The March 18, 2010, Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Frank C. Ogens, in the Goodwill Fire Department. The following members and staff were present: Frank C. Ogens, President; Norman P. Pinder, Jr., Vice President; Timothy E. McCluskey, Member; Bob McGrory, Town Manager; Chief Charlie Rhodes; Steve Kehoe, Town Attorney; Abigail Hill, Attorney; and Lori Peddicord, Finance Officer.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Miele McCluskey.
Review and Approval of Minutes
Mr. McCluskey made a motion to approve the March 4, 2010 Council minutes as amended. Mr. Pinder seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Announcement of Closed Sessions
(i) The Town Council met in closed session following Council’s regular meeting on March 4, 2010, at 8:15 p.m., at the Goodwill Fire Company, 212 Broadway, Centreville, Maryland, to discuss personnel issues and to receive advice from legal counsel. (ii) All three members of the Town Council voted to close the session. (iii) The authority to close the session is found in Section 10-508 (a)(1) and Section 10-508 (a)(7). The Council discussed the following:
• Personnel: Staffing – current Water/Wastewater Utility staffing
• Legal Advice: Discussion of Water/Wastewater operations contract
• Personnel: Possible Reassignment of responsibilities for an employee in the Centreville Police Department.
The following members and staff were present: Frank C. Ogens, President; Norman P. Pinder, Jr., Vice President; Timothy E. McCluskey, Member; Greg Swartz, Director of Public Works; Steve Kehoe, Town Attorney; Abigail Hill, attorney; Bob McGrory, Town Manager; and Jane Saulsbury, Administrative Aide.
(i) The Town Council met in closed session on March 9, 2010, at 4:00 p.m., at the Town Annex, 105 North Liberty Street, Centreville, Maryland, to discuss personnel issues and to receive advice from legal counsel. (ii) All three members of the Town Council voted to close the session.
(iii) The authority to close the session is found in Section 10-508 (a)(1) and Section 10-508
(a)(7). The Council discussed the following:
• Personnel: Possible Reassignment of responsibilities for an employee
• Personnel: Promotion requirements for Police Officer to Officer First Class
• Legal Advice: Updates on pending litigation
• Personnel: Performance Evaluations for two employees
The following members and staff were present: Frank C. Ogens, President; Norman P. Pinder, Jr., Vice President; Timothy E. McCluskey, Member; Chief Charlie Rhodes; Steve Kehoe, Town Attorney; and Bob McGrory, Town Manager.
(i) The Town Council met in closed session on March 16, 2010, at 4:00 p.m., at the Town Annex, 105 North Liberty Street, Centreville, Maryland, to discuss personnel issues and to receive advice from legal counsel. (ii) All three members of the Town Council voted to close the session. (iii) The authority to close the session is found in Section 10-508 (a)(1) and Section 10-508 (a)(7). The Council discussed the following:
• Legal Advice: Updates on pending litigation
• Legal Advice: Discussion of possible annexation agreement
• Personnel: Performance Evaluations for two employees
The following members and staff were present: Frank C. Ogens, President; Norman P. Pinder, Jr., Vice President; Timothy E. McCluskey, Member; Chief Charlie Rhodes; Steve Kehoe, Town Attorney; and Bob McGrory, Town Manager.
Citizens Forum
Andrew Langer, 112 Banbridge; Mary Margaret Goodwin, 221 N. Commerce; Dave Dunmeyer; and Cindy Bourke, 343 Overture Way, offered comments.
Appearances
a. Officer First Class Larrimore – Outstanding Performance Award
• The Town Council presented Officer First Class Charles “Andy” Larrimore with an Award for Outstanding Performance. Mr. Ogens mentioned several of the accomplishments referenced in Sergeant Conrad Meil’s letter of recommendation for this award.
• Chief Rhodes offered additional comments regarding OFC Larrimore’s performance and past accomplishments. OFC Larrimore remains consistent in implementing the law and in participation of the K-9 program. Chief Rhodes presented OFC Larrimore with a service ribbon for his outstanding performance.
b. Jim Barton, Chair, Chesterfield Cemetery Advisory Committee
• Mr. Barton referred to the memorandum sent to the Council 3/3/2010.
• Adjoining lots to Cemetery have been utilizing the Cemetery pathway as access to the public street. It appears that vehicles have gotten stuck and left ruts in Cemetery that need repair. The Town should notify adjoining property owners to discontinue use of the path.
• Installation of corner markers needs to be completed.
• Trees damaged during snowstorms should be removed or trimmed. Approximately four headstones were also damaged during the snowstorm, as well new curb and pads for handicapped ramps. Mr. Barton offered his assistance in repairing stones.
• The Cemetery Cleanup day on March 13, 2010 and was rained out. The Town provided trucks and Mr. Barton removed many items.
• The Town will address these issues
Old Business – None
New Business
a. Goodwill Fire Company Emergency Services / Release of Funds
• Mr. McGrory explained the Town’s budgeted contribution for the capital and operations of the Goodwill Fire Company and EMS totaling $45,000, and the supporting invoices provided by Goodwill.
• Mr. Pinder made a motion to approve the donation of $45,000 to the Goodwill Fire Company. Mr. McCluskey seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
b. Railroad Avenue Stormwater Investigation
• During the ARRA funded sewer lining project on Railroad and Commerce and Liberty, Pleasants Construction, the contractor, is televising and cleaning the sub-surface sewer infrastructure. Since the Town is also doing road design on Railroad Avenue, the Town requested pricing from Pleasants Construction to televise and clean stormwater pipes to determine if repairs or replacement may be necessary prior to the road project. The Town would keep this work separate from the ARRA funded projects.
• Mr. McCluskey asked how many linear feet are included in the proposal. Mr. McGrory indicated that the engineers estimate is $14,000 to $15,000 and does not specify the exact number of linear feet. This work will be financed with LGIF bond proceeds.
• Mr. Pinder inquired if the Town currently has a policy that rain spouts can exit into storm drains. Mr. McGrory does not believe there is currently a policy to preclude this, although the sewer code does restrict downspouts from connecting to the sanitary sewer.
Investigations completed during smoke testing in 2006 have allowed the Town to address uncapped sewer connections on a case by case basis.
• Mr. McCluskey moved to approve cleaning and CCTV of the storm sewers on Railroad Avenue per the Pleasants Construction proposal. Mr. Pinder seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
c. Ordinance 03-2010 Re: Section 170-26 Bulk Standards in a Planned Redevelopment Area – First Reading
• Mr. Kehoe read Ordinance 03-2010 into the record. The PRA zoning allows the Town to maximize the intensity/density to allow more use per acre by, for example, reducing setbacks. Mr. McGrory stated that there are currently three existing PRA zones and approximately six proposed PRA zones.
d. Ordinance 04-2010 Re: Spring Street Planned Redevelopment Area – First Reading
• Mr. Kehoe read Ordinance 04-2010 into record. Mr. Kehoe mentioned that to create a PRA floating zone both a hearing and certain findings of fact are required to support specifications of Section 170-26. The Planning Commission has reviewed the site plan and will have some recommendations.
• Mr. Kehoe also mentioned that a redevelopment zone does not change the underlying zoning because the conditions may not be met by the developer. The PRA floating zone allows more intensive use such as for economically distressed property.
Announcements
Mr. Ogens read the announcements for the information of the Council, staff, and public.
Correspondence – None
Department Head Reports
a. Town Manager
• Mr. McGrory commented on the Storm Water Utility exploration and the collaboration with the County, which conducts the Town’s stormwater reviews and inspections. The County is very interested in watching how the Town develops this process.
• A revised map for establishing a vegetative buffer with state funding was provided. The Town is looking to obtain grant funding to install trees as a vegetative buffer. Centreville Elementary School is willing to install trees on its property beside Mill Stream and the Cemetery Advisory Committee discussed installing trees on the old ball field within Cemetery property. Ms. Kerchner will be meeting with the funding agency
on March 26 to seek direction as to whether the scope of project meets criteria. Enhancement of buffers will give credit to Town in establishing tree cover in the critical area and meeting target goals established within the Town’s Tree Ordinance.
b. Chief of Police
• Chief Rhodes thanked the Town Council for presenting the award to OFC Larrimore.
• He reported on the ongoing installation of computers within the office using grant funds with the funding agency’s approval.
• The Department plans to increase traffic enforcement as the weather improves.
• During an investigation of check laundering, CPD discovered an association with numerous thefts and felonies within the County involving several local businesses. Given outstanding warrants, the Chief anticipates extradition of the person arrested.
• The Chief continues informing the community of the 24/7 coverage provided by Centreville Police Department. Most of the time there are two officers on duty.
Citizens Forum – Bo Oristian, 511 Chesterfield Avenue, offered comments.
Council Roundtable
• Mr. Pinder commented on efforts to build the Town’s commercial base, as noted during Citizens Forum. Mr. McCluskey mentioned that he is very supportive of small businesses within Town. The Council visits new businesses, promotes grand openings, and offers ongoing assistance. The local Main Street group, Centreville Alive!, is facilitating evening events and becoming more active.
• Mr. McCluskey particularly noted Sergeant Meil’s comment regarding OFC Larrimore’s outstanding performance as a role model for other officers.
• Mr. Ogens discussed what makes people want to stay here within Town. He mentioned the need for more P/R, and indicated that the Town is making changes to its website.
• Mr. McCluskey announced the Pocket Parks permits. The Town is looking to provide recreation for citizens and visitors to Centreville. Mr. Pinder mentioned the Concerts in the Park provided by the Arts Council.
• Mr. Ogens announced that the signs are up at Mill Stream Park and encouraged visiting the park to see the new playground equipment. The Parks Advisory Board has discussed a grand opening in May.
Motion to Adjourn
Mr. McCluskey moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Pinder seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lori Peddicord, Finance Officer