September 18, 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. Reed. Mr. Heinmuller 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. Reed 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 September 5, 2000 meeting as written, seconded by Mr. Reed, and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5715 authorizing the Town Clerk to abate/refund taxes due totaling $503.20 to the floor for approval.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5715, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote of those members present.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5716, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 5254 IN ORDER TO EXTEND A PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR CERTAIN PROPERTIES ANNEXED BY THE TOWN IN 1991" to the floor. He asked the Council if there were questions regarding Resolution No. 5716.

The Town Attorney stated that the law would require a public hearing, the same as on an annexation on Resolution No. 5716. He stated that it could be held in November or the first meeting in December. The President of the Council set the public hearing for Resolution No. 5716 for November 20.

The President of the Council asked the Town Attorney to brief the Council on Resolution No. 5717.

The Town Attorney stated that at the last meeting Mr. George Beer requested a resolution of support for his application to the Maryland DHCD for financing for an apartment complex to be located on the Easton by-pass adjacent to Chatham Village to be called Magnolia Meadows. The Town Attorney stated that the representations made by Mr. Beer at the Council meeting, were significant factors in the Council’s decision. The Town Attorney stated that due to so many specific representations made by Mr. Beer, the Resolution of support would contain the various representations. The Town Attorney stated that some of the representations were open-ended or indefinite and need to be verified. He stated that a copy of the resolution has been forwarded to Mr. Beer so that he would have an opportunity to respond in order to present the Council with a finished product for consideration.

Mr. Ford questioned if we are waiting for a response from Mr. Beer. The Town Attorney verified that this is correct.

The Town Attorney stated that he has forwarded a letter to MD DHCD notifying them of the Council’s intent to support the project once these details are worked out.

The President of the Council stated that this resolution should be tabled until Mr. Beer forwards the information to complete the resolution.

The President of the Council brought a letter from Mr. Timothy E. Dills, TalbotTown asking permission to install a banner on the roof above Lanham Merida Antiques from to highlight a major art exhibit by the Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore.

Mr. Mayer moved approval of the installation of the banner, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously from those members present.

A letter was received from Mr. Andy Hollis, Talbot County, requesting a waiver of the building permit fees for the Courthouse south wing renovation and addition.

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

Mr. James Prettyman was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. He stated that the Opticons have been installed on Aurora Street at all the traffic lights and they are working properly. He stated that they have also been installed on Washington Street. However, they are not in working order on five corners yet. Mr. Prettyman stated that there are also some concerns relative to the light on Glebe Road.

Mr. Prettyman stated that the Annual Fund Drive for Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., is being distributed in early October. Mr. Prettyman, on behalf of the Fire Department, thanked the Council for Mr. Warfield’s help with their new computer system.

The President of the Council asked for questions for Mr. Prettyman. There were none.

Chief Harvey reported that they had received a request from The Country School asking permission for 15 to 20 minutes of fireworks after an event on October 20. He stated that the event would be from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and would have approximately 300 to 500 people in attendance. Chief Harvey stated that The Country School is seeking approval from the State Fire Marshall’s office. Chief Harvey detailed the specifics of the fireworks display.

Mr. Mayer moved approval of the fireworks display pending approval from the State Fire Marshall. Mr. Mayer’s motion was seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that they had received a request from Sts. Peter and Paul Church to partially block Goldsborough Street to remove a bell from the church tower using a small crane on September 25 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. He stated that the church will be responsible for coning off the area. Chief Harvey stated that a traffic control person will be present in that area from the Police Department.

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

The Town Engineer reported that there are some placards located in the lobby, which represent the latest plans for reconstruction of Dover Street. He stated that there had been three public meetings or workshops with residents and business owners in that area. Mr. Glass stated that this project has been in the works for sometime. He stated that included in that renovation will be reconstruction of landscaping, curb and cutter, sidewalks and storm drain rehabilitation. The Town Engineer stated that a resolution will be forthcoming asking for Council’s support of the project in order to get the project on the State’s funding list. He stated that this will enable the State to start the bidding process.

The President of the Council brought invoices to the floor totaling $375,817.43 for approval for payment.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve payment of invoices, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

Ms. Debbie Hager, Executive Director, EBMA was present and stated that she wanted to inform the Town Council that EBMA and the Town of Easton has garnered a Smart Growth Award in the Education category that will be presented by the Governor at a reception on September 28 at 10:00 a.m. She stated that EBMA has contacted the U-Star bus system to provided transportation to the reception. Ms. Hager invited the Council if their schedule allows.

Mr. Ford reminded the Council and the community that the Town staff and the Planning office has contacted Mr. Ed McMahon who recently spoke at the MML Conference this summer. Mr. Ford stated that Mr. McMahon will be speaking at the Avalon Theatre on Smart Growth on October 9 at 7:00 P.M. He stated that Mr. McMahon works for a land conservancy agency that funds their land purchases through development.

At 7:15 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on the use of grant funding available from the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) for the FY 1999 and FY 2000 funding periods.

Chief Harvey stated that he had been advised by the Town Clerk, Mr. Karge of the availability of these grants from the Federal Government. He stated that these funds are to be utilized for crime prevention strategies or some type of equipment. Chief Harvey stated that since he arrived in Easton, he has been looking for crime prevention strategies for the community in Spanish or bilingual. Chief Harvey stated that he felt this is an appropriate use of these funds. Chief Harvey stated that they are also looking at an in-house shooting system which would qualify the officers in-house once a month with their own weapon with a laser sight configuration that actually shoots a target that can be scored. Chief Harvey stated that he is not much in favor of grants where there is a match from the town but due to the success of the drug initiatives, there has been money deposited into the Law Enforcement Fund which should cover the match for the grant. He stated that they would also like to train an officer in sign language to help hearing or speaking impaired. The Chief stated that they would also like to send a six-man honor guard team to Baltimore County to train for three days.

The President of the Council asked what the total amount is for the grant. The Chief stated that the first one is approximately $23,000 and $26,000 for the second year. The Chief stated that the Town’s match would be around $2,000 for the $23,000.

The President of the Council asked for questions from the Council. There were none.

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

There being no further comments, the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing at 7:20 P.M.

Mr. Ford stated that pertaining to his previous comments about Mr. Ed McMahon, he is the Director of Land Use Planning at the Conservation Fund.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone present to bring matters before the Council.

Mr. Al Silverstein was present and stated that he is with Talbot County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Silverstein stated that there was an event today at the Avalon Theatre. He stated that E-commerce Maryland was here talking about a new program they have instituted where small businesses can become part of the procurement program through the Internet for up to $25,000. He stated that the state has enacted a program where $25,000 or less, people can subscribe to purchase government procurement programs. Mr. Silverstein stated that he thought the program was well done today.

Ms. Ellen General, Executive Director of the Avalon Foundation was present and stated that she would like to thank Easton Utilities and Easton Cable for making that presentation possible. She stated that the State was very appreciative and complimentary. Ms. General stated that the Maryland You Are Beautiful Awards will be at the Avalon Theatre tomorrow to recognize Talbot County volunteers that have given to the community.

At 7:24 P.M., the President of the Council declared a six-minute recess.

At 7:30 P.M., the President of the Council re-convened the regularly scheduled Council meeting and opened the Public Hearing to consider the request of the Talbot County Council to close or limit traffic on West Street, Dover Street and Federal Street while doing renovations to the Talbot County Courthouse and the old jail.

The Town Attorney stated that this is a request by the County to close the street. He stated that it is a Town Council decision based upon the weighing of what is heard tonight as well as other factors presented.

Ms. Hillary Spence, President of Talbot County Council, thanked the Town Council for the opportunity to share this information with the community. She stated that there are two renovation projects they are undertaking in downtown Easton. Ms. Spence stated that one is the renovation of the old jail and the other is the renovation of the south wing of the Courthouse. Ms. Spence detailed the reasons necessary for the 4.9 million-dollar renovations. She stated that major structural renovations have not been done since 1958. Ms. Spence stated that the building is unsafe, a fire trap with no egress from the second and third floors as well as not being handicapped accessible. Ms. Spence stated that the Courthouse also needs to be re-wired for modern telecommunications. She stated that Judge Horne also needs an additional Circuit Court to have two full-time courtrooms. Ms. Spence stated that they would like to keep county government in downtown Easton. Ms. Spence stated that the Talbot County Courthouse is the oldest continuously operating courthouse in the state of Maryland. Ms. Spence stated that the Talbot County Council wants to make a contribution to preserve and enrich historic Easton. She stated that a plan has been developed to cause the least amount of disruption to the downtown business area. Ms. Spence thanked the Council for the opportunity to present the plan tonight.

Mr. Ray Clark, County Engineer discussed the details of the Courthouse renovations. He stated that in order for the county to proceed and complete this project in a safe manner, they will have to limit access to the public by removing sidewalks and eliminating parking spaces and in some cases, closing down roads. Mr. Clark stated that it is also the County’s responsibility to provide a safe working environment for the construction workers.

Mr. Clark outlined the closures for specific streets. He stated that they are looking at closing Federal Street between September 2000 and March 2001. Mr. Clark stated that they will be eliminating the parking spaces and closing the sidewalks adjacent to the old jail only. Mr. Clark stated that they are looking at doing this between West Street and the lower end of the north wing of the Courthouse. Mr. Clark stated that they will put up signs to warn the public of the closing of the sidewalks, which will be erected at the east end at the north wing of the building. Mr. Clark stated that on West Street, they are looking at a partial closure between October 2000 and May 2002. He stated that they will be eliminating the sidewalks adjacent to the courtyard of the Courthouse as well as taking away about 9.5 feet of the paved street. Mr. Clark stated that the traffic pattern will also have to be altered during that time. Mr. Clark stated that Warning signs and Reduce Speed signs will be erected on both ends of West Street to warn traffic that there is construction going on. Mr. Clark stated that they are adding a Stop sign and white line to the pavement on west Dover Street to prevent eastbound traffic on west Dover Street.

Mr. Clark stated that they are looking to close traffic on west Dover for three periods. He stated that the closings will occur from October 15 through November 1 to remove the windows and lead paint abatement. He stated that refacing of the south wing will occur for about 60 days in Spring 2001. In the summer, Mr. Clark stated that they are looking at a 30-day period for the roof extension as well as the installation of new windows. He stated that on Dover Street, they are proposing that sidewalks remain open. Mr. Clark stated that they are proposing that on west Washington Street, a chain link fence be erected to eliminate vehicular traffic into this area but leave open for pedestrian traffic. He stated that these fences will be equipped with gates and keyed locks to provide emergency vehicles access. Mr. Clark stated that in the construction area, they intend to have a chain link fence erected in the south wing of the courthouse during the construction to prevent pedestrian traffic but will have gate and keyed locks at both ends to provide emergency vehicle access with the sidewalks open at all times.

Mr. Clark reviewed the re-facing process.

Mr. Clark stated that they had met with the businesses. He stated that the businesses expressed concern that during the fourth quarter is when they make their most money as well as the spring closing. Mr. Clark stated that in trying to assist the businesses, they had been advised that the contractor will re-open the road after they are finished work and leave the road open during weekends. He stated that they will not schedule any construction during the Waterfowl Festival both this year and next year. Mr. Clark stated that the county will erect a sign saying that the road is closed but the businesses in the areas of construction are open. He stated that the county will advise the businesses thirty days in advance of the proposed closings as well as notices that the business can post in their establishments. Mr. Clark stated that the chain link fence will be erected to make it look a little less construction oriented.

The President of the Council asked if there were Council questions for Mr. Clark.

Mr. Ford asked Mr. Clark if they had considered on west Dover during the sixty and thirty-day closures access during the weekends as proposed during the first fifteen days.

Mr. Clark stated that they had not at this time. He referred the question to the construction supervisor, Mr. Earl Deathard. Mr. Deathard stated that once the masonry starts on Dover Street, it would be best served for public safety if those fences stay up full time. He stated that once erected, they will not be easily moveable.

Mr. Reed questioned emergency vehicle access. Mr. Clark stated that an option would be to provide emergency departments with keys to the locks on the fence.

Mayor Butler asked if there is any possibility to have one lane of traffic down Dover Street. Mr. Deathard stated that that would cause limited availability of construction equipment and more labor with an extended construction schedule.

The Town Engineer asked what the linear distance is of the wall being re-faced. Mr. Glass suggested leaving the blue section on the drawing open and stacking the material. Mr. Glass stated that there is a limited amount of distance between the side of the building and curb. Mr. Glass questioned if there is enough room there to have a one-way direction of traffic and still accommodate a fence and scaffolding. Mr. Clark stated that there is roughly 25’. Mr. Deathard stated that it could be possible.

The Town Attorney asked if there is protection for pedestrians. Mr. Deathard explained the methods of protection.

The Town Attorney asked how many masons would be working on this project. Mr. Deathard stated that there would be six mechanics and four laborers.

Ms. Spence stated that the project is already close to five million and to push this any further would be extremely difficult for them.

The Town Attorney stated that they are talking about shifting the cost of the renovation of the courthouse to the businesses on Dover Street.

The Town Attorney asked what the best scenario would be for the masonry work to be completed in the best conditions. Mr. Deathard stated that in a perfect world, thirty days.

The President of the Council opened the public hearing to hear comments from the public. He reviewed the rules for public hearings and asked that everyone limit their comments to three minutes or less.

Mr. David Valliant stated that his first concern was for the aesthetics of a chain link fence in the historic downtown area.

Mr. Jesse Fearins stated that there were thoughts of concrete barriers but then the emergency vehicles could not get through. He stated that it was something they could look into.

Mr. Valliant stated that there have been many renovations in the downtown area and there has never been any that tied up traffic as this will. He stated that this will kill the downtown merchants.

Mr. David Cherry, Cherry’s Inc., stated that the first closure from October until November will be the third type of incursion that the merchants have had to deal with. He spoke of the streetlights and the re-bricking of the street. He stated that the fifteen days will not be that much of an issue but the ninety days may present a problem. Mr. Cherry stated that most of their customers drive to their store and if they can not get their car down there, it will be a problem.

Mr. Joe Carrico stated that he owns 10 and 12 W. Dover Street. He stated that the street closure is an unacceptable alternative. Mr. Carrico stated that the closing of the street during tax time would present a hardship on him due to the fact that many of his clients are elderly and ride until they find a parking near his business. Mr. Carrico stated that a likely alternative would be to keep the street open and eliminate some of the parking on the end.

Mr. Richard Edwards of Whitney Edwards stated that the only objection that he heard to putting up scaffolding was that things that may be dropped from a higher elevation. Mr. Edwards stated that this could be avoided by putting up a protective screening. He stated that it is important to keep West Street open.

Mr. Mark Bower, Chairman, Talbot County Historical Preservation Commission stated that he sympathizes with the owners along Dover Street. He stated that what you have in this vicinity is such a tight street. He asked the merchants to look at the big picture and how the courthouse would look when it is done. He suggested using creative signage and promoting the stores by letting the public know they are open. He suggested that effective businesses and the Council be provided with the drawings of the south wing.

The President of the Council if there was anyone else in the audience to bring comments before the Council. There were none.

Mr. Mayer stated that what he had heard is what he had expected from the merchants along Dover Street. Mr. Mayer stated that he is not sure that the total closing of that area is necessary during all that construction. He suggested making the street open during the weekend when construction is not in progress. Mr. Mayer stated that it is important for these people to feel that they are not being infringed upon. He stated that he is sure the courthouse will be a beautiful building when done but these people have struggled for years and need all the help they can get.

There being no additional comments, the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing at 8:12 P.M. He stated that the record will be left open until 5:00 P.M. Friday for additional comments that may come in.

Mr. Ford asked if within the next week, cost and time estimates could be submitted from the County and construction company regarding the alternative as presented tonight. Mr. Ford stated that he would like to see how it would affect the construction financially and time wise.

The Town Attorney suggested a meeting between Mr. Clark, the Town Engineer and the Chief of Police to see if practical alternatives could be considered.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone present to bring matters before the Council. There was none.

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

At 8:14 P.M., the President of the Council closed the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

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Town Clerk