July 21, 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: Mr. Ford, Mr. Mayer and Mrs. Clem. Also attending the meeting were the Mayor, the Town Engineer, the Chief of Police, the Town Attorney, and Assistant Town Engineer, Mr. Lineberry. Mr. Heinmuller was excused due to illness.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mr. Ford.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, minutes of the July 7 meeting were approved as written.

The President of the Council asked for discussion on Resolution No. 5587, A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING AND REVISING RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO PARKING SPACES IN PARKING LOT NO. 7 (WEST STREET) WHICH IS CURRENTLY REFERRED TO AS THE GOLD PERMIT LOT. There was no discussion. Upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Ford, Resolution No. 5587 was passed unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council asked for an explanation on Resolution No. 5588 to formally authorize submission of the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant package. Col. Chase stated this was straight forward. Mrs. Clem discussed the audit requirements. The Town Clerk discussed the Single Audit requirements which the Town is required to comply with. There being no further discussion, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem, Resolution No. 5588 passed unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

A memo was received from the Mayor discussing the proposed gardens at the Town office. The Mayor explained the information contained in the memo and stated that the Town cost would be approximately $9,143.52. He asked for Council approval. Mr. Willey questioned the sidewalk space. The Mayor stated this would leave plenty of room. Mrs. Clem questioned whether this had come up before. The Mayor discussed the history of this project. Mrs. Clem discussed just finishing the budget and expressed concern over using the Contingency Fund at this time without minimizing this particular project. The Mayor stated that this could come out of Contingency or the General Fund Mayor's Account. Mr. Mayer stated that he assumes that this could be construed to include Town labor and materials. The Mayor detailed the listing of work to be performed.

The Town Engineer discussed in-kind services which were budgeted. He stated he did not foresee additional expenditures over the approved budget for this project. He stated that this would be all Town in-kind services and that it is not free but an attempt to quantify the cost of the project. Mrs. Clem questioned whether the Town Engineer thought this should be done now or wait until the next budget year. The Town Engineer stated that he felt this should be done now and make the Town office area look better as it should.

Mr. Lineberry reported that the Garden Club has had money for at least a year and would like to use it for this particular project. Mrs. Clem discussed the benefits of the project and expressed concerns over using Contingency.

There being no further discussion, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, permission was granted to proceed with the Garden Club's proposed gardens at the Town office.

A letter was received from Dr. Sam Meek, Superintendent of Schools asking for waiver of the site plan review for the automotive technology center in the amount of $100. Mr. Mayer questioned whether this was the first part of waiver for additional items on this project. Mr. Thomas stated that the next item would be the building permit. Mr. Mayer suggested looking at the whole abatement. The President of the Council questioned whether a letter should be sent. Mr. Ford stated that he felt it was reasonable to think that the Board of Education could calculate the total fees. Mr. Thomas discussed ways to estimate the costs involved.

Memos were received from the Mayor regarding various appointments. The President of the Council suggested that all be acted on at the same time. Those recommended are Mr. Tom Bachelor to fill Mr. Pierson's three year term on Historic District Commission; Mr. Rudy Strickland to the Board of Appeals for the remainder of Mr. Mac Morrell's term and Mr. Dave Bishop to serve as a member of the Waterfowl Festival Commission.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, the appointments were approved.

The President of the Council brought a request from Mr. Chip Eaton, President of Mid-Shore Community Television to the floor which requested continuation of Town funding to assist broadcast costs. The President of the Council questioned the match status of the prior year. The Town Clerk discussed this. The President of the Council asked that a summary be prepared for the next Town Council meeting.

The President of the Council brought the memo from the Assistant Town Planner to the floor which concerns the Talbot Family Support Center and consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Thomas discussed this and also reminded the Council of the necessary second public hearing. The President of the Council questioned when this would be needed. Mr. Lineberry estimated that this would be needed at the end of August. The President of the Council set the Public Hearing for August 18, 1997 at 7:10 P.M.

Mr. Mayer asked if there was a need for an indication from the Town of Easton. The President of the Council asked for a motion. Mr. Mayer moved to accept the plan, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried.

The President of the Council brought a memo from Mr. Lynn Thomas concerning Main Street Maryland to the floor. His memo stated that a Public Hearing is required prior to September 30. The President of the Council asked Mr. Thomas for a Main Street briefing. Mr. Thomas discussed the background including the Maryland program. He stated that each was recognized under the Maryland plan. He stated that this is not a grant and the pluses are recognition. He discussed the ability to complete applications.

Mrs. Clem asked about potential costs which the Council would have to deal with. Mr. Thomas stated this would require the hiring of a Main Street Manager and he stated that Mr. Ed Turner's job could be used for this purpose.

Mr. Ken Bush was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. He stated he had nothing to report.

The Mayor stated that he understood it was a nice concert at Idlewild on Saturday. He asked for comments on the Character Counts signs which were placed on the pavilion. The President of the Council stated that he had heard nice comments on those signs.

The Chief of Police reported that on July 17, there was over spray from District Court where 22 vehicles were covered with some paint including 14 police cars. The Chief of Police stated that this damage will be covered by insurance.

The Chief of Police reported on the request from the Samuel T. Hemsley Lodge 974 and the Blake Blackstone Lodge for a family day on August 2, 1997. He discussed the local youth marching unit and asked to block the streets. He recommended approval. Upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried, permission was granted.

The Chief of Police asked for questions on the police report. Mr. Mayer stated that he noticed that the speeds go up in the summer. The President of the Council stated that he noticed that the closure rate was down from the prior year rate which was close to 70% then. The Chief of Police stated that was correct.

The Town Engineer reported that the Rails-to-Trails project is nearing completion. He discussed this and stated that it will be a real asset.

On the Utilities side, Mr. Grunden stated it was a challenging day. He discussed a system wide outage which occurred at approximately 11:30 A.M. Mr. Grunden stated that most people were back up within 45 minutes. The Town Engineer reported that it was two hours approximately before everyone could be back on. He discussed a failed lightening arrester at Plant No. 2 which apparently triggered the shut down. The Town Engineer reported that he was joined by the Mayor and the press at the control room and invited the Council during the next incident. The Mayor stated that there was no confusion and everything was calm and smooth. He commended everyone involved at the Utilities for a great job.

The Town Engineer reported on the regulatory side on the Eastern Natural Shore Gas case which is close to a settlement effort. On the electric side, he stated that the Easton Utilities Commission had applied for membership in the PJM Power Pool. He discussed the ideas behind deregulation and competition.

The Town Engineer reported that the Maryland Public Service Commission is taking up retail access. He discussed the framework of issues and notices and responses. The Town Engineer discussed the legislation for establishing a Task Force and advisory group and stated that he had been appointed to the Task Force on behalf of the Easton Utilities Commission by the State of Maryland. He stated that he feels it is important to participate.

The Town Engineer stated that he was able to attend the Electric Brigade concert Saturday and stated that he was impressed and applauded those involved.

The President of the Council thanked the Town Engineer for the lights at Pine Street, Park Street and South Street.

The President of the Council questioned when vehicular traffic would be stopped from proceeding down the Rails-to-Trails which is currently under construction. The Assistant Town Engineer discussed this. The Town Engineer stated that they would ask the contractor to cordon off the area and stated that one of the complainants was contacted regarding this matter.

The Town Attorney discussed a noise ordinance which has been passed by the State which prohibits any noise which is audible 50' away. He stated that this does not go into effect until October 1. The Town Attorney stated that he will prepare a Town Ordinance which will mirror the State Law to cover the time period between now and October 1.

The President of the Council asked if anyone present had any comments for the Town Council. There were none.

The Town Attorney stated that he would like to have an Executive Session concerning the acquisition or sale of real estate.

Mr. Roger Eareckson stated that he had passed a report to the Council of Parks and Recreation activities and offered additional comments. He stated that he appreciated support especially of the Easton Utilities Commission who found an electric problem Saturday night during the concert. He asked for questions.

Mr. Mayer stated that it appears to him as so that the program is mirroring the numbers from last year. Mr. Eareckson stated that they are very close.

Mrs. Clem stated that she has had calls with interest in Mr. Eareckson's position which he is about to vacate. She also discussed praise received for Mr. Eareckson's performance.

The President of the Council asked if there were any other audience comments. Mr. Mac Allen discussed basketball and various other items relating to juveniles and the justice system.

The President of the Council thanked Mr. Allen for attending.

The President of the Council asked if anyone else had anything for the Town Council. There was no response.

The President of the Council brought invoices in the amount of $1,190,370.09 to the floor. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, payment of the invoices was approved.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of the Town Council members present, the Town Council went into Executive Session at 8:00 P.M. to discuss the acquisition or sale of real estate.

The President of the Council declared the Executive Session closed at 8:45 P.M.

The Town Engineer stated that for the Council members information, they are moving the Building Inspector and the Rental Housing Inspector to the Utilities Plant for operational reasons.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:46 P.M.

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Town Clerk