Special Town Council Meeting

April 14, 1997

The Town Council met tonight in special session at the Union Baptist Church. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Heinmuller at 7:12 PM with the following members present: Mr. Mayer and Mrs. Clem.

Also attending the meeting were the Chief of Police, Col. Chase, Corporal Greg Wright, PFC John Coleman, the Town Planner, Mr. Hamilton, the Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Thomas, the Assistant Town Engineer, Mr. Lineberry, Assistant Town Attorney Karen Ketterman.

Mr. Heinmuller gave opening remarks and discussed the background of this type of meeting. He then opened the floor to comments.

Ms. Linda Hashen of 303 S. Harrison street commended the Police Department for their response to a break in and commended Mr. Lineberry for the street light replacement in the vicinity. Ms. Hashen asked for an area of Tyler Lane to be paved to avoid mud.

Mrs. Marion Blake discussed a problem related to a lack of sidewalks for children exiting a school bus near the Amoco on Port Street and near the pool. Various discussion followed on the pedestrian traffic in the area, options available and plans which are currently underway to provide sidewalks.

Ms. Rosemary Garrett stated that her previous letter had been responded to by the Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe, and that it appeared two items are within the Town Council arena. She asked that a night time parking restriction program be enacted in the South Street area and that a no stopping policy be adopted for South Street. Ms. Garrett stated that she thinks that the Council could take a risk to adopt a curfew and a no loitering law.

Col. Chase discussed these matters.

Ms. Joan Banks discussed a lack of lighting in the area of the Port Street Commercial Project after the businesses close and problems which that lack of lighting encourages. Discussion followed on these points. Ms. Mooneyne Jackson stated that a police presence is needed in the area between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM.

Mr. Gene Mechling stated that he thinks the number one problem is crime and fighting drugs and that everyone should focus on quality of life issues. Mr. Mechling discussed these items in detail. Mr. Heinmuller discussed Public Safety as being the largest allocation within the budget and that the Easton Police Department is larger than either the Sheriff's Department or the Maryland State Police Barrack. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the Police Department apprehension rate is good.

Ms. Marion Blake discussed problems with releasing of those charged by the courts, etc. General discussion followed on this issue.

Ms. Mooneyne Jackson stated that imprisonment is not the only recourse and discussed the need for jobs, programs and the raising of the standard of living. She questioned Mr. Heinmuller on his plans during the term to improve quality of life issues.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed various items beginning with infrastructure items, initiatives such as the HotSpot program, economic development such as the matrix of types of jobs and the multiplier effects.

Col. Chase discussed patrol and raids in the area as well as a ready supply of replacements following a bust. Col. Chase stated that in order to kill a snake you have to cut off its head.

Discussion continued on drug activity including the need to contact the Police Department when appropriate and standard of living issues. Linda Heinmuller questioned whether it was possible to report items anonymously or whether the name was broadcast over the scanner. Discussion continued on this point.

Mayor Butler joined the meeting at 8:12 PM.

Discussion followed on how the neighborhood fits into the Town and upgrades to the infrastructure of the area.

Discussion followed on recreational activities, opportunities, and plans by the Park Board and the Mayor to address this situation.

The Mayor apologized for being late and briefly described the Liquor Board hearing still underway at the library. He asked for the input of the townspeople.

Mr. Heinmuller thanked all for their coming and their participation.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

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Town Clerk