Talbot County, Maryland

11/07/2025

Category: County Council

The Talbot County Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room. All Council members were present.

Operation Green Light for Veterans

The Council proclaimed November 4–11, 2025, as Operation Green Light for Veterans in Talbot County, recognizing the service, sacrifice, and continued contributions of veterans in the community. Representatives from Mid-Shore Behavioral Health and local veterans accepted the proclamation.

Council Member Pete Lesher remarked, “We look around this community, and you don’t recognize how many veterans are around us and contributing in so many ways in our community. Thank you for your service, and we are honored to be able to present this proclamation for you.” Council Member Lynn Mielke also highlighted the importance of Operation Green Light and the services available to veterans once they return home.

Residents are encouraged to display a green light at their homes or businesses through Veterans Day to honor those who have served. According to U.S. Census data, approximately 2,000 veterans reside in Talbot County.

For more information about resource available in Talbot County, and Operation Green Light, visit Operation Green Light for Veterans - Talbot County, Maryland

Maryland Environmental Service (MES) Update

Representatives from the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) provided a biannual update on regional landfill operations. In FY26, landfill fees will remain as follows: $71.50 per ton for trash, $46.50 per ton for brush, and a $5 surcharge for sewage sludge. The Midshore II Regional Landfill located in Ridgely, MD processed 40,633 tons of trash, 4,223 tons of brush, and had over 37,000 transactions in the past year.

MES reported that the closed Midshore I Regional Landfill located on Barkers Landing Road in Easton continues to meet environmental standards. Midshore II has begun construction on a new  cell (Cell 5) which is being funded through the recent sale of  bonds; the bond funding will also provide several  improvements including the resurfacing of River and Holly Roads, leachate and gas collection systems, and stormwater pond enhancements.

In recycling updates, MES redistributed bins previously located at Perry Cabin Park in St. Michaels to other locations in Talbot County closer to the Midshore I Transfer Station and improving bin area at the St. Michaels Market. MES will also provide recycling bins in Easton during the Waterfowl Festival.

FY26 Senior Care Plan

The Talbot County Health Department presented the FY26 Senior Care Plan, a statewide program supporting seniors to age safely in place through flexible assistance and coordinated services. The program is funded by $160,000 in State funding and $80,000 in County funds, for a total of $240,000.

The program currently offers a variety of services to a diverse and growing senior population.for the sum of approximately $1,000 per individual a year.  By 2040, the number of Talbot residents age 85+ is projected to nearly double.

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award

Talbot County received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, reflecting the County’s commitment to transparency and accountability. This marks the 25th consecutive year Talbot County has earned this national distinction.

In addition, the County’s Finance Office, Finance Director Martha Sparks, and Assistant Finance Director Kaitlin Foster-Clark,  each received an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement for their individual and team contributions.

“As your County Manager, I could not be prouder of our Finance team under Martha’s and Kaitlin’s leadership,” said County Manager Clay Stamp. “We depend on them every day—they work with all of our departments and have certainly elevated the bar each year.”

“You guys rock. The amount of work you go through to keep us in a good spot and maintain our financial standing, and to receive this recognition for 25 years running is just awesome,” added Council Member Dave Stepp.

Bill No. 1623 – Alcohol Dispensary Bistros

The Council introduced Bill No. 1623, which, if approved, would allow alcohol dispensary bistros to serve beer, wine, and liquor (previously beer and wine only), expand seating capacity, and add Oxford Conservation Park as an eligible distance exemption location.

A public hearing on Bill No. 1623 will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Zoning Text Amendment Referral Concerning Cannabis

The Council discussed a proposed Zoning Text Amendment concerning cannabis to establish clear local zoning regulations governing the location and operation of cannabis-related businesses in Talbot County. The proposed text amendment aims to align County zoning with the State of Maryland’s legalization framework while ensuring that cannabis cultivation, processing, and dispensing facilities are appropriately sited to balance public safety, health, and community character.

This new draft follows a previous version of the zoning text amendment that failed earlier this year. The updated version incorporates feedback from the Council, staff, and the public, and includes refined definitions, zoning districts, and buffer requirements designed to address concerns raised during the initial review.

The Council referred the proposed zoning text amendment to the Planning Commission for formal review and recommendation. Once reviewed, the legislation will return to Council for consideration for introduction.

Election of Officers

The Council re-elected Chuck Callahan as Council President and Pete Lesher as Vice President.

County Manager’s Report

• Contract Amendment – Talbot County Travel Guide: Council approved an amendment to the Work Performance Agreement with APG Chesapeake  under Bid No. 24-05 to extend the contract for the development and printing of the 2026 Talbot County Travel Guide by a vote of 5–0.
• Easton Airport – Fuel Metering System Replacement: Council approved a sole-source procurement from East Coast Aviation for replacement of the fuel metering system at Easton Airport in a sum not to exceed $65,000 by a vote of 5–0.
• Easton Airport – Stormwater Easement: Council approved a Deed of Easement and Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions with the Town of Easton for stormwater management associated with the Airport Modernization Project by a vote of.5–0.
• County Holiday: County offices will be closed Monday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day.

Next Meeting

The Talbot County Council will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton.  The meeting is open to the public.

meeting highlights council highlights operation green light gfoa finance