MENU

Sections

  • Home
  • About
    • The Chestertown Spy
    • Contact Us
    • Advertising & Underwriting
      • Advertising Terms & Conditions
    • Editors & Writers
    • Dedication & Acknowledgements
    • Code of Ethics
    • Chestertown Spy Terms of Service
    • Technical FAQ
    • Privacy
  • The Arts and Design
  • Local Life and Culture
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
  • Community Opinion
  • Donate to the Chestertown Spy
  • Free Subscription
  • Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy

More

  • Support the Spy
  • About Spy Community Media
  • Advertising with the Spy
  • Subscribe
May 29, 2023

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

  • Home
  • About
    • The Chestertown Spy
    • Contact Us
    • Advertising & Underwriting
      • Advertising Terms & Conditions
    • Editors & Writers
    • Dedication & Acknowledgements
    • Code of Ethics
    • Chestertown Spy Terms of Service
    • Technical FAQ
    • Privacy
  • The Arts and Design
  • Local Life and Culture
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
  • Community Opinion
  • Donate to the Chestertown Spy
  • Free Subscription
  • Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy
Point of View Op-Ed Point of View Opinion

County Council Watch: Its One Way and Another With Talbot County Council

January 27, 2023 by Carol Voyles Leave a Comment

Share

The Talbot County Comprehensive Plan’s mission is to “preserve the rural and agricultural character of the area while promoting economic development and protecting the environment in natural resources so that the special quality of life we enjoy remains intact.”

Spray wastewater technology for 54 residences on 480 acres having been in and out of compliance over the past two decades, Talbot County is taking over spray wastewater treatment for the Preserve at Wye Mills. And so it’s hardly any wonder that Lakeside’s proposal for 2,500 residences on 865 acres concerns us.

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) shares these concerns, having approved 100,000 gallons per day of sprayed wastewater serving approximately 400 homes in Lakeside, as opposed to the 540,000 gallons requested to serve 2,500 residences.

With hopes that a Reset Lakeside Resolution would be introduced at the county council meeting on Tuesday, a rally was held at the courthouse on Saturday, January 21. The resolution offered logically proposed that since the planning commission’s certification is required for a resolution to be passed by the council and their certification has been rescinded, Resolution 281 should also be rescinded.

Had their rescission occurred before Resolution 281 was passed by the council, there would be no problem. But having initially found Resolution 281 to be compliant with Talbot County’s Comprehensive Plan, it was passed by the council on August 11, 2020. Presented with additional information, the planning commission rescinded its certification on December 13, 2021. A year and a half may be nothing in a 20-year saga, but having granted rights for legal decisions and actions complicates matters.

The January 24 county council meeting included the introduction of new Board of Elections Director Tammy Stafford, a presentation by the Bellevue Passage Museum, requests for architectural and engineering services for the public safety complex, and retirement benefits for county EMTs, all followed by public comments in support of Reset Lakeside and the closing statements of our county council.

James Smullen shared comments submitted by supporters, mentioned a Reset Lakeside rally scheduled for February 4, and summarized by suggesting we “do the right thing.”

Having grown up on a farm in Trappe, William Turner recalled the east side of Route 50 being reserved for farming. That may have contributed to objections to the Lakeside development beginning two decades ago, but the town of Trappe’s current wastewater treatment concerns him now.

Retired development planning executive Tom Dennis politely insisted that the county must “get on with the business of planning.” With concerns for schools, the medical community, and public safety, he recommended the adoption of an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance.

Susan DuPont suggested that Reset Lakeside presented opportunities to work with the Town of Trappe, and a resident of St. Michaels was concerned by Wye Mills’ record of noncompliance and years of pollution.

Chuck Powers, retired hydraulic engineer and resident of Talbot County, is concerned not only “where the water is going, but where it is coming from,” and some questionable data reported.

Bob Flowers’ commentary would be “short and sweet.” He suggested that 2,500 residences is “simply insane.” Closing statements from the council followed.

Council member Dave Stepp reported meeting with the Board of Education, Board of Elections, Parks and Recreation, and Community Center. Ice rink repairs are nearing completion, and “we should have ice this week.”

Keasha Haythe cited community efforts in support of the recent Martin Luther King Basketball Classic and Business Resources Fair and expressed concerns regarding Reset Lakeside communications.

Having sought legal counsel and MDE’s guidance, Vice President Pete Lesher has been advised that the planning commission’s rescission of its certification of Resolution 281 should have been made before the council’s approval. Likewise, Lakeside’s current permit cannot be rescinded now. But Lakeside has been delivered a setback, and we must recognize what can still be accomplished.

Lynn Mielke concurred that “our glass may be half full,” but MDE’s permit is “a win for slowing Lakeside’s progress.” The council is committed to keeping an eye on this development and exploring options.

Council President Chuck Callahan commended Vice President Lesher for his efforts and reminded us that we’re going to have a new comprehensive plan. “This council is going to take care of the county and do the best we can.”

Three phases of development are planned, but Lakeside has been put on a short leash, at least for now. 400 of 505 homes planned for phase one are currently permitted, but MDE has confirmed that further development requires permit modification and additional public scrutiny is welcomed.

The county must also approve additional wastewater treatment plans, as the County Water and Sewer Plan must be amended for change in land classification in order to become eligible for connection to a wastewater treatment plant.

Resolution 281 states, “Before the County Council may adopt the proposed amendment, the Talbot County Planning Commission must certify that the amendment is consistent with the 2016 Talbot County Comprehensive Plan.”

The 2016 comprehensive plan requires state of the art wastewater treatment for new development in Talbot County. As the passage of time can make a difference, the amendment submitted for the rescission of Resolution 281 by Talbot Integrity Project will not be considered. But resolutions the council could pass and support of our comprehensive plan are always welcomed.

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed, Opinion

Opinion: So Where Are We Growing? By Carol Voyles

September 9, 2022 by Carol Voyles Leave a Comment

Share

Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) recently expressed his concern regarding the ability of towns and states to work together to address problems. That struck a chord, as similar concerns have been heard here recently concerning the town of Easton possibly working more closely with the county to address issues of planning for growth.

Talbot County Council Vice President Pete Lesher has reminded us that our comprehensive plan will be updated, and we should pay attention. This plan outlines a vision for our future and will impact decisions for years to come. The county is currently in the process of updating our comprehensive water and sewer plan. This process will take some time, as it includes the participation of our county council, planning commission, county staff, various consultants, committees, and citizens.

Focusing growth into towns with existing infrastructure is part of the county’s plan. Talbot’s population has also remained relatively stable over the past decade, but we’re now hearing concerns for traffic and schools already filled to capacity. Maryland code must also be considered. The smart growth principles required by Maryland’s Smart and Sustainable Growth Act include planning for the timing and implementation of development.

A planning meeting for the updating of our comprehensive water and sewer plan was held on August 30 at the Talbot County Health Department Office of Environmental Health. It included members of the department of environmental health and public works and reflected the agenda of a meeting held earlier that day with Rauch, Inc., the firm hired to update the plan.

Matters discussed included the performance of existing systems, planned improvements, and environmental issues; and there is clearly work to be done in Wye Mills, Bozman, Neavitt and other locations. Businesses on parts of Route 50 can no longer expand due to sewerage limitations, and spray wastewater irrigation in Wye Mills is now county owned. The county wants to avoid privately owned wastewater treatment facilities in the future; but to do that “we need legislation,” according to county engineer Ray Clarke. We were also advised that Lakeside’s method of wastewater treatment will be changed to “point source discharge.”

PBS aired a documentary that evening of the elaborately constructed (and walkable) sewer system still in use in London today. Built during the Victorian era, these impressive pathways under the city took eight years to complete and are still in service today. Nice perspective.

Members of the planning commission and county council joined the public works advisory board and Rauch team for a planning session on September 7. We were reminded that our current comprehensive water and sewer plan was written in 1992 and last reviewed in 2002. These plans ideally span 10 years and are reviewed every 3 years. We’re not the only county falling behind, though. We have company.

Bob Rauch of Rauch, Inc., provided a bit of background. Born and raised in Talbot County, he’s lived here all his life. He was our first county engineer, wrote our county’s first plan, and is now town engineer for seven communities and a registered engineer in three states. Bob Rauch currently owns a construction consulting business – and he knows the infrastructure of Talbot County.

Bill Anderson of the public works advisory board offered, “We are all impressed by your credentials, but there are concerns over potential conflicts of interest.” This issue would have to be addressed eventually.

As Bill Boicourt, chair of the planning commission, acknowledged, “We know what the elephant in the room is.” Rauch is clearly more than qualified to do this work; but our ethics ordinance is also clear, and there seems to be no disclosure of possible conflicts of interest in the contract.

There were also questions concerning authority in wastewater treatment matters. Mr. Rauch offered, “These (towns) are independent, sovereign entities with their responsibility to do what they need to do within their jurisdictions. The county’s responsibility is to incorporate those plans and be the keeper of those plans.”

He explained further, “The water and sewer plan simply tells you how we’re going to implement what’s in the comprehensive plan, and I’m not creating those, you all are.” He also concurred with a comment suggesting that our Talbot County Comprehensive Plan would ideally have been updated before our water and sewer plan. That would facilitate planning.

Steve Alfaro of the resources planning division of Maryland Department of the Environment clarified matters. The county is our governing body in wastewater treatment matters; and unless town plans conform to county plans, they may not be executed. The approval of wastewater treatment plans and movement from one classification to another during this process requires the approval of our planning commission and county council. S & W classifications are also being modified from a range of 1-3 to 1-6 to conform to COMAR standards. W-1 now means “either already existing or under construction.”

This meeting was being recorded, and Ray Clarke, county engineer, reminded us, “Every meeting associated with comprehensive water and sewer plan, we will be recording that.”

Lisa Ghezzi, member of the planning commission, appreciated this transparency.

Planning commission members then shared schedules for meetings with towns. Rauch had sent each town a summary of requested attendance, subjects to be discussed and documentation required. This is the data collecting stage for updating our Talbot County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan.

Chuck Callahan, county council president, said, “This is a great start.”

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed

Reflections Upon Our Declaration of Independence by Carol Voyles

July 4, 2022 by Carol Voyles Leave a Comment

Share

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, and that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness – That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

The words of our forefathers are a breath of fresh air. We’ve come a long way since 1776, but we’re now hearing suggestions from a recently formed organization, Battlefront, that “those of us temperamentally disposed must lay siege to our nation’s institutions.”  It’s time, they say.

Back in 2012 Thomas Mann of the Brookings Institute and Norm Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute had suggested, “The GOP has become an insurgent outlier in American politics. It is ideologically extreme, scornful of compromise, unmoved by conventional understanding of facts, evidence, and science and dismissive of the legitimacy of political opposition.”

We were awarding Pinocchios then, but it has since become clear that our Grand Old Party no longer finds it convenient to hold truths self-evident or derive its powers from the consent of the governed. As former acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen and deputy Attorney General Richard P. Donoghue have testified, advised that he had lost the 2020 election, President Trump instructed his Department of Justice, “Just say it was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the Republican congressmen.”

The violent insurrection on January 6, 2021, the first of its kind since 1812, resulted in nine deaths, 114 officers injured, and $1.5 million in damages.

Representative Adam Schiff echoed our forefathers at a recent January 6 Congressional Committee hearing: “For more than 200 years, our democracy has been distinguished by the peaceful transfer of power. Raising their right hand and taking the Presidential oath of office transforms an ordinary citizen into the most powerful person in the world, the President. This is an awesome power to acquire. It is even more awesome when it is handed on peacefully. When George Washington relinquished the office of the presidency, he set a precedent that served as a beacon for other nations struggling against tyranny.”

It might also be worth noting that this bipartisan commission, formed by a government deriving its power from the consent of the governed in order to secure our rights, is relying in large part upon sworn testimony from Republicans and members of President Trump’s inner circle. This hearing has also been a profile in courage about women. Liz Cheney and Cassidy Hutchinson are being compared to Margaret Chase Smith.

White House lawyer Pat Cipollone warned that Trump would be charged with “every crime imaginable” if he were to go to the Capitol on January 6. Cipollone has been invited to either confirm or deny that account under oath.

Assured of no evidence of voter fraud by Trump campaign lawyer Alex Cannon, former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows concluded, “So there’s no there, there.”

Respected lawyer and former judge J. Michael Luttig, long a pillar in conservative legal circles, professed his loyalty to our Constitution and warned, “Donald Trump and his allies and supporters are a clear and present danger to American democracy,”

Requests for preemptive pardons suggest laws have been broken. Attorney John Eastman emailed his request to the White House, and Mo Brooks took the extra step of requesting “all-purpose” pardons for himself and “every Congressman and Senator who voted to reject the electoral college submission of Arizona and Pennsylvania.”

Adam Schiff also reminded us, “The system held, but barely. And the question remains, will it hold again? If we are able to communicate anything during these hearings, I hope it is this: We have been blessed beyond measure to live in the world’s greatest democracy. This is a legacy to be proud of and to cherish. But it is not one to be taken for granted.”

These are challenging times, but things may be trending in a positive direction.

Cassidy Hutchinson, a dedicated young Republican who had interned with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA) before becoming an executive assistant to former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, offered this testimony:

With evidence that the Trump administration had been warned of violence and was aware of weapons in the crowd on January 6, President Trump told officials, “You know, I really don’t care if they have weapons. They’re not here to hurt me. Take the mags away, and let my people in.”

He then went onstage told them several times, “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol.”

Trump criticized her. That was expected, but Fox News anchor Bret Baier noted, ”She’s under oath, and he’s on Truth Social.”

Let justice and our democracy prevail.

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.

***

Federal insurrection statute, 18 U.S. Code § 2383, applies to “whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto.”

Federal seditious conspiracy statute, 18 U.S. Code § 2384, applies to persons who “by force prevent, hinder or delay the execution of any law of the United States.”

Federal perjury statute, 18 U.S. Code § 1621, finds anyone “guilty of perjury shall, except as otherwise required by law, be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.”

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed, Opinion

Juneteenth and Pride: A Day of Sunshine and Progress for the Mid-Shore

June 19, 2022 by Carol Voyles Leave a Comment

Share

A diverse crowd of all ages and races filled several blocks on Harrison Street in Easton on Saturday; and for those who doubted if such a celebration might ever occur in their lifetimes, this was more than a beautiful sunny day. The Delmarva Pride Festival was sponsored by the Delmarva Pride Center, a community service organization of volunteers dedicated to creating a positive environment of services and support for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities throughout the Delmarva community.

Over 60 tables and booths lined several blocks along Harrison. The organizations and vendors participating included the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Caroline County and Easton YMCAs, Dorchester County Health Department, Mid Shore Pro Bono, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Talbot County Free Library, Delmarva Pride, Quiet Wealth, LGBTQ Professionals, For All Seasons, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, Talbot County Department of Social Services, Chesapeake College Pride, Planned Parenthood, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, The Arc, Talbot Humane, Jas Snack Shop – and many more.

Log Cabin Republicans of Maryland also participated, as did the Maryland Democratic Party, Talbot Democratic Women’s Club, Talbot Democratic Forum, and Democratic candidates Michele Dappert for Talbot County Council, Jim Bruce for Talbot County Council. representation for Wes Moore for Governor of Maryland, Republican Talbot County Council candidate Kyle O’Donnell, and candidate Naomi Hyman for Maryland State Senate.

On a day filled with both sunshine and relief, one visitor expressed his wish that Pride had been around earlier so that he wouldn’t have had to wait until he was 50 to come out; and a Log Cabin Republican, noting that they are not always received so warmly, appreciated that people here seemed “civilized.” A teacher also greeted a former student, exclaiming, “You are beautiful!” And most of us would likely agree that she truly was the most attractive person there.

There was more. The eleventh annual Juneteenth celebration, sponsored by the Academy Art Museum, Building African American Minds (BAAM), the Frederick Douglass Honor Society, and Talbot County Library, was just around the corner on South Street. This year’s celebration of the day in 1865 when a quarter of a million people learned of their freedom included the music of Dat Feel Good and Julie Outrage, exhibitions of paintings and illustrations, and food vendors including Scottish Highland Creamery, Danielle’s Pit Stop, and Gabee’s Icees.

This was clearly a day of sunshine and progress for the Mid-Shore.

This video is approximately one minute in length. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News Homepage, News Portal Highlights

Lakeside: We can Fix This, Right?  By Carol Voyles

February 19, 2022 by Carol Voyles

Share

Over 100 concerned citizens attended the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) hearing for the “tentative determination to reissue Lakeside’s permit” to discharge wastewater onto a spray irrigation field alongside Miles Creek. And due to concerns for the health of our Chesapeake Bay and its headwaters, dozens participated. That’s understandable. Talbot County has more shoreline than any other county in the United States (600 miles).

It is also understandable that this has been stressful for Trappe, and that in 2003 a Northern Virginia developer’s offer was welcomed with open arms. The town was millions of dollars in debt due to problems with its existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP); and in exchange for building 2,501 homes and approximately 40 acres of commercial space, Rock’s Engineering Co. would chip in for the town’s municipal services and build a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant on site. 

A referendum was held to annex over 800 acres for the development. It passed, and the the first 120 homes would be connected to Trappe’s existing WWTP until the new spray wastewater irrigation plant was completed. As Attorney Ryan Showalter described in an interview, “So applying it to agricultural lands recharges the groundwater and puts those nutrients in a farm field where they can be used by trees or crops rather than putting them into the Bay.”

This offer would understandably be welcomed, and the town of Trappe may have had no reason to doubt his advice; but this project has been contested for nearly 20 years, and there are reasons for that.

The County Council approved Resolution 281 (the current wastewater treatment plan) 4-1 in April, 2021. Talbot County Public Works had voted 5-0 against plans for the project. The Planning Commission voted 3-2 in favor, but reversed that decision in November. 

The performance of Trappe’s current WWTP and the performance of spray wastewater irrigation in Maryland coupled with a lack of oversight have become concerns. And this is an exceptionally large development.

Our Comprehensive Plan finds Trappe’s WWTP “approaching 20 years of service and in need of upgrades to continue to serve the community:” Talbot’s Wye Mills spray wastewater system has failed; the Chesapeake Legal Alliance found only 25% of Maryland’s groundwater discharge systems in compliance when tested; the League of Conservation Voters finds MDE enforcement “chronically underfunded;” we have permit violations and a lawsuit concerning years of discharges at a poultry processing plant in Dorchester County; and following a spill, lack of oversight and enforcement statewide has been called out by Attorney General Brian Frosh. 

It has also not been helpful to the cause of moving ahead that the 119-page report of the engineering and environmental consulting Antea Group, commissioned by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, concluded that MDE is using an outdated planning method for spray wastewater irrigation systems, and that Lakeside’s spray irrigation is unlikely to yield reliable results. This may be a matter for future consideration, but it impacts current decisions.

That study has yet to be referenced in public meetings; but we might ask advice from neighboring states. According to the report, Virginia and Delaware are employing superior planning and administrative methods.

The County Council Working Session on January 7 consisted primarily of map clarifications and presentations from representatives of the developer, and the town of Trappe updated information concerning plans to upgrade Trappe’s WWTP and a possible timeline. 

The January 15 Working Session again consisted primarily of procedural matters; but there was a complaint that we had heard from only one side on January 7 and a suggestion that we “do the right thing” was followed by a suggestion that there is “no 313 Amendment to consider.” President Callahan made a heroic effort to keep order, and Vice President Lesher reminded the Council and Planning Commission that PC approval is necessary to pass Resolution 313. 

The February 22 Legislative Meeting agenda includes consideration of Resolution 308 (to rescind Resolution 281) and Resolution 313 to amend our Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan to require Trappe’s WWTP to be upgraded to ENR before additional connections are made.

It has been suggested that there are problems with all WWTPs, so why wait? After all, plans are being made to upgrade Trappe’s plant to ENR within 3 years. But a project of this size?  We understand the frustration, and the developer has decided to proceed knowing that there are ongoing concerns.

Working together at the local level is said to hold the most promise, and listening to one another is the place to start. We clearly recognize that Trappe has been stressed over these many years. I felt relief just writing about the developer’s rescue, but our Comprehensive Plan’s directive to protect the health and welfare of all our citizens must be a priority – and we have a path forward.

Stephen Harris, who raises cattle on a farm adjacent to the project and close to the headwaters of Miles Creek observed, “A very small group of people voted for this. When there’s overflow from the lagoon or leaching from the spray field, once it goes over the property line – which history says it will – it’s going to be on my property. It’s going to degrade my property and everybody’s property down below.”

That may or may not be accurate, but we were warned in 2009 that this project could take decades. It’s been hard on everyone; but let’s not make it even harder. There is a way forward. It would take a bit longer longer, but as Laura Price suggested, we should “do the right thing.”

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.

 

 

.

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed

Copyright © 2023

Affiliated News

  • The Cambridge Spy
  • The Talbot Spy

Sections

  • Arts
  • Culture
  • Ecosystem
  • Education
  • Health
  • Local Life and Culture
  • Spy Senior Nation

Spy Community Media

  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising & Underwriting

Copyright © 2023 · Spy Community Media Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in