SPECIAL MEETING

March 28, 2001

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 7:00 P.M. in a special meeting. The meeting was called to order with the following members present: President of the Council Mr. Willey and Mr. Mayer. Also present were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Assistant Town Engineer Joe Gruber, and Easton Police Department's Chief of Operations Capt. Ben Blue.

Mr. Mayer started by thanking everyone for coming and taking their time on something that has been perceived by some as a problem, something that can be worked out so that it won't be a problem. He stated that he was glad to have both sides together in one room so that something can be worked out that will be good for both the school and the community at large. Mr. Mayer went on to say that he was not blaming anyone because things occur, develop, time goes by, and things happen. A point has been reached and hopefully a decision can be reached that will benefit everyone in the neighborhood and school.

Mr. John Murray Esq., 101Bay Street, Easton stated that the reason that the school appeared before the council is that the ordinance recently proposed has made the school community feel that it would create problems and would not adequately solve the problems that it was intended to solve. He stated that a task force was sought so that issues and ideas could be shared. There are a couple of specific actions that the school is prepared to institute right away. First, Mr. Murray stated that within the next few days, the Sts. Peter & Paul School would be distributing flyers describing the numbering system and how to identify the student's cars. Secondly, the school asked that the neighbors who may have any problems with student behavior parking or otherwise to call Brian Barnes at the school and give a description of the problem so that the situation could be addressed. In addition, the school will be sending a list of Do's and Don'ts to students and parents, with additions or improvements, which may be the result as of the meeting. Mr. Murray stated that one of the things that needs to be done is to make sure that the school's understanding of the neighborhood concerns is as complete and accurate as possible. Thirdly, one specific item that is contained in the instructions to the student drivers is typically there are five or six parking spaces on the school side of Choptank Avenue that are not used by the students. At a minimum, that is a way to capture some of the parking out in the community on the street and get it on the school's side. The plan is to address this by April 9, 2001. Next school year, whatever modifications are appropriate, will be in place. Other points may be considered by the group as well. Mr. Murray wanted to talk about the historical discussions as far as alternatives to parking on the street. There may be a couple of points that could be focused on. The problem appears in many respects to be a function of concentrated student parking around the intersection of Needwood and Choptank Avenues. The ordinance would have taken all of student parking out of the immediate area of the school and push it blocks away, which would create more problems than it would solve. Mechanisms could be used to distribute parking in a broader way so that the concentration side of the equation was avoided. There are ways the school could do that on its own. If certain areas were designated then they would be specifically for residents and the students would not be able to park there. In conclusion, Mr. Murray stated that the school wants to be a good neighbor, constructive, and to find a way to change the situation so that it does not cause a problem.

Mr. Mayer stated that he was interested in seeing what the students think is their fault, what is perceived as them being a "bad neighbor," what they may have seen, or done unintentionally. Some of the constant problems heard are that someone is parked in front of someone else's driveway or someone is parked in front of a fire hydrant. If Ordinance No. 423 is passed, then the students may have to walk approximately a quarter of a mile from where their car is parked to get to school.

Miss Molly Mulflur, 6218 Waterloo Drive, Easton stated that the concerns that the neighbors have are valid. It is not an ideal situation and the student body is very aware of that at this point, but there are a lot of new drivers; and there are questions that are not addressed in driving school. Basically, the students are concerned with parking as close to the school as possible so that they don’t have to hike. In conclusion, she stated that by removing the parking farther away would not benefit anyone.

Miss Carol Connolly, 7872 Avon Court, Easton stated that she does not drive yet, but she will be getting her driver's license in a month's time. However, it seems that no one likes to parallel park at the school so it seems that they try to get as close as possible, even when there are parallel parking spaces available. The students should try to move up and park bumper-to-bumper if necessary instead of leaving spaces.

Mr. Mayer stated that what Miss Connolly said is an important part in what is trying to be determined because from the information given at the council meeting on March 19^th, there are approximately 70 to 80 cars. Obviously, one of the problems that was never perceived when the school originally opened was the number of cars and students with licenses. The fact that they have to get their licenses because they could be carrying other students or may have long distances to travel is also now an issue.

Ms. Rita Connolly, 7872 Avon Court, Easton stated that there were a few things that she had been thinking about. As far as moving the parking and making the students walk about a quarter of a mile, which she has no problem with her child walking, but it can be a problem because there are no sidewalks out there. It is almost unfair when the students have to carry backpacks or sporting equipment for a quarter of a mile.

Mr. Mayer stated that the sidewalk situation has been mentioned to him.

Mr. Richard Shortall, 307 Choptank Avenue, Easton stated that when he was a student, he too drove to school during his junior and senior years. He stated that he thought the whole situation was being blown out of proportion.

Mr. Mayer asked Mr. Shortall if he thought that some of the cars should be more on the property and not in the streets.

Mr. Shortall responded saying that he did not have a problem with the existing situation. There are days when he comes home around the time that the school is being dismissed and there is about a fifteen to twenty minute period in the afternoon when it is a little busy, but the same situation occurs at Easton High School. During the day, there is no problem.

Ms. Connolly stated that it seems that not all of the parking is a problem. The residential side of Choptank is congested and it is a matter of whether or not an unknown amount of cars is alleviated on the residential side that would help. It seems that there should be some way to alleviate the residential side of the street without the school having to create a new parking lot.

Mr. Murray stated that if the perceived problems are determined it could be, second, there are solutions that are not as heavy as the ordinance.

Mr. Mayer stated that he would like to hear what some of the residents have to say.

Mrs. Carol Prettyman, 303 Choptank Avenue, Easton stated that she had written most of her comments. Mrs. Prettyman has lived at her residence for 13 years and the issue is not something that is new. Mrs. Prettyman shared a letter that she had written to the Mayor and Council on March 13, 1995 regarding the residents on Choptank and East Needwood Avenues having an ongoing problem with traffic and trash concerns. She stated that in 1998, she had received a written apology from a student for playing loud music, which she believes was initiated by the school after she made a complaint about the music shaking the windows of her home. In April 1995, she had taken pictures of students changing their clothes right outside of her front door. However, she does support the school, and she thinks there is room for change, but it needs to be positive change. Mrs. Prettyman stated that her concern was Ordinance No. 307, which was introduced in 1995 and was not initiated. She believes that a resolution is long overdue. When the issue was addressed to the school's principal, there were no problems on Choptank Avenue for about a year and a half. When cars are parked on both sides of the street residents cannot have a visitor. She described an incident that occurred two years ago when someone allegedly hit her car. She told of other incidents when unknown persons have sped around the cul-de-sac putting themselves and others in danger. Mrs. Prettyman then stated that she had a letter from Sts. Peter & Paul School, pleading for assistance; she proceeded to read the letter. The contents of the letter made Mrs. Prettyman feel that it was a derogatory and very immature comment to residents who live in the neighborhood. In conclusion, she stated that she and other residents do not see themselves as angry neighbors. She is there as a concerned neighbor and as administrator of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. On March 19, 2001 a letter was submitted to the Mayor and Council in support of the ordinance for parking. Due to parking, fire trucks could not access the building in a suitable manor or leave the scene to report to another emergency call. She stated that the parking issue in a concern of the fire department which she is. Safety issues as well as parking issues are being presented to the council as a challenge. Mrs. Prettyman thanked those present for listening.

Mr. Murray stated that if there is conduct that is in the category of spinning tires or any other blatant issue, the police should be called. He stated that it is desirable that the school knows about the events.

Mr. Brian Barnes, Cambridge, MD stated that he knew of the events described by Mrs. Prettyman. He stated that the principal addressed the issues of misbehavior at the time, and it was felt that the staff had addressed them. He went on to address the issue of the fire equipment leaving the area on the date described by Mrs. Prettyman. When the fire department was trying to leave the area, it was approximately three o'clock and there has been a problem with the streets being overwhelmed. Mr. Barnes stated that he was surprised that Mrs. Prettyman was upset by the comment that was made in the letter from Sts. Peter & Paul school because what was being said was that people should not sit back and say that there is not a problem anymore. What was being said formally for the first time that everyone who has a concern was being brought in to find an answer. He asked Mrs. Prettyman what suggestions would she have to help correct the problem since she has related to several incidents because the school is willing to listen to everything and try to help.

Mrs. Prettyman asked why a parking lot not an option to alleviate the parking issues.

Mr. Barnes stated that there is no room.

Mr. James Rash, 120 Choptank Avenue, Easton asked Mr. Barnes if there was room to keep building.

Mr. Barnes stated yes.

Mr. Rash said that five years ago when he attended a zoning meeting regarding Sts. Peter & Paul, everyone there was told that parking would be taken care of. He stated that it was agreed that there would be no parking on the residence's side of Choptank.

Mr. Barnes stated that what Mr. Rash was referring to were the ordinances of the town, which specify that there must be 1.5 parking places per occupied classroom. When the school expanded, the number of new classroom were counted and multiplied by 1.5, which made seventy-nine parking spaces. The spaces are essentially taken up by faculty. As far as student parking at the time, the school was trying to move everyone over on the school's side of Choptank, and cut down on the amount of traffic of the other side. In particular, it was recognized that from East Needwood Avenue, there was an area that was extremely sensitive, which was about the time that things had appeared to be better. Mr. Barnes stated that he would like return to what Mr. Murray said about part of the problem being that people are being forced into other areas just outside of Choptank because they don't want to go too far away from the school. One of the things that was being addressed was that the school is trying to thin out the parking so that everyone isn't so clustered at the corner of Needwood and Choptank. There is also the issue of what is illegal in a technical sense. There may not be a problem with the homeowner if one person parks in front of their home, but when there two or three cars parked there, it may be irritant. If there were homeowner who did not have a serious problem with one person parking in front of their home, and another car somewhere else, it would alleviate the problem.

Mr. Mayer stated that one thing is for sure, the mail will not be delivered and the garbage will not be picked up if they can't reach the location. He stated that he had spoken with the Town Engineer, Mr. Glass, and he said that there was a very minimum amount of space that could be developed to help alleviate some of the sensitive areas and still be close to the school.

Mr. Barnes stated that he had also spoken with Mr. Glass on the same issue. There were two things that had been brought up. One of the things was being that because of the nature of a residential street, only a minimum amount of spaces could be added.

Mr. Rash stated that along the Rails-To-Trails, that is all pull-in parking. He has measured and a number of spaces could be entered.

Mr. Barnes stated that the school was told that because of the nature of cars being in the street, a parking lot could not be created adjoining Choptank Avenue.

Mr. Mayer stated that he was told that the school has a space developing near the gymnasium and it could be done.

Mayor Butler stated that he and Mr. Glass had walked around the gym, and there is a place for parking if the school wants to spend the money. The problem is the school doesn't want to make a commitment to spend the money so that the spaces can be created. Pull-in spaces can be created around southern side of the gym. Unless a commitment is made to create on property parking, nothing will be solved.

Mr. Rash stated that a school bus was parked on the street. He asked why was the bus not parked on school property during a sporting event.

Mr. Barnes, along with others, stated that the bus belonged to another school.

Mr. Nemeth, Principal at Sts. Peter & Paul asked if the bus was parked on the residential side of Choptank Avenue.

Mrs. Prettyman stated that the bus was parked on the residential side. She stated that she was not looking for a problem, but a solution to a long-term problem. She asked how long the vehicles would be allowed to stay in the area after school if they have permits being displayed.

Mr. Barnes stated that the students drive their vehicles onto the playground area when there is no one there. One problem is that on the school's side of Choptank Avenue, there are no designated spaces.

Mr. Nemeth stated that in terms of the visiting teams' buses, they should be able to park on the school side of Choptank. If they are parked on the residential side, the school needs to be contacted.

Mr. Mayer stated that it would be safer if the buses park on the school side because the players would not have to cross the street. He stated that he wanted to hear from the town engineer's perspective.

Assistant Town Engineer Joe Gruber stated that he agrees with the mayor's comment about creating parking spaces near the gym. He stated that quite a few spaces could be created.

Mr. Barnes stated that there was some issue with groundwater going down into the ditch or near the sports field. With turning places and entrances, approximately twenty spaces may be created. However, the problem would not be solved.

Mr. Mayer stated that creating the spaces would certainly provide some relief. He also stated that Mr. Glass said that being a gravel type situation, it would make it better for runoff and would not hurt that problem as much as a paved situation. Using the school's side of Choptank Avenue would be a big help. One of the streets that suffers the most is Needwood Avenue because it is a narrow street and parking is on both sides of the street during the day creating a problem. The corner of Choptank and Needwood is impacted the most because that is where the students want to park because it is close to the school.

Mr. Mayer stated that one of the problems at that corner is the fact that it is an official bus stop for Talbot County Public Schools. The location is a terrible intersection waiting for something major to happen the wrong way.

Easton Police Department's Chief of Operations, Capt. Ben Blue stated that the issue has been dealt with since 1995. The meeting indicated the voluntary actions having to solve the problem. The problems are many, and the complaints numerous. The police department is neutral in the matter but the concern is for public safety. He described an incident when he sat down at the end of the cul-de-sac and watched a bus drop off a visiting team for a game. He went on to say that the bus had little choice as to where to drop off but once everyone was off of the bus, the bus driver should have moved. The least impacted side of Needwood Avenue for parking by persons other than residents of the neighborhood would be on the north side.

Mr. Nemeth stated that there is an alley that can not be accessed behind 213 Choptank Avenue due to parking.

Captain Blue stated that the problems at Sts. Peter & Paul could be compared to the problems at Easton High School. One of the problems being that when students park off-campus, administrative searches cannot be performed. At Easton High School, there are approximately 256 spaces available for the students to park, and a waiting list of 50 students. A number of the fifty students park in the residential area. The ordinance and the two-hour restriction gives the police department the tool to solve the problems in the community. However, it does not solve them all, and the police have been involved in a great deal of enforcement. An attempt has been made to circumvent the ordinance by residents giving students at Easton High School parking passes allowing them to park in front of their houses even though the ordinance says the parking is for bonafide visitors to the residence. The residents in the Mecklenburg area in general have called and still have complaints. There are still ten to twelve cars that are the repeat violators and there will be some logical end to that; either their vehicles will be towed or they will comply with the law. The result of creating an area that restricts parking to two hours defuses the concentration in areas that are local on Needwood and Choptank. A safer environment needs to be created due to the lack of sidewalks, it does not matter how far away they are parked. A final solution involves some compromise. In the area in front of Sts. Peter & Paul property there are some residents who park on the opposite side of the street. Perhaps identifying the street as a permit only street and make the permits available to the school. That would eliminate intrusion from visitors from the other side of Choptank or Needwood from coming in on the resident side of the street. Needwood, along the south side needs to be reserved for residents only and about ninety percent of the problem would be eliminated.

Mr. Nemeth stated that in the handbook it states the he does have rules about skipping school and undressing in the car that he can take some action against. However, he cannot enforce traffic violations.

Captain Blue stated that the school administrator does some kind of administrative sanction to impose if a student is insubordinate.

Mr. Nemeth asked that if the students or parents are parking on a public street, does he have the right to tell the students or parents that they cannot park there on certain areas of that street.

Mr. Joseph P. Ross, 19 Londonderry Drive, Easton asked one of the students present if Mr. Nemeth told them not to park in front of Mrs. Prettyman's house, what would she do.

The student responded by saying that she would not park there if told not to.

Mrs. Prettyman stated that the tactic was used before and it did work. The principal took the initiative to pull the students together.

Captain Blue stated Mr. Nemeth does have the right under reasonable suspicion, to search the students' cars if they are on the property of the school.

Mr. Nemeth stated that the size of the faculty is approximately 79 people, which take up just about all of the parking existing spaces with the exception of two visitor parking spaces.

Captain Blue stated that the green space behind the school could possibly be a place for the children to play on, but that was just a suggestion of one possible solution.

Mr. Barnes asked Mr.. Blue if he found that it is easier for people to control where people will park and will not park if the streets are physically marked and make people park in the designated areas.

Captain Blue stated that Choptank Avenue on the school's side, needs to be stripped in some fashion so that one car is not taking up one space an half of another.

Mr. Nemeth asked if the town would be willing to paint the lines.

Mr. Gruber stated that if the school would be willing to pay for it, then it could be done, but there may be quite a maintenance cost since the paint does not last very long.

Captain Blue stated that there needs to be some fashion to maximize the use of the space and also to direct who is going to park where.

Mr. Barnes questioned if there is some way that specific areas could be marked.

Miss Mulflur stated that her mother's main concern is she and her brother riding in a carpool with other students because of the distractions and potential for residents.

Ms. Connolly stated that the amount of spaces that would be saved by carpooling would be absolutely minimal.

Mr. Ross stated that there have been incidents about parking at the hospital, but the problems are very different. It seems that it is a numbers games because of the communications that have not been very good. He stated that he had heard a lot of good ideas during the meeting. He did not think that the school should dismiss the idea of increasing on-site parking.

Mr. Barnes stated that the forty-five cars parked nose to tail is the entire length of Choptank on the school's side. The area that can be moved back on the school's playing field, is only the area from the end of the high school building to the cul-de-sac with a fire hydrant in the middle. The area that could be changed would only be anywhere from sixteen to eighteen end-to-end spots because it is a very limited area. It has been discussed about trying to get two end-to-end areas with an island in the middle; however, one complete ball field will have to be taken out.

Captain Blue asked if the Atlantic Budget Inn Motel would allow the school to lease some of the parking spaces there.

Mr. Barnes stated that the motel will not allow the school to lease long term. However, it will allow the people who come to pick-up children to park in the spaces in front of their rooms, providing that they do not block the entrance or occupy the spaces for more than twenty minutes.

Ms. Beverly Lynch, 802 East Needwood, Easton stated that her concern is that if she leaves her home a little later than she usually does, and there are children walking down the street, she becomes concerned for their safety.

Mr. Mayer stated that there would be a student who will get hurt, become injured, or die from walking through traffic. Then questions will be asked as to why that has happened because it is a safety issue.

Mrs. Prettyman asked if there was any way parking for seniors could be prioritized.

Mr. Barnes stated that the problem is the people who come from Salisbury, Kent Island, and other places who do not have the availability of a bus or may be bringing their siblings. The school does not have access to buses within Talbot County because of the change in time that the public schools are in session. The problem is that the school does not want to turn anyone down if they would like to enroll their children at Sts. Peter & Paul.

Mr. Mayer suggested that the students who travel a distance to the school should be allowed to park in the spaces closest to the school, then have the local seniors and so on park thereafter.

Mrs. Prettyman stated that if the parents have chosen to send their children to the school, where is their commitment to get them to there.

Mr. Barnes stated that there are two hundred families in the elementary school who either bring their children to school or they are transported by a bus. There is nothing that could be done if the parents are bringing their children to school, but it may be looked at as far as seeing who what get whatever spaces that are available.

Mr. Mayer stated that he would like to hold a second meeting to discuss solutions. The important thing is that the people are taking the fact that there may be some spaces available seriously. One of the issues that is to be thought about is the number of spaces that may be put into a small location for students to park. He stated that he would like to hold another meeting in about one week's time, no later than two weeks.

Mr. Murray stated that he would not be in town during the time that Mr. Mayer would like to meet again. He also stated that Mr. Ross's suggestions about the school doing some studying would only be possible if someone was hired to do the work for them because there is no one on the school's staff who could. If someone is hired to look at what could possibly be done, it may be difficult to have a report in a one or two week time period.

Mr. Mayer asked if Mr. Glass would be willing to work with the Sts. Peter & Paul for a certain period of time if he had the time.

Mr. Gruber stated that the town engineer as well as himself are at the service of the Mayor and Council.

Mayor Butler stated that he thought that some measurements and ideas should be made and come up with some ideas to see how at least fifty or sixty spaces can be added on the property.

Mr. Rash stated that by the next meeting, there needs to be some concrete solutions. He suggested that it be known how many vehicles can be moved off of the streets, how many parking spaces will be created, and how many students will be driving. The school needs to limit how many students can park their cars in the parking lot and on the school's side of Choptank Avenue.

Mr. Barnes stated that the memo would be distributed as Mr. Murray had described. He asked if there were something that the school could change immediately to include on the memo.

Mr. Mayer stated that he would like to set April 25, 2001 at 7:00 PM as the next meeting date. It will give the school time to make some good decisions.

Mr. Gruber stated that he did not think that the school would get full engineering planning.

Mr. Nemeth stated that what the school needs is an analysis on the ground of what could reasonably be done with a safe design and a rough estimate of cost.

Mr. Mayer thanked everyone for coming out. He stated that he appreciated the input and he believes that the issues can be solved.

The meeting adjourned at 8:37 P.M.

Town Clerk