August 18, 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. Mr. Heinmuller was absent since he was out of town. Also attending the meeting were the Mayor, Chief of Police, Assistant Town Engineer, Mr. Lineberry; Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Thomas; Director of Parks and Recreation, Mr. Roger Eareckson.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, minutes of the August 4 meeting were approved as written.

The Mayor presented a Proclamation to Mr. Roger Eareckson in honor of his service as Director of Parks and Recreation. Mr. Eareckson offered comments thanking the Town and discussing activities. He also introduced Mr. Michael Morse who is the proposed new Director of Parks and Recreation.

Mrs. Clem stated that it was a pleasure to have Mr. Morse associated with the Town of Easton. She stated that she has known him for years and believes the Town is fortunate to have him. Mr. Mayer stated that Mr. Morse's resume speaks for itself and that he is very pleased to have him on board. Mr. Mayer made a motion to accept the appointment as detailed in the memo from the Mayor, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried.

Mr. Morse thanked the Council and stated that he looked forward to working with them and hoped that he could bring the same level as enthusiasm to the department as Mr. Eareckson.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5591 to the floor which would change parking on the east side of Thorogood Lane from Dover Street to August Street to a No Parking Zone and removing one parking space from the northeast corner of Thorogood Lane and Dover Street. The President of the Council stated that this would be a first reading and that action would be taken at the next Council meeting when there is a full Council.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5592 which would authorize the Town Clerk to make budget transfers required for funding Mid Shore Cable Television's request to the floor. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford, Resolution No. 5592 passed unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

A memo from the Town Engineer concerning street lighting on Holly Road was brought to the floor. Mr. Lineberry stated that it was self explanatory and stated that it was standard for a developer to pay these costs when the property is developed. He stated that a cost estimate had been developed.

Mrs. Clem discussed the Homeowner's Association in the area and stated that she would like a letter with an estimate stating the Town's desire to work with the Association to install the lights at their expense.

Discussion followed. Mr. Lineberry indicated that he would contact the President of the Homeowner's Association.

At 7:10 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing for the purpose of gathering input on the construction of the Family Support Center as required under the Block Grant Agreement. The Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Thomas stated that the project is now being constructed. He stated that it had partially been funded with CDBG funds and requires two Public Hearings; one before and one during construction but prior to completion for concerns. He stated that he has no presentation but Ms. Kathy Foster was present. Mr. Thomas stated that the project is on schedule. The President of the Council asked if there were any Council comments.

Mrs. Clem questioned access using an elevator from the front. Mr. Thomas stated that this is correct and discussed it. Mrs. Clem stated that the building looks attractive. The President of the Council asked if there were any audience comments. There were none.

Mrs. Joan Banks of the We Care Coin-Op Laundromat raised a concern about trucks parking and blocking their business. The President of the Council asked Mr. Thomas to handle Mrs. Banks' concern. There being no further discussion, the Public Hearing was closed at 7:16 P.M.

Mr. Matt Lamotte and Mr. John K. Waters were present to discuss the Waterfowl Festival Transportation Plan. Mr. Lamotte discussed the changes primarily centering on the extra busses and the streamlined routes. He stated that they have requested parking spaces on both sides of Washington Street in the vicinity of the Courthouse and stated that they anticipate a successful 27^th Waterfowl Festival.

Mr. Mayer asked if the Chief of Police had any problems with the plan proposed. The Chief stated that he did not and recommended approval. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, the Waterfowl Festival Transportation Plan was approved.

The President of the Council asked Mr. Thomas to discuss the Inner Courtyard Task Force report which is included in this Council meeting's packet. Mr. Thomas discussed the previously unresolved questions. He discussed the history of the appointment of the Task Force and the studies performed by Quinn Evans. He outlined the conclusions. He stated that this was the end product of the Task Force. Mr. Thomas stated that the Task Force respectively presents the report and is willing to entertain any questions.

The President of the Council stated that he had read the report and it is filled with information. He discussed the previous concerns of the Council. The President of the Council stated that if there are no questions from the Council, where should we go from here? Mrs. Clem stated that the committee recommended moving forward with the Economic Feasibility Study. She stated that this was included in the budget. She stated that she feels it is necessary for community input and she wished that Mr. Heinmuller was present so there would be a full Council to take appropriate actions. Mrs. Clem stated that she thinks it is time for the next step.

The President of the Council questioned if there were people already interested in doing the study. Mr. Thomas stated that he has received some interest and stated that a RFP could be done. The President of the Council directed that a RFP be prepared. Mrs. Clem stated that she felt it was valuable to talk to communities that have worked with consultants in similar situations. Mr. Mayer stated that conclusions are adequate for direction. He stated that he is not overwhelmed with the Bay Street extension but it is different than the Inner Courtyard and he thinks that the Inner Courtyard would help more. Mr. Ford stated that he was curious about the marketing campaign with the Town Center as the destination in general.

The Town Attorney discussed his marketing campaign proposal which is similar to the Williamsburg, Virginia method and did not think that the Task Force went beyond a general suggestion. The Town Attorney discussed diverting tourists from Route 50 within reasonable numbers.

The President of the Council stated that he agreed with Mrs. Clem's assessment that he would prefer the entire Council be present. He suggested that the Council be prepared to vote at the next meeting.

Mrs. Clem stated that she thinks anything the Council decides, needs to be for the entire Town. She discussed two weeks ago hearing very interesting ideas about Bay Street and Talbottown in a different way and the need for good dialogue and good ideas. Mr. Mayer agreed and discussed that matter further.

A letter was received from Dr. Sam Meek, Talbot County Public Schools, requesting the waiving of fees for site plan review, building permit and all other related fees for the proposed Automotive Technology Center at Easton High School.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, this request was approved.

A letter was received from Mr. Stephen C. Leocha, Chesapeake Antique Center, Inc., requesting that the parking area at 29 South Harrison Street be changed from residential to the same as other businesses on the block.

Mr. Mayer asked the Colonel if he had seen this request. Col. Chase stated that he had not. The President of the Council referred the request to the Police Board for their recommendation.

The President of the Council asked if there were any audience comments.

Mr. Tim Dills discussed a follow up letter from his discussion two weeks ago. He suggested a Charette to look at various issues regarding Bay Street. He discussed this concept and the teams and possible competition scenarios. He discussed his experience in Denton. Mr. Dills discussed possibilities and ideas which come up in Open Session. He suggested that Mr. Heinmuller be considered as the moderator and volunteered use of the JC Penney building for this purpose. He stated that he supports the Inner Courtyard and this ties in nicely. He discussed timing and recommended Legg Mason or some other group look at this concept hard and crunch the numbers. He thanked the Council.

The President of the Council asked if there were any questions from the Council.

Mr. Mayer asked what Mr. Dills required from the Town. Mr. Dills requested a moderator and stated that Talbottown will foot the bill for the traffic study.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone else.

Mr. Mark Walsh discussed the Inner Courtyard being designed with a great deal of public awareness and input. He stated that he had always included Bay Street as a part of that. He stated that he hated the idea of delaying this project but it has not been looked at in detail. He stated that this can be done in a timely fashion and it will be a better product.

Mrs. Clem discussed trying to interest citizens into investing tax dollars. She discussed reticence on Bay Street as presented. She discussed the new process to bring people from many backgrounds and areas and termed this as an exciting function of governments.

Mr. Ford stated that the Bay Street extension has been in the Comprehensive Plan since 1989. He stated that there has been progress lately but there are not dynamics. He thinks that the project could take off if people get interested.

Mr. Mayer discussed possible advantages of a Charette to inform the public.

Mrs. Rose Miles was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department and stated that they had nothing to report.

The Mayor thanked everyone for their help in the dedication of the George P. Murphy District Court Building. He stated that it was a team effort and thanked the Council for coming. He stated that it is not often that the Governor, Lt. Governor and the State Comptroller are all present in Easton at the same time.

The Mayor discussed the MML Fall Legislative Conference and asked that reservations be turned into Mrs. Ruf as soon as possible. He stated that the conference will occur on October 16 through October 18. The Mayor stated that on August 23, the Rails-to-Trails would be opened at 11:00 A.M. He thanked Mr. Ben Lineberry and Mr. Tim Glass for their efforts.

The Town Engineer joined the meeting at 7:49 P.M.

Col. Chase stated that at the last meeting, Vacation Bible School obtained permission to engage in activities on October 22 and stated that they would like to change the hay ride from 12:00 noon to 2:00 P.M. He stated that he had no problem with the request. Mr. Mayer asked if there was insurance and Col. stated that he was advised there was insurance.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the time change for the hayride was approved.

Col. Chase discussed the August 12 meeting of the Law Enforcement Action Team and stated that the same concerns had arisen over the Talbot County Liquor License Law as at the Council workshop. He stated that he would be attending the Maryland Chiefs of Police meeting in Ocean City from September 7 until September 11.

The Town Engineer discussed the traffic light at Glebe Road and Washington Street being re-erected by Wednesday following an accident which knocked the light down. He discussed the two outages yesterday and the 69KV breaker which failed. The Town Engineer discussed a lightning strike last night. He reported that he had just returned from Baltimore and discussed repairs and progress. The Town Engineer briefly discussed the Maryland Public Service Commission's retail access activities.

Mr. Ford reported that the last weekend in June 1998, the Maritime Museum will hold the Wooden Boat Show and expects 12,000 to 15,000 people in the area.

Mr. Mayer discussed the Easton Celebrations carnival at Wal Mart.

Mrs. Clem discussed the article on U-Star in the Star Democrat today. She discussed the bus running from Easton to Chestertown and back and questioned what services U-Star offers and what is the history. Mrs. Clem wondered what kind of information studies would be available and suggested inviting U-Star to discuss their services. Mrs. Clem stated that this entity is supported by Talbot County taxes. The President of the Council stated that he would like a rough idea of what they do. The Town Clerk was directed to write a letter to U-Star requesting information.

The President of the Council asked the Council member from the First Ward, Mr. Ford and the Councilmember from the Second Ward, Mr. Mayer; to represent the Town Council in setting up the volunteer reception for the Town of Easton Boards and Commissions to be held in the fall.

The President of the Council asked if some type of survey could be done in response to Mrs. Dawkins' concerns. The Town Engineer stated that he has spoken with Mrs. Dawkins and stated that the Resolution presented previously having to do with parking on Thorogood Lane should address her concerns.

The President of the Council asked for a motion on invoices totaling $1,144,085.38. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the invoices were approved.

The President of the Council asked if anyone else present had anything before the Council.

Mr. Mark Walsh of EBMA stated that if the Council chose to go with the Charette, a scenario proposed by Mr. Dills, the meeting with EBMA on August 27 could be canceled. The President of the Council stated that he would like to keep the meeting as scheduled on August 27.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M.

____________________________________________

Town Clerk