Town Commissioners Minutes — 2026-01-07

QUEENSTOWTI COMMTSSIONERS

January 7r2026 PRESENT: President Al Hardee, Commissioner Bryon Callahan, Town Manager Amy Moore, and Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan

REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 4:OOPM

President Hardee called for a moment of silence in memory of Commissioner Tom Willis, who passed away unexpectedly in November, 2025.

Town Manager Amy Moore, read a certification of election results provided by Town Clerk Aaron Horney.

"Bryon Callahan filed and qualified for the ofFrce of Town Commissioner of Queenstown. NO other candidate filed a certificate of nomination to be placed on the ballot as a listed or write-in candidate by the October 9,2025 deadline. Therefore, the election was considered uncontested and was cancelled, pursuant to Section 19-12.2 of the Queenstown Town Charter. Bryon Callahan was hereby declared re-elected as

Town Commissioner of Queenstown for a 3-year term, beginning November 12, 2025". A copy of the certification is on file.

Ms. Moore advised that Mr. Callahan took the Oath of Office before a notary public in Queen Anne's County. A copy of the Oath of Office is on file.

GUESTS -None

PUBLIC WORIG

o Town advertised beginning August 20th for a public works utility worker, and was on Indeed, in newspaper and on the website. Accepted applications until early October, when we only had 2 acceptable candidates. Interviewed both, and called one in for a second interview in late October.

Since November meeting was cancelled, Ms. Moore obtained approval to hire Joe Costable individually from Commissioners Hardee and Callahan. Mr. Costable began working for the Town on November 18th.

o New membranes were installed at the WWTP week of Thanksgiving. Permeability is up in the 20's and all is running smoothly.

.

Utility Tank inspected the Wall St. tank and is providing a report with costs for both inside and outside repairs.

PLAI\IIIING COMMISSION

.

Officer Elections: Matt Reno- Chair; Mike Bowell- vice chair; Geneva Thrasher-Rieu- secretary .

Steve and Linda Roberson presented a Concept plan to demolish and rebuild office and house on Steamboat Ave. Minor adjustments need to be made to size of building and front setback and PC will approve.

FINANCE COMMITTE'E (no updates) CODE ENFORCEMENT/HARBORMASTER (no updates)

EVENTS COMMITTEE

Tree lighting was a success. Working on America's 250 celebration for Queenstown.

TOWN CLERK

l.

Treasurers/Finance Report o General Fund $138,180.88 Water/Sewer Fund $59,037.20 ARPA Fund $592,085.23 2.

Minutes o October 22,2025 (Regular Meeting) Callahan motion to approve as written. Hardee second. VOTE: 2 qve - 0 nqt.

o December 16,2025 (Special Meeting) Callahan motion to approve as written. Hardee second. VOTE: 2 qve - 0 nqt.

3. Correspondence/Requests/lnfo - Sent and Received (no updates)

TOWN MANAGER UPDATES

o 5 residents have submitted their names for consideration of the Commissioners vacancy. Today was the deadline. George Buckler, Jim Watzin, Tom Peregoy, Ned Foster and George Plumbo.

Next step is to set up interviews with applicants.

o Drafted Investment Policy to meet requirements of the state. Review for future discussion and possible adoption.

o Fire department responded to request to silence the fire alarm and agreed to silence during overnight hours between l0:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. They would continually evaluate this action for the benefit or detriment of their ability to respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies. This agreement includes all fire and EMS dispatches. A formal request was made to the County Emergency Services by the fire department with a target time and date to implement this beginning l0:00 PM

on 1213112025. Fire Dept. will advise when request is approved. Some residents present advised that it has still been going off overnight.

o Pete Robertson, when he was commissioner in2006, was prepared to introduce legislation to increase the freeboard in our current floodplain ordinance from 2 ft. above MHT. This would require any rebuilding due to future flood damage would be done at a higher freeboard requirement. Legislation was not introduced at that time, however, Mr. Robertson has requested the town consider this regulation again. Ms. Moore provided Commissioners information from

2006 for review and future discussion.

o QVFD Installation of Officers, Saturday lllT at 6:00 p.m.

OLD BUSINESS ITEMS

INFRASTRUCTURE

l. I&IProject Retallack completed with the sewer main and lateral replacement from SSMH Rt l8 Main St upstream to lamp-hole 3 on 12116. Rauch asked Retallack to base in the trenches going into the Holidays, so the Residents had a clean road to travel free of stone. Retallack's team will be returning on Monday, l/12. Their dewatering contractor will return tomorrow. Once Retallack retums, they will resume the

sewer dig and replace, excavating upstream to lamp-hole 4.

2. Water Tank & Infrastructure Project (no updates)

3. Queenstown Harbor Water Issues (no updates)

MARINE PROJECTS

1. Federal Channel Dredging (no updates)

POLICY

l.

Water/Sewer Connections Code - Proposed Clarifications & Revisions (no updates) 2.

Water/Sewer Rate Sotdy (no updates) 3.

Proposed Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Related to Accessory Dwelling Units Will put in draft ordinance form and present for review 4.

ORDTNANCE NO. 25-06 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND

ARTICLE VII, SECTION 77 OF TIfi QUEENSTOWN ZONING ORDINANCE TITLED SOLAR

ENERGY EQUIPMENT TO COMPLY WITH Tm BRIGHTER TOMORROW ACT (Introduced 10/8/25, hearing scheduled January 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.)

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

1.

Wheatland's Project (no update)

NEW BUSINESS

* 1.

Long Term Rentals - Discussion on Possible Legislation Provided copy of Ordinance I 7-05 introduced/public hearing held in 201 7 but never passed. Ordinance would amend the Town Code to add a chapter titled "Residential Rental Housing License and Inspection" to establish a licensing and inspection program for residential rental dwelling units in town. Of the current 337 service addresses in town, at least 75 are rentals. Review for future discussion.

There was a question about short-term rentals. We currently have an ordinance covering them. It was mentioned that one may be operating on Steamboat Avenue without the required license.

ATTOR}I-EY T]PDATES

Advised USDA still reviewing and providing requests for documentation.

PTJBLIC COMMENT

o Lori Sharer - First Ave Stated there are new people in the Booker's house and had inquired where the dredging will be.

Showed her map depicting the proposed dredging will take place in the federal channel and not near the property in question.

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Di Quynn-Reno - Main St -Lights at the boat ramp look good. Asked if cameras would be installed soon.

-Commissioner vacancy - had similar situation where she had worked. Sitting commissioners had a meeting and interviewed candidates with list of same questions. Public was able to attend but could listen only. She requested that the Commissioners consider having the interviews in open session and that they ask the same questions to all candidates. Town Commissioners were in agreement to this. Public will be informed when the meeting for interviews will take place.

o Joe Kelkowsi - Aker Rd.

Asked about trailer tagged with Maine tags - advised permitted as long as current. Advised boat and trailer with no tags at property on Melvin Ave. Town Manager advised that property owner contacted about violation and has been given timeframe to correct. Will have Code Enforcement Officer follow up.

There being no further business. Callahan motion to adjottrn the meeting at 4:49 p.m. Hardee second.

VOTE:2qve-0nqv.

Respectful ly subm itted, Amy W.

Town Manager

TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN

i

ELECTION RESULTS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025

(Election Cancelled) Bryon Callahan filed and qualified for the office of Town commissioner of Queenstown. No other candidate filed a certificate of nomination to be placed on the ballot as a listed or write-in candidate by the October 9, 2025, deadline. Therefore, the election was considered uncontested and was cancelled, pursuant to Section 19-12.2 of the Town Queenstown is Charter. Bryon Callahan hereby declared re-elected as Town

Commissioner of Queenstown for a 3-year term, beginning November 12,2025.

I hereby certify the above information to be true and correct.

z/ts tt R. ey T Clerk Date

OATH OF OFFICE

I, Bryon Callahan, do swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America; and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland and support the Constitution and Laws thereof; and that I will, to the best of my skill and judgement, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, execute the Office of Queenstown Commissioner, according to the

Constitution and Laws of this State.

Bryon Callahan

I

STATE OF MARYLAND

fu\ COL|NTY OF li, A^ C-tl (or City of Baltimore), to wit:

Sworn to and subscribed before me by Rn \On tf \\cU,c.rf (affiant) on this tz day of il\nlnrnfo/ , 20 a5 Signature Notary Public Jessica L. tMcker

NOTARY PUBLIC

Queen Anne's County, Maryland My Commission Expires 1nSl20Z6 rI rsi My Commission expires zr.tte (Notary Seal) 't'o\1\ oF () [_\s I ()\\ \ ('t-()st-t) \tt.l-l l\G/t-x1..( t I-l\ I.. sl ssl()\ RF.('()Rl) A public ht-td)'that meets in ckrsed session n1a) not discLtss ('lr act on an]'matter nr)t pernritted tmder the Nlaryland StatLrte sumnrarizetl belovr. Ihc public meeting law'does n()t appl! t() exccutite litnctions. cluasijudicial tunctit-rns. ()r chilnce encourrters or social

rreetings.

(l) DAl"i: AND ]'lN{il OIr I'ROPOSi-,t) ('l.OSIll) lvll,L'l ING OR EXE(It"l]'lvE

StTSSION:

]olt ac-n?, 3,o 0 I )ate I'inrc

(l) LE(j.AL Atjl'IIORIT'\' fOR CLOSING PtiBLIC' N'll:fr tlN(; OR GOIN(i IN-lo

IIXI:C'ti1'lVIi SIlSSION (circle the section of thc lavv which authorizes the ciosed session):

Open Meetings Act, Mary.'land Codc ,\nnotatc:cl" Statc ( jovemntent Article. $l0- -508(a),

200-1 Rc-pl. Vol.

(l) clisct-tss

(i) the app<lintmcnt. emplollltcltt- assigtlnlc-t-tt. pronlotion. cliscipline.

dcmoti on. compcnsati() n. renro va l. resi nati on, o r perfit rrnance -tl er,'aluation ot' a;lpointecs, entpl()\'ces. ()l' o ffi cials overuvhtlm it has jurisdiction: or (ii) any other personnel matter that aflects I t)r il1ore spec:ilic individuals:

(l) protect the privacy or re:putatioLr ol'inclivicluals r,vith respecl to ir matt"er

that is not related to ptrhlic busit-tcss:

(j) consiclcr the acquisition of rcrtl propcrtl lirr a ptrhlic ilurpose ttnd matters

clirectly related thercto:

(+) consitlc'r tt nttltter that cotrcertts thc pt'tlpo51[ lirr a hrttsinc'ss or indttstrial organization to locate. expancl. or remaitl in tlrc Statc:

( -i) considcr the int, e-sttrtcnt ot'public Iitncls:

(6) consider the markcting of pLrblic, sccLtritics;

.^ <y conslrlt r.vith counselto obtain legal advice:

(8 ) consult r,vith staff, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation:

(9) conduct coilective bargaining negotiations or consider matters that relate to the negotiations;

( 10) discr.rss public security, if the public body deterntines that public discussion lvould constifute a risk to the public or to the public security, including;

(i) the deployment of t-tre and police services and statl and

(ii) the developnient and implementation o{'ernergency plans;

(1 1) prcpare, administer, or grade a scholastic. licensing, or qualilying ramination' e l2) ( conrluct or discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct;

l3) ( comply r.vith a spcrcific constitutionzrl, statutory. or itrclicial[f imposed requirernent that prevents ptrhlic disclosures about a particular proceeding or matter: or t4) ( beforc er contrtrct is awarded or bids are opened. discuss a matter directly if related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal, public discussion or clisclosure woulcl adversely impact the ability of the

pLrblic body to participatc in the competitive bidding or proposal process

(l) l'OW'N BOARI), r\GLIN('Y, OR (IOMMISSlON PROP()SING (ll,OSF.D OR

I JXTIC]IJ'I IVFJ S IlSS ION :

Quqsnsf"-r Gn^,.^i 5J\tnerJ (J.,lame of Board, Agency, Commission, or Committee)

(4) IDF,Nl'tFY IoPIC(S) PROPOSEI) l'OR DISCTJSSION IN Ct.OSr,l) SESSION

Ob{.l n \ t\)o)q aotl lnf^r[, on t6un cL, t.q.

(5) lvftit\,'lBfrR:j OF BOARD, A(il:N('Y. CON'Ilv{ISSION. OR CoMlvtll't }rE

PRESEN-l'A'f PIIBLIC iVItrt: I IN(i A'l WIIICII ('t,oStrl) SESSIoN RfrQt II:.S'f Irl):

Vote on Clttsure Nuiurr' rcircre&ecilHJ 5ruut Cc,l\a\un

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Iror/Against [:or/Aqainst Iior'Against

(6) I I\IT: CI,()SIJD SI]SSI()\ ('ONVT:NFI) $:gl pr-r

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(7) PF.RSONS Pttt,StlN'l A I ('l OSIIl) SITSSION

Callohar+- I {Srron Co.,^iss,u4crr A Hutlr.

tu\ t I ;l (8) Pl.r\Ch CLOSED OR EXECU'|IVE SFISSION HEI-D q 0ffitL \, (9) PtrRPOSfi OF .'\ND I'OPI('S DIS('l rSSF)l) A'I-Ct.OSFiD S[TSSION:

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^ (i0) SLIN'lMAIt\'OI; AC'l'IONS l'AKI;N AI'('l.OSED StTSSION- tl; ANY No,u- ( ]E RI'I ['I (' A'I' [, O T' I' R I|S I I) I NG OF' F-I C Ii R.

I hereby certity that I am the presiding otllcer of 0.,uns\0t., US\on€N public board, agency, commission, committee, or other public body of the Town of IVlarylancl. I fur1her certify that by a majority vote on the J{\ day of the aloresaicl trgency, board, committee, or cotrlmission voted to holtl a cl meeting for the purp()ses, and to iliscuss the topics, set forth above, and that no other topics were discr,rssecl, and that the fbregoing is a true record o1'the closed

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