Town Commissioners Other — 2016-09-14

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QUEENSTOWN COMMISSIONERS

September 14, 2016 PRESENT: Commissioner John M. Bowell, President Thomas B. Willis, Jr. and Commissioner George L. Plumbo, Jr.

WORK SESSION CALLED TO ORDER AT 3:30 P.M. – Review of correspondence packets and approval of bills to be paid.

REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 4:00 P.M.

OPEN DISCUSSION:

• Lonnie Anthony – Dudley Avenue resident: Thanks Commissioner Plumbo for reaching

out to State Police and Sheriff’s Dept. about the speeding and traffic problems on Dudley Avenue. Speed is still a problem. Had concerns something would happen, and recently a resident of Dudley had her dog killed by a car, while she was walking it. Mr. Anthony stated he would be more than glad to be part of whatever it takes to fix the problems.

Traffic speeding on Main St. has increased as well. Town needs to do something. There was discussion of making one-way, placing unmarked car on Dudley to enforce laws, etc.

Town will contact Sgt. Myers at Sheriff’s Dept. to discuss further.

• Christopher Kersey, new reporter for the Bay Times was present and introduced himself.

PUBLIC WORKS:

Mr. Lane Cole advised:

• Three bidders were present at the pre-bid meeting for the Melvin Avenue Project. Bid

opening is next week.

PLANNING:

Hogie Schuster could not attend and Clerk reported from the minutes:

• Planning Commission motioned to recommend the Board of Appeals approve the

Bowlingly request for an Events Center. They also motioned to recommend that the Board of Appeals require Bowlingly to provide:

o A transportation plan, including parking locations o A site plan with location of all event equipment and facilities o Contact information for the person in charge of the event

• Resident on Del Rhodes looking into operating a plumbing parts business from home.

Would be mostly internet sales. Peter Johnston will look into and they will discuss further at future meeting.

• Commission almost finished with draft update of Comprehensive Plan

• Working on findings of facts related to Wheatland’s growth allocation

• Working on Sustainable Community Designation for the town.

• Reviewed Kevin Dey’s request that the Planning Commission guarantee that he can build

on his property adjacent to the Ebb Tide site. Town Planner stated that it is the property owner’s responsibility to do the necessary research into the Zoning Ordinance to determine what is permitted. It was agreed that the Planning Commission does not provide such guarantees.

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FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Patricia Bowell advised:

• Approval received from Dept. of Natural Resources Community Parks and Playgrounds

assistance in the amount of $120,000 for the boardwalk, kayak launch and park at the wastewater treatment plant. The next step is to go to the Critical Area Commission.

• Looking for approval to move forward with Phase II “Skipjack Grove” – set aside plot of

land for tree planting, where residents can plant remembrance trees, honor people, etc.

There would also be pocket parking areas. Will continue to look for additional funding.

Plan includes four benches – which we would want to determine the style and size, including plaques. These can also be donated. Would like to see a committee formed to work on the guidelines for the trees and benches. Boat launching will still be available for town residents, but park will not allow for parking of any trailers.

President Willis motioned to approve the site plan as presented, authorize the search for additional funding, and approve request for establishment of a committee. Motion seconded by Commissioner Plumbo. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay

MINUTES:

President Willis motioned to accept the minutes from July 18, 2016 special meeting as presented.

Motion seconded by Commissioner Plumbo. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay

FINANCE REPORT:

General fund checking $246,122.00 Water/sewer fund checking $293,688.16 WWTP fund checking $ 11,341.32

CLERK:

• Letter received from Francis Hickman, Farm Manager for the Queenstown Landing Farm

property on Old Wharf Lane. He advised that “no trespassing” signs were erected on the barn and also secured barn with additional lumber. They had their maintenance crew in to mow and spray shrubs to be removed in the fall when they die back. He advised removal of the barn is still possible, but they are waiting out the harvesting season to ensure funding is available. Commissioners want the property to be mowed regularly and

resprayed if needed.

• Letter received from Kevin Dey, owner of vacant lot along Ebb Tide and fronting Rt.

301. In addition to requesting a guarantee from the Planning Commission to be able to build on the lot, which was addressed earlier in this meeting, Mr. Dey wants to know if the town plans to install necessary connections entirely at the Towns expense. The Town Commissioners will not install the water and sewer at our expense. A response will be given to Mr. Dey after Town Attorney speaks with Planner Peter Johnston.

• MML is endorsing the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty Program.

Homeowners in participating cities and towns are eligible to purchase low cost warranties, which provide repairs for affected in-home plumbing and outside water and sewer lines. There is no cost to the Town. Commissioners would like to see a sample warranty and see what it covers.

• Maryland Dept. of Transportation pre-tour meeting will be held on November 1st at 2:00

p.m. in the County Commissioners hearing room.

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ATTORNEY UPDATES:

Brynja Booth advised:

• Previously drafted a Rental Agreement for rental properties in town. She wants to look

into the occupancy limit, as some regulations could be a constitutional issue. She will refer to the Property Maintenance Code to see if any of the draft regulations may be included there. Commissioner Bowell suggested a work shop among the three Commissioners. No date was set.

• Maryland Dept. of Planning certified Wheatland’s and Queenstown Harbor Golf Course

as Priority Funding Areas. This will allow for easier growth allocation designations.

• Filed two briefs in the Court of Special Appeals related to Kathleen Boomer, et al

Appellants, vs. Waterman Family Ltd. Partnership, et al., Appellees, and Edward G.

Modell, et al., Appellants, vs. Waterman Family Limited Partnership, et al., Appellees.

• Received another lawsuit – petition for judicial review related to the Community Plan

and amendments related to the Wheatland’s property.

• Working on Wheatland’s growth allocation with Planning Commission

• Critical Area has remapped with GIS. Town has a new map showing boundaries. Peter

Johnston has reviewed and will have the Planning Commission review. Once review complete, and ordinance will be drafted.

President Willis motioned to enter into an Executive Session at 5:24 p.m. with Town Attorney to obtain legal advice on contract matters and Bowlingly special exception.

President Willis motioned to close the Executive Session at 5:57 p.m.

President Willis motioned to reconvene regular meeting at 5:57 p.m.

There being no further business at this time, Commissioner Bowell motioned to adjourn the meeting at 5:58 p.m. Motion seconded by Commissioner Plumbo 3-aye, 0-nay Respectfully submitted, Amy W. Moore, Town Clerk