april 6 2023 town council minutes - approved

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

Town Council of Centreville
April 6, 2023
7:00 p.m.
M I N U T E S
The April 6, 2023 Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice President Ashley H. Kaiser at the
Liberty Building located at 107 N. Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and staff were
present: Steven K. Kline, President (via Zoom); Ashley H. Kaiser, Vice President; Eric B. Johnson, Jr., and Jim A.
Beauchamp, Members; Charles (Chip) Koogle, Town Manager (via Zoom); Clifford (Kip) Matthews, Director of
Public Works; Krystel Ebaugh, Human Resources Manager (via Zoom); Sharon VanEmburgh, Town Attorney; Karen
Luffman, Finance Officer; Jacki Payne, Administrative Assistant; Ashley Russ, Finance Specialist; and Carolyn
Brinkley, Town Clerk.
 Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, Mr. Kline made a motion to approve the
March 16, 2023 meeting minutes, as presented. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed
with Ms. Kaiser, Mr. Kline, and Mr. Johnson voting in favor and Mr. Beauchamp abstaining.
 Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the March 23, 2023 budget work session minutes and the March
30, 2023 budget work session minutes, as presented. Mr. Beauchamp seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
Citizens Forum
Mike Dill, Joe Leilick, Mike Pavlovich, Ken Huddleston, and Paige Tilghman all spoke in favor of allowing the
American Legion the opportunity to install an electronic sign.
The Town Council asked Ms. VanEmburgh if the American Legion would be able to install an electronic sign.
Ms. VanEmburgh stated that currently the Zoning Code prohibits electronic signs, except for those grandfathered
in, and therefore, the Code would have to be amended.
Appearances
a. Warren Wright, Drug Free Coalition – QAC Goes Purple
 Mr. Wright presented a letter to the Town Council to inform them of the 7th year of Queen Anne’s County
Goes Purple. He stated this year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 9th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. in the Courthouse Square. The US Army Rock Band will play from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
New Business
a. Resolution 05-2023 – Travel Policy for Town Council Members – Council President
 Mr. Kline stated that he requested this policy to ensure when Town Council members are traveling, they
will be required to pay out-of-pocket, then will be reimbursed when they attend and submit receipts.
 Mr. Beauchamp asked how do Council Members reserve funds and how are funds allocated to ensure the
funds are available?
 Ms. Luffman gave some suggestions and was asked to create additional recommendations to the Town
Council for this policy.
b. Resolution 06-2023 – Rules of Council – Sponsored by Council President
 The Rules of Council were previously discussed and approved via consensus. The rules are being
presented as a resolution for better tracking of policies.
 Mr. Kline made a motion to approve Resolution 06-2023 for the purpose of establishing rules of order
that govern the organization and procedures of the Town Council of Centreville meetings. Mr. Johnson
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Council Members Yes No Absent
Beauchamp X
Worth X
Johnson X
Kaiser X
Kline X
c. Sign Ordinance – Digital Signage – Sponsored by Council Member Johnson
 Mr. Johnson made the following presentation:
2023-04-06-TC-Approved-Minutes

 Ms. Kaiser discussed the misuse of electronic signs in the downtown and the County’s electronic sign
located across from the Acme shopping center.
 Mr. Johnson requested looking at the legality to restrict electronic signs to institutional uses.
 Ms. VanEmburgh stated that restrictions can be put within a zoning district however, whatever use is in
that district would be permitted. She also stated that some electronic signs were grandfathered but
restrictions were placed on them; these restrictions could be kept.
 There was consensus by the Town Council for Mr. Johnson to work with Ms. VanEmburgh to create an
ordinance and language for consideration.
d. Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage – Sponsored by Council Member Johnson
 Ms. Paige Tilghman presented information to the Town Council regarding the tour that will take place on
May 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The net proceeds will support the renovation and restoration of
the Tucker House.
 Queen Anne’s County has participated before but it has been 6 years. She stated that the tickets are $35
and can be purchased at www.mhgp.org. Queen Anne’s County has 11 sites on the tour.
2023-04-06-TC-Approved-Minutes

Reports of Boards and Commissions
a.
2023-04-06-TC-Approved-Minutes
Maryland Municipal League
 Mr. Beauchamp reported that MML is wrapping up their tracking of legislature.
b. Economic Development
 Mr. Johnson reported the next fireside chat will take place on May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Vincit Building.
They will discuss, “What does Economic Development in Centreville look like in 5 to 10 years.”
c. Park Advisory Board
 Ms. Kaiser reported that the bids came in for the additional boat slips.
 Additional bluebird boxes and signs will be installed along the trail.
 Another committee formed for Christmas Decorations and they will attend the next PAB meeting.
 The new portion of the Millstream Trail is being blazed.
 Arbor Day will take place on Friday, April 28th around 9:30 on the Millstream Trail at the end of
Creamery Lane.
 September 9th is scheduled for the Fishing Derby and Movie Night.
Reports of Department Heads
a. Town Manager
 Mr. Koogle reported the following:
 Was able to contact another property owner to test for a spray field. He and Ms. VanEmburgh are
working on the right of entry agreement.
 Received confirmation that the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) did not get cut from the budget and
Centreville is still in the budget for $15 million.
Mr. Beauchamp made a motion to adjourn the April 6, 2023 Town Council Meeting. Mr. Johnson seconded the
motion. The second citizen comment was missed and Mr. Beauchamp requested the meeting be opened back up.
Citizen Comments:
Ken Huddleston, Liberty Street, reported that the American Legion is a congressionally chartered organization.
Motion to Adjourn
There being no further business, Mr. Johnson made a motion to adjourn the April 6, 2023 meeting. Mr. Beauchamp
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn M. Brinkley
Town Clerk
Council Action Items:
1. Approved the March 16, 2023 meeting minutes; March 23, 2023 budget work session minutes; and March
30, 2023 budget work session minutes, as presented.
2. Approved Resolution 06-2023 for the purpose of establishing rules of order that govern the organization and
procedures of the Town Council of Centreville meetings.
3. Consensus by the Town Council for Mr. Johnson to work with Ms. VanEmburgh to create an ordinance and
language for consideration for digital signage.