Date: August 11, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Meeting called to order: 8:00 p.m.
Meeting Adjourned: 6:45 p.m.
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Town of East New Market was called to order by Mayor Gary Lucks at 6:00 p.m.
Attendance
Mayor: Gary Lucks
Council: Valencia Stagg, Sam Yockey, Michael Sisson, and Rick Jones
Staff: Michelle Jackson and Edwin Ramos
Presentations
Mayor Lucks read the Mayor’s Memorial Tribute honoring Mr. Henry Dockins.
Mayor Lucks also presented Certificates of Appreciation recognizing Anthony Preston Smith and David Tryston Smith for their volunteer service during the Town of East New Market’s celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the July 2026 Mayor and Council meeting were reviewed and approved.
Building Permits
Three building permit applications were reviewed and approved to move forward to the East New Market Historic District Commission for consideration.
Code Enforcement Report
Code Enforcement Officer Edwin Ramos presented an update on current code violations throughout the town. Most of the violations involved perperties with grass exceeding the permitted height.
Unfinished Business
Water Construction Project: Mayor Lucks provided an update on the new water construction project. Constsruction is expected to begin in mid-September 2026.
Sewage Pump Station Grant: Mayor Lucks reported that a decision is expected soon regarding the funding for the replacement of the sewage pump station.
Friendship Park Trail and Parking Lot Grant: Mayor Lucks reported that a decision is expected soon regarding the town’s grant application to asphalt the Friendship Park trail and parking lot.
Historic Properties: Mayor Lucks provided updates concerning The Buckland, the House of Hinges, and the Zeller properties.
New Business
Water and Sewer Rates: The new water and sewer rates went into effect in July 2026. The combined monthly base rate for water and sewer increated from $58.00 to $100.00. The Mayor and Council also agreed that all metered properties will be charged the applicable monthly flat-rate base fee.
Emergency Preparedness Meeting: An Emergency Preparedness Awareness Meeting will be held at the East New Market Fire Department on August 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will include a review of the Town of East New Market’s Emergency Water and Sewer Plan and Dorchester County’s emergency plan.
Senior Apartments Audit: Mayor Lucks reported that progress has been made concerning the cost of the audit for the East New Market Senior Apartments.
Twin Cities Commission: Mayor Lucks reported that the Twin Cities Commission will elect a new chairperson during its August 12, 2026, meeting.
Dollar General Letter of Support: The Mayor and Council signed a letter supporting improvements to the East New Market Dollar General, including a possible upgrade or renovation of the store.
Emergency Siren Grant: Mayor Lucks disclosed that the East New Market Volunteer Fire Department would like to apply for grant funding to purchase an emergency warning siren.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michelle Jackson, Clerk/Treasurer
Approved: ___________________________
Mayor Gary Lucks
Town of East New Market