April 17, 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, Assistant Town Engineer, Mr. Gruber, Chief of Police Harvey, Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe.

Mr. Mayer 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 April 3, 2000 meeting as written, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

Mr. Will Howard was present to address the Council regarding the Talbot County Paramedic Program. He stated that Talbot County is starting a program to save lives and he hopes that the Town Council will be able to participate. Mr. Howard stated that Mr. Mark Cummings of Talbot County Emergency Medical Services is present. Mr. Howard showed the Council an automated external defibrillator. He stated that these devices have recently been approved by the Federal Government to be used by citizens or lay persons. Mr. Howard explained that these devices are being used on some of the airlines and are saving lives. Mr. Howard stated that these defibrillators are being distributed throughout the community. He stated that Talbot County is purchasing these and putting them at various locations. Mr. Howard stated that his group has raised $100,000 and plans to buy 50 devices at a price of $3,000 each and sell to businesses in the community for $1,000 each. Mr. Howard stated that several businesses have signed up already to have these available for customers and their employees in case of cardiac arrest. Mr. Howard asked the Council to consider installing these defibrillator devices in each police car, the Avalon Theatre and possibly Asbury Place, the Easton Welcome Center, the North Easton Sports Complex and Easton Utilities.

Mr. Howard invited the Council to the Avalon Theatre next Tuesday evening for a forum demonstration. He stated that there will be experts present to talk about how they work. Mr. Howard invited the Council and asked for questions.

The President of the Council asked how much training is required. Mr. Howard stated that training is minimal. The total amount of training would be approximately three hours. Mr. Howard stated that one application would be all that is necessary to the state. Mr. Howard stated that this has a safety device that will not allow the patient to be shocked if there is a heart beat. Mr. Howard stated that they intend to have their plan operable in July.

Chief Harvey stated that he has some questions regarding the replacement costs and shelf life.

Ms. Ty Kennedy was present on behalf of the Family Support Center. She commended the Town of Easton for their contribution to their program. Ms. Kennedy briefed the Council on the Family Support Center’s activities.

Ms. Kennedy introduced Ms Ashley Seth who spoke about what the Family Support Center has meant for her. Ms. Kennedy introduced Dr. Brian Corden and Mr. Steve Kehoe who are members of the Family Support Center Board.

Ms. Kennedy introduced Ms. Liz Pierce who is the artist commissioned to do the mural. Ms. Kennedy stated that this mural is intended to be a kick off for the month of the child to be part of their travelling outreach. She stated that they are hoping to display it at a number of sites throughout the county. The President of the Council suggested displaying the mural at the Town office for a few weeks.

Mr. Ford presented a Proclamation to Ms. Kennedy in honor of Month of the Children designating April the month of the child.

The President of the Council read into the record the correction for 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."

The Town Attorney stated that this is to correct a typographical error in the Findings of Fact.

The President of the Council brought to the floor 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 asked for any questions. There were none.

Mr. Mayer moved Ordinance No. 406 for passage seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought to the floor 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." The President of the Council asked if there are any questions. There were none.

Mr. Mayer moved Ordinance No. 408 for passage seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought to the floor Ordinance No. 409, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THREE DEEDS." The President of the Council stated that the purpose of this Ordinance has been explained at a previous meeting. He asked for questions. There were none.

Mr. Heinmuller moved Ordinance No. 410 for passage seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought to the floor Ordinance No. 411, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACTING WITH AMENDMENTS SECTION 510.3C(2)B OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE." The President of the Council asked for questions. There were none.

Mr. Mayer moved Ordinance No. 411 for passage seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought to the floor invoices totaling $349,303.88 for approval for payment.

Mr. Heinmuller moved approval of invoices seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

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

Mayor Butler asked how many Council members would be attending the Eastern Shore Association of Municipality dinner in Salisbury.

Mayor Butler stated that he would be writing a letter to Sts. Peter and Paul School suggesting that they find parking arrangements on their property to alleviate some of the problems associated with student parking in the residential neighborhood. He stated that he had visited that area recently and viewed parking problems. Mayor Butler asked for the Council’s consensus. Everyone agreed that a letter would be appropriate.

Mayor Butler read a letter from Mrs. Marvel that thanked the Mayor and Council for the handicapped parking area near the church on Brookletts Avenue. She stated that it is being used and stated that the Town is looking good as far as special sidewalks and with the improvements on Dover and Goldsborough Street.

Chief Harvey reported that he has a request for an annual walk on May 20, 2000 from Choices Pregnancy Health and Resource Center. He stated that they will be using a route through the Town of Easton from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. Chief Harvey recommended approval.

Mr. Mayer moved approval for the annual walk seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey reported that on Friday evening around 11:00 P.M. through Monday, there were two separate and distinct instances of shots fired in the area of Port and West Streets. Chief Harvey briefed the Council on what occurred. Chief Harvey stated that there had been an arrest with no bail for the first incident. He stated that during the second incident, there were shots fired on Monday night and involved a fight between people from Easton and people from Cambridge. Chief Harvey stated that warrants had been issued and there are still two arrests to be made. Chief Harvey reported on recent legislation regarding records at chop shops. He stated that through efforts by the Maryland Municipal League and the Chiefs of Police on the Eastern Shore, the bill has been re-written to include authority for local law enforcement officers.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned information regarding trespassing in the Fourth Ward. Chief Harvey stated that "No Trespassing" signs give the police the opportunity to approach people and conduct an on-site interview.

The Town Engineer reported that last Thursday, a meeting occurred with State Highway Administration to discuss the Holly Road crossover. He stated that after concerns of citizens present, the State Highway Administration has decided to table the construction of the crossover until further notice.

The Town Engineer reported that a meeting has been scheduled with Mr. Barnes at Sts. Peter and Paul for April 27^th regarding the traffic and parking problems in that vicinity.

The Town Engineer stated that he had received a notice from the Talbot County Public Works Department that at the bus loop at the Centreville Middle School, a hazardous waste collection will take place on April 30, rain or shine. He stated that household items to be accepted will be gasoline, gas and oil mixes, fuels, acids cleaner solvents, automotive fluids, bleach, ammonia, pool chemicals, dark room chemicals, household and lawn pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. Mr. Glass stated that for more information, a telephone number has been included which is 410-770-8167.

Mr. Ford questioned the Town Engineer on the briefing of the U-Star transportation program. Mr. Ford asked the Town Engineer to invite U-Star to a Council meeting for a report. Mr. Glass responded that he would take care of it.

The Town Attorney briefed the President of the Council on a required Ordinance to declare the Easton Utilities Business Office a surplus. He reported that it will be forthcoming.

Mr. Ford stated that he had another meeting with the EBMA Attraction Group.

Mr. Ford reported on the Talbot County municipalities’ preparation for a Visual Preference Survey. He stated that he is involved in that with Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Thomas. Mr. Ford stated that on June 1 at 5:30 P.M., a visual preference survey will be conducted in the Easton High School Cafeteria. Mr. Ford stated that design standards will be discussed.

Mr. Mayer discussed the parking and traffic situation at the Sts. Peter and Paul School. Mr. Mayer thanked Mayor Butler for his support regarding the situation.

The President of the Council asked for audience questions.

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

Ms. Carolyn Jaffe stated that on May 6, there will be an East End and West Side cleanup beginning at 7:00 A.M.

Ms. Debbie Hager, Executive Director for EBMA reminded the Council of the Easter Egg Hunt on April 22^nd.

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

At 8:40 P.M., the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

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Town Clerk