Town Commissioners Minutes — 2025-03-26

QUEENSTOWI\ COMMISSIONERS

March 26,2425 PRESENT: President Al Hardee, Commissioners Tom Willis & Bryon Callahan, Town Manager Amy Moore, Town Clerk Aaron Horney, Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan

SPECIAL MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:10 PM

Callahan motion to leave the special meetingand enter a closed session at 5:I0pm. Willis second, VOTE:

3alte-0nalt.

CLOSED SESSION (authorized by Section 3-305(b) of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, and voted upon in Open Session) The purpose of the closed session was to obtain legal advice from Town Attorney on potential purchase of property by the Town and a Public Works Agreement related to Wheatland's development.

Willis motion to adiourn the closed session and return to the special meeting at 6:00 pm. Callahan VOTE: 3 ave - Callahan motion to adjourn the special meeting at 6:00pm. Willis second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nay.

PIIBLIC HEARING CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:06 PM

ORDINAIICE 25-01 - ANI ORDINANICE of the Town Commissioners of Queenstown (the "town") authorizing the issuance, upon the full faith and credit of the town, of (i) a general obligation installment bond in the principal amount not to exceed one million eight hundred twenty-eight thousand dollars ($1,828,000) to be designated "the town commissioners of Queenstown general obligation bond (water system improvement)" (the "bond"), with such other designation or modified designation as authorized by

the town, and (ii) a general obligation note in the maximum principal amount not to exceed one million eight hundred twenty-eight thousand dollars ($1,828,000) to be designated "the town commissioners of Queenstown general obligation note (water system improvement)" (the "note") with such other designation or modified designation as authorized by the town, each under the authority of 19-207 and 19-301, et seq. Of the local government article of the annotated code of Maryland (2013 replacement

volume, as amended) (the "enabling act") and section 19-46 of the charter of the town (the "charter"); the net proceeds of the sale of the bond and the note, respectively, will be used and applied for the public purpose of financing and refinancing the costs of the refurbishment of the existing 50,000 gallon elevated tank located on wall street, the installation of a new 100,000 gallon ground storage tank, the construction

of a new four inch well into the Mattawan aquifer and a new water treatment facility, and the replacement of undersized and/or defective watermains to meet the provisions of the 10 states standards to all areas within the town service area, and the extension of new water mains to new areas, together with the acquisition of all necessary property rights and equipment, together with any related construction,

architectural, financial, fiscal, legal, design, planning and engineering expenses; prescribing the form and tenor of the bond and the note and the terms and conditions for the issuance and sale of the bond and the note; providing for the levy and collection of any taxes necessary for the prompt payment of the maturing principal of and interest on the bond and the note and that the full faith and credit and taxing power of the

town be irrevocably and unconditionally pledged to the payment of the principal and interest on the bond and the note.

PTJBLIC COMMENTS

o Lori Sharer - Asked for generalization of what the ordinance does. Pres. Hardee stated that the ordinance allows the Town to proceed with a water system improvements project to include refurbishment of the Wall St. water tower, installation of a new in-ground water storage tank, installing new water lines, installing a new well, etc.

There bbeeiinngs nnoo ffuurrtthheerr opuubblliicc ccoomnrmmeennt t-, CCaallllaahhoa.nn mmoottiioonn ttoo aclloo.ssee tthhee pnuu.bhll.iicc hheeaa.rriinngs aa.tt 6 6: ' II II pnmm.. WWii.lIlliiss

REGI]LAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:11 PM I

GTIESTS

.

Patrick Belzner - RE: Property discussion 6915 Main St.

Continued discussion regarding the Town's potential purchase of property located at 6915 Main St. Pres. Hardee stated that if sub-divided into 3 lots as previously discussedo only 2 of the lots at the property would be considered buildable, which Mr. Belzer agreed. As the Town is interested in the back 2 lots, of which only I lot is considered buildable, the Town believes an offer of $200,000 for the back 2 lots of the property is a fair offer. After considering the offer, Mr.

Belzner expressed agreemant with the offer of $200,000 for the 2 back lots of the property. Both Mr. Belzner and the Town agreed that the 2 lots in question could rernain as one lot meaning the property would only be divided into 2 lots total with the section the Town would purchase being one lot. The Commissioners also informed Mr. Belzner that they would be requiring the previously made W/S line agreement with Dudley Dixon to be honored before the transfer of the

property to Mr. Belzner. Ms. Ryan stated that she would draft an agreement for the purchase of the property between the Town and Mr. Belzner.

o Bob Rauch, Town Engineer - RE: Water/Sewer Rate Study Update Mr. Rauch stated that the rate study was more complex than initially anticipated and therefore, was not ready for an update to the Commissioners yet. Should have something to report by the next meeting. Stated that he met with George Frigon regarding the pressrue/dirty water issues in Queenstown Harbor. Still believes looping the lines will help with the water quahty issues. Stated

more testing to be done next week- testing of the water so far has shown nothing outside of EPA acceptable limits for drinking water.

PUBLIC WORKS

o Queenstown Harbor water quality/pressure update provided by Brian Fitzgerald (Rauch, Inc.).

Recommends certain water testing and flushing procedures including testing for chlorine at the entrance and end of Harbor La. lines, flushing the end hydrant on the main line, and testing pressures off of homeowners' water fixtures. Believes the pressure issues may be on the homeowners' side as the Town is supplying adequate water pressure in the mains- over minimum regulations.

PLAI\NING COMMISSION (no updates)

FINAI\CE COMMITTEE

.

Chair Pat Bowell will be attending LGIT renewal workshop in Salisbury on 3/27.

.

Ms. Bowell will also be attending the County Tax Offset meeting in Centreville on 4/8.

CODE ENF'ORCEMENT/HARBORMASTER

o Checked Del Rhodes property that was brought to Town's attention a few meetings ago. Found to be in compliance with property maintenance code- only possible issue noticed was the read deck may need repairs but couldn't see much of it without entering the propertylsurrounding properties.

EVENTS COMMITTEE

.

Easter Egg Hunt Event scheduled for 4/5- still looking for Easter Bunny volunteer.

TOWI\ CLERI(

,^ l.

Treasurersffinance Report .

General Fund 5183,247.32 Water/Sewer Fund 849,219.62 ARPA Fund $591 ,887.37 2.

Minutes o March t2,2025 (Regular Meeting) Willis motion to approve as written. Callahan second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nay.

3. Correspondence/Requests/Info - Sent and Received (nothing to report)

TOWI\ MAI..{AGER UPDATE S

Complaint from resident at 212 Olde Point La. Trash blowing into their back yard from Royal Farms lot ongoing issue- provided pictues. Feels having the business erect a fence would help keep trash from blowing onto their property. Commissioners acknowledge this is an ongoing issue. Options for enforcement of the trash issue are limited but will have Ms. Ryan look into what options the Town has to deal with repeated trash violations by a property.

I{81236 (bill in the Maryland House that would allow QAC municipalities to set speed limits on state roads within the municipality to lower than 25 mph) has moved to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee this week.

OLD BUSINESS ITEMS

INFRASTRUCTURE

1. I&IProject (no updates)

2. New Water Tower & lnfrastructure Project

a.

Interim Financing b.

Bond Counsel ORDINAI\CE 25-01 - AN ORDINANCE of the Town Commissioners of Queenstown (the "town") authonzing the issuance, upon the full faith and credit of the town, of (i) a general obligation installment bond in the principal amount not to exceed one million eight hundred twenty-eight thousand dollars ($ 1,828,000) to be designated "the town commissioners of Queenstown general obligation bond (water system improvement)"

(the "bond"), with such other designation or modified designation as authorized by the town, and (ii) a general obligation note in the maximum principal amount not to exceed :;[Ti*""'::-#S*:x,1r',il::l:,ffi 'T*:;T":,11,:.13:''13]"'*",1,13:':ff :* improvement)" (the "note") with such other designation or modified designation as authorized by the town, each under the authority of 19-207 and 19-301, et seq. Of the

local government article of the annotated code of Maryland (2013 replacement volume, as amended) (the "enabling act") and section 19-46 of the charter of the town (the "charter"); the net proceeds of the sale of the bond and the noten respectively, will be used and applied for the public purpose of financing and refinancing the costs of the refurbishment of the existing 50,000 gallon elevated tank located on wall street, the

installation of a new 100,000 gallon ground storage tank, the construction of a new four inch well into the Mattawan aquifer and a new water treatment facility, and the replacement of undersized and/or defective watermains to meet the provisions of the l0 states standards to all areas within the town service area, and the extension of new water Axl?'"3JT#::i';",in*ffi r,'i#:tr$H1,ff,:l"xHff :;i"ilfi :[::r,J:i'ffi I

design, planning and engineering expenses; prescribing the form and tenor of the bond and the note and the terms and conditions for the issuance and sale of the bond and the J*i'*lx??il:niilgfJljl:::n:ir,rff H";;:?,tkmmnrxn :tfr and credit and taxing power of the town be irrevocably and unconditionally pledged to the payment of the principal and interest on the bond and the note. (eligiblefor adoption)

Callahan motion to adopt Ordinance 25-01. Willis second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nay.

3.

Solar (no updates)

MARINE PROJECTS

1.

Federal Charurel Dredging Town Consultant and MDE currently working to determine the best location at Eastern Neck Island to dispose of dredge materials.

POLICY

1.

Water/Sewer Connections Code - Proposed Clarifications & Revisions Ms. Moore has started reviewing.

2.

Road and Sidewalk Standards Revised copies provided at last meeting reflecting requested changes. Commissioners agree to schedule a work session to discuss further before making a decision.

3.

Water/Sewer Rate Study (discussed earlier in meeting by Rauch)

4. ORDINAIICE NO. 25.02 . AN ORDINA}ICE OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF

QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND ARTICLES VI AND VII OF THE QUEENSTOWN

ZONING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT MANUFACTURED HOMES AND MODULAR

DWELLINGS IN ZONING DISTRICTS THAT PERMIT SINGLE.FAMILY DWELLINGS

AND BY ADDING SECTION 90.1 THERETO, TO PERMIT QUALIFIED PROJECTS

(e ligib I e fo r introducti o n) Commissioners agree they will not be introducing the ordinance and to remove from the agenda.

5. ORDINAI\CE NO. 25-03 - AN ORDINAITCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN TO

AMEND ARTICLE II AND ARTICLE IV PART III OF THE QUEENSTOWN ZONING

ORDTNANCE TITLED, "CRITICAL AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT'' TO COMPLY WITH

RECENT LEGISLATION (public hearing scheduled fo, 4/23/2 5)

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

l.

Wheatland's Project Revised phasing plan reviewed by Plaruring Commission 2.

6915 Main Street (disanssed earlier in meeting by Patrick Belzner)

NEW BUSINESS

Pres. Hardee inquired about the alarm system for the Town Office building. Ms. Moore confirmed it is active and working correctly. Also inquired about Town protection from cyber threats, Ms. Moore stated the town works with an I.T. company to address cyber threat concerns.

ATTORNEY TTPDATES

Ms. Ryan will look into items discussed tonight including Royal Farms trash issues, Town cyber security policies, Wheatlands PWA, and drafting an agreement between the Town and Mr. Belzner for 6915 Main Street.

PT]BLIC COMMBNT

o Lori Sharer Noticing trash throughout town in ditches, by the boardwalk area, etc. How can the town address?

Commissioners informed property maintenance code addresses trash on private properties. Sends notices to property owners as issues come up. Hard to control trash blowing/ending up in ditches and other areas. Suggestion of residents organizing a volunteer resident trash clean-up day? Also asked if the "Ped Xing" letters on Main Street can be fixed as they have come off somewhat. Ms.

Moore will reach out to SHA to see if they can repair them.

There being no firrther business, Willis motion to adjourn the meeting. Callahan second. VOTE: 3 alte - 0 nav.

Resp;ry$rlly sr i%,/fu I6ron Horney Town Clerk

TOWN OF QTIEENSTOWN

CLOSED MEETING/EXECUTIVE SESSION RECORI)

A public body that meets in closed session may not discuss or act on any matter not permitted under the Maryland Statute summarized below. The public meeting law does not apply to executive functions, quasi judicial functions, or chance encounters or social meetings.

(1)

DATE AND TIME OF PROPOSED CLOSED MEETING OR EXECUTTVE

SESSION:

(2) LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR CLOSING PUBLIC MEETING OR GOING TNTO

EXECUTIVE SESSION (circle the section of the law which authorizes the closed session):

Open Meetings Act, Maryland Code Annotated, State Government Article, $ 10- 508(a), 2004 Repl. Vol.

(l) discuss:

(i) theappointment,employment,assignment,promotion,discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; or (ii) any other personnel matter that affects I or more specific individuals;

(2) protect the privacy or reputation of individuals with respect to a matter

that is not related to public business;

(3) consider the acquisition of real property for'a public purpose and matters

directly related thereto ;

(4) consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial

organization to locate, expand, or rernain in the State;

(5) consider the investment of public funds;

(6) consider the marketing of public securities;

consult with counsel to obtain legal advice;

consult with staff, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation;

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

( 10) discuss public security, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to the public security, including;

(i) the deployment of fire and police services and staff; and (ii) the development and implementation of emergency plans;

(11) prepare, administer, or grade a scholastic, licensing, or qualifying examination;

(12) conduct or discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct;

(13) comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicially imposed

requirement that prevents public disclosures about a particular proceeding or matter; or (14) before a contract is awarded or bids are opened, discuss a matter directiy if related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal, public discussion or disclosure would adversely impact the ability of the public body to participate in the competitive bidding or proposal process.

(3) TOWN BOARD, AGENCY, OR COMMISSION PROPOSING CLOSED OR

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

(lr{ame of Board, Agency, Commission, or Committee) (4)

TDENTIFY TOPIC(S) PROPOSED F'OR DISCUSSION IN CLOSED SESSION:

(s) MEMBERS OF BOARD, AGENCY, COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE

PRESENT AT PUBI,IC MEETII{G AT WHICH CLOSED SESSION

REQTJESTED:

Name Vote on Closure ,"t*t"(ry[,u;"J:l @"tainst @*ainst For/Against For/Against \K:tO

(6) TIME CI,OSED SESSION CONVENED: {trn

$tcsOn

TIME CLOSED SESSION CONCLUDED:

(7) PERSONS PRESENT AT CLOSED SESSION:

(8) PLACE CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD:

(e) PURPOSE OF AND TOPICS DISCUSSED AT CLOSED SESSION:

(10)

SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT CLOSED SESSION, IIT ANY:

CERT ICATE OF PRESIDING OFFICER

I hereby certify that I am the presiding officer of 0l tt€llfrlDt,t5[,\ 0t)W,ttA ., public board, agency, commission, committee, or other public body oJ thp, Town of affTjt:X, I turther certify that by a majority,vote on the d{f da1 Y1r1,l2ng 9f the aforesaid agency, board, committee, or commission voted to hold a closed meeting for the purposes, and to discuss the topics, set forth above, and that

no other topics were discussed, and that the foregoing is a true record of the closed meeting described herein. The Clerk or Secretary is directed to maintain this document as a public record of the Town of Queenstown, and to append the same to the minutes of ' the next pubtic meeting of the aforesaid agency, board, committee, or commission.

QnM Title