TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
June 16, 2003
Acting President John F. Ford Councilmember Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr.
Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
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.
Mr. Jensen led the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 2, 2003 MEETING
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously, minutes of the June 2 meeting were approved as amended to reflect Ms. Jackson-Amis’ absence.
MEMO FROM MAYOR WILLEY REGARDING POLICY TO WAIVE BUILDING PERMIT FEES
Mayor Willey discussed setting a policy for waiving of permit fees for non-profit organizations. He stated that services associated with permits are still required and other Talbot County municipalities do not waive the fees other than county, state and town projects.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to accept Mayor Willey’s recommendation.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her concerns relative to projects that should be considered for permit fee waivers.
Mr. Wendowski stated that there are some non-profit that may benefit from some reductions if not a complete waiver.
Mr. Ford suggested anyone with any concerns or questions contact the Council members by close of business Friday. He stated that this would be tabled until the next meeting.
LETTER FROM MR. JAMES
C. PERKINS, SSPP BUILDING COMMITTEE, REQUESTING PERMISSION TO USE TOWN OWNED
PROPERTY AT THE CORNER OF TURNERS LANE AND BREWERS LANE TO HOLD BUSSES FOR 30
MINUTES.
Discussed occurred regarding the property being leased to the County.
County Council President Thomas Duncan stated that the County has no objections for the busses being parked.
The Town Attorney stated that he would notify Mr. Perkins that the County Council approved their request.
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSED GRANT REQUEST APPLICATION TO THE MD DEPT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION’S SMALL CITIES COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM. THE APPLICATION SEEKS TO EXPAND THE TOWN OF EASTON’S CURRENT MUNICIPAL WATER SERVICE AND TO EXTEND THE TOWN OF EASTON’S WASTEWATER UTILITY SERVICE AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CURRENTLY UNINCORPORATED SUBDIVISION OF W. GLENWOOD AVENUE, LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF THE TOWN OF EASTON” following annexation.
At 7:10 p.m., the Acting President of the Council opened the Joint Public Hearing on the proposed grant request application.
The Town Attorney briefed on the history. He stated that this is the same approach the Town of Easton took with the West Kennedy Street annexation.
Mr. Ford stated that the Town of Easton does not typically construct water and sewer infrastructure and bear the costs.
Mr. Austin Webster, Talbot County Housing Coordinator, stated that he is in the process of writing the grant to Community Development Block Grant for federal money managed by the State of Maryland. He stated that this grant will be delivered by him before July 1, 5:00 p.m. He stated that this is on schedule for submission with an anticipated response the end of September or the first of October. He stated that the community that is going to gain the benefit has to be a minimum of 51% low to moderate income and he calculated it to be under 61% so that should not be a problem.
Mr. Wendowski stated that the application could not be submitted the same as previously because there were now too many residents. He asked if there had been another approach.
Mr. Webster stated that through Rural Development, the old Farmer’s Home Administration, you can request loan or grants for infrastructure in towns with a population less than 10,000. He stated that the request for all the funds will now be to CDBG.
Mr. Duncan discussed the County’s supporting resolution.
Ms. Harrington stated that she knows that this has been a very long process getting to this point. She publicly acknowledged the hard work of Ms. Bertha Wilson.
The Acting President of the Council asked for audience comments. There were none.
Mr. Ford stated that the public record will be kept open until the close of business on Friday.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REQUEST OF WILLIAM B. STAGG OF LANE ENGINEERING ON BEHALF OF TRIPPES CREEK LLC, AND CHESTON PARTNERSHIP FOR A PROPOSED PROJECT WHICH IS AN AMENDMENT TO COOKE’S HOPE PUD COMBINING COOKE’S HOPE AND GALLOWAYS PUD AND ADDING 88 RESIDENTIAL UNITS, A CARETAKER’S HOUSE AND THREE NEW BARNS.
At 7:18 p.m., the Acting President of the Council opened the Public Hearing.
The Town Planner discussed the history of the project. He stated that the developer has worked with the residents and has unanimous Planning Commission approval. He stated that the application is actually for 86 units.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if the parties with concerns were present. The Town Planner stated that at the Planning and Zoning Commission, there was no opposition to this project.
Mr. Bill Stagg of Lane Engineering was present on behalf of the applicant. He discussed the history of the project. He stated that they have worked with the Springfield residents and worked out their opposition.
Mr. Stagg stated that they intend to bring all of Cooke’s Hope under one umbrella PUD. He discussed the long-term protective easement with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. Mr. Stagg stated that within that area they are proposing five small barns and a caretaker’s cottage. He discussed the small neighborhood proposed with 67 single family detached lots. He stated that this is an improved plan with 26 acres to be reforested. Mr. Stagg discussed the community open space. He stated that they are promoting alleys in this development with a garage in the rear. Mr. Stagg discussed concerns with four of the residents that have not been worked out. He stated that there are stormwater concerns for those directly affected. He stated that the total Cooke’s Hope units after this approval will be 326.
Mr. Ford asked Mr. Stagg if it might not be a good idea to have the Town Engineer’s office to look at their proposed plans for future sewer access.
Mr. Stagg discussed a connection road between Cooke’s Hope and other properties up to the hospital property for future growth.
Mr. Wendowski asked if there was an agreement with Mr. Shearer to put pipe through his property. Mr. Stagg stated that they have this agreement and will be a private recorded agreement. Mr. Stagg stated that they will improve their situation.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he reviewed the traffic study and has some concerns but that does not affect this PUD.
Mr. Stagg discussed a 40 acre protective easement.
Ms. Judy Straub, Waverly Road, asked if this is an increase in the residential density over the original approval.
Mr. Stagg stated that over the years this project has fluctuated between 275 and 335 units. He stated that they will end up with 326.
Ms. Straub asked for clarification on the road that goes to the Parkway and asked if there are plans for egress for Cooke’s Hope residents.
Mr. Stagg stated that there are no plans as this is for emergency and farm vehicle access.
Ms. Straub stated that she has a great concern over the narrowness of the roads and emergency equipment access. She stated that she has a concern for additional traffic on Waverly Road and the possibility of potential accidents.
Mr. Stagg discussed the access on roads through Cooke’s Hope.
Mr. Wendowski discussed the traffic study. He stated that it missed the golf season but overall, he found it reasonable.
Mr. Jensen thanked the applicants for coming to an agreement with the residents.
At 7:52, the Acting President of the Council closed the Public Hearing. He stated that the record will remain open until close of business Friday.
RESOLUTION NO. 5805 INCREASE UPCOMING BUDGET FY 2003-04 (P&Z)
The Acting President of the Council stated that this involves a carry forward of $17,500 for Planning and Zoning. He stated that this is a carry forward on the operating side of the budget. Mr. Ford stated that the Town Clerk has strongly recommended against the first two resolutions.
Mr. Glass discussed the carry forwards. He stated that there will be some unutilized funds from this year that they would like to be able to use. Mr. Glass stated that the $17,500 would be used for the Comprehensive Plan which will be finished this summer. He stated that the other Resolution No. 5806 totals to $95,000 which represents money allocated for spending in this fiscal year for paving but they cannot spend the money or perform the work during this fiscal year. Mr. Glass described Resolution No. 5807 which is a capital carry forward which has been done year after year in order to complete some construction projects that were not finished before year end.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it was her understanding that the Charter does not permit carry forwards. She suggested denying Resolutions No. 5805 and 5806.
Mr. Glass asked if the moneys would be available later in the year. The Town Clerk stated that it assumes that they have been collected. Mr. Karge stated that when the budget is looked at later in the year, the Mayor may have additional revenue sources flowing in whereby the revenue could be bumped up to reflect what is actually received therefore there will be expenditures to cover these things.
Mr. Ford asked if the Town Engineer was given the financial capacity to complete work outlined for this year’s budget, would he have the physical capacity to complete all the work.
The Town Engineer stated that most of this is wrapping up projects that have been started.
Mr. Wendowski stated that it would almost be impossible to do $190,000 worth of street repairs quickly.
Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to deny Resolution No. 5805 seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 5806 INCREASE UPCOMING BUDGET FY 2003-04 (STREET RECONSTRUCTION)
Mr. Jensen made a motion to deny Resolution No. 5806 seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 5806 INCREASE UPCOMING BUDGET FY 2003-04 (CAPITAL FUND)
Mr. Jensen made a motion to pass Resolution No. 5807 seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously.
LETTER FROM MR. AARON WEST REQUESTING TO HAVE SIREN TURNED OFF ON CORNER OF LOMAX AND CALVERT STREET
The Acting President of the Council, Mr. Ford referred this letter to the Fire Board for their recommendation. Mr. Ford asked Mayor Willey to respond to Mr. West.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE FOR WEST KENNEDY STREET WATER AND SEWER EXTENSION
The Town Engineer briefed on the next steps throughout the process of the West Kennedy Street water and sewer extension. He stated that their primary focus would be making water and sewer service available for the residents with phase two being sidewalks, curb and gutters, street trees, and street lights.
Mr. Ford asked what would be done for residents that did not want to be annexed.
Mr. Glass stated that they would attempt to serve the properties in the least intrusive way as possible.
He stated that they are looking at mid-February for services to be made available although the schedule will be modified during the design stages.
DISCUSSION OF TOURISM DEPARTMENT RELOCATION TO RESOURCE CENTER
The Acting President of the Council clarified that this is the County Office of Tourism.
Mr. Al Bond, Economic Development Coordinator stated that Welcome Resource Center comes under his budget. Mr. Bond stated that the Welcome Resource Center for the County is currently housed in the Court House with virtually the same hours so he thought it would be a good idea to increase the hours in order to give a better product to the end consumer. He stated that there have been various plans for this consolidation. Mr. Bond discussed the tourists’ signs that will direct tourists.
Mr. Bond discussed offering the county a lease. He stated that there will be better services to everyone at no cost to the town.
Mayor Willey stated that this is an opportunity for the Town and County to work together to save dollars and improve services. He stated that he agrees that a lease should be forwarded to the County with a minimum of two years. He suggested making an agreement with The Avalon Foundation so that they can put some resources in that area to improve that function.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed correspondence between President of the County Council Thomas Duncan and Mayor Willey.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated she has concerns regarding the policy decision around allowing another governmental entity to utilize lease facility should be negotiated in fairly strict terms. She stated that she has concerns about blurring who’s who with the County being broad in scope. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the Town is expanding and it is clear that there will be more space needed for the operations being undertaken.
Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned if it had been worked out who would be responsible for what and who is going to direct the process as it relates to the Town of Easton.
Mr. Bond stated that the Avalon would like to get a lease for the hallway and the backroom area as they currently maintain and book the space. He outlined what the Avalon does now in relation to the Welcome and Resource Center and their desire to make capital tenant improvements to the building.
Mr. Ford discussed the time constraints with the County’s Department of Tourism.
Mr. Andy Hollis, Talbot County Manager discussed a four month window.
Ms. Hillary Spence, Talbot County Councilmember, stated that the Tourism Board is very interested in relocating their space.
Mr. Bond stated that there is funding that may be lost by the end of the month.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to support the move of the County Tourism Board to the Welcome and Resource Center.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the volunteers would be replaced. Mr. Jensen stated that they would be there to meet and greet.
Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded the motion and asked the Town Attorney to be real clear about negotiations about what this building is going to be and give some time about where we want to go in the future so all people concerned can make other plans. The motion was approved unanimously.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $435,343.48
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried, invoices were approved for payment.
COMMENTS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey stated that in the next couple of days, the Town Engineer and himself will be working on streamlining the permits and inspection department.
Mayor Willey discussed traffic studies and stated that this is an opportunity to work with the county with their suggestion to have a comprehensive traffic plan.
Mayor Willey stated that the Easton Police Department swore in two new police officers this morning. He asked that the oath be revised for those other than elected officials.
Mayor Willey stated that at the last Fire Board meeting, it was indicated that the sirens have been manually turned off by someone twice in the last few months. He stated that this creates an extreme safety hazard for the public. Mayor Willey stated that the Fire Department is working to secure panel boxes.
Mr. Wendowski asked that the election process be expedited. Mayor Willey stated that a schedule will be forwarded at the next meeting.
CHIEF OF POLICE’S COMMENTS
Chief Harvey reported that SSPP has requested a waiver from the two hour parking restriction on June 29 for their groundbreaking so their parishioners can return for a reception.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve SSPP’s request for a parking waiver, seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that a copy of the Police Board meeting minutes be forwarded to her.
TOWN ENGINEER’S COMMENTS
The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass, stated that the demolition of the gas plant started today and should be completed by June 30.
The Town Engineer reported on correspondence from State Highway Administration regarding No Parking near Route 322 and the YMCA. He stated that they will be proceeding.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the YMCA would be notified. The Town Engineer stated that they would.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR’S COMMENTS
Mr. Al Bond stated that tomorrow is the kickoff meeting for the Marketing and Feasibility Study. He stated that they are looking for a result in early August.
Mr. Bond discussed a memo requesting a shed for the Farmer’s Market. He stated that the Historic District Commission had made some recommendations that will be implemented. Mr. Ford asked who would fund the shed replacement. Mr. Bond stated that it will be paid for out of funds the Farmer’s Market generates and will have no impact on the Town’s budget.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve the shed seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL’S COMMENTS
Mr. Ford discussed the Council’s upcoming calendar events.
SIDEWALK CAFÉ COMMENTS
Mr. Jensen discussed a memo from Chief Harvey on this issue.
Mr. John General stated that he has a lot of requests for outdoor dining. He stated that he would like to create the ambience of the café such as is done in Annapolis. Mr. General stated that he respects Chief Harvey’s concerns but hopes to have a solution that would benefit everyone and have the least impact possible.
Mr. Jensen discussed the Sidewalk Café Ordinance from Annapolis. He stated that he had spoken with the Deputy City Clerk in Annapolis and they feel it goes very well. Mr. Jensen asked to get a group of people that are concerned to find a good balance for the town.
Mr. Ford stated that there is an interest on his part as long as the issues raised in the Chief’s memo are addressed.
Mayor Willey asked to get a group together for a roundtable discussion and report back to the Council.
COUNCIL’S COMMENTS
Ms. Jackson-Amis extended appreciation to Mr. Ford for his prayer and the Town and friends for their concerns regarding her father’s recent illness.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the Frederick Douglas memorial. She stated that she is not in favor of erecting the memorial in Thompson Park as she does not want to intrude on the memory of the family for whom it is named.
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 9:04 p.m.
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Town Clerk