TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
May 19, 2003
President of the Council Robert C. Willey Councilman Carl B. Reed
Councilman John F. Ford Councilwoman Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Councilman-elect Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr.
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.
The Mayor and Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Ms. Jackson-Amis led the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 6 AND MAY 8, 2003 MEETING
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis, minutes of the May 6 and May 8, 2003 meetings were approved as written.
PRESENTATION OF HISTORIC DISTRICT CITATIONS
Councilmember Scott Jensen presented Historic District Citations for recognizing projects which have demonstrated exceptional efforts in these regards for improvements to their respective place of business/residences to:
PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATIONS FOR BE A STAR YOUTH SPORTS AND CULTURAL ARTS CENTER TAE KWON DO CLUB
Medalist in the Region 2 AAU Championship Tournament awards were presented to:
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
There was no one present at this time to give a report.
MR. KEVIN MORSE, MID SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO PRESENT ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT STRATEGY
Mr. Morse discussed the Mid Shore Regional Council Economic Adjustment Strategy as a response to the closure of Black & Decker.
He stated that the Mid Shore Regional Council was created through enabling legislation in 2001. Mr. Morse stated that they are the access for the county and municipalities to access federal funding, specifically EDA funding.
Mr. Morse discussed goals and options for the Mid Shore Regional Council. Mr. Morse discussed what the critical infrastructure is needed to diversify and grow the regional economy.
Mr. Morse discussed the total economic cost for the project which half will be covered by the Economic Development Administration. He stated that the estimated cost is $100,000 which the state has committed $35,000; the Mid Shore Regional Council has committed $5,000 (Talbot, Dorchester and Caroline counties).
Mr. Morse invited and requested a $5,000 contribution from the Town of Easton to help leverage the $95,000 which will be put in this project. He discussed the local and state match.
He discussed what is needed in the workforce community.
The President of the Council, Mr. Willey stated that the Council will contact to Mr. Morse.
LETTER OF CONCERN FROM MS. KELLY GIBSON
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it will be tabled until the next meeting as Ms. Gibson’s mother is out of town.
AMENDED RESOLUTION NO. 5803 FOR THE TWELVE MONTH PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 2003
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Mr. Ford, Resolution No. 5803 was unanimously approved following a roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 457, “AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RAISING BY TAXATION THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO PAY THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON THE VARIOUS BOND ISSUES AND THE REDUCTION OF CERTAIN BONDS AND NOTES FOR THE PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS AND SETTING THE INTEREST AND PENALTY FOR DELINQUENT BILLS, COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2003 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2004”
Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried, Ordinance No. 457 was unanimously approved following a roll call vote.
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”
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried, Resolution No. 5757 was unanimously approved following a roll call vote.
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”
Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried, Resolution No. 5758 was unanimously approved following a roll call vote.
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”
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis, Ordinance No. 455 was unanimously approved following a roll call vote.
Mr. Ford questioned the Town Attorney what the timetable would be for water and sewer hookup.
The Town Attorney stated that it becomes effective 45 days after approval by the Mayor. He stated that the Town Engineer is looking at the rights-of-way for sewer lines.
The Town Engineer stated that they are working on schedules and the process has already started.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $378,081.16
Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried, invoices in totaling $378,081.16 were approved for payment.
PERMIT FEE WAIVER
The President of the Council asked that the information regarding other town’s policies for waiving permit fees be forwarded to the council members for their review.
COMMENTS ON THE PARK PLAN PROJECT
The President of the Council asked for additional comments regarding proposed park options for the RTC property. There were none.
Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned if the scope of work should go out to bid.
The Town Attorney stated that the Town’s bidding policy excludes professional services which he believes falls in that category.
Mr. Ford made a motion that the park plan be formally typed and submitted to Mr. Chris Delaporte, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
COMMENTS FROM MAYOR BUTLER
Mayor Butler stated that he was present with a good feeling and a feeling of sorrow for leaving the office of Mayor. He discussed his history with the Town of Easton. Mayor Butler thanked the volunteers that have served the Town of Easton and the Mayor and Council. He thanked the Department Heads for their work throughout the Town, the Police Chief and his department for professionalizing the department as it is today. Mayor Butler thanked the Town Engineer, Mr. Glass and Assistant Town Engineer, Mr. Gruber and their department for dedicated work. He thanked the Public Works Department for keeping the town beautiful the entire year. Mayor Butler thanked the Town Attorney and Economic Development Department for their continued efforts. He thanked the Avalon for their continued presence and Easton Utilities for their service throughout the town. Mayor Butler thanked the Easton Volunteer Fire Department for volunteering their time. Mayor Butler wished his friend, Mayor-elect Willey good luck.
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN REED
Councilman Reed thanked constituents in Ward 3 for giving him the opportunity to serve them on the Town Council. He thanked the Council for their patience in the early days of serving on this council in learning the process and procedures. Councilman Reed thanked the Mayor, the Town Attorney and the Town Clerk and office staff for their help. He thanked the Police Chief for making the town a safe place and the Town Engineer in helping him along.
Councilman Reed suggested that for all the committees and commissions appointed, the Council consider making up processes and objectives that the council would like to see them follow. He stated that he hopes the Council can work together and show deep respect for one another. Mr. Reed stated that it has been a good four year learning experience for him and he has tried hard to listen to his constituents. Mr. Reed stated that it has been enjoyable and hectic. Mr. Reed stated that he appreciated everyone’s help and wished them well.
PRESENTATION TO MAYOR BUTLER
President of the Council presented a pewter Town of Easton seal plaque to Mayor Butler and wished him well in whatever he does.
PRESENTATION TO COUNCILMAN REED
President of the Council presented a pewter Town of Easton seal plaque to Mr. Reed and thanked him for his service.
President of the Council invited the audience to join the Mayor and Council for a reception following the regularly scheduled meeting.
SWEARING IN OF NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Ms. Mary Ann Shortall, Talbot County Clerk of the Circuit Court, administered the Town of Easton’s oath of office to Mayor Robert C. Willey for a four-year term expiring May 2007.
Mayor Robert C. Willey administered the oath of office to Mr. John F. Ford, Councilmember for Ward 1, for a four-year term expiring May 2007.
Mayor Robert C. Willey administered the oath of office to Mr. Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr. Councilmember for Ward 3, for a four-year term expiring May 2007.
The newly elected Mayor and Council assumed their respective positions.
The Town Clerk, Robert F. Karge, congratulated Mayor Willey, Mr. Ford and Mr. Wendowski.
NOMINATION FOR ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
The Town Clerk entertained nominations from the sitting members of the Council for an Acting President.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she originally requested that the President of the Council be a rotating position since the election of the Presidency is imminent. However, she stated that she had been advised that it would be less of a problem if there was one person that is an Acting President.
Ms. Jackson-Amis nominated Mr. Ford for Acting President of the Council, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
SETTING DATE FOR SPECIAL ELECTION FOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Mayor Willey suggested June 16 for the election for the President of the Council.
Discussion occurred regarding registering for election. The Town Attorney stated that constituents have 30 days or May 16 to register to vote in the upcoming election.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked Mayor Willey to consider holding an election in July so new voters could register.
Mr. Jensen stated that he is open to having the election sooner rather than later due to having a four member council.
Mr. Ford stated that he agreed with Ms. Jackson-Amis in order to be fair to the voters to have the extra time.
Mayor Willey asked if July 7 would be agreeable. It was the consensus of the Council to set the Special Election date for President of the Council for July 7 with a petition filing date of June 25.
COMMENTS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey stated that he appreciates the opportunity to serve for the next four years. He thanked the community for helping.
Mayor Willey stated that the budget will be reviewed every ninety days starting September 1.
Mayor Willey put a freeze on hiring except in the situation of replacing employees that terminate. He asked the department heads to watch overtime very closely. He discussed itemizing on invoices.
COMMENTS FROM CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Harvey had the following requests for approval:
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis, the request for the Farmer’s Market was unanimously approved.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Mr. Wendowski, approval was unanimous.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis the approval was unanimous.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Mr. Wendowski, approval was carried unanimously.
Chief Harvey discussed renovations at the Academy Art Museum. He stated that they have a workable solution for the construction phases.
TOWN ENGINEER’S COMMENTS
The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass stated that there will be a bid opening this Thursday at 2:00 for the gas relocation work for the former gas plant property. He stated that at 7:00 p.m., the Maryland Department of Environment is holding a public informational meeting to provide information to the neighbors regarding the proposed work at that site.
Mr. Glass discussed the waste collection for the Monday holiday.
Mr. Glass discussed ongoing projects around the town. He discussed upcoming paving activities.
Mr. Glass stated that they will be working on a timeline for the West Kennedy Street annexation. He stated that he will be presenting a schedule for design and construction activities for that project.
Mr. Jensen thanked the Town Engineer for the crosswalk post on Goldsborough Street. Mr. Jensen asked if there could be post placed near Alice’s on Harrison Street. Mr. Glass stated that he will look at the appearance of the crosswalk.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR’S COMMENTS
Mr. Al Bond discussed a proposed directional signage package coming from the State Highway Administration. He stated that this will cover the entire county and eventually the entire state. Mr. Bond stated that there is some concern regarding the scale of the signs in the downtown.
Mr. Ford stated that this was discussed at the quarterly meeting of the municipalities. He questioned if there would be ample time for comments from the council. Mr. Bond stated that any issues would be addressed prior to an approval letter from the Town of Easton.
Mayor Willey asked for a sample sign. Mr. Bond stated that there has been cut sheets submitted but he will try to get an actual sign.
Mr. Jensen discussed the actual details on directional signage packages. Mr. Bond stated that the information will be corrected.
COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL
Mr. Ford thanked Ms. Mary Anne Shortall, Talbot County Clerk of the Circuit Court for coming and swearing in Mayor Willey.
Mr. Ford discussed the history of the West Kennedy Street annexation. He stated that it was five years of work and a very significant issue.
Mr. Ford discussed the duties of the Town Council and the rotation of the Council on the Police Board and Fire Board. He stated that Ms. Jackson-Amis and he will be on the Police Board as of June 1 and Mr. Wendowski and Mr. Jensen will serve on the Fire Board for two years. He stated that the Fire Board’s next meeting will be held June 9. Mr. Ford instructed the Town Clerk to include in the next packet the dates for the upcoming Police Board meetings. Mr. Ford asked that concerns for either Board be directed to the Mayor or any Board representative.
Mr. Jensen asked that outdoor dining be considered for restaurants in the Town of Easton.
Mr. Jensen discussed Mayor Butler’s concerns for the upcoming budget. He stated that Mayor Butler’s philosophy was to cut capital costs and to save people’s jobs. Mr. Jensen thought this was the best way to proceed. The Town Clerk verified that there was about an $800,000 reduction in revenues this year. He suggested that the Town of Easton retain Mayor Butler’s fiscal responsibility displayed over the last eight years.
Mr. Wendowski thanked the people that voted for him and all those that supported him. He thanked his opponents for waging a very positive campaign.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the affordable housing roundtable Mayor Willey conducted. She clarified the intent for the proposed building on Port and West Street should the Elm Street development be approved. She stated that the idea was that people who currently live on the street or whose families live there will have the right of first refusal.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she encourages all constituents that contact her to come before the Council or contact the Mayor because it is their town.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed Mr. Morse’s request for $5,000 for the Mid Shore Regional Council’s project. She urged the Mayor and Council to bring that matter to a conclusion. Mr. Ford reinforced Ms. Jackson-Amis’ comments.
Ms. Jackson-Amis thanked the Town Clerk and Mayor for the Be a Star Proclamations.
Mr. Ford invited everyone to stay for refreshments.
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.
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Town Clerk