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Trappe approves joint-use agreement with Talbot County for Home Run Baker Park
Summary
The Council unanimously approved an updated joint-use agreement for Home Run Baker Park that removes a Town-only maintenance requirement, requires reasonable public access and non-discrimination, and directs the Town to prepare a funds-handling plan; County approval remains required.
The Trappe Town Council on Dec. 3 approved an updated joint-use agreement with Talbot County for Home Run Baker Park after review by Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan.
Attorney Ryan said the County removed a provision that would have made the Town solely responsible for park maintenance and operations. The revised agreement requires the Town and County to ensure the park is open for public use at reasonable hours and to allow entry without discrimination. Ryan said the Town must develop a plan for how park-related funds will be handled and that the County Council still needs to approve the agreement for it to be fully executed.
Commissioner Walter Chase moved to approve the joint-use agreement; President Newnam seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Attorney Ryan noted the agreement is a requirement to receive associated funds from the County and that she hopes to have the item on the County Council’s next agenda.
Why it matters: The joint-use agreement clarifies responsibilities for park access and operations and is tied to the Town’s eligibility to receive funds for the park. Requiring a funds-handling plan ensures municipal oversight of any money the Town will manage on the park’s behalf.
What’s next: Town staff must create the funds-handling plan and the County Council must approve the agreement before funds are released or the agreement becomes fully binding.
