February 17, 1998

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, Mrs. Clem and Mr. Heinmuller. Also attending the meeting were the Mayor, the Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Lineberry, Chief of Police Col. Chase, Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton and Assistant Town Attorney Mr. Stephen Kehoe.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mr. Ford. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, minutes of the February 2 and February 9 meetings were approved as written.

Ms. Cheryl Lash and Mr. Kenny Camper were present on behalf of Talbot County Study Circles. Ms. Lash encouraged the participation of the Council in Study Circles. She discussed the awareness and networking and how the groups interacted.

Mr. Camper discussed the organizational structure on the Eastern Shore. He discussed the three counties involved and how the steering committees function. He discussed their proposed scheduling.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned whether there had been selected dates. Mr. Camper stated that these would be Tuesday evenings for two hours per week with four total.

Mrs. Clem stated that she attended the Study Circle last fall and it was an opportunity for interaction to listen and learn. Mrs. Clem stated that she thought it broadened understanding. Mr. Ford questioned whether Study Circles dealt with issues or topics. Ms. Lash stated that these are primarily generated by the group.

Mr. Camper reported that discussions typically concern race relations, crime, teen pregnancy, etcetera. Mr. Heinmuller reported that the one he attended was very educational and interesting and encouraged participation.

Ms. Lash passed out indication of interest forms.

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

Mrs. Clem thanked the Study Circles for trying to make a difference in the community. The President of the Council thanked Ms. Lash and Mr. Camper for attending.

The President of the Council invited Mr. John and Mrs. Ellen General to report on the Avalon Foundation and the Annual Report of the Avalon Theatre. Mr. John General stated that this was their fourth year for the Annual Report and thanked the Council for support and the Town Clerk's help. Mr. General reported that Mrs. General is now the president. He discussed the financial overview including the plan versus actual. Mr. General reported that activities have doubled in the last two years and they are approaching operational limits. Mr. General discussed the economic impact of the Theatre and stated that the economic impact was 1.293 million dollars. He also discussed help by the Star Democrat for coverage of their events. Mrs. General discussed their 1997 accomplishments. She discussed the visibility of the Theatre being greatly increased and also being recognized in the Style Section of the Washington Post. Mrs. General reported that attendance was up 27%, the mailing list was up 18% and the calendar distribution had increased 33%.

Mrs. General reported that they had 136 events and 152 meetings or rehearsals for a total of 288 activities which equals 5.4 per week. Mrs. General reported that volunteer hours have increased 60%. She discussed their efforts with concerts in Idlewild Park and the mission of the Avalon Foundation. Mrs. General discussed Mid Shore Cable Television being present in the Theatre now.

Mrs. General stated that she had been nominated to the State Arts Council Panel. She discussed awards they had received as well as participation in events. Concerning planning considerations, Mrs. General discussed their educational mission. She discussed the AAvalon Story@ and putting together a package for the Council. She passed out a package and discussed a variety of organizations as well as list of partnerships with 80 groups.

Mrs. General discussed her goals including an Easton past, present and future exhibit and use of 11 South Harrison Street for a Welcome Center. Mrs. General discussed a need for various groups to work together. She discussed in some detail a Welcome Center idea as well as heritage efforts to tie in. Mrs. General requested action to restore funding to the 1997 level for the Avalon Theatre.

The President of the Council stated that not too many years ago, the Council members were wondering whether or not this was a pipe dream. He discussed the glowing report and highly complimented Mr. and Mrs. General. He stated that they had taken the Theatre full circle. The President of the Council stated that the requested action was not unreasonable and the Council will take a look at it.

Mr. Mayer stated that he is excited over the vision of the old firehouse. He discussed the need for meeting space, etcetera. Mrs. General discussed possible permanent displays and the good location of the old firehouse building.

Mrs. Clem thanked the Generals and asked for a quick run down about the building across the street. The President of the Council discussed the status of the proposals.

Mrs. General discussed the minor work needed on 11 S. Harrison Street.

The President of the Council thanked Mr. and Mrs. General for their attendance and report.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5611 which would authorize the attendance at the Annual Convention of the Maryland Municipal League, Inc., in Ocean City, Maryland from June 28 through July 1, 1998 to the floor.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem, Resolution No. 5611 passed unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 369, AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF COLONIAL MANOR HOMES FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE to the floor. The President of the Council discussed this matter.

Ordinance No. 369 was moved for passage by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council discussed a memo which was received from the Mayor recommending the appointment of Mr. Thomas Egeberg to the Board of Mid Shore Cable Television. The Mayor stated that it was self explanatory and he would like to see the Council act on this matter.

Upon motion by Mr. Heinmuller, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried, the appointment was approved.

Invoices in the amount of $582,497.73 were moved for approval for payment by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried.

Mr. Jim Prettyman representing Easton Volunteer Fire Department was present and stated that he had nothing to report.

The Mayor asked if there was any interest to present the Town flag at the MML Convention. The President of the Council stated that he felt that the Town needed to blow its own horn. The Mayor questioned if there was any interest in the March of Dimes' Walk-a-thon on Sunday, March 19 at 9:00 A.M. The President of the Council suggested that the Town participate. The Mayor questioned if there was any interest in the Town and Utilities Commission having a booth at the MML Convention. The Council indicated that they would like to see this done. The Mayor stated that this could also be done next year. Mrs. Clem questioned the price tag. The Mayor discussed the people attending the conventions and keeping cost down.

The Mayor reported that so far, he had eighteen resumes for the Chief of Police position. He stated that he had received a letter from Mr. Scott Patterson from the Talbot County Lacrosse Association regarding Idlewild Park. Mr. Patterson was present and stated that there had been some problem in trying to schedule available times. He stated that this is a Town facility and the Lacrosse Association would have limited intrusion. He discussed the scheduling and stated that he was not successful with the Park Board and did not feel that the process was fair.

Mrs. Clem questioned whether anyone was present from the Park Board to explain. The Mayor stated that he thought there was a scheduling problem that could be worked out. Mrs. Clem discussed the obligation of the Park Board and the Town agencies trying to work out these kinds of issues. Mr. Mayer stated that the Park Board was created to do this kind of activity and agreed with Mrs. Clem to see if this could be worked out. The Mayor volunteered to work with Mr. Sampson to resolve this matter. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the Park Board was set up to help the Council on various things related to parks. He encouraged the Park Board to work this matter out. Mr. Patterson reported that the conflict comes from the use of the inside track area versus t-ball and considerations related to that. He stated that the Park Board did make some effort. Mr. Heinmuller reiterated the last meeting comment that the School Board has very many facilities available and hoped that these could be released for this type of activity. Mr. Patterson stated that the School Board does release some in Spring but that there are fewer rectangular fields available. Mr. Heinmuller questioned whether the field behind the Police Department was of any value. Mr. Patterson stated that for the smaller kids it would be okay but for the older kids, he thought a football field size facility would be required. Mr. Heinmuller discussed a desire to use Town properties. Mr. Patterson thanked the Council for their assistance.

Col. Chase reported that on July 1, 1997, the Town received a grant to encourage arrest policies. He stated that the investigator assigned was Officer Gardner. He stated that last week, there was an on site visit and that the handling of the grant was judged to be great by the State visitors. Col. Chase stated that on February 13, a letter was received from Dr. Meek advising that an accident reconstruction of the bus accident will occur as requested by the NTSB. He advised that there will probably be another two week period before the investigation will be complete.

The Town Attorney updated the Council on the appeal of Super Soda Center, Inc. in the Circuit Court. The Town Attorney stated that he felt that this matter went very well.

Mr. Lineberry asked Mr. Heinmuller if there were special needs required behind the District Court Building that his office be notified so that the field could be prepared for appropriate athletic use. Mr. Lineberry reported that the Public Works Department has finished decking and railing the old railroad bridge. He discussed prior concerns. Mr. Lineberry discussed the Mansfield storm drainage cleaning. He discussed the Harrison Street and North Easton Park projects as well as the amount of rain which has caused problems. Mr. Lineberry stated that the wetlands permits are still being pursued. He discussed mitigation efforts. Mrs. Clem questioned if help had been received from the Eastern Shore Delegation. Mr. Lineberry stated that they had received help and discussed this.

Mr. Mayer questioned Mr. Lineberry whether he felt good about the wetlands permit. Mr. Lineberry stated that he did.

Mrs. Clem questioned on a brief on when the other entrance to the North Easton Park might be open. Mr. Lineberry felt that it would be less than a year and stated that Mr. Tim Glass is working on that. Mr. Lineberry discussed touching base with the neighbors and groups for an update. The President of the Council stated that he wanted them kept as informed as could be. Mr. Mayer asked that people also not in the area be contacted as well.

Mr. Lineberry reported on the Utilities side that water pressure problems were being repaired and should be completed by Thursday. He advised anyone to call Mr. Jerry Adams if there were concerns. Mr. Lineberry stated that Mr. Brian Hause was present and asked if there were any specific questions.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he noticed that the Cable Television has added a new channel. Mr. Bill Russell reported that the Animal Plant channel had been added and the Sci-Fi Channel should be added in March. Mr. Lineberry pointed out Ms. Maureen Curry, Director of Public Relations for Easton Utilities Commission.

The President of the Council asked for the Council members to give their list of goals for 1998 to the Town Clerk for copying and distribution.

The President of the Council discussed that Capital Budget requests are due in. He asked for Council questions for the review panel for the Chief of Police job opening.

The President of the Council advised that the Mayor would be out of Town from February 19 through February 21. The President of the Council discussed the short meeting held last week on the Crime Task Force and publishing the fact sheet on the Town's homepage. He asked the Council members to look at various suggested formats. The President of the Council suggested setting up another Town Hall meeting late in March. He asked the Town Clerk to copy minutes of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce Business Retention Committee.

Mr. Ford stated that he felt that the Council was going to need to address the basketball backboard issue and hoped that it could be structured to find the owners and hold them accountable. Concerning parks, Mr. Ford stated that he was struck by the lack of a comprehensive plan for a park system in the Town of Easton and he hoped that the Town is not missing opportunities to tie into various programs. Mr. Mayer discussed basketball backboards and how this is handled in other areas. Mr. Mayer stated that there may be a fairer way and discussed many new communities having park areas created and set aside for park use. He discussed the need for community input to the Park Board on these areas.

Mrs. Clem discussed her retirement project of furthering Neighborhood Associations and responsibilities of the Neighborhood.

Mr. Heinmuller reported on an award ceremony for the Boy Scouts. Mr. Dustin Pope went to the Court of Honor. Mr. Heinmuller advised that any Scout who received a merit badge within a time limit would receive a Town seal patch. He discussed a need for input from all citizens including those too young to vote on the subject of the backboards. He stated that he would rather have children shooting basketballs instead of weapons.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed problems with previous limits and legislation. He suggested that all areas within the Town be looked at. He agreed with Mr. Ford of a need for the parks.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed First Night Talbot and the receipt of accounting of the money spent. He also referred to a letter from Mr. Bernie Schiera with a request for funding in the upcoming budget. Mr. Heinmuller commended the organization. Mr. Heinmuller discussed the Town of Easton being the Town of volunteers. He discussed how to encourage people and to use resources instead of government.

The President of the Council asked for any audience comments.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffee asked for an update on the substation dedication. Col. Chase estimated approximately two weeks.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 P.M.

Town Clerk