TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
July 7, 2003
President John F. Ford Councilmember Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr.
Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Assistant Town Attorney Sharon Van Emburgh, Town Engineer Tim Glass, Assistant Town Engineer Joe Gruber, Town Planner Tom Hamilton, Captain David Spencer, Chief of Administration, Easton Police Department and interested citizens and members of the press.
Mr. Wendowski led the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 16 AND JUNE 18, 2003 MEETING
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, minutes of the June 16 and June 18, 2003 meetings were approved.
MEMO FROM MAYOR WILLEY REGARDING POLICY TO WAIVE BUILDING PERMIT FEES
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the last sentence in the memo regarding the Mayor and Council’s decision to waive all permits.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the Council will be doing just as it always has done and waiving permits on a one by one basis.
The Town Engineer clarified that the Town does not issue electrical permits or sediment or erosion control permits.
The Acting President of the Council tabled the matter until the Mayor returned from the Special Election for President of the Council.
CONSENSUS 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
Mr. Ford asked if the applicant could address his concerns regarding potential contributions to the affordable housing issue in Easton.
Mr. Bruce Armistead, on behalf of the applicant responded on behalf of Trippes Creek LLC. He stated that the concept of injecting a different type of housing in a manner that fits within the plan of the community is difficult to do at this stage due to the near build-out. Mr. Armistead stated that in support of the Town’s efforts, Trippes Creek LLC proposes to contribute $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity for that organization’s efforts within the Town of Easton. He stated that Trippes Creek LLC will commit to make payments of $20,000 per year in calendar years ’04 and ’05. The remaining three installments of $20,000 each would be paid following the approval of what amounts of the following phases of the project, phase four, five and six of the Cooke’s Hope community.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her concern regarding available land.
Mr. Stagg stated that Habitat can refurbish owner occupied houses.
Mr. Armistead stated that there is an agreement in writing for the Springfield residents.
Mr. Stagg clarified that it is five barns, 86 new units and one caretaker’s house and a future 5,000 square foot office.
The Council’s consensus was in favor of the amended PUD. The Assistant Town Attorney was directed to draft appropriate legislation.
ELM STREET PUBLIC HEARING
The Acting President of the Council stated that the date has been set for Monday, July 21, 2003 for the Elm Street Village Project with the County Council.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PUBLIC HEARING
The Acting President of the Council set the initial meeting for the Comprehensive Plan Special Meeting Public Hearing for Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 7:00 P.M.
DUDROW FARM PUD PROPOSAL PUBLIC HEARING
The Acting President of the Council set the public hearing for August 4, 2003 at 7:15 P.M.
TWO OAKS AT MATTHEWSTOWN MIXED USE PUD PUBLIC HEARING
The Acting President of the Council set the public hearing for August 18, 2003 at 7:15 P.M.
EASTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR A CM AMENDMENT RENOVATION AND EXPANSION OF THE HOSPITAL WITH A NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
The Acting President of the Council set the public hearing for September 2, 2003 at 7:15 P.M.
Mr. Wendowski asked that the hospital be given time to find out what would be done with the street behind the hospital.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Barry Slaughter was present on behalf of the Easton Fire Department. He reported on monthly activities for June.
Mr. Slaughter thanked the Mayor and Council for being able to carry the equipment to the Maryland State Fire Convention. He stated that they brought home seven trophies from the parade.
Mr. Slaughter stated that they are planning a controlled burning at the Lyons Farm on July 19 at 7:00 A.M.
EASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Captain Spencer had nothing to report at this time. He stated that Chief Harvey was unable to attend this evening. He stated that July 4 celebration and the Elk’s Day festivities were fine.
Ms. Jackson-Amis thanked the Department for their attention during the Elk’s Day parade.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked who to apply to for handicapped parking spaces. Capt. Spencer stated that typically they do come to the Department and then are forwarded to Planning and Zoning for their evaluation. He stated that the Council has the final authority.
The Town Engineer verified the process.
COMMENTS FROM THE TOWN ENGINEER
The Town Engineer asked for consideration to award a bid for the public works addition. He stated that this was a carry forward from last year’s budget. Mr. Glass received two bids; one from Willow and the low bid from Bruce Harrington Construction for $148,500. He stated that the budget carry forward amount was $228,000. He stated that the carry forward amount also includes site work, storm drain pipe installation, landscaping, sediment erosion control, additional site work, provision for electric and engineering stakeout. Mr. Glass stated that they intend to be under budget in the amount of $31,000.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve awarding the bid for the public works addition to Bruce Harrington Construction seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that the Town Engineer look at the sidewalks in the vicinity of South Higgins Street. Mr. Glass stated that they are in the process of doing inspections on sidewalks.
ADKINS AVENUE (THE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AT EASTON PUD REQUEST)
Mr. Wendowski asked the Town Attorney’s office to look at the legalities of closing Adkins Avenue.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mr. Wendowski asked if a temporary site could be constructed for the skate park while waiting for the desired site to be approved.
RECESS
At 7:37 P.M., the Acting President of the Council recessed the regularly scheduled meeting until the Mayor returns.
Mr. Ford congratulated everyone involved for the Easton Celebrations’ Old Tyme Fourth of July festivities.
REGULAR MEETING BACK TO ORDER
At 7:56 P.M., the Acting President of the Council called the regular meeting back to order. Mr. Ford stated that the Council would address the items the Mayor submitted for consideration.
MEMO FROM MAY WILLEY REGARDING POLICY TO WAIVE BUILDING PERMIT FEES
Mr. Willey stated that the last sentence regarding the Mayor and Council having final approval can be deleted from the policy.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the elected officials need to have some discretion. She stated that the last sentence would be helpful in that regard.
Mayor Willey stated that it is important to get the policy on the books. He asked that the policy be accepted as is or with the last sentence.
Mr. Ford stated that he does not object to the Mayor and Council to have the opportunity to listen to requests for unanticipated circumstances.
Mr. Jensen stated that he shares Mr. Wendowski’s views. He stated that if it costs the Town money, it has to be clear that the fees are going to be charged.
Mr. Ford suggested adding “The Mayor and Council shall make the final determination in all waivers of fees for these permits by resolution.”
Mr. Jensen agreed to this language.
Mr. Wendowski stated that once you start making exceptions, you make a lot of exceptions and everyone has a right to challenge.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to pass the policy with the amendment by resolution seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried.
VISITOR’S CENTER LEASE DISCUSSION
Mayor Willey discussed budget monies and the opportunities for the Town and County to share functions, save dollars and improve services. He discussed putting the Talbot County Visitor’s Center at 11 S. Harrison Street as there is room along with the Avalon Foundation. He stated that the Town has offered a two-year lease but the County would like a longer lease due to the financial investment of renovations. Mayor Willey stated that there is also a concern brought forth by Ms. Jackson-Amis regarding the future need for additional office space. Mayor Willey stated that he has made contact with someone that will study the Town and the Town’s need for office space in the next five to ten years.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she would prefer to not go over the two-year period until the needs assessment is in hand.
Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned the County’s contribution to maintenance which she felt all tenants should contribute their portion. Mayor Willey stated that the County would be responsible for the areas they occupy as well as utilities.
Mr. Ford discussed the provision to occupy the building in case of emergency.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the five-day provision in case of emergency should be deleted from the lease.
Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to adopt the lease as presented with the amendment to delete the five-day period in order to allow the town to occupy the building immediately in case of emergency seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously.
MAYOR WILLEY’S COMMENTS
Mayor Willey asked for consideration for an election for the Ward I Council seat. He suggested setting the date for August 25 due to time constraints.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis the Mayor’s election date of August 25 for Ward I was unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, upon motion by Jensen, seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, the Acting President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:12 P.M.
______________________________________
Town Clerk