July 20, 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. Mayer, Mrs. Clem and Mr. Heinmuller. Also attending the meeting were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, the Town Engineer Mr. Grunden, the Chief of Police George Harvey, the Town Planner Mr. Hamilton and Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Tim Glass.

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

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, minutes of the July 6 and July 8 meetings were approved as written.

A letter was received from Michael J. Kopen, Esquire, regarding a petition for annexation of 7.589+ acres parcel owned by Charles O. Parks and Minnie O. Parks. The President of the Council referred that matter to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation.

A letter was received from Lane Engineering requesting the Town Council to hold off on the public hearing scheduled for Easton Commons. The President of the Council stated that the soonest that matter could be acted on would be October 5.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned the Town Planner whether there was a change in the Planning and Zoning requirements to come back to the Council in a default fashion. The Town Planner stated that the Planning and Zoning reviews and automatically forwards these matters to the Council. Mr. Heinmuller questioned whether there would be an automatic forwarding for a favorable recommendation. The Town Planner stated that was correct and discussed the matter. The Town Attorney stated that he believed Mr. Heinmuller is referring to an amendment to a PUD with a default provision, which was changed last year. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he did not want to prevent anyone from having a chance for a public hearing.

A letter was received from Mr. Ed Turner concerning trailblazing signage. Mr. Turner was present. He discussed the cost estimate for the trailblazing signage. Mr. Turner displayed a design and discussed continuity with the design of the current sign, which is in the vicinity of the Airport. Mrs. Clem questioned whether the mock up included directional arrows. Mr. Turner stated that the real signs would. Mr. Turner stated that he needed approval from the Town to request State Highway permission for the placement of the signs in State Highway Administration right-of-way area.

The President of the Council questioned whether the Town could erect the signs and save money. The Town Engineer indicated that this could be done.

Mr. Mayer stated that he felt that the Town should continue to try to tie in the logo of EBMA and the clock with this type of effort.

Mrs. Clem made a motion to accept the trailblazing signage as presented, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried.

A memo was received from the Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Tim Glass regarding the bids for a new 1998 2WD pickup. The memo recommended the acceptance of the low bidder which was Hertrich Fleet Services in Denton, Maryland for a net price delivered of $17,997.00. Mr. Glass stated that the memo covers the pertinent items and asked if there were any questions. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the low bidder has bid for a 1999 Ford and questioned whether the vehicle will be available in time. Mr. Glass discussed the considerable lead-time but stated that they could live within the parameters. Mr. Heinmuller moved acceptance of a low bid, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried.

Mr. Mayer questioned who would be receiving that pick-up. Mr. Glass stated that the street crews would. He discussed the usage proposed.

A letter was received from the Talbot County Humane Society. The President of the Council questioned if anyone from the Talbot County Humane Society was present. Ms. Suzette Stitely, Executive Director, was present from the Humane Society. The letter requested permission to have a fundraiser with pets and animals in their care to occur on the Moton Park or North Easton Park.

The President of the Council referred that letter to the Park Board for their action and asked Mr. Otis Sampson, Chairman of the Park Board who was present, to schedule that matter.

A letter was received from Mr. Roger E. Critchlow regarding No Parking request on south Washington Street. The President of the Council questioned the Chief of Police whether he had seen the request. He had as had the Town Engineer. The Chief reported that he had Captain Blue check the proposed taking away of the last space to open the vision exiting Biery Street and entering South Washington Street. Mr. Mayer noted that that would also open the mouth of the street allowing easier passage. Mrs. Clem questioned the length of the typical street parking space. Mr. Grunden reported that they are normally about twenty feet. Mrs. Clem stated that this one space would actually equate to approximately fifty percent of what Mr. Critchlow had asked for. The Town Engineer stated that this was correct. He explained that combining the one space with the area of the street already marked would appropriate half of the one hundred feet Mr. Critchlow had asked for. The Town Engineer stated that he would support the Chief’s recommendation. He stated that he would prefer to review the space incrementally. Mr. Heinmuller discussed travelling through that area and problems with large trucks.

Mrs. Clem made a motion to follow the Chief’s recommendation to remove one space on the north side of Biery Street and evaluate further, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

The Town Clerk was directed to send a letter to Mr. Critchlow advising of the changes.

At 7:16 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on the request of the Memorial Hospital at Easton, inc., for a Commercial Medical (CM) application to allow the Hospital to construct additional parking on Adkins Avenue. The President of the Council outlined how he would like the Public Hearing to proceed. The Town Planner displayed various drawings. He stated that the Hospital was zoned CM in 1993. He discussed adjacent properties, which are owned by the Hospital. Mr. Hamilton stated that the application is to re-zone to CM to allow certain properties to be used in its entirety except for the daycare. The Town Planner reported that the Planning Commission had reviewed this matter a couple of times. The Town Planner reported that the hospital had worked with the neighborhood and he thinks that they have worked out most of the issues. The Town Planner discussed a fifty foot buffer required which sometimes is not met under this proposal. He stated that the Hospital had responded with some intense screening. The Town Planner reported that the maneuvering aisles are only twenty-four feet versus the typical standard. He stated that this appears to have worked in the past in the Hospital parking lot. The Town Planner reported that the Hospital plans to remove the existing apartment building and this rezoning is for a specific use. He stated that it is similar to a PUD and that any change would require additional revision.

Ms. Blythe Lloyd, Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities and Plant Operations at the Memorial Hospital at Easton was present on behalf of the applicant. She stated that the Town Planner did a good job of summarizing the request. Ms. Lloyd stated that the goal is to increasing parking for outpatients at the Hospital. She discussed trying to make services more available. Ms. Lloyd reported that there should be a net increase of approximately 114 spaces. Ms. Lloyd reported that they developed a plan, spoke with the neighbors and tried to collaborate to develop a mutually beneficial plan. She stated that they wanted to enhance safety and security. Ms. Lloyd invited questions. She introduced the team, which was present from The Memorial Hospital at Easton to support the request.

Mr. Mayer questioned whether the new parking on the side of Adkins Avenue was more for employees or patients. Ms. Lloyd reported that they will designate in the future but patients are the primary concern. Mr. Mayer discussed which lots might be more suitable for employees and or to make the decision simpler.

The President of the Council questioned whether the hospital had spoken to the neighborhood about landscaping. Ms. Lloyd stated that they had many times and she believed that the neighbors had bought in to the concept.

Ms. Clem discussed continued maintenance requirements for the landscaping. She requested that a follow through plan be prepared. Ms. Lloyd stated that this would absolutely be done. She discussed the investment that the Hospital is making in the landscaping. Mr. Kevin Sharon of McCrone, Inc., discussed the landscaping plan, which included buffering and losing substantial parking if the current fifty-foot buffer was complied with. Mr. Sharon discussed the required Findings of Fact under the Zoning Ordinance and why he believed that those matters were satisfied.

Mr. Sharon discussed expansion of the CM zone. He turned the presentation over to Mr. Bill Stagg for further explanation of the landscape design.

Mrs. Clem questioned if there were 114 extra spaces and the same ingress and egress, would there be a need to keep that open as much as possible to avoid excessive backups.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the idea of impacting on the public traffic and questioned whether the traffic will set up to allow access for long term patients without walking all the way around the business.

Mrs. Clem questioned the outpatient hours. Ms. Lisa Darden, Director of Surgical Services stated that those hours are 6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Mr. Mayer questioned whether information would be provided for both front and rear entrances. Ms. Lloyd stated that it would. She discussed Public Relations efforts and signage proposed.

The Mayor questioned the percentage of hospital parking, which is now used between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Mr. Bob Bradford of the Hospital Plant Operations stated that it is close to 100%. He discussed each lot. The Mayor stated that the one lot in the vicinity of the Port Street condominium is not used for hospital parking. The question arose as to how many spaces were used for the outpatient function. Ms. Lisa Darden stated that ten spaces are dedicated for outpatient surgery and that they typically have thirty to thirty-five patients per day. She stated that the current facilities parking area is not adequate. The Mayor questioned whether the Adkins Avenue area would be designated for employees or patients. Ms. Lloyd stated that they have not made that determination. They would be happy to designate both if need be.

Mr. Stagg stated that he did an assessment of the existing tree coverage and the neighbors concerns. He stated that under the plan proposed, only two trees would be lost and that thirty to forty trees would be preserved. He discussed layering landscapes and the neighbors’ desires. He discussed the reasons for the request for modification for the fifty-foot setback. He stated that no trees worthy of saving would be lost. He discussed encroaching approximately twenty-seven feet into the buffer. He stated that he believes that the neighborhood is satisfied. He discussed limiting access to areas and stated that the neighbors are happy with this plan. He discussed the traditional approach to landscaping.

Mr. Heinmuller asked about drainage aspects and whether there would be any affect to the neighbors for this paving. Mr. Stagg stated that he did not think there would be any affect. He discussed drainage and the low level of the lots.

Mr. Kevin Sharon discussed ties into existing storm drainage systems.

Mrs. Clem discussed concerns from people on Wye Avenue concerning the narrow street with parking on both sides and questioned how this could be addressed. She acknowledged this was a separate issue and that the Town needs to look at. Mrs. Clem discussed the area and possibly upsetting various people with various plans. Mrs. Clem questioned movement of traffic and emergency equipment as well as safety aspects.

Mr. Mayer stated that he liked the approach at the area where the apartments are now in the vicinity of the Adkins corner.

Mr. Glen Cook, Traffic Consultant with The Traffic Group was present and stated that this was an easy matter for them to study since the cars are not here today and moving into the lots. He stated that this will relieve congestion and even if there were new vehicles, traffic will remain at acceptable levels.

Mr. Mayer stated that this will relieve existing problems.

Mrs. Clem questioned when the project would anticipate beginning. Ms. Lloyd stated that they anticipated early fall with a completion sometime in the mid-fall.

Chief Harvey questioned the increased business three to five years out and whether there would be additional impact with the neighborhood at that point. Mr. Cook stated that there would be at some point if there were increasing levels of service. The Chief questioned when the thought was that the resources requested would be outlived. Mr. Cook stated that this was a hospital question.

Mr. Joe Ross, President, Easton Memorial Hospital, discussed various locations. He stated that outpatient services are growing in the outsites. Mr. Ross discussed some outpatient services, which are required to be performed at the hospital. He stated that the only way to grow in the future would be a parking ramp which is extremely expensive and which the state will not allow the hospital to recover costs for in their rates. Mr. Ross stated that he thinks that growth will be seen at Idlewild location not at the current Washington Street location.

The President of the Council asked if there were any audience comments. There were none. He closed the Public Hearing at 7:56 P.M.

The President of the Council declared a five-minute recess. He called the meeting back to order at 8:01 P.M. and opened the Public Hearing on the request of Easton Utilities to increase its rates and charges for electric service an average of 7.97% per month for the typical customer.

Mr. Hugh Grunden, General Manager of the Easton Utilities Commission, discussed the proposal, which the Council had received. He discussed the presentation anticipated. Mr. Grunden stated that the last rate increase was in the summer of 1989 for electric rates. He stated that Maryland is one of the few states that fully regulate municipal utilities. He discussed the Easton Utilities Commission, the Town of Easton and subsequent Public Service Commission approvals, which are required. The Town Engineer stated that the last rate increase prior to 1989 was eleven years before that. The Town Engineer discussed the fuel cost adjustment. He discussed fuel cost drivers as well as increased capacity and demands as well as reliability improvements. He asked the increase in the operating revenue of 7.19% to recover the costs incurred. Mr. Grunden discussed the approximate 7.97% increase for a typical resident customer, which he discussed and defined.

Mr. Grunden introduced Mr. Mark Heckler, Business Manager of the Easton Utilities Commission, Mr. Jim Silvius, Deputy General Manager of the Utilities Commission, Ms. Maureen Curry, Director of Public Relations of Easton Utilities Commission as well as Mr. Tim Glass, Engineer with the Easton Utilities Commission.

Mr. Heckler discussed the presentation of a traditional rate case, here and at the Public Service Commission. He discussed deregulation efforts in Maryland. He discussed the routing, the revenue requirement and then displayed exhibits which had previously been provided to the Council members. He explained how the numbers were derived. The President of the Council questioned how the fuel cost is re-billed. Mr. Heckler discussed a three-month rolling balance. He discussed the calculation of required and previously authorized rates of return. He discussed the estimated impact on the average customers. Mr. Heckler discussed the fuel cost adjustment being 3.5 cents per kilowatt hour in 1989 versus 2.475 cents per kilowatt hour today so the bills sent would be less in September 1998 than in 1989.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed funding by borrowing and/or current funds being used for prior projects. The Town Engineer stated that there was no anticipation of speeding up payments on prior debt issued. He discussed factors entering the historical cost information.

Mr. Heckler discussed 50% of the amount they are asking for being based on prior projects. He displayed an exhibit to illustrate this. Mr. Grunden discussed typical retrospective rate cases.

The President of the Council asked if there were any audience comments. There were none. The Town Engineer stated that this is a "true up" to get the authorized rate of return, which was previously authorized by the Public Service Commission. The Town Engineer stated that the customer still pays less in nominal dollars in 1998 versus 1989. He discussed fuel cost control efforts. He stated that consumer price index is up approximately 29% over the last nine years and that the Utilities is asking for less than 8% increase. He stated that the rates would still be among the lowest in the state even after the request is approved. He asked for the Council’s favorable consideration at their earliest convenience.

The President of the Council again, asked if there were any audience comments. There were none. The President of the Council asked if there were any additional Council comments. There were none. He closed the Public Hearing at 8:26 P.M.

Mr. Tim Dills was present to address the Council regarding the establishment of a parking lot behind Talbottown in conjunction with a proposed office development.

The Town Planner discussed the Planning Commission reviewing the two projects, one as a PUD amendment to Talbottown Shopping Center. The Town Planner stated that the Planning Commission had looked favorably on that request subject to parking lot issues. The Town Planner discussed the Council placing Talbottown in the Parking Tax District previously.

Mr. Dills discussed the addition proposed at Talbottown and the parking lot request. He discussed what is currently there. He displayed various graphic representations of this. Mr. Dills discussed the addition proposed and the idea to approach from either the front or the rear of Talbottown. He stated that he thinks there would be approximately sixty to eighty additional people coming to work in the downstairs area. He discussed additional floors proposed and how this would tie into the current height at Talbottown. Mr. Dills discussed three things previously asked for Talbottown. One was the canopy section which the Town allowed. The second was to allow their inclusion in the Parking Tax District which was done and the third was Mr. Dills always thought that the future lots would be accessible to Talbottown and that he usually tries to buy property near public parking. Mr. Dills asked the Town to move ahead with part of the parking area at least behind the Easton Utilities Commission, which is currently used as a staging area. He discussed the investment driving the justification of the parking lot. He discussed the Main Street’s suggestions regarding the first floors being used as stores instead of offices. Mr. Dills discussed relative rent rate structures. Mr. Dills stated that his drawings shows 84 spaces and he thought 55 would be in use during the day. He discussed current use as a staging area. Mr. Dills discussed how this could be used to allow emergency vehicles access. Her discussed a lot of interest in this project by various people. He discussed tying into parking lot uses. Mr. Dills stated that he needed to move on this due to refinancing issues at the shopping center and this would be a part of the package to fund the reconstruction. He did not want to borrow the money if he is not able to do the addition.

Mrs. Clem questioned how fast Mr. Dills needed a response. Mr. Dills stated that he needed a response within a few weeks.

A memo was received from the Mayor concerning various appointments. The President of the Council suggested that these all be voted for at once. Mrs. Clem stated that these were great names and that the Park Board focus was greater than ball fields. The President of the Council stated that he was pleased to see many of the people being appointed present.

Mr. Mayer questioned whether all had been contacted and agreed. The Mayor stated that was correct. Mr. Mayer discussed people making their desires to serve known to the Mayor and other people in the Town since vacancies do arise.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the following appointments were approved: Mr. Scott Patterson to fill Ms. Rose Wilson’s position in the Park Board. Mr. Patterson’s term will be for the remainder of Ms. Wilson’s six-year term, which will be in effect until July 5, 2000.

Also Mr. Carl Reed as an Alternate to the Board of Zoning Appeals to replace Mr. J. Mason Slaughter whose term will expire December 31, 1998 as well as the next three year term which will expire December 31, 2001.

The next appointment approved is for the part-time HotSpots Coordinator, which will be filled by Ms. Carolyn Jaffe. Appointments made to the Parking Commission were Mr. Tim Glass of the Town Engineer’s Office, Sgt. Greg Wright of the Easton Police Department, Mr. Richard Edward, Mr. Bill Banks and Bruce Armistead, Esquire. These appointments are for a one-year term commencing upon the date of approval pursuant to Resolution No. 5621.

A letter was received from the Director of the Academy of the Arts, Mr. Christopher J. Brownawell requesting the installation of new light posts on South Street and S. Harrison Street. Mr. Brownawell was present and stated that the memo elaborates on their request.

The Town Engineer stated that he has spoken with Mr. Brownawell and that the Engineer Department is looking into cost estimate.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the question of spacing of lights. Mr. Brownawell stated that they will rely on the Town to set the lights appropriately. They are requesting two of these lights on South Street and one on Harrison Street in the vicinity of the Academy of the Arts property. Mrs. Clem discussed the concept of lighting in the whole area and funding. She suggested looking up South Street as well.

Mr. Grunden discussed installing various more powerful light heads in that vicinity and trimming the canopy of trees to allow better visibility in the area. He stated that the intersection of South Harrison Street and South Street is extremely well lit now. He stated that they did not focus on pedestrian areas where the Academy patrons typically are located. Mr. Brownawell stated that he viewed the subject with the more light the better. He discussed his concern for pedestrians. The Town Engineer estimated that it would cost approximately $7,000 to accomplish what Mr. Brownawell has asked for. Mr. Brownawell stated that the Academy of the Arts is not cash rich but they are willing to donate $2,000 to the effort.

The President of the Council asked the Town Engineer to have the relative positions prepared by the next Council and asked the Mayor and the Town Clerk to see if they could find $5,000 to accomplish this task.

Ms. Rose Miles was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., and stated that she had nothing to report. She believes that the reports have been previously sent over.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 375, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ADDING ARTICLE VIII TO CHAPTER 2 OF THE EASTON TOWN CODE ENTITLED "CUSTODY AND DISPOSITION OF ABANDONED, LOST OR SEIZED PERSONAL PROPERTY" AND PROVIDING FOR THE PERIODIC DISPOSITION OF ABANDONED, LOST OR SEIZED PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE POSSESSION OF THE EASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT" to the floor. Ordinance No. 375 was moved for passage by Mr. Mayer seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of the members present.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5622, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN AND THE STATE OF MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR LEVEL I ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIAL LOAN PROGRAMS AND DESIGNATING THE EASTON HOUSING AUTHORITY AS THE TOWN’S SUBCONTRACTOR FOR SAID AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWN CLERK TO ENTER INTO A SUBCONTRACTOR’S AGREEMENT WITH EASTON HOUSING AUTHORITY" to the floor. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, Resolution No. 5622 was passed unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5623, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING AND CONSENTING TO THE SIXTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE TRUST AGREEMENT, AUTHORIZING TOWN OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER APPROPRIATE EVIDENCES OF THE TOWN’S CONSENT AND RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE TOWN WITH REGARD TO THE SIXTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE TRUST AGREEMENT" to the floor. Resolution No. 5623 was moved for passage by Mr. Heinmuller seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5624, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING THE PLACEMENT OF STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF HANSON STREET AND EARLE AVENUE AND HANSON STREET AND BROOKLETSS AVENUE AND THE PLACEMENT OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS AT EASTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND THE EASTON POST OFFICE" to the floor. The President of the Council questioned why this was in the form of a resolution. The Town Attorney answered that the Town Code required it. The President of the Council discussed a request for a sign in the vicinity of Easton High School and the old House of the Pines entrance for a STOP sign. The Town Engineer reported that that sign had already been placed and that it was a public way versus a private road issue and that determined the requirement for a resolution.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that at the last Police board meeting, a STOP sign was discussed at Hanson and Earle Avenue. There was no mention of Hanson and Brookletts. He stated that this was not voted up to the Town Council. He moved to amend Item A to strike all after "thereby" continuing with and removing the STOP sign at Brookletts and Hanson changing the flow of traffic. Mr. Heinmuller continued the amendment. His suggested amendment to item B removes after "thereby" and removing the STOP signs on Hanson changing the traffic flow right of way. The proposed amendment continued on Item C to change the words following "Town Engineer" to in accordance with action voted on by the Police Board July 8, 1998 and changing Item D following the words "Town Engineer" in accordance with the action voted on by the Police Board July 8, 1998.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed his rationale for those changes. Mrs. Clem asked to have the written version of the Resolution including the amendments for the next meeting. Mr. Mayer asked to have the area laid out on diagrams to illustrate the changes proposed. The Chief stated that he had no problems doing those proposed changes on paper. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he felt that these desires could be accomplished without four-way STOP signs. The Chief agreed. Mr. Heinmuller discussed his opposition of four-way STOP signs and speeding traffic in the areas. Discussion followed concerning a request for Children-At-Play sign in the vicinity of Matthewstown Run. The Town Engineer discussed this matter and stated that he would contact the appropriate person if desired. The President of the Council stated that the Town Engineer or the Chief of Police could contact Mr. Knotts who had requested the sign.

A letter was received from the Grace of God Fellowship requesting permission to hold a one day community fair on August 8 from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on the linear park at Dover Street and East Avenue. The President of the Council forwarded that matter to Mr. Sampson for Park Board approval.

The President of the Council referred to a letter received from Secretary David L. Instead, MD Department of Transportation notifying approval for dedication of Peachblossom Bridge in honor of William J. "Duck" Bradley, Jr.

Invoices for $474,378.35 were moved for approval by Mrs. Clem, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried.

The chief discussed a request from the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 5118 for a flea market to occur on July 25 on private property. The Town Planner stated that he had sent that to the Police for informational purposes. He stated that the Zoning Ordinance would authorize the Town Planner to approve this on private property. He stated that he would approve this unless the Council indicated objections.

Mrs. Clem stated that a few meetings ago, the statistics for businesses with doors left were discussed and asked the Chief what has occurred in that respect. The Chief stated that Easton has a horrendous record of businesses left unlocked. He stated that those statistics currently are not derived but they will be coming soon. Mrs. Clem questioned after so many offenses, could a letter be sent from the Council.

The Chief reported on an Easton Middle School overflow. He stated that the area is not suitable due to emergency vehicle access needs and that there has been a request made for No Parking signs to allow emergency vehicular access at games.

The Town Attorney stated that this matter needs to be accomplished by resolution.

The Town Engineer reported that the North Easton Park is moving well. He discussed the seating and fencing coming. He discussed trying to water the Town’s investment in plants due to the dry, hot weather.

On the Utilities side, he stated that a heat wave has been forecasted for this week. He discussed the effect on the power pools and the price volatility. He discussed looking at fixed costs of fuel supply and sales efforts related to generated power.

The Town Engineer stated that the PJM is predicting an all time peak. He discussed public service announcements planned and made. He thanked the Town Council for the time and attention for the rate case presentation.

Mr. Heinmuller expressed concern over parking in the vicinity of the Middle School. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he presumed that the Board of Education had posted one side to be No Parking, which was widely ignored. He suggested a mechanism to have the county post signs and have law enforcement officers to take appropriate action on that property.

The Town Attorney stated that he will consider that and perhaps the matter will require an Ordinance. He will report at the next meeting.

The President of the Council reminded the Council of the Park Board meeting scheduled for July 27.

Mrs. Clem stated that she thought it was noteworthy that there were two significant public hearings with no opposition. She suggested that that occurred by doing a superior job by communicating to the community. She stated that the Town should be proud that there were no pickets or frustration expressed. She commended the Easton Utilities Commission and the Hospital as well as the rest of the department heads for going the extra mile to make things smooth.

Mr. Heinmuller thanked EBMA and the signage committee for their suggestion made tonight.

The President of the Council asked if there was anything else present who would like to bring something before the Council.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffe invited the Mayor and Council to observe the National Night Against Crime, Tuesday, August 4 from 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. She discussed the activities in the Health Department and the Port Street parking lots. She stated that people will walk the route. She discussed people and agencies involved. She stated that this is an attempt to take back neighborhoods.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:28 P.M.

Town Clerk