JOINT TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

WITH COUNTY COUNCIL

November 18, 1997

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 5:30 P.M. in the Easton Airport Conference Room. The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Willey, with the following members present: Mr. Mayer, Mr. Heinmuller, Mr. Ford, and Mrs. Clem. Also attending the meeting was the Mayor.

Attending from the County Council were Mr. Bradley, Mr. Andrew, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Kinlock and Mrs. Armistead, the County Manager.

Discussion occurred on growth in Easton and opposition to industrial development as well as misperceptions by some in the population as to what approvals are required.

Mr. Bradley discussed a MACO and MML agreement concerning annexations and tax differential. Mr. Bradley discussed concern about the Corbin development and Dutchman's Lane. He expressed concern over Dutchman's Lane inability to handle additional traffic. Chapel Road's concerns were discussed.

Impact fee legislation at the County was discussed. Route 50 lights and timing as well as traffic patterns were discussed including Glebe and Route 322 intersection as well as Oxford Road and Route 322 intersection.

Discussion occurred on fatalities and injuries due to accidents on the highway as well as heavy equipment on Route 50 as well as trucks going toward the landfill.

General Anderson suggested a truck lane restriction and questioned whether a letter should be sent to the state. Discussion occurred on a letter from the Town and the County to the State Highway Administration seeking support for Route 50 truck restrictions as well as oversize vehicles or speed limit restrictions. Discussion occurred concerning increased law enforcement along Route 50.

Mr. Bradley stated that a person had suggested a County wide police force which is not the Sheriff's Department and suggested abolishment of all municipal police departments. He questioned whether there was any interest in a feasibility study. Discussion followed on various aspects including a belief by some of the Town Council members that there would still be a requirement for Town police force of sorts and that this was a very preliminary concept which has not been considered by the Town.

Members of the Town Council discussed their appreciated response to the Liquor Ordinance concerns and stated that they were sure there would be more comments.

Discussion of the variety of perspectives on the liquor licensing issue and the desires of the people occurred.

Discussion occurred on the county recycling program and the tipping fee increase. The estimated facility life of the landfill is the year 2010 then there would be perhaps a need for a transfer station in the future. The County stated that there is no out of region trash being delivered to the landfill.

Questions occurred on the George P. Murphy Pool rates going up and the County answered that this would be looked at during the budget after the facts had been gathered and looked at. The use of the pools by the school and their benefits were discussed. Possibilities of revenue and donations were discussed.

Discussion occurred concerning growth pressures.

The two Councils agreed that the next meeting should be in approximately six months with an invitation to the State Highway Administration representative. A desire for notes of topics prior to the meeting was discussed.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 P.M. with the next meeting scheduled for May.

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Town Clerk