Town boards and commissions are made up of resident volunteers who play an important role in shaping the future of the Town.
If you are interested in serving on a Town board, please complete the form linked below. If there are not current openings, responses will be held and considered for future vacancies.
Planning Commission
The Commission is empowered:
- To review, evaluate, and approve or disapprove plans for subdivisions and for commercial and industrial development;
- To review and make recommendations to the Ridgely Comprehensive Plan regarding:
- Proposed changes or amendments to the Comprehensive Plan,
- Proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance,
- Proposed text amendments to the Subdivision Regulations,
- Proposed rezonings,
- Proposed acquisition and development of lands for Town open space or recreation programs,
- Proposed changes in land use or development arising from local, state, or federal programs and policies or for decisions by the judicial systems that might impact planning and zoning and subdivision activity in Ridgely, and
- All development plans and other actions that are referred to it by the Town Commission.
For more information on Town planning, zoning, building codes, and subdivision requirements, please visit the Planning, Zoning, and Codes Enforcement section of the website.
Meetings
The Planning Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., as needed. All meetings of the Planning Commission are posted on the Events Calendar. Meetings may be canceled due to lack of agenda items, so please confirm by checking the Events Calendar.
To request to be on an upcoming Planning Commission meeting agenda, please email Zoning Administrator Melissa Leonard.
Membership & Terms
- Five members appointed by the Town Commissioners
- All members must be residents of Ridgely
- Members serve five-year terms
- The chairperson of the Planning Commission is selected by the members each year at the July meeting
Current Members
- Martin Sokolich, President
- Robin McQuade
- Hal Davis
- Leonard “John” Buckle
- Chad Leister
Board of Appeals
The Board of Appeals has the following general powers, as outlined in Section 22 of the Zoning Ordinance:
- To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Administrator
- To hear and decide special exceptions to the terms of the Zoning Ordinance as authorized
- To authorize upon appeal variances from the specific terms of the Zoning Ordinance
- To determine, in cases of uncertainty, the classifications as to district of any use not specifically named in the Zoning Ordinance
Meetings
The Board of Appeals only meets if it has matters to consider, such as applications for special exceptions or appeals. The meetings date and time are determined when the need for a meeting is established. All meetings, when scheduled, are listed on the Events Calendar.
Membership and Terms
- Three members and one alternate
- Appointed by the President of the Commissioners and confirmed by the Commissioners as a body
- Serve three year terms
- Chair and Vice Chair are selected annually from among members
- The Zoning Administrator serves as the Executive Secretary for the Board of Appeals
Current Members
More information coming soon.
- Seat 1 – Vacant
- Seat 2 – Vacant
- Seat 3 – Vacant
Economic Development Commission
The Ridgely Economic Development Commission is a volunteer board of local residents and business owners working to support the businesses already here, attract new ones, and chase outside money so the town can get things done without reaching into your pocket. The EDC does the legwork and brings recommendations to the Town Commissioners, who make the final calls. The goal is simple: more jobs, more services, and a stronger Ridgely.
Meetings
Meetings are open to the public. We invite you to come by, share your ideas, and help us build a stronger town.
Meeting dates will be announced on the town website.
Members
Dave Tribbett | Chair | Business Owner Member | Term expires March 2028
Founder and owner of Mid-Shore Organic Resource Company (MAORC), a nationally recognized leader in organic resource management, Dave is a lifelong Caroline County resident with deep roots in the community he serves.
Anthony Zaza | Vice Chair | Resident Member | Term expires March 2029
Tony brings 35 years of federal contracting experience to the EDC, having served as Section Chief, Contracting Officer, and Business Architect with the U.S. General Services Administration. He spent a decade teaching at the university level and as a technical expert in the Hollywood motion picture industry. Tony and his wife, Victoria, are proud to call Ridgely home.
Russ Duerstine | Secretary | Resident Member | Term expires March 2028
An Air Force veteran, where he worked in computer technology and as a classroom instructor. Russ has spent more than three decades in grassroots leadership and veterans advocacy, most recently as Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America. He brings both technical depth and civic commitment to the EDC. Russ and his wife, Nancy, have called Ridgely home for the past year and a half.
Hiren Patel | Business Owner Member | Term expires March 2027
A longtime Ridgely resident, Hiren and his family own and operate several businesses that serve the community daily — Foster’s Market, the recently remodeled Ridgely Exxon, the new laundromat, and Tri-Me Market. His ongoing investment in improving these businesses reflects a personal commitment to making Ridgely a better place to live and work.
Bob Zimberhoff | Ex-Officio Advisor | Director, Caroline County Economic Development & Tourism
Bob comes to the EDC with a workforce development background that includes service as the Eastern Shore Navigator for Maryland’s Apprenticeship and Training Program with the Maryland Department of Labor. As Director of Caroline County Economic Development & Tourism, Bob works with all of Caroline County’s municipalities, including Ridgely. A Caroline County resident, Bob is focused on marketing the Mid-Shore Regional Technology & Business Park, revitalizing Ridgely’s downtown, and expanding employment opportunities across the county.
Brad Sears | Ex-Officio Advisor & Town Commissioner Liaison | Ridgely Town Commissioner
Brad brings a background in project management and financial systems to the EDC where he assists in a non-voting advisory capacity as Commissioner Liaison. A Lions Club member and active volunteer, Brad and his wife, Nancy, have called Ridgely home for ten years.