Talbot County, Maryland

02/12/2026

Category: County Council

The Talbot County Council held their regular Legislative Day meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room at the Talbot County Courthouse. Council President Chuck Callahan was absent.

Presentation: 2025 Annual Report

Sarah Kilmon, Communications Manager, presented the 2025 Talbot County Annual Report to the Council.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of County government operations, departmental accomplishments, major infrastructure projects, public safety initiatives, economic development efforts, and financial highlights from the past year. The “At a Glance” presentation summarized key initiatives and measurable outcomes across County departments.

The full 2025 Annual Report is available on the County website at talbotcountymd.gov/2025report

Council members thanked staff for their continued dedication and emphasized the importance of transparency and communication in keeping residents informed about County programs and services.

Vice President Pete Lesher remarked, “Clearly, we saw the County accomplish so much in 2025, but the magic you’ve added [referencing Sarah Kilmon] is helping get the message out about everything that’s been happening. Thank you for presenting it so beautifully and in such a digestible form.”

Council Member Keasha Haythe noted that shortly after the current Council was elected, one of its early actions was to fund and establish the Communications Manager position. She stated that the creation of the position has strengthened transparency and public awareness of both Council and departmental work, and that the Annual Report is a direct reflection of that investment.

Proclamation: American Heart Month – February 2026

The Council issued a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month in Talbot County, which was accepted by Tina Kintop, DES EMS Division Chief.

The proclamation noted that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 695,000 lives annually. It emphasized that while some risk factors are genetic, cardiovascular disease is largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical care. The proclamation also highlighted that Sudden Cardiac Arrest claims nearly 356,000 lives each year and that immediate CPR and access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are critical to survival.

EMS Division Chief Kintop emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening cardiac response efforts, stating, “Our partnerships are what make this so important — we practice preparedness, public outreach, and prevention.” She explained that preparedness is strengthened through partnerships that make programs such as Public Access AEDs widely available throughout the county. Talbot County currently has approximately 300 AEDs distributed throughout the county, including 26 outdoor, temperature-controlled units to ensure year-round accessibility.

In 2025, public outreach efforts included 542 CPR certifications and the addition of eight new CPR instructors. Chief Kintop  encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming annual Lifesaver Marathon, which promotes hands-on CPR training and community readiness.  The event will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Talbot County Health Department, 510 Cadmus Lane, Easton.

She further highlighted prevention initiatives, including the County’s Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Program which connects paramedics with residents in their homes beyond emergency response, providing follow-up care, wellness checks, and assistance with chronic disease management to reduce preventable hospital visits and improve overall health outcomes.

Bill No. 1624 – Cannabis Zoning Regulations

Council members Lesher, Stepp, Mielke and Haythe introduced Bill No. 1624, which proposes to amend Chapter 190 (Zoning, Subdivision, and Land Development) of the Talbot County Code regarding the growing and processing of cannabis and cannabis dispensaries.

The proposed legislation would amend the County’s zoning code to establish where cannabis-related uses may operate by special exception and subject to specific standards.

Under the bill:

• The growing and processing of cannabis grown on-site would be permitted by special exception in certain agricultural zoning districts, subject to minimum lot size requirements, setbacks from residential and institutional uses, major site plan approval, and odor control standards. Such uses would also be excluded from the protections set forth in the County’s Right to Farm code.
• Processing of cannabis grown off-site would be permitted by special exception in select village, commercial, and industrial districts, subject to minimum lot size requirements, setbacks from residential and institutional uses, major site plan approval, and odor control standards. Such use would also be excluded from the protections set forth in the County’s Right to Farm code.
• Cannabis dispensaries would be permitted by special exception in select village, commercial, and industrial districts, with restrictions on proximity to schools, childcare facilities, parks, playgrounds, places of worship, recreation centers, and other dispensaries, as well as limitations on hours of operation.

The bill is scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

County Manager’s Report

• Board and Committee Appointments: The Council unanimously approved an appointment to the following:
  • Senior Citizens Task Force – Council unanimously approved the appointment of Lee Newcomb representing the Department of Social Services, Adult Services Program.
    Department of Parks & Recreation
• Bid No. 26-01, Sinclair Avenue Waterfront Park Stone Revetment Repair: The Council unanimously approved awarding Bid No. 26-01 to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Sweitzer Marine, LLC, in the amount of $42,300 for stone revetment repair at Sinclair Avenue Waterfront Park in Tilghman to stabilize and protect the shoreline.
• Bid No. 23-03, Portable Sanitary Chemical Toilet Services: The Council unanimously approved renewal of the Portable Sanitary Chemical Toilet Service contract with Pierson’s Comfort Group for the 2026 season for service and repair of portable sanitary chemical toilet units in an amount not to exceed $46,147.00.
• Bay Hundred Community Pool Repairs: The Council unanimously approved awarding the project for  replacement of coping and tile at the Bay Hundred Community Pool in St. Michaels to the second lowest bidder, Coastline Pool Services in the sum of $79,101. Three competitive quotes were received; although not the lowest bidder, Coastline Pool Services currently holds the pool management contract, providing continuity and familiarity with the facility.
• Home Run Baker Sports Complex Playground: The Council unanimously approved utilization of Maryland Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space (POS) funds for the procurement and installation of a replacement playground at the Home Run Baker Sports Complex in Trappe. Approximately 90% of the project will be funded through POS, with a local match not to exceed $28,000 funded from available contingency funds. The project will replace aging equipment, improve safety, and provide a modern play area for families. Installation is planned for this spring so the playground will be ready for families to enjoy this summer. The project will be completed by All Recreation under its Sourcewell contract, allowing the County to utilize  2025 pricing and maintain eligibility for POS reimbursement.

Design Rendition of Home Run Baker Park.

• Department of Public Works – Chapel Road Culvert Replacement Project: The Council reviewed requests from the Department of Public Works related to the Chapel Road Culvert Replacement Project. The project, which was previously approved as an emergency replacement in September 2025 in the amount of $1,379,483, is now being administered under the Capital Improvement Project for Mapping and Evaluation and Rehabilitation or Replacement of County Culverts (CPSTREET 8583). The Council unanimously approved the following actions:
  • A change order to contractor David A. Bramble, Inc. in the amount of $298,240.00, for the purchase of 92 forty-foot-long pilings; the change order will bring the total contract amount to $1,677,723.00.
  • Securing the required right-of-ways and easements from property owners John and Susan Higgins and Darcy Hutchison and Samantha Archer.
  • Utilizing $170,000.00 in available contingency funding for the project.
  • Closing Chapel Road at Wootenaux Creek from March 27, 2026, through August 11, 2026, to facilitate construction.
  • Submitting an application for State Aid in the sum of $1,000,000.00 for the culvert replacement project.

The project is intended to improve drainage capacity, roadway resilience, and long-term infrastructure stability.

Comments of Note

Dr. Fahmi noted that a case of whooping cough has been identified in Talbot County and is contained.  Additionally, he noted mumps cases have recently been reported in Baltimore and stated that while no cases have been identified in Talbot County at this time, the County Health Department is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates should local impacts occur.

Council Member Keasha Haythe quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in recognition of Black History Month, sharing the reminder, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope,” and reflecting on the importance of unity, service, and continued progress within the community.

Next Meeting

The Talbot County Council will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 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.

In addition, the Council continues to hold weekly briefings with Providence Strategies during the Maryland General Assembly legislative session. These briefings will be held each Thursday at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom and are open to the public.

On Monday, February 23, 2026 at 5:30 p.m, the Council will hold a joint meeting with the Talbot County Board of Education at the Talbot County Education Center, 12 Magnolia Street, Easton. 

Office Closure

Cunty offices will be closed on February 16, 2026, in observation of Presidents’ Day.

council highlights meeting highlights