On the agenda: Chesapeake Beach meeting — Data Center (Aug 11)

TOWN COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL
WORK SESSION AGENDA
August 11, 2026
Starting at 6:00 PM

I.

Call to Order and Roll Call

II.

Pledge of Allegiance

III. Informational discussion on the following:
1. ADU Discussion
2. Home Occupations Exemptions
3. Larry Taub – Board of Appeals Legal Counsel Appointment
4. Amy Everett – Board of Appeals Reappointment
5. 15th Street Stairs
6. FY27 Legislative Agenda Planning

IV. Adjournment

8200 BAYSIDE ROAD, P.O. BOX 400 CHESAPEAKE BEACH, MARYLAND 20732

(410) 257-2230

(301) 855-8398

MEMORANDUM
To:

Mayor Wahl & Town Council

From: Sarah Franklin, Town Planner & Zoning Administrator
CC:

Dr. Samélia Okpodu, Town Administrator

Date: August 6, 2026
RE:

Home Occupation exemption for business that are under state or federal regulation

The Council is considering amending §209-11 (CC) regarding home occupations to
accommodate a resident seeking a home business. Since the Planning & Zoning Commission
originally omitted the word “regulated” in its proposal for §290-11 (CC)(1)(e) & (2)(e), the
Council can align the text with The Commission’s original intent by removing this word without
requiring a second recommendation from The Commission. To allow state or federally regulated
home occupations, the Town Council simply needs to strike “regulated” from §290-11 (CC)(1)(e)
& (2)(e), as shown below.
290-11 CC. Customary home occupation:
(1) Conditional use in the NC, TC, PC and MC Districts, subject to the requirements of the district where
located, except as herein provided that:
(a) The occupation is conducted entirely within the dwelling and/or accessory building;
(b) The gross floor area of the home occupation over all buildings on the property uses no more
than 30% of the principal dwelling floor area;
(c) All employees are permanent residents in the dwelling, except that one full-time nonresident
employee may be on the premises;
(d) There is no outside storage of equipment, materials, or items to be repaired or sold;
(e) No regulated article or commodity is offered for sale on the premises except those incidental
to the services offered;
(f) No display of products or advertising is visible from outside the dwelling, other than the
permitted home occupation announcement sign;
(g) No exterior alterations, additions, or changes to the structure are made to accommodate or
facilitate the home occupation;

(h) Besides the required parking for the dwelling unit, an additional parking space located to the
side or rear yard is provided for any nonresident employed on the premises and other parking
complies with § 290-20 of Article V of this chapter;
(i) Any nameplate attached to the building is no larger than two square feet and illuminated only
by indirect lighting;
(j) The establishment or operation of a home occupation is harmonious with the character of
neighboring residential uses and does not create traffic (pedestrian or vehicular) or parking
demands out of character with neighboring properties; and
(k) A permit is obtained.
(2) Conditional use in the RV-1, R-LD, R-MD, R-HD, and RPC, subject to the requirements of the district
where located, provided that:
(a) The occupation is conducted entirely within the dwelling;
(b) The occupation uses no more than 30% of the principal dwelling floor area;
(c) All employees are permanent residents in the dwelling;
(d) There is no outside storage of equipment, materials, or items to be repaired or sold;
(e) No regulated article or commodity is offered for sale on the premises;
(f) No display of products or advertising is visible from outside the dwelling;
(g) The establishment or operation of the home occupation is harmonious with the character of
neighboring residential uses and does not create traffic (pedestrian or vehicular) or parking
demands out of character with neighboring properties; and
(h) A permit is obtained.

1

Amy Everett
3447 Hill Gail Drive

Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
(301) 272- 7474 [email protected]
Active TS/ SCI Clearance with CI Polygraph

Professional Summary
Expert Geospatial Analyst with 20 years experience processing and analyzing geospatial data for
the Department of Defense and US Intelligence Community (USIC). Demonstrated competence
in a fast- paced, task- oriented production environment, with extensive experience working both
independently and as a team member. Collaborated with project managers, senior analysts,
scientists, and military members to produce numerous projects that conveyed essential
information to high- level military and intelligence leaders. Strong work ethic with excellent
interpersonal communication and customer service skills.
Core Competencies
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
ESRI ArcGIS Software Suite (ArcGIS Enterprise
ArcMap
Adobe Creative Suite
ArcPro)
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Avenza
MAPublisher Cartographic Design Python Microsoft Office GEOINT Intelligence Analysis
Professional Experience
Peraton, McLean, VA
Senior Cartographer (40 hrs/ wk)

August 2022

-

Present

Serves as the Senior Cartographer and Team Lead for the Division's design team of 15
contractors. Responsible for training and supervising Cartographers and Graphic Designers.
Develops and creates cartographic finished intelligence products for the National
Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) utilizing ESRI ArcGIS Desktop and Adobe Illustrator with
Avenza MAPublisher.
Partners with authors to identify and clarify content and style of cartographic products to
ensure quality control and usability in compliance with community standards and procedures.

Crimson Phoenix, McLean, VA
Senior Cartographer (40 hrs/ wk)

November 2020

-

August 2022

Conceptualized and designed cartographic solutions for National intelligence Officers at the
National Intelligence Council (NIC), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) that
complemented and enhanced all- source finished intelligence products for US policymakers.
Coordinated closely with authors, tradecraft specialists, graphic designers, editors, and
publication officers to create optimal graphic- based products while adhering to strict
community design standards and cartographic specifications including geographic features,
Board on Geographic Names (BGN) rulings, and noteworthy regional issues/ developments.
Utilized ESRI ArcGIS Desktop and Adobe Illustrator with Avenza MAPublisher, to create
custom thematic and reference maps.
Skyris, Alexandria, VA

September

-

November 2020

Senior Data Scientist (40 hrs/ wk)
Developed a strategy for a newly awarded project that included the gathering, querying, and
visualizing of big data to support a wide- range of uses and customers.
Built a custom Operational Dashboard to expose datasets based on spatiotemporal queries.

Amy Everett
Leidos, Suitland, MD

January 2018

-

September 202O

GIS Engineer (40 hrs/ wk)

Served as the GIS Subject Matter Expert, providing support to the Naval Underwater
Reconnaissance Technical Analysis Center (NURTAC), Office of Naval Intelligence.
Collaborated and consulted with the Systems Engineer, software developers, and intelligence
analysts to provide technical expertise in relation to geospatial datasets and systems.
Devised innovative solutions for real- time operations, including incorporation of scripts and
customized web applications for watchstanders, saving them hours of work on every shift.
Developed and maintained ArcGIS Enterprise services, layers, and web applications.
Collected, processed, and administered organization's geospatial data for production needs.

Oceaneering International, Inc., Hanover, MD
Senior GIS Analyst (40 hrs/ wk)

October 2009

-

January 2018

Served as GIS Subject Matter Expert, providing technical and analytical support for the
Mission Planning and Analysis Center (MPAC), Office of Naval Intelligence.
Integrated geospatial data relevant to the exploitation of remotely sensed and imaged data
into new and existing products for naval assets and the USIC.
Correlated multisource data and prepared cartographic and analytical products that included
navigational charts, pre- and post- mission reports, and special mission intelligence analysis.
Naval Oceanographic Office, Stennis Space Center, MS

Oceanographer/GIS Analyst (GS- 1360/ 12), June 2004

-

July 2001

-

October 2009

October 2009

Worked independently and as a member of a high performing team in a fast- paced production
environment providing geospatial support to members of the defense community.
Applied oceanographic knowledge and specialized skills to the research, processing,
analysis, and geospatial production of highly detailed and extensive reports and GIS products.
Successfully trained, briefed, and interfaced with individuals of all levels (technical and nontechnical, government and non- government) to ensure mission success.
Received Navy Unit Commendation citing "truly distinctive achievements, extensive
enthusiasm, and unfailing devotion to duty" in support of "Fleet Commander operational
primacy".

Physical Scientist (GS- 1301/ 11), July 2001

-

June 2004

Assisted the Master Oceanographic Observation Data Set (MOODS) Database Administrator
with quality control, loading, and maintenance of oceanographic data.
As Lead Physical Oceanographer aboard naval research vessels, processed data collected
from physical oceanographic equipment and bathymetric systems.

Education
Post- Baccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

Pennsylvania State University, World Campus (June 2009); 4.0 GPA

Master of Science Candidate in Marine Science
University of Southern Mississippi, Stennis Space Center, MS (August 2001); 3.94 GPA
Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences
Smith College, Northampton, MA (May 1997); 3.51 GPA

2026 Council Meetings

21
Scheduled Meetings (remaining)

FY27 Council Work Plan
This work plan is intended to provide transparency into anticipated legislative, policy, and operational matters expected
to come before the Mayor and Town Council during the fiscal year. It serves as a planning tool for elected officials and
staff, supports balanced meeting agendas, and assists with prioritizing and sequencing Council initiatives and
administrative work. Because Council meeting capacity is limited, the addition of new agenda items may require the
rescheduling of previously planned work to accommodate changing priorities or statutory requirements. This
document is intended to guide planning and promote transparency; it is not an exhaustive list and may be updated

10
Work Sessions (remaining)

11

Town Council (remaining)

throughout the fiscal year as new priorities, legal requirements, or operational needs arise.
LEGEND
WS = Work Session

Legislative

Operational

TC = Town Council

Appointments

Presentations

Town of Chesapeake Beach | Small Town Big Bay - Town council planning doc

FY27 Council Work Plan | Meeting Calendar: July - October
Q1

July WS

Q2

July TC

Aug WS

Aug TC

Sept WS

Sept TC

Oct WS

Oct TC

6:00 PM

Data Center
Amendment on
existing code

Home Occupations
Exemptions

Sign Regulation
Discussion (Part 1)
Land Use Table
Discussion

6:30 PM

ADU Adoption
Discussion )

Closed Session:
Annexation

Parking Study Sarah

Data Center
Introduction

ADU Discussion

Urban Forrest
Amendment
Introduction

Requested updated
to Disabled Law
Enforcement
Ordinance

Sign Regulation
Introduction
(Tentative)

ADU Vote

7:00 PM

ADU Introduction

Speed Camera RFP
Vote (Tentative)

Council Request for
closed session: FIDS

7:30 PM

Special Presentation:
Oysters (Calvert County)

Data Center Vote

8:00 PM

Special Presentation:
Police Accountability
Board

Sign Regulation
Discussion (Part 2)

Appointment Lawrence
(Larry) Taub - Counsel
Board of Appeals
Appointment Amy Everett
- Board of Appeals

8:30 PM
Paving Contract RFP Vote
Rail Trail Expansion RFP Vote
Vote to Approve Mayoral
Signature BGE Tower Lease

9:00 PM

Town of Chesapeake Beach | Small Town Big Bay - Town council planning doc

FY27 Council Work Plan | Meeting Calendar: November - March
Q2 (Cont’d)

Q3

Nov WS

Nov TC

Ethics Code
Suggested
Amendments
Present

Sign Regulation
Vote

Dec WS

Dec TC

Jan WS

Jan TC

Feb WS

Feb TC

Mar WS

Mar TC

6:00 PM

Compensation
Recs

6:30 PM

General Fund
Budget
Discussion
7:00 PM

7:30 PM

8:00 PM

8:30 PM

9:00 PM

Town of Chesapeake Beach | Small Town Big Bay - Town council planning doc

FY27 Council Work Plan | Meeting Calendar: April - June
Q4

Apr WS

Apr TC

May WS

May TC

Jun WS

Jun TC

6:00 PM

6:30 PM

7:00 PM

7:30 PM

8:00 PM

8:30 PM

9:00 PM

Town of Chesapeake Beach | Small Town Big Bay - Town council planning doc

FY27 Council Work Plan | For Discussion & Staff Projects
For Discssion and Council Alignment
Right of Way, Streets Alleys, Pathways, Sidewalks (DD)
Annexation History (DD)
Public Comment and Request from Individuals (DD)
The 20-year rule framework (DD)
Organizations, committees, clubs, events, teams, etc. (DD)
Question about water and sewer treatment plant deeds. (DD)
Project clean town/ good Neighbor (DD)
Discuss Council request regarding historical property documentation for Blocks 67 and 68 and
determine the appropriate scope, priority, and next steps. (DD)
Comprehensive Easement Assessments & Documentation alignment (DD)
Review the Town's code enforcement complaint intake, tracking, communication, and follow-up
process to ensure timely, transparent, and consistent resolution of resident concerns. (DD)
Evaluate whether existing ordinances and administrative procedures adequately address
recurring concerns related to residential property maintenance, parking, home occupations,
occupancy, and accessibility within residential neighborhoods. (DD)
Evaluate whether the current stormwater waiver process adequately considers existing
downstream conditions
Richfield Station Master plan review (of town planner) (LB)
Attorney Evaluation of legal disposition of the FIDS parcel (LB)
Making Town Salaries Transparent and attached to GF, place all employee costs in general fund,
Study of salaries throughout MD, Restructuring town employee costs (ER)
Put the debt service of the WP into the WP Fund (ER)
Amend the home business ordinance to allow FFL licensed business (ER)
Repeal of prohibition of YARDBIRDS!!! (ER)
Short term rentals (JE)
Bayfront park access (JE)
North beach access partnership (JE)
Highlands partnership/ annexing possibility (JE)
Cox Road Sidewalk (JE)
Forrest Conservation Ordinance
Housing Certainty Act

Staff Projects (that will need council alignment/ approval)
please note:This is not an exahustive list of staff projects or pirorities

Category

Project

Likely Council Action

Legislative & Regulatory

Water & Sewer Manual Updates

Ordinance

WRTP Interjurisdictional Agreement Revision

Resolution

Rental Program Updates (Tentative)

Ordinance

Employee Handbook

Resolution

Municipal Compensation Initiative

Consideration/ Guidance

Boards & Commissions Appointments

Appointments

Midcycle Budget Amendments (if needed)

Ordinance

Concrete Paving RFP

Contract Award

Speed Enforcement RFP

Contract Award

Fireworks RFP

Contract Award

Town Hall Housekeeping RFP

Contract Award

Boat Ramp Agreement

Awareness

Alley Abandonment

Resolution/Ordinance

Permitting Software Implementation

Authorize Mayoral Signature

Local Purchasing Policy

Resolution

Kellam's Field Complex

Design/Construction Authorization

Railway Trail Extension Design

Design/Construction Authorization

Seagate Floodgate

Funding/Construction Decisions

Neighborhood Connectivity

Strategic Direction

Veterans Memorial

Project Authorization

National Fitness Campaign Fitness Court Paving RFP

Contract Award

Town Signage

procurement approval

Public Works Storage Facility

procurement approval

Governance & Administration

Procurement & Agreements

Capital Improvement Program

Town of Chesapeake Beach | Small Town Big Bay - Town council planning doc

FY27 Council Work Plan | For Discussion & Staff Projects - Quarterly Priority
Q1 (Jul, Aug, Sept)

Q2 (Oct, Nov, Dec)

Q3 (Jan, Feb, Mar)

Q4 (Apr, May, Jun)

Town of Chesapeake Beach | Small Town Big Bay - Town council planning doc