December 3, 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, Assistant Town Attorney Ms. Sharon Van Emburgh and Town Clerk Mr. Karge.

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

Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Reed and carried, minutes of the November 19, 2001 meeting were unanimously approved as written.

Mr. Barry Slaughter of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was present to report on the Fire Department’s monthly activities. Mr. Slaughter wished everyone a happy holiday.

Mr. Robert Klimczak was present to discuss Goldsborough Street concerns. Mr. Klimczak read from prepared text. He stated that he is speaking on behalf of the Goldsborough Street Association, a community group of over 20 residents who formed to better address their concerns for the safety and historic character of their neighborhood. Mr. Klimczak stated that the two concerns he would like to address today are the enforcement of the posted speed limit and the safety of the Rails-to-Trails crossing. He stated that the issue of speeding has been brought to the attention of the Town Council in the past and the actions taken by the Council have not had any visible impact. He stated that increased enforcement will deter drivers from speeding in this residential neighborhood. Mr. Klimczak stated that the increased usage of the Rails-to-Trails has created a potentially dangerous situation. He asked for stop signs on Goldsborough Street at the Rails-to-Trails crosswalk, which he believes, would stop traffic creating a pedestrian right-of-way. Mr. Klimczak stated that in closing they would like to know when they will see more police officers enforcing the speed limit and ask that the town seriously look into erecting stop signs on Goldsborough Street at the Rails-to-Trails crosswalk which would serve to stop traffic and create a pedestrian right-of-way. Mr. Klimczak stated that this would thereby increase the safety of park users while simultaneously slowing traffic on Goldsborough Street.

Ms. Lauren Kline, 407 Goldsborough Street, stated that she came before the Town Council one year ago to discuss this same issue. She stated that a study had been done of radar enforcement and it was the Chief’s comment that people do not speed on Goldsborough Street. Ms. Kline stated that people do speed day and night and she would appreciate a look at erecting a sign at the Rails-to-Trails to help slow the traffic on Goldsborough Street. Ms. Kline stated that two years ago she had put her house on the market and had not been able to sell it because of the busy, noisy street. Ms. Kline stated that she had rented her two-story house because she was unable to sell.

Mr. Scott Jensen stated that he was able to attend the Goldsborough Street Association meetings as he lives on Goldsborough Street. Mr. Jensen stated that he agrees with everything that has been said this evening. He stated that the Rails-to-Trails is wonderful but needs to be safer. He asked that a stop sign be considered.

The Town Engineer stated that the crosswalk has its own law associated with it and he does not recall if a stop sign was ever considered at that location. Mr. Glass stated that he will look into the concerns. He stated that other engineering aspects need to be looked at before erecting stop signs.

Mr. Ford asked if the Council could be updated on the east/west corridor study from the traffic consultant. The Town Engineer stated that he was expecting that report last week. Mr. Glass stated that he will review the study and report to the Council in the near future. Mr. Ford asked if the traffic engineering firm’s fieldwork included looking at Goldsborough Street. The Town Engineer stated that it did. Mr. Ford asked if the fieldwork included rate of speed and amount of traffic. The Town Engineer stated that it includes volume, number of vehicles and tracking vehicles from one side of town to another to determine point of destination.

Mr. Jensen continued discussion on the traffic, the Rails-to-Trails safety issue and the speeding problem on Goldsborough Street.

Chief Harvey stated that he would forward enforcement numbers for that area.

Mr. Dan Brasington, Chairman of the Park Board asked Chief Harvey to clarify the ordinance as it pertains to the Town of Easton for the crosswalks. Chief Harvey stated it is state law and for it to be in effect, the pedestrian has to step into the crosswalk off the sidewalk. He stated that the crosswalks need to be looked at to make the Rails-to-Trails more user friendly.

Chief Harvey discussed problems and solutions such as a collapsible sign.

Ms. Nancy Chandonnet, 117 Goldsborough Street, stated that her and her husband live at the other end of the Rails-to-Trails and they have a lot of speeding at their end of the street. She acknowledged the Goldsborough Street group that was present this evening. Ms. Chandonnet asked what the typical speed is in town and if you should be reducing speed as you get further in town. She discussed other towns with a reputation of enforcing speed limits.

Chief Harvey asked what time on weekend nights traffic and speeds are the worst. Ms. Chandonnet stated usually on Friday and Saturday night around 10:00 p.m. Chief Harvey stated that they are aware of what is going on and they will look into the matter.

The Town Engineer stated that he thinks that the collapsible ballards are a good idea. He stated that he would get them installed if the Council is inclined to approve them.

Ms. Libby Dawkins, 11 N. Thorogood Lane discussed traffic and pedestrians in the Town of Easton. She stated that the motorists that come across the crosswalk on Dover Street by the post office have no respect. Ms. Dawkins stated that another problem in the town for walkers is the traffic lights. She stated that they are a bit confusing. Ms. Dawkins suggested the Council members walk the town to see some of the things that need to be done. Ms. Dawkins suggested more crosswalks and a 20-mph speed limit zone.

The President of the Council asked the Town Engineer if he would get a couple of the collapsible signs and asked the Chief to report on the traffic at the next meeting.

Mr. Joe Davis, 313 Prospect Avenue, was present to discuss light pollution. Mr. Davis stated that he is an amateur astronomer and recently purchased a telescope. Mr. Davis stated that he was trying to watch the meteor storm on November 18 and the 1/3 of the sky was eaten up with light pollution. He stated that this is becoming an increasingly important topic which has to do with street lights directing the light with a hood or buying a type of light that directs the light down onto what you are trying to illuminate rather than having a lot of light going up into the air which is a waste of electricity. Mr. Davis stated that it is estimated that 2/3 of the people on earth cannot see the Milky Way anymore because of all the light up in the sky which makes it difficult to see the stars and the beauty of the sky. He stated that he wanted to introduce the subject and asked for consideration.

Mr. Jensen thanked Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis suggested looking at the website darkskye.com.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 436, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING CHAPTER 18 OF THE CODE OF EASTON TO ADD SECTION 18-14 TO ADOPT STANDARDS FOR NOISE POLLUTION" into the public record. The President of the Council scheduled the Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 436 for January 22 at 7:15 P.M.

The President of the Council reminded those present that the regularly scheduled Council meeting on January 21 will be held Tuesday, January 22 due to the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5754 to the floor, which authorizes the Town Clerk to make budget transfers to replace carpet at the Easton Police Department.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5754, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Mayor Butler thanked the Council for helping to judge the Christmas parade. Mr. Butler stated that it was a very nice parade. He thanked the organizers and participants.

Chief Harvey stated that they have approved a request for reserved parking for December 8 behind the Avalon Theater to accommodate a bus of performers coming to the Avalon.

Chief Harvey stated that First Night Talbot will be having the same type of event as last year for New Year's eve.

Chief Harvey stated that the Department had looked at the speeding traffic concerns of Ms. Jackson-Amis for Lynnbrook Court. He stated that he has the numbers of the average speed.

Chief Harvey stated that he would like to speak to the residents of Goldsborough Street while they are present this evening. He stated that speeding and stop signs are major concerns and the Department will go back and visit that. Chief Harvey stated that he would like to make them aware of some of the things that have been happening in the neighborhood. He stated that they have done five search warrants on Goldsborough Street in the last three weeks where they have taken three guns and cleared up four armed robberies from people living on Goldsborough Street. He asked the Goldsborough Street Association to look to the absentee landlords that rent these properties out.

A resident asked for the owners of these properties. Chief Harvey stated that it is public record.

Another resident suggested a neighborhood watch to call in suspicious activity. Chief Harvey stated that it would be extremely helpful to the department.

Discussion followed on how to get the owners of specific addresses.

Chief Harvey discussed the Goldsborough Street Association corresponding with landlords and stating that they prefer not to have a criminal element in the area. He stated that they should request background checks on prospective tenants.

Mr. John Chandonnet, 117 Goldsborough Street, asked with the rental units, do the fire or policeman check these units for code. Chief Harvey stated that the foot officers make note of a lot of code violations that they see. He stated that they make up the notice and send correspondence to the Mayor and the Codes Enforcement Department.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if there is any information on the request for the crossing guard at Glenwood and West Street. Chief Harvey stated that there is no information at this time but there are currently five positions available at this time.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked what time frame was used for the Lynnbrook Court traffic study. Chief Harvey stated that the study was done during random times, six times during one-week period, 12.5 hours, 55 vehicles with a measured average speed of 19.6 speed per vehicle. Chief Harvey stated that he will forward the survey sheets.

Mr. Klimczak asked Chief Harvey if the officers doing the surveys are hidden or in the road. Chief Harvey stated that the radar units are in unmarked vehicles.

Chief Harvey discussed the large truck traffic on Glenwood Avenue and Goldsborough Street.

Ms. Joan Candek, 113 N. Hanson Street, stated that she is on the corner of Hanson and North Street by the cemetery. She discussed 18 wheel trucks on North Street.

Chief Harvey stated that the Department has no authority to demand that the trucks stay off the street.

The Town Engineer reported that he had tried to get in touch with some of the previous members of the Traffic and Parking Commission. He suggested re-appointing some of the members and finding additional volunteers for specific tasks. Mr. Glass stated that he will work with the Mayor for a list of things they should be looking at.

The Town Engineer stated that in this meeting’s packet, there is a letter from the State Highway Administration inviting the Council to a January 8 workshop at the County Council’s Chambers to discuss traffic concerns.

The Town Engineer stated that the Town of Easton has a program where the rental units are inspected annually whereby the landlords are given a list of problems with a timetable to comply if there are any code violations. He stated that any property maintenance issues that need to be addressed can be forwarded to Mr. John Garlick, the Code Enforcement Officer for the town with BOCA property maintenance inspection.

The President of the Council discussed maintenance issues that were addressed by the bike officers on the East End.

The Town Planner stated that he was contacted today by Mr. Barry Griffith of Lane Engineering. He stated that the property at Dutchman’s Lane and Route 50 has changed hands and Royal Farms has negotiated with a new property owner. Mr. Hamilton stated that they would like to go forward. Mr. Hamilton stated that after the previous public hearing, the project did not go forward but now they have taken out the objectionable issues. He asked the President of the Council to schedule a public hearing. The President of the Council scheduled the public hearing for January 22 at 7:45 p.m.

Mr. Reed asked if the applicant would be able to disclose at the Public Hearing what is proposed for the site. The Town Planner stated that at this time, all they know for sure is that they want the site for a Royal Farms store with the gas pumps in front but they do not know the names of any franchises or restaurants. He stated that they may ask for an amendment and put a different use there. Mr. Reed stated that he would like to know what is going to go there, as this will effect the amount of traffic on Dutchman’s Lane and Route 50. The Town Planner stated that the owner may have another option in mind for the property other than restaurants, which will involve the Planning Commission and the Council. He stated that Royal Farms is very anxious to get their store up.

Mr. Ford stated that it might be wise to point out to the applicant that this is a new Council and that there are no guarantees for approval.

The President of the Council discussed the Matthewstown Run site plan approval process. Mr. Willey discussed a speed deterrent he observed recently.

Ms. Van Emburgh, the Assistant Town Attorney asked what statement the Council would like to make to the county regarding the rezoning application for Lowe’s. The President of the Council stated that the Council had not reached a consensus.

Mr. Ford stated that from his prospective, he feels the Council would be willing to work with Lowe’s in any way they can to improve their present site and keep them there.

Mr. Jensen stated that he agreed with Mr. Ford.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if Lowe’s had been contacted regarding staying in their present site irrespective of the issue that Mr. Ford is raising.

Ms. Van Emburgh stated that the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe had contact with Lowe’s and understood that staying at their present site is not an option.

The Town Planner stated that he understood that Lowe’s was not interested in building or remodeling on their present site.

Mayor Butler stated that Lowe’s wants to build a 146,000 square foot store.

Mr. Ford stated that, due to the 65,000 square foot cap, the Town has placed an impediment on Lowe’s.

The Town Planner stated that the developer for Lowe’s had stated that they did not want to build the new store under the Town of Easton’s design and development standards.

The President of the Council stated that the Council will have a consensus for the next Council meeting on December 17.

Mr. Ford reminded everyone about the upcoming public hearings. He stated that one hearing is to get input on the proposed Economic Development position for the town. Mr. Ford encouraged anyone interested, for any input in this matter.

Mr. Jensen stated that last week, himself, Mr. Ford and Mayor Butler were lucky enough to attend a Joint Task Force, with the County Council and other municipalities, regarding growth issues. Mr. Jensen reported that there are really three main issues that came up. He stated that two are procedural issues and one is a long-range issue. Mr. Jensen stated that they talked about ways to coordinate the annexation process with the County Council. They discussed joint public hearings. Secondly, they talked about trying to clarify the procedure of growth allocation so that if the need arises again, a more straightforward way to get things done would be in place. Mr. Jensen stated that a long raise issue is that the County expressed interest in working with the Town to develop a plan for the growth on the east side of Route 50. He stated that an idea at this stage is to develop a very detailed plan so when developers come to town, they know what will be approved and what won’t.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she is not satisfied with the crossing guard issue because of the danger on the corner. She stated that she is wondering if it is at all possible to have an officer present to help children cross that area as an interim solution. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked the Chief to think about how to help at that intersection. Chief Harvey stated that he would

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she would like to invite the public to a Kwanzaa celebration on December 8 at Chesapeake College from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. She stated that she would like everyone to come and share in this opportunity to understand another holiday that is celebrated by more than 20 million people around the world.

The President of the Council asked the Council to note the upcoming meetings.

The Town Clerk stated that for the public’s information, the Town Office has been having intermittent telephone problems. He asked the public to hang up and try again if the telephone continues to ring. Mr. Karge stated that we are attempting to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.

The President of the Council asked if there was anything else to come before the Council. There being no further business, Mr. Ford made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Jackson and carried.

At 8:00 p.m., the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

Town Clerk