September 17, 2001

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today at 7:00 P.M.

The following Council members were present: Mr. Ford, Mr. Jensen, Mr. Reed, Ms. Jackson-Amis and President of the Council Mr. Willey. Also attending the meeting were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Chief of Police George Harvey, Town Engineer Mr. Tim Glass, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Joe Gruber, Town Attorney Christopher Kehoe, Town Clerk Mr. Karge, and Administrative Support Supervisor Richard Warfield.

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

Mayor Butler asked those present to remain standing while Ms. Jackson-Amis led those present in singing of God Bless America.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 4, 2001 meetings, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey introduced Officer Greg Hall, a certified police officer in the State of Maryland whom recently joined Easton Police Department.

Ms. Joan Crowley, President of the Board, Waterfowl Festival was present to address the Council regarding the Economic Impact Study. Ms. Crowley stated that she was present this evening with Ms. Judy Price, Executive Director to present a brief summary of their Economic Impact Study that was conducted during the November 2000 Festival. She stated that the study was conducted by the University of Baltimore’s Jacob France Center and documents the significant effect of the Waterfowl Festival on economic and tourism activities in the Town of Easton as well as Talbot County and the State of Maryland. Ms. Crowley stated that specifically, the study shows that the economic impact on Talbot County, especially the Easton area, was approximately five million dollars. She stated that this represents expenditures by non county residents bringing new spending into the county and stimulating related economic activity such as purchases from suppliers, increased household income, etc. She stated that the researchers also conducted two other surveys; a visitor survey with results showing that visitors had an income of more than $75,000 or more and a survey that showed that 50% of the visitors returned to Easton at least one more time each year. The survey also interviewed 44 businesses, mostly in downtown Easton and the results showed that every business interviewed benefited from the Festival and nearly 1/3 met their annual sales during the Festival. Ms. Crowley stated that they look forward to many more quality shows and bringing more visitors to Easton.

Ms. Crowley stated that they are not only here tonight to talk about the economic impact the Festival has on the town but also to request support for the Festival.

Ms. Judy Price asked for financial assistance in the area of traffic control services, which are furnished by the Easton Police Department with assistance by the Department of Natural Resources. She stated that this portion has increased from recent years of $950 in 1998 to $1,440 in 1999 and to $1,600 in 2000 when addressing additional safety concerns. She asked the Town to help with security issues to help lessen their financial burden. Ms. Price outlined the Festival’s costs and income. Ms. Price asked that the Town consider making a modest grant to help the Festival underwrite the traffic control measures. Ms. Price asked the Council to find a creative way to accommodate the request without adversely effecting the Police Department’s budget. She thanked the Council for the opportunity to appear before them and asked for any questions.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if the Festival imposed vendor fees and questioned the economic impact to the town. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if the benefit is for the businesses or if the revenue comes to the town. Ms. Price stated that the economic impact is felt throughout the economy, the businesses as well as individuals. Ms. Price discussed vendor fees and fundraising efforts. Ms. Price stated that all exhibitors basically contribute to the Festival with the exception of food vendors.

Mr. Reed questioned if the County contributes to the security around the schools. Ms. Price stated that the public schools provide janitors and other personnel to be present throughout the hours the facilities are being utilized, however, the Festival does have a concurrent request with the County asking for support there as well.

Mr. Ford commented that the request was actually a small portion of their budget but Ms. Price stated that they like to think that every little bit helps.

Chief Harvey discussed the Special Event portion of the Police Department’s budget. The Chief asked if he could look at the associated costs and possibly propose a solution within two weeks. The President of the Council stated that this is acceptable.

Mr. Jensen asked Ms. Price if she knew how many Eastonians actually go to the Festival. Ms. Price stated that she did not have that figure but she would try to get the information.

The President of the Council brought a request from Ms. Rita Petitt to change Tull Alley to Blake Street.

Ms. Rita Petitt stated that Tull Alley runs from West Street to Blake Street and is about 190 feet long. She stated that Blake Street runs from Pleasant Alley to Tull Alley. Ms. Petitt stated that there are 12 existing houses on Blake Street, 10 of which she owns and 2 Habitat houses.

Mr. Larry Neviaser, was present on behalf of Habitat for Humanity of Talbot County. Mr. Neviaser stated that Habitat would like to improve that community. Mr. Neviaser explained some improvements they would like to see accomplished. Mr. Neviaser urged the Council to help to improve that community.

Mr. Jensen asked how many houses front on Tull Alley. Ms. Petitt stated that there are two and an additional building lot. She stated that the addresses for these homes are Blake Street. The Town Engineer confirmed that this area is earmarked in the budget for improvements.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she spoke with the Armstrongs and the Sheppards and they are interested in having the name consistent. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked Mr. Neviaser about the grant money available for improvements to infrastructure. Mr. Neviaser stated that the money they have as grant money is restricted to the use of their properties to provide sidewalks and street lighting adjacent to the homes that are being built.

The Town Engineer stated that this has been a paper street for a number of years and some concerns about travel patterns that could exist there. Mr. Glass stated that there are other things that occur when changing a street name such as property and record information, utility information, maps, state producing maps, etc.

Mr. Jensen asked how long the process would take. The Town Engineer stated that it is a ripple effect, laboring but not insurmountable.

Ms. Jackson stated that she realizes this process could be a nuisance but not insurmountable. Mr. Glass discussed historical tracking.

Mr. Ford asked how Tull Alley got its name. Ms. Petitt stated that she did not know the history but she reviewed what she knew regarding Blake Street.

Ms. Jackson-Amis moved changing the name of Tull Alley to Blake Street seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5746 to the floor authorizing the Town of Easton to designate a Resident Agent to the floor.

The Town Attorney stated that the State of Maryland has passed a law requiring just as a private business or corporation has to have a resident agent for service or delivery of legal documents, the Town of Easton does too. He stated that usually, those documents come to himself or the Town Clerk, Robert Karge. This document designates the Town Clerk, the recipient to receive such documents.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5746, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5747 to the floor authorizing the Town Clerk to abate taxes in the amount of $610.43 for a vacant lot owned by Talbot Hospice.

The President of the Council asked if there were any questions. There were none.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5747, seconded by Mrs. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from the Maryland Native Plant Society to relieve parking restrictions during their Tenth Annual Fall Conference on September 29, 2001.

Chief Harvey stated that he did not remember seeing this request. The President of the Council discussed the parking waiver request for Talbot County Historical Society.

The President of the Council asked for any questions.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if the parking would take place on the street or near the Easton Police Department. Chief Harvey stated that it was his assumption that they would use the parking area next to the Historical Society with some handicapped in front of the building.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the request, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought invoices to the floor for approval totaling $403,943.24. Mr. Reed made a motion to approve the invoices for payment, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council stated that Mr. Jensen and Mr. Ford would take charge of the volunteer party this year.

The President of the Council stated that at the next meeting, the Council will vote on the Findings of Fact for Cooke’s Hope.

Mr. Lyle Fuller, Easton Volunteer Fire Department, addressed the Council with a request for prayers for the victims of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11. Mr. Fuller stated that there will be a candlelight vigil at the Easton Firehouse tonight at 9:00 p.m.

Mayor Butler asked for prayers for the victims in Washington and New York.

Chief Harvey stated that he had a request from Willow Construction to begin renovation of the office of Register of Wills of the Talbot County Courthouse the week of the September 17 which will last approximately 60 days. Chief Harvey stated that they are asking for five parking spaces on Federal Street to place a dumpster during renovations.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Willow Construction’s request for five parking spaces to place a dumpster on Federal Street during renovations, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that the department had a request from Mrs. Linda Heinmuller for September 22, 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. with a rain date of September 23 to use the alleyway behind their homes for 30 members to have a block party to meet new neighbors from Harrison Street and Hanson Street.

Mr. Ford moved approval of Mrs. Heinmuller’s request, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey discussed law enforcement public services and asked the public to keep the police department informed no matter how small the incident in order to keep the community safe.

Mr. Jensen asked if there had been any instances involving hate crimes in Easton. The Chief reported that there have been none. He discussed Outreach’s efforts to visit the 7-Eleven stores in Easton.

The Town Engineer thanked Chief Harvey for their assistance at Easton Utilities during the recent crisis.

The Town Engineer updated on the progress of the Rails-to-Trails project. Mr. Glass discussed the curb and gutter installation on Chapel Road as well as the planned crosswalk. The Town Engineer stated that he had received positive comments on the garbage in the downtown area. He stated that it looked as if things are turning around a little.

The Town Engineer stated that the Public Works department has been out recently spraying for mosquitoes but if it goes below 60° or have winds above 10 mph, they will have to cease. He stated that they hope to continue spraying through the end of October.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked the Town Engineer to get with Ms. Petitt and Mr. Neviaser regarding paving in the Blake Street area.

Mr. Jensen asked the Town Engineer to look at the crosswalk at Goldsborough Street at the Rails-to-Trails as it has taken a beating.

Mr. Jensen discussed left turns at Hawkes Hill Road and Route 50. Mr. Glass stated that he will forward the request to the State Highway Administration for a Do Not Block Intersection sign.

Mr. Jensen thanked Mr. Kehoe and Ms. VanEmburgh for the excellent memorandum regarding noise ordinances. Mr. Jensen requested a draft for a noise ordinance that could be considered. He asked that it read either prohibit noise 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., either noise pollution or unreasonably raucous noise audible at 50’. He discussed penalties and variances.

The President of the Council directed the Town Attorney to draft legislation for discussion.

Mr. Jensen stated that it has been a real tough week for everybody. He stated that his thoughts go out to everyone directly affected by this tragedy. He asked everyone to pull together to ride this thing out as everyone needs each other now.

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the Human Relations Workshop on September 26 at 6:00 p.m. The President of the Council stated that it is open to the public but public comments will not be entertained unless time permits.

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed Mr. Heinmuller’s request for legislation regarding tree trimming. She stated that she had spoken with the Town Engineer regarding the laws in place but asked that the Public Works Department be reminded to use due care when they are exercising their responsibilities.

The Town Attorney suggested sending Mr. Heinmuller the Ordinances relating to his concerns.

Mr. Dan Brasington, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Board asked the Council’s approval that he become the Town’s representative on the Talbot County Park and Recreation Board. He stated that they felt they needed better communications between the County and the Town to better utilize the fields, parks, and play areas. He stated that there have been some problems with scheduling and they feel if there is better communication between the County, this could be resolved.

Mr. Jensen moved appointing Mr. Brasington as the Talbot County representative. There was no second.

Mr. Ford asked if the position was not currently filled. Mr. Brasington stated that it is filled. He stated that Mr. Gelson Brooks is the representative for the Town.

Mayor Butler stated that this appointment should be recommended by the Mayor’s office.

The President of the Council stated that Mr. Brooks would have to be notified if a change is considered.

The President of the Council asked if there was anyone else to come before the Council.

There being no further business, Mr. Reed made a motion to adjourn the regularly scheduled Council meeting, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

At 8:06 P.M., the President of the Council declared the regular Council meeting closed.

Richard T. Warfield, Jr. for Town Clerk