Town Commissioners — 2023-05-09

The Queenstown Commissioners met May 9, 2023. Rauch Engineering’s Bob Rauch introduced new staff member Jeannie Haddaway‑Riccio and reported engineering progress: dock ladders to be repaired next week (Rauch to cover cost), bid sets ready for valve automation at the WWTP, pier paving bid package ready, and an Old Wharf water line bid package prepared with engineering cost proposals to follow. Public Works flagged a filled‑in ditch next to R&D Electric and will get excavation/rip‑rap estimates; the WWTP was reported to be running smoothly. The Safety & Speeding Task Force presented multiple recommendations (4‑way stop at Main/Del Rhodes/Maryland, more crosswalks and markings, rumble strips, electronic speed signs, 15 mph limit, more speed bumps) which commissioners will review and discuss with SHA for state roads; resident Travis Palmer offered speed bump ideas. Manager updates included approving a $480 increase to the Town Office repair bid (new total $7,440), ordering flooring and streetlight parts, approving a cooperative enforcement agreement with Queen Anne’s County for livability code enforcement (vote 3‑0), and upgrading the clerk’s computer for $1,555. Old business items continued: I&I construction engineering cost proposals pending, USDA ER status for the new water tower to be followed up, Wall Street water line start date pending, boat ramp proposal awaited from Rauch, town dock final pay application approved, and an RFP for federal channel dredging with proposals due May 26; franchise agreement negotiations with Cohen Law Group were scheduled to be discussed on May 11.