January 18, 2000

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. Glass, Chief Harvey, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe and Mr. Terrance K. Raleigh, Codes Enforcement Office for the Town of Easton.

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

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2000 meeting as written, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Mr. Hugh Dawkins was present as President of the Waterfowl Festival to update the Council on the 1999 Festival. Mr. Dawkins stated that the Easton Utilities Commission received the award this year for the organization that displayed untiring work and volunteerism for the Festival and organization. Mr. Dawkins presented the 1999 award to Mr. Robert F. Karge, Sr., Town Clerk in recognition of his undying effort every year to help the Waterfowl Festival work through processes with the Town.

Mr. Bill Stagg was present to request permission to allow burning of debris piles on Ratcliffe Manor. He stated that there were four large burn piles. Mr. Stagg stated that they have the permission of the MD Department of Natural Resources, the Fire Chief’s permission and the Health Department’s permission.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Mr. Stagg’s request seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey asked for notification when the burning occurred.

The Town Engineer introduced Mr. Terrance K. Raleigh, Codes Enforcement Officer for the Town of Easton to the Town Council. He stated that Mr. Raleigh has been with the Codes Enforcement Office since May 24. Mr. Raleigh thanked the Council for their trust and stated he would do a good job for them.

Ms. Phyllis Millar was present on behalf of the Talbot County Garden Club. Ms. Millar stated that her colleagues Ms. Kathy Corbin and Ms. Nancy Thompson were accompanying her this evening. Ms. Millar stated that she was present to make an offer from the Garden Club to the Town of Easton this evening. She stated that the Garden Club would like to design and construct at their expense a children’s garden for the community. Ms. Millar asked for input and permission on whether they can move forward. Ms. Millar asked for questions. Ms. Millar stated that they had looked at a site at Idlewild Park and stated that they had concurred that the site should be on the southeast section of Idlewild Park near the Gazebo. She stated that the space would entail 6/10 of an acre with access to water and electricity. Ms. Millar detailed the "children’s garden."

The President of the Council stated that a letter from Mr. Mike Morse, Director of Parks and Recreation was included in the packet. Mr. Morse’s letter states that he is in favor of the Garden Club’s concept.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he had concerns with events in the gazebo and the space the children’s garden may take.

Mr. Mayer stated that if the Park Board agreed, he has no problem with this. Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the Garden Club’s request to place a children’s garden at Idlewild Park, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller. The President of the Council added to the motion to give permission subject to the Park Board’s final approval. The motion was approved unanimously.

The President of the Council asked for a consensus on the request of Mr. Charles R. Lyons, et. al. for an amendment to the zoning classification of property generally located on the north side of Dutchman’s Lane adjacent to the Stoney Ridge Subdivision from Agricultural (A-1) to Residential (R-10A) consisting of approximately 111.31 acres.

Mr. Reed asked to make a statement before the vote. The President of the Council stated that there would not be a vote this evening, just a consensus.

Mr. Ford stated that he had struggled with this application. He stated that he is not going to support this request for re-zoning at this time. Mr. Ford stated that it is supportable by the Comprehensive Plan and compatible with the existing neighborhood. He stated that he is suggesting that the rules be changed for the application process. Mr. Ford stated that the Council can not afford to support zoning, annexation requests and development requests without knowing what is going to go in there. He stated that the most important thing to take place before the applicant comes into this room is to have a representation of development plans made to the people most directly affected by those plans. In this case, the developer or owner of the property needs to meet with the people who live on Dutchman’s Lane and explain what they want to do and listen to the residents in that area. Mr. Ford stated that the development pressures the town is facing now will never abate. He stated that the only way to grow as a town and a community responsibly is to involve as many people in the process as possible and they have to be involved in the front end. He stated that he has no doubt in his mind that the Lyons family will do everything in their power to ensure that the property is developed in a responsible and quality manner.

Mr. Mayer stated that he is for the request.

Mr. Reed stated that he is in favor of smart growth but not for growth at any cost. He stated that he feels that we must first know the cost to the town. Mr. Reed asked if the county would pay for the roads needed for this growth. He asked if the State would do their share where the state roads are involved. Mr. Reed questioned how long it would take to get the work done. He questioned the amount of money developers would need up front. Mr. Reed stated that the Mayor and Council cannot plan when associated costs for developments are not apparent. He stated that additional monies will be needed for the police, fire departments and schools. Mr. Reed stated that he is sorry for the landowners of this farmland. Mr. Reed stated that he sees another development coming with subsequent PUD amendments. Mr. Reed stated that Maryland has lost 75% of its farms in the last century. Mr. Reed stated that he does not have enough answers to his questions before voting for the requested amendment to the zoning classification.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that this proposal represents a dilemma for the Council. He stated that this Council is committed to smart growth. Mr. Heinmuller stated that smart growth says that when there is growth, it will take place within the boundaries of a municipality, which the State of Maryland is encouraging. He stated that this specific proposal meets the needs of smart growth and is called in-fill. Mr. Heinmuller stated that this Council accepted a proposal far more aggressive than the one, which is asked for, some years ago. Mr. Heinmuller stated that a positive recommendation had also been received from the Planning and Zoning Commission and he felt that continuous changes would be viewed as the Council not listening to them. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he is in favor of the R-10A.

The President of the Council stated that in his mind there is no doubt that whatever the Lyons family does will be a first class operation especially with family members living in the area. The President of the Council stated that the major objection was about traffic on Dutchman’s Lane. He asked that communication begin between the county about improvements to that road and eventually the town taking the road over out to the end of town limits. The President of the Council also asked that the Town Engineer look into what will be needed to bring that road up to specifications and do whatever is necessary to get the ball rolling with the state for the intersection. The President of the Council stated that he will support the request for amendment to the zoning classification.

Mr. Ford discussed the upgrades necessary on Dutchman’s Lane. Mr. Ford encouraged interested parties to attend the Planning and Zoning meetings where a subdivision request will be addressed.

The President of the Council asked that concerned citizens work with Planning and Zoning to make sure that whatever improvements are necessary for Dutchman’s Lane, are in process before construction takes off. The President of the Council also suggested making the possibility available for citizens in the older section of Stoney Ridge to come into the town if they still have interest. The President of the Council asked the Town Planner to work with the Planning and Zoning Commission to come up with some ideas regarding the zoning requirements that require developers to improve the environmental quality of the land once they get started but we don’t require periodic examination in any reports. He asked for Planning and Zoning to recommend how this could be implemented. Also, the President of the Council stated that knowing that expansion in the town right now is stretching services of the public works department and police department, he would like the process of looking at impact fees for new construction in the town with a low limit and a high limit.

Mr. Mayer added that the developer is well aware that he will be spending considerable dollars on improvements on Dutchman’s Lane.

Mr. Reed stated that one thing that should be made apparent soon is where the connector road would be located and how much money the town would have to invest.

Mr. Hamilton discussed the connector road and stated that the Town Engineer and himself will need to get together to look at the details to see where the road needs to go.

Mr. Mayer made a motion seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried to approve payment of invoices totaling $411,331.83.

There was no report from the Fire Department at this time.

Mayor Butler discussed the upcoming Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities dinner and the hotel reservations for the Maryland Municipal League Convention in June.

Chief Harvey discussed a request from the Eastern Shore March of Dimes for their Annual Walk-a-Thon in Easton on April 29 between 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. He stated that they will require police assistance and he recommends approval. Mr. Heinmuller moved approval, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried.

Chief Harvey discussed the increase of demonstrations around this country and the need to compound the police station. The Chief proposed an eight-foot fence with a pedestrian gate to the District Court. He stated that the gate around the back would have a keypad and sensor. Chief Harvey stated that they are requesting 21 spaces around the rear of the police department to be used for officer’s vehicles as they come into work. He stated that their intent is to try to limit thru traffic. Chief Harvey stated that they have received three bids for the system. He asked for Council permission to construct an eight-foot chain link fence with no barbed wire. He stated that the Department has met with community groups and the court system and no one has a problem with it. Chief Harvey stated that the funds will come from the building expansion project. Chief Harvey discussed shrubbery options.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the Chief Harvey’s request to place a fence around the police department seconded by Mr. Ford and carried.

The Town Engineer stated that demolition had begun on 25-27 Port Street. He stated that the Easton Housing Authority is also involved.

The Town Engineer discussed the recent snow and the responses. He stated that crews are currently spreading salt on critical areas.

The Town Engineer stated that the building inspection department moved from the Easton Utilities Plant back to the Town office. Mr. Glass stated that the rental housing inspection department moved to be closer to the front counter to expedite services. He stated that he will be hosting a public forum for contractors, probably a brown bag lunch seminar to get information out to local contractors.

The Town Planner stated that the Planning Commission has been looking at a storage shed/recreational vehicle issue in side yards and at they are finalizing a recommendation. Mr. Hamilton handed out the Planning and Zoning’s recommendation for informational purposes. He asked the President of the Council to set a public hearing to go over the recommendation.

Mr. Heinmuller asked for clarifications on corner lots. The Town Planner stated that owners of corner lots would be allowed to use the two sides for storage as long as it is behind the plane of the house. The Town Planner stated that in some instances a variance might be necessary.

The President of the Council asked the Town Engineer if he had received the letter from Dr. James Kerr. He stated that he had.

The President of the Council stated that he had received a letter from Mrs. Doris Favinger concerning the PUD approval on her property at Route 50 and Dutchman’s Lane. The Town Planner stated that she is requesting an extension of that PUD. He stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission will be reviewing this matter on Thursday and make a recommendation to the Council.

Mr. Ford stated that Wednesday, January 26 is EBMA’s Shut Down The Town Day. He stated that he is the Council’s liaison for EBMA’s Board. Mr. Ford discussed the recent meeting held in the Resource Center. He stated that there are a lot of projects going on with EBMA and he feels there is a lot of energy being produced by that group.

Mr. Mayer encouraged the community to attend EBMA’s Shut Down The Town Day.

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

There being no further business, at 7:45 P.M., Mr. Mayer made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

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Town Clerk