SPECIAL MEETING

April 22, 1997

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 6:30 P.M. The meeting was called to order by the President of the Council, Mr. Willey, with the following member present: Mrs. Clem. Also attending the meeting were the Mayor. The Planning Commission was represented by Mr. Ford, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Braithwaite and Mr. Wright. The Town Planner and the Assistant Town Planner were also present.

Mr. Ford stated that they had no specific agenda. He discussed a copy of the annual report and invited questions and comments. He discussed the draft of the Comprehensive Plan. He discussed the request to consider possible zoning restrictions on liquor stores.

The President of the Council discussed current issues including state versus county versus town liquor law issues. Mr. Ford discussed the possibility of making a special exception for liquor establishments and additional reviews which that would entail. He discussed other possible methods. The Mayor discussed efforts by the Town to close the Little Hut, Starlight Bar and Grill, etc. He discussed the Liquor Board hearing and the immediate decision made by the Liquor Board.

Mr. Ford stated that the Planning Commission would like to hear the Council's thoughts on how to handle these sensitive issues and what might be the best and appropriate way to address the problem.

The President of the Council discussed the tremendous confusion over how governments fit together and at what level. The President of the Council discussed the Clark annexation as an example of incorrect perceptions being accepted as facts.

Mr. Atwood discussed the Todd's Market Liquor License versus the Doc's. The President of the Council stated that maybe the Council and the (..Planning) Commission could get together and look over various liquor rule revisions. Discussion followed on Liquor Licenses.

There was discussion on the misperceptions concerning the Clark annexation versus the Cohee annexation. Discussion followed on the Cohee project. Discussion followed on Smart Growth proposals. There was discussion on the need for all to work together including the municipalities with the county.

The Comprehensive Plan deadline and Rails-to-Trails issues were discussed including the ISTEA funding aspects.

Discussion followed on development on the south end of Town and on storm water issues.

There was discussion on traffic patterns in various areas of the Town.

Discussion followed on when the Town Council has public hearings versus when they do not and the necessity for those public hearings.

Discussion continued on current activities.

There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.

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Town Clerk