TOWN COUNCIL MEETING #10-05

May 5, 2005

                Council President Donna S. Turner convened meeting #10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall and welcomed those in attendance.  Mary McCarthy , Council Vice President, Norman Pinder, Council Member, Royden Powell , Town Manager, Steve Kehoe, Town Attorney, and Jane Saulsbury, Administrative Assistant, were present

Review of Minutes from Previous Meeting:  The minutes of the April 20, 2005 meeting were approved by motion and second of Mr. Pinder and Mrs. McCarthy, respectively, and by unanimous vote.

Appearances:

                Presentation of Certificate of Appointment to Mr. Ed Novak and Mr. Dan Worth , Two Year Terms on Planning Commission  Mr. Novak and Mr. Worth were presented with their Certificates of Appointment and were thanked for their willingness to serve on the Planning Commission.

                Mr. Peter Sheaffer, RE:  Bond Release for Providence Farm  Mr. Sheaffer requested release the bond in the amount of $273,000, noting that all of the requirements by the Planning Commission have been met and the roads have passed inspection and are ready to be dedicated to the Town.  Mr. Powell advised that he will look at the specifics in the bond to confirm that all requirements have been met.  Mr. Sheaffer requested on behalf of the Home Owners Association that the Town accept dedication of the street lights and assume payment of the electric bills.  He noted that Conectiv owns the poles and the lights.

Business

                Impact Fees  Mrs. McCarthy read a statement expressing her thoughts relative to the collection of impact fees to help fund capital improvements.  The increase in the population of the Town of Centreville has created new needs and requirements, i.e., recreational facilities, repair of streets and sidewalks, repair and replacement of deteriorating water and sewer lines, upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant, etc.  She stated that it is time for developers to “pay their way” and “give something back to the town.”  She suggested a $2000 impact fee on residential building permits and a $1,000 impact fee on commercial building permits.  It was noted that the County charges a $6,700 impact fee for a residential building permit.  After discussion, it was moved and seconded by Mrs. McCarthy and Mr. Pinder, respectively, to have Mr. Kehoe draft an “impact fee ordinance” for Council’s consideration within the next thirty days.  All being in favor, the motion passed.  It was suggested that the proposed impact fee ordinance be considered at the Council’s June 16^th meeting.  Mr. Powell suggested that there be a separate hearing on this ordinance apart from the budget hearing.

Maryland Municipal League Report  -  Nothing to report

Queen Anne’s County Municipal League Report  -   Nothing to report.

Announcements  -  Mrs. Turner read the announcements for the record.  There will be a work session on Monday, May 9^th at 4:00 p.m.

Correspondence  -  None                                                                   

Report of Department Heads

                Town Manager  -  Mr. Powell reported on the following items and issues:  (1)  The utility bills went out this week, including the Chesapeake Bay Restoration fee in the amount of $7.50; (2) A letter from MDE dated 4/29/05 was reviewed.  It was in response to a letter he sent them last week concerning wind restrictions.  Five issues of concern were addressed:  erosion of gullies, channelized flow of water in tire tracks, ponding, wind and control of airborne spray (confining it to the site). The Town and MES met with MDE today and updated them on steps taken to address their concerns.  Tire tracks are being filled with stone.  Grass waterways will be constructed.  Spraying will be restricted in areas where there has been any ponding within 48 hours.  Mr. Powell explained the buffer and how it affects spray areas; (3)  Work on the FY 2005-2006 budget will begin at the Council’s work session on May 9^th;  (4)  He reported on the Maryland Rural Water Association convention which he recently attended and thanked the Town Council for the opportunity to attend.  At the request of Mr. Pinder, Mr. Powell reported that he had been presented with a “Decision Maker of the Year – 2005” trophy at the convention.

                In discussion about the 2004 audit, Mrs. McCarthy noted that Jeff Rank has posted it on the Town’s website.  Asked if a resolution is needed to accept the 2004 audit, Mr. Kehoe responded in the affirmative.  It was moved and seconded by Mrs. McCarthy and Mr. Pinder, respectively, to accept and implement the recommendations noted in the audit.  All being in favor, the motion carried.  Mr. Kehoe will prepare a resolution. 

                Council noted that the findings of the Inflow and Infiltration Study by URS will need more consideration at a work session and Mr. Powell advised that the fee schedule for water and sewer allocations will be addressed during formulation of the budget. 

                Centreville Police Department  -  Lt. Teat had nothing to add to the status report in the Council books.

Citizens Forum

                Mr. Brian Bagstead expressed his concern about the location of the proposed pedestrian trail at North Brook.  There are stakes delineating it along a ridge line next to a big ditch which would not be safe for children.  Mr. Kehoe said that landscaping and architectural features mandated by the Public Works Agreement will make a difference.  Jeff Anthony, Park Advisory Board chairman, said that he and Jack Kirby, P.E. had walked it and suggested that Mr. Bagstead attend a Park Board meeting to discuss the trail

                Mr. Svienn Storm remarked on the situation behind Acme where there is a manhole and a broken line and asked if it should not be considered a “spill” and reported to MDE.  Mr. Powell said the Town is working on it and is also seeking bids to repair this manhole and others.  Mr. Storm questioned the safety of allowing hunting on Tanyard Farm.  It was explained that only the farmer, and any of his family members, have permission to hunt there.

                Mrs. Mary Margaret Goodwin expressed her concern about the increasing number of skateboarders on Town streets and sidewalks.  She asked if Lt. Teat could send a letter to the parents of those children he knows and advise them of the danger.  That will be done.  She asked if something can’t be done about the house at 104 Kidwell Avenue .  It is in a terrible state of disrepair and subject to vandalism.  Mr. Kehoe will look into a possible ordinance whereby something can be done.  A civil citation is a possibility.

Motion to Adjourn

                There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. by motion and second of Mr. Pinder and Mrs. McCarthy, respectively.  All being in favor, the meeting adjourned.

                                                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                Jane Saulsbury

                                                                                                Administrative Aide

101 Lawyer's Row

Centreville, MD  21617

Phone: (410) 758-1180

Fax:     (410) 758-4741