April 6, 1998

April 6, 1998, Council Minutes.

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 Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Chief of Police Col. Walter Chase, Town Attorney Christopher Kehoe, Assistant Town Attorney Stephen Kehoe, Town Engineer Hugh Grunden and Mr. Tim Glass of Easton Utilities Commission.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mr. Heinmuller.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the minutes of the March 16 and March 31, 1998 meetings were approved as written.

The Mayor presented a Proclamation for Maryland’s Month of the Young Child to Ms. Della Andrew of the Easton Day Care. Mrs. Andrew stated that she believes our biggest responsibility to be the raising of children and helping to raise children so that they can become contributing members of society. She thanked the Council and encouraged continued efforts. Mrs. Andrew also thanked the Town for the Easton Day Care Grant, which occurred in 1992. She discussed activities on site. Mrs. Andrew introduced Donna Hachen, Program Director with her two sons as well as another staff member.

The Mayor began to discuss the new Chief of Police appointee. He discussed the background for the Chief selection. The Mayor stated that he had tried to do this intelligently and professionally and that this has occurred in the right way. He stated that it was his pleasure to introduce the new Chief of Police, Captain George Harvey of Baltimore County. The Mayor stated that he is a twenty-two year veteran of Baltimore County Police Department and that he will be relocating to the area in the near future. Captain Harvey introduced his wife Kathleen and introductions were made to the Town Council. The Mayor stated that there were also two members of the select panel present; Captain Dallas Pope of the Maryland State Police and Chief Wade Roche of St. Michaels Police Department.

Captain Pope discussed the selection process. He discussed the difficulty in the decision and stated that he was pleased with the credentials of the applicants. He felt there was a large responsibility to fill the shoes of Col. Chase. Capt. Pope stated that they considered the police department and the citizen’s needs. He stated that they considered directions from the Mayor and Council to find the best candidate. Captain Pope discussed paring the list down. Capt. Pope stated that they received nothing but support from the Mayor and Council and he appreciated the input of members of the community who were polled for what they desired in the new Chief of Police. He wished the appointee the best of luck and thanked the Mayor and Council.

Chief Roche stated that they had looked for the best fit for Easton. He stated that Captain Harvey has an excellent reputation and is innovative. He stated that there were many good applicants. He discussed the interview process and stated that Capt. Harvey has the law enforcement communities’ support.

The President of the Council thanked the members of the committee. He set a "meet the Chief night" in the Council Chambers on April 23 at 7:00 P.M. He stated that cookies and coffee would be provided.

Mr. Heinmuller thanked the selection committee for the hours and hours of hard work. He stated that he was very impressed with the process and the questions. He thanked them for taking on a tremendous task with a good result.

Col. Chase congratulated the new Chief of Police and stated that he was certain that the new Chief would have the support of the members of the Police Department. He stated that Captain Harvey is inheriting a great department and offered his assistance.

A letter was received from Mr. Paul L. Eskew, Grace of God Fellowship, requesting permission to use the linear park on May 2 for a one-day community fair. The Chief of Police recommended approval. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, permission was granted.

Col. Chase discussed a HotSpot meeting in Cambridge that is scheduled for April 9 from 3:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. He stated that it has to do with the lead coordinators and grant applications.

Col. Chase reported the March 16 promotions, which were Sgt. Hobbs to Lieutenant, Cpl. Bailey to Sergeant, Cpl. Sears to Sergeant, Cpl. Wright to Sergeant and Cpl. Jarrell to Sergeant.

The President of the Council asked if there was anything else for the Chief of Police. Mr. Ford stated that his wife had asked him to pass a photo to Officer Demby speaking to second graders to Col. Chase. He stated that Officer Demby had done a great job.

Mr. Mayer questioned whether any of the officers that had been promoted were present. Col. Chase stated that Sgt. Sears was present. He is in charge of the SWAT Team; he is the Training Officer as well as a Duty Officer. Col. Chase stated that he has a speaking engagement in Trappe and Sgt. Sears will be replacing him at this point during the meeting.

Mr. Jim Hundertmark was present to address the Council regarding National Organ Donor Awareness week. Mr. Hundertmark stated this would occur April 19 through April 26. He stated that he is a liver recipient. He stated that they are having a celebration of life in Idlewild Park on April 19. He would like permission to decorate the Town with green ribbons on lampposts and trees. He stated that their organization would put these up, maintain them, and take the ribbons down that week. He stated that there would be no cost to the Town of Easton as well as no hazard.

Mrs. Clem questioned whether they were talking about ribbons and no banners. Mr. Hundertmark stated that this was correct.

The President of the Council stated that in the past, there have been strict timetables on these types of things.

Mrs. Clem suggested that the ribbons be taken down and away immediately upon completion. Mr. Mayer stated that he thought this was a fine gesture the Town could help with.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, permission was granted to place the ribbons from April 19 through April 26.

Mr. Tim Bishop was present to discuss his concerns over traffic congestion in the vicinity of Route 322 and Marlboro Avenue. He discussed his concerns and problems with left turns into Easton Marketplace. He suggested left turn signals and round a bouts. He passed out a diagram and photos detailing his suggestion. Mr. Bishop discussed evening backups and stated that there will be an increasing problem. He stated that he wants to try to alleviate the problem. He thanked the Council.

The President of the Council and Mrs. Clem thanked Mr. Bishop for his comments. Mr. Mayer stated that this is a four-lane highway in the center of Town where people are traveling fast.

Mrs. Melissa Doyle of the FOP Auxiliary was present to discuss the Blue Light Project. She stated that she is representing the FOP Lodge 18 and that she is secretary of the auxiliary. She stated that between May 10 and May 16, National Police Officer Week will be observed. She discussed the placement of blue lights and ribbons to show the support. She stated that they would like to decorate the tree in the east end of Town this year again with blue ribbons and that they will need an Easton Utilities bucket truck. She stated that they hoped they could add spotlights so people could see the ribbons. She requested permission from the Council to decorate on May 8 and leave the ribbons up all week.

Mrs. Clem questioned whether they would provide the sign and the lights. Mrs. Doyle stated that they would and that they need a receptacle.

The Town Engineer stated that this could be handled.

Mr. Mayer stated that he thought this was a great thing and made a motion to allow placement as requested, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried. Mrs. Doyle thanked the Council, congratulated Captain Harvey, and welcomed him to the community.

The President of the Council stated that the next item is carried over from the last meeting. He brought Ordinance No. 366 to the floor which would revise the Town of Easton Zoning Ordinance by amending Table 5.1 and Sections 402, 603.4, 603.7A, 603.7B, 603.7C&D (NEW), 603.7H, 608.2M(6) and 608.2M(10) (new, and subsequent sections) of the Town of Easton Zoning Ordinance and amending the official zoning map of the Town of Easton by adding a new Planned Redevelopment Overlay District. The President of the Council stated that he had received a letter from EBMA requesting a further extension. He questioned whether the Council wished to vote tonight on the areas to clean up or to re-open the Public Hearing.

Mr. Mayer stated that he was ready to vote.

Mrs. Clem stated that she thought it was unfortunate that the additional request is being made to extend the decision since the matter had already been extended. Mrs. Clem stated that it was made clear at the last meeting that there would be a vote tonight. She stated that it could be re-visited even after it is passed but in the interest of the community, she felt it was best to move forward.

Mr. Ford stated that the Planning Commission is looking at an Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance now and this could be re-visited if it proves to be unworkable.

Mr. Mayer discussed the Planning and Zoning activities and if this Ordinance proves not to work then it could be amended.

Mr. Ford stated that this would give EBMA the chance to study and see the changes after being in practice.

Mrs. Clem stated that this matter had already been postponed and re-scheduled twice. She thinks it is time to move forward.

Ordinance No. 366 was then moved for passage by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

A memo was received from the Mayor recommending Amendment to the Articles of Organization of the Easton Housing Authority. The Mayor stated that the memo was self-explanatory and that it was time to move ahead with the resolution to help assist in the development of the Town.

Mr. Ford asked for an explanation of the thought process behind the inclusion of the commercial entities. The Town Attorney stated that a representative of the Easton Housing Authority was not present tonight but he believes that the thinking is that in some time in the near future, this could better serve the community. He stated that the does not believe this would apply to the Doverbrook area. The Town Attorney stated that the gist of the request has to do with the ability to sell land and act as conduit for mortgages.

Mr. Mayer discussed the project review over the last six months and that it did not include small businesses in the area causing failure. He stated this could be included. Resolution No. 5613 was moved for passage by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 370, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF UNBUDGETED FUNDS FOR THE NORTHWEST EASTON UTILITY EXTENSION PROJECT" to the floor.

The Town Attorney stated that the Ordinance was being submitted for a first reading. He stated that this would authorize funding and that it had been developed in conjunction with the Clarke and Wickersham annexation. He discussed the water and sewer loop passing through Mistletoe Hall Farm which is the Town of Easton’s property and the benefits occurring to the Town. He discussed the properties’ use in the future. He discussed the history of the Council feeling at the time that a 60/40 split on the cost was fair. He discussed the annexation documents and the trigger mechanism. The Town Attorney stated that Mr. Clarke had indicated his desire to proceed through his agent Mr. Seawright. He stated that this would allow funding in the next several years in stages.

The President of the Council stated that a vote would occur during the next meeting.

A letter was received from Mr. Joe Marsh, Airport Manager, Easton Airport, requesting permission to burn a brush pile at the Easton Airport. The President of the Council referred this matter to the Fire Department. He stated that if the Fire Department approved this matter, then it was okay. Mrs. Clem questioned whether they are clearing land. The Town Attorney discussed the trees growing in the vicinity of the flight path.

A letter was received from Pastor Bruce E. Cooke, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church requesting permission to hold a sunrise service in Idlewild Park on Easter Sunday, April 12 from 6:30 A.M. to 7:15 A.M.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, permission was granted.

The President of the Council asked for a briefing on the Xerox lease. The Town Clerk briefed the Council on the Xerox lease proposal.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, permission was granted to execute the lease.

Mr. Ken Bush was present representing the Easton Fire Department, Inc. Mr. Bush offered congratulations to the new Chief of Police and stated that he and the department were looking forward to working with Captain Harvey. He discussed the monthly report, which he passed out.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned whether the emergency response team with a 1:48 response time was a record. Mr. Bush stated that he was not sure if it was a record but the paid personnel accomplished it.

The Mayor stated that they had one item for Executive Session. He thanked Carolyn Jaffee for inviting Lt. Governor Townsend to the police substation dedication. The Mayor welcomed Captain Harvey, thanked the search committee, and welcomed Mrs. Harvey to the community.

The Town Engineer welcomed the Harveys and invited them to visit the Utilities operation.

The Town Engineer discussed the State Highway Administration paving project on Route 322, which is scheduled later this week. He reported that the Harrison Street Project is nearing completion. The Town Engineer reported that the Hanson Street Project Major Reconstruction is in progress. The Town Engineer stated that concerning Mr. Bishop’s Marlboro Avenue issues, he would look at that and respond. He discussed the State Highway Administration knowledge of round a bouts and stated that he will bring recommendations back to the Council. On the Utilities side, he discussed the first roundtable at the state. He reported that a press release is coming. The Town Engineer stated that an energy agreement had been signed for one year with Pennsylvania Power and Light. He stated that this should cause lower rates.

The Town Engineer requested an Executive Session to discuss contracts.

The President of the Council stated that he had received a letter from a concerned citizen and asked that copies be made for members of the Council.

Mr. Ford commended the Mayor for a fine panel in the Chief of Police selection and he commended the panel. He stated that he was impressed by the efforts and the candidate selected. He welcomed Captain Harvey.

Mr. Ford discussed meeting with Officer Miller and Sgt. Wright, community police officers. He discussed their efforts in Talbot Village and being impressed with the time and approach. He discussed language problems and kickball as well as in roads made by the community police officers. Mr. Ford discussed poor conditions of the paving service and lighting in Talbot Village. He stated that most of the holes had been filled but they are disintegrating. He discussed the injury Officer Miller suffered previously due to the paving conditions.

The Town Engineer stated that the owner of the property was issued a notice to fix these problems. Mrs. Clem questioned whether there was anyway to have the property owner give back services for the rent and to have a deterrent of light. She stated that this is not Town property and that the owner should have to conform. The Town Attorney stated that the Property Maintenance Code issues would apply and that this is enforceable. He discussed efficiency with the existing property. If built today, this would not happen. He discussed the difficult ways to find the amount of illumination and stated that they will have something for the next meeting.

Mrs. Clem stated that she thinks there is an obligation to correct these deficiencies. Mr. Ford stated that Officer Miller had asked him to attend a meeting at Four All Seasons concerning a grant to assess the Hispanic community aspects.

Mr. Mayer added how good the committee was on the Chief of Police selection. He stated that every person on the panel will be with Captain Harvey and promised to help in any way they could. Mr. Mayer stated that he applauded the Captain’s selection and stated that he believed this would cause a better police department. He welcomed Capt. Harvey aboard.

Mrs. Clem questioned how pleased people are with the Harrison Street Project. She discussed tree replacement. She stated that it is a lovely job and it has been nice to hear compliments regarding the Town.

The Town Engineer stated that there is a substantial investment made by the Town in this project. Mrs. Clem discussed motivated people when they are coming up asking that their street be improved the same way.

Mr. Heinmuller echoed the previous comments on the selection of the Chief of Police. He stated that he had received similar comments on Harrison and Hanson Streets reconstruction. He also heard questions regarding other parts of Town. He discussed the West End Association’s efforts and the budget process.

Mr. Heinmuller asked for an Executive Session concerning personnel.

The President of the Council discussed matters on the upcoming calendar.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the Moton Park Tree Dedication.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffee of the East End Neighborhood Association stated that the substation opening was a very nice event and she appreciated the Town and the HotSpot Agency coordination with about seventy-five people. Ms. Jaffee thanked the Town Clerk for help to make the bike registration work at the sub-station on the clean-up day. Ms. Jaffee discussed the number of HotSpot agencies in the Health Department parking lot. She discussed the focus of the 18^th as well as the West End clean up occurring on May 2. Ms. Jaffee congratulated Sgt. Wright on the Community Policing Supervisor for his enthusiasm and promotion. She thanked the Council.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone else. There was not.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote, the Council went into Executive Session to discuss personnel and contracts.

The President of the Council declared the Executive Session closed at 8:49 P.M.

The President of the Council asked that the Proclamation for Fair Housing Month be incorporated into the minutes.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 P.M.

 Town Clerk