April 2, 2001

The meeting was called to order by the Town Clerk who asked for nominations for an acting President of the Council. Mr. Mayer nominated Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried. The Town Clerk then turned the meeting over to the Acting President, Mr. Ford.

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 7:00 P.M. The following members present: Mr. Mayer, Mr. Reed and Mr. Heinmuller. Also attending the meeting were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Chief G. Harvey, Public Works Supervisor Mr. Hause, and Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe. Town Engineer Mr. Glass arrived at 7:06.

Mr. Heinmuller opened the meeting with prayer. He led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Ford stated that the Council President, Mr. Willey was at the University Medical Center in Baltimore due to an illness in the family.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he understood that not all of the minutes listed on the agenda were to be approved.

Mr. Karge stated that he was correct.

Mr. Ford stated that the minutes from the March 28, 2001 meeting were being revised.

Mr. Mayer made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 19, 2001 meeting as written, seconded by Mr. Reed, and carried unanimously.

Mayor Butler presented Ms. Peg Sinclair with a proclamation honoring the holiday of Arbor Day. The proclamation is in recognition of the trees that are planted on April 4 in the Town of Easton.

Ms. Sinclair stated that speaking for treekeepers, the proclamation would be posted quickly. She also stated that classes would be given and public trees would be identified to find out what is safe and what is not.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that he had received information from an individual in Ward 4 whom had started a tree survey for the historic district. He also stated that he would be glad to provide a copy of the results with all of the tree types currently in the historic district. There are currently 270 trees that exist and based on information in the newspaper, there is probably the need for another 175 trees total.

Mr. Heinmuller presented the family of Mr. Ian M. (Mac) Morrell with a proclamation honoring his position as a member and chairman on the Easton Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Appeals. The proclamation designates the week of April 8^th to be "Mr. Ian M. (Mac) Morrell Week" to commemorate the contributions and the wise counsel offered by this extremely talented individual to the Town of Easton.

Mrs. Morrell thanked the Mayor and council for "Ian M. (Mac) Morrell Week." She also stated that for those who knew him, he would have tears in his eyes. He would be so very happy that a proclamation in his honor, which was so representative of everything that he loved. He would probably also, move to words of thanks to whomever had the idea to create the community park, formerly known as the Chapel East Park, now the Ian M. (Mac) Morrell Park, because the community was always the uppermost in his mind. She thanked everyone for remembering Mr. Morrell in that way.

Mr. Ford stated that he was going to rearrange the agenda somewhat so that the Easton Volunteer Fire Department could give their report due to other engagements.

Mr. Drew Jensen stated that in the month of March, the fire department responded to fifty-three fire calls. In the first quarter of 2001, the fire department responded to one hundred eighty-six calls, which is thirteen more than the previous year’s end quarter. He stated that Chief Kelly Jones would like to thank the town council for proclaiming the month of April, Easton Volunteer Fire Department month, and it is appreciated. He reported that things have been going well, fortunately, the last couple of weeks have been a little slow.

Mr. Ford brought forth a letter from the Chairman of the Easton Planning and Zoning Commission concerning Cooke’s Hope Village PUD and the growth allocation.

The Town Planner, Mr. Hamilton stated the council may recall that in December 2000, the Easton Planning and Zoning Commission sent a letter reporting on the PUD approval for an amendment to the Cooke’s Hope PUD, adding forty new units. In order to do so, growth allocations have to be granted within the critical area, Resource Conservation Area (RCA) needs to be within the Intensely Development Area (IDA). The process that is set up by Talbot County is a Joint Hearing. He stated that he has spoken with Mr. Karge and he and Mr. Hollis, the County Manager, were to meet and see when arrangements could be made for the procedures for rezoning at the least a fourteen day notice in the newspaper before the hearing. Therefore, it would be sometime in May before this can be advertised and a hearing held.

Mr. Karge stated that he was waiting for Mr. Hollis to advise him on what time was convenient for him. Once he is notified, then a date can be set at the next meeting.

Mr. Hamilton stated that the next step is to set the hearing date.

Mr. Ford asked if the process involved a joint hearing with the town’s and the county’s planning and zoning commissions.

Mr. Hamilton stated that on March 8, 2001, both commissions met and decided together, but voted separately, to recommend approval of the growth allocation to both councils respectively.

Mr. Ford asked if that was the first opportunity to the council had to use the process, which has been in place now for almost a year now, for growth allocation involving the joint commission, planning commission, and eventually the joint councils. He asked how the meeting went.

Mr. Hamilton stated that the planning commission went very smoothly. He went on to say that tentative word from critical area commission staff was that it may even be a minor adjustment to the town’s plan; and the critical area commission may require that a public hearing be held, it has not been determined as of the council meeting. The staff is leaning toward the decision that a public hearing not be required, so it would be the ultimate decision of the two councils.

Mr. Ford stated that hopefully, by the next meeting, the council would be able to announce when the first joint hearing with the County Council will be.

He then opened the floor for Council comments. There were none.

Mr. Ford then brought a letter from Mr. Timothy Dills, Talbottown, requesting permission to hang a banner encouraging citizens to vote.

He asked if there were any comments. There were none.

Mr. Reed motioned for approval for Mr. Dills to hang the banner, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ford stated that he had been led to believe that there was a contested grace in all three council positions, with the election to be held on May 7^th. He encouraged everyone who was able to vote to do so.

Mr. Ford brought a memo to the floor proceeded to bring forth a memo from the Assistant Town Planner, Mr. Thomas, regarding the planning commission annual report.

Mr. Hamilton stated that the memo was given to the council as a courtesy and for information. He stated that there was no action necessary from the council; it is required by the state law that the planning commission makes a report on the activity within the town for the previous year. Mr. Thomas wrote up the report. The report is also used as a mini plan to look at what the game plan is for the upcoming year and what project(s) should be worked on. He stated that Mr. Willey gives some advice on which way the commission should be working in.

Mr. Ford stated that on the last page of the report, item #4 on the list of the work program for 2001 year end, talked about small areas, and specialized plans that are mentioned in the current comprehensive plan, which is the 1997 Comprehensive Plan. The small area plan for Easton Point is a top priority, he added that if the corridor plans for Route 322 and Route 50, are considered small area plans, he would like to see those moved up further on the list. There are many development pressures and annexation proposals along those corridor, and it would be nice to use the plans as a guide.

Mr. Hamilton stated that he would report that back to the commission and as the council is aware, the corridor plan has been started a couple of times. As it happens now, the State Highway Administration has come to the commission and asked the town engineer staff and county to aid them in looking into some landscaping improvements along Route 50. those opportunities have been used to tell them about the small areas planned and about what has been looked at along Route 50; they seem to have been eager to participate.

Mr. Ford brought Ordinance No. 426 " AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF BH DEVELOPMENT LLC FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE" to the floor. He asked the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe if he had any comments.

Mr. Kehoe stated that the findings of fact reflect the discussions that the council had four weeks ago about the matter. The only real change or addition has to do with the treatment of the open space requirement and as a result of the calculation. Mr. Alspach suggested that inclusion of non-tidal wetlands in the town’s open space calculation not be permitted. Even when that area is backed out of the particular project, the applicant still meet the requirements.

Mr. Mayer moved Ordinance No. 426 for passage, seconded by Mr. Heinmuller and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

Mayor Butler asked how many would be attending the ESAM Dinner of April 17, 2001 at the Cambridge Yacht Club.

Chief Harvey stated that he had several requests for the council. He stated that at the meeting on March 5, 2001 meeting he had brought forth an issue stating that the YMCA would like to have their "5K Run," and there have been some amendments. A big proportion of the course now would be Peachblossom Road to Oxford Road, Oxford Road and through the Easton Club. Police services are required at Oxford Road and the bypass. The police department still recommends approval for the run. The department just wanted to notify the council of the change in the route.

Mr. Mayer asked if temporary approval had been given for the run.

Chief Harvey stated that the approval was temporary, and what the department wanted to do was to lock down the route. He went on to say that the department had received a request from Christ Church regarding an exemption for two hour parking on Harrison St. starting April 23, 2001 until April 27, 2001 inclusive so that the volunteers can load and unload their wares. This is the same request that was received at this time last year and is being recommended for approval.

Mr. Heinmuller motioned for approval for the two hour parking on Harrison St. on April 23-27, 2001, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey brought forth a preliminary notice from Ms. Judy Haddaway for the 2001 Easton Old Tyme July 4^th celebration. He stated that a permit and application has been sent to Ms. Haddaway and it is expected to be returned. Ms. Haddaway has requested some roads be closed for the celebration. Once the permit and application has been received, there will be other issues that will be brought to the council’s attention.

Mr. Mayer stated that the bus situation did work last year, but the line used the most was the one from the high school. The plan is to keep that line.

Chief Harvey stated that based on an e-mail that he received, Ms. Haddaway mentioned that the bus route did run well, the traffic pattern was effective, and the Star Democrat will be running advertisements in the upcoming newspapers. It has been requested that Glebe Road be closed off at noon on July 4^th so that vendors will be allowed to set up their booths. He went on to say that EBMA has requested April 7, 2001, April 9-11, and April 14^th for a rain date for an Easter Egg Hunt. They are requesting that the parking meters be bagged in front of the Courthouse from 7:00 AM-11:00 AM on April 7^th. They also asked for police presence at the intersections of S. Harrison St. The Police Department is more than happy to be present near the Courthouse area.

Mr. Mayer motioned for approval the date(s) requested by EBMA as well as the bagging of parking meters in front of the courthouse, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

Mr. Glass stated that there was no report at the time.

Mr. Mayer asked when there will be a new update on how the cable upgrade is moving in the town.

Mr. Glass stated that he would have a full report at the next meeting.

Mr. Mayer stated that he was very happy with the new signs for the Rails-To-Trails. They certainly draw attention to the crosswalks, once the improvements are done to raise the areas. It really shows that people are pedestrians when they are in that area. He stated that the colors are great and he has seen that people actually paying attention and stopping. He thanked Mr. Glass for the improvements.

Mr. Heinmuller asked Mr. Glass if he knew when the asphalt plant would be opening.

Public Works Superintendent, Brian Hause stated that it was supposed to open on March 19^th, but because of the snow and the foul weather, it was delayed another week. He also stated that within the next couple of days, patching will have been started.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that one of the things that has become an ongoing item on the agenda with the West Side Association, has been the identification of additional lighting in and around Glenwood Avenue, Port Street, as well as others. He asked if the status was known on the additional lighting or upgrading to the newer style of orange lights.

Mr. Glass stated that a $10,000 grant had been processed for the lighting. The next step is to identify some of the older lamps and upgrade them to the newer lamps. The plan is to spend half of the money from the grant on the East End neighborhood and half on the West End neighborhood. Rather than having specific locations for the lights, whatever is needed now will be looked into.

Mr. Heinmuller asked if any of the lightpoles and lights could be reused from the ones that came off N. Washington Street near the Safeway area where the poles had been replaced.

Mr. Glass discussed this.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that Mr. Glass’s thoughts on the exact locations were appreciated.

Chief Harvey stated that the Talbot County Department of Social Services had requested relief from parking on Friday, April 20, 2001 at 111 E. Dover St. and parking spaces in front of 11 S. Harrison St. from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are requesting that both areas of the streets be blocked off due to movements being made from building to building.

Mr. Reed made a motion approve the request for parking relief made by the Talbot County Department of Social Services, seconded by Mr. Mayer and carried unanimously.

Mr. Kehoe discussed the BH Development proposal. During the discussion, he stated that non-tidal wetlands would not be included in open space, actually it is tidal wetlands would not be included in open space calculations. The Town Attorney asked the council to go into an executive session to consider a matter involving a proposal for a business organization to locate in the area.

Mr. Ford opened the floor to members of the audience for anything they would like to discuss.

Ms. Mooneyne Jackson stated that her concern was that she was hoping that the April 27^th date would be listed under important dates on the agenda. April 27, 2001 is the date of the celebration for Kelly Gibson and the naming of the street, as well as the activities that will be held at the auditorium. She stated that she was under the impression from Captain Blue that their request for a permit would be presented before the council since the parade is scheduled for April 27^th. She went on to say that she did submit the application in a timely fashion, so she knows that it is there.

Mr. Ford stated that Mr. Karge informed him that the important date list only extends to the next council meeting.

Ms. Jackson stated that with respect to the permit, if the council needed to do anything during the meeting, she was just asking for something to be done then so that no problems occur.

Mr. Ford stated that he believed that the issue would be dealt with at the next meeting.

Mr. Mayer stated he appreciated Mr. Brassington’s suggestions. The next step is to get a sign at the park named in Mr. Morrell’s honor. He went on to say to those who did not know Mr. Morrell, that those who have been in the town government for the past years, have to understand how much Mr. Morrell did and how he impacted the community for everybody. The park developed through some of his ideas and thought patterns.

Mr. Reed did not have anything to report at the time.

Mr. Heinmuller stated he thought that it was wonderful that there were so many young people in the audience at the time. He expressed how he thought that it was a great opportunity for them to see how the government works for them. In conclusion, he stated that it was great to have the young people present.

Mr. Ford described the upcoming calendar.

At 7:37 PM, Mr. Mayer made a motion to go into executive session, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

At 8:11 P.M., the regularly scheduled Council meeting reconvened.

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

At 8:12 P.M., the regularly scheduled meeting was adjourned.

Town Clerk