Town Commissioners Minutes — 2021-04-19

QUEENSTOWN COMMTSSTONERS

April 19,2021 Special Meeting A special meeting was held in the Town Office for the pu{pose of holding a work session to discuss drafting of a Developers Rights and Responsibility Agreement (DRRA) and the Public Works Agreement (PWA) for Wheatlands, to review and finalize the boat slip agreement and boat ramp/landing rules, ramp enforcement, property maintenance issues and enforcement, water infrastructure, contract and personnel matters.

Commissioner Hardee called the special meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Participating were President Tom Willis (who arrived late due to prior commitment), Commissioner Al Hardee, Commissioner Bryon Callahan, Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan, Town Clerk Aaron Homey, and Town Manager Amy Moore.

1. DRRA & PWA Discussion

Ms. Ryan advised that the applicant (Waterman) should provide an initial draft of the DRRA for Commissioner review. Commissioners then refer to the Planning Commission for review and comment. Once received back from the Planning Commission, the Commissioners can approve as presented, or make changes before approving. The Town could begin the process by drafting a DRRA and send to Mr. Waterman to get things

moving, however, the PWA would not be done until sub-division of property. Ms. Ryan advised that she is waiting to hear from USDA on when the first payment would be due following closing of the loan. Commissioner Hardee asked if an impact fee could be charged. Ms. Ryan advised that only if we have an impact fee study done. The Annexation agreement calls that one can be done at Mr. Waterman's expense. [t was agreed that Ms.

Ryan will contact Joe Stevens, attorney for Mr. Waterman, and start the DRRA process and request an impact fee study be done.

2. Boat Slip and Ramp/Landing Rules & Enforcement

Slip Agreement - Discussed the length of time a boat needs to be in a slip during the lease period of one year. After some discussion, it was agreed that the renters boat must be kept in the slip for at least (4) months out of the year. A clause will also be added to the agreement that informs the renter that the town reserves the right to amend rules and regulations at any time during the term of the lease agreement.

Boat Ramp/Landing - Owners of property within the incorporated town limits may purchase a ramp permit and use the ramp and landing. We need to install a larger sign informing that it is a "permitted facility only". We will continue placing flyers on any vehicle there without a permit until June 1't, after which time towing will begin.

The skiff tied up at the sewer plant has sunk. Commissioner Willis will inform the owner it needs to be addressed at once.

3. Property Maintenance Issues and Enforcement

Concerns with the number of property maintenance violations currently in town (Outlets, old Getty station, unregistered vehicles, several properties with tall grass or junk, etc.) Commissioner Hardee stated that MDIA, who currently does our code enforcernent, has been slow to address these matters. He stated we have rules and regulations for a reason, and the CEO should be handling these violations. There was a discussion on whether the

violations should be addressed on a complaint basis, or should the CEO check daily or weekly and note violations as he sees them. It was agreed that the codes should be enforced equally. The Commissioners discussed possibly reviewing and updating some of the codes or ordinances. There needs to be action on any violation seen and follow up after a property owner is notified. Commissioner Callahan asked to table this issue until the next

Commissioner's meeting, as he would like to talk with the County code enforcement officer and bring some information back to the table for further discussion.

4. Main St. water leak - billing and contract discussion

Commissioners discussed and approved payment of Steve Roberson's invoice for his attempt at locating the leaking water source on Main St. At this time, however, the source has not been located. There are a few itemized charges that the Commissioners have questions about and would like to address with Mr. Roberson. In addition, there was discussion about developing an on-call agreement for plumbing services. The Town is not

unhappy with Mr. Roberson's services and all were in agreement that he is very knowledgeable of our system and does outstanding work. It is in the town's best interest to have an on-call agreement for these services with pre-negotiated rates, procurement procedures, etc. To be legally compliant, we would need to draft a RFQ and solicit prices from other plumbers as well. We will schedule a meeting with Mr. Roberson to discuss

the invoice.

Steve Roberson has continued to search for the water source on his own time and at his own cost. He had brought in Maryland Rural Water to see what they could find, and their equipment detected a possible leak in the Town Office water line. When water meters were installed, no meter was installed at the Town Office. No one knows why, but all feel one should be installed to monitor the water. The Commissioners would like to have a water

meter installed at the Town Office and hold off on any further exploration for the water source until dryer weather.

J. COVID updates and reopening plan The number of cases have decreased in Queen Anne's County. Due to the increase in workload due to the spring and summer seasons, the Commissioners were in agreement to bring both the Clerk and Town Manager back to the office full time effective Monday, April26,202l.

6. Capital Improvement Budget ltem - Street paving

Commissioner Callahan advised he is having his driveway paved within the next month or so and wanted to know what other areas we would want Pavemaster to look at for the town.

It was agreed that the area in front of 7020 Second Avenue should be looked at, as well as possibly adding a speed bump to the bottom of Melvin Avenue, and checking on the speed bump on Thompson Avenue. Streets left to be paved included Harbor Lane and Long Drive.

President Willis motioned to close the regular meeting at 5:27 p.m. and convene a Closed Session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. Motion seconded by Commissioner Callahan.

Vote: 3-aye,0-nay President Willis motioned to adjourn the Closed Session at 5:40 p.m. and reconvene the regular work session. Motion seconded by Commissioner Callahan. Vote: 3-aye,O-nay There being no further business, President Willis motioned to adjourn tt ,p""iA meeting at 5:40 " p.m. Motion seconded by Commissioner Callahan. Vote: 3-aye,0-nay. All in favor.

Respectfully submitted, Town Manager