June 15, 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, Mr. Brian Hause, Superintendent of Public Works, Chief of Police George Harvey, Assistant Town Attorney Mr. Stephen Kehoe and Mr. Lynn B. Thomas, Assistant Town Planner.

Mr. Ford opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, second by Mr. Ford and carried, minutes of the June 1 meeting were approved as written.

A letter was received from Mr. Thomas Cohee, President, The Barker’s Landing Corporation requesting permission to burn in the vicinity of Mulberry Mews subdivision and also from Mr. Henry Corbin, Corbin Park, Inc. requesting permission to burn in the vicinity of Stoney Ridge subdivision. Both of these items had been approved by the Fire Department.

Mrs. Clem questioned if this was the normal procedure. Mr. Willey stated that it was and discussed the specifics of the requirements. Mrs. Clem questioned whether there was Health Department input. The President of the Council stated that he did not believe so unless there was certain material being burned. Mrs. Clem thought it would be a good idea to get the Health Department approval. Mr. Cohee was present and stated that the Health Department permission is now required and that they will not issue permission until the Town has issued permission.

There being no further discussion, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, permission was granted contingent upon Fire Department and Health Department approval.

Mr. Jim Prettyman was present representing Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., and had nothing to report.

Mr. Heinmuller stated there was a comment from the Fire Board concerning the placement of the blue reflectors at the fire hydrants. He asked Mr. Hause if that could be accomplished. He discussed 100 reflectors being donated by the airport and stated that they are the glue down style. Mr. Hause stated that they had planned to try these in high traffic areas.

A letter was received from Mr. Jamie Merida, Lanham-Merida Antiques and Interiors to address the Council regarding a sign for the Antiques Show and Sale. Mr. Merida was not present. Ms. Marie U’ren, chairman of the activity was present. The banner was proposed to be placed on the top of Talbottown and included that one banner. Ms. U’ren stated that they would like to put the banner up as soon as possible and would take it down after the show on June 27.

The President of the Council asked the Council’s pleasure regarding the request. Mr. Mayer stated that he would not want to see the banner placed until the end of the week and then taken down Sunday. Mr. Heinmuller suggested authorizing the banner between June 20 and June 29. Mr. Mayer made Mr. Heinmuller’s suggestion into the form of a motion, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

Mr. William Tamburrino, Director, Public Housing HUD office was present to award the Easton Housing Authority a Federal Award for High Performance Management Capabilities. Mr. Tamburrino read the certificate and offered congratulations to Mr. Don Bibb who accepted the award on behalf of the Housing Authority.

Mr. Ed Turner, Director, EBMA, was present to discuss the construction of a Welcome to Easton sign on the south side of Easton. He discussed the cost elements and stated that it had been three years since the construction of the Welcome to Easton sign near the airport. Mr. Turner asked for re-allocation of $6,000 for the sign to allow them to proceed with this. These funds had originally been earmarked for the feasibility study. The President of the Council asked if there were any Council questions and if the transfer was necessary. The Town Clerk advised that the authorization to spend the funding would expire on June 30. Mr. Mayer questioned the prior cost. Mr. Turner stated that three years ago, it was approximately $9,500 and that the sign proposed is to be located just north of Landing Neck Road.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the expenditure, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

Resolution No. 5619 authorizing the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $1,482.70 was moved for passage by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

A letter was received from Mr. Don Bibb, Executive Director, Easton Housing Authority regarding Asbury Place FY99 Operating Budget and Management Services.

The President of the Council asked the Assistant Town Attorney, Stephen Kehoe to comment on the Town Attorney’s memo dated June 11. Mr. Kehoe advised that the Town would need to comply with the bidding policy for an open bid in this matter. The President of the Council referred to a letter from Mr. George Eaton to the Mayor concerning the same matter and hoped that this could be handled quickly.

Mrs. Clem questioned whether there would be lapse in service. Mr. Willey stated that he suspected it would be a four to six week time frame to complete the bid process and stated that the Town needed to check with ART to see if their contract would continue in the interim.

The Mayor stated that Mr. Ed White was present. Mr. Ed White of DHCD stated that he believed that there is still some time left on the contract. The President of the Council stated that bid packages need to be gotten out. Mrs. Clem wanted the Town to have a cooperative effort for continuity purposes. Mr. White stated that the property is a partnership between the Town and DHCD.

At 7:15 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on the Constant Yield Tax Rate. The President of the Council read the notice, which had run in the Star Democrat. The Mayor briefly described the tax rate proposed at $1.00 per $100 and stated that he did not see any problem with this. The President of the council asked if there were any audience comments. There were none. Mr. Heinmuller noted that the tax rate had been the same since 1954, which he stated, was a nice record. Mrs. Clem stated that it was an unbeatable record. The President of the Council asked again if there was anyone with any comments from the public. There was no comment. The President of the Council closed the Public Hearing at 7:18 P.M.

The Town Clerk briefed the Town Council on the Northwest Easton Utility Extension bid results. Mr. Mayer questioned the record of accomplishment of the low bidder Ferguson Trenching Company, Inc. Mr. Hause stated that they have forty to fifty years experience and that they are currently working for the Town in some areas.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, permission was granted to award the bid with final approval by the Town Engineer.

A memo was received from the Assistant Town Engineer regarding Bell Atlantic requested easement on Airpark Drive. The Town Clerk briefed the Council on Ordinance No. 373, AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN EASEMENT TO BELL ATLANTIC-MARYLAND, INC. OVER CERTAIN LAND OWNED BY THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED ADJACENT TO AIRPARK DRIVE IN EASTON." The President of the Council stated that this would be held and voted on at the next meeting.

The President of the Council brought Amended Resolution No. 5618 for the Fiscal year 1998/99 Budget for the Town of Easton to the floor. He asked for comments. The Mayor stated that this is a good budget and that the Town is lucky to be able to do as much as it is able to do. The Mayor asked for favorable consideration.

Mr. Mayer stated that the Town is fortunate to have department heads willing to do their best job. He discussed the letter with the changes from the Mayor and Town Clerk. He stated that the budget proposed is essentially the same format and he is very pleased with the budget. He thinks that the budget makes sense. Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5618. Mr. Heinmuller stated that department heads and individuals were asked to forego one million dollars. He stated that it was a credit to the Mayor and department heads to be able to live within the means given them. He stated that this is a good job and a livable budget in which he feels very good about. He then seconded the motion to pass Resolution No. 5618. The Mayor then thanked the Town Clerk for his assistance in preparation of the budget. Resolution No. 5618 As Amended, was passed unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought a Draft Resolution entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ESTABLISHING A TRAFFIC AND POARKING COMMISSION FOR THE TOWN OF EASTON, SETTING FORTH ITS DUTIES AND PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF ITS MEMBERS" to the floor for discussion. The President of the Council stated that he sees this primarily functioning as an independent group. This group would address the problems with traffic and parking such as the round a bout which has been proposed at McDonald’s, and the change of Hammond Street to one-way. He stated that he would prefer to see it staffed by a representative from the Town Engineer’s office and a representative from the Easton Police Department and three others from the town at large. He suggested limiting the Commission to a one-year probation. The Commission could later be made permanent if need be. The President of the Council then suggested empowering effective July 1 through June 30, 1999 and asked Mr. Kehoe to prepare the resolution. The mayor stated that he needs names of suggested members. Discussion occurred on who should be appointed chairman.

Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried, invoices totaling $585,724.55 were approved for payment.

The Mayor discussed the signs for parking and suggested that the West Street parking lot sign is the most attractive. Mr. Ford suggested making the sign at the north end of Town similar to that since this is a trail blaze effort. Mr. Heinmuller passed out a color rendition of his suggestion. Mr. Willey questioned how many signs were being proposed. Mr. Heinmuller stated that there would be five to six. He stated that he had no idea of the cost. He stated that these were proposed for the general Goldsboro Street area entrances. Mr. Heinmuller discussed other possible locations.

The President of the Council asked Mr. Ed Turner to have a list of the proposed sign locations for the next meeting as well as a cost estimate. He also asked the Council to look at the West Street sign and to be prepared to vote at the next meeting.

The Chief of Police discussed a request from Hobby Horse for June 17 to allow parking which would allow a color processing lab costing $115,000 to be delivered to that business. The Chief stated that Ms. Betty Gould also asked that parking restrictions be waived in the vicinity of the Academy of the Arts during the Antique Show. He understood that had been previously approved by Col. Chase. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he believed the motion last year was for the Heart Association to provide parking passes.

Ms. Marie U’ren stated that she had written a letter to Col. Chase in April but she had not received a response. She expressed concerns over dealers and visitors having the parking waived in the vicinity of South Street and Harrison Street. She stated vendors would be delivering on Friday and Saturday and Sunday would be for visitors. The Antique Show would benefit the Heart Association. Mr. Heinmuller recommended that the Heart Association issue passes signed by the Police Department and in effect for Thursday night, Friday, Saturday. Mr. Heinmuller felt that Sunday should not be a problem and should be first come, first served. Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to have that group get with the Chief and develop a pass. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mayer. The President of the Council added a modification to authorize the blocking of the space in front of the Hobby Horse to allow the scheduled delivery. The motion passed.

The Chief reported on a request by the Unity Steppers to have a June 20 block part between 4:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. He discussed blocking Glenwood at West and Pleasant Alley. He discussed music, games and stated that this is a fundraiser supported by the area. He stated that they have an operation plan ready.

Upon motion by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, permission was granted.

Mrs. Clem questioned the sign EBMA and Mr. Heinmuller proposed and asked the Chief to look at that for visibility and location to avoid problems. The Chief discussed outreach activities and sign vision clearing. Mrs. Clem asked Mr. Turner to provide a list of the proposed locations to the Chief.

Mr. Brian Hause reported on behalf of the Town Engineer and stated that the Bramble re-surfacing was underway. He thought this would occur for about a week. He discussed the inconvenience and stated that they had been working with the Police Department. Mr. Hause discussed the Hanson Street project and the teak furniture, which will be placed on Harrison Street. He discussed the procedure used for weather proof that furniture.

Mr. Heinmuller reported high grass at 423 North Street. He also discussed Children at Play signage and request for that type of signage. Mr. Mayer stated that this was not a part of the approved signage any longer. Mr. Mayer expressed concern that the Town could be open for liability if those signs were placed.

Mr. Stephen Kehoe requested an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation.

The President of the Council discussed the upcoming Council calendar. He stated that the meeting to be held on the June 23 would consist of the Chief of Police and discussion of activities. The proposed Visitors’ Center and the budget will also be discussed.

Mr. Mayer stated that he had been hearing that there were a lot more police due to drastic visibility changes. He stated that this is a safety perception and congratulated the Chief for doing this with the same number of officers. The President of the Council stated that in the action plan developed by the Council previously, the next item would be the Comprehensive Plan for the park system. He asked that this planning get started at the next Council meeting.

The President of the Council asked if there were any audience comments. There were none. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote, the Council went into Executive Session at 7:47 P.M. to discuss potential litigation. The President of the Council declared the Executive Session closed at 8:09 P.M.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

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Town Clerk