December 6, 1999

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 7:00 PM. The meeting was called to order by the President of the Council, Mr. Willey, with the following members present: Mr. Ford, Mr. Mayer, and Mr. Reed. Also attending the meeting were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Chief Harvey, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton and Town Attorney Christopher Kehoe.

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

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously, the minutes of the November 10, November 15 and November 16 and November 22, 1999 meetings were approved as written.

The President of the Council stated that reaching consensus on the petition of Arthur L. Foster and Ann E. Foster to annex 12.828 acres lying contiguous to the existing boundaries of the Town of Easton, south of Chapel Road has been postponed until the following meeting.

Ms. Ann Howard was present to report the state of EBMA and Main Street. She thanked the Council for their support during the last year. Ms. Howard reviewed upcoming events.

Ms. Debbie Hager, Executive Director of EBMA was present and reported on the activities of EBMA. Ms. Hager listed the recent accomplishments of EBMA. Ms. Hager reported that EBMA will be moving to the Resource Center at 11 S. Harrison Street on December 15. Ms. Hager reported on structural changes to Main Street Maryland. Ms. Hager detailed the upcoming Shut Down Easton day.

Mr. Steve Moore was present and discussed the Shut Easton Down day scheduled for January 26. He explained that it would be much like a corporate summit.

The President of the Council thanked EBMA for their presentation.

Mr. Alan Greg, Talbot Partnership and President of Soccer League to address Council regarding No Smoking signage on parks. He stated that he was here representing all the children that belong to the Soccer Leagues of Talbot, Easton Little League, Home Run Baker Little League, Talbot Field Hockey, Pop Warner Football and Talbot Lacrosse. He stated that he is seeking permission to purchase and install at Talbot Partnership’s expense, No Smoking signs at all the parks and fields in Easton. He stated that Talbot County had already granted permission for the Talbot County fields. He asked for permission to place signs at Moton Park, Idlewild Park and North Easton Sports Complex. Mr. Greg stated that Talbot Partnership will install and maintain the signs.

The President of the Council asked for Council questions. There were none.

Mr. Ford made a motion to allow placement of the signs, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously. The President of the Council directed Mr. Greg to meet with the Park Board for coordination of placement.

The President of the Council brought a memo from the Mayor to the floor. Mayor Butler is recommending the re-appointment of Mr. Ken Carroll to the Historic District Commission. Mr. Mayer made a motion to re-appoint Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from Mr. Larry Callahan, Easton Lion’s Club to the floor requesting permission to sell Christmas Trees on the open lot behind the Super Fresh November 27 through December 23.

Mr. Ford moved approval, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

A letter was received from Ms. Kate McCormick, Habitat for Humanity of Talbot County, requesting permission to hang a banner from the windows at the office on 305 N. Washington Street. The President of the Council stated that the banner is 5’ x 2’.

The Town Planner stated that he had received the letter requesting permission to hang the banner for their accomplishments. Mr. Mayer made a motion to permit Habitat for Humanity of Talbot County to display the banner for a three-month period beginning December 7, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

A letter was received from the County Manager requesting the waiver of fees associated with building the permit application for re-roofing of Talbot County Education Center (Mt. Pleasant School). Mr. Mayer made a motion to allow waiving the fees associated with the building permit application, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

A letter was received from Mr. Robert Van Schaik, Trustee, Immanuel Lutheran Church requesting the waiver of building permit fees for replacement of sanctuary roof. Mr. Mayer made a motion to allow waiving the fees associated with the replacement of the sanctuary roof, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The Town Engineer was present and briefed on the Rails-to-Trails northern extension. He asked for a consensus from the Council on a route to proceed. He stated that time is of the essence. The President of the Council asked that any meetings to update the Council on the progress, be well publicized for the public to see what is taking place.

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

The Mayor suggested if the consensus of the Council was to permit the northern extension of the rails-to-trail, to follow the rail bed instead of going out into the RTC property.

Mr. Mayer stated that he believes going down the rail is the best alternative. He stated that the impact on the neighbors could be minimal. He stated that his consensus was for the project.

Mr. Ford stated that he supports the extension of the rails-to-trails to the North Easton Sports Complex. He stated that he has consistently been a proponent of that extension since he was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission thirteen years ago. He also stated that the most logical and least expensive route to follow is the existing trail bed.

Mr. Reed stated that after visiting the site, he agrees with Mr. Ford and Mr. Mayer. He stated that he feels the project should go forward.

The Town Attorney stated that no legislative process is necessary.

Mr. Willey reminded Mr. Glass to keep the public informed.

The President of the Council brought to the floor a petition for annexation of 31.25 acres of land owned by Sherri Talbot, Yvonne D. Hoffman, Trustee, and North American Snake Institute. The President of the Council referred this petition to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation.

Mr. Ford stated that just for something to keep in mind for the petitioners, at least to his recollection, one of the reasons why the annexation was denied initially was because was because they were not clear enough on what was going to happen on that parcel. Mr. Ford stated that their development plans were not at the stage where people that were concerned about what was going to be developed there, could make any intelligible decisions.

Resolution No. 5681, "A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN LANDS OWNED BY SHERRI TALBOT, YVONNE D. HOFFMAN, TRUSTEE AND THE NORTH AMERICAN SNAKE INSTITUTE, INC., LOCATED EAST OF OCEAN GATEWAY AND ADJOINING THE SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS SOUTH BEECHWOOD AND THE STATE POLICE BARRACKS TO THE NORTH AND DAYS INN TO THE WEST, CONSISTING OF THIRTY-ONE AND ONE-QUARTER (31.25) ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS TO THE TOWN OF EASTON AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ANNEXATION" was introduced for a first reading.

A letter was received from the Easton Planning and Zoning Commission with a report of the Commission’s review of material submitted with regard to the "Big Box" retailing issue.

The Town Attorney stated that the Commission is going to proceed with the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan so that the Council could act upon it. The Town Attorney asked the Council if they still wanted to impose a 65,000 square feet limitation on big box development. The Town Attorney explained the review process for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. The Council’s consensus was to prepare the necessary legislation with a 65,000 square feet cap on big boxes.

A letter was received from Mr. John General, MCTV President, requesting support for the 1999-2000 budget. Mr. Mayer moved passage for support for MCTV for matching funds, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought to the floor the Findings of Fact and Ordinance No. 398, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE EASTON TOWN COUNCIL APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO A COMMERCIAL/MEDICAL DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT IN THE TOWN OF EASTON KNOWN AS WILLIAM HILL MANOR."

Mr. Mayer moved approval of Ordinance No. 398, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

A memo was received from the Town Planner requesting a public hearing for the Lyons Farm Zoning Amendment request. The President of the Council set the public hearing for January 4 at 7:15 P.M.

The President of the Council stated that both meetings in January will be held on Tuesday due to the upcoming holidays.

Mr. Ford stated that the Council should have an idea on what the applicants are considering for the Lyons Farm Zoning amendment.

The President of the Council brought a request from Mr. David Meehan to bowhunt deer on Mistletoe Hall Farm to the floor for consideration. The President of the Council stated that Mr. Meehan needs to be notified that the discharge of firearms is prohibited in the Town of Easton.

A letter was received from Long & Foster requesting permission for a fence to remain on property owned by the Town of Easton on Honeysuckle Drive. Mr. Glass stated that he had received a call from a listing agent from Long & Foster after a survey. Mr. Glass stated that a fence encroached by about three feet. He stated that there was no impact on the Town of Easton. He suggested clarifying that the Town of Easton does not have any maintenance responsibilities. Mr. Glass stated that if the fence does come down, it should be erected in the proper place on the correct property owner. The Town Attorney stated that he would draft a license for the property owner.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford, invoices totaling $809,742.00 were unanimously approved for payment.

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

There was no one present to report on Fire Department activities.

Mayor Butler thanked everyone for the parade in Easton.

Mr. Mayer stated that the parade was well attended and the Police Department did a fine job.

The Town Engineer stated that on the Utilities side, there are a number of plans in place to be Y2K compliant. He will be forwarding information for the Council.

Mr. Mayer asked for clarification on the CVS property at Goldsborough and Route 50. The Town Engineer stated that they are working with State Highway Administration at that location and also on the west end of Town.

The Town Attorney stated that he had two matters for Executive Session, one involving real estate and two, the advice of counsel.

The President of the Council stated that a letter had been received from Mr. Don Bibb requesting Council support for the potential acquisition of property. The President of the Council asked that a letter be sent to Mr. Bibb stating that the Council may support the concept based upon additional information being received.

Mr. Mayer stated that the Christmas parade was an enjoyable evening.

At 7:59 P.M., Mr. Mayer made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

At 8:42 P.M., the President of the Council declared the Executive Session closed and reconvened into Open Session.

Mayor Butler asked for a suggestion for the appointment of a representative for the Board of Appeals.

The Town Planner suggested Mr. Gene Mechling.

Mr. Ford asked about a truck parked in Ward I at the Seven-11. Mr. Hamilton stated that Mr. Porter had cited the owner for off-site advertising.

Mr. Ford questioned the zoning status on the building located across from his house. Mr. Hamilton stated that the use is grandfathered in.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to allow the Town Clerk and the Mayor to sign the license for the encroachment of a fence for the listing property discussed earlier in the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Upon motion by Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the meeting at 8:50 P.M.

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Town Clerk