Trappe council adopts loan ordinance to help finance wastewater treatment ENR upgrade, approves underground electrical route

Trappe, Md. — The Trappe Town Council on Jan. 7 unanimously adopted Ordinance 7-2025, authorizing a Line of Credit Promissory Note with Shore United Bank, N.A. in the principal amount of $645,000 to provide interim financing for design and construction of an upgraded wastewater treatment plant aimed at enhanced nutrient removal (ENR).

The ordinance, read at a public hearing by Commissioner Michael Sullivan and closed without public comment, allows the town to pledge its full faith and credit to secure the loan and anticipates repayment from grant funds administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). "No public comment was received," President Newnam said when the hearing closed, and the council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.

The ordinance matters because the ENR upgrade requires substantial electrical capacity beyond the plant’s current service. Dan String of engineering firm KCI told the council the design phase was roughly 90% complete and that the existing electric supply is inadequate for the upgrade. KCI presented two options: install an overhead three‑phase line along the right‑of‑way (estimated $750,000–$1,000,000) or run the line underground, which would require an easement from Talbot County to cross the Home Run Baker property and an expected charge of about $108,000 to Delmarva Power (not including conduit installation). String said the MDE grant should cover the expense as an eligible cost.

Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan said she had contacted Talbot County, which requested an easement exhibit from KCI; County Parks Board and County Council approval would be required. Following discussion, Commissioner Michael Sullivan moved to proceed with the underground option; Commissioner Walter Chase seconded, and the council voted unanimously to pursue that route, subject to county easements and approvals.

Also during the discussion the council approved a one‑year extension of the town’s contract for wastewater superintendent services with Livingston Septic at the same price, after Administrator Erin Braband reported that Livingston offered the extension. President Newnam moved to approve the extension and the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps for the ENR project include finalizing the MDE grant application/reimbursement structure and securing the Talbot County easement if the underground option proceeds. KCI will prepare the easement exhibit for county review, per Attorney Ryan. The council did not set an additional public hearing date during the Jan. 7 meeting.

Vote outcomes: Ordinance 7‑2025 adopted (Schmidt — yes; Sullivan — yes; Newnam — yes; Chase — yes). The motions to pursue underground electrical service and to extend the superintendent services contract were each approved unanimously.