January 7, 2002

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, President and CEO of the Easton Utilities Commission Mr. Hugh Grunden, 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 December 17, 2001 meeting were unanimously approved as written.

Mr. Lyle Fuller of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department was present with the stats and monthly report of the Fire Department.

Mr. Jensen questioned Mr. Fuller if a solution had been reached regarding automatic fire alarms. Mr. Fuller stated that there were approximately 80 less than the previous year. He discussed the fine imposed by the county.

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor from Mayor Butler recommending the approval of appointments to the Town of Easton Boards and Commissions. The recommendation was to re-appoint Mr. Dan Swann to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Mr. Leonard Wendowski to the Board of Zoning Appeals and Ms. Jane Ward as Alternate to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Willey asked for questions. There were none.

Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to approve Mayor Butler’s appointments, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council asked for Council questions on the application of Brant Court Properties Limited Partnership for a proposed project which is an integrated mixed use retirement residential and mixed office development to be located on lots 20 – 25 in the Brant Court cul-de-sac in Carlton Business Park.

Mr. Ford stated that he was in favor of the project but wanted to point out a couple things. He stated that in many ways it exemplifies some of the design standards that Easton needs to emphasize which is higher density, pedestrian and non-vehicular access to retail areas. Mr. Ford stated that Mr. Caddell’s concerns regarding runoff are well founded and need to be addressed during the design period of the stormwater management.

The President of the Council stated that Mr. Drummond is present on behalf of the Town.

Mr. Reed stated that he is in favor of the Brant Court project. Mr. Reed asked who would be responsible to address Mr. Caddell’s concerns.

The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass, stated that this would be his department and they will be looking at full-blown improvement plans at the time of submission to make sure they are in conformance with the Town of Easton’s Stormwater Management standards as well as any additional work that may benefit the neighborhood.

Mr. Jensen stated that he does not support this project although it is a beautiful plan and concept. Mr. Jensen stated that however, he was under the impression because of the terminology of bedrooms rather than apartments that this would have a lot less traffic. Mr. Jensen stated that on Dover Street, there is an extreme traffic problem and he is not sure how to better plan to deal with that problem.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that her main concern was Mr. Cadell’s letter.

The consensus of the Council was to vote for the project with Mr. Jensen voting no.

The President of the Council directed Mr. Drummond to draft Finding of Facts for the application.

The President of the Council stated that at the last two meetings, there have been concerns brought up by residents on Goldsborough Street neighborhood running from Harrison Street to Route 50.

Mr. Glass stated that he had pushed the supplier for the collapsible signs. He stated that they had been notified that due to the holidays, the materials did not make it to their shop in time. Mr. Glass stated that the manufacture of the signs called today and stated that the signs would be in the Town of Easton’s shop on Tuesday morning of next week. He stated that as soon as they are received, they will be installed. Mr. Glass stated that it will give them at least a week before the next Council meeting to observe the signs.

Chief Harvey stated that the police department had conducted two speed surveys, one on December 22 and one on December 26. Chief Harvey stated that on the first survey, the average speed for 121 vehicles was on an average of 25.8 m.p.h. He reported that on December 26, 104 vehicles went through on an average of 24.5 m.p.h. Chief Harvey stated that the department conducted speed enforcement from December 18 through January 3 in which time 44 citations and warnings were issued. Chief Harvey stated that crosswalk enforcement was accomplished December 18 through January 3 whereby 12 citations were issued. Chief Harvey discussed signs for narrow streets for streets with speeding problems.

Chief Harvey discussed traffic surveys and signs.

The President of the Council asked if the surveys would be continued. Chief Harvey stated that as time allows.

Chief Harvey stated that they are also looking at road rage cases.

Mr. Jensen asked the Town Engineer if he would sketch out some good ideas on what he thought would make the crosswalk safer at Dover and Goldsborough, Chapel Farms and Idlewild Park.

The President of the Council brought a letter to the floor from the Easton Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman recommending approval of the annexation request of Cherrywood Development, LLC for annexation of approximately 52 acres of property adjacent to the southern boundary of the Town, owned by Sherri Talbot, Yvonne Hoffman, and the Yvonne Hoffman Charitable Remainder Trust.

The President of the Council set the Public Hearing for the annexation request for February 19 at 7:15 P.M.

The Town Attorney recused himself from this matter as his personal property abuts the proposed annexation property. Mr. Drummond stated that he had assisted the Town in the previous request for annexation of this property.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5758, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REVISING THE TOWN OF EASTON WATER AND WASTEWATER TARIFFS" to the floor.

Mr. Ford discussed the letters received in opposition of the rate increase. Mr. Ford asked Mr. Grunden, President and CEO to respond to the concerns received so the public could hear the responses. Mr. Ford stated that prior to the public presentation that was made by Mr. Grunden and Mr. Roberts and Easton Utilities, the Council had the opportunity to spend in excess of two hours at the Utilities building going through in greater detail the same presentation that was made at the last meeting. Mr. Ford stated that there were questions from the Council regarding the increase but he left the workshop feeling that the proposed increases were valid.

Mr. Grunden discussed some of the common themes addressed in the letters from residents.

Mr. Grunden stated that invariably in a rate proceeding, the new building on 201 N. Washington Street is going to come into question and that is understandable. He stated that in the context of conducting a business, a place where business is conducted is acknowledged as an ordinary expense. Mr. Grunden stated that in that building, seven different businesses are housed as well as the Town Engineer’s office. Mr. Grunden stated that by aggregating those uses, you evoke economies of scale that allow buildings like the Customer Service Center to be constructed. He stated that in the context of water and wastewater, it cost about $2.00 per service per year which equates to ½ of a penny a day per service.

Mr. Grunden stated that there were concerns regarding independent auditing of Easton Utilities financial statements. Mr. Grunden stated that they are audited by a Certified Public Accountant once a year at June 30.

Mr. Grunden clarified the payment in lieu of taxes the Easton Utilities pays the Town of Easton, which is based on a specified formula. He stated that it is not when the Town budget needs more money that the rates go up.

Mr. Ford discussed the significant increase in capital charges for non-residential hookups. He stated that reviewing his notes, he believes that the increases are based on information from the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Mr. Grunden stated that the water use schedule incorporated in the tariffs as an appendix originated with the Maryland Department of Environment or at the time may have been the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene which has come through Anne Arundel County. He stated that it takes various uses and converts it to an equivalent dwelling unit.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that a number of her constituents asked how Easton Utilities can justify the new building they are in with the four million it cost as well as the empty building that is idle and no income being generated from the building and how is this good management and then the rest of the statement is are there issues with the management of the funds that Easton Utilities has such that you are asking for this increase. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she understands from one of the writers that there have been service charges, $6.75 in 2000 for residents and $25 for commercial customers and now there is a new service charge of $15 for water and now you want a service charge for electricity and this particular individual feels this needs to be justified so they can understand how this money is being utilized to the best interest of customers and running of the business.

Mr. Grunden stated that the property at 142 N. Harrison Street, formerly housed the Business Office. He stated that they are seeking purchasers for that property. Mr. Grunden stated that they have some very active negotiations at this time. He stated they are actively pursuing contracts for that property.

Mr. Grunden discussed service charges. He stated that in 2000, they implemented customer service charges for the gas, $15 residential and $25 commercial. He stated that those charges were the subject of a rate case that came before this Council and the Maryland Public Service Commission. Mr. Grunden stated that for electric and gas rates, not only do they need to go through the Easton Utilities Commission, the Town Council but the Maryland Public Service Commission. He stated that those charges were developed as a result of a rate making process. He stated that the writer spoke asking for a charge for electric. Mr. Grunden stated that they are not asking for a charge for electric and have not asked for a charge for electric. He stated that on the water and wastewater side, they are upping the current charge by $4.50 for each water and wastewater to recover fixed charges that would be incurred absent any use of the commodity.

Mr. Grunden discussed management of funds and stated that his colleagues strive everyday to contain costs. He stated that they do not come before the Council and ask for these rate increases lightly or enjoyably. Mr. Grunden stated that they are here to ask for what is needed to conduct business in a manner that they think is appropriate and what the customers deserve and expect.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked how many new employees there were at Easton Utilities. Mr. Grunden stated that in the water and wastewater department, there have been no new employees in the past ten years.

Mr. Jensen asked if there seems to be the same number of employees and cost is driving the rate increase, what are the rising costs?

Mr. Grunden stated that like any business, costs are rising, Suppliers, labors, insurance, and maintenance on a fairly old system.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the thing that is really of concern to her is that the Council members have all gotten letters which Mr. Grunden has addressed and phone calls about people barely making ends meet in their own businesses and there being a recession. She stated that it seems very difficult to explain the increase and justify it with their bare facts, that the customers do not have the income to make the adjustments and that is the dilemma.

Mr. Grunden stated that they use the expenses from the audited financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2001. He stated that they defer these requests for as long as they absolutely can which may not be wise. Mr. Grunden stated that maybe they should be coming in every year and getting a certain percentage instead of waiting. He stated that their philosophy is to let the customer keep their funds for absolutely as long as they can to let them use and when Easton Utilities has to come in with a rate increase, then they will do it. Mr. Grunden stated that he will be paying the same at his home as everyone else and no one warmly embraces a rate increase; it is a matter of whether it is reasonable, rational or whatever benchmark is used can it stand up to reasonableness.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5758, "A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REVISING THE TOWN OF EASTON WATER AND WASTEWATER TARIFFS" to the floor.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5758, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried with Ms. Jackson-Amis voting no.

The President of the Council brought a memo from Mayor Butler to the floor regarding the veto of Resolution No. 5757, which would provide funding in the amount of $13,576 through March 31, 2002 for a Table Tennis Center to be located in the former U-5 store in the Port Street Commercial Condominium.

Mr. Jensen asked the Town Attorney if it is possible to table the Resolution or is it a resolution that has to happen immediately. Mr. Jensen asked if the Resolution could be deferred until the next meeting. The Town Attorney stated that he needs to refer to the Charter, as there is a time limit.

Chief Harvey reported that Christmas in the Town of Easton went extremely well this year. Chief Harvey reported on the Eleventh Annual Christmas Toy Drive for 2001. He stated that they received $1002.12, which includes a $500 donation from FOP Lodge No. 18. Chief Harvey stated that Mr. Dan Bridges of Aqua Co. donated eight new bicycles. He stated that they handled 26 families involving 64 children, which is an increase from 2000. He stated that they worked with Channel 2 and also sent officers to Baltimore in the Tahoe to help deliver toys.

Mr. Ford discussed the letters in the packets regarding mandatory training that the Easton Police Department is conducting in the near future.

Chief Harvey reported that if departments cannot make the normal in-service run to Wilmer College, they can set up special classes to make sure they meet their compliance. Chief Harvey stated that they are looking forward to this year as they have some interesting things coming up.

Returning to Resolution No. 5757, the Town Attorney read Section 10 of Article 2 of the Charter, which provides that the Council must act within 35 days of the date of the veto, is returned to the Council. He stated that the veto was signed December 31, which would give the Council through January to have the vote on the Resolution.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there is no question that this is a very critical issue and she thinks with all due respect that the Council may as well handle it. She stated that there are a lot of things that need to be said and discussed and she stated that the public has a right to know. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the decision needs to be aired and come to some resolution. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there is a program that is scheduled and on-going and the question is whether the Town is going to support it and if not, what the alternatives are. She stated that if you delay it hurts the program and the opportunity so she asks that the Council put their best effort forward and hear what people have to say and express ourselves.

Mr. Jensen stated that he would like to continue with his motion and talk about it some more.

Mr. Reed stated that further facts should be found out which was the reason he voted in opposition the first time. Mr. Reed stated that we should investigate what we are going to do with the taxpayers money. He stated that he is never against children but if we can find a way and a more substantial program, then we should do so. He stated that we should take the opportunity to try to come up with a program that is going to benefit the largest number of people. Mr. Reed stated that this should be looked into further. He suggested investigating the YMCA to see what programs are offered, especially since any child that cannot afford to join will be taken care of. Mr. Reed asked the Council to spend the money wisely to get the most out of it.

Mr. Reed seconded the motion to table this resolution until January 22.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she felt compelled to address Mr. Reed’s comments.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked for a little latitude and stated that the last time present, December 17, she was concerned that the presentation did not give the public the full view of the issues that we were confronted with and the exigent circumstances that were presented. She stated that you have a right to know and she would like to be able to explain why this project came before the Council the way that it did. Ms. Jackson-Amis statement was as follows: "normally you do have an opportunity or one has an opportunity to make its presentations to the various town committees if that is what is necessary or within the greater community make your application for funding from the various sources that you are concerned with. But this matter came to an exigent point due specifically to the Mayor and you need to know that the Mayor, and I have said this to him before the meeting so it is not a surprise, in complicity with Ms. Banks and Ms. Foster and a few others who came to a meeting to discuss a project that they wanted to house in the same property that I already have under contract. I, not personally I, but for the purpose of a community center. Now this came to us in an Executive Session which was inappropriate to have come there in the first place and over my objection communicated to the attorney, the meeting went on. Now I don’t suggest anything sinister on the part of those who advocated for their position. I don’t want this to be a part of this discussion but I wanted to be very clear that there has never been a presentation by anyone before this council in open session which I think would be required for the Mayor to make a determination that there is a better program or Mr. Reed for that matter, that there is a better program than the one that has been offered. Contrary to the suggestions by Mr. Reed that the Y is available and open, the Y in its supporting documents where they ask us as a council to support their need to increase their facility and help them in their desire to fill the bond so they could have a better facility. They said specifically that and I quote, "we simply do not have the space to provide quality programs and services for our youth members, especially during after school hours. Additional space is required to accommodate the numbers of youth, especially teens that use the YMCA on a daily basis during the school year." And they talk to the need for teens to have their own space and to have the kind of activity that I have suggested. Now I find it totally disingenuous that we as a council could vote unanimously to support the Y’s program which says that they need additional space for the very programs we have and then say to me in this instance, representing the Fourth Ward, that this is not a viable program. I ask the Mayor and I am asking him again, and I ask Mr. Reed, what do you have to support your notion, your theory, your supposition, that a table tennis program and jump rope program, an African dance and drumming program, oratorical and public speaking academy, a rites to passage program, is not a viable program to have in a community center in the west side. Again, I want the public to know that this did not come up on December the 17^th for the first time. In July, we had comprehensive discussion where the Mayor was present, Ms. Joan Banks was present, Ms. Carolyn Jaffe was present and a number of others were present and I use those individuals because the Mayor has said as part of his opposition to this, that he wants to put forth a program that Mrs. Banks has suggested. Now during the Community Legacy Program, or discussion, the Task Force that the Mayor put together, I was at each of the meetings, and one of the items that was specifically discussed was a recreational component to the Comprehensive Plan that was vital and necessary and should be in the West Side. In the Comprehensive Plan, I believe it is at page 97, you talk about having a recreational component that a study was conducted and you found out and the Easton High School students were one of the most vocal, who said there is nothing for the teenagers to do after school. Then I find it also compelling to say, that in November you have just submitted a document to the State of Maryland for the HotSpots area and in part of that language it says two things that I think are critical. One it says you need a recreational component and it talks about having this in the West Side where the most vulnerable of our town citizens are and don’t have the opportunities as other citizens do to access recreational programs and one of the other things that this HotSpots grant requires is that there be a conversation, and it says at page 16, that the planning process for the Comprehensive "program" must, and that is in dark letters, include the following stakeholders. And the last item, it says local government representative. Now, I was elected, it may upset some, but it is a fact, to represent the Fourth Ward. How in the world can you have an application go to the Governor asking for these monies to have a program in the Fourth Ward and not include the local representative for that ward. I am that person. Now I specifically brought to the attention of Mr. Willey and Mayor Butler that I had a conversation with Ms. Jean Yeager who is the Director of the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence. A discussion where we both agreed that it would be a fantastic idea, if they would partner with the idea of this Community Center using HotSpots money and they would do the intervention and the prevention piece and it is detailed in correspondence that I have. And I ask the Mayor to ask the person responsible for submitting our grant to include a request for money in this HotSpots area for this Community Table Tennis Center. I called it a Table Tennis Center because that was a focal point. But obviously, there are more things that are going to happen in that Center. Now, the person responsible was identified to me as Carolyn Jaffe. Ms. Jaffe writes the grants and I understand that she is paid a sum of money to do this work so she is the person hired. I don’t know the exact relationship between the Town and Carolyn and this whole situation, but I know she has been writing them for some period of time and she has been very successful and that is fine in getting money. But Carolyn unilaterally determined that she would not include in the grant a request for this Table Tennis Center. I asked her to speak with Jean Yeager so that they could collaborate in the possible way of partnering with the Town, the Kwanzaa Foundation, Mid Shore Council on Family Violence and others for this project. Jean Yeager has never heard from her and the discussion should have gone forward. So when you say, did you try to raise money and it isn’t only my responsibility. Each one of us has a fiduciary duty to look after all of the children and young people and all of the people, old, young or indifferent in this community. I would hope that the Council would vote to give money to this project. Now, it did not come up in the planning fiscal cycle and that is correct. But the reason that it didn’t is again, directly pointed to you Mayor Butler and to the individuals whom you brought into your confidence regarding this other site, this other project that you wanted to support. Now, I had a contract on the building for the Kwanzaa Foundation, Mid Shore Council and it said other partners and I thought there was plenty of time for me to submit the applications to the various funding sources, some of them I have submitted, and I have some hope but anyway, they have been submitted, nevertheless. But what you did and what these individuals did by coming into the session, they went to the owner of the property and asked him not to continue with my contract. In effect, to breach it in favor of their own. Now, obviously that put things in a tailspin because I was looking for the Community Legacy money. We were to be notified by September the 18^th whether or not we were granted any funds for this activity. The events of September 11^th in this country prevented the funding sources to be notified and it was about five weeks ago I guess, that we received actual notice that we were not going to have these funds. And I must confess that I did rely on that money and to our detriment, I believed and I believe on proper authority that this would be one of the programs funded. We had a site in place; we had a properly identified targeted population. We had activities in place. Now, when you help to pull the rug under, so to speak, then I needed to try to brace against that to try to have a way to save this opportunity, this Community Center, until actual additional funding I to be had or applied for. Now, because of the July, and it is all related, in July we had this discussion about Community Legacy and Table Tennis and that was specifically mentioned. It came before the public in a public hearing and I believe that Ms. Roe is the lady who asked where the community centers, where the community recreational center is going to be. And I regret not saying that, saying where it was. But what I did was defer to Mr. Thomas who said that we have several pots, plural, that we have in mind but we do not want to identify them. Now one of the sites was the old U-5 building, the current site of the Community Youth Center. When the Council voted on this Community Legacy application, this Table Tennis and recreation program, whether it was identified formally or not, was subsumed under this grant and we endorsed this program. Now to belatedly come back and yell surprise, particularly for you Mr. Butler, because you were part of the discussion. The other Council members were not but you were when this was specifically stated. It is just very unfair to me as a representative of this community. Now, what I think is also important, is that what you are doing or what is happening here, is that the Family Support Center really wants the space, I recognize that and Ty Kennedy was at least honest enough to come forward and say that. But what the community may not know, is that this property has been vacant for at least two years. I live near it. I know that. Mr. Ullah who is the owner of this property in a meeting that we had with the Condominium Association, Ms. Bank was there, Mr. Banks was there, Ty Kennedy was there, Mrs. Cornish from the Neighborhood Center was there, I was there, Mr. Ullah was there. And it is clear that he had offered this property to each of those organizations, individuals or groups. They did not offer to purchase it or to take it at anytime. And he stated to them in my presence, that it wasn’t until Ms. Jackson came forward with a program and proposal that everybody else come forward now wanting to take this property. Well, I also, and it wouldn’t really matter, I mean, if they had gotten it before I did, but they didn’t and I have the contract with him now. And you Mr. Butler and any members of the Council owe me the duty of a discussion on issues that are raised that effect the community, particularly in the ward that I represent. And I have not had an explanation on any level of what factors you used to determine that any other program was better than the one I am proposing or any factors about the program that I have proposed that you think would not be good for the community. I would like to have that addressed. Now you talk about the money. If you compare the $13,000 that I was asking from the Town to how much it costs to incarcerate someone, I believe that you would find that the Town would come out far better if it invested in this program for the youth. Now, I don’t think that $13,000 is a lot of money but that is not my final decision. The entire application that has been submitted to others is far greater than that. The $13,000 that I asked for did not include any personnel. There were people who wanted to know who was gonna run it. Well we have volunteers who have been running it and who are running it. We have professional coaches from the Maryland, as a matter of fact, Yvonne Conludge who is the President of the Maryland Table Tennis Association, is scheduled to be here on January 26 to do a demonstration. Mr. Williams, for the Western Table Tennis Conference, has agreed to assist us in finding suitable coaches. Mr. Kirby, who is a coach, has agreed to coach with us. Rev. Green who is a Pastor at Bethel who is a supervisor for recreation in Hartford County, is one of our advisors. Sherry Green who is an attorney, who is his wife and the first lady, is helping us with the Rites of Passage because they want to help the youth in their area. My sister, who is 40 years teaching dance and all of the rest of those kind of things, has volunteered her services to help put together the program. The Sankofa Dance Troupe out of Delaware with Ruben Salters, he is the councilman over there, is coming over to teach African drumming and dancing and we are going to his site to work with them in a partnership. I have taught public speaking at colleges and here in Chesapeake College and I am going to work with the oratorical aspect of this program. I had already agreed to work with ACTSO, which is the youth component of the NAACP for this particular program. The Elks has an oratorical contest. They asked me to work with their youth. I spoke with somebody just recently for the American Legion. They have the same thing and these young people can learn how to express themselves whether they are dealing with Shakespeare or Paul Lance Dunbar and they can also learn to write and perhaps earn some money for college. These are the kinds of programs that we have heard. On Dr. Martin Luther King’s Day, January 21^st, Mrs. Ann Cornell from Jefferson, Maryland will be driving here three hours with her jump rope experts. She is a part of the AAU. She has agreed to coach and help with the workshop and help us to find assistance with jump rope coach. We have found one, Mr. Kirwin in Cambridge who is the head of the Ebony Angels who is willing to help us with that. We have so many volunteers who have gone to this building, cleaned it, painted it. They have, we have donated equipment, tables and balls and all sorts of things, where people from the larger community think that we have a great idea. So when you say that the taxpayers' money should not be used for such a program, I am wondering who you are talking about. There are some taxpayers who don’t want it. But what about those of us that are taxpayers who do want it. What proportion of our funds can be allotted to such a program. There is ample opportunity for review of this program and any other program. I can understand people being concerned about money. There is no question about it. But what we had originally spoken with Mr. Karge about in the first place, was a month to month draw because there was a hope and expectation that there would be other funds but I don’t think the town should be off the hook anyway. I think the town should be responsible for investing some funds in the West Side. There is nothing in the Comprehensive Plan to date that addresses anything in the West Side of Easton. I came before the Planning Commission, and I expressed that to them. This is a good idea. There have been children working over there. There have been children who already started to learn to play table tennis. There have been adults who have been there to play. There are people interested in this and so why you would not give it a shot. Let’s say there are ten different programs that have merit. What difference does that make as it relates to the meritorious decision that I am asking you to make about this program. Does it have merit? What did you measure it against? It shouldn’t be just a feeling. It should be measured on some concrete evidence and to say that the Y can take on these folks. Mr. Reed, with all due respect, the Y hasn’t done it yet. The Y simply has not done it yet. Now they do give some scholarships. But they don’t have the program and the nurturing that we are asking for. For those people in the community who have called me and have conscientiously asked questions. I thank you for the courteous ways in which you have done that. For those who are just nay sayers, I just ask you to think, not so much about yourself and not about your turf, but about the best interest of these young people. When I ran for office, one of the things that was the hewand cry in this community, was something to do for young people. I have a very structured program. I have experts in every area to help coach these young people in the program. We understand how many people we can have. We’ve had the Fire Marshal there so we know how many people we can have under any circumstance. So we should not be put under any different scrutiny than any other organization in this community. We have to follow rules. We understand that but to judge it without having absolutely nothing, I think is a travesty and to use a veto which is a very extraordinary power for something that could probably have been negotiated, if you ever talked about what your concerns were, is not only a disservice to the program but a disservice to me as your colleague and so I know that I have talked on and on. Thanks for the indulgence but I do hope that instead of putting this off, Mr. Jensen, we have to have courage to do what is right. And it is right that we have a program in the West Side and it is right that we have a program now. Not when it is easier to make a decision. If you can’t decide to do it, I hope you will, if you cannot, then I understand that you can’t. But I don’t think that it serves anybody to put this off more and more and more. If there are questions that people in the community want to ask or anything they want to see, come by. Come by the shop. You were there. As a matter of fact, you helped. I appreciate that. Needs some more work. But, in any event, thank you for the time. I wanted to just handle those things and I would help that people from so many places other than Easton who are giving up their time, won’t outdo us. I hope that those people who have given their time in this community, won’t have given it in vain."

Mayor Butler asked to make a statement. His statement was as follows: "The subject is veto of the Resolution 5757. After careful consideration of the vote on Resolution No. 5757, by the Town Council, three yes and one no, one abstention. I felt in the best interest of the taxpayers of the Town, to veto the Resolution. At the beginning of the discussion, the funding was estimated at $19,000 for six months. After further discussion, it was determined that the funding would be over $13,000 for a three month period. Now this doesn’t add up. These funds would go to pay for the rent, all the utilities and other costs for the room. If passed, I am afraid that we are opening Pandora’s box for other people and organizations to come to the Town government for funds that the Town doesn’t have. I am not against the youth. Lord knows I am for the youth. I’ve got three sons that is coaching in the high school ranks right at the present time. I love youth. So saying that I am against youth is a false statement. I am not against the youth having a ping pong room but I do have problems with the taxpayers paying all the bills for the room and also have money concerns about the future funding. It is my feeling that the program proposed by Mrs. Banks for the same property would be beneficial to the community, more beneficial to the community, than the table tennis proposal. This proposal brings youth, education and senior citizens to the facility and they work with the youth during times, after school, and with the senior citizens and anyone else that want to come into and use the facility. Thank you for listening to my reasons why I vetoed the proposal."

The President of the Council stated that there is motion on the floor made by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Mr. Reed, to table Resolution No. 5757 for further discussion until January 22. The vote to table the discussion was denied with Mr. Jensen and Mr. Reed voting to table the vote and Mr. Ford, Ms. Jackson-Amis and Mr. Willey voting to allow the vote on Resolution No. 5757.

The President of the Council stated that the funding amount is $13,576 and is probably high to get this thing started. The President of the Council stated that he would entertain a motion to amend Resolution No. 5757 in a different amount.

The Town Attorney stated that the way to proceed would be to vote on the veto of Resolution No. 5757. Once that is voted up or down, a separate resolution could be drafted for an alternative.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that in terms of an amendment, as she said, one of the things talked about earlier was a month by month allocation. She asked if that was appropriate in an amendment as this does not deal with a figure.

The Town Clerk stated that a figure is necessary for a budget transfer.

The President of the Council brought Resolution No. 5757 to the floor.

The Town Attorney stated that the motion should be a motion to overturn the Mayor’s veto.

Mr. Ford stated that he thinks that it is unfortunate that this discussion has come down to an either or between what he thinks are valuable and potentially very valuable for the West Side. Mr. Ford stated that he is going to vote to override the Mayor’s veto, he did not want to imply by that his desire to support the program that Mrs. Banks and her group has presented.

Mr. Ford stated that the other thing he wanted to stress, is that the Mayor is not wrong in what he has said. Mr. Ford stated that it is his job, more than members of the Council, to exercise fiscal responsibility over the budget. He stated that his concerns regarding short term and long term funding for this project are valid but he stated his belief in the table tennis program override his concerns. Mr. Ford stated that he did not want to imply with his override that this is an open ended funding proposal for this program as all town funded programs, need to be accountable. Mr. Ford stated that he would support overriding the veto.

Mr. Ford made a motion to override the veto of Resolution No. 5757, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried with Mr. Reed voting no.

Mr. Willey commented that he thinks it is most important that recreation centers are kept within the neighborhoods where the children are located which would make the attendance higher and make the program run better. Mr. Willey stated that he echoes Mr. Ford’s comments where we need to be responsible for accounting procedures and the expenditure of these funds much like any other official. He stated that he is not comfortable overriding a veto that it is the second time in twelve years that it has happened and it is never a happy time or a good time but he would vote to override the veto.

The President of the Council brought the discussion of the HotSpots grant to the floor.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she asked for it to be on the agenda because she wants to understand. She stated that there is opportunity within the HotSpot grant to receive funding for the various programs she has been discussing and she has not been in the loop. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she wants to have the HotSpots Coordinators, she understands, one is with the Police Department and one is Ms. Jaffe. She would like to have the Mayor consider having them discuss with Ms. Jean Yeager of the Mid Shore Council on Family Violence how we can access additional money. She stated that there is money there. She stated that she wants to understand how the money gets determined. She referred to a document that states that money is allocated to the West Side and the East Side and there is supposed to be representation from people who live in these various communities and she stated that there have been few residents that have been part of the decision making with respect to the HotSpots money. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if there was a way to schedule a meeting regarding HotSpots to discuss how this funding could be accessed and get additional funding through continuation grants.

Mayor Butler stated that he would look into it.

Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned who coordinated the HotSpots from the Police Department. Chief Harvey stated that they coordinate the criminal aspects of HotSpots, which is called Probation Walks and the old substation, which the Town is no longer involved with.

The Town Clerk advised that Cpl. Ronda Thomas of the Easton Police Department is the Coordinator and Ms. Carolyn Jaffe is the Assistant Coordinator that does all the paperwork. Mr. Karge, the Town Clerk asked for clarification on Ms. Jackson-Amis question. He asked if she was questioning the idea of re-drafting the existing grant or was her idea attempting to get additional funding out of the Governor’s Office.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there are three aspects. She stated that she wants to know who is deciding on how the money is being spent and what goes on the application. The Town Clerk stated that they award funding based upon what they decide is appropriate. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked who is sending the application and how the decision is being made what is to be funded. She stated as a local representative, she wants to be a part of the discussion, especially since so many people are deciding to get money that effects the West Side. That is the first thing. Who these people are. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she wants to understand, since there is money that has been applied for, for the West Side, is it possible to redirect or have input on how the money is spent.

The Town Clerk stated that the last grant was specified that the money was to be used for the West Side Association in one amount and the East Side. He stated that it was specific on what it would and would not fund from the Governor’s office. The Town Clerk stated that in the current round of funding, he has been notified telephonically that an award will be made but it is not specific in the amount and/or allocation.

Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned the deadline for submitting. The Town Clerk stated that it was in November.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that what she is understanding you to say is that there is no opportunity to have the request she originally made before the deadline. The Town Clerk stated that technically, the first deadline is over. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked who directs the writing of these grants. She stated that we need to have input for that.

The President of the Council stated that the answer would be forthcoming.

The Town Engineer stated that the inspection on the town roads, streets and sidewalks would be February 26 at 8:00 a.m. in preparation for the upcoming budget. He asked the Council to call him if they were interested in going along.

The Town Engineer stated that installation of colonial streetlights and additional street upgrades beginning with Harrison Street between Goldsborough and Brewer’s Lane in the vicinity of the Farmer’s Market and move to Dover Street and go from Harrison Street to Hanson Street. He stated that this will take a few months.

The Town Engineer discussed the garbage schedule due to the closing and observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

The Town Engineer discussed the purchase of a quiet pack sweeper engineer.

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed Mr. Camper’s tree that is causing sewer backup. Mr. Glass stated that he will call her with the details.

The Town Attorney requested an Executive Session at the end of the meeting on the advice of Counsel.

The President of the Council stated that the meeting regularly scheduled for January 21 will be held on January 22 at 7:00 p.m. due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday observance.

Mr. Ford reported that the Bay Hundred Foundation has recently contacted Ed McMahan. Mr. Ford stated that he is going to speak in St. Michaels on January 26 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the old fire hall.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she had received a call from Ms. Mason regarding the last closing of the street. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that her business was impacted but she was able to contact Mayor Butler and get it straightened out. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that that whenever we are going to need the streets closed, she asked that we make sure that we have some written understanding from the businesses that might be impacted and how they feel about it before the Council is asked to address this because she would at least like to know that they have been asked.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she has received three telephone calls about the Economic Development position and stated that she understands through the grapevine that there have been some decisions made with respect to the individuals that have applied, and she has each time asked to be a part of that process to hear and see the questions and hear and see the individuals as the resume does not detail all the information. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she is passing this onto the Mayor to have the persons in charge to please advise the Council of any meetings planning to have to either discuss the applicant or interview them.

Mayor Butler stated that they will be starting the interviews shortly and they will notify her.

Mr. Ford made a motion to go into Executive Session.

Mr. Robert Klimczak, Easton, stated that Mr. Grunden mentioned about the rate hike and stated that one of the reasons was because of conservation and the usage is going down so the rates cost more. He questioned why if they were saving water, Easton Utilities has to raise their prices.

Mr. Grunden stated that it is because there are certain fixed costs that are incurred whether any water is used or not, the facilities, the pumps, etc. He stated that Easton Utilities bills on units so if you are not recovering you fixed costs on the number of units billed, then the unit cost has to rise. Mr. Grunden stated that in some instances, it is perceived that if you raise prices on a commodity, less will be used and you will promote conservation. Mr. Grunden stated that the customer is seeing a lower bill but the fixed costs to run the system, etc., are still there.

Ms. Sara Lowery was present and stated that she works at the Talbot County YMCA as well as the Housing Authority After School Program. Ms. Lowery addressed her concern regarding funding a recreational program that has no research and asked if funding would be considered for other recreational programs that do have research base.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that this does have research base that she would be happy to share. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that Mr. Bibb had suggested that the Easton Housing Authority After School Program group come to the Table Tennis Center. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she would be happy to show her the skill level on each and every program, how we get to each level and the research that talks about why these programs are good for healthy children and they are good intevenors for issues that people are poverish concerns and crime concerns.

Ms. Lowery asked who to contact regarding the funding of other programs.

Mr. Jensen stated that we will look into it but you would have to compete with established programs and what programs are being looked at.

Ms. Jackson-Amis addressed Mr. Jensen and stated that this program was the result of 25 items that were decided in the Community Legacy Task Force. This was not an isolated program that was just thought up. She stated that there were 25 items that were decided in a Community Legacy Task Force context to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the community. She stated that this is just one of them. There were housing and other kinds of things that were included so to suggest that you should bring applications for programs, is out of context. This would not be something she could agree with as it should be in the context of the Comprehensive Plan as this program was in the context of the Comprehensive Plan.

The President of the Council stated that if Ms. Lowery has a program that she feels has merit, notify him.

Mr. Royce Sampson, 29387 Stoney Ridge Circle, addressed the Council regarding being able to vote for programs.

The President of the Council stated that there was a motion to go into Executive Session which was seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

At 9:11, upon unanimous consensus, the President of the Council adjourned the Executive Session.

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

At 9:12, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting.

Town Clerk