November 6, 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 Assistant Town Attorney Ms. VanEmburgh.

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 October 16 and 17, 2000 meetings as written, seconded by Mr. Ford, and carried unanimously.

Mr. John Yorkilous was present to address the Council regarding the upcoming Christmas parade. Mr. Yorkilous stated that this year the parade planned should be bigger and better than previous years. Mr. Yorkilous reviewed the parade route and asked the Mayor to help judge the floats for awards. He stated that the parade will be December 2 at 6:30 P.M. and will kickoff with the tree East End tree lighting. Mr. Yorkilous stated that a tree lighting ceremony will also take place as the parade passes by Thompson Park which is sponsored by the Avalon Foundation and Easton Utilities. He passed out to the Council personal invitations for the ceremonies.

Chief Harvey stated that there are some concerns but they recommend approval.

Mr. Mayer moved approval of the Christmas parade subject to the Police Department’s approval and recommendation, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

Ms. Trish Reynolds, Talbot County Garden Club was present with representatives to update the Council on the proposed Children’s Garden at Idlewild Park. Ms. Reynolds stated that what they propose to do is create a spot approximately 6/10 of an acre, in which a children’s garden will be created. Ms. Reynolds stated that they have engaged Mr. Rodney Robinson, a landscape architect from the Wilmington/Philadelphia area. Ms. Reynolds stated that their goal is to make it as maintenance free as possible and enjoyable by children and adults.

Ms. Caroline Benson outlined what a children’s garden is and where the proposed garden will be located in Idlewild Park. Ms. Benson displayed overheads that the architect had submitted and explained what is proposed. Ms. Benson stated that Ms. Phyllis Stokes actually spearheaded the project. She stated that Ms. Stokes was the Past President of the Talbot County Garden Club and unfortunately passed away this spring. Ms. Benson stated that they would like to place a bench in her memory in the children’s garden. Ms. Benson stated that a past member of the Garden Club left money so that they can accomplish the children’s garden.

The President of the Council stated that the Garden Club should seek guidance from the Easton Police Department for security issues and the Town Engineer as well as Planning and Zoning.

The Town Engineer questioned what maintenance would be required. Ms. Reynolds stated that constant maintenance would not be needed except for grass cutting which is done now. She stated that they would do annual flowers in the spring and maybe mums and pansies in the fall.

The President of the Council brought Ordinance No. 419 (As Amended), "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" to the floor for a first reading.

The President of the Council asked for Council comments. He asked if there were any concerns that may not have been covered in the Amended Ordinance.

Mr. Mayer explained his thoughts regarding the quarterly variance review and the grandfathering clause.

Mr. Ford questioned size limitation of 25’ for boats in the ordinance. He asked that this be clarified. Mr. Ford stated that this ordinance is substantially different from the last time input was received from the public. Mr. Ford asked if the public needs to be made aware of the changes and be given an opportunity to comment on this.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that the concept that he had was to create some limit that would be acceptable that would serve a lot of the public. He stated that there may be a better length. Mr. Heinmuller stated that it would probably be harder to enforce or understand how to qualify under grandfathering than it would be to go with a variance process as Mr. Mayer described.

Mr. Willey stated that this is not a waterfront community but there are a lot of people in the town of Easton that own boats, trailers, recreational vehicles, jet skis, motorcycles, sail boats, and all-terrain vehicles. He stated that he has mixed feelings about this.

Mr. Reed stated that this is so confusing with so many ways things can be done that it is going to cause more problems than what there is already. Mr. Reed discussed the current scenario. He stated that he is definitely not in favor of grandfathering and then there will be individual families getting upset with each other.

Mr. Ford stated that Amended Ordinance No. 419 is less restrictive than the existing ordinance. He stated that it may be more confusing but it is less restrictive.

The President of the Council asked if the Council would like to vote on this ordinance as is at the next meeting or if they would like to schedule a public hearing for comments.

Mayor Butler suggested tabling the ordinance for six months and see what happens.

Mr. Ford questioned if the existing ordinance would be enforced. Mayor Butler stated that it would. Mr. Ford discussed the current ordinance and the violations that exist.

Mr. Mayer stated that the Town of Easton already does variances. He stated that property owners should be allowed to ask for a variance without an expense and the review be done on a timely basis.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the current ordinance and problems that exist.

The President of the Council stated that Ordinance No. 419 As Amended had been introduced for a first reading and would be voted on during the next meeting.

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.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approved Ordinance No. 421, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5723, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON SUPPORTING THE STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION’S PLAN TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS ON DOVER ROAD (MARYLAND ROUTE 331)" to the floor.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5723, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from Mr. Thomas P. Roane, Vice President, Lenfest at Mulberry Station, LLC, requesting an easement to the Mulberry Station Homeowner’s in order to erect a permanent monument at the entrance to Mulberry Station.

Mr. Hamilton, the Town Planner stated that he had received this letter before last month’s meeting. Mr. Hamilton stated that a temporary sign had been approved and the permanent sign request was tabled until the Council could see an illustration. Mr. Hamilton stated that Mr. Roane has submitted an illustration of the sign and a copy of the site plan. The Town Planner stated that it would go in the island between the boulevard lanes of the subdivision on the east side of Route 50. He stated that the easements would have to be drafted by the applicant’s attorney to bring before the Council for approval. The Town Planner stated that the Town Engineer’s office may adjust the location of this sign due to a utility already in place.

Mr. Reed stated that he had concerns related to the maintenance of the sign and asked if they had a homeowner’s association in the development. Mr. Hamilton stated that the homeowner’s association will be verified before an easement is brought before the Council for approval. Mr. Hamilton stated that they will have to have a homeowner’s association or this easement will not be approved. Mr. Hamilton stated that this will be in the town’s right-of-way and if the Council likes the concept, the details will be worked out.

The President of the Council stated that the approval would be contingent upon the working out the details with the Town Planners and Town Engineers as well as the Town Attorney.

Mr. Mayer moved approval as outlined from the Town Planner and the President of the Council, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought a memo from the Assistant Town Planner to the floor requesting a public hearing for the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments. The President of the Council set the public hearing for December 4 at 7:15 P.M.

The President of the Council discussed a letter from Ms. Debbie Hager, Executive Director, EBMA regarding web pages stating that Mr. Ford could answer any questions. Mr. Ford asked that this matter be brought up at the next meeting. Mr. Ford asked that the Town Clerk’s comments be forwarded to Ms. Hager before the next meeting.

The President of the Council asked if there was anything else to bring before the Council. There was nothing.

The Town Planner announced that the visioning process would begin on Wednesday. He stated that anyone can attend. He passed out a report that will be distributed during the meeting and asked the Council to review the material before the visioning meeting.

The President of the Council asked for an update on the Rails-to-Trails Northern Extension Project. Mr. Glass stated that Mr. Joe Gruber is the project manager and he will update the Council.

Mr. Gruber stated that they are waiting for approval from the State Highway Administration to put the project out for bids. He stated that the plans had been submitted for their review and concerns of State Highway had been addressed. Mr. Gruber stated that he expects approval within the next couple of weeks.

There was no one present to report on the Fire Department’s activities at this time.

Mayor Butler reminded those present to vote tomorrow.

Chief Harvey reported that he had a request from the Friend’s of Hospice for the 15^th Annual Festival of Trees to take place November 19 and 20. Chief Harvey stated that the Department is willing to assist in any way. He recommended approval.

Mr. Mayer made a motion for the Chief to assist the organizers of The Festival of the Trees in whatever way he can, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey reported that the Department has an opportunity to pickup some things that they are not able to get through the budget process. He stated that there will be a demonstration for vector lights Thursday morning. The Chief stated that the lights are programmable.

Chief Harvey stated that they also have the opportunity to purchase crime prevention material.

Chief Harvey invited the Council to a Regional Police Day in spring 2001, which is being planned. He stated that this will be in conjunction with National Law Enforcement Memorial Month, which is the month of May.

Chief Harvey stated that the State of Maryland has lost five police officers in as many weeks. He stated that it is getting dangerous out there. He extended condolences for the officers that had passed. Chief Harvey asked that the record show that law enforcement officers in the State of Maryland are appreciated.

The Town Engineer stated that Easton Utilities held an Open House this weekend, which was very successful.

The Town Engineer reported that they are preparing for the Waterfowl Festival. He stated that they had re-striped some streets and will continue with some mulching. Mr. Glass stated that there will be sanitation workers on this weekend.

The Town Engineer stated that the Town Offices will be observing Veteran’s Day this Friday but the sanitation crews will be working the normal schedule.

The Town Engineer stated that there are approximately two weeks left for construction on Brookletts Avenue.

The Town Engineer reported that the leaf pickup has begun. He stated that the resources are very limited but they will pick up what they can if residents put leaves in large piles or in bags.

The Town Engineer reported that the Goldsborugh Street intersection north to Bay Street will be getting street upgrades on that block starting in December. There will be replacement sidewalks on the east side.

Mr. Heinmuller clarified with the Town Engineer that the leaves should not be placed in the storm drains.

The Town Engineer stated that the intersection at Glebe and Washington Street had been re-striped recently.

Mr. Mayer discussed watching the leaf machine in action.

Mr. Mayer asked the Town Engineer how the Goldsborough Street and Route 50 planning is going. Mr. Glass stated that SHA has a plan together and it may be presented at one of the next Council meetings.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that last week the town lost a leader, Ms. Bertha Raisin. Mr. Heinmuller discussed her leadership in the community and stated that she will be missed.

The President of the Council reviewed the Council’s upcoming calendar.

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

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

At 8:04 P.M., the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting.

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Town Clerk