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Minutes May 19, 2022 · 6 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
May 19, 2022
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The May 19, 2022 Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Steven K. Kline at the
Liberty Building located at 107 N. Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and staff were
present: Steven K. Kline, President; Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President; Eric B. Johnson, Jr. and Ashley H. Kaiser,
Members; Charles (Chip) Koogle, Town Manager; Sharon VanEmburgh, Town Attorney; Clifford (Kip) Matthews,
Director of Public Works; Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; Krystel Ebaugh, Human Resources Manager; and
Carolyn Brinkley, Town Clerk.
 Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the
May 5, 2022 meeting minutes, as presented. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Citizens Comments
Royce Herman, Hope Road, discussed the increase in tax revenue; Martha Herman, Hope Road, discussed the
economy and the increase in tax revenue; Mary Margaret Goodwin, Commerce Street, discussed Carter Farm; Tim
McCluskey, Watson Road, discussed the Town’s lack of information regarding Carter Farm on the website and not
posting the Carter Farm property for the growth allocation public hearing; and Quinten Kent, Commerce Street,
discussed the Carter Farm as it relates to the Town’s lack of sewer capacity.
Public Hearing: Ordinance 08-2022 FY2023 Budget
 The public hearing began at 7:18 p.m. for Ordinance 08-2022 for the purpose of adopting a budget for the
Town of Centreville for Fiscal Year 2023.
 Mr. Koogle stated that this public hearing is to receive public comment on the Town’s Fiscal Year 2023
budget.
 Ms. Brinkley verified that the notice of hearing was publicized in a newspaper circulated in Queen Anne’s
County.
 There being no legal matters relating to the jurisdiction of the Town Council of Centreville nor any
objections in regards to the Notice of Public Hearing, Mr. Kline asked for comments from anyone in favor of
proposed Ordinance 08-2022.
 No one spoke in favor.
 Mr. Kline asked for comments from anyone opposed to Ordinance 08-2022.
 Joe Brown, Concerto Avenue, spoke in opposition of Ordinance 08-2022.
 Ms. Kaiser made a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously. The public hearing for Ordinance 08-2022 adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Public Hearing: Growth Allocation
 The public hearing began at 7:23 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public comment on the growth allocation
request for the Carter Farm Traditional Neighborhood Development per Section 170-31.16 of the Centreville
Zoning Ordinance.
 Mr. Ernie Sota and Ms. Rebecca Flora discussed the Carter Farm project and stated they are proposing 126
units.
 Mr. Kline asked if the location of the commercial area fronting on Chesterfield Avenue was a final decision?
Ms. Flora stated that where it is currently located on Chesterfield Avenue is the best location from a
marketing aspect.
 Mr. Kline asked if the size could be reduced?
 Ms. Flora stated the size has already been reduced and meets, and is under what the Zoning Code allows and
the size is what is needed for people to want to shop.
 Mr. Sota stated it is less in height than what was originally proposed and less square footage than what the
prior Carter Farm project was approved for. He stated this will be a curated use for local food, local jobs,
and farm to table. The commercial parking exceeds what is required by the Zoning Code.
 Mr. Ryan Showalter provided background on the request for growth allocation and stated that currently, the
property is zoned as Limited Development Area (LDA) and they are requesting a change to Intensely
Developed Area (IDA). This request was approved by the Critical Area Commission (CAC) for the previous
applicant which had a sunset date of three years.
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 The Town has 186 acres of growth allocation and the request is for just over 40 acres. Mr. Showalter stated
that the Town of Centreville has more growth allocation available than it has acres available. Once this
ordinance is considered by the Town Council, it is then sent to the CAC for approval.
 Mr. Barry Griffith stated that 44.7 acres are within Town limits with a total of 46.8 acres. A small portion of
the property is located within Queen Anne’s County. The State tidal wetlands and the portion located within
QAC are not included in the growth allocation request, which is why the total request is for just over 40
acres.
 Mr. Griffith reported that there is a lot of invasive species in the buffer and a concept buffer management
plan is required for the growth allocation.
 Mr. Kline asked what the plan is for managing the buffer over time?
 Mr. Griffith stated a more detailed buffer management plan will be part of the final site plan and the
maintenance will be a part of the growth allocation.
 Mr. Showalter stated that enhancing water quality is also a requirement and stormwater must meet the 10%
rule, meaning, the developers have to demonstrate a reduction of 10% below what the current state of the
property is prior to development. The final stormwater design will be engineered.
 Mr. Showalter reported that the next step would be for the Planning Commission to hold a hearing on the
Planned Unit Development (PUD) and make a recommendation.
 The open space is proposed to be 21 acres which includes the shoreline buffer, a hard surface walking trail
with two (2) overlooks that will be open to the public and has been named the “Yellow Bank Stream Trail”.
Within the property will be a walking/biking trail. The center portion will be used for agricultural benefit.
 Mr. Showalter reviewed the requirements for growth allocation and how the proposed development meets
those requirements. He stated the property is located within a Priority Funding Area (PFA) and the streets,
trail, and water/sewer will be maintained by the HOA with the exception of Parcel 3.
 Ms. Kaiser asked if the developer is opposed to deeding the buffer and trail over to the Town?
 Mr. Showalter stated that the development wants to ensure the buffer and trail are significantly maintained.
Ms. Kaiser stated that is why she would like it deeded to the Town and to ensure public access is not
removed in the future.
 Mr. Showalter stated there will be an easement to allow public access to the trail.
 Mr. Kline stated that the Town of Centreville has a great network of public trails that are well maintained.
Mr. Kline asked for consensus from the Town Council on deeding the buffer and trail over to the Town.
There was consensus from the four (4) members present if favor of the buffer and trail being deeded over to
the Town.
 Mr. Kline stated his concern is that the residents of the development will not want the buffer and trail in the
future.
 Mr. Showalter stated that the vegetative management is a concern with the cost of phragmites removal at
$120,000 per year.
 Mr. Sota stated that the buffer zone is important to the investors and they do not want the trail moved in the
future, which has been a concern for those future residents.
 Mr. Kline received consensus from all four (4) members present that they will not move the trail from its
proposed location in the future.
 Ms. VanEmburgh stated that if the developer meets the standards, the Council may grant growth allocation
and can make conditions.
 Ms. VanEmburgh reported that the Planning Commission did review the growth allocation request and
forwarded a favorable recommendation with two (2) conditions:
o Per Chapter 5, Transportation, Infrastructure & Community Facilities, the Plan addresses Greenways
(Section 5-6), addressing the Yellow Bank Stream – “As the undeveloped parcels along the path of
the greenway are developed, the area along Yellow Bank Stream should be dedicated to the Town as
open space.” Conditional approval should include this agreement made between the developer and
the Town.
o Satisfying Section 170-31.6(D)(1): In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the Critical
Area regulations, the project design shall enhance the habitat value or improve water quality in the
area. For example, afforestation may exceed the 15% requirement or best management practices for
stormwater management may be installed on portions of the site to remain in agricultural use.
 Additional notes:
 Assurances that the Carter farmhouse enters some degree of preservation agreement,
and Chesterfield Avenue sight line is maintained.
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 Further discussion should take place regarding the commercial entity of the project
pertaining to location, scale, amount, and impact.
 Definition as to how the agricultural component will integrate with the residential as
well as the commercial component of the project.
 The Planning Commission remains concerned about the viability of sewer capacity
and the state and condition of the plant itself. Want to ensure that there remain
enough allocations to serve the full needs of the PUD.
 Ms. Brinkley verified that the notice of hearing was publicized in a newspaper circulated in Queen Anne’s
County.
 There being no legal matters relating to the jurisdiction of the Town Council of Centreville nor any
objections in regards to the Notice of Public Hearing, Mr. Kline asked for comments from anyone in favor of
growth allocation request.
 Larry Decker, Bristol Lane stated he was not for or against the project and appreciates the environmental
components and expressed his concern on the market for this type of project; Sandy Huffer, Corsica Street
spoke in favor of the project due to the preservation of the Carter Farm house, the environmental aspect, and
the living community; and Darren Brown, Chesterfield Avenue, provided written comments stating that he
feels the proposed project will benefit the community but has concerns about the location of the commercial
space and traffic.
 Mr. Kline asked for comments from anyone opposed to the growth allocation request.
 Larry Cooke, Commerce Street, is concerned about traffic congestion and school pick-up and drop-offs; Jeff
Bonfoey, Chesterfield Avenue, does not support what is currently being proposed; Tim McCluskey, Watson
Road; concerned about the wastewater treatment plan, the build-out phases, the size and location of the
commercial area on Chesterfield, and the amount of open space within the development. The following
provided written testimony in opposition of the Carter Farm development: Kristen Schnaekel, Belvedere
Avenue and her concern was regarding traffic; Carrie York, Watson Road, and her concern was regarding
traffic; Debbie Scaggiari, Chesterfield Avenue, and her concern is the magnitude of the project and felt it is
too large for the neighborhood; Rhonda Townley, and her concern is the size of the project and the impact on
traffic; Robert McGrory, Chesterfield Avenue, and his concern is the size and location of the commercial
space; and Lucy Ickes-Marks, Chesterfield Avenue, and her concern is the need for a second entrance and
exit, parking within the development, no barn located within the small farm in the middle of the property,
and the location of the commercial space.
 Ms. Kaiser made a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously. The public hearing for growth allocation adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Public Hearing: FY2023 Constant Yield
 The public hearing began at 8:59 p.m. concerning the Constant Yield Tax Rate for the Town of Centreville
for Fiscal Year 2023.
 Ms. Luffman stated that the FY2023 Constant Yield Tax Rate set by the State is $.5176 which is determined
by the amount of revenue received the previous year and the increase in assessments in the current year. She
reported there is a $140,000 difference between FY22 and FY23. A house assessed at $400,000 to $500,000
will see a $50 to $60 difference in their tax bill each.
 Ms. Luffman stated that the Town is required to advertise and hold a public hearing when the Town’s tax
rate is higher than the Constant Yield tax rate.
 Ms. Brinkley verified that the notice of hearing was publicized in a newspaper circulated in Queen Anne’s
County.
 There being no legal matters relating to the jurisdiction of the Town Council of Centreville nor any
objections in regards to the Notice of Public Hearing, Mr. Kline asked for comments from anyone in favor of
the constant yield tax rate.
 No one spoke in favor.
 Mr. Kline asked for comments from anyone opposed to the constant yield tax rate.
 Joe Brown, Concerto Avenue, spoke in opposition of the Town not following the constant yield tax rate.
 Ms. Kaiser made a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously. The public hearing for the FY2023 Constant Yield Tax Rate adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
Old Business
a. Ordinance 08-2022 FY2023 Budget – Second Reading
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 Mr. Kline read Ordinance 08-2022 for the purpose of adopting a budget for the Town of Centreville for
Fiscal Year 2023.
 Ms. Kaiser made a motion to approve Ordinance 08-2022 to adopt a budget for Fiscal Year 2023. Mr.
Kiel seconded the motion.
 Mr. Kline discussed the constant yield and if the information had been posted to the website. Ms.
Brinkley stated the advertisement had been posted to the website but the explanation Ms. Luffman gave,
has not been.
 After additional discussion, Ms. Kaiser withdrew her motion to approve Ordinance 08-2022. Mr. Kline
stated the Council would consider this ordinance at the June 2, 2022 Town Council meeting.
b. Town Hall Physical Improvements
 Mr. Koogle stated that staff re-bid the contract for painting Town Hall and new bids were received. The
lowest bid was $10,000 less than the original bid received in the first solicitation.
New Business
a. Ordinance 09-2022 – Carte Farm Growth Allocation - Discussion
 Mr. Kline stated that the Town Council is under no obligation to complete a first reading of Ordinance
09-2022 at this meeting.
 Mr. Johnson asked if there was any reason to not move forward.
 Mr. Kline stated that he is not inclined to move forward with a first reading due to the number of
outstanding questions, such as the HOA fees.
 Ms. Kaiser stated that she wants to make sure the Town Council is doing things correctly.
 Mr. Kline specified that as a condition of growth allocation the project must be substantially completed
within three years. Substantially completed shall be determined by the Planning and Zoning
Commission and is defined as projects in which all public improvements, such as roads, sewer and/or
water facilities, etc. have been built, as required by the Town or State.
 Mr. Kline stated that he has concerns about part of the project being public and part being private. He is
not in favor and feels it needs to be all private or all public.
 Ms. Kaiser stated that she has concerns about the public/private as well but has no concerns with the
commercial. She does have concerns about the HOA in the future.
 Mr. Kline reported that he also has concerns about the HOA and asked what the fee is being estimated to
be.
 Mr. Kaiser asked Ms. VanEmburgh if the Town can condemn or what can the Town do if the HOA is not
maintaining. Ms. VanEmburgh reported that the Town can update or fix any issues and then put liens on
the property.
 Mr. Showalter stated the HOA fee is proposed at $780 annually. Mr. Sota stated the Town Council
received a memo via email on April 5th with the outline of the proposed HOA fee.
 The Council inquired if there was a proposal for initial funding for the HOA. It was reported that there is
a plan for a capitalization fee at time of settlement to set up initial funding for the HOA.
 In response to concerns, Mr. Sota reported that they are willing to reduce the size of the commercial
space, willing to deed the buffer and trail to the Town, and update the traffic information.
 Mr. Kline stated that the Town Council needs to work with counsel on conditions for the growth
allocation.
 Mr. Johnson suggested holding a work session to discuss these conditions.
b. Reed Bed Clean-Out & Disposal Bid
 Mr. Matthews presented the following memo:
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 Mr. Kline made a motion to award Synagro Central, LLC the contract for the reed bed clean-out and
disposal at a cost of $146 per ton in FY22 and $150.38 for each subsequent year through 2026. Ms.
Kaiser seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. 2022 Summer Meeting Schedule Discussion
 The Town Council discussed the upcoming summer meeting schedule and, by consensus, agreed to the
following Town Council meeting schedule:
o June 2nd
o June 23rd
o July 21st
o August 18th
Reports of Boards and Commissions
a. Economic Development
 Mr. Johnson reported that he is working to organize the fireside chat on economic development with
Linda Friday, President, QAC Chamber of Commerce; Heather Tinelli, Director, QAC Economic &
Tourism Development; and former CEDA Members.
b. Council of Governments
 Mr. Kiel reported the Council of Governments met on Wednesday, May 11th and the election of officers
was held. Charlie Rhodes, Church Hill Commissioner, continues to be President and he was elected as
Vice President.
c. Centreville Planning Commission
 Mr. Kline reported that the Planning Commission has forwarded an unfavorable recommendation to the
Town Council on Ordinance 07-2022, the text amendment to increase the size of convenience stores, by
a 3:2 vote.
Reports of Department Heads
o Town Manager:
 Mr. Koogle reported the following:
o Expecting a phone call from Phil Hager with the Department of Natural Resources.
o Staff are looking at incentives for licensed and certified positions with the Department of Public
Works and the Centreville Police Department such as, offering a week or two of vacation when they
start and the possibility of a sign-on bonus.
o The Centreville Police Department is looking to send a candidate through the academy.
o There were 83 applications submitted for the grant writer position and interviews will be scheduled
in the coming week.
o Queen Anne’s County will be requesting one (1) EDU from the Town to run water and sewer to
White Marsh Park for bathrooms. This would be a denial-of-service line in which no one else would
be able to connect and the County would pay for the lines to be run.
b. Finance Officer
 Ms. Luffman reported that the Council previously approved moving forward with a variable rate in the
Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) program with Shore United Bank. Ms. Luffman reported the interest rate is
now at .83%.
c. Director of Public Works
 Mr. Matthews reported the following:
o VEPO, the company replacing the water meters at Symphony Village, is 48% complete.
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o DPW staff have been busy preparing the concrete pads for the generators at the North Brook water
treatment plant and the DPW shop.
o Public Works received the new truck and he thanked the Town Council for the approval of that
purchase.
d. Human Resources
 Ms. Ebaugh reported the following:
o Had an employee in background and they have withdrawn their application.
o Scheduling more interviews for DPW positions.
o Open enrollment will take place at the end of May and all information must be submitted by June 8th.
o Working on performance plan assessments and personnel manual updates.
e. Town Clerk
 Ms. Brinkley reported the following:
o Working on obtaining fireworks for July 1st. Unfortunately, the current vendor, and the one the
Town has used for many years, contacted her to indicate they are having difficulty receiving product
and will be unable to perform the show. They recommended another company and she has reached
out to inquire about their availability for July 1st.
o Have reviewed the applications for the grant writer position.
Citizens Comments
Mary Margaret Goodwin, Commerce Street, offered comments on the house located at the Carter Farm.
Council Roundtable
 Ms. Kaiser asked Ms. Ebaugh how long between someone applying for a position and the interview. Ms.
Ebaugh stated it is approximately two weeks.
 Mr. Johnson had nothing to report.
 Mr. Kiel had nothing to report.
 Mr. Kline had nothing to report but was encouraged by the number of citizens that attended the meeting.
Motion to Adjourn
There being no further business, Ms. Kaiser made a motion to adjourn the May 19, 2022 Town Council meeting. Mr.
Johnson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn M. Brinkley
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved the May 5, 2022 meeting minutes, as presented.
2. By consensus, the Council agreed that they are in favor of the Carter Farm buffer and trail being deeded over
to the Town.
3. By consensus, the Council agreed that the Town will not move the trail from its proposed location in the
future.
4. Awarded Synagro Central, LLC the contract for the reed bed clean-out and disposal at a cost of $146 per ton
in FY22 and $150.38 for each subsequent year through 2026.
5. By consensus, the Council agreed to the following summer meeting schedule:
 June 2nd
 June 23rd
 July 21st
 August 18th
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