Talbot County Council Meeting Highlights, Tuesday, September 13, 2022

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).

Council members Callahan, Divilio, Pack, and Price were in attendance. Council member Lesherwas absent.

Presentation on Frederick Douglass Day Project – Autumn Redman, Student, Easton High School – Ms. Redman, a student member of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society and student at Easton High School, presented on her service project for her Girl Scout Gold Award.  The Frederick Douglass Geocaching Walking Tour of Easton project will be launched on Saturday, September 24, 2022 in coordination with Frederick Douglass Day events hosted by the Frederick Douglass Honor Society.  The walking tour trail will include six geocaching locations in Talbot County for people to learn more about Talbot’s native son.  Additionally, Ms. Redman has created a Frederick Douglass mosaic which will be incorporated as a community art piece as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project.

Presentation by Brookletts Place, The Talbot County Senior Center – Childlene Brooks, Manager, Brookletts Place – Ms. Brooks and Ann DeMart, Manager, Bay Hundred Senior Center, provided an update on various programs being offered throughout the month of September at both Brookletts Place and the Bay Hundred Senior Center to improve the lives of senior citizens in Talbot County.  Ms. Brooks stated that the National Council on Aging has proclaimed September as National Senior Center Month with this year’s theme being strengthening community connections.  A community panel discussion entitled “Getting Back Out There – How to Re-Engage After the Pandemic” will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 29 at Brookletts Place, 400 Brookletts Avenue in Easton.  The presentation will explore elder abuse and social isolation, as well as how to re-engage seniors as a result of the pandemic. Ms. Brooks stated, “Thank you Council. We are so grateful for all you have done to support our efforts.”

Proclamation – National Senior Center Month – September 2022 – The Council presented a proclamation to Childlene Brooks, Manager, Brookletts Place and Ann DeMart, Manager, Bay Hundred Senior Center for National Senior Center Month – September 2022.  The proclamation noted senior centers act as catalysts for mobilizing the creativity, energy, vitality, and commitment of older residents of our communities through a wide array of programs, services and activities, and called upon residents to recognize the tremendous contributions senior centers make toward the betterment of our communities by strengthening community connections.

Update to Talbot County Board of Health – Maria Maguire, M.D., MPP, FAAP, Talbot County Health Officer – Dr. Maguire provided an update to the Board of Health noting that September is Emergency Preparedness Month and urged citizens to visit www.ready.gov/plan for guidance on preparing an emergency kit.  Dr. Maguire also provided an overview of the Monkeypox virus, its symptoms and prevention strategies, and noted that the current risk of Monkeypox virus in our community is low with no cases reported in Talbot County. She noted that bivalent boosters for COVID are available for people ages 12 and older and stated that boosters are available through the Talbot County Health Department Vaccine Center located at 102 Marlboro Avenue, Easton (410-819-5641) or through local pharmacies (Giant, Hill’s, Pemberton and Walgreens).  Dr. Maguire provided a briefing on school health and stated that a full-time registered nurse is present in seven TCPS buildings with 46,492 health office visits made by students during the 2021-2022 academic year.  She encouraged all citizens to keep up to date with vaccines as data indicates that nationally, children fell behind on preventative care over the past few years. A mobile testing unit is available through the Health Department and has been working closely with the Talbot County Department of Corrections on providing HIV and Hepatitis C screening to all inmates. Dr. Maguire noted there has been a significant increase in behavioral health crisis response and public behavioral health system utilization over the past few years which has been exacerbated by ongoing provider shortages and recent clinic closures.  Dr. Maguire is monitoring this closely with behavioral health providers and the Mental Health Workgroup.  Dr. Maguire noted upcoming events:  November 1 – December 15 Maryland Health Connection enrollment available; Saturday, October 8 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Rabies drive-thru clinic at Talbot County Government Building, 215 Bay Street in Easton at a cost of $6/animal.  In closing, Dr. Maguire encouraged everyone to get their flu vaccine.

Introduction of Administrative Resolution:

A Resolution of Talbot County, Maryland (the “County”), authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation bondS in a principal amount not exceeding TWENTY FOUR MILLION NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND Dollars ($24,900,000) pursuant to the authority of Bill No. 1522 enacted by the County Council of Talbot County on JULY 26, 2022 (the “Public Local Law”),Section 10-203 of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (2013 Replacement Volume, AS AMENDED) (the “Enabling Act”) AND SECTION 623 OF THE CHARTER OF TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND (THE “CHARTER”), the bondS, to be designated “Talbot County public improvement bonds, series 2022”, the net proceeds of the sale thereof to be used and applied for the public purpose of financing or refinancing THE PLANNING, DESIGN, ACQUISITION, RENOVATION, CONSTRUCTION AND/OR FURNISHING OF A TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING AND A TALBOT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT; prescribing the form and tenor of the bonds and the terms and conditions for the issuance and sale THEREOF AT PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SALE, INCLUDING THE FORM OF THE NOTICE OF SALE; PRESCRIBING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE BONDS AND ALL OTHER DETAILS INCIDENT TO THE ISSUANCE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF THE BONDS; PROVIDING FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF A PRELIMINARY AND FINAL OFFICIAL STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF THE BONDS; PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ANY TAXES NECESSARY FOR THE PROMPT PAYMENT OF THE MATURING PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS, AND PROVIDING THAT THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT AND TAXING POWER OF TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND SHALL BE PLEDGED TO THE PAYMENT OF SUCH PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST, SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATION ON THE TAX LEVY SET OUT IN SECTION 614 OF THE CHARTER OF TALBOT COUNTY; AND GENERALLY RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE, SALE, DELIVERY AND PAYMENT OF THE BONDS was introduced and unanimously approved by all Council members present.  Martha Sparks, Finance Director, and Angela Lane, consultant for Talbot County Finance Office, stated that this is the final piece of legislation in order for the County to sell bonds for the public safety complex and health department projects.  Bonds will be sold on Thursday, September 29, 2022.

Introduction of Numbered Resolutions:

A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECLASSIFYING AND REMAPPING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4480 BACHELORS POINT ROAD, OXFORD, MARYLAND, SHOWN ON TAX MAP 53 AS PARCEL 77, FROM “W-2” AND “S-2” TO “W-1” AND “S-1” IMMEDIATE PRIORITY STATUS FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICE FROM THE OXFORD WATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEM was read into the record. Resolution No. 335 was introduced by President Callahanand Council members Divilio, Pack and Price. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.

A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER PLAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF  ADDING OR MODIFYING THE TALBOT COUNTY CAPITAL PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2023 AND 2024 TO ADD A NEW CAPITAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4.718 MILLION FOR WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE TOWN OF OXFORD was read into the record. Resolution No. 336 was introduced by President Callahan and Council members Divilio, Pack and Price. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.

Public Hearings:

A public hearing was held on Resolution No. 333, A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AMENDED RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE TALBOT COUNTY BOARD OF APPEALS.  Resolution No. 333 will be scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. The public record will remain open until September 23, 2022.

A public hearing was held on Resolution No. 334, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION NO. 175, A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH SEWER SERVICE CONNECTION POLICIES FROM THE UNIONVILLE, TUNIS MILLS, AND COPPERVILLE SEWER SERVICE AREA LOW-PRESSURE FORCE MAIN COLLECTION SYSTEM TO THE ROYAL OAK PUMP STATION, FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXEMPTING COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL USES AND SERVICES FROM THE PROVISIONS THEREOF, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS.  Council member Pack made a motion that Resolution No. 334 be forwarded to both the Planning Commission and the Public Works Advisory Board for a review and recommendation.  Council member Price seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by the Council.  Resolution No. 334 will be brought back before the Council on October 11, 2022.  The public record will remain open until September 23, 2022.

A public hearing was held on Bill No. 1523, A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE TALBOT COUNTY CODE (ZONING, SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT) TO ADD A DEFINITION OF “COUNTRY CLUB” AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION AND MAJOR MODIFICATION OF A NONCONFORMING COUNTRY CLUB IN THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION (RC) DISTRICT. Bill No. 1523 will be scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. The public record will remain open until September 23, 2022.

A public hearing was held on Bill No. 1524, A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE TALBOT COUNTY CODE (ZONING, SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT) REGARDING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

and

Amendment

At the conclusion of the public hearing Council member Price proposed an amendment to Bill No. 1524 to include wording under §190-32.4.D.1.b. “Large-scale SES proposed to be sited on a parcel of real property greater than 100 acres shall not occupy more than ten percent of the parcel’s acreage”.  The amendment (known as Amendment 2) was seconded by Council member Pack and introduced by President Callahan and Council members Pack and Price.  Council member Pack made a motion that Amendment 2 be forwarded to the Planning Commission a review and recommendation.  Bill No. 1524 and Amendments 1 and 2 will be brought back before the Council on October 11, 2022.  The public record will remain open until September 23, 2022.  Bill No. 1524 expires on October 13, 2022.

A public hearing was held on Bill No. 1525, A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 190 OF THE TALBOT COUNTY CODE (ZONING, SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT) REGARDING THE EXPANSION OF STRUCTURES UTILIZED FOR NONCONFORMING USES, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS. Bill No. 1525 will be scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. The public record will remain open until September 23, 2022.  Bill No. 1525 expires on October 27, 2022.

Presentation of FY23 Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Easement Applications, Anne Roane, Planner III, Talbot County Department of Planning & Zoning – Ms. Roane presented on the FY23 Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) easement applications and noted that there were 28 applications submitted with 14 applications being approved for easement purchase consideration to be submitted to the State for final approval.  The proposed ranking list of applications has been reviewed and approved by the Talbot County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board and the Planning Commission.  Council concurred with the ranking list as presented upon motion by Council member Divilio, seconded by Council member Pack and unanimous approval by Council.

Presentation of Talbot County Hazard Mitigation and Community Resilience Plan – Geneva Schaffle, Emergency Management Coordinator; Brian LeCates, Director, Talbot County Department of Emergency Services – Ms. Schaffle presented an update on the County’s Hazard Mitigation and Community Resilience Plan which was last updated in 2017.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires hazard mitigation plans to be updated every five years.  Talbot County’s Plan has been developed over the past two years and includes the following components:  Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment; profiles of county, towns, environment, and critical infrastructure; capabilities assessment; development of action items/projects; implementation and community pillars (health, safety, welfare; economic stability; education; infrastructure; environmental).  The Plan incorporates all five municipalities (Easton, Oxford, Queen Anne, St. Michaels and Trappe) and has been approved by all five elected bodies FEMA and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management also approved the Plan, pending its adoption by the Council.  A copy of the plan can be viewed at www.talbothazardplan.org.

Introduction of Administrative Resolution:

AN ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE HAZARD MITIGATION AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PLAN FOR TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND was introduced and unanimously approved by all Council members.  .

Council Consideration of Public Works Agreement By and Between The Preserve at Wye Mills Property Owners Association, Inc., and Talbot County, Maryland – Patrick Thomas, County Attorney and Ray Clarke, County Engineer provided an update on the Public Works Agreement by and between the County and The Preserve at Wye Mills Property Owners Association, Inc. for the purpose of the County acquiring The Preserve at Wye Mills’ wastewater treatment plant and assume operations.  This is consistent with the Council’s action to adopt Resolution No. 326. The agreement was approved upon motion by Council member Divilio, seconded by Council member Pack and unanimous consent by Council.

County Manager’s Report:

• Request from Department of Emergency Services to Utilize FY2023 Budgeted Funds to Purchase a 2023 Horton Ambulance with Ford F-550 Chassis – Council unanimously approved the request from the Department of Emergency Services to purchase one 2023 Horton ambulance on a Ford F-550 chassis from Fesco Emergency Sales utilizing the HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Agreement in the sum of $298,560. There are sufficient funds in the FY23 budget for the purchase.
• Request from Department of Emergency Services to Enter Into a Contract for Development of a Request for Proposals for the 9-1-1 Division’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System Utilizing FY2023 Budgeted Funds – Council unanimously approved the request from the Department of Emergency Services to contract with Mission Critical Partners (MCP) for the development of a request for proposal for replacement of the 9-1-1 Division’s Computed Aided Dispatch system in the sum of $137,430. Talbot County would be utilizing the HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Agreement to procure services.  MCP is currently assisting all nine counties on the Eastern Shore with migration to Next Generation 9-1-1.  There are sufficient funds in the FY23 budget for the purchase.
• Request from Department of Emergency Services to Enter into Contract for Services for Increased Reimbursement for Transport of Medicaid Patients – Council unanimously approved the request from the Department of Emergency Services to procure services from Public Consulting Group (PCG) to assist Emergency Services with data collection for submission to the State of Maryland’s Emergency Service Transporter Supplemental Payment Program. This program will allow Talbot County to submit a request for supplemental funding for all transported patients insured by Medicaid.  PCG will bill Talbot County for 12% of received reimbursements.  Talbot County would be joining with other counties to utilize an existing contract from Palm Beach County, FL.  County Manager Stamp noted that several Maryland counties are utilizing PCG for this service.

The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.

The meeting adjourned at 9:55p.m.