Town Council — 2023-08-17

The Town Council meeting on August 17, 2023 was convened by Vice President Ashley H. Kaiser and approved the July 20, 2023 minutes unanimously. The Main Street Manager, Carol D’Agostino, reported on the 2023 Drink Maryland event (696 tasting passes sold, 37 vendor tables, 17 alcohol vendors, $5,850 raised, five new volunteers) and described use of an Operating Assistance Grant to fund a professional photographer, streetscape and Wharf photos, a content writer for press releases and a Small Business Saturday/holiday campaign, and a social media contractor; she noted a proposed $4,200 sponsorship of the Centreville Spy (including a $1,200 one-time startup fee to be paid from the grant), Centreville Day on October 28, and the Fall Centreville Circular release on September 13. Two public hearings were held: Ordinance 03-2023 (penalty reference corrections) was opened, received no public comment, and was adjourned; Ordinance 04-2023 (allowing electronic message centers for governmental/institutional uses in specified non‑residential zones) was opened, Council noted they do not want a “Times Square‑type” Centreville, and a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission was reported. No citizens spoke during the Citizens Forum. Attendees included Council members Ashley H. Kaiser, Eric B. Johnson, Jr., Daniel B. Worth, and Jim A. Beauchamp, Town Manager Charles Koogle, department staff, and other town officials.