[{"_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",6594116,"mediaKeyId","3288330-addd7e8f6ea4a86fed7078a046c9cf9a","parentId",3288330,"title","Rising Sun introduces updated floodplain ordinance; MDE review to follow","audioSeconds",923,"startMs",850000,"endMs",1773000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288330-addd7e8f6ea4a86fed7078a046c9cf9a&start=850&end=1773","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288330-addd7e8f6ea4a86fed7078a046c9cf9a/thumbnail_850000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6594116/Rising-Sun/Cecil-County/Maryland/Rising-Sun-introduces-updated-floodplain-ordinance-MDE-review-to-follow","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594116-d1a6a9eca0d767c747f6f89b322a0f67/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214846&Signature=UW6zNXHG6EKu2ytsLRpKTGO4M5GtfNRMMfLrVutsmSORmJW4s7lr7oVZEpZgNgJNpWituVfF952K4X1Fy4KgsqjHc3XEYdPouqc412SG7A-50OyvXxQBCYHTSh5EBnWfudCZN7tQjfweYoOAUIb27R5JhsWvs9wXtheakTHCCEqobaJDDCDvhMBbR5p28uHPraHMJc~KHMQ0VChUIU8VE~RqeE0x6ASUlWiifcR34w3NI2RcPKQocTN4ghQwvsK8a3gQTSB3Cgcv98wEtIu9YRdeDmszWbzhATZy7j-f4YnydfjU44N0MlXKUw~jfNDS8lk98h9P85jr33c4ndQh1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rising Sun, MD","date","2025-04-08T22:24:35Z","article","The Town of Rising Sun on May 13 introduced Proposed Ordinance 2025-02, an update to the town’s floodplain management code based on the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) model ordinance that aligns local rules with FEMA regulations.

Town Administrator described the ordinance as a substantial document (about 50 pages) that updates citations to state law (replacing older references such as Article 66B with the Land Use Article), adds newly required definitions, and adjusts local procedures to remain eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program. The town’s existing floodplain code (adopted in 2014) needed updates to conform to the state’s model.

Significant changes highlighted include a proposed 5-year cumulative valuation period for calculating “substantial improvement” or “substantial damage” to structures in floodplain areas. Under FEMA guidance, a structure that incurs damage or improvements exceeding 50% of its appraised value must be brought into compliance (often requiring elevation or removal in floodways). The town is recommending that repair and improvement costs be calculated cumulatively over a five-year period before triggering the 50% threshold; staff said they considered other windows (2, 10, 15, 20, 25 years) and judged five years a balanced choice.

Another change replaces references to the Board of Zoning Appeals as the appeals body with a newly created Code Enforcement Appeals Board that staff said is better suited to hear building- and construction-related appeals.

The administrator stressed these provisions apply only to properties designated in floodplain or floodway areas and that regular property-maintenance code enforcement actions are excluded from the 50% calculation. The ordinance will be submitted to MDE for review; the town will not enact the changes as an emergency ordinance and will wait for MDE sign-off before returning the ordinance for final action.

No vote on the ordinance took place at the meeting; the introduction begins the formal review clock with MDE.

The town provided a map description of the floodplain area, noting it runs from the region post area past local businesses, affects the nearby trailer park, crosses Mount Street and extends toward Route 1 and Reynolds Farm Field. Town Administrator emphasized that maintaining the floodplain ordinance is required for residents to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 13, 2025 - Rising Sun, MD - Town of Rising Sun","oneSentenceSummary","The Town of Rising Sun introduced Proposed Ordinance 2025-02 on May 13 to update the local floodplain ordinance to match the Maryland Department of the Environment model code and FEMA requirements.","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},6594120,"Rising Sun adopts heat-illness prevention policy for outdoor workers",648,176000,824000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288330-addd7e8f6ea4a86fed7078a046c9cf9a&start=176&end=824","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288330-addd7e8f6ea4a86fed7078a046c9cf9a/thumbnail_176000.jpg","/articles/6594120/Rising-Sun/Cecil-County/Maryland/Rising-Sun-adopts-heat-illness-prevention-policy-for-outdoor-workers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594120-8f285da3974e75c386707bbc7dde911a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214846&Signature=QOwjOYtZXJz~oWSB5IgK3AXBidx2N9Jj0~ao2qxzfii29GZUYT94lnkqBiOhbk3QtXsmQP9FK8WPzfr-Z9PzRp7l6toznDJBrr-ZwG0Vr3CEX9mN-bz4XkCSYOsDmRvzkQO8CBJ4~iiAhEQbfuh-uNxL7JR22oY8qpu7CurKY16T6FBexyJMbJH5SJyBkOgBIuiQtGfDqhMgvrhS0idYQWPmZtqgsZVjFo6y75IKYjG5w4cjiSqSwTysjh0Ok0g32Bx0sFFp-XTyurDGdq5H4iS3wAf0V2eZinsNM-HF2m8SzJFNcFEP58HMXa18a4C-G56ZEd1iHii0TI84bOnDVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Rising Sun on May 13 adopted Resolution 2025-11 to add a heat illness prevention and management policy to the town personnel manual.

The policy, placed in proposed section 6-20 of the manual, applies to employees working indoors or outdoors when the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 15 consecutive minutes per hour, with additional requirements beginning at a 90-degree heat index. The resolution cites Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH), federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) best practices, and the University of Maryland heat safety program as the basis for the changes.

Town Administrator summarized the policy in detail at the meeting, noting supervisors must monitor heat index using the NIOSH heat app or similar tools, provide at least 32 ounces of cool potable water per hour for employees exposed above 80 degrees, and modify work/rest schedules based on heat, job intensity and personal protective equipment. The policy also requires annual employee training, acclimatization monitoring during the first 14 days on the job or after extended leave, access to shaded or air-conditioned recovery areas, buddy checks when temperatures exceed 90 degrees, and posted emergency procedures at job sites.

The policy includes a table of minimum break standards tied to work intensity (light, moderate, heavy) and heat ranges. For example, the policy instructs rest periods of 10 minutes every 50 minutes of work when the heat index reaches 90–100 degrees for certain work intensities, and 20 minutes of rest after 40 minutes of work when temperatures exceed 100 degrees, with adjustments when personal protective equipment increases heat stress.

The town read the resolution into the record and asked for a motion. A motion to approve was moved and seconded; the board approved the resolution by voice vote. The minutes record the board responding “Aye” when the mayor asked “All in favor?” but do not record individual tallies or named votes.

Town Administrator credited Assistant Town Administrator Judy and Calvin for drafting the framework and said the changes respond to new state MOSH regulations and OSHA guidance. The resolution directs that the document titled “rules and regulations” be included as section 6-20 of the personnel manual.

The town's policy also specifies employee rights — including the right to take unscheduled cool-down breaks without reprisal — and supervisor responsibilities for training, recordkeeping of hydration and incident responses, and immediate activation of emergency procedures (including calling 911) if symptoms escalate to confusion or collapse.

The board did not attach additional amendments during the meeting; the resolution was adopted as recommended.","The Town of Rising Sun adopted Resolution 2025-11 to add a heat illness prevention and management policy to the personnel manual, aligning local rules with Maryland MOSH and OSHA guidance and setting hydration, rest, training and emergency-response requirements for employees exposed to high heat indexes.",{"_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},6594107,"Comcast indicates planned network expansion in Cecil County, offers town point of contact",95,1759000,1854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288330-addd7e8f6ea4a86fed7078a046c9cf9a&start=1759&end=1854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288330-addd7e8f6ea4a86fed7078a046c9cf9a/thumbnail_1759000.jpg","/articles/6594107/Rising-Sun/Cecil-County/Maryland/Comcast-indicates-planned-network-expansion-in-Cecil-County-offers-town-point-of-contact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594107-0fe3e2a0062b80415a690e844fa24af6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214846&Signature=YR3~Syp4XEIpK2hh08KHxb8nU1WSPMn3VaFyF8Zb061lBRZ3bjoHT4gsAoslvcw9vnirWgNC1b6O26cu2cqooyqM5oaSj~7FuCYCwUpLhl~FRefiR2E3Op2~zzrumN0njXT4WpVOt1et53ff044BhHSn3OaJjXg0kdynA8qWrt-xoLPaSYBVOPHqA035R83DzGxuNzE9qwDMEclARgBdzeAZuFjwP~wgGTBgt9EHxMbPqshaXVm96vL0pzsrhciRnXKrsLk8Y4JnfpZMozYBH0ofzqwQWkPLAcEW2wXoGVZwLJaI0yCafLlJZlUkX2zzejGBIU14qWnsLKZ~JkJvPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chris Comer, director of government affairs for Comcast, spoke during the citizens’ input portion of the May 13 meeting to notify the mayor and commissioners that Comcast is expanding its network in parts of Cecil County and expects to serve Rising Sun.

Comer said he provided the town a draft agreement modeled on recent agreements used in Perryville and Port Deposit and offered to return with construction staff to brief the board and answer questions before any work begins. He described preliminary tasks such as negotiating franchise terms, coordinating with utility owners for pole attachments, and any required make-ready work on poles.

Comer said residents may not see construction immediately because of engineering and coordination steps, and he left business cards for officials to contact him with constituent issues. No formal action or vote occurred on the item.","A Comcast government-affairs director addressed the board during citizens' input to announce planned network expansion in parts of Cecil County, provided a draft agreement for the town to review, and offered to return with construction staff before work begins.",{"_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},6594110,"Town explains lost BRIC award, lagoon decommissioning and MS4 obligations",535,1911000,2446000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288330-addd7e8f6ea4a86fed7078a046c9cf9a&start=1911&end=2446","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288330-addd7e8f6ea4a86fed7078a046c9cf9a/thumbnail_1911000.jpg","/articles/6594110/Rising-Sun/Cecil-County/Maryland/Town-explains-lost-BRIC-award-lagoon-decommissioning-and-MS4-obligations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594110-f7b9c56fd8f38b89ea266604c4cbdbde/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214846&Signature=BlPCdmiwUrs8kYrZzQRxTSxeGC-XCXjEKCQpEuGNRmAEPF7B9af6x3mW6yYds6HVby~0WphqHk-3tpysRiw0s4nAoRPy8Biqd~Q3NSFmjFZpR9VvlWEWxcPYGINg4~LQPKp0NROCU-uy64L8thD77St3NPg5dhVE36TlhtluKRnVcRt26t9BdSItGS1AJNtBsjy9CXb0Rqt0~-wBR~fU-ez6X9cw-eJgHfTNmmeUSXljW5AzOrl2jz809eQQNlp5RE0Xi~Ta4yKyUwF~fPTlysNHLByuN59AfBEgUz1tIr2MbbHSJ~i4Tn0GM4XayyIysEVBwO83JREq5yadzQ~7pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the May 13 meeting the Town Administrator provided a staff report on BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) funding, the town’s decommissioned lagoon, and the town’s unfunded MS4 stormwater-nutrient reduction obligations.

The administrator said Rising Sun had been awarded $5.5 million in BRIC funds to decommission an old lagoon, create a wetlands buffer and rehabilitate stream areas so the town could meet state MS4 requirements to reduce its nutrient footprint. The town said the funds were later rescinded after changes in federal funding priorities; the administrator said the town would seek other solutions and work with federal partners.

The administrator clarified that the town’s newer wastewater treatment plant (completed around 2016) is functioning and meets environmental standards, while an older lagoon was decommissioned conceptually but remained on the landscape. After decommissioning the lagoon’s effluent pipe was blocked; staff said an underground spring and runoff from surrounding farm fields now raise lagoon levels and require pumping back into the treatment plant, which increases equipment and electricity use.

Town Administrator described how storm events in 2021, 2022 and in recent months caused runoff to enter the lagoon and at times overflow, sending unsanitary material into local streams. The BRIC funds were described as intended to stop overflows by converting the lagoon footprint to a wetlands buffer and rehabbing adjacent streams. The administrator emphasized the BRIC award was rescinded when the federal program was cut and said the town supports federal efforts to reduce wasteful spending but seeks targeted solutions to prevent sewage overflows and comply with MS4 deadlines.

Town Administrator also addressed a community misperception that BRIC funding had been sought to expand wastewater treatment capacity for new development. He said the grant was not for increasing capacity but for preventing overflows and meeting MS4 nutrient-reduction requirements.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; the administrator said the town is pursuing alternate solutions and communicating with federal authorities.","Town officials said Rising Sun lost a $5.5 million BRIC award after federal program cuts; staff described how decommissioning a former lagoon, an underground spring and MS4 nutrient-reduction requirements interact with plans to create a wetlands buffer to prevent overflows.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rising Sun introduces updated floodplain ordinance; MDE review to follow

Rising Sun adopts heat-illness prevention policy for outdoor workers

Comcast indicates planned network expansion in Cecil County, offers town point of contact

Town explains lost BRIC award, lagoon decommissioning and MS4 obligations