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2024-11-07-tc-minutes.pdf

Minutes November 7, 2024 · 7 page(s)

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Town Council of Centreville
November 7, 2024
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The November 7, 2024, Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Jim A. Beauchamp, Member at
the Liberty Building located at 107 North Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and staff
were present: Jim A. Beauchamp, Daniel B. Worth, and Sandra L. Huffer, Carolyn M. Brinkley, Town Manager;
Sharon VanEmburgh, Town Attorney; Chief Robert Hobbs, Centreville Police Department; and Gaye Adams,
Town Clerk.
Attending by ZOOM were Ashley H. Kaiser, President and Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President.
• Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. Worth made a motion to approve the October 17, 2024
meeting minutes, as presented. Ms. Huffer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Citizens Comments
No citizens offered comments.
Appearances
a. Jill Kries - Oath of Office - Board of Supervisors of Elections
• Mr. Worth recited the Oath of Office and swore Ms. Jill Kries in as a member of the Board of
Supervisors of Elections for a three-year term, expiring April 2027.
• Mr. Beauchamp commended Ms. Kries for her commitment to serving on the Board of
Supervisors of Elections.
Public Hearing
a. Ordinance 10-2024 – Budget Amendment
• The public hearing for Ordinance 10-2024 for the purpose of amending the Town of Centreville Fiscal
Year 2024 Budget and all things related generally thereto was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
• Mr. Beauchamp called Ms. Brinkley, Town Manager, to provide background on Ordinance 10-2024.
• Ms. Brinkley stated Ordinance 10-2024 Budget Amendment was to amend the general fund by $35,322
and the Enterprise Fund by $77,630. The amendments are necessary due to fee increases and
unexpected repairs.
• Mr. Beauchamp called Ms. Adams to provide evidence of public notice for the hearing.
• Ms. Adams presented the certification of publication, that Ordinance 10-2024 was published in the Bay
Times Record Observer.
• Mr. Beauchamp asked first to hear from all those in favor of Ordinance 10-2024, and then from all
those opposed. There being none, Mr. Beauchamp asked for a motion to adjourn the public hearing,
Mr. Worth so moved, and Ms. Huffer seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
• The public hearing for Ordinance 10-2024 adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
b. Ordinance 11-2024- Sidewalks
• The public hearing for Ordinance 11-2024 for the purpose of amending the Town of Centreville’s
Chapter 134 of the Code of the Town of Centreville regarding sidewalks in the Town of Centreville.
• Mr. Beauchamp called Ms. VanEmburgh, Town Attorney to provide background on Ordinance 11-
2024.
• Ms. VanEmburgh stated Ordinance 11-2024 was to clarify that property owners abutting a sidewalk
would be responsible for the maintenance of that sidewalk. It also provides for an appeal to the Board
of Zoning Appeals if there are challenges to those decisions. It also clarifies that all properties, not just
commercial, are required to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks.
• Mr. Beauchamp called Ms. Adams to provide evidence of public notice of the hearing.
• Ms. Adams presented the certification of publication, that Ordinance 11-2024 was published in the Bay
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Times Record Observer.
• Mr. Beauchamp asked first to hear from all those in favor of Ordinance 11-2024, and then from all
those opposed.
• Ms. Michele Comer, resident, stated she was opposed to Ordinance 11-2024 and that the sidewalk in
front of her house is in bad shape.
• In preparation for this meeting, Ms. Comer got estimates for repairing her sidewalk and it would cost
approximately $7000. Tree roots are causing the problem and having the tree removed increases the
cost of the project to $10,000.
• Ms. Comer also looked at other towns and what they do for sidewalks and asked the Council to table
their decision and look at other solutions as to how to deal with sidewalks.
• Ms. Kaiser encouraged her to send an email with all her comments included.
• Mr. Beauchamp asked for the motion to adjourn the public hearing, Mr. Worth so moved, and Ms.
Huffer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
• The public hearing for Ordinance 11-2024 adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
Old Business
a. Ordinance 10-2024- Budget Amendment
• Mr. Beachamp asked the status of this Ordinance and Ms. Brinkley stated it was ready for
consideration.
• Mr. Beauchamp asked the Council if they had any questions or comments on the budget amendment.
There being none, Mr. Beauchamp asked for a motion.
• Mr. Worth made a motion to approve Ordinance 10-2024 - Budget Amendment. Ms. Huffer seconded
the motion which passed unanimously.
b. Ordinance 11-2024 – Sidewalks
• Mr. Beauchamp asked Ms. Brinkley if this Ordinance could be voted on or tabled to a later date to
consider summitted comments. Ms. Brinkley stated both could happen. Mr. Worth made a motion to
table Ordinance 11-2024 and Ms. Huffer seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
New Business
a. Ordinance 12-2024 – Site Plan Procedures- First Reading
• Mr. Worth provided background on Ordinance 12-2024 for the purpose of amending the Town’s
Zoning Ordinance codified as Chapter 170 of the Town Code to clarify the procedures and criteria by
which site plans are evaluated.
He stated that this Ordinance was created by the Planning Commission, as they want to codify their
procedures for evaluating site plans and includes a list of approvals that are necessary for site plan
approvals.
• Mr. Worth stated that after the first reading, since the Planning Commission created this Ordinance,
the Town would not need to send this it back to the Planning Commission for consideration before the
second reading.
• It was determined that the Town Council could hold a public hearing for Ordinance 12-2024 at their
December 5th meeting.
b. End of Year Decisions
• Ms. Brinkley stated that every year staff bring end-of-year decisions to the Council for consideration.
Brinkley stated that every year staff bring end-of-year decisions to the Council for consideration.
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• Ms. Brinkley asked Ms. Kaiser to clarify but felt Christmas Eve has always been a Town Holiday.
• Ms. Kaiser agreed and stated it should be put into the Employee Handbook and leave that ask off
the list next year.
• Mr. Beauchamp asked the Council for a discussion.
• There being none, Ms. Kaiser made a motion to approve all the items on the end-of-year decisions
list as amended with Christmas Eve as a Town Holiday. Mr. Kiel seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
Correspondence
• The following letter was received from Joseph A. Stevens, Stevens Palmer, LLC, on behalf of Providence
at Centreville, LLC.
• Ms. Brinkley provided background information that the Council will need to recommend these changes to
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the County.
• Ms. VanEmburgh stated the County will want to see that the Council recommends these items.
• Ms. Brinkley stated this is an informational letter as notice to the Council that this will be on November
21, 2024, meeting agenda for discussion.
Reports of Board and Commissions
a. Maryland Municipal League
• Mr. Beauchamp had nothing to report.
b. Council of Governments
• Ms. Brinkley stated she will be filling in for Mr. Kiel at the next COG meeting scheduled for
Wednesday, November 13th at 6:00 p.m. at Mama Mia’s. She stated that Centreville is hosting this
meeting and that all are welcome.
c. Economic Development
• Ms. Kaiser had nothing to report on at this time until the Centreville Economic Development Authority
(CEDA) was re-established.
d. Park Advisory Board
• Ms. Huffer stated the main item discussed was the third grant approved for the band shell, parking lot,
lights and walkway at Centreville Wharf.
• Ms. Brinkley stated bids will begin and the project will be underway next spring.
• Ms. Huffer stated the grant was for $280,000, which is quite exceptional.
• Ms. Huffer is excited about the other uses that the Wharf can provide its residents once these projects
are completed.
• Ms. Huffer also mentioned the Christmas Trees on Lawyers Row, having those decorated as well as
awarding trophies.
e. Planning Commission
• Mr. Worth stated the Planning Commission had a work session on November 6, 2024 and there was a
presentation from Owen Bailey from the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. His presentation was on
financially sustainable communities, and he discussed the following items:
o Discussed ways to measure financial impact to the town based on town density, commercial
and residential.
o Optimal density is what Centreville has on Lawyers Row, but the Town’s current code does
not allow for that density.
o The Planning Commission will need to look at that issue in case a rebuild is needed due to a
catastrophe.
o Discussed the walkability of the town- how far is a reasonable distance to walk and bike to
things.
• Three Planning Commission Members and the consultant attended the Maryland Planning
Commissioners Association (MPCA) conference and shared what they learned, and it was extremely
helpful.
• Ms. Kaiser asked Mr. Worth where in the process the concept plans were for the two liquor stores
before the Planning Commission, and if the Council still had an opportunity to weigh in?
• Ms. VanEmburgh stated the Hillside Liquors project was on the November 20th Planning Commission
agenda for final site plan review.
• Ms. Kaiser has written a letter with concern regarding design standards for businesses closer to the
historic side of town. Ms. Kaiser would like to encourage the Planning Commission to adhere to design
standards.
• Mr. Worth stated that design standards/guidelines and zoning regulations are one of the many issues
that will be addressed after the moratorium. The Planning Commission does want to resolve the
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inconsistencies.
• Ms. Huffer stated any commercial building that is being built or remodeled should be cohesive and
beautiful to the town while incorporating certain architectural elements.
• Mr. Worth states the Town does have some leverage with the property due to the walking trail through
the property.
• Ms. Kaiser will send the letter to the Town Council for review, and all are welcome to sign, which will
then be forwarded to the Planning Commission.
• Ms. Kaiser is also concerned with the design of the Draper’s Liquors and states that the design is even
more akin to a strip mall on the highway.
• Mr. Beauchamp looks forward to seeing the letter and reminds the Council that the Planning
Commission’s next meeting is November 20 at 7 p.m. at the Liberty Building, second floor.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
• Ms. Brinkley reported the following:
o The Community Parks and Playgrounds grant is very exciting, and Ms. Brinkley thanked Ms. Huffer
for mentioning that in her update.
o Last month Clifford “Kip” Matthews, Director of Public Works and Ms. Brinkley attended a
workshop as the County is updating their Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mr. Matthews and Ms. Brinkley
provided feedback to the County and the Town Council will receive a Resolution for the Hazard
Mitigation plan and will be required by the State to be adopted, once completed.
o The Town Staff provided Council Orientation to our newest council member Ms. Sandra Huffer.
o Next Week Ms. Brinkley will be attending a floodplain managers conference.
o Attended Centreville Day last month.
o Staff working on various projects.
b. Chief of Police
• Chief Hobbs reported the following:
o Chief Hobbs wanted to present the September numbers and draw attention to the fact that
September crime has been down from August.
o Enforcement efforts will continue to increase as the holiday season draws closer.
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o The community will see the standard blue steady burn lights to help deter crime as well as
increased visibility for citizens to spot officers.
o In the Special Assignments sections, Chief Hobbs touched on a few items to bring Ms. Huffer
up to speed:
o Interpol is a program the Police Department is using to update the CPD policies and
procedures manual. It is currently being overhauled to keep the police department
compliance with changes in law throughout the state.
o In September, the Town celebrated Fishing Derby Day and Movie Night-
Administration Assistant, Laura Anthony, helped to facilitate and it was a great event.
o Officers attended the First Friday event, and it was a success.
o The Car show facilitated by Mr. Luke Phipps, was successful and officers assisted with
traffic and parking.
o Defensive Tactics Training - Lt. Larrimore teaches defense tactics to new cadets at the
Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy.
o NCIC Instructor Audit, Administrative Assistant Laura Anthony attends that on behalf
of the Centreville Police Department. Ms. Anthony is an instructor with the State for
the National Crime Institute and does the audits for Centreville Police Department as
well as other agencies.
o Drug Trafficking Prevention Training Seminar- 2 Officers attended this training which
taught new insights on new trends and how to spot and combat them.
o Interview/Interrogation Training- This training is geared for child abuse and youth
issues.
o Juvenile Reform Training - Mandatory training for updates on new juvenile laws
passed by the state.
o All the older vehicles have been replaced and sold, and all revenue has been put back into the
budget. The Chief looks forward to cleaning up the area and making it look presentable.
c. Town Clerk
• Ms. Adams reported the following:
o In Christmas Planning mode. The Town has ordered 13 new trees for Lawyers Row and they
have all been put together by the Department of Public Works.
o All trees should be up for decoration no later than November 22, 2024.
o Santa Claus outfit has been updated with a new attachment, Santa bump instead of pillows, to
make it more comfortable!
o The Holiday Parade is moving along with all approvals for December 6th at 6:30 p.m.
o Tree lighting is December 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Citizen Comments:
No citizens offered comments.
Council Roundtable
a. Ms. Kaiser thanked the staff for a very successful Centreville Day.
Motion to Adjourn
There being no further business, Mr. Worth made a motion to adjourn the November 7, 2024, meeting. Ms.
Huffer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gaye Adams
Town Clerk
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Council Action Items:
1. Approved the meeting minutes for October 17, 2024.
2. Swore in Ms. Jill Kries as a member of the Board of Supervisors of Elections.
3. Approved Ordinance 10-2024 for the purpose of amending the Town of Centreville Fiscal Year 2024
Budget and all things related generally thereto.
4. Approved all End of Year Decisions including a full day off for Christmas Eve, as amended.
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