SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING

February 4, 2002

The Town Council of the Town of Easton met today in a workshop meeting at 6:00 P.M. with members of the Housing Authority. Members of the Council present were Mr. Robert Willey, President, Mr. John Ford, Mr. Scott Jensen, Mr. Carl Reed and Ms. Moonyene Jackson-Amis. Also in attendance were Mayor C. Eugene Butler, Ms. Sharon Van Emburgh, Assistant Town Attorney and Mr. Tom Hamilton, Town Planner.

Members of the Housing Authority present, were Ms. Brenda Mitchell, Mr. Leon Sampson, Mr. Gene Price, Ms. Carolyn Jaffe and Mr. Clifford Hilk, Chairman. Also present were Ms. Suzanne Hood, Legal Counsel for the Housing Authority and Mr. Don Bibb, Executive Director.

At 6:15 P.M., Mr. Don Bibb introduced members of the Housing Authority to the Town Council.

The President of the Council, Mr. Willey, asked the members of the Housing Authority what their feelings were regarding Kelly Gibson Street.

Mr. Bibb discussed meeting with the community groups and the Visioning Meetings. He discussed the amended plan due to East End Neighborhood Association input. He discussed the trash and emergency issues. He stated that the Fire Department has no real problem in emergency situations with the removable bollards. Mr. Bibb stated that he had spoke with the Town Engineer regarding trash truck concerns. The Housing Authority can pick up the trash twice a week. He discussed the backup policy for trash collection.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she had listened to the tape of the public hearing and she did not hear anything accept Ms. Jaffe saying she was pleased with the change. She stated that she had requested information regarding the public notice of changing the street. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that her intent is simply one of safety as it is unsafe to back out of Kelly Gibson Street to Dover Street or South Street. She stated that the Pastor for Asbury Church is not for closing the street. She has spoken with the Fire Department Chief who stated that there have been two fires so he takes this matter seriously. She stated that the Town Engineer has advised that it is not a good idea to block the street due to the trash collection, etc. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that some might think that supporting the closing of the street might be necessary in order to get a house. She discussed people not hearing about the change in the traffic pattern. She stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission felt that the closing was not good until the community wanted it. Her main issue is safety as she feels it is not safe to back onto Dover Street. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she thinks that the project is beautiful in concept.

Mr. Bibb discussed the construction trucks temporarily blocking the street. Rev. Goldsborough’s son had advised him that there were no problems. He discussed a staging area on South Street. Mr. Bibb stated that one member of the Planning and Zoning Commission had visited the construction site today.

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed optimum conditions and discussed the safety issue. She questioned if blocking the street will help stop drugs.

Mr. Bibb stated that the homebuyers should be given the opportunity to present their input.

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her concerns and stated that she thinks there should be a public hearing.

Mr. Jensen stated that he was on the East End Neighborhood Association Board at the time. He stated that he has spoken with Ms. Joyce DeLaurentis and she stated that the purpose of closing the streets was to stop the roll the bowl traffic pattern. He stated that Ms. DeLaurentis stated that this is not exactly what she wanted but something was needed.

Mr. Jensen questioned what would happen if there was a new public hearing.

The Town Planner questioned what new information will be given at a new public hearing with the Planning Commission.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the change was done without public notice. She discussed people who are impacted by this.

Mr. Hamilton discussed the level of detail that was presented with the Planning Commission. He stated that they did discuss the Town Engineer’s concerns.

Mr. Ford stated that this was his recollection as well.

The Town Planner stated that the Planning Commission required each site to have on-site parking on each lot for two cars.

Mr. Ford stated that his resolution is due to community input. He stated that he is not willing to change his decision unless that is what the community wants. Mr. Ford stated that there is no urgency here.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked why spend the money on the bollards and questioned whether there needed to be an injury first before a change was considered. She stated that she does see the urgency due to the potential of people getting hurt.

Mr. Bibb stated that changes were made to allow on site parking. He stated that through traffic would be more dangerous.

Mr. Ford stated that a trash truck backing up with a spotter is safer.

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the back-up rule.

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed visitors to houses on the street. Mr. Hamilton stated that the assumption was that every household will not have two cars.

Mr. Jensen questioned the process of getting in and out near the bollards. He questioned other ways to alleviate the roll the bowl predicament.

The President of the Council stated there was another matter for discussion this evening.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she does not understand the relationship between the Housing Authority and the Town of Easton. She discussed the alleged problems at 60 Pleasant Alley. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there had been a directive from HUD.

Mr. Bibb stated that there had been no directive from HUD. He discussed the plan and funding.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the occupant complained of health problems.

Mr. Bibb stated that a new hot water heater had been installed two years ago. He stated that there had been no documented problem and that the Utilities Department had been there seven times.

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed emissions in the house. She stated that the doctor had documented this exacerbating her upper respiratory condition.

Mr. Bibb stated that he had offered to move her last year and last week but she refused.

Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned where he offered to move her and stated that the tenant needed to be in the vicinity of the hospital. She stated that she had documented single people in double apartments. Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed complaints to her and Burton Wilson from NAACP.

Mr. Bibb stated that he has no documented information regarding her medical condition. He stated that HUD controls his actions and considers the matter done.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she has e-mail from HUD saying that changes would be made. She stated that they must have some basis for these changes. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that he has concern for her constituents in her ward and questioned if the Council has no voice in what happens.

Mr. Bibb stated that concerns can be directed to HUD in Baltimore. He stated that HUD has no issue regarding this matter.

The President of the Council thanked everyone for coming.

Mr. Hilk, Chairman of the Housing Authority, invited the Council members to the Housing Authority meeting.

There being no further business, the President of the Council adjourned the workshop meeting at 6:50 P.M.

Robert F. Karge, Town Clerk