January 17, 2001

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. Heinmuller, and Mr. Reed. Also attending the meeting were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. J. 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 January 2, 2001 meetings as written, seconded by Mr. Reed, and carried unanimously.

Ms. Joyce Delaurentis was present to address the Council regarding the Community Garden on South Street. Ms. Delaurentis stated that her presentation this evening is on peace, beauty and dreams.

Ms. Delaurentis stated that the lot is located on the corner of Thoroughgood Lane and South Street and had been the location in the past for a lot of illegal activity and dangerous conditions. She stated that the property had been neglected. Ms. Delaurentis stated that it is an outgrowth of Tender Times Day Care, which is now closed. She stated that the East End Neighborhood Association had come together and stated that they should promote this children’s garden project. Ms. Delaurentis stated that the goal is to develop self-sufficiency goals, to teach environmental education and to build youth leadership. Ms. Delaurentis stated that the current situation is that the lot is for sale. She stated that EENA has tried to get the owner to donate the lot but the owner does not need a tax write-off. She stated that the lot has been assessed at $4,500. Ms. Delaurentis stated that East End Neighborhood Association is now a 501C3 organization and can apply for grants, however, the sources feel that the lot’s future is uncertain and they are not willing at this time to fund the project. Ms. Delaurentis listed supporters for the garden project.

Mr. Ford asked if the parcel is being offered for $4,500. Ms. Delaurentis stated that the asking price is $15,000 but she stated that the owner knows that this figure is not feasible.

Mr. Heinmuller asked what the actual size of the lot is. Ms. Delaurentis stated that it is 40 x 45.

Ms. Delaurentis stated that they would also like to have a sidewalk on the Thoroughgood Lane side.

The President of the Council thanked Ms. Delaurentis for her presentation.

The President of the Council stated that a memo had been received from the Mayor recommending appointments to the Boards and Commissions. The Mayor asked that Mr. Chris Brownawell be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission for the remainder of a five-year term which expires December 31, 2004. Mayor Butler’s asked consideration for the re-appointment of Mr. John Atwood for another five-year term to the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as Mr. Eugene H. Price and Mr. Clifford Hilk to the Housing Authority for another five-year term. He asked for questions. There were none.

Mr. Ford asked that Ms. Peggy Pickall be publicly thanked for her tenure on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He stated that he had the privilege of working with her for several years on the Commission and had the pleasure of watching her become chairman after he left. He stated that Ms. Pickall had done a fine job and the Town and community owes her thanks for the effort she gave.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he supported all of the nominees and made a motion to approve the Mayor’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The Town Engineer stated that he had conversations with the representative for Lenfest for their signs and it makes sense to move ahead. He suggested that the signs be put in as proposed. The Town Engineer stated that the next step would be for them to prepare a license agreement for review.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the Town Engineer’s and the Town Planner’s recommendation seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought a letter from Mr. Robert L. Witkosky, Tidewater Stamp Club to the floor requesting the waiver of the Easton Firehouse room rental fees for their Annual Stamp Club Show on March 17.

Mr. Mayer moved Mr. Witkosky’s request for passage, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

Discussion occurred on the proposed eastside collector road.

The Town Engineer defined the location. He stated that this would enable the residents to have an area they could travel in a north-south direction on the eastside of Route 50 to access other neighborhoods. Mr. Glass discussed the State Highway’s proposal for relocation of MD Route 309 and Route 322. He stated that planning is ongoing for the Comprehensive Plan.

The Town Engineer asked for questions.

Chief Harvey asked how many lanes this road would be. The Town Engineer stated that it will be two-lanes. Chief Harvey asked what the speed is normally. The Town Engineer stated that it would be 35 and 40 mph. He stated that it is more of a community access road versus a heavily traveled closed urban road. Chief Harvey and the Town Engineer discussed speed deterrents.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the benefits to the citizens throughout the County.

Mr. Reed asked if the road would be able to be widened in the future. The Town Engineer stated that it would.

The Town Engineer discussed Dutchman’s Lane. He stated that he had been looking at Dutchman’s Lane because of the recent development proposals. Mr. Glass stated that a traffic study had been conducted by his office funded by the developers. Mr. Glass discussed the proposals for development in that area and stated that they had looked at the cumulative traffic impacts for that leg of Dutchman’s Lane. He stated that they have come up with a long-term design standard that would handle the anticipated traffic flows as that area develops out in the future. The Town Engineer stated that Dutchman’s Lane would have three travel lanes, an eastbound, a westbound and in the center a combination left turn lane. He stated that the problems with this intersection are more geometric than level of service which is a "B" level of service in an average condition. He stated that short term improvements with Talbot County that the Town is looking at now is an additional right turn lane. The Town Engineer discussed geometric problems and solutions in the area of Dutchman’s Lane and Route 50. He stated that some of the improvements would happen as developments are built.

The Town Engineer asked if there were any questions.

Mr. Reed asked if there would be an entrance off Route 50 to get into the Royal Farms store. Mr. Glass stated that there would be a right in, right out entrance proposed off Route 50 into that site.

The Town Engineer stated that they would like to get a right turn lane into Bob Smith further away from the intersection.

The President of the Council brought invoices to the floor in the amount of $332,657.79 for approval for payment.

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

There was no representative present at this time from the Easton Volunteer Fire Department.

Mayor Butler stated that he had one concern this evening and that is the consideration of the County relocating some of their functions out of downtown Easton. He stated that he wanted it on record that he is opposed to this movement. Mayor Butler stated that it would create a decay of downtown Easton. He asked that anyone with thoughts on the subject should voice their opinion.

Chief Harvey stated that he had a request from Walk America for the Eastern Shore March of Dimes Walk-a-thon for May 12, 2001 between the hours of 10:00 and 12:00 noon. Chief Harvey stated that they are expecting 350 to 500 people. He stated that the Police Department is recommending approval.

Mr. Heinmuller moved approval of the March of Dimes walk-a-thon, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The Chief reported that the Walker Group is doing renovation at 10 N. Washington Street. He stated that they are requesting the placement of a dumpster in front of the store for construction debris.

Mr. Mayer stated that his concerns were regarding the placement of the chute. He stated that he felt that closer to the building would be better and that the Town of Easton be held harmless.

Mr. Ford’s concerns were regarding the placement of a dumpster on Washington Street for three to five months.

Mr. Kehoe suggested that the owner come before the Council with diagrams.

Chief Harvey stated that this project should be looked at like the Court house was looked at.

Chief Harvey stated that he had a request from Easton Police Department to hold a 10k Police Chase Run on June 23, 2001 utilizing the same route as the Wild Goose Chase. He stated that 150 to 300 participants are expected.

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

Chief Harvey stated that the Council had asked the Police Department to look at traffic issues on Goldsborough Street. Chief Harvey stated that a seven-month survey had been concluded. Chief Harvey discussed the outcome of the survey. Chief Harvey will have the survey distributed.

Chief Harvey submitted the Easton Police Department’s First Annual Report encompassing 1999 through 2000. Chief Harvey stated that the report was done in house and reported that the Council can expect subsequent reports. He thanked the Mayor, Council and citizens for helping to make Easton a better place to live.

The Town Engineer updated the Council on the construction on Washington Street. He stated that new sidewalks will be installed as the colonial street upgrades take place. Mr. Glass stated that the activity should be finished by the end of February.

The Town Engineer updated on the award for the Rails-to-Trails project. He stated that the four month long construction project should take place after the State makes a concurrence of the award.

The Town Engineer stated that South Street repairs are completed and the Graham’s Alley demolition has begun.

The President of the Council suggested mileage markers on the trail.

The Town Attorney echoed Mr. Ford’s comments about Mrs. Pickall’s term on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He stated that it has been his pleasure to work with her. The Town Attorney suggested the Council send a Resolution thanking her for her service for her hard work during some difficult decisions.

The Town Attorney stated that the County Planning and Zoning Commission is considering amendments to the County Zoning Ordinance to permit or make easier the construction of a Home Depot or a similar type of store in the county industrial area. He stated that this will have a direct impact on the Town.

It was the consensus of the Council to direct a letter to the County Planning and Zoning Commission expressing the views of the Town Council. The Town Attorney and the Town Planner will work on a letter.

Mr. Ford stated that the Town Planner had advised him that the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission has been postponed for one week. He stated that the meeting will be held Thursday, January 25 at 1:00 P.M.

Mr. Mayer thanked the Chief for his Annual Report and the information on Goldsborough Street.

Mr. Mayer discussed the Eastern Shore Association of Municipality dinner at Annie’s Steak House. He stated that the group had voiced their concerns to the Eastern Shore Delegation.

Mr. Heinmuller echoed Mayor Butler’s concerns regarding the movement of government offices from the downtown area.

The President of the Council discussed the Department of Social Services decision to relocate and the Town’s involvement to help keep them within the Town. Mr. Willey discussed the cumulative effect of the county moving out of the Town Center.

Mr. Ford stated that he hoped that the County’s decision to move out of the Town Center is a last resort.

Mr. Mayer stated that Snow Hill is now building a new county building in their downtown area. He stated that residents should make their opinions known.

The President of the Council asked the audience for comments.

Ms. Margaret Roe, 29339 Corbin Parkway, stated that the people who live at Chapel East do not have to go out on Route 50 to get to Wal-Mart. Ms. Roe stated that the residents can go down Black Dog Alley then Matthewstown Road. She asked that the people not be persuaded to believe that the only way to get around Route 50 is the proposed collector road. Ms. Roe questioned the Town Engineer about the left turn lane on Dutchman’s. Mr. Glass described the proposed lane.

Ms. Roe discussed the Royal Farms proposal. The President of the Council stated that a Public Hearing is scheduled for the next meeting.

Ms. Joyce Delaurentis discussed the traffic alleviation on Goldsborough and Dover if the proposed collector road is constructed.

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

At 8:42 P.M., the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting.

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Town Clerk