June 9, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gary R. Lucks called the regular meeting of the Mayor and Council to order at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. The Mayor welcomed residents, guests, and staff in attendance.
PRESENT
Mayor Gary R. Lucks; Councilman Michael Sisson; Councilwoman Valencia Stagg; Councilman Sam Yockey; Councilman Rick Jones; Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Jackson; Edwin Ramos, Administrative Assistant and Code Enforcement Officer; representatives of the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; and members of the public.
OATHS OF OFFICE
Amy administered the Constitutional Oath of Office to Councilman Rick Jones and Edwin Ramos, Administrative Assistant and Code Enforcement Officer. Mayor Lucks congratulated both individuals and thanked them for their commitment to serving the Town of East New Market. The Mayor noted the positive contributions Mr. Ramos has made to Town Hall operations and code enforcement efforts.
COMMUNITY SCAM PREVENTION PRESENTATION
Lt. Jamie McDaniel of the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office presented a community scam awareness program. Residents received information regarding utility scams, IRS impersonation scams, technology support scams, Bitcoin ATM scams, lottery scams, romance scams, and emergency family member scams. Citizens were encouraged to protect personal information and assist elderly family members in recognizing fraudulent activity.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the May 2026 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET ADOPTION
Mayor Lucks presented the second reading of the FY 2026-2027 Budget. He thanked Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Jackson for her assistance in preparing the budget and noted that the Council had reviewed the document during previous work sessions. The budget was developed with the goal of maintaining services, addressing infrastructure needs, and controlling expenditures.
General Fund Budget: $420,159.12
Utility Fund Budget: $590,029.96
Total Operating Budget: $1,010,189.08
Mayor Lucks emphasized that the budget contains no property tax increase and remains below the constant yield rate. Following discussion, the FY 2026-2027 Budget was approved unanimously.
WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE
The Mayor explained that increased operating expenses associated with the Twin Cities Commission wastewater treatment facility required a utility rate adjustment. Cost increases include electricity, chemicals, operator salaries, maintenance expenses, and supplies. East New Market’s share of the increase totals approximately $42,350 annually. Mayor Lucks explained that East New Market has not increased water and sewer rates in approximately thirty years and that the adjustment is necessary to maintain the utility system, meet obligations to the Twin Cities Commission, and continue providing reliable service to residents. The Mayor further noted that the increase is directly tied to rising operational costs at the wastewater treatment facility and increased costs associated with producing and delivering water to Town residents.
TWIN CITIES COMMISSION UPDATE
Mayor Lucks reported that efforts continue to strengthen East New Market’s participation within the Twin Cities Commission and ensure the Town maintains a voice in future wastewater treatment decisions.
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND ANNEXATION
The Mayor reported that Warwick Crossing is expected to add approximately 35 residential units to the Town’s tax base. Planning and Zoning continues work on updating the Comprehensive Plan. Discussions continue with MDE regarding wastewater capacity and future annexation opportunities. Preliminary discussions concerning Heritage Trailer Park annexation have begun and the Town Attorney is reviewing the matter.
GRANTS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Updates were provided regarding Friendship Park utility improvements, Town Hall improvements, the amphitheater grant project, and the proposed asphalt trail and parking lot project. Mayor Lucks and Edwin Ramos are scheduled to meet with grant representatives regarding funding opportunities.
SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
The Council discussed the aging wastewater pump station located behind the mobile home community. The station currently lacks a bypass system and remains one of the Town’s highest infrastructure priorities. Grant consultant Valerie Mann continues assisting the Town with USDA funding opportunities, including engineering assistance and a potential construction grant estimated at approximately $1.5 million.
CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT
Edwin Ramos reported that compliance issues at 2 Sugar Drive have been corrected. Tree removal at 8 Railroad Avenue is scheduled. Additional notices have been issued for 34 Main Street, 18 Main Street, 308 Railroad Avenue, Cambridge Avenue, and Lots 12 and 16. Council members commended Mr. Ramos for his professionalism and efforts.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Residents discussed archived social media requests, ordinance enforcement concerns, meeting accessibility, and community communication. Council members encouraged residents to submit concerns in writing to ensure proper documentation and follow-up.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Council members discussed the success of the Farmers Market, the upcoming Nordic Cottage ribbon cutting, attendance at the Maryland Municipal League Conference, development of the Caroline Klein Memorial Educators Scholarship, Veterans Memorial Monument planning, and future recycling opportunities.
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Mayor Lucks provided an update on preparations for the Town’s Fourth of July Celebration. Confirmed participants include the Maryland State Police Aviation Unit, Maryland State Police Color Guard, Civil War reenactors, Harriet Tubman representatives, live entertainment, food vendors, farmers market vendors, and a youth parade. Jeff Folks of Johnny’s Tavern donated 110 American flags for installation on Town light poles throughout the community.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned following a motion, second, and unanimous approval.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michelle Jackson, Clerk/Treasurer
Approved: ___________________________
Mayor Gary Lucks
Town of East New Market