Town Commissioners Minutes — 2021-03-24

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

QUEENSTOWN COMMISSIONERS
March 24,2021
PRESENT: President Tom Willis, Commissioner Bryon Callahan, Commissioner Al Hardee,
Town Manager Amy Moore, Town Clerk Aaron Horney, Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan
PUBLIC IIEARING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7PM
ORDINANCE NO. 2I-OI AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF
QUEENSTOWN APPROVING THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN FOR
WHEATLANDS SUBMITTED BY THE WATERMAN FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ON OCTOBER 21, 2O2O AND APPROVING THE WHEATLANDS CONCEPTUAL SITE
PLAN AND ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
o
Town Attorney Ms. Ryan stated an overview of the timeline for the Wheatlands project
beginning with the 2015 submittal for planned development of Wheatlands property to
the Commissioners by Barry Waterman up through the Planning Commission's
recommendation of approval to the Commissioners of the Master Development Plan at
the February 2021 regalar planning meeting and their adoption of Findings of Fact. Ms.
Ryan then stated an overview of the items included in the record for the public hearing,
which is attached as reference. Ms. Ryan stated that after receiving Planning Commission
recommendation, the Commissioners introduced Ord. 2l-01 at their February 2021
regular meeting. The public hearing was advertised in the Star Democrat/Record
Observer and notice provided on the Town website and relevant documents provided to
the public via the website/Town Office. One public comment was received in writing
regarding traffic concerns and is attached for reference.
.
Barry Waterman displayed and discussed a Wheatlands Planned Development slideshow
presentation to the Commissioners, which is attached for reference.
o
Kevin Shearon, Civil Engineer with DMS & Associates, discussed the environmental
portion of the slideshow presentation.
o Mr. Waterman stated they are asking that the Commissioners find the Master
Development Plan is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and are seeking approval
of the revised Master Plan, Design Guidelines and Phasing Plan. If and once approved,
they will begin seeking the subdivision approval process.
o
Ms. Ryan read a memo from Town Planner Peter Johnston stating an overview of the
Architectural & Site Design Guidelines & Standards for Wheatlands, which is attached
for reference.
PUBLIC COMMENT
o
Audrey Scott, Hickory Ridge - Previously submitted the wriffen comment to the
Town. Restated concerns regarding traffic near Sportsman Neck Rd. Right inlright out
only design for Wheatlands development's US 50 access will create issues with added
traffic merging onto US 50 in area between Wheatlands and Sportsman Neck Rd.
Appreciate land designated for access road in Wheatlands, would like language in final
plan stressing need for SHA to build service road to Sportsman Neck Rd on their right of
way.
o
Guso Sportsman Neck Rd. resident - Same concems regarding traffic in addition to
concerns regarding traffic from Wheatlands trying to go across US 50 East to make U-
turns at Sportsman Neck Rd. intersection to retum to US 50 West.

A.fter no further comments, Comm. Hardee motion to adjourn the hearing at 7:56 om. Motion
second blt Comm. Callahan. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nq)
REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:56PM
Pres. Willis motion to amend aeenda to move Ordinance 2l-01 discussion to.first item on
agenda to accommodate interested observers at the meeting. Motion second blt Comm. Callahan.
VOTE:3alte-0nay
o
Wheatland's Project
o
Planned Development Master Plan
ORDINANCE NO. 2I-OI _ AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF
QUEENSTOWN APPROVING THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT MASTER
PLAN FOR WHEATLANDS SUBMITTED BY THE WATERMAN FAMILY
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ON OCTOBER 21, 2O2O AND APPROVING THE
WHEATLANDS CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN AND ARCHITECTURAL
GUIDELINES (eligible for adoption)
Ms. Ryan read the required findings of fact process overview and the Commissioners
stated findings they made for each point. The complete Findings of Fact are attached
for reference. Pres. Willis motion to approve Ordinance 2l-01 and have the Town
Attorney draft Findings qf Fact consistent with the .findings made on the record.
Comm. Hardee second. VOTE: 3 a:te - 0 nalt
GUESTS - No guests
PUBLIC WORKS - Amy Moore
o Queenstown Village Fence/Drainage - Ms. Moore discussed attanpted solutions to the
excessive drainage problern. Sandbags were placed at a drainage entrance on Olde Point
La. and later a concrete barrier was placed at that location. Both attempts did little to
solve the problem. May explore other ideas. Also, received quotes from 2 companies for
fencing at the berm. Commissioners approved/signed fence quote from Country Living in
January but delayed proceeding pending speaking with owner of Dudley property
regarding placement of fencing on that property vs. Town property. Since, Town received
new quotes from County Living and TL Fence. TL Fence is the lower quote at $6,400,
however due to the town signing the previous $7,221 quote from Country Living. Ms.
Ryan recommends going with them for the job under the new quote. New quote is now
$8,000 due to increased material costs since time of last quote, recommended wind posts
and altered fence location. Comm. Callahan stated wind posts were recolnmended by
fence company due to location of fence increasing chance of blowover. Comm. Hardee
stated was fine going with Country Living without the wind posts. Pres. Willis motion to
qo with countr:r Living quote. comm. Hqrdee second. voTE: 2 a:/e - I na))
o
Receive complaint about flooding on Aker Rd. during heavy rains. Ditch was checked,
was flowing but was cleared of some minor debris. Mostly caused by backup on SHA
ditch along US 301, which Aker ditch drains to. Will check for further issues after water
recedes. Mr. Cole stated he checked ditch and water was flowing as fast as was able to.
o Recovery mernbrane cleaning at plant scheduled for April 20-21. Next hydrant flushing
will be due sometime in Mav.
PLANNING - Phil Snyder/l\{att Reno

o
Trails Master Plan - Mr. Snyder stated planning has been working with County on plan.
Has been well received generally. Possible grant money available for trails - looking into.
Golf Course looking into opening areas within their property for walking trails. Mr. Reno
stated Golf Course nature trail is part of the trails plan. He walked wooded area of Golf
Course property from Queenstown to Blackbeard Rd. Golf Course is in support of trail
through the property in the area. Trail in area would help connect Queenstown to areas of
Grasonville via Nesbit Rd. overpass and possible future trails to Wheatlands and Kent
Island. Pat Bowell stated she believed the area in question was designated to open space
use for Queenstown during the annexation process for the Golf Course. Ms. Moore will
look into.
FINA|ICE COMMITTEE - Pat Bowell
o Went to tax off set meetings at COG and with County Commissioners. Likely
Queenstown will receive no less funding than received the prior year, which was
$163,000. Potentially could receive up to $180,000.
o
Towns were cautioned at meeting about future CARES Act funding for municipalities
that it needs clarification on what the funding canlcannot be used for. Not clear as of yet.
o
Sudlersville WWTP in process of being taken over by the County for management on
USDA default. Current pipeline project to Barclay to be completed by county.
o Church Hill had recent MDE inspection at current treatment plant. While currently
working, will not meet nutrient load. Have been instructed to obtain pricing for new
treatment plant. Will not receive additional growth allocation from County until new
plant constructed. Similar situation in Centreville, will not meet nutrient load within 12
months. Looking into pricing for new plant, had to hold off potential annexation due to
not having water capacity.
o
LGIT workshop this week, will start process of insurance renewals. Policies due to renew
at beginning of fiscal year. Will work on with Ms. Moore and Mr. Horney.
o
Discussed Audit Review summary presented to the Commissioners. Discussion of current
State pension program Town uses and increasing costs associated with program.
o
Discussed deregulated electric rates. Town contacted by current company providing
electric about looking at new rates. Deregulation resulted in companies offering differing
rates for providing electric than the regulated supplier. Trends are minor savings at first
but lessen to no savings the further out you go. Suggests comparing regulated provider
rates with deregulated rates provided bv Delmarva Power to determine best route
forward.
TOWN CLERK - Aaron Horney
o
Treasurers/FinanceReport
o
Water/Sewer checking - $98,499.16
o
General checking - $236,200.15
o
Minutes
o
February 24,2021- Regular meeting
Comm. Hardee motion to approve the minutes as written. Comm. Callahan
second. VOTE: 3 qte - 0 nav
o
February 26,202I - Special meeting
Comm. Callahan suggested a change to speciff no decision was made on
harbormaster. Comm. Hardee motion to approve the minutes with caveat that the
change be made. Comm. Callahan second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nq)
o March 2,2021- Special meeting

Comm. Hardee motion to approve the minutes as written. Comm. Callahan
second. VOTE: 3 alte - 0 nqt
o
March 10,2021- Special meeting
Comm. Hardee motion to approve the minutes as written. Comm. Callahan
second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nalt
o March 16,2021- Special meeting
Comm. Hardee motion to approve the minutes as written. Comm. Callahan
second. VOTE: 3 ave - 0 nav
o
March 16.2021- Closed Session
Comm. Hardee motion to approve the minutes as written. Comm. Callahan
second. VOTE: 3 q)e - 0 nav
o
CorrespondencelRequests/Info - Sent and Received
o ESAM will be having their spring meeting on April 2l at 6pm at Foxy's in St.
Michaels. Cost is $45 per person. Up to 50 guests will be accommodated.
o
Received a complaint from resident on Thompson Ave. regarding speed bump
there. Claims speed bump damaging bottom of vehicle, has tried going over slow,
diagonal, etc. Bump appears less high than other bumps in town. As only
complaint regarding bump, Commissioners agree no action regarding speed bump
at this time, will look into later in year during other paving operations.
o All Finance Committee members current terms expired in January. Current
members Pat Bowell and Jo Cunningham wish to continue on the committee. All
Board of Appeals mernbers current terms expire in February. Current mernbers
Pat Bowell, Heather Comegys, and Chris Drummond wish to continue. Mr.
Drummond would like to become a full mernber instead of the current alternate.
Pres. Willis motion to aopoint Chris Drummond to -full member on the Boqrd of
Appeals. Comm. Hardee second. VOTE: 3 ave - 0 natt
Pres. Willis motion to apooint all willing members to new terms at their
respective positions. Comm. Callahan second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nav
Members will be informed of reappointment and vacancies advertised in the town
newsletter/website.
TOWN MANAGER - Amy Moore
o
MML Conference will be on June 27-29 and will be capped at 400 people this year. Each
municipality can register up to 2 people until 10am Friday when general registration
opens up until 400 max is filled. Several workshops will be offered this year. Comm.
Hardee motion to send Town Manaeer and Town Clerk to MML Co4ference. Comm
Callahan second. VOTE: 3 at)e - 0 nay
o
Recently spoke with Town Engineer Bob Rauch regarding sewer capacity needs for
Wheatlands. Town's current sewer capacity is around 33,000 gallons per day.
Wheatlands estimated to need approximately 60,000 gallons per day. Rauch suggests
plant designer GMB propose capacity upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant to
support the Wheatlands project. GMB services would be paid by Waterman. Any upgrade
proposals would be presented to Rauch and plant operator George Frigon for review and
to the Commissioners. Rauch and Frigon could design plant upgrades as an alternative to
GMB as well.
o
Steve Roberson replaced sewer line at Outlet Center. Believes old line was possibly
allowing infiltration into system. Will know more by end of month after outflow/usage
comparisons. Also, a possible manhole was found in a ditch at the Outlet Center. Could

possibly contribute to I&I as well. Lane Cole stated the town doesn't have anything in the
area where located He and Rauch will be looking into more.
OLD BUSINESS
o
I&Iproject
Previously discussed
o
Water Tower & Infrastructure project
o
Interim Financing
No updates
o
Dudley Property - Status Update
Plat/deed has been sent to property owners to execute, waiting to get signatures from all
owners and return to Town.
o
Wheatland's Project
o
Planned Development Master Plan
ORDINANCE NO. 2I-OI
(MOVED TO FIRST ITEM ON AGENDA)
o
Speeding on Main St
Sheriff s Dept. has been conducting radar in town. Also set up speed trailer.
o
Boat ramp improvements
o RESOLUTION NO. 20-107 - A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF
QUEENSTOWN TO ADOPT FEE FOR PERMITS FOR USE OF THE TOWN
BOAT RAMP (introduced November 18,2020; vote nay to void the Resolution)
Commissioners discussed need to limit ramp use to residents and update associated
usage fee. This created need to for updated Resolution 2l-l0l and eliminated need
for this resolution. Comm. Hardee motion to denv Resolution 20-107. Comm.
Callahan second, VOTE: 3 ave - 0 na])
o RESOLUTION 21-101 - A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF
QUEENSTOWN TO ADOPT A FEE FOR PERMITS FOR THE USE OF THE
TOWN BOAT RAMP (eligiblefor adoption)
Comm. Hardee motion to adopt Resolution 2l-101. Comm. Callahan second. VOTE:
3qte-0nalt
o Ms. Moore stated Rauch expects wetlands permits for rampidock projects to be
approved anytime. Rauch proposes the town instead of bidding out the work for the
ramp, act as a general contractor and purchase materials needed and have another
party do the excavation/grading work required. Would save money/time. Dredging
can be done during dredging for slip project. Comm. Callahqn motion to have Town
purchase materials needed and eet prices/have another partv do work required.
Comm. Hardee second. VOTE: 3 ave - 0 nav
o
Boat landing parking and signage
Additional signage will be posted tomorrow now that fees/resident restrictions are
adopted. Revised permit apps and permit stickers ready. Will have flyers to place on
vehicles at landing for a few weeks to give notice of new policies before enforcement
begins. Ms. Moore has been talking with Ms. Ryan regarding harbormaster
responsibilities, getting in place. Di Quynn-Reno volunteered to place flyers on vehicles.
New policies will be posted on Town website, Facebook page, and Town Newsletter.
o
Draft Boat Slip Rental Agreement - review and approve
Revisions were discussed and made to the current agreement in prior worksession.
Updated agreement incorporating all discussed changes was presented to Commissioners.

Comm. Cqllahan motion to accept changes made to the Boat Slip Rental Agreement.
Comm. Hardee second. VOTE: 3 qye - 0 nay New agreements will be sent to current
slipholders for execution.
o
Town Dock projects
Met with DNR representatives last week. DNR rep helping to contact Army Corps of
Engineers as no response from them as of yet. Have MDE permit, still waiting for ACOE
permit.
NEW BUSINESS - none
ATTORNEY UPDATES - none
PUBLIC COMMENT - none
There being nofurther business. Pres. Willis motion to adjorn the meeting at 9:59pm. Comm.
Herdee second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 na:/
Aaron R. Hornev
Town Clerk-Treasurer