August 7, 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. Heinmuller 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 July 17, 2000 meeting as written seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

Ms. Debbie Hager, Executive Director, EBMA, was present to address the Council regarding the Pride in Place Award. She stated that they had been awarded first place by the Maryland Downtown Development Association in their Planning and Economic category, Pride In Place 2000 Award for the Shut Down the Town Day. Ms. Hager expressed gratitude for the Mayor and Council’s support. Ms. Hager asked the Council to take an opportunity to look at the planters downtown that Ms. Carolyn Benson of Garden Treasures had helped to arrange. She stated that the downtown merchants will maintain.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from Ms. Judith Price, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival, requesting approval of the Waterfowl Festival Commission members.

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

The President of the Council brought a letter from Mr. Alex Handy, President, Community Alliance for the Performing Arts requesting permission to hang a banner in Talbottown for two weeks to promote Chesapeake SummerStage, a performing arts festival.

Mr. Handy was present and discussed the events scheduled. He asked permission to hang a 5’ x 40’ banner at Talbottown on August 11. Mr. Handy stated that Capitol Steps will do the opening ceremony on August 24. He stated that Mr. Dills has given his permission to hang the banner.

Mr. Heinmuller moved approval to hang the banner, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor regarding the paving contract for fiscal year 2001. He discussed the budget versus the bid documents. He asked the Council for permission to proceed although the bid amount was more than the budget amount. Mr. Glass stated that they would order the work that totals up to the budgeted amount.

Mr. Mayer moved approval to award the bid seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought the memo to the floor from the Town Engineer requesting approval for the purchase of 2000 4WD pickup with utility body. He stated that this was included in the Capital Budget and will be utilized by the street/alley crew. He stated that the best value was from Bob Smith Automotive Group for just over $25,000.

Mr. Ford moved approval of the purchase of the 4WD pickup from Bob Smith Automotive Group seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried.

A letter was received from Ms. Joan Reynolds Hoge, Director, Historical Society of Talbot County, requesting permission to place signs to promote upcoming Heritage Weekend.

Ms. Hoge was present and discussed Heritage Weekend. She stated that this is an annual event put on by the Historical Society on the last weekend in September. Ms. Hoge stated that this is an educational event as well as a fund raising event for the Historical Society to promote and support the work done all year long preserving the history and the Culture of the community as well as maintaining the historic houses and grounds in town. Ms. Hoge stated that they are asking permission to place a sign on Glebe Road that promotes the weekend with the dates as well as hang some fabric banners on Washington Street, two on the Historical Society and one on the Waterfowl Festival building.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to grant permission for signage for the Historical Society seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5708 to the floor authorizing the Easton Volunteer Fire Department to collect an administrative fee for any room rental.

The President of the Council asked for any questions.

Upon motion by Mr. Ford seconded by Mr. Mayer, Resolution No. 5708 was approved unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 416, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACTING WITH AMENDMENT SECTION 14.7 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REGARDING LICENSE FEES" for a first reading.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 417, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING CHAPTER 6 OF THE TOWN OF EASTON (BUILDING CODE) REGARDING SWIMMING POOLS" for a first reading.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5709, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON INCREASING THE RE-INSPECTION FEE FOR RENTAL HOUSING" to the floor.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5709 seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought to the floor a memo from the Town Attorney regarding outside storage issues. He stated that this is in regards to the storage of boat trailers, recreational vehicles, etc.

The Town Attorney stated that this has been the subject for three or four months. He discussed the history of the provisions and goals included in the memo.

Mr. Hamilton, the Town Planner illustrated what would be allowed under the Ordinance.

The Town Attorney stated that the Ordinance now allows a limited storage of boats, jet-skis, etc., in rear yards only. He stated that some residents have asked the Council to revisit this as this presents a hardship on them. The Town Attorney stated that what is suggested is that when there is an alley, that storage be restricted to the rear yard. He stated that for a lot without an alley, the storage is in the rear yard or the side yard. The Town Attorney stated that the proposal is to not allow storage of these vehicles in the front yard. He stated that the most difficult issue is a corner lot, which does not have a back yard under the Town of Easton regulations. He explained that a corner lot has two front yards and two side yards. In this case, the Town Attorney explained that what is proposed, is that storage be behind the plane of the house as it faces the street on each corner.

The Town Planner reviewed the existing provision and the new provision.

The President of the Council asked what happens in the instance of a multi-family house. The Town Attorney stated that the same provisions would prevail.

The Town Planner stated that this had not been an issue until there had been a neighborhood complaint.

Mr. Ford stated that this ordinance as proposed reduces the restrictions.

The Town Attorney stated that a corner lot in the existing Zoning Ordinance can not have a boat, motorcycle or recreational vehicle in the driveway as the Ordinance states the side of the house is considered a front. Mr. Kehoe stated that he can not write a zoning regulation that will satisfy all people at all times. He stated that this is why you have variances. Mr. Kehoe stated that the purpose is not to focus on one situation but to think about how new residences should be considered. He stated that the current regulation is quite strict but what is being proposed is a relaxation of that to allow storage in rear yards and side yards.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned whether a grandfathered clause could be used to register vehicles that may not meet the requirements of this ordinance. The Town Attorney stated that there is no reason that this could not be done and if the Council is inclined to do this, he suggested that people submit by a certain date, a photograph and affidavit under oath stating that this is where it has been stored and granted permission as long as they own the house.

Mr. Ford asked if this would not be somewhat cumbersome. The Town Attorney stated that it is not impossible to do.

The Town Planner stated that there would not be that many come in because they do not realize they are in violation.

The President of the Council asked about RVs and trailers. The Town Planner stated that this is a different ordinance, different resolution and different enforcement agency.

The Chief of Police discussed tractor-trailers parked in residential communities and the issues for the police department.

The Town Attorney suggested coming back to the Council with proposed legislation if the grandfather clause was acceptable.

Mr. Ford suggested one further option. Mr. Ford stated that the Council is being asked to legislate how to be a good neighbor. He stated that the reason the issues have come before the Council is because of complaints and regardless if provisions for storage of vehicles are waived, the neighbors should be given the chance to voice their opinions.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he thinks that by telling residents what they can do with their land, it is touching on the edge of where he believes should not be treading. Mr. Heinmuller agreed with Mr. Ford and stated that the Council is trying to legislate how to be polite and be a good neighbor.

The President of the Council stated he would like to see the legislation for both instances.

The Town Planner stated that if we require that they meet the setbacks on any vehicle stored in a side yard, we would eliminate the storage in the side yard because most of the houses are built within 11 to 12 feet of their property line of their side yards.

The Town Attorney stated that these discussions have also resulted in someone pointing out that there is also a prohibition of storage of commercial vehicles on a residential lot, even in a garage or barn. He stated that this has also been visited.

Mr. Ken Bush, Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., reported on the Fire Company’s activities for the month of July 2000. He stated that this was a very busy month for fire calls.

Mr. Bush discussed the unnecessary automatic alarms. He stated that the Talbot County Council will look at this issue tomorrow to vote on an ordinance to establish a penalty to property owners with unnecessary alarms which require emergency responses.

Mr. Bush discussed the possibility of a substation and impact fees for new constructions.

Mayor Butler stated that Ms. Radcliffe of Genesis Eldercare has asked the Council to pick out a date to tour the facility.

Chief Harvey stated that he has several requests from the community. The first is a request from For All Seasons, Inc. for a neighborhood party to utilize the parking lot at 300 Talbot Street for 50 people on Tuesday, August 22, 2000 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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

Chief Harvey stated that they had a request from Rev. Arlene Taylor to have a church service on August 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the old U5 parking lot on Port Street. He stated they are expecting approximately 25 people for the service.

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

Chief Harvey stated they have a request from Up With People. He stated that they are coming into Easton August 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Thompson Park. He stated that they want to do a drive around town to promote their show.

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

Chief Harvey stated that Mr. William Banks from Westside Neighborhood Association is requesting to hold a fundraiser for the Westside Neighborhood Association to support the park project on the corner of West and Port Streets. Chief Harvey stated that they are asking for traffic control for approximately 300 people at Moton Park on August 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The President of the Council stated that permission had already been granted.

Chief Harvey stated that Bay Country Chorus/Avalon Foundation is making a request for Saturday, September 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to hold a cultural event on Harrison Street next to the Tidewater Inn which will be open to the public.

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

Chief Harvey stated that on August 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., the King’s House of Prayer Church would like to hold a church street meeting at the east end of Dover Street on the island near the Christmas Tree. He stated that there are 25 to 35 people participating.

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

Chief Harvey discussed the Chesapeake Class Car Show which was held Saturday night in the parking lot of Auto Zone. He stated that they had 50 entrants and donated $176, which will be used for the Easton Police Department’s Christmas efforts.

Chief Harvey reported that the Easton Police Honor Guard attended a parade in Hurlock and won First Place for the best Honor Guard.

The Town Engineer reported that the efforts for mosquito spraying are a priority of the Public Works Department. He stated that this is ongoing.

The Town Engineer updated on the Dover Street reconstruction with State Highway Administration. He stated that he received a call last week stating that they will be funding that project. He expects construction to occur sometime around April next year. The Town Engineer stated that there is a meeting scheduled in the Council room September 12 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the final plans.

Mr. Mayer questioned the purpose of the blue, white and yellow flags on Goldsborough Street. Mr. Glass stated that there is a lot of work going on there. He stated that the flags are for proposed road improvements and cable fiber optics.

The President of the Council asked for audience comments. There were none.

The President of the Council stated that there is a request from Talbot County to waive the permits associated with the parking lot for the George P. Murphy Pool and Moton Park.

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

The President of the Council asked the Council to review the social calendar listed on the agenda.

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Heinmuller seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 8:03 P.M.

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Town Clerk