Town Commissioners Minutes — 2022-12-14

QUEENSTOWN COMMTSSTONERS

December 14r2022 PRESENT: President Al Hardee, Commissioner Tom Willis, Commissioner Bryon Callahan, Town Manager Amy Moore, Town Clerk Aaron Horney, Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan, Plan.

Comm. member Matt Reno.

REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:01 PM

APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDENT

o After discussion, Callahan motion to appoint Commissioner Hardee as President. Willis second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nav

PUBLIC WORKS

o Considerable amount of sand pumped from wet well at plant. Hadn't been done for a few years. Operator will add process to annual maintenance schedule.

o Controls upgrade to a/c-heating unit recently completed at plant.

o Outlets management inquiry if water tower is scheduled to be pressure washed sooR as mildew showing on tank. Tower maintenance contractor advised pressure washing not included in town contract. Not recommended as should only be done once between new coatings to avoid damage to surface. Mildew does not harm tank surface. New coating not scheduled until 2029. Can do if town wishes- estimated cost would be $9,000-10,000.

Commissioners agree to discuss further before making any decision.

o Water leak near 119 Old Wharf. To be repaired next week by Steve Roberson Plumbing.

o Estimate of $2,400 from Dave Sears for concrete work at storm drain on Olde Point La.

Harry Meissner to provide estimates for metal plate for storm drain and truck tailgate work.

Commissioners agree to have Ms. Moore obtain a second estimate for the concrete work.

o Commissioner Willis suggested Commissioners consider the need to obtain a bucket truck in the future. Town currently borrows from the County when needed for various purposes.

o Recent MDE Survey report requires town to either begrn exercising Aquia well monthly or abandon completely. Aquia well must be blended with Matawan well if used- cost to upgrade to allow for blending estimated around $15,000. Town Engineer Bob Rauch informed town benefits from water appropriation due to both aquifers- town should not abandon the well.

o Gas meter for confined spaces sent for calibration- company informed device damaged and cannot be repaired. Provided quote for new device at $841.75. Previous cost obtained for new device plus self-calibration kit was $1,420.00. Calibration service estimated around $100. Need to determine how often calibration needed before purchasing kit or device.

PLANNING COMMISSION

o Matt Reno stated Commission would like to begin exploring/researching ideas for a Corridor Management Plan for the town in areas along US 50/301. Would allow for new standards for development along high traffic areas entering the town to ensure good visual appeal among other benefits. Would like commissioners to consider allowing Planning Commission to proceed exploring this option.

FINANCE COMMITTEE (no updates)

CODE ENFORCEMENT

o No updates. Resident Di Quynn-Reno asked if temporary signs were allowed along roads in town- addressed in the Town Code? Ms. Moore stated that there are standards addressing them in the Town Code but didn't know offirand exact details- would have to review. Also stated that SHA has rules regarding signage along state routes in addition to any town rules.

HARBORMASTER (no updates)

EVENTS COMMITTEE

o The Town Tree Lighting event was held on December 9. Event was well attended and was very successful. QVFD Cookie Walk sold all cookies available. Many positive comments received regarding event.

TOWN CLERK

1.

Treasurers/Finance Report .

General Fund: 5279,431.82 Water-Sewer Fund: $133,105.32 ARPA Fund: $685,490.34 2.

Minutes .

November 2,2022 (Special Joint meeting) Willis motion to approve as written. Callahan second. VOTE: 3 alte - 0 nalt.

.

November 16,2022 (Regular meeting) Callahan motion to approve as written. Willis second. VOTE 2 aye - nav. Hardee abstained-from vote.

3. Correspondence/Requests/tnfo - Sent and Received

.

Playground company has informed equipment will be delivered around Decenrber 22- will schedule installation/repairs to playground shortly thereafter.

TOW\ MANAGER UPDATES

o Board of Appeals hearing regarding barbershop home occupation request scheduled for January 9.

o Waiting on response from Lacrosse on updated start date for overflow parking lot on Thompson Ave.

o Sheriffs office was asked to increase patrols in town for speeding. Have since conducted several patrols on Main Street.

o Request from Wheatlands owner to grant temporary permit to allow hunting for remainder of hunting season on Wheatlands property. Currently prohibited as property was annexed into town limits. Owner of recently arurexed Dudley property was also informed of prohibition after blind erected on property. Pres. Hardee stated belief that rules should be applied evenly for both properties. Hardee motion to deny Wheatlands request. Callahan

second. VOTE: 3 alte - 0 naJt.

o Winners determined for recent holiday light contest- l"t: 202 Old Wharf, 2nd: 309 Steamboat, 3n : 223 Melvin.

OLD BUSINESS

INFRASTRUCTURE

1. I & I Project (no updates)

2. New Water Tower & lnfrastructure Project

Application for interim amendment to the QAC Comprehensive Water/Sewer Plan prepared for Commissioners review- relating to water tower/underground storage tank project. Amendment required to obtain USDA funding for project. Hardee motion to complete/submit application to Count.v. Callahan second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nay.

Rauch advertisement for bid requests submitted to Ms. Ryan for review. Rauch has submitted bid/contract docs to USDA for review. Awaiting response from USDA- once approved can begin advertisernent.

3. Wall St. Water Tower Maintenance (no updates)

4. Old Wharf Lane -Stormwater

Concerns raised at last meeting regarding need for project. Commissioners agree to each view the area in question before determining to proceed with project.

5. Wall St. Water Line Replacernent

RFP drafted by Ms. Ryan and sent to Rauch for review. Should be ready for advertisement.

MARINE PROJECTS

1. Boat Ramp Improvements

Recent cost estimate of $45,000 for pier construction by Bid Island Ventures.

Commissioners request Ms. Moore get a quote from Big Island for only driving pilings for pier.

2. Town Dock Projects

Custom Borders & Edging has submitted for payment of stored materials. Materials are presently stored in an enclosed trailer currently located offsite. Trailer will be moved to the plant property for storage. Rauch recofirmending town payment for the materials once they are located at the plant property. Commissioners agree to issue payment once materials arrive at the plant.

3. Federal Channel Dredging (no updates)

POLICY

1. Water/Sewer Connections Code - Proposed Clarifications & Revisions (no updates)

2. Breezeline (Atlantic Broadband) Renewal/Options

Finance Chair Pat Bowell currently reviewing proposed agreement.

3. Codifu Ordinances Adopted Since Last Update

Ms. Ryan informed updated Town Code is complete- will be sending to Town Office.

4. ORDINANCE NO.

22-06 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN

TO AMEND ARTICLE N, PART III OF THE QUEENSTOWN ZONING

ORDINANCE TITLED, "CRITICAL AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT'' TO COMPLY

WITH AMENDMENTS TO THE NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE (Introduced 9/13/22 - waiting for Critical Area Review) Critical Area responded with questions regarding ordinance. Town Planner Peter Johnston and Ms. Ryan reviewing questions and will respond to Critical Area Commission.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

1. Wheatland's Project

a. DRRA & PWA Draft PWA sent to town, reviewed/revised by Ms. Ryan for Commissioners review.

Rauch reviewing request concerning stormwater management. Commissioners request Rauch explore feasibility of lines for commercial lots being routed around outlet center vs connecting to outlet lines.

OTHER

1. Speeding On Main St (discussed during Town Manager Updates)

NEW BUSINESS (nothing to report)

ATTORNEY UPDATES

o Golf course looking to utilize River House for corporate/other events- possibly increase parking lot size. Owner notified that continued existing use is permitted in QRD zone. Any intensified usage or lot coverage expanse would likely require grown allocation from town.

PUBLIC COMMENT

o Di Quynn-Reno - Town No Smoking Policy Would like Town to implement a no smoking policy at all town events. Was exposed to cigarette smoke during recent tree lighting event. Believes town should prohibit smoking during any town events. Noted that smoking is currently prohibited at the town parks and town hall. Discussed stats on second hand smoke exposure. After discussion, Pres. Hardee stated that the town does not own the property where the event took place and stated his

opposition to a complete ban- wants to respect all individuals rights evenly. Would not be opposed if the property owner required no smoking as a requirement of town use of the property. Commissioners agreed best solution would be to establish a smoking area nearby for those wishing to smoke during future events. Will discuss more at future meeting.

Hardee motion to leave the regular meeting and enter a closed session at 8:02pm to discuss personnel issues. Callahan second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nalt.

CLOSED SESSION (Authorized by Section 3-305(b) of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, and voted upon in Open Session) Hardee motion to end the closed session and return to the regular meeting at 8: l5pm. Callahan There being no furtherbusiness, Hardee motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:l5pm. Willis second. VOTE: 3 alte - 0 nay.

fully submitted,

TOWN OF OUEENSTOWN

CLOSED MEETING/EXECUTIVE SESSION RECORI)

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

(1)

DATE AND TIME OF PROPOSED CLOSED MEETING OR EXECUTIVE

SESSION:

l\\lloae.

n"t.' ta rime:

(2)

LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR CLOSING PUBLIC MEETING OR GOING INTO

EXECUTIVE SESSION (circle the section of the law which authorizes the closed session):

Open Meetings Act, Maryland Code Annotated, General Provisions Article, $ 3- 30s(b) (2014) @ discuss:

the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; 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 organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State;

(5) consider the investment of public funds;

(6) consider the marketing of public securities;

Closed Session form Rev. l.l5 Pase I (7) consult with counsel to obtain legal advice;

(8) consult with staff, or other individuals 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 deployment 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 qualiffing

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 particular proceeding or matter; or (14) before a contract 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 disclosure 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

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

(I.{ame of Board, Agency, Commission, or Committee)

(4) IDENTIFY TOPIC(S) PROPOSED FOR DISCUSSION IN CLOSED SESSION:

w tSSU-e-s Closed Session form Rev. 1 . l5 Pase2

(5) MEMBERS OF BOARD, AGENCY, COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE

PRESENT AT PUBLIC MEETING AT WHICH CLOSED SESSION

REQUESTED:

Name Vote on Closure (circle correct vote) Fvyovr Cavtalran FGAsainst \-/

A\

Ravo\pr @Aeainst @Aeainst For/Against For/Against B:cs

(6) TIME CLOSED SESSION CONVENED:

TIME CLOSED SESSION CONCLUDED: 3;11

(7) PERSONS PRESENT AT CLOSED SESSION:

Closed Session form Rev. I . 15 Page 3 (8)

PLACE CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD:

-Towvr Hrr\ \ (9)

PURPOSE OF AND TOPICS DISCUSSED AT CLOSED SESSION:

ln Sq ( \\{n anc CttSc \SSL'JZ \^r SP€ (10)

SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY:

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CERTIFICATE OF PRESIDING OFFICER

I hereby certiff that I am the presiding officer of COVfnfvfrSSiOVfZrv< public board, agency, commission, committee, or other public body of the Town of Queenstown, trrtarylana. I further certiff that by a majorityvote on the \LtM day of ()€c. AO AU , the aforesaid agency, board, committee, or commission voted to hold a closed 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 Closed Session form Rev. l.l5 Page 4 meeting described herein. The Clerk is directed to maintain this document as a public record of the Town of Queenstown, and to append the same to the minutes of the next public meeting of the aforesaid agency, board, committee, or commission.

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Signature Printed Name lY Pres dz r Title Closed Session form Rev. l.l5 Page 5