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Minutes January 7, 2021 · 7 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
January 7, 2021
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The January 7, 2021 Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Timothy E. McCluskey at
the Liberty Building located at 107 N. Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and staff were
present: Timothy E. McCluskey, President; Steven K. Kline, Vice President; Robert R. Hardy, Jr., Jeffrey D. Kiel,
and Shelby C. Anania, Members; Steve Walls, Town Manager; Chief Joe Saboury, Centreville Police Department;
George Jamar, Operations Manager for Public Works; Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; and Carolyn Brinkley, Town
Clerk.
 Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, Mr. Kline made a motion to approve the
December 17, 2020 meeting minutes, as amended. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously.
Citizens Comments
 Sveinn Storm, S. Commerce Street offered comments.
Appearances
a. Christmas Tree Decorating Winners
 Mr. McCluskey read the winners of the 2020 Christmas Tree Decorating Contest:
o First Place – Girl Scout Troop 446
o Second Place – Day Care, Inc.
o Third Place – Girl Scout Troop 1271
 Mr. McCluskey presented two members of Girl Scout Troop 1271 with their trophy.
b. Raymond Aaron, President – Goodwill Fire Company
 Raymond Aaron and Wayne Bloodsworth came before the Town Council to discuss how the Goodwill
Fire Company uses the funds donated by the Town Council.
 Mr. Aaron reported that the fire company has been around since 1889 as a volunteer company.
Currently, there are paid emergency medical personnel to cover the station during the day and volunteers
still cover in the evenings.
 Mr. Aaron stated that the Town Council of Centreville donates $45,000 each year and the fire company
splits that amount with $25,000 going towards ambulance services and $20,000 towards fire services.
 Mr. McCluskey presented a check for $45,000 to Mr. Aaron and Mr. Bloodsworth.
c. Board/Commission Oath of Office
 Mr. McCluskey administered the oath of office for Tim Zuella as a member of the Centreville Planning
Commission and Steve Layden as a member of the Centreville Board of Zoning Appeals.
d. Centreville Park Advisory Board
 Michael Whitehill, Chair of the Centreville Park Advisory Board, made a presentation on the mission,
members, and goals of the Board.
o The Park Advisory Board was created in 1985 and their mission is to provide the citizens of
Centreville with leisure time opportunities that meaningfully and purposefully result in self-
development, satisfying activities, and enriching social and cultural experiences.
o The Park Advisory Board consists of seven members: Michael Whitehill, Chair; Priscilla Mileski,
Vice Chair; Sandy Simpson, Secretary; Rich Ryan, Fred McNeil, Gene Magary, and Ryan Holdgreve,
Members; Shelby Anania, Town Council Liaison; and Norma Robinson, Administrative Assistant.
o Centreville has 8,700 linear feet of waterfront and in the past three years, received $558,203 in grants
for the Wharf Park and boat slips with another $199,000 under review; through the Queen Anne’s
County dredging project, the boat slips are also being dredged; and the swing set will be relocated
back to the Wharf Park.
o Some projects the Park Advisory Board would like to accomplish are:
o Grading of Millstream Park
o Finding metal art for the Wharf Park
o Outdoor fitness stations to be placed along the Millstream Trail
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o Stabilization of the Millstream walking trail
o Update tree canopy
o Dog Park – this would not be municipally-owned and would be cared for by citizens
o Create spaces for chess players – could be an existing pocket park
o Wetland restoration projects – phragmites will be eradicated on the lots located across from the
Wharf Park as mitigation for the County’s dredging project
 Mr. Whitehill requested that the Park Advisory Board budget be encumbered each year so that they are
able to accomplish more projects with any leftover funds they may have.
 Mr. Hardy thanked Mr. Whitehill for the presentation and suggested the following items:
o Add points of interest at the overlooks along the Millstream Trail
o Paint the court and install new nets at the basketball court at Millstream Park
o Add screening between Millstream Park and the Chesterfield Cemetery and funeral home
 Ms. Anania thanked Mr. Whitehill for the presentation and representing the Park Advisory Board.
Old Business
a. Ordinance 11-2020 – Text Amendment: Museums in the R-2 Zoning District
 Mr. McCluskey read Ordinance 11-2020 for the purpose of amending the Town’s Zoning Ordinance
codified as Chapter 170 of the Town Code to allow by right museums in the Residential R-2 District and
to define museums and enforce the Town’s Zoning Ordinance more effectively.
 Mr. McCluskey stated a public hearing for Ordinance 11-2020 is scheduled for January 21st.
 After some discussion, the following questions will be submitted to the Centreville Planning
Commission for consideration and feedback at their January 20th meeting:
o Why is the ordinance amending R-2 and not R-3? Even though uses in R-2 are included in R-3 there
are concerns whether it should only be restricted to R-3. Other concerns were another institutional
use within a residential district.
o There were concerns about whether the Women’s Museum was even ready (financially/legally) to
open and is this ordinance premature. It was discussed that even though the impetus for this
ordinance is for the Women’s Museum, it should not be tied to whether leasing/funding, etc. is
completed and the question is whether this is a good use within the town.
o There were also concerns over the inequity of the bold/underlined “b” and “c”. Should the language
say the Planning Commission “may waive” the 20-foot minimum or be more consistent with other
language. As for “c” is it consistent and equitable compared to the rights of other businesses/
institutions.
 [b] The Planning Commission may waive the 20 foot minimum setback upon finding the
building’s size and operation would impose no greater impact to the adjoining lot than a
house on the same lot;
 [c] The lot shall comply with buffer yard category “C”, provided for in Section 1704-42
and illustrated in the Appendix to this Ordinance; and
o Should museums be considered a special exception rather than permitted by-right?
 The Town Council requested that Mary Margaret Goodwin come before the Town Council for an update
on the museum.
 The January 21st public hearing for Ordinance 11-2020 was cancelled and will be rescheduled once the
Planning Commission reviews and provides additional feedback.
b. Resolution 13-2020 – Charter Amendment: Town Council Member Vacancy
 Mr. McCluskey read Resolution 13-2020 for the purpose of amending the Town Charter to revise the
process for filling vacancies on the Council and matters generally related thereto.
 Mr. McCluskey reported that a public hearing is scheduled for the January 21st Town Council meeting.
c. Recommendations for Capital/Operating Purchases
 Ms. Luffman presented the following recommendations for capital/operating purchases:
 General Fund Checking has a current balance of $1,515,645; Recommend $160,000 from the sale of
land be used to purchase capital/operating expenditures.
 General Fund Savings has a current balance of $1,016,904; Recommend $150,000-$200,000 be used
to purchase capital/operating expenditures.
 Enterprise Fund Checking has a current balance of $3,972,994; Recommend $225,000 be used to
purchase capital/operating expenditures.
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General Fund Total Spend – $350,715
Enterprise Fund Total Spend – $225,000
Administration-GF
IPADS – $5,400
Police-GF
LEOPS study – $10,000
Administrative Assistant – $40,815.30 (60,515.30 minus approved movement of Parking Officer
$19,700)
Salary Adjustments – $90,000
Streets-GF
Small Dump Truck – $75,000
Lawyers Row (street lights, brick work, & tree removal) – $50,000
DPW emergency shop generator – $35,000
Replace 190ft. retaining wall on Edenderry Avenue in North Brook – $5,500
Parks-GF
Electric & Water for small picnic shelters, parking lot (Wharf Park) – $17,000
Gutters & down spouts/fascia and repairs (Wharf warehouse) – $11,000
Replace asphalt siding (Wharf warehouse) – $11,000
General Fund Total – $350,715
Sewer-EF
Pickup 4-wheel drive ¾ ton with snow plow – $55,000
Enclose contact chamber at WWTP – $25,000
Water-EF
North Brook Generator – $89,000
Farm-EF
Small Shed Repair – $50,000
Replant Trees – $6,000
Enterprise Fund Total – $225,000
 Mr. Hardy made a motion to accept the recommendations for capital and operating expenses in the
general and enterprise funds. Mr. McCluskey seconded the motion and asked for any discussion.
Mr. Kline asked the purpose of purchasing two trucks for the Department of Public Works, a dump
truck and a ¾ ton pick-up truck. Mr. Jamar stated the purpose is because of the condition of the
current trucks they would be replacing. He reported that these would not be new vehicles added to
their fleet but replacement of existing vehicles. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
a. Queenstown Bank Loan
 Ms. Luffman presented the following memo:
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 Mr. McCluskey provided background on the purchase of 105 N. Liberty Street. He stated that when
Queen Anne’s County was building the new court house, they were required to provide additional
parking which could not be met on the property of the court house. As part of the agreement, the Town
bought land which the County pays for annually, over the next 20 years.
 Mr. McCluskey reported that the Town took out a loan from Queenstown Bank using a CD as collateral.
Mr. McCluskey suggested using the CD to pay off the loan and transfer the remaining funds to the
permanent fund and then every year the County pays their payment, that goes back into the permanent
fund as well.
 Mr. Kline made a motion to pay off the Queenstown Bank loan for 105 N. Liberty Street, deposit the
remaining $72,364 into the permanent fund and the subsequent payments made by the County each year
be deposited into the permanent fund. Mr. Hardy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
,
b. Fireworks 2021
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to hold the 2021 fireworks on Saturday, July 3rd and to keep the budget
of $5,000. Mr. Hardy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. Outdoor Movie Night/Fishing Derby 2021
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to hold outdoor movie night and the kids fishing derby on Saturday,
August 28th and keep the same budget as prior years. Mr. Hardy seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously.
d. Pennsylvania Avenue Property – Initial Discussion
 Mr. McCluskey stated that the Town owns a significant portion of the vacant property located on
Pennsylvania Avenue. He stated that Penn Station Joint Venture, the developer of the mixed-use
buildings was required to provide additional parking, which the Town has been allowing them to use the
vacant lot.
 Mr. McCluskey asked if there is a need for the consolidation of Town offices and suggested that Mr.
Walls hire a planner to investigate the best way this property should be used.
 Mr. Hardy stated he likes the concept of a three-story building and believes it would be a wise
investment on the Town’s part.
 Mr. Walls suggested discussing space needs with each department prior to hiring an engineer.
 Mr. Kline suggested that he would rather spend the money on determining the proper salaries for
employees than on building a new building.
 After some discussion and by consensus, the Town Council asked the Town Manager to complete an
analysis of departmental space needs.
Correspondence
Mr. McCluskey stated that the Town recently presented a proclamation to Ms. Evelyn Berry for her 100th birthday.
He read the proclamation for the public:
DECEMBER 27, 2020 EVELYN BERRY DAY
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry was born to Calvin Butler and Blanch Scott Butler, December 27, 1920 and is
celebrating her proud age of 100; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry was born in Price Station Maryland and has been a resident in the Town of
Centreville for 98 years; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry has two siblings, Ruth Tabler and Gene Butler, born to the Butler family and her
sister Ruth and her husband Dan have lived across the street from Evelyn for 70 years; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry attended school at Centreville Elementary and graduated from Centreville High
School; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry fell in love and married Oliver Allen Berry and raised 2 daughters, Joy Jones and
Bonnie Cassidy; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry worked at the Maryland State Livestock Laboratory, Wilson Food Company, Willis
and Feed Company, C&P Telephone, and Edwards Pharmacy where she retired after 26 years of service; and
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WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry served as a volunteer for Corsica Hills Nursing Home for 42 years and the Queen
Anne’s County Department of Community Services, Area Agency on Aging for 29 years; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry was inducted in 2016 as an honoree of the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame,
Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry enjoys spending time doing yard work at her home and growing beautiful flowers;
and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Berry deserves great recognition for not only reaching a tremendous milestone by turning
100 years old but for her dedication and contribution to her family and community;
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE, do hereby wish Evelyn Berry a
wonderful and Happy “100” Birthday, and wish her many more years of health and happiness.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED that the Town Council of Centreville Maryland hereby
recognizes Evelyn Berry and proclaims December 27, 2020, her birthday, as Evelyn Berry Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Town Council of Centreville has hereunto subscribed their names this twenty-
third day of December, Two Thousand and Twenty.
THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE
Timothy E. McCluskey, President
Steven K. Kline, Vice President
Robert R. Hardy, Jr., Member
Jeffrey D. Kiel, Member
Shelby C. Anania, Member
Reports of Boards and Commissions
a. Centreville Park Advisory Board
 Ms. Anania stated that Mr. Whitehill reported on the Park Advisory Board earlier and she had no
additional information.
b. Centreville Economic Development Authority
 Mr. Kline stated that CEDA is scheduled to meet on January 19th and needs a charge. By consensus, the
Town Council charged CEDA with working on fiber optic.
c. Planning Commission
 Mr. McCluskey stated that the Planning Commission has not met since the last Town Council meeting.
d. Maryland Municipal League
 Mr. Hardy had nothing to report regarding MML.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
 Mr. Walls reported the following:
 Began working on FY22 budget.
 The developer’s contractor is finishing punch list items at North Brook.
b. Chief of Police Report
 Chief Saboury reported the following:
 Researched the actuarial study for LEOPS and hopes to present the cost and next steps at the next
Council meeting.
 Holiday bags were removed from the parking meters on January 4th.
 A traffic study will be conducted at Commerce Street and Kidwell Avenue to determine the
relevance of a speed camera at this location.
 Met with a contractor on automated parking stations and recommendations for the Town have been
forwarded.
 The 2020 year in review will be presented at the January 21st Town Council meeting.
c. Director of Public Works
 Mr. Jamar reported the following:
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 Began working on the FY22 budget
 This time of year, a lot of time is spent doing vehicle, equipment, and building maintenance.
d. Town Clerk
 Ms. Brinkley reported the following:
 As part of a training she attended, there was a discussion on consent agendas. Consent agendas are
when items are grouped together and approved in one action, rather than multiple motions. Ms.
Brinkley requested an item be placed on the January 21st agenda to discuss consent agendas further
with the Council.
Citizens Forum
 Elaine Studley, S. Liberty Street, provided comments.
Council Roundtable
 Mr. Kiel thanked Mr. Walls and Mr. Matthews for the tour of the town. It was very informative and helpful.
 Mr. Hardy thanked the administrative staff at Town Hall, Norma Robinson and Betty Jean Hall.
 Mr. McCluskey attended the swearing in for Goodwill Fire Company and had the honor of swearing in the
officers and board again this year.
 Mr. McCluskey stated that he will be introducing a text amendment ordinance regarding modifying height
restrictions on telecommunications towers in the Light Industrial and PBD zoning district.
Motion to Adjourn
There being no further business, Mr. Kline made a motion to adjourn the January 7, 2021 Town Council meeting.
Mr. Hardy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn M. Brinkley
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved the December 17, 2020 meeting minutes, as amended.
2. Approved the following Operating and Capital expenses for General Fund and Enterprise Fund:
 General Fund Checking has a current balance of $1,515,645; Recommend $160,000 from the sale of
land be used to purchase capital/operating expenditures.
 General Fund Savings has a current balance of $1,016,904; Recommend $150,000-$200,000 be used
to purchase capital/operating expenditures.
 Enterprise Fund Checking has a current balance of $3,972,994; Recommend $225,000 be used to
purchase capital/operating expenditures.
Administration-GF
IPADS – $5,400
Police-GF
LEOPS study – $10,000
Administrative Assistant – $40,815.30 (60,515.30 minus approved movement of Parking Officer
$19,700)
Salary Adjustments – $90,000
Streets-GF
Small Dump Truck – $75,000
Lawyers Row (street lights, brick work, & tree removal) – $50,000
DPW emergency shop generator – $35,000
Replace 190ft. retaining wall on Edenderry Avenue in North Brook – $5,500
Parks-GF
Electric & Water for small picnic shelters, parking lot (Wharf Park) – $17,000
Gutters & down spouts/fascia and repairs (Wharf warehouse) – $11,000
Replace asphalt siding (Wharf warehouse) – $11,000
General Fund Total – $350,715
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Sewer-EF
Pickup 4-wheel drive ¾ ton with snow plow – $55,000
Enclose contact chamber at WWTP – $25,000
Water-EF
North Brook Generator – $89,000
Farm-EF
Small Shed Repair – $50,000
Replant Trees – $6,000
Enterprise Fund Total – $225,000
3. Approved the pay off the Queenstown Bank loan for 105 N. Liberty Street, deposit the remaining $72,364
into the permanent fund and the subsequent payments made by the County each year be deposited into the
permanent fund.
4. Approved the 2021 fireworks on Saturday, July 3rd and to keep the budget of $5,000.
5. Approved outdoor movie night and fishing derby on Saturday, August 28th and keep the same budget as prior
years.
6. By consensus, the Town Council asked the Town Manager to complete an analysis of departmental space
needs.
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