TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND

JULY 1, 2002

Mayor C. Eugene Butler Councilman Scott R. Jensen

Council President Robert C. Willey Councilman Carl B. Reed

Councilman John F. Ford Councilwoman Moonyene Jackson-Amis

Richard T. Warfield, Jr., for Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Attorney Christopher B. Kehoe, Town Engineer Timothy W. Glass, Town Planner W. Thomas Hamilton, Police Chief George M. Harvey, Economic Development Coordinator Alexander M. Bond, and interested citizens and members of the press.

The Mayor and Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Council President Willey called the meeting to order. Mr. Ford led the audience in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

On a motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis and seconded by Mr. Jensen, the minutes of June 17, 2002 were unanimously approved.

Chief Kelly Jones, Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. reported on monthly activities. He discussed the awards received by Easton at the Maryland State Fireman’s Convention.

Mr. Hugh Grunden, President and CEO and Mr. Jerry Adams, Water and Wastewater Manager, Easton Utilities discussed the Town of Easton Wastewater Treatment Facility Capacity Increase and Improvement Plan. Discussion was held regarding the existing facility and putting a new Treatment Facility in service. Mr. Adams discussed planning for a capacity increase, which would require a large investment. He discussed alternatives, recommended utilizing a different technology, and convert the secondary pond into an extended aeration basin. Mr. Adams stated that Easton Utilities could optimize the grant funding by replacing the existing system. He stated that the Biolac® system (extended aeration with alternating aerobic and anoxic zones, combined with chemical phosphorous removal) is the lowest annual operating cost facility of the systems compared. Mr. Adams discussed the customer impact, which may see a 40 to 50% increase depending on their usage. He discussed the project schedule. Mr. Adams stated that the system should be completed by June 1, 2005.

Mr. Michael J. McCann, Land Engineering Manager, Pulte Homes requesting permission to use roll-up banner on the corner of Dutchman’s Lane and Route 50, GM Giant property for summer holidays. After discussion, Mr. Ford made a motion to deny the request, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

Mr. F. Graham Lee, Vice President, Fund Development, Memorial Hospital Foundation, requesting permission to hang a banner along front of The Athlete’s Foot at The Shoppes at Easton from July 18 to July 21, 2002. After discussion, Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the request, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Sealed bids were received for the purchase of Engine 63 in the amount of $22,000 from Alberta Volunteer Fire Department, Alberta, Virginia and Professional Coaching Equipment in the amount of $21,251. Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Jensen, the sale of Engine 63 was awarded to the Town of Alberta.

Mayor Butler discussed formalizing the Mayor and Council’s desire to keep "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Butler discussed the recent MML Convention in Ocean City June 23 – June 26.

Chief Harvey stated he had three requests from Ms. Carolyn Jaffe representing The Welcome Center.

1. Moton Park for Mama Jama Concert, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., August 15, 2002.
2. Moton Park Concert, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., July 20, 2002, XPD.
3. Idlewild Park Concert in the Park, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., July 27, 2002, Air National Guard.

Mr. Jensen moved approval of the concerts, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously. The Town Attorney suggested approving the concerts subject to Park Board approval. Mr. Brasington was present and stated that they have been approved.

Mr. Glass stated that the entire town will have trash collection on Friday, July 5 due to the observance of Thursday, July 4.

Mr. Glass discussed ongoing construction projects.

The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe stated he had two matters for Executive Session: negotiating a contract and the advice of legal counsel.

The President of the Council discussed election issues and redistricting. The Town Attorney suggested scheduling a workshop.

Mr. Bond invited everyone to the July 5 Downtown Easton Block Party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Ford wished everyone a safe Fourth of July.

Mr. Jensen wished everyone a safe Fourth of July.

Mr. Reed appreciated the quick action of the Easton Fire Department and Police Department at his house. Mr. Reed thanked everyone for their concerns during his recent illness.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she had the privilege of moderating one of the panels during the MML Convention on Historic Districts. She stated that it was a nice surprise that Easton was showcased as a town that knows how to put together the Historic District information and that we have done a good job so hats off to Mr. Goebel, who she thinks is the chairperson for that committee and the other members of the committee. She stated that it was used as a fine example and they had a fine brochure that was used to describe the process and so that is some really good news and we should salute that particular commission.

At 7:55 p.m., Mr. Ford made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously by roll call vote.

There being no further business, upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis, seconded by Mr. Jensen, and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the Executive Session at 9:10 p.m.

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Richard T. Warfield, Jr., for Town Clerk