June 23, 1998

SPECIAL MEETING

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, Chief of Police, Town Attorney, Mr. Brian Hause, Mr. Tim Glass and the Town Engineer Mr. Grunden.

The meeting was opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance by Mr. Mayer.

The President of the Council stated that there were two business items that needed to be acted on. The first was Ordinance No. 374 "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RAISING BY TAXATION THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO PAY THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON THE VARIOUS BOND ISSUES AND THE REDUCTION OF CERTAIN BONDS AND NOTES FOR THE PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS AND SETTING THE INTEREST AND PENALTY FOR DELINQUENT BILLS, COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 1998 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 1999" which would set the tax rate. Ordinance No. 374 was moved for passage by Mr. Mayer seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

A request had been received from Mr. Bernie Kauffman from the VFW concerning a flag burning ceremony. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem, permission was granted to conduct that ceremony.

The President of the Council welcomed everyone and stated that he wished this to be an informal type meeting.

The Chief of Police discussed activities to place more police on the street due to reorganization. He discussed target-hardening strategies. He discussed 74 open doors in businesses downtown being found by the police officers last month. He discussed the probable cause traffic stop program. He discussed Community Outreach officers activities working within the Town.

Within the department, the Chief of Police reported that there are currently six vacancies. He discussed the change in hiring process and stated that they are receiving more college and military background applicants.

The Chief reported that sick time is down, arrests are up and crime is down. The Chief stated that the people in the department are enthusiastic for work.

Ms. Ellen General discussed the proposed Welcome Center. She discussed working with various organizations. She discussed the concept of celebrating the past, present and future.

Ms. Peg Sinclair offered various questions to Mrs. General of how the Welcome Center would function and how people would be attracted as well as cost to the Town.

Ms. General discussed working on Heritage Grants and donations. She discussed educational concepts and support of various institutions.

Mr. Tom McDavid stated that the Welcome Center has the support of EBMA.

Mr. Ford discussed the final stage of implementing the trail blazing signage to the Town Center.

Mr. Mayer discussed the high number of meetings in the Town Hall and the additional options this would present if meeting space were available there as well.

The Mayor discussed the budget, which had passed. He stated that this was the largest ever and it was enough to fund all the activities, which were necessary. He stated that no one opposed the budget during the public hearing.

Discussion followed concerning the open doors and Police Department activities to make the Town safe.

The President of the Council then opened the meeting to the floor. He introduced the Town staff consisting of the Town Engineer, the Town Attorney, the Mayor, the Council and the Town Clerk.

Ms. Kay Wendowski discussed a Sister-to-Sister Summit that her organization was planning.

Mr. Tom McDavid, President, EBMA, questioned the Chief about complaints he had heard previously over the size of the police force. He questioned the Chief whether the Chief was comfortable with the size of the department. The Chief stated that 1.5 per thousand formula is flawed. He discussed the numbers and the numbers of hats the various officers wear. He stated that he is comfortable with the staffing pending the vacancy rate being filled. The Chief discussed his concern with the retention of career and qualified officers. He stated that resources are currently adequate. The Chief discussed the requirement for officers to leave their vehicles twice a day and walk for a given period. The Chief discussed the change in plain-clothes officers who have been told to show their badge and their weapon clearly while they are on duty.

Mr. Ford discussed the wide variation in the Easton population such as on Wednesday morning and Saturday morning.

Mr. Bill Banks stated that there has been a great deal of difference since the Chief has been here. He stated that he is pleased to see the officers and that the effects are noticeable. He stated that this is a giant step forward and he will support the Chief.

The Mayor asked Mr. Tim Glass to update everyone present on the North Easton Park Project. Mr. Glass reported that the project is moving along well. He stated that four ball fields are nearing completion. He discussed the change in the phasing to take advantage of the heavy equipment present. He thinks that the July 9 target will complete at that stage.

Mrs. Clem questioned when the fencing would occur. Mr. Glass discussed that as well as the type of fence proposed being chain link.

The Mayor discussed planned tree plantings.

Mr. Jacques Baker had two concerns. One concern he had was if over-development was being addressed and the second was whether it was possible to have two more lanes on the bypass. The Town Engineer discussed the zoning request criteria and the PUD process as well as the Council’s judgement eventually to encouraged input on those matters.

Concerning the lanes on Route 322, the Town Engineer stated that the State Highway Administration will tell you that it is in their plan and that the staff believes it will be a long uphill battle. He discussed changes and he discussed the institutional feeling that it would not be appropriate for four lanes on Route 322. He did not think it was in the immediate future.

The President of the Council asked if anyone else had anymore comments.

The Mayor asked for an update on Hanson Street.

Mr. Tim Glass discussed their activities to do one side then the other of Hanson Street. He discussed the machines used to accelerate the process. He stated that they are trying to clean this up by the end of the month.

The Town Engineer discussed the comprehensive street rebuilding program and stated that they are trying to get the most bangs for the buck. He discussed productivity gains and focus. He discussed the excitement of the staff.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed how people would go about getting a brick sidewalk if they desire. The Town Engineer stated that Mr. Glass is the contact and that this is looked at job by job.

Mrs. Ellen General was present and reported that at the Economic Outlook Symposium, there were a number of comments received on how good Easton looked and that the Council should be applauded. Mrs. General stated that the Attorney General made multiple comments on this aspect. The President of the Council asked if there was anyone else present who would like to address the Council.

The President of the Council thanked everyone for coming and stated that the Council is not expert in everything and depend on input and volunteers and that they do the best they can do with the resources available.

The President of the Council invited everyone to feel free to mingle following the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 P.M.

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Town Clerk