March 4, 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 Butler, Chief of Police George Harvey, Town Engineer Mr. Tim Glass, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Joe Gruber, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton and Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe.

Ms. Jackson-Amis opened the meeting with prayer. She led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Upon motion by Mr. Ford seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, minutes of the February 12 and February 19, 2002 meetings were approved as written.

Mr. Randy Chance, Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., distributed the monthly report.

Mr. Jim Seaman, American Cancer Society was present to address the Council regarding Daffodil Days, the Flower of Hope. He stated that Daffodil Days will be held March 17 and appreciates the help he receives from the Town.

Mr. Jensen presented a Proclamation to the American Cancer Society in honor of the work the American Cancer Society does to reduce the incidence of cancer.

The President of the Council brought a letter from Mr. Robert T. Horvath, Director, The Talbot County Free Library requesting the waiver of fees for a building permit associated with the expansion of the Library lobby.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the waiver of the fees, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously.

The President of the Council brought 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" to the floor.

The Town Engineer stated that in reviewing some of the documents, he noted that there was reference to the R-10A zoning and he thinks that needs to be changed to A-1. He stated that in regards to the Outline for Extension of Services and Public Facilities, he would like to have the opportunity to work out a few details with regards to the roadway construction. Mr. Glass stated that there is some language regarding a dedication of a right-of-way for the collector road, however, the actual dedication and construction is intended to take place at such time a development would occur on that property. He asked that this condition be outlined as a condition of annexation.

The Town Attorney stated that he has a conflict but procedurally, he might suggest that the Outline for Extension of Services can be modified before the Council proceeds. He stated that if a straw vote was taken and the annexation was to go forward, the modifications can be worked out between Mr. Drummond, the Town’s representation and Mr. Stevens, the applicant’s representation.

Mr. Stevens stated that he believes that the resolution was corrected but the ordinance was not.

The Town Planner stated that Mr. Stevens had submitted a corrected ordinance when the Planning Commission recommended the change in zoning.

Mr. Reed asked if the road system would be part of the changes.

The Town Engineer stated that what he planned to do, more specifically, is to define the construction of roadways on that property if at some point a development proposal is approved.

The Town Clerk advised that there is a change in the tax structure as well.

Mr. Reed stated that he wants to be sure that the road construction does not effect South Beechwood before passing legislation.

Mr. Ford stated that he wanted to make a few general comments not directly connected with this application but pertinent to the annexation process and growth issues in general. He stated that he found the last few minutes of the last meeting very unsettling, both personally and how growth issues are being addressed by our community. He stated that the final three speakers at the last meeting questioned not only the wisdom of this council but also its ethics and integrity as well. Mr. Ford stated that as uninformed and mean spirited he felt those speakers were, as a public official, we have to expect that from time to time but more disturbing is that the tenor of those speakers is becoming more commonplace. He stated that in the last two months, this council has been accused in two different correspondence of being on the take, of accepting bribes. Mr. Ford stated that on a broader scale, our community has become so polarized over growth issues, the true dialogue rarely happens anymore. Instead, we have organizations professing to support sound and reasonable growth, stand in formal opposition to every development proposal that comes before the Council or we have an organization professing to support sound growth that supports every application, no matter what. For every application, he stated battle lines are drawn, and we go to war with a huge waste of resources, both money and time and time is something we are running out of. Mr. Ford stated that if we continue to fight instead of compromise, and we remain inflexible advocates of a single issue, development applications won’t be decided in Planning and Zoning hearings or in Town Council meetings, they will be decided in court and as a community we risk losing our ability to manage growth. Mr. Ford stated that this council has been accused of not planning, not considering the implications of our decisions. He stated, again, that goes with the territory but he knows for a fact that all the council agonize over these issues because we recognize how complex they are and how difficult it can be to know what is best for the community. Mr. Ford stated that in his view, there is no right or wrong in growth management and even what is best is not apparent until well after a decision is made. He stated that planning is a process and he thinks this council gets and continues to get valuable, well-researched and progressive input from town staff and the Planning Commission.

Mr. Ford stated that in regards to the Hoffman application, the Planning Commission supported this application five to nothing and he thinks that support is completely appropriate. He stated that he believes this annexation proposal is supported by the current Comprehensive Plan. He stated that he also feels that the applicant has made a compelling argument that the Hoffman property should be in the town and should be subject to town review. Mr. Ford stated that he was not going to support this annexation until certain questions have been answered. Mr. Ford stated that this council needs more information about the possibility of a through road from Holly Drive to the Hoffman property. He stated that he does not think that the folks in the Beechwood Development would be amenable to a through street directly through their development. He stated that he would also like more information on the site design of the proposed project.

Mr. Jensen stated that he would like to echo what Mr. Ford said. He agreed with Mr. Ford’s comments. Mr. Jensen stated that he thinks the council should do a much better job with planning. Mr. Jensen stated that he believes that Easton has to do a lot better job than what is being done. He stated that he would like to see a site plan because he would like to expect more than is being built all over Maryland. Mr. Jensen stated that he will not support this annexation.

Mr. Reed stated that he finds with each development, he can learn more by going out and looking at the land. He discussed the overpass bridge the developer mentioned. Mr. Reed stated that he does not see this happening for many, many, years. He stated that we cannot get the Rt. 309 project on the drawing boards yet. Mr. Reed stated that we cannot take one development at a time, you have to look at what is there, what is planned to be there and what we know is coming there. Mr. Reed suggested setting a growth rate for the town. He stated that the costs of homes being built are way above the local, working people’s income in the community for the working couple. Mr. Reed stated that we need to look at what the town can afford, the infrastructure, the fire department, the schools and the police department. Mr. Reed stated that more emphasis needs to be put on light industrial work to employ the people that are in the town now and to support the upcoming growth. He stated that he is not sure he knows all the facts on this development. Mr. Reed stated that he would like to know more about the road system. He stated that he has walked that property and he wants to know if the houses are to be built where the trees start.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she is very definitely not in support of this annexation.

The President of the Council stated to Mr. Stevens, the applicant’s attorney, that there are legitimate questions that need to be addressed before a formal vote.

Mr. Stevens stated that he thought the process was to annex with A-1 zoning and not get into the particular site plan until the PUD process. He stated that he would accept the opportunity to put a more detailed plan before this council before they vote.

The President of the Council stated that the last time this parcel came before the Council for annexation for vote, it was turned down because the Council did not have the answers that it needed to understand what was fully going to happen. Mr. Willey stated that it does not have to be cast in gold but they would like an idea what is going to happen and how it is going to look.

Mr. Stevens reviewed what the questions were from the Council.

Mr. Durrie Hayes, Talbot County Economic Development Coordinator was present on behalf of the Talbot County Economic Development Commission to address the Council with goals and objectives.

Mr. Hayes passed out an information package with copies of the slides presented.

Mr. Hayes stated that what they have been doing for the past couple of years is putting together measurable goals and objectives with input from Planning and Zoning Commissions and numerous groups. He discussed the formation of the Talbot County Economic Development Commission and the mission statement. Mr. Hayes stated that the number one issue is retention and expansion of existing businesses. Secondly, is quality of life. He stated that they had come up with four goal areas. One, to increase employment opportunities, secondly, wage levels, thirdly, the median household income and economic diversity. He stated that they are looking at strategies and they are open to input from this Council as well as Talbot County Council. Mr. Hayes stated that the bottom line is supporting the existing businesses. He stated that 80 to 90% of new jobs come from existing businesses. He discussed the need for coordination between the County Council and the Town Council.

Chief Harvey asked for approval for the March of Dimes Walk 2002 on Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. He stated that the Rails-to-Trails will be utilized for this walk.

Chief Harvey stated that they had a request for four parking spaces on Sunday, March 10, 2002 for A Taste of Talbot. He stated that they need the space at the Tidewater Inn.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Chief Harvey’s requests, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Mr. Reed stated that he had been informed that there are two officers returning to Easton Police Department. He stated that he is happy to see them return.

Chief Harvey reported that they have been accepted for re-employment.

The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass stated that the rails-to-trails crosswalk construction began today. He stated that the construction will take a couple of weeks with partial lane closures. He reported that the crosswalk on August Street will take place soon. The Town Engineer stated that they are currently developing a traffic control plan on a temporary road closure for March 16 and 17 to make a contract pour.

The Town Engineer reported that he had a meeting recently with State Highway Administration with regards to the Dover Street reconstruction project. He stated that the design has been completed and it is moving forward. Mr. Glass stated that the bid will be done in May with some activity in late summer, early fall. The Town Engineer stated that the Town will take Dover Road over for future maintenance after the upgrade.

Mr. Reed thanked the Town Engineer for the ride around town for the inspection of the roads, curbs and sidewalks. He stated that as in the past, he saw some streets he had not seen before and he appreciated his remarks regarding needed improvements.

Mr. Jensen questioned if there would be a curb bump out at the rails-to-trails crossing on Dover Street. The Town Engineer stated that the State Highway has the design and what they build will match what the Public Works Department is constructing on Goldsborough.

The Town Attorney reminded the President of the Council that the Elm Street Development proposal is pending. He asked if there is anything needed from the town staff or developer to move onto the next step.

The President of the Council discussed concerns he had after the joint public hearing held with the County Council. He discussed water quality questions and traffic flow. He stated that he would welcome the chance to sit with the developer.

It was the consensus of the Council to schedule a workshop with the developer.

Mr. Ford stated that it would be beneficial to invite the Planning Commission and the County Council.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the affordable housing issue has been addressed.

Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned if there was a bridge in that area. The Town Attorney stated that there was a railroad bridge remnant.

Mr. Ford stated that it looked as if there were two bridges at one time.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she would like for the Elm Street developers to address the environmental concerns.

Mr. Jensen questioned if the residents should be able to respond to the developers' responses regarding the questions asked during the public hearing. The Town Attorney stated that he would think through how to structure the workshop so that it is fair to the public and the developer while providing the Council with the information necessary to make a decision.

Mr. Jensen thanked Mayor Butler for writing to the State of Maryland on behalf of the Community Legacy program. Mr. Jensen stated that the Neighborhood Business Development Program is also slated to have two million dollars cut from its eight million dollar budget and he thinks it is a bad thing. Mr. Jensen urged everyone to let their legislators know that they do not want the Neighborhood Business Development Program cut.

Ms. Jackson-Amis thanked Mayor Butler for the Proclamation to Rev. Richard Greene of Bethel AME Church for celebrating his year anniversary as a new member of this community.

The President of the Council asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Ford made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Reed.

Mr. Tom Alspach stated that he represents Talbot Preservation Alliance. He stated that he did hear Mr. Ford’s comments. He stated that he feels that Mr. Ford was referring to his group as being against everything that comes before the Council and he feels compelled to respond. He stated that it is factually inaccurate that they oppose everything that comes before the Council. He discussed projects that he has spoken in favor of. He discussed the Comprehensive Plan and the planning process. Mr. Alspach stated that their interest is the community’s interest and represents the view of a very large number of people in this community. He stated that he is not being critical of the staff and the time spent by the Council.

There being no further business, Mr. Ford made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Town Clerk