SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

December 15, 1998

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 5:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Willey, with the following members present: Mr. Ford, Mrs. Clem and Mr. Heinmuller. Also attending the meeting were Mayor Butler, the Town Planner Mr. Hamilton and Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Glass. Attending on behalf of the Talbot County Council were Mr. Robert Higgins, Mr. Phil Foster, Ms. Hillary Spence, Mr. Buddy Harrison and Mr. Wayne Dyott. Attending on behalf of the Trappe Town Council was Mr. Robert Quidas. Attending on behalf of the Oxford Town Council was Mr. Ron Fox and Mr. Sid Campen and Oxford Town Attorney Mr. Dave Thompson. Mr. Randy Estee was present on behalf of Queen Anne. Mr. Andy Hollis was present representing the Town of St. Michaels.

The President of the Council discussed the reason for the meeting explaining that there was a desire to increase communications between the various councils.

Mr. Higgins stated that this is a positive step and felt that the various councils should work hard together. He discussed the issue pending on the request of the Town of Easton on Growth Allocation. He stated that the County Council needs to give an answer. They brought Mr. Dan Cowee, the County Planner to discuss this matter. He stated that the County is not dealing with site specific matters here and that this is total acreage.

Mr. Cowee went through in great detail the issues related to Growth Allocation.

Mr. Edgar Harrison joined the meeting at 5:05 P.M.

Mr. Cowee discussed the Critical Area and Growth Allocation Legislation. He discussed the history of the allocation. He stated that 2,554 acres total; 1,277 acres were identified for LDA to IDA. He stated that 1,277 acres were identified for RCA to LDA and IDA. Under RCA, one dwelling is allowed per twenty acres. Under IDA, four dwellings are allowed per acre or greater. Mr. Cowee stated that the County has 346 acres left. He discussed the Town’s request for considerably more and if the County granted it, they would probably grant in phases. He discussed the County Comprehensive Plan and growth around the Town. He discussed the four-year review, which is required. He discussed the Hatton Garden example in St. Michaels. He discussed annexation issues. Mr. Cowee discussed County provisions in the Zoning Ordinance versus the State Critical Area rules. He discussed the timing of needs and the lack of currently pending projects. Mr. Cowee discussed the shared facility concept.

Mrs. Clem discussed needing to look into the future with meetings with Planning Commissions. She discussed the need to look at infrastructure requirements in the future and the need to work with state agencies.

Mr. Buddy Harrison discussed the concept of one municipality loaning growth allocation to another and how that might be structured to handle these matters in the meantime.

Mr. Higgins discussed the 800 MHz radio communication system, which they are trying to team up with Queen Anne. He stated that this is probably appropriate for the Easton Police Department, the Fire Department and the Utilities Commission and asked if they would like to join in. He stated that this should be a team effort on any purchase for cost efficiency. He stated that the State has $200 million dollars available for the 800 MHz program.

Mrs. Clem stated that she was not clear on the next meeting and what steps were required to be taken yet.

The Town Planner stated that the Town is waiting for the County response on the request for growth allocation.

The next meeting of the municipalities and the County Council was scheduled for the Town Council’s Chambers for Tuesday, February 23 at 5:00 P.M.

The President of the Council invited public comments in the few minutes remaining.

Mr. Mark Bower stated that he agreed with Mrs. Clem’s comments regarding coordinated effort. Discussion followed on upcoming events and activities.

The President of the Council declared the meeting adjourned at 6:20 P.M.

Town Clerk