TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND

 

May 6, 2003

 

PRESENT

 

Mayor C. Eugene Butler                                               Councilman Scott R. Jensen

President of the Council Robert C. Willey                     Councilman Carl B. Reed

Councilman John F. Ford                                              Councilwoman Moonyene Jackson-Amis

 

IN ATTENDANCE

 

Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Attorney C. Kehoe, Assistant Town Attorney Sharon Van Emburgh, 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.

 

CONVENING

 

The Mayor and Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mr. Reed led the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 21, 2003 MEETING

 

Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Ford, minutes of the April 21 meetings were approved as written.

 

EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT

 

Mr. Jamie McNeal, Fourth Lieutenant, was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department with the April report. Mr. McNeal thanked the Mayor and Council for the use of the new ladder truck during the recent warehouse fire in Cambridge.

 

Mr. McNeal stated that the oldest living life member, Mr. William Carroll, recently passed on Sunday.

 

Mr. McNeal stated that the Fire Department had been awarded a grant in the amount of $37,000 for a trailer for a fire safe house.  He discussed live fire training at the old Lyons Farm near the Chesapeake development.

 

Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve the live fire training with necessary approvals, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

 

REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSING

 

Chief Harvey stated that he had a request from Ms. Carol Prettyman, Administrator for the Volunteer Fire Department for street closings for a Fire Department training drill. He stated that the house is located at the corner of Aurora and South Lane. He stated that there will be no fire just a drill situation practicing techniques with apparatus and personnel within town limits. Chief Harvey stated that street closing requests are South Street to Dover Street, South Lane at Locust to Thoroughgood. He stated that the Fire Department will visit neighbors in that vicinity to inform them of the activities.

 

Mr. McNeal stated that the activities will take place Thursday evening.

 

Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned the time-frame. Mr. McNeal stated that it would take approximately two hours.

 

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the Fire Department’s detour of the streets, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

TOWN OF EASTON EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS

 

Mayor Butler presented a 20 year service award to Sgt. Frederick Jarrell, Easton Police Department and a ten year service award to Sgt. Rhonda F. Thomas for 10 years of service with the Easton Police Department.

 

DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC EASTON LETTER CONCERNING OLD GAS PLANT SITE

 

The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe, discussed the history and the clean up efforts of the environmental contamination of the soil around the Easton Gas Plant. He discussed the background of the site and the contamination in the soil resulting from the coal gasification. Mr. Kehoe discussed the historical significance of the building and the necessary approvals and conditions from the Maryland Historical Trust.

 

MS. POLLY SHANAHAN TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING HISTORIC VALUE OF GAS PLANT

 

Ms. Shanahan, Acting President of Historic Easton stated that they have been meeting on this subject and they have forwarded a hand carried letter to the Mayor and Council about the 1870 gas plant. She discussed the history of gas street lighting. Ms. Shanahan discussed tourism and walking tour map. She requested a moratorium on demolition of the building. Ms. Shanahan asked for time to do additional research.

 

The President of the Council stated that there are some time lines for the money allotted for the cleanup.  The Town Engineer stated that the work should be wrapped up by July 15.

 

Mr. Jensen thanked Ms. Shanahan for her interest. Ms. Shanahan asked for the privilege along with the Maryland Historical Trust to see the architectural design of the building to be built on the site.

 

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the Mayor and Council’s interest in salvaging the old gas plant.

 

Mr. Ford discussed the report from the Maryland Department of Environment and the health hazard it presents. He stated that he supports moving forward on the cleanup of the site.

 

PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE WEST KENNEDY STREET ANNEXATION

 

At 7:35 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing to consider the West Kennedy Street annexation.

 

The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe, briefed on the background. Mr. Kehoe stated that various agencies have been working to bring water and sewer services to the West Kennedy Street area. He stated that the residents had approved the concept of proceeding with the project. Mr. Kehoe discussed the necessary legislation to put this annexation and zoning into effect. He discussed Resolution No. 5758 which would enable the residents of the neighborhood to finance their portion of the contribution to this overall project. He stated that this resolution involves the creation of a special tax district that will enable the residents of the neighborhood to finance their portion of the contribution to this overall project. Mr. Kehoe discussed the grants received. He stated that if the Council deems it to go forward with this project, after the annexation becomes final, the Department of Public Works will prepare a solicitation or bids for the actual work then there will be a resolution to set the tax rate for the Special Tax District.

 

The Town Attorney stated that this structure is the same type structure that they hope to use for the West Glenwood area which is in the process of obtaining the necessary grants for the project.

 

Ms. Betty Ann Sands, 29247 W. Kennedy Street, stated that she is very happy that this project is going forward. She stated that they have been working on this for four years. Ms. Sands stated that this is an area that needs this water and sewer service very badly. She stated that the residents want this and she hopes that everything falls in place and can be done very quickly.

 

The President of the Council stated that they will leave the record open until close of business Friday.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 5757, “A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN LANDS TO THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF OLD CENTREVILLE ROAD AND CONSISTING OF 26.866 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ANNEXATION”

 

The President of the Council introduced Resolution No. 5757 for a first reading.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 5758, “A RESOLUTION TO CREATE A SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT ENCOMPASSING CERTAIN LANDS IN THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF OLD CENTREVILLE ROAD AND CONSISTING OF 26.866 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, FOR THE FINANCING OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AREA”

 

The President of the Council introduced Resolution No. 5758 for a first reading.

 

ORDINANCE NO 455, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF EASTON TO APPLY AN ORIGINAL ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF R-10A (RESIDENTIAL) TO A PARCEL OF LAND ANNEXED TO THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF OLD CENTREVILLE ROAD CONSISTING OF 26.866 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS”

 

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 455 for a first reading.

 

REQUEST OF ELM STREET DEVELOPMENT TO RECONSIDER THE COUNCIL’S DENIAL OF ITS APPLICATION FOR AN AWARD OF CRITICAL AREA GROWTH ALLOCATION AND TO AMEND PUD ORDINANCE NO. 410 FOR THE PROJECT KNOWN AS “EASTON VILLAGE ON THE TRED AVON” OR “EASTON VILLAGE” AND IS PROPOSED TO BE LOCATED SOUTH OF MARYLAND ROUTE 33 ON LOT 16 OF THE RATCLIFF FARM PUD SUBDIVISION”

 

The President of the Council stated that Elm Street Development has submitted a letter withdrawing the motion for reconsideration in the matter of PUD Ordinance No. 410 as they will re-file the application for that process.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 459, AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN TO ISSUE TWELVE MILLION DOLLARS IN GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS

 

The President of the Council stated that these funds would be used to re-finance existing outstanding bonds.

 

Mr. Ford made a motion to move Ordinance No. 459 for approval, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

 

DISCUSSION OF REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF PERMIT FEES ASSOCIATED WITH RENOVATIONS AND EXPANSION PROJECT AT ACADEMY ART MUSEUM

 

Mr. Ford stated that he initiated the motion to deny the request for waiver of permit fees. He stated that he based it on an attempt to be consistent with how the Council has dealt with these requests in the past. Mr. Ford stated upon further reflection and clarification and re-education, he realized he was being fairly inconsistent with what had been done in the past and he apologized for not being better prepared. He asked the question if the Council can afford to do this due to budget constraints and questioned if it was time to re-evaluate what has been done in the past due to budgetary constraints the Town is anticipating.

 

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she has a major concern. She stated that this has nothing to do with her regards for the Academy of the Arts as she regards them very highly. She stated that her concern is that others that do not have the means are required to pay the permits and are rarely waived. She stated that the permit cost is substantial. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there needs to be an evaluation on whether permits are needed and if so, then the funds for them should be collected and if the money is not needed, then waive the fees. She discussed previous requests. Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed reviewing the entire process.

 

Mr. Ford stated that there needs to be a clear policy to act on these requests. He stated that the denial for waiver of the permit does not show a lack of support for the Academy. He stated that he believed that the council is trying to be responsive to the needs of the entire town.

 

Mr. Chris Brownawell, Director, Academy Art Museum, stated that he appreciates the situation and the fact that the town needs the funds for infrastructure for various projects. Mr. Brownawell asked the Council to be sensitive to the fact of the museum’s contribution to the health of this community. He stated that he has not asked the Town for funds and that they try to be partners in any way they possibly can. He discussed the parking tax they paid and the historic streetlights they had purchased. Mr. Brownawell stated that the Academy serves over 65,000 people and feels it is the largest cultural draw to this community. He stated that it is the first time in ten years as Director of the institution that he has asked the town for assistance. He discussed the expansion at the Museum and their affiliations with the community and schools. Mr. Brownawell asked the Council to weigh the benefits the Academy provides to the community.

 

Mr. Jensen discussed the associated costs for building permits.

 

Mr. Brownawell asked the Council to provide support for the Academy.

 

The President of the Council without a firm policy in effect, suggested a split of 50/50 for the building permit fee.

 

Mr. Ford asked that a firm policy be established regarding waiver requests in the future.

 

Mr. Ford made a motion to waive half of the building permit fee, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

 

REQUEST TO ESTABLISH CONSISTENT POLICY FOR REQUEST OF WAIVER OF BUILDING PERMIT FEES

 

Mr. Jensen made a motion to develop a consistent policy which says that intergovernmental agencies receive waiver of fees.

 

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that this be tabled.

 

The President of the Council stated that the Planning Department is forwarding model plans used by other towns.

 

Mr. Jensen withdrew his motion until further consideration.

 

LETTER FROM MR. RICHARD B. FIRTH, COOKE’S HOPE, LLC REQUESTING APPROVAL TO AMEND PUD TO ERECT 7’ FENCE FOR ALL PROPERTIES WITHIN COOKE’S HOPE DEVELOPMENT

 

The Town Planner stated that this matter has not been before the Town Council as it was a specific incident. He asked that the Council forward this request to the Planning Commission for their review. The President of the Council asked that this be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendation.

 

CONSTRUCTION AT ACADEMY MUSEUM

 

The President of the Council discussed minor traffic inconveniences during the construction at the Academy Museum.

 

The Town Planner stated that he had spoken with Mr. Brownawell and a property owner on South Street has offered a vacant lot temporarily to store building materials while construction is taking place. He stated that he does not think staging the materials will be a large impact.

 

The President of the Council advised the Town Planner to meet with the Chief of Police and Director of the Academy Museum and work out the logistics of the project.

 

MAYOR BUTLER’S COMMENTS

 

Mayor Butler congratulated the President of the Council, Mr. Willey on his recent election to Mayor and Mr. John Ford’s election as council member for ward one.

 

Mayor Butler congratulated Ms. Carlene Phoenix, Supervisor of Elections for a job well done. Mayor Butler congratulated Mr. Len Wendowski for his election as council member for ward three.

 

CHIEF OF POLICE COMMENTS

 

Chief Harvey stated that he had the following requests:

 

  • July 19, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., block party for Jesus, health fair and fun day in Parking lot No. 3 for a Community Awareness Program

Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Mr. Ford, approval was granted for the block party.

 

  • May 11, 11:00 a.m., Little Feat Concert tour bus and semi truck, 20 minute parking restriction be waived

Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Mr. Ford, approval was granted for the parking waiver.

 

  • June 29, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., Elks Parade, approximately 250 participants. Chief Harvey stated that the request is for parking restrictions at the rear of the parking lot at the rear of Easton Police Department to disburse.

Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Jensen, approval was granted for the Elks’ parade.

 

Chief Harvey discussed cooperation with the Motor Vehicle Administration for Easton Police Department to become the first police department on the Eastern Shore to become involved with the warrant vs. motor vehicle license program. He discussed the program. Chief Harvey stated that he will report back to the Council in one year to inform them of how the program is working.

 

TOWN ENGINEER’S COMMENTS

 

Mr. Glass updated the Council on continuing construction projects around Town; Winton Avenue, S. Harrison Street, Brookletts Avenue and soon Higgins Street.

 

Mr. Glass stated that mosquito control has commenced and will continue through the fall.

 

Mr. Glass discussed the demolition at the old gas plant property. He stated that he had received bids for the building demolition and the low bidder is Construction Unlimited. He asked for approval to proceed with the contract subject to the response from Maryland Historical Trust.

 

Mr. Ford made a motion to encourage the Town Engineer to move forward with demolition as soon as Maryland Historic Trust has approved the project, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

 

Mr. Jensen asked about the status on the crosswalk flag sign on Goldsbrough Street for rails-to-trails. Mr. Glass stated that he will check on the status of the order.

 

TOWN ATTORNEY’S COMMENTS

 

The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe, discussed the Special Election for President of the Council. He stated that he will speak with Ms. Phoenix, the Supervisor of Elections. He stated that the date of the Special Election will be able to be set at the next regular meeting.

 

ECONOMIC COORDINATOR’S COMMENTS

 

Mr. Al Bond discussed the Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival’s request for 12 banners. He discussed the proposed location; three near the Avalon and the remainder disbursed around the downtown area.

 

It was the consensus of the Council to approve the placement of the Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival’s banners.

 

COUNCIL’S COMMENTS

 

Mr. Ford thanked Mr. Reed for his four year’s of service he gave to this town as representative of Ward III.

 

Mr. Jensen congratulated Mr. Ford and Mr. Wendowski and Mayor-elect Willey for the election. He thanked the rest of the candidates for their participation in the election.

 

Mr. Reed stated that he was glad to see the Chief of Police’s article in the Star Democrat. He praised the Easton Police Department and the Chief for his hard work.

 

Ms. Jackson-Amis congratulated those who won and the candidates who ran in the recent election. She discussed the poor turnout of registered voters. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that Ms. Phoenix was very organized.

 

Ms. Jackson-Amis praised the Tai-Kwan Do program at Be A Star. She discussed the recent Region 2 Championships and stated that of 10 entered categories, they won 9 medals. She thanked the community for their support. Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the accomplishments of students in the community.

 

REVIEW OF CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

The President of the Council reviewed upcoming meetings.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:26 p.m.

 

 

______________________________________

Town Clerk