[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6289104,"mediaKeyId","2533000-a2f937cd689e369ef12c973a63da4e50","parentId",2533000,"title","Rising Sun introduces zoning code recodification; public hearing set for early February","audioSeconds",1196,"startMs",2273000,"endMs",3469000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2533000-a2f937cd689e369ef12c973a63da4e50&start=2273&end=3469","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2533000-a2f937cd689e369ef12c973a63da4e50/thumbnail_2273000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6289104/Rising-Sun/Cecil-County/Maryland/Rising-Sun-introduces-zoning-code-recodification-public-hearing-set-for-early-February","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289104-58cc6f4111420bc712c29ef4e2c43c77/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162681&Signature=HUrm~IrCZMtuGxFZVurc25DzBuM4ipVXbkZNCZTEYmpDw2MJdodsn~K63vaNZPGFala056mK14fTZOgxRMdHUm7aTbOhRVpD794iX4pmmYyngwgYEOxPV0w1YuUdmyciwx~UZTropAy73MlRVb56Me8IrYCioydT6S4pVjsaGY1r6FEUd4MdKASeT5-Rd4~RV3ixHi8PeSRjDaLP5gkSatedQjubSziLZ4EGm7ZrqXxsq2lLk5ZWALnaGCcIvDRD3ACbwH~EzOlapYCfTtGcL0n8ZHnZR9b5iXeDtY9kd2ukaYffFvmLnv4O1JC-5UmgQsGtNjuPyFrf2KEKEZ8oCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Rising Sun, MD","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","Town Administrator Bonneberger presented a proposed recodification and targeted amendments to the town zoning code at the Jan. 14 meeting and told the board staff will advertise the ordinance for a public hearing likely at the first meeting in February.

What the draft would do

- Move definitions currently scattered in the code into a single, newly created Article 2 so that zoning definitions are alphabetized and centrally located.

- Update state citations to reflect the current Maryland statutory framework (replacing references to \"Article 66B\" with the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland).

- Lay conceptual groundwork for an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) to require developers to demonstrate sufficient utilities or school capacity, while acknowledging the town does not directly regulate school capacity, which remains a school‑district responsibility.

- Clarify certificates of occupancy: the draft makes clear that commercial properties and other non–single-family uses require inspection and that certificates of occupancy are not required for ordinary single‑family home transfers.

- Address rebuilding and nonconforming structures after catastrophic damage: the draft includes standards—such as structural engineering confirmation and potential Board of Zoning Appeals review—about when nonconforming buildings may be rebuilt in the original footprint.

Why it matters: The changes reorganize and clarify long-standing code language, improve consistency with state law and create procedural clarity for developers and property owners dealing with nonconforming uses or reconstruction after fire or other catastrophic loss.

Board process

Bonneberger told the board the planning commission reviewed the draft and submitted recommendations; the ordinance will be advertised for a public hearing. \"We'll put this out for advertisement for a public hearing that will most likely take place on the first meeting in February,\" Bonneberger said. No final action to adopt the ordinance was taken at this meeting; the board heard the introduction and background.

Next steps

Staff will advertise the ordinance and accept public comment at the scheduled hearing; minor changes may be considered at that hearing, and any substantial amendment would return to the board for further action.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 14, 2025 - Rising Sun, MD - Town of Rising Sun","oneSentenceSummary","Town Administrator Bonneberger presented a proposed recodification and targeted amendments to the town zoning code and said the board will advertise the ordinance for a public hearing likely at the first meeting in February.","taxTitle","Rising Sun, Cecil County, Maryland","taxId",79361,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6289108,"Rising Sun enacts no-parking resolution for East Cherry Street; declares nine town vehicles surplus",586,110000,696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2533000-a2f937cd689e369ef12c973a63da4e50&start=110&end=696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2533000-a2f937cd689e369ef12c973a63da4e50/thumbnail_110000.jpg","/articles/6289108/Rising-Sun/Cecil-County/Maryland/Rising-Sun-enacts-no-parking-resolution-for-East-Cherry-Street-declares-nine-town-vehicles-surplus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289108-2e71ff3931c20da1de4befcafe3430f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162681&Signature=A5c5lV2au2ZoH1-Pux~G1~SKSugWGvKGRu3OvAcUgzSykbkC0xLa6~BS34OFcy63i7NYzGQqylJkncaszLKyaGrruNZWSReUgmuvkKEG0ohd~QjmKSJcVTL6S42O6jWHkH~QFsBSLsE~TVR~kKgLjVDqgWgLCnGDHsZz9ClsWdK7zK4L8FVXpZ530MMX-TeJYbTh6vl-E3nVTALZsY9YwbQKpbmAiCVJPbmrfuanI7xx9CYvdOxIZpcMXdSIS-fdv3gAwxOyagux4pictI~akhXAeVUGdBW8K79O9PBNdSv6m6bfVym~I6PTsSNzmNyLfxBQUFeEL1t1u7sAhR193A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Jan. 14 meeting, the Mayor and Board of Commissioners approved a consent agenda that included a resolution to prohibit parking on East Cherry Street and a separate resolution declaring nine town vehicles surplus.

The East Cherry Street resolution, read into the consent agenda by Town Administrator Bonneberger, would ban parking on East Cherry Street and add signage on South Walnut Street; it includes an administrative exception allowing short‑term stops for deliveries to local businesses. \"The road width is not friendly enough for a fire engine, a school bus, or a delivery truck to get through while passing another vehicle,\" Police Chief Steve Peterson told the board while supporting the measure.

Why it matters: town staff and the police said chronic parking on East Cherry Street narrows the roadway and creates a safety hazard near the Cherry and Queen intersection. The administration told the board that because statutory limits restrict the maximum fine for parking citations, a no‑parking designation would allow towing and more effective enforcement.

Key points from the discussion

- Enforcement and notice: Staff said they typically provide an educational notice period of two weeks to 30 days before active enforcement. Commissioners indicated two weeks would likely be sufficient but discussed a 30‑day option for public notice.

- Delivery exception and signage: Administration and police will draft signage wording to show \"No parking anytime\" with a short-term delivery exception so fuel and restaurant deliveries can temporarily stop.

- Towing authority: The town administrator and chief said converting to a no‑parking rule allows towing for obstruction and avoids relying solely on small fines that some drivers pay and then resume parking.

Surplus vehicles

The consent agenda also included Resolution 2025‑02 to declare nine town vehicles surplus so they may be sold after a 20‑day waiting period by private sale, public bid or auction. Bonneberger read the list into the record: a 2010 Dodge Charger, 2011 Dodge Charger, 2011 Ford Expedition, 2016 Ford Interceptor (two vehicles), 2017 Ford Explorer, 2019 Ford Interceptor and two 2006 Chevrolet pickup trucks.

Board action

A motion to approve the consent agenda with item D removed was moved and seconded; the board voted in favor and the consent agenda passed. The parking and surplus‑vehicle resolutions were included as part of that consent vote.

Next steps

Staff will draft final signage verbiage and coordinate a public notification period (two weeks to 30 days) before active enforcement; surplus vehicles will be advertised for disposal after the required 20‑day waiting period.

","The board approved a consent agenda that includes a resolution to prohibit parking on East Cherry Street (with delivery exceptions and signage) and a resolution declaring nine municipal vehicles surplus and available for sale after a 20‑day waiting period.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6289113,"Rising Sun commissioners approve personnel manual updates including flex time and clarified holiday pay",1559,707000,2266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2533000-a2f937cd689e369ef12c973a63da4e50&start=707&end=2266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2533000-a2f937cd689e369ef12c973a63da4e50/thumbnail_707000.jpg","/articles/6289113/Rising-Sun/Cecil-County/Maryland/Rising-Sun-commissioners-approve-personnel-manual-updates-including-flex-time-and-clarified-holiday-pay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289113-0d27bfa0f3777cb5e3d949a801574418/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162681&Signature=Ig5BTo~BMbgVqhSZKfaKlwoQtcGphlH13ZyTtC~Qn2Bg6m2UH0Ojgig~4IhJDVx30EB1CkewGkQxSCAaKdAxGjbDqjhrdr4ibRXFM3LsD49v517o38B2-XsvlpwyVzJuYWn9x9G7eLdbBAOQQYgZkjGsnFlRsGqjD3feZap-9xv-60CzhtRjEyg4ZcvyWcA2urbsCU9tHg0WJ8vcrjUCdyapABIsfNHEvdRHLjb30oMQjBmAiJpUnBkgvPAqSUq6wZ-XAAzoF1Y3G5KLWyTDYFxH0zVFONWUJz8yV9qY9O0gNsuq5xHk-88s9C0e7hCVwelHhuoobT8TVx5478B5Vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rising Sun Mayor and the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 14 voted to adopt a revised town personnel manual that formalizes flexible work arrangements, adds a virtual-work policy and clarifies holiday and call‑in pay for nonexempt employees.

The manual updates, presented by Town Administrator Bonneberger, consolidate inconsistent language in the existing document and add new sections that the administration said will simplify time-tracking and support continuity of operations during building closures. \"All nonexempt employees shall be compensated at a rate of 2 times the regular rate of pay for each hour worked during the holidays,\" Bonneberger told the board while reviewing the draft language.

Why it matters: the changes affect pay calculations, on-call compensation and remote-work expectations for town staff. Commissioners said the revisions aim to reduce ambiguity that previously led to inconsistent payroll treatment for holiday and call‑in hours and to provide clearer administrative processes for flex time and fuel-card use.

Key provisions and discussion

- Holiday pay: The manual sets holiday pay for nonexempt employees at double time (two times the regular rate) for each hour worked during a designated holiday period. Bonneberger explained the section was intended to resolve conflicting provisions that previously referenced both time-and-a-half and double time.

- Call-in pay for public works: The manual preserves the town's practice of guaranteeing four hours of pay for public‑works employees who are called in outside scheduled shifts. The draft clarifies how that call‑in pay interacts with holiday pay: if holiday double‑time yields a higher payout than the four‑hour guarantee, employees would receive the larger amount.

- Flex time: The manual introduces a flex-time process requiring employees to request approval from their supervisor; for urgent, day‑of situations staff said they expect supervisors to be notified by phone and for the paperwork to be completed later for auditing.

- Virtual work: A new policy allows the administration to require or authorize staff to work remotely when town hall is inaccessible because of weather, building damage (for example, a fuel‑oil spill), power outages or similar events. Bonneberger cited recent experience with virtual operations while building repairs were underway.

Board action and edits

A motion to approve the resolution adopting the manual passed; the board recorded general assent at the vote. The motion included a clerical correction to a wording issue on page 17 (the change of the word \"to\" to \"too\" was reversed). Commissioners also noted minor spelling and punctuation errors that staff will correct administratively without changing the substance of the policies.

What the manual does not do

The board did not adopt any substantial changes to harassment or discrimination complaint procedures at this meeting; Bonneberger said those sections may receive a deeper review later. The manual also does not change statutory overtime rules such as those that apply to law enforcement under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Next steps

The approved manual will be finalized with the agreed text correction and routine grammatical edits. Staff indicated the revised policies will be applied for payroll and scheduling once the final document is posted and incorporated into town personnel records.

","At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Mayor and Board of Commissioners approved revisions to the town personnel manual that add a virtual-work policy, a formal flex-time procedure and a clearer holiday and call‑in pay scheme for nonexempt employees.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6289099,"MDE schedules public input session on West Coast Mushrooms odor; town urges resident attendance",112,3912000,4024000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2533000-a2f937cd689e369ef12c973a63da4e50&start=3912&end=4024","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2533000-a2f937cd689e369ef12c973a63da4e50/thumbnail_3912000.jpg","/articles/6289099/Rising-Sun/Cecil-County/Maryland/MDE-schedules-public-input-session-on-West-Coast-Mushrooms-odor-town-urges-resident-attendance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289099-76c30c5882cfa6793fdc72855ec36c7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162681&Signature=carI36XIzBbskk28NHs-6vI4juOU7sZ7wQ3GbKW~6O1Kn-FFq2ZoYmmbbLsZnf7kQ812AdQNoP6pBYblJw7FWgMlyVUAWFq3Jf7vnKJ-QSSZmeKCkuu~uRLAj4WE7urEiKkSG6-mxhCAujnLUOpFR7VCEsUNpN4pZjHyNdQYPsfin9HW0kuU97IF1cEImuxOjd-WESHTWDMmViSkvuWEl3Cv24SymUhLdQJu~2AUfqr1bDj8qbLYllUwSg7RGh6hzOuX0A4NmYK7HUO-PvFM1VqpJ2lXDuo4wEIfjq1eRcVTK6AOGirbWef-kFVPrh~mCRi~IRCqR6Cf~vbTIuX4qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Pearson told the board at the Jan. 14 meeting that the Maryland Department of the Environment is holding a public input session the next evening about complaints tied to West Coast Mushrooms.

The session is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Fire Company Hall and will include representation by lawyers for West Coast Mushrooms, Pearson said. \"If you have a problem with the mushroom house, please come to the meeting tomorrow night so that the lawyers and the hopefully, the management will hear our complaints about that smell,\" Pearson said.

Why it matters: the mushroom facility lies outside the town limits, so local officials said enforcement and odor monitoring are handled primarily by state and county agencies. Town leaders encouraged residents who continue to experience odors to attend the MDE session and present complaints to state representatives.

Board comments

Mayor and commissioners reiterated that the town lacks direct permitting authority over the facility. The administration said it will continue to rely on MDE and county partners for monitoring and enforcement and will share information about the state meeting in town notices.

","Commissioner Pearson said the Maryland Department of the Environment will host a community input session with counsel for West Coast Mushrooms at 6 p.m. the following day at the Fire Company Hall; the town said the facility is outside town limits and MDE and county authorities lead enforcement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rising Sun introduces zoning code recodification; public hearing set for early February

Rising Sun enacts no-parking resolution for East Cherry Street; declares nine town vehicles surplus

Rising Sun commissioners approve personnel manual updates including flex time and clarified holiday pay

MDE schedules public input session on West Coast Mushrooms odor; town urges resident attendance