February 5, 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. Heinmuller 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 17 and January 23, 2001 meetings as written, seconded by Mr. Reed, and carried unanimously.

Chief Kelly Jones of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department was present and introduced members of the Easton Fire Department. Chief Jones introduced Assistant Chief Mr. Russell Miles, Captain Timmy Knox, First Lieutenant Drew Jensen, Robert Courthamer, Jr., Barry Slaughter and Lyle Fuller. Chief Jones distributed monthly reports and stated that it looks like it will be another busy year as the statistics have already surpassed last year's figures.

Mayor Butler thanked the Fire Department for their support.

Chief Jones stated that training has begun on the Plum Street property.

Mr. Ford presented a proclamation to Mrs. Margaret Pickall for her twelve years of service on the Planning Commission.

Mr. Charles Goebel was present on behalf of the Planning Commission and thanked Mrs. Pickall for the service she has provided to the Commission. He presented Mrs. Pickall with a gift of appreciation.

Mr. Hugh Grunden, General Manager, Easton Utilities Commission was present to address the Council on natural gas and electric market issues as well as service territories. Mr. Grunden stated that Easton Utilities would like to go forward to the Maryland Public Service Commission to submit a petition to allow Easton Utilities to serve property that has been annexed that may soon be developed on the Lyons’ Farm. He asked for the consent of the Council to move forward. Mr. Grunden discussed potential expansion of the cable service throughout Talbot County and asked for the Council’s approval.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to go forward to extend electric service to the Lyons’ Farm, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ford made a motion to allow Easton Utilities to explore expanding their cable franchise into the entire Talbot County.

Mr. Grunden stated that they will be reporting to the Council on the progress of both of these matters.

Mr. Grunden discussed the energy market in general. He stated that rising prices or the reliability issues of energy is in the news consistently. Mr. Grunden stated that California was the first state to move forward with deregulation and pointed out that the way their market has been structured, it has not functioned well at all. He stated that gas is rising and bills will be more. Mr. Grunden stated that they are working diligently to keep prices down. Mr. Grunden asked anyone with questions to contact Easton Utilities for additional information. He stated that Easton Utilities is doing everything to maintain reliability and to keep prices low.

The President of the Council thanked Mr. Grunden for being present tonight and keeping the public informed.

At 7:15 P.M., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on the request of Mr. Ed Brown and BH Development LLC for an amendment to the zoning classification of property generally located at the end of Meadow Drive. The request is to reclassify the property from R-7A to PUD for mixed-use development, which includes 130 residential units and a Commercial Village.

The President of the Council reviewed the rules for a Public Hearing.

The Town Planner reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed this proposal on December 21 and voted five to zero to approve this PUD to the Town Council for rezoning property for the project. He stated that the Planning Commission worked for three meetings before approving this project and sending it to the Town Council.

Mr. Bill Stagg, Lane Engineering & Stagg Design was present on behalf of BH Development, LLC comprised of Mr. Ed Brown and Mr. Charlie Hogendorf. Mr. Stagg stated that the site is located at the southeast corner of Port Street and the Easton Parkway directly across from the community pool. He stated that there are five lots and the developers are looking at two of those lots. Mr. Stagg stated that this property has been zoned R-7A for quite some time and has a development potential of about 260 residential units. Mr. Stagg stated that the development proposal is for a PUD that integrates single-family homeownership housing as well as townhouse units. He stated that they are seeking the PUD approval on the project so that a project can be created for Easton better than the conventional zoning ordinance and provide an overall better project for the Town. He stated that 53% of the site is remaining in open space. Mr. Stagg stated that the plan is centered around a community village green, 150’ x 230’. He stated that there are no alleys proposed. Mr. Stagg stated that there will be 92 townhouse units and 41 single-family lots. He stated that these houses will be move up houses in the affordable range.

Mr. Stagg stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission has found this plan to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and has recommended it for approval to the Council. Mr. Stagg outlined the requirements for approval for a PUD. He stated that the plan fits nicely and complies with the ordinance. Mr. Stagg stated that the surrounding properties will not be detrimentally impacted by the development. He went on to describe the positioning and uses of the buildings that will be built. At this point, the only possible tenants who have shown interest at this point are a couple of banks that may look to have a branch of the bank out there. Mr. Stagg stated that the project needs to be located near the street where it will receive feedback from its surrounding neighborhoods. The town houses are 20’ x 32’ units, which will be two stories, and it is planned that each town house will have a private patio in the rear, outside of its parking area. There will be an average of two off street parking spaces behind each town house. The single-family homes will have an optional one or two car garage, which will be front loading. The garages will be set back at least 4’ or more from the face of the house so that the house does not dominate the street scene.

Mr. Stagg stated that this project complies with Smart Growth policies and has protected open space.

Mr. Stagg asked for questions.

Mr. Ford asked if there were any concepts considered where residents would not have to get in their car to drive to nearby working facilities. Mr. Stagg stated that it may be possible if the rails-to-trails is extended through this project along the existing railroad bed.

The Town Planner stated that the design is so that it may tie in to Earle Avenue to Port Street later.

Mr. Mayer asked how big the power line easement is. Mr. Stagg stated that it is 150’ wide.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that the calculation for open space is 53%. He asked if the easement for the power line and the marsh line is included. Mr. Stagg stated this figure does include those things as well as essential green, stormwater management area and forests.

Mr. Reed asked if anything is planned behind the power lines. Mr. Stagg stated that the radio station owns this area. Mr. Reed asked what is planned for the commercial area. Mr. Stagg stated that nothing is definite but the uses would be small neighborhood conveniences. He stated no fast food establishments are planned. Mr. Stagg stated that extra parking is in the plans and they would like to defer building until such time that it is needed.

Mr. Reed asked how children would safely cross Port Street to get to the pool or playground. Mr. Stagg stated that additional signage would be needed as well as crosswalks.

Mr. Reed asked what the cost of the homes would be. The applicant responded that they hope to have affordable housing with townhouses under $100,000. They stated that the market would price the single dwelling units.

The President of the Council asked for audience comments.

Ms. Dyanne Welte, Ratcliffe Manor, Easton, stated that she has several concerns. She stated that the applicant is talking about slowing the traffic down at that intersection but that is the intersection ambulances go through in route to the hospital and they have every reason to go as fast as they can. Ms. Welte discussed the townhouses on Aurora Street near the post office that have not sold.

Mr. Charles Mason, Powhatan Avenue in Doncaster, stated that he had attended the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting regarding this project. He stated that he has a concern that involves the stormwater pond that is proposed. Mr. Mason suggested intrusion instead of a stormwater pond.

Mr. Tom Alspach, stated that he is not sure how the open space requirement is being satisfied in this plan. He stated that it is his presumption that the stormwater run off pond is included. Mr. Alspach stated that he also wanted to remind the Council that satisfying the seven criteria does not entitle the applicant to have his project approved. He stated that the ordinance goes on to say that it may or should include the consideration of other factors in deciding if it should approve a project. Mr. Alspach reminded the Council that they are not obliged to pass on this project simply because the applicant met the Planning Commission’s criteria.

Ms. Kay Wendowski, Easton Club, stated that her concern is for the safety of the children that are going to be going from the property to across Port Street. She asked if additional consideration could be given for additional walkways and lights to get the children across safely.

Mr. Gene Mechling, 222 S. Washington Street, questioned the width of the street of the project in comparison to Port Street. Mr. Mechling stated that emergency vehicles may have trouble with only one entrance to the project. He also asked if consideration had been given to the impact of the Tred Avon River from the project and the expansion of Londonderry.

Mr. Dan Brasington, 9177 Honeysuckle Drive, stated that he is also on the Park Board questioned the acreage on the village green. Mr. Stagg replied that it is .8 of an acre. Mr. Brasington asked how much is usable open space. Mr. Brasington stated that he has concerns related to getting the kids across the street.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone else to address the Council. There was no one.

At 8:07 P.M., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing. He stated that the record would be left open until Friday at 4:00 P.M. for public comments. The President of the Council suggested to Mr. Stagg to let the Council know how the open space requirement was calculated as the subject was addressed several times.

The Town Attorney suggested giving Mr. Stagg an opportunity to respond to some of the audience’s concerns. Mr. Stagg stated that he will respond in writing to the questions asked this evening. Mr. Stagg did address Mr. Mechling’s concern about the street width. He stated that they are building town standard streets. Mr. Stagg stated that the open space requirements for the PUD are being met with some of the opponents of the park.

Mr. Ford recommended that pedestrian crossing issues be addressed.

The Town Attorney asked that covenants be provided that prohibits sale of the homes for rental purposes. Mr. Stagg stated that he would also provide preliminary architecture guidelines that were being prepared.

At 8:16 P.M., the President of the Council opened the public hearing on the request of Mrs. Doris Favinger for an amendment to the zoning classification of property generally located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Dutchman’s lane and US Route 50 (Ocean Gateway) in Easton to reclassify the property from Limited Commercial (CL) to Planned Unit Development (PUD). The project includes a Royal Farms Convenience store with gasoline and diesel fuel sales and two restaurants.

The Town Planner stated that the PUD application is located at the intersection of Route 50 and Dutchman’s Lane in the southeast corner. He stated that this is a proposal for gasoline and diesel pump islands as well as two restaurant pads. The Town Planner stated that the applicant has worked very closely with the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Town Planner stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission asked the applicant to retain some of the mature trees. He stated that the site plan is drawn around those trees to protect some of them.

Mr. Willard C. Parker, Esquire was present on behalf of the applicant, Cloverland Farms, Inc. t/a Royal Farms. Mr. Parker stated that what is before the Council this evening is an evolution of a project. He stated that this project matured over three meetings before the Planning Commission commented with site design, layout and architectural style of the buildings. Mr. Parker stated that Mr. Peter Radcliffe, Architect for Royal Farms has come up with an architectural building with elements more typical of the Town of Easton. He stated that this is a two phase PUD in the CL zone. Mr. Parker stated that the first phase is the Royal Farms store. Phase 2 is a restaurant component. Mr. Parker stated that the proposed site is about ten acres that involves a great deal of open space with acceleration and deceleration lanes on Route 50 and improvements to Dutchman’s Lane.

Mr. Barry Griffith of Lane Engineering was present for Royal Farms. Mr. Griffith stated that a PUD had been approved on this site but had expired. Mr. Griffith stated that they are back today with an improved plan that the Town can be pleased with. Mr. Griffith reviewed the project and the proposed road improvements. He stated that 3.2 acres are in open space, which is 32%, not including the buffer yards along Route 50 and Dutchman’s Lane. He stated that the design of this project complies with all the required density area, bulk and set back requirements for a CL zone. Mr. Griffith stated that the parking complies with the Zoning Ordinance of the Town. He stated that the pump islands have been reduced from six islands to four as well as the overall size of the canopy. Mr. Griffith stated that at the request of the Planning Commission, the pads for the restaurants were brought closer together to share a service area and to achieve aesthetic objectives. He stated that a car wash had originally been proposed but was deleted due to space and mobility. Mr. Griffith stated that some very significant and specific architectural changes have been made to the building and canopies in response to direct comments from the Planning Commission members. He stated that a significant amount of landscaping would remain on Dutchman’s as you head east.

Mr. Parker discussed the requirements of the PUD with Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith stated that the pond would be expanded for stormwater management. He stated that they have proposed to hook into pedestrian access to Dutchman’s and developments further east, a walking-bike trail link, which will be maintained by the developer. Mr. Griffith stated that the Planning Commission did find that the proposed PUD development does conform to the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the land use map is commercial and the design elements have been incorporated into the design of this development. Further discussion was held on the requirements of the PUD as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.

Mr. Parker called on Mr. Kenneth Smead. Mr. Smead stated that he is with Company Traffic Concepts in Millersville, Maryland. He stated that he has been on the design team for the project since the initiation. Mr. Smead stated that their company did not perform detailed traffic studies for this site because there was a full regional detailed traffic study done by the Town of Easton’s hired consultant, JMT Traffic Consultants but they have been involved with the Town, County and State regarding traffic impacts for this PUD. Mr. Smead stated that a convenience store with gas pumps feed their customer base off existing traffic flow. He explained that most customers are already in their car en route to their destination. Mr. Smead discussed the recent study which will be published in a monthly publication that outlines that 82% of the traffic coming into large convenience stores such as the Royal Farms proposed, will already be out in the road network. He stated that only 18% of the traffic will be new trip generated. Mr. Smead stated that he believes that the new trip will be generated by the residents in developments on Dutchman’s Lane. Mr. Smead discussed recent discussions with State Highway Administration and the necessity for right-in, right-out access. Mr. Smead discussed the horizontal curve on Dutchman’s Lane and the improvements proposed to be made by the developer. He explained that the curve is substandard but will be flattened out during the road improvements as part of their site plan. Mr. Smead stated that the intersection as existing today is an A level service both in morning and afternoon. Mr. Smead discussed the location of the pumps.

Mr. Heinmuller questioned if there would be access to the store from both side, the diesel pump side and the regular gas pumps. Mr. Smead stated that there would be separate entrances in the front and the back.

Mr. Parker introduced Mr. Peter W. Radcliffe, an architect from Baltimore, Maryland. He stated that he is the architect for Royal Farms and had attended three meetings with the Planning and Zoning Commission. He discussed the primary elements of his architectural drawings. Mr. Radcliffe stated that he had designed a building with respect to the history of the community that lends itself to a more human, residential scale. Mr. Radcliffe stated that the Royal Farms Convenience store is 5,000 square feet with a 144 feet long canopy. He stated that the exterior of the building is a complete brick façade. Mr. Radcliffe discussed the color of the canopy.

Mr. Mayer asked if there would be bathroom facilities inside Royal Farms. Mr. Radcliffe stated that there will be Men and Women’s handicapped accessible facilities.

Mr. Ford questioned the cost sharing for the improvements on Dutchman’s Lane. Mr. Parker stated that the cost sharing is under consideration between the Engineering Department of the Town and the developers further down Dutchman’s Lane. Mr. Parker stated that he anticipates following the approval of the PUD and as part of the Public Works Agreement and building permit process, agreements will be reached with the Town through the engineering office. Mr. Parker stated that there are two components here, utility relocation and road improvements.

The Town Engineer stated that it is important to note that this is a state highway road, Dutchman’s Lane a county road and he does not think there is any need for the town to expect to cost share any specific improvements. He stated that the cost share is essentially be handled in such a way that there is an estimate that has been performed for the cost of only Dutchman’s Lane from Route 50 back to points further east. Mr. Glass stated that he thinks there is a responsibility on each of the developers’ part to contribute to the necessary modifications.

Mr. Mayer discussed the possibility of relocating the entrance of Bob Smith. Mr. Parker was not aware of the discussion. The Town Planner stated that Mr. Denny was present at one of the meetings and shared an interest in relocating the entrance.

Mr. Reed questioned the Town Engineer about the county’s budgeting for improvements to Dutchman’s Lane. Mr. Glass stated that he was not aware of the exact figure set aside or carried forward. Mr. Reed questioned what types of sit down restaurants were considered. Mr. Parker stated that a feeler has gone out was to Out Back Steak House. He stated that it would be that kind of use. Mr. Reed questioned the total amount of gas pumps under the canopy. Mr. Parker replied that it would be 8 gas pumps, 16 fueling locations.

Mr. Parker introduced Mr. John Kemp, a principal with Cloverland Farms. Mr. Kemp explained his business concept. He stated that there is a 5,000 square foot Royal Farms with gas and diesel pumps for RV vehicles, trucks, panel trucks and local contractors. He spoke about eliminating the car wash. Mr. Kemp stated that the Royal Farms facility would be open 24 hours but would not become a truck stop. He stated that there would be no place for truckers to stop and snooze but this would be strictly a stop and go facility. Mr. Kemp stated that this policy would be enforced.

Mr. Parker described the phases of the development.

Mr. Parker asked for questions.

Mr. Reed discussed the stream in the back of the property. Mr. Griffith stated that the stormwater management design and engineering will have to deal with all run off from the site.

Mr. Reed asked how much trash is generated from a Royal Farms facility. Mr. Kemp stated that they have a recycling dumpster and a six-yard trash dumpster which will be emptied twice a week. Mr. Reed asked how long the dumpsite will last. Mr. Glass stated that he will get in touch with the Mid Shore Landfill site to find out how long Talbot County’s facility will be in use.

Mr. Reed stated that he does not think approval should be granted or building started until all answers are complete. Mr. Reed stated that he does not think that the development should occur until the connector road is complete. Mr. Reed asked the Town Engineer to estimate the cost of the connector road.

The President of the Council opened the public hearing to public comments and questions. He asked that comments be limited to three minutes.

Ms. Margaret Roe, Corbin Parkway, asked for clarification on several issues. She asked who is responsible for obtaining the restaurants. Mr. Parker stated that Royal Farms would be responsible and there is no specific entity in hand at this time. Ms. Roe asked what the projected time line would be for commitments on the restaurants. Mr. Parker stated that this would be done as soon as possible. Mr. Kemp stated that they cannot legitimately market the property until the PUD is approved. He stated that after that time, they would be very aggressive in marketing the site. Ms. Roe asked what assurances are in place to assure this will not be a 24-hour truck stop. The Town Planner stated that if this PUD is approved, the only allowable use will be the one approved. Ms. Roe discussed the entrances for the development on Dutchman’s Lane. The applicant discussed criteria in place that would be observed during the detail design process. Ms. Roe discussed other projects for this property. Ms. Roe discussed the timetable for phase one. Mr. Parker stated that under the PUD ordinance, they are required to begin meaningful construction within one year. Ms. Roe stated that the Town of Easton has 25 sit-down restaurants, 14 fast food, 23 convenience carryout and 13 gas stations. Ms. Roe stated that she is opposed to this proposed development on Dutchman’s Lane.

Ms. Peggy Ferguson, Old Beechwood, reviewed her findings for the amount of convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other businesses. She asked the Council to think before granting this PUD. She asked the Council to look at the trustworthy and the respect, the responsibility, the fairness, the caring and the citizenship that this organization is proposing for our citizens.

Mr. Roger Bollman, 221 S. Hanson Street, stated that he attended the Planning and Zoning meeting when it came about the last time. Mr. Bollman discussed Chairwoman Pickall’s informal research concerning the size of the proposed development. Mr. Bollman discussed the amount of gasoline stations in Easton and the size of the Royal Farms proposed. He stated that it does not appear that Easton needs the additional capacity.

Ms. Mary Ellen Larrimore, 29319 Pin Oak Way, South Beechwood, discussed her traffic concerns from Goldsborough Street to Dutchman’s Lane. She stated that the traffic is a serious situation now. Ms. Larrimore asked the Council to take careful consideration when considering this project as she does not see it benefiting Easton or improving the traffic situation. She suggested a toll road around Easton like the one around Route 13 near Dover.

Mr. Eric Gemini, Old Beechwood, stated that he is a transplant from Talbot County from Kent Island. He stated that he left Kent Island three years ago because of the disaster of development. Mr. Gemini stated that since he has lived here, he has seen traffic so bad in the summer that he cannot get out of Beechwood. He stated that he wonders if this gas station might close some of the existing gas stations on Route 50.

Mr. Joe Monzo, Stoney Ridge, stated that he has concerns related to the impact on traffic due to the size of the development. He stated that Dutchman’s Lane is a horrible intersection. Mr. Monzo suggested that there be no egress or entrance from Dutchman’s Lane. Mr. Monzo stated that he would rather not see it built.

Ms. Diane Welte, Ratcliffe Manor, stated that she is the secretary for Talbot Preservation Alliance, representing members tonight. Ms. Welte urged the Council to vote no on the proposed Royal Farms project. She asked the Council to consider who will benefit from the project in an already problem intersection made worse. Ms. Welte reviewed her findings for gas establishments on Route 50. Ms. Welte stated that this conflicts with the transportation issues in the Comprehensive Plan.

Mr. Tom Alspach, lives in the County and has an office in the Town, stated that he wished to make the point that although the developer has met the criteria for approval, it does not require approval of this application. Mr. Alspach stated that this project does not do anything to improve the area or serve the needs of the people in Easton. Mr. Alspach asked the Council to not loose the opportunity to extract from the developer the unanswered questions. He asked the Council to exercise their discretion to be sure that the interests of the people in Easton are protected. Mr. Alspach asked the Council to deny this project.

Ms. Katherine Reed, Holly Road, remarked on the comments made by the traffic expert concerning his statement that this convenience store would be for those patrons that would not have to get on Route 50. Ms. Reed stated that later he said that this store would be for traffic traveling on Route 50. She stated that there was testimony tonight on how many existing gas and convenience facilities are already on Route 50.

Mr. Parker stated that when you talk about pass by traffic, you speak about motorists that are en route to a destination that pass by this property. Mr. Parker reminded the Council that this architecture drawing is for Phase 1. He reminded the Council that Phase 2 will have to go before the Planning Commission with regard to its architectural style of the buildings. He stated that the restaurants will be subject to the same scrutiny and philosophy under the Comprehensive Plan that the canopies and building were subject to. Mr. Parker stated that the developers are committed to certain obligations and negotiations. He asked the Council to consider the expertise of everyone working on the site with regard to the level of service at this intersection.

At 10:05 P.M., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing. He stated that there would be a five-minute recess. Mr. Willey asked to speak to Mr. Parker and Mr. Kehoe for a brief minute.

At 10:10 P.M., the President of the Council reconvened the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

The President of the Council stated that he had spoken with the Town Attorney and Mr. Parker regarding the change in the date of the Public Hearing. He stated that there had been some misunderstanding therefore, he would continue the Public Hearing at the February 20 meeting. Mr. Willey stated that the record would be left open until the next meeting but a consensus would be taken so that the process would be on schedule.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5727 "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN AND THE STATE OF MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR LEVEL 1 ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIAL LOAN PROGRAMS AND AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN AND THE STATE OF MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF HOME FUNDS AND DESIGNATING THE EASTON HOUSING AUTHORITY AS THE TOWN’S SUBCONTRACTOR FOR SAID AGREEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWN CLERK TO ENTER INTO A SUBCONTRACTOR’S AGREEMENT WITH THE EASTON HOUSING AUTHORITY to the floor.

Mr. Mayer moved Resolution No. 5727 for passage, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought a letter from Ms. Ellen Kelley, Memorial Hospital, requesting permission to hang a banner along the front of The Athlete’s Foot at The Shops at Easton from February 23 – 25 for a fundraiser for the Child Development Center to the floor. The President of the Council stated that this has been done before.

Mr. Mayer moved approval of the banner, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council asked if anyone was present from the Fire Department. There was no one present at this time.

The President of the Council asked the Chief of Police about the Children Playing signs. The Chief of Police stated that the signs have been taken off the enforceable sign laws. He stated that they used to be placed inside a residential community to show a 25 M.P.H. speed limit. Chief Harvey stated that in residential areas, the speed limit is statewide 25 M.P.H. unless otherwise posted. The President of the Council asked that a response to the letter in the Star Democrat be drafted.

The Town Engineer discussed the site collector road. He stated that the East Side collector road would be a local roadway, not an eastern bypass around Easton. He stated that it would be a north side connection between neighborhoods to allow more convenient travel to allow local residents a manner to move in such a manner as to not having to rely on Route 50 in their day to day travels. Mr. Glass stated that this is a spin off from the 1997 Comprehensive Plan.

Mr. Heinmuller discussed the southside of Port Street and the trash that is building up in the drainage system. He asked Mr. Glass to take a look at it. Mr. Glass clarified that it is a state road but they are very responsive to that subject.

The Town Attorney discussed Mr. Ford’s motion to explore the cable franchise in Talbot County. The Town Attorney asked that the motion be amended to authorize Easton Utilities Commission to proceed to expand into the County as the Commission deems appropriate.

Mr. Ford amended his motion, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

The Town Attorney stated that he would be meeting with Ms. Jackson in regards to the Human Relations Commission.

Mr. Mayer questioned when the Town Engineer’s department would proceed with the No Left Turn into CVS on Goldsborough. The Town Engineer stated that their department is ready to proceed after direction from the Council. Mr. Glass stated that the property owner would have to be contacted. Mr. Mayer stated that he would like to see Mr. Glass contact the owner and report back to the Council for action.

Mr. Heinmuller mentioned a 2001 legislative list. The President of the Council stated that there are some things left over from last year but he would be glad to add to the existing list. Mr. Heinmuller addressed his concern over vacant storefronts in the downtown area.

The Town Attorney discussed correspondence from Mr. Beer regarding a proposed project. The Town Attorney stated that Mr. Beer would like to in lieu of a single-family homeownership, make a larger contribution to the Town for homeownership purposes or bicycle paths, or infrastructure, etc. The Town Attorney stated that he had suggested Mr. Beer write a letter to the Council for their comments.

The President of the Council asked if there was anything else to come before the Council. There being no further business, the President of the Council entertained a motion to adjourn.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

At 10:20 P.M., the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting.

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Richard T. Warfield, Jr. for Town Clerk