Economic Development Commission Minutes — 2026-04-22

EDC Meeting Minutes for April 22, 2026 I. Call to Order and Determination of Quorum The meeting was called to order by EDC Chair, Shelly Gross- Wade at 9:01 am.

Board members Present:

Shelly Gross-Wade, Vice Chair Mason Popham, Vice Chair (Zoom) Shawna Payne (Zoom) Deayna Ewell Jim Reilly Kelsey Karbaum Heather Bacher, Past Chair Doug Silber (Zoom) Pat Fox John Anderes (Zoom) Ryan Snow Kenneth Knight Members Not Present:

Lee Bridgman, Secretary Lara Wilson, Treasurer Larissa Costello QACETD Staff Present:

Debbie Gil, Economic Development Coordinator Lisa Gallow, QACETD Office Coordinator Penny Young-Carrasquillo, QAC Heritage Tourism Coordinator Others Present:

Jack Wilson, QAC Commissioner Patrick McLaughlin, QAC Commissioner Gigi Windley, Kent Narrows Development Foundation Steve Johnson, QAC Planning & Zoning (Zoom) Fred Beau, Centreville Town Council Kim Kratovil, Eastern Shore Reg. Dir., Office of Sen. Alsobrooks 1 II. Approval of Agenda: On a motion made by Heather Bacher and seconded by Jim Reilly, the April meeting agenda was unanimously approved by all members

present.

III. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: On a motion made by Jim Reilly and seconded by Heather, the March EDC Meeting minutes were unanimously approved by all members present.

IV. Treasurers Report. EDC Treasurer Lara Wilson was unable to attend the meeting, however, she did provide balance details, The current balance for the EDC account remains at $8269.24. On a motion made by Heather Bacher and seconded by Jim Reilly, the Treasure’s report was approved unanimously by all members.

.

V. Commissioner’s Report: QAC Commissioners Jack Wilson and Patrick McLaughlin provided an update to the EDC members. Commissioners discussed the finalized budget, which includes funding the Board of Education $8.7 million over maintenance of effort and providing a 3-cent per 100 property tax credit, making Queen Anne's County the lowest in Maryland. They addressed the construction of a new Centerville Middle School, highlighting cost-saving measures due to changes in

state funding and the ability to use impact fees for school reconstruction. The commissioners also discussed the building moratorium, explaining that only 600 new homes could be approved over the next decade due to sewer capacity limitations, and announced plans to introduce new zoning regulations for data centers.

VI. Department of Economic & Tourism Development Update: QACETD Economic Development Coordinator, Debbie Gill, provided a department update. Ms. Gill highlighted new business meetings, Micro Ag Grants supporting 21 projects with over $80,000 in funding, and results from 2026 Pitch competition where Alicia from Humble Hearts Catering was the winner. She mentioned upcoming events including Small Business Week (May 3-9) focusing on tourism businesses, and the annual rack

card distribution to graduating seniors featuring local job opportunities. The meeting also addressed the $168 million in federal funding available for rural healthcare over three years, with discussions about how to leverage this for local health care improvements.

VII New Business:

A. QAC Heritage Tourism Coordinator Update- Penny Young-Carrasquillo Ms. Young-Carrasquillo provided an update on Maryland 250 heritage tourism initiatives, highlighting upcoming events including Revolutionary Spirits at Colt Classic Brewery, a July 8th Declaration reading at the Queenstown Colonial Courthouse, and various historic site openings throughout the year.

She shared department plans for website updates, radio and television ads to promote the county's historical significance and monthly tours available at historic sites.

2 EDC Meeting Minutes April 22, 2026 VIII Old Business B. Subcommittee Strategic Plan Priorities Updates:

1. Workforce Housing & Transportation- Shawna Payne, Subcommittee

Chair, shared that Lindsey Dixon with La Crosse Homes joined the meeting to discuss the new Foxx Farm development in Sudlersville.

He reported that impact fees total $50,000-$60,000 per unit, making it challenging to build affordable housing. The developers are considering rent-to-buy options for some units to make them more accessible.

IV EDC Member Updates- A Shawna Payne announced the inaugural Queen Anne's County Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for the next day at the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department.

B. Jim Reilly shared information about the Kent Island Yacht Club's Motoring Festival on June 6-7 C. Doug Silber raised concerns about post office staffing reductions and inquired about the status of the Kent Island Crossing shopping center development.

D. Ryan Snow provided updates on legislative work, including the successful funding of the Queen Anne's Tech Center, which will become the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

V. Liaison Updates A. QAC Planning & Zoning - Steve Johnson provided a Planning & Zoning update.

B Kent Narrows Development Foundation- Gigi Windley reported on successful boat show events and the sale of the Jamal property to Off the Hook, with discussions about ongoing improvements at Kent Narrows and efforts to secure federal support for the tourism industry.

C. Kimberly Kratovil shared several key topics including a $5 million grant that requires a $1.25 million matching fund. Ms. Kratovil offered to help connect stakeholders with state officials to explore options for securing the match.

X Adjourn- Ona motion made by Heather Bacher and seconded by Jim Reilly, all members present approved to adjourn the EDC meeting 10:41am.

3