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2026-03-05-tc-approved-minutes.pdf

Minutes March 5, 2026 · 5 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
March 5, 2026
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The March 5, 2026, 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; Sandra L. Huffer and Fred M. McNeil,
Members; Carolyn Brinkley, Town Manager; Sharon VanEmburgh, Town Attorney; Chief Robert Hobbs,
Centreville Police Department; Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works,
and Gaye Adams, Town Clerk.
As there were no changes to the agenda, Ms. Kaiser asked if there were any changes or edits to the
minutes from the February 19, 2026 Council retreat meeting minutes and the Town Council meeting
minutes. Ms. Huffer had one change to the retreat minutes under the budget portion to add “of key
financial metrics.” There being no further changes, Mr. Kiel made a motion to approve both meeting
minutes as amended. Ms. Huffer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Closed Session Statement
(i) The Town Council met in closed session on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss personnel matters in
accordance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act. (ii) Four 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 topics:
• Personnel- Board and Commission Reappointments
Actions: None taken.
The following members and staff were present: Ashley H. Kaiser, President; Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President; Fred M.
McNeil, and Sandra L. Huffer, Members; Carolyn Brinkley, Town Manager; Gaye Adams, Town Clerk. The closed
session meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
Citizens Forum
• Ms. Martha Anthony addressed Council regarding fundraising efforts for a statue honoring United States
Colored Troops that will be installed at the Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center. Ms.
Anthony provided information regarding a fish fry fundraiser scheduled for March 21, 2026 at Jeff Davis
Post 18, which will support the project. Ms. Anthony also invited Council to attend a Vietnam Veterans
recognition event scheduled for March 28, 2026. This event will be held at Queen Anne’s County High
School.
• Ms. Margaret Jaegly from North Brook thanked Town staff for their snow removal efforts during the
recent storm and expressed appreciation for the condition of the streets following the event. She also
inquired about water bill late fee guidelines and suggested posting a simple chart outlining the fee
structure for residents. Council and staff explained the applicable policies and noted that the information is
currently available on the Town website.
Public Hearing
a. Ordinance 01-2026 – Deeds of Dedication-Providence Farm Phases IV & V- Council President
• The public hearing for Ordinance 01-2026, authorizing the acceptance of Providence Lane, Portsmith
Lane, and Bristol Lane in Providence Farm Phases IV and V and related matters, was called to order
at 7:15 p.m.
• Ms. Kaiser asked the Town Attorney to provide background on this Ordinance
• Ms. VanEmburgh stated the ordinance authorizes the acceptance of Providence Lane, Portsmith
Lane, and Bristol Lane in Providence Farm Phases IV and V.
• Ms. Kaiser called Ms. Adams, Town Clerk, to provide evidence of public notice.
• Ms. Adams presented that the certification of publication appeared on February 18, 2026.
• Ms. Kaiser asked for comments in favor of Ordinance 01-2026.
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• Ms. Kaiser asked for comments in opposition. One written comment in opposition from Mr. Tim
McCluskey was entered into the record.
• Mr. Kiel moved to adjourn the public hearing. Ms. Huffer seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously.
• The public hearing for Ordinance 01-2026 adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
Old Business
a. Ordinance 01-2026 – Deeds of Road Dedication- Providence Farm Phases IV & V- Consideration – Council
President
• Ordinance 01-2026 was presented for the purpose of authorizing the acceptance of Providence Lane,
Portsmith Lane, and Bristol Lane in Providence Farm Phases IV and V and related matters.
• Ms. Huffer made a motion to accept Ordinance 01-2026 – Deeds of Roads Dedication; Mr. McNeil
seconded the motion.
• Ms. Kaiser asked for a roll call vote to be taken, 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
b. The Council considered the Agreement for Providence Roads to give Ms. Brinkley the authority to sign.
c. Mr. Kiel made a motion to give Ms. Brinkley the authority to sign the Agreement for Providence Roads. Ms.
Huffer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
New Business
a. FY27 Draft Budget- Presentation-Karen Luffman- Finance Director
• Ms. Luffman distributed the FY 2027 budget binders and provided an overview of the upcoming
budget process. She reviewed the binder organization, revenue projections, expenditures, and
proposed capital items.
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• The first budget work session is scheduled for March 12, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Liberty Building.
b. Request for Approval-Truck Purchase- Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works
• Mr. Matthews presented a request to purchase a replacement dump truck for the Department of Public
Works using available funds in the FY26 operating budget.
• Mr. Kiel made a motion to approve the purchase of a dump truck with a plow not to exceed $90,000.
The motion was seconded by Mr. McNeil and passed unanimously.
c. Well #5- Updating PLC Equipment-Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works
• Mr. Matthews made a request to replace the programmable logic controller at the Comet Drive Water
Plant, noting that the system is obsolete and at risk of failure.
• Ms. Huffer made a motion to approve the purchase of the programmable logic controller in the amount
of $64,064. The motion was seconded by Mr. McNeil and passed unanimously.
d. Wharf Park Discussion – Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works
• Mr. Matthews updated Council regarding bids received for the final phase of Wharf Park. The bids
exceeded the original grant budget. Staff will return at the next meeting with a formal memo, a price
breakdown, and recommendations for phasing and pursuing additional grant funding.
e. Recycling Bid Discussion- Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works
• Mr. Matthews reported that only one recycling bid was received and recommended holding that bid
for now. Staff plans to include recycling as an alternative option to the upcoming curbside waste
pickup request for bids.
Reports of Boards and Commissions
a. Maryland Municipal League
• The Summer Conference registrations are underway.
b. Council of Governments
• The next meeting is May 13, 2026.
c. Economic Development
• Work continues to identify and interview potential CEDA members.
d. Park Advisory Board
• Ms. Mileski from the Parks Advisory Board reported on wildlife habitat efforts along the trail system,
including bluebird boxes, wood duck boxes, and an osprey platform. She shared that the trail and
nature features are an asset to the community and are attractive to prospective residents.
e. Planning Commission
• Council received an update on the March 4th Planning Commission work session regarding accessory
dwelling units, including discussion of state requirements, current zoning provisions, size limitations,
setbacks, parking, and next steps toward drafting code amendments.
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Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
• Ms. Brinkley reported the following:
o Attended a federal earmark check-signing event in Barclay for a new town hall project.
o Staff also met with representatives from the offices of Senator Van Hollen and Senator
Alsobrooks regarding a new federal earmark request for the wastewater treatment plant.
o Additional work has focused on finalizing budget figures and addressing zoning matters with
residents and business owners.
b. Chief of Police
• Chief Hobbs reported the following:
o Updated Council on police vehicle computer pricing, noting a current estimate of $73,654.49
for the proposed purchase and advising that pricing may increase over time. He also reported
that staff are exploring grant funding options for portable radios.
c. Public Works
• Mr. Matthews reported the following:
o Mr. Matthews announced that the Touch-a-Truck event is scheduled for April 4, 2026, from
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Queen Anne’s County High School.
d. Town Clerk
• Attended an Open House for two properties on Lawyers Row, Clear Realty purchased those
properties and rehabbed them as well. Great business model for the Town and are aggressively
pursuing getting those building leased.
• Ms. D’Agostino, Main Street Manager, met with the new proprietor for 122 N. Commerce, he has an
anticipated opening for May 1, 2026. It will be called the Town Square Grill.
• Ms. D’Agostino is putting together a meeting with the Queen Annes County Economic Development
team, the Small Business Association as well as staff from Town hall to help the proprietor and
prevent any delays for his opening.
• Ms. Huffer also attended the open house and really liked the owners and their business model. They
are very engaged in the community and vested in bringing business to the Town.
• Mr. McNeil agreed and stated they want to become involved with the Town in any way they can.
Citizen Comments:
• No citizens provided comments.
Council Roundtable
• Mr. Kiel commented positively on improvements to the mill property and noted that fencing is the next step.
• Mr. McNeil thanked staff for assistance with Public Works, the budget, mill property updates, snow
removal, and responsiveness to public concerns regarding water billing.
• Ms. Kaiser promoted upcoming community events, including the March 21 Small Works closing at the Arts
Council and the March 21 event at the American Legion. She also thanked Town staff for managing recent
water billing issues and encouraged civility and kindness toward Town staff and Council members.
There being no further business, Mr. Kiel made a motion to adjourn. The Town Council meeting adjourned at 8:04
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
R. Gaye Adams
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved February 19, 2026, Council retreat meeting minutes.
2. Approved February 19, 2026, Town Council meeting minutes.
3. Approved Ordinance 01-2026 – Deeds of Road Dedication - Providence Farm Phases IV & V.
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4. Authorized Ms. Brinkley to sign the Agreement for Providence Roads.
5. Approved the truck purchase for the Department of Public Works.
6. Approved the purchase of the programmable logic controller for the Comet Drive Water Plant.
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