Town of Port Deposit

At the May 19, 2026 Town Council Work Session, Council reviewed Bainbridge development updates, the proposed FY2027 budget, annexation and grant-related policy items, infrastructure work, and several ongoing community and operational concerns.

Project & Infrastructure Updates
Council received a detailed update from the Bainbridge Development Corporation regarding activity across the Bainbridge property. For Phase 1, BDC reported progress on Lot A, Building B, and Lot C, while Lot D may require other development options. Council also discussed truck traffic and staging concerns associated with Building B.

For Phase 1A, BDC reviewed the proposed annexation area and related road improvements, including the Diamond Jim Road extension, Manor Road decommissioning, and connection to Powers Road. BDC advised that forest conservation and watershed restrictions have significantly limited development potential, making residential development unlikely under current regulations.

BDC also discussed Phase 2 environmental cleanup, AquaCon’s continued interest pending an MDE discharge permit, possible future off-grid power/data center opportunities, and the landfill solar project, which is expected to move forward with grading this summer and operation targeted for summer 2027.
Additional updates included continued delays with the proposed Tome State Park land transfer, with survey, subdivision, access, and land-use restriction issues still unresolved.

Council also reviewed a reduced-scope stormwater project for the Town-owned parking area near 43/45 S. Main Street. The revised project would install a grass swale to direct runoff toward the existing drainage system without requiring easements from neighboring property owners.

Community & Operations
Council discussed rental housing concerns, unpermitted apartment conversions, livability enforcement, and related parking impacts. Topics included downtown parking, trailer and boat parking, larger vehicle accommodations, rental tracking, possible rental licensing, renter fees, zoning changes, and whether housing commission should be explored.

Town Administrator Rinkerman advised that livability complaints are handled through Cecil County, and that property transfer forms help the Town identify intended property use before deed recording. She also reported that a draft MOU with the Town of North East for a shared full-time code enforcement position is under attorney review, which would provide Port Deposit with on-site code enforcement assistance two days per week.

Council also discussed revisiting the railroad quiet zone issue, including prior costs, safety requirements, train horn noise, idling trains, and automatic horn technology. Staff will review current quiet zone requirements and options.

Port Deposit is hosting MML Cecil-Harford Chapter quarterly meeting on July 16 at the Carriage House. Staff reported that the caterer and menu have been secured, the event is planned for approximately 50 people, and Council discussed possible Town-branded giveaway items.

Policy & Legislative Actions
Council reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget. Major items discussed included the Town-funded façade and landscape grant, tax sale property acquisitions, Granite Avenue and Race Street project costs not covered by grants, dog park restoration, fire and rescue support, Water Witch Fire Company funding, Public Works equipment, parking lot engineering, and Visitor Center maintenance. The budget will return for public hearing and consideration at the June 2, 2026 meeting.

Town Administrator Rinkerman introduced Resolution 11-2026 concerning annexation of approximately 34 acres in the Bainbridge Phase 1A area. The resolution will be referred to the Planning Commission, with public hearing and final consideration dates to follow.

Resolution 12-2026 regarding the Civil Rights Compliance Policy and Resolution 13-2026 supporting roadway safety and the Cecil County Strategic Highway Safety Plan were presented and adopted by unanimous vote. Resolution 13-2026 will support a Safe Streets grant application for roadway safety improvements.

Announcements
A public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 64 S. Main Street.

The Annual Rockfish Tournament, 20th Anniversary, will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Marina Park.

Town Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

The Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, June 25, 2026, to consider Resolution 11-2026 concerning annexation of Bainbridge property.

Actions Taken

• Adopted Resolution 12-2026 regarding the Civil Rights Compliance Policy.

• Adopted Resolution 13-2026 supporting roadway safety and the Cecil County Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

• Approved the estimate for the 45 S. Main Street drainage improvements.

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​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.