - 7510 Cooper Point Road, Bozman – Application filed by Linda Zecher-Higgins
• Resolution No. 390 - 24114 Mount Pleasant Road, St. Michaels – Application filed by Kristina and Donald Keppler
• Resolution No. 391 - 7440 Cooper Point Road, Bozman – Application filed by Sharon and Duane Ekedahl

Each amendment is intended to align infrastructure planning with environmental protection goals. The proposed amendments will be forwarded to the Talbot County Planning Commission and Public Works Advisory Board for review and recommendation prior to the scheduled public hearings.

Public Hearing – Bill No. 1623 (Alcohol Dispensary Bistros)

The Council held a public hearing on Bill No. 1623, which proposes amendments to Chapter 11 of the Talbot County Code (Alcoholic Beverages). The bill would:

• Permit on-premises consumption of beer, wine, and liquor at alcohol dispensary bistros
• Expand seating capacity for alcohol dispensary bistros
• Exempt certain Class I licenses in urban locations from the existing market test when no similar license exists within the municipality
• Exempt Oxford Conservation Park from the 500-foot distance restriction for new off-sale licenses

Public testimony and written comments were received and entered into the record. The Council closed the hearing but kept the record open, with deliberation and a vote anticipated at the next Council meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Eligible for Vote – Land Use and Short-Term Rental Legislation

Bill No. 1621 – Funeral Homes and Crematoria
The Council considered Bill No. 1621, which amends Chapter 190 of the Talbot County Code to clarify where funeral homes and crematoria are permitted by updating the Table of Land Uses and related commercial use provisions. Following Council discussion, the bill was approved 3–2, with Council Members Pete Lesher and Lynn Mielke voting in opposition. 

Bill No. 1622 – Short-Term Rental Licensing Amendments
The Council also considered Bill No. 1622, which proposes substantial updates to the County’s short-term rental program, including:

• Establishing two classes of short-term rental licenses
• Revising the composition and terms of the Short-Term Rental Review Board
• Updating application requirements, renewal provisions, and operational standards
• Clarifying hearing, decision, appeal, and enforcement procedures

No vote was taken on Bill No. 1622 following the withdrawal of sponsorship by Council members Pete Lesher and Lynn Mielke.  Under the County Charter, without a sponsor, the bill dies.

County Manager’s Report

The Council took the following actions as part of the County Manager’s Report:

• Special Legislative Day – The Council approved declaring Tuesday, December 16, 2025, a Special Legislative Day, unanimously (5–0).
• Letter of Support – Sons of the American Revolution – The Council unanimously approved submitting a letter of support for a grant application by the Sons of the American Revolution, Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter to the Maryland State Arts Council to commission, frame, and install a portrait of Colonel Tench Tilghman in the Talbot County Courthouse; no County funds are required. 
• Letter of Support – Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum – The Council approved submitting a letter of support for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s request for inclusion in the Governor’s FY27 Capital Budget to support replacement of an HVAC system in an exhibit building, by a vote of 4–0-1, with Council Member Pete Lesher abstaining.
• Department of Public Works – Bid No. 23-11 – The Council unanimously approved Change Orders No. 1 and 2 for Contract A with Schummer, Inc. for the Region II sewer extension project serving the Mount Pleasant area and the villages of Bozman and Neavitt, as outlined in Resolution No. 250.

Next Meeting

The Talbot County Council’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, which the Council declared a Special Legislative Day. The meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m., with the Council convening in open session at 3:30 p.m. before adjourning into closed session.

council highlights council meeting cwsp letter of support