2026-03-19-tc-approved-minutes.pdf

Exactly as extracted, unformatted — for checking against the original. The readable version is easier to read.

Town Council of Centreville
March 19, 2026
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The March 19, 2026, Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Ashley H. Kaiser at the
Liberty Building located at 107 North Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and staff
were present: Ashley H. Kaiser, President; Sandra L. Huffer and Fred M. McNeil, Members; Carolyn Brinkley,
Town Manager; Sharon VanEmburgh, Town Attorney; Chief Robert Hobbs, Centreville Police Department;
Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works; Krystel Ebaugh, Human Resource
Manager; Ashley Russ, Finance Specialist; Jacki Payne, Administrative Assistant; and Gaye Adams, Town Clerk.
As there were no changes to the agenda, Ms. Kaiser asked if there were any changes or edits to the
minutes from the March 5, 2026 Town Council meeting. There being none, Mr. McNeil made a motion
to approve the minutes as presented, Ms. Huffer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Citizens Forum
• Ms. Simpson from the Park Advisory Board addressed the Council regarding Arbor Day, (April 24, 2026)
and emphasized the importance of trees to the community, environment, and education.
• Ms. Simpson discussed the historical significance of Arbor Day, and the benefits of trees.
• Ms. Adams stated the Town of Centreville is once again designated a Tree City USA for 2025.
• An Arbor Day proclamation will be presented at the next meeting.
Appearances
a. Julie Kille and Warren Wright-Formal Request for Approval- Prevention & Awareness Initiatives
• Ms. Kille, the Opioid Education and Prevention Coordinator, requested permission to install student-
assisted prevention murals on both sides of the Town billboard near Railroad Ave and Kidwell Ave.
• Ms. Kille stated the following key points: The project will be funded through a FY27 grant and it will be
a collaboration between the students and a professional artist.
• The focus will be on opioid prevention messaging, and a protective coating will be added.
• Council expressed strong support and requested review of final design concepts prior to installation.
• Mr. Beu motioned to approve the mural project as requested, Mr. McNeil seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
b. Karin Campbell - Paypoint HR - Compensation and Classification Study
• Karen Campbell of Paypoint HR presented the results of the Town’s compensation and classification
study. She reviewed the methodology, comparator organizations, internal job structure, market analysis,
and recommendations.
• The overall average of Town salaries is approximately 10% below market based on the 50th percentile.
• The most significant salary gaps are in administrative, public safety, and leadership positions.
• The Town’s benefits package remains strong and competitive.
• No major structural deficiencies were identified in the Town’s organizational framework.
• Ms. Campbells recommendations included moving below-market positions toward the 40th percentile in
year one, progressing toward the 50th percentile in year two, and conducting regular market reviews
every three to five years.
New Business
a. Revised Salary Scale Recommendation- Krystel Ebaugh, Human Resource Manager
• Ms. Ebaugh presented a recommendation to implement the revised salary scale effective April 1,
2026, rather than July 1, 2026.
• Ms. Luffman advised that sufficient funds exist within the current FY2026 budget to support
implementation through the use of interest revenue above anticipated projections.
• Mr. McNeil made a motion to approve implementation of the revised salary scale recommended by
Paypoint HR, retaining 25 steps with a 60% range spread, effective April 1, 2026. Ms. Huffer
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
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b. Wharf Park Bandshell Recommendation- Clifford Matthews, Director of Public Works
• Mr. Matthews requested Councils approval to proceed with Phase 3 of the Wharf Park project,
including construction of the band shell and associated site improvements.
• Bids were received and reviewed, and Mr. Matthews recommended awarding the civil work to
Middleton Construction, the electrical work to Chuck’s Electric, and the band shell structure to Green
Sites LLC.
• Mr. Matthews explained that the project is funded through a previously awarded grant in the amount
of $280,722.
• Due to cost increases, the work will be phased, with some parking lot paving, pathway, and lighting
improvements deferred for a future grant application.
• Ms. Huffer made a motion to approve the negotiated bids to Middleton Construction, Chuck’s Electric,
and Green Sites LLC, and to purchase lights, for a sum not to exceed $280,722 for this portion of the
Wharf Park Phase 3 project. Mr. Beu seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
c. Purchase Request for Mobile Data Terminals, Chief Robert Hobbs
• Chief Hobbs presented a request to purchase GTAC V120 mobile data terminals, docking stations, and
related equipment for the police fleet. The total project cost, including installation and accessories, is
not to exceed $75,000 and would be funded using current-year interest earned from the general fund.
• Mr. McNeil motioned to approve the purchase of new mobile data terminals and associated equipment
for the Centerville Police Department in an amount not to exceed $75,000. Mr. Beu seconded the
motion which passed unanimously.
Reports of Boards and Commissions
a. Maryland Municipal League
• The Summer Conference registrations are underway.
b. Council of Governments
• The next meeting is May 13, 2026.
c. Economic Development
• Mr. Beu stated he continues to identify and interview potential CEDA members.
• Seven candidates are being identified across the various categories previously discussed.
• Additional interviews are expected to be completed within the next week, after which supporting
materials will be distributed to Council for review. Council discussed possible options for the
interview and appointment process, as well as a closed session prior to the April 2, 2026, Town
Council Meeting for interviews.
• Mr. Beu advised the Council that he has been designated as Centerville’s representative to the Queen
Anne’s County Economic Development group.
d. Park Advisory Board
• Mr. McNeil informed the Council Arbor Day is April 24, 2026. More details about the event will be
provided at the April 2, 2026, Town Council meeting.
e. Planning Commission
• Ms. Huffer reported that the Planning Commission approved an extension for Hillside Liquors,
granting additional time to move forward with construction in recognition of the progress already
made, including approvals, coordination with MDE, recorded deeds, and other related project
milestones.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
• Ms. Brinkley reported the following:
o Ms. Huffer, Mr. Flint, Ms. VanEmburgh and herself attended the County Planning Commission
meeting regarding the annexed Providence Farm property. The County Planning Commission made
a favorable recommendation to the County Commissioners regarding removal of open space
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requirements and waiver of zoning.
o The Town has been awarded a Local Government Energy Modernization (L-GEM) grant through
the Maryland Energy Administration in the amount of $211,000 for a wastewater treatment plant
energy feasibility study, comprehensive energy audit, and energy modeling. An additional grant
can be applied for to implement recommendations from the audit.
b. Chief of Police
• Chief Hobbs reported the following:
o Chief Hobbs also discussed the new countywide peer support initiative for first responders and
commended the County’s efforts to provide mental health support resources for law
enforcement, EMS, dispatchers, detention center staff, and volunteer fire and EMS personnel.
c. Town Clerk
• Ms. Adams reported the following:
o The Town has again been designated Tree City USA for 2025.
o The Arbor Day proclamation will be presented at the April 2, 2026, meeting.
o Members reappointed by the Boards and Commissions have been contacted.
o Two Board/Commission vacancies are expected and will need to be filled.
o A meeting for the Main Street Market Study will be held on March 25, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to
5:15 p.m. at the Wharf first-floor meeting room, and Council members were encouraged to
attend.
Citizen Comments:
Ms. Mary Margaret Goodwin mentioned several events are planned for the 4th of July. Ms. Goodwin stated
the Centreville, and the Thomas Jefferson connection will be presented. Ms. Adams stated details of the
events will be forthcoming.
Council Roundtable
• Mr. Beu expressed appreciation for the Public Works Department for the pothole repairs on Chesterfield
Ave. Mr. Beu also followed up on the progress of the Mill property.
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• Ms. Brinkley advised that cleanup has progressed and that permit submissions for structural and fencing
work are pending.
• Ms. Huffer asked if we knew how many surveys were received from the Market Study and when the survey
will close.
• Ms. Adams stated that currently the response rate is 367, and that the survey closes tonight at midnight.
• Ms. Huffer asked for an update on the State Highway Property. Ms. Brinkley said she has emailed the Army
Corps 3 times and has yet to get a response. Ms. Brinkley will call them next week to get an update.
There being no further business, Ms. Huffer made a motion to adjourn. The Town Council meeting adjourned at 8:24
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
R. Gaye Adams
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved March 5, 2026, Town Council meeting minutes.
2. Approved revised salary scale recommendations.
3. Approved the Wharf Park bandshell recommendations.
4. Approved the purchase request for mobile data terminals for the Centreville Police Department.
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