Town Council Meeting #23-04
December 16,
2004
Council President Norman Pinder convened meeting #23-04 at 7:07pm in
Town Hall. Donna Turner, Council Vice-President, Mary McCarthy, Council
Member, Royden Powell, Town Manager, Stephen Kehoe, Town Attorney,
Police Chief Ben Cohey, and Deana Ashley, Clerk, were also present.
Welcome: Citizens and guests were welcomed to the
meeting.
Review of Minutes from Previous Meetings: Minutes for the
meeting on December 2, 2004 were held for approval pending a revision by
Mrs. Turner. The minutes will be presented to the Council at their next
meeting for their review.
Appearances:
-
Leslie Crook,
Co-Chairperson, Queen Anne’s County Tri-Centennial Celebration –
Ms. Crook appeared before the Council to present an overview of the
celebration, including activities, marketing materials and retail
items. She also presented the Council with celebration materials.
The Council thanked Ms. Crook for her time and noted their unanimous
support for the County’s celebration, especially a parade to be held
in Centreville.
-
Tim Keefe, Bay Broadband
Communications, Tower Lease Agreement –
Mr. Keefe reported his preliminary discussions with Mr. Powell to
lease water tower space for wireless internet hardware installation.
Mr. Keefe reviewed his company services, citations from users, and
demonstrated the type of antennae. Mr. Pinder questioned the number
of users, the type and size of equipment, and the amount of liability
insurance? Mrs. Turner talked with Mr. Keefe about the $250/month
fee. The Council thanked Mr. Keefe for his presentation and noted
they would review the agreement for consideration at their next
meeting.
Business: None
Maryland Municipal League: None
QAC Municipal League: None
Announcements and Correspondence: Mrs. McCarthy read a
letter from Peter Kurtze, Administrator of Evaluation and Regulation, MD
Department of Housing, Division of Historical and Cultural Programs,
which stated that Centreville was entered into the National Register of
Historic Places. Mrs. McCarthy noted that citizens and commercial
property owners included in this designated area would be eligible for
tax credits. A workshop to assist in the application for credits will
be scheduled in the next month.
Report of Department Heads:
Town Clerk – Ms. Ashley reported the following:
·
Ms. Ashley deferred her report time to the Town Manager.
Chief of
Police –
·
The Chief noted his report was in the Council’s books for
their review. There was nothing unusual to report.
·
With the Council’s approval, the Chief will bag all meters
(free parking) in Town for the holidays for the period of December
20-December 31.
·
The Christmas parade went well; next year the department
will implement means to barricade viewers from the street and parade
vehicles.
·
A police officer paid for lodging for a citizen without
housing. The department is working with other agencies to provide
assistance.
Town Manager –
·
Mr. Powell reported that the audit of outstanding review,
permit and allocation fees will wrapped up next week.
·
He had a discussion with SHA representatives regarding the
traffic count study. SHA would recommend the design of the study to
include both Centreville and Chestertown. Classes 5-12 (medium duty and
up) would be counted day and night, and cameras would be utilized.
·
Mr. Powell sought approval of the 2005 office holidays.
Mr. Kehoe noted a typo, December 15 is not Christmas. With the
revision, Mrs. Turner made a motion to approve the schedule, Mrs.
McCarthy seconded the motion. The Council voted unanimously to approve
the 2005 holiday schedule.
·
Mr. Powell asked Mr. Kehoe to present the Council and
citizens a report on a request for a temporary restraining order against
the Town, for an alleged breach of a public works agreement, by the
developer of Northbrook. Mr. Kehoe stated that Judge Ross denied the
request on December 15, a status conference is scheduled for January 11,
and a hearing on the merits of the complaint meeting for March 3.
Mr. Kehoe also noted that he believes other groups intend to file suit;
he would seek consolidation of those and that they be “fast tracked” for
first quarter 2005 resolution. The Council congratulated Mr. Kehoe on
his successful argument on behalf of the Town.
Citizens Forum:
·
Sveinn Storm, Commerce St – Mr. Storm discussed his
concerns over the proposed lease agreement with Bay Broadband
Communications presented earlier in the meeting. He suggested the
Council reconsider the monthly lease amount proposed. Mr. Storm began a
discussion regarding legal fees incurred by the Town as a result of
allegations regarding the operations of the wastewater treatment plant.
The discussion ended as a result of the three minute per person rule.
·
Aileen Minor, Liberty St – Ms. Minor noted her
apprehension with the 3 minute rule. She also suggested the Council
contact other municipalities to determine what rate they charge for
similar agreements.
·
Luke Phipps, Commerce St – Mr. Phipps thanked the Council
for their assistance with the Day Care, Inc. raffle at the Christmas
parade.
·
Stony Duffey, Centreville Business Park – Mr. Duffey
questioned if the Town sign will be removed this week? Mr. Powell
responded that it would.
·
Jenna Ashley, Centreville Plaza, LLC – Ms. Ashley asked
the Council to request additional information (i.e. pricing of other
agreements) before approving the presented proposal from Bay Broadband
Communications.
There was a general discussion amongst the Council regarding their next
scheduled work session. Mrs. McCarthy and Mrs. Turner requested
additional research before approving the tower lease agreement. Their
next meeting will be held on Monday, January 3 at 4pm in Town Hall.
Mrs. McCarthy made a statement that she shared Mr. Storm’s concern
regarding the budgeted vs. actual legal fees regarding the wastewater
treatment plant. She also offered an officer reimbursement for the
lodging of a citizen.
Motion to Adjourn: There being nothing further to discuss,
the Council voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:05pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Deana Ashley, Clerk
