June 2, 1997

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 7:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order by the President with the following members present: Mrs. Clem and Mr. Heinmuller. The President of the Council stated that Mr. Mayer was absent with the flu. Also attending the meeting were the Mayor, Town Attorney, Town Engineer, Assistant Town Engineer, Assistant Town Planner and Chief of Police.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mrs. Clem.

Upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, minutes of the May 19 meeting were approved as written.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5583 which would authorize the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $3,581.40 to the floor. Resolution No. 5583 was moved for passage by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members of the current Council who were present.

At 7:05 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on the proposed Comprehensive Plan. The Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Thomas, discussed the Planning Commission's Public Hearing. He stated that they have received no written comments from the ad which was run for this Public Hearing. He discussed the visioning process. The Assistant Town Planner invited Mr. Ford, Chairman of the Planning Commission to offer comments. Mr. Ford had no comments at this stage. The Town Planner stated that he was prepared to answer questions. The President of the Council invited audience questions. The Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Thomas, pointed out the map behind the Council with the plan and outline form. The President of the Council again invited comments or concerns.

Mrs. Clem questioned how long the comment period would be left open. The President of the Council stated that it would be left open for five days or a week or so. Mr. Thomas discussed the tremendous amount of public input in the process.

Mr. Thomas Wright, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission stated that Ms. Sylvia Gannon was present and that she might have a question. Ms. Gannon stated that she had asked for clarification over meetings that she had in the past year about the usage in and around the airport and their family farm in particular. She stated that there is no issue. She stated that she would suggest that she would like a footnote that this occurs and that the map does not show this due to the physical constraints of the map.

The Town Attorney questioned whether this was in the text. The Town Planner stated that it was not. He discussed why this was not included in the Plan as industrial land since the Planning Commission felt there was already enough industrial land. The Town Planner stated that this could be looked at any time.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he does not normally comment on matters during a public hearing. He commended the Planning and Zoning Commission, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ford and Mr. Hamilton as well as the participants on the process. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the plan is inclusive of the thoughts of the people who will live here.

The President of the Council invited other comments. There being none, he closed the Public Hearing on the proposed Comprehensive Plan at 7:12 P.M.

The President of the Council invited the Mayor to discuss his recommended appointment to the Historic District Commission. Mayor Butler stated that the Historic District Commission Chairman, Mr. Kirby, has suggested Ms. Sandra Bemis to serve the remainder of Mr. John Pierson's term. Mr. Pierson will be reappointed to replace Ms. Marilyn Kline's position. Mr. Heinmuller stated that this is an excellent choice. Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to approve the appointment, was seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried.

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor concerning speed control in Thread Haven. The Town Engineer discussed the information available on traffic calming. He stated that most were high priced alternatives. The Town Engineer discussed two suggestions which are outlined in the memo summarized by the installation of a three way STOP sign on Londonderry Drive and secondly, continued speed enforcement. The Town Engineer discussed the radar efforts which helped.

The President of the Council asked if there were any comments. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he felt the Town should try the three way STOP since the residents have asked for some kind of mitigation. Mrs. Clem stated that this has also come up in Mecklenburg and asked if it was possible to report speeders anonymously. Col. Chase stated that it was. Mrs. Clem offered a second to Mr. Heinmuller's suggestion to try a three way STOP sign. The President of the Council stated that before implementation, Mr. Joe Ross and Ms. Knud-Hansen who were present before the Council should be notified.

There being no further discussion, the motion passed.

The President of the Council referred the Grace Lutheran Church parking request to the Police Board for consideration.

The President of the Council referred a request from St. Mark's to use Idlewild Park for Sunday services to the Park Board.

The President of the Council brought the request of the Church of the Nazarene to waive the building permit fees to the floor for comments or a motion. Mrs. Clem questioned whether this had been done before and was answered in the affirmative. Mrs. Clem moved approval of the waiving of the fee with a second by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

At 7:20 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on the Budget proposed for the fiscal year 1997-98. The Mayor stated that he was pleased to present a balanced budget. He stated that this total is slightly more than 7 million dollars which is the largest Town budget. He stated that this represents the Town's best estimate available. He stated that the tax rate presented is the same prided by the elected officials which is $1 per $100 assessment since 1954. He discussed growth and careful control of expenditures. He stated that priorities are public safety and public works. Increased expenditures are proposed for parks. He discussed demands and attempts to redirect youth. Other priorities include Economic Development. The Mayor stated that this is a balanced view including attraction of new and clean businesses. He discussed the low rates of tax with predictability. Another area of priority is to increase data processing capabilities in the Town Office. The Mayor discussed constraints including many demands from many worthy causes. He discussed the circumstances available so that there was more than $1 million more in requests than available funding. He stated that this is difficult to balance and that is easier to view from an overall perspective. The Mayor then displayed various slides with budget summaries and graphs. He then invited questions.

The President of the Council stated that the Council would also accept questions on the Council's decision to leave the Constant Yield Tax Rate at $1 per $100 which Public Hearing is being held concurrently with the Budget Public Hearing. The President of the Council discussed the rules. The Mayor thanked the Town Clerk and the Administrative staff for assistance with preparation of the budget.

Ms. Janet Pfeffer, 609 South Street, a member of Talbot Partnership asked the Council to reconsider funding requested for that agency in the budget. She stated that two members of the Board are present.

Mr. Leon Tilghman, 823 Chapel Farms Drive, was present and read a statement appearing for funds.

Ms. Karen Graf, 219 S. Harrison Street, discussed the courses in communication. She stated that she has personally led four or five of these courses. She discussed helping establish the Tough Love Program.

Mr. Tilghman discussed funding over 50 projects and detailed those including the pool programs. He stated that they need the financial support of the Council.

Ms. Pfeffer invited the Mayor and Council to the annual meeting which is one week from tonight. She asked the Council to consider $5,000 and asked for a four figure range. She then offered other government figures including St. Michaels which contributed $1,000. Ms. Pfeffer thanked the Town Council.

The Mayor asked if there were any county funds being set aside for Partnership. Ms. Pfeffer stated that $2,500 had been set aside for Partnership.

The President of the Council asked if anyone else had anything for the Council on the Budget Public Hearing. There being no comments, he closed the Budget Public Hearing at 7:38 P.M.

Mr. Ken Bush was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. He passed out reports to the Council on statistics of the prior month.

The Mayor stated that last Friday there was a meeting of the State Highway Administration. He stated that a proposal has been made by EBMA to extend Bay Street and that a cost factor is necessary from the State as well as a cost estimate.

Col. Chase stated that over the past weekend, the Police Department had done a tremendous job. He stated that the Easton Police Department and the Task Force had conducted a sweep which arrested seven drug dealers and still have four more warrants out. Col. Chase discussed a domestic violence case on Friday afternoon which escalated. The Chief discussed a report of a suspicious death on Saturday night and reported that the death was actually due to naturally causes. He asked for any questions.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he had two items. The first was recognition of a letter where Sgt. Hobbs had been accepted at the FBI National Academy. He stated that it was an honor to be selected and offered congratulations. The second item Mr. Heinmuller discussed was the forming of a Neighborhood Watch and questioned the best method. Col. Chase stated that the best way is to call Cpl. Wright who will handle the details. Mr. Heinmuller discussed Neighborhood Watches which are active and the benefits to the neighborhoods.

The Town Engineer stated that he had received plans for sidewalks along Port Street on Friday and the construction started today. The Town Engineer discussed speed control on Thread Haven. He discussed the paving proceeding and discussed the methods used which varies somewhat from various years. The Town Engineer reported that S. Aurora Street near Dutchman's Lane will close to allow replacement of the culvert which failed. He stated that Bramble will be the contractor and it will occur for about two days.

On the Utilities side, Mr. Grunden reported that the Eastern Shore Natural Gas case has had a settlement offer put forward. He discussed the conference and meetings which will occur and stated that he will keep the Council posted. Concerning the PJM restructuring, he stated that this is going forward and that a filing had been made this morning. The Town Engineer discussed intervention and impacts on the DP&L agreement as well as the interchange. He hoped to have this finished on Friday. The Town Engineer discussed Third Street which is currently closed. He discussed erosion and the affect on the electric and sewer main since they are now exposed due to the erosion.

The President of the Council asked for any comments.

Mr. Heinmuller asked for a progress report on the Rails-to-Trails project. Mr. Lineberry, the Assistant Town Engineer stated that the contractors were on site. He discussed the storm drainage installed. He discussed the paving plans. The Assistant Town Engineer stated that a small portion north of Cherry Street is completed. He discussed construction used in that area. He stated that the contractor has 120 days to complete which would be approximately the end of July.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned whether there was any anticipated problems with the businesses using a portion of the Rails-to-Trails for a parking area. Mr. Lineberry discussed this and stated that they do not anticipate a problem. He discussed options which would be available to restrict access in areas and to prevent non emergency vehicles from using the trail. Mr. Heinmuller discussed old and inoperable vehicles and asked Mr. Hamilton for his comments.

The Town Planner stated that if these vehicles are abandoned it will be looked into and they will be removed. He stated that there are no requirements for the owner in particular to screen that area.

The Town Attorney asked the Council to consider Resolution No. 5584 which has been amended to include rent rebate including the Block Grant of $120,000 and other donations solicited by the Health Department. The Town Attorney stated that the Council could act tonight if they wish. He stated that Mr. Heinmuller's comments concerning maintenance had been addressed on pages five and six in '8.3 where the Health Department will pay for these costs.

Mrs. Clem made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5584, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller. The President of the Council stated that the Council will vote at the next meeting since there are no time constraints and he would like to have a full Council seated at the time of the vote.

The President of the Council asked if there were any other audience comments. Mr. Otis Sampson, Chairman of the Park Board thanked the Mayor and Council on behalf of the Park Board for the budget allotment.

The President of the Council then moved Resolution No. 5582, the Town of Easton Budget for the twelve month period from July 1, 1997 as submitted by Mayor C. Eugene Butler for a first reading. The President of the Council also moved Ordinance No. 359, AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RAISING BY TAXATION THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO PAY THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON THE VARIOUS BOND ISSUES AND THE REDUCTION OF CERTAIN BONDS AND NOTES FOR THE PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS AND SETTING THE INTEREST AND PENALTY FOR DELINQUENT BILLS, COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 1997 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 1998.

The President of the Council discussed a letter coming in concerning skateboards at the time of the tragic experience in Trappe where a child was killed. He referred this matter to the Police Board.

Mrs. Clem stated that she had received calls concerning the basketball hoops but she felt that the Council should wait until Mr. Mayer was present. Mrs. Clem discussed the struggle with the needs of the young people and the safety of road issues. She discussed her belief that alternatives should be offered and stated that although these matters clearly do not belong on the streets. She stated that there is a gray area when this occurs on personal property.

The Town Attorney stated that this is a Council decision whether it is appropriate and in many neighborhoods, the portable basketball nets are right on the edge of Town property. He stated that typically, three to four feet back from the street edge would be Town property and discussed this matter further.

Mrs. Clem questioned whether or not Parks and Recreation could look at this matter. She discussed calls in her neighborhood where people are almost running in to kids playing basketball in the streets. She asked if the Town could identify appropriate areas through the Park Board to provide alternatives and stated that she agrees that there is a need for some cooperation. She discussed issues creating problems.

The Town Attorney stated that he believes that there are two different problems. He discussed one such as the basketball court being placed on his driveway. The second would include the annoyance to the neighbors. He also discussed the possibility of neighborhood basketball courts.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that this is a subject which concerns him. He stated that the one Town of Easton court is continuously in use. He stated that he supports children and adults getting involved in activities which are good for their physical well being. He stated that he gets concerned that some less dense area could have a standard applied which the very dense Fourth Ward could not meet. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he would rather hear basketballs bouncing rather than shooting guns.

The President of the Council reminded the Council members of a meeting on June 4 at 7:30 P.M. to discuss the Budget and a meeting on June 17 with the County Council beginning at 6:30 P.M.

The President of the Council asked for approval of the invoices totaling $820,007.93. Upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the invoices were approved.

The President of the Council stated that this was last call for anyone who had comments for the Town Council.

Ms. Rosemary Garrett, 102 S. Aurora Street, delivered an invitation to attend the June 14 Rails-to-Trails dedication ceremony by the East End Neighborhood Association.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffee, 412 August Street, asked if the meeting with the County Council was an open public meeting. The President of the Council stated that she could come and enjoy.

The Mayor discussed Mr. Dick Allen's Character Counts Program. He discussed the signs which were proposed including the six sides of the pavilion at Idlewild Park. He displayed a sample. He also displayed a sample and discussed the signs proposed for the front of the Council table. He stated that there is only one bid and asked whether he should continue. The President of the Council stated that it is not a bad idea depending upon the cost. Mr. Heinmuller suggested the ability to move the signs around on the Council desk. The President of the Council suggested that the Mayor gather all the facts and come back and see the Council.

The President of the Council reminded everyone that on June 26, the NASCAR Jr. Races would occur.

Mr. Heinmuller added that on June 27, 28 and 29, at the Academy of the Arts there would be an antique sale to benefit Talbot County Heart Association.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:19 P.M.

____________________________________________

Town Clerk

ADDENDUM TO THE TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES

Subsequent to the Council meeting, Mr. Edward Patchett, Supervisor of Elections appeared and reported the election results for the First Ward seat which occurred today whereby Mr. John F. Ford was elected with 143 votes to the First Ward Council member's chair to Mr. David M. Stavely's 69 votes.