Talbot County, Maryland

10/22/2025

Category: Partner Agencies County Manager’s Office County Council

The Talbot County Council met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room. Earlier that afternoon, the Council held its annual meeting with the local delegation (Sen. John Mautz, Del. Christopher Adams, and Del. Tom Hutchinson) to discuss the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session.

Proclamation: Mobile Integrated Health Week (October 5–11, 2025)

Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Week.

The Council proclaimed October 5–11 as Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Week in Talbot County, recognizing the MIH team’s free services—home visits, safety/health assessments, fall-prevention assistance, resource navigation, chronic disease management and medication reviews—and the program’s role in improving access and reducing avoidable ER use.  The MIH program is a collaborative initiative between the Talbot County Department of Emergency Services, Talbot County Health Department and Shore Regional Health.  For further information about the MIH program please visit www.talbotcountymd.gov/mih or call 443-239-6999 or mihreferrals@talbotdes.org.

Proclamation: Colonel Tench Tilghman Week (October 19–24, 2025)

The Council proclaimed October 19–24 as Colonel Tench Tilghman Week, honoring the Talbot native and longtime aide-de-camp to General George Washington, entrusted to carry official word of Cornwallis’s surrender from Yorktown to Philadelphia in 1781. Wesley Hagood, President of the Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), thanked the Council and highlighted this year’s community program, “Divided Loyalties: The Tilghman Family and the American Revolution,” a public talk by Dr. Richard Bell (University of Maryland) exploring how members of the Tilghman family navigated opposing allegiances—and what that history can teach us about bridging divides today. The event will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Free Library (Easton). 

Registration is requested here: Divided Loyalties: The Tilghman Family & The American Revolution | Talbot County Free Library

Economic Development Week (October 20–24, 2025)

The Council proclaimed October 20–24 as Economic Development Week. Cassandra Vanhooser, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, noted:

“Economic development is a thoughtful, strategic process—how we preserve what we love while securing what we need. A stronger economy broadens our tax base for schools, public safety, and infrastructure; supports small businesses; and helps our children and grandchildren build their futures here. The new Shore Regional Medical Center is more than a hospital—it’s an anchor for good jobs and a healthier, more resilient community.”

Update: Talbot CARES & Publicly Accessible Defibrillators

The Department of Emergency Services (DES), together with the Talbot Paramedic Foundation, provided an update on the expansion of two life-saving initiatives: the Talbot CARES (Cardiac Arrest Rescue – Emergency Station) program and the Publicly Accessible Defibrillator (PAD) program.

The Talbot CARES program installs standalone emergency towers in public spaces across the county, each equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED), a Stop the Bleed kit, and Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses. These towers are designed to make critical life-saving tools available within minutes in places where people live, work, and recreate. Currently, 30 CARES towers are installed throughout Talbot County, with recent additions at the YMCA Peachblossom pickleball courts, Hog Neck Golf Course, Talbot County Community Center pickleball courts, Moton Park, Easton High School playing fields, and Homerun Baker Ballfield. The towers are regularly maintained through a partnership between DES, the Talbot Paramedic Foundation, and Team Trace to ensure they are always operational and ready for use.

The PAD program focuses on expanding access to AEDs by helping local businesses and organizations offset the cost of purchasing and maintaining units through grant funding. To date, 294 AEDs have been placed at 160 locations throughout Talbot County, with recent placements at BAAM, Legal Assets, and Bayleigh Chase.

The program also includes robust community training efforts: as of August 2025, 10 new CPR instructors have been certified, bringing the total number of residents trained in CPR to more than 1,130, with 108 classes conducted. These combined efforts have already contributed to multiple cardiac arrest saves in 2025 and continue to strengthen the county’s ability to respond quickly to medical emergencies before first responders arrive.

“Every minute counts during a cardiac emergency,” said Brian LeCates, Director of the Department of Emergency Services. “By placing AEDs and other life-saving tools where people gather, and training more members of our community to respond, we’re dramatically improving outcomes and saving lives before EMS even gets on scene.”

Public Hearings & Legislative Actions

Council held public hearings on four resolutions to amend the Talbot County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan and one piece of new legislation.

• Resolution No. 383, which reclassifies property located at 8356 Lennep Lane, St. Michaels from “S-3” to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status, received unanimous recommendations from both the Public Works Advisory Board (4–0) and the Planning Commission (4–0). The Council voted 5–0 to adopt the resolution.
• Resolution No. 384 reclassifies property located at 24823 Rays Point Road, St. Michaels from “Unprogrammed” to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status. The Public Works Advisory Board recommended approval (4–0) and requested that the County work with the property owner to secure a right-of-way for future sewer extensions. The Planning Commission also recommended approval (4–0). The Council voted 5–0 to adopt the resolution, approving one EDU at this time and noting that additional EDU requests will require future Council consideration.
• Resolution No. 385 reclassifies property located at 27050 St. Michaels Road, Easton from “S-1” (MEBA) to “S-1” (Region II WWTP) Immediate Priority Status. Both the Public Works Advisory Board and the Planning Commission recommended approval (4–0). The Council voted 4–0-1 to adopt the resolution with Council Member Lynn Mielke dissenting.
• Resolution No. 386 reclassifies property located at 26401 Royal Oak Road, Easton from “Unprogrammed” to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status. The 1.2-acre parcel has existing sewer infrastructure adjacent to the property. Both the Public Works Advisory Board and the Planning Commission recommended approval (4–0), and the Council voted 5–0 to adopt the resolution.

The Council also held a public hearing on Bill No. 1620, which would enact a new Chapter 35 of the Talbot County Code to establish a Community Reinvestment and Repair Special Revenue Fund. The Fund will receive monies from the State’s Cannabis Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund and will be administered by a newly created Talbot County Reinvestment and Repair Commission. Following the hearing, the Council advanced the bill to third reader and voted 4–0–1 to approve the legislation, with Council Member Lynn Mielke abstaining.

County Manager’s Report (Actions)

• Board & Committee Appointments
  • Local Emergency Planning Committee – The appointment of Sergeant Eric Kellner, Easton Police Department and Don Richardson, St. Michaels Town Manager were approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Council Member Lynn Mielke abstaining.
  • MACo Legislative Committee – Council unanimously approved the nomination of Keasha Haythe as the primary member and Lynn Mielke as the alternate member to the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee.
  • Senior Citizen Task Force – Council unanimously made the following appointments:
    • Jennifer Marchi, CSA (Commission on the Aging)
    • Michelle Nichols, Acting CEO (Delmarva Community Services, Inc.)
    • Julie Lowe, Executive Director (Talbot Interfaith Shelter)
    • R. Andrew “Andy” Hollis, Executive Director (Neighborhood Service Center)
    • Shannon Joyce, MPH, CHES (Mid-Shore Behavioral Health)                                                                                               
    • Carrie Ottey, RN, BSN (Talbot County Health Department)                                                                                               
    • Rachel Cox, Spec. Prog. Paramedic (Mobile Integrated Health)                                                                                               
    • The Hon. Robert Rankin (Easton Town Council)                                                                                               
    • The Honorable Lynn L. Mielke (Talbot County Council)                                                                                               
    • The Honorable Robert C. “Bob” Willey (Citizen representative)
    • William E. “Bill” Wieland (Citizen representative)                                                                                                 
  • Video Surveillance System – Talbot County Community Center: The Council approved a request from the Department of Parks and Recreation to amend the County’s contract with ARK Systems to procure and install additional video surveillance cameras inside and outside the Talbot County Community Center to enhance security. This will allow for interoperability.  The total cost of the project is $87,337, an increase from the original $82,000 budget, which will be covered by savings from other capital projects.  Council unanimously approved the request.
  • Pool Management Contract Renewal – 2026 Season: The Council unanimously approved renewal of the pool management contract with Coastline Pool Services for the operation and maintenance of the George Murphy Pool and Bay Hundred Community Pool during the 2026 season in the amount of approximately $310,745.
  • Public Address System – Talbot County Community Center: Council approved the procurement and installation of a whole-building public address (PA) sound system at the Talbot County Community Center to improve emergency communications, public meetings, classes, and community events. The project, totaling $120,725.51, will be completed by Audio-Video Group, LLC through the MEEC Audio-Visual Master Contract, with 90% of the cost reimbursable through Program Open Space. The additional local funds required due to project modifications will be covered by capital savings. Council members also commended the Parks and Recreation staff for their recent efforts to clean and improve County parks. Council unanimously approved the request.
  • Sewer Project Grant and Loan Applications: The Council authorized staff to submit grant and loan applications for several sewer projects, including up to $750,000 in loan funding for replacement of the Preserve at Wye Mills Wastewater Treatment Plant; up to $1.5 million in grant and loan funding to extend sewer service to the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School property; and up to $40,000 in grant and loan funding to complete a preliminary engineering report for the Martingham community’s vacuum sewer system. Council unanimously approved the request.
  • Deed of Right-of-Way and Easement – Bonfield Manor Road: Council approved a deed of right-of-way and easement agreement with the Town of Easton for the installation of utilities along Bonfield Manor Road in Oxford which borders the County’s Oxford Conservation Park property. The easement will allow Easton Utilities to extend fiber service to seven residences without impacting public use of Oxford Conservation Park. Council unanimously approved the request.
  • Resodding Front 9 Greens – Hog Neck Golf Course: Council awarded Bid No. 25-16 for the resodding of the front nine championship greens at Hog Neck Golf Course to the sole bidder, Growing Solutions, LLC, in the amount of $307,001.88. Funding iswithin the project’s $320,000 budget. Work is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025, weather permitting. Council unanimously approved the request.
  • Chiller Replacement – Department of Corrections: The Council approved the replacement of the Department of Corrections’ chiller system for $197,616 through the Sourcewell contract, with installation to be completed by Johnson Controls. Funding for the project was included in the FY26 Capital Budget. Council unanimously approved the request.
  • Air Handling Controllers and Control Panel Replacement – Department of Corrections: Council approved the partial replacement of four air handling controllers and the complete replacement of the system control panel for $354,276.40 through the Sourcewell contract. The project transitions the facility away from its original pneumatic system installed in 1991 and will also be completed by Johnson Controls. Funding for the project was included in the FY26 Capital Budget. Council unanimously approved the request.
  • Letter of Support – Vetagro (APEG International, Inc.): The Council approved a letter of support for Vetagro, an Italian company building a new manufacturing facility in Easton’s Mistletoe Hall Commerce Park. The letter supports Vetagro’s request for tariff exclusions on certain products, machinery, and equipment not available in the United States. The facility is expected to bring significant economic and employment benefits to both the Town of Easton and Talbot County. Council unanimously approved the request.
  • Dedication of New EMS North Station – Cordova: The Council authorized the dedication of the new EMS North Station in Cordova in honor of Sylvia Gannon, the first woman elected to the Talbot County Council and a founding member of the Talbot Paramedic Foundation. Gannon was instrumental in advocating for the County’s first Advanced Life Support (ALS) initiative and its nationally recognized AED program.
    “Sylvia’s vision and commitment helped shape programs that continue to save lives today,” said Wayne Dyott,  President of the Talbot Paramedic Foundation. “Dedicating the North EMS Station in her honor ensures her legacy will stand as a beacon for future generations.”
    Council unanimously approved the request.

The County Council’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Council will be convening in Open Session at 2:30 p.m. for a work session on the Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe project and then adjourning into Closed Session.

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