Katie Garvin

The agenda for the Regular Meeting includes convening the meeting, followed by a public hearing regarding the repeal and replacement of the Official Critical Area District Map as enumerated in Chapter 125-4 of the Wicomico County Code. A key discussion item is an overview and presentation on the Maryland Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012, also known as the "Septic Tier Law." The agenda also allocates time for Planning Director Updates and setting future meeting dates.

The session included consideration of a Proclamation recognizing March as Endometriosis Awareness Month and the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to various departments and Volunteer Fire Departments for their Winter Storm Response Efforts. Key legislative items included a Public Hearing on Legislative Bill No. 2026-01 concerning amendments to Zoning requirements for Manufactured and Modular Housing, and the introduction of Legislative Bill No. 2026-03 to amend Subdivision Regulations by removing the set-aside requirement for Minor Subdivisions in the Agriculture/Rural Zoning District. Other agenda items involved public hearing and resolution approval for a Priority Letter for the Maryland Department of Transportation's Consolidated Transportation Program, approval of an IPTV Cable Franchise Agreement with Talkie Communications, Inc., and the establishment of a West Side Advisory Committee. Appointments to the Water and Sewer Technical Advisory Committee were also addressed. The session concluded with a segment for Public Comments, Council Comments, and a motion to enter a Closed Work Session to consult with staff regarding pending or potential litigation.

The Council convened in a Special Open Session to entertain a motion to enter a Closed Session. The Open Session was adjourned shortly after commencement. The subsequent Closed Session was held pursuant to General Provisions Article Section 3-305(b)(1) to discuss the compensation affecting one or more specific individuals within the Department of Corrections, aimed at protecting individual privacy. No formal action or recorded votes were taken during the Closed Session.

The agenda for the meeting includes the Director's Report and the Board Attorney's Report. Old Business centers on the FY 26 Budget. New Business topics cover Open Meetings Act Complaints, Election Judge Parity, and Wicomico Board of Elections Death Notice Information. Public participation is scheduled for Vincent Gisriel and Dennis Evans. A portion of the meeting is designated for Closed Meeting discussions pertaining to personnel matters and consultation with legal counsel regarding potential or pending litigation.

The meeting included a legislative session, public hearings, and council comments. Key resolutions scheduled for discussion involved authorizing the County Executive to accept grant funds for the East Wicomico Park Fence Replacement Project, amending the FY 2026 budget for a Planning and Zoning position increase, upgrading GIS services for Planning & Zoning, adopting an Invocation Policy for legislative meetings, extending the deadline for the Capital Improvement Program adoption, and confirming the appointment of an Acting Director of Public Works. Additionally, there was an introduction of proposed legislation concerning amendments to Zoning Code requirements for Manufactured and Modular Housing. Open work sessions planned included discussions on a Letter of Support for Orphans Court Judges Salary Increase State Legislation, proposed State Legislation regarding Class A Beer, Wine, and Liquor Licenses, and proposed legislation to amend the County Code on Critical Area Resource Protection.