Planning and Zoning Commission – Meeting Minutes

April 13, 2026

Meeting Information
Location: Town Hall
Time: 6:40 PM – 8:10 PM
A motion was made to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. The motion was seconded and
carried by voice vote.

Members Present: Chairman Pete Baker, Paul Kowalski, Chuck Zimmerman
Members Absent: Rick Jones
A quorum was present.
Also in Attendance: Mayor Gary Lucks, Michelle Jackson
Presenter: Steve Tolley
 

  1. Commercial Project – Steve Tolley
    Discussion of proposed commercial project including lot consolidation, intended mechanical use, construction entrance requirements, and coordination with Dorchester County and MDE.
     
  2. Code Enforcement Update
    Implementation of International Property Maintenance Code and upcoming enforcement schedule focusing on property maintenance.
     
  3. Property Status Updates
    Buckland: Pending ownership resolution.
    Zeller: 90-day demolition/cleanup notice issued.
    Lowell Smith: Options discussed for compliance including renovation, sale, or donation.
     
  4. Comprehensive Plan Discussion
    The Commission conducted an in-depth working discussion regarding the update of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan following approval from the State of Maryland to update the existing plan rather than complete a full rewrite.Discussion points included:
    – Identification of potential growth areas within and adjacent to Town limits
    – Evaluation of annexation opportunities to support controlled growth and increase the Town’s tax base
    – Review of available EDU (sewer capacity) and the importance of aligning development with infrastructure capabilities
    – Consideration of current zoning classifications and the need for potential updates to reflect future land use goals
    – Importance of balancing residential, commercial, and mixed-use developmentProcess moving forward:
    – Digital copies of the current Comprehensive Plan will be distributed to all Planning & Zoning members
    – Members will review and provide comments and suggested revisions
    – A dedicated workshop meeting will be scheduled for detailed discussion and edits
    – Recommendations will be forwarded to the Mayor and Council for review and input
    – Final draft will be reviewed by the Town Attorney prior to submission to the State of Maryland

    The Commission emphasized that the Comprehensive Plan update will serve as a critical guide for future development, infrastructure planning, and long-term growth management for the Town.
    Target completion remains the end of 2026.
     

  5. Water Plant
    New water treatment plant project (~$345,000) discussed along with maintaining service continuity and planned sewer smoke testing to reduce long-term costs.
     
  6. Action Items
    Continue project coordination, distribute Comprehensive Plan, schedule workshop, monitor properties, and prepare for annexation and growth planning.