July 19, 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. Reed and Mr. Heinmuller. Also attending the meeting were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Chief Harvey, Captain Hobbs, Assistant Town Attorney Mr. S. Kehoe and Town Planner Mr. Hamilton.

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

Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried, the minutes of the July 12, 1999 meeting were unanimously approved as written.

Mayor Butler and the President of the Town Council, presented Mayor’s Citations to Chief Harvey and Capt. Hobbs for exceptional performance and duties resulting in the apprehension of a bank robber subject wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Chief Harvey also received Mayor’s Citations from the Town Clerk on behalf of Det. G. Herman Haddaway, Det. Shayne C. McKinney, Patrolman Vernon E. Miles, Det. James R. Miller and PCO Robert L. Ball for their coordinated action to support in the apprehension of the bank robber in conjunction with allied law enforcement agencies.

A letter was received from Ms. Mary Lou MacDonald, Friends of Hospice Festival of Trees, requesting permission for a temporary train-track display on the sidewalks leading from the Gold Room of the Tidewater Inn to the Avalon Theatre. This track will be made of decorative tape from November 26 through Tuesday, November 30. The Chief recommended approval, which was moved by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 396, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON BY REPEALING AND REENACTING CHAPTER 28 OF THE TOWN CODE, WHICH SETS FORTH THE TOWN’S ZONING ORDINANCE" to the floor for a first reading. The President of the Council stated that this is the subject of a Public Hearing on August 2.

The President of the Council asked if anyone was present from the Fire Department. Mr. Bob Wicker was present and stated that there was no report.

Mayor reiterated the fine job the Police Chief and members of the Police Department did in apprehending the wanted subjects.

Chief Harvey reported that Ms. Carolyn Kolb has requested that Goldsborough Street from Washington Street to Harrison Street be completely blocked off Wednesday, July 28, 1999 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. to allow participants to safely move up and around several businesses. This block party is to celebrate Coffee East’s one-year anniversary. Chief Harvey recommended approval. Approval to block traffic was moved for approval by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that he understands that there have been several complaints in reference to telephone solicitation on behalf of the Easton Police Department and Chief George Harvey from FOP Lodge 18. Chief Harvey stated that Easton Police Department is not aware of any fundraising that directly affects them. Chief Harvey also stated that his name should not have been utilized at all. He suggests caution and asked that determination be confirmed to actually see what Lodge the solicitors represent. Chief Harvey stated that if the solicitor is rude, please give the police department a call and ask them to intercede.

Mr. Tim Glass, Assistant Town Engineer reported that improvements and construction have gotten underway at Moton Park. He stated that equipment is mobilized and they expect to see some things moving. The timeframe is approximately sixty days from the notice of award, which went out last week.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he had received a complaint regarding a house on Vine Street. He stated that there is an excessive amount of trash where the new owners are remodeling. The Assistant Town Attorney stated they would look at it.

The Assistant Town Attorney stated that he had one item for Executive Session, which concerned the advice of counsel.

Invoices totaling $380,042.16 were approved for payment by a motion by Mr. Heinmuller, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

A letter was received from the Planning and Zoning Commission asking that a Public Hearing date be set for the application of Argonaut Land Company. The President of the Council set the Public Hearing for Tuesday, September 7 at 7:15 P.M.

At 7:15 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on the request of The Easton Housing Authority for an amendment to an approved Planned Redevelopment (PR) Overlay District project for properties located on Graham’s Alley.

The Town Planner reminded the Council that Mr. Bibb is out of town and will be available to answer any technical questions via telephone. Mr. Hamilton stated that this project evolved from the previous Mayor’s beginning of a project on Graham’s Alley. He stated that this is a modification from the first PRD. He stated that the purpose of this project is to revitalize the neighborhood with owner occupied houses. This proposal is for a subdivision with twelve three bedroom, owner occupied houses. Mr. Hamilton displayed an artist’s rendering. This project will have 20% open space behind Asbury Church. The Town Planner stated that Graham’s Alley is to be blocked off in the center with removal posts. The Town Planner stated that the park has been consolidated in one area. Mr. Hamilton stated that these houses are to be affordable, around $80,000 and will come from several sources. Mr. Hamilton asked for questions from the Council.

The President of the Council asked for questions from the audience.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffe addressed the Council regarding the amount of time that has gone into this project in the last several years.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that this was part of the Comprehensive Plan for the East End.

The President of the Council asked Mr. Hamilton what the next step should be and he stated that it should be voted on in a subsequent meeting.

The President of the Council closed the Public Hearing at 7:27 P.M.

The President of the Council brought the Council’s attention to a letter enclosed in the packet from the Chamber of Commerce regarding the upcoming growth management symposium scheduled at the Avalon Theatre on July 29. The President of the Council stated that with Council’s approval, Mr. Ford has graciously accepted to serve on the panel.

The President of the Council stated that also in the packet was a report from the Easton Traffic and Parking Commission. Mr. Willey stated that the group had worked admirably and answered a lot of questions.

Mr. Ford stated that he wanted to thank and commend the Chamber of Commerce for their response to the proposed moratorium. Mr. Ford stated that the Chamber had initiated a dialogue and had begun the educational process of the issues involved.

The President of the Council asked for Council comments.

Mr. Ford made a motion seconded by Mr. Reed to go into Executive Session at 7:30 P.M.

The motion was carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

At 8:12 P.M., the President of the Council closed the Executive Session and re-convened into the public Council meeting.

The President of the Council asked for the Council’s consensus on the Graham’s Park Public Hearing. The Assistant Town Attorney was directed to prepare the necessary paperwork.

Mayor Butler briefed the Council on Old Spring Hill Cemetery concerns and issues. He stated that tombstones are being turned over. Mayor Butler stated that he was going to get the newspaper over there this week and start a campaign to raise funds to have the backside of the cemetery restored properly. He would also like to raise enough funds to have a fence erected.

Mr. Ford made a motion to adjourn at 8:14 P.M., seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote. The President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 8:14 P.M.

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Town Clerk