Rising Sun board approves three zoning changes, ratifies clerk appointment and a property purchase; two annexation resolutions introduced

The Town of Rising Sun’s mayor and commissioners on Feb. 27 approved three zoning-related measures, confirmed a town clerk reassignment, ratified a property purchase contract and introduced two annexation resolutions for properties that would be considered in later proceedings.

The adopted measures were: - Ordinance 2024-10, wetlands and environmental buffer standards — approved 3-0. - Ordinance 2024-11, intersection safety (clear-sight triangle) standards — approved 3-0. - Ordinance 2025-01, comprehensive zoning code updates — approved 3-0.

In addition, the board approved Resolution 2025-04, reassigning the town clerk duties to Juanita Giles, by unanimous voice vote, and ratified a contract to purchase 13 East Cherry Street for $325,000.

Two annexation resolutions were introduced and read into the record: Resolution 2025-05A for 35 North Hills Drive and Resolution 2025-06A for 551 Joseph Biggs Memorial Highway. Those annexation measures were introduced for further steps that include submission to state and county agencies and a future public hearing; they were not voted on at this meeting.

Wetlands and environmental buffers (Ordinance 2024-10) — Town Administrator Calvin said the change removes duplicative local review that had required applicants to seek town variances before or after state and federal agency review, and returns primary permitting authority for wetland disturbances to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland Department of the Environment. The board approved the measure 3-0 after the public hearing.

Intersection safety standards (Ordinance 2024-11) — The revision clarifies the town’s clear-sight-triangle requirements and aligns local measurements with common engineering practice. Calvin explained that an older 50-foot measurement created conflicts for corner lots and that a 25-foot standard is the common industry norm for the town’s lower-speed streets. The ordinance passed 3-0.

Comprehensive zoning code updates (Ordinance 2025-01) — The comprehensive amendment reorganizes definitions, clarifies nonconforming-lot and rebuilding rules, and relocates scattered definitions into a single chapter so the code is internally consistent. Calvin described the change as housekeeping and code cleanup; commissioners approved the revisions 3-0.

Town clerk appointment (Resolution 2025-04) — The mayor presented a resolution assigning the clerk duties to Juanita Giles, noting that Judy Melton had served both as town treasurer and clerk during a prolonged staffing shortage and had trained Giles. The resolution passed by voice vote.

Property purchase ratified — The board ratified a contract to acquire 13 East Cherry Street for $325,000 as part of a long-term plan to increase downtown parking capacity. Town staff indicated settlement was scheduled for the following week. The motion to ratify passed by voice vote.

Annexations introduced — Resolution 2025-05A (35 North Hills Drive) and Resolution 2025-06A (551 Joseph Biggs Memorial Highway) were read into the record as introductions only. Town staff explained next steps include submission of annexation plans to the Maryland Department of Planning and Cecil County and a waiting period before a public hearing may be scheduled.

The meeting record shows routine items including approval of the consent agenda and staff reports. Police Chief reported on a recent “Coffee with a Cop” event and encouraged applicants to apply for open law enforcement positions; assistant town administration gave an operational update on parks and the community center and said the budget process will begin in March.

The board closed the meeting after motions to adjourn passed by voice vote.