Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Council introduces cannabis zoning bill, approves parks contracts and several procurement items
Loading...
Summary
The Talbot County Council introduced Bill 16-24 to allow on-site cannabis cultivation and processing by special exception in certain commercial zones and set a March 10 public hearing; the council also approved multiple procurement and appointment items including bid awards, contract renewals, a playground project and pool repairs.
The Talbot County Council introduced zoning legislation that would amend Chapter 190 (Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development) to permit on-site cannabis cultivation and on-site processing/dispensing by special exception in specified commercial and limited-industrial zoning districts. The bill was introduced by council members Stepp, Lesher, Milke and Heath and assigned Bill 16-24; a public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Council members also approved several procurement and administrative items during the meeting. Highlights:
- Appointment: The council approved the appointment of Lee Newcomb to the Senior Citizens Task Force to represent the Department of Social Services adult-services program.
- Parks & Recreation procurement: The council awarded Bid 2601 (Sinclair Avenue waterfront park stone revetment repair, Tilghman Island) to Switzer Marine for $42,300. It renewed Contract Bid 2303 with Pearson's Comfort Group for portable sanitary chemical toilet service for up to $46,147 for the 2026 season. The council approved a contract for coping replacement at Bay Hundred Community Pool, which will be handled through the pool contract management firm Coastline Pool Services at a sum discussed as $70,602. The council also approved replacement of the playground at Home Run Baker Park, a project with an estimated total cost of $280,000 funded 90% with Program Open Space and a 10% local match; the council authorized using $28,000 in contingency funds to lock 2025 pricing and to proceed with installation aimed for spring/summer 2026.
All listed procurement items, appointments and renewals were moved, seconded and approved by roll call during the meeting.
The county secretary read the title of Bill 16-24 into the record. The bill will return for a public hearing and further council consideration on March 10.
