TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
September 15, 2003
President John F. Ford Councilmember Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr.
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Attorney Christopher B. Kehoe, Town Engineer Tim Glass, Town Planner Tom Hamilton, Captain David Spence of Easton Police Department and Economic Development Coordinator Al Bond.
At 7:00 p.m., Mrs. Scott-Taylor led the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 MEETINGS
The following corrections were submitted for approval by Ms. Jackson-Amis:
From the workshop, the word culprit should be removed and replaced with coffers (page 1). Discussion of Two Oaks, next page, first paragraph, comments to me, whether or not Passyns should have the right to engage other builders, this should be stated in the negative as she did not think they should be required to do that. At the bottom which deals with $9 wage earners being able to afford housing in that particular complex, she stated that they would not be able to afford it and the final correction is that the developer agreed to set aside certain homes for Veteran’s Preference.
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried; the minutes with corrections were approved.
RE-SCHEDULING OF THE REQUEST OF JOHN H. MURRAY, ESQ. ON BEHALF OF THE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AT EASTON, MARYLAND INC. FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE CM SITE PLAN FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 219 SOUTH WASHINGTON STREET, EASTON, MARYLAND. THE REQUEST IS TO RENOVATE AND EXPAND THE HOSPITAL WITH A NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. THE PROPOSED EXPANSION PROPOSES THE VACATION OF ADKINS AVENUE BETWEEN BIERY STREET AND EARLE AVENUE
The President of the Council stated that the Town of Easton had originally advertised for the public hearing for the hospital’s planned expansion of its building. He stated that the applicant has changed the site plan of that project to the extent where the Town Planner thought it a substantive change and the Planning Commission needs to review the project which will take place at the Planning Commission meeting on September 18, this Thursday.
The President of the Council re-scheduled the Hospital’s request for a CM Amendment for October 20 at 7:15 p.m.
RE-SCHEDULING OF PRESENTATION BY HISTORIC CEMETERIES OF EASTON
The President of the Council stated that this organization has also asked for a postponement and their presentation is intended to be given on October 20.
ITEMS BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
There was no report from the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. at this time.
MR. SANTO A. GRANDE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DELMARVA COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Grande thanked the Council for their hospitality. He stated that he has been the Director of Delmarva Community Services for the last 28 years which was formerly Dorchester Developmental Unit. He discussed services they have been providing. Mr. Grande discussed the services they provide in Dorchester County and how they relate to the City of Cambridge. He stated that they pick up about 800 to 900 people per month and take many to work. Mr. Grande discussed their economic relationship with the Hyatt. He stated that they receive funding from the Mass Transit Administration and about $500,000 total in a variety of services. He discussed designated routes and services they provide for workers in the city of Cambridge. He stated that they are now a budgeted line item for Cambridge and receive $5,000 per year. Mr. Grande stated that Dorchester serves as a conduit for grants and they supply them with funding and the capacity to seek the grants. He stated that they have about 250 employees and provide over a million dollars a year just in transportation services. Mr. Grande stated that he has met with Mayor Willey and Mr. Bond, as well as Mr. Kevin Morse and his group to solidify an economic development strategy to provide better and continuous transportation to citizens. He stated that he was present to see if there were any questions regarding how they operate, how they coincide with the Mayor and Council and the City of Cambridge.
Mr. Ford stated that he assumes that Mr. Grande is here tonight for the Mayor and Council to consider the feasibility of expanding those types of services in Talbot County and Easton as well. Mr. Ford discussed U-Star and their attempt to establish services.
Mr. Grande stated that he has also spoken with St. Michaels and they are attempting to get a trolley shuttle. He stated that they have obtained one trolley to use at the Hyatt with shuttles all around Cambridge. He discussed required matches for transportation programs. Mr. Grande stated that it is a good opportunity at times to look at expansion of services and decide who can provide services and who is not providing services.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the Mid Shore Regional Council has a committee that is evaluating the transportation problems and issues in Talbot County. She stated that one of the things they have been asked to do is to designate or identify stops that would be useful. Ms. Jackson-Amis suggested Mr. Grande confer with Mr. Kevin Morse so the Council would know where they can assist in the work they are doing.
Mr. Grande stated that his intention was to encourage citizens not to give up on public transportation so rapidly because he believes it does have a future with many benefits. He discussed their participation with the Hispanic community to enable them to attend church. Mr. Grande stated that they try to target different populations that are transportation disadvantaged to do a better job at providing service.
Mr. Jensen discussed various funding sources. He discussed restaurant owners’ dilemma trying to get boaters to Easton.
Mr. Morse stated that the Mid Shore Regional Council is new to the transit game. He discussed transportation services provided. Mr. Morse stated that for the first year, MUST (Maryland Upper Shore Transit) was looking at getting the providers together and optimizing routes so they could save some money and see some efficiencies whereas now what they are looking for is input participation from elected officials to identify places that need to be served that are currently underserved and the continued efficiencies. He stated that MUST will continue through July 2004 with the current grant.
Mayor Willey discussed the reasons for bringing Mr. Grande before the Council. He stated that Black & Decker identified lack of public transportation available for those not living in Easton as an issue. He stated that as the Town continues to expand to the suburbs with a large population in the center of town, there will not be access to the shopping centers as necessary. Mr. Willey stated that one of the election issues was public transportation and he explained to the Council that this would be another option for consideration. Mayor Willey stated that at some point, this would have to be addressed.
Mr. Al Silverstein, Talbot County Chamber of Commerce stated that he is a member of the MUST Board appointed by the County Council and also sits on the Tourism Board and the Economic Development Commission of Talbot County. Mr. Silverstein stated that the issue of transportation is a paramount issue. He stated that down the road, he could foresee a coordinated transportation system that would serve Easton and go to St. Michaels and Tilghman. He discussed seeing citizens walking with groceries and stated that Mr. Grande is very creative and may suggest fixed routes.
Mr. Wendowski asked if Mr. Grande would be a linchpin to pull all these carriers together. He stated that one of the complaints has always been that there are two different buses, most empty.
Mr. Grande stated that his efforts would be to work with the regional economic people to develop some type of comprehensive program with a coordinated effort. He stated that he is an advocate of coordination.
Mr. Wendowski questioned if the same presentation would be made to the County. Mr. Grande stated that he had gone to the County Administrator and explained that he was going to the Town first.
Mr. Morse discussed buses in two places at one time.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he has no resistance. He discussed dedicated routes where there are shelters. He stated that the town may need to look at transit shelters.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the Mid Shore Regional Council is made up of elected officials, Talbot, Dorchester and Caroline County. She stated that this presentation was made at the MSRC’s last quarterly meeting and was embraced by the members as something to imitate and have consultation with the expert. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the elected officials have basically decided within the context of the Mid Shore Regional Council.
Mr. Morse discussed steps planned for the program.
Mr. Grande stated that Easton has the population that will use this system and before it falls apart, Easton should be very concerned with the system.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked Mr. Grande is he is proposing to merge with MUST but just explaining a better coordinated effort.
Mr. Grande stated that he is part of MUST but he is Dorchester with a linchpin to Salisbury.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked Mr. Morse if there are scheduled runs in Easton now. Mr. Morse stated that there are fixed routes with a published route schedule in Easton provided by U-Star.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked the status of funding from Talbot County for the MUST program.
Mr. Morse stated that MUST is funded by MTA with matching funds provided by each of the four counties. He stated that the support for the providers is a separate issue and line item.
Mr. Jensen asked who would accomplish services if the Town of Easton decided to do more dedicated routes.
Mr. Grande stated that the Town would probably work with the MUST organization and Talbot County Council.
Mr. Morse stated that he would forward information on fixed route rider ship coordinated through the MUST program for Easton.
Mr. Grande stated that in their coordinated system in Dorchester County, they provided approximately 900,000 miles of service to about 190,000 passengers last year.
Mr. Bond asked what the timing would be for the grant cycles.
Mr. Grande stated that they are in the middle of the cycle now and they are in the process of presenting their budget to the County Council for approval. He stated that the grant application will be submitted in November for fiscal 05.
Mayor Willey suggested adding this to the list of items to discuss with the County Council during their joint meeting.
LETTER FROM BRUCE C. ARMISTEAD LLC, REQUESTING PROPOSED VACATION OF COMMERCE STREET
The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from Bruce C. Armistead LLC, requesting proposed vacation of Commerce Street.
The Town Attorney stated that Commerce Street is a paper street located behind the old Southern States property.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if there was a rationale why the right-of-way was granted in the first place. She stated that she would like to know why a) we had the right-of-way in the first place, b) what it would really mean if it were vacated and c) if we are sure that the issue with the underground utilities, etc., won’t be impacted by decisions made now.
Mr. Kehoe discussed the history of the vacated road. He explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission will look at Ms. Jackson-Amis’ concerns before making a recommendation to the Council.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the matter would come back to the Council. The Town Attorney stated that legislative action by the Council is necessary to vacate the street.
Mr. Wendowski made a motion to forward the request for vacation of Commerce Street to Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE NO. 461, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATIONS OF ELM STREET DEVELOPMENT, LC FOR AN AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE AND FOR AN AWARD OF GROWTH ALLOCATION”
Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to approve the application by Ordinance No. 461 seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried 4 to 1 with Mr. Wendowski voting no.
PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS SIDEWALK ALCOHOL SERVICE IN DOWNTOWN EASTON
At 7:45 p.m., the President of the Council opened the public hearing to discuss sidewalk alcohol service in downtown Easton.
Mr. Jensen discussed the possibility of having sidewalk dining and alcohol service on town’s sidewalks in downtown Easton came about in a couple of ways. Several of the restaurants in downtown expressed an interest and thought this ability would very much augment the entertainment feel that is already downtown. Mr. Jensen stated that he brought the subject up to Mayor Willey and he got together a couple people who discussed the possibility with the potential difficulties and benefits.
The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass stated that he had forwarded a memo to bring to everyone’s attention that most of the sidewalks in downtown are in fact completely within the public right-of-way. He stated that the sidewalk area in front of a number of the restaurants and businesses, there isn’t any portion of that which would be useful that is still on private property whereas, Masons’ or The Inn at Easton or Tidewater still has a portion of their own property where they can dine outside or serve alcohol on their property. He cautioned that there should still be ample room on the sidewalk for pedestrians and strollers and wheelchairs to utilize the sidewalks. Mr. Glass stated that the Charter & Code requires the minimum of six feet and there are a couple areas where it may be tight to still allow six feet between curb and the face of the building.
Mr. Jensen discussed the Annapolis ordinance. He stated that Annapolis designates an area where they think that outdoor sidewalk dining would be beneficial to the town, roughly in the Historic District, by the water. Mr. Jensen stated that what he had in mind for Easton is downtown to enhance the ambiance there. He stated that in Annapolis, if the business wants to have this privilege, they apply for a café license which has certain restrictions one of which is to make sure there is enough access on the sidewalk for pedestrian. He stated that they have an exception process. The next step is to have alcohol at your café which brings a new set of regulations such as you must be eating and only within a certain area. Mr. Jensen stated that the main point here is that there are ways, such as in Annapolis, how to deal with a lot or problems that clearly this whole issue brings up. He stated that he hopes Easton would institute their own task force to write an ordinance, bringing in the business people and others to voice their concerns.
The President of the Council discussed the Task Force Mayor Willey appointed and their memo regarding the alcohol service. He stated that his sense from the memo was that at least four out of five members were not in favor of consumption of alcohol on the sidewalk.
Mr. Jensen discussed crafting a proper ordinance.
Mayor Willey stated that when the Task Force was put together, they were not asked to come back with a recommendation but to come back with the issues, pro and con that the Council could consider.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if the Task Force gave their views from their organizations or was the charge broader that they had discussion with the community.
Mayor Willey stated that they did not go out into the community.
Mr. Jensen explained that to even apply for a café license in Annapolis, you must have a restaurant license.
Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that she would like to make an observation that we have worked very hard in the Town of Easton to create an ambience in the town center of a night life due to the restaurants that are there. She stated that she is not in favor of restricting restaurants to expand that experience out onto the sidewalk. Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that the bartenders would loose the ability to have vision of the customers on the sidewalk. She stated that the responsibility is the servers. Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that she thinks that we can work with the restaurant owners and devise a situation such as that in Annapolis. She stated that she would find it hard to believe that all 18 eligible restaurants would be interested in the café dining ordinance. She suggested Mr. Bond do a survey of those restaurants regarding participation. She stated that she is definitely in favor of defining the space and a proponent for the ADA requirements.
Mr. Ford discussed the Open Mike Night at Coffee East attended mostly by 15 to 17 year olds so he would like everyone to think about how those two uses mix, if at all.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he supports this particular venture. He stated that he thinks it would only affect a few months out of the year. Mr. Wendowski stated that he thinks it is an opportunity to add something downtown. He discussed the County Liquor Board’s involvement and the license controls. He suggested if it is worthwhile, going after these hurdles one at a time. He reiterated Ms. Scott-Taylor’s suggestion for Mr. Bond to address the subject with the restaurant owners.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it is economically prudent for business to want this however; she cannot overlook the concerns that have been raised by the Police Department and the Liquor Board. She discussed public consumption on the public street and whether or not there are more disadvantages than advantages in the long run as well as the distinction between the establishments. She stated that she is not voting for or against but sees a lot of obstacles at this juncture that need to be handled sufficiently.
Captain Spencer, Easton Police Department, stated that the Police Department feels this is a bad idea. He stated that it could be legislated clearly but being able to enforce it may not be as easy. He stated that the Police Department has worked very hard to get public drinking off the streets. He asked the Council to support the Department’s view and stated that from a practical standpoint, it will not work.
Mr. Al Siverstein, representing Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, 7233 Francis Street, discussed Mr. Carrico, a member of the Chamber, sitting on the committee. He asked everyone to have an open mind and take a look at model ordinances and the economic impact as well as the negative side of things and really scrutinize the proposal. He discussed information available to look at. Mr. Silverstein stated that this merits consideration for a thorough study. He stated that the legislation is really dining outside.
Mr. Ford discussed the healthy resurgence in downtown Easton on weekends and the ability to find a place to park.
Mr. Silverstein discussed looking at all the issues and concerns. He stated that he has talked to County Liquor Board members that stated that they would be willing to look at language that states what the allowances would be.
Ms. Carla Cromin, Easton’s Promise, 107 Goldsborough Street, stated that she thinks it is a great idea and it will enhance the entire ambience of downtown Easton for her visitors.
There being no further comments, Mr. Ford closed the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. He stated that the record would be left open for written comments until the close of business on Friday.
Mr. Ford directed Mr. Bond to give the Council an idea of how some of the restaurants feel. Mr. Ford suggested he focus on the town center.
Capt. Spencer discussed the 18 establishments and stated that they are liquor license holders at this time and will provide that information to Mr. Bond.
MR. CHRIS DELAPORTE TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING UPCOMING PARK PROJECT
Mr. Delaporte reported on the activities with respect to his consultancy and the RTC property. He stated that he has met with the Council, Town Planner and Town Engineer after executing his contract. He stated that this will be an open process. Mr. Delaporte discussed an associate that will be helping with his consultancy. He discussed issues that concern the property. He addressed his availability and stated that he will be available three days per week.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she was under the impression that the Council set forth several ideas that should be explored. She asked why he would differentiate between the entire town and just those nearby because the area would be used by the general community.
Mr. Delaporte stated that this is how the contract was drafted and he felt this was good due to the fact that this area had the population that would be most affected although some alternative uses will be presented to the citizens based upon what is worked upon on the first round.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her concerns with the contract and how she understood the consultation’s determination for the property.
Mr. Delaporte discussed the issues that need to be examined to put forth ideas that satisfy the larger community with respect or sense of balance to those around the property. He stated that it does not exclude the broader community. He said that the contract calls for a plan and he hopes to give a program of planned use.
Mr. Wendowski asked for a copy of the contract for his review. Mr. Wendowski asked who would be paying for the additional consultant. Mr. Delaporte responded that he would.
Mr. Kehoe discussed the scope of Mr. Delaporte’s services which he believes were the result of Council’s discussions.
Mr. Delaporte expects the program to be very exciting if the Town can accomplish it. He stated that cost will be in his mind as he goes through cost delineation.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $488,911.74
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski, seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, invoices were approved for payment.
COMMENTS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey stated that Mr. Delaporte has offered to meet with any groups or council members that might want to address their concerns.
Mayor Willey discussed the vandalism at North Easton Park. He suggested security lights or motion lights to enable the police to do their duties.
He stated that at the next meeting, there will be two memos regarding setting up a Housing Trust that will funnel monies developers will pay for housing renovations, affordable housing, etc. The second memo will be concerning the reorganization of some Commissions and Boards that is overdue. He asked the Council to review the memos for consideration.
Mayor Willey stated that there are also some zoning issues. He stated that he has asked Mr. Hamilton to review the zoning regulations for free-standing signs in the shopping centers opposed to downtown.
Mayor Willey stated that he will be meeting with County Council Manager Andy Hollis and County Council President Tom Duncan to discuss dates and times for meetings. He asked for input for the meeting.
COMMENTS FROM EASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Capt. Spencer stated that he has two items to bring before the Council:
1) The Avalon Theater has requested that on Tuesday, September 23, event at the Theatre and they would like to extend the 20 minute zone in front of the Welcome and Resource Center to be reserved for a bus bringing the performers in from 2:00. He stated that the Police Department has no objection as opposed to blocking spaces in the municipal parking lot.
2) Tri Life Christian Center is proposing to have an outside church service at the vacant lot at Port and Wes Street on Saturday, September 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for services and singing with amplified music. He stated that the Department approves the request.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor made a motion to approve the requests, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
Capt. Spencer stated that they have been meeting with numerous agencies today regarding Hurricane Isabel. He stated that they have been laying some groundwork and will set in motion preliminary plans for their response.
COMMENTS FROM THE TOWN ENGINEER
The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass, stated that he will be meeting with State Highway tomorrow regarding traffic issues with Route 322 and Hawkes Hill. He stated that he will report back regarding the State’s plans.
Mr. Glass discussed a letter he forwarded regarding traffic calming issues that he went over Thursday. He stated that he thinks a point has been reached where we can proceed installing traffic calming devices on Fisher Range Road; mainly two speed humps and look at provisions for a crosswalk and a four-way stop at Alden Street and Fisher Range Road.
Mr. Jensen questioned how long detailed plans would take.
Mr. Glass stated that basically it is a layout and scheduling issue.
Mr. Jensen stated that he would like to speak to the residents in that neighborhood regarding the traffic calming issues.
Mr. Glass discussed Hurricane Isabel preparations. He stated that they will be looking at the storm drain systems. He stated that there will be some localized flooding and they are making provisions with personnel. He discussed Easton Utilities preparations. Mr. Glass asked citizens to use their discretion on what to place outside for garbage and trash pickup and asked for patience in dealing with the storm.
COMMENTS FROM THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Mr. Kehoe, the Town Attorney stated that he will have the draft of a letter to the developer of the Two Oaks project for the Council in the next day or so.
Mr. Kehoe discussed a memorandum from the County Manager with regard to the County’s Gateway Zoning Initiative. He stated that this affords the towns of Talbot County an opportunity to work cooperatively with the County in terms of looking at land use patterns around the town. He recommended the Council give consideration to authorize Mayor Willey to write a letter generally in support of the legislation.
Mr. Jensen stated that he has some questions regarding the legislation.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it does say that the County Council would place temporary controls on development which would mean that if we have something in the pipeline that would impact the areas they are concerned with, there would be some moratorium that we couldn’t go forward.
Mr. Kehoe stated that this is in the county and would not apply to lands in a municipality. Those lands do not fall within the county’s zoning authority.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she would have some concerns on voting to adopt this.
Mr. Kehoe stated that he believes it is very useful for the Town and County to work together to formulate zoning standards for the areas around Easton that lie in Talbot County.
Mr. Kehoe suggested the Council support the establishment of the Task Force conceptually and stated that you will not take a position on the moratorium.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor stated that she is more comfortable with that than a blanket letter in support of the resolution.
Mr. Jensen asked the Town Planner if he knew more. Mr. Hamilton stated that he was at the County Council meeting when this issue was brought before the County Council by the Town of St. Michaels which handed them suggested legislation. He stated that he thought they put together a task force to involve the towns and the county representatives to discuss and see whether it is one zoning category or unique zoning categories for each town approach or how it should be handled. He stated that he agreed that the moratorium is a separate issue.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it is good to work together when you can but she doesn’t understand what the ramifications would be of our agreeing to this process and if this process comes out with a suggestion, opposed to what we want to do, then how would we handle this. She stated that this sounds good, but merits discussion.
Mr. Hamilton discussed the 65,000 square foot cap the Town of Easton imposed and stated that this is like the Town saying let’s make your zoning directly adjacent to us compatible to our zoning but still under the appropriate jurisdiction.
Mr. Kehoe stated that he thought the Town would logically want to have a say in the Task Force but the Town would not be bound by the Task Force’s recommendation as it is not the Town’s Task Force.
Mr. Kehoe reiterated that the Public Hearing is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Jackson-Amis supported the letter as suggested by the President of the Council with Mayor Willey stating to the County Council that Easton is interested in being involved in the Task Force and developing Gateway Zoning should the ordinance pass.
Mr. Jensen stated that he agrees with the concept but does not know what we are looking at.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor stated that she would like to hear from businesses from Easton as the Gateway Ordinance proposed starts out of Town but affects the businesses on those routes into town.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he would agree to say that we agree with the concept of the Gateway Zoning and we are willing to participate with the County.
Mr. Ford suggested contacting the County Council and stated that should the ordinance pass and go forward; we would like to participate in the process.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor moved Mr. Ford’s suggestion, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously.
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond stated that the results of the marketing feasibility survey are in and there is some very interesting information. He stated that the plans should be in the final stages toward the end of this month.
Mr. Bond stated that he is in receipt of applications for the Upper Story Grant and the Economic Development Advisory Board should have some recommendations out in time for the next Council meeting.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Mrs. Scott-Taylor stated that this is her first big hurricane not being at Easton Utilities. She asked everyone to be patient and to watch out for their neighbors. She encouraged everyone to be safe.
Mr. Jensen asked everyone to batten down the hatches and to get ready to work for everyone. He thanked the Public Works Department for filling a pothole and doing a great job.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked Mr. Karge to tell the community what to have to prepare for the hurricane.
Mr. Karge discussed a checklist for a personal disaster kit from Maryland Emergency Management and an equivalent on the American Red Cross website and the FEMA website. He stated that it goes through common sense things you should have in your house to prepare for a natural emergency.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the Community Legacy program and the things funded and not funded. She stated that her concern was for the historic cemeteries. She stated that there is a misunderstanding that the Richardson Cemetery on Bay Street is included in this application. She stated that she has had conversations with members of the community that were not aware that it was not included. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she understands that the Community Legacy Plan Area could be amended and could have been amended to include the Richardson. She asked Mr. Bond if that is possible to do, we should do that since it did go forward. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she takes the position again after having this conversation that purely private entities are not to be included. She stated that this can only be done if the town lifts it and puts it forward. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that one of the concerns they have, is need. She recommended using local labor and boy scouts and girl scouts as well as the students who need community service hours. She discussed areas not in the Plan and asked that areas in the community be treated that are being overlooked. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that if the Town supports it and suggests that it improves the quality of life in areas that are not being addressed, they would definitely look at as keenly as one that would already have an area plan. She stated that she thinks that we need to spread the wealth.
Mr. Bond stated that he should put together a memo that goes through those points. He stated that we can decide to amend the Community Legacy Plan Area anytime but then the State has to decide to accept it. He stated that the grant award will go to Historic Cemeteries of Easton and not to a private endeavor. He stated that there are a lot of good reasons to extend the Community Legacy Plan area to include Richardson even beyond the question of the cemetery.
ITEMS BY THE AUDIENCE
Mr. Jack Holly, 47 Kensington Drive, Hyde Park, brought forward two questions. He discussed Hyde Park being in Priority One area for consideration for annexation. He stated that there are 250 members of that area. He asked what the benefits and problems that would bring? He asked what kind of influence the members could have on the process. He stated that he appreciates being kept informed.
The Town Planner stated that those questions can be answered in a meeting with the Town Attorney, the Town Planner and Mr. Holly or his whole group.
Mr. Kehoe stated that at Mayor Willey’s suggestion, they met with the owner of Hyde Park Development and various officials of the county looking at how water and sewer might be extended to that area. He stated that it is going to be a major project, both legally and with significant engineering concerns. He stated that it was the consensus to not look at that until the new sewer system came on line.
Ms. Libby Dawkins stated that it is her understanding that when the new sewer treatment plant comes on line, it will only handle what is happening now.
She discussed the graying of Talbot County and asked if each Council member could have their own microphones.
Ms. Dawkins discussed the RTC property. She stated that it is a crown jewel that we have sitting out there. She impressed upon the Council that it is very important that the public be kept informed and she agrees that there shouldn’t be a great deal of distinction between the two groups; those living right there and the entire community. She stated that it will be for the benefit of all of Easton. She encouraged the Council to be open and invite everyone and to take time, do it right and involve everyone.
Ms. Dawkins congratulated Mr. Glass, the Town Engineer on his work.
Ms. Dawkins asked if signs have been erected on Dutchman’s Lane for No Parking near the GM Giant.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 9:32 P.M.
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Town Clerk