Editor Note: These highlights only reflect the business items covered from the Council’s approved agenda. To view the complete County Council meeting, please visit: Talbot County Meeting Videos – Talbot County, Maryland (www.talbotcountymd.gov).
The Talbot County Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on August 24 with all Council members present.
The Council welcomed Fred Hughes, Founder and President, Jazz Alive, who did a presentation on the organization’s plans for the coming year. Established in 2019, Jazz Alive’s mission is dedicated to preserving the jazz art form. As a performer, Hughes realized that he was not seeing a lot of young people in the audience for his shows. Through Jazz Tales, he has featured regional artists online from his studio in Royal Oak. He has partnered with Easton Middle School and Easton High School, exposing over 128 students to jazz artists for free. Supported by the Maryland State Arts Council and Talbot County Arts Council, Jazz Alive is offering concerts locally and continues to look for sponsors and venues to support its programming. Beginning in the fall of 2021, Hughes is helping to start the Delmarva Youth Jazz Orchestra with Easton Middle School band teacher Donna Ewing in order to provide students with the opportunity to play with great musicians across the Delmarva Peninsula. The Orchestra will expose students to the professional side of jazz performances. Visit www.jazz-alive.org for more information.
“My wife and I attended a Jazz Alive concert in St. Michaels and really enjoyed it. We are excited you are bringing jazz back to the area. I think you are doing a wonderful thing for our community and thank you for your efforts,” comments Council member Corey Pack.
Introduction of Numbered Resolutions:
A RESOLUTION TO RESCIND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 281, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN (THE “PLAN”) TO RECLASSIFY AND REMAP PORTIONS OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF TRAPPE, MARYLAND, ASSOCIATED WITH THE LAKESIDE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (THE “LAKESIDE PROJECT”) (FORMERLY KNOWN AS “TRAPPE EAST”), FURTHER DESCRIBED AS TAX MAP 54, PARCEL 304; TAX MAP 55, PARCELS 14, 15, 17, 19, 44, 65, 83, AND 85; AND, TAX MAP 59, PARCEL 4, THE TOTAL AREA CONSISTING OF EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE ACRES, MORE OR LESS (THE “PROPERTY”), FROM “S-2” AND “W-2” (AREAS WHERE IMPROVEMENTS OR EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING, OR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW COMMUNITY, MULTI-USE, OR SHARED SANITARY FACILITIES ARE PROGRAMMED FOR PROGRESS WITHIN THREE TO FIVE YEARS) TO “S-1” AND “W-1” (AREAS SERVED OR TO BE SERVED BY COMMUNITY, MULTI-USE, OR SHARED SANITARY FACILITIES WHICH ARE EXISTING, UNDER CONSTRUCTION, OR HAVE IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS); TO AMEND THE PLAN TO ADD CERTAIN WATER AND SEWER CAPITAL PROJECTS RELATED TO THE LAKESIDE PROJECT AND EXISTING SYSTEMS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS 2020 THROUGH 2030; AND, TO AMEND THE PLAN TO UPDATE THE NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION IN THE PLAN RELATIVE TO THE LAKESIDE PROJECT AND EXISTING SYSTEMS, as amended, WITHOUT PREJUDICE was brought forward.
Prior to introduction, County Attorney Patrick Thomas clarified the process for amending Talbot County’s Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan. Resolution No. 281 was a Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan amendment regarding the Town of Trappe and the Lakeside development. Under State law, once the Council adopts a resolution amending the CWSP, the County must then submit the same to the Maryland Department of the Environment (“MDE”). MDE may either approve or disapprove the CWSP amendment, in whole or in part, modify the amendment, or take other appropriate action. Thus, until finally approved by MDE, amendments to the CWSP adopted by resolution of the Council are “proposed” amendments.
Resolution No. 281 was adopted by a majority of the Council on August 11, 2020. In accordance with State law, the adopted Resolution was sent to MDE for review and approval. On November 4, 2020, MDE sent the Council a letter which stated in part, “In accordance with § 9-507(a) … the Department hereby approves the Resolution 281 Amendment.” Thus, upon final approval by MDE, the provisions of Resolution No. 281 became part of the County’s CWSP. Mr. Thomas advised Council that adopting a resolution to temporarily rescind, or undo, the adoption of Resolution No. 281 would not change the CWSP amendments set forth therein. Mr. Thomas noted that the only way to undo the CWSP amendments as approved by MDE would be for the Council to introduce and adopt a new resolution to amend the County’s CWSP, which would then be submitted to MDE for review and final approval. In closing, Mr. Thomas noted that adopting a resolution to “rescind” Resolution No 281 “without prejudice” would have no legal force and effect, as it is not an amendment to the County’s CWSP.
Council Vice President Pete Lesher introduced the Resolution and a public hearing on Resolution No. 308 was scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Council member Laura Price proposed a delayed public hearing date in order to allow MDE time to clarify a number of issues and concerns being expressed by citizens and Council concurred.
Council President Callahan advised the public that the County Council had requested MDE hold a public hearing on the discharge permit for the Trappe East Wastewater Facility (State Permit Application No. 19-DP-3460). The MDE public hearing was originally scheduled for a virtual format in September; however, MDE has changed this to an in-person public hearing scheduled for Thursday, October 28, 2021 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center Curling Rink. Council encouraged the public to attend the public hearing hosted by MDE.
“I proposed this resolution because we have heard a growing number of concerns regarding the Lakeside Project. Connecting 120 homes in the Lakeside Project to Trappe’s existing water and sewer plant will create an impact on the area’s waterways given the current status of Trappe’s water and sewer capabilities,” commented Council member Pete Lesher.
Introduction of Legislation:
A BILL TO AUTHORIZE TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND (THE “COUNTY”) TO BORROW NOT MORE THAN SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($600,000) IN ORDER TO FINANCE AND REFINANCE IMPROVEMENTS TO CERTAIN WASTEWATER FACILITIES IN THE COUNTY AND TO EFFECT SUCH BORROWING BY THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF ONE OR MORE SERIES OF ITS GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS PAYABLE FROM AD VALOREM TAXES TO BE LEVIED BY THE COUNTY; EXEMPTING THE BONDS FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 19-205 AND 19-207 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND; AUTHORIZING THE CONSOLIDATION OF SEPARATE SERIES OF BONDS INTO ONE OR MORE BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE REFUNDING OF SUCH BONDS AND RELATING GENERALLY TO THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF SUCH BONDS FOR SUCH PURPOSES
A bill was brought forward to authorize the County to borrow not more than $600,000 to finance certain wastewater facilities in the County. This legislation will authorize borrowing for the replacement of the belt filter press at the Region II Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“This is an emergency situation. We are currently pumping and hauling three times a week and processing the sludge from the Region II Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Talbot County Bio-solids Utilization Facility,” commented Ray Clarke, County Engineer.
Bill 1493 was introduced by all five Council members with a Public Hearing date of Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Public Hearings:
Talbot County Sheriff Salary
Bill No. 1492, A BILL TO ESTABLISH THE ANNUAL SALARY OF THE SHERIFF FOR TALBOT COUNTY TO BECOME EFFECTIVE FOR TERMS BEGINNING IN AND AFTER 2022
A public hearing was held on Bill No. 1492 which proposes to establish the annual salary of the Talbot County Sheriff to become effective for terms beginning in and after 2022 with a starting salary of $115,000 annually.
“We have a special place we live in. We have one of the best Sheriff’s Departments in the state and we want to keep it that way through this bill. The Sheriff has set a high mark for us. A lot is going on in the world and this county. He and his deputies have set a high standard in our county for their services. I am proud of what we have done for them to do the necessary and tough job that they do. It’s hard to put a price to it,” commented Chuck Callahan, Council President.
Bill No. 1492 will be eligible for vote on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.
Eligible for Vote:
Resolution No. 305, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN TO RECLASSIFY AND REMAP CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 25154 ST. MICHAELS ROAD (MARYLAND ROUTE 33), ST. MICHAELS, MARYLAND 21663 AND SHOWN ON TAX MAP 32 AS PARCEL 164, LOT 1 FROM UNPROGRAMMED TO “S-1” IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS
The Council voted 5-0 to enact Resolution No. 305, a Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan amendment to reclassify and remap the property located at 25154 St. Michaels Road, St. Michaels from unprogrammed to S-1 immediate priority status. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to find that Resolution No. 305 was consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The Public Works Advisory Board also voted 5-0 to recommend Council approval of Resolution No. 305.
Resolution No. 307, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN TO RECLASSIFY AND REMAP CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5570 LEEWARD LANE, TILGHMAN, MARYLAND 21671 AND SHOWN ON TAX MAP 44 AS PARCEL 35, LOT 9 FROM UNPROGRAMMED TO “S-1” IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS
The Council voted 5-0 to enact Resolution No. 307, a Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan amendment to reclassify and remap the property located at 5570 Leeward Lane, Tilghman from unprogrammed to S-1 immediate priority status. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to find that Resolution No. 305 was consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The Public Works Advisory Board also voted 5-0 to recommend Council approval of Resolution No. 305.
County Manager’s Report:
Board and Committee Appointments
Clay Stamp proposed the following appointment to Talbot County Boards and Committees:
The Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Jamie Latham (representing Trappe district) and the appointment of Kurisha Hoffman, Talbot County Public Schools Athletic Director, to the Talbot County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
The Council unanimously approved the appointment of Valerie Williams (Talbot County Parole and Probation) to the Talbot County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council.
The Council unanimously approved the reappointment of William Foster to the Talbot County Weed Control Committee.
Hog Neck Golf Course Repairs
The Council voted 5-0 to approve Hog Neck Golf Course’s request to use FY22 capital outlay funds of $61,000, originally slated for parking lot improvements, to complete the construction of the pole barn to house the pump station and irrigation equipment. This project was slated for construction and completion last fiscal year, however, due to COVID, it has been delayed. This will leave a balance of $19,000 in capital outlay funds. Hog Neck Golf Course will reevaluate the parking lot improvements later in the year.
“This request is proof that Hog Neck Golf Course is doing a great job operating the course and making smart decisions to address immediate needs using funds available to them. These are difficult decisions to make when one project needs to be delayed in order to complete other urgent projects. We are happy to get the irrigation system going,” comments Council member Frank Divilio.
Black Dog Alley Improvements
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Department of Public Works’ request to award work to Wallace-Montgomery in the sum of $422,850 for engineering services for improvements to Black Dog Alley between MD Route 328 and MD Route 331. This project has been included in the County’s Capital Improvement Project for FY22.
“These costs include the funds necessary for the right-of-way needs and looking at what type of road section we need for this project. The southern portion of Black Dog Alley is the portion with the greatest need,” commented Ray Clarke, County Engineer.
Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board MOU
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board’s request for concurrence of 2021-2023 Memorandum of Understanding by and between Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, the American Job Center System Partners, and participating counties (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot). Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board has worked as a consortium for 38 years to implement federal employment and training grants to assist job seekers.
The next legislative meeting of the County Council will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 6 p.m. The County Council will be meeting with the Talbot County Board of Education on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Free Library – Easton Branch.
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