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Minutes June 11, 2020 · 10 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
June 11, 2020
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The June 11, 2020 Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Jeffrey C. Morgan at the
Liberty Building located at 107 N. Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and staff were
present: Jeffrey C. Morgan, President; Timothy E. McCluskey, Vice President; Joshua E. Shonts, Member via Zoom;
Steve Walls, Town Manager; Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; Chief Kenneth Rhodes, Centreville Police
Department; Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works; William Chapman, Acting Town Attorney; and Carolyn
Brinkley, Town Clerk.
 Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, Mr. McCluskey made a motion to approve the
May 14, 2020 minutes, as amended. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to approve the May 21, 2020 meeting minutes, as presented. Mr. Morgan
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to approve the June 4, 2020 special meeting minutes, as presented. Mr.
Morgan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Public Hearing: Ordinance 05-2020 – FY2021 Budget
 The public hearing began at 7:05 p.m. for any comments related to Ordinance 05-2020 for the purpose of
adopting a budget for the Town of Centreville for Fiscal Year 2021; Constant Yield; and Ordinance 06-2020
for the purpose of establishing the Town of Centreville water and sewer user fees and service fees for both
metered and unmetered customers.
 Ms. Brinkley stated that no additional comments were received related to Ordinance 05-2020, the constant
yield, and Ordinance 06-2020.
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to adjourn the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
Citizens Comments
 No citizens comments were received, written or through Zoom or Facebook.
Old Business
a. Professional Engineering Estimates for Sewer & Water Utility Construction Project
 Mr. Michael Whitehill, Consultant and Project Manager for the Liberty/Commerce Utility Project,
presented the following information for the Town Council and public:
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 Mr. Whitehill commented on a post that was made on Facebook regarding the sidewalks along
Commerce Street and the lack of height of the curb to assist with stormwater. He stated in 2007 the
Town entered into an agreement with the State Highway Administration (SHA) for a streetscape project.
SHA pulled from the design phase of the project because the Town’s utilities were in such bad shape and
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would not install new curb and gutter on top of old utilities with the possibility of being damaged to
make repairs to the utilities.
 Mr. Whitehill stated that the Town also approached SHA for assistance with a stormwater project to take
place while the Town was working on the utilities and they were not able to offer assistance for the
project at that time.
 The Town is in a better position to enter into a new streetscape design with the SHA after completing the
utilities upgrade and now is a good time to move forward.
b. North Brook Water Treatment Plant Equipment Purchase Requests
 Mr. Matthews presented the following memo:
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 Mr. Matthews stated that this project has not moved along as fast as the Town wanted mainly due to
COVID-19. Contractors have been closed and shipping has been delayed.
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion based on staff recommendation to approve all five requests including the
cost of installation of the turbidity meter. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. Church Lane Encumbrance
 Mr. Walls presented the following memo:
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to encumber the remaining $20,743.50 from the FY20 budget to the
FY21 budget to complete Church Lane later in the summer. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
d. Ordinance 06-2020 – Utility Rates Increase – Consideration
 Mr. McCluskey read Ordinance 06-2020 for the purpose of establishing the Town of Centreville Water
and Sewer User Fees and Service Fees for both metered and unmetered customers.
 Ms. Luffman presented the following memo:
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 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to approve Ordinance 06-2020 as presented which includes the increase
to out-of-town service customers. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
e. Ordinance 05-2020 – FY2021 Budget – Consideration
 Mr. McCluskey stated that he asked for 75% of the difference between the FY2020 public utility tax of
$3.11 and the FY2021 public utility tax of $7.00 to be placed back in the permanent fund. He asked if
this has been included in the FY2021 budget. Ms. Luffman reported that it is tracked separately and does
not show up in an actual budget line item but yes, it is included.
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to approve Ordinance 05-2020 for the purpose of adopting a budget for
the Town of Centreville for Fiscal Year 2021. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously.
New Business
a. Ordinance 07-2020 – Land Sale – Parcel I
 Mr. Morgan recused himself from the discussion of Ordinance 07-2020.
 Mr. Walls reported that the Town received Parcel I at no cost as part of a Public Works Agreement with
a developer. Three (3) appraisals were completed. The first appraisal being $275,000; the second
appraisal being $130,000; and the third appraisal being $140,000. Mr. Walls stated that due to the utility
easement on a significant portion of the property, there is very little use for this property and believes the
higher appraisal did not take this into consideration. Queen Anne’s County Commissioners have offered
$160,000 for Parcel I.
 Mr. McCluskey read Ordinance 07-2020 for the purpose of authorizing the conveyance by way of a
special warranty deed of a parcel of property identified on Queen Anne’s County Tax Map 044C, Grid
0016, Parcel 501 I, consisting of 6.413 acres, and located in the Third Election District and all matters
related thereto.
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to execute the Agreement of Sale on
behalf of the Town with the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners. Mr. Shonts seconded the motion.
The motion passed with Mr. McCluskey and Mr. Shonts voting yes. Mr. Morgan recused himself from
the discussion and vote.
b. Ordinance 08-2020 – Election Provisions
 Mr. Chapman stated that this Ordinance was developed to provide terms for the vacancy created by the
resignation of Mr. Shonts. He indicated that due to the provisions in the Town’s Charter, the timing of a
special election would restrict anyone from filing for the special election and the regular election in
October.
 Mr. McCluskey read Ordinance 08-2020 for the purpose of providing for election terms not otherwise
provided for in the Charter for the Town of Centreville and all matters related thereto. He stated at the
July 16th meeting the Town Council will hold a second reading and consider this ordinance.
 Mr. Shonts stated that his resignation will be effective July 10th to eliminate the need for a special
election.
 Mr. Morgan read Mr. Shonts’ amended resignation letter:
c. Resolution 08-2020 – Waiver of Open Container Provisions
 Mr. Morgan read Resolution 08-2020 for the purpose of providing an exception to the enforcement of the
prohibition on consumption of alcoholic beverages in public for outdoor dining to occur during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
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 Mr. McCluskey stated this would allow restaurants not currently within the Central Business District the
opportunity to provide outdoor dining and serve alcoholic beverages to their patrons.
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to approve Resolution 08-2020 for the purpose of providing an exception
to the enforcement of the prohibition on consumption of alcoholic beverages in public for outdoor dining
to occur during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
d. Chesterfield Cemetery Caretaker’s Building – Bid Consideration
 Mr. Walls presented the following memo:
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to approve Elegant Restoration to repair the fire damage at the
Caretaker’s Building with the agreed amount of $16,309.33, covered by the Town’s insurance company
and $2,500 deductible paid by the Town. Mr. Morgan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
e. Centreville Police Department Vehicle Purchase
 Chief Rhodes presented the following memo:
 Chief Rhodes stated that the funds are coming from the sale of older vehicles and public safety money
received such as the speed cameras.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
 Mr. Walls reported the following:
 There have been six (6) people apply for assistance through the COVID-19 payment agreement.
 The final surface course paving is completed on Happy Lady Lane and will be striped within the next
couple weeks.
 The State Highway Administration milling operation has been completed on Liberty and Commerce
Streets and they will be working on intersections. Paving is planned to begin the following week.
b. Town Clerk
 Ms. Brinkley reported that Carol D’Agostino, Main Street Manager and Paige Tilghman, Economic
Development Manager have been working closely with restaurants and businesses during the
phased-in regulations by Governor Hogan.
c. Director of Public Works
 Mr. Matthews stated that the public works employees have had a challenging month but are doing
well.
 Mr. McCluskey stated that the parks are looking great and staff are doing a great job.
d. Chief of Police
 Chief Rhodes presented the May 2020 status report for the Council, staff, and public. He stated that
bicycle patrol has resumed with the nicer weather and is very well received by the community.
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 Chief Rhodes reported that a notice has been given to the Town Council that he will be retiring from
his position effective July 7, 2020. He stated that he is proud of what he has accomplished during his
time as Chief and is extremely proud of all the officers.
 Mr. McCluskey thanked Chief Rhodes for his time. He stated what a fantastic job he has done
during his time and wished him the best of luck.
 Mr. Morgan thanked Chief Rhodes for everything he has done for the Town and believes the
Centreville Police Department is a top-notch department.
 Mr. Shonts thanked Chief Rhodes for his service and commended him on the great job he has done.
He congratulated him on his retirement.
 Mr. McCluskey stated that Chief Rhodes will be gone before the next Town Council meeting and an
Acting Chief needs to be appointed. He asked that the ad run for thirty (30) days.
 Chief Rhodes recommended Lt. Conrad Meil serve as Acting Chief until such time as a replacement
is made.
 Mr. Morgan made a motion to appoint Lt. Conrad Meil as Acting Chief beginning when Chief
Rhodes retires. Mr. McCluskey seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
 Chief Rhodes stated that he is willing to come back and help ease the transition when a new Chief is
appointed.
Citizens Forum
 No citizens written comments submitted or provided through Zoom or Facebook.
Council Roundtable
 Mr. Shonts thanked everyone who helped him with his position. He hopes that the future Council will
consider the implementation of term limits and continue to stream the meetings. Mr. Shonts also wanted to
thank Karen Luffman, Finance Officer, for her efforts on the budget package; it was unbelievable. He
wished everyone good luck.
 Mr. McCluskey stated there are several board and commission vacancies open and encourages the citizens to
consider volunteering. He also stated that there are now four (4) seats open in the October election and he is
happy to meet with any candidate who is interested in running. Mr. McCluskey wished Council Member
Shonts well in his future endeavors.
 Mr. Morgan wished Mr. Shonts the best. He read a press release that has been sent to the newspaper
regarding a law suit that was filed against the Town:
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Motion to Adjourn
There being no further business, Mr. McCluskey made a motion to adjourn the June 11, 2020 meeting. Mr. Morgan
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn M. Brinkley
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved the May 14, 2020 meeting minutes, as amended.
2. Approved the May 21, 2020 meeting minutes, as presented.
3. Approved the June 4, 2020 special meeting minutes, as presented.
4. Approved all five requests per the Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) Performance
Evaluation and McCrone Engineering, Inc. recommendations:
 Quick Scan Arsenic – $4,000.00
 Samples – $1,309.00
 Turbidity meter – $4,772.10 and include the cost of installation of the turbidity meter
 Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) - $4,559.13
 Schedule workshop to include MDE staff, McCrone staff, and the public
5. Approved encumbering the remaining $20,743.50 from the FY20 budget to the FY21 budget to complete
Church Lane later in the summer.
6. Approved Ordinance 06-2020 for the purpose of establishing the Town of Centreville Water and Sewer User
Fees and Service Fees for both metered and unmetered customers which includes an increase for out-of-town
service customers.
7. Approved Ordinance 05-2020 for the purpose of adopting a budget for the Town of Centreville for Fiscal
Year 2021.
8. Authorized the Town Manager to execute the Agreement of Sale on behalf of the Town with Queen Anne’s
County identified on Queen Anne’s County Tax Map 044C, Grid 0016, Parcel 501 I, consisting of 6.413
acres, and located in the Third Election District.
9. Approved Resolution 08-2020 for the purpose of providing an exception to the enforcement of the
prohibition on consumption of alcoholic beverages in public for outdoor dining to occur during the COVID-
19 pandemic.
10. Approved Elegant Restoration to repair the fire damage at the Caretaker’s Building with the agreed amount
of $16,309.33, covered by the Town’s insurance company and $2,500 deductible paid by the Town.
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