LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of Leonardtown convened their monthly town council meeting on March 5, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the town hall at 22670 Washington St., addressing key community updates and approving several measures. Led by Mayor Daniel W. Burris and Town Administrator Laschelle E. McKay, the council approved outdoor seating for two new businesses, renewed a waste contract, and introduced ordinances related to the town’s budget and comprehensive plan, setting the stage for future public hearings.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Councilman Nick Colvin and the pledge of allegiance led by town staff, followed by the approval of the February meeting minutes. Treasurer Sharon Strand presented the financial report, while Cpl. Rachel Rozzell delivered the police update. Mike Bailey from the Planning Department introduced Ordinance No. 228, which outlines the FY26 budget and sets the real property tax rate. Action on this ordinance is deferred until the April 14 meeting. Bailey also noted that the February 18 Planning and Zoning (P2) meeting was canceled, with the next scheduled for March 17 at 4:15 p.m.
The council’s first major action was approving outdoor seating for the upcoming Bagel Shop and Smash House at 41654 and 41656 Fenwick St., supporting local business growth. Next, they awarded the municipal solid waste and recyclables contract to WB Waste Solutions, LLC, maintaining an existing partnership. The third item was a review of a Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) grant application for the restoration of Leonardtown’s historic carousel, a cultural landmark in the town square.
The council then introduced Ordinance No. 227, updating the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. Jeanine Harrington, AICP, presented the ordinance, which will undergo public hearings—first with the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 17 at 4:15 p.m., and then at the April council meeting. The comprehensive plan guides Leonardtown’s growth, addressing zoning, infrastructure, and community development. The final agenda item was a Main Street update from Jennifer Misner, focusing on downtown revitalization efforts.
Mayor Burris and council members provided reports, covering events (Heather M. Earhart), community development and planning (Nick Colvin), utilities (Christy Hollander), SMMA updates (J. Maguire Mattingly IV), and business development/retention (Mary Maday Slade). An LBA report from the Leonardtown Business Association followed, discussing local commerce initiatives. The meeting adjourned after these discussions, with the next session scheduled for April 14 at 4:00 p.m. Colvin also reminded residents of the annual RunforHospice Walk/Run on April 5 at 8:30 a.m., encouraging registration.
The town hall, located at 22670 Washington St., P.O. Box 1, Leonardtown, MD 20650, hosts these meetings, which are accessible live on Channel 95 or the town’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/TownofLeonardtownMD. Residents can contact the town office at 301-475-9791 for more information. Council members, including Colvin, Earhart, Mattingly, Slade, and Hollander, were available for 30 minutes post-meeting for discussions, as noted in the agenda.
