June 5, 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, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Assistant Town Planner Mr. Thomas, Chief Harvey and Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe.

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

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 5, 2000 meeting as written seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ford presented Mrs. Grace Bantum a Proclamation for her service to the Historic District Commission.

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor from the Mayor recommending Mr. Roger A. Bollman to the Historic District Commission and re-appointment Mr. Tom Bachelor to the Historic District Commission.

Mr. Heinmuller moved approval for the appointments seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

Mr. Bollman was present and congratulated by the Council.

John Murray, Esq., was present on behalf of Grayblock, Inc. He stated that also with him tonight was Bruce Armistead, Esq., on behalf of Mr. Wade Dudrow who owns adjoining property. He stated that their clients are interested in the same thing. Mr. Murray discussed the history of the properties and the abatement of Town taxes. Mr. Murray stated that the tax abatement is very valuable to the properties. He stated that Grayblock and the Dudrows would like the Council to continue the abatement pending the sewer service by amending the original abatement provision. He stated that this would require giving notice and holding a public hearing. Mr. Murray asked for questions and an indication from the Council if they desire to move forward.

Mr. Armistead stated that his role is simply to confirm that Mr. and Mrs. Dudrow are in agreement with this request. He asked the Council respectfully, to consider the request.

The Town Attorney stated that there is provision in state law which would allow the Council to extend the condition contained in the annexation resolution by adopting an amendment to the resolution with all the advertising requirements associated with the original resolution.

The President of the Council asked for questions from the Council. He asked for the Council’s pleasure.

It was the consensus of the Council to schedule a hearing.

The Town Attorney stated that he would meet with the Town Clerk to discuss a hearing date.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 412, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 130-132 AND 142 NORTH HARRISON STREET OWNED BY THE TOWN OF EASTON FOR THE USE OF THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION TO BE NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC USE AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SAID PROPERTY AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SALE AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING TOWN OFFICIALS TO PERFORM ANY ACTION NECESSARY TO EFFECT SUCH SALE" to the floor.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 412 seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought to the floor Ordinance No. 414, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING SECTION 20A-10 AND 20A-11 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REGARDING LIABILITY OF PERMITTEE AND PENALTIES FOR PUBLIC ASSEMBLY VIOLATIONS" for introduction.

The Town Attorney stated that this is being revised due to recent Supreme Court rulings. He stated that a portion of this is not enforceable anymore and should be removed from the regulations for purposes of clearness. The Town Attorney stated that another portion is simply a violation provision in the parade permit ordinance that has been superceded by a general penalty provision found elsewhere in the Town Code.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from Ms. Marie U’Ren, Co-Chairman, Charity Antiques Show & Sale regarding a banner sign at Talbottown.

The Town Planner stated that this is the same banner at the same place approved last year.

Mr. Ford moved approval of placement of the banner seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor requesting a waiver of the two-hour parking limit June 22 through June 25 during the Charity Antiques Show and Sale in the vicinity of the Academy Art Museum.

The Chief of Police stated that he has no problem with the waiver.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the waiver seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought the Planning Commission’s Annual Report to the Council to the floor.

The Town Planner stated that he would be happy to answer any questions. He stated that this is a report that the Town is obliged to submit to the state each year. Mr. Hamilton stated that the growth rate is at 3% and it is evident that the trends are continuing, slow steady growth.

Mr. Ford commented that the 2000 agenda is ambitious and admirable. He questioned the approach to the Maryland Legislature to seek their assistance in changing the critical area rules. The Town Planner stated that this derived from the issues dealing with Talbot County and the growth allocation with Ratcliffe Farms and other farms. He stated that the staff wondered why the Towns were left out of the Critical Area Law and why everything was vested to the County. Mr. Ford discussed the procedure to work with the County Council for growth allocation that legislates coordination between the County and the Town. The Town Planner stated that the Commission will work on it and forward suggestions to the Council.

At 7:20, the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing to consider the fiscal year 2000-2001 Budget and the Constant Yield Tax Rate.

Mayor Butler stated that he is pleased to present a balanced budget to the Town Council for consideration. He stated that the proposed General Fund Budget totals $8,232,553 which is $36,838 larger than last year. He stated that this budget funds all required Town of Easton activities to serve the citizens of the Town at continued high levels. Mayor Butler stated that he proposes that the tax rate remain the same at $1.00 per hundred dollar of assessed valuation. The Mayor stated that the Town Council has joined with him in decreasing the taxable portion of the commercial inventory from 20% to zero effective July 1. The Mayor stated that a discount of 2% has been allowed for real estate tax payments made by July 31 and 1% if paid by August 31. The Mayor explained the Constant Yield Tax Rate. He explained the capital and general fund expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. He stated that 42% of the expenditures is allocated for salaries, 16% is allocated for benefits for a total of 58% for personnel with other operating costs accounting for the remaining 42%. The Mayor stated that public safety comprises 41%, the single largest expenditure of funds. He stated that public safety is made up of the police department, fire department as well as other associated costs. Mayor Butler stated that there were approximately 2.2 million dollars more in requests than available funds. The Mayor explained the General Fund revenue stating that 70% of the revenue is obtained from taxes. He reviewed the Capital Fund expenditures for the upcoming year with the Public Works Department’s allocation being 58%. Mayor Butler stated that there are amendments to the Budget Resolution that total $80,000 due to the workshops with the department heads and the Council. He stated that these amendments will be included in Amended Budget Resolution No. 5704, which must be passed at the June 19 Council meeting. The Mayor thanked everyone for their cooperation in preparing this budget, especially the Town Clerk Robert Karge.

The President of the Council asked for audience comments.

Ms. Libby Dawkins, 11 N. Thoroughgood Lane was present and questioned what is in the budget for trees this year. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he thought approximately $10,000. Ms. Dawkins stated that she thought the Town of Easton needs an arborist. Mr. Glass, the Town Engineer confirmed that Mr. Hause is a landscape architect. Ms. Dawkins stated that her concerns were for large trees. Ms. Dawkins thanked the Council.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone else in the audience with concerns. There were none.

At 7:37 P.M., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 413, "AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RAISING BY TAXATION THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO PAY THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON THE VARIOUS BOND ISSUES AND THE REDUCTION OF CERTAIN BONDS AND NOTES FOR THE PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS AND SETTING THE INTEREST AND PENALTY FOR DELINQUENT BILLS, COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2000 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2001" for a first reading.

The President of the Council reminded everyone present of the Historic District Design Guidelines Workshop June 8 in the Council’s chambers.

Mr. Russell Miles was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. He presented the Department’s activities for May. Mr. Miles stated that no one would be present with the Department’s report in June, as they will be attending the Fireman’s Convention in Ocean City. Mr. Miles asked permission to take Engine 63 and the Tower to Ocean City for the parade on Thursday, June 22.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the Fire Department’s request to take Engine 63 and the Tower to the Ocean City Fireman’s Convention.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the request seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

Mayor Butler stated that the Maryland Municipal League will be next Sunday and he is looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Chief Harvey stated that he had one request from the Elk’s Club for a parade on June 25 from 2:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. He stated that they are expecting approximately 200 people.

Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to approve the Elk’s request for a parade seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that he has one issue for Executive Session regarding personnel.

The Town Engineer updated the Council on street and sidewalk construction.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned when electric service would be complete in the pavilion area of Moton Park. Mr. Gruber, Assistant Town Engineer stated that two bids have been received and scheduling should occur in the upcoming week.

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

The President of the Council, Mr. Willey stated that the information meeting at the Easton High School Cafeteria regarding the Community Quality Survey was very informative. The Town Planner stated that the State of Maryland’s MTA had paid for the survey.

Mr. Mayer updated the Council on the satellite parking for Easton Celebration’s Old Tyme Fourth of July Celebration. He asked for permission for signs to direct drivers to parking.

Mr. Willey asked the Council for their consensus. It was the consensus of the Council to approve Mr. Mayer’s request to place signage for satellite parking pending the Police Department’s approval.

Chief Harvey discussed the changes to occur in the traffic patterns and parking for the Fourth of July event.

Mr. Heinmuller reminded everyone of upcoming events.

Mr. Heinmuller asked for an Executive Session regarding personnel.

The President of the Council stated that the priority list for 2001 is in the Council packet.

The President of the Council asked if there was anything else to bring before the Council. There was none.

At 8:04 P.M., the President of the Council went into Executive Session to discuss personnel.

There being no further business, Mr. Ford made a motion to adjourn the regularly scheduled Council meeting seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

At 8:05 P.M., the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

_________________________________________

Town Clerk