May 5, 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; Chief of Police, Col. Chase; the Town Engineer, Mr. Grunden; the Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe; the Town Planner, Mr. Hamilton, Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Thomas and Assistant Town Engineer, Mr. Lineberry.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mrs. Clem.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, minutes of the April 21 and 22 meetings were approved as written.

The President of the Council called upon the Mayor to present Town of Easton employee service awards. Mr. William Leatherberry, Police Officer received a ring for 30 years of service in the Police Department. Also receiving 10 year awards consisting of a lamp with a Town of Easton engraved seal and the staff members' names were Sgt. Michael Henry, Cpl. David Sears, both from the Police Department, Mr. Dexter Pritchett of the Public Works Department and Ms. Hildburg Pfutzner of the Housing Assistance Office. Mr. Charles H. Dennis received a retirement gift for his 20 years of service. The Mayor and Council members wished each of the staff members congratulations, the best of luck and offered their thanks for services.

Mr. Ray Parker a member of the Sts. Peter & Paul School Board, was present. Mr. Parker discussed his idea to be pro active in dealings with the Town Council. He discussed enrollments being way up and the long waiting list which currently exists at Sts. Peter & Paul. He thanked the Council and the Mayor for providing a great Town and help. He offered the Board's help whenever possible. Mr. Parker stated that the Town is always there to help and it is appreciated by the school. He stated that they would like to work with each other. He discussed Internet activities at Sts. Peter & Paul school and their attempt to bring up a home page. He invited the Council members to come to the school.

Mr. Mayer stated that the Town of Easton is currently on line and asked Mr. Parker to contact the Town Clerk to coordinate website listings on the Town page.

Mrs. Clem congratulated Mr. Parker on his pro active view point and working together in the community. Mrs. Clem wondered about the type of forum in education in the county and suggested that these efforts could be coordinated to present a consolidated position for people considering this area.

The President of the Council thanked Mr. Parker for appearing before the Council.

Ms. Melissa Hrobar, FOP Auxiliary President was present to ask the Council permission to place blue ribbons on the tree in East End with the Easton Utilities Commission's assistance. This is in honor of May 12 through May 16 which is National Police Department week.

Mr. Mayer stated that he supports this effort.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he also thought it sounded great.

The Town Engineer advised that the Easton Utilities Commission will do this type of support.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, permission was granted to take those actions in support of National Police Department week.

Mr. Dickie Barrow, President of Easton Celebrations was present with a request concerning the Old Tyme Fourth of July activities. He stated that the fireworks will be similar and the displays will be similar. He discussed the Medevac which will be present. He stated that the fireworks display will be different in that the finale will be much more spectacular. He asked the Council to close Glebe Road from 12:00 noon until the event was over. Mr. Barrow also asked permission to close the access road to Food Lion exiting onto Glebe. He discussed the reasons for that request. The President of the Council questioned whether that was a private road. Mayor Butler stated that he thinks he can get this taken care of. Mr. Barrow discussed problems with the access road last year and the Fire Marshal's concerns. Mr. Mayer discussed the event and the funding of various charities. He stated that this is a good day and it makes a difference for the charities whose funding is directly affected. He discussed booths selling out each year. Mr. Barrow discussed the carnival which is scheduled August 18. He stated that they would like to move to the Wal Mart parking lot for six days in the area where employees usually park. Mr. Mayer questioned Wal Mart's response to this request. Mr. Barrow stated that Wal Mart had contacted Easton Celebrations and offered the parking lot. He discussed the room available and the advantages of the black top for this purpose.

Mrs. Clem questioned how much room would be gained. Mr. Barrow discussed the proposed layout in the back section. Mr. Heinmuller asked Mr. Barrow if he could see a sketch so he could conceptualize this. Mr. Barrow sketched out on a board in the Council room the proposed general layout. Mr. Mayer discussed this. The Town Planner discussed the large grassy area belonging to someone else and stated that as he sees it, half of the main parking lot for Wal Mart will be taken up by the carnival.

The President of the Council asked Col. Chase if there would be a problem closing Glebe Road. The Col. advised that this would be no problem.

Upon motion by Mr. Heinmuller, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, Glebe Road was directed to be closed and the access road controlled as requested by Mr. Barrow.

The President of the Council asked for the Council's pleasure on the Wal Mart carnival question. Mrs. Clem stated that she thinks it is generous of Wal Mart to offer and thinks that it should be accepted. Mrs. Clem questioned whether the use of the property was donated. Mr. Barrow stated that it would be donated and Wal Mart stated that they would also include a cash donation. Mrs. Clem made a motion to allow the carnival on the parking lot. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the Council recently authorized Talbottown's owner to use the parking lot for an event. He sees a similar situation here and he would like to see the event proceed as described. He made a second to the motion. The motion carried authorizing the use of the Wal Mart parking lot for this purpose.

A memo was received from the Mayor recommending the appointment of Mrs. Ellen General to the Mid Shore Cable Television Board. Mr. Mayer stated that he thought this was a perfect nomination. He made a motion to approve the appointment, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried.

Resolution No. 5579 which would change the parking spaces to a two hour limit on West Street between Federal Street and Bay Street was brought to the floor by the President. He asked for comments. The Town Engineer stated that this is a result of a request from a business person to the Mayor. He discussed the location. He stated that these spaces are currently used for all day parking and this would bring the street parking in line with the other areas. Mr. Mayer discussed the previous issue in this vicinity with the restaurant and the loading and unloading which is no longer necessary. The President of the Council questioned whether a grace period would be allowed. Mrs. Clem questioned whether a grace period is usually allowed. The President of the Council discussed notice to people of the change. Col. Chase stated that the Town will advertise this change. The Town Engineer advised that the signs could be placed with an orange placard advising of a different parking scenario. There being no further discussion, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, Resolution No. 5579 passed following a roll call vote with Mr. Heinmuller voting no.

A memo was received from the Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Lynn Thomas, regarding the HotSpot Community Grant Application. Mr. Thomas briefed the Council and the Mayor on this grant application. He stated that hopefully, it will be out tomorrow. Mr. Thomas stated that this was a herculean effort by a large number of people. He discussed Colonel Chase's efforts, communities, and Carolyn Jaffee who exerted enormous amounts of energy for this grant request. Mr. Thomas stated that he felt this was a strong request. The Mayor thanked Mr. Thomas and the Chief of Police for all the work done on this grant. Mr. Mayer commended the communities who got involved. Mr. Thomas discussed the budget summary including the grant local contribution. He discussed the cash versus in-kind issue and the proportion of what would be the Town of Easton's cash versus other resources.

Mr. Willey stated that he had neglected to recognize who had stood behind Officer Leatherberry's 30 years of service. The President of the Council then recognized Mrs. Leatherberry who received applause from all present.

The President of the Council brought a letter from Mr. John F. Ford, Easton Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman, which was forwarded with the Draft Comprehensive Plan for review to the floor. Mr. Ford was present and stated that this was a lot of work done by a lot of people. He discussed the time constraint of the State mandated adoption time. He stated that the spirit has been as much community input as possible. He encouraged the Council to hold a Public Hearing in spite of the time constraints. He stated that the Plan could be adopted then handle controversial areas as amendments later. The Town Attorney strongly urged the Town Council to have a public hearing based upon the history and the practice of the Council. The President of the Council set June 2 for the Public Hearing on the Draft Comprehensive Plan.

The President of the Council brought the resignation letter of Mr. Robert E. Aldrich, Jr., of the Housing Authority to the floor. Mr. Mayer moved acceptance of Mr. Aldrich's letter of resignation with regrets, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

The President of the Council stated that he would like to reschedule the date of the meeting with the Talbot County Council to discuss tax differential and other items. He suggested that May would be busy and suggested that the Town Council try to schedule this during the first week of June. Mrs. Clem suggested sending the County a couple of specific dates. The President of the Council stated that with the Council's approval, June 4 or 5 would be the target dates for a meeting with the County.

The President of the Council reminded the Council of the EBMA meeting tomorrow night at the Tidewater Inn.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 358, AAN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE TOWN CODE BY REPEALING AND REENACTING SECTION 2-3 AND 2-8 IN ORDER TO ROTATE MEMBERSHIP ON THE TOWN OF EASTON POLICE BOARD AND FIRE BOARD@ to the floor. Ordinance No. 358 was moved for passage by Mr. Heinmuller who stated that Mrs. Jones was instrumental in this effort and wanted to give her credit in movement of this Ordinance. Ordinance No. 358 was seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of the current Town Council.

The President of the Council stated that he has an issue from a previous meeting concerning a proposed change in the time of the Council meetings from 7:30 P.M. to either 6:30 P.M. or 7:00 P.M. He asked the Council members for their thoughts. Mr. Mayer stated that 7:00 P.M. is early enough. He stated that if an Executive Session is necessary, it could occur at 6:30 P.M. if needed. Mrs. Clem suggested starting at 6:30 P.M. The Mayor suggested starting at 6:30 P.M. and sometimes the Executive Sessions could be held for 2 hour if necessary. Mr. Mayer stated that he would have a hard time meeting at 6:30 P.M. due to business and that he preferred 7:00 P.M. Mr. Heinmuller agreed with Mr. Mayer. He discussed Executive Session timings as well as demands which would make the change to 6:30 very difficult for him. Mr. Mayer moved approval in the change of time of the Council meetings to 7:00 P.M. with scheduling Executive Sessions at 6:30 P.M. if necessary, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

The President of the Council stated that this schedule will become effective for the Town Council meetings beginning May 19, 1997.

Mrs. Clem asked to be notified in the Town Council packets if the meeting is to begin at 6:30 P.M. for an Executive Session; otherwise, the Town Council members would assume the meetings will begin at 7:00 P.M.

The President of the Council invited Ms. Betsy Townsend, reporter for The Star Democrat who had just returned from the Firehouse to advise the Council of the election results. Ms. Townsend passed the election results to the Mayor. The Mayor reported that a total of 112 people voted in the Regular Election of May 5, 1997. The President of the Council was won by Mr. Willey with 111 votes. Mr. Mayer received 33 votes and Mr. Heinmuller received 28 votes, each respectively in their wards. The Mayor offered his congratulations to each of the sitting members of the Council who were re-elected in the unopposed ballot.

The Chief of Police stated that he had listened to Mr. Parker being pro-active. He discussed a report of working with Easton High School. He discussed eleven students being interested in this program which went on from November to March. He discussed the program including ride alongs, communications, duties and records.

The Chief of Police reported on a meeting with Mr. Dills, the Town Planner and Mr. Dan Bridges to work out details of the Delmarva 500 Grand Prix. He stated that the Police Department is concerned over safety, parking and traffic. These concerns had been addressed during this positive meeting.

The Town Engineer offered congratulations to Mr. Willey, Mr. Mayer and Mr. Heinmuller. He invited the Council members to the Utilities operations if they would like to see it. The Town Engineer discussed the emergency repair of the culvert which was worse than anticipated. He discussed additional work required following moves of traffic and additional failures. He stated that the neighbors in the area had been extremely cooperative.

On the Utilities side, the May 15 deadline is nearing. He discussed meetings with DP & L and stated that he will let the Council members know the results.

FERC testimony, for the PJM restructuring will be on Friday.

On the Eastern Shore Natural Gas Settlement Conference issue, the General Manager stated that this appeared more like a technical conference. He discussed the protecting of interests of the customers.

At the State level, the Town Engineer reported that the Public Service Commission is looking at affiliated transactions for every utility in the state. He stated that motions had been heard that municipals should be exempt but he did not expect a favorable outcome.

The President of the Council discussed concerns raised at the last meeting by Mrs. Knud-Hansen concerning signage and/or painting. He asked if there had been progress on that matter. The Town Engineer reported that he was not sure that the painting will get the result desired in this case. He stated that the Town may want to contact the traffic engineers who were used for the Wrightson Avenue traffic survey and subsequent changes.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed good service which he received from the Cable TV department and with quick results. Mr. Heinmuller stated that during the Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan discussion, Mr. Thomas stated that a lot of people did a lot of work. Mr. Heinmuller recognized Mr. John Ford and Mr. Lynn Thomas as standing out and who should be included in the Town thanks. He also stated that the Town Planner was also there in the background. The Town Engineer stated that he appreciated the kind words and he will pass this along to the staff.

The Town Attorney offered congratulations to the three Council members who were re-elected today. The Town Attorney stated that Mrs. Jones had served on the Town Council for a number of years and suggested that it might be appropriate to draft a resolution thanking her for her exemplary service. The Town Council indicated their desire to proceed with such a resolution and directed the Town Attorney to draft such a resolution.

The President of the Council discussed having meetings on May 20 and 21 for budget workshops with the department heads. The Town Engineer asked for specifics for scheduling purposes. The President of the Council stated that on the May 20 at 6:30 P.M., the Public Works and Planning & Zoning Department would go first with the Fire Department scheduled AST 7:30 P.M. with an anticipated stop time of approximately 8:00 P.M.

On May 21, the Police Department would be scheduled for 6:30 P.M. The Parks and Recreation Department was scheduled for 7:30 P.M.

Mr. Mayer stated that the way the Comprehensive Plan was done this time was totally different than in the past. He discussed the community input. He stated that he thinks that this is probably a fairer result than anything before.

The Town Planner reported that Mr. Thomas is the draftsman of the document and that the State of Maryland stated that this was the best written plan in the state as it relates to style.

Mr. Mayer discussed yards and enforcement action necessary to keep certain people from having yards get out of shape.

Mrs. Clem shared a conversation which she had with a parent at Easton High School concerning the band contest in Smoky Mountain where there were five chaperones and 35 students and they were complimented over and over on their awards and behavior. She discussed the report by the parent of a large number of groups hiring security guards to watch the behavior of the band members. She felt this was nice coming from a parent and discussed the coveted honors won.

Mr. Heinmuller reported that he is the Neighborhood Watch Captain in his area. He stated that on June 8, he would like to propose that a meeting and party occur and to close Wilson Alley between Brook and Earle Avenue from approximately 12:00 noon to 6:00 P.M. for purposes of allowing that meeting and the party. Mr. Mayer stated that this has been done before. Mr. Heinmuller stated that this had been done in this area before except on Hanson Street.

Mr. Heinmuller made the motion, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried to close the Wilson Alley.

The President of the Council asked if there were any audience comments. There were none.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 P.M.

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Town Clerk