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2024-07-18 tc-minutes.pdf

Minutes July 18, 2024 · 8 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
July 18, 2024
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T ES
The July 18 2024, Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Ashley H. Kaiser at
the Liberty Building located at 107 North Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and
staff were present: Ashley H. Kaiser, President; Eric B. Johnson, Jr., Vice President; Jim A. Beauchamp,
Daniel B. Worth, and Jeffrey D. Kiel, Members; Chief Robert Hobbs, Centreville Police Department;
Carolyn M. Brinkley, Town Manager; Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; Kip Matthews, Director of Public
Works; Jenial Turner, Program Manager, Department of Public Works; Carol D’Agostino, Main Street
Manager; Sharon VanEmburgh, Town Attorney; and Gaye Adams, Town Clerk.
• Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the June 20,
2024, Town Council meeting minutes as amended. Mr. Worth seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
Citizens Comments
Mr. Joe Brown from Symphony Village made the following comments:
a. Inquired how the Board of Education acquired the current property they are building on. It was
reported that Queen Anne’s County owns all the property off of Vincit, whom they purchased from a
private seller. The County sold the Board of Education the land.
b. Requested copies of the Chief of Police report and the Town Council agreed to have copies
available.
c. GTI- Did we know they are dumping cannabis by product into the sewer?
d. Requested to keep the website up to date since the council picture is outdated.
Public Hearing
a. Ordinance 07-2024 – Adoption of QAC Housing Code-Second Reading- Council President
• Ms. Kaiser called the public hearing to order for Ordinance 07-2024 at 7:05 p.m. for the
purpose of adopting Queen Anne’s County Housing Provisions to make them applicable
within the Town of Centreville and approving an agreement with Queen Anne’s County for
the Queen Anne’s County Department of Housing and Community Service to enforce the
housing provisions within the town of Centreville.
• Ms. Adams presented evidence of the published notice of this hearing.
• Ms. Kaiser asked for comments from all those in favor of Ordinance 07-2024 as well as
those opposed to 07-2024. There being no comments, Ms. Kaiser made a motion to adjourn
the public hearing. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The public
hearing for Ordinance 07-2024 adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
Appearances
a. Carol D’Agostino- Main Street Manager- Drink Maryland Update and Project Restore
• Ms. D’Agostino reported all the volunteers are excited to return next year.
• Surveys were returned at the end of the event. Out of the 32 surveys received, 25 stated the
event was good/excellent.
• 249 advance tasting tickets sold and 462 total sold tasting tickets
• Drink Maryland sold 696 tasting tickets last year. Attendance was down this year, noting heat
may have been a factor.
• Volunteers are interested in doing something for public works as they worked very well together
as a team.

• Courthouse renovations may complicate set up next year.
• Volunteers are looking to create another aspect of the event for next year- perhaps a VIP
experience paired with food.
• Very excited about the Project Restore grant the Town secured for 102 North Commerce Street.
The total grant is $280,000 for the purpose of renovating the first-floor business portion of the
building. A new Italian restaurant will be going into the space.
b. Waste Water Treatment Plant update- Whitman, Requardt & Associates
• Mr. David Nixson engineer with Whitman, Requardt & Associates (WRA) presented an
update about the Town’s surface water discharge process along with Jenial Turner, Program
Manager Department of Public Works.
• The treated effluent needs to go somewhere with the expansion of the plant and the proposal
is to expand the stream discharge, extending out into the Corsica River.
• WRA is currently working with Dr. Wang of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, to
develop a mixing study.
• This study is a requirement for the application for the stream discharge.
• WRA is also working with an environmental consultant to gather water quality baseline
samples in the Corsica River for the locations that the Maryland Department of the
Environment (MDE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had previously
established and taken data from. Current data is necessary.
• The eventual goal is to put all this information together into the application for the stream
discharge permit.
• The Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for the upgrade itself has been submitted to
MDE for review. Typically, it takes 90 days to review, MDE has had it about six weeks.
• Mr. Johnson asked if this process still takes 4-6 years to get a plant up and operational. Mr.
Dixon stated yes, and that the outfall and the application for the stream discharge is going to
take a few years.
• Mr. Johnson also asked that since this plant is scalable, and if the Town was able to purchase
a reverse osmosis system, what are the operational costs? Mr. Dixson will look at getting
that information together.
c. Mary Margaret Goodwin - 2026 Tri-Centennial Commission
• Ms. Goodwin provided an update on all the amazing things she has done for the Town and
Queen Annes County including the history trail that incorporates 15 informational signs, 3 of
which are in Centreville.
• She shared all her accolades to ensure the Council that she can lead the Semi quincentennial
Commission she is asking the Council to support. The Council unanimously approved her
request.
• Ms. Goodwin also shared with the Council amazing old photographs of Centreville.
Old Business
a. Ordinance 07-2024- Consideration – Council President
• Ordinance 07-2024 was introduced for the purpose of adopting Queen Anne’s County housing
provisions to make them applicable within the Town of Centreville and approving an agreement
with Queen Anne’s County for the Queen Anne’s County Department of Housing and
Community Service to enforce the housing provisions within the Town of Centreville.
• Mr. Worth moved to approve Ordinance 07-2024. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
Council Member Yes No Abstain Absent

Council Member Beauchamp X
Vice President Johnson X
President Kaiser X
Council Member Worth X
Council Member Kiel X
New Business
a. Resolution 16-2024 – Cemetery Fees – Sponsored by Council President Kaiser
• Resolution 16-2024 was introduced for the purpose of adopting a revised Cemetery fee schedule.
• Ms. Brinkley updated the Council that appropriate fees were not being charged based on what
the Town was being charged by the contractor.
• Mr. Beauchamp asked if the amounts listed in section E were Premium Charges over Primary
Charges.
• Ms. Brinkley stated yes that those fees are paid to Chesapeake Burials when it is a weekend or
holiday. We only charge those fees if they are not going through the funeral home.
• Ms. Brinkley clarified that these fees, except for the sale of space, are based on Chesapeake
Burials’ fees.
• Mr. Johnson motioned to approve Resolution 16-2024 with the Premium notation change noted
by Council Member Beauchamp. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Council Member Yes No Abstain Absent
Council Member Beauchamp X
Vice President Johnson X
President Kaiser X
Council Member Worth X
Council Member Kiel X
b. Ordinance 08-2024 - Temporary Moratorium - Sponsored by Council Member Worth
• Ordinance 08-2024 was introduced to adopt a temporary moratorium on the application for,
approval of, construction of, expansion of, processing of, or issuance of building permits for
any subdivision, site plan, or use project where the anticipated equivalent dwelling units exceed
(7) for the total project pending consideration and adoption of revised Zoning Ordinance
provisions as the Town Council may consider advisable and to adopt an updated Capacity
Management Plan and Sewer Allocation Policy.
• Mr. Worth clarified the Ordinance was to allow the planning commission time to work on
changes to the code and define the concept of what a complete neighborhood is. At the same
time, the planning commission has recommended that we also revise our compacity
management plans and sewer allocation policies.

• Ms. Kaiser referred Ordinance 08-2024 to the Planning Commission
c. Ordinance 09-2024 - Cannabis Provisions - Sponsored by Council Member Worth
• Ordinance 09-2024 was presented for the purpose of INSERT TOP PORTION OF
ORDINANCE
• Mr. Worth clarified that as a result of changes with the State law concerning cannabis, the
Town will need to redefine our code, so dispensaries are not confined to medical now that
recreational use is allowed. He stated, while working on the Code it would be useful to adjust
the boundaries that are between the various dispensaries and how far they are from schools,
playgrounds and houses.
• There being no discussion, Ms. Kaiser referred Ordinance 09-2024 to the Planning
Commission.
d. Lead and Copper Inventory Grant- Council President
• Ms. Luffman and Ms. Turner presented the following memo for the Council’s consideration:
• Ms. Luffman clarified that the Town was approved for a financial package that comes in two
parts. Accepting the loan of $15,550 is conditional on receiving the $46,652 grant. Ms. Luffman
recommended that the Town accept the loan and grant.
• Ms. Kaiser asked for discussion, there being none, Mr. Beauchamp motioned to approve the
Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration grant for the lead and copper
inventory in the amount of $46,652 and a $15,550 loan. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
e. Service Line Inventory Credit
• Ms. Luffman and Ms. Turner presented the following memo for the Council’s consideration:
• Ms. Luffman clarified that, as well as DPW doing the inventory, the Town will need inventory
information from property owners. To incentivize the residents to respond, DPW is
recommending a credit within the $15 to $20 range.
• Mr. Johnson made a comment to support a $20 credit.

• Mr. Beauchamp asked how it would affect the budget. Ms. Luffman said the cost would come
from the Enterprise fund, but the total cost will depend on how many surveys are returned. Ms.
Luffman expects a 60% survey response.
• Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve an incentive in the amount of $20 for completion and
submission of the Lead Service Line inventory survey. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
Reports of Boards and Commissions
• Prior to hearing the reports, Ms. Kaiser led a discussion regarding bringing back agenda review onto
the agenda after the moment of silence, as well as bringing CEDA (Centreville Economic
Development Authority) back from an ad hoc status. Ms. Kaiser would like to look at reinvigorating
CEDA and asked for discussion.
• Mr. Beauchamp would like to see CEDA come back as a functional Board of the Town.
• Ms. Kaiser asked Ms. VanEmburgh if the Council can elect to reinstate CEDA and then ask the
public to apply for appointment? Ms. VanEmburgh stated yes, there was nothing further to do.
• Ms. Kaiser has asked the Council to do their best to get people to apply for an appointment to
CEDA.
a. Maryland Municipal League
• Mr. Beauchamp reported that the MML had its annual conference June 23-26. These events are
very educational.
• He stated that those who attended will work together and create a presentation for the rest of the
Council and staff on what they learned.
• Mr. Beauchamp attended the Artificial Intelligence class as well as attended a presentation on
the successful redevelopment of Leonardtown.
b. Council of Governments
• Nothing at this time.
c. Park Advisory Board
• Ms. Kaiser asked Ms. Adams if a movie for the Fishing Derby/Movie Night on September 14th
had been chosen. Ms. Adams stated the movie to be shown will be Encanto.
d. Planning Commission
• Mr. Worth reported the following:
o Reviewed the annexation resolution and decided that it is consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan.
o Made a favorable ruling on the zoning change to the Traditional Neighborhood Development
(TND) ordinance.
o Recommended that the open space be released from the proposed annexation but wants to
keep the forest conservation easement in as part of the agreement.
o Recommended that the TND text amendment proposed for garages be modified based on the
Planning Commissions discussion.
o Approved the annual report to the Maryland Department of Planning.
o The Planning Commission has a work session on August 7th.
Reports Department Heads
a. Town Manager
• Ms. Brinkley reported the following:

o The Cemetery Committee would like to make the Columbarium more visually appealing.
o They have received a quote for a brick walkway around the Columbarium in the amount of
$16,900. The Cemetery Committee gets 90% percentage of the interest made off the
perpetual care fund each year.
o There is currently $11,095.31 in the Cemetery Committee’s portion of the Perpetual Care
fund and the remaining amount of $5,704.69 out of their Mid-Shore Community Foundation
fundraising account.
o Ms. Kaiser stated she did not feel they needed permission to spend their own funds as other
boards and commissions do not ask permission.
o David A. Bramble, Inc. is tentatively scheduled on Monday July 29, 2024, to complete the
patchwork in front of the Centreville Police Department on Rt. 213.
o Chief Hobbs and Ms. Brinkley attended a training on Monday called “Before and After the
Crisis, Managing the Media Firestorm.” Both found the training very valuable.
o Saturday July 20, 2024, the County will be removing the Elm Tree on the Courthouse
square. This is expected to be completed in one day. Lawyers Row will be closed Saturday
at 7 a.m.
o Ms. Brinkley asked if the Council would like to hold the second meeting on August 15th.
Ms. Kaiser and Mr. Worth will be unavailable. After a brief discussion the second meeting
in August has been cancelled and the next Town Council meeting will be September 5, 2024.
b. Director of Public Works
• Mr. Matthews presented the following memo:
• Mr. Matthews explained that these infractions were due to a new permit that came into effect and the
operators missed that portion in the permit to sample and test for Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
and Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
• There were also 4 incidents that exceeded the phosphorus limits as far as the maximum monthly
average, as well as the maximum total of phosphorus.
• Mr. Matthews reminded the Town Council the plant has gone from in-house operations to contract
operations, as well as, having two different contractors managing operations for the plant. The first
contractor was Maryland Environmental Service, and the current contractor is Susquehanna
Environmental.
• These phosphorus violations were due to the operators changing from a chemical that had been used
to one in which the new operators felt worked better however, it did not, and the dosing was off.

• Ms. Kaiser asked if that was corrected? Mr. Matthews stated that it is corrected and none of these
issues are ongoing. DPW met with the AGO in May.
• Mr. Beachamp asked who is drafting the response required to the Attorney General’s Office. Mr.
Matthews stated he and his staff will draft the response. Mr. Beauchamp also asked if the Town
Attorney will have a chance to review the draft before it goes out, and Mr. Matthews agreed.
• Mr. Johnson asked when the deadline for response is due. Mr. Matthews stated he had 30 days to
respond. Ms. Kaiser clarified by asking is it 30 days from July 11th or certified mail date. Mr.
Matthew’s stated from July 11, 2024.
• Once the Office of the Attorney General looks at the response, they will be the ones that determine if
there are any fines. Typically, there is a settlement agreement, and fines may be greatly reduced.
• Ms. Kaiser asked what is the process that occurs after fines have been determined. The Town
Attorney, Ms. VanEmburgh stated the Town would be presented with a settlement agreement, there
is a back-and-forth agreement on language and terms etc.
• Mr. Johnson asked, based on experience, do we have any idea or ballpark of the magnitude of the
fines that may be levied. Mr. Matthews stated no, fines are arbitrary and become greatly reduced
during settlement.
Town Clerk
• Ms. Adams stated that the new hire for the front office will start Monday July 22, 2024
Citizen Comments
• No citizens offered comments.
Council Roundtable
• Mr. Kiel stated that constituents have commented to him about bringing back fireworks. Ms. Kaiser
stated the Town should investigate that opportunity for the 2026 Semi quincentennial and begin to
get prices and organize for that event now.
• Mr. Johnson stated he was very excited about bringing back CEDA and suggested each Council
Member try and recruit members for the Board. Also, on the non-profit side the Centreville Reaching
for Economic Development Enterprise (CREDE) will meet Wednesday July 24th 5:30pm at the
YMCA. CREDE will be holding a workshop to access the Town’s implementation of 2017 economic
development study that was done.
• Mr. Johnson also updated the Council on the Hometown Hero’s banner project. Delmarva Power
continues to say on record that the commemoration flags may not be hung from their electric poles.
The Town is now conceptually supportive of using some of the light poles the Town owns as well as
a few on Kidwell Avenue and Commerce Street that Verizon owns.
• Ms. Kaiser stated First Friday is August 2, 2024, from 6 pm – 8 pm. Ms. Kaiser asked if the
deadlines for the elections are on the calendar. Ms. Brinkley stated she knows that the elections
section on the website is updated, and she will check for the calendar updates.
Motion to Adjourn
Mr. Beauchamp made a motion to adjourn the July 18, 2024, Town Council meeting. Ms. Kaiser seconded
the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:23pm
Respectfully submitted,
R. Gaye Adams
Town Clerk

Council Action Items:
1. Approved the meeting minutes of June 20, 2024
2. Approved Ordinance 07-2024- Adoption of QAC Housing Code
3. Approved Resolution 16-2024- Amended Cemetery Fees
4. Forwarded Ordinance 08-2024 – Temporary Moratorium to the Planning Commission, as
presented.
5. Forwarded Ordinance 09-2024 - Cannabis Provisions to the Planning Commission, as presented.
6. Approved the Lead and Copper Inventory Grant.
7. Approved the Service Line Inventory Credit.