Talbot County, Maryland

01/20/2026

Category: County Council

The Talbot County Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room at the Talbot County Courthouse. All Council members were present.

National Mentoring Month – January 2026

The Council issued a proclamation recognizing January 2026 as National Mentoring Month in Talbot County. The proclamation emphasized the critical role mentoring plays in supporting young people, strengthening confidence, and building resilient communities. Kelly Cared, Program Coordinator for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore encouraged residents, businesses, educators, and civic organizations to support and participate in mentoring programs.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month – January 2026

The Council proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Talbot County, acknowledging human trafficking as a serious crime and human rights violation affecting communities locally and nationwide. The proclamation highlighted the importance of education, awareness, and community engagement in identifying victims, preventing exploitation, and supporting recovery efforts. Susan Ahlstrom and Myisha Johnson on behalf of For All Seasons, Inc. accepted the proclamation.

Update by Talbot Humane

Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, Executive Director of Talbot Humane, provided an update on the organization’s operations and services. She reviewed recent trends in animal intake and adoption, ongoing efforts to promote spay and neuter services, and the continued collaboration between Talbot Humane and Talbot County Animal Control. Council members thanked Talbot Humane staff and volunteers for their commitment to animal welfare in Talbot County.

Update by Upper Shore Aging, Inc.

Herb Cain, Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging, provided an overview of services delivered to Talbot County seniors through the region’s designated Area Agency on Aging. Upper Shore Aging serves Talbot, Kent, and Caroline counties, with a mission to help older adults live healthy, independent, and rewarding lives in their own homes.

Mr. Cain highlighted the scope of services provided to Talbot County residents in FY25, including Maryland Access Point (MAP) and Information & Assistance services, caregiver and dementia support programs, public guardianship, long-term care ombudsman services, Meals on Wheels, and programming at “Brookletts Place” The Talbot Senior Center in Easton and the Bay Hundred Senior Center In St. Michaels.  He noted that Talbot County has the highest percentage of residents age 65 and older in Maryland, underscoring the growing importance of providing services and resources for senior citizens.

Council members thanked Upper Shore Aging staff and volunteers for their continued service to Talbot County’s senior population and caregivers.

Introduction of Administrative Resolution

The Council introduced an Administrative Resolution to amend the membership of the Senior Citizens Task Force to include a representative of Talbot County’s faith community and a representative of the Talbot County Department of Social Services – Adult Services. The Council introduced the resolution, which was subsequently approved by unanimous vote. 

Public Hearings

The Council held public hearings on five resolutions related to proposed amendments to the Talbot County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan.

• Resolution No. 387 – 801 Port Street, Easton: Resolution No. 387 proposed reclassifying and remapping property located at 801 Port Street, Easton, from “W-2, S-2” to “W-1, S-1” immediate priority status pursuant to an application filed by the Town of Easton. Following the public hearing, the Council unanimously approved the resolution.
• Resolution No. 388 – 7508 Cooper Point Road, Bozman: Resolution No. 388 proposed reclassifying and remapping property located at 7508 Cooper Point Road from “unprogrammed” to “S-1” immediate priority status.
• Resolution No. 389 – 7510 Cooper Point Road, Bozman: Resolution No. 389 proposed reclassifying and remapping property located at 7510 Cooper Point Road from “unprogrammed” to “S-1” immediate priority status.
• Resolution No. 390 – 24114 Mount Pleasant Road, St. Michaels: Resolution No. 390 proposed reclassifying and remapping property located at 24114 Mount Pleasant Road, St. Michaels, from “unprogrammed” to “S-1” immediate priority status.
• Resolution No. 391 – 7440 Cooper Point Road, Bozman: Resolution No. 391 proposed reclassifying and remapping property located at 7440 Cooper Point Road from “unprogrammed” to “S-1” immediate priority status.

Public hearings were held on Resolution Nos. 388, 389, 390, and 391. Following discussion, the Council closed the public hearings and voted to table the resolutions, referring the resolutions back to the Public Works Advisory Board (PWAB) for further review and recommendation.  The PWAB will review the resolutions at their Thursday, February 19th meeting.

Ray Clarke, County Engineer, provided an overview of how Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan amendments have historically been reviewed and implemented to date, and discussed considerations that have emerged through this process. Members of the public may view Mr. Clarke’s remarks beginning at approximately the 1:07 mark of the meeting recording.

The County anticipates reviewing broader policy guidelines related to Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan amendments in a work session with the Public Works Advisory Board at a future date to be scheduled in the near future to examine these issues in greater detail.

County Manager’s Report

• Board and Committee Appointments: The Council unanimously approved appointments to the following boards and committees:
  • Adult Public Guardianship Review Board – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Rachel Smith, Carrie Ottey, Michael Crowley, M.D., Suzanne Ludwig and Kate Stinton to three-year terms.
  • Board of Appeals – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Zakary Krebeck (regular member), Greg Gannon and Elizabeth Connelly (alternate members) to three-year terms.
  • Emergency Services Advisory Board – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Terry Satchell to a three-year term.
• Hog Neck Golf Course – 2026 Membership and Daily Fee Rates: The Council reviewed and unanimously approved the proposed 2026 annual membership and daily fee rates for Hog Neck Golf Course. Rates for Talbot County residents and Talbot County employees will remain unchanged, while membership and daily fees reflect modest increases. The rates were previously reviewed and approved by the Golf Board.
• HVAC System Replacement – 605 Port Street, Easton: Council approved a request to award the replacement of the HVAC system serving the Roads Department and Emergency Operations Center at 605 Port Street in Easton to Gannon Refrigeration in the amount of $66,000; funding for the project was included the FY26 budget. The request was approved by a vote of 4–0–1, with Council Member Mielke abstaining.

Public Comments of Note

Dr. Fahmi Fahmi, Health Officer for Talbot County, provided several public health updates. He stated that the Maryland Department of Health recommends masking in health care facilities and patient care settings and noted that the Talbot County Health Department now offers influenza and RSV vaccinations available for underinsured or uninsured adults. Additional information about these services is available at talbothealth.org.

Next Meeting

The Talbot County Council will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the Bradley Meeting Room, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton.  The meeting is open to the public.

In addition, the Council will hold weekly briefings with Providence Strategies during the Maryland General Assembly legislative session. These briefings will be held each Thursday at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom and are open to the public.

Agendas, meeting materials, and access information for meetings and briefings are available at https://www.talbotcountymd.gov/meetings.

council highlights meeting notes county council proclamations