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2026-05-20-approved-work session minutes.pdf

Minutes May 20, 2026 · 5 page(s)

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Town of Centreville
Council Strategic Work Session
May 20, 2026
1:00 p.m.
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by the Council President Kaiser at 1:00 p.m. at the Wharf
Building, 101 Water Way, first floor meeting room. The following members and staff were present:
Ashley H. Kaiser, President; Frederick E. Beu, Fred McNeil and Sandra L. Huffer, Members;
Carolyn Brinkley, Town Manager; Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; Jenial Turner, Program
Manager; Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works; David Nixson, Whitman Requardt &
Associates; David Hyder, Stantec; Ashlie Bagwell, Harris Jones & Malone; Tonya Wright, Finance
& Human Resource Specialist; Jacki Payne, Administrative Assistant, DPW; and Gaye Adams,
Town Clerk.
I. Call to Order
Ms. Kaiser convened the Town Council Work Session at 1:00 p.m.
II. Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Discussion
A. Project Status Update
Ms. Turner, Mr. Matthews, Mr. Nixon, and Mr. Hyder provided an overview of the Wastewater
Treatment Plant (WWTP) history, current status, design progress, and project timeline.
Historical Overview
Staff reviewed the history of the WWTP, beginning with the original plant construction in 1935,
subsequent expansions, and the 2001 Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) facility construction. The
existing plant currently operates under a permitted capacity of approximately 542,000 gallons per day.
Design Progress
Mr. Nixon reported the following milestones:
• Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) approval was received from the Maryland Department
of the Environment (MDE) in September 2025.
• Whitman Requardt & Associates is currently progressing through the design phase.
• Thirty percent (30%) design drawings were submitted in January 2026.
• Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) pre-selection was completed in March 2026.
• Soil borings, site survey work, and stormwater infiltration evaluations are underway.
• The project team is targeting completion of the 60% design phase by June 2026.
Mr. Nixon explained that the expanded treatment facility is planned entirely within the existing
WWTP property boundaries.
Corsica River and Discharge Studies
Mr. Nixon reviewed the status of environmental and water quality studies related to potential discharge
alternatives.
Discussion included:
• Completion of cold-water and warm-water quality studies.
• Ongoing Corsica River mixing study analysis.
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• Preliminary meetings with MDE and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
• Evaluation of river discharge impacts on fish migration and spawning.
• Public comment opportunities anticipated during future permitting stages.
Council discussed public concerns related to potential river discharge and emphasized the importance
of maintaining transparency throughout the permitting process.
Spray Irrigation / Land Application
Staff reviewed efforts related to land application and spray irrigation alternatives, including:
• Potential use of leased agricultural properties.
• Possible use of public open space and athletic field irrigation.
• County approval to amend the Comprehensive Plan to allow the use of leased agricultural and
passive land application.
• Class IV reclaimed water standards and reuse requirements.
Council discussed environmental benefits associated with reclaimed water reuse and acknowledged
differing public opinions regarding irrigation use.
Growth and Capacity Planning
Town staff reviewed projected growth pressures and anticipated future demand for wastewater
infrastructure.
Discussion topics included:
• Providence Farm, Carter Farm, and Turpin Farm development potential.
• Tidewater Direct expansion interests.
• Safety Drive and County and State facility needs.
• Future commercial and residential growth opportunities.
• Regional wastewater limitations affecting growth throughout Queen Anne’s County.
Council discussed the importance of balancing thoughtful growth management with infrastructure
planning and long-term economic development goals.
Cost Estimates and Funding Overview
Current planning-level project costs were reviewed:
• Estimated WWTP upgrade cost: approximately $34 million.
• Estimated discharge infrastructure placeholder cost: approximately $10 million.
• Total conceptual project estimate with contingencies and escalation: approximately $65
million.
Staff emphasized that current numbers remain conceptual estimates and may change once construction
bids are received.
Allocation Fund Review
Finance staff reviewed the current wastewater allocation reserve account and projected future
allocation revenues.
Highlights included:
• Current allocation reserve balance of approximately $488,000.
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• Estimated five-year allocation revenue projections.
• Discussion regarding continued dedication of allocation revenues toward future wastewater
infrastructure.
Funding Opportunities
Staff reviewed current and potential funding sources, including:
• Bay Restoration Fund grant assistance.
• State Revolving Loan Fund opportunities.
• Congressionally Directed Spending allocations.
• Community Project Funding grants.
• Potential county and state partnership opportunities.
Council discussed concerns regarding long-term debt obligations and emphasized the need for
additional grant funding support from county, state, and federal partners.
Council Discussion
• The long-term sustainability of the project.
• Future wastewater disposal alternatives.
• Economic development impacts.
• Public communication strategies.
• The importance of pursuing regional and intergovernmental funding support.
Council also discussed scheduling future meetings with County Commissioners and state
representatives to advocate additional infrastructure funding assistance.
IV. Utility Rate Study Discussion
Mr. Hyder presented a 10-year financial model evaluating utility rate adjustments needed to support
current operations, capital improvements, and future WWTP debt obligations.
Existing Utility Rate Structure
Discussion included:
• Existing water and sewer rates.
• Operating costs.
• Inflation impacts.
• Debt service requirements.
• Capital improvement funding obligations.
Financial Modeling and Rate Projections
Mr. Hyder presented multiple financial scenarios based on projected WWTP borrowing requirements
and available grant funding.
Discussion topics included:
• Debt service coverage requirements are needed for loans.
• Operational cost increases are necessary.
• Future borrowing capacity.
• Cash reserve requirements.
• Long-term financial sustainability.
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Mr. Hyder advised that maintaining the current annual 5% increase structure would not sufficiently
support anticipated future debt obligations associated with WWTP expansion.
Potential Rate Adjustments
Council discussed a proposed increase in structure of approximately:
• 8% annual sewer rate increases.
• Sewer allocation fee increases to approximately 10,000
Discussion emphasized:
• The importance of phased implementation.
• Public communication and education.
• Transparency regarding infrastructure costs.
• Comparisons of other municipalities.
Council acknowledged that utility costs are already high but recognized the necessity of maintaining
infrastructure reliability and long-term system sustainability.
Public Communication Strategies
Council discussed strategies for improving communication with residents regarding utility rates and
infrastructure planning.
Ideas included:
• Public informational materials.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents.
• Farmer’s Market outreach.
• First Friday event participation.
• Improved utility alert enrollment.
• Educational materials explaining billing structures and infrastructure funding.
Action items discussed included:
• Preparation of a future resolution regarding utility rate adjustments.
• Continued refinement of financial projections.
• Pursuit of additional grant funding.
• Expanded public outreach and education.
V. Lobbyist Services Discussion
Ms. Bagwell discussed with Council legislative advocacy priorities and intergovernmental
coordination efforts.
Discussion topics included:
• Continued pursuit of state and federal infrastructure funding.
• Coordination with Maryland Municipal League (MML) grant for municipalities infrastructure.
• Opportunities for additional legislative grant programs.
• Potential meetings with county leadership and state representatives.
• Strategies for leveraging economic development and housing initiatives in funding requests.
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Council emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent communication with state legislators,
county officials, and regional partners regarding the Town’s infrastructure funding needs.
Action items discussed included:
• Scheduling meetings with County Commissioners.
• Meeting with the County’s lobbyist
• Coordinating meetings with legislative representatives by mid-summer.
• Preparing future grant support documentation.
• Letter to Governor by August, draft complete by the end of June.
• Developing additional funding advocacy strategies.
• MACO is in August- who should stop into Centreville on the way, what does that look like?
Citizens Forum
No citizen comments.
Adjournment
Ms. Huffer made a motion to adjourn the May 20, 2026, Council work session at 3:40 p.m.
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