Town Commissioners Minutes — 2023-10-10

Exactly as extracted, unformatted — for checking against the original. The readable version is easier to read.

QUEENSTOWI\ COMMISSIONERS
October 10, 2023
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:O3PM
GUESTS
o
Robert Rauch and Jimi Harrison, Town Engineer/Rauch, Inc.
l. Mr. Rauch and Mr. Harrison were present via Zoom to discuss the recent bids
received for the membrane clean valve automation project. The modifications for this
project will reduce the operator's physical requirements, improve reliability, and
incorporate recordkeeping of each event. This project was brought to the Town by
George Smith and George Frigon, originally due to the membrane failure issue that
occurred in 2022. The town has purchased the valve electrical actuators and stem
extensions for this project at a cost of $8905.50. Engineering estimates of over ayear
ago were $35,930. Recent bids received ranged from $87,851 - $99,697. Current
bidding environment is very unpredictable and feel prices are higher than they should
be. Looking closely at the line items to see if there are ways to reduce costs to Town.
Mr. Harrison will contact and have bid review session with all three contractors and
report back.
2. Amy Moore and Lyndsey Ryan advised Mr. Rauch of the Commissioners intent to
revise the existing Road Design & Construction Standards and asked if he could
provide any guidance. Mr. Rauch will review the design standards and provide the
Commissioners with recommended amendments, or with a more current road design
standard from another jurisdiction.
PUBLIC WORKS
Ms. Moore obtained three quotes for the removal of 5 trees in the Queenstown Village
development. Quotes received: Davey Tree Experts - $7,015; Lee's Tree Service -
$4,000, and Integrity Tree Service - $3,250 . Hardee motion to approve quote from
Integrity Tree service. callahan second. vorE: 3 aye - 0 nay.
The issue with the Speed Feedback Sign has been resolved and the battery has been
returned to the Town. Employees will attempt to get installed within the week.
Experienced problem with ignition in the dump truck. Truck would not shut off.
Employees took to Farber's for repair. The tailgate modification was originally
scheduled for this week and will be rescheduled for next week.
PLANNING COMMISSION
o
Ms. Moore reported that the Planning Commission approved to grant final approval of
the Wheatland's major subdivision, subject to the following conditions: 1) applicant
needs to satisfactorily address the comments on the plat of the major subdivision and
construction drawings cited by Town Planner and those of the consulting engineer; 2)
applicant executes a Public Works Agreement (PWA) and a Developers Rights and
Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA) with the Town Commissioners; and 3) applicant
posts any bond with surety, an irrevocable letter of credit, or any other form of acceptable
security required by the Town Commissioners to secure the construction of the required
improvements and post all required documents.
o
QA County Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a Pedestrian and Bicycle
Master Plan Public Open House on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30

p.m. This will be an opportunity for the public to engage, ask questions, and offer input
regarding the proposed Master Plan. Members of the Queenstown Planning Commission
plan to attend.
SAFETY & SPEEDING TASK FORCE
o
We have not received any updates from SHA on our requested improvements.
o
Benches for downtown area should arrive this week.
FINAI\CE COMMITTEE (no updates)
CODE ENFORCEMENT/IIARBORMASTER (no updates)
EVENTS COMMITTEE
o Fall/Halloween parade scheduled for Saturday, October 28th at 1 p.m.; rain date Sunday,
October 29th at 1 p.m.
TOWI\ CLERI(
L. Treasurers/Finance RePort
General Fund $354,013.25 / Water-Sewer Fund $84,707.36 IARPA Fund $660,350.07
2. Minutes
o
Septemb er 12,2023 (Regular meeting)
Willis motion to approve as written. Hardee second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nay.
3. Correspondence/Requests/Info - Sent and Received
o Looked into the Constant Contact email and text alert system. Prices for up to 500
contacts for low amount of texts and emails sent out per month would run around$22 per
month. Sue Donaldson, resident, stated that she works with these types of operations and
suggested that WordPress, what we currently use for website, could possibly be used for
this purpose. She volunteered to work with Town and look into it.
TOW]\ MANAGER UPDATES
o Caden euirion, the Boy Scout who recently completed the Eagle Scout project of
installing marine safety stations at the Town docks and ramp, has fund remaining and
will donate a portion to the Town for the purchase of new regulatory signs for the docks
and the conurunity park. Signs total approximately $ 1,000 and have been ordered.
OLD BUSINESS
INFRASTRUCTURE
1. I & I Project (tabled until early spring 2024)
2. New Water Tower & Infrastructure Project (no updates)
3. Wall St. Water Line Replacement/Paving
Paving scheduled for late octoberleatly November
MARINE PROJECTS
1. Boat RamP ImProvements
permitting pup"t*ork has begun. Town Manager will sign when completed so it can
be filed with MDE. Work on walkway tentatively scheduled for spring 2024.
2. Town Dock Projects
plumbing work has begun. Removed old hydrant and found to be leaking. Existing
line is tA' andbecausqof length, should be a l" line. That could be contributing to
low pressure. New 1" line would add an additional $3,000-$5,000 to project due to
underground boring and new line. As line has always been 3/t", will do the work as
specified and by replacing hydrant it should improve the pressure.

3.
Federal Channel Dredging
Bayland still working on study.
POLICY
1. Water/Sewer Connections Code - Proposed Clarifications & Revisions
(no update)
2.
Road And Sidewalk Standards (update above)
3.
Franchise Agreements
a. Breezeline (Atlantic Broadband) Renewal/Options
Public hearing is scheduled for October 25,2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Talkie Communications - need to determine if they are planning to offer TV
services. If so, will need a franchise agreement with them as well.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
1,. Wheatland's Project
Mr. Waterman advised at October 4, 2023 Planning meeting that he anticipates
submitting the DRRA to the Town in the next couple of weeks.
NEW BUSINESS (none)
ATTORNEY UPDATES
Ms. Ryan provided information on the Affirmative Further Fair Housing (AFFH) act that the
Town will need to implement when next updating the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning
Ordinance.
PUBLIC COMMENT (none)
There being no further business, Hardee motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:04pm. Willis second.
VOTE:3alte-0naL
Horney
Town Clerk