TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
June 2, 2003
Acting President John F. Ford Councilman Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr.
Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Attorney C. Kehoe, Town Engineer Tim Glass, Assistant Town Engineer Joe Gruber, Town Planner Tom Hamilton, Economic Development Coordinator Al Bond, Chief George M. Harvey Easton Police Department and interested citizens and members of the press. Ms. Jackson-Amis was excused.
Mr. Ford led the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2003 MEETING
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried, minutes of the May 19 meeting were unanimously carried.
REQUEST FOR EVENT BANNER FOR THE TALBOT COUNTY CHARITY ANTIQUES SHOW & SALE AT THE TALBOTTOWN SHOPPING CENTER
Mayor Willey recommended approval. Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried, the request was unanimously approved.
WITHDRAWAL OF FRONT YARD FENCE HEIGHT REQUEST FOR COOKE’S HOPE, LLC
The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from Cooke’s Hope LLC withdrawing their request. The Town Planner stated that they will handle this matter in another way.
LETTER FROM DHCD PRESERVATION OFFICER GRANTING PERMISSION TO PROCEED WITH DEMOLITION OF EASTON GAS PLANT
The Town Engineer stated that he had received approval to award the demolition contract to the low bidder, Construction Unlimited. Mr. Glass stated that he needs to get in touch with the contractor and determine their availability.
The Town Attorney briefed on the stipulations regarding the Memorandum of Agreement. He stated that the Town as part of a display must incorporate a display showing the history of the property and the history of the gas plant. Secondly, the Historic Trust must retain the permission to have some ability to review and comment on the exterior architectural plan of any new building to be erected on the site.
Mr. Jensen asked if anyone had heard from Ms. Shanahan regarding her concerns.
The Town Engineer stated that Ms. Shanahan informed him that they are in the process of getting some of the environmental reports directly from the agency.
REPORT FROM EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC.
Mr. Lyle Fuller was present on behalf of the Fire Department. He reported on the Department’s activities.
Mr. Fuller asked permission to take Tower 61 and Engine 63 to the Ocean City Maryland State Firemen’s Convention on June 18.
Mayor Willey asked that there be sufficient coverage during the day while the equipment is out. Mr. Fuller stated that it will be a dual alert. It was the consensus of the Council to allow Tower 61 and Engine 63 to attend the parade in Ocean City.
MEMO FROM MAYOR WILLEY REGARDING FIRE BOARD AND POLICE BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Willey discussed the appointments. He stated the Police Board will be Mr. Ford and Ms. Jackson-Amis and the Fire Board will be Mr. Jensen and Mr. Wendowski. Mayor Willey discussed upcoming meetings.
LETTER OF CONCERN FROM MS. MICHELLE BURGOON REGARDING EASTON IMPROVEMENTS
The Acting President of the Council, Mr. Ford discussed Ms. Burgoon’s concerns regarding the fire siren.
Mayor Willey stated that one of the main reasons for blowing the siren is to alert the non-fireman community that an emergency exists and for those firemen in an area where a pager cannot be used such as a church or hospital. He stated that the sirens are necessary to alert the public that an emergency exists although the Fire Department is using individual monitors and pagers to alert the firemen.
Chief Harvey stated that in accordance to Maryland State Law, it is necessary to have audible and visual signals to be declared an emergency vehicle.
Chief Harvey discussed speeding on Washington Street. He stated that they will be doing selective enforcement in that area to bring the trend down to about 30 m.p.h. instead of the 32 m.p.h. show in Easton Police Department’s statistics.
Mr. Jensen discussed trucks with loud exhaust. Chief Harvey discussed repair orders issued when a truck stopped. He stated that they are looking at the issue.
The President of the Council asked the Town Engineer if he had the opportunity to look at the area of Dutchman’s Lane and S. Washington Street to see if it warranted a stop sign. Mr. Glass stated that he would like to look at the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices to see if there are traffic warrants for a stop sign to be put at that area. He stated that he will report on that at the next meeting.
COMMENTS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey stated that the Council was asked for proposed projects for the Rotary Club for a community project. He stated that he has not had any response from any Council members and asked that any suggestions be forwarded to him in the next few days.
Mayor Willey discussed permit fee waivers and the policy used in Hagerstown. He discussed having a uniform policy consistent with Talbot County. Mayor Willey stated that he will have a policy for consideration at the next Council meeting.
Mayor Willey stated that the request for the Mid Shore Regional Council’s matching grant for an Economic Development plan has been funded.
COMMENTS FROM CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Harvey had the following requests for public assembly permits:
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve seconded by Mr. Wendowski and unanimously carried.
Mr. Wendowski made a motion to approve seconded by Mr. Jensen and unanimously carried.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve seconded by Mr. Wendowski and unanimously carried.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve seconded by Mr. Wendowski and unanimously carried.
Mr. Wendowski made a motion to approve with pending conditions seconded by Mr. Jensen and unanimously carried.
TOWN ENGINEER’S COMMENTS
The Town Engineer Mr. Glass discussed ongoing construction projects. He stated that he would prefer to defer some of the paving until July and will be bringing some budget carry forwards at an upcoming meeting for consideration.
Mr. Glass discussed mosquito control. He stated that with the rainfall, Public Works has not been out spraying but they will be continuing with the larvaciding.
Mr. Glass discussed the ongoing project on Dover Road. He stated this will be a full street reconstruction project with new pavements, curb, gutters, street trees, road striping and rails-to-trails crosswalk. He stated that once that work is completed, the maintenance obligation will transfer to the Town of Easton.
Mr. Glass stated that a schedule for the West Kennedy Street Annexation is impending.
The President of the Council discussed a letter from Stephen Hunter regarding his concerns at the intersection near the YMCA.
Mr. Glass stated that they have contacted SHA and they are waiting for a response.
The Acting President of the Council discussed a letter from Mr. Kilmon regarding a drainage ditch. Mr. Glass stated that the Assistant Town Engineer, Mr. Gruber has drafted a letter in response to his concerns. He stated that the ditch is a non-tidal floodplain and is essentially hands off as far as any disruption in that area but the property owned by the Town of Easton at the Clifton pumping station will be maintained.
COUNCIL’S COMMENTS
Mr. Jensen asked if the ditches at Hawkes Hill Road had been cleaned. Mr. Glass stated that they have measured and are working on cost estimates.
Mr. Jensen asked where the Comprehensive Plan stands. The Town Planner stated that a joint workshop should be scheduled with the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town Council.
The Acting President of the Council set the joint public hearing for Thursday, June 26.
The Acting President of the Council discussed a notification regarding a meeting to discuss a hazard mitigation plan from the County.
The Town Planner discussed the history of the notification. He discussed the study and the scope of work. The Town Planner Mr. Hamilton stated that he will notify Easton Utilities, the Town Clerk and Easton Police Department of the next meeting and would welcome their assistance.
Mr. Jensen discussed silt in ponds and runoff from construction. The Town Engineer discussed the Town’s policy regarding enforcement of sediment control.
TOWN ATTORNEY’S COMMENTS
Mr. Ford asked the Town Attorney to brief the Council on the financial disclosure requirements for candidates.
The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe stated that the municipal elections are not controlled by the State Election laws but are controlled by the Easton Ethics Ordinance which requires a candidate to file by the end of January 31 of the year after the election a report specifying all the contributions they have received.
Mr. Jensen asked for clarification regarding the procedure with the Comprehensive Plan after the Planning Commission forwards it to the Town Council. The Town Attorney stated that Maryland Law is clear and in order for a Comprehensive Plan to become effective, it has to be approved by the Town Council. He stated that the Planning Commission is primarily responsible for drafting the content of the Comprehensive Plan.
COMMENTS FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond reported on the directional signs to be installed throughout the county. He stated that Talbot County is a pilot and that there are actually no signs made at this time. Therefore, he cannot bring a sample of the sign to the Council for approval. He displayed a banner with the approximate size. Mr. Bond stated that the only matter left is the verbiage on the signs which should be worked out very quickly. He asked for Council’s consent to move forward.
Mr. Ford suggested authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter of consent after sharing concerns due to the funding timing issues.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to adopt Mr. Ford’s suggestion seconded by Mr. Wendowski and unanimously carried.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the size and location of the signs on the highway had been disclosed. Mr. Bond stated that they have and they will be put on existing poles.
Mr. Bond discussed the Marketing and Feasibility Plan. He stated that the Town has a grant through CDBG for $35,000 to do a marketing and feasibility plan to market and position the downtown. Mr. Bond asked for Council support to award the bid for the Plan to ZHA Consulting Firm from Annapolis.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to accept ZHA’s proposal.
Mr. Ford amended the motion to authorize the Mayor to execute the contract.
Mr. Wendowski asked if this is duplicating anything that has already been done. Mr. Bond stated that there was a market feasibility plan done for Easton Commons but overall there is not duplication. Mr. Bond stated that the grant stipulates that the study be completed by August.
Mr. Wendowski seconded Mr. Jensen’s motion as amended by Mr. Ford, which was carried unanimously.
Mr. Bond stated he had a request from the Frederick Douglas monument committee, a group organized under the Historical Society to build a monument in Talbot County. They are asking for a list of possible locations for the monument for public comment. Mr. Bond stated that one of the locations to be considered is Thompson Park.
It was the consensus of the Council to allow the Committee to list Thompson Park as a possible location for consideration for the Frederick Douglas monument.
Mayor Willey reminded everyone of the June 18 Housing seminar to be held at the Council’s Chambers at 6:00 p.m. and the Public Hearing on June 16 for the Community Development Block Grant regarding the water and sewer extension at West Glenwood Avenue. He stated that he hoped to get a public hearing for the curb and gutter project on Hawkes Hill Road for purposes of submitting a CDBG application for submission by July 1.
Acting President of the Council Mr. Ford stated that Mr. Reed stated in his departing comments at the last meeting that there should be job descriptions for the various Boards and Commissions throughout the Town.
Mayor Willey stated that there is a volunteer that has offered to create a job description and resume and mission statement that she is a part of. He stated that if this is acceptable after being forwarded, then the same will be done with the remaining Boards and Commissions.
Mr. Ford discussed the consultation job for Mr. Delaporte for the RTC property. He stated that the proposal has been sent to Mr. Delaporte.
Mr. Ford stated that the Boards and Commissions Volunteer party will be held at the Avalon Theater, December 4.
The Town Planner asked that a Public Hearing be scheduled for June 16 for the Cooke’s Hope PUD.
Mr. Jensen stated that he has had the opportunity to talk to the restaurant owners in the downtown. He stated that they felt that the atmosphere of the town center would be enhanced if the town was able to have outdoor dining and be able to have alcohol served with food on sidewalk tables. He asked the council members if they would be interested in pursuing this.
Mr. Ford stated that Chief Harvey has some concerns which should also be forwarded regarding outdoor dining.
Mr. Wendowski thanked Mr. Gruber for resolving a long-standing drainage problem at the Easton Club. He stated that they have been at it for two years and he resolved the problem in a month and a half.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he attended Memorial Day services and commended the Easton Middle School Band led by Mr. Mac Fullington. He stated that the children should be recognized for doing the things they are doing on their own.
Mr. Ford discussed a trip Mr. Wendowski, Ms. Jackson-Amis and himself attended took a trip to Annapolis to a meeting put together by the Affordable Housing Coalition of Talbot County. He stated that they toured projects that were quite innovative and he expects a report.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Ms. Jenny O’Neal, Board Member for Mental Health Association, thanked the Council for approving the banner request. She asked for permission to put 2x2 arrow signs directing participants to the event. Ms. O’Neal stated that they will put them out Saturday morning and take them up at the end of the event Sunday.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve the arrows seconded by Mr. Wendowksi and carried.
Mr. Jensen made mention that Ms. Peggy Ford is in the audience tonight and that Mr. John Ford and his wife, Peggy, celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary this week. Mr. Jensen congratulated the Fords.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, upon motion by Jensen, seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:12 p.m.
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Town Clerk