July 12, 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 of the Council, Mr. Willey, with the following members present: Mr. Ford, Mr. Mayer, Mr. Reed and Mr. Heinmuller. Also attending the meeting were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Chief Harvey, Assistant Town Attorney Mr. S. Kehoe, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Assistant Town Planner Mr. Thomas and Superintendent of Public Works Mr. Hause.

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

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried, the minutes of the June 21, 1999 meeting were unanimously approved as written.

Mr. Mac Allen was present to address the Council regarding his views related to the Town of Easton’s management. Mr. Allen voiced his concerns relating to senior citizens and taxpayers. Mr. Allen spoke on his opinion regarding the court order to clean up his property.

The President of the Council clarified Mr. Allen’s remarks related to his attendance at the Police Board meeting. Mr. Willey stated that Mr. Allen had addressed the Police Board while he had sat on the Police Board.

The Town Planner clarified that the building set back in the front yard of 25’ in the R7A district was established in the previous Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Hamilton stated that the houses on Aurora Street did not qualify as they were built before that time. Mr. Hamilton explained how a cement pad for a garage or a carport would have to be placed on in-town properties with that have an adjoining alley. Mr. Hamilton stated that site plan would have to be approved as well as a permit issued.

Mr. Allen stated that he would see everyone in court. Mr. Allen thanked the Council.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5671 which authorizes the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $7,496.90 to the floor. Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5671, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5672 authorizing the re-appointment of the Traffic and Parking Commission for a one-year term commencing June 30, 1999 to the floor. Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5672, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought the annexation petition of the property of Arthur L. Foster and Ann E. Foster within the right-of-way line of US Route 50, Ocean Gateway at the intersection of Chapel Road to the floor.

The President of the Council asked for a summation of the petition.

The Town Planner asked that Resolution No. 5670 also be introduced due to a history of procedural issues. The Town Planner read the title of Resolution No. 5670 and gave a brief explanation of the annexation request. Mr. Hamilton showed the annexation petition property on a map. He stated that the Foster property borders with Murdoch’s property and is adjacent to Route 50. Mr. Hamilton stated that the property is between two parcels owned by the Gannon’s. Mr. Hamilton stated that the request is to annex the property and zone it CL Commercial.

The Town Planner asked that the Council introduce the Resolution and forward it to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review.

The Assistant Town Attorney stated that the Resolution could be introduced and amended if the Council so desires to address the tax abatement issue.

The Town Planner stated that a preliminary plan for a grocery store and branch bank has been proposed on this property. He stated that they would all be stand-alone buildings.

The President of the Council asked for questions.

Mr. Ford made a motion to refer this annexation petition to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The Assistant Town Engineer addressed the Council regarding a bid tabulation for one new 2000 36,000 G.V.W. Cab and Chassis Refuse Collection Truck Body. He stated that this was the result of adding a fourth trash collection truck to the routes. Mr. Glass stated that two bids had been received and there was a possibility of delivery in October. He stated that this is a budgeted item and asked for approval in order to move forward with operations. Mr. Glass stated that this is under the budgeted figure.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the bid recommendation as submitted by Elliott Wilson Trucks, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from the Administrative Clerk, District Court of Maryland, requesting installation of a post office box between Easton Police Department and the District Court facility.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the installation of a post office box as outlined in the Administrative Clerk’s letter, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought a letter from Mr. Richard Barrow, Easton Celebrations, Inc., requesting monetary support for six police officers at the July 4^th Celebration.

Chief Harvey stated that he had his Chief of Operations break down the total cost for police services excluding the security that they requested but not counting the normal tour of duty for the officers working. Chief Harvey stated that it cost the Easton Police Department’s overtime budget 16.5 hours over and above what the request is. Chief Harvey stated that the Police Department had gone over and above the standard procedures to make sure this was a safe event. Chief Harvey stated that the figures do not include assistance from the Maryland State Police and Talbot County.

Mr. Mayer stated that he did not think the organization was looking for a complete rebate.

Mr. Ford stated that this Council has an obligation to support this request. Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the request for overtime police department’s time for security, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously with Mr. Mayer abstaining.

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor from the Assistant Town Planner regarding Graham’s Park Planned Redevelopment Applications.

The Assistant Town Planner gave a procedural update and stated that they are getting close to being able to begin the project. Mr. Thomas stated that what we need to do procedurally is relative to an Amendment to a Planned Redevelopment Application for the Graham’s Park Project, Phase III. Mr. Thomas stated that he is in receipt of a site plan that has been prepared in accordance with the Planning Commission condition of approval indicating twelve lots. Mr. Thomas stated that the process is let the Planning Commission’s action, which was approval, stand or decide to hold a public hearing on the application.

The Assistant Town Planner stated that any questions could be answered by the Town Planner or himself. He stated Mr. Bibb is present to update the Council on the project.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he has concerns with the location of the park. He stated that it was his recollection that a park would be placed near the Rails-to-Trails of the same size and similar equipment for that area.

The Town Planner verified the location of the park.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned the width between lot nine and eight. Mr. Bibb stated that it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 – 65’ wide.

Mr. Bibb stated that the neighborhood would be architecturally re-structured to limit thru traffic.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that it would be fair for the citizens of Easton to see the plans for this development. Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to hold a public hearing, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council asked if anyone in the audience had any comments.

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

Mayor Butler thanked everyone that attended the Maryland Municipal League Convention. He stated that it was well attended and felt that the Town of Easton’s booth was one of the better ones there.

Chief Harvey stated that the Community Steppers are requesting to hold a block party and would like the corner of West Street to the corner of Pleasant Alley blocked off on August 7 from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. He stated they are expecting 100 people. They also asked for consideration of a rain date for August 14. Chief Harvey stated this was okay with the Police Department.

Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to approve the Community Steppers request for a block party, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that he had received a request from Mr. Rich Warfield, liaison for the MML Fall Legislative Conference for 1999, to close the streets on Dover Street from Harrison Street to Washington Street on Friday, October 22 between the hours of 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. to allow for an antique car club display. Chief Harvey stated that the Police Department recommends approval.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the request from Mr. Warfield, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried.

Chief Harvey stated that at the last Police Board meeting, there was a request for the Easton Police Department’s values card. Chief Harvey passed out cards for members of the Council.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that the July 3^rd events went very well in terms of police protection.

The President of the Council asked if Oxford Road had come under the jurisdiction of the Town since the annexation of Cooke’s Hope.

The Town Planner stated that with the annexation of Cooke’s Hope, Oxford Road in its entirety down to the entrance of Cooke’s Hope is in the Town of Easton.

The President of the Council stated that on Oxford Road, between Rt. 322 and the entrance to Easton Club, there is a 35 M.P.H. speed limit coming in and a 50 M.P.H. speed limit going out. The President of the Council stated that for consistency, should both directions be the same speed limit. Chief Harvey stated that he had brought this before the Council at the previous meeting and that his recommendation was that both directions should be the same speed. Chief Harvey stated that the Police Department’s recommendation was at the same point where the 50 m.p.h. speed limit sign is posted going out of town, to carry that sign another ¼ to ½ mile out and post 35 m.p.h. at the residential area.

The Assistant Town Engineer reported that work is continuing on North Street with extensive construction taking place that will last approximately three to four weeks.

The Assistant Town Engineer thanked the Council on the consideration of the additional trash truck and stated that they will get started on that purchase right away.

On the Easton Utilities side, Mr. Glass reported that a new summer peak had been reached of 53 megawatts electric generation with no reported outages or trouble as surrounding electric companies had. Mr. Glass stated that all generators were running and Easton Utilities had transported excess power on to the PJM power grid to assist in the other electric utilities.

Mr. Glass reported that the progress on the Consolidated Office Building is continuing. He stated that they are looking forward to their concrete foundation work so they can look forward to seeing the building coming out of the ground.

Mr. Glass stated that Easton Utilities is filing their Y2K Contingency Plan this week as required by the Public Service Commission. He stated that they are Y2K ready and will be open for business Friday, December 31 with adequate staff throughout the night.

Mr. Heinmuller addressed Mr. Glass with grass growing on the sidewalk adjacent to the county parking lot on West Dover Street directly across from the Police Department. Mr. Glass stated that they will take a look at it.

The President of the Council mentioned Mecklenburg Avenue as well.

The President of the Council addressed the Assistant Town Attorney regarding the annexation of property into the Town with regard to the abatement of taxes. The President of the Council stated that it had been the consensus that as soon as the property is officially annexed into the Town, property taxes begin.

The President of the Council reviewed Council’s calendar.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffe, Easton HotSpots announced a Pot Luck Dinner tomorrow night at 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Christ Church. She stated that they are going to try and do this every two months.

The President of the Council stated that the Mayor has presented his recommendation for Ms. Ellen General to serve as the Town of Easton’s representative to the Talbot County Tourism Board. Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the Mayor’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

Mr. Mayer thanked the Chief of Police, Easton Utilities, Easton Police Department and all those who were a part of Easton Celebration’s do the wonderful job we did at the VFW. Mr. Mayer also thanked all the participants who put up booths and raised money for their organizations. Mr. Mayer stated that the fireworks celebration went off without a hitch. He thanked the Star Democrat for the great advertising. Mr. Mayer stated that the traffic was out of there within thirty minutes. He attributed the Police Department’s efforts for the success.

Mr. Heinmuller commented on a letter to the Editor recently published in the Star Democrat concerning a ten-dollar parking ticket for parking in the limited parking zone in front of the hospital. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he would like to respond to Mr. Thomas’ letter. He stated that he hoped Mr. Thomas will give thanks that his daughter survived the heart attack. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he hopes Mr. Thomas will contribute to the Talbot County Heart Association so that information on what to do when you get that first sign can be sent out to many more people. Mr. Heinmuller asked that anyone that is having heart attack symptoms please not drive their car but call the ambulance.

The President of the Council set the Public Hearing for the Graham’s Park Project on July 19 at 7:15 P.M. Mr. Bibb will not be present but will make himself available via telephone.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M.

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Town Clerk