Town Commissioners Minutes — 2025-09-10
Minutes September 10, 2025 · 2 page(s)
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The Queenstown Commissioners met September 10, 2025 (4:00–4:52 PM) and discussed public works, planning, infrastructure, events, and development updates. Public Works reported short membrane life at the plant; the membrane supplier will review inspection reports and offered an on-site visit, JC Warner recommended two 2.5-ton ductless wall units to replace the problematic NC unit, and staff are researching tree-trimming requirements used by nearby towns. The Planning Commission recommended a zoning ordinance amendment to comply with the Maryland Brighter Tomorrow Act (including using Solar APP+ or similar permitting software) and the town attorney drafted an ordinance for review. Finance and code enforcement had no updates; the Town Clerk reported funds of General $131,966.67, W/S $44,179.90, and ARPA $592,185.81; the August 13 minutes were approved 3-0. Major infrastructure discussion focused on the Wheatlands water/tank project: Richmond American presented two management/funding options (developer-managed with estimated reimbursement $4,031,700 but a full-scope quote of $5,310,000, or a reduced Rt.50 crossing/pump scope at $1,675,500) and an alternative where developers fund $4,031,700 into escrow for the town to manage construction in exchange for allocation assurances for 198 lots. Other items: federal channel dredging will be on public notice 9/15–10/15 (town has $1.5M in grants and staff are applying to DNR), Comegys Lane received a rubber speed bump and commissioners approved installing a second, solar was removed from the agenda, and staff are evaluating electric service to enable cameras/lights at the plant/ramp area. The meeting adjourned on a 3-0 vote.
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QUEENSTOWN COMMISSIONERS September 1012025 PRESENT: President Al Hardee, Commissioners Tom Willis & Bryon Callahan, Town Manager Amy Moore, Town Clerk Aaron Horney, Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 4:OO PM PUBLIC WORKS o Supplier of membranes (MMBR) advised that the 2-3 yr.life span town experienced with membranes is very short. Ragging/splitting indicates issues with screen/grit removal likely. Should be rectified or can cause issues with new membranes as well. Will review copy of M+H inspection reports and offered to visit on-site to look at everything. Following review will schedule meeting including Susquehanna owner Geroge Smith. o Met with Kenney at JC Warner about possibly replacing current NC unit at plant with something different next time it fails as it has continuous issues. Current system has been repaired. He recommends 2 wall-mounted 2.5 toncommercial ductless systems. o Researching what other towns requirements are for tree maintenance- Centreville and Church Hill require owners to trim trees encroaching into streets/sidewalks. Chestertown trims trees themselves following notifications to owners. Still looking into other towns. PLANNING COMMISSION o Recommends ZO amendment to comply with MD Brighter Tomorrow Act requirements including that counties/municipalities adopt Solar APP+ or similar pennitting software. Ordinance for possible introduction drafted by Ms. Ryan for review. FINANCE COMMITTEE (no updates) CODE ENFORCEMENT/HARBORMASTER (no update s) EVENTS COMMITTEE o Fall event to coincide with QVFD Auxiliary event on Sat. October I l. o Tree lighting will be Sat. December 6- considered Thanksgiving weekend but Auxiliary already had plans for cookie walk and Santa reserved on 1216. Tree reserved. Will have same singer as previous years as well. TOWN CLERK 1. TreasurerslFinance Report o General Fund $l3l ,966.67 W/S Fund $44,17990 ARPA Fund $592,185.81 2. Minutes o August 13,2025 (Regular Meeting) Willis motion to aporove as written. Callahan second. VOTE: 3 qte - 0 nay. 3. Correspondence/Requests/Info - Sent and Received o Rubber speed bnmp installed on Comegys Lane. Resident George Bucker informed most residents of Comegys ok with bnmp- requested another further up to split area of road between b.tmp and end of road. Commissioners ok- will install second bump. TOWI\ MANAGER UPDATES o Have begun reviewing applicants for PW position advertised on Indeed and website. OLD BUSINESS ITEMS INFRASTRUCTURB 1. I&IProject Waiting on start date from contractor- will contact for update. 2. Water Tank & Infrastructure Project Ms. Ryan discussed options for funding proposed by developer. Option 1: Richmond American manages the work. Richmond American Homes manages the Wheatlands portion of the water improvement project, including the Rt. 50 water line crossing, pump/tank, well, and Friels Rd water main. They would then be reimbursed through allocation and impact fees- calculated total reimbursement at $4,031,700. They prefer to work with Gaines and Company as the site contractor since they will be doing all of the other work at Wheatlands for them. However, their quote for the full scope is $5,310,000, which is more than the reimbursement amount and wouldn't be financially viable. Option I B: They could revise the scope to include only the Rt. 50 water line crossing and pump/tank. Revised scope is estimated at $1,675,500, which is well below the reimbursement amount- might be a viable solution if the town and their engineer agree. Option 2: Town Manages the Work via Escrow. Richmond American Homes and WFLP would fund the full reimbursement amount of $4,031,700 into an independent escrow account. The town could then use these funds to complete the entire water improvement scope. In exchange for funding, would need assurance from the town that all water and sewer allocations would be available for the 198 lots. Under this option, the town would have direct control over the construction and the certainty that funds are available to complete the work. J. Solar (no updates- not interested in pursuing at this time- remove from agenda) 4. Queenstown Harbor Water Issues Ongoing- reports are being reviewed. MARINE PROJECTS l. Federal Channel Dredging Project to be placed on public notice by MDE from 9ll5 to 10/15. Town has $1.5M in grants for dredging- Ms. Moore working on application with DNR for new grant period. POLICY l. Water/Sewer Connections Code - Proposed Clarifications & Revisions (no updates) 2. Water/Sewer Rate Study (no updates) DBVELOPMENT PROJECTS 1. Wheatland's Project (discussed above) a. Cost estimates for bonding On hold for now. NEW BUSINESS o Commissioners wish to review information on Brighter Tomorrow Act prior to introducing ordinance regarding ZO amendments recommended by Planning Commission. ATTORNBY UPDATES (no updates) PUBLIC COMMENT o Di Quynn-Reno - Any update on discussion last meeting of cameras/lights at plant/ramp areas? Ms. Moore stated she has contacted R&D Electric about possibility of installing electric service to a pole in the area to supply power for any new cameras/lights. Once determined if possible, will look into purchase/installation of cameras/lights. There being no further business, Callahan motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:52 pm. Willis second. VOTE: 3 alte - 0 na)). Horney Town Clerk