Mayor and Council of Federalsburg Tuesday, February 21, 2023  Special Meeting and Monthly Workshop @ 6:00 P.M.  This Meeting is being held at the Mayor and Council Meeting Room located at 118 North Main Street. Citizens who wish to participate by video shall follow  directions listed below: Join Zoom Meeting 1pSUHPKOTUZVDCVZZ09 Meeting ID: 82559375633 Passcode: TOFWork  https:l/us02web.zom.s//825599756337Pwd-MDMDhOZHE3aZNKU  Agenda  I.  Call to Order  II. Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance  III. Public Comment  IV. Introduction and Set Public Hearing Date = Resolution No. 2023-01 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF FEDERALSBURG AMENDING ARTICLE I OF THE FEDERALSBURG TOWN CHARTER TO REDUCE THE RESIDENCY DURATION REQUIRED TO QUALIFY AS A CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION FROM THREE YEARS TO ONE YEAR AND TO ESTABLISH A FOUR YEAR TERM FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL  V. Introduction and Set Public Hearing Date = Resolution No. 2023-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF FEDERALSBURG AMENDING ARTICLE II OF THE FEDERALSBURG TOWN CHARTER TO CHANGE THE DATE OF THE ELECTION FROM SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER, ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS, AND EXTEND THE TERM OF MAYOR  FROM TWO YEARS TO FOUR YEARS  VI. Introduction and Set Public Hearing Date - Resolution No. 2023-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF FEDERALSBURG AMENDING ARTICLE III OF THE FEDERALSBURG TOWN CHARTER TO    REDUCE THE RESIDENCY DURATION REQUIRED TO QUALIFY AS A CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION FROM THREE YEARS TO ONE YEAR AND TO CHANGE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL FROM  OCTOBER TO DECEMBER FOLLOWING AN ELECTION  VII. Cell Tower Lease Request for Qualifications and Bid Proposal  VIII. 2022 Annual Report Presentation IX. Capital Projects Update X. Review of Town Debt XI. Mayor & Council Action Items  * Councilmember Windsor * Councilmember Sewell * Councilmember Phillips * Councilmember Willoughby * Mayor Abner  XII. Executive Session = Legal Advice  XIII. Adjournment NOTES:  THE MEETINGS ARE BEING RECORDED, PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELLULAR DEVICES AND PAGERS DURING THE MEETING, PLEASE REMAIN QUIET,  UNLESS ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL.  Please Note: Pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article Section 10-508(a), the Council by majority vote may retire to executive or closed session at any time during the meeting. Should the Council retire to executive or closed session; the chair will announce the reasons and a report will be issued at a future meeting disclosing the reasons for such session. Meetings are conducted in Open Session unless otherwise indicated. All or part of Mayor and Council meetings can be held in closed session under the authority of the state open meetings law by vote of the Mayor and Council.  Rules for Public Comment    The Mayor and Council invite and welcome comments at public meetings. The Mayor or presiding officer will recognize you. Please introduce yourself at the podium (spelling your last name, for recording purposes) and give the name of your street and block  number (e.g., 100 block of Main Street).  Time limits for speaking are indicated on the meeting agenda. While speaking, please  maintain a courteous tone and avoid personal attack.    RESOLUTION NO. 2023-01  A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF FEDERALSBURG AMENDING ARTICLE I OF THE FEDERALSBURG TOWN CHARTER TO REDUCE THE RESIDENCY DURATION REQUIRED TO QUALIFY AS A CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION FROM THREE YEARS TO ONE YEAR AND TO ESTABLISH A FOUR YEAR  TERM FOR THE MAYOR. AND COUNCIL  WHEREAS, Md. Code Ann. Local Gov't Article $ 4-304 and Article XI-E of the Constitution of Maryland confer upon the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg the authority to  initiate proposed amendments the Charter for the Town ofFederalsburg; and  WHEREAS, Local Gov't Article $ 5-202 authorizes the Mayor and Council to adopt those Charter resolutions as they may deem necessary in order to assure the good government of the Town, to protect and preserve the Town's rights, property, and privileges, to preserve peace and good order, to secure persons and property from danger and destruction, and to protect the  health, comfort, and convenience oft the citizens of the Town; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have spent the last six (6) months thoroughly reviewing the Charter with respect to registration of voters, nomination of candidates, and  elections; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that requiring a residency requirement of three years to qualify as a Mayor or Council member candidate precludes citizens  that reside in the Town from participating as candidates; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that it is desirable for the Mayor and Councilmembers to serve a four year term to provide the sitting elected officials sufficient  time to establish and obtain short-term and long-term objectives; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg have determined that it is desirable and in the best interest oft the town to amend ArticleIofti the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg to reduce the candidate residency requirement for Mayor and Councilmembers from three years to one year and toj provide a four year term of office for the Mayor and Councilmembers.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF Section 1. Article I, Section C1-3 oft the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg is hereby  FEDERALSBURG: AS FOLLOWS:  amended as follows:  ARTICLEI  Incorporation and General Powers    Section C1-3. Mayor and Council; qualifications; tenure.  The government, corporate authority, rights, powers and privileges of the said Town shall be vested in and exercised by a Mayor and four Council members who shall be elected as hereinafter provided, who shall be qualified voters of the Town ofFederalsburg for at least one three years next preceding their election, and they shall serve a term offour (4). years eremahaessheeemaetpwale Section 2. This Resolution shall be posted and published in accordance with the Section 3. The Mayor and Council of Federalsburg held a public hearing on this Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective 40 days after final enactment unless a petition for referendum has been filed prior thereto in accordance with Section 4-304 of the Local Government Article of the Code of Maryland. This Resolution shall be deemed "finally enacted" on the date on which the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg indicate their  nti-theirsteeesseessersareeleteted-amd-ualed.  requirements set forth in Md. Code Ann. Local Government Article $ 4-304.  Resolution on  2023 at 6:00 p.m.  approval oft this Resolution by affixing their signatures hereto.  Section 5. As soon as this Resolution becomes effective, the Town Clerk shall cause to be delivered to the Department of Legislative Reference all the information regarding the Charter Amendment, this Resolution, and any referendum held thereon as may be required by the  Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of] Maryland.  BE ITI FURTHER RESOLVED, this  day of  2023.  Yea/Nay  Kimberly M. Abner, Mayor Robert Willoughby, Councilmember Edward Windsor, Councilmember Debra V. Sewell, Councilmember D. Scott Phillips, Councilmember  ATTEST:  MAYOR & COUNCILOF FEDERALSBURG  Kristy L. Marshall, Clerk-Treasurer  Kimberly M. Abner, Mayor    Language stricken indicates language deleted from the Charter for the Town of] Federalsburg. Language in bold and italicized indicates language added to the Charter for the Town of  Federalsburg.  Introduced: Public Hearing: Adopted: Effective Date:    RESOLUTION NO. 2023-02  A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF FEDERALSBURG AMENDING ARTICLE II OF THE FEDERALSBURG TOWN CHARTER TO CHANGE THE DATE OF THE ELECTION FROM SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER, ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS, AND EXTEND THE TERM OF MAYOR FROM TWO  YEARSTOI FOUR YEARS  WHEREAS, Md. Code Ann. Local Gov't Article $ 4-304 and Article XI-E of the Constitution of Maryland confer upon the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg the authority to  initiate proposed amendments the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg; and  WHEREAS, Local Gov't Article $ 5-202 authorizes the Mayor and Council to adopt those Charter resolutions as they may deem necessary in order to assure the good government of the Town, to protect and preserve the Town's rights, property, and privileges, to preserve peace and good order, to secure persons and property from danger and destruction, and to protect the  health, comfort, and convenience oft the citizens oft the Town; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have spent the last six (6) months thoroughly reviewing the Charter with respect to registration of voters, nomination of candidates, and  elections; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that the Town may recognize a larger voter turnout if the Town election is aligned with the Maryland General Election on the  first Tuesday after the first Monday in November; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that establishing two legislative districts, District 1 and District 2, with one Councilmember serving each district, provides  benefits that an all at-large system do not provide; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that it is desirable for the Mayor to serve a four year term to provide the Mayor sufficient time to establish and obtain short-term and  long-term objectives; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg have determined that it is desirable and in the best interest of the town to amend Article II of the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg to hold the election on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, establish two legislative districts, and extend the term of Mayor from two years to four years.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF Section 1. Article II, Section C2-1 of the Charter for the Town of] Federalsburg is hereby  FEDERALSBURG AS FOLLOWS:  amended as follows:    ARTICLEII Elections  Section C2-1. Elections.  (a) Date; time; terms. On the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, 2024, and upon the Tuesday after the first Monday in November every two (2), years thereafter, On-the-fourt-Mondy-m-APil1965,amé-wpem-lne-ewwrt-Menday- yeSA an election shall be held between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. under this Charter, for the election of the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg, and after notice printed in some newspaper of general circulation, published in Caroline County, or posted in three conspicuous places in the Town of Federalsburg for at least 10 days before the election. At this election, the two candidates for Council member receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected for a four-year term as Council member. The candidate for Mayor at a Mayoral this election receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected Mayor of Federalsburg for a four (4) twe-year term. The term of the Mayor of Federalsburg shall hereafter be for four (4) twe years. -te-year-291ythe- cletion-shal-metbe-ehel-Aal-wraaheaNtee-euRh-PHesly-" Sepiembe-The-tem-em-e-siing-MyermiCams-memhember-whese-eas xpie-in-Apil,20H-haheswemiwlumsui-et.Palsday-n-Sepiembet 9H-PamdaRerthe-e-ou#-Pesdyisepemk,0Hremsmede vey-we-yeas-hereae,sadhetiam-halea-arMiyer-era-we-yer The Town shall be divided into two (2) legislative districts for the election of members of the Council. Each legislative district shall contain one (1) Councimember who shall be elected by the registered voters of that legislative district only. The legislative districts shall be established on a map adopted by  erm-and-fer-twe-CewRei-members-fera-esr-year-term.ame  Resolution by a majority ofthe Mayor and Council.  (i) Each legislative district shall consist ofadjoining territory, be relatively compact in form, and include substantially the same population as other districts. Due regard shall be given to all constitutional  standards in creating the legislative districts.  (ii) From time to time as based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau data and afier public hearing, the Mayor and Council may reestablish boundaries ofthel legislative districts for elections of the members ofthe  Council.  The term ofthe sitting Mayor and two (2) Council members whose term expires in September; 2023 shall be extended until the first Monday in December; 2024.    The term of the sitting two (2) Council members that expires in September, 2025, shall be extended until thej first Monday in December 2026. On the Tuesday after the first Monday in November; 2024, and on the same date every) four (4). years thereafter, an election shall be held for Mayor and one (1) District 1 Councilmember and one (1) District 2 Councilmember:. On the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, 2026, and on the same date every four years thereafter; an election shall be held for two (2) at-large (b) Candidacy. Candidates for District 1 Councilmember and District 2 Councilmember must reside in the legislative district in which they are elected to. All persons deciding to become a candidate for Mayor or Council member shall file with the Clerk of] Federalsburg by the first Friday in October September prior to any election a written statement of such candidacy, accompanied by a petition signed by at least 10 duly qualified voters nominating such candidate, which written statement of candidacy and the voters' nominating petition shall be  Councilmembers.  substantially in the following form:  CANDIDATE FOR NOMINATION FOR  Office.  State of Maryland, Caroline County, to wit:  I,. office of  hereby certify that I am now and have been for more than tol be voted upon at the town election to bel held on the  one year three-years a resident of the Town of Federalsburg, Caroline County, Maryland, and that I am a qualified voter therein; that I am a candidate for the Tuesday after the first Monday in November A-T-ysfSye, 20 and I hereby request my name be printed upon the official ballot at said  election as a candidate for said office.  (signed)  Subscribed and sworn to before me this  day of  20  Notary Public  To the Clerk of] Federalsburg:  We, the undersigned, citizens of the Town of Federalsburg, Caroline County, Maryland, and being duly qualified voters of said town, do hereby certify, that we Federalsburg, Caroline County, for more than one three years, for the office of  do nominate  who has been a resident of the Town of    We do further certify that we and each of us shall vote for the said person  nominated hereby.  Witness our hands this  day of  20  (Signatures of ten petitioning voters.)  (c) (b) Election. Immediately upon the expiration oft the time of filing of petitions by the respective candidates, the Clerk of Federalsburg shall cause to be published in one or more newspapers published in Caroline County or posted in three conspicuous places in the Town of Federalsburg, the names of all the candidates  as they are to appear upon the official ballot.  Section 2. This Resolution shall be posted and published in accordance with the Section 3. The Mayor and Council of Federalsburg held a public hearing on this Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective 40 days after final enactment unless aj petition for referendum has been filed prior thereto in accordance with Section 4-304 of the Local Government Article of the Code of Maryland. This Resolution shall be deemed "finally enacted" on the date on which the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg indicate their  requirements set forth in Md. Code Ann. Local Government Article $ 4-304.  Resolution on  2023 at 6:00 p.m.  approval of this Resolution by affixing their signatures hereto.  Section 5. As soon as this Resolution becomes effective, the Town Clerk shall cause to be delivered to the Department of Legislative Reference all the information regarding the Charter Amendment, this Resolution, and any referendum held thereon as may be required by the  Local Government Article of the. Annotated Code of] Maryland.  BE: ITI FURTHER RESOLVED, this  day of  2023.  Yea/Nay  Kimberly M. Abner, Mayor Robert Willoughby, Councilmember Edward Windsor, Councilmember Debra V. Sewell, Councilmember D. Scott Phillips, Councimember  ATTEST:  MAYOR & COUNCILOFI FEDERALSBURG    Kristy L. Marshall, Clerk-Treasurer  Kimberly M. Abner, Mayor  Language stricken indicates language deleted from the Charter for the Town ofFederalsburg. Language in bold and italicized indicates language added to the Charter for the Town of  Federalsburg.  Introduced: Public Hearing: Adopted: Effective Date:    RESOLUTION NO. 2023-03  A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF FEDERALSBURG AMENDING ARTICLE II OF THE FEDERALSBURG TOWN CHARTER TO REDUCE THE RESIDENCY DURATION REQUIRED TO QUALIFY AS A CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION FROM THREE YEARS TO ONE YEAR AND TO CHANGE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL FROM OCTOBER TO  DECEMBER FOLLOWING. ANELECTION  WHEREAS, Md. Code Ann. Local Gov't Article S 4-304 and Article XI-E of the Constitution of Maryland confer upon the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg the authority to  initiate proposed amendments the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg; and  WHEREAS, Local Gov't Article $ 5-202 authorizes the Mayor and Council to adopt those Charter resolutions as they may deem necessary in order to assure the good government of the Town, to protect and preserve the Town's rights, property, and privileges, to preserve peace and good order, to secure persons and property from danger and destruction, and to protect the  health, comfort, and convenience of the citizens ofthe Town; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have spent the last six (6) months thoroughly reviewing the Charter with respect to registration of voters, nomination of candidates, and  elections; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that requiring a residency requirement of three years to qualify as a Mayor or Council member candidate precludes citizens  that reside in the Town from participating as candidates; and September tol November should improve voter turnout; and  WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that moving the election from WHEREAS, changing the election from September to November requires a change of the WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg have determined that it is desirable and in the best interest of the town to amend Article III of the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg to reduce the residency requirements for candidates from three years to one year and to hold the first meeting of the newly elected Mayor and Council on the first Monday in  first meeting oft the newly elected Mayor and Council from October tol December; and  December.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF Section 1. Article III, Section C3-1 of the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg is  FEDERALSBURGASFOLLOWS: hereby amended as follows:  ARTICLEIII    Mayor and Council  $C3-1. Mayor.  No person shall be elected as Mayor of said town unless he/she shall have been a resident of said town for at least one year three-years prior to his/her election, and in the event that he/she shall remove from the corporate limits of said town, then the said office of Mayor shall forthwith become vacant, and his/her successor shall be duly appointed as is provided in this Article. The Mayor shall receive the annual salary to be established from time to time by Resolution of the Mayor and Council duly adopted pursuant to the requirements ofs C3-6 of this charter, and subject to the restriction that no increase may take effect during the term of office when such resolution is passed. The Mayor's salary shall be paid semiannually, during the first pay period in December Oeteber and the first pay period in June April, with the first pay period to begin the December Oeteber following the election. No other distributions, partial or  otherwise, are authorized.  Section 2. Article III, Section C3-3 of the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg is  hereby amended as follows:  ARTICLE III Mayor and Council  $C3-3. Council members.  No person shall be elected as a Council member of said town unless he/she shall have been a resident of said town for at least one. year three-years prior to his/her election, and in the event that he/she shall remove from the corporate limits of said town, then the said office of Council member shall forthwith become vacant and his/her successor shall be duly appointed as is provided by this Article. No person shall be elected as a Council member to serve a particular legislative district unless he/she shall have been a resident of that district for at least one year prior to his/her election, and in the event that he/she removes from the legislative district that they serve, then the said office of Council member shall become vacant and his/her successor shall be duly appointed as provided by this The Council member shall receive an annual salary to be established from time to time by resolution of the Mayor and Council duly adopted pursuant to the requirements of $ C3-6 of this charter, and subject to the restriction that no increase may take effect during the current term ofoffice, when such a resolution is passed. The Council members' salary shall be paid semiannually, during the first pay period in December Oeteber and the first pay period in June April, with  Article.    the first pay period to begin the December Oeteber following the election. No  other distributions, partial or otherwise, are authorized.  Section 3. Article III, Section C3-6 of the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg is  hereby amended as follows:  ARTICLEIII Mayor and Council  SC3-6. Meetings of Mayor and Council.  The Mayor and Council shall meet the first Monday of December Oetober following their election, and shall hold office for their aforesaid terms of office from said date, and shall hold regular meetings on the first Monday of each and every month thereafter which shall be open to the public (except for lawful closed sessions), and may meet as often thereafter as may be necessary to the proper discharge of their official duties. The Mayor shall be the President of the Council and preside at its meetings, and shall have all the privileges ofa Council member in debate and vote. He/She shall have no power to veto any measure, but every resolution or ordinance passed by the Council must be signed by the Mayor or by three Council members and be recorded before the same shall be enforced. The Council may elect one of their members as President pro tempore, who shall in the absence or inability of the Mayor preside at the sessions, who for the time being shall be acting Mayor and have all the authority in law of the Mayor. Special meetings of the Council may be at any time convened by the Mayor or at the request of three members of that body. The Mayor of the Town of Federalsburg shall be the executive officer thereof, clothed with all the powers necessary to secure the enforcement of all ordinances of said town under this Charter. At all meetings of the Mayor and Council the Mayor and two Council members, or in the absence of the Mayor three Çouncil members, present and voting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and three affirmative votes shall be necessary for the passage of an ordinance, law or resolution at all times. Upon every vote the ayes and nays shall be called and  recorded.  Section 4. This Resolution shall be posted and published in accordance with the Section 5. The Mayor and Council of Federalsburg held a public hearing on this Section 6. This Resolution shall become effective 40 days after final enactment unless a petition for referendum has been filed prior thereto in accordance with Section 4-304 of the Local Government Article of the Code of Maryland. This Resolution shall be deemed  requirements set forth in Md. Code Ann. Local Government Article $ 4-304.  Resolution on  2023 at 6:00 p.m.    "finally enacted" on the date on which the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg indicate their  approval ofthis Resolution by affixing their signatures hereto.  Section 7. As soon as this Resolution becomes effective, the Town Clerk shall cause to be delivered to the Department of Legislative Reference all the information regarding the Charter Amendment, this Resolution, and any referendum held thereon as may be required by the  Local Government Article oft the. Annotated Code ofMaryland.  BE ITI FURTHER RESOLVED, this  day of  2023.  Yea/Nay  Kimberly M. Abner, Mayor Robert Willoughby, Councilmember Edward Windsor, Councilmember Debra V. Sewell, Councilmember D. Scott Phillips, Councilmember  ATTEST:  MAYOR & COUNCIL OF FEDERALSBURG  Kristy L. Marshall, Clerk-Treasurer  Kimberly M. Abner, Mayor  Language stricken indicates language deleted from the Charter for the Town of Federalsburg. Language in bold and italicized indicates language added to the Charter for the Town of  Federalsburg.  Introduced: Public Hearing: Adopted: Effective Date:    1J  >  Rd Wright  / -  VuS  pa uoluaa  3  E  de    ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - DRAFT  FEDERAIST  i  ar  POUNDED Falny 124  FEBRUARY 2023 Town of Federalsburg  Prepared by the Town Manager's Office    Mayor's Message Kimberly M. Abner  Not yet final.  "Find even more easy-to-use tools on the Insert tab, such as to add a hyperlink or insert a comment"  Text to come.  DRAFT    Community and Economic Development  Efforts to support the town's overall quality of life includes not only job creation and the growth of new and existing businesses, but also how the community spends time on recreational, sports,  cultural, and neighborhood activities.  Proposed. AquaCon project and MAS Alliance economic development, including working with Residents, elected officials and staff participated in Caroline County Community Conversations and town manager committed to serving (two years) on the Collective Impact Town participating in the Maryland Clean Marina and the Sustainable Maryland Green Team Staff and town officials worked with M&M Carnot on their operation expansion. Town sponsored the first annual Madness on the Marshyhope Blue Catfish Fishing The Federalsburg Community Activities Center project received town ARPA funding totaling $50,000 which will be used for building improvements to the Center's building on Morris Inj partnership with Delmarva Power, energy efficient LED streetlights are being installed at An number of local businesses expanded their buildings to allow for more activities and improved levels of service. The town recognizes and appreciates these long-term Thei town's parks and open spaces continued to provide safe, accessible space for community and family get-togethers and programs including youth basketball, fishing tournaments, annual Hay Day event, and in-person Christmas season celebrations.  publici information and the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Economic Mobility/Workforce Development team. Town bicentennial events and activities finalized and promoted. programs, with completion expected in 2023.  Tournament.  Avenue.  no cost to the town.  commercial residents for their commitment to Federalsburg.  DRAFT    Communicating with Stakeholders  All methods of communication, including this annual report, provide an opportunity for the town to showcase our community, describing what makes it special and why people like to call it home. In all of thei town's communications, people want to know what has happened ini town during the past year and what is planned to occur ini the future. Effective community and stakeholder communication and engagement enables organizations to make better informed decisions. By engaging with communities and key stakeholders, input is received from diverse perspectives and a variety of solutions are presented. Every governing board wants to have the reputation of being transparent, accountable and willing to listen. Opening upi the communications between town hall and the community will also enhance the community'su understanding oft the role of local government. In 2022 the town took these steps to keep the public informed and to hear back:  Regular use and updating to the town website www.townoffederalsburg.org int the Caroline Review as a platform to reach non-digital stakeholders.  Decision made beginning January 2023 a monthly informational press release will be posted Community wide public discussions of the (former) proposed AquaCon project, and election Since 2020 all mayor and town council meetings and workshops are live cast on Zoom as The town government has made a deliberate effort to use information technology as a means for better communication, including the continued use of video recording and Three years of mayor and council meetings' agendas, minutes, audio recordings and staff The town continued to make more use of the Facebook page, posting all town meeting information, information on service schedules, employment openings, weather conditions, Mayor Abner has continued recording a video wrap up of eachi town meeting and workshop, which are posted on the town's website and social media platforms. Website homepage featured links to information on the (former) proposed Aquacon project and annexation, utility bill payment, and citizen portal to report a concern. The town continued use of the YouTube channel and LinkedIn page. Bloomingdale Road, and on the downtown electronic sign.  reforms were held. video conferences.  broadcasting equipment.  reports continue to be posted on the website.  and communityi information.  Information continues to be posted on the two message boards on Reliance Avenue and  DRAFT    Infrastructure and Capital Projects  Infrastructure is defined as those assets, structures, and systems without which we could not function. A capital project is al long-term project to build, improve, maintain, or develop infrastructure. This type of project typically involves a significant investment of money and staff time. A capital project can be large scale, needing constant management and resources for completion. In 2022 the town had several important capital projects underway and was fortunate to partner with a variety of state and federal funding resources to complete these projects with a relatively low cost to the town residents and rate payers. These projects included thei following:  Brought years-long water tank maintenance program to finalization and secured consistent funding source through years-long agreement to sell the 1,100 total solar credits. Selected Ferguson Waterworks and Badger Meter as contractors for the AMI water meter Town Manager participated in small utilities cohort program through the Environmental With town engineer moved forward stalled wastewater treatment plant permit renewal Closed out thei following capital projects- - Chambers Park Dallieldimprovements, and marina The Old Denton Road watermain replacement project, which has a cost of $635,000 shared equally between grants and loans, began, and reached 90% completion. 2,000 linear feet of pipeline will we replaced, new water meters installed, and the road repaired. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources approved funding and scope of work for the first phase of a major wetlands and stormwater improvement project for Marina Park. The project costs approximately $175,000. It is fully funded by grants except for a $500 town contribution and will be done during the spring and early summer of 2023. The town received $34,003 in MDE funding as recognition of maintaining nitrogen and phosphorous discharges below state limits fori the calendar year. As part of routine maintenance, the town patches potholes, repairs and replaces pumps and generators for water and wastewater operations, and fixes utility line breaks as needed. On Christmas day there was a major break of the Old Denton Road watermain.  Acquired town control of the water tank lighting display.  upgrade program.  Finance Center at the University of Maryland. Transitioned with town engineering staff.  bulkhead.  Updated the Chambers Lake dam emergency action plan.  DRAFT    Police and Public Safety  The police department posted another strong and productive year for public safety. Productivity increased by over 50% from the previous record highs of 2020. Per capita of one-thousand residents, Federalsburg's crime rate again lists the town int the top ten Maryland municipalities. The total number of reported crimes and offenses in Federalsburg decreased by 12% compared to the historic low 2021 data. The department adopted a number of administrative and procedural changes in 2022 which resulted in enhanced officer accountability and cost-effective use of  cameras and technology. In 2022 the police department:  The ratio of traffic stops warnings to citations was 51 to1.  Thei town's violent crime rate was reduced by 4% compared to record low levels of 2021. Compared to 2021's record low rate, the property crime rate was reduced by 17%. Department sought and received mayor and town council approval of speeding cameras License plate reader cameras were added toi the downtown camera system capabilities and fully funded through a grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention. The entire report is available on the town website under Departments" and "Federalsburg  for use around the elementary school.  Police Department" tabs.  DRAFT    Administration and Finance  The role of Administration and Finance is to oversee all financial and human resource aspects of the town government. Administratively the department assists the mayor and town council in carrying out their ordinances and directives, complies materials for reports and agenda packets, maintains the town's publicinformation and communications platforms and systems, and information technology equipment. The department coordinates financial activity to ensure that we conduct business in accordance to policy and procedure and within all guidelines of government accounting and auditing standards. Human resource management functions include hiring and developing staff. Financial responsibilities include budgeting, financial analysis and forecasting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, payroll and benefits. In 2022 the town made  the following improvements in providing these services:  Building permitting and inspections outsourcing has gone well and is financed on a "user Code enforcement brought nuisance property owners to court, successfully, to remediate Continued review and update to town personnel policies for compliance and accuracy. Contracted with Davenport & Company, a firm specializing in public finance, to do al long- Continued to upgrade several information technology software programs and equipment Continued to use the town website as a repository for full organizational data and public  pays" approach reducing general fund subsidy. violations of property maintenance code.  term comprehensive financial review analysis for the town.  upgrades.  meeting information.  Ensured ARPA funds used for efficiencies and as long-term investments Successful hires in admin/finance, and code enforcement. owners, and has taken unresponsive violators to court - and won.  Code enforcement officer was more publicand communicated beternwthrecmtilgropety Assigned town staff to perform trash collection when the contractor defaulted and brought on a competent contractor in thei interim, kept open communication with other communities Reorganized public works and public utilities department staff since August 1, 2022 Continued use of digital format communication to get out and store essential town Assisted members of the public with information on residential trash collection, rental of town facilities, capital projects, tax and fees rates, election and voting, mayor and town  experiencing similar issues  information, developing non-digital communication strategy.  council meeting dates and agendas, and buildingizoning questions.  DRAFT    TO: Mayor & Council Members FR: Larry DiRe, Town Manager DT: February 21, 2023 RE: Capital Projects Update  Staff is providing an informational report, as update, on several on-going capital projects. Marina Park Wetlands and Stormwater Management = Staff had an on-site meeting with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff and potential bidders on Wednesday February 15, 2023. This project is the first phase of several to improve stormwater management at the marina and by doing sO reduce the nitrogen and phosphorous run-off into the Marshyhope Creek. The project has a firm budget cap of $175,497 funded by DNR through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Bay Funds, minus a $500 match from the town. This project does not add to the town's current debt obligations. Sealed bids are due at Town Hall on February 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm at which time they will Old Denton Road Water Main - This project reached approximately 80% completion in early December. At that time the contractor and town agreed to wait until better and warmer weather in early spring 2023 to complete the remaining work and pave the street. At present the project is inactive for another four weeks, or until the warmer spring weather allows for successful paving. This project costs approximately $638,000 and is financed by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) half through grant 115-117 North Main Street Building Repairs - This project began several years ago as the "town restaurant" project since the building is owned by the town and grant funding was sought and awarded to convert the shell into a restaurant. The project was funded at $100,000 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). After costs for a professional appraisal and inspection report (attached) approximately $93,000 remains of the grant funding and will be used as the budget cap for the repair project. This project does not add to the town's current debt obligations. A request for proposals was posted in January of this year. Staff had an on-site meeting for potential bidders on February 14, 2023 and none showed. Sealed bids are due at Town Hall on February 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm at which time they will be opened and read. AMI Water Meter Upgrade - Since the September 20, 2021 mayor and town council meeting the town has been in the process of soliciting request for qualifications from qualified firms, held interviews with three qualified firms, and requested cost proposals from those firms for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Water Meter System Replacement to ensure a competitive and public process as a good procurement practice. From the outset of the process this AMI water meter project was designated as an American Rescue Plan ActiCorona Virus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA) expenditure in keeping with both the US Department of the Treasury's Interim and Final Rule documents. This project was shown in the proposed fiscal year 2022-2023 budget  Staff is not requesting any action at this time.  be opened and read.  funding and half through a long-term, low interest loan.    as a capital project funded through ARPA, and adopted as such. At the June 6, 2022 meeting the mayor and town council selected Ferguson Waterworks and Badger Meters as contractors for this capital project at a project cost of $717,000 pay as you go using federal ARPA funds already on hand in the town's bank account. The project is on-going having commenced with a February 6, 2023 kick-off and initial installation of approximately fifty-nine (59) meters in the first week. The interconnectivity of the meter data transmission system to the town's utilities billing software system has been tested. Due to a sample variation in the size of the meters and lateral lines, an additional survey of all meters commenced on February 13, 2023 and should be completed by February 23, 2023 at which time any corrections to the number and type of meter on hand should be completed. This survey costs an additional $17,000, or 2.1% increase, and will be paid from ARPA funds. Installation of the remaining meters is scheduled to begin again on February 28'March 1. Staff will be posting a public information piece on the expected schedule and streets designated for meter change out. Due to weather conditions this schedule may need to be adjusted in which case the town will use social media, the website, and the notification program to get out information in a timely manner. The last meter is expected to be installed on March 23, 2023. This project does not add to the  town's current debt obligations.    First State Inspection Agency, Inc.  Milford, DE 19963 1001 Mattlind Way 302-422-3859 302-422-4270 Fax 1-800-468-7338 July 14,2022  Town ofl Federalsburg POI Box 471 Federalsburg MD2 21632  Inspection Results  Inspection Date: Application/Permit No.: Onp premises: Owner: Customer Job No.: Occupant:  07/13/2022  115-117 North Main Street Federalsburg, MD: 21632  Town of Federalsburg Commercial Building  Items below indicate infractions of applicable National Electrical Code or Building Code:  Consultation  Roof to be repaired or replaced by a licensed flat/rubber roof contractor Engineer to evaluate post in center of second floor and support beam for  structural integrity and purpose Testing for lead paint Testing for asbestos in floor tiles Water damaged areas to be repaired (No kitchen or bathing area)  Once leaking is fixed mod remediation CO. to access and repair Hand railing to be installed on back 2nd floor stairwell  2nd floor usability as storage or office presumably due to have a half bath Back of building brick is cracked and breaking apart, Lentil over back door 21 Half baths for customer use should have tempered valves on the hot Each bath to have an exhaust system of 50 cfm vented to the exterior of  insufficient to carry weight (Engineer to access) Old chimney leaning (Engineer to access)  side of vanity faucets the building    Emergency and exit lighting to be repaired or replaced (Licensed Outside service panel not rated for outside use and roofing installed over equipment not flashed properly to stop water infiltration Hatch to crawl space to be of sufficient build to withstand load imposed in  Contractor)  closet floor  Heating system to be serviced Glass in front window to be repaired Improper cover behind reception desk Heating system to be serviced  Kitchen side emergency and exit lights to be repaired or replaced Kitchen hood system to be recertified by licensed contractor Air replenishment system to be installed for proper hood operation Fire extinguishers to be certified by fire marshal  Inspector: Eric James  Please sign and return to F.S.I.A. after violations have been corrected. Also include the datey you would like your re-inspection. ("*Only applicable if Delaware Electrical Inspection: Please have corrected and re-inspected within 15 days to be in accordance with Rules and Regulations code 15.5**)  Signature  Date ready for re-inspection    TO: Mayor & Council Members FR: Larry DiRe, Town Manager DT: February 21, 2023 RE: Review of Town Debt  "When your outflow exceeds your income, your upkeep becomes your downfall." - Jim While the above cited quote is widely known and appreciated, it is not and iron law of economics. There are times and circumstances when outflow is necessary for needed investment in long-term obligations with the expectation of additional income correcting any shortfall. For local government out outflow takes the form of operational costs and debt service payments. This report on the town's debt situation is meant as a review for context and is provided for informational purposes only at this time. Staff is not requesting Debt is neither "good" nor "bad" - There are reasons local governments incur debt, most of which have to do with funding large-scale and expensive projects expected to have a long-term lifespan. Debt, especially long-term debt, ensures that over the life of the project all users who benefit will pay an equal share of the annual cost, and sO debt is a fair approach. Debt also does not require the local government from tapping needed reserves to treat projects as pay as you go expenditures over one or two years. Although pay as you go does have decided benefits if cash is readily available as through the recent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. However, debt should always be put within the context of how much is acceptable to accumulate and how wise a choice is incurring debt balanced against how much revenuelincome is growing. Or not growing. So, while the debt option is neutral, the context should inform the decision making. The record shows the Town of Federalsburg carries a great deal of debt - The good news is the town always meets its debt obligations and the amount of debt drops every year. That is the bright side. The darker side shows there are still several more years of substantial annual debt obligation payments, balanced against expected increased costs addressing aged infrastructure and operational costs impacted by high inflation. Finding the town's debt load is easy. It always appears on page eleven of the annual audit report. Those reports dating back to 2018 are posted on the town website as a quick link from the home page. The total debt and liability load carried by the town for fiscal years ending  Rohn, American Entrepreneur and Author  any action on this agenda item.  June 30th are as follows: Total 2017-$9,749,540; 2018-$8,968,755; 2019-$8,284,031; 2020-57,686,964;  Payable Bonds and Notes  $8,362,933 $7,721,615 $7,061,988 $6,512,349    2021-$ $7,243,186; 2022 - Audit report pending. several decades (yes, decades).  $5,996,343 Audit report pending  The attached graph shows the town's debt payments, principal and interest over the next Debt and your utility bill - While the audit report makes the debt obligations clear, another common town document shows the impact - your water bill. Although that is a bit of a misnomer since the water debt is a fraction of the sewer debt and the sewer debt ist the driver of town utility billing costs. The following graphic shows the user costs and the debt service costs that go into the utility bill. Fixed costs remain debt service, Chesapeake Bay clean-up funding, and of course residential trash collection all of which show on your bill before the meter turns the first thousand gallons of water. As you can see those fixed costs can be more that the water and sewer usage combined for any  customer during any particular billing cycle.  Town of Federalsburg Water & Sewer Rates  2019-20 Rates  2020-21 Rates  2021-22 Rates  2022-23 Rates 21.20 Qtr 3.15 31.80 Qtr 4.73 23.32 Mo 3.47  Water  In1 Town Debt $ 21.20 $ 21.20 $ 21.20 Out-of-Town Debt $ 31.80 $ 31.80 $ 31.80 Industrial Debt $ 23.32 $ 23.32 $ 23.32  P/1,000 $ 3.15 $ 3.15 $ 3.15 P/1,000 $ 4.73 $ 4.73 $ 4.73 P/1,000 $ 3.47 $ 3.47 $ 3.47  Sewer  2019-2020 2020-21  2021-22 2022-23  InTown Debt $ 109.89  109.89 $ 109.89 $109.89 Qtr 5.27 9 5.27 $ 5.27  P/1,000 $ 5.27  Out-of-Town Debt $ 164.90 $ 164.90 $ 164.90 $164.90 Qtr  P/1,000 $ 7.90 $ 7.90 $ 7.90 P 7.90 P/1,000 $ 6.59 > 6.59 $ 6.59 $ 6.59  Industrial Debt $ 137.36  137.36 $ 137.36 $137.36 Mo  2019-20  2020-21  2021-22 2022-23  Bay Restoration Fee  $ 15.00 $ 15.00 $ 15.00 $ 15.00 Qtr  Using the town's DebtBook online software program, staff would like to show more  specifics of the town's debt obligations.