March 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. Reed and Mr. Heinmuller. Also attending the meeting were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Gruber, Town Planner T. Hamilton, Assistant Town Planner Mr. Thomas, Chief G. Harvey, Director of Parks and Recreation Mr. Morse, and Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe. Numerous Town of Easton employees were also present for service awards.

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 February 20, 2001 meeting as written, seconded by Mr. Ford, and carried unanimously.

Mayor Butler presented the following Town of Easton Employee Service Awards: Mr. Larry Emory 30 years, Public Works; Mr. Melbourne J. Blue (Ben) 20 years, Police Department; Ms. Barbara Mooney 10 years, Police Department; Ms. Betty A. Mackert 10 years, Police Department; Ms. Shirley J. Wright 10 years, Police Department; Mr. Lynn B. Thomas, Planning and Zoning Department 10 years; Matthew Larmore 10 years, Public Works; Kevin Hackett 10 Years, Public Works; Hugh E. Grunden, previous Town Engineer and General Manager EUC.

Mr. Heinmuller presented a Proclamation to the American Red Cross for Red Cross Month.

Mr. Daniel Brasington and Mr. Otis Sampson, Chairman, Easton Parks & Recreation Board were present to address the Council regarding the Chapel East Park. Mr. Brasington asked the Council’s to consider naming the Chapel East Park the Mac Morrell Park after Mr. Ian Morrell, a respected family man that had passed away three years ago with cancer. Mr. Brasington stated that he has spoken with Ms. Morrell and she is very excited about the possibility.

Mr. Hamilton, the Town Planner stated that Mr. Morrell was one of the first people he met several years ago when he came to Easton. Mr. Hamilton stated that Mr. Morrell was on the Board of Appeals at that time and later became the Chairman and later moved over to the Planning and Zoning Commission and led both of those groups.

The Town Attorney stated Mr. Morrell was one of the first people he met when he came to Easton and besides all of his accomplishments with the Town, he was a very astute, extremely principled, and very successful businessman. The Town Attorney stated that Mr. Morrell was very active in his church and there would probably be no finer person than Mr. Morrell to name this park after.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to name the Chapel East Park after Mr. Ian (Mac) Morrell, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Chairman Otis Sampson stated that the Park Board was very happy about the contract Coca-Cola had presented to the town regarding placing and maintaining machines at the parks around Easton.

The President of the Council brought a memo from the Mayor to the floor requesting the appointment of Mr. Waller Hairston as Superintendent of Elections.

Mr. Mayer moved approval of the Mayor’s appointment, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5728 to the floor authorizing the Town Clerk to abate and/or refund taxes due totaling $555.20. Mr. Heinmuller moved approval of Resolution No. 5728, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 423, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ESTABLISHING RESIDENTIAL PARKING DISTRICT NO. 3, SETTING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT, AND ESTABLISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES WITHIN SAID DISTRICTS" for a first reading. The President of the Council stated that this pertains to the area around the St. Peter and Paul School.

The Town Attorney stated that the next two items on the agenda are here tonight for introduction. The Town Attorney stated that the Town owns these four parcels and used by Easton Utilities. He stated that one is a small piece of property located on Flood Avenue, which Easton Utilities acquired several years ago. The Town Attorney stated that it is surrounded on three sides by Town owned property. The Town Attorney explained that the second is the Easton water tower located on Route 328, Matthewstown Road, which have been used by the town for years and years. Mr. Kehoe explained that the other two parcels are located within the Town of Easton. He stated that one lies to the north of Tanyard Branch and the west of the Easton power plant on Washington Street. Mr. Kehoe described the other parcel as lying to the north of Bay Street in the general vicinity of the Town’s cable end system. He stated that these parcels were inadvertently left out of annexation petitions that took place in the 1950’s or 1960’s. The Town Attorney stated that these records could have been lost and this is simply a housecleaning measure to clear this up.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5729 to the floor for introduction, "A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX FOUR PARCELS OF LAND TO THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED (1) ON THE NORTH SIDE OF BAY STREET CONSISTING OF 1.4 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS; (2) ADJACENT TO THE POWER PLANT PROPERTY OF THE TOWN OF EASTON CONSISTING OF 5.102 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS; (3) ON THE WEST SIDE OF FLOOD AVENUE CONSISTING OF 8106 SQUARE FEET OF LAND; AND (4) ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF MATTHEWSTOWN ROAD CONSISTING OF 1.238 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ANNEXATION."

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 422, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF EASTON TO APPLY AN ORIGINAL ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF I-1 (SELECT INDUSTRIAL) TO THREE PARCELS OF LAND ANNEXED TO THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED (1) ON THE NORTH SIDE OF BAY STREET CONSISTING OF 1.4 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS; (21) ADJACENT TO THE POWER PLANT PROPERTY OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AND CONSISTING OF 5.102 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS; AND (3) ON THE WEST SIDE OF FLOOD AVENUE CONSISTING OF 8,106 SQUARE FEET OF LAND, MORE OR LESS AND TO APPLY A ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF R-10A (RESIDENTIAL) TO A PARCEL OF LAND ANNEXED TO THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF MATTHEWSTOWN ROAD CONSISTING OF 1.238 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS" for a first reading.

The President of the Council set the public hearing on the annexations for May 21.

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor from the Town Engineer regarding the purchase of a 2001 Regenerative Air Street Sweeper.

The Town Engineer stated that this year’s Capital Budget included a street sweeper for the Public Works Department. He stated that they have looked at and demonstrated many models and they prefer the Regenerative Air Street Sweeper. He stated that this is different from what they have now. Mr. Glass stated that instead of a broom, this system is actually a vacuum system that will get rid of the small particulate matter on the streets as well as other debris.

The Town Engineer stated that they had budgeted $100,000 but the bid actually came in at $107,000. He stated that they propose to sell one of the older street sweepers. Mr. Glass stated that they had also under budgeted $6,000 on a salt box spreader. He stated that some communities are actually required to have a unit like the one proposed. Mr. Glass asked the Council’s consideration for the purchase of this street sweeper.

Mr. Mayer asked the delivery time. Mr. Glass answered approximately 45 days.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the purchase, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought the annexation requests for the lands of Arthur L. Foster and Anne E. Foster and Swann Haven Limited Partnership to the floor.

The Town Planner stated that he understands that the Foster property annexation request has been delayed. The Town Attorney stated that the Foster’s attorney stated that they still have some issues to deal with, particularly Mr. Glass’s office.

The President of the Council set the Swann Haven Public Hearing for April 16 at 7:15 P.M.

The Town Attorney discussed the history of the Magnolia Meadows project. He stated that Mr. Beers was not present this evening due to weather conditions. The Town Attorney stated that this is a follow up to some very extensive discussions. He stated that the last time the Council considered this matter, the Council decided to prepare a resolution of support for this proposal so Mr. Beer could obtain low interest financing from the State of Maryland to build the project. He stated that one of the conditions attached to the Town’s support, was that he acquire land elsewhere in the Town of Easton for single family homeownership or use part of the land of the Magnolia Meadows homeownership. The Town Attorney stated that Mr. Beer was unable to obtain the land that he had in mind for the single-family homeownership project on another parcel and would prefer not to mix homeownership with the rental units he proposes to build on the Magnolia Meadows site. The Town Attorney stated that in lieu of providing the homeownership component of the project, he proposes to give the Town $75,000. Mr. Beer had spoken with the Town Attorney to verify if he thought this would be acceptable to the Town Council.

Mr. Ford questioned if this situation would set a precedent that may cause problems down the road. The Town Attorney stated that this situation arises out of the Town’s desire to foster homeownership. The Town Attorney stated that Mr. Beer stated that he could contribute $75,000 to do as the Town sees fit. The Town Attorney stated that it could be set aside for homeownership use or given to a group that pursues those same ends. Mr. Kehoe stated that he feels that Mr. Beers is trying to do what the Town has asked him to do which is to provide a counter balance to the rental housing with some homeownership housing. Mr. Kehoe stated that he does not think that it creates an inappropriate precedent this time.

It was the Council consensus to consider a resolution of support. The President of the Council asked the Town Attorney to draft a letter to Mr. Beers stating that his offer would be considered.

The Town Attorney stated that it is important for the public to know that Mr. Beers came to the Council in the first instance for the request for the financing only after he had obtained the zoning permits that he needed.

The Town Attorney stated that he would have a resolution at the next Council meeting.

Mr. Tim Knotts, Easton Volunteer Fire Department was present to give the Fire Department report. He stated that they responded to 57 calls giving them a total of 127 calls this year. Mr. Knotts reported that the Fire Department has two new recruits this year. Mr. Knotts extended thanks to the Easton Police Department, Easton Utilities and the Public Works Department for their assistance during the Washington Street fire.

The President of the Council stated that the Fire Department had done a good job.

Chief Harvey stated that they had one request from EBMA for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities which include a parade on Friday, March 13 from 3:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

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

The Town Engineer stated that he had forwarded a memo to the Council regarding Rails-to-Trails. He stated that the approval is forthcoming from the state. Mr. Glass explained that the Town has a 50% funding match. He stated that they propose to purchase materials and supplies and use in-house labor and engineering as part of the contribution. The Town Engineer stated that they would like to reach out to the community to see if there is support and willingness to help support the project through financial contributions, supplies or labor. He stated that there is considerable landscaping, fencing and benches that could be donated. He asked for permission to place an ad in the paper to solicit contributions in order to get the community involved with perhaps to help the Town on their side of the match. The Town Engineer asked permission to proceed.

It was the consensus of the Council to proceed with Mr. Glass’s request.

The Town Engineer stated that there is a letter in the packet from Mr. and Mrs. Ingerson regarding the Rails-to-Trails. He stated that he has taken the liberty to respond to their concerns.

The Town Engineer stated that there is also a letter from the Talbot County Women’s Club regarding their concerns about sidewalks. He stated that he would also like to respond to that letter. He stated that they are addressing this in the upcoming budget.

The Town Engineer stated that they have installed the trees at Moton Park. He stated that this will be continuing.

The Town Attorney stated that there is a memorandum in the packet with regard to Mr. Anthony Mohan. He stated that Tony was Assistant Town Attorney for a number of years and left to go to work for the State of Maryland Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Kehoe stated that last week Mr. Mohan was named General Counsel to Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

It was the consensus of the Council to write a letter of congratulations to Mr. Mohan.

The President of the Council reminded the Council members for the list of objectives for the upcoming year as well as five years out. Mr. Willey reminded the Council that Capital Budget is due in the March 16.

The President of the Council asked to have some capacity information at the wastewater facility in the next couple of months as well as information on how they are required to do their permitting. He suggested the Council take a tour of the facility in the near future.

Mr. Ford stated that there has been continuing involvement of all levels of government and citizens in the visioning process.

Mr. Heinmuller echoed Mr. Ford’s comments regarding the visioning process and setting the direction that the Town should be. He stated that he would like to add to the list the President of the Council brought up today. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the retail operation needs to be reviewed and the need for in fill and growth of small retail operations that could fill the empty stores downtown. He stated that he would like to see the Town take a lead in the situation and turn it around.

The President of the Council asked if there were any other audience comments. There were none.

There being no further business, upon motion of Mr. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 7:46 P.M.

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Town Clerk