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Queenstown schedules hearing on $1.83 million bond to upgrade water system
Summary
The Queenstown commissioners reviewed Ordinance 25-01 authorizing a general obligation bond and note to finance a new ground storage tank, refurbishment of the elevated tank, a new well and treatment facility, and main replacements; a public hearing is set for March 26, 2025.
Queenstown commissioners reviewed Ordinance No. 25-01 on March 12, 2025, a proposal to authorize a general obligation bond not to exceed $1,829,000 and a general obligation note not to exceed $1,828,000 to fund water-system improvements.
According to the ordinance text presented at the meeting, proceeds would finance refurbishing the town's existing 50,000-gallon elevated tank on Wall Street, installing a new 100,000-gallon ground storage tank, constructing a new four-inch well into the Mattawan aquifer, building a new water treatment facility, replacing undersized or defective water mains, extending mains to new areas, and paying related design, engineering and legal costs. The ordinance references authority under sections 19-207 and 19-301 of the Annotated Code of Maryland and section 19-46 of the town charter. A public hearing on the ordinance was scheduled for March 26, 2025.
Town staff also reported the construction plans for the New Water Tower & Infrastructure project have been submitted to the USDA and are currently under state engineer review; once approved the project can be put out to bid. The commissioners did not adopt the ordinance at the March 12 meeting; they scheduled the statutory public hearing as the next procedural step.
Commissioners and staff discussed related operational problems: staff described recurring sewer backups on Second Avenue tied to grease in the main and said contractors (Steve Roberson Plumbing/Roto-Rooter) found grease clumps in the line but have not yet identified the source. The town is awaiting damage estimates from an affected homeowner and continuing the investigation.
The meeting record also noted a separate maintenance item: a damaged driveway culvert at 109 Thompson that public works inspected and recommended replacing; quotes were being obtained from contractors and staff advised that nearby culverts installed at the same time should be inspected and possibly replaced at the same time.
Next steps: the public hearing on Ordinance 25-01 will be held March 26, 2025, after which the commissioners may vote on final adoption. Separately, USDA and state review of construction plans must conclude before bidding can proceed.
