August 16, 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, Town Engineer Mr. Grunden, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Chief Harvey, Town Attorney Mr. Chris Kehoe, Assistant Town Attorney Mr. Steve Kehoe, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton and Assistant Town Planner Mr. Thomas.

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

Ms. Charlene Brooks, Unit President of the Talbot County American Cancer Society was present and requested permission to place a sign at Black & Decker signifying their Relay for Life program. She stated that she would also like permission to place some smaller signs around town with Council’s approval. Ms. Brooks stated that the signs would probably be removed September 17. Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to grant permission to the Talbot County American Cancer Society to place signs around Town until September 17, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

Mrs. Judith Warfield Price, Executive Director, Mr. Hugh Dawkins, President and Mr. Matt Lamotte, Co-Chairman of the Transportation Committee for the Waterfowl Festival addressed the Council regarding the Waterfowl Festival 1999 Transportation Plan. Mr. Lamotte reviewed the plan as outlined in the letter distributed to the Council. He stated that they are going back to Bay Street with some of the exhibits this year. Mr. Lamotte stated that they are also going back to the old bus routes as they found them more successful. He stated that there had been some minor adjustments with help from the police. Mr. Lame stated that there will be more of a police presence. Mr. Lamotte stated that the bus service will be provided by the Talbot County Public School buses.

Chief Harvey stated that the Department had looked at the Transportation Plan and it seemed to be sound.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the 1999 Waterfowl Festival Transportation Plan, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the August 2 meeting minutes, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

Mrs. Ellen General announced that tonight’s Council meeting is live on Channel 15, MCTV. She thanked Easton Utilities and Easton Cable for making tonight’s broadcast possible.

The Assistant Town Planner stated that his memo distributed to the Council was an attempt to address concerns raised at the Public Hearing on the Zoning Ordinance.

The Town Attorney stated that with regard to Ordinance No. 396, the proposed Amended Zoning Ordinance, the Public Hearing was held at the last meeting. The Town Attorney stated that the Ordinance has been drafted to address a number of issues, including commercial development and big box shopping center issues. Mr. Kehoe summarized the changes included in the Amended Zoning Ordinance. He strongly recommended giving favorable consideration of Ordinance No. 396 and adopt the Zoning Ordinance as is on the table this evening.

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.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 396, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

At 7:17 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing to obtain public comments on Amended Ordinance No. 390 which proposes a three month moratorium upon the review and approval of applications for "big box" retail uses in the Town of Easton.

The President of the Council discussed the rules for the Public Hearing. He asked that comments be limited to no more than five minutes. Mr. Willey stated that if additional comments need to be heard, the public hearing will re-convene at the next Council meeting.

The Town Attorney stated that he will speak on behalf of the Town Planner and Assistant Town Planner. The Town Attorney stated that we are here tonight on Ordinance No. 390 which if enacted by the Council and approved by the Mayor, would impose a moratorium on big box retail applications in Easton for a period of three months. The Town Attorney clarified to the public that under our Easton Zoning Ordinance, big box retail is a retail store, which has a total floor area in excess of 25,000 sq. feet. The Town Attorney stated that under our Easton Zoning Ordinance which the Council approved this evening, a big box application can be constructed in Easton only after review by the Planning and Zoning Commission which makes a recommendation to the Town Council and then a public hearing by the Town Council to determine whether or not the use is appropriate. He stated that a moratorium is a temporary prohibition upon the review or filing of an application for a big box application.

Mr. Kehoe addressed the Planning Commission’s concerns. Mr. Kehoe stated that the Ordinance before the Council this evening requires the Commission to report to the Council by November 1 and stated that the moratorium will automatically expire three months after the date it is passed and approved by the Mayor.

Mr. Milton Irvin, 27390 Powatan Avenue, addressed the Council on behalf of himself and his family. He stated he has been attending the meetings for the last five months. Mr. Irvin stated that anyone opposing the moratorium is in effect approving the stampede. Mr. Irvin stated that Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester and Queen Anne counties contain a little over 120,000 people. He stated that taxpayers always pay for mistakes if they are not protected before hand. Mr. Irvin reviewed the statistics portrayed at the recent Avalon growth symposium. He asked the Council to take a breath and pause.

Dr. Callum Bain, 9704 Bantry Road, Easton, stated that he represents the Talbot River Protection Association. He stated that they favor a moratorium to work out a solution to the problems facing the town and county. Mr. Bain quoted from the 1997 Comprehensive Plan. Dr. Bain stated that major developments should only proceed when roads, sewage are adequate and when stormwater has been adequately engineered as required by the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the developer at his expense should provide an environmental impact statement demonstrating that the proposed development will not harm the environment. Dr. Bain stated that in their opinion, a moratorium is essential to sort out the priorities. He thanked the Council.

Ms. Rosemary Garrett, 102 S. Aurora Street, stated that in summary, she would like the Council to stop and think. She questioned how the physical resources are being used. She stated that she sees great needs in her neighborhood. Ms Garrett stated that she hopes that the questions are approached with balance.

Mr. Bill Westphal stated that he is one of the small interest groups, mom and pops that has made his living in Easton for the last 22 years. He stated that he is here with a petition from about 50 small businesses here in Easton that think it is important to have their word heard. He read the petition for the record opposing development of the big boxes. Mr. Westphal stated that of the 303 signatures gathered in one week, 170 shoppers were Easton residents, 63 were Talbot County residents, 21 shoppers were from outside of the area and 49 signatures were business owners. Mr. Westphal stated that he is tired of professional surveys warping statistics. Mr. Westphal quoted statistics from the recent Avalon Theatre Growth Symposium. Mr. Westphal stated that he applauded the Town officials.

Ms. Eileen Deymier, 27 N. Hanson Street, stated that she currently serves as Vice President on Talbot’s Preservation Alliance and speaks in favor of the proposed moratorium ordinance. She stated that it is their duty to insist that the elected representatives address the many questions regarding the long-term effects of this type of development. Ms. Deymier stated that experiences with other municipalities across the country demonstrate that big box development is not synonymous with balanced growth and not all development produces net increase in jobs or tax revenues. Ms. Deymier stated that a 90-day moratorium period to study these issues more closely will enable residents to evaluate not only potential problems but to carefully consider possible changes to zoning laws and/or amendments to our Comprehensive Plan which would enable our community to grow while preserving all that is cherished about life in Easton and in Talbot County. Ms. Deymier stated that the future role of the Town Center should be examined thoroughly as part of the next update of the Comprehensive Plan. She stated that the small town quality of life couldn’t be bought at the big box retail shopping centers. She thanked the Council for their attention and time.

Ms. Polly Shannahan stated that this Town Council prevented many sprawl shopping centers. She commended the Town for keeping the court the way it is. Ms. Shannahan stated that everyone needs to work together and decide what they want. Ms. Shannahan stated that the effluent of the sewer system goes into the Choptank River, not the Miles River or Tred Avon River.

Mr. Patrick Gonzales, Annapolis, Maryland stated that he is president of the company whose poll had been mocked earlier. Mr. Gonzales stated that he has been conducting polls for Maryland for 15 years. He offered his business card for questions and concerns.

Mr. Bob Welty, Ratcliffe Manor Lane, stated that he is a member of the Talbot River Alliance. Mr. Welty addressed his concerns with traffic problems and recommended that the moratorium be passed. Mr. Welty asked that the problems be studied and overcome.

Mr. William Reed, 8117 Lee Haven Road, stated that he has been a resident of Talbot County for the last 20 years and is part owner of a downtown shopping center. Mr. Reed stated that he is appearing as part of the Talbot Preservation Alliance and is speaking in favor of the wisdom of the proposed moratorium. Mr. Reed stated that he finds others concerns convincing. Mr. Reed stated that virtually everything that can be bought in the big box retail stores could be bought on-line now. He stated that big boxes may be like the dinosaurs of old. Mr. Reed stated that land allocation is a lot like parachuting from a plane, you have to do it right the first time. Mr. Reed thanked the Council for the opportunity.

Mr. Lee Denny, 20 Londonderry Drive, stated that his concern is that the decision would be prolonged and prolonged with an extension of the moratorium. Mr. Denny stated that he was born in Easton but he finds Easton a much better place to live than when he graduated from high school. Mr. Denny stated that his business has prospered due to people making multiple trips to retail stores. Mr. Denny stated that he wants to see downtown thrive. He stated that he is not against the moratorium and he is not for it as long as it is restricted and the time is used properly. He wished the Council well in his deliberations.

Mr. Len Rankenburger, 8245 Ingleton Court, stated that he has a letter from most of the residents of Ingleton stating that essentially they support the Council in enactment of Ordinance No. 390 and further believe that it is in keeping with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan to preserve agricultural land in Talbot County. He urged the Council to eliminate retail use over 25,000 sq. feet.

Mr. Fletcher Hanks, Morris Street, Oxford, stated that he is a native of Oxford for 82 years. Mr. Hanks stated that the officials have worked very hard making Easton a great place to live and he admires them. He stated that things are going much too fast. Mr. Hanks stated that what we want to do is preserve the way of life for the children and future generations. Mr. Hanks suggesting leaving the big boxes where they are and going to them, only an hour trip. He stated that any mall that is made or built here, should be demolished and put back into farmland if they are not 75% occupied after two years. Mr. Hanks stated that in his opinion, the State of Maryland should pass legislation exempting the downtown stores from MD sales tax. Mr. Hanks stated that he is in favor of any moratorium, the longer the better.

Ms. Gail Scott, Oxford, stated that she grew up in Easton and her father still resides here. She urged local businesses to realize that when you travel to shop, you buy other things you need away also. She stated that it might make sense to explore the opportunity to have a developer help with the roads that are already congested. Ms. Scott stated that she does not support development in a helter skelter manner and supports a moratorium to study the development. She stated that there is a lot of conceived thoughts that the big boxes are going to take business but the reality is that the business is already gone. Ms. Scott stated that she spends a lot of money on the other side of the bridge for things she can not get here and residually buys things that could have been bought in town but was easier to get while she was there.

Ms. B.J. Adams, 116 Goldsborough Street, stated that she works on North Washington Street. Ms. Adams stated that she hopes that the Council votes for a moratorium. She stated that if it takes nine months to make a baby, she doesn’t think three months to pause and consider this is too much to ask for. Ms. Adams read a excerpt regarding a decision by the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York regarding a case Allias v. The Town of Brookhaven regarding zoning changes.

Ms. Mary Ellen Larrimore, 29319 Pin Oak Way, South Beechwood, stated that her long-standing issue in Easton has been the traffic. She stated that people go to Annapolis and Dover to shop because of the local traffic congestion that is continually getting worse. Ms. Larrimore stated that she certainly supports a moratorium and wonders if three months will actually be enough. She stated that many communities are having growth problems. Ms. Larrimore presented the Council with clippings from the Baltimore Sun and The Star Democrat that she had been collecting regarding the issues related to growth, mostly in Easton.

Mr. Terry Richardson, General Manager of Lane Engineering, presented a letter opposing the big box moratorium. He stated that his business is growth oriented and relies on development as a means of maintaining economic viability as a consulting firm. He stated that the moratorium is sending a message that Easton wants to stop growth. Mr. Richardson stated that many of their clients have abandoned their development plans after investigating the current development climate in town. Mr. Richardson stated that not only do engineers and surveyors rely on growth to sustain their business, realtors, lawyers, accountants, architects, and contractors do as well. He stated that certainly the Council could find a way to properly regulate the big boxes without passing a moratorium. He urged the Council to be creative in solving the problem and find a way to allow Easton’s growth to continue while developing standards for ensuring that larger commercial uses fit well into our community. He asked that the Council send the right message that Easton is business friendly.

Mr. Jim Latham, Old Country Club Road, Easton, stated that he is a rare person, a member of the RTCN, Real, Talbot County Native. Mr. Latham discussed the problem of moving a simple business to Easton. He stated that there is a moratorium in Easton every time you try to move a business, you take two steps forward and you get put back three steps. Mr. Latham stated it took 14 months to move a little simple 5,000 square foot business from four miles outside of town to within town. Mr. Latham stated that if you are going to do a moratorium, then investigations should take place internally and try to control some of the problems and help other people with other businesses that might want to come here and not go through all the headaches and heartaches that Mr. Latham went through trying to relocate a small business. Mr. Latham stated that Easton is great. He suggested controlling the mechanisms.

Ms. Jane Bauman, 221 S. Hanson Street, stated that she is a new resident to Easton. Ms. Bauman stated that she supports the moratorium and believes that big boxes would destroy or at least be detrimental to the small town atmosphere. She stated that they are big, ugly and draw shoppers from other areas. She likes the idea that she can go downtown and do their shopping in a viable downtown area. Ms. Bauman stated that people talk about retail development but stated that she wonders if there could be development other than retail that may not be so detrimental to the community. Ms. Bauman stated that she thought it would be a shame to have the Eighth Best Small Town in America surrounded by suburban sprawl. Mrs. Bauman stated that her and her husband hope that the Council will implement the moratorium.

Willard C. Parker, Esq., stated that he has been practicing law in Easton for 26 years and has seen many changes. Mr. Parker stated that it is right and proper to push away from the table, sit back and take a deep breath to impose study time but it is also right and proper to do it in a manner that is fair. Mr. Parker stated that he represents the contract purchaser of Dudrow farms which has been known as the North Glenwood Farm. Mr. Parker asked that while considering the bill, to attach a rider to it exempting the Dudrow farm from the moratorium. Mr. Parker asked for the request based on fundamental fairness and intellectual honesty. Mr. Parker stated that on March 4, 1991, the Dudrow farm (187 acres) was annexed into the Town of Easton. Mr. Parker stated that this land was zoned for general commercial uses, light industrial and some portions zoned for residential. He stated that he found in that file a letter dated December 20, 1990 from the attorney of the Dudrow’s to John Ford, then Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Parker stated that the letter indicated at that time the plan for a big box user on the Dudrow site. He stated that this is nothing new for the Planning Department or the Town. Mr. Parker stated that the Dudrow farm was brought into the Town and intended to be used for at least one big box site. Mr. Parker stated that during the years from 1991 to 1994, the Town of Easton was a party of the proposed development of that site for the Yale Sportswear Corporation. He stated that while not a big box retail user, the plans were for a big box in the sense of impervious materials, parking areas, etc. Mr. Parker stated that in 1994 and 1995, the Town of Easton was active in the proposed development of the Dudrow property for use by First Fulfillment Management Company and helped obtain grant monies from the State while coordinating with the State Highway Administration the possible extension of Marlboro Avenue into the site. Mr. Parker stated that the Town’s engineering and planning office dealt with road designs within the Dudrow property within areas designed for big box development as well as light industrial development. Mr. Parker stated that on October 21, 1997, the process continued to mature and a proposal was filed for a PUD with the Town Council for the Waterfowl Village. He stated that this included a retail area in the CL zone of the property along the bypass, which included a big box food store. Mr. Parker stated that a letter was in that file dated November 20, 1997 indicating that the Easton Planning and Zoning Commission was supportive of the application and the concept. On March 19, 1999, Harrison Grass, the current contract purchaser of the property submitted its latest PUD application and was given a favorable review by the Planning Commission. Mr. Grass has addressed concerns and is ready to move forward. Mr. Parker asked the Council to be fair, do what is appropriate, and exempt the Dudrow property from the Moratorium.

Mr. Jim Lohr, 9698 Goldsborough Neck Road, stated that the Town is right across the road from him right now. He asked if he could refer to an old story of a father, a mother, an older brother and a younger brother. He referred to the story of Jacob and Esau. Mr. Lohr explained that the developers are Jacob and the residents are Esau and that the birthright is the residents’ quality of life.

Mr. Tony Harrington, 7768 Ratcliffe Manor Lane stated that he is a member of the Talbot Preservation Alliance, which is composed of 200 Talbot County residents and families. Mr. Harrington stated that they promote sound growth and environmental policies. Mr. Harrington stated that the residents in Talbot County are privileged to enjoy the unique bountiful waterways, farmland and the charm of the historic small town. Mr. Harrington stated that the Alliance does not favor stopping growth and thinks it inevitable and important to the economic well being of the citizens, however, they are committed to making sure growth is managed in a way to protect and preserve these assets referred to tonight through sound land use. Mr. Harrington described the downtown and the complimentary stores. He stated that it would be futile to compete with Annapolis, Dover or Salisbury. Mr. Harrington stated that they favor adopting the moratorium and using it wisely. Mr. Harrington outlined choices and proposed standards for new retail developments as well as current vacancies. He suggested not putting emphasis on low wage shopping center jobs but on recruitment of high tech and higher wage employers and supporting the demands for public schools and affordable housing for their employees.

Ms. Marilyn Lucoski stated that she has corresponded with the Council shortly after she arrived in Easton, April 14, 1998. Ms. Lucoski stated that she moved from Columbia, Maryland. She stated the empty buildings could be re-furbished and utilized that are in shopping centers. Ms. Lucoski stated that stores could be developed on a smaller scale. She stated that if you want this tranquil life, you must not have big boxes come into the community.

Ms. Sylvia Gannon stated that she is a resident of Easton and remembers when Talbottown was not welcome. She stated that there is currently nine big boxes now in the Town of Easton. Ms. Gannon stated that the shopping centers are not proposed because someone saw land for sale but because a great deal of research was done. She stated that there are needs in today’s marketplace especially for the young median working class, which Ms. Gannon stated, is not represented tonight. She stated that Easton would never be a Glen Burnie, it didn’t have the geographical room and the opportunity is present to manage what can be done within the Town limits. Ms. Gannon stated that she is talking about developing a piece of property already zoned commercial and answering a marketing need. Mrs. Gannon stated that the Town has been in a moratorium since April and has already seen tremendous zoning amendments. She stated that if we don’t think there is a need out there for the kind of stores that would like to come, we are not recognizing a need. Ms. Gannon stated that the property on Route 50 is not a quickly conceived thing to have a big box program. She stated that the property was annexed and rezoned commercial in 1986. Ms. Gannon stated that the property was re-configured at the request of the Planning Commission and the Town Council in 1991 to be able to accommodate a large state-of the-art type comprehensive development, which is before the Council now. Ms. Gannon asked that 1) that the Council not enact the moratorium and 2) if you do, she asked for exclusion. She stated that there is a vast majority of the 11,000 residents that take for granted that their needs are going to be provided for. She thanked the Council.

John Murray, Esq., stated that he is an attorney in Easton and works for Miles and Stockbridge. He stated that his comments are generally in opposition of the moratorium. Mr. Murray stated that growth issues are extremely important to our community. Mr. Murray stated that the theme of his comments is you don’t need a moratorium, you need to apply the laws that you have. Mr. Murray stated that one of the issues is necessity, which he does not see. He stated that he would like to comment on why we should not have a moratorium. 1) A moratorium will disrupt reasonable expectations. 2) A moratorium will hurt Easton’s reputation as a place to do business. Mr. Murray stated that people will be denied price competition. Mr. Murray encouraged the Council to vote against the moratorium but stated that if it was adopted, the projects previously submitted should be excluded.

Mr. Mark Bower, 28348 Old Country Club Road, stated that he is a foreigner from Philadelphia. He stated that his wife and three stepchildren were born in Easton. He stated that he thought that the moratorium is a wonderful idea to have an opportunity to answer some real hard questions like where are the people going to come from to work in these big boxes? He stated that there is no workforce in this county. Mr. Bower asked the Council to support the moratorium.

Mr. Tom Orem stated that he moved here from Fairfax County last summer and spoke in favor of the moratorium. He stated that he suspected that when the Comprehensive Plan was developed in 1997, no one anticipated 766,000-sq. ft. of retail space. He stated that the moratorium is a very short time for the people doing the planning to decide how to deal with that issue.

Mr. Edwin Miller, stated that he is a lawyer and a resident of Oxford. He stated that he is also a member of the commercial real estate firm of LLD. He stated that his firm has absolutely no interest in any of the pending projects. Mr. Miller stated that legally, something of value must be accomplished during the moratorium. He stated that he believes that prior to approving any moratorium ordinance, require that the Planning and Zoning Commission submit a written action plan detailing those tasks to be accomplished during the moratorium period together with milestone dates with the accomplishment of each task and an explanation of how each task with help deal with the big box issues. He stated that additionally, the action plan should include budget for that work plan. Mr. Miller stated that the Town Council should ask for responsibility and accountability from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the planning staff.

Mr. Harvey Prettyman, 308 S. Hanson Street, stated that he is a native and born here 73 years ago. He asked not to have a moratorium because there has been ample time to think this over. He stated that competition and costs to the building market is vital to kids trying to get established. Mr. Prettyman stated that he was sorry the young people weren’t present tonight but they have been completely overlooked. He stated that he hopes that the Council has a good judgement about what this town really needs. Mr. Prettyman stated that if everyone was such poor managers, then why is the Town so nice today. He stated that good competition is what has made America what it is today.

Mr. Tom Sawyer, Royal Oak, Maryland stated that he has listened to both sides of the story for some time. Mr. Sawyer stated that to think that development in this county is going to stop, he doesn’t think it will ever happen. He stated that the best thing to do is to set up a series of objectives. He stated that development has occurred in this county for numerous years with no interest expressed and that has been a problem. He stated that goals to strive for in development would be to try to find out what is meant by the clean water act and the clean air act that Congress has passed. Mr. Sawyer stated that it would be worthwhile to find out how Talbot County has complied with those acts. He referred to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation suing EPA. Mr. Sawyer stated that he does not envy the Council’s position but suggested looking at the situation as an objective not a goal.

Mr. Bernie Thomas, 303 S. Hanson Street stated that there is a side that has to be considered. He referred to losing the sewing factory, the furniture factory, Preston Trucking, etc., and stated that you have to look forward and see the guarantee of jobs in this Town. He said by guaranteeing jobs in this town for young people to keep the town healthy and vital in the future.

Mr. Roger Lohman, 221 S. Hanson Street, stated he also attended the seminar recently at the Avalon Theatre. He stated that the people on the panel stressed long term panel, beyond five, ten, or twenty years and leaving a legacy for future residents. He stated that there are 800 abandoned shopping centers in the country and that the life cycle of big box stores is short. He suggested that the Council support the moratorium.

Ms. Catherine Hunt, 7583 Tred Avon Circle, stated that she has lived in Talbot County for eight years. She stated that when she moved here it was with the knowledge that she was accepting the trade off of many retail shops and restaurants and getting the peace and serenity of a rural environment. She stated that she would be happy if the Eastern Shore never saw another big box or a tacky strip development. She stated that she would much rather see farmland and natural areas preserved that welcome any new shopping opportunity. Ms. Hunt stated that she strongly supports the moratorium for all the reasons cited when the moratorium was proposed.

At 9:20 P.M., the President of the Council closed the public hearing on the proposed moratorium. He stated that the proposed moratorium public hearing will be continued on September 7 for those who wish to address the Council and did not have the opportunity to do so this evening. Mr. Willey thanked the participants.

The President of the Council recessed the meeting for a ten-minute break.

At 9:30 P.M., the President of the Council called the meeting back to order.

The President of the Council drew the Council’s attention to the petition submitted in the Council packets from Ward III and letters pertaining to the moratorium.

The Town Attorney asked that the letter from Mr. Kuhn be addressed and made a part of the public record.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 390, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE BY ADDING SECTION 1000 TO IMPOSE A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM UPON THE REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF BIG BOX RETAIL APPLICATIONS AND TO REQUIRE THE EASTON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TO INITIATE A REVIEW OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING REGULATIONS REGARDING SUCH USES AND TO REPORT TO THE TOWN COUNCIL REGARDING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS" to the floor for a first reading.

The President of the Council brought a memo from the Assistant Town Engineer regarding a paving contract for fiscal year 2000. Mr. Grunden stated that those bids were received as part of a competitive bid process. The Town Engineer stated that David A. Bramble was the low bidder and has done work for the Town of Easton for several years. Mr. Mayer moved approval of the bid, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought a memo from Chief G.M. Harvey to the floor regarding the acquisition of Ambulance 62. Chief Harvey stated that although they are increasing the fleet by one vehicle, they offset from the rental fleet will take care of it. Chief Harvey stated that obtaining the vehicle will allow for a mobile command post and a community relation vehicle. He stated that the ambulance is in good shape and the only necessary modification will be to get a plug-in device for the diesel fuel.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the acquisition of Ambulance No. 62 for the Police Department, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

A letter was received from Governor Parris N. Glendening regarding Easton’s Community Development Block Grant for costs associated with the development of the Graham Park Project. The President of the Council stated that this was good news.

Invoices totaling $508,431.60 were moved for approval by Mr. Heinmuller, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

Ms. Rose Miles was present from the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., and stated that she had no report at this time. She stated that the new ambulance will be delivered in September.

The Mayor stated that the Maryland Municipal League registration forms for the Fall Legislative Conference in Easton are in the packets. He asked that the form be turned into the Town Office by September 1.

Chief Harvey reported that the Department had received a request from Andrew and Liz Evans, 28 South Harrison Street for a waiver of parking restrictions while completing renovations.

Mr. Heinmuller made a motion granting approval of the waiver of parking restrictions, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that he had an information item. He stated that Mr. Hamilton, the Town Planner had submitted a memo advising that the Easton Celebrations Carnival will be held August 23 through August 28 at the Wal-Mart parking lot. The Chief of Police stated that he appreciated notification from the Town Planner, which allows the Department to do adequate planning.

Chief Harvey stated that he had a request from Wye Tree Landscapes. He stated that they will be doing work at Christ Church, 111 S. Harrison Street and request parking waiver restrictions in order to park heavy equipment sporadically for the next four weeks at that location. He stated that he will be in contact with them and instruct them of their options.,

Chief Harvey stated that he has the preliminary figures for the geological work for the building expansion. He stated that it looks as though they will be able to go with the less costly option for pile supports for the building, which will result in considerable savings.

The Town Engineer reported that on the Town side, we are undertaking concurrently two major construction projects. One project is North Street and the other is Glenwood Avenue. Mr. Grunden stated that Glenwood Avenue is a concern because of the school season, which is about to begin. Mr. Grunden outlined the scheduled closing of the street and begged the public’s indulgence.

On the Utilities side, the continued hot weather has stressed the electric and water systems through the Ohio Valley to the Mid Atlantic area. Mr. Grunden stated that Easton’s system has fared very well. He does not anticipate any problems.

Mr. Mayer asked the Town Engineer to look into a tree situation over a walk in the vicinity of Prospect Avenue and Dover Road.

The Town Attorney informed the Council that some days ago, the Governor issued a State of Emergency Proclamation due to the drought the State of Maryland is experiencing. The Governor required local government agencies to enforce the regulations. He stated that the Police Department is going to take over many of the enforcement issues but also the process for obtaining waivers or exemptions from the drought requirements. The Town Attorney stated that communication efforts will be forthcoming.

The President of the Council thanked the Town Attorney for his explanation of the Zoning Ordinance and the proposed moratorium.

Mr. Mayer advised that the Easton Celebrations is holding their Old Tyme Carnival in front of Wal-Mart again this year from August 23 through August 28. Mr. Mayer thanked everyone for their support.

Mr. Heinmuller addressed the letter in the Council’s packet concerning a lady who had some overgrown shrubs and explained that the condition had been improved.

Ms. Ellen General offered the Avalon Theatre and the Resource Center as two locations to talk about resources and do some planning.

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

Mr. Mayer thanked those who helped with the questionnaire for his ward regarding the moratorium.

The President of the Council stated that an Executive Session had been requested for a personnel issue.

At 9:50 P.M., Mr. Ford made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

At 9:55 P.M., the President of the Council reconvened the meeting into Open Session. Upon a motion by Mr. Heinmuller seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the meeting at 9:56 P.M.

___________________________________

Town Clerk