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2025-06.26-tc-approved-minutes.pdf

Minutes June 26, 2025 · 6 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
June 5, 2025
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The June 5, 2025, Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Ashley H. Kaiser at the
Liberty Building located at 107 North Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and staff
were present: Ashley H. Kaiser, President; Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President; Jim A. Beauchamp, Daniel B. Worth,
and Sandra L. Huffer, Members; Carolyn Brinkley, Town Manager; Sharon VanEmburgh Town Attorney; Karen
Luffman, Finance Officer; Carol D’Agostino, Main Street Manager and Gaye Adams, Town Clerk
• Ms. Kaiser stated she had one change to the agenda: there will be a reading of the Closed Session
Statement after the approval of the minutes. Ms. Kaiser asked if there were any changes to the June 5,
2025 meeting minutes; there being none, Mr. Worth made a motion to approve the meeting minutes as
presented. Ms. Huffer seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously.
Closed Session Statement
(i) The Town Council met in closed session on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss personnel and legal
advice in accordance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act. (ii) Five members of the Town Council voted to close
the session. (iii) The authority to close the session is found in Section 3-305 of the General Provisions Article.
(iv) The Town Council discussed the following topic:
Personnel – discussed the performance of specific employees
Legal Advice – discussed a potential claim with counsel
Actions: No actions were taken.
The following members and staff were present: The following members and staff were present: Ashley H. Kaiser,
President; Jeffery D. Kiel, Vice President, Daniel B. Worth, Jim A. Beauchamp, and Sandra Lee Huffer, Members;
Carolyn M. Brinkley, Town Manager; Sharon VanEmburgh, Town Attorney; Gaye Adams, Town Clerk and Krystel
Ebaugh, Human Resources Manager.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Citizens Forum
No citizens provided comments.
Appearances
a. Ashlie Bagwell – Harris Jones & Malone – Maryland General Assembly Updates
• Ms. Bagwell provided the Council with an overview of this year’s legislative session.
• The session proved challenging, with budgetary constraints and energy policy emerging as primary
concerns.
• The General Assembly approved a 3 percent sales tax increase to encompass technology services.
• Legislation will be introduced next session to clarify the application of sales tax to technology services.
• The cannabis tax was raised from 9 percent to 12 percent.
• Energy prices are expected to rise again this summer, although numerous bills addressed energy
generation, new capacity will require years to develop, so costs will remain an issue.
• A measure authorizing automated traffic‐violation enforcement was enacted.
• The proposed admissions and amusement tax failed to advance.
• The Building Energy Performance Standards Act, affecting commercial buildings over 35,000 sq ft,
passed; compliance is projected to be costly.
• The Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program was approved and will take effect in January 2028.
• Accessory Dwelling Unit legislation passed; Ms. Huffer noted the Town must respond, and Ms.
VanEmburgh indicated action is required by October 2026.
• The property tax exemption for blind individuals increased from $15,000 to $40,000.
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• A $20.00 minimum wage provision was included in a broader bill that did not pass; Ms. Bagwell
anticipates the issue will reappear in the 2026 session.
• A Community Water and Sewer Systems Cybersecurity Act was enacted, mandating a cybersecurity
officer and additional training for municipalities serving over 3,000 customers. Centreville falls below
that threshold, but the Council recommended early implementation ahead of forthcoming developments.
• The General Assembly raised the maximum municipal fine authority from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Ms. Bagwell does not anticipate a Special Session in September.
Public Hearing: Ordinance 09-2025 – Chapter 31 – Dangerous Buildings-Council President
• Ms. Kaiser called the hearing to discuss Ordinance 09-2025 at 7:20 p.m. An Ordinance of the Town to amend
dangerous buildings to allow the costs of repair, vacation, and or demolition by the Town to be assessed
against the property as a lien collectible in the same manner as real estate taxes.
• Ms. Kaiser called on Ms. VanEmburgh to provide background information.
• Ms. VanEmburgh explained that the existing statute lacks authority to impose a lien for Town-incurred costs
without court action; the proposed amendment would fill that gap.
• Ms. Adams verified that the notice of the hearing was publicized in the Bay Times Recorder Observer on
June 6, 2025.
• There being no jurisdictional concerns or objections to the notice, Ms. Kaiser called for comments in support
of Ordinance 09-2025.
• No comments were provided.
• Ms. Kaiser asked for comments from anyone opposed to Ordinance 09-2025. No comments were provided.
• Mr. Kiel made a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Mr. Worth seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously. The public hearing for Ordinance 09-2025 adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
Public Hearing: Ordinance 11-2025 – Deed of Dedication – Green Street Extended- Council President
• Ms. Kaiser called the hearing to discuss Ordinance 11-2025 at 7:23 p.m. An Ordinance of the Town to
authorize the acceptance of Green Street extended from the Young Men's Christian Association of the
Chesapeake, Inc., and all matters related thereto.
• Ms. Kaiser called on Ms. VanEmburgh to provide background information.
• Ms. VanEmburgh stated that upon completion of YMCA construction, a segment of road would be deeded to
the Town following the lifting of the County’s deed restriction; this ordinance formalizes the transfer.
• Ms. Adams verified that the notice of the hearing was published in the Star Democrat on June 11, 2025.
• There being no jurisdictional issues or objections to the notice, Ms. Kaiser invited comments in favor of
Ordinance 11-2025; no comments were provided.
• Ms. Kaiser asked for comments from anyone opposed to Ordinance 11-2025; No comments were provided.
• Ms. Huffer made a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Mr. Beauchamp seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously. The public hearing for Ordinance 11-2025 adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Old Business
a. Ordinance 09-2025 – Chapter 31 – Dangerous Buildings – Consideration - Council President
• Ms. Kaiser asked if there was any discussion on this Ordinance. Ms. Kaiser then recognized Ms. Beu,
who missed the public hearing.
• Ms. Beu asked how to enforce this Ordinance. How does the Town get paid back? Ms. VanEmburgh
stated that this ordinance forces it into a tax sale. This Ordinance is to ensure that the Town gets paid.
• There being no further comments Mr. Beauchamp made a motion to approve Ordinance 09-2025. Mr.
Worth seconded the motion.
• Ms. Kaiser called for a roll call vote:
Council Member Yes No Abstain Absent
Council Member Beauchamp X
Council Member Huffer X
President Kaiser X
Vice President Kiel X
Council Member Worth X
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b. Ordinance 11-2025 – Deed of Dedication-Green Street Extended – Consideration – Council President
• Ms. Kaiser asked if there was any discussion on this Ordinance; there being none, Mr. Beauchamp made
a motion to approve Ordinance 11-2025, Mr. Kiel seconded the motion.
• Ms. Kaiser called for a roll call vote:
Council Member Yes No Abstain Absent
Council Member Beauchamp X
Council Member Huffer X
President Kaiser X
Vice President Kiel X
Council Member Worth X
c. Town Solar Power Partnership – Karen Luffman – Finance Director
• Ms. Luffman provided a memorandum updating the Council’s prior concerns, noting that Town
participation would generate approximately $20,000 in annual savings.
• The Council maintained reservations about the solar program’s potential impact on farmland, questioning
whether the projected cost savings justify the risk of future agricultural land loss.
• Mr. Beauchamp requested that the Town issue a request for proposals for alternative energy solutions; the
Council concurred that this represents the optimal approach.
• Ms. Kaiser directed Mr. Kiel to query members of the Council of Governments regarding their
participation in this program or a similar initiative.
New Business
a. Utility Rate Study – Karen Luffman – Finance Director
• Ms. Luffman reported that in the 2025 Budget, a utility rate study was budgeted for $25,000. Since
reverting to the prior billing system, the cost of this study has increased, and additional funding is
required to complete the analysis.
• Ms. Luffman provided the following memo:
• Mr. Beauchamp made a motion to approve the additional funding for the study. Mr. Kiel seconded the
motion, which was passed unanimously.
b. Ordinance 10-2025 – Chapter 2 – Administrative Search Warrants – Amended Language – First Reading -
Council President
• Ordinance 10-2025 was introduced for the purpose of adding a new Chapter 2 entitled Administrative
Search Warrants.
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• This is the amended Ordinance that removes residential-only and adds the language to all buildings.
• A public hearing will be held in August.
c. Ordinance 08-2025 – Trailer Ordinance – First Reading – Council Member Jim Beauchamp
• Ordinance 08-2025 was introduced for the purpose of amending Chapter 158 vehicles, non-self-
propelled.
• Mr. Beachamp provided background on this new Ordinance. The original ordinance was 01-2025 and the
Town received a lot of feedback from town residents on that ordinance. The Ordinance was tabled for
some re-drafting and then ran out of time.
• A cleaner draft was presented with two separate amendments to discuss.
• Ms. Kaiser asked for a roll call vote on Amendment 1 for inclusion in the draft
Council Member Yes No Abstain Absent
Council Member Beauchamp X
Council Member Huffer X
President Kaiser X
Vice President Kiel X
Council Member Worth X
• Ms. Kaiser asked for a roll call vote on Amendment 2 for inclusion in the draft
Council Member Yes No Abstain Absent
Council Member Beauchamp X
Council Member Huffer X
President Kaiser X
Vice President Kiel X
Council Member Worth X
• After the roll call votes, Ms. Kaiser stated that the public hearing in August will have Amendment 1
added to the Ordinance.
d. Resolution 07-2025 – Talkie Franchise Agreement – Council President
• Resolution 07-2025 was introduced for the purpose of authorizing the execution of a franchise agreement
with Talkie Communications, Inc.
• Ms. Kaiser asked Ms. VanEmburgh for background.
• The resolution is a franchise agreement consistent with how the Town deals with other franchises and
consistent with the Town code.
• Ms. VanEmburgh does think the Town should update the codes language as it is a little outdated in its
technical references.
• Mr. Worth had a question in section three: whether the Council President can make non-substantive
changes to the franchise agreement necessary to effectuate the purpose of the Resolution? Isn’t this a
Town Manager function?
• Ms. VanEmburgh stated that this was how it was done in the past, as the Council President signs the
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agreement.
• Mr. Worth made a motion to approve Resolution 07-2025, Ms. Huffer seconded the motion, and Ms.
Kaiser asked for a roll call vote.
Council Member Yes No Abstain Absent
Council Member Beauchamp X
Council Member Huffer X
President Kaiser X
Vice President Kiel X
Council Member Worth X
Reports of Boards and Commissions
a. Maryland Municipal League
• Mr. Beauchamp deferred to member Huffer, who attended the Conference.
• Ms. Huffer reported that the Conference was excellent, lots of great education to bring back to the
Town.
• Mr. Kiel and Mr. Worth attended several classes and learned a lot.
• Ms. Brinkley also stated how relevant the classes were this year. Mr. Beauchamp asked if we need a
policy on AI? Ms. Brinkley agreed and stated there is a staff person who has already begun to
research a policy.
b. Council of Governments
• Mr. Kiel had nothing to report. The next meeting is on September 10, 2025, hosted by Queen Anne's
County.
c. Economic Development
• Applicants need to apply to CEDA. Ms. Kaiser has asked the Town to send letters to the Arts Council
and the Bay Area Association of Realtors
d. Park Advisory Board
• There is a meeting next Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
• Fishing Derby is September 13, 2025
e. Centreville Planning Commission
• Mr. Worth reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the TND during its recent work session
and will vote on July 16, 2025.
• The next Planning Commission work session is scheduled for July 2, 2025, at the Wharf Building.
• The Commission discussed a proposed car wash; after extensive debate, members expressed concern
about the number of EDUs required.
• On the electronic-sign ordinance, the Commission noted enforcement challenges and recommended
an annual permit—with Town Code usage guidelines—to prevent misuse.
• The existing officers were re-elected: Kara Willis as Chair, Tim Zuella as Vice Chair, and Nancy
Emerick as Secretary.
• Members reviewed and revised the Shopping Center Monument Sign Ordinance 04-2025.
• The Commission completed its Annual Report, which was distributed to Council members and
submitted to the Maryland Department of Planning.
• Mr. Worth requested securing a meeting room for the July 31, 2025 work session; Ms. Adams will
confirm room availability and inquire about QAC-TV access.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
• Ms. Brinkley reported the following:
• The Town was contacted regarding a boat rental company operating out of the Wharf in a slip.
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• After a lengthy discussion, the Council is fine with the business if they go on the waitlist and do not
jump the line. Once it’s their turn, they are welcome to open their business.
b. Main Street Manager
• Ms. D’Agostino shared a brief update on the Maryland Crafted event, held June 7th.
• The Town has received feedback from the vendors, and 17 vendors describe the setup and the value
of the experience as excellent/good.
• Ms. D’Agostino is still waiting for feedback regarding the VIP experience.
• The ticket sale numbers have still not come in.
• By consensus, the Town Council committed to the event again next year and looks forward to
getting those numbers as soon as they are available.
• Applications for Centreville Day are opening soon. That event is October 25, 2025.
• The Former Alibi restaurant has a few people interested in it, and an update will be given as soon as
more information is available.
Citizen Comments:
Mr. Beu stated he stepped away during the Talkie Resolution and asked for an update. The Council stated the
franchise agreement was passed.
Council Roundtable
• Mr. Kiel stated that the three speed cameras are up and operational.
• A letter has been sent to the property management company for the Acme Shopping Center and to the State
Highway Administration requesting repairs to the parking lot surface and potholes.
• Ms. Brinkley stated the Acme Shopping Center is up for sale.
• Mr. Kiel also stated that many sidewalks have been fixed.
• Mr. Kiel also thanked the Public Works Department for being so responsive to the needs of the Town.
• Ms. Huffer would like us to do positive communication via a press release or social media regarding our
favorable budget. Ms. Brinkley will send this request to our communications partner, Julie Parker
Communications.
• Ms. Huffer requested an update on the EDU allocation policy. Ms. VanEmburgh stated it is with her for
review.
• Ms. Kaiser commended the Department of Public Works for such quick action during the last storms in
regard to downed trees.
Motion to Adjourn
There being no further business, Mr. Beauchamp made a motion to adjourn the June 26, 2025 Town Council
meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
R. Gaye Adams
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved the June 2, 2025 meeting minutes.
2. Approved Ordinance 09-2025 Chapter 31- Dangerous Buildings
3. Approved Ordinance 11-2025 Deed of Dedication- Green Street Extended
4. Approved the additional funding for the Utility Rate Study
5. Approved the Resolution 07-2025- Talkie Franchise Agreement
6. By consensus, approved the Maryland Crafted event for 2026.
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