April 3, 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, and Mr. Reed. Also attending the meeting were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Chief of Police Mr. Harvey, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Assistant Town Planner Mr. Thomas and Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe.

Mr. Ford opened the meeting with prayer. He led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 6, 2000 meeting as written, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

A proclamation in honor of the Pack 189 Tiger Clubs was presented and proclaimed that April 3, 2000 as Pack 189 Tiger Cubs day.

Mrs. Dobson of 221 Glenwood Avenue was present to address the Council with the concerns of the removal of trees on her property. Mrs. Dobson stated that there was a ditch between her property and some trees that run along the town border which cause drainage problems. Mrs. Dobson stated that she had talked to Mayor Butler, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Glass, who have been to the site.

Town Engineer, Mr. Tim Glass was present to respond to Mrs. Dobson’s concerns. Mr. Glass stated that he had been out several times and he had spoken to Mrs. Dobson. Mr. Glass continued stating that what Mrs. Dobson said was true, there are several trees along the ditch that borders the Town of Easton property line and Mrs. Dobson’s property line. The trees that Mrs. Dobson referred to are private property, and the large tree, which she also referred to, is also on private property.

Mr. Willey asked Mr. Glass if there is anything that is on town property that needs to be taken out, could it be taken out. Mr. Willey also stated that if there were obstructions that were on private property, that the property owner be notified.

Mr. Glass stated that he would put his response in writing.

Mrs. Dobson stated that estimates were given on the tree, but when she looked at the tree, the shoots appeared to be on the town line.

Mr. Willey stated that if there anything on the town line would be taken care of by Mr. Glass.

Mr. Willey asked Mr. Glass to discuss the Holly Road crossover.

The Town Engineer stated that he has been in touch with State Highway Administration and described what is proposed for Holly Road. He stated that the proposal is to move the entrance more in line with Holly Road. The Town Engineer stated that the access will remain at the police barracks.

The President of the Council asked if it is a done deal. The Town Engineer stated that the Town has nothing to do but help with coordination issues.

The Town Engineer discussed the purchase of a 2000 front-mount mower. He stated that they had received six bids. He stated that they preferred the Kobota mower and asked the Council to approve the purchase.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the purchase of the Kobota mower seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor from the Town Engineer regarding the revision of the snow emergency route changes. The Town Engineer stated that they have identified two streets in town that they would like to have snow emergency route designation. He stated that these are Aurora Street and Goldsborough Street to Washington Street and Glenwood Avenue on the south side.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the snow emergency route changes seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought a memo from the Town Engineer to the floor regarding the purchase of a multi-purpose utility trailer.

The Town Engineer stated that there had been a one-ton flatbed truck purchase budgeted. He stated that they had bought a ¾ ton truck instead leaving about $3,000 in the budget. The Town Engineer stated that this trailer purchase will supplement efficiency.

Mr. Mayer moved approval to purchase the utility trailer cost not to exceed $3,000 seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council introduced for a first reading Ordinance No. 406, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACTING WITH AMENDMENTS SECTION 6.1 OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON."

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5699, "A RESOLUTION OF THE EASTON TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDING TO THE AREA CURRENTLY DELINEATED AS A "DESIGNATED NEIGHBORHOOD" FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (NBDP) OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT" to the floor.

The Assistant Town Planner showed a map depicting the area which is being proposed as the expanded Neighborhood Business Development Plan. He stated that this will correspond to the existing Neighborhood Business Development District. The Assistant Town Planner stated that the Neighborhood has already been adopted once and amended twice.

Mr. Ford moved Resolution No. 5699 seconded by Mr. Mayer and approved unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 408, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE TOWN CODE BY ADDING SECTION 18-10A TO THE TOWN OF EASTON CODE PROHIBITING "BOTTLE CLUBS" AND SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE TOWN OF EASTON" for a first reading.

The President of the Council asked if there were any questions. There were none.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 409, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THREE DEEDS" for a first reading.

The President of the Council asked if there were any questions. There were none.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 410, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF ARGONAUT LAND COMPANY, LLC FOR A PUD UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE" to the floor for approval.

Mr. Mayer moved Ordinance No. 410 seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

Mr. Tom Murphy, 2^nd Lieutenant was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Mr. Murphy reported on the Fire Department’s activities for March.

Mayor Butler reminded the Council to submit their MML Registration forms.

Mayor Butler stated that he had received a call today regarding the Peace Pole. The caller had suggested putting the Pole in Idlewild Park. Mayor Butler asked her to speak to Mr. Bruce Butler. He discussed the Garden Club’s efforts regarding the Children’s Park.

Chief Harvey stated that he has one request for consideration. He stated that Mr. Banks from the West Side Association in conjunction with Sgt. Wright of EPD’s Outreach section has requested a crosswalk in the area of Port Street and Pleasant Alley. He stated that an after school program is being started at the Support Center and they are expecting a large crowd of children crossing the street.

Mr. Mayer stated that he has no problem with that and is sure that Mr. Glass’s department will help.

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

The President of the Council stated that he had a call from Mr. Scudder on Golton Drive concerning the accident where the little girl was hit. He asked that the Police Department contact Mr. Scudder regarding slowing traffic down in this vicinity.

The Chief stated that he would take care of it.

The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass, reminded everyone that Thursday night at 6:30 P.M. is the scheduled Rails-to-Trails workshop. He invited those interested to attend the roundtable discussion.

The Town Engineer updated the Council on activity around Easton. He stated that they have been working on the Dover Street lights and sidewalk upgrades. He stated that they plan to move to some construction activity at the intersection of Harrison and Washington Street where a new traffic signal and curb widening is proposed.

The Town Engineer reported that the Public Works Department will be picking up trash on Good Friday as normally scheduled so there will be no disruption of service.

The Town Engineer reported that paving would be occurring on Locust Street on Wednesday between North and Cherry to wrap up the street reconstruction in that block.

The Town Engineer reported that North Easton Park irrigation construction started today and will last approximately two weeks, weather permitting. He stated that Friends of the North Easton Sports Complex have fronted the funds to install irrigation in all of the Little League fields and the stadium soccer fields. He stated that they will be working with Friends of the North Easton Sports Complex to erect some playground equipment beginning this Friday.

Mr. Glass stated that once the irrigation is complete at North Easton Park, they will begin installing irrigation at Thompson Park within three weeks.

The Town Engineer stated that the lights are up on Goldsborough Street. He stated that benches are to be installed.

The Town Engineer reported on an electric restructuring note. He stated that the Public Service Commission is having a press conference tomorrow to kick off an education program on customer choice in Maryland on electric regulation. Mr. Glass stated that Mr. Jim Silvius is present tonight to discuss details. Mr. Glass stated that Mr. Silvius has been a member of the Consumer Education Advisory Board to the Public Service Commission.

Mr. Jim Silvius, Easton Utilities’ Assistant General Manager, was present to make the Council aware of the state education efforts and Easton Utilities’ education plans. He stated that a year ago, the Maryland Legislature passed the electric restructuring legislation that created customer choice program in which customers can chose their electric generation supply. Mr. Silvius stated that the state at the same time funded a consumer education effort to raise awareness. Mr. Silvius stated that tomorrow, the state is having a press conference with the media to explain the total campaign. He stated that a week from tomorrow, the campaign will actually kick-off with a lot of advertising. He stated that Easton Utilities, as a municipal utility will not be participating in customer choice at this time. Mr. Silvius stated that is why they will be kicking off their educational program. He passed out a preliminary brochure that will be distributed to the Easton Utilities customers. He stated that the Maryland legislature decided to let the municipalities have more time to study the impacts and benefits. Mr. Silvius explained why Easton Utilities provides service to their customers at a much lower cost.

The President of the Council distributed a letter to the Town Engineer to give to the Traffic and Parking Commission regarding traffic problems on August Street.

The Town Attorney stated that he had one matter for Executive Session regarding legal advice.

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

Mr. Mayer asked for clarification regarding the park equipment for Chapel East. Mr. Glass stated that it is in the Park Board hands.

Mr. Mayer asked about banners. Ms. Debbie Hager, Executive Director of EBMA stated that this matter will come before the Council again.

The President of the Council asked the Council to read the letter enclosed in the packet from Mr. Royce Sampson for information purposes.

The President of the Council asked if there were matters to be brought before the Council tonight.

Mr. Rodney Auker, Hawkes Hill Road, questioned the outcome of the recreational storage parking amendment. He asked if more public comments would be accepted. The President of the Council stated that the Council is waiting for the revised ordinance to come before the Council.

The Town Planner stated that they are waiting for the Council’s comments to be drafted into the ordinance. He stated that it will be forthcoming at the next meeting.

Mr. Mayer commented on his opinions regarding the storage of boat ordinance. He stated that there are still problems with this ordinance.

Ms. Hager, EBMA Executive Director, thanked the Council for allowing them to come before the Council at the last meeting. She stated that there was a positive response from the retail committee to keep the teak planters watered. She stated that the merchants are going to try to make an effort to help with the downtown.

Ms. Hager spoke of the Easter Egg Hunt and was told to get in touch with Chief Harvey regarding No Parking bags at meters in front of the Courthouse.

At 8:04 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 8:32, the President of the Council declared the Executive Session closed.

The President of the Council asked if there was any other business.

Mr. Ford referred to the pending legislation regarding storage of vehicles. He stated that he believes that there is no way to legislate respect for your neighbors.

The Town Attorney stated that he thought we could come up with something that gives people guidelines that are more concrete. The Town Attorney suggested that Mr. Ford and Mr. Hamilton meet with him and try to establish some guidelines.

There being no further business, Mr. Mayer made a motion to adjourn seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

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Town Clerk