Town Council Meeting #13-03

 July 03, 2003

Council President Michael Whitehill convened meeting #13-03 at 7:00pm in the Town Hall.  Vice President Norman Pinder and Member Donna Turner were present.  Terry Adams, Town Manager, Ben Cohey, Police Chief, and Deana Ashley, Town Clerk were all also in attendance.

Welcome:  Citizens and guests were welcomed to the meeting.

Review of Minutes from Previous Meeting:  Meeting #12-03 of June 5, 2003 minutes were accepted as read by the Council members.  Mrs. Turner made the motion to accept the minutes; Mr. Pinder seconded the motion. A vote was taken, members voted in the affirmative, and the minutes were approved unanimously. (3 ayes)

Appearances:   

·        Mr. Jeff Rank, Town of Centreville Web Page (www.centreville-md.org)
Mr. Rank appeared before the Council to present the newly created Centreville web page.  He reviewed the main pages within the site, including government, business and town departments.  Mr. Rank displayed pictures of the community and documents that may be downloaded, such as meeting minutes, and how residents can access the site.  He also asked the Council to enact a process so that timely information is forwarded to him to maintain the page.  The Council thanked Mr. Rank for his volunteer effort and for the quality of his work.

·        Mr. Ed Parry, Farmers Market – Mr. Parry appeared before the Council to discuss the location and time of this summer’s market. The discussion resulted in the scheduling of the market on Wednesday’s at 3-7pm at the parking lot on Pennsylvania Ave, and Saturday from 9-12am on Lawyers Row. The Council thanked Mr. Parry for his appearance and his work.

Business:   None

Maryland Municipal League:  The Council reported on their recent attendance at the Ocean City MML convention on June 23-25 and the benefits of attending the informational meetings. 

QAC Municipal League:  Mr. Whitehill requested a meeting be scheduled with the league in order to hear a presentation from Ellen Watson, the Heritage Foundation, as it would be pertinent to the Centreville Land Use Program.

Announcements and Correspondence:  Mr. Whitehill read the announcements into the record. 

Report of Department Heads:

Town Clerk -

·        Ms. Ashley reported the second quarter water/sewer/landfill bills had been mailed to residents and business owners.

·        She also reported that the first WRAS quarterly report had been filed and that reimbursement for expenditures should be received in the coming weeks.

·        She also reported that the first partial payment for the three projects at the new WWTP had been made and she was working with MDE and the USDA for reimbursement.

Chief of Police - The Chief’s report was included in the Council’s book for their review; there was nothing unusual to report.

·        Officers continue to monitor the skateboard park.  Use of the park seems to have declined as 2 registrations were held with no new issuance of passes.

·        In June, he signed an agreement with the Sheriff and MSP Commander with the State’s Attorney’s Office on prosecution of cases.

·        He participated in the 2^nd annual Schwenz/Nickerson golf tournament;  monies raised will be used for training officers on mental health issues.

·        The new patrol car will be in service tonight. 

·        He is working to re-establish the Neighborhood Watch program.  The Chief has contacted citizens regarding their interest in the program.

Town Manager -  Mr. Adams reported the following:

·        He found the GASB34 meeting at the MML convention informative.

·        The new street sweeper has been utilized on Town streets.

·        The WWTP project is progressing; pipe work is underway between the farm and the plant.

·        The Heights street project is nearing completion. The water line installation is 95% completed.  The gutter work on Elm Street is underway.

·        The transition to metered water billing is in progress.  He estimates that any major issues should be worked out within 2-3 cycles.

·        The Appeals Board gave a favorable recommendation to the construction of the new Chestertown Bank in the old Dollar General location.

·        The Rotary House will appear before the Appeals Board on July 22.

·        Mr. Adams will be on jury duty from July 15-August 15 for Talbot County.

·        Mr. Adams will notify the Fire Department regarding the cost for the water pipe per Mr. Pinder and Mrs. Turner’s request.

·        Citizens have contacted Town Hall regarding the privatization of the alley off Windsor Ave.

·        The Council discussed with Mr. Adams the construction of the fence near the Commerce St liquor store.  Mr. Adams will keep the Council apprised of the situation.

Citizens Forum: 

·        Mr. Fred Kirby, Liberty St – Mr. Kirby appeared before the Council to question the status of a multiple unit residence in the calculation of water usage for metered billing. Mr. Whitehill informed him that the number of units will be considered in the calculation of minimum usage (ie, a 3 unit residence would result in a 33,000 gallon threshold.  3 *11,000 gallons.)  The Council thanked Mr. Kirby for his participation.

Motion to Adjourn:  There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 7:58 pm. 

                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                                    Deana Ashley

101 Lawyer's Row

Centreville, MD  21617

Phone: (410) 758-1180

Fax:     (410) 758-4741