June 19, 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, Chief Harvey and 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 June 5, 2000 meeting as written seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

Mr. Durrie Hayes was present and introduced the State Champion Easton High School Girls Softball Team. He stated that this is the first time Easton won the 2A Championship for girl’s softball. Mr. Hayes thanked all those that helped. The President of the Council thanked Mr. Hayes.

The President of the Council asked if Mr. Sean Smith was present to address the Council regarding picnic tables intended for Town of Easton parks. Mr. Smith was not present at this time.

Ms. Debbie Hager, Executive Director, EBMA was present to discuss the Main Street signage. Ms. Hager discussed the proposed four locations for the signs. The President of the Council asked for any questions. There were none.

The President of the Council brought to the floor Amended Resolution No. 5704, Fiscal Year 2000/2001 Budget. The President of the Council asked if there were any questions. There were none.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5704 seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought to the floor Resolution No. 5705 authorizing the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $8,912.60. The President of the Council asked if there were any questions.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5705 seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought to the floor Resolution No. 5706 authorizing the Town Clerk to abate items on the attached listing. The Town Clerk clarified that the listing goes back to 1992.

Mr. Mayer asked what the collection process is for past due accounts. The Town Clerk explained the process.

Mr. Ford moved Resolution No. 5706 for passage seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought a memo from the Town Clerk regarding Year 4 Hotspot Grant Match.

The Town Clerk stated that Ms. Paula Lowery had contacted him to see if the Town would be willing to commit to the Year 4 Match for the Assistant Coordinator and the Nuisance Abatement positions. He stated that the grant application documentation is not complete and as of Friday, they had not received the application from the state. Mr. Karge stated that he explained to Ms. Lowery that the Council typically does not act on things until they have the documents in front of them but a consensus could be taken from the Council.

Mr. Ford asked for information on the Nuisance Abatement position.

The Town Planner stated that this is when Ms. Joyce DeLaurentis was hired to do the Code Enforcement for the Property Maintenance Code within the Hotspots designated areas. He stated that the match was cut out of the budget. Mr. Hamilton stated that Mr. Bob Porter is doing the same thing for the entire town and their department did not think it made sense to go forward especially if there was not going to be a match in the budget which they hadn’t in the past.

Mr. Ford asked if either of these requested two figures are in the budget passed tonight. The Mayor stated that they are not.

Mr. Mayer stated that he would like to see the grant application before making a final decision.

Mr. Ford stated that his feeling was to fund the $3,000 for the Assistant Coordinator match if it could be found.

Mr. Reed stated that he would like to see something before making judgement.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he wanted to see something before making a final decision but his feeling was to approve the match for the Assistant Coordinator. He felt this would be a worthwhile thing to do.

The President of the Council brought a letter from Ms. Sheryl V. Kerr, President, Grayce B. Kerr Fund, Inc., requesting Town to be cosigner to permit application to facilitate maintenance dredging of ponds on Bay Street.

The President of the Council asked what obligation is there with the Town.

The Town Attorney stated that the Town has an easement over the property. He stated that the Foundation is simply requesting the Town, without financial obligation be cosigner on the permit application to dredge out the pond.

Mr. Hamilton stated that the one of the ponds is silted in and the Foundation plans to dredge out the ponds and enhance the area with sidewalks and landscape. Mr. Hamilton stated that there is no expense to the Town. The Kerr Foundation wants the Town to sign on for the Corps of Engineer permit.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the request of the Kerr Foundation to cosign the permit application for maintenance dredging of the ponds on Bay Street seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

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

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 413 seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

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

Mr. Mayer moved Ordinance No. 414 for passage seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 415, "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF NICHOLAS E. TURNER FOR A PLANNED REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PROJECT TO SUBDIVIDE AND REDEVELOP PROPERTY OWNED BY HIM LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF EASTON" for a first reading.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from the Westside Neighborhood Association, Inc., requesting permission to host "Community Day" in Moton Park on Saturday, August 26, 2000.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that a representative is present to discuss this request.

Mr. William Banks discussed the activities planned for "Community Day" in Moton Park. Mr. Banks stated that there will be music that everyone will enjoy.

The President of the Council asked the time for Community Day. Mr. Banks stated that it has been set for 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mr. Banks stated that any manpower would be appreciated.

Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to approve the Westside Neighborhood Association’s request for Community Day in Moton Park on August 26 seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought invoices totaling $958,446.31 for payment to the floor for approval.

Mr. Mayer moved approval of payment of the invoices seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone in the audience that had something to bring before the Council.

Ms. Janet Pfeffer stated that on behalf of First Night Talbot and Courthouse Deli, she would like to invite volunteers to help sell food at a booth during the July 4^th celebration.

Mr. Mayer stated that there will be 22 booths of food this year during the celebration.

There was no report from the Fire Department at this time. Mayor Butler stated that the firemen are attending the State Fireman’s Convention in Ocean City.

Mayor Butler congratulated the President of the Council who was recently elected to the office of President for the Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities. Mayor Butler reported that he recently attended the MML Conference in Ocean City.

The President of the Council reported that Mayor Butler was elected as President of the Mayor’s Association this year during the MML Convention.

Chief Harvey stated that he has a request from the Easton Apostolic Church for a street meeting behind the police department on the grassy knoll for July 30, 2000 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. with some music during the service. He stated that they are expecting around 100 people.

Mr. Heinmuller made a motion to approve the church meeting on July 30 request seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that he had a request for a Memory Walk from the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern Shore Chapter on October 14 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Chief Harvey stated that they show a route the police department can provide services for and he recommended approval.

Mr. Mayer moved approval of the Memory Walk seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Mr. Mayer stated that Chief Harvey was elected to the Eastern Shore Police Association as Sergeant at Arms during the recent MML Convention.

Mayor Butler added that Chief Harvey lectured on Community Policing at the MML Convention and did an outstanding job.

The Town Engineer reminded the Council on the Building Inspection Department’s upcoming meeting to review the permit process for contractors. He stated that the meeting is scheduled for June 22 at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Council’s Chambers.

Mr. Heinmuller asked the Town Engineer about progress on the Brook’s Drive extension. The Town Engineer stated that the Notice to Proceed went out today.

Mr. Mayer reported that Mr. Henry Purdy, former Mayor was inducted into MML’s Hall of Fame.

Mr. Heinmuller congratulated the Mayor on passing the budget this evening. Mr. Heinmuller discussed the reduction of personal property taxes in the Town of Easton and stated that this has virtually been eliminated and reflects a very business friendly attitude from this Council.

Ms. Carolyn Jaffe reported that she had received an inquiry for the Avalon Theatre from a State of Maryland agency for an e-commerce meeting for 200 people.

Mayor Butler thanked the Council for passing the budget. The Mayor stated that Mr. Karge, the Town Clerk was a big help in the preparation of the budget.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone else to come before the Council.

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

At 7:45 p.m., the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

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Town Clerk