Town Commissioners Minutes — 2022-10-11

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

QUEENSTOWN COMMTSSTONERS
October 11,2022
PRESENT: President Al Hardee, Commissioner Tom Willis, Commissioner Bryon Callahan, Town
Manager Amy Moore, Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan
REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 4:OO PM
GUESTS
Wayne Gardner - representing the QVFD
Mr. Gardner was present to inform the Commissioners of the fire departments plan to purchase 2.5 acres
of land from the Dudley Family on Rt. 18 for the purpose of building a new firehouse. They anticipate
owning the property within 60 days. The survey has been completed and plat for minor subdivision is
ready to submit to the Planning Commission at their November meeting. Plans for a building and
facilities have not been drafted, however, the initial concept is an approximate 21,000 sq. ft. building,
with a pad in the front and back for driving equipment through, and 45 parking spaces.
Andre DeMattia and Andrew DeMattia - Talkie Communications
Owners of Talkie Communications were present to give an overview of their fiber optics options and
when it would be available to Queenstown residents. Talkie fiber optics was started in 2018. They are
currently installing on Kent Island. A cabinet has been installed at Sportsman's Neck, with
infrastructure being built now in preparation of coming to Queenstown in the next l-2 years. Fiber
optics would all be underground. They anticipate being ready to offer TV service to their customers by
the end of 2022, or early 2023. They currently offer a3-year rate guarantee to their customers. Areas
with fiber optics can expect house values to be approximately $4,000-$5,000 more than homes without
it. In addition to increased home values, there is an economic value for businesses, as well as franchise
fees and personal property tax revenues for the Town. In some instances, ARPA frrnds can be used to
bring broadband to certain areas. Talkie would match any funds expended. They will keep us informed
on their progress.
Gerry Young - 228 Olde Point Lane
Mr. Young presented a letter and pictures with ongoing concerns regarding the cement drain adjacent to
his property. During heavy rains there is a backup of rainwater that floods the cul-de-sac and the
common areas connecting his and his neighbor, Bill Benton's, properties. This is usually due to the
number of leaves that covers the drain grate. The town had modified the grate a couple years ago to
allow the leaves to pass through, but it hasn't worked well. Mr. Young provided a suggestion to remedy
the situation by replacing the existing cement drain with one that is deeper, which would allow the water
to drain, carrying the leaves and water, under the leading edge of the grate. In order to protect anyone
walking along the grate, he recommended the grate be extended out to the apron at the cul-de-sac. He
stated the back side of the pipe also needs to be addressed at it gets overgrown slowing down the water.
The Commissioners acknowledged there has been an ongoing problem there and agreed to take a look at
the area and discuss Mr. Young's recommendation, along with other possible solutions.
PUBLIC WORKS -
o
Quote received from Parkson in amount of $10,085 for four new 2-millimeter rotary screen
panels to replace the existing 3-millimeter panels on the raw influent screen. Quote received
from Susquehanna in amount of $2,340 for labor to remove old panels and install new ones.
possible,.for the nroject. Second Willis. Vote-3 ave-| nav. Will confrrm that Parkson is sole
source for panels before ordering.

PLAI{NING -
o
Planning Commission has made recommendations for commercial and oversized vehicle
parking. Commissioners to review and discuss at next meeting.
FINANCE COMMITTEE - No update
HARBORMASTER - No update
TOWN CLERK - Amy Moore (in absence of Town Clerk Aaron Horney)
o
Minutes
o
September 28, 2022- Regular Meeting - Tabled
OLD BUSINESS
Infrastructure -
o
Old Wharf Lane stormwater - Bob Rauch working on RFp
o
wall St. water line - Lyndsey Ryan and Amy Moore will draft RFp
Marine Projects -
o
President Hardee suggested the Town obtain prices for a small pier at the boat ramp as he
feels the project is unfinished. Getting prices will let Commissioners know if this is
something the Town will be able to do. Will try to get prices by end of November, early
December.
Development Projects -
o
Wheatland's - working on going through the PWA's and how to connect to the mains at the
Outlets.
NEW BUSINESS - None
ATTORNEY UPDATES - No update
PUBLIC COMMENT - No public comment
There being no further business,
second. VOTE: 3 ave -0 nqv.
Respectfully submitted,
Town Manager