October 16, 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. Ford 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 October 2, 2000 meeting as written, seconded by Mr. Reed, and carried unanimously.

Mr. Heinmuller presented Mr. John White on behalf of Mr. Dick Allen a proclamation for Character Counts! Week. Mr. White thanked the Mayor and Council for the honor.

Mayor Butler discussed the Character Counts! program. He stated that the six pillars of character are on display at every Council meeting.

Mr. Ford read a proclamation on Easton Lead Poison Week requested by Talbot County Health Department.

A memo was brought to the floor from Mayor Butler requesting Council consideration of the appointment of Mr. Alexis Kramer as Assistant Town Attorney.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to appoint Mr. Kramer as Assistant Town Attorney seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from Ms. Nancy Wells, Administrative Assistant, Waterfowl Festival requesting approval for food concessions during the Waterfowl Festival.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the list of food concessions seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5720 to the floor authorizing the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $4,480.20.

Mr. Ford moved Resolution No. 5720 for passage, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5721 supporting the entry of the Easton Business Management Authority in the Great American Main Street Awards Competition to the floor for approval.

Ms. Hager, Executive Director of EBMA was present and stated that Easton is the only town in Maryland that will be applying for the Main Street Award. She urged everyone to call the EBMA office if they have before and after pictures of downtown Easton. She stated that the criteria is to show your town before and after.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5721, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5722, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING A NO PARKING ZONE ON A SECTION OF PARK STREET AND THE POSTING OF SIGNS TO EFFECTUATE THE NO PARKING ZONE" to the floor.

The President of the Council asked if there were any questions. There were none.

Mr. Mayer moved Resolution No. 5722 for passage, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council stated that before introducing Ordinance No. 419 for a first reading, he would like to ask the Council to submit any changes or additions to the Town Attorney for a revised Ordinance.

The Town Attorney asked the Council to contact Ms. Heinmuller by Friday, October 20th with any changes.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 420, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE EASTON TOWN CODE TO AUTHORIZE TEMPORARY ENTRY UPON PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONSTRUCTING OR REPAIRING CURBS, GUTTERS, SIDEWALKS AND SIMILAR INFRASTRUCTURE" to the floor.

The President of the Council clarified that Ordinance No. 420 was for the Dover Street reconstruction project.

The Town Attorney stated that the Ordinance was drafted at the request of the State Highway Administration. He stated that they want the Ordinance passed prior to the commencement of work on the Dover Street reconstruction project. The Town Attorney stated that the Ordinance was drafted in such a way that if at some point in the future, the Town would like to use this Ordinance’s provisions on a different project, it could be done without having to go through the process of amending the Town Code. He stated that this is why the Ordinance does not mention the project specifically.

Mr. Mayer moved Ordinance No. 420 for passage, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 421, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACTING WITH AMENDMENTS CHAPTER 25 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REGARDING SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS" to the floor for a first reading.

The President of the Council brought invoices for payment to the floor totaling $282,292.09. Mr. Mayer moved approval seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

There was no report at this time from Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Mayor Butler discussed the Maryland Municipal League’s Fall Legislative Conference that he attended in Hagerstown this past weekend. Mayor Butler discussed the four proposals the MML would like to take to Legislators during the next session. He stated that copies had been distributed and would be discussed during the upcoming Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities Dinner scheduled for October 24.

Mayor Butler discussed the proposed property tax deferral legislation for annexations.

Chief Harvey stated that he had some requests for consideration. He stated that Mr. Larry Porter from Phoenix Property LLC is requesting permission to close the sidewalk and four parking spaces in front of 24 and 26 S. Washington Street on October 23 from 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. to demolish the residence. Chief Harvey stated that he had met with Mr. Porter who stated that the property will be demolished from the back side.

The President of the Council questioned if there would be insurance liability. The Town Attorney stated that this property is adjacent to his office. He stated that he is familiar with the method Mr. Porter proposes to demolish the building. Mr. Kehoe stated that he sees no problem with this.

Mr. Mayer moved approval of the Chief’s recommendation to close the sidewalk and parking spaces in front of 24 and 26 S. Washington Street on October 23, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried.

The Chief stated that they have received approval from the State Fire Marshal’s office for fireworks at the Country School. He stated that approval had been granted by the Council pending this approval.

Chief Harvey stated that the Department had received a request from Dickens of a Christmas for their 5K Walk/Run to be held on Saturday, December 2. He stated that the Police Department will provide assistance during the walk/run. Mr. Mayer moved approval, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that the Department had received a request from Easton High School for their Homecoming Parade to be held on November 3 from 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. Chief Harvey recommended approval.

Mr. Ford moved approval of the Easton High School Homecoming Parade, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey reported that the Talbot County renovation project has begun on the Dover Street side. He stated that the meters had been bagged on one side of the street as agreed. He reported that traffic is moving through the area.

Mr. Mayer suggested notifying Talbot County Emergency Center of the scheduled fireworks at Country School.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that a meeting discussed the Christmas parade is taking place. He asked that Chief Harvey expedite the requested route for approval so that appropriate advertising can take place.

Chief Harvey discussed EBMA’s request for a Halloween parade on Saturday, October 28 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

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

Chief Harvey reported that on Halloween, trick-or-treaters are invited to the Police Department from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

The Town Engineer reported that there will be a household hazardous waste collection day on Saturday, November 4 from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Mid-Shore Regional Landfill.

The Town Engineer stated that the Town of Easton Building Department had sponsored a Maryland Building Officials Association meeting at the Easton Volunteer Firehouse on October 4.

The Town Engineer requested on behalf of the Easton Utilities Commission, permission to hang banners on the new Easton Utilities office building during their grand opening from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on November 4.

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

Mr. Mayer questioned the Town Engineer on whether there is any state or federal regulation that controls street lighting at intersections. Mr. Glass stated that he could not name any regulations but stated that there are guidelines. Mr. Mayer stated that he is getting comments regarding intersections that could be more illuminated. Discussion occurred on the Matthewstown and Glebe Road intersections.

Mr. Mayer questioned what responsibility the bank or owners have on abandoned residences or foreclosed properties. The Town Attorney stated that this falls under the Code Enforcement Department and the persons who have foreclosed have the same responsibilities as owners.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he had a report that there was at one time but there is no longer a light at Glenwood and Easton Parkway. He asked the Town Engineer to look at this intersection.

Mr. Mayer reminded town officials to notify the Town Engineer’s office to report street lights that need to be repaired. The Town Engineer asked that the Town Office be notified.

The President of the Council reviewed the Council’s upcoming calendar. He asked that the Eastern Shore Association of Municipality Dinner meeting be added to the Council's schedule for October 24.

Mr. Mayer questioned when the ribbon cutting would be for Easton Utilities. The Town Engineer stated that it would occur on October 23 at 8:00 A.M. He stated that they would be moving into the new building over the weekend.

The President of the Council brought the letter from Ms. Andrea Poe and Mr. Scott Jensen to the floor concerning Goldsborough Street. He asked that the comments regarding unregistered rental homes be addressed as well as the alleged drug activity.

Mayor Butler stated that he had written Ms. Poe and Mr. Jensen and advised them that the Town of Easton is currently seeking a Codes Enforcement replacement and the concerns in Ms. Poe’s letter would be a first priority.

Ms. Debbie Hager, Executive Director, EBMA, was present to address the Council. Ms. Hager presented the Mayor and Council the award from the Governor’s office for their Smart Growth initiatives. Ms. Hager stated that it was for combined efforts from the community for the Shut the Town Down Day.

Ms. Hager discussed the trick-or-treat parade scheduled for Saturday, October 28 for children up to 12 years of age.

Ms. Hager also reminded the Council of the EBMA Membership meeting scheduled for October 23 from 5:30 P.M. at the Art Academy.

Mr. Ford stated that the East End Neighborhood Association dinner is at the church on October 23.

The President of the Council asked if there was any other business. There was none.

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

At 7:40 P.M., the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

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Town Clerk