You may have seen this resolution introduced by council member Lynn Mielke at the February 28 meeting. A public hearing will be held for Resolution 338 in the Bradley Meeting Room at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 11:

A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY WATER AND SEWER PLAN FOR CONSISTENCY WITH DISCHARGE PERMIT NO. 19-DP-3460, ISSUED BY THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON OCTOBER 27, 2022, AND TO REQUIRE THAT ANY FUTURE EXPANSION OF THE NEW LAKESIDE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SHALL REQUIRE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CWSP.

We’ve heard of the CWSP (County Water and Sewer Plan), but what would we ever do without county engineer Ray Clarke? The plan’s mission includes the implementation of policies that “protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of Talbot County and neighboring jurisdictions by improving or maintaining sanitary conditions of water resources.” With pages of sewer extensions and funding projects, it surely couldn’t hurt to be reminded of Maryland Environmental Code for spray irrigation.

The county is the authority for wastewater treatment throughout the county, but Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has jurisdiction over counties. There may not be much going on with Lakeside, now that Permit 19-DP-3460 has been issued, but with pages of amendments that include reclassifying two parcels of property on Matthewstown Rd., Resolution 338 would seem similarly instructive.

County Attorney Patrick Thomas confirmed that Resolution 338 would incorporate provisions of the discharge permit issued into the CWSP, and noted that these “terms are actually a bit more restrictive than those currently in the plan.”

Helpful references to Maryland Environmental Code are provided throughout the narrative portion of Resolution 338, and Ms. Mielke summarized her decision to offer this resolution with a brief description of factors motivating her review of existing legislation: “There was a lot of controversy over Resolution 281. At one point the planning commission rescinded it. There were a lot of proposals for amendments, for changes to it; and as it turned out, when MDE issued the permit, it had listened to the concerns Talbot County citizens had over the nature and extent of the development and sewer plan. So it seemed to me, and to others that I spoke with, that doing an amendment to 281 that tracked the permit that MDE wrote, which was more restrictive, was the way to go.…I thought that that we should introduce this and track, as MDE will, how this development will go, as far as the sewer plan. And if it requires reining in at any point, the county will have the ability to have some input and control over protecting the environment and citizens of Talbot County…That’s it.”

Back in 2020 Ray Clarke reported to the council that Lakeside “is six times the size of the full buildout in Easton Village,” which began its build in 2006. “And how in the world can Trappe, being the small town that it is, have 2,501 homes built here?” Clarke asked in an interview. The Environmental Article of Maryland Annotated Code requires counties to be responsible for “overseeing the planning, financing, construction and operation of sewerage systems,” and the public must also be involved.

Talbot County Council President Chuck Callahan joined Easton Mayor Willey to greet Governor Wes Moore shortly after noon at Rise Up Coffee on Dover Rd. Having spent a fair amount of time on the Eastern Shore during his campaign and just enjoyed lunch at Out of the Fire on Valentine’s Day, he promised we’d be seeing a lot more of him.

At the council meeting that evening we were reminded of other reasons to appreciate Talbot County. County Health Officer Maria Maguire, MD, reminded us that our life expectancy is 79.4 years here and 78.6 in the rest of Maryland. 30% of our population is over age 65, versus 16% in the rest of Maryland.

We do have more smoking, higher rates of alcoholism and more car accidents, but case rates are down for Covid, Avian Flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Approximately 30% of our residents have received the flu vaccine; an RSV vaccine is on its way. And Covid and flu vaccines will remain free as long as current supplies last.

Council member Dave Stepp noted that there doesn’t seem to be much activity at the Covid Center on Marlboro. He wondered if the facility is needed any longer.

Dr. Maguire noted that the center is funded by federal funds. It is also in the process of scaling back; and absent any change in current trends, will very likely close at the end of this fiscal year in June.

Questioned also as to whether vaccination rates are down due to side effects, Dr. Maguire explained that while there can be side effects, risk/benefit calculations are clear. Vaccination protects us from far worse “effects” suffered absent the vaccine.

On to Economic Development and Tourism with Director Cassandra Vanhooser. $3.23 million will be invested in 14 regional and 5 county projects, and $1.75 million has been allocated to broadband in Talbot County. “Councilman Pete Lesher led this effort.”

“Broadband is so important to the economic future of Talbot County,” and “councilwoman Keasha Haythe can tell us about small business assistance.” We were also informed of toolkits, surveys, monthly reports, manufacturing dashboards; and, perhaps not surprisingly, international recognition for these efforts.

A business resource fair is currently being planned, and Talbot County Tourism is launching a Frederick Douglass website. “We’re hoping it will be ready today, on his birthday.” And “this Saturday at 3 PM there will be a flag-raising and ribbon cutting for the Frederick Douglass mural.”

Council member Keasha Haythe appreciated their efforts, and fellow council members echoed this sentiment.

Dave Stepp also offered congratulations for the filing of Certificates of Need, and he had one question. Concerning the partnership formed with Mid-Shore Community Foundation in 2021 to award $50 gift cards for receiving vaccines, “Are there any plans for that in the future?”

Director Vanhooser said there were no plans for that. They partnered with Mid-Shore as a conduit to businesses. “We wanted to help our businesses,” and “something perceived as overly political wouldn’t be done.”

Council member Stepp replied, “Those decisions are between families and their physicians.”

Recognizing first and foremost that a parent’s permission is required, and was required, President Callahan cleared the air. He thanked Cassandra and suggested, “We need to stand and give her an applause.”

Then on to a legislative matter, the introduction of an administrative resolution to repeal a resolution adopted on August 25, 2020. Attorney Patrick Thomas explained that this resolution had been passed in support of the governor’s executive order to wear a face covering which has since “been rescinded and is no longer enforced in the state.”

Dave Stepp suggested this was “just a matter of good legislative hygiene.”

Pete Lesher observed, “This was a feckless piece of legislation that ceded very little.” The administrative resolution was passed unanimously, and the air may be cleared?

Several board and committee appointments were approved. A Department of Corrections’ request to replace HVAC condenser coils offered Chuck Callahan an opportunity to praise the department’s rehabilitation efforts. And council member Keasha Haythe offered assistance.

Concerning the approval of fee increases for Hog Neck golf course, council member Lynn Mielke requested a comparison of rates. She also requested information regarding the difference in lifespan for artificial slate versus real slate for reroofing portions of the Talbot County Courthouse.

Pete Lesher was familiar with 10-year-old equipment to be replaced in the Talbot County Free Library. Every request was approved this evening, and our county manager smiled and said, “The best part of my job is to work with such incredible department heads.”

Dave Stepp’s closing statement  included his observation that “the council’s been busy,” and “a lot of great things are happening.”

Pete Lesher will be on Capitol Hill for Museum Advocacy Day, but should be back for the next meeting.

Chuck Callahan thanked everyone for “a really great meeting.” Lots of information. And “the hard work is appreciated.”

Lynn Mielke wished everyone a “Happy Valentine’s Day” and suggested, “Let’s go eat chocolate.”

Keasha Haythe responded, “I’ll second that!”

The meeting adjourned These are just highlights. The meeting video is available at talbotcountymd.gov.

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.

The Talbot County Comprehensive Plan’s mission is to “preserve the rural and agricultural character of the area while promoting economic development and protecting the environment in natural resources so that the special quality of life we enjoy remains intact.”

Spray wastewater technology for 54 residences on 480 acres having been in and out of compliance over the past two decades, Talbot County is taking over spray wastewater treatment for the Preserve at Wye Mills. And so it’s hardly any wonder that Lakeside’s proposal for 2,500 residences on 865 acres concerns us.

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) shares these concerns, having approved 100,000 gallons per day of sprayed wastewater serving approximately 400 homes in Lakeside, as opposed to the 540,000 gallons requested to serve 2,500 residences.

With hopes that a Reset Lakeside Resolution would be introduced at the county council meeting on Tuesday, a rally was held at the courthouse on Saturday, January 21. The resolution offered logically proposed that since the planning commission’s certification is required for a resolution to be passed by the council and their certification has been rescinded, Resolution 281 should also be rescinded.

Had their rescission occurred before Resolution 281 was passed by the council, there would be no problem. But having initially found Resolution 281 to be compliant with Talbot County’s Comprehensive Plan, it was passed by the council on August 11, 2020. Presented with additional information, the planning commission rescinded its certification on December 13, 2021. A year and a half may be nothing in a 20-year saga, but having granted rights for legal decisions and actions complicates matters.

The January 24 county council meeting included the introduction of new Board of Elections Director Tammy Stafford, a presentation by the Bellevue Passage Museum, requests for architectural and engineering services for the public safety complex, and retirement benefits for county EMTs, all followed by public comments in support of Reset Lakeside and the closing statements of our county council.

James Smullen shared comments submitted by supporters, mentioned a Reset Lakeside rally scheduled for February 4, and summarized by suggesting we “do the right thing.”

Having grown up on a farm in Trappe, William Turner recalled the east side of Route 50 being reserved for farming. That may have contributed to objections to the Lakeside development beginning two decades ago, but the town of Trappe’s current wastewater treatment concerns him now.

Retired development planning executive Tom Dennis politely insisted that the county must “get on with the business of planning.” With concerns for schools, the medical community, and public safety, he recommended the adoption of an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance.

Susan DuPont suggested that Reset Lakeside presented opportunities to work with the Town of Trappe, and a resident of St. Michaels was concerned by Wye Mills’ record of noncompliance and years of pollution.

Chuck Powers, retired hydraulic engineer and resident of Talbot County, is concerned not only “where the water is going, but where it is coming from,” and some questionable data reported.

Bob Flowers’ commentary would be “short and sweet.” He suggested that 2,500 residences is “simply insane.” Closing statements from the council followed.

Council member Dave Stepp reported meeting with the Board of Education, Board of Elections, Parks and Recreation, and Community Center. Ice rink repairs are nearing completion, and “we should have ice this week.”

Keasha Haythe cited community efforts in support of the recent Martin Luther King Basketball Classic and Business Resources Fair and expressed concerns regarding Reset Lakeside communications.

Having sought legal counsel and MDE’s guidance, Vice President Pete Lesher has been advised that the planning commission’s rescission of its certification of Resolution 281 should have been made before the council’s approval. Likewise, Lakeside’s current permit cannot be rescinded now. But Lakeside has been delivered a setback, and we must recognize what can still be accomplished.

Lynn Mielke concurred that “our glass may be half full,” but MDE’s permit is “a win for slowing Lakeside’s progress.” The council is committed to keeping an eye on this development and exploring options.

Council President Chuck Callahan commended Vice President Lesher for his efforts and reminded us that we’re going to have a new comprehensive plan. “This council is going to take care of the county and do the best we can.”

Three phases of development are planned, but Lakeside has been put on a short leash, at least for now. 400 of 505 homes planned for phase one are currently permitted, but MDE has confirmed that further development requires permit modification and additional public scrutiny is welcomed.

The county must also approve additional wastewater treatment plans, as the County Water and Sewer Plan must be amended for change in land classification in order to become eligible for connection to a wastewater treatment plant.

Resolution 281 states, “Before the County Council may adopt the proposed amendment, the Talbot County Planning Commission must certify that the amendment is consistent with the 2016 Talbot County Comprehensive Plan.”

The 2016 comprehensive plan requires state of the art wastewater treatment for new development in Talbot County. As the passage of time can make a difference, the amendment submitted for the rescission of Resolution 281 by Talbot Integrity Project will not be considered. But resolutions the council could pass and support of our comprehensive plan are always welcomed.

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.

Council President Chuck Callahan opened the county council’s January 10 work session by reminding us that our comprehensive plan is being revised. He looks forward to meeting with municipalities, learning of their plans, and working with them – and Trappe is first.

Having received a wastewater treatment permit, Lakeside development is proceeding, but on a smaller scale for now. Spray wastewater to be discharged was reduced from 540,000 gallons to 100,000. We were also advised that phase one will total 505 homes; and since 100,000 gallons serves approximately 400 homes, additional wastewater treatment would be provided in a timely manner.

Regarding the county’s desire that ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal) wastewater treatment be provided to Lakeside’s first 120 homes, Trappe’s attorney responded by suggesting this level of treatment would be available for “the first 100,000 gallons.” Gallons? For 120 homes? “No, that’s for approximately 400 homes.” The first 120 homes have “applied for 35,000 gallons (in town). If they exceed that they’ll have to stop until the next plant is ready.”

Talbot County’s Comprehensive Plan requires state of the art wastewater treatment for new construction, and Trappe’s existing plant doesn’t qualify. The council included this requirement in a resolution; but the concept of requiring ENR sewerage for those first 120 homes seems to have been eliminated from Trappe’s vocabulary. And the county may be powerless at this point.

Trappe Town Council Vice President Brian Schmidt reiterated, “Once Lakeside has their plant built and operational, those 120 homes go to their plant.” It will happen eventually. Lakeside’s spray wastewater treatment is scheduled to be completed by April. 2024. Upgrading the town plant could take until 2028, and it may be decommissioned in favor of new facilities at Lakeside.

In order to apply for a wastewater treatment permit from the state, plans must be in compliance with our comprehensive plan and approved by the county. That’s the county’s strength. Once Trappe obtained an MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) permit covering phase one of Lakeside, the county had little recourse concerning this stage of development.

But there’s always round two, and council members’ questions and comments suggest they are ready. The council meeting following this planning session included recognition of worthy projects, the consideration of capital projects, earmarked funding requests, county appointments, and a public comment in support of Reset Lakeside.

It wasn’t presented at this meeting, but Vice President Pete Lesher is considering a resolution to clarify the planning commission’s role in this process. The commission’s approval is required for the council to pass a resolution. But allowing the planning commission to change its decision when new evidence is presented may need to be clearly defined in county code.

One cannot help but recall planning commissioner Lisa Ghezzi’s role in addressing Lakeside concerns. Jim Corson, recently appointed to the commission in a questionable manner of timing, testified at the county circuit court hearing that whatever decision the county made regarding his appointment would be fine. But the court’s finding leaves him in a somewhat awkward position until an appeals process might be completed.

The January 4 planning commission meeting lasted 3½ hours. Several bills were approved for consideration by our council, but a great deal of time was devoted to the proposal of a property owner who downsized his plan for an aquaculture venture. It now consists of a testing tank, a storage unit for approximately two pallets of shells, and driveway access beyond his home. Oysters would be transported in light-duty trucks for processing at remote sites during harvest season.

Neighbors disapprove of introducing such an activity in a residential neighborhood and on such a narrow road. It was also mentioned that while authority over Maryland’s navigable waters is exercised by the state, the county determines what’s done on land outside municipalities. Due to concerns for the possibility of setting precedent, this is headed to closed session for legal advice,

And this account may be neither entirely accurate or complete. We may need special counsel before long, but attempting to track these events can’t help but inspire appreciation of our system of checks and balances and the value of working together in Talbot County.

Videos of meetings: talbotcountymd.gov

Our newly elected Talbot County Council discussed legislative matters impacting our county with delegates Tom Hutchinson and Chris Adams, state senator Johnny Mautz, and “other celebrities” attending the last council meeting of 2022.

As a representative of MACo (Maryland Association of Counties), former council member Laura Price joined a discussion of issues related to the mandated use of body-worn cameras. Council member Dave Stepp had discussed this matter with Sheriff Gamble and Captain Bollinger and recommended consideration of either “opt-in” or state funding in some cases.

Talbot’s program is currently managed by an outside firm, but county council Vice President Pete Lesher agreed that funding for storage capabilities and legally defined access might better be centrally managed, particularly for smaller communities.

Having been approved by Maryland voters, adult recreational use of cannabis is also on the horizon. Options for local growing and retailing facilities were discussed, as setting local standards has been left to counties and municipalities. Dave Stepp offered data from Colorado, where local standards also prevail. Traffic deaths related to testing positive for cannabis were “up 138% in 2020.” Those 131 deaths also represented an increase from 11% to 24% of total traffic deaths since cannabis had been legalized in 2013.

Council member Keasha Haythe also pointed out that municipalities would be making decisions concerning facilities, as growth is targeted around existing infrastructure in Talbot County.

Lower incarceration rates won’t make up for costs associated with legalizing cannabis, either. And the Talbot County Department of Corrections does not appreciate being required to treat the drug addiction and mental issues of incarcerated individuals due primarily to the closing of treatment facilities.

Should perspective also be appreciated under such dire circumstances as 131 cannabis-related deaths, since 2013 Colorado had also experienced 212 alcohol-related traffic fatalities and 903 firearm deaths by 2020.

Concerning the Blueprint, a 10-year plan for improving education in Maryland, education is Talbot County’s single largest budget item. That $60 million could “become $80 million,” and Laura Price also pointed out that Talbot would be impacted more than other counties.

Lack of planning is hardly an issue here. The priorities of early childhood education, quality teachers, resources for student success, college and career readiness, and accountability are all addressed in detail over the plan’s 185 pages. And this plan may be timely, as teacher shortages are experienced nationwide.

The Blueprint recommends pay comparable to that of other college graduates and a starting salary of $60,000. Talbot’s starting pay is closer to the U.S. average of around $45,000. Teacher pay overall is higher than average in Maryland, but lower on the Eastern Shore and down 4% nationally due to inflation since 2019.

Local districts will submit their own plans for education in a few months, making council member Lynn Mielke’s query regarding a meeting with our board of education possibly worth consideration. In any case, regular updates will be available.

Additional time was devoted to discussion of the transformative UM Shore Regional Healthcare Center to be located near the Talbot County Community Center on Route 50, approximately 3.5 miles from the current hospital. This regional medical center will serve residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. The $100 million project is still in planning stages for at least a year.

Council President Callahan asked if both hospitals would be open for a time. UM Shore Regional Health President Ken Kozel responded that Easton’s hospital would close. Educational programs are addressing staffing issues, and Lynn Mielke inquired as to whether population growth had been factored in. The current hospital has 124 beds, and 140 beds are planned for the new medical center.

President Kozel responded that this was considered, and improvements in healthcare and more outpatient care were expected to result in fewer hospitalizations. He summarized, “It’s an exciting time for all of us. In my recollection this is the largest project ever in Talbot County.”

There’s always more to be done, but Talbot County seems to be on a positive path. Development is all about sewerage. That’s the county’s strength, and Pete Lesher has been requested to prepare a resolution addressing remaining wastewater treatment concerns in Trappe.

A federal appeals court judge has also ruled that the Federal Energy Regulator Commission (FERC) improperly awarded the Conowingo Dam a permit after the State of Maryland and Constellation agreed to scrap a water certification process that had passed. Good news for a county with over 600 miles of shoreline.

We could even hear more concerning the Talbot County Circuit Court’s summary decision in favor of defendants claiming that county code regarding a planning commissioner’s term could be ignored – because it had not been enforced in Talbot County since 1974, and although it was upheld in Maryland’s Supreme Court in 2004? Judge Kehoe invited newly elected council members to come, alone or in groups, to our court to see “how justice works in Talbot County.”

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.

Our newly elected Talbot County Council’s first meeting on December 13 was an orderly and reaffirming event. New council member Dave Stepp’s opening prayer was followed by the pledge of allegiance. And once disbursements were approved, the Honorable Stephen H. Kehoe, Talbot County Circuit Court Judge, welcomed council members and invited them to become familiar with what goes on both in our courts and behind the scenes in order to administer justice in this county.

A letter of support for a new regional hospital was approved, and an update on the Automated External Defibrillator Program (AED) reaffirmed our good fortune. With 220 AED units throughout the community, this program is recognized as one of the best in the state. 123 units must now be replaced, but grants and community organizations are assisting in this effort.

Council members were then assigned liaison positions with the county’s boards and committees. There’s lots of business to conduct. Wye Mills spray irrigation field will increase in size from 2 to 12 acres. Talbot County is in charge, and residents will pay a monthly fee. With reimbursements and discounts confirmed, funding was also approved for a septic system pump for St. Michaels and grinder pumps for the Unionville, Tunis Mills and Copperville wastewater system.

Having lost county employees to other jurisdictions over the past year, a 2% mid-year Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for county employees will allow Talbot County to remain competitive. Vice President Pete Lesher noted that this expense is covered by county funds.

Lieutenant Darryl Caldwell of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department congratulated our council members and expressed his appreciation for the council’s support of the training center. He also suggested, with a smile, that he could be requesting funds at some point in the future.

Our county council will be busy, but this meeting was coming to an end. Closing statements, without exception, included everyone’s best wishes for the holidays. Dave Stepp would also express his appreciation for our faith in him and fellow council members. Lynn Mielke expressed her appreciation of this opportunity to serve and emphasized how blessed we are to have such outstanding county employees. Keasha Haythe is looking forward to the hard work ahead, with the assistance of county employees whose COLA raise is so well-deserved.

Council President Chuck Callahan offered his congratulations to fellow council members, reaffirmed his colleagues’ observations, and is looking forward to serving with them over the next four years.

Vice President Pete Lesher also welcomed fellow council members and is looking forward to serving with them; but “on another note,” he has been requested by constituents to “prepare a resolution to recognize the planning commission’s decision last year regarding the eligibility of the Lakeside development in Trappe.” He is working on that resolution and looking forward to receiving feedback before the council’s meeting on January 10, 2023.

On yet another note regarding the planning commission, a hearing concerning the appointment of a planning commissioner was held in Talbot County Circuit Court on December 14. Commissioners are appointed by the county council, but appointments are made once a commissioner’s term has ended and a vacancy has occurred.

Despite having been reminded that county code also requires terms ending on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday be extended to include the next weekday and a newly elected council would be sworn in before a vacancy occurred at midnight on December 5, our last council voted to appoint a new commissioner.

The requirement for a term’s extension might understandably have been overlooked in the past. After all, how frequently might a term end on a weekend or holiday? Our circuit court promised a decision within a week. We were also warned that this case could be headed to appellate court.

These are trying times. But in the process of being reminded of the efforts required in the maintenance of a democratic republic, we might have also acquired a new level of appreciation for the counsel of our native son, Frederick Douglass: “Welcome joy, welcome sorrow, welcome pleasure, welcome pain. You are all ingredients of life, and with you all, life is an inestimable blessing.”

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.