april 6 2023 town council minutes - approved

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.