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2026-02-05-tc-approved-minutes.pdf

Minutes February 5, 2026 · 5 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
February 5, 2026
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The February 5, 2026, Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice President Jeffrey D. Kiel at
the Liberty Building located at 107 North Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and
staff were present: Ashley H. Kaiser, via Zoom, President; Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President; Frederick E. Beu,
Sandra L. Huffer, and Fred M. McNeil, Members; Carolyn Brinkley, Town Manager; Sharon VanEburgh, Town
Attorney; Chief Robert Hobbs, Centreville Police Department; Lt. Andy Larrimore, Centreville Police
Department; Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; Krystel Ebaugh, Human Resource Manager; Clifford Matthews,
Director of Public Works; and Gaye Adams, Town Clerk.
As there were no changes to the agenda, Mr. Kiel asked if there were any changes or edits to the minutes from the
January 22, 2026 meeting. There being no changes, Mr. McNeil made a motion to approve the meeting minutes as
presented. Ms. Huffer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Citizens Forum
• Ms. Margaret Jaegly and Ms. Lorri King of North Brook provided comments and solutions for Council to
consider regarding snow removal in the community of North Brook.
• Ms. Jaegly proposed four solutions for Town Council to consider going forward regarding snow removal.
1. Require residents to remove vehicles from roadways 24 hours prior to a major snowstorm.
2. Provide mapped territories and updated communications indicating which neighborhoods Public
Works will service each day.
3. Provide oversight of social media communications and confirm that streets identified cleared are
complete.
4. Identify residents who are handicapped or in need of special accommodations to ensure first
responders and snow removal crews are aware.
• Ms. King stated a recent social media message unfairly characterized the neighborhood and was
unprofessional. She further stated that ignoring the community could endanger residents and that any
incidents involving interference with snow removal crews should be reported to police.
• Ms. Adams, Town Clerk, reported receiving two emailed citizens’ comments, and 20 phone calls from
North Brook residents regarding snow removal concerns. These communications are entered into the
permanent record.
Public Hearing
a. Ordinance 15-2025 – Zoning Text Amendment- Chapter 170 – Signs- Council President
• The public hearing for Ordinance 15-2025 amending the Town of Centreville Zoning Ordinance, which is
Chapter 170 of the Code of the Town of Centreville, to update definitions, design standards, sign charts, and
related code provisions regarding signs, was called to order at 7:10 p.m.
• Mr. Kiel called Ms. VanEmburgh to provide background on Ordinance 15-2025.
• Ms. VanEmburgh stated that the proposed amendments originated from a property owner request at the
business park to allow shopping center signage. During Planning Commission review, additional revisions to
the sign code were identified as necessary for clarity and consistency.
• Mr. Kiel called Ms. Adams, Town Clerk, to provide evidence of public notice.
• Ms. Adams presented certification of publication in the Bay Times Record Observer.
• Mr. Kiel asked for comments in favor of Ordinance 15-2025.
• Attorney Ryan Showlater spoke on behalf of Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Investments in support of the
amendments, stating that the revisions provide consistent definitions and clearer design standards.
• Mr. Kiel asked for comments in opposition. There being none, Ms. Huffer moved to adjourn the public
hearing. Mr. McNeil seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
• The public hearing for Ordinance 15-2025 adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Old Business
a. Ordinance 15-2025 Zoning Text Amendment – Chapter 170 - Signs – Council President
• Ms. Huffer moved to approve Ordinance 15-2025, amending Chapter 170 of the Code of the Town of
Centreville to update definitions, design standards, sign charts, and related provisions regarding signs. Mr.
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McNeil seconded the motion. Mr. Kiel called for a roll call vote, which passed unanimously.
Council Member Yes No Abstain Absent
Council Member Beu X
Council Member Huffer X
President Kaiser X
Vice President Kiel X
Council Member McNeil X
New Business
a. FY26 Mid-Year Update- Karen Luffman- Finance Director
• Postponed until the February 19, 2026, meeting.
b. Resolution 03-2026- Extended Leave of Absence Policy- Krystel Ebaugh- Human Resource Manager
• Ms. Ebaugh stated the resolution establishes policy and procedures for extended leave, as the current
personnel manual addresses only standard leave requests.
• The Town modeled the policy after the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The State of Maryland’s
paid family leave program will take effect January 1, 2028. The Town will incorporate applicable state
requirements prior to that date.
• Mr. Beu and Ms. Huffer commented that the policy provides clarity and support for employees experiencing
extended illness or childbirth.
• Mr. Beu moved to approve Resolution 03-2026, Extended Leave of Absence Policy. Ms. Huffer seconded.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Council Member Yes No Abstain Absent
Council Member Beu X
Council Member Huffer X
President Kaiser X
Vice President Kiel X
Council Member McNeil X
c. Ordinance 01-2026- Deeds of Road Dedication- Providence Farm Phases IV & V- First Reading-Council
President
• An Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of Providence Lane, Portsmith Lane, and Bristol Lane in
Providence Farm Phases IV and V, and related matters.
• Ms. VanEmburgh stated the ordinance formally accepts the roads and associated deeds into the Town
road system.
• A public hearing will be held on March 5, 2026.
Reports of Boards and Commissions
a. Maryland Municipal League
• No report.
• Ms. Adams noted that the hotel portal for the summer MML conference is open. Registration opens
March 7. Members were encouraged to reserve rooms early.
b. Council of Governments
• Next meeting: February 11, 2026
c. Economic Development
• Mr. Beu reported:
o Productive meeting with Queen Anne’s County Economic Development representatives to
strengthen county and state collaboration. Efforts to reestablish the Centreville Economic
Development Authority (CEDA), are ongoing.
o Discussion of pursuing Arts and Entertainment District designation. Although some
downtown restaurant vacancies remain, county officials encouraged moving forward since
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the designation process could take one to two years and may help attract visitors, residents,
and businesses.
o Efforts continue to fill vacant restaurant spaces, particularly the former Commerce and Water
Street location. A previous prospect fell through due to lack of restaurant experience. The
Town is seeking well-capitalized and experienced operators, recognizing the high failure rate
in the restaurant industry.
o Tidewater Direct is exploring potential opportunities near town. Expansion could benefit
Centerville through job growth and increased tax revenue.
d. Park Advisory Board
o Mr. McNeil was unable to attend the last meeting. He thanked Mr. Kiel for assisting him after a
fall.
e. Centreville Planning Commission
o Ms. Huffer reported on the Planning Commission work session regarding the fence
ordinance, with the goal of consolidating and clarifying regulations. A draft revision will be
prepared for further review.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
• Ms. Brinkley reported the following:
o Staff are reviewing the FY27 budget, which is expected to be challenging for both staff and
Council this year.
o Staff (including Ms. VanEmburgh and Zoning Administrator Peter Flint) met with the
Providence Farm at Centreville group and the County to discuss next steps related to the
annexed property.
o The Town will attend the February 10, 2026, informational session with the County
Commissioners regarding Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan amendment.
o Coordination continues with the County to schedule a meeting with Tidewater Direct.
Chief of Police
• No report.
b. Director of Public Works
• Mr. Matthews reported the following:
o The Town issued an RFP for recycling services. Bids were opened last Friday, and only one bid
was received, which was not surprising due to limited market interest in recycling services.
o Recycling has become less profitable, with fewer companies willing to provide the service.
o Reference checks on the bidder are still pending. Additional information will be provided at the
next meeting.
o The Town is also preparing an RFP for municipal solid waste (trash) services. The first draft is
complete, and it is expected to be issued by the end of the month. The goal is to award a contract
before July 1, when the current contract expires on June 30.
o Bids for the final phase of Wharf Park improvements are due February 6, 2026.
The project includes construction of a bandshell, parking lot improvements, and additional
lighting.
o Ms. Kaiser asked Mr. Matthews about recycling challenges.
o Mr. Matthews stated that not all plastics are recyclable locally. Primarily #1 and #2 plastics are
accepted. Certain materials, including #5 plastics, wax-coated cardboard, and contaminated
pizza boxes, cannot be recycled locally.
o Contaminated loads may be rejected by processing facilities, potentially resulting in $1,000
penalties to contractors. The decline of the overseas recycling market has increased domestic
processing costs.
o There is a need for improved public education regarding recycling guidelines. Past contracts
required contractors to provide educational materials. The Town plans to include public
education requirements in the new recycling contract.
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c. Town Clerk
• Ms. Adams reported the following:
o A new Trail Ambassador for the Parks Advisory Board at Wye River Upper School has been
selected. The prior meeting was postponed due to scheduling conflicts and snow. A future
introduction to the Council is planned.
o The Volunteer Dinner is scheduled for March 7. Invitations were sent and RSVPs are
encouraged.
o February social media planning is underway.
o Main Street Market Study updates:
o February 17: Virtual project meeting at 6:30 PM.
o February 18: Community survey launch.
March 25–26: On-site assessment visit and focus group meetings (agenda to be provided).
o July 9: Final wrap-up and Town Council presentation (pending schedule confirmation).
Citizen Comments:
• Brad Robinson, a North Brook resident and snow contractor, addressed the Council regarding the
recent storm response. He stated that, from his professional perspective, improved preparation,
particularly pre-treatment and salt applications, could have significantly improved conditions during
the storm. He expressed concern that snow removal in his neighborhood was not handled adequately
and stated he would have appreciated a more direct acknowledgement of deficiencies and a
commitment to improvement.
• Mr. Robinson also expressed concern regarding the tone of social media discussions following the
storm. As a resident for approximately two years, he stated that some comments suggested North Brook
residents are not fully welcomed in the broader community. He indicated that concern was more
troubling than the snow response itself and requested a reassurance that North Brook residents are
valued members of Centerville.
• Mr. Beu thanked the speakers and stated that North Brook is a valued part of the community and that
the Council takes residents’ comments and input seriously.
• Ms. Kaiser stated that a full after-action review of the storm response will occur at that the February 19
Council retreat, which is open to the public. She noted that the absence of detailed discussion at this
meeting does not indicate that the matter is not being addressed.
• Ms. Kaiser further stated that the Department of Public Works worked diligently during the storm and
deserves recognition. She acknowledged that improvements may be identified while still appreciating
staff dedication.
• Ms. Kaiser also expressed concern about the tone of certain online comments and emphasized that
North Brook is a valued part of this community. She encouraged residents to extend grace to one
another and to treat each other respectfully, both online and in person.
Council Roundtable
• Council Member Beu:
o Council Member Beu stated he has been unable to secure assistance to shovel his sidewalk, noting
that three contractors were unable to complete the work. He indicated he may need to wait for a
thaw before proceeding.
• Council Member McNeil:
o Council Member McNeil thanked Finance Director Karen Luffman for taking time to explain the
mid-year review and Human Resource Manager Krystel Ebaugh for providing a detailed explanation
of the extended leave policy. He also thanked Mr. Matthews (“Kip”) and the Department of Public
Works for their efforts during what he described as a stressful week and stated that snow removal
improvements would be discussed to better prepare for future ice events. He further thanked Mr.
Kiel for assisting him after his recent fall.
• Council Member Huffer:
o Council Member Huffer stated she looks forward to the February 19, 2026, Council retreat with staff
to discuss Council priorities. She noted the retreat will be held at the Wharf and is open to the
public.
o She also expressed interest in attending the Maryland Municipal League Summer
Conference.
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• President Kaiser:
o Ms. Kaiser announced that two Council seats, including hers and Mr. Kiel’s, will be up for election in
October 2026. She stated that she will not seek re-election.
o She noted that during her tenure she has received communications she considered inappropriate,
including comments regarding her family and anti-Semitic messages. She stated that the tone of some
communications reflects broader concerns about how elected officials and staff are treated during
contentious matters.
o Ms. Kaiser stated that, with her son entering public school in the fall, she must consider her family’s
well-being and is not comfortable placing them in a position where public frustrations related to Town
government could affect them personally.
o She encouraged residents who care deeply about the community, including those in North Brook, to
consider running for office and participating in public service.
There being no further business, Ms. Kaiser made a motion to enter closed session under §3-305 of the General
Provisions Article. Mr. McNeil seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The open session adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
R. Gaye Adams
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved January 22, 2025, Meeting Minutes
2. Approved Ordinance 15-2025- Zoning Text Amendment- Chapter 170-Signs
3. Approved Resolution 03-2025- Extended Leave of Absence Policy
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