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2026-04-16-tc-approved-minutes.pdf

Minutes April 16, 2026 · 5 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
April 16, 2026
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The April 16, 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, Frederick E. Beu,
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; Krystel Ebaugh, Human Resources Manager; 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 two
sets of minutes from the April 2, 2026, budget work session and the April 2, 2026, Town Council
meeting. There being none, Ms. Huffer made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Kiel
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Citizens Forum
• Tim McCluskey addressed the Council regarding concerns with the proposed wastewater treatment plant
expansion. He cited concerns including increased Town debt, projected utility rate increases, and potential
long-term financial impacts. He urged the Council to focus on upgrades rather than expansion.
• No additional citizens provided comments.
Appearances
a. Oaths of Office
• Council considered appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Centreville
Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Ethics
Commission, Parks Advisory Board, Board of Supervisors of Elections, and Personnel Review
Board.
• Mr. Beu made a motion to appoint the following members:
o
o Katelyn Blackburn to a three-year term on the Centreville Economic Development
Authority
o Christine Puglisi to a three-year term on the Centreville Economic Development Authority
o Patricia Fox to a three-year term on the Centreville Economic Development Authority
o Frank Divilio to a three-year term on the Centreville Economic Development Authority
o Chris Rosendale to a three-year term on the Centreville Economic Development Authority
o Harry Kaiser to a three-year term on the Centreville Economic Development Authority
o Scott Eggert to a three-year term on the Centreville Economic Development Authority
o Daniel Worth to a five-year term on the Centreville Planning Commission
o Tim Zuella to a five-year term on the Centreville Planning Commission
o Penny Lins to a three-year term on the Board of Zoning Appeals
o Richard Ryan to a three-year term on the Park Advisory Board
o Jennifer Wilson to a three-year term on the Board of Supervisors of Elections
o Elizabeth Pearo to a three-year term on the Board of Supervisors of Elections
o Heather Watson to a three-year term on the Personnel Review board
• Mr. McNeil seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
• Oaths of office were administered to those present.
b. Farmers Market- Jennifer Moore
• Ms. Moore presented the annual request for road closures to operate the Centreville Farmers
Market. Updates included grant funding, website development, SNAP/WIC participation, and
vendor expansion.
• Ms. Huffer made a motion to close Lawyers Row from the first week of May to the second week
of November, and Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
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c. Blue Crab Car Wash- Mr. Matt Riddleberger
• Mr. Riddleberger and Mr. Showalter presented a revised wastewater allocation request reduced to
eight (8) EDUs, incorporating water recycling technology.
• Mr. McNeil made a motion to approve eight (8) water and sewer EDUs under Category 2 of the
allocation plan, and Ms. Huffer seconded the motion.
• Ms. Kaiser asked 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
d. Utility Rate Study-Stantec- Dave Hyder
• Mr. Hyder provided a rate study presentation outlining financial projections, infrastructure needs,
and recommended rate increases.
• Council discussed the need for additional analysis, including comparisons to similar
municipalities, evaluation of current rate structures, and consideration of phased infrastructure
options.
• No formal action was taken. A future work session will be scheduled.
New Business
a. Resolution 06-2026- Administrative Leave Policy-Krystel Ebaugh-Human Resource Manager
• A Resolution of the Town Council of Centreville to amend the Administrative Leave Policy.
• Ms. Ebaugh stated that this amendment adds clarity to the policy and addresses remote work.
• Mr. Beu made a motion to approve Resolution 06-2026, and Mr. Kiel seconded the motion.
• Ms. Kaiser asked 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
b. Resolution 07-2026- Inclement Weather Policy- Krystel Ebaugh, Human Resource Manager
• A Resolution of the Town Council of Centreville to establish policy and procedures for inclement
weather and emergency operations.
• Ms. Ebaugh stated that the Town follows Queen Anne’s County inclement weather policy.
• Mr. Kiel made a motion to approve Resolution 07-2026, and Ms. Huffer seconded the motion.
• Ms. Kaiser asked 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
c. Ordinance 02-2026- Chapter 150-Vacant Property-First Reading-Council President Ashley H. Kaiser
• An Ordinance of the Town Council of Centreville adding a new Chapter 150 of the Town Code to
establish procedures and requirements for vacant properties and related matters.
• A public hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2026, at 7:05 p.m.
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d. Ordinance 04-2026- Solar Arrays – First Reading-Council Vice President, Jeffrey D. Kiel
• An Ordinance of the Town Council of Centreville amending the Town of Centreville Zoning
Ordinance, which is Chapter 170 of the Code of the Town of Centreville, to allow solar arrays as a
special exception use in the residential R-1 zoning district.
• A public hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2026, at 7:05 p.m.
e. Trash/Recycling Bids – Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works
• Council reviewed proposed increases to trash and recycling service costs. Ms. Kaiser raised
significant concerns regarding affordability and service options.
• Council requested additional analysis, including alternative service models and cost
breakdowns.
• No action was taken. Further discussion will occur at the May 7, 2026, Town Council
meeting.
• Mr. Matthews thanked the contractors for submitting bids.
Reports of Boards and Commissions
a. Maryland Municipal League
• No report.
b. Council of Governments
• The next meeting is May 13, 2026.
c. Economic Development
• Mr. Beu stated he looks forward to the first meeting of the Centreville Economic Development
Authority (CEDA).
• Ms. Adams will send a poll to determine the best meeting date for the initial meeting.
• Mr. Beu and Ms. Huffer have been participating in a Delmarva Waterways Tour, which they noted is
very informative.
d. Park Advisory Board
• Mr. McNeil informed the Council that Arbor Day is April 24, 2026. The tree planting will occur at
Millstream Park and behind Fellows, Helfenbein and Newman Funeral Home.
• Ms. Huffer followed up on the trees planted last year, noting that one may not have survived. The Park
Advisory Board will check those.
e. Planning Commission
• Ms. Huffer reported that the Planning Commission received a wastewater treatment plant update from
Ms. Brinkley.
• A short-term rental at 119 Watson Road was not approved due to a buffering requirement the Planning
Commission determined was necessary. The matter will now proceed to the Board of Zoning Appeals,
and Ms. Huffer will provide an update at the next meeting.
• The fence ordinance is almost complete, and the Planning Commission will have it to the Council
soon.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
• Ms. Brinkley reported the following:
o The County Commissioners approved the Town’s amendment to the Comprehensive Water and
Sewer Plan, allowing the Town to lease farmland and public lands. Final approval from the
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is still required.
o The County also approved the municipal tax setoff, which remains at $0.13.
o An update was provided on the wastewater treatment plant at the Planning Commission
meeting.
o Additionally, the Cemetery Committee received a $3,000 grant to repair older tombstones.
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Approximately 10–12 stones will be repaired, with some removed temporarily for restoration.
b. Chief of Police
• Chief Hobbs reported the following:
o Routine enforcement efforts remain consistent with prior months, and statistics are available on
the Town website.
o The department is preparing for upcoming spring events, including school-related activities and
community gatherings. Officers also supported recent events, including a Rotary Club event and
a community demonstration.
o He reported participation in peer support training initiatives and collaboration with the Board of
Education on safety coordination.
o He also provided an update regarding an incident that occurred earlier in the day involving an
altercation between two individuals. A juvenile suspect wielding a knife was taken into custody
without injuries to the public.
o Council discussed ongoing concerns regarding youth mental health and the importance of
community and regional efforts to address these issues.
c. Director of Public Works
• Mr. Matthews was recognized by Council:
o Ms. Kaiser recognized Mr. Matthews and his team for the Touch-a-Truck event, which was well
attended with over 600 participants.
o Council expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Public Works staff and the positive
community engagement provided by the event.
d. Town Clerk
• Ms. Adams reported the following:
o Leading up to the Maryland Makers: Centreville event, the Centreville Sip & Savor Trail will
take place from June 7 through June 14, featuring local restaurants and hospitality businesses.
o Participants will utilize a QR code through the Let’s Rally app to visit locations and earn points,
with rewards provided upon completion.
o Marketing efforts for the program will begin shortly.
o The Maryland Crafted VIP Experience will begin at 11:00 a.m., with the main event opening at
12:00 p.m.
o VIP attendees will receive wristbands allowing them to bypass lines at the main event.
o The pre-event will be hosted at Bull & Goat Brewery, including a brewery tour and guided
tastings with Crow Vineyard & Winery.
o Crow Vineyard is donating tasting glasses and locally raised Black Angus beef for food pairings.
o Featured pairings will include:
o Crab balls with rosé
o Beef sliders with red wine
o Cheese pairing with white wine from an Eastern Shore producer
o A new VIP-exclusive tent will be located on the Town Green, limited to 30 guests.
o The tent will provide private seating, dedicated service, and catered food from Doc’s Riverside
Grill, including crab dip, pasta skewers, wings, chips, dips, and meatballs.
o VIP tickets are priced at $65 per person.
o Ms. Adams noted that these additions are intended to enhance the event experience and support
local businesses.
Citizen Comments
• No citizens provided comments.
Council Roundtable
• President Kaiser announced the upcoming Fire Department Breakfast at the Goodwill Firehouse on
Sunday from 7:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
• Mr. Kiel stated that the Cash Bash event is the following Saturday, April 25, 2026. Tickets are sold out.
• Mr. McNeil reminded the Council of Arbor Day on April 24, 2026, and the community event “Covering
Our City” addressing youth issues on Saturday at the Courthouse Lawn.
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• Ms. Huffer asked Ms. Brinkley about the ongoing outreach regarding State property coordination, and
Ms. Brinkly noted that staff will continue to pursue communication with State representatives.
There being no further business, Mr. Kiel made a motion to adjourn. The Town Council meeting adjourned at 9:02
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
R. Gaye Adams
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved April 2, 2026, budget work session meeting minutes.
2. Approved April 2, 2026, Town Council meeting minutes.
3. Approved the Blue Crab Car Wash for eight (8) allocations incorporating water recycling technology.
4. Approved Resolution 06-2026-Administrative Leave Policy.
5. Approved Resolution 07-2026-Inclement Weather Policy.
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