December 15, 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, Mr. Willey, with the following members present: Mr. Ford, Mr. Mayer, and Mrs. Clem. Mr. Heinmuller was absent due to family members arriving un expectantly. Also attending the meeting was Mayor Butler, Col. Chase, the Town Planner, the Town Attorney and Mr. Ben Lineberry, Assistant Town Engineer.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mr. Ford. Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried, minutes of the November 18, December 1 and December 4, 1997 meetings were approved as written.

The President of the Council stated that as part of the continuing program to recognize kids that are doing the right thing, members of Pack 325 with Leader Mr. Mark Weinhold were brought forward to meet the Council and receive a Proclamation.

The President of the Council recognized Sgt. Robert L. Hobbs, Easton Police Department for his recent graduation from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on Friday, December 12. The Mayor stated that on Friday, he watched Sgt. Hobbs graduation and stated that it was very impressive.

Mr. Ed Turner, Executive Director, EBMA, passed out proposed directional signage for the Town of Easton. He described the locations and asked for approval.

Mrs. Clem questioned how far the signs would be off the ground. Mr. Turner stated that they would be three feet in the ground and three feet up. The President of the Council questioned cost. Mr. Turner stated that they estimated $275 per sign for labor and materials. He stated that they would also need assistance from the Town.

Mrs. Clem questioned the time schedule for the sidewalk project across the street from the Town office. Mr. Lineberry described the project.

The President of the Council asked the Council's pleasure. Mr. Mayer moved approval of the placement of the directional signage, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried.

Mr. Carl Chapman, President of Chapel Farms Homeowner's Association was present to discuss his letter which he submitted on December 10. Mr. Chapman asked the Town to sell part of the RTC property and have a developer complete the Chapel Farm's community. He described this as a win/win scenario and stated that it was valuable property. He stated that the Town could realize a significant amount of money. Mr. Chapman stated that no one wants the two Laurel Streets to connect and they would like the other two streets developed into cul-de-sacs. He stated that it was a three to one effort by their members of their community in support of this. Mr. Chapman stated that they would like the Chapel Farms community finished. He stated that he understood that the infrastructure is finished except the sewage. He stated that this is very valuable property and that the Town could make a lot of money.

Mr. Ford questioned Mr. Chapman on whether the Association has given thought to access of a new park. Mr. Chapman stated that the feeling of their Association is that good access only should be allowed through the Chapel Farms property and they would like the community completed. He stated that they would also like a good size buffer between the park and the residential area. Mr. Ford questioned whether at least one vehicular route would be required. Mr. Chapman stated that it would not be if access was allowed by foot. He discussed this further. Mr. Ford questioned how many homeowners were members of the Association. Mr. Chapman stated there were 55. Mrs. Clem questioned whether this was a written survey. Mr. Chapman stated that it was and they received a small percentage back; approximately 21 out of 55 were returned. Mrs. Clem questioned whether the survey included the people on Laurel and Chapel roads. Mr. Chapman stated that it did include them. He discussed the survey and the adamant opposition to the Laurel Street joining. Mrs. Clem thanked Mr. Chapman for joining and discussed the need for public input on matters such as these.

The Town Planner stated that this could be forwarded to the Planning Commission for a design and work with the Town Engineer. He discussed the existing dead ends and the need to rename Laurel Street if it did not match up with the existing Laurel Street.

The President of the Council stated that he would also like to see an outline showing an impact of the proposal.

Mr. Ford discussed the most heavily used park space in the county and both parks being developed with a need to look at the transportation impacts and requirements.

Mr. Hamilton discussed the traffic and the street requirements being less today than before and stated that it was possible to mitigate flow patterns. Mr. Ford stated that the Chapel Farms Association and others will need to be major players in planning these parks.

Mr. Mayer discussed previous conversation regarding acreage behind the homes and the need for them to think about what and where the Association would like to see things go. Mr. Chapman discussed conversations with Mr. Otis Sampson, Chairman of the Park Board. Mr. Mayer suggested that the Association not wait for any call that they be positive now about what they would like to see. He stated that the park would be a great advantage for the families and will also be used by county residents.

The President of the Council stated that the matter would be forwarded to the Planning Commission to get a recommendation and possibly have a public hearing in the future. The President of the Council stated that a workshop session could be held at some point as well.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5603 which would authorize the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $12,925.70 to the floor. Upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Mayer, Resolution No. 5603 passed unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5605, AA RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON IN HONOR OF ROGER D. REDDEN@ to the floor. The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe, discussed Mr. Redden being the Town's bond counsel for many years. He stated that many legal services have been provided by Mr. Redden to the Town and the Utilities Commission. The Town Attorney characterized Mr. Redden as truly one of the most distinguished lawyers in Maryland history. He stated that Mr. Redden originally was from Denton and has approximately 25 years of service with the Town. The President of the Council read portions of the Resolution in honor of Mr. Redden.

Resolution No. 5605 was moved for passage by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 364, AAN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF CSA ENTERPRISES, INC. TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF 5.4 ACRES ON THE NORTH SIDE OF MD ROUTE 331 FROM R-10A TO PUD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF 36 TOWNHOME UNITS@ to the floor. Ordinance No. 364 was moved for passage by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council brought a memo from the Town Engineer to the floor concerning STOP signs in the St. Aubin's neighborhood. Mr. Lineberry was present on behalf of the Town Engineer. He stated that this is a follow up memo. He expressed concern over the precedent. He discussed having to wait and see. The President of the Council stated that the Town Engineer's comment that the elected officials will hear it either way as correct.

Mr. Ford made a motion to take down the STOP signs at Sycamore, Willis and Garden. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mayer. The President of the Council called for a roll call vote. Mr. Ford voted yes, Mr. Mayer voted yes, Mrs. Clem voted no, and Mr. Willey voted no. The motion was defeated for lack of a majority. Mrs. Clem stated that she thought there was a good process previously used and stated that some people will be upset. She discussed the chronology and the advice received as well as comments received being included. She thought that things need to be kept as they are. Mrs. Clem discussed the need for advice from all concerned.

The President of the Council stated that there may be more comments at the next meeting.

The President of the Council brought the subject of releasing the Beatty, Satchell & Company, LLC audit for the Town of Easton for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997 to the floor. Release of the audit was made in the form of a motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem. Mrs. Clem stated that the yearly audit is very important. She stated that this is the second year she has watched the presentation. She stated that she is sorry to say that there is zero citizens other than the staff present which details revenue and expenditure items. She stated that this is a good audit. She thinks that the Town Clerk, the Mayor and Mr. Willey are doing an excellent job on these matters. She stated that she is very pleased and proud. Mrs. Clem stated that she understands that audits are not high on the list of most people but she hoped that people attend the future meetings.

There being no further discussion, the motion to release the audit was approved by the Town Council.

A letter was received from Mr. Carey Malkus of Upper Shore Aging discussing the U-Star Transportation Program. The President of the Council read statistics from the letter. Mr. Mayer expressed amazement at some of the statistics. The President of the Council stated that he was impressed by the number of people served and questioned how the Council would prefer to proceed. Mr. Mayer stated that the medical related transportation was not the heaviest use as he had thought. The general public use is high. The President of the Council stated that the Council will have Mr. Malkus come back and give a presentation of where he sees this program going.

Mrs. Clem asked if there was a way to assess what the next step would be. She stated that this could be a prioritized decision such as the most pressing needs and perhaps there might be a need to hook up with a private sector.

Mr. Ford stated that he thinks that the Council needs to know what the term support of the Council means. Mrs. Clem thought this should be looked into.

The President of the Council asked Mr. Ford if he had comments on the request of Mr. Ford in his capacity of Director of Operations for the Chesapeake Maritime Museum for permission to place signage along Routes 50 and 322 during the Wooden Boat Show on June 26, 27 and 28, 1998. Mr. Ford stated that he hoped the Council would grant this. Mr. Ford stated that he was representing the Maritime Museum and took information from the letter he had previously sent. He expected a lot of people who are new to the area to attend the Wooden Boat Show.

Mr. Lineberry stated that it looks like most of the signage proposed are State Highway Administration's areas and it would require their approval. He stated that he was willing to discuss this with the resident engineer.

Mr. Mayer questioned when the signs would go up. Mr. Ford stated that they would go up one day before the event and come down one day after.

Mrs. Clem made a motion to move forward with the request; seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried.

The Town Clerk briefed the Town Council on the request for approval of the HTE Computer hardware and software purchase.

Mr. Mayer stated that as he understands it, there is a year 2000 problem creating additional demand for this type of service and the need to get in line now. The Town Clerk stated that this was correct as he understood it.

The President of the Council stated that the cost is substantial in terms of dollars but will reap substantial benefits. He discussed the year 2000 problems. Mrs. Clem stated that this was a difficult decision and she does not have a lot of familiarity with this type of technology. She discussed the reams of information provided and the thoroughness of the review as well as all departments support and that being a big plus. She stated this is a big decision. She stated that she is supportive and has confidence in the way that the decision was reached.

Mrs. Clem made a motion to approve the request to purchase the hardware and software from HTE, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried.

The Mayor wished everyone the merriest of Christmases and a prosperous New Year.

Col. Chase stated that it is a very good thing to recognize the young people for positive things. He stated that they arrested 90 in November, 32 of which were juveniles. He took his hat off to the scouts who were present. Col. Chase discussed arresting a young man 16 times this year by his department. The youth was sent to the Carter Center and subsequently sent home on Tuesday. The youth was arrested again Tuesday night. Col. Chase discussed breaking and enterings. He discussed a young man who was found inside a church as the result of a call. He discussed scams involving casing of locations. Col. Chase discussed the need for the public to call with information the need to help pin point what is occurring. Col. Chase discussed the HotSpot and parolee violators. Mrs. Clem questioned the church incident and the location. Col. Chase stated it was the Christian Science Reading Room. Col. Chase discussed talks with Mr. Brian Barnes at Sts. Peter & Paul to try to encourage students not to park in front of mailboxes and driveways on Choptank Avenue. He discussed special events at the school and stated that the school is asking people to park on the parking lot. Col. Chase discussed Sts. Peter & Paul letting out later than the public schools and the additional students from the public schools picking up their friends at Sts. Peter & Paul. Col. Chase stated that Sts. Peter & Paul will again send letters asking the students to respect these matters. Col. Chase reported that the police department will continue to monitor this situation. Mrs. Clem stated that she felt this would be helpful. She discussed students in the schools working together to alleviate problems. Col. Chase discussed some waiting in vehicles for friends and their willingness to move when approached.

Mr. Jeff Parks was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. He wished happy holidays to the Town and invited everyone to view the Firehouse. He discussed the Santa hours and suggested people call ahead at 822-4848 to verify that Santa Claus would be present.

Mr. Lineberry discussed rearranging municipal solid waste pick up due to the holidays. He stated that on Friday, December 26, the entire town's trash would be picked up. Mr. Lineberry stated that also on January 2, the entire town would be picked up for MSW. An ad will be placed in the paper.

Mr. Lineberry advised the Christmas tree pickups will start the week of December 29 for two to three weeks with a separate truck on the regular garbage days. He stated that an ad will be run for that also.

Mr. Lineberry discussed the Gold Lot revisions.

On behalf of the Utilities Commission, Mr. Lineberry reported on the outage today east of Route 50. He stated that a connection failed in a manhole. He apologized for any kind of inconvenience and stated that it was 15 to 20 minutes before the electric lines were back up.

The Town Attorney wished everyone a happy and enjoyable Christmas. He discussed an article Mr. Willey provided concerning curfews. He stated that it had been a year to eighteen months since the Council last looked at this. He stated that he and the Chief can report back in a month or six weeks if the Council would like to know when the juvenile crime occurs in Easton. The President of the Council stated that this would be welcome.

The Town Attorney asked for an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation.

The President of the Council asked the Town Planner whether the zoning changes for the new liquor licensing law had been looked at and asked for a report. The Town Planner stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission were scheduled to discuss this last time and it was postponed until this Thursday's meeting. He stated that he would report at the next Council meeting as to the progress.

The President of the Council discussed County proposals to allow children as young as 15 to serve alcohol. The Town Attorney stated that this was correct. The children would be in the form of waiters or waitresses at tables. The President of the Council questioned whether the Town could include a zoning amendment requiring persons to be at least 21 years of age to serve alcoholic beverages. The Town Attorney stated that he was not sure and discussed this matter. He stated zoning regulations typically do not include the age of the person. The President of the Council discussed the Public Hearing and the concerns raised.

The President of the Council asked for audience comments. There were none. He expressed thanks to the staff, the Council and employees as well as the public for input. The President of the Council thanked groups which have come to be recognized. He stated that he hopes everyone has great holidays and a great 1998.

Mr. Ford wished everyone a healthy and happy holiday season.

Mr. Mayer stated that these things were hard to follow. He stated that he was glad to see the children observing the Council tonight and stated that they might be the leaders of the future. He stated that Easton is a great Town and thanked everyone for their support. He wished everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous holiday season.

Mrs. Clem wished everyone a healthy and happy and prosperous season as well.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, invoices totaling $302,049.14 were approved for payment.

The President of the Council asked if anyone else present had anything to bring before the Council. There was no response.

The President of the Council recognized Lt. Dallas Pope of the Maryland State Police who was the former Barrack Commander at Barrack I in the Town of Easton. Lt. Pope advised that he was present with his son Justin from Troop 190 and discussed the merit badge activities. He thanked the Council members.

Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote, the Town Council went into Executive Session at 8:00 P.M. to discuss potential litigation.

The President of the Council closed the Executive Session at 8:20 P.M.

The President of the Council thanked Mr. Ford and Mr. Mayer for their efforts on the Board and Volunteer recognition reception. They both thanked Mrs. Ruf for her work in putting that together.

Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried, Mr. Robbie Faulkner was approved as Chief of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Mr. Ford had a question for the President of the Council. Mr. Ford stated that he had noticed that he had received the Police Board schedule after January 1 and questioned whether he was now a member of the Police Board. The President of the Council discussed the previous resolution.

There being no further discussion, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 P.M.

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Town Clerk