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Trappe moves to submit state grant application for girls softball field at Home Run Baker Park
Summary
The Trappe Town Council voted to approve submitting a Maryland DNR Community Parks and Playground Program grant application to build a girls softball field at Home Run Baker Park; approval is contingent on a joint‑use agreement clarifying maintenance with Talbot County.
The Trappe Town Council voted to approve submitting a grant application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Community Parks and Playground Program to create a girls softball field at Home Run Baker Park.
Cheryl Lewis presented a completed grant application package to the Council and said the Talbot County Parks and Recreation board’s minutes in the meeting packet show the county agrees the Town may apply. Lewis advised submitting a draft joint‑use agreement with the application but not signing it until the State reviews the package. "The State will not give the Town the funds until the joint‑use agreement has been agreed upon and signed by all parties," Lewis said.
Assistant Town Attorney Carly Landolfi pointed to paragraphs 3, 4 and 6 of the draft joint‑use agreement in the packet, saying those provisions make the Town’s responsibility end when project construction is completed and the County assumes maintenance. Lewis added that, if awarded the grant, the Town would manage the project and the grant funds while the Little League would be responsible for ongoing field maintenance.
Council members asked clarifying questions about scope and site details. Commissioner Rose Potter asked who would maintain the park since the Town does not own the property; Landolfi reiterated that maintenance responsibility would rest with Talbot County under the joint‑use framework. A member identified as Mr. Bowman asked about field orientation, parking and lighting; Lewis said lighting is not included in the proposal because of cost and that the County is aware of parking issues and is looking into options.
Commissioner Jeremy Newnam moved to approve the grant application as submitted; Commissioner Michael Sullivan seconded. The motion passed, with Newnam, Sullivan and President Schmidt voting yes; Potter voting yes contingent on the joint‑use agreement being put into place; and Commissioner Walter Chase abstaining. The Town will submit the application and await the State’s review; if the project is funded, the draft joint‑use agreement will need to be finalized and signed by all parties before funds are released.
