April 21, 1997

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 7:30 P.M. The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Willey, with the following members present: Mr. Mayer, Mrs. Clem and Mr. Heinmuller. The First Ward Seat was vacant at this time due to the resignation of Mrs. Jones. Also attending the meeting were the Mayor, the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, the Town Engineer Mr. Grunden, Chief of Police Col. Chase and Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Lineberry.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mr. Mayer.

Mr. Roger Eareckson, Director of Parks and Recreation joined the meeting immediately thereafter.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, minutes of the March 31, April 7 and April 14 meetings were approved as written.

Ms. Carol Knud-Hansen of the Thread Haven Neighborhood Watch was present to discuss cars speeding in their neighborhood.

The Town Planner joined the meeting at 7:31 P.M.

Ms. Knud-Hansen discussed the recent incident of a child nearly being struck by a car. She stated that the driver lives in the neighborhood. Ms. Knud-Hansen discussed needs in the areas other than Thread Haven where these problems exist. She discussed the layout and the demographics. She asked for increased radar and surveillance. Ms. Knud-Hansen stated that they received excellent response from Easton Police Department and a request for speed limit signs were quickly responded to. She asked for speed bumps and signage for "Children At Play".

Mr. Joe Ross echoed the comments of Ms. Knud-Hansen and stated that his daughter is five years old and was involved in the incident referred to previously. He stated that the Town needs to take charge with a pro-active approach for when children might be out. He discussed Easton being busier than three years ago. Mr. Ross stated that the police had been great. Mr. Ross stated that the number one health risk to children in Talbot County is auto accidents. He stated that he is ready to work with the Town in any way.

The President of the Council stated that this question came up a year or so ago about "Children At Play" signs.

The Town Attorney stated that it was approximately two years ago. He discussed the memo. He stated that traditional "Children At Play" signs are no longer a standard and have not been for years. The Town Attorney discussed problems with signs creating false confidence. The Town Attorney stated that the conclusion the Town reached in 1995 was that the enforcement and redesigning streets are more effective ways to control speeds. He discussed the striping on Glebe Road.

The President of the Council asked the Chief of Police to have the community policing officers work on public education.

Mrs. Clem discussed previous advice received from the Police Department to provide the tags of offending vehicles so that officers can approach the offenders and discussed this matter. She questioned whether this was permissible in this instance. Col. Chase stated that it was and they would accept information even confidentially. Col. Chase stated that the radar will continue. Discussion followed over the neighbors knowing who the speeders are in the neighborhood.

Mr. Mayer suggested a notice in the paper advising of school being out with various sponsors such as the Sheriff's Department, the Easton Police Department, etc., reminding motorists that children will be at play soon.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the second issue of speed bumps being troublesome to municipal governments. The Town Attorney discussed the speed bumps being troublesome to snow plows and the actual hazards to snow plow operators. The Town Engineer stated that the engineering literature is replete and stated why speed bumps should not be used.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he suspects that most of the speeders are people in the neighborhood. He discussed attending MML seminars where this is discussed routinely from the other side.

The President of the Council stated that he appreciated the comments and that the Town will be back with a response.

Ms. Knud-Hansen asked for clarification of the other methods proposed to be used. The Town Engineer discussed driver's perceptions and previous attempts at striping which were successful in the Glebe Road area.

Ms. Sharon Goebel and Ms. Eileen Demeyer were present on behalf of Dickens Of A Christmas and handed out packages to Town Council members. She discussed filing for incorporation in 1996 and receiving their IRS 501(C)3 designation. She discussed their Directors and activities. They discussed the Better Homes & Gardens article and the interest generated. Ms. Goebel discussed Dickens Of A Christmas kicking off their fund drive. She discussed their activities including the run, the parade, the feast, the Theatre events and decorating Thompson Park. Ms. Eileen Demeyer stated that they had a Board meeting to evaluate and secure commitments. She discussed the fixed cost of printing of flyers and request for funding which are in budgets. She discussed their success.

Mr. Heinmuller asked for a copy of the bylaws. Ms. Demeyer stated that they would provide that and thanked the Council.

A memo was received from the Mayor recommending the re-appointment of Mr. George Crosley, Mr. Randolph Dunham and Mr. Chester Gates as the Board of Canvassers for the 1997 General Election. Upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the appointments were approved.

Resolution No. 5576 authorizing the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $1,650.50 were moved for passage by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of the current Town Council.

Ordinance No. 357, AAN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF SHELTER DEVELOPMENT LLC TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF 10.4 ACRES ON THE WEST SIDE OF ROUTE 50 AND MECKLENBERG AVENUE FROM R-10A TO CM was moved for passage by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of the current Town Council.

Resolution No. 5577, AA RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ENDORSING CDA FINANCING FOR THE SHELTER DEVELOPMENT, LLC ELDERLY HOUSING PROJECT was moved for passage by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of the current Town Council.

Resolution No. 5578, AA RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING A LOCAL MATCHING ARRANGEMENT FOR THE SHELTER DEVELOPMENT, LLC PROJECT, APARKVIEW AT EASTON was moved for passage by Mr. Heinmuller, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of the current Town Council.

A letter was received from the Director of Easton Parks and Recreation Department recommending the acceptance of a gift for park equipment in the amount of $7,696 from the Talbot County Chemical People for equipment at Moton Park. Mr. Eareckson discussed the desire for the Chemical People which has just merged with Talbot Partnership to donate specifically to Moton Park. He discussed the swings and climbing equipment. Upon motion by Mr. Heinmuller, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the acceptance of the gift was authorized.

There was no Fire Department representative present.

The Mayor discussed the East End clean up this past Saturday. He thanked Mr. Heinmuller for his assistance.

Col. Chase discussed the Talbot County Council proposed budget for crossing guards in the amount of $27,079. He stated that the hearing is May 6 and that this is the same amount as last year. The President of the Council questioned if this would cover all costs. Col. Chase stated that it was close but it would cover the costs.

Col. Chase discussed the HotSpots grant and the meeting in the Council chambers. Col. Chase asked if there were any questions on his monthly report.

The President of the Council, Mr. Willey, questioned how the I.D. check is done. This question was based on the Liquor Board hearing. Col. Chase stated that stings are done by State Police, typically by cadets. The President of the Council asked who would request such checks. Chief of Police stated that these are usually done by the request of the Police Department but sometimes the State Police do them on their own. The President of the Council questioned the enforceability of brown bag ordinances. The Chief of Police stated that this could be difficult. He discussed various ways around the ordinances and problems with enforcement.

The Town Engineer reported on a meeting today with the State Highway Administration and Senator Colburn and Delegate Schisler on seven issues. He stated that he would send a copy of a letter with the agreements by the end of the week.

On the Utilities side, the Town Engineer discussed the Open Access and the gas case currently before the FERC. He discussed a conference and a complete revision of the document.

On the electric side, the Town Engineer discussed the agreement with Delmarva Power & Light and stated that negotiations are in progress with a May 15 deadline. The Town Engineer reported that Maryland Public Service Commission is proceeding with activity related to affiliated businesses and possible siphoning off of money. He stated that municipals and co-ops are not exempted. He discussed controls already in place to prevent misuse of such funds at Easton Utilities. The Town Engineer discussed the BG & E appliance store issue which apparently triggered this.

The Town Attorney discussed the successful prosecution of a theft of cable case and the cable amnesty program which is in place through May 1.

The President of the Council questioned the Glenwood and bypass street lights. The Town Engineer stated that this was discussed today.

Mr. Mayer asked that Goldsborough and Route 50 be discussed. The Town Engineer stated that this matter was discussed including the intersection of Route 50 and Dover Road.

Mr. Heinmuller asked that the sign on the Bay Street right-of-way advertising lots be checked to see whether it is on Town property.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that Wal Mart had begun their spring plant sale in the parking lot. He stated that this should not happen. He discussed a very low spot near the East End garden in the vicinity of South and Thoroughgood where topsoil is needed. He stated that the neighbors are willing to place this dirt if it is provided. The Town Engineer stated that it would be no problem.

The President of the Council asked for audience comments.

The Town Planner stated that the application for the race at Talbottown had come in today. He stated that he would discuss this matter with the Chief. He stated that he had one item he could not approve which is a 4' x 40' banner. He stated that these are illegal unless the Council approves them. Mr. Mayer questioned the location. Mr. Heinmuller questioned whether this was an event banner. The Town Planner stated that it was. Mr. Heinmuller moved approval of the event banner, seconded by Mr. Mayer. Mrs. Clem stated that if the Town has an ordinance does an exception open up problems later. Mr. Mayer discussed the case by case history. The Town Planner stated that the only alternative here is for the Council to act. The Board of Appeals does not have any jurisdiction. Mr. Willey questioned whether this would be hung across a public street. The Town Attorney stated that hanging across the streets is never approved. He discussed individual cases and tolerances for a non-profit versus commercials. The motion carried authorizing the placement of the banner with Mrs. Clem voting no.

The President of the Council asked if anyone else in the audience had comments.

Ms. Rosemary Garrett discussed Governor Glendening being in Salisbury this week and opening a bike way.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffee discussed an East End Neighborhood Cleanup which she termed as very successful with the Mayor and Mr. Heinmuller there early. She discussed the garbage truck provided by the Town and the small amount of liquor bottles found. She discussed the garden in the east end and thanked everyone that helped. Ms. Jaffee discussed reclaimable areas and efforts.

Mr. Mayer apologized for not being present at the East End cleanup since he was working. He thanked the Town Engineer for meeting today with SHA concerning Goldsborough Street and Route 50. Mr. Mayer reminded people that Talbot County Disability TTY Unit will be placed at the Easton State Police Barracks. He stated that this was an action that included the Town and Bell Atlantic for handicapped access 24 hours a day. He discussed the celebration planned.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the East End Neighborhood Association cleanup which he stated was a great event. He stated that it was good to see so many people join in. He wanted to recognize Alan Conaway and Jerome Pierce from the Public Works crew for a great job.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the election on May 5 and encouraged people to vote.

The President of the Council asked for clarification on House Bill 555 concerning noise and asked the Town Attorney for a memo. The Town Attorney stated that he will provide that following Gov. Glendening=s signature on the bill.

The President of the Council read the formal notification from Mrs. Jones as to the effective date of her resignation being April 14 to accept the position of Appointment Secretary to Governor Glendening.

The President of the Council discussed a letter from Jimmy Towers asking for support in his efforts to be appointed Assistant Fire Marshall. He asked the Council to approve a letter supporting this. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the letter was approved.

Invoices in the amount of $805,885.62 were moved for approval by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and passed.

The President of the Council asked if there was anything else.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to adjourn with second by Mr. Heinmuller.

The President of the Council stated that there has been discussion from time to time regarding changing the Town Council meetings to begin at either 7:00 P.M. or 6:30 P.M. in an attempt to end the marathon meetings and to make these hospitable. He asked the Council to consider a vote on May 5. Discussion followed on what time would be good for various people.

There being no further discussion, the motion on the floor to adjourn carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:29 P.M.

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Town Clerk