SPECIAL MEETING
June 17, 1997
The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 6:30 PM. The meeting was called to order by the President with the following members present: Mr. Ford and Mrs. Clem. Also attending the meeting were the Mayor and County Council members who including Mr. Anderson, Mr. Bradley, Mr. Kinlock and Mr. Andrew.
Discussion followed on tax differential. Mr. Bradley stated that MACO is forming a study committee to address this on a state wide basis. Discussion followed on the amount of tax differential that was included with the County budget which has previously been passed.
Mr. Heinmuller arrived at 6:39 P.M.
Discussion followed on whether the County would be willing to sit down and look at this matter. Mr. Bradley stated that the County is willing to look at it but they were not willing to subsidize a political decision of the Town.
Discussion followed on liquor license issues. Mr. Bradley stated that he expected the Council would see a draft of the liquor law proposed ordinance next week.
Mr. Mayer joined the meeting at 6:44 P.M.
Mr. Heinmuller discussed zoning impacts and requirements of the new liquor licensing.
Mayor Butler asked the Council concerning the Clark annexation, whether the County Council had any idea to hooking up the airport to water and sewer. General Anderson stated that there is a need and this could be looked at. Discussion followed on the issue.
General Anderson discussed expansion plans of the airport which would be restricted within the current boundaries. He stated that they are interested in hooking up the water and sewer. Discussion followed on the size, capacity and the limitations of the airport. Mr. Heinmuller discussed Fire Department concerns at the airport and questioned who should help coordinate this. Mr. Bradley suggested using Mr. David Mann who is Chairman of the Airport Authority or the manager of the airport Mr. Joe Marsh.
The Mayor asked whether the Council including the County Council had a feeling that the proposed annexation in the vicinity of Black & Decker should be within the Town or the County. Mr. Bradley stated that if the applicant wants to come into the Town, he did not think that the County Council would object.
The Mayor raised the parking issue and discussed court session, etcetera, which constrict parking. He questioned whether there are any plans for a county lot and suggested that this may be considered.
Mr. Bradley offered a deal to allow the Fire Department to burn a building directly behind the jail and the County would then turn over the lot for a Talbot County Employee Parking Lot. He stated that this could not occur until after July 1.
Mrs. Clem suggested a regular meeting of the same sort with the County and the department heads. Mr. Bradley stated that he thought that 7:00 PM was better timing. The consensus was to attempt these meetings twice a year. Discussion followed on common objectives. The President of the Council suggested March and September on the first Tuesday, but since the County was already previously committed, the second Tuesday in September will be the first meeting at 7:00 PM at the Airport Conference Room. The other municipalities will be invited.
Mr. Bradley discussed future thinking concerning why four municipalities and the county all have police forces. He suggested that in the future, these will have to be combined. He discussed paid versus volunteer fire companies.
Mr. Ford discussed a meeting which was held between the Talbot County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town of Easton Planning Commission where the question was asked whether the County wonders why the Town does things a certain way. Mr. Andrews stated that he wondered why the Town did not come to the rezoning hearing on the property which has been previously discussed in the vicinity of Black & Decker.
Discussion followed on that matter and necessary coordination.
There being no further business, Mr. Willey thanked the County Council and adjourned the meeting at 7:23 P.M.
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Town Clerk