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Town Commissioners Minutes — 2018-08-22

Minutes August 22, 2018 · 11 page(s)

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The Queenstown Commissioners met August 22, 2018, opening an executive session from 6:18–6:56 p.m. for legal advice on contract matters (vote 3-0). Four public hearings (7:08–7:12 p.m.) were held on proposed Charter amendments (Resolutions 18-103 through 18-107) covering run-off elections after ties, absentee voting rules, write-in candidates, cancellation of uncontested elections, and extended poll hours; there were no public comments and each hearing was closed unanimously. At the regular meeting (7:13 p.m.) the Commissioners accepted an Annexation Agreement and adopted Resolution 18-102 to annex about 200.552 acres owned by Salthouse Limited Liability Company and the Frank S. Dudley, Jr. Real Estate Trust (vote 3-0). Guests included Sheriff Gary Hoffman asking the Town to support the “Queen Anne’s County Goes Purple” opioid awareness campaign (Commissioners agreed to change Town Office lights to purple and consider the water tower), and Town Engineer Robert Rauch reporting sewer video results: widespread clay pipe problems, failed 1990s stainless liners from root intrusion, PVC joints that can be grouted, broken laterals needing excavation, an estimated 9,500 linear feet of repairs at roughly $200,000, and potential USDA/MDE funding requiring a PER/ER; Rauch will prioritize and present cost estimates at the next meeting. Public works actions: approved John English’s stormwater fix for Melvin Avenue (proposal capped at $4,275), directed the manager to prioritize removal/maintenance of trees in Queenstown Village after root damage to a home on Wick Court, and approved paving First Avenue (in addition to previously approved Second Avenue, Charity Lane, Old Wharf Lane from Maryland Ave to the water, and Davidson Avenue) for a total price of $96,360 (vote 3-0). The minutes record the start of a Planning item about Barry Waterman but it is incomplete in the text.

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1
QUEENSTOWN COMMISSIONERS
August22, 2018
PRESENT: President Thomas B. Willis, Jr., CommissionerHolger Schuster, Commissioner
Alton Hardee, Jr., Town Attorney Brynja Booth, and Amy Moore, Town Manager/Clerk.
EXECUTIVE SESSION CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:18 P.M.
President Willis motioned to enter into Closed Session at 6:18 p.m. for the purpose ofobtaining
legal advice from Town Attorney Brynja Booth on contract matters. Motion seconded by
CommissionerHardee. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to adjourn the Closed Session at 6:56 p.m. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
PUBLIC HEARINGS
-
Brynja Booth advised that the Town’s election provisions have not been updated for some time.
In order to make any changes to the Charter, a public hearing needs to be held. The Town found
several provisions in need ofupdating or changing, therefore the following resolutions are
presented:
President Willis called the public hearing to order at 7:08 p.m. on Resolution 18-103
-
RESQLUTIONNO. 18-103-
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION
19 OF THE QUEENSTOWN CHARTER TO ADD ANEW SECTION 19-23.1 TITLED
“GENERAL ELECTION WHICH RESULTS IN A TIE AMONG TWO OR MORE
CANDIDATES” TO ESTABLISH PROCESS FOR A RUN-OFF ELECTION IN THE EVENT
OF A TIE BETWEEN TWO CANDIDATES
There being no comments, President Willis motioned to close the hearing. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis called the public hearing to order at 7:09 p.m. on Resolution 18-104
-
RESOLUTIONNO. 18-104
-
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION
19 OF THE QUEENSTOWN CHARTER TO ADD A NEW SECTION 19-21.1 TITLED
“ABSENTEE VOTING” TO CLARIFY WHEN QUALIFIED VOTERS MAY VOTE BY
ABSENTEE BALLOT AND TO ADDRESS DELIVERY OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS WHICH
ARE REQUESTED ELECTRONICALLY AND THE RETURN OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS
There being no comments, President Willis motioned to close the hearing: Motion seconded by
Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis called the public hearing to order at 7:10 p.m. on Resolution 18-105
RESOLUTIONNO. 18-105
-

2
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION
19-19 OF THE QUEENSTOWN CHARTER TO ADD A NEW SECTION 19-19.1 TITLED
“WRITE-IN CANDIDATES” TO ADDRESS WRITE-IN CANDIDATES IN TOWN
ELECTIONS)
There being no comments, President Willis motioned to close the hearing. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis called the public hearing to order at 7:11 p.m. on Resolution 18-106
-
RESOLUTIONNO. 18-106
-
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION
19-21 OF THE QUEENSTOWN CHARTER TO ADD A NEW SECTION 19-21.2 TITLED
“CANCELLATION OF ELECTION WHERE SEAT IS UNCONTESTED” TO AUTHORIZE
THE QUEENSTOWN CLERK-TREASURER TO CANCEL THE ELECTION WHERE THE
SEAT IS UNCONTESTED
There being no comments, President Willis motioned to close the hearing. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Hardee. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis called the public hearing to order at 7:12 p.m. on Resolution 18-107
-
RESOLUTIONNO. 18-107
-
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION
19-21 OF THE QUEENSTOWN CHARTER TO INCREASE THE TIME THE VOTING
POLLS ARE OPEN
There being no comments, President Willis motioned to close the hearing. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:13 P.M.
RESOLUTION NO. 18-102- A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF
QUEENSTOWN TO ANNEX CERTAIN LANDS OF SALTHOUSE LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY ANT) THE FRANK S. DUDLEY, JR. REAL ESTATE TRUST
DATED NOVEMBER 28, 2000 INTO THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN, CONSISTING
OF 200.552 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ANNEXATION (eligible for adoption)
Ms. Booth advised that the Resolution was introduced April 25, 2018. Notices were sent to all
State and County agencies. Public hearing was hçld two months ago and Commissioners held
offa decision until the Annexation Agreement was agreed upon.
President Willis motioned to accept the Annexation Agreement. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to adopt Resolution 18-102. Motion seconded by Commissioner
Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay

3
GUESTS:
• SheriffGary Hoffman QAC Sheriffs Dept.
—
SheriffHoffman was present to advise ofthe opioid awareness campaign called Queen
Anne’s County Goes Purple. It kicks offSeptember land runs the entire month. It is
another effort to bring awareness ofthe opioid epidemic in this County and everywhere.
There is literature available, signs; etc. that can be distributed to the public. •Requested
Queenstown to participate and support this initiative. The Commissioners were in
agreement to support and will do their part in changing lights at the Town Office to
purple for the month. We will look into lighting up our water tower as well.
• Robert Rauch, Town Engineer
Mr. Rauch was present to discuss his review and recommendations resulting from the
video work on our sewer lines. The video work is complete and specific lines with
problems have been identified:
o He advised that we won’t be able to grout the clay pipe that is bad. What is most
widely used is set-in-place sleeving.
o PVC pipes with leakyjoints can be grouted
o Found clay pipe with extensive number ofproblems in lengths
o Broken/leaking laterals will need to be dug up and replaced.
o Found several circumstances where the stainless steel liners installed in the ‘90’s
has failed due to root intrusion.
Mr. Rauch advised that he has had conversations with USDA and they indicated this
would be a project that they would cover. Per USDA, the project could also include the
pump stations. Grant vs. loan ratio is not known at this time. It would require a PERJER
Report. MDE is another possible funding source as well. USDA is ready to take
applications in October but funds would not be available until the next funding cycle.
The correct way to go aboutthis project would be to write specs, identify priorities, and
bid out. Approximately 9500 linear feet has been identified as needed
repairs/replacementat an approximate cost of$200,000. He will quanti~’, prioritize and
work up estimated cost and present to Commissioners at next meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS
-
• Melvin Avenue recommendation received previously from Town Engineer Bob Rauch
—
for alleviating stormwater problem from Bank operations centerto Messick Lane. His
estimated cost is $28,926. John English recently looked over the site and has proposed
making corrections to the problem at a cost of$4275 or less. President Willis motioned to
accept the proposal from John English. Motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster.
Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
• Amy Moore reported that tree roots have spread and are pressing onthe foundation of
Vincent Palmer’s home on Wick Court. The tree itselfis in the Town’s right ofway. In
addition to this tree, there are several others in the neighborhood that are compromising
driveways and sidewalks and should be removed. Ms. Moore will look at all the trees in
QueenstownVillage and prioritize which ones should come down now vs. ones that
could be put on a 2-3 year removal plan. She will obtain pricing based on this plan and
possibly get multi-year pricing.

4.
• Amy Moore reported that Steve Robersonverified that the water lines on First Avenue
are in good condition. Following review and discussion, President Willis motioned to
have the contractor pave First Avenue, in addition to Second Avenue, Charity Lane, Old
WharfLane (from Maryland Ave intersection to the water), and Davidson Avenue
previously approved, for the total price of$96,360. Motion seconded by Commissioner
Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
PLANMNG Phil Snyder
—
• Barry Waterman attended their last meeting and informally indicated that he has run out
ofthe possibility oflarge scale commercial being developed on Wheatlands. He asked if
the Town would be willing to discuss other options. The Commissioners would also like
to discuss this with Mr. Waterman and will ask him to attend our next meeting.
• Matt Reno attending a public hearing with DNR regarding Wheatland’s non-tidal
wetlands permit. The Riverkeeper stated during the hearing that it was not in compliance
with the Town’s plan, however this statement was incorrect. The Planning Commission
submitted a written response to DNR informing ofsuch and backing up their statement.
• They received a request to increase the number ofchildren permitted at an in-home
daycare from 4 to 5, and subsequently made a favorable recommendation to the Board of
Appeals that this request be approved.
• Letter was sent to the owner ofthe old Getty station regarding the condition ofthe
property and requesting an update on their plans for the use ofthe building.
FINANCE COMMITTEE No updates
-
TOWN MANAGERJCLERK-TREASURER
Treasurer’s Report
-
General Fund checking $174,339.19
-
Water/Sewer Fund checking $ 48,603.68
WWTP Project checking $ 13,498.34
Minutes
—
President Willis motioned to accept the July 25, 2018 regular meeting minutes as written.
Motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to accept the July 25, 2018 Closed Session meeting minutes as
written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to accept the August 14, 2018 Special meeting minutes as written.
Motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to accept the August 14,2018 Closed Session meeting minutes as
written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
Correspondence None to present
—

5
OLD BUSINESS
-
President Willis motioned to adopt: RESOLUTIONNO. 18-103 A RESOLUTION OF THE
—
COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION 19 OF THE
QUEENSTOWN CHARTER TO ADD A NEW SECTION 19-23.1 TITLED “GENERAL
ELECTION WHICH RESULTS iN A TIE AMONG TWO OR MORE CANDIDATES” TO
ESTABLISH PROCESS FOR A RUN-OFF ELECTION IN THE EVENT OF A TIE
BETWEEN TWO CANDIDATES
Motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to adopt: RESOLUTIONNO. 18-104
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION
19 OF THE QUEENSTOWN CHARTER TO ADD A NEW SECTION 19-21.1 TITLED
“ABSENTEE VOTING” TO CLARIFY WHEN QUALIFIED VOTERS MAY VOTE BY
ABSENTEE BALLOT AND TO ADDRESS DELIVERY OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS WHICH
ARE REQUESTED ELECTRONICALLY AND THE RETURN OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to adopt: RESOLUTIONNO. 18-105
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION
19-19 OF THE QUEENSTOWN CHARTER TO ADD A NEW SECTION 19-19.1 TITLED
“WRITE-IN CANDIDATES” TO ADDRESS WRITE-IN CANDIDATES IN TOWN
ELECTIONS)
Motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to adopt: RESOLUTIONNO. 18-106
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION
19-21 OF THE QUEENSTOWN CHARTER TO ADD A NEW SECTION 19-21.2 TITLED
“CANCELLATION OF ELECTION WHERE SEAT IS UNCONTESTED” TO AUTHORIZE
THE QUEENSTOWN CLERK-TREASURER TO CANCEL THE ELECTION WHERE THE
SEAT IS UNCONTESTED
Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
President Willis motioned to adopt: RESOLUTIONNO. 18-107
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION
19-21 OF THE QURENSTOWN CHARTER TO INCREASE THE TIME THE VOTING
POLLS ARE OPEN
Motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
Ms. Booth advised that the adopted.Resolutions will be posted in the Town Office and will
become 45 days from today.
NEW BUSINESS No new business to report
—
ATTORNEY UPDATES Brynja Booth
-

6
No updates at this time
PUBLIC COMMENT No public comment
-
There being no further business at this time, President Willis motioned to adjourn the meeting at
8:42 p.m. Motion seconded by Commissioner Schuster. Vote: 3-aye, 0-nay
RespectfUlly submitted,
Amy W. oore
Town Manager/Clerk

TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN
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 OREXECUTIVE
SESSION:
(~7~i4k
Datc:______________ Time: ~
(2) LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR CLOSING PUBLIC MEETING OR GOING ThTTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION (circle the section ofthe law which authorizes the closed
session):
Open Meetings Act, Maryland Code Annotated, General ProvisionsArticle, § 3-
305(b) (2014)
(I) discuss:
(i) the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline,
demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance
evaluation ofappointees, employees, or officials overwhom ithas
jurisdiction; or
(ii) any otherpersonnel matterthat affects I or more specific
individuals;
(2) protect the privacy orreputation ofindividuals withrespect to a matter
that is notrelated topublic business;
(3) consider the acquisition ofreal property for apublicpurpose 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 ofpublic funds;
(6) considerthe marketing ofpublic securities;
Closed Session fonn Rev. 1.15
Page 1

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consultwith counsel to obtain legal advice;
(8) consult with staff, or other individuals aboutpending or potential
litigation;
(9) conduct collective bargainingnegotiations or considermatters thatrelate
to thenegotiations;
(10) discuss public security, ifthepublic body determines thatpublic
discussionwould constitute arisk to thepublic or to the public security,
including;
(i) the deployment offire and police services and staff~ and
(ii) the development and implementation ofemergency plans;
(11) prepare, administer, or grade a scholastic, licensing, or quali~’ing
examination;
(12) conduct or discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible
criminal conduct;
(13) comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, orjudicially imposed
requirement that prevents public disclosures about aparticular proceeding
ormatter; or
before a contract is awarded or bids are opened, discuss amatter directly
related to a negotiating strategy orthe contents ofa bid orproposal, if
public discussion or disclosure would adversely impact the ability ofthe
public body to participate in the competitive bidding orproposalprocess.
(3) TOWN BOAR]), AGENCY, ORCOMMISSION PROPOSING CLOSED OR
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
6~p~j~w’u
(LvWV~~ Q#
(Nam≥öf Board, Agency, Commission, or Committee)
(4) IDENTIFY TOPIC(S) PROPOSED FOR DISCUSSION IN CLOSED SESSION:
(wJv~SiuiLu. bi~ aoiov~Led
IIVJLLØn
UthAIL
(~t~M,(O~fLl
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ClosedSession form Rev. 1.15
Page2
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(5) MEMBERS OF BOARD, AGENCY, COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE
PRESENT AT PUBLIC MEETINGAT WHICH CLOSED SESSION
REQUESTED:
Name Vote on Closure
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(circle conect vote)
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(6) TIME CLOSED SESSION CONVENED:
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TIME CLOSED SESSION CONCLUDED:
(7) PERSONS PRESENT AT CLOSED SESSION:
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Page 3

(8) PLACE CLOSED OREXECUTIVE SESSION HELD:
(9) PURPOSE OF A}4D TOPICS DISCUSSED AT CLOSED SESSION:
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(10) SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKENAT CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY:
o~d
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CERTIFICATE OF PRESIDING OFFICER
at &L4C~utu
(I4M !PJt4i/)iAt’V~)~
I hereby certify that I am the presi.Wng officer of
public board, agency, commission, committee, or otli~r public body of the Jown of
Queenstown, ~aryland. I further certify that by a majority vote on the j 7~Lk~1 day of
i_U Vt’i
V-\U (1 the aforesaid agency, board, committee, or commission voted to
,
hold aklosed meetingforthepurposes, 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.SessionformRev. 1.15
Page4
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- -

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 ofthe aforesaidagency, board, committee, or commission.
A
7
Date Signature
—
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PrintedName
id4iv~L,
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Title
C’osed Session form Rev. 1.15
Page 5
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