Town Commissioners Minutes — 2021-03-24

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