Town Commissioners Minutes — 2024-04-24

QUEENSTOWI\ COMMTSSTONERS

April 24,2024

6:00 PM

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 5:30 PM

The purpose of the special meeting was to enter a closed session to obtain legal advice related to Town infrastructure.

Hardee motion to enter a closed session to obtain legal advice at 5:30pm. Willis second. VOTE: 3 alte - 0 nay.

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 discuss legal advice related to Town infrastructure.

i.on at 5:59 om. Call, o close the soecial mee

PITBLIC HEARING CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:05 PM

ORDINANCE NO. 24-02 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND

ARTICLES II, IV, VI, AND VII OF THE QUEENSTOWN ZONING ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH

REASONABLE ZONING REGULATIONS FOR CANNABIS BUSINESSES

PIJBLIC COMMENTS

Pete Robertson - Suggests map be provided showing areas related to cannabis zoning as would be helpful to the public. Commissioners stated a map would be developed and would be available to the public following adoption of ordinance. Mr. Roberson asked for clarification on definition of 'consumption' as stated in ordinance section 4(G)- includes topical products or no? Ms. Ryan stated

section 4(G)

provides sufficient definition of consumption establishments and topical products are not considered to be consumption.

Following no further comments, Hardee motion to close the public hearing at 6:25pm. Callahan second.

fOfg: Saye-0nay.

REGTJLAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:25 PM

PTJBLIC WORIG

o Effluent totalizer stopped working- to be repaired. MDE requires it to work properly. Was last calibrated 413124.

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Hydrant flushing scheduled for tomorrow.

.

Requested reimbursement from Comcast for lateral repair costs on Wick Ct. Accutrench adamant work was done to Ms. Utility standards. Agreed to pay 50% of costs ($2,850). Town put Comcast on notice of current flow issues at plant and possible cause. They will start pulling locate tickets for rest of lines and will pull manholes to check for sediment in lines. Will isolate areas if found and advise. Informed that Town will be conducting smoke testing- asked if Town considered

running cameras.

PLAI\NING COMMISSION (no updates) SAFETY & SPEEDING TASK FORCE (no updates)

FINAI{CE COMMITTEE

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Finance Chair Pat Bowell stated property insurance costs expected to increase 8olo next fiscal year.

o Suggested increase number of employees who are bonded including Town Clerk- Commissioners agree.

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Attended County tax offset meeting- County approved $7,500 for Town fireworks.

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Working on request for USDA spreadsheet work.

C ODE ENFORCEMENT/HARBORMASTBR

o Letters sent out for grass, trailer parking violations.

EVENTS COMMITTEE

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Currently working on budget for FY25.

o Request from Virginia Lewis of QVFD Ladies Auxiliary for $100 donation towards purchase of pnze at upcoming purse/basket bingo fundraiser. Willis motion to approve donation of $100 towardsfundraiser. Hardee second. YOTE: 2 aye - 0 nay. (Callahan abstainedfrom vote as he is affiliated with the OWD..I

TOWI\ CLERK

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Treasurers/FinanceReport o General Fund $111,809.06 / W-S Fund S25,569.11 / ARPA Fund $642,436.22 .

Recently transferred $53,321.07 from Town COD into W-S Fund.

2. Minutes

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April 9,2024 (Regular meeting) Callahan motion to accept as written. Willis second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nalt.

3. Correspondence/Requests/lnfo - Sent and Received

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BOA Alternate member Erin Hogan willing to assume role as full member of Board following vacancy left by passing of BOA member Chris Dummond. Commissioners agree to Ms. Hogan becoming full member. Will begin soliciting for interested residents to fill BOA Alternate position.

TOWi\ MAIIAGER T]PDATES PROPOSED ORDINAI\CE 24-03 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QLjEENSTOWN

TO AMEND SECTION 3.5 OF THE QUEENSTOWN CODE TO PROHIBIT THE PARKING

OF COMMERCIAL TRUCKS AND TRAILERS FOR MORE THAN TWO HOURS ON THE

STREETS OF THE TOWN. (eligible for introduction) Hardee motion to introduce Ordinance 24-03. Callahan second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nalt. Public hearing will be scheduled for May 22 at 6pm.

Talkie PWA ready for signature. Signed by Pres. Hardee. Permit to be issued. Talkie to stake out areas of work in ROW and schedule pre-construction meeting with Rauch.

Met with Sunrise Solar reps regarding solar power for plant, etc. Believe they can bundle us with other towns- panel can be off-site and would be procured by them. They will review our current electric costs and advise.

o Town Manager/Town Clerk attending Boy Scout's Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Caden Quirion this Saturday.

o Received complaints from a few residents regarding amount of times Comcast reps have visited certain residences. Per sales manager, usually 2 attempts are made. Assignments overlapped so possible attempts were made by 2 different salespersons- not common. Apologized for the mistake.

OLD BUSINESS

INFRASTRUCTI.JRE

1. I&IProject

Pre-bid meeting held today. 15 companies obtained plans. 7 attended meeting. Bids due by 5117.

2. New Water Tower & Infrastructure Project

Met with USDA to discuss outstanding items for project and Congressional Direct Spending application. Ms. Ryan working on CDS application- as CDS funds must be obligated by 6120, she suggests applying no later than end of May.

3.

Membrane Clean - Valve Automation Control panel for project delivered last week.

4.

Lead Service Line Inventory Project Waiting on review from MDE and clearinghouse. MDE have requested an estimate of construction cost of LSL replacement project- would be phase that comes after inventory phase. Rauch to provide requested information.

MARINE PROJECTS

1.

Federal Channel Dredging Isaac WildinglDNR has reviewed report and concept plans for Queenstown Creek dredging and shoreline placement areas. Will meet at May 8 meeting to discuss options.

POLICY

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I Water/Sewer Connections Code - Proposed Clarifications & Revisi ons (no updates) 2.

Road And Sidewalk Standards Worksession planned for tonight was cancelled- will reschedule for future date.

3.

Cannabis - Proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment

ORDINANCE NO. 24-02 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN TO

AMEND ARTICLES II, IV, VI, AND VII OF THE QUEENSTOWN ZONING

ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH REASONABLE ZONING REGULATIONS FOR

CANNABIS BUSINESSES (eligible for adoption) Ms. Ryan discussed draft revisions to ordinance text for consideration following potential adoption of Maryland House Bill 805- revisions address certain buffer zones permitted under Bill 805. Following discussion, Callahan motion to adopt Ordinance 24-02 without revisions.

Hardee second. VOTE: 3 a))e - 0 na)).

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

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Wheatland's Project a. DRRA & PWA

ORDINANCE NO. 24-OI AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF

QUEENSTOWN APPROVING AND ADOPTING A DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AND

RESPONSIBILITIES AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWN

COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN AND WATERMAN FAMILY LIMITED

PARTNERSHIP, PURSUANT TO THE QUEENSTOWN TOWN CODE. (pending revisions) o Rauch has completed review of Wheatlands construction drawings- Plans meet compliance of Town Code and obtain necessary Planning Commission approvals for items not in compliance. Recommends final approval of construction drawings by the Planning Commission.

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Barry Waterman advised he can meet on-site with Commissioners to see areas for Town Lot, Trailer Lot, and buffer area. Will schedule meeting for 5/1 at 3:30pm.

NEW BUSINESS (ro updates) ATTORNEY UPDATES (no updates)

PT]BLIC COMMENT

Lane Cole - Commented on Finance Chair Pat Bowell- should be commended as she does a great job for the Town.

There being no further business, Hardee motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:03pm. Willis second. VOTE:

3alte-0nalt.

lly su \ TOm[ OF OITEENSTOWN

CLOSED MEETINGIEXECUTI\M SESSION RECORI)

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

(1) DATE AND TrME OF PROPOSED CLOSED MEETING OR DGCUTTVE

SESSION:

q\aqIoua\ Date: Time: 5130

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

E)GCUTWE 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.

(1) discuss:

(i) theappointnent,employment,assignment,promotion,discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jr:risdiction; or (iD any other personnel matter that affects 1 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

otgarrtzation to locate, expand, or remain in the State;

(5) consider the investment of public funds;

(6) consider the marketing of public securities;

@ consult with counsel to obtain legal advice;

(8) consult with stafl or other individua]s 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 deplopent 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 particula^r proceeding or matter; or (14) before a contact 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 disclosrne 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

DGCUTIVE SESSION:

n LOIWA\SS\oNWS (Name of Board, Agency, Commission, or Committee) (4) TDENTTFY TOprC(S) PROPOSED FOR DTSCUSSION IN CLOSED SESSION:

(5)

MEMBERS OF BOARD, AGENCY, COMMISSION, OR COMMTTEE

PRESENT AT PUBLIC MEETING AT WHICH CLOSED SESSION

REQUESTED:

Narne Vote on Closr:re (circle correct vote) Ttv,n \,vt\\f r. @esainst \ R \\avd,e e @o*ainst n Kvr \ CAL\r,vran @.uainst For/Against For/Against 5t3o

(6) TIME CLOSED SESSION CONVENED:

5'.5q

TIME CLOSED SESSION CONCLUDED:

(7) PERSONS PRESENT AT CLOSED SESSION:

F\

Ttthn U..rt\tis, Hrvdee , Brt\on ?r,.\ Cf^,

(8) PLACE CLOSED OR E)GCUTIVE SESSION FIELD:

lcwn otfic,

(e) PURPOSE OF A}{D TOPICS DISCUSSED AT CLOSED SESSION:

(10) SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY:

ntJnq_

CERTIFICATE OF PRESIDING OFFICER

I hereby certify that I am the presiding officer of 0AnnVrtiStSVtCrI , public board, agency, commission, committee, or othei public body o! the Town of Queenstown, Hrfaryfana. I further certiff that by a majority vote on the &qh day of , the aforesaid agency, board, committee, or commission voted to n J"losed 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 apublic record of the Town of Queenstown, and to appendthe same to the minutes of the next public meeting of the aforesaid 4gency, board, committee, or commission.

q\aq\coaq Date Signature Printed Name Prt-s\C@nt Title