September 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, and Mr. Heinmuller. Mr. Reed was excused. 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 August 21, 2000 meeting as written, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller, and carried unanimously.

Mayor Butler read a Proclamation designating the month of September to be Historic Cemeteries of Easton, Inc. month. Mayor Butler stated that fundraising efforts are beginning this month in hopes of raising money for restoration of Spring Hill and Richard Cemeteries.

Mayor Butler introduced Dustin Pope and his Scout Master Dr. Dent to the Council and stated that they had been instrumental in helping with the restoration efforts at the cemeteries. Mayor Butler stated that Dustin is present with his father and hopes to earn his Eagle Scout rank for Boy Scouts in the near future.

Mr. Pope outlined the accomplishments for his Eagle Scout project in the Spring Hill Cemetery. He stated that with volunteers he had reset 43 stones that had been completely knocked over.

Dr. Dent was present and stated that this background need was determined by Dustin. He stated that Dustin had solicited the help from boys in his troop as well as other interested community members. Dr. Dent stated that if anyone has any other projects of interest for the troop, to contact him.

Ms. Rachel Lyons, Miss Maryland State Firemen’s Association Queen was present and introduced to the Town Council.

Mr. Mayer read a Proclamation proclaiming this week Rachel Lyons Week.

Ms. Lyons thanked the Council and stated that she had enjoyed her reign as Ms. Easton.

Mayor Butler stated that it was his privilege to drive Ms. Lyons in the MD State Firemen’s Convention parade. He wished her luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. Heinmuller read a proclamation proclaiming September 20, 2000 as Undoing Racism Day. He stated that his ward is located in a minority ward therefore, it is with a lot of pride that he presents this proclamation.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5712 to the floor authorizing the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $13,096.10.

Mr. Mayer moved Resolution No. 5712 for passage, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5713 to the floor authorizing the Mayor and Town Clerk to act in connection with the requirements of the LLEBG program to secure grants. The President of the Council asked for any questions. There were none.

Mr. Heinmuller moved Resolution No. 5713 for approval, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5714, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING EBMA TO HANG BANNERS FROM LIGHT POSTS IN EASTON."

The Town Attorney stated that the extra verbiage makes clear the guidelines EBMA presented to the Council during the last Council meeting.

Mr. Heinmuller moved to amend Section 5 of Resolution No. 5714 to say EBMA Attractions Committee, c/o EBMA Executive Director at their current address. Mr. Mayer seconded approving the Resolution as amended. Amended Resolution No. 5714 was carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 418, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING TABLES 5.1 (TABLE OF PERMISSIBLE USES) AND 6.1 (PARKING DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS), AND SECTIONS 402 (DEFINITIONS), 510.4D(1) (PLANNED REDEVELOPMENT OVERLAY REVIEW PROCESS), 601.5 (ACCESSIBLE PARKING STANDARDS), 603 (SIGNS), 608.2A (SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS), 801.3C (ZONING CERTIFICATES), 806.3 (SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS), AND 809B (VIOLATIONS) OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE" for a first reading.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 419, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE TO REGULATE THE STORAGE OF BOATS, TRAILERS, SIMILAR ITEMS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN EASTON" for a first reading. The President of the Council stated that this Ordinance is scheduled for a Public Hearing on October 2 at 7:15 P.M.

The Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Thomas, stated that a workshop could be scheduled with the Planning Commission to discuss Ordinance No. 418 as done in the past. The President of the Council asked if October 16 at 6:00 P.M. would be convenient. The Planning staff stated that they would be in contact with the Planning Commission.

Mr. George P. Beer, President, Delaware Valley Development Company was present to make a presentation to the Council asking for a resolution of support for Magnolia Meadows development project.

Mr. Beer stated that DHCD requires an updated resolution each time they apply for funding. Mr. Beer stated that the criteria has changed which caused the project to be previously excluded from funding. Mr. Beer reiterated the benefits of this community as proposed. Mr. Beer stated that the site is on Rt. 322 adjacent to other multi-family uses with good ingress and egress. He stated that this development will create many construction jobs with a budget of 4.5 to 5 million dollars as well as jobs created at the community. Mr. Beer described the recreational areas for the project and the home-ownership fund for down payment and settlement fund counselors.

Mr. Beer stated that they are there to ask for a resolution such as the one issued for them 11 months ago. He asked for questions from the Council.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that one of his questions is concerning projected rents and incomes. Mr. Beer stated that the government states that no one should be in a position where they are paying more than 30% of their income for housing whether buying or renting. He stated that with the projected rents, people should be making in the low 30’s or high 20’s.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned the vehicular traffic outcomes in Mr. Beer’s proposal. Mr. Beer stated that he had done a study with comparable communities and counted vehicles. Mr. Heinmuller questioned if the rents include the utilities and Mr. Beer stated yes. Mr. Beer stated that they their rents are 25% lower than comparable units to help tenants further their lifestyle or employment.

Mr. Beer clarified to Mr. Heinmuller that the buildings are two stories, each unit being on a single story.

Mr. Mayer stated that he feels it is important to encourage home ownership.

Mr. Ford stated that he has been struggling with growth issues. He stated that he feels it is important to be consistent and clear with his opinion and decisions regarding growth and land uses. He stated that he has supported this project two times and he will again but he does have some reservations. Mr. Ford stated that his reservations lie with adding isolated subdivisions with dead-end streets and not creating new neighborhoods with mixed uses, both commercial and residential.

Mr. Ford moved drafting a resolution of support seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present with Mr. Heinmuller abstaining.

The President of the Council directed the Town Attorney to draft the resolution of support for the next Council meeting.

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

Mayor Butler discussed the need for financial assistance with the revitalization of the cemeteries.

Mr. Ford encouraged citizens to visit Spring Hill Cemetery. He asked the Mayor to consider an iron ornamental fence instead of a chain link fence.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed Richardson Cemetery and encouraged everyone to look at that cemetery.

Mayor Butler discussed the request from Talbot County to close West Street for renovations of the Talbot County jail. He stated that he had viewed the area with Chief Harvey and would like to keep the area open.

The Town Attorney suggested holding a public hearing to solicit comments from the affected property owners on Dover and Federal Street. The Mayor stated that on West Street, the County is proposing leaving the sidewalk open and closing the street. The Town Attorney suggested having the County notify each property owner by mail by this Friday in order to hold a public hearing. The Town Attorney stated that closing a street without prior notice for any extended period of time is something the Town should be hesitant to do.

The President of the Council set the Public Hearing to receive comments regarding the closing of the streets for the renovations to the Talbot County Courthouse for September 18 at 7:30 P.M.

Mr. Heinmuller voiced concerns regarding on-site storage as opposed to nearby storage.

The President of the Council reminded everyone that a Public Hearing for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant was scheduled for September 18 at 7:15 P.M.

Chief Harvey stated that at the last Council meeting, he advised of a forthcoming permit from the World Walk for Breastfeeding organization. He stated that they have requested September 16, 2000 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to host in addition to the walk, a particular walking route encompassing Idlewild Park to Hanson Street to Stewart Street, Washington Street onto Goldsborough onto Harrison onto Earle, left turn on Earle onto Hanson and returning to Idlewild Park. The Chief stated that his major concern is the crossing at five corners. He stated that the Police Department could arrange to have an officer there if the walk is approved. Chief Harvey stated that they are looking at a maximum of about 120 people.

Mr. Mayer moved approval, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously from those members present.

Mr. Heinmuller addressed Chief Harvey regarding a four-way stop at Brookletts and Hanson. Chief Harvey stated that they have been putting Outreach out to do traffic surveys in several areas to prepare documentation to go before the Traffic and Parking Commission and the Council.

The Town Engineer invited the Mayor and Council to the Easton Utilities Annual Employee meeting next Thursday, September 14, 2000 at 7:00 a.m. at the Firehouse.

The Town Engineer stated that he thought it was a good idea to schedule a public hearing on the West Street closing. He stated that he would not support closing the streets in their entirety as West Street serves as a north/south corridor in that area with a lot of people utilizing it.

The President of the Council asked if Mr. Hunter’s drainage issues had been addressed. The Town Engineer stated that he will contact Mr. Hunter and see what they can do.

Mr. Mayer questioned the Town Engineer about Goldsborough Street and Route 50. The Town Engineer stated that he had recently reviewed a plan, which has gone back to drafting. He stated that the work is ongoing but it is a little way out from having a proposal.

The Town Attorney stated that he would like an Executive Session to consult with Council on two matters.

Mr. Mayer reported that the Easton Celebrations’ carnival was very successful because of the community. He commended the Easton Police Department’s officers.

Mr. Heinmuller reported that the Community Day at Moton Park was a success. He stated that the condition of the park was great.

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

Ms. Carolyn Jaffe addressed the Council regarding an upcoming event at Moton Park. She stated that the XPD’s, a Motown/R&B band will be playing September 17 at 4:00 P.M.

The President of the Council asked if there was anything else to bring before the Council.

At 8:13 P.M., Mr. Ford made a motion to go into Executive Session seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council closed the Executive Session at 8:46 P.M.

Discussion occurred on Mr. Roy Smith’s Hand of Hope karoke project. It was the consensus of the Council for the Town to refrain from assisting Mr. Smith with his fund raising project for diabetes.

The Town Attorney was directed to draft a letter to Mr. Smith.

There being no further business, Mr. Mayer made a motion to adjourn the regularly scheduled meeting, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously at 8:49 P.M.

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Town Clerk