Town Council Meeting #23-03

December 4, 2003

Council President Michael Whitehill convened meeting #19-03 at 7:00pm in the Town Hall.  Vice President Norman Pinder, Terry Adams, Town Manager, Jonathan Hodgson, Town Attorney, 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 #18-03 of November 20, 2003 minutes were accepted as read by the Council members.  Mr. Whitehill made a 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. (2 ayes)

Appearances:   Mr. Scott Harrison and Boy Scout Troop #247 appeared before the Council as a part of the process to receive their merit badges.  Mr. Whitehill briefly reviewed the Council, their mandate, and how meetings were held.  The Council thanked Mr. Harrison and the Boy Scout Troop for their participation.

Business:    

·        Resolution R-08-03, Assignment of Cable Television Franchise – Mr. Hodgson read the title of the resolution for the record.  Mr. Adams reviewed the status of similar legislation with Queen Anne’s County. After discussion with Mr. Hodgson; Mr. Pinder made a motion to approve the resolution to consent to the assignment of the franchise to Atlantic Broadband, LLC,  Mr. Whitehill seconded the motion.  (2 ayes)

·        Amendment to Franchise Agreement – No action taken by Council; approved by Mr. Adams.

·        Resolution R-09-03, Amendments to Cable Television Franchise Agreement –   Mr. Hodgson read the title of the resolution into the record.  He summarized the extension of the agreement and the financial terms.  Mr. Pinder made a motion to approve the resolution;  Mr. Whitehill seconded the motion.  (2 ayes)

·        USDA Rural Development Grant Agreement for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project – Mr. Adams summarized the agreement for the Council, stating their approval was required for the grant portion of the USDA Rural Development monies.  The Council approved and signed the agreement.

Maryland Municipal League:  None

QAC Municipal League:    Mr. Whitehill and Mr. Pinder met with other municipalities this evening to discuss shared concerns about proposed revisions to Title 18 of Queen Anne’s County Code.

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

Report of Department Heads:

Town Clerk -

·        Ms. Ashley reported that the audit for fiscal year 2002-2003 and the corresponding management letter were distributed for their review.

·        She discussed the status of the Christmas Parade.

Chief of Police –

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

·        Ms. Isbell recently completed UCR training.

·        Two officers are out on injuries resulting in workers compensation claims.

·        One officer is currently attending 80 hours of firearm training school. He will then be certified to train other officers.

·        New carpet and glass are scheduled to be installed at the station this week.

·        An in-car camera was recently replaced.

Town Manager -  Mr. Adams reported the following:

·    He reviewed the parking on both sides of Price Street and the concern for passage of fire and emergency vehicles.

·  The equipment at the skateboard park is slated for sale in the coming weeks.

·  Clean up for the parade is scheduled as soon as it is completed.

·  Mr. Adams noted that a letter regarding the fence permit on Commerce Street was reviewed and approved by Mr. Hodgson.

·  The SHA has snow removal preparations underway.

Citizens Forum:

Mr. Alvin Athey – American Legion  – Mr. Athey appeared to request the Council’s approval for a turkey shoot at the Jeff Davis American Legion Post 18 on Saturday, December 13.  The Council confirmed that this event had been held before and that all neighbors had been notified.  The Council approved their request presented by Mr. Athey.

Mrs. Dena Anderson, 112-114 Commerce St,  – Mrs. Anderson appeared to first thank the Council for the speed trailer and its placement on busy streets in town. She then discussed with the Council her concerns regarding the closure of the skateboard park and the sale of its equipment.  She reiterated her initial questions about the proposed park and its maintenance.  The Council noted Mrs. Anderson’s comments and thanked her for her participation.

Motion to Adjourn:  There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 8:02 pm. 

                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                                    Deana Ashley

101 Lawyer's Row

Centreville, MD  21617

Phone: (410) 758-1180

Fax:     (410) 758-4741