Town Commissioners Minutes — 2020-06-24

Exactly as extracted, unformatted — for checking against the original. The readable version is easier to read.

QUEENSTOWN COMMTSSTONERS
Jane24,2020
PRESENT: President Thomas B. Willis, Jr., Commissioner Al Hardee, Lyndsey Ryan, Town
Attorney, and Amy Moore, Town Manager/Clerk. Commissioner Holger Schuster was on vacation.
This was a virtual meeting held via Zoom.
PUBLIC IIEARING CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:46 PM.
ORDINANCE-20-0I- AN ORDTNANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN ADOPTING A
GENERAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY I,2O2O AND ENDING JUNE
3O,2O2I AND ESTABLISHING A CONSTANT YIELD TAX RATE OF .1867 PER $IOO OF
ASSESSED REAL PROPERTY VALUE AND A TAX RATE OF .47 PER $1OO ON ALL
COMMERCIAL OR BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES; AND ALSO
ADOPTING AN ENTERPRISE BUDGET FOR THE TOWN'S WATER AND SEWER
OPERATIONS
Amy Moore, Clerk, presented an overview of the General and Water/Sewer budgets. There were no
public comments regarding the proposed ordinance.
President Willis motioned to adjoum the hearing at6:53 p.m. Motion seconded by Commissioner
Hardee.
REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:OO P.M.
GUESTS
o
Matt Reno - Boat ramp
Mr. Reno was present to discuss the boat ramp and possible measures to restrict access. He
presented a petition that he initiated to gain input from residents who would potentially use the
boat ramp. He would like to see the Commissioners allocate funding at the ramp to improve
the ramp and amend our dredge permit application to include dredging of that area. He stated
now is the time for the Commissioners to amend the budget presented to include improvernents
to this area. Mr. Reno advised that in general, support from residents include restricting by
design the number of parking spaces at the ramp. He has drafted a plan that includes 3
designated vehicle/trailer parking spaces, and 3-4 vehicle only spaces. By design, this would
restrict the number of vehicles. In the future, when decisions like this come up, he asked that
the Commissioners please use the Planning Commission as a sounding board, as these
decisions impact the quality of life of our residents. He added that the Planning Commission
could look into floating docks, which are pulled seasonally.
Commissioner Hardee advised that previous plans for the area did away with the boat ramp,
which he was against. He advised that the Town Clerk has inquired about having the dredge
permit application amended to include the ramp area. Commissioner Hardee would like to see
the ramp improved and suggests gating the road and selling permits. He would like to see
kayak storage for residents to use at some point. He feels it's a bad thing not to take advantage
of our waterfront access.
Lyndsey Ryan, Town Attomey, stated that the biggest issue is parking. Town has justification
to permit users and charge fees. Out of town users can be charged more. Town can do several
things, such as clearly delineate parking, put up split rail fencing, issue permits to users and

figure out how office will handle, and erect signage advising vehicles without permits will be
towed.
David Sutherland inquired if the town is required to allow non-residents to use. Ms. Ryan
advised that essentially to close offnow without any justification other than out of town
residents using it would be discriminatory, as they've always been allowed.
Pat Bowell stated that town can make the fee cost a deterrent for non-residents. Gating would
be difficult with the number of people going in and out of the wastewater plant on a daily basis.
She also stated that we don't want to restrict people access to the water who are not boaters.
Nikki Williams asked when the public access sign to the ramp came down, as there was one for
years that prohibited non-residents from using the ramp. If we prohibited in the past, not sure
why there is an issue now.
Di Quynn-Reno agrees with the permit, and suggested the town look into having a tow
company to police the area and have vehicles towed which don't display a permit.
Geoff Leech stated this has been a long time coming, and seems like it's time to make some
improvements there, as the townspeople need local access.
Commissioner Hardee motioned to look at improvements at the ramp, including security and a
town park, and to strike the old park plan. Motion seconded by President Willis.
.
Paul Cain - parking issues on Steamboat Ave.
Inquired about moving the "no parking" sign on the Bowlingly side of Steamboat Ave. He was
advised that there is no parking on that side as the street is narrow and parking on both sides
could prohibit emergency vehicles, trash truck, etc. from driving down the street.
Pat Bowell suggested if the down does remove the sign that no parking be kept on the bend at
First Ave. as very narrow there.
PUBLIC WORKS - Amy Moore
o
Wastewater plant has been running well with new membranes.
o
Smoke testing is complete and we are waiting on recorlmendations from Bob Rauch.
o
Slide at the playground is broke and in need of replacing
PLAI\NING - Matt Reno
o
Advised they have a draft Trails Master Plan, a copy of which had been provided to all
Commissioners. Asked that they review, if haven't already. The next step would be a power
point presentation and advertise to the residents for comments. They would then seek input
from the County. The final step would have the plan presented to the Town Commissioners for
adoption.
FINANCE COMMITTEE - Pat Bowell
o
Highway User Revenue (HUR) would cover trails, not just roads. Funding is not available to
build thern, but can be used to maintain. HUR comes as a benefit to the town. If the town
were to own the trails from the Wheatland's project, we would get funding thru HUR to
maintain thern.
TOWN MANAGER/CLERK.TREASURER
Treasurerts Report -
checking
General Fund S 104,799.37
checking $
Water/Sewer Fund 81,517.05

Minutes -
o
Commissioner Hardee motioned to accept the May 27,2020 regular meeting minutes as
written. Motion seconded by President Willis. Vote: 2-aye,O-nay
o
President Willis motioned to accept the June 17,2020joint meeting minutes as written.
Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Vote: 2-aye,0-nay
Correspondence/Other - Amy Moore
o Advised that Hugh Odom, Vertical Consultants, has been negotiating the renewal of our AT&T
lease. He is recommending the town accept the following:
o
Allow AT&T to make modifications without a rent increase
o
Request a monthly rent increase based on current rates
o No termination of lease by AT&T within the first 5 years.
Rent is currently $3,100 per month. Mr. Odom is recommending rent increase to $3,750 per
month. Pat Bowell stated that there should be a penalty clause included as in our other leases.
o
Advised that Susan Mayberry had requested permission to place a 6-8x4 ft. raised garden bed
on the town's property adjacent to rear yard. As she only has about 7 ft. of back yard, the sun
doesn't hit her area. They would maintain the grass in the area of the bed. Commissioner
Hardee advised that the Town had looked to have a community garden in that area, but only
received interest from two residents. He suggest maybe Ms. Mayberry could pioneer a
community garden next year. Ms. Ryan advised there are no legal ramifications, and a verbal
okay would suffice. Ms. Mayberry will need to submit plans and materials for the raised bed.
Commissioner Hardee motioned to give permission to Ms. Mayberry to use town property for a
garden. Motion seconded by President Willis. Vote: 2-aye,0-nay
_
OLD BUSINESS
o Interim financing for water tower project - Clerk to get with Pat Bowell to discuss options
o Tax Incrernent Financing Diskicts - Ms. Ryan will look into this further
o Dudley purchase agreernent - draft was sent to Peter Dudley. Waiting for his response.
o Water and Sewer Connection/Allocation fees - schedule work session for week of 716.
o Speeding on Main St. - Clerk advised Commissioner Schuster spoke with the Postmaster and
relayed of speeding. He advised he would speak with the delivery drivers. Ms.
Quynn-R " e o n tr o c e a * d . v ised that the mail truck has not slowed down, but seems like the delivery
drivers have. Suggested finding out the driver's supervisor and reporting him. Ms' Bowell
advised they come from Easton. Commissioner Hardee will contact Sheriff again.
o Fire Department request from February to offer a real property tax break to active fire
department members. Commissioner Hardee motioned to introduce Ordinance 20-02 - AN
ORDINANCE OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO ESTABLISH A TAX
CREDIT AGAINST TOWN PROPERTY TAX ON CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED
By VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS. Motion seconded by President Willis.
Vote: 2-aye,0-nay. Public hearing scheduled for July 22,2020 at6:45 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS -
o Commissioner Hardee discussed music in the park for July. Due to current COVID-I9
concerns, some activities are being cancelled. Before finalizing schedule with the band, South
Mill Road Trip, we need to check with the county health department.
o Commissioner Hardee expressed concem with the condition of the Outlets - it's looking
l
overgrown and doesn't seem to be maintained like it usually is. Appears to be about l empty

stores. Need to reach out and see what is going on and if town can assist in any way. Matt
Reno suggested town could reach out and speak with the County economic director if needed.
o
Budgets - President Willis motioned to adopt Ordinance 20-01 AN ORDINANCE OF THE
TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN ADOPTING A GENERAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING JULY I,2O2O AND ENDING JUNE 3O,2O2I AND ESTABLISHING A
CONSTANT YIELD TAX RATE OF .I 867 PER $ l OO OF ASSESSED REAL PROPERTY
VALUE AND A TAX RATE OF .47 PER SIOO ON ALL COMMERCIAL OR BUSINESS
PERSONAL PROPERTY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES; AND ALSO ADOPTING AN
ENTERPRISE BUDGET FOR THE TOWN'S WATER AND SEWER OPERATIONS.
Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Vote: 2-aye,0-nay
o lf
Wheatland's Petition for Planned Development - submitted to the Town on June 17,2020.
comfortable with what was proposed, Ms. Ryan advised the Commissioners can refer to the
Planning Commission for concept approval. By submitting the petition, this opens up
negotiations with the town for financing of infrastructure. Once concept approval is given, Mr.
Waterman will go to the county and request an amendment to the County Master Water and
Sewer Plan. Once the county amendment is approved, then the mast planning process will
begin. President Willis motioned to refer the petition to the Planning Commission for concept
approval. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Vote: 2-aye,0-nay
ATTORNEY UPDATES - None
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION - President Willis motioned to adjourn the meeting to enter into an executive
session to discuss personnel matters at 8:51 p.m. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Yote 2-
aye,O-nay
President Willis motioned to reconvene the regular meeting at9:04 p.m. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Hardee. Vote 2-aye,0-nay
President Willis motioned to adopt Resolution 20-102 - A RESOLUTION OF THE
COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN ADOPTING THE TOWN MANAGER JOB
DESCRIPTION. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Yote2-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to adopt Resolution 20-103 - RESOLUTION 20-10 - A RESOLUTION OF
THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN ADOPTTNG THE TOWN CLERIVTREASURER
JOB DESCRIPTION. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Yote2-aye, O-nay
There being no further business at this time, President Willis motioned to adjourn the regular meeting
at 9:06 p.m. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Yote2-aye, 0-nay
Respectfully submitted,