Christine E. Travis

The board meeting agenda includes an overview of ethics laws and the Open Meetings Act, as well as a review of the organization's by-laws, including the meeting schedule and rules. The new business session will focus on briefings regarding county water and sewer updates, the Salisbury Septic Elimination Project, the Pittsville-Parsonsburg area, and the Old Ocean City Road corridor.

The committee discussed insights and challenges shared at the 2026 Summit, noting potential practices to adopt for future data reporting. Additionally, an update was provided regarding the hiring of a Coordinator, and the committee reviewed incoming cases from the Fruitland and Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. A closed session was held to discuss confidential matters before returning to an open session and adjourning.

The Council discussed several resolutions including the renewal of a license agreement for the Mason Dixon Sports Complex, funding for the Westside Community Center roof replacement, and utility easement agreements. The meeting also featured a legislative recap from the Eastern Shore Delegation regarding the 2026 General Assembly session, covering topics such as state budget concerns, energy policy, commercial fishing relief, and nursing home accountability. Additionally, the County Executive and Director of Finance presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budget, highlighting revenue projections, tax rate adjustments, employee compensation plans, and investments in education and public safety.

The committee discussed and unanimously approved an amendment to the bylaws regarding the membership recommendation process. Key updates included a report on hazardous material incidents between May and December 2025, which totaled 106 incidents consisting of gas leaks and petroleum spills. Discussions also covered the final report from the Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland, information regarding upcoming health department trainings, and the future timeline for planning, training, and exercise models leading to a full-scale exercise in 2028. Additionally, a presentation on whole community integration was delivered by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.

The board discussed project and contract status updates, including the runway extension, the new UMES hangar design, ATCT equipment procurement, solar farm energy credits, and the sewer extension project. Other topics included parking lot expansion, upcoming terminal expansion plans, and the successful completion of the annual FAA Part 139 inspection. The director provided a passenger activity report covering American Airlines and Breeze Airways statistics. The chairman briefed the board on upcoming county budget hearings and stakeholder engagement efforts, and public comments were received regarding business operations at the airport.