November 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.

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 and Town Clerk Mr. Karge.

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

Upon motion by Mr. Ford seconded by Mr. Reed and carried, minutes of the October 15, 2001 meetings were approved as written.

Mr. Robert Quathamer was present on behalf of the Easton Fire Department. Mr. Quarthamer reported on the Fire Department’s monthly activities. Mr. Ford questioned if the amount of calls is related to how dry it has been. Mr. Quathamer stated that the majority of calls are automatic alarms with a few brush fires and accidents. Mr. Ford asked if there were penalties for repeat automatic alarms. Mr. Quathamer stated that they do send out a form adopted by the county.

The President of the Council brought a request to the floor for a public hearing for Brant Court Properties application for a PUD/CM mixed use development. The President of the Council set the public hearing for December 3, 2001 at 7:15 P.M.

The Town Attorney stated that their office owns one of the parcels of land that is involved in that request. Mr. Kehoe stated that they will not be participating in that hearing on behalf of the Town of Easton.

The President of the Council brought an annexation petition to the floor for Hoffman Property submitted by Joseph Stevens for Cherrywood Development, LLC. The President of the Council referred the annexation petition to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation.

Mr. Ford discussed the recent Swann Haven 2001 Annexation and the confusion that has occurred due to his motion which was amended by Mr. Jensen that the annexation be approved and the site plan recognized in concept only. Mr. Ford stated that the reason he is bringing it up is that with any annexations in the future, this Council is likely to require information about what the intended use of that property is. He stated that if the annexation is approved, regardless of whether there is information about the site development, the annexation approval does not carry the site plan approval with the approval.

The Town Planner discussed the recent site plan approval.

Mr. Jensen asked what land the annexation petition involves. The Town Planner stated that it is roughly 52 acres near the State Police Barracks. Mr. Jensen asked if the property to be annexed is to be R-10A. The Town Planner stated that this is correct. Mr. Jensen stated that this annexation petition is probably for another subdivision. The Town Planner stated that there is a concept project and they will show the Mayor and council what their intent is.

Mr. Reed asked if the developer had developed anything in Easton before. The Town Planner stated that he was not familiar with the developer but he will look into what projects he has done.

Mr. Roger Bollman, 221 S. Hanson Street was present and questioned if a moratorium on all the annexation requests is appropriate at this time. He stated that he thinks the Council should be pro active.

The President of the Council introduced Resolution No. 5751, "A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN LANDS OWNED BY SHERRI TALBOT, YVONNE D. HOFFMAN, AND THE YVONNE D. HOFFMAN CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST LOCATED ON THE EAST OF U.S. ROUTE 50, SOUTH OF THE SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS SOUTH BEECHWOOD AND CONSISTING OF 52.291 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ANNEXATION." The annexation request was referred to the Planning Commission for a recommendation.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5752, authorizing the execution of a lease with Pitney Bowes for a postage machine to the floor. He asked for any questions.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5752, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

The President of the Council brought a request from Mayor Butler to the floor to approve the concession stand funding at A. James Clark Park.

Mayor Butler stated that this is self-explanatory. Mayor Butler stated that they are trying to get this project moving ahead for next spring’s ball season.

The President of the Council asked if once the building is erected, does the building become the town’s responsibility to maintain. Mayor Butler stated that it will unless an arrangement can be agreed upon with the various athletic teams to help.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked what the status was for the vending contract. Mayor Butler stated that it is still being negotiated. He stated that if the contract is agreed upon, the Town would not have to fund any of this note.

The Town Attorney stated that at one of the recent Easton Little League Board meetings, the representative of the Mid Shore Bottling Company was present. The Town Attorney stated that the Mid Shore Bottling Company and the Board of Directors of Easton Little League will be meeting with Mayor Butler to see if something can be worked out.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if it is premature to vote on the concession stand not knowing what the circumstances are and if the Town will have to pay.

The Town Attorney stated that he does not think on the Board of Little League’s perspective, it would make all that much difference as long as the project is moving ahead. Mr. Kehoe stated that it would be the expenditure of public money and the Council has to decide if that is the right thing to do. He stated that the Council may want to see if they can shift some of those costs over to Coca-Cola in a way that is comfortable.

Mr. Ford stated that it is his understanding that the Mayor is talking about a $100,000 expenditure for a restroom facility and concession stand in which the Friends of North Easton Park are willing to pay $60,000 and the Town pay $40,000 that may be covered by the pending contract with Coca-Cola or another donation. The Town Attorney stated that this is his understanding.

Mayor Butler stated that Friends of the North Easton Park have agreed to fund $100,000 for the building with the agreement that they will receive $40,000 over a three-year period.

Mr. Jensen clarified that this could come from a sponsor or some other means. Mr. Jensen stated that in the worst case scenario, could enough money be made off the concessions to pay the $40,000. The Town Attorney stated that the net income from the concession stand generally goes to whatever organization is sponsoring the athletic event drawing the people there.

Mayor Butler stated that he would like to get it started as soon as possible. Mayor Butler asked for the Council’s approval to get started with the concession stand.

The Town Attorney stated that one way to do it is to commit to pay the $40,000 back to Friends of North Easton Park in a way that other fund raising activities do not capture that money over the next few years.

Mr. Jensen made a motion for the Mayor and Town Attorney draft formal documents agreeing to pay Friends of North Easton Park the $40,000. Upon advice from the Town Attorney, Mr. Jensen amended his motion to move that the Mayor be authorized to respond to the Friends of the North Easton Sports Complex that his proposal is accepted by the Council and that formal documentation will be submitted in due course. Mr. Jensen’s motion was seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

At 7:15 P.M., the President of the Council opened the public hearing on the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant award.

The Town Clerk briefed the Council regarding the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. He stated that the Grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice through their Bureau of Justice Assistance. Mr. Karge stated that the Town of Easton is eligible for an award in the amount of $13,714, which will require a match of $1,524.00. He stated that the funding from the match will not come from the normal police department budget but from money that has been forfeited and seized by violators of the law. Mr. Karge stated that the proposed uses are restricted under the program. Mr. Karge outlined the Chief’s proposed use of the funds.

The President of the Council asked for questions from the Council.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if this was additional money we have applied for. Mr. Karge stated that the Town of Easton had applied for the grant and had been awarded the grant.

Mr. Jensen asked the Chief to describe the crime prevention material. Chief Harvey discussed the various materials the department plans to purchase and the capabilities. Mr. Jensen asked why a laptop computer is $7,000. Chief Harvey stated that it is a very strong, capable machine that is able to do specific software applications as well as link into statewide systems. Chief Harvey discussed the wiring harness that comes equipped with the new police cruisers that were recently purchased.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there is a requirement for a match of $1,524. She asked where it would come from. Chief Harvey stated that it would come from forfeitures.

The President of the Council asked for audience comments. There were none.

There being no further questions, the President of the Council closed the public hearing at 7:25 P.M.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from Ms. Alice W. Anderson, Register of Wills for Talbot County, requesting two reserved parking spaces on the north/east side of West Street in the vicinity of the State’s Attorney’s Office. The President of the Council asked the Town Engineer if he was familiar with the area. The Town Engineer stated specifically, he was not familiar with the area but there are reserved parking spaces on Federal and West Street already. The Town Engineer stated that there is already a shortage of parking in the downtown area. He stated that there are several places in the area to park, the West Street parking lot and Dover Street. Mr. Glass recommended holding off on reserving parking spaces at this time due to the parking situation.

The President of the Council instructed the Town Engineer to see Ms. Anderson and find out specifically where the requested reserved spaces would be.

Mr. H. Hoyt Heinmuller addressed the Council regarding reserved parking spaces. He asked that the two spaces reserved on Washington Street be used for retail and not for court services. He asked that if Ms. Anderson’s request was considered, that the parking spaces be reserved on West Street and not Washington Street.

Chief Harvey discussed the moving of reserved spaces and the request by Judge Horne. Chief Harvey stated that they were supposed to be returned to public use after the renovation.

The President of the Council brought a letter from Mr. Henry V. Trippe, Jr., Chairman, Building Committee, Talbot Post #70, requesting a zoning waiver at the corner of East Street and Brookletts Avenue.

The Town Planner stated that he has read the letter and has spoken with Mr. Trippe. He stated that they discovered that the Select Industrial District on Brookletts Avenue does not permit private meeting hall, or private club use. However, Mr. Hamilton stated, that a closer look at the ordinance shows that the redevelopment boundary line of the Town includes that area. He stated that they do not have the ability to waive zoning rules and regulations, which would be amendments to the zoning or maps. Mr. Hamilton stated it would be more appropriate to use that redevelopment district.

Mr. Jensen asked for clarification on the location. The Town Attorney discussed the site.

The Town Planner discussed the options.

Mr. Ford stated that since it is in the redevelopment zone, they would simply apply through the Planning and Zoning office to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.

The Town Planner stated that he would review the redevelopment requirements and report back to the Town Council. The President of the Council directed the Town Planner to also contact Mr. Trippe with his findings.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she had a chance to briefly speak with the Chief about this matter but she wanted to bring to the community and to the Council part of the discussion she had with the Emergency Planning group in the county. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that two of the questions raised had to do with having a representative from the police department to serve on that particular board to make sure all enforcement agencies are represented. She stated that the other has to do with coming together with the law enforcement bodies in the entire county and the state as it relates to the county to deal with hazardous material. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the question was how the bodies would work together and how they would communicate. She asked Chief Harvey to briefly address this and have a representative come to the next meeting to field questions.

Chief Harvey stated that no one in the department had been invited to the Emergency meetings and therefore had not attended these meetings. He asked that the committee send a letter of invite for upcoming meetings. Chief Harvey discussed the ability between agencies to communicate and available options. He stated that our current radio system has a 50-mile capability outside of the jurisdiction.

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor from the Town Clerk regarding sworn officer pension options. The President of the Council asked for any questions. There were none.

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor from the Town Clerk regarding the off-street parking tax. The President of the Council asked for any questions.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked what advantage there is to the town to not assess this. She asked why this exception would be made particularly when funds are needed.

Mr. Ford stated that from the downtown merchant’s point of view, the parking tax is somewhat of an erroneous facet to either establishing or expanding businesses downtown. He stated that the amount of funds from the downtown merchants is less than $22,000 annually which in the overall scheme of the town’s budget, is not a huge amount of money unless you are trying to establish or increase your business. Mr. Ford stated that the funds generated, less than $22,000 annually, are not able to improve or expand parking capabilities, which was the original intent.

Mr. Jensen asked the Town Clerk to explain the sharp increase in the parking tax bill.

The Town Clerk stated that the State of Maryland went to a truth in assessment law, which went into effect in October. He stated that if you have a building assessed at $100,000 for purposes of the parking tax, and you fall under the 1-percentage assessable limitation, under the old rule, the tax you would have paid would have been $400. The Town Clerk stated that merely due to how the state does their assessment now, which is at full market value, the same tax on the same property for the same business would now jump 2 ½ times to $1,000. Mr. Karge stated that he did not believe that the intent of the Town Council was to have that kind of an increase passed on merely due to a method change which has been implemented at the state level.

Mr. Jensen questioned who is paying the tax, the building owners or the business owners. The Town Clerk stated the building owners are responsible unless the lease is structured to pass the parking tax back directly onto the tenant. Mr. Jensen asked how many people are affected. The Town Clerk stated that it is four at this moment.

Discussion followed on parking tax revenue.

Mr. Ford stated that it is probably not prudent to start to eliminate sources of revenue. He stated that he wondered if the council could agree to keep the parking tax as figured in the budget for a revenue source based on the old mathematical formula and take a hard look at the parking tax issue for next year’s budget.

The President of the Council clarified that Mr. Ford’s suggestion is actually Option 3 in relation to the Town Clerk’s memo. The President of the Council stated that Mr. Ford’s motion is to change the language to generate the same amount of taxes as before.

Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded Mr. Ford’s motion, which was carried unanimously.

The President of the Council asked the Council for discussion on the Economic Development Coordinator position.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she asked that this be put back on the agenda because she was concerned about two things. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that her question was not whether or not the Town Council had any role but she would like the presenter, Mr. Heinmuller, to identify the role specifically. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it is really clear that the Town Council and the Mayor will have some very definitive role in this economic revitalization piece which includes a very definitive relationship with the developer or the person ultimately chosen to be responsible. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it was very unclear at the end of the meeting where we stood with that. She stated that the other thing that was of concern and has been raised with her outside of this forum, has to do with the relationship of the board whenever it is formed, or commission, whatever it is going to be called, has to the person who is ultimately responsible for managing this economic development plan. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it was never the intention, as she understands it, and through the discussions she was a part of, that the manager reported directly to the board, but that the board would be a resource that could be utilized as the responsible party saw fit. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she thought it should be clear because it appears that the proposed board has a different role than as anticipated. She stated, that additionally, she thinks that it is not clear and it should be clear, that the hiring process is not going to be that of this Task Force. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the Mayor and Council would look at the applicants as deemed appropriate and have some say as to which ones continue to the final round and ultimately become a part of the economic development project. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she wanted those things to be clarified and the Task Force be real clear about what their mandate was and the public be clear about what it because it was a little muddled in the understanding of the community at large as several have indicated that they have a difference of opinion.

Mr. Ford stated that there were members of the Task Force present tonight and asked the President of the Council if they could direct questions to the Task Force.

The President of the Council asked Mr. Heinmuller if the Task Force would like to field questions.

Mr. Heinmuller was present on behalf of the Economic Task Force and stated he was Chairman and had members Ms. Barb Barrowcliff and Mr. Steve Mangassarin present.

Mr. Ford stated that one of the goals of the overall structure in the presentation was that at some point in the future, two or three years down the road, that 45% funding would be coming from the Town and private businesses would support the remainder. Mr. Heinmuller stated that this is accurate. Mr. Heinmuller stated that according to the Main Street Program, 45% is the maximum input government should contribute.

Mr. Ford asked if the coordinator would ultimately be serving two masters, not just philosophically but financially. Mr. Heinmuller stated that this would be true. He stated that the organizational structure indicated that for this time frame, the Mayor would have this individual as a full-time town employee.

Mr. Jensen stated that one of the reasons everyone is interested in this Economic Development person is precisely so it won’t get fractured; the idea being that the Town government maintains control and the Mayor then the people won’t fight over who is driving the ship.

Mr. Steve Mangassarin discussed the idea of private funding. He stated that part of their job requirement would be to go out and look for grant money. Mr. Mangassarin stated that the person would not choose between the town and the business people, as the person would be a town employee.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if there was an expectation who this person would report to the board that has been identified that would serve in advisory capacity that would be made up of business people and others who would have the ability to give vision and support in a direction that a economic development manager would take. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the executive board should have an opportunity to interface with and deal on day to day issues with the individual that is hired but the direct line will go to the Mayor. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the board assists this manager in implementing the direction the executive director would get.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the expectation is not to have a direct control because it becomes important if the board sees itself as requiring this manager to report to it. She stated that it is another thing if you are working in tandem in some cooperative spirit, which would be expected. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there is a tremendous difference in whether or not you believe that it would be your responsibility to direct this person. She stated that this is where she has concerns because it was not envisioned.

Mr. Ford asked if there had been feedback from Ms. Cindy Stone and Main Street since drafting the job description. Mr. Heinmuller stated that her response was neutral, neither positive nor negative.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if the processing of advertisement had started. Mr. Heinmuller stated that to the best of his knowledge, the ad has not gone out but it has been posted on the company bulletin board. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked what the process would be. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the resumes would be forwarded to the Town of Easton’s Human Resource Department. He stated that the board will review those resumes. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked what part of the interview process the Council will have. Mr. Heinmuller stated that the Council will have an opportunity to interview the final candidates and make a decision. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she would like to see some of the candidates and would like to see how they are being measured. She stated that she would like to be a part of the process. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she felt they have a responsibility. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he has asked the committee to try to focus on the most important issues to ask the candidates. He stated that he would appreciate any input in the form of questions from any of the Council members.

Mr. Mangassarin stated that their intent is simply to look at resumes, do preliminary interviews, and send recommendations to the Mayor by January 2.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she would like to see the resumes before the committee does the paring down. She stated that she feels it is an important investment.

Mr. Jensen asked where we go next to get this thing off the ground.

Mr. Heinmuller stated that it should be placed in various papers and bulletin boards. He discussed criteria for the position.

Mr. Jensen discussed having documents drafted for review while the advertisements are being distributed. Mr. Jensen asked for a time frame. Mr. Heinmuller stated it should be accomplished by the first of the year. Mr. Heinmuller stated that he was unaware of the necessity for legislation.

Mayor Butler stated that he had received a letter from the Lions Club requesting the use of town property to conduct their annual Christmas tree sale December 1 through December 24 near the VFW.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the Christmas tree sale on town property, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Mayor Butler thanked everyone for coming to the Easton High School’s Homecoming Parade last Friday.

Chief Harvey stated that the Department had a request for the Dicken’s 5K Run for December 1, 2001 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Chief Harvey described the route and stated that they expect 150 to 200 participants. Chief Harvey stated that they support the request.

Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve the request seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey had a request for approval for the Ole Tyme Holiday Parade and tree lighting on Friday, December 1, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. He stated that they are expecting in excess of 300 people and will require traffic control.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the parade on December 1 at 6:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that David Wheeler Auto Park will be partnering with WCEI Radio on November 17 for promotion geared to stimulate 21 local businesses in the area by conducting a road rally beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Chief Harvey stated that he has been asked to be an official timer.

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

Chief Harvey stated that the Easton Kiwanis Club has requested reserved spaces for their concession station during the Waterfowl Festival. He stated that they are asking for reserved spaces on Thursday afternoon before 5:00 p.m. to secure their duck blind.

Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve the Kiwanis Club’s request to allow the Police Department to secure the parking lot November 8 through November 11 for their concession stand, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey stated that he had a request from the Easton Lion’s Club for seven parking spaces on Washington Street and three parking spaces on Public Parking Lot 3 during the Waterfowl Festival on Washington Street between Thompson Park and Crackerjacks. He stated that they had worked with the Easton Lion’s Club last year and it worked very well.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the Lion’s Club request, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Chief Harvey reported that they had lost a recruit in training recently. He stated that the K-9 had not been aggressive enough so he has been sent back to his family and has been replaced by Nitro.

The Town Engineer reminded everyone that the Town of Easton offices will be closed Monday in observance of Veteran’s Day. He reviewed the revised trash collection schedule.

The Town Engineer thanked the participants for attending the Rails-to-Trails Northern Extension dedication on Saturday, October 27. He stated that it went very well.

The Town Engineer reported that he attended the State Highway Administration’s meeting last Wednesday at the Talbot County Library. He stated that he had received information regarding the State Highway’s funding over the next several years including what the state intends to work on in the next couple of years. Mr. Glass stated that the budget also included funds that are approved for budget year 2003 for the Dover Street reconstruction project.

The Town Engineer stated that the Public Works Department is concentrating on last minute touches before this weekend. He stated that there will be employees on call for things that happen to come up.

The President of the Council asked for clarification on the Dover Street funding. The Town Engineer stated that the funds have been appropriated and State Highway has gone through the preliminary design stages and public meetings.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she had asked the Town Engineer to look into changing the speed at Lynnbrooke Court from 25 M.P.H. to 10 or 15 m.p.h. She asked for clarification on the rational to keep the speed at 25 m.p.h. The Town Engineer stated that 25 M.P.H. is the minimum speed limit that is posted for residential neighborhoods all over town. He stated that he will dig a little deeper in guidelines and get back to Ms. Jackson-Amis.

Mr. Jensen asked if there was a rule that one has to have garbage cans rather than piling garbage in the alley. The Town Engineer stated that the ordinance designates that garbage be in an appropriate container. Mr. Jensen asked that the area in the vicinity of the alley behind his home be looked at.

Mr. Ford stated that he had been given a draft resolution and letter by Ms. Libby Dawkins and Ms. Peg Sinclair. He asked the Town Engineer to review the documents. The Town Engineer stated that his intention was to work with Brian Hause, Town of Easton Superintendent of Public Works to act as a filter with this organization to the Council.

The Town Attorney stated that the Town Planner recently brought an item to his attention. Mr. Kehoe stated that on November 13 at 5:00 p.m., the Talbot County Council is holding an open meeting or workshop about the possibility of extending the Rails-to-Trails across Route 50 up to the town of Queen Ann on the Tuckahoe River. Mr. Kehoe stated that it might be useful for someone from the Council or by letter to the County Council to describe our experience with our Rails-to-Trails system and the success of it in Easton.

The Town Engineer discussed a recent meeting with the State Highway Administration regarding plans for Route 309. He stated that right now, there really are no plans. Mr. Glass stated that he plans to find out what their long-term plans are.

The Town Attorney asked for an Executive Session for the Advice of Legal Counsel at the close of the meeting.

Mr. Jensen congratulated Ms. Debbie Dodson from Talbot County who recently won Best Marketing Outside of the Borders of Maryland.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that on November 15, the Town Engineer and the Town Planner will be coming to Ward 4 with Visioning Planning. She stated that it will be the first effort to bring the visioning team to the wards and have the community participate in what the vision should be and put some input into the planning process. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that this meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Talbot County Library on November 15. She encouraged the residents and stakeholders of Ward 4 to come out and give their input.

Mr. Ford announced that the Boards and Commissions Volunteer party will be held Tuesday, December 4 at the Avalon Theatre.

At 8:35 p.m., Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to convene into Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

At 9:13 p.m., the President of the Council re-convened the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

The President of the Council brought the memo from the Town Clerk regarding the sworn police officers pension plan to the floor. The President of the Council asked if there was a consensus to make the proposed changes, which would be 25 years and out or the formula of 80 as in the past. The Town Clerk stated that they are not only looking at the sworn officer’s pension but the entire Town of Easton employee population but in case anyone is asked, it is medical only where the sworn officers is time only. The Town Clerk discussed the administrative costs.

The President of the Council asked the Council to consider the related costs when several of the 21-year-old police officers retire in 26 years.

The Town Clerk briefed the Council on the current retirement benefits.

The President of the Council asked the Council to give it some thought and address any questions to the Town Clerk before the next meeting. Mr. Willey asked for action on this matter at the following meeting.

Mr. Ford asked that some of the police departments in the area be canvassed to see what their pension plans are and how they do it.

Mr. Karge stated that an actuary confirmed that a 1.7% increase on a pre-tax basis would be sufficient to fund the change given the size of the department now.

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

At 9:15 P.M., the President of the Council adjourned the meeting.

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Town Clerk