Council Meeting Highlights, September 9, 2025
09/11/2025
Category: Emergency Services County Council
Mike Detmer, Congressman Harris’s Eastern Shore liaison, presented a U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol to honor Talbot County’s annual September 11 remembrance ceremony.
Council proclaimed September 17–23, 2025, as Constitution and Citizenship Week in Talbot County. This annual observance commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and encourages civic education and participation.
Brian LeCates, Director, Department of Emergency Services, and Madison Loker, Emergency Management Coordinator, emphasized this year’s National Preparedness Month Theme “Preparedness Starts at Home.
eptember was proclaimed National Preparedness Month in Talbot County, joining communities nationwide in promoting emergency readiness.
The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. All Council members were present.
Prior to the legislative session, the Council held a public work session on the Claiborne Water System with representatives from the Claiborne community, the Talbot County Health Department, and County staff to discuss issues and potential solutions regarding the Claiborne Water System, a private water company, and ongoing compliance issues with Maryland Department of the Environment. This matter will be further discussed at the County Council’s September 23, 2025 meeting. The work session recording can be found on the Talbot County Government website: Talbot County Council Work Session - Claiborne Water System
Presentation of U.S. Flag by Congressman Andy Harris’ Office
The Council opened its meeting with a presentation from Congressman Andy Harris’s Office. Mike Detmer, Congressman Harris’s Eastern Shore liaison, presented a U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol to honor Talbot County’s annual September 11 remembrance ceremony. This year’s ceremony will take place behind the Courthouse on the corner of Dover and West Streets, a tradition that draws residents together to reflect on the events of 9/11 and honor first responders and victims. Congressman Harris emphasized the importance of remembering the unity that followed 9/11 and commended Talbot County for keeping the spirit of remembrance alive through its annual event.
Proclamation – Constitution and Citizenship Week
Council proclaimed September 17–23, 2025, as Constitution and Citizenship Week in Talbot County. This annual observance commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and encourages civic education and participation.
The Council recognized the Midshore Constitution Alliance for its leadership in bringing Constitution Day programming to the community, highlighting its September 17th event at the Academy Art Museum in Easton (details at talbot250.org/events/constitution-day). Talbot250 is a partner in this year’s program, supporting expanded outreach and educational resources for students and residents.
Proclamation – National Preparedness Month
September was proclaimed National Preparedness Month in Talbot County, joining communities nationwide in promoting emergency readiness. Brian LeCates, Director, Department of Emergency Services, and Madison Loker, Emergency Management Coordinator, emphasized this year’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” and shared four simple actions families can take now: make a family plan, build a basic supply kit, sign up for emergency alerts, and check on neighbors—especially seniors and people with medical needs.
“We want Talbot to be #TalbotReady. Resiliency is more than caring for your immediate family; it also means making sure your community is ready for anything that may arise,” said Brian LeCates, Director of Emergency Services.
They also noted that September is peak hurricane season in Maryland and encouraged residents to sign up for local alerts through the Talbot County Citizen Alert System (talbotalerts.com) and take advantage of free training opportunities such as the Fall CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class. Registration for the class is now open.
Find more preparedness tips please visit talbotdes.org or ready.gov.
Board of Health Update
Talbot County Health Officer Dr. Fahmi Fahmi presented the biannual update to the Board of Health , showcasing robust community health initiatives and key data from the past year. Highlights included:
- Preventive Care: Two rabies clinics vaccinated 265 pets, representing an increase of 278 percent since 2023. Flu and routine immunizations totaled 875 doses administered between August 2024 and June 2025.
- Mobile Integrated Health (MIH): The DES and Health Department partnership provided in-home preventive care and chronic disease management to 47 patients last fiscal year and 25 patients so far this year, reducing ER visits and keeping residents safely in their homes.
- Vision Access: The first-of-its-kind Global Vision Clinic served 29 public school students in April, providing free comprehensive eye exams and glasses through a partnership with local providers and Global Vision volunteers.
- STI Services and Outreach: The Health Department expanded clinical services and improved access to sexual health treatment, fulfilling a needed gap in the healthcare system in the area.
Dr. Fahmi Fahmi also highlighted two significant public health concerns facing Talbot County. First, falling childhood vaccination rates continue to leave communities vulnerable to preventable diseases. Nationally, the kindergarten measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate is 92.5 percent, below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity. Maryland’s kindergarten MMR rate is close to this national average, and 39 states now fall below the target — an increase from 28 states previously. “We know that 93 percent of measles cases occur in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown — that’s why our outreach and partnerships are so important,” he added.
Second, vaping and e-cigarette use among teens remains alarmingly high. A 2020 report found that 35 percent of Talbot County high school students vape, more than double the statewide rate of 14 percent and far higher than national averages. While only 3 percent of Maryland high school students report smoking traditional cigarettes, 14 percent use e-cigarettes, making vaping four times more common.
Dr. Fahmi Fahmi emphasized that reversing both of these trends will require coordinated education, outreach, and policy efforts to protect young people’s long-term health.
A copy of the presentation can be found here: Board of Health Presentation September 2025
Senior Citizens Task Force – Expanded Membership
Council unanimously approved amending the Administrative Resolution establishing the Senior Citizens Task Force to add two citizen members to represent the general public, both of whom must be residents of Talbot County and aged 65 or older. This task force, created earlier this year, focuses on housing, transportation, health care, and meals for homeless senior citizens. More information about the Task Force will be available here: Senior Citizen Task Force - Talbot County, Maryland
Introduction of Comprehensive Water & Sewer Plan Amendments
Council introduced four resolutions to amend the Talbot County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan to reclassify and remap various properties in St. Michaels, Easton, and Royal Oak from either “Unprogrammed” or “S-3” to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status. Public hearings on the resolutions (Resolution Nos. 383, 384, 385, 386) are scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Bill No. 1620 – Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund
Council introduced Bill No. 1620, which would establish a “Community Reinvestment and Repair Special Revenue Fund” to receive money from the State’s Cannabis Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, derived from cannabis license and permit fees, donations, and other revenues. Talbot County currently has more than $731, 000 available to administer through the program. If adopted, a Talbot County Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission comprised of the membership of the Talbot Family Network Board of Directors will administer the fund and develop a local grant application process.
The public hearing on Bill No. 1620 is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Resolution No. 378 – Kemp Road Sewer Plan Amendment
A majority of the Council approved an amendment to Resolution No. 378 clarifying that only 16.993± acres of the property on Kemp Road will change from “Unprogrammed” to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status. Council then voted 4-1 to adopt Resolution No. 378, as amended.
County Manager’s Report
- Board and Committee Appointments:
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee: Council unanimously approved the Town of St. Michaels’ request to appoint Brian Naranjo as their representative on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee.
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Council unanimously approved the Town of St. Michaels’ request to reappoint Dr. Kristen Lycett as their representative on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
- Police Accountability Board: Council approved the Town of St. Michaels’ request to reappoint Brian Naranjo as their representative on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee.
- Tourism Board: Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Jeff Schneider to represent hotel/motel operatives and interests.
- Bellevue Ferry Landing Bridge Improvements: Council unanimously approved awarding two engineering proposals totaling $205,536.14 under Bid No. 22-08 to Wallace Montgomery for structural and mechanical repairs at the Bellevue Ferry Landing.
- Parks and Recreation Planning: Council unanimously approved the Department of Parks and Recreation’s request to piggyback on Caroline County’s contract with Shore Strategies to develop the County’s 2027 Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) in the amount of $39,950, the cost of which is fully reimbursable through Program Open Space.
The LPPRP is a statewide planning document required every five years to keep Maryland eligible for federal Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars. It guides land conservation, park development, and recreational planning across the state and at the local level to preserve natural resources, provide recreational access, and promote equity. Each county submits its own plan to reflect community needs and to justify and prioritize open space and recreation projects. In Talbot County, the LPPRP will serve as a roadmap for smart land use, recreation, and preservation—aligning with the County’s Comprehensive Plan (currently being updated for 2026) and helping to direct future projects such as improving access, preserving resources, and supporting underserved areas. Parks Director Emily Gilmer noted that Shore Strategies helped produce the County’s last LPPRP and the process was smooth and effective, making them a natural choice for this upcoming cycle. - State Lobbying Services: Council unanimously approved awarding Bid No. 25-12 to Providence Strategies for legislative representation services at an annual cost of $48,000.
- Mr. Stamp invited the public to attend the September 11th commemorative ceremony to be held on Thursday, September 11th at 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of West and Dover Streets in Easton.
Work Sessions
The Talbot County Council will host the President and Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) for their annual discussion on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room. The session is open to the public.
The Talbot County Council will also host Maryland Department of Transportation for their annual Consolidated Transportation Plan meeting with the County on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Wye Oak Room at the Talbot County Community Center. The session is open to the public.
Next Meeting
The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 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.
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