PRESENT

Mayor Robert C. Willey Councilmember Scott R. Jensen

Acting President John F. Ford Councilmember Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr.

Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis

IN ATTENDANCE

Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Attorney Christopher B. Kehoe, Town Engineer Tim Glass, Town Planner Tom Hamilton, Chief of Police George Harvey, Economic Development Coordinator Al Bond and interested citizens and members of the press.

CONVENING

Mr. Jensen led the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 21, 2003 MEETINGS

Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, minutes of the July 21 meeting were approved as written.

EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. REPORT

Mr. Tim Knotts was present from the Fire Department with the monthly report. Mr. Knotts stated that automatic alarms are the main problem. He stated planning is underway for the Department’s 200^th Anniversary which is April 20, 2008. He stated that a parade is planned for April 19, 2004 and perhaps a muster in the park.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked about the hazardous material incident.

Mr. Knotts stated that both incidents were natural gas leaks; one in a residence and one where a gas line to a house was cut trying to trench water away from his home. He commended the gas department for their fast response.

RESOLUTION NO. 5811 AUTHORIZING THE TOWN CLERK TO ABATE TAXES TOTALING $2,492.10

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked the Town Attorney to explain the tax abatement requests.

The Town Attorney stated that the first two are for charitable organizations that are using the pieces of real estate involved for non-profit or charitable public purposes. He stated that the remaining three are private properties requesting abatement because of annexation agreements years ago that stated that real estate taxes on those properties will be abated until such times those properties are connected to the Town’s water and sewer which have not yet occurred.

Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5811 seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

ORDINANCE NO. 460, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF COOKES HOPE LLC, TRIPPES CREEK, LLC, AND CHESTON LIMITED PARTNERSHIP FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE”

Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, Ordinance No. 460 was approved unanimously following a roll call vote.

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR SIDEWALK ALCOHOL SERVICE IN DOWNTOWN EASTON

The President of the Council set the public hearing for September 15, 7:15 p.m. to discuss sidewalk alcohol service in downtown Easton.

Discussion occurred regarding current prohibitions in the Town Ordinance and service on public properties. The Town Planner discussed the current Town Code.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM MR. THOMAS E. BATCHELOR FROM THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

The President of the Council thanked Mr. Batchelor for his years on that commission and accepted his resignation with regret.

Mayor Willey stated that he will receive names of interested persons for the position. He stated that there will be an interview process and then he will select a candidate.

Mayor Willey discussed the Board of Zoning Appeals application process. He stated that a letter describing the position will be forthcoming.

Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis, Mr. Batchelor’s resignation was accepted with regrets.

PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE APPLICATION OF REMCO PROPERTIES, LLC (the owner/developer) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF 163.713 ACRE MIXED USE PUD LOCATED NORTH OF ST. MICHAELS ROAD (MARYLAND ROUTE 33) AND WEST OF MARYLAND ROUTE 322 (EASTON PARKWAY). THE REQUEST IS TO RECLASSIFY THE 163.713 ACRE TRACT OF PUD TO ACCOMMODATE A MIXED USE PROJECT WHICH WILL INCLUDE A HOTEL, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL SHOPS, OFFICE SPACE, A BANK AND 30 RESIDENTIAL UNITS. THE CRITICAL AREA ZONING WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.

At 7:16 p.m., the President of the Council brought to the floor the public hearing for the Dudrow application. He stated that the applicant has asked for a postponement.

The Town Planner distinguished between a PUD and a PMR. He stated that the uses and the process is identical but the application should be revisited by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Hamilton stated that the applicant has agreed to re-schedule the public hearing in October. The public hearing was set for October 6 at 7:15 p.m.

COMMENTS FROM MAYOR WILLEY

Mayor Robert Willey discussed a workshop for Community Legacy. He stated that he would like to schedule the workshop for August 18.

Mayor Willey discussed a report from the Town Engineer regarding the property maintenance and rental inspections done in the last six months. He stated there had been concerns and this report reflects a starting point.

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed notices to property owners. She asked if notices issued in the past were disregarded or if this was starting anew. The Town Engineer stated that this was what went out the door in the last six months.

COMMENTS FROM CHIEF OF POLICE

Chief Harvey had the following requests for permits:

September 28, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Jody E. Gunn, 412 S. Harrison Street, request a walk for hunger to raise money for relief programs. Idlewild Park to rails-to-trails.
August 23, Jody E. Gunn, 412 S. Harrison Street, Easton Church of the Brethern. They are requesting permission for a block party between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. with Stewart Street to be closed between Harrison Street and Hanson Street. He stated that the approval is pending the residents’ approval.
August 30, Get Down Entertainment, National Guard Armory. They will present a show with a one-day liquor license.
August 8, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Family Concert in Thompson Park.
August 10, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Union Baptist Church, Back to School Praise.

Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis, permission was granted for the Chief’s requests.

Mr. Wendowski stated that he had a concern from a resident on Dutchman’s Lane regarding construction activity about 4:00 a.m. near Easton Club East. Chief Harvey stated he will look at the matter.

COMMENTS FROM TOWN ENGINEER

The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass stated that the annual maintenance paving contract should be finished mid-week, weather permitting.

He discussed a reconstruction project on Davis Street.

Mr. Glass stated that the Public Works building addition is underway.

Mr. Glass stated that they will be putting together the fiscal year 04 maintenance paving list to bid to come back and seek funds for this year’s paving.

Mr. Jensen discussed Hawkes Hill Road. He stated that a resident brought to his attention that the intersection is blocked on Route 50 to Hawkes Hill Road. Mr. Jensen discussed the safety issue with motorists on the shoulder. He suggested a barrier on the shoulder to deter motorists.

Mr. Glass stated that he will defer some of those decisions to the State Highway Administration

Mr. Wendowski thanked Mr. Glass for the paint striping near the YMCA.

COMMENTS FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Mr. Bond discussed the banner requests he had received from the Arts Marketplace followed by the Waterfowl Festival, both requesting to put 12 banners up. He stated that the American Pride banners will be removed and these put in place upon approval.

COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL

The President of the Council briefed the Council on upcoming events.

Ms. Jackson-Amis requested from the citizens that have suggestions for the parks, that they send those requests in writing.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, upon motion by Jensen, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 7:34 P.M.

______________________________________

Town Clerk