June 1, 1998

June 1, 1998, Council Minutes

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 7:00 P.M. The meting 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, Chief of Police, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Tim Glass and the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mr. Heinmuller. The meeting was then led in a Pledge of Allegiance by Mr. Heinmuller. Mr. Heinmuller acknowledged Sheriff Duncan for reminding the Council that the Pledge should be included in the first part of the meeting. Sheriff Duncan thanked the Council for the change and stated that he believed it was an oversight. On behalf of VFW Post 5118, he presented small American flags to the Mayor and Council.

Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried, minutes of the May 18 and May 19 meetings were approved as written.

Mr. Mayer gave an update on Easton Celebrations, as Mr. Dicky Barrow was unable to attend. Mr. Mayer reported that the Fourth of July Easton Celebrations would occur on the VFW grounds. He stated that Easton Celebrations has asked for closure of Glebe Road between Super Fresh and Wrightson Avenue. He stated that a letter is coming to the Chief of Police requesting help from the Police Department. Mr. Mayer discussed a letter campaign to win from Disney various prizes. He stated that out of 50,000 applicants, Easton Celebrations won first prize. That prize being a picnic with characters from Disney for children that put letters in the packet. He discussed the letters, which had been provided. He stated that Easton Celebrations is happy with the award. Mr. Mayer stated that more updates are coming and that everyone should be very impressed with what is planned.

The President of the Council stated that if the Chief has no objections, he would like to act on the request to close Glebe Road. The Chief had no objections. Upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, permission was granted to close Glebe Road on the fourth of July between Super Fresh and Wrightson Avenue.

Mr. Mayer discussed a surprise, which would occur on the fourth of July.

Resolution No. 5617 authorizing the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $2,722.30 was moved for passage by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 372, "AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON RESTRICTING PARKING IN THE VICINITY OF THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH STREET AND AURORA STREET FOR CHILDREN ENTERING AND EXITING SCHOOL BUSES AS WELL AS DIRECTING AND AUTHORIZING THE TOWN ENGINEER AND THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO TAKE ACTIONS TO IMPLEMENT THIS RESTRICTION" to the floor.

The Town Attorney advised that the Town Council could suspend the rules and vote on this Ordinance. Mr. Mayer made a motion to suspend the rules, seconded by Mr. Ford. Mrs. Clem asked for an overview. The Town Engineer discussed the Ordinance and stated that this was a request that the Mayor had received. Mr. Heinmuller questioned how long the restrictions would be in place. The Mayor stated that it would be one half hour before pick up or delivery of children. He discussed the location and stated that he was asked by the crossing guard for assistance. Mr. Heinmuller questioned the signs and the times. The Town Engineer and the Mayor discussed an answer to how they thought it would occur.

The motion to suspend the rules was approved by the Council. Ordinance No. 372 was moved for passage by Mr. Mayer seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought a Draft Resolution to the floor concerning the establishment of a traffic and Parking Commission for the Town of Easton setting forth its duties and providing for the appointment of its members. The President of the Council stated that the Council members should be prepared to discuss this at the next meeting.

A letter was received from Mr. Don E. Bibb, Executive Director, The Housing Authority of the Town of Easton regarding the Asbury Place Management Contract. Mr. Bibb was present and requested consideration of the Management Service Contract, effective approximately July 1 by the Easton Housing Authority. Mr. Bibb discussed his intent as detailed in the letter. He discussed new management at the Housing Authority and asked that they be allowed to take over management of Asbury Place.

Mr. Mayer questioned whether the renewal was July 1. Mr. Bibb stated that it was. Mr. Mayer stated that he assumed that the Housing Authority would bid. Mr. Bib discussed the annual renewal with the budget approval as provided in the documentation. The President of the Council questioned the Town Attorney on the grant and leeway. The Town Attorney stated that he believes that the Town has the leeway and that this might be subject to DHCD approval. Mr. Ford questioned the duration of the contract. The Town Attorney stated that it was yearly. Mrs. Clem requested that a call be placed for the needed permission and requested clarification on the notice period. Mr. Bibb stated that he has talked to the state about the contract and operational budget based and upon his understanding, there will be no objection from the state.

A letter was received from Mr. William Thomas Davis, Jr., PE, regarding the request for rezoning of several parcels on the west side of Adkins Avenue from R-10A to Commercial Medical to facilitate the construction of additional parking for The Memorial Hospital at Easton. The President of the Council referred this to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Heinmuller questioned whether the construction of parking required the CM designation or if the current zoning is acceptable. The Town Attorney stated that the R10A current zoning would not allow that construction. Mrs. Clem questioned whether the applicants are working with the people in the vicinity of Wye and Earle Avenues. The Town Engineer stated that he understands that the applicants have been in contact with the Neighborhood Association. Mrs. Clem questioned whether the Neighborhood Association is satisfied. The Town Engineer stated that he could not comment either way. Mrs. Clem stated that she thought it was best to check that before the hearing. She discussed Mr. Jacobs’ involvement in the last PUD in the area. The Town Attorney stated that hopefully, the Planning Commission will work that matter out before it reaches the Council. Mr. Ford suggested that that be added as part of the referral. The Town Attorney stated that it could be done.

Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to instruct Planning and Zoning Commission to invite Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Joe Sutton to the meeting on June 11. Mr. Heinmuller’s motion was seconded and carried.

At 7:20 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 1998/99 Budget.

The Mayor displayed various slides of the budget including and discussed the total equaling $7,266,635 which is the largest Town of Easton budget ever proposed. The Mayor stated that the budget funds all required Town of Easton activity, which serve the citizens at continuing high levels. The Mayor discussed the tax rate proposed to remain the same as $1.00 per hundred of $100 of assessed valuation. The Mayor discussed the action to decrease the taxable portion of commercial inventory from sixty percent to forty percent effective for fiscal year 1998/99. He also discussed the proposed discount of three percent of real estate tax payments made within the first thirty days of the billing date. The Mayor stated that the priorities indicated by the budget are public safety, public works and the maintenance of the infrastructure and continued significant emphasis on the parks to provide opportunities for all citizens, particularly the young people. The Mayor discussed the continuing high demand for facilities. The Mayor discussed continued funding for economic development. The Mayor stated that at least thirty eight percent of the budget is allocated for salaries, fourteen percent is allocated for benefits, equaling fifty-two percent of the budget personnel costs. Other operational costs account for the remainder forty eight percent. The Mayor reported that the public safety section comprises the largest singular expenditure of funds at thirty eight percent. The public works is the next largest area of expenditure at twenty nine percent of the General Budget.

The Mayor thanked the department heads and the Council for their assistance and thanked the Town Clerk for his assistance. He asked for a favorable vote on the budget.

The President of the Council thanked the Mayor and asked if there were any questions for the Mayor.

Mrs. Clem thanked the Mayor for the presentation and stated that this should be made available for the public and copies could be provided for a fee. She felt that a nice job was done depicting the breakdowns and hopefully, people will inquire about the budget.

The President of the Council invited anyone who had comments on the proposed budget to speak.

Retired Chief Chase stated that he is President of the West End Association and he requested that restroom facilities be provided at Moton Park. He discussed the importance of those facilities to the neighbors.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone else with comments on the budget. There was no one.

The President of the Council declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:32 P.M.

The President of the Council scheduled a workshop meeting with the Council next Monday at 6:30 P.M. to discuss the final draft of the budget.

The President of the Council stated that on June 15, he thought the Council would approve the budget or send it back. He stated that also at the next meeting, there would be a Public Hearing on the Constant Yield Tax Rate and the increase proposed under the law. The President of the Council stated that the Tax Rate would remain $1.00 per $100 of assessed valuation. Mrs. Clem stated that it should be headlines that there have been no tax increases in the Town of Easton since 1954.

The President of the Council discussed the Liquor Board hearing which is scheduled June 8 at 2:15 P.M. regarding 28 South Washington Street. He reminded the Council of a Fire Board meeting on June 8 and stated that on June 4, there is a HotSpot meeting at the Town Office.

The President of the Council asked if there were any audience comments.

Retired Chief Chase reported that on June 20, the West Side Clean Up Association would occur at 8:00 A.M.

Mr. Ken Bush was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department and stated that there are no items to report.

The Mayor stated that he needed approval from the Council to take the aerial to the parade in Ocean City on June 17. The President of the Council stated that there is usually a company which stands by. Mr. Bush stated that St. Michaels would perform the stand by duties. Upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried, permission was granted to take the aerial ladder truck to the parade.

The Chief stated that he had nothing to report.

The Town Engineer stated that the Harrison Street project is essentially complete. He stated that they are working on Hanson Street in a similar fashion. On the electric side, he stated that a rate case is coming before the Council and that it had been nine years since the last increase. He estimated that the request would be for a seven percent increase, which is less than inflation.

The Town Engineer reported that he had two items for Executive Session. One concerns real estate and the other concerns contracts.

The President of the Council stated that he thought he remembered a letter to go to State Highway Administration regarding culverts clearing. The Town Engineer stated that he believed that was done.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that on June 20, the West Side would like a trash crew’s assistance.

Mr. Mayer stated that he had been approached by a merchant down the street to say that the crew involved in the Harrison Street reconstruction had done the best work they had ever seen. He stated that it was nice to hear praise.

The Town Attorney stated that he had one item for Executive Session concerning personnel.

The President of the Council stated that at the last meeting, discussion occurred regarding a Town open meeting. He set that meeting for Tuesday, June 23 in the Council Chambers at 7:00 P.M. He stated that the agenda would consist of three items. The first would be the budget, the second would be Chief Harvey and the third would be the visitors center proposal.

The President of the Council stated that he had received a request from Planning and Zoning regarding the All American City Awards and questioned whether money was available to send someone to the conference. The Mayor is to pick someone to attend that conference.

Mr. Heinmuller reminded everyone about the West Side Clean Up on June 20.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffee was present and discussed the HotSpot meeting. She stated that a team was picked to present the program and the team picked was Easton. She discussed the presentation. She reminded the Council on June 8, the East End Association had a meeting.

Mr. Otis Sampson, Chairman of Easton Park Board thanked the Mayor and Council for attending the meeting last night. He stated that the next meeting would be June 30 in the Council room.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote, the Town Council went into Executive Session to discuss contracts, real estate and personnel.

The President of the Council declared the Executive Session closed at 8:15 P.M. There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 P.M.

Town Clerk