← All documents

2026-05-07-tc-approved-minutes.pdf

Minutes May 7, 2026 · 4 page(s)

View original PDF ↗ Meeting

Full extracted text

The document's complete text, exactly as extracted — not a summary. Use “Summarize this document” above for the short version.

Town Council of Centreville
May 7, 2026
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The May 7, 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: Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President; Sandra L. Huffer, Frederick E. Beu (via Zoom), and Fred M.
McNeil, Members; Carolyn Brinkley, Town Manager; Will Chapman, Acting Town Attorney; Chief Robert
Hobbs, Centreville Police Department; Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; Clifford Matthews, Director of Public
Works; Peter Flint, Zoning Administrator; 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 April
16th Town Council meeting minutes. There being none, Ms. Huffer made a motion to approve of the
minutes as presented. Mr. McNeil seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Citizens Forum
• Ms. Margaret Jaegly of North Brook addressed Council regarding the recent water study and proposed
water plant expansion. Ms. Jaegly expressed concerns regarding unintended consequences associated with
future development and infrastructure expansion.
Appearances
a. Linda and Brent Carroll Proclamation
• Council recognized Linda and Brent Carroll for 35 years of service organizing the annual Easter
Egg Hunt at Millstream Park.
• Council noted the long-standing positive impact the event has had on the community and
generations of local families.
• A proclamation was read recognizing the Carrolls for their dedication, volunteerism, and
leadership in coordinating the event.
• Mr. and Mrs. Carroll shared remarks regarding the history of the event and the continued support
of volunteers and the community.
• It was noted that this year’s Easter Egg Hunt had one of the largest turnouts to date.
• Council thanked Linda and Brent Carroll for their continued service to the Town.
b. US Colored Troops Memorial Presentation
• Ms. Deborah Jones Miller, representing the Queen Anne’s County Veterans Committee, addressed
Council regarding the proposed United States Colored Troops Memorial.
• Ms. Miller explained that the project will honor over 480 African American soldiers from Queen
Anne’s County who served in the Civil War.
• The memorial is planned for placement at the Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center
and Museum in Centreville.
• Total project cost was reported at approximately $300,000.
• The committee has reportedly raised approximately $127,000 and secured additional pledged
funding from the State of Maryland and Queen Anne’s County.
• Ms. Miller requested a $2,000 contribution from the Town Council toward the project.
• Council discussion reflected strong support for the project, including recognition of the historical
significance and potential tourism benefits for the Town.
• Mr. McNeil made a motion to contribute $2,000 to the United States Colored Troops Memorial
project. The motion was seconded by Mr. Beu and passed unanimously.
Old Business
a. Ordinance 02-2026 – Vacant Properties Ordinance- Second Reading- President Ashley Kaiser
• Council conducted the second reading of Ordinance 02-2026; an ordinance adding a new Chapter 150 of
the Town Code to establish the procedures and requirements for vacant properties and matters generally
related thereto.
2026-05-07-TC-Approved-Minutes 1 | Pag e

• Ensuring maintenance standards are upheld for vacant or abandoned properties.
• Potential economic development benefits associated with identifying available properties for future
investment and redevelopment.
• Council members expressed support for the ordinance and noted that similar ordinances are common in
municipalities seeking to maintain property values and community appearance. A public hearing is
scheduled for May 21, 2026
b. Ordinance 03-2026 – Solar Arrays- Second Reading- Vice President Jeffrey D. Kiel
• Council conducted the second reading of Ordinance 03-2026 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.
• Mr. Flint clarified that rooftop solar systems remain permitted accessory uses and are not affected by the
ordinance.
• Mr. Flint stated that the ordinance applies only to standalone ground-mounted solar arrays.
• Explanation that similar provisions already exist within R-2 and R-3 zoning districts.
• Council forwarded the ordinance to the Planning Commission for review.
c. Trash and Recycling Bids- Mr. Clifford Matthews, Director Public Works
Mr. Matthews presented information regarding municipal curbside solid waste and recycling bids.
Trash Collection:
• Six bids were received for curbside solid waste collection.
• Staff recommended awarding the contract to Bigg Tyme Trash LLC based on pricing, references,
equipment condition, and maintenance practices.
• Discussion included projected impacts on quarterly utility bills.
• Mr. McNeil made a motion to award the municipal curbside solid waste collection contract, without
curbside recycling, to Bigg Tyme Trash LLC in the amount of $363,864.60 annually for a three-year
term. The motion was seconded by Ms. Huffer and passed unanimously.
Recycling Discussion:
• Council discussed significant increases in curbside recycling costs and reviewed recycling practices
in surrounding municipalities.
• Rising recycling costs and contamination concerns.
• Other municipalities are transitioning away from curbside recycling.
• Potential establishment of a Maryland Environmental Service (MES) recycling drop-off site behind
the firehouse near the water tower.
• Commitment to public education and communication regarding recycling options.
• Mr. McNeil made a motion to allow Maryland Environmental Service to establish a recycling drop-
off location at the water tower property behind the firehouse on Powell Street at no cost to the Town.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Huffer and passed unanimously.
New Business
a. Ordinance 04-2026- FY 2027 Budget – Karen Luffman. Finance Officer First Reading-Council President
• Ordinance 04-2026 is for the purpose of adopting a budget for the Town of Centreville for Fiscal year
2027.
• Ms. Luffman reported the following:
o The balanced budget as presented is inclusive of general fund capital requests totaling
$78,120.
o Increase to the QAC TV budget line to accommodate Zoom meeting costs.
o Current projected surplus of approximately $51,516 in the general fund.
o Current projected surplus of approximately $6,685 in the enterprise fund.
o Future adjustments related to trash and recycling costs to be incorporated into the second
reading.
b. Ordinance 05-2026 – Amending Planning Commission Membership-First Reading-Council President
• Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance 05-2026 to amend the provisions of Chapter 20;
Article V of the Town Code related to the Town of Centreville Planning and Zoning
Commission.
2026-05-07-TC-Approved-Minutes 2 | Pag e

• There was discussion regarding reducing membership from eight to five members while
maintaining alternate positions; concerns regarding attendance and quorum issues; there was
input from the Planning Commission indicating support for the change.
• Second reading will occur at a May 21st meeting.
c. Ordinance 06-2026 – Short-Term Rentals Moratorium-First Reading-Council President
• Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance 06-2026 adopting a temporary moratorium on the
application for, approval of, construction of, expansion of, processing of, or issuance of any Board of
Appeals, building permit, and zoning certificate applications for any boarding houses, bed-and-
breakfasts, and short term rentals and pending consideration and adoption of revised zoning
ordinance provisions as the Town Council may consider advisable.
• Mr. Flint stated this was developed because of the need to modernize and clarify the Town’s short-
term rental process; recent increase in short-term rental applications; development of a
comprehensive short-term rental ordinance and rental registry.
• He stated the intent is to complete the process within approximately six months.
• Council forwarded the ordinance to the Planning Commission for review.
d. Summer Meeting Schedule-Carolyn Brinkley, Town Manager
• Council discussed the summer meeting schedule:
o Cancellation of the June 18, 2026, meeting unless necessary.
o Regular meeting to be held July 16, 2026.
o August meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026.
• Council also discussed the possibility of future discussion regarding changing regular meeting start
times from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for public convenience and staff considerations.
Reports of Boards and Commissions
a. Maryland Municipal League
• No report.
b. Council of Governments
• The next meeting is May 13, 2026, in Queen Anne.
c. Economic Development
• Mr. Beu reported that the first Centreville Economic Development Authority (CEDA) meeting had
been held successfully and the first operational meeting was scheduled for May 19 at the Wharf
Building, first floor meeting room.
• Council discussion highlighted enthusiasm regarding the newly re-established authority and future
economic development efforts.
d. Park Advisory Board
• Ms. Hubbert reported Arbor Day improvements at Millstream Park, including:
o Planting of one Winter King Hawthorne tree and four Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry trees.
o Development of a future edible landscaping area with native plantings.
o Coordination with Master Gardeners and Unity Nursery for future volunteer planting efforts.
o Council thanked Ms. Hubbert and the Park Advisory Board for their efforts.
e. Planning Commission
• Ms. Huffer reported they reviewed the draft Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) language required under
new state law.
• Final edits to the fence ordinance, anticipated for Council review at the first June meeting.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
• Ms. Brinkley reported the following:
o Meeting with the new Chestertown Town Manager.
2026-05-07-TC-Approved-Minutes 3 | Pag e

o Attendance at the first CEDA meeting and positive feedback regarding the group’s direction and
participation.
b. Chief of Police
• No report
c. Director of Public Works
• Mr. Matthews reported the following:
o Providence Farm Phase IV and V paving work scheduled to begin.
o Weather-dependent paving schedule for the following week.
o Planned notices to residents regarding parking restrictions and paving activity.
d. Town Clerk
• Ms. Adams reported the following:
o The Town of Centreville once again received the highest national designation as a Main Street
America Accredited Program following the annual application and review process.
Citizen Comments
• No citizens provided comments.
Council Roundtable
• Mr. Beu discussed future coordination between CEDA and the Planning Commission and possible future
business incentive discussions.
• Mr. McNeil discussed water treatment infrastructure, operational costs, and utility rate considerations.
• Ms. Huffer discussed attendance at Wondering Delmarva’s Waterways conference and highlighted
positive comparisons between Centreville and surrounding municipalities, as well as future tree canopy
initiatives through Shore Rivers’ Tree the Shore program.
• Mr. Kiel thanked staff for work related to the budget and trash/recycling bid process.
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 9, 2026, and April 16, 2026, Town Council meeting minutes.
2. Approved $2,000 contribution to the United States Colored Troops Memorial Project.
3. Awarded municipal solid waste collection contract to Bigg Tyme Trash LLC.
4. Approved establishment of MES recycling drop-off site behind the firehouse at no cost to the Town.
5. Forwarded Ordinance 03-2026 (Solar Arrays) to the Planning Commission for review.
6. Forwarded Ordinance 06-2026 (Short-Term Rental Moratorium) to the Planning Commission for review.
2026-05-07-TC-Approved-Minutes 4 | Pag e