TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
December 1, 2003
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance were Town Attorney Chris Kehoe, Chief of Police George Harvey, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Joe Gruber, Town Planner Mr. Tom Hamilton, Economic Development Coordinator Mr. Al Bond and Town Clerk Mr. Robert Karge.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order with Mr. Wendowski leading the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 17, 2003 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mrs. Scott-Taylor, seconded by Mr. Jensen, minutes of the November 17, 2003 meetings were unanimously approved as written.
DISCUSSION BY DELEGATE HADDAWAY REGARDING STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Delegate Haddaway discussed a letter sent by Mayor Willey and President Ford regarding upgrades to Route 50 in the Talbot County area. Delegate Haddaway stated that she has forwarded a letter to Mr. Pederson in support of those upgrades requesting action. She stated that she also requested maps from State Highway which shows the access control plan for Route 50 from the north and south.
Delegate Haddaway offered her assistance and asked for any concerns as the session is quickly approaching.
Mr. Jensen discussed the concept of a bypass in the draft Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Jensen asked Ms. Haddaway to address the concept with the State Planners.
HISTORIC EASTON TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING RAILWAY STATION LEASE
Ms. Polly Shanahan discussed the history of the train station. She stated that the ten year lease with the Town and Historic Easton will soon expire. They would like to renew their lease with the Town as well as Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage would like to continue to sublease from Historic Easton. Ms. Shanahan stated that Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage would like to lease for five years with the right of renewal for an additional five years.
Mr. Jensen stated that this building is his neighbor and he thanked Ms. Shanahan for the upkeep.
Ms. Shanahan discussed the parking spaces on Pennsylvania Avenue near Goldsborough. She requested that these parking spaces be available to their project and the spaces on the east side of the Railway continue to be municipal parking.
Ms. Shanahan discussed liability insurance for the Railway Station.
Ms. Jackson-Amis moved to extend the lease for ten years. She stated that she was not able to discuss the parking situation at this time.
The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe stated that the lease needs to be approved. He discussed the conditions for Program Open Space. He suggested drafting a letter to Historic Easton and Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage extending the lease as per the current terms for three months which will allow finalization of approval.
Mr. Wendowski made a motion to grant a three-month extension of the current contract, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
COMMENTS FROM MS. SHANAHAN REGARDING LIGHTS ON HARRISON STREET FROM GOLDSBOROUGH TO DOVER STREET
Ms. Shanahan discussed the lights on Harrison Street and stated that she felt they are very dull. Discussion occurred on the lights that wrap the poles.
UPDATE FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT ON EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE
Mr. Jamie McNeal, Fourth Lieutenant discussed the Fire Department’s new website. Mr. McNeal also submitted the November report for Fire Department’s activities. Mr. McNeal discussed Mr. Doug George’s responsibilities as webmaster. Mr. McNeal discussed alternatives to the automatic alarm systems.
Mr. Doug George stated that they are chronicling information to show activities of Easton Fire Department to the public to use as an awareness and recruitment tool. He distributed a handout showing the actual pages on the website. Mr. George invited the audience to view the website at www.eastonvfd.org .
Mr. Jensen thanked Mr. George for volunteering his time on a job well done.
Mr. George wished everyone a safe, happy holiday season.
LETTER FROM MR. JOHN ATWOOD, CHAIRMAN, PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING SUPPORT OF PUD APPLICATION FOR RESIDENTIAL TOWN HOMES LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF SALMONS AVENUE AND LOCUST LANE
The Town Planner asked for a Public Hearing for a PUD for 13 town homes.
Mr. Ford set the Public Hearing for January 5, 2004 at 7:15 p.m.
LETTER FROM MS. JOAN MACK, CHAIRMAN, CHRISTMAS IN ST. MICHAELS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO PLACE SIGNS ON EASTON BYPASS AND ROUTE 50 ADVERTISING UPCOMING EVENT
Mr. Ford stated that he is personally supportive of the signs. Mr. Ford stated that he advised Ms. Mack to contact State Highway Administration for their permission.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve Ms. Mack’s request to place the signs on Easton Bypass and Route 50 subsequent to approval by State Highway Administration, seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM JOHN P. WHITE FROM PLANNING COMMISSION
Mr. Ford advised that Mr. White is moving out of Town limits and will no longer be eligible to be a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The President of the Council extended his thanks for a job well done.
Mr. Ford asked the Council to submit names for consideration for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen, Mr. White’s resignation was unanimously accepted with regrets.
MASTER JAMES CARAKER, TROOP 190 REQUESTING WAIVER OF BUILDING PERMIT FEE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ARBOR AT DIXON HOUSE
Master James Caraker discussed the pergola he will construct at Dixon House in order to obtain his Eagle Scout badge.
He requested waiver of the building permit fee.
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor, Master James Caraker’s request for waiver of the building permit fee was waived with Mr. Wendowski voting no.
ITEMS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey reminded everyone about the Christmas Parade Saturday at 6:00 p.m. He stated that there will be a 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and a Mayor’s trophy.
Mayor Willey stated that he would like at the next Council meeting to start with the staff reports at the beginning of the meeting after the approval of the minutes.
Mayor Willey stated that Ms. Jackson-Amis has been the representative for the Mid-Shore Regional Council for the past year. He stated that her term is expiring and there is also a candidate from the Town of Trappe. Mayor Willey asked for consensus from the Council to submit a ballot in support of Ms. Jackson-Amis for the representative for the Mid-Shore Regional Council for the upcoming year.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to appoint Ms. Jackson-Amis as the representative for the Mid-Shore Regional Council seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously.
Mayor Willey reminded everyone that the Boards and Commissions’ reception is this Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Avalon Theater.
Mayor Willey asked permission to have the Town Attorney draft legislation to change the Fire Board and the Police Board’s structure to have all five council members participate on the boards with the public invited. He stated that the Police Board will meet the first Monday night in February and each quarter thereafter at 6:00 p.m. with the Fire Board meeting the second meeting night in February and each quarter thereafter. Mr. Willey stated that the agenda will be published on Thursday with the Council packets. Mr. Willey stated that the President of the Council will chair the meetings which will take place in the Council chambers. He stated that there will be an agenda with minutes.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she does not see the point in having a separate board to do what the entire Council will be doing. Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her perception of the boards as they are comprised now. She questioned the benefit of having a separate meeting. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she did like the new meeting schedule.
Mayor Willey stated that he does not think there is much satisfaction in a meeting that lasts more than 2 ½ hours but the meetings would be set for specific matters pertaining to the board beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the night of regularly scheduled Council meetings.
Mayor Willey stated that the President of the Council indicated that he would like to schedule a public hearing for January 5 and vote on the legislation January 20 and begin the new meeting scheduled in February.
Discussion occurred on the chairmanship and how the agenda would work.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her concerns for the community to express their business. She asked that it be made clear that citizens can attend and voice their concerns even if they were not included on the agenda.
ITEMS FROM EASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Captain Ben Blue stated that they are finalizing their operation orders for the parade and also for the 5K race to be held this Saturday. He stated that they are preparing for their Christmas deployment.
Captain Blue asked for approval of a Public Assembly Permit for First Night Talbot. He discussed their New Year’s alternative celebration.
Mr. Bond was directed to inquire about the First Night Talbot’s activities for New Year’s Eve.
ITEMS FROM THE TOWN ENGINEER
The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass, informed the Council that the State Highway has been in town to install some of the downtown tourism signs. Mr. Glass asked for feedback regarding size and scale.
Mr. Glass stated that the Easton Utilities office and the Town Engineering staff is about 99% complete on the West Kennedy Street water and extension design plans. He discussed bid packages and design documents which should available for bid December 15 with a bid opening around February 5.
The Town Engineer stated that he will look at the State Highway Administration plans Delegate Haddaway submitted and report back to the Council.
Mr. Jensen discussed necessary easements for the West Kennedy Street water and sewer extension.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
The Town Planner, Mr. Hamilton, stated that he has recently been appointed as a member of the Gateway District Task Force. He stated that he has received a letter from the County Manager in regards to the first scheduled meeting of the Task Force. He stated that he looks forward to going and will be reporting back to the Council.
Mr. Ford brought a letter to the floor from Mr. Wayne Cotcam regarding the proliferation of real estate signs on Route 50, especially on the weekends when Town staff is not working. Mr. Ford discussed remedies to placing the advertisements for developments.
The Town Attorney stated that the remedy would be for the Town Planner or himself to contact the two developments involved and tell them that this has come to the attention of the Council in a way that has moved the Council to seriously consider taking legislation action and perhaps they can avoid the situation with voluntary compliance.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Mr. Kehoe discussed a zoning amendment the County Council is considering at a Public Hearing to be held next Tuesday having to do with some changes to their commercial zoning regulations basically regarding big boxes and attempting to track the Easton current zoning limitation of 65,000 square feet and have that reflected in the County’s Zoning Ordinance. The Town Attorney stated that the County should be commended for their efforts and he will forward a letter in support of their consideration.
Mr. Ford suggested language in support of this legislation by the County.
The Town Attorney stated that in his viewpoint, it is not the size of the cap as it is that the Town and the County have the same cap.
It was the consensus of the Council to prepare a letter under the Mayor’s signature commending the County Council for their consideration.
Mr. Kehoe publicly commended Mr. John White for his service on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Kehoe stated that when Mr. White is not busy assisting the Town on the Planning and Zoning Commission, John White is a very distinguished and capable attorney in Easton and has been for numerous years. Mr. Kehoe stated that he will certainly be missed. Mr. Kehoe suggested a resolution for his service to the Town.
Mr. Kehoe requested an Executive Session regarding advice of Counsel.
ITEMS FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond discussed activities scheduled in the downtown in the upcoming weeks.
Mr. Bond stated that he has been looking in the Eastern Shore Heritage area. He stated that this is a program which links various counties into one heritage area. Mr. Bond stated that they are looking at target investment zones and Easton should qualify. He stated that language supportive of the Heritage Area would need to be included and supported in the Comprehensive Plan. He discussed the participants and the compliance of the group.
SKATE PARK UPDATE
Mayor Willey discussed the negotiations between Cadmus and the Town of Easton for the skateboard park. He stated that the Town Attorney is now working on a lease. Mayor Willey stated that the Town Engineer and he will be meeting with Cadmus representatives to setup some Idlewild Avenue safety issues. Mayor Willey asked for Council consensus for approval of the site.
Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to accept the Cadmus site for the skateboard park seconded by Mr. Jensen.
Mr. Brasington stated that the Park Board is asking for public discussion regarding this site as well as the original site, Idlewild Park. He stated that a special meeting will be held Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss hours of operation, supervision, liability issues and possibly bring the matter forth for public discussion for the first meeting in January. He invited the Easton Skate Park Association to join their meeting.
Mr. Ford encouraged the Council to attend the upcoming Park Board meeting.
Ms. Jackson-Amis’ motion to accept the Cadmus site was unanimously approved.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Mrs. Scott-Taylor reminded council members to submit recommendations to Mayor Willey for the advisory committee for the RTC property.
President Ford reminded everyone about the public hearing scheduled for December 9 at 7:00 p.m., at Easton High School cafeteria regarding the suggested changes to the safety zone at the Easton Airport.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed Talbot County’s Bill 190. She stated that she will confer with the Town Attorney regarding her concerns.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Ms. Polly Shanahan discussed her work with the Heritage Area. She stated that Easton needs to be involved in the best way that it can due to the advantages.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:35 p.m., upon motion by Mrs. Scott-Taylor seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously, the Council convened into Executive Session to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and unanimously carried; the President of the Council adjourned the regular council meeting at 8:37 p.m.
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Town Clerk