JOINT MEETING WITH THE COUNTY

AND MUNICIPALTIES

February 23, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 5:15 P.M. by the President of the County Council, Mr. Bob Higgins with the following County Council members present: Mr. Foster, Mr. Dyott, Mr. Harrison and Mrs. Spence.

Attending on behalf of the Town of Easton were the President of the Council Mr. Willey, Mayor Butler, Mrs. Clem, Mr. Ford and Mr. Heinmuller.

Mr. Quidas, Mr. Harrison and Mr. English were present from Trappe. Mr. Snyder and Mr. Bosley were present on behalf of St. Michaels. Dave Thompson, Esq., was present on behalf of Oxford. Mr. Andy Hollis, Talbot County Manager was present.

Everyone introduced themselves.

The next meeting was scheduled for April 27 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., September 28 and December 14. The Town of Easton is to send notification letters.

The Tourism Task Force was discussed and the proposal. The Town of Easton was questioned on a position. Concern was expressed on the funding and the source thereof. The Town Council members advised that the Town had not taken a formal stand or vote on this issues yet.

Mr. Mayer joined the meeting at 5:30 P.M.

Discussion occurred over possible duplication of effort. Discussion occurred as to the proposal intending to be revenue neutral for the Town. Discussion occurred as to how important tourism could or should be to the towns and the county. The County indicated a need for a decision on the part of the Town of Easton.

The President of the Council, Mr. Willey, stated that the Town Council will answer by March 16.

The tax differential was briefly discussed including a school crossing guard illustration. It was decided to set a meeting in the future to address this matter after the Town gets numbers together and discuss people’s preferences and thoughts.

Discussion occurred on long range open space issues and funding availability as well as the appropriate entity to act as a clearinghouse for these requests.

Discussion occurred on the need to be proactive.

Police services were discussed including the Town of Easton’s police department responding to Trappe and other vicinities when Sheriff’s deputies were unavailable.

Discussion occurred having to do with the need to address these issues.

Discussion occurred on growth and how that might be managed as well as standards and options which should be used or considered. Discussion occurred on how much growth was appropriate.

Discussion occurred on the ALS Task Force proposal and the question to the Town of Easton whether the Town would be willing to step in financially if the Easton Volunteer Fire Department was unable to be self-sufficient in the ALS effort.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 P.M.

Town Clerk