Town of Centreville Rainbarrel Program

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011 the Town of Centreville, through a grant funded program, held a Rainbarrel Information Program at the Goodwill Fire Company.  Through this program, attendees could purchase, for $10.00 a rainbarrel which usually cost between $70-$150.

Rainbarrels collect and store rainwater from your roof which would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains to: a local stream, the Corsica River, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

Collected water can be used to water plants, flowers, landscaping and bird baths.  Rain water can also be used to wash your car and in an emergency, flush the toilet.

I was fortunate to be able to give opening remarks and welcome everyone.  There were over 50 residents in attendance.  Thanks to everyone who is doing their part to help save and protect the bay.

 

Queen Anne's County Civil Engineer Lee Edgar explained about Environmental Site Design.

Rachel Melvin, Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener Coordinator, University of Maryland Extension spoke about Stormwater Management Technologies

Debbie Pusey and Steve Sharkey, from the Corsica River Conservancy explained about Rain Gardens and their Benefits

and

David Weiderfeller. Regional Account Manager, NorsemanEnvironmental Products (the company that manufactures the barrels), spoke about Rain Barrel Benefits, Installation, and Maintenance

All in all, it was a very successful evening.  Look for more rainbarrel seminars in the near future.

Rainbarrels ready to go to their new home

Town Council Reorganization Meeting

According to Section 204 of the Charter of the Town of Centreville:

  The newly elected Council shall meet at 8:00 p.m. on the second Thursday following its election for the purpose of organization, after which the Council shall meet regularly at such times as may be prescribed by its rules but not less frequently than once each month.


On Thursday, April 14, at 8:00pm, before a packed audience, Council President, Norman Pinder opened the meeting.  After the Pledge of Allegiance, President Pinder opened the meeting to Public Comment, at which time, several citizens thanked him and the council for their service.

Full house at the Reorg meeting

Following that, the Chair of the Supervisor of Elections certified the election and we seated our newest Town Council Member, George "Smokey" Sigler.

Newly seated councilman George "Smokey" Sigler

 

As Vice President of the Council, I welcomed Smokey and then thanked Norman for his service.  The Council then presented Norman with an honorary Gavel and “Key to the City” for his many years of service to the town.

Former Council President Pinder with 'key to the city'

After the presentation, I was elected as Council President for the upcoming year and Frank Ogens was elected as Council Vice President.

I will continue to serve as Council Liaison to the Planning Commission and Smokey will now serve as Council Liaison to the Parks Advisory Board.  Frank will be our Council of Governments (COG) representative.  The Council of Governments is an informal group of the independent municipalities in Queen Anne’s County, along with a representative from the County Commissioners who meet monthly to discuss Town-County issues.

At the end of the meeting, during the second Public Comment period, my mother, visiting from New Jersey, presented me with a "key to the city" from the Mayor in the town where I grew up.  This was a very nice surprise and an honor.  I can't wait to go back home some day and see what doors this key will open! 

My mother presenting me with a 'key to the city' from my hometown in NJ.  This is a little fancier than the one we presented to Past President Pinder, but then again, taxes are higher in New Jersey.

Town Council of Centreville, April 14, 2011  George "Smokey" Sigler, Tim McCluskey, Frank Ogens

 

 

 

 

My supportive family.

 

Comptroller Franchot Visits Centreville

In May 2010, Comptroller Peter Franchot visited several businesses in Centreville, including G&G Distributors on his statewide "Listening Tour".

His "Listening Tour" was aimed at successful small businesses, which he felt would help bring the state economy out of the recession.

Here he is with me after lunch at Doc's Riverside Grille with owners Bo & Diane Oristian.   
Afterwards, I took him on a tour of the Centreville Wharf and pocket parks, which were about to be developed into the amenities that are there now (utilizing state funded waterway improvement grants!)

Attend Town Council Reorganization: Thursday, April 14, 2011: See Democracy in Action

I invite all citizens of Centreville to attend tonight’s (4/14) Centreville Town Council Reorganization meeting at 8:00pm at the Liberty Building (107 N. Liberty) in Centreville. 

Tonight we will be performing the time honored tradition that the Founding Fathers of our Country sought when they were framing the Constitution: the regular and peaceful transfer of power.

In addition to the seating of our newest Council Member, George “Smokey” Sigler, an individual who has proudly served his country as a veteran and whom I am looking forward to working with, we will see one of our great town citizens, Norman Pinder, Jr. retire from the council.

Norman has served his community his entire life.  He is a veteran and former volunteer firefighter.  He has been a coach for our youth leagues, past President of the Board of the Methodist Church and he was very active in the Centreville Jaycees (helping to build the amenities at Conquest Beach that we all enjoy today).

In addition to having served on numerous town/county committees, Norman has served the town as a part time Zoning Inspector, on the Planning Commission, and for the past 9 years, as a Town Councilman, serving as President of the Council 3 times.

Although he may be retiring from the Council, don’t expect him to fade from the public view.  Someone with his abilities and dedication will always contribute to the good of Centreville.

If you can’t attend the meeting tonight, the next time you see Norman, be sure to shake his hand and thank him for his service.  I know that Centreville is a better place for having him here.

Tim McCluskey

Vice President

Town Council of Centreville

Governor's Visit to Centreville

In late October of 2010, Governor O'Malley toured Centreville to promote Early Voting and to visit Centreville's Downtown Shopping Area. 

Here are some photos of his visit:

Governor O'Malley outside of "Serendipidee" with store owner Dee Walls.

The Governor and Dee talking about his wife's shopping habits.

The Governor signs Serendipidee's guest book.

He makes a visit to Sugar Magnolia Cafe for a Coffee and a greeting with owner Marianne Jackson

Outside Sugar Magnolia he does what a politician does best.  Unfortunately for him, my daughter must be a Republican like her father.

Heberto and his team at Salon Heberto take time to say hi.

He takes time to take in some local history at Wright's Chance.

Outside of Ashley Real Estate & Insurance, he meets agent Norma Coursey.

Here he shakes hands with Jack Ashley, owner of Ashley Real Estate and Insurance.

Councilman Frank Ogens, Governor O'Malley, Councilman McCluskey

Prior to taking a tour of the Historic Courthouse, he greets the guards.

Here he meets Clerk of the Court Scott MacGlashan.

Centreville's Police, Town Hall Staff and the Governor outside Town Hall.

The Governor thanks Chief Rhodes for his team's excellent security detail.

Recycling Reminder

Why is there a picture of the Space Shuttle in a posting on Recycling?  

There are 2 reasons:

First: Because Space Shuttle Orbiters weigh about 115 tons (source: nasa.gov).  That's the amount of recycling that the Town of Centreville residents have kept out of landfills from September 2010-January 2011!

Great Work Everyone!

In September 2010, the Town of Centreville began a Townwide Single Stream Recycling Program.  We contract with Bates Trash & Recycling and the program has been very successful so far.  

Single Stream Recycling is when all recyclable items are co-mingled into the same receptacle and truck, instead of being sorted into individual containers.   Previously, we had a recycling pilot-program where recyclables had to be sorted into 5 separate containers.

Single Stream recycling is much more convenient and should result in a greater participation town-wide.  This will result in lowered tip fees (disposal costs), it's better for the environment, and you can recycle many more items than before.

I have attached the Town of Centreville Single Stream Recycling Guide. (800 kb) This was originally mailed out to all Centreville trash customers last fall.  Print it out and keep it near your recycling to assist in separating trash from recycling!

Statistics:

Total tons of recycled materials since starting Single Stream Recycling (September 2010-January 2011):  118 tons.

Tip Fees (disposal fees) avoided due to Recycling from January 2010-December 2010: $12,444 (this is based on tip fees of $55/ton.  THAT'S TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS SAVED!

Total tons recycled in 2009: 98 tons

Total tons recycled in 2010: 226 Tons  (More than double what we did in 2009!)

With your help we can recycle the equivalent of 3 fully-loaded space shuttle orbiters this year!

Here's a graph to illustrate the successes we've had with recycling:

More to come as 2011 Data comes in.
Thanks to everyone who is recycling!  It's great to see the numbers go up every month!

You may be wondering what the second reason was that I put a picture of the Space Shuttle on a Recycling Reminder posting.  It's because NASA is ending the Space Shuttle Program and has recently had a contest to give away the remaining shuttles.  See this story in the NY Times for information.  (Sorry, Centreville didn't get one.)   How's that for recycling!

Town of Centreville receives award for Comprehensive Plan

From (L to R), front row: Councilman Frank Ogens, Queen Anne's County Planning Director Helen Spinelli, Planning Commissioner Liz Draper Brice, Planning Commissioner Kara Snyder,  Maryland APA president James Potter.  Second row: Town Attorney Steve Kehoe, Councilman Tim McCluskey, Town Engineer/Planner Chris Rogers, Town Manager Bob McGrory.

From a press release from Queen Anne's County:
TOWN OF CENTREVILLE AND COUNTY RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY PLAN
CENTREVILLE, MD – The Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association has recognized the Centreville Town Council and the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners for a job well done on the Town of Centreville’s Community Plan 2009. The award was given at the Association’s annual awards ceremony in Annapolis on November 4.  "As a result of Town and County governments working together with local stakeholders and guided by professional planners, we have crafted a vision of a bright and sustainable future for the Town of Centreville. It is wonderful for Centreville to be recognized for the value of that vision", said Frank Ogens, Centreville Town Council President. Council Vice-President Norman Pinder praised the contribution of volunteers who worked through the process. "The recognition of the Centreville Community Plan as the best small town initiative is a tribute to the many community members who participated in the process. We are particularly grateful for the significant volunteer effort by the Planning Commission and the Citizens Advisory Committee in creating the plan," he said.

The Centreville Community Plan update process officially began in 2006 with a community workshop, an
identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the existing plan, a discussion of planning issues facing the town and the appointment of a Citizens Advisory Committee. In early March 2009, the plan was jointly adopted by the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners and the Centreville Town Council.
The Centreville Community Plan clearly commits Centreville to provide for its existing and future citizens with design guidelines, infill development and advanced techniques of environmental protection through participation in the Corsica River Watershed Restoration Action Strategy implementation plan.

“The plan cherishes the heritage as well as the future of Centreville,” said Helen Spinelli, Chief of Community and Environmental Planning for Queen Anne’s County. Since Centreville is one the county’s designated growth areas and 2 the largest of the county’s incorporated towns, special attention was afforded to craft a
plan creating a framework for balanced growth and development and support of the historic downtown business district, she said.

“Receiving this honor shows how a strong collaborative effort truly works and we appreciate all the hard work from county and town staff, as well as all the volunteers who spent countless hours working to address all the issues in order to produce this award winning plan,” said County Commissioner Eric Wargotz, M.D., who served as a member of the Queen Anne’s County Planning Commission and President of the Board of County Commissioners at the time of the joint plan development and adoption.

Here is a link to the Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association's Winter 2010 newsletter. (1mb)
Here is a link to the Town of Centreville Comprehensive Plan (2009)

Town of Centreville works to save Historic Providence Farmhouse

The above photo was the cover photo for "Phoenix Magazine" Spring 2010 publication.  "Phoenix Magazine" is published by Preservation Maryland as their report to the community on the status of historic building preservation in Maryland.

The Town Council of Centreville was approached by Queen Anne's County Historical Society in 2009 after the owner of the 1746 farmhouse announced to them that he would donate the structure to the Society.  The town worked with the owner, the Historical Society and the town Planning Commission to annex the property into town limits.  The property was then deeded by the owner to the Historical Society and deed protected to preserve the historic structure.  Since then, the Historical Society has sold the property to a professional preservationist who has recently replaced the leaking roof, and who is beginning the restoration to the exterior and interior of the structure.  The annexation of this property, and the subsequent preservation efforts, is a shining example of non profits working with local governments and private landowners to preserve our historic heritage.

From the Phoenix Magazine: "Pictured (left to right) at Providence Farm are Marie Malaro, president of the Queen Anne's County Historical Society and board member Rebecca Marquardt.  Joining them are Centreville Town Manager Bob McGrory and Councilman Tim McCluskey.  The society received title to the 1746 building (see brickwork date in gable end) and surrounding six acres in December 2009.  Stabilization funding for the roof and foundation has been secured from the Bartus Trew Providence Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  Additional funding has been allocated by the Maryland Historical Trust and will be available following the execution and recording of a perpetual easement on the property.  A buyer has been identified by the society who is expected to ensure the restoration and reuse of the property.  Providence was chosen for the 2010 Endangered Marylad list when it was under previous ownership, abandoned for more than 30 years. 

Some facts about the Providence Farmhouse (AKA Mary Brown Farm)
The house on Providence Farm was built in 1746 by a local miller and features some of the finest woodwork to survive from the era.  The land is protected under existing land use plans from further development.  The farm has been abandoned since the 1970's and has been facing increasing damage.

For a pdf version of the entire magazine, click here:
PRESERVATION MARYLAND SPRING 2010 (1mb file)

Radar Trailer & Townwide Speed Study



About a year ago, at the request of several residents, we began looking into a comprehensive town-wide speed study.  The town owned a radar trailer (similar to the one in the photo above), but the data-capturing software was out of date and was malfunctioning.  With help from the manufacturer and Officer Gunther of the Centreville Police Department, Chief Rhodes and the Town Council embarked on a speed capturing study across town. 

This is not a perfect scientific study, but the data does give a good broad analysis of speeds throughout town.  We continue to deploy the trailer in areas not yet studied and we will re-deploy the unit throughout town.

The Radar Trailer:
The Radar Trailer is a mobile radar unit that works independent of a patrol vehicle and without the need for manual operation by a police officer.  The radar captures the speed of passing vehicles and displays the vehicles speed on the large LED panel.  If the vehicles speed is in excess of the posted speed, the displayed screen will flash. Each passing automobile's speed is recorded by date, time and speed and the data is then analyzed.

Locations Studied: Click HERE for map of Centreville with proposed trailer deployment locations.
Through input from citizens, the radar trailer was deployed in most of the locations attached (indicated by an asterisk *)
Not all locations have been studied yet, but we will continue to deploy and monitor.

Centreville Speed Limits:
The Town Council of Centreville, passed an ordinance last year, mandating that all town controlled roads be 25 MPH, unless otherwise noted.  Being that most of Centreville is residential, we feel that this makes sense.  The roads that the town doesn't control (State Highways) vary in speed from 25 MPH, 30 MPH, 35 MPH, and 50 MPH.  We have been working with the Maryland State Highway Administration to achieve a 25 MPH standard on Rt. 213 from the Millstream Bridge to the Gravel Run bridge.

The 85th Percentile:
The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85 percent of the motorists drive on a given road when unaffected by slower traffic or poor weather. This speed indicates the speed that most motorists on that road consider safe and reasonable under ideal conditions. It is a good guideline for the appropriate speed limit for that road.  (From Maryland State Highway Administration)

The Data and Results:

Attached are the results based on the trailer in the specified locations.  There are 2 graphs for each, one is the Percentage of Vehicles traveling at a certain speed range and the other is the 85th percentile speed graph.  Both graphs help with enforcement and the 85th percentile graph offers the police information on areas of town where added enforcement are necessary. (Please note: Not all areas are represented by equal amounts of time.  The radar trailer is set up and moved by the police department when they are available and between other assignments and according to weather and other factors)

Liberty Street @ Church Lane 4/16/2010-4/20/2010
85th Percentile Liberty Street @ Church Lane

Liberty Street @ Ridgeview 4/24/2010 to 4/28/2010

Liberty Street @ Ridgeview 4/29/2010 to 5/3/2010
85th Percentile Liberty Street @ Ridgeview

Liberty Street @ Millstream 5/8/2010 to 5/12/2010

Southbound 213 @ G&G Distributors 5/14/2010 to 5/17/2010
85th Percentile Southbound 213 @ G&G Distributors

Northbound 213 @ Coursevall 5/19/2010 to 5/22/2010
85th Percentile Northbound 213 @ Coursevall 5/19-5/22

Northbound 213 @ Coursevall 5/27/2010 to 5/31/2010
85th Percentile Northbound 213 @ Coursevall 5/27-5/31


Commerce St @ Ridgeview 6/1/2010 to 6/5/2010
Commerce St. @ Kidwell 6/11/2010 to 6/14/2010
85th Percentile Commerce St @ Kidwell & Ridgeview 6/1/2010 to 6/14/2010

Commerce St @ Academy 6/19/2010 to 6/22/2010
85th Percentile Commerce St @ Academy 6/19-6/22

Commerce St @ Academy 7/3/2010 to 7/6/2010 
85th Percentile Commerce St @ Academy 7/3-7/6

213 Northbound @ Hope Rd 7/9/2010 to 7/14/2010
85th Percentile 213 Northbound @ Hope Rd

Wexford Eastbound Near Northbrook Entrance 7/27/2010 to 8/5/2010
85th Percentile Wexford Eastbound Near Northbrook Entrance

Wexford Westbound @ Brook Run 8/20/2010 to 8/30/2010
85th Percentile Wexford Westbound @ Brook Run 8/20-8/30

Wexford Westbound @ Brook Run 8/31/2010 to 9/8/2010
85th Percentile Wexford Westbound @ Brook Run 8/31-9/8

Wexford Westbound @ Brook Run 9/9/2010 to 9/22/2010
85th Percentile Wexford Westbound @ Brook Run 9/9-9/22

213 Southbound @ Oak St 9/24/2010 to 9/30/2010
85th Percentile 213 Southbound @ Oak St 9/24-9/30

213 Southbound @ Oak St 10/1/2010 to 10/7/2010
85th Percentile 213 Southbound @ Oak St 10/1-10/7

Green St Northbound @ Kidwell 10/8/2010 to 10/11/2010
Green St Northbound @ Kidwell 10/12/2010 to 10/12/2010
85th Percentile Green St Northbound @ Kidwell

Green St Southbound @ Little Kidwell 10/19/2010 to 10/25/2010
85th Percentile Green St Southbound @ Little Kidwell

Little Kidwell Eastbound @ Providence Ct 11/5/2010 to 11/9/2010
85th Percentile Little Kidwell Eastbound @ Providence Ct


Hope Rd Eastbound @ Pine 11/20/2010 to 11/29/2010
85th Percentile Hope Rd Eastbound @ Pine

Hope Rd Westbound @ Pine 11/30/2010 to 12/8/2010
85th Percentile Hope Rd Westbound @ Pine

Symphony Way Westbound @ Harmony 2/8/2011 to 2/14/2011
85th Percentile Symphony Way Westbound @ Harmony

Symphony Way Eastbound @ Orchestra 2/24/2011 to 3/4/2011
85th Percentile Symphony Way Eastbound @ Orchestra

Railroad Ave Eastbound @ Acme 3/11/2010 to 3/17/2011
85th Percentile Railroad Ave Eastbound @ Acme 3/11-3/17

Railroad Ave Eastbound @ Acme 3/22/2011 to 3/28/2011
85th Percentile Railroad Ave Eastbound @ Acme 3/22-3/28

More to come as we continue to monitor speeds.



"The Centreville Connection" Quarterly Town Newsletter

Attached is a link to the NEW quarterly town newsletter.  I am very proud of the publication of this and am looking forward to the publishing of it each quarter.  If you have suggestions for future content, please email me.

The Centreville Connection is a quarterly newsletter, which will provide important information and a means of communication between the Town government and the citizens it serves.

Many thanks to all the contributing writers, including:

Mary Margaret Goodwin
Eva Kerchner
Jim Malaro
Bob McGrory
Charlie Rhodes.

A special thanks to Kerry Brandt who provided the layout and design expertise.  Thanks so much for your efforts.

Click here: The Centreville Connection Newsletter 03/2011

Workforce Housing Proposals in Centreville

I have been asked to comment on 2 proposed infill development projects in Centreville.

Neither of these projects have yet been approved for development.

As with any development proposal, this is a long process, and due to the nature of the financing for these proposals, partially coming from, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the stage we’re in right now is merely an acknowledgment that the town is aware that the project is being proposed and that the town is willing to work with the developer on the project if selected for funding.

The resolution in no way binds the town in ANY way to anything in the future.  The town has considered these resolutions in the past, as previously proposed in 2007-2008 when Osprey was considering a similarly funded development on Spring Street.  At that time, they were not selected to receive the financing and the project died before it came back for any further review.

The funding is a complicated competitive bid process and the funding sources require this acknowledgment by the local governing body for consideration in the bidding process..

Both of these proposed projects are ‘infill developments’ and are currently in the town limits.  The Town Council will certainly consider impacts to our infrastructure as well as town staff as the process moves forward. 

The resolution merely informs the funding source that the town is aware of the project.  We have not made ANY concessions nor negotiations.

As I stated in the council meeting last night, I have concerns with this project.  We don’t yet have enough information about the project for a full approval, and the planning commission hasn’t yet even seen their proposal.  At this time, they have only asked for approval of a resolution, in which the council has modified the language, to better define our expectations.

This is a long process.  If this project ever gets built, it will have to go through a full site plan process with the planning commission, as well as public works agreement with the town council.  The town planning commission is an independent body, and in no way is influenced or bound by any language in the resolution.

 Attachments:  Letter to Delaware Valley Development Corp (Note: they asked the town for a waiver of impact fees, which we acknowledged.  It is important to note that the town has no say over impact fees.  These are fees charged by Queen Anne's County, of which we have no influence.)

Resolution 01-2011 to Osprey Development Corporation