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Minutes January 21, 2021 · 26 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
January 21, 2021
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The January 21, 2021 Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:01 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;
Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works; Sharon VanEmburgh, Town Attorney; and Carolyn Brinkley, Town
Clerk.
 Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, Mr. Kline made a motion to approve the
January 7, 2021 meeting minutes, as amended. Mr. Hardy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Citizens Comments
 No citizen comments provided.
Appearances
a. Jennifer Moore, Director, Queen Anne’s County Historical Society
 Ms. Moore presented information to the Town Council regarding the following:
o Have been working hard to build their membership and have been able to create a very diverse Board
o Working on the restoration and maintenance of the Tucker House through a grant from the Maryland
Historical Trust; working on a façade grant with the Town for the Tucker House; previously received a
façade grant through the Town for the Wright’s Chance House.
o Have been updating the outdoor space at the Wright’s Chance House and the patio space at Tucker
House.
o Received a prestigious opportunity to hold a Smithsonian exhibit through June and July. Working with
the Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center to hold the exhibit at that location.
o Will be creating another exhibit at the Wright’s Chance House and Tucker House called “Voices &
Votes: The Democratic Process”.
o Partnering with Kent County Library and Queen Anne’s County Library to complete a full digitization
of both libraries with the purpose of building a genealogy library.
o Asked that all demolition and renovation permits be submitted to the QAC Historical Society so that
they may go in, with the property owner’s permission, and take pictures to document the
house/structure. Their purpose is to update the land records so that the history of that property can be
documented. They prefer any properties 50 years and older.
o Suggested holding a “float house” which would be the opposite of a parade. Houses are decorated and
people can take a walking tour around town.
b. Chesterfield Cemetery Advisory Committee
 Nancy Lewis, Chair; Lynda Palmatary, Treasurer; and Nancy Lane, Member, made a presentation to the
Town Council on the Chesterfield Cemetery Advisory Committee, their members, and needs.
 Ms. Lewis reported that there are currently seven (7) members on the committee: Nancy Lewis, Lynda
Palmatary, Nancy Lane, Joan Dawkins, Walter Pauls, Mary Margaret Goodwin, Kim Oristian, and Kasey
Deal and they meet the second Tuesday of each month.
 Ms. Lewis stated that they would like the Council’s consideration for a budget line item for the Cemetery
Committee in order to complete, plan, and execute tasks in the cemetery. They would like for this line
item to be encumbered each year.
 Mr. McCluskey stated that other accounts have been encumbered and would like to look at this for the
cemetery as well.
 Mr. Kline asked if the Cemetery Committee had a long-term budget. Ms. Lewis stated they did not. He
requested they come up with a list of items and create a long-term budget: 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and
10 years.
 Ms. Palmatary reported that the Cemetery Committee has held fundraisers in the past and was able to pay
for the paving of the lanes at the cemetery.
 Ms. Lane reported that signs were installed to help family members navigate the cemetery better.
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 The Council thanked the Cemetery Advisory Committee for their dedication and support of the
cemetery.
Public Hearing: Resolution 13-2020 – Charter Amendment – Council Member Vacancies
 The public hearing began at 7:42 p.m. for 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.
 Ms. VanEmburgh stated that when a vacancy was created in June prior to the 2020 general election, the
timing of this vacancy did not allow for an appointment and it also did not allow for anyone to file for the
special election as well as the general election. The amended language allows the Council to fill a vacancy at
the next general election if the remainder of the term is more than 180 days and the regular election is less
than 180 days.
 Ms. Brinkley verified that the notice of hearing was publicized in a newspaper circulated in Queen Anne’s
County.
 Mr. McCluskey asked for comments from anyone in favor of Resolution 13-2020. No one spoke in favor of
Resolution 13-2020 and no comments were received prior to the meeting.
 Mr. McCluskey asked for comments from anyone opposed to Resolution 13-2020. No one spoke in
opposition of Resolution 13-2020 and no comments were received prior to the meeting.
 Mr. Kline made a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously. The public hearing for Resolution 13-2020 adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Old Business
a. 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. Kline made a motion to approve Resolution 13-2020. Mr. Hardy seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously.
b. Ordinance 11-2020 – Text Amendment: Museums in the R-2 Zoning District
 Mr. McCluskey reported that the Centreville Planning Commission reviewed Ordinance 11-2020 the
previous evening and have the following recommendations:
o Only allow in the R-3 Zoning District with a special exception;
o Require a buffer for any non-residential uses
 Mr. McCluskey stated that the Planning Commission will be developing buffer yard regulations for other
institutional/non-residential uses and would like this passed prior to consideration of Ordinance 11-2020.
 Mr. McCluskey made a motion to table 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 until such time the Planning Commission discusses the regulations for buffer yards related to
other institutional or non-residential uses and an ordinance is passed. Mr. Kline seconded the motion.
o Mr. Kline urged everyone to look at what is permitted in the R-2 and R-3 Zoning Districts
and what is allowed through special exception. He stated these uses deserve consideration.
o Mr. Hardy referenced an email Mr. Kline sent asking a process question as to what the
Planning Commission was reviewing and recommending in relation to Ordinance 11-2020 in
which Mr. McCluskey replied to the email explaining the process the Planning Commission
goes through when reviewing legislation and making recommendations to the Town
Council.
 The motion passed unanimously.
c. 2021 Fireworks
 Ms. Brinkley stated there was nothing to report at this time.
d. Centreville Police Department – LEOPS Study
 Chief Saboury reported that an application has been submitted for an actuarial study to determine the
cost to transfer the officers in to the Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System (LEOPS). He will
report back to the Town Council when he receives the information.
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New Business
a. Bid Consideration – Electric at Wharf Boat Slips
 Mr. Matthews presented the following memo:
 Mr. Kiel stated there was a big difference between the two bids and asked if both bids were comparable
to each other in relation to the services offered. Mr. Matthews stated that yes, both bids were compared
“apples to apples”.
 Mr. Kline made a motion to approve Chuck’s Electrical Service, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $10,360
for the installation of electric service to and along the Centreville boardwalk and slips installing
bollard/beacon lamps and 5 Defender Power Pedestals. Mr. Hardy seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously.
b. New Truck Purchase – Department of Public Works
 Mr. Matthews presented the following memo:
 Mr. Matthews thanked the Town Council for their support of the Department of Public Works and for
approving the purchase of these two, much needed, trucks.
c. Consent Agendas – Discussion
 Ms. Brinkley stated that at the last Council meeting she briefly spoke about consent agendas and
requested the Council consider a discussion at this meeting. She presented the following memo:
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 After some discussion and by consensus, the Town Council requested Ms. VanEmburgh prepare a
resolution implementing the use of consent agendas.
d. Centreville Police Department – 2020 Year in Review
 Chief Saboury presented the 2020 year in review for the Centreville Police Department. The report is
attached to these minutes as Exhibits A through H.
 Mr. Kline asked if COVID-19 has affected the numbers. Chief Saboury reported that they have and
statewide numbers are down by 25%.
 Mr. McCluskey stated that the Town does not receive any revenue from speeding tickets
 Mr. Hardy asked about the additional speed cameras. Chief Saboury reported that a third speed camera
will be installed in February and a traffic study is being conducted for a fourth location.
 Chief Saboury reported that the Administrative Assistant position was posted and over 100 applications
have been received.
Correspondence
Mr. McCluskey reported that correspondence was received from the Department of Natural Resources requesting
permission to access Parcel H off of Little Hut Drive to complete stream sampling.
Reports of Boards and Commissions
a. Centreville Park Advisory Board
 Ms. Anania stated there are no updates and the Board plans to meet via Zoom at their next meeting.
 Mr. Hardy stated that he began speaking with citizens regarding a dog park.
b. Centreville Economic Development Authority
 Mr. McCluskey reported that CEDA met on Jan. 19th and they have not been able to gather a quorum in
over a year. He recommended suspending the operations of CEDA. He stated there were two CEDA
members, himself, and five paid staff in attendance at the meeting.
 Ms. VanEmburgh stated that if the Council wanted to temporarily suspend the operations of CEDA they
could just not call any meetings. The Code does not have a meeting requirement for CEDA to meet a
certain number of times. If the Council no longer wants CEDA to exist, then the enacting legislation
should be repealed.
 Mr. McCluskey stated he was in favor of repealing the legislation.
 Mr. Kline stated that CEDA needs new members and new ways need to be found to engage the members.
 After some discussion, and by consensus, the Town Council decided to suspend the operations of CEDA
and the Town Manager to form an Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee.
c. Council of Governments
 Mr. Kiel reported that COG cancelled their January and February meetings and will meet on March 10th
to discuss the tax set-off/tax differential with the County.
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d. Planning Commission
 Mr. McCluskey reported that the Planning Commission reviewed Ordinance 11-2020 which was
discussed earlier in the meeting and they are currently looking at revising the accessory building
regulations. The Planning Commission welcomed new member, Tim Zuella.
e. Maryland Municipal League
 Mr. Hardy reported that he attended the Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities virtual meeting.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
 Mr. Walls reported the following:
 Has been working on a lease agreement.
 Reviewing zoning issues and building permits.
 The developer’s contractor has completed work at North Brook Phase III.
b. Chief of Police Report
 Chief Saboury stated he had nothing additional to report.
c. Director of Public Works
 Mr. Matthews reported the following:
 Had an unfortunate incident with a fire destroying the backhoe at the farm. A claim has been filed
with the insurance company. A replacement request from staff may come back with a different
option than the backhoe based on what has been in the capital budget.
 Been working with customers that have called with concerns regarding high water usage. Mr.
Matthews gave a statement regarding high water usage:
 There is no possible way a meter can speed up. A meter will slow down or it will stop. The
Town has the ability to pull data logs for up to 90 days to review water usage at a particular
property.
 A leaking faucet can use 1½ gallons minute; a leaking toilet can use 2½ gallons per minute.
He stated that residents do not believe that a leaking faucet or toilet can be the cause of a
high-water bill but this is normally the cause.
 He stated that a leaking toilet can run when the flapper is stuck open but then it can also
correct itself which is why, when a plumber is called, they do not find any leaks.
 Have been working the last 5-7 years upgrading the meters and once all meters are upgraded, citizens
will be able to go on-line and monitor their own water usage.
 Mr. Hardy volunteered to help Mr. Matthews create a 1-page document to send to out to the public
regarding leaks.
 Mr. Matthews thanked the Town Council for their approval to purchase the two new trucks for
Public Works.
d. Town Clerk
 Ms. Brinkley reported that Main Street received word that they would be awarded the Maryland Strong
Economic Recovery Initiative grant that was applied for. The amount is yet to be determined but is
anticipated the be announced the following week.
Citizens Forum
 No citizens provided comments.
Council Roundtable
 Mr. Kiel requested the plywood located at Millstream Park for signs be painted and/or replaced.
 Mr. Hardy stated that residents at Symphony Village are interested in receiving the vaccine and will be
completing the required Health Department form.
 Mr. McCluskey stated that he realized the swearing ins and trophy presentations he did the previous meetings
did not include other Town Council members. He apologized for this oversight and stated he would be
sharing these duties with other members in the future.
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Motion to Adjourn
There being no further business, Mr. Kline made a motion to adjourn the January 21, 2021 Town Council meeting.
Mr. Hardy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn M. Brinkley
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved the January 7, 2021 meeting minutes, as amended.
2. Approved 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.
3. Tabled 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 until such time the Planning Commission discusses
the regulations for buffer yards related to other institutional or non-residential uses and an ordinance is
passed.
4. Approved Chuck’s Electrical Service, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $10,360 for the installation of electric
service to and along the Centreville boardwalk and slips installing bollard/beacon lamps and 5 Defender
Power Pedestals.
5. Acknowledged the approval to purchase the F250 pick-up truck in the amount of $43,761 and the F450 dump
truck in the amount of $76,205 via email on January 11th and January 12th. These items were approved in the
FY2021 capital budget.
6. By consensus, requested Ms. VanEmburgh prepare a resolution implementing the use of consent agendas.
7. By consensus, the Town Council decided to suspend the operations of CEDA and the Town Manager to form
an Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee.
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Exhibit A
2020 Calls for Service

Exhibit B
2020 Calls for Service – Day of Week

Exhibit C
2020 Calls for Service – Time of Day

CENTREVILLE Date : 01/08/2021
Page : 1
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Agency : CPD
420 N. COMMERCE ST.
CENTREVILLE, MD. 21617
Incident Offense Totals Month to Month Comparison
01/01/2020 to 12/31/2020
Offense Code JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOTAL
Assist Other PD - Assist Other PD 2 1 3
CR 10-201c2 - Disorderly Conduct 1 1
CR 10-201c3 - Fail to Obey Lawful Order of … 1 1 2
CR 10-201c4 - Disturbing the Peace 1 1
CR 3-202 - Assault 1st Degree 1 1 1 3
CR 3-203 - Assault 2nd Degree 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 3 17
CR 3-204a1 - Reckless Endangerment 1 1
CR 3-402 - Robbery (In General) 1 1
CR 3-602.1b - Neglect of Minor 1 1 1 3
CR 3-605b1 - Vulnerable Adult Abuse by … 1 1
CR 3-705a2 - Verbal Extortion/Threat Injure 1 1
CR 4-101c1 - Wear/Carry Concealed Deadly … 1 1
CR 4-203 - Handgun in Vehicle 1 1
CR 5-601.1 - CDS: Poss. of less than 10g… 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 8
CR 5-601a1 - CDS: Poss. of Marijuana 10 … 1 1 2
CR 5-601a1* - CDS: Possess-Not Marijuana 1 1 2
CR 5-619c2 - CDS Paraphernalia 1 1
CR 6-202a - Burglary 1st Degree 1 1 2
CR 6-204 - Burglary 3rd Degree 1 1
CR 6-205a - Burglary 4th Degree - Dwelling 1 1
CR 6-206b - Rogue and Vagabond 1 1 1 3
CR 6-301 - MDOP Under $1000 1 1 2 2 2 1 9
Printed By/On: 1073 / 01/08/2021 11:29:52
CrimeStar® Law Enforcement Records Management System
Licensed to: CENTREVILLE MD POLICE DEPARTMENT INC-020

CENTREVILLE Date : 01/08/2021
Page : 2
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Agency : CPD
420 N. COMMERCE ST.
CENTREVILLE, MD. 21617
Incident Offense Totals Month to Month Comparison
01/01/2020 to 12/31/2020
Offense Code JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOTAL
CR 6-301* - MDOP $1000 or more 1 1
CR 6-403 - Trespass - Private Property 1 1 2
CR 7-104(3) - Theft less than $100 6 4 3 2 1 1 4 3 1 3 28
CR 7-104* - Theft - $10,000 to under $100,000 1 1 2
CR 7-104** - Theft - $1,000 to under $10,000 1 1 1 1 2 6
CR 7-104*** - Theft under $1,000 1 3 1 2 7
CR 7-104**** - Theft Scheme under $1,000 1 1 1 3
CR 7-104***** - Theft Scheme from $1,000 to … 1 1 2
CR 7-105 - Theft, Motor Vehicle / Unlawful… 1 1
CR 7-203 - U/U of Motor Vehicle 1 1
CR 8-204a(i) - Credit Card - Steal Anothers 1 1 2
CR 8-301 - Identity Fraud 2 1 1 4
CR 8-301c1 - Fraud - Assume Personal ID to … 2 2
CR 8-601a - Forgery / Private Documents 1 1 2
CR 8-604.1 - Poss. of Counterfeit Currency 1 1
CR 8-609b1 - Forgery - Order for Money, … 1 1
CR 8-610b1 - Forgery - Counterfeit a … 1 1
Common Law 1 0043 - Obstructing & Hindering 1 1 2
EP - Emergency Petition 1 2 3 3 3 1 1 3 4 1 22
FL 4-509 - Exparte/ Protective Order, Violate,… 1 1
FTA - FTA Warrant 1 1
Firearms Discharge - Agency Firearms … 2 1 3
Printed By/On: 1073 / 01/08/2021 11:29:53
CrimeStar® Law Enforcement Records Management System
Licensed to: CENTREVILLE MD POLICE DEPARTMENT INC-020

CENTREVILLE Date : 01/08/2021
Page : 3
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Agency : CPD
420 N. COMMERCE ST.
CENTREVILLE, MD. 21617
Incident Offense Totals Month to Month Comparison
01/01/2020 to 12/31/2020
Offense Code JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOTAL
MISC - Miscellaneous 1 2 1 1 5
Overdose - Overdose 2 1 3
Police Information - Police Information 3 5 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 24
Property - Found/Turned In Property 1 2 3
Runaway - Juvenile Runaway 1 1
Susp. Circumstance - Suspicious… 1 1 2
TA 20-102a1 - Fail to stop immediately at … 1 1
TA 20-103b - Fail to remain at scene of acc. … 1 1
TA 21-901.1b - Negligent driving 1 1
TA 21-902a1 - Driving while under the … 1 1
TA 21-902a2 - DUI per se 1 1 2
Unattended Death - Unattended Death 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7
VOP - Violation of Probation 1 1
Total 25 23 21 17 21 13 13 14 15 18 17 15 212
Percentage 11.79 10.84 9.90 8.01 9.90 6.13 6.13 6.60 7.07 8.49 8.01 7.07
Printed By/On: 1073 / 01/08/2021 11:29:54
CrimeStar® Law Enforcement Records Management System
Licensed to: CENTREVILLE MD POLICE DEPARTMENT INC-020

2020 Traffic Stop Overview
Exhibit E
Monthly Data
County of Residence

City of Residence
Enforcement Type

Location of Violation
Violation Type

Traffic Violations by Hour of the Day

2020 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)
School Zone Overview
Exhibit F
3 Year Comparison
ASE School Zone Citation – Average Speed

ASE School Zone – 3 Year Average