Talbot County, Maryland

10/31/2025

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The Talbot County Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 28 at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room. All Council members were present.

Talbot County Free Library – 100th Anniversary

Dana Newman, Director, accepts proclamation from Council Vice President Pete Lesher with staff, board members, and volunteers at the October 28th 2025 Council Meeting. 

The Council proclaimed October 2025 as the 100th Anniversary of the Talbot County Free Library, recognizing the library’s century-long dedication to promoting literacy, access to information, and community connection. Since its founding in 1925, the Library has served as “a place of inspiration, imagination, and inclusion,” fostering education and innovation for all residents.

“We really are here to serve the community. Our motto is service above self,” said Dana Newman, Director. “Everybody who works for the library is here to help people, they have a passion to help people and we would not be able to do what we do without our staff as well as our board members and our volunteers.”

“Thanks for keeping the spirit of Blockbuster alive, you can go in and actually check out a DVD!” noted Council Member Dave Stepp. Dana noted that people would be surprised with how many people still check out movies. Council Member Keasha Haythe echoed this comment, noting that her father is a big user of DVD rentals at the library.

The library has celebrated its centennial throughout the year, most recently with a 1920s-themed gala at its Easton location, and looks forward to concluding the festivities with the grand opening of the newly expanded St. Michaels branch in February 2026.

Nace’s Day – 158th Anniversary

Dale Kevin Brown I introduced several descendants of Hopkins in attendance, including four great-great-grandsons: Reverend Brown, Walter “Billy” Brown, Walter Chase Sr., and David Chase shown here accepting the proclamation with Nace's Day Committee members and other friends and family. 

The Council proclaimed November 1, 2025, as Nace’s Day in Talbot County, honoring the life and legacy of Nathaniel “Nace” Hopkins, a formerly enslaved man whose leadership and civic service inspired Maryland’s oldest continuous celebration of emancipation. Since 1867, the Town of Trappe has gathered annually to commemorate the day Maryland abolished slavery on November 1, 1864.

The proclamation recognized the ongoing impact of Hopkins’ descendants and the Nace Hopkins Scholarship Fund, which continues his legacy of education, community leadership, and public service.

Scotts United Methodist Church will once again host the annual Nace’s Day Celebration on Saturday, November 1, 2025. This year’s program includes a traditional worship service, a library dedication, food and vendor offerings, family activities, a community parade, and a special theatrical reenactment performance. More information is available at Annual Nace’s Day — Talbot 250.

During the meeting, Dale Kevin Brown I introduced several descendants of Hopkins in attendance, including four great-great-grandsons: Reverend Brown, Walter “Billy” Brown, Walter Chase Sr., and David Chase. “He not only had an impact on the African American community, but he probably had an impact on some of our local families,” said Dale Kevin Brown I. “When Uncle Nace came back [from his military service], he recruited others in the community to go— and the participation was so great, particularly among African Americans, that Talbot County only had to participate in one of Maryland’s four Civil War drafts.”

Council Member Pete Lesher added, “Frederick Douglass said, ‘I will never forget those who fought for liberty and those who fought for slavery,’ and fighting for liberty is precisely what Nace Hopkins signed up to do—and got others to do. Trappe is uniquely positioned in the United States; of all the towns that sent sons to fight, only Trappe has kept the celebration going all the way to today.”

Council Member Lynn Mielke reflected on the enduring significance of the occasion, saying, “Nace’s Day and the parade are such a spectacular commentary on the history of Talbot County, and really a very special day to celebrate. I am glad that the descendants continue to sponsor the event and put it together, and we are very indebted [to you] for preserving our history.”

Council Member Keasha Haythe shared a personal connection to the celebration: “I remember when I was a little girl, participating in the parade as a ‘Talbot Girls Baton Group’ member. Today, I am so glad that it still exists, and we continue to have the parade and celebration to honor Uncle Nace.”

Council Member Dave Stepp encouraged residents to visit the Talbot Historical Society’s exhibit, which highlights Hopkins’ story and the service of more than 600 Black men from Talbot County who fought in the Civil War.

Amendment No. 2 to the 2020 Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – CARES Act Funding

The Council held a public hearing on Amendment No. 2 to the 2020 CDBG Program, requesting an additional $75,000 allocation each for the County’s current subrecipients of CDBG-CARES Act funding (Neighborhood Service Center and the St. Michaels Community Center) to continue essential food  pantry programs and services.

Amy Horne, representing the St. Michaels Community Center, shared that the organization delivers 100 hot meals three times weekly, serves approximately 150 in-house meals three times weekly, and maintains a robust food pantry program serving residents throughout the Bay Hundred area.

Following public comment, the Council voted 5–0 to support the amendment and move it forward to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for review and approval.

In light of anticipated reductions in SNAP benefits and potential impacts from federal employee furloughs, the Council also directed staff to assess community resources and explore additional ways to assist affected residents. Staff will review local food pantry capacity and identify opportunities for further support.
Residents can learn more about available food programs at HealthyTalbot.org/topics/food-pantries-talbot and other resources at Federal Shutdown 2025 - Healthy Talbot.

General Obligation Bond Authorization for Sewer System Improvements

The Council introduced an Administrative Resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of Talbot County General Obligation Bonds (MWIFA Project), Series 2025, in a principal amount not to exceed $7,018,942. The bond will finance sanitary district and sewer system improvements under the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration (MWIFA) program.

Proceeds will specifically be used to finance costs related to the County’s Region II Sewer System Extension of Sewer under Resolution 235. This project is part of the County’s ongoing efforts to modernize wastewater infrastructure and protect local waterways.

This bond allows the County to access low-interest financing for critical sewer system upgrades, ensuring reliable service and long-term savings for residents.

Bill No. 1621 – Amendment to Chapter 190: Funeral Homes and Crematoria

Council Members Callahan, Stepp, and Haythe introduced legislation to amend Chapter 190 (Zoning, Subdivision, and Land Development) regarding Funeral Homes and Crematoria.

Following Council direction in August, the Planning Commission reviewed an initial draft proposal and after discussion, recommended revisions to allow Funeral Homes and Crematoria as Special Exception uses within the Agricultural Conservation (AC) zoning district.

The Planning Commission reviewed the proposal and, on September 3, 2025, following revisions, found it consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and recommended Council approval.

The Bill as introduced, which reflects the Planning Commission’s recommendations, establishes specific conditions, including (1) a minimum lot size of 40 acres, (2) location along a principal or minor arterial roadway, and (3) the use must be operated as part of an established cemetery offering services to the general public.

A public hearing on the legislation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.

Bill No. 1622 – Amendment to Chapter 190: Short-Term Rental Licensing and Review Process

Vice President Pete Lesher and Council Member Lynn Mielke introduced a bill to amend Chapter 190 regarding short-term rental (STR) licensing.

Among the key updates are the following:

• Establishing two license classes: Class A (primary residence or accessory dwelling located on property that is the applicant’s principal residence) and Class B (primary residence or accessory dwelling located on property that is not the applicant’s principal residence).
• Requiring proof of insurance covering short-term rental use and disclosure of shared access (roads, driveways, piers).
• Expanding notification to property owners within 1,000 feet and those sharing private roads.
• Requiring in-person appearance of at least one owner or authorized representative at hearings, with videoconference participation allowed by advance request.
• Posting all applications on the County website at least 15 days before hearings.

The bill also revises the composition and terms of the Short-Term Rental Review Board.

A public hearing on the legislation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.

County Manager’s Report

• Board and Committee Appointments: The Council unanimously approved the appointment of Karen Roberts to the Animal Control Board.
• Change Order – Resolution 235 Force Main Installation Project: The Council approved Change Order No. 4 for Schummer for Bid No. 22-19 (Phase 2 – Resolution 235 Forcemain Installation Project) totaling $137,447.07, leaving a remaining contingency balance of $102,965.36. There are sufficient funds in the budget for the Change Order. The request was approved 5–0.
• Water Source Heat Pump Replacement – Talbot County Community Center: Council approved the procurement and installation of eight (8) replacement water source heat pumps at the Talbot County Community Center to replace outdated 2004 units. The project will be completed by Electrical Automation Services, Inc. (EASI) by piggybacking on a Wicomico County contract for a total cost of $117,903.  There are sufficient funds in the FY2026 Capital Outlay budget. Approved 5–0.
• Asphalt Paving – Hog Neck Golf Course: Council approved the award of Bid No. 25-17 (Asphalt Paving – Front 9 Cart Paths) at Hog Neck Golf Course to the sole bidder, East Coast Land Management, for $277,008.00, funded through $500,000 in approved FY26 capital funds. Approved 5–0.
• Council unanimously declared Tuesday, November 4, 2025 as a Special Legislative Day.

Next Meeting

The Talbot County Council will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton.

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