Town Commissioners Minutes — 2017-12-20
Minutes December 20, 2017 · 9 page(s)
Read as text View original PDF ↗ Meeting
These are the Queenstown Commissioners minutes for December 20, 2017. The meeting opened with a closed session on personnel and legal matters, then a public hearing on the draft 2017 Comprehensive Plan which received no public comment. Commissioners presented the 2017 Volunteer of the Year award, reviewed Public Works issues including three recent water breaks and a January 1 transition to Tidewater Utilities (and a recommendation to switch from chlorine gas to sodium hypochlorite), and accepted financial reports showing account balances and an additional SHA grant. The Commissioners voted to disapprove Proposed Ordinance 17-05 (Residential Rental Housing License and Inspection) and to adopt Proposed Ordinance 17-07 (Short Term Rentals), adopted Resolution 17-107 (2017 Comprehensive Plan) and Resolution 17-108 (reprint the Town Charter without changes), authorized an events committee organized by Commissioner Hardee, approved payment of retainage to Wickersham Construction in the amount of $231,906.54, and handled citizen concerns about property maintenance and a staff title change to Town Manager.
Show the raw extracted text
Exactly as extracted, unformatted — for checking against the original. The readable version is easier to read.
QUEENSTOWN COMMISSIONERS December 20,2017 PRESENT: President Thomas B. Willis, Jr., CommissionerHolger Schuster, Commissioner Alton Hardee, Jr., Acting Town Manager Mike Bowell, and Town Attorney Brynja Booth The Commissioners held a Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose ofdiscussing personnel matters, and obtaining legal advice from Counsel on a property issue, a contract’legal matter, and ongoing Property Maintenance issues. President Willis motioned to convene the Closed Session, motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster, with all in favor. President Willis motioned to adjourn the Closed Session at 6:57 p.m., motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster, with all in favor. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M. BY PRESIDENT WILLIS PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT QUEENSTOWN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VERSION - -. 10/15/17 WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:02 P.M. BY PRESIDENT WILLIS. There was no public or written comment received. President Willis motioned to adjourn the Public Hearing, motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee, with all in favor. GUESTS: Ms. J0 Cunningham Recipient ofthe 2017 Volunteer ofthe Year Award — The Town Commissioners presented Ms. Cunningham with a Certificate ofAppreciation and named her Volunteer ofthe Year for 2017. Her name will be placed on the plaque in our meeting room. Ms. Cunningham was recognized for her willingness to assist the Town by serving as a docent to the Colonial Courthouse, acting as a liaison with the QAC Historic Sites Consortium, in addition to serving on the Queenstown Finance Committee. PUBLIC WORKS Lane Cole - • Recently were three water breaks in town. Steve Roberson has taken care ofthem. Two were residential and one was on the town. • Tidewater Utilities operator had problem with a pump but got it working properly. • Transitionto begin January 1 • Sam Schlegel, Tidewater Utilities, discussed the recommendation to change over from chlorine gas to sodium hypo chloride. Will work up a price for the change. On behalfofthe Town Commissioners, President Willis presented Mr. Cole, who is retiring atthe end ofthe year, with a Certificate ofAppreciation and a couple gift certificates as a thank you for all his years ofhard work, knowledge and dedication to the Town during his tenure as Public Works Director. PLANNING - • Clerk informed thatthe December meeting was cancelled due to no quorum. • Planning members will hold interviews in early January to fill the two vacancies onthe Planning Commission. FINANCE COMMITTEE Pat Bowell - • Town has received an additional $19,654 in SHA grant. In addition to the regular Highway User Revenues, the total is no $26,868 from SHA. • The Management Discussion Analysis has been completed for the audit. TOWN MANAGER/CLERK Treasurer’s Report - General Fund checking $254,531.09 Water/Sewer Fund checking $235,645.00 WWTP Project checking $251,677.88 Correspondence/Other — • There was a request by Washington Brick to rename the portion ofthe road to the cottages to “Arthur’s Way” in honor ofMr. Arthur Birney. The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the request to rename that section ofroad. • The Board ofAppeal terms have expired. Ms. Moore will find out ifexisting members wish to be reappointed, and we will also put a notice in the newsletter for anyone else who may be interested in serving to submit a letter ofinterest. OLD BUSINESS: Proposed Ordinance 17-05 An Ordinance ofthe Commissioners of Queenstown to amend — the Qucenstown Town Code to add Chapter 7 titled “Residential Rental Housing License and Inspection” to establish a licensing and inspection program for residential rental dwelling units within the Town ofQueenstown. • President Willis motioned to disapprove the adoption ofProposed Ordinance 17-05. Motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster, with all in favor. THIS ORDINANCE WAS NOT ADOPTED. Proposed Ordinance 17-07 An Ordinance ofthe Commissioners of Queenstown to amend — the Queenstown Town Code to add Chapter 27 titled “Short Term Rentals” to incorporate into the Town Code certain minimum standards for short term rentals within the Town of Queenstown. • Commission Schuster motioned to adopt Proposed Ordinance 17-07. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee, with all in favor. THIS ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED. NEW BUSINESS: Resolution 17-107 A Resolution ofthe Commissioners of Queenstown Adopting the — Queenstowu 2017 Comprehensive Plan • President Willis motioned to adopt Resolution 17-107, adopting the Queenstown 2017 Comprehensive Plan. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee, with all in favor. Resolution 17-108 A Resolution ofthe Commissioners ofQucenstown to Re-Print and — Republish the Queenstown Town Charter, without Changes or Amendments • President Willis motioned to adopt Resolution 17-108, seconded by Commissioner Schuster, with all in favor. Commissioner Hardee announced that he had attending the tree lighting and caroling event that was held on December There was a great turn out. In talking with several town residents, 7th~ there was the idea ofcreating an events committee, which would consist of5 members and allow them a small budget. • President Willis motioned to authorize CommissionerHardee to organize an events committee for Queenstown, seconded by Commissioner Schuster, with all in favor. Commissioner Hardee stated that he addressed speeding and other issues with the Sheriff He suggests that we email the Sheriffon a monthly basis to keep our items ofconcern in front ofthe Sheriffat all times. All were in agreement, and Ms. Moore will take care ofsending an email each month to SheriffHofflnann with our concerns. ATTORNEY UPDATES Brynja Booth - • Following discussion in Closed Session ofa contract matter, Ms. Booth advised that the Commissioners can now take action: o President Willis motioned to pay the retainage owed to Wickersham Construction, in the amount of$231,906.54, at the recommendation ofthe engineer. Motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster, with all in favor. PUBLIC COMMENT • Mr. Paul Cain Steamboat Avenue new resident ofQueenstown. Loves the Town and — — the neighborhood. He wanted to go on record that his next door neighbor’s property is fUll oftrash, as well as owner running an illegal business from the residence and a trailer, ofwhich is parked on his property illegally. He has filed a complaint with the Town Office. He has also filed a complaint with QAC Animal Control regarding the neighbors barking dogs. Mr. Cain was assured that the Town was already aware ofthe violations and the Town will be following up with the property owner directly. • Ms. Di Quynn-Reno 6740 Main St. aware that the town staffstructure has changed, — — and had questions on how it all evolved, such as the new position ofTown Manager. Ms. Booth informed Ms. Quynn-Reno that it was a re-titling ofthe Town Clerk’s position, and therefore no vetting was required. Ms. Quynn-Reno submitted a list ofquestions that she would like the Commissioners to review and respond to. Commissioners thanked Ms. Quynn-Reno and advised they would get her a response. There being no fUrther business at this time, President Willis motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee, with all in favor. Respeetfiuly submitted, UUtnt— Amy Moore Town Clerk TOWN OF OUEENSTOWN CLOSED MEETING/EXECUTIVE SESSION RECORD 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: I L7 (~ ~OO ~ Date: Li LU! Time: (2) LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR CLOSING PUBLIC MEETING OR GOING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION (circle the section ofthe law which authorizes th.e closed session): § Open Meetings Act, Maryland Code Annotated, General Provisions Article, 3- 305(b) (2014) (1) discuss: the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, orperfomiance evaluation ofappointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects 1 or more specific individuals; (2) protect thepr vacy orreputation ofindividuals withrespect to a matter that is not related to public business; consider the acquisition ofreal property for apublic purpose and matters directly related thereto; (4) consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organizationto locate, expand, or remain in the State; (5) consider the investment ofpublic funds; (6) considerthe marketing ofpublic securities; Closed Session form Rev. lAS Page 1 consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; consult with staff; or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; (9) conduct collective bargaining negotiations or considermatters that relate to the negotiations; (10) discuss public security, ifthe public body detennines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to the public security, including; (i) the deployment offire and police services and staff; and (ii) the development and implementation ofemergencyplans; (11) prepare, administer, or grade a scholastic, licensing, or quali~’ing examination; (12) conduct or discuss an investigativeproceeding on actual orpossible criminal conduct; (13) comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, orjudicially imposed requirementthat prevents public disclosures about aparticularproceeding ormatter; or (14) before a contract is awarded or bids are opened, discuss amatter directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents ofa bid orproposal, if public discussion or disclosure would adversely impact the ability ofthe public body to participate inthe competitive bidding orproposal process. (3) TOWN BOARD, AGENCY, OR COMMISSION PROPOSING CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION: L4½ ~L44 (1~L~ 0L &j)aA,vW~P’L Name ofBoard, Agency, Commission, or Committee) (4) IDENTIFY TOPIC(S) PROPOSED FOR DISCUSSION IN CLOSED SESSION: fl L~ CU4~ fi&i9~&aknI / i~Ut& ILk Ct&v2t k2a4/d pM!IA iivti;w~f (1±1 ctø~ U~t&1-LOJL (~L P”°P’~ ~OU&11ft(1/L) (~( / oc~OJ ~ Ct 1~J p~j~’54 4MA (~i1iWi;~% UtJ~~j ~ V~/,p6~,i~j J Closed Session form Rev. 1.15 b Page2 (5) MEMBERS OF BOARD, AGENCY, COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE PRESENT AT PUBLIC MEETING AT WHICH CLOSED SESSION REQUESTED: Name Vote on Closure RL ~ (circle correct vote) Against -rôwt4~&. WUi>v J9~L~°.cccV~+UL/ c~~/Against ~~‘Against For/Against For/Against no (6) TIME CLOSED SESSION CONVENED: (4K7rn~ TIME CLOSED SESSION CONCLUDED: (7) PERSONS PRESENT AT CLOSED SESSION: L~ I Hnida I fot&~,t~t Wk (j~ Le ~tMhA I~UA~ r~4t ~ ~ Aa} ~ (Rvow&~ ~ r~ ( c p & I cii1~ HA1N. Closed Session formRev. 1.15 Page 3 (8) PLACE CLOSED OREXECUTIVE SESSION HELD: I~ fl~€i (~. (9) PURPOSE OF AND TOPICS DISCUSSED AT CLOSED SESSION M4~Lthk, PMW&2 j/)/)~U~2A Oj47ij~L~ fit IAJt&t..CW (L’J (M~Qtd~QA4RLLL 4kThM~. LI~C&J WV~d~t~ ~ 3 ,~&q (~4 ~ ~VhOt~ /MtvJJjJ/JVk4.,1A L~ CWcd~ C~L~JJLL Lt4/nth42 (i(tA /~ ( ~/ L&2fr I - (10) SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY: ~hr~ ~JU (LPLe~&— cLt~7wo~. Oi-L4i34 ~a~jk CL 4)nijd ia1th~ 1VD /21C 4,g ___ \L’~ il~Mi~ 0 LQJi flk. WVw1u}ti7 1•*IV, M~IL~m~ OEht~b~ iz4 ~u i~~U ~ow~’ Uan~ nL~9 V~ i~t&} CERTIFICATE OF PRESIDING OFFICER (‘4 I hereby ceiiHy that I am the presiding officer of (o’IA/t WflMlttvtEJ4 óiUQizWJtWt public board, agency, commission, committee, or other public body ~ the Town of Queenstown, Maryland. I further certi& that by a majority vote on the ‘/j~kiA.~ day of LO ‘7 the aforesaid agency, board, committee, or commission voted to , hold a closed meeting for the purposes, andto 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.15 Page4 meeting described herein. The Clerk is directed to maintain this document as a public record ofthe Town of Queenstown, and to append the same to the minutes ofthe next public meeting ofthe aforesaid agency, board, committee, or commission. 12171)1 ~ F,,lfn’~- 12?9acY_~ct4~Q’_5c,__’ Date ~STgnarnre S ¶L&cW& JJ( LL~ ~ i~rinted Name ~ V& icUvuf Title C’osed Session form Rev. 1)5 Page 5