Town of Port Deposit

At the March 24, 2026 Town Council Work Session, Council reviewed infrastructure projects, operational updates, and policy items, and discussed next steps on several ongoing initiatives.

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Project & Infrastructure Updates

Council reviewed updates related to ongoing infrastructure improvements, including parking lot maintenance, street repairs, and long-term capital projects. Recent tree removal and cleanup efforts in parking lot #5 improved safety and visibility, with additional work planning for grading, resurfacing, and phased repairs to multiple lots and portions of High Street.

Updates were also provided on larger capital projects, including the Tome Steps and Rock Run embankment, which will require phased funding and engineering. Council also discussed electrical work needed at the Gas House, including obtaining contractor estimates for new service and conduit installation.

Community & Operations

Council evaluated a request from Granite Run Taproom regarding installation of a shade structure. After reviewing safety, permanence, and precedent concerns, Council declined to approve a permanent structure and expressed preference for temporary or removable options.

Council discussed updating the electric reimbursement agreement for a Town surveillance camera located on a residential property, with reimbursement based on kilowatt usage. Council directed staff to contact the property owner with the information.

Additional discussion included updates to truck routing and signage along Powers Road to improve safety and direct truck traffic toward Route 276 and I-95. Council also reviewed a developer request regarding streetlights and trees along the Powers Road extension and declined to assume maintenance responsibility outside Town limits.

Council agreed to move forward with plans to convert the dog park surface from mulch to grass in the near future to improve cleanliness and usability, with the project to be included in the FY2027 budget.

Policy & Legislative Actions

Council reviewed two resolutions during the work session. Resolution 03-2026 concerned participation in the Maryland Local Government Investment Pool (MLGIP), a state investment program that allows local governments to earn interest on funds while maintaining access to those funds. Resolution 04-2026 expressed support for House Bill 1142, which would create a task force to study ways to modernize how counties and municipalities are funded in Maryland. Both items received support from Council.

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Actions Taken

• Adopted Resolution 03-2026 regarding participation in the Maryland Local Government Investment Pool (MLGIP).

• Adopted Resolution 04-2026 expressing support for House Bill 1142 and the Local Revenue Task Force.

• Declined responsibility for streetlights and trees along Powers Road extension outside of Town limits.

• Denied request for a permanent shade structure at Granite Run Taproom.

• Agreed that the property owner should decide whether to continue allowing the Town surveillance camera to remain on the property under the updated reimbursement arrangement, or have it removed.
   

​This meeting summary is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the official meeting minutes. Minutes have not yet been approved and are presented to the Council for approval at the next legislative meeting. Once approved, the official minutes will be posted to the Town Council page.