March 1, 1999

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 Mayor C. Eugene Butler, the Town Engineer Mr. Grunden, the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Chief of Police George Harvey, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, and Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Glass.

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

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, minutes of the February 16, February 22 and February 23 meetings were approved as written.

Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce were present in order to update the Mayor and Council on their activities. Mr. Charlie O'Reilly, Chairman of the Commerce, stated that they were going to discuss what they have done since their last visit and to discuss their tourism efforts over the years. Mr. O’Reilly discussed their membership of more than 900 members and over thirty-five years of success. Mr. O’Reilly stated that they have successfully handled all tourism functions for the last ten years. Mr. O’Reilly stated that there is now another group who feel that they can do the job better although the Chamber has done the job right for ten years and are well established. He discussed the startup costs, which would be required for the other group. Mr. O’Reilly discussed the Chamber’s assistance in Easton being named the 8^th Best Small Town in America and their representation of the entire county based upon a regional approach. Mr. O’Reilly discussed the multiple awards received by the Chamber from their peers.

Mr. Pete Raynor then gave a tourism slide presentation regarding the Chambers efforts.

Ms. Debbie Dodson discussed the Chamber’s tourism efforts and making state funds available for marketing in regional and national publications for multiple businesses at an affordable cost. Ms. Dodson discussed some of the advertising placed and the high quality brochures produced. Ms. Dodson discussed working with various travel writers.

Mr. O’Reilly thanked the Mayor and Council.

The President of the Council asked for any council questions.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned of the approximately 900 members of which approximately 160 are involved in tourism, how many are in town limits.

Mr. John Long, President of the Chamber, stated they have that information and will provide it tomorrow.

Mrs. Clem stated that the Chamber referred to a regional approach and asked for rough numbers.

Mr. Long stated that approximately ten percent of the 950 members are outside the region.

Mr. Raynor stated that for purposes of the presentation, the 160 tourist related members referred to previously are in the County.

The President of the Council asked that the Council be provided a set of the slides used in the presentation. The President of the Council stated that the Town has not taken a position yet on the county tourism proposal.

Mr. Long asked if there were any other questions.

Mr. O’Reilly stated that the Chamber would be making an extended presentation to the Talbot County Council tomorrow.

Mr. Mayer asked what the Chamber would do if promised the same funding which has been requested by the Tourism Task Force.

Mr. Raynor referred to their five-year plan which was developed a year ago. He stated that the Chamber had done so much for so little for a long time.

Mr. Long discussed the Chamber’s income and expense budget and offered copies to the Council.

Mr. Mayer stated that he would like to compare the programs.

A memo was received requesting the waiver of the room rental fee at the Fire House on behalf of the Stamp Club. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the request was approved.

The President of the Council stated that a Public Hearing had been held at the last meeting and asked the Council’s pleasure on Resolution No. 5646 "A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN LANDS OWNED BY THE SWANN HAVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, HILDA MAE SWANN AND CHARLES D. SWANN LOCATED ON THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF MARYLAND STATE ROUTE 328 AND CONSISTING OF 73.674 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS TO THE TOWN OF EASTON AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ANNEXATION".

Mrs. Clem stated that it was her strong belief that Easton should hold off on future annexations until the question is addressed regarding the Town’s optimum size. Mrs. Clem stated that her no vote would not be a "no growth" vote but that the Town needs more information on the roads, impact fees, police and fire service impacts. Mrs. Clem stated the town needs to go slow and be thorough regarding the development of quality growth.

Mr. Ford stated that he does not disagree with Mrs. Clem’s comments but he would support this annexation. Mr. Ford stated that the annexation is supported by the county Comprehensive Plan and the zoning, it is consistent with the applicable town planning and zoning. Mr. Ford discussed the developer’s readiness to construct a collector route which would hopefully alleviate traffic problems.

Mr. Mayer stated that the Town’s comprehensive plan looked at the ability to take on these properties and the Utilities can handle this at this point. Mr. Mayer discussed the problems including SHA not having the effort or the means to do the studies needed.

The President of the Council thanked the Council for their thoughts and asked for a motion on Resolution No. 5646. Resolution No. 5646 was then moved for passage by Mr. Mayer seconded by Mr. Ford and carried following a roll call vote with Mrs. Clem dissenting.

The President of the Council then brought Ordinance No. 385 "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ASSIGNING THE MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (R-10A) CLASSIFICATION TO CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNED BY SWANN HAVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UPON THE ANNEXATION OF THE PROPERTY BY THE TOWN OF EASTON" to the floor and asked for a motion. Ordinance No. 385 was then moved for passage by Mr. Mayer seconded by Mr. Ford and carried following a roll call vote with Mrs. Clem dissenting.

The Town Attorney stated that at the last meeting the Council discussed the desirability of an annexation agreement for the collector road and asked if he should proceed with the agreement. The Council indicated that the Town Attorney should proceed with the agreement.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5653 to the floor which would authorize attendance at Annual Convention of the Maryland Municipal League, Inc. June 27 through June 30, 1999. Resolution No. 5653 was moved for passage by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem, and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

A memo was received from the Mayor recommending the reappointment of Mr. Clifford Hilk to the Easton Utilities Commission. Upon motion by Mr. Heinmuller, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried, the reappointment was approved.

The Mayor stated that he thought Mr. Hilk would do a great job as usual.

The President of the Council asked the Town Planner to discuss the next two items on the agenda.

The Town Planner discussed the letter from the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission recommending the annexation of the 52 acres, which was requested by Sherri Talbot, Yvonne D. Hoffman, Trustee and the North American Snake Institute. Mr. Hamilton discussed where this property appears on the map and stated that a public hearing needs to be scheduled. The Town Planner stated that he thinks Mr. Passyn wants the property for a subdivision.

The President of the Council set the Public Hearing for April 19 at 7:15PM.

The Town Planner then discussed the request of Idlewild Associates for an amendment to a previously approved PUD to allow a ninety unit Assisted Living Facility (ALF). The Town Planner discussed the prescribed process and discussed a rendering of the facility. The Town Planner stated that the Planning Commission has reviewed this request and approved it. The Town Planner stated that the Council could accept the Planning Commission action or hold a public hearing. The Town Planner offered an abbreviated presentation, if the Council desired.

Mr. Mayer and Mrs. Clem indicated that they would like to hear the presentation. Mrs. Clem stated that in order to be consistent, an opportunity should be provided for a public hearing.

Mr. Tom Davis of McCrone, Mrs. Donna Taylor of William Hill Manor and Dr. David Hill of Idlewild Associates were present to discuss the request for a fifty thousand square foot ALF on a five-acre site.

Mr. Tom Davis discussed the building proposal and phases. He stated that the site is designated CM and asked for the Council’s favorable consideration or, if necessary, a public hearing as soon as possible. Mr. Davis discussed the colonial architecture proposed.

Dr. David Hill discussed the number of people in nursing homes who could live in an ALF and the cost factors being 20-25% less than nursing homes. Dr. Hill discussed concepts envisioned for the facility and the tie in to William Hill Manor with staffing. Dr. Hill stated that there are about four hundred nursing beds in Talbot County and approximately 10-15% of those would be better served in an ALF.

Mrs. Clem discussed the recent Londonderry approval and the similar approval for the parcel at the end of Earle Avenue. She asked for a definition of Assisted Living.

Dr. Hill discussed the Assisted Living concept.

Mrs. Donna Taylor discussed changes to the health care system with discharges sooner for sicker people. Mrs. Taylor discussed appropriate care levels and quality of life. Mrs. Taylor discussed the two forty-five unit phases planned.

Mrs. Clem questioned the staffing per shift.

Mrs. Taylor discussed a manager, clerical, dietary support staff and about four nursing staff with a total of not more than ten.

Dr. Hill stated that the traditional model has been departed from over the last eighteen years in that they have found residents do better in more social and other spaces. In response to a question from the President of the Council, Dr. Hill discussed a single floor concept with landscaping similar to the existing property.

Mr. Mayer asked how many new employees there would be. Mrs. Taylor estimated 40 people for the 45 units. Dr. Hill added that the ratio was almost 1 for 1.

Mr. Mayer stated that he noticed the road access would be the same as presently and asked if that was thought to be proper.

Mr. Heinmuller asked if the residents of the Davis Lane cottages had been contacted. Dr. Hill stated that they are every positive and discussed this as well as the program.

The President of the Council asked if there were any more questions. There were none. The President of the Council then asked the Council’s pleasure.

Mr. Ford stated that he agrees with Mrs. Clem in spite of the great track record of William Hill Manor and he supports a public hearing.

Mrs. Clem stated that she understands the schedule of the applicant but thinks a public hearing is appropriate.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that the public should be given an opportunity to comment and noted that the requested building is the size of two Safeway stores.

The President of the Council asked if April 5 was enough time to prepare for the hearing.

The Town Planner stated that it was and discussed the requirements.

Dr. Hill stated this would give them a chance to present the plan to the Davis Avenue residents on the fifteenth.

The President of the Council then set the Public Hearing for March 15 at 7:15PM.

A letter was received from Mr. R. Andrew Hollis, Talbot County Manager, regarding the County’s scheduled Public Hearing on the Town’s Growth Allocation request. The President of the Council stated that the town should have a representative at the meeting.

The Town Attorney stated that he and the Town Planner intended to attend. The Mayor added that he could make the meeting. The Town Attorney asked for guidance on what the Council would like presented. The President of the Council asked for the consensus on the three bills pending.

Mrs. Clem indicated a preference for the first bill (No. 698).

Mr. Heinmuller indicated a preference for the first bill.

Mr. Ford indicated a preference for the first bill and added that he had real problems with the last bill (No. 700) proposed. He stated that he does not mind the extra review but the risk would be run of deterring the plan.

Mr. Mayer agreed that No. 698 was best for the long run.

Mr. Ford stated that he will try to attend the meeting.

The President of the Council asked if there was a representative of the Fire Department present. There was none.

The Mayor reported that he was glad to be back.

The Chief brought the request for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to the Council for approval. He discussed the route and the small block party. The Chief stated that the Police Department has no problem with the request. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried, the request was approved.

The Chief brought a request for the Walk for Life to the Council for approval. He discussed the event occurring on April 10 at 9:00 AM with 150 participants. The Chief discussed the route and stated that he sees no problem. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the request was approved.

The Chief reported that the Maryland Chiefs of Police would meet in Easton in May. The Chief discussed the promotions scheduled for March 8.

Mr. Ford discussed the great job done by one of the officers with forty school children of his wife’s class. The Chief stated that it was Officer Yvonne Freeman.

The Town Engineer reported that the Public Works capital budget request had been submitted. The Town Engineer discussed the large amount of activity at the North Easton Park to prepare for use this spring. He discussed the donations and stated that the park would be dedicated April 24.

On the Utilities side, the Town Engineer discussed the demolition of the old Yale building using in house EUC and Town forces at a substantial cost savings. The Town Engineer stated that Superintendent of Public Works Mr. Brian Hause was the point person and did a fabulous job.

The Town Engineer stated that final details are being worked out on the consolidated office building scheduled for that site.

The Town Engineer discussed the Electric Restructuring, the six bills pending before the legislature and his testimony. The tax component of the restructuring will be heard this week.

The Town Engineer discussed the brief power outage this afternoon in the downtown vicinity.

The Town Engineer thanked the Mayor and Council for the reappointment of Mr. Hilk to the Utilities Commission and stated that Mr. Hilk had served extremely well.

Mrs. Clem discussed joining the "road show" along with Mr. Heinmuller and the Town Engineers staff. She stated the examination of the roads was very interesting and that citizens should feel pleased at how the maintenance is planned and accomplished. Mrs. Clem discussed walking north on the Rails-to-Trails ending at the old rail road bridge at Tanyard Branch. Mrs. Clem discussed a possible tie in of the Rails to Trails with the Easton Elementary School property and thought this should be looked at.

The President of the Council discussed a memo from the East End Neighborhood Association suggesting sidewalk and street improvements. The Mayor stated that the Assistant Town Engineer, Mr. Glass, has the memo.

Mr. Mayer discussed the Citgo station at the southwest corner of the intersection of Goldsborough Street and Route 50 now being closed. He suggested now was the time to get SHA involved in acquiring part of the property to allow a wider intersection.

Mr. Heinmuller complimented the Utilities Commission newsletter as excellent. The Town Engineer stated that Ms. Maureen Curry does that publication.

Mr. Heinmuller brought up the rebuilding scheduled at the old Yale area and discussed the traffic light proposed for the Washington Street and Harrison Street intersection. The Town Engineer stated that ninety percent of the design is complete and this is funded in the current budget. He stated that ordering is in process and the light will sequence with the light at Washington Street and Bay Street.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the West Side Association cleanup on April 10 as being similar to the past. He asked if the Town could provide garbage and trash removal again. The Town Engineer said this absolutely could be accomplished and asked for details of what is desired.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed a park like area at the intersection of Port Street and West Street with power lines in the vicinity. He stated they would like some advice on safety in working with trees and trimming in the area.

The Town Attorney discussed attendance at a deregulation conference and the implications of connections within the Town over the next five to ten years.

The President of the Council asked for an explanation on House Bill 1095. The Town Attorney discussed a bill passed in 1990 with the Mid Shore Center for the Performing Arts as the grantee. This is an attempt by Mrs. General to have the remaining grant reauthorized so the Avalon Foundation could be the recipient.

The President of the Council asked if there were any audience comments. There were none.

Mrs. Clem discussed the upcoming election on May 3. She discussed the openings available in Ward 3, Ward 1 and the Mayor. Mrs. Clem discussed petitions being available at the Town Office and the rules for candidates to run. Mrs. Clem stated that candidates needed to be willing to listen and learn, be team players, have willingness to serve the public and have pride in the community. Mrs. Clem encouraged people in Ward 3 to file. She discussed the ward boundaries. Mrs. Clem encouraged the media to cover the upcoming election. Mrs. Clem discussed an abundance of armchair critics and a shortage of people to volunteer their time to make things better. Mrs. Clem stated that those elected on May 3 will have their life broadened. Mrs. Clem stated that she has truly enjoyed public office and she will finish in May. Mrs. Clem offered her thanks.

The Mayor stated that petitions have to be filed by Monday, April 5 and discussed the signature requirements.

Mr. Ford discussed the Ward 1 boundaries.

The President of the Council reminded the Council of the priority list items to be sent to the Town Clerk.

The President of the Council stated that if there were no comments from the audience he would entertain a motion to adjourn. There were no audience comments. Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Town Clerk