April 5, 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, Town Engineer Hugh Grunden, Assistant Town Engineer T. Glass, Chief of Police George Harvey and Town Attorney Christopher Kehoe and Assistant Town Attorney Sharon Shilling.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mrs. Clem. Mrs. Clem led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The President of the Council explained the new seating arrangements and the new microphone assignments.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller, the minutes of the March 15 meeting were approved as written.

The Mayor and the President of the Council presented Town of Easton employee service awards for ten years to Lester E. Stanley, Maintenance; Anthony E. Thomas, Police Department; the Town Planner Tom Hamilton and the Town Clerk Robert Karge.

Mr. William Hugh Spencer of the Information Technology Team, Y2K Committee from the Memorial Hospital at Easton addressed the Council regarding the Y2K concerns at the hospital and the satellite centers. He discussed the testing of 3,100 pieces of equipment and plant operations throughout as well as a contingency plan. He discussed the circulation of material to doctor’s offices and the community. Mr. Spencer thanked the Council.

The President of the Council thanked Mr. Spencer.

Ms. Ann Howard addressed the Council on EBMA’s claimed accomplishments. Ms. Howard stated that she wanted to bring the Council up to date and recognize the people who had been working in the background to better serve the Town. Ms. Howard distributed material, which outlined EBMA’s mission, objectives and primary goals. Ms. Howard stated that they have 300 members that actually pay dues and are able to vote but consider all business within the Town of Easton a part of EBMA. She stated that the Town is to be commended for all it has done for EBMA. Ms. Howard thanked the Town for their support in the past and stated that if there were any questions, to please contact them.

Mr. Willey asked that a copy of the overhead material Ms. Howard presented be distributed to the Council.

Mr. Willey stated that the Council members have a copy of the letter from Mr. R. Andrew Hollis, County Manager regarding the formation of a Destination Management Organization (DMO) for the promotion of tourism within Talbot County. Mr. Willey asked for questions or discussion.

Mr. Ford stated that Tourism Task Force was an agenda item and asked for clarification from the letter regarding what took place at the County Council meeting. He stated that as he understood it, the County Council has decided to support the first bullet of that memorandum which states that there will be as tourism board formed from various members of the community to oversee the tourism efforts from the County and it will be the DMO.

Mr. Willey stated that the letter from Mr. Hollis better explains the County’s position.

Mrs. Clem stated that it makes it very difficult to gather thoughts and understand material that has just been received today.

Mr. Mayer asked for clarification on the Chamber of Commerce’s activities.

Mr. Walsh was present and stated that an independent oversight board will be developed as outlined in the memorandum Mr. Ford discussed broad representation throughout the community, jurisdictional representation, Chamber of Commerce representation and industry representation. They will be the DMO effective July 1, 1999.

Mrs. Clem questioned the total amount of representatives on this board and Mr. Walsh replied that it would be a total of eleven people with the Chamber of Commerce having two designated representatives. Mr. Walsh briefed on the tourism proposal and the funding through the accommodations tax.

Mr. Mayer clarified that the municipalities involved would be Oxford, St. Michaels and Easton that would have funds to go into the DMO fund under the proposal.

Mr. Walsh stated that there had been mention of offering the use of the visitor’s center as office space for the Director of the DMO. He stated that the Town of Easton could have a specific designee on the Board and possibly even fill the not-for-profit slot.

Mr. Willey stated that he felt that the Easton Town Council’s position was that we go with the County’s infrastructure as indicated.

Mr. Ford stated that the end result was to try to keep all interested parties involved in the process.

Mr. Willey asked for questions.

The Mayor stated that in one of the proposals, the first year’s income to this Board will be $25,000 and in five years time it will be $125,000. He questioned where this money would come from.

Mr. Walsh stated that the proposal was hypothetical and based upon an increase in the Accommodation Tax as businesses grow.

The Mayor asked who would fund the Director of the tourism committee. Mr. Walsh stated that the oversight board will be responsible for the management of all the public funds and the Director of Tourism or whatever that job title would be would be funded out of that operating budget.

The President asked for any other questions and the pleasure of the Council.

Mr. Ford stated that he was in support of the County’s proposal. Mrs. Clem stated that she was also in support of this.

The President of the Council stated that it was moved and seconded that the Town Council support the formation of the independent tourism board appointed by the County Council consisting of a variety of parties as outlined in the memo attached in the letter from the County Manager dated April 6, 1999 with the same amount, same designation and they are to be designated as the DMO for Talbot County. The President of the Council stated that the funding issues could be addressed later.

Mr. Walsh stated that the County Council would have information back to the group by the 16^th. He stated that the jurisdictional buy-in is critical for a successful plan to be presented to the state and for them to go forward.

Mrs. Clem reiterated that the packets go out on Friday and it would be quite helpful if they could receive any information in the Council packets which need to be addressed.

The President of the Council stated that all candidates in the May 3 election are invited to join the budget workshops and stated that a schedule would be forwarded.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5658 authorizing the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $6,448.70 to the floor. Resolution No. 5658 was moved by Mr. Mayer seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5659 authorizing the budget transfers for the purpose of a matching grant for the Mid-Shore Community Television to the floor.

Mr. Mayer moved Resolution 5659 for passage, seconded by Mr. Clem and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

Mr. Mayer stated that this group has been having funding problems over the last decade and is now working hard performing a service.

The President of the Council introduced for a first reading Ordinance No. 388, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACXTING WITH AMENDMENTS SECION 2-1.2(A) OF THE EASTON TOWN CODE CHANGING THE SALARY OF THE MAYOR OF THE TOWN FROM $6,000 PER YEAR TO $8,500."

The President of the Council introduced for a first reading Ordinance No. 389, " AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACTING WITH AMENDMENTS SECTION 2-1.1(A) OF THE EASTON TOWN CODE CHANGING THE SALARY OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL FROM $3,500 PER YEAR TO $6,000 AND THE SALARIES OF MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL FROM $3,000 PER YEAR TO $5,000 PER YEAR."

The President of the Council asked the Town Planner to explain his memo regarding Matthewstown Run.

Mr. Hamilton stated that Perry Otwell was present representing the applicant. Mr. Hamilton displayed plans and stated that the applicant has two requests before the Council today. He stated that the first request deals with the right-of-way at the entrance of the subdivision. The request was that the Town vacate a portion of the right-of-way dedicated for Fisher Range Road. The area in question is at the intersection with Matthewstown Road (MD 328) and is not necessary for street right-of-way but could not stand alone as a parcel. The request to the Town Engineer for a subdivision sign in the public right-of-way had previously been denied. The developer now owns the adjacent property and can now re-subdivide this tying the properties together. The request recommended by the Planning Commission is to vacate this area returning it to the property owner so he can utilize it for a sign to be included in part of the subdivision currently under review. The Town Planner stated that the Town Engineer also supported this application.

The Town Planner brought up the next issue also in the same subdivision down Fisher Range Road adjacent to the park. With this subdivision, a lot was created surrounded by Fisher Range Road and the right-of-way, which is the entrance into the park. The Town Planner stated that it was not a great place to put a house so the developers have asked permission to swap property currently part of the park for another piece of property. He stated that it makes a lot more sense for this to be a residential lot and the property near the park to be a park. The Town Planner stated that the Planning Commission reviewed this and recommended approval of this. Mr. Hamilton asked for questions.

Mr. Otwell stated that swapping the lots was also a safety issue and made a more uniform park area for people to walk to the fields.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned the condition of the park at this time. Mr. Otwell stated that it had been graded, seeded and fertilized last fall. Mr. Heinmuller questioned Mr. Otwell if the Park Board had any issues with the condition of that land. Mr. Otwell stated that he knows they are looking for a parking lot and that there would be more grading and seeding of the upper section of the park.

Mrs. Clem questioned when that would begin. Mr. Otwell stated fairly soon. Mrs. Clem questioned if the Council could count on the parking lot being completed in Mr. Otwell’s estimated time frame of June or July. Mr. Otwell stated yes.

Mr. Heinmuller asked if the Chairman of the Park Board would like to address any issues.

The Chairman of the Park Board, Mr. Sampson stated that it had been a while since he had seen the property and he would like to take a look at the park. Mr. Otwell stated that they are still lacking a backstop for the ball field and some side fences. He stated that he knows that it has been coordinated but has not been accomplished.

Mrs. Clem asked for Mr. Otwell’s reassurance that everything would be together and completed by June. Mr. Otwell stated that it should be an easy task.

Mr. Sampson invited Mr. Otwell to the Park Board’s next meeting on the fourth Monday of April. Mr. Otwell stated that he would be there.

Mr. Heinmuller asked if approval could be granted contingent upon completion of the work and that the subdivisions would be allowed.

The Town Attorney stated that the issue regarding the sign could be approved. The Town Attorney stated that in order to switch the property for the parking lot, an ordinance would have to be approved depending on the Park Board’s recommendation.

Mr. Otwell stated that they would have to do a full final plat to be forwarded to Planning and Zoning in order to get a lot line provision.

Mr. Kehoe stated that if there is a consensus tonight by the members of the Council and if the Park Board is in favor, the necessary paperwork could be done.

Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to approve the swap of the lots and the abandonment of the easements so that the signs could be built contingent upon the agreement that the Park Board is satisfied and pleased that the work will be completed in a timely manner (June 1999). Mr. Ford corrected Mr. Heinmuller that we are abandoning the right-of-ways and not the easements with a second by Mr. Mayer. The motion was carried unanimously.

The President of the Council stated that there had been no correspondence to the Town Clerk’s office regarding the request of Dr. David Hill, Idlewild Associates for an amendment to the William Hill Manor CM site plan. He asked for a consensus from the Council. Mr. Ford stated that he was in support of the project and stated that the development is an example of good planning. Mr. Mayer stated that he supported the project and echoed Mr. Ford’s comments. Mrs. Clem and Mr. Heinmuller stated that they also support the project. Mr. Heinmuller explained that when we talk about growth for the Town of Easton, there is an opportunity to do what is called smart growth to infill the land that we have and to do it in a very ethical and moral way. Mr. Heinmuller said, as it turns out, there are good developers out there. He stated that it is important that we take the opportunity to listen to their plans and ideas which Dr. Hill and his organization have demonstrated over a long time that they are prepared to do the right thing for Easton.

The President of the Council instructed Mr. Kehoe to prepare the necessary paperwork for the next meeting.

The President of the Council brought to the floor a request by Ms. Rita Petitt for a Planned Redevelopment project be re-opened. The President of the Council set the Public Hearing for Monday, May 3 at 7:15 P.M.

The President of the Council asked if anyone in the audience had anything to bring before the Council this evening. There was no response.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone present from the Fire Department.

There was no one.

Mayor Butler reported that he had one item for Executive Session concerning real estate.

Chief Harvey reported that he had a request from the Exalted Ruler Marshall Edward Bailey, Jr. for the installation of officers Samuel T. Hemsley Lodge No. 974 for the Elks Organizational Day parade and party on June 27, 1999. Chief Harvey asked that the decision on this be deferred until he had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Bailey to address issues of concern with the Police Department. The President of the Council agreed.

Chief Harvey stated that another matter had been brought to his attention concerning the area of South Washington and Port Street. Chief Harvey stated that there was one area that has no sidewalk and is causing concern for people that are walking along what is actually the traveled portion of the road. Chief Harvey stated that there are difficulties from the gentlemen who owns the house for getting an easement to put in a sidewalk and rightfully so, people have walked down there and are littering. Chief Harvey would like to forward this matter to the Traffic and Parking Commission to get a preliminary recommendation for a crosswalk in that area and a side cross over for the safety of pedestrians. Chief Harvey stated that there may be sufficient width of the road to install a sidewalk and merge with the other.

The Mayor reiterated that it is a real safety issue with people walking in the road.

Chief Harvey stated that in the Police Board meeting, the President of the Council requested floor plans for the addition to the Easton Police Department. Chief Harvey submitted plans that were drawn in-house by a sergeant and are not architectural renditions for information purposes only.

Mr. Mayer and the President of the Council reviewed matters that were approved during the recent Police Board meeting. Mr. Mayer stated that discussion occurred on the four-way stop at Earle and Hanson and the proposed changes were approved. The President of the Council stated that the request by the Cigar and Smokeshop for parking provisions was also approved by the Police Board. The individual handicap parking space provision was denied. The one-way proposal for Pleasant Alley was approved and a request for evaluation of the intersection at Dover and Hanson was considered. In lieu of minutes, the President of the Council asked that these items forwarded by the Traffic and Parking Commission be acted on as recommended by the Council tonight. Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the items as reviewed by the President of the Council, seconded by Mrs. Clem and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ford returned a hubcap that he and his son happened upon on Easton Parkway. He said the police cruiser had hit a pothole in Talbot Village and the hubcap came flying off. Mr. Ford stated that he was bringing this up because he thinks the paved area in the Talbot Village vicinity needs to be looked at.

Chief Harvey extended appreciation.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the traditional Samuel T. Hemsley Lodge parade. He stated that this is a good tradition that has provided a lot of entertainment and the opportunity for people to enjoy themselves. He mentioned last year’s problems and stated that the problems should not be related to the lodge.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he had not been in receipt of the Police Board minutes during his term on the Town Council and stated that he would like to ensure these be distributed in the future in order to be more knowledgeable.

Chief Harvey stated that it was the Police Department’s position not to mix foot traffic with vehicular traffic and he wanted to take steps to make sure this was in place for the Samuel T. Hemsley Lodge parade. He stated that they are asking them to determine within their own house a security force as in the case of the Waterfowl Festival and other festivals to keep peace.

The Town Engineer reported that on the Town’s side, the North Easton Park is nearing completion. He stated that the dedication is scheduled for April 24 and invited attendees to stop and view the work, which is underway. Mr. Grunden stated that a lot of volunteers have come forward and stated that a lot of amenities are being added. He stated that North Easton Sports Complex will be a premier Little League ball stadium, certainly on the Eastern Shore if not the state.

The Town Engineer stated that a No Parking Zone had been established on Pennsylvania Avenue during a previous meeting in the vicinity of Annapolis Paint in order to deter truck parking for an extended period. Mr. Grunden stated that the Mayor had discussed this and indicated entertaining limited duration parking to accommodate some of the businesses in the area. He stated that trucks are parked on a temporary basis for a two-hour duration for staging purposes in order to get into these businesses. Mr. Grunden stated that Chief Harvey had been consulted on this matter and that the Town Engineer’s office does not have any problem with this request.

Mr. Mayer questioned the need for surface adjustments. Mr. Grunden stated that these would be covered in our existing budget as a maintenance item.

Mr. Kehoe advised that a Resolution would be forthcoming for the parking revisions.

Mr. Grunden stated that the staff has been working on traffic patterns on the northern end of the Parkway as it intersects US Route 50. He stated that one of the reasons Easton Commons had been declined by the Council was traffic concerns. The Town Engineer stated that on two occasions, the developer, the state and the town have gotten together and are arriving at a reasonable conclusion to the potential traffic problem when something like Easton Commons does develop. The intersection at the north end of the Parkway has also been discussed. A plan is before them now that addresses the stacking problems. Mr. Grunden stated that he is cautiously optimistic on the traffic issues and feels they are closing in on a resolution.

Mr. Grunden advised that the Town of Easton has retained a traffic consultant, JMT, in the capacity of reviewing the developers plans and to advise and conduct analysis necessary.

On the Utilities side, the General Manager stated that the Consolidated Office Building’s (COB) construction has commenced. The first order of business is removing excess soil as the COB will be nestled within that embankment. They estimate being in the building in approximately one-year. They hope they job will progress quickly and look forward in working with Willow Construction.

Mr. Grunden discussed restructuring legislation that has recently passed both houses. He stated that the Governor has indicated that he will sign the legislation.

Mr. Grunden stated that he has two items for Executive Session; one is real estate and one item is potential litigation.

Mrs. Clem stated that she had the pleasure of going to EUC’s annual meeting and stated that of all the annual meetings she has ever attended, she felt it was delightful with such participation and enthusiasm from the staff. She felt Mr. Grunden and staff should be commended.

The Mayor reiterated Mrs. Clem’s comments.

Mr. Mayer asked for an update on the Goldsborough Street to Route 50 enlargement project. Mr. Grunden stated that the land has been secured but it hasn’t received a lot of attention from the Town or the State as the attention has recently been focused on traffic concerns a little further north.

The President of the Council reviewed the Council’s upcoming calendar events.

The Mayor asked for participation in the upcoming March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon to be held April 18.

Mr. Ford reviewed the concentrated efforts by the local law enforcement members to enforce the seat belt law.

Mr. Mayer congratulated Mr. Ford on the upcoming election and stated that the citizens of his ward must feel that he had served well. He wished the other candidates good luck in their races.

Mr. Ford stated that he realizes he still has a lot to learn and would like to encourage and thank all the other folks running because it is not an easy thing to do but very rewarding. He encouraged everyone to participate and thanked everyone for their efforts.

Mr. Heinmuller thanked Shore Health Systems for their Y2K update and for staying for the meeting. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he was glad to have the hospital in his ward.

At 8:50 P.M., Mr. Mayer made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously. There was a brief recess.

The President of the Council went into Executive Session at 9:00 P.M.

The President of the Council declared the Executive Session adjourned at 9:16 P.M.

The President of the Council discussed the MML reservations.

The Town Attorney stated that he and the Town Planner will speak to Mr. Cowee, the County Planner.

Discussion occurred regarding County comments and review.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Mayer seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 P.M.

Town Clerk