Chesapeake City reports WWTP nearing completion; council hears updates on planning, parks and docks

Council member Lee Adams reported that the wastewater treatment plant is nearing completion, with only a few punch-list items remaining and no reporting violations. The town sent the final pay application for Wickersham to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for approval and noted ongoing infiltration-and-inflow (I&I) contract work.

Planning activity was limited in March due to a lack of applications; Lee said KCI met with staff to review a concept plan for Chesapeake Village Lot 2, and Zoning Administrator Rob Bernstine approved three small permits (a shed replacement, driveway and fence replacement, and a new sign).

Mayor Rich Taylor said the town has met with two development teams and a private school interested in the former elementary school property and that the school board will conduct a tour on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The council did not take any formal action on the property at this meeting.

On recreational infrastructure, Sarah Ford-Ferrara said dock water service has been restored and the north dock will be moved to the north side this week. Frank Vari reported that Helen Titter Park restrooms have opened, the Parks & Rec committee plans fire hydrant painting and spring cleanup, and the Canal 5K on the Ben Cardin Trail is scheduled for June 28, 2025. Treasurer Brian Hunsberger said two boat slips remain available and that Chessie Marine expressed interest in a slip and offered to extend the dock at the boat ramp at no cost if permitted to use it.

These updates were presented as reports to the council; no land-sale, development approvals, or binding agreements were recorded in the meeting minutes.