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A blue catfish processing facility may be moving into the old Medifast building in Ridgely, according to a report-out by David Crist, Town of Ridgely Director of Operations at the town June 2, 2025, meeting.
Crist said that the business representative contacted him and Melissa Leonard, Zoning Administrator, to provide preliminary information on the operation should the real estate transaction occur. There will be environmental permitting needs for the operation in the building, as it was utilized as warehousing and distribution under Medifast ownership. Part of the environmental evaluation may be a detriment of smell, as it has been Crist’s experience, and the experience of some of the citizens in the audience, that processing fish causes a residual odor, no matter the mitigation efforts.
Crist will continue to follow the progress of the business’ purchase and work with the business on town wastewater and other permitting requirements.
Crist also noted that there is activity regarding the former Hanover Foods property, and he is working with the potential buyer on wastewater concerns for that property. He reminded everyone that part of the Hanover Foods property is outside of Town limits, and environmental permitting public hearings would be facilitated by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
FY216 Budget
Commissioner Brad Sears announced that the agreement for law enforcement services between the town and Caroline County was not ready for signature, and that the current agreement will remain in place until the July meeting. As the Commissioners took the question of the FY26 budget, Anna Mansfield asked if the delay of the law enforcement services agreement could have an impact on the FY26 budget, if that agreement is not signed or the terms are changed. Commissioner John Hurley noted that if there is a change in the operations of law enforcement and the town resumes its law enforcement division, the impact on the budget would actually be a reduction for that line item.
The Commissioners received a request to provide a $12,000 donation for the Martin Sutton Park Playground. Commissioner Sears expressed concern about increasing the budget because of impending constraints from the state of Maryland. He and Commissioner Hurley questioned the increased costs, which is a result of additional artwork that added just over $13,823 to the project cost. Patrice Flamer, owner of Spirit and Mind, the nonprofit that is managing the project, noted that some of the additional costs has been offset by sponsorships and donations. Crist stated that upcoming impact fees from two housing developments that are planned could be enough to offset the $12,000 ask.
The Commissioners agreed to provide the project with up to $12,000, with the stipulation that Spirit and Mind continue its fundraising efforts.
With that, the Commissioners voted to approve the FY26 budget.
Chicken coops in town limits
Leonard reported that the Planning Commission is taking up the question of neighborhood chicken coops, which are becoming more prevalent with the increase in egg costs. The Commission is studying best practices in other towns, particularly Denton, before proposing regulations and enforcement in the Town of Ridgely. The Commissioners had a consensus that residents will have issues with roosters and their crowing. Leonard to report back on the Planning Commissioner’s findings at a future meeting.
