April 20, 1998

April 20, 1998, Council Minutes.

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, Mrs. Clem and Mr. Heinmuller. Also attending the meeting were the Mayor, Town Engineer, Chief of Police Col. Chase, and the Town Planner.

Mr. Ford opened the meeting with prayer.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer seconded by Mr. Ford and carried minutes of the April 6, 1998 meetings were approved as written.

The Mayor and President of the Council presented service awards.

The Town Attorney, Christopher Kehoe arrived at 7:02 P.M.

Mr. James T. Willoughby, employed at Easton Fire Department, Inc., was awarded a clock for twenty years of service.

Mr. Heinmuller joined the meeting at 7:03 P.M.

The Assistant Town Attorney, Steve Kehoe, arrived at 7:04 P.M.

Sgt. Fred Jarrell, Easton Police Department was awarded a ten-year clock as well as Ms. Kay Spence and Sgt. Greg Wright of the Easton Police Department.

A memo was received from the Assistant Town Planner concerning a request for a public hearing for Easton Housing Authority CDBG Application. The President of the Council set that public hearing for May 4 at 7:15 P.M.

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.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford, Ordinance No. 370 passed unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5614 authorizing the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $3,450.60 to the floor. Resolution No. 5614 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 Resolution No. 5615, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACTING, WITH AMENDMENTS, ARTICLE IV SECTION 2 OF THE EASTON TOWN CHARTER TO AUTHORIZE THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION TO OPERATE CABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS INCLUDING A CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM" to the floor.

The Town Attorney stated that his note attached sets the procedure. He then discussed the procedure necessary for a Charter change.

The President of the Council asked for questions. There were none. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller, Resolution No. 5615 passed unanimously following a roll call vote.

A memo was received the Town Attorney regarding Nextel Communications and a request to place antennas on the Easton Utilities Commission water town on Matthewstown Road. The President of the Council asked how much equipment would be involved. The Town Attorney introduced Mr. Joseph Stevens, Esquire, who is the attorney for Nextel. He discussed their desire to place the antennas on top of the water tower. The Town Engineer, the Town Planner and the Town Attorney had a meeting where this meeting was discussed. Mr. Stevens and a gentleman from Nextel were present. The gentleman from Nextel stated that they anticipated placing three Omni antennas twelve feet tall generally plus some shorter antennas. He discussed the color of the water tank and the coax cable required as well as an unmanned building which would be at the base.

Mrs. Clem questioned how large the building would be. The gentleman from Nextel stated that it would be approximately 12’ x 20’. The President of the Council questioned whether it would be an interference with the maintenance or tower operations. The Town Engineer stated that he did not think so but he has not gotten down to the details until the Council concurs with the concept.

Mr. Mayer stated that if it were a problem, then the advice would be not to allow this.

The Town Engineer stated that he hoped that the Council would grant him the authority to grant or deny the request if that proved to be the case. Mr. Mayer discussed lightning arresters, etceteras, and stated that the Town Engineer should be trusted with the decision.

The Town Attorney stated that this sort of installation is very common. Mr. Mayer stated that he is glad that there was an approach without a lot of towers being erected within the Town. Mrs. Clem stated that usage of the existing structure to prevent sight pollution is good. She stated that a delicately developed agreement is necessary and questioned whether any lighting would be required. The gentleman from Nextel stated that they will run a FAA study but they do not think they will have to install that type of lighting. He discussed the site and the location of the building. He discussed the pleasing efforts they will use.

Mrs. Clem stated that she would reserve final comment until these matters are worked out. Mrs. Heinmuller stated that he agreed with Mrs. Clem. He discussed the tower in his neighborhood. He stated that using existing towers is probably more desirable than construction of new towers. He stated that the current is a smaller than the building 12’ x 20’. The Town Planner stated that the current tower, he believes, has an additional layer in the building.

Mr. Mayer questioned whether the Town Engineer is looking to go forward and investigate and made that in the form of a motion. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he thinks there is a consensus to allow the Town Engineer to explore this matter. The Town Attorney stated that he understood where the Council is coming from on this matter.

The President of the Council brought a letter recommending nominations for people to serve on the Board of Trustees for Local Government Insurance Trust to the floor. Mr. Mayer stated that these seem to be quality people. He made a motion to accept the nominations, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

Invoices in the amount of $293,815.56 were moved for passage by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried.

Mr. Jim Prettyman was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Mr. Prettyman gave an informational update that as of between April 1 and tonight, there had been thirty-one fires and eighty-five ambulance calls.

The Mayor asked for the Council’s consideration for the appointment of Mr. John White, Esquire to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. White’s appointment would be for the remainder of Mr. Ian (Mac) Morrell’s term since Mr. Morrell has recently deceased. The Town Planner stated that he thought Mr. White is eager to serve in this capacity. The Town Attorney stated that he had known Mr. White for over twenty years and he is an outstanding lawyer and extremely well respected. He stated that the Town is fortunate that he is willing to serve and give up a portion of his practice that pertains to this. Mr. Ford reported that during his tenure on the Planning Commission, Mr. White was quite active in the Citizen’s Advisory Board during the Visioning Process.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, Mr. White’s appointment was approved.

Chief of Police, Col. Chase, discussed a request from the American Diabetes Association for a walk on October 11 at 9:00 A.M. He discussed the routes, which would begin at the Middle School, past the Easton Club. He stated that the bypass would need to be covered and recommended approval.

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

Col. Chase discussed a request from the Samuel T. Hemsley Lodge 974 IBPOEOW for an Organizational Day Parade on June 28. He stated that a lineup would occur at 2:00 P.M. and that the parade would start at 3:00 P.M. He discussed the route and stated that it would take approximately 2 ½ hours. Col. Chase stated that the Hemsley Lodge had also requested the use of green space behind the Police Department and discussed that matter further and recommended approval.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that it was a great parade then made a motion to grant the approval, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried.

Col. Chase reported that the March of Dimes Walk occurred on Sunday with no incidents. Col. Chase thanked the Mayor and Council and the citizens for his years of service and the reception. He stated that he has received many calls about the reception and how well it was done.

Mr. Mayer apologized since he could not be present for the whole event. Mr. Mayer stated he understands that it was a very good event and stated that it would be on television. Mr. Mayer stated that Col. Chase, Chief of Police, has been and will be an asset to the Town of Easton.

The Town Engineer reported that the Harrison Street reconstruction is proceeding. He discussed grass mowing being a little behind due to the rain.

On the Utilities side, he discussed roundtable participation related to deregulation. He then introduced Mr. Jim Silvias who has been appointed as the Assistant General Manager. The Town Engineer reported that Mr. Silvias has twenty-seven years of experience with Delmarva Power. The President of the Council welcomed Mr. Silvias.

The Town Engineer requested an Executive Session to discuss contracts. He then expressed his heartfelt personal congratulations to Col. Chase who he has enjoyed working with.

The Town Attorney requested two Executive Sessions concerning potential litigation. He thanked Col. Chase on behalf of the Town Attorney’s office for all his work. He stated that Col. Chase has been an exemplary law enforcement officer and a public servant. He wished him good luck in any future endeavors.

The President of the Council discussed a letter received from the Talbot County River Protection Association. He asked that the Talbot County Economic Development Commission’s minutes be copied for the Council. The President of the Council stated that on the Council priority list, which had previously been developed, he would ask the Town Attorney to do the paperwork on a Parking and traffic Commission. The Town Attorney stated that he would have a lighting ordinance for the Council at the next meeting and that this partially relates to the Talbot Village issue. The President of the Council made suggestions on who should be included on the Parking Commission with probably no more than five.

The President of the Council reminded the Council to RSVP to Ms. Maureen Curry at the Utilities Commission concerning the HBO exhibit on Wednesday evening.

Mr. Mayer reported on grass growing in various vicinities. He discussed complaint calls he had received concerning parking in the Needwood Avenue and questioned whether a parking permit would be required in that area. The President of the Council stated that a letter would be prepared by the Town Clerk. Mr. Prettyman stated that the last time there were twenty to thirty citizens present. He stated that things in his area are better but there are still some problems. The President of the Council stated that the parking mechanism in the vicinity of Mecklenburg doesn’t work; it just pushes the problem further out.

Mrs. Clem discussed the Mid Shore Cable Television filming Col. Chase’s retirement. She stated that the tape could be kept on file for a source of revenue for MSCTV since people could purchase these as gifts.

Mr. Heinmuller wished Col. Chase the best of retirements and apologized that he was not in town for the party. He stated that he was in Connecticut and he understood it was a great party. He thanked Col. Chase for all the things he has done for the Town.

The President of the Council stated that a letter had been received from the Grace of God Fellowship at 415 East Dover Street requesting abatement of the Special Exception Fee in the amount of $200.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, permission was granted to abate that fee.

Mr. Ed Turner, Executive Director, EBMA, invited the Council members to the Main Street program. He discussed the Main Street Program.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffee thanked the Mayor and Mr. Ford for working on Saturday morning at the East End Neighborhood Association Cleanup Day. She discussed the HotSpots agencies involvement. She discussed the substation and the bike registration activities. She stated that there was a nice group involved in the cleanup. She stated this is a very strong expression of the HotSpot totality. Ms. Jaffee stated there is not so much cleanup as in the past. Ms. Jaffee stated that Friday night’s service at the Avalon was extremely moving to her. She stated that Col. Chase has worked with the East End Neighborhood Association for years. He believes in community policing and has caused that happen.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he believes that East End is in good shape. He stated that on May 2, the West End Neighborhood Association Cleanup would occur and encouraged participation.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote, the Town Council went into Executive Session at 7:46 P.M. to discuss contracts and potential litigation.

The President of the Council declared the Executive Session closed at 8:23 P.M.

The President of the Council discussed a call he had received from Mr. David Ewing. He discussed a Chamber meeting update. He discussed a Health Department letter concerning a smoking cessation grant.

The Town Attorney discussed Sts. Peter and Paul parking issues..

The President of the Council discussed calendars and stated that he would be out of town next week.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M.

Town Clerk