Talbot County, MD

COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING

The Talbot County Council will hold public hearings on 23 bills (Nos. 1628-1650) for FY27 capital-enabling legislation, covering projects such as community pools, Hog Neck golf course improvements, Frederick Douglass Park, county detention center, and numerous sewer and road improvements. The council will also vote on Bill 1627, which amends zoning code to allow release of reserved land agreements for parcels under option with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation. Other actions include introduction of a bill to update road-naming standards for 911 compliance, and discussion of annual adjustments to development impact fees.

• Vote on Bill 1627 amending Chapter 190 to allow release of reserved land agreements for MALPF option contracts.
• Public hearings on 23 capital bills including Bill 1628 (community pools), Bill 1630 (Hog Neck driving range), Bill 1633 (Frederick Douglass Park), Bill 1635 (Easton Middle School roof), and Bill 1641 (Deep Water Point Road improvements).
• Introduction of a bill to amend Chapter 131 (road naming and property numbering) for next-generation 911 compliance.
• County manager requests: letter supporting Bellevue Passage Museum’s FY27 Maryland Historical Trust grant; letter opposing seaplane base on Miles River; letter to SHA for pedestrian safety evaluation at MD 322 and MD 333 intersection.
• Discussion of annual adjustment to development impact fees per County Code Section 64-13(c).

Planning Commission

The commission will consider several new business applications, including a major site plan to establish a funeral home at 11365 Ocean Gateway with requested waivers for parking, landscaping, bicycle parking, entrance width, sidewalks, and streetlights. It will also review a buffer reduction waiver for steep slopes at 8840 Dawson Road and a minor critical area variance for an addition at 7722 Latch String Lane. Additionally, the commission will discuss a proposed text amendment on cottage industry uses and provide staff updates and work session information.

• Major Site Plan – Woodlawn Memorial Park LLC – new funeral home use at 11365 Ocean Gateway, AC zoning; waivers for parking, landscaping, bicycle parking, entrance width, sidewalks, streetlights
• Waiver to reduce Expanded Buffer for Steep Slopes to 25 at 8840 Dawson Road, RC zoning
• Minor Critical Area Variance for addition to dwelling at 7722 Latch String Lane, VH zoning
• Consideration of text amendment for cottage industry uses under section 190-33.5
• Staff matters: email update sign‑up and Comprehensive Plan work session information

Senior Citizens Task Force Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Talbot County Senior Citizens Task Force will meet to receive a report from an ad-hoc subcommittee and discuss a low-barrier shelter feasibility study, including a guest presentation from Colonel Bill Crabson of the Salvation Army. The work session will outline and prioritize next steps for the study.

• Report from ad-hoc subcommittee on senior homelessness
• Low-barrier shelter feasibility study discussion
• Guest: Colonel Bill Crabson, Salvation Army
• Work session to outline and prioritize next steps
• Confirm August 6, 2026 meeting date

Planning Commission

County Council Meeting - June 30, 2026

The Talbot County Council will vote on Bill 1626, exempting corporate flags from sign permit requirements. A public hearing is scheduled for Bill 1627, allowing partial release of agricultural land preservation agreements under certain conditions. The council will also consider multiple contract extensions, including inmate medical and food services at the Department of Corrections, a law enforcement agreement with the Town of Oxford, and an intergovernmental agreement for recycling site management. Several letters of support for grant applications and infrastructure projects are up for approval.

• Vote on Bill 1626: exempting corporate flags from sign permit requirements
• Public hearing on Bill 1627: release of reserved land agreements linked to agricultural preservation
• Request to extend inmate medical/mental health contract with Wellpath (formerly Correct Care Solutions)
• Proposed law enforcement services agreement between Talbot County, Sheriff, and Town of Oxford
• Request to award Bid No. 26-05 for culvert pipe lining at various locations

Short Term Rental

The Talbot County Short-Term Rental Review Board will consider public comments submitted by July 10, 2026 and then decide on two short-term rental license requests. The applications are for a primary dwelling at 7701 Quaker Neck Rd, Bozman (Zone RC) and for a primary dwelling at 926 Calvert Avenue, St Michaels (Zone TR). The meeting also includes routine agenda items such as a decision summary approval for June 18, 2026 and the possibility of entering a closed session.

• Review application for short-term rental license at 7701 Quaker Neck Rd, Bozman, MD 21612 (Zone RC, File No. STN-26-10)
• Review application for short-term rental license at 926 Calvert Avenue, St Michaels, MD 21663 (Zone TR, File No. STN-26-12)
• Public comment deadline: July 10, 2026 (submit to ShortTermRentalBoard@talbotcountymd.gov or mail to Planning and Zoning, 215 Bay Street, Suite 2, Easton, MD 21601)
• Decision Summary Approval for June 18, 2026
• Commission may enter into closed session

Public Works Advisory Board Meeting July 16, 2026

The Board will review capital projects and wastewater flows and sewer collection system improvements for Region II (St. Michaels) and Region V (Tilghman). Members will also discuss comments regarding the Claiborne PER.

• Review of Capital Projects
• Review of Region II (St. Michaels) and Region V (Tilghman) Wastewater Flows and Sewer Collection System Improvements
• Discussion of Board member comments for Claiborne PER

STRRB Meeting June 2026

The Short-Term Rental Review Board will consider two new short-term rental license applications for primary dwellings at 5690 Black Walnut Point Rd in Tilghman and 26554 Presquile Farm Dr in Easton. The board will also approve the decision summary from the May 21 meeting and handle administrative and old business items.

• Application STN-26-7: Short-term rental license for 5690 Black Walnut Point Rd, Tilghman (Zone VM) by Gregory A. and Gregory D. Lowery, agent Flaneur Vacation Rental Company
• Application STN-25-9: Short-term rental license for 26554 Presquile Farm Dr, Easton (Zone RC) by Captains Cove of St Michaels LLC, agent Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals
• Approval of decision summary from May 21, 2026 meeting

Comprehensive Plan Work Session - Planning Commission

The Planning Commission and Planning & Zoning staff will hold a work session to review second draft chapters of the update to the 2016 Comprehensive Plan. The session focuses on specific policy areas regarding county resources and infrastructure.

• Review of Transportation second draft chapter
• Review of Natural Resource Conservation second draft chapter
• Review of Fisheries second draft chapter

Senior Citizens Task Force Special Meeting

The Senior Citizens Task Force is meeting to finalize a preliminary briefing and plan a presentation. These materials will be used for a work session with the Talbot County Council on June 9, 2026.

• Review and finalization of Preliminary Briefing
• Planning for June 9 presentation to Talbot County Council

Senior Citizens Task Force Meeting - June 11, 2026

The Talbot County Senior Citizens Task Force will meet to approve minutes, debrief a June 9 work session with the County Council, and prioritize next actions on senior homelessness and housing insecurity. The agenda also includes confirming the summer meeting schedule.

• Debrief from June 9 work session with County Council
• Identify and prioritize next steps for the task force
• Confirm summer meeting schedule
• Review and approve prior meeting minutes

Senior Citizens Task Force Special Meeting - June 1, 2026

The Senior Citizens Task Force is meeting to finalize a preliminary briefing and plan a presentation. These actions are in preparation for a work session with the Talbot County Council scheduled for June 9, 2026.

• Review and finalization of Preliminary Briefing
• Planning for June 9 work session with Talbot County Council

Talbot County Council Work Session with Senior Citizens Task Force

The Talbot County Council is holding a work session with the Senior Citizens Task Force to discuss issues affecting seniors. The agenda includes a PowerPoint presentation and a letter from the task force dated March 12, 2025. No formal decisions or votes are scheduled.

• PowerPoint presentation from Senior Citizens Task Force
• Letter from Senior Citizens Task Force to Council dated 3.12.25

County Council Meeting - June 9, 2026

The Council will hold a closed session and a work session with the Senior Citizens Task Force before the regular meeting. Major actions include introducing 23 bills amending appropriations for community pools, the Hog Neck Golf Course, Frederick Douglass Park, the detention center, school roofs, sewer systems, and roads. Public hearings are scheduled for a sewer connection policy amendment and a zoning code change to exempt corporate flags from sign permits. The Council will also consider board appointments, a support letter for Habitat for Humanity's home repair program, and a request to purchase a chase vehicle.

• Introduction of bills to amend appropriations for community pool replacements and improvements
• Bills for Hog Neck Golf Course driving range, greens, and cart path improvements
• Bill to amend appropriations for Frederick Douglass Park at 13213 Lewistown Road
• Public hearing on Bill No. 1626 exempting corporate flags from sign permit requirements
• Request from Department of Emergency Services to purchase a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV via state contract

Public Works Advisory Board Meeting June 18th, 2026-Meeting Cancelled-

This meeting has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled

Planning Commission

Senior Citizens Task Force Meeting - May 28, 2026

The Senior Citizens Task Force will hold a work session to set priorities for inclusion in a preliminary report to the Talbot County Council on senior homelessness and housing insecurity. Members will also review the task force schedule and upcoming milestones, including a report to the Council on June 9 and a special meeting on June 1.

• Set priorities for preliminary report on senior housing insecurity
• Review timeline: report to County Council on June 9, special Zoom meeting June 1, regular meeting June 11
• Discuss summer meeting schedule for July and August

County Council Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Talbot County Council will vote on Bill No. 1625, the annual budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. They will also introduce a bill to amend zoning rules to allow release of land preservation agreements under certain conditions linked to the state agricultural preservation program. Other actions include awarding a bid for aviation consulting at Easton Airport, approving computer and network upgrades, and concurring with an opioid restitution abatement plan.

• Vote on Bill No. 1625: FY2026-2027 budget and appropriation ordinance
• Introduction of a bill to amend Chapter 190 (Zoning) to allow release of reserved land agreements tied to MALPF options
• Request to award Bid No. 26-06 for aviation consulting services at Easton/Newnam Field Airport (ESN)
• Request to use a National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance contract for Dell computers and server lifecycle upgrades
• Request to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Ferry Cove Shellfish, Inc. for an oyster recovery pilot project

Public Works Advisory Board Meeting May 21, 2026

The Talbot County Public Works Advisory Board will meet to review minutes from April 16, 2026, discuss capital projects, and examine wastewater flows and sewer system improvements in Regions II (St. Michaels) and V (Tilghman). The board will then tour completed improvements on Goldsborough Neck Road, the proposed replacement of the Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Preserve at Wye Mills, the EMS North Station, and Chapel Road culvert replacement. An executive session is scheduled for open discussion and adjournment.

• Review of Capital Projects
• Review of Region II (St. Michaels) and Region V (Tilghman) Wastewater Flows and Sewer Collection System Improvements
• Tour of completed Goldsborough Neck Road improvements
• Tour of proposed replacement of the Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Preserve at Wye Mills
• Tour of EMS North Station and Chapel Road culvert replacement

STR Review Board Hearing May 2026

The Short-Term Rental Review Board will decide on three applications for primary-dwelling short-term rental licenses in Bozman, St. Michaels, and Claiborne. They will also discuss and possibly adopt amended Rules of Procedure. Public comments were accepted until May 15.

• STR license application for 8013 Ruby Harrison Rd, Bozman (File STN-26-2)
• STR license application for 24010 Porters Creek Lane, St. Michaels (File STN-26-4)
• STR license application for 23336 Tunis Lane, Claiborne (File STN-25-23)
• Discussion of Amended Rules of Procedure for the Review Board

FY Budget Work Session - May 18, 2026

The Talbot County Council will hold a work session to consider the FY27 budget. Items include the introduction of Bill 1625 for the FY2026-2027 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, a letter from the TCPS regarding the FY27 budget, approval of the FY2027 MSDE Talbot Nonrecurring exclusion, and a request for metal detectors from the TCBE.

• Bill 1625 (FY2026-2027 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance) – as introduced
• Letter from TCPS regarding FY27 budget
• FY2027 MSDE – Talbot Nonrecurring exclusion approval
• Letter from L. Mielke – TCBE request for metal detectors

Talbot County Council Meeting May 12, 2026

The Talbot County Council holds a work session on the final FY27 budget and later introduces Bill 1625, the budget and appropriation ordinance. Public hearings are scheduled for Community Development Block Grant projects, including $750,000 for For All Seasons renovations at 300 Talbot Street, Easton. The council also introduces a resolution to amend sewer connection policies and a bill to exempt corporate flags from sign permits. Additionally, it considers a letter of support for a pedestrian safety grant and a contract for website redesign.

• Introduction of Bill 1625, the FY2026-2027 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance
• Public hearing on $750,000 CDBG award for For All Seasons behavioral health center renovations at 300 Talbot Street, Easton
• Public hearings on CDBG projects for Neighborhood Service Center ($68,000 and $75,000) and St. Michaels Community Center ($48,500 and $75,000)
• Resolution to amend sewer connection policies for Unionville, Tunis Mills, and Coppeville areas
• Bill to amend zoning code to exempt corporate flags from sign permit requirements under certain conditions

Talbot County Council - FY27 Budget Work Session

The council is discussing the FY2026-2027 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (Bill 1625), along with several funding requests. Items include a request from Talbot County Board of Education for metal detectors, Talbot County Public Schools' budget input, a letter from the Town of Easton regarding school resource officer funding, and a budget proposal from Phil Riggin.

• Bill 1625: FY2026-2027 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance as introduced
• Letter from L. Mielke regarding TCBE request for metal detectors
• Letter from Talbot County Public Schools re FY27 budget
• Letter from Town of Easton re SRO funding request
• Letter from Phil Riggin with FY27 budget proposal

Planning Commission

Talbot County Council Meeting May 5, 2026

The council holds a 2:00 p.m. public hearing on the constant yield and Bill No. 1625 establishing the 2026-2027 annual budget, followed by a 7:00 p.m. public hearing at Easton Elementary School on the same bill. The council also considers an update and funding request from Mid-Shore Behavioral Health for FY27, and recognizes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and Correctional Officers and Employees Week.

• Public hearing on Bill No. 1625, the FY2026-2027 budget and appropriation ordinance
• Constant yield public hearing
• Update and request by Mid-Shore Behavioral Health, including a FY27 letter of agreement
• Funding requests for school resource officers (SRO) from Town of Easton and community members
• Board and committee appointments under County Manager's Report

Talbot County Council Work Session with Public Works Advisory Board

The Talbot County Council will hold a work session with the Public Works Advisory Board and County Engineer Ray Clarke. The meeting will focus on proposed amendments to Resolution 175, which updates the county's sewer service policy. No final vote is indicated; the session is for discussion and recommendation.

• Proposed amendment to Resolution 175 – changes to the Talbot County Sewer Service Policy

Talbot County Council Meeting April 28, 2026

The council will hold a work session on proposed changes to the Talbot County Sewer Service Policy (Resolution No. 175) and then vote on Resolution No. 392, which would reclassify six parcels on Bushey Heath Road from "Unprogrammed" to "S-1 Immediate Priority" for sewer service. The council will also receive the Economic Development & Tourism Strategic Plan (2026-2030) for action, discuss and reconsider the 2026 priority listing for the Maryland Department of Transportation (including public comments on the Frederick Douglass Rail Trail), and consider a text amendment to sign regulations. Additional action items include awarding a bid for courthouse reroofing, replacing air handling units at the Department of Corrections, approving 4th-quarter budget transfers, and entering into a property acquisition contract with 500 Beaver Road, LLC for a right-of-way on Cedar Point Road.

• Vote on Resolution No. 392 to amend the Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan for six parcels on Bushey Heath Road (25516, 25520, 25524, 25533, 25575, and 25608 Bushey Heath Road/Solitude Road)
• Presentation and possible council action on the Economic Development & Tourism Strategic Plan (2026-2030)
• Council discussion and reconsideration of the 2026 Priority Listing to MDOT, including comments on the proposed Frederick Douglass Rail Trail
• Council consideration of a text amendment to § 190.42.3, Table V8 (Exempt Signs)
• Award of Bid No. 25-18 for reroofing sections of the Talbot County Circuit Courthouse and State’s Attorney Building at 11 North Washington Street, Easton

Senior Citizens Task Force Meeting - April 9, 2026

The Talbot County Senior Citizens Task Force is meeting to discuss housing needs and local development approval processes with invited experts. They will set priorities for a preliminary report to the Talbot County Council, which is due June 9, 2026, and review their meeting schedule through summer.

• Guests include Miguel Salinas (Director of Planning and Zoning, Town of Easton) and Don Bibb (Executive Director, Housing Commission of Talbot)
• Discussion on housing needs and local housing development approval processes
• Set priorities for inclusion in preliminary report to the Talbot County Council
• Preliminary report to Council due Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 5pm
• Summer schedule for July and August meetings to be discussed

Talbot County Council Meeting April 21, 2026

The Talbot County Council will discuss Maryland SB791, the Community Trust Act, which concerns correctional services, public safety, and immigration enforcement prohibitions. The meeting includes a joint session with the Talbot County Board of Education.

• Discussion of Maryland SB791 (Community Trust Act)
• Review of Talbot County letter of opposition to SB 791 from February 2026
• Review of correspondence from Governor Moore and Sheriff Joe Gamble regarding SB791
• Joint meeting with Talbot County Board of Education

Public Works Advisory Board Meeting April 16, 2026

The Talbot County Public Works Advisory Board will review the March 19, 2026 meeting minutes. It will examine capital projects and wastewater flows for Regions II (St. Michaels) and V (Tilghman) along with sewer collection system improvements. The board will discuss the remaining capacity of county‑owned wastewater treatment plants for the Comprehensive Plan water resources element. A discussion will cover a tour of the EMS North Station, a culvert replacement, completed improvements to Goldsborough Neck Road, and the proposed replacement of the wastewater treatment plant at the Preserve at Wye Mills.

• Review of meeting minutes for March 19, 2026
• Review of capital projects
• Review of Region II (St. Michaels) and Region V (Tilghman) wastewater flows and sewer collection system improvements
• Review and discussion of county‑owned wastewater treatment plants’ remaining capacity for the Comprehensive Plan water resources element
• Discussion of proposed replacement of the wastewater treatment plant at the Preserve at Wye Mills, including EMS North Station tour, culvert replacement, and Goldsborough Neck Road improvements