Town Council Meeting #02-04

February 5, 2004

Council President Michael Whitehill convened meeting #02-04 at 7:00pm in the Town Hall.  Norman Pinder, Council Vice President, Donna Turner, Council Member, Terry Adams, Town Manager, Jonathan Hodgson, Town Attorney, Police Chief Ben Cohey, and Deana Ashley, Town Clerk, were also present.

Welcome:  Citizens and guests were welcomed to the meeting.

Review of Minutes from Previous Meeting:  Meeting #01-04 of January 15, 2004 minutes were accepted as read by the Council members.  Mr. Pinder made a motion to accept the minutes; Mr. Whitehill seconded the motion. A vote was taken, members voted in the affirmative, and the minutes were approved unanimously. (3 ayes)

Appearances:   None

Business:  

1. First Reading Ordinance 01-04:  BOCA Maintenance Codes – Mr. Hodgson read the title of the ordinance into the record.  Mrs. Turner made a motion to discuss the ordinance; Mr. Pinder seconded the motion.  The Council discussed the State’s requirement for BOCA code inclusion in it’s charter, and their preference that the version to be amended is unified with the County’s version.  Mrs. Turner made a motion to accept the first reading of the ordinance;  Mr. Pinder seconded the motion.  The Council voted unanimously in the affirmative to approve the first reading of Ordinance 01-04.  (3 ayes)

2. Discussion of County Tax Set-Off:  The Council discussed the upcoming annual tax set-off meeting with the County Commissioners.  Mr. Whitehill noted that the Town is due multiple benefits (Police, Public Works, county seat) and he would suggest a level benefit for 2004-2005. 

3. Discussion of County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan:  The Council discussed a solicitation letter from a private individual regarding the creation of a mitigation plan.  The Council requested Mr. Adams garner input from the County representatives relative to the letter received.

4. Queen Anne’s Arts Council Request for Art Auction Ad:  The Council approved a request to place an ad in the annual art auction brochure.

5. Comprehensive Plan Update:  Mr. Whitehill noted that the Town Comprehensive Plan is at the 6-year review point and requested that a representative from the Maryland Department of Planning be scheduled to attend their next work session.  Mr. Pinder noted that any revisions to zoning documentation be included once the plan is updated.

Maryland Municipal League:  Mrs. Turner reported her attendance at the recent Eastern Shore Municipalities meeting and items of interest to the Council.

QAC Municipal League:  The Council requested that a meeting be scheduled on March 9, 2004 at 5:00pm in Town Hall to discuss the tax set off for 2004.

Announcements and Correspondence:  Mr. Whitehill read the announcements and correspondence into the record.  He noted the letter received from the County Commissioners requesting the Council’s approval of the calculation/distribution of impact fees.  The Council requested Mr. Hodgson review the letter and report back his findings.

Report of Department Heads:

Town Clerk –

·        Ms. Ashley reported that all Town year-end financial reports were filed and completed without exception.

·        She also reported on a recent planning meeting for the accounting/utility billing software.  The core module, including the general ledger, will be implemented by March 1 and payroll and utility billing will be on-line by
April 1.

·        Invoices for 3^rd and 4^th quarter inspection and engineering fees had been mailed.

Chief of Police –

·        Chief Cohey stated that his report was included in the Council’s books for their review.  There was nothing unusual to report.

·        A new evaluation system has been implemented within the department.

·        Officer Conley will participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run and Officer Kern will be acting as the department coordinator.

·        He noted that the 3^rd annual memorial service for Officer Nickerson and Deputy Schwenz will be held on February 13.

·        Chief Cohey reported that training for mental-health sensitivity will be implemented using funds raised by the annual golf tournament in honor of Officer Nickerson and Deputy Schwenz.

Town Manager - Mr. Adams reported the following:

·  Mr. Adams presented the Council with a request to place an ad in the Community Link brochure; the Council declined.

·  He requested the Council approval to lease/purchase a new copier/printer/fax machine.  The Council approved his request.

·  He will present the first draft of the 2004-2005 budget at the next work session.

·  Mr. Adams attended at GIS asset management presentation.  Mr. Whitehill noted that the Town, as a result of past and WRAS work products, owns a large amount of data that could be utilized in such a system.

·  An individual has offered to take the skateboard equipment and sign a waiver of liability.  The Council approved the offer.

·  Mr. Adams would review the sign/banner permitting process with the zoning inspector per Mr. Pinder’s request.

Citizens Forum:

·        Mrs. Mary Roby, 210 Lurgan – Mrs. Roby questioned the operating status of the water tower at Northbrook.

·        Mr. Oliver Stromberg, 113 Windsor Ave – Mr. Stromberg thanked the Police Chief for his service to the community.  He discussed with the Council and
Mr. Hodgson the use of alleyways within Town limits. 

·        Mr. Robert Babbitt, 331 Kidwell Ave – Mr. Babbitt noted the lack of access at the right of way to the river near 205 Wharf Lane.  He also talked with the Council about the status of the Town’s historic district designation and when tax credits applications would be available and reported to residents. 

Motion to Adjourn:  There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 8:00 pm. 

                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                                    Deana Ashley

101 Lawyer's Row

Centreville, MD  21617

Phone: (410) 758-1180

Fax:     (410) 758-4741