Town Commissioners Minutes — 2022-10-11

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