2026-04-02-website tc meeting packet.pdf

THE TOWN OF CENTREVILLE 101 LAWYERS ROW CENTREVILLE, MD 21617

410-758-1180 FAX 410-758-4741 WWW.TOWNOFCENTREVILLE.ORG

AGENDA

Town Council of Centreville Meeting April 2, 2026

7:00 PM

Liberty Building 107 Liberty Street, 2nd Floor Meeting Room I. Convene – Council President II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Moment of Silence – For Military & Public Safety Personnel (Past & Present) IV. Agenda Review V. Review of Minutes from Past Meetings a. March 12, 2026 Budget Work Session Minutes b. March 19, 2026 Budget Work Session Minutes c. March 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes VI. Closed Session Statement

a. April 2, 2026 VII. Citizens Forum (Citizens are requested to keep their comments to three minutes.) VIII. New Business a. Resolution 04-2026 – Support of House Bill 1142 – Council President b. Resolution 05-2026 – Investment Policy – Council President c. Arbor Day Proclamation – Council President d. Trails Day Proclamation – Council President IX. Reports of Boards and Commissions a. Maryland Municipal League

b. Council of Governments c. Economic Development d. Park Advisory Board e. Planning Commission X. Reports of Department Heads a. Town Manager b. Chief of Police c. Town Attorney d. Finance Officer e. Director of Public Works f. Human Resources Manager g. Town Clerk h. Zoning Administrator XI. Citizens Forum (Citizens are requested to keep their comments to three minutes.) XII. Council Roundtable a. Kiel

b. Beu c. McNeil d. Huffer e. Kaiser XIII. Motion to Adjourn – Council President Upcoming Events/Meetings:

• April 2, 2026 – Budget Work Session – 5:30 p.m. Liberty Building, 2nd Floor Meeting

Room

• April 2, 2026 – Closed Session – 6:30 p.m. – Liberty Building, 2nd Floor Meeting Room

• April 2, 2026 – Town Council Meeting – 7:00 p.m. Liberty Building, 2nd Floor Meeting

Room

• April 7, 2026 – Park Advisory Board – 6:00 p.m. – Town Hall, 101 Lawyers Row

• April 9, 2026 – Budget Work Session – 5:30 p.m. – 110 Vincit Street

• April 15, 2026 – Planning Commission Meeting – 7:00 p.m. Liberty Building, 2nd Floor

Meeting Room

• April 16, 2026 – Town Council Meeting – 7:00 p.m. Liberty Building, 2nd Floor Meeting

Room

• April 24, 2026 – Arbor Day – More details to follow!

**Please note: One or more Centreville Town Council members may be attending these events/meetings.

TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE

RESOLUTION 04-2026

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE IN SUPPORT OF HB

1142 / SB, ESTABLISHING THE TASK FORCE TO MODERNIZE COUNTY AND

MUNICIPAL REVENUE SOURCES

WHEREAS, the Town Council of Centreville provides essential frontline services to its residents, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community planning, all of which rely on stable and diversified revenue streams; and WHEREAS, municipal governments are facing unprecedented inflationary pressures on construction materials, fuel, and labor, alongside increasing state-mandated costs, making the need for modern and

flexible revenue sources more urgent than ever; and WHEREAS, Maryland’s municipalities are primary drivers of economic activity and tourism in the State, yet the current tax structure fails to reinvest a fair share of the wealth generated within municipal borders back into the local infrastructure that supports that very growth; and WHEREAS, Maryland is one of only six states that fails to share tax revenue from the sale of goods or

services with local governments or allow those governments to collect it themselves, creating an overreliance on property taxes; and WHEREAS, the current local revenue structure in Maryland has not been comprehensively updated in decades and does not reflect the modern shift toward a service and digital based economy; and WHEREAS, the proposed Task Force would provide a data-driven, non-partisan forum to study these

inequities and recommend solutions that ensure municipal governments can remain fiscally resilient without overburdening local property owners.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of Centreville:

1. Support for Legislation: The Town of Centreville formally supports the passage of HB

1142 and urges the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee to issue a Favorable Report.

2. Communication of Resolution: A copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to:

1. The Senator representing District 36

2. Each Delegate representing District 36

3. Staff at the Maryland Municipal League

READ AND PASSED THIS day of , 2026.

BY ORDER: We hereby certify that Resolution Number 04-2026 is true and correct and duly adopted by the Town Council of Centreville, Maryland.

Page 1 of 2

ATTEST: THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE

____________________________________

R. Gaye Adams Ashley Heffernan Kaiser, Esq., President Town Clerk _____________________________________

Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President _____________________________________

Sandra Lee Huffer, Member _____________________________________

Frederick E. Beu, Member ______________________________________

Fred M. McNeil, Member Page 2 of 2 Resolution 05-2026 - Investment Policy

EXHIBIT A

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Investment Policy is to establish the parameters for the investment of public funds of The Town of Centreville. in a manner that complies with Maryland law, the regulations and guidelines of the Maryland State Treasurer, and generally accepted public-sector investment practices.

This policy is intended to ensure that public funds are invested with a primary emphasis on safety of principal, liquidity, and yield, in that order of priority.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all financial assets of the Municipality that are available for investment, including but not limited to:

• General Fund

• Special Revenue Funds

• Capital Project Funds

• Debt Service Funds

• Any other funds not otherwise restricted by law or trust agreement

Funds governed by separate legal or contractual requirements (such as pension or trust funds) are excluded unless specifically incorporated by reference.

3. Governing Authority

This policy is adopted pursuant to:

• Maryland Local Government Article, Title 17

• State Finance and Procurement Article

• Applicable sections of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)

• Investment guidelines issued by the Maryland State Treasurer

All investments shall be made in strict conformity with these authorities, as amended from time to time.

4. Objectives

The objectives of the Municipality’s investment activities, in priority order, shall be:

4.1 Safety Preservation of capital is the foremost objective. Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to minimize the risk of loss of principal.

EXHIBIT A

4.2 Liquidity The investment portfolio shall be structured to meet all reasonably anticipated operating and capital cash flow requirements.

4.3 Yield The portfolio shall be designed to attain a market rate of return consistent with the objectives of safety and liquidity and within the constraints of this policy.

5. Standard of Care (Prudence)

Investments shall be made with judgment and care, under circumstances then prevailing, that people of prudence, discretion, and intelligence exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment.

Investment officers acting in accordance with this policy and applicable law shall be relieved of personal responsibility for individual investment decisions, provided deviations are reported in a timely manner and corrective action is taken.

6. Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Officers and employees involved in the investment process shall:

• Refrain from personal business activity that could conflict with proper execution of the

investment program

• Disclose any material financial interests in financial institutions with which the

Municipality conducts business

• Not accepting gifts, favors, or compensation from entities seeking to do business with the

Municipality

7. Delegation of Authority

Authority to manage the Municipality’s investment program is delegated to the Finance Officer, hereafter referred to as the “Investment Officer.” The Investment Officer shall act in accordance with this policy and applicable law and may not delegate investment authority without formal approval by the governing body.

8. Authorized Financial Institutions and Dealers

The Municipality shall only transact investment business with:

• Financial institutions authorized to do business in the State of Maryland

EXHIBIT A

• Institutions that provide written certification of compliance with this policy

9. Authorized Investments

Investments shall be limited to those authorized by Maryland law and COMAR, including but not limited to:

• Obligations of the United States Treasury

• Obligations of U.S. federal agencies or instrumentalities

• Repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities

• Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits permitted by law

• Money market mutual funds authorized for public funds

• Other investments specifically authorized under Maryland law

Prohibited Activities:

• Borrowing funds for the purpose of investing

• Speculation or leveraged investment strategies

• Investments not expressly authorized by Maryland law

10. Maturity and Diversification

• Investments shall be structured to match projected cash flow needs

• The portfolio shall be diversified by maturity, investment type, and issuer to reduce risk

• Maturity limits shall comply with Maryland law and State Treasurer guidelines

11. Safekeeping and Custody

• All securities shall be held by a third-party custodian in the Municipality’s name

• Delivery versus payment (DVP) shall be required for all transactions

• Collateral for deposits shall meet Maryland collateralization requirements

12. Internal Controls

The Investment Officer shall establish and maintain a system of internal controls designed to prevent loss, fraud, or misuse of public funds. Controls shall be reviewed periodically by independent auditors.

13. Reporting

The Investment Officer shall provide periodic investment reports to the governing body, at least quarterly, which shall include:

• A listing of current investments

EXHIBIT A

• Portfolio composition and maturity distribution

• Compliance with this policy and applicable law

14. Performance Measurement

The investment portfolio shall be evaluated against appropriate benchmarks consistent with the objectives of safety and liquidity.

15. Policy Review and Amendment

This policy shall be reviewed at least annually by the governing body. Any amendments shall be adopted by resolution and submitted to the Maryland State Treasurer as required by law.

16. Policy Adoption

This Investment Policy was adopted by the [Governing Body Name] of the [Name of Municipality], Maryland, on [Date], and shall remain in effect until amended or rescinded.

Certification I hereby certify that this policy complies with Maryland law and the investment guidelines of the Maryland State Treasurer.

__________________________________

[Authorized Official] Title Date

T C

OWN OF ENTREVILLE

A D P

RBOR AY ROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, in 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees;

and WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska; and WHEREAS, in 2008 the Town Council of Centreville amended Chapter 145 of the Code of the Town of Centreville which governs the planting, maintenance and removal of trees within the Town; and WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, lower our heating

and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products; and WHEREAS, trees in the Town of Centreville increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community; and WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of Centreville proclaims the last Friday in April as ARBOR DAY in the Town of Centreville; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town of Centreville urges all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and further urges all citizens to celebrate by either planting a tree or maintaining existing trees to promote the well-being of this and future generations

of trees in our Town.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Town Council of Centreville has hereunto subscribed their name this 2nd day of April, Two Thousand and Twenty-Six.

THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE

Ashley Heffernan Kaiser, Esq., President Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President Frederick E. Beu, Member Fred McNeil, Member

ATTEST:

Sandra Lee Huffer, Member R. Gaye Adams, Town Clerk 2026-04-Arbor Day Proclamation

T C

OWN OF ENTREVILLE

P – C T D

ROCLAMATION ELEBRATE RAILS AY

WHEREAS, the fourth Saturday of April, Celebrate Trails Day is an annual spring celebration of America’s trails. Started by Rails to Trails Conservancy in 2013, the celebration encourages people across the country to get outside and enjoy trails in their communities and explore trail systems in their region.

WHEREAS, trails make accessing the outdoors by foot, bike, and wheelchair more accessible for everyone and are essential outdoor spaces that allow us to use active transportation instead of car trips, reducing traffic, vehicle miles traveled, emissions, and helping the environment; and bringing powerful economic opportunity to communities big, small and in between; and deliver health and happiness for

so many people.

WHEREAS, the Eastern Shore has fewer off-road trails than other parts of the state for the 456,815 residents to enjoy daily and 7.5 million visitors who come for outdoor recreation and fun.

WHEREAS, Residents on the Eastern Shore ranked having places to walk and bike safely among their top priorities in land preservation, parks and recreation plans and expressed support for building more trails in their counties and towns.

WHEREAS, the Eastern Shore Trail Network is working with counties, municipalities, and the state to plan and develop safe facilities separated from vehicular traffic to encourage bicyclists, walkers, the physically challenged, and other non-motorized users of all ages to be more active and spend time outdoors, thereby improving their fitness and health; and WHEREAS, the Eastern Shore Trail Network, by increasing access for both residents and tourists to

natural, cultural, and historical sites, will bring health and economic benefits to counties, municipalities, and businesses in the region such as revenues to local economies, healthcare savings, enhanced real estate values, increased visits and longer stays; and WHEREAS, the Town of Centreville’s Millstream Trail which runs from Rte. 213 to Watson Road is 1.2 miles and features two observation decks, asphalt paving throughout and handicapped access, two

playgrounds with picnic options, four pavilions, five Critical Area Buffer Restoration gardens, two watercraft launches – one soft launch upstream and a hard launch at the Wharf Park – basketball court, and a fishing boardwalk with 14 boat slips with electric and water.

WHEREAS, the Town of Centreville is in the process of designing the Millstream II Wilderness Trail which will be 7,280 feet (1.38 miles) featuring a trail head at both ends, natural surface materials, two stream bridge crossings, with impressive topography; historical features and artifacts found along the trail include an original grist mill (1800s) location with dam site and sluice, and a hand dug tow path.

WHEREAS, the Town of Centreville is proposing to construct a Millstream II Constructed Wetland for water quality improvement of urban run-off with interpretive signage and a footpath connecting the Millstream Park Trail to the beginning of the Millstream II Wilderness Trail.

WHEREAS, the Town of Centreville is committed to work toward the shared vision of connecting people and communities through a safe and sustainable Eastern Shore Trail Network;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of Centreville proclaims that April 25, 2026 as CELEBRATE TRAILS DAY in the Town of Centreville and urge all residents to get outside and enjoy our trails.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Town Council of Centreville has hereunto subscribed their name this second day of April, Two Thousand and Twenty-Six.

THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE

Ashley H. Kaiser, Esq., President Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President Frederick E. Beu, Member Fred McNeil, Member

ATTEST:

Sandra Lee Huffer, Member R. Gaye Adams, Town Clerk