TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND

September 16, 2002

PRESENT

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

IN ATTENDANCE

Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Attorney C. Kehoe, Town Engineer Timothy W. Glass, Assistant Town Engineer J. Gruber, Chief G. Harvey, Easton Police Department, Economic Development Coordinator Alexander M. Bond, and interested citizens and members of the press.

CONVENING

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. Jensen led the audience in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AUGUST 19, AUGUST 20 AND AUGUST 26, 2002 MINUTES

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS

The President of the Council introduced the coaches Skip Harrison, Steve Blanchfield, Jay Covey and Manager Ray Bennett from the 11 and 12 Year Old Maryland State Champions from the South Caroline Little League.

The Town Clerk presented each team member with a Proclamation proclaiming the week September 22, 2002 as South Caroline Little League Maryland State Championship Week.

Manager Ray Bennett presented the Mayor and Council with photos in recognition of their appreciation, also thanking the Police Department and the Fire Department for the escort.

The President of the Council introduced Manager Curtis Payne, coaches Milton Nagel and Tom LaNeve from the 9 and 10 Year Old Maryland State Champions from the South Caroline Little League.

Proclamations were presented to each 9 and 10 year old team member. Manger Curtis Payne thanked Chief Harvey and local businesses for their support.

EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. REPORT

Mr. Drew Jensen was present and addressed the Council with the Department’s monthly activities.

MRS. DOROTHY SHERWOOD, 306 S. WASHINGTON STREET, #5 TO ADDRESS COUNCIL WITH CONCERNS WITH RAILS-TO-TRAILS SOUTHERN EXTENSION.

Mrs. Dorothy Sherwood was present representing the six condominium owners of 306 S. Washington Street. She discussed the privacy issue and the possibility of loosing mature trees. Ms. Sherwood asked the Town to consider the property boundaries and to consider an alternative location. Mrs. Sherwood stated they would take legal action.

 PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TOWN’S ZONING ORDINANCE.

At 7:15 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance.

Mr. Hamilton, the Town Planner stated that the Planning Commission has reviewed and recommended two changes to the Zoning Ordinance. He discussed the parking tax and stated that the Comprehensive Plan supports the economic vitality of the downtown businesses. Mr. Hamilton stated that this action would allow businesses to come in and not have to provide parking and not have to pay the tax.

The President of the Council asked for questions from the Council.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked the Town Planner to justify the elimination of the $21,000 revenue from the parking tax. Mr. Hamilton stated that parking tax does not cover the administration of the fee.

The Town Planner discussed the amendment which proposed taking the PUD zoning and changing what can be placed on a piece of property. Mr. Hamilton discussed the purpose and intent of the amendment. He discussed the history of the proposed amendment and the change in the language.

Mr. Ford asked if there had been any mixed used PUDs. Mr. Hamilton stated that there has not although the Lyons’ Farm was commercial all by itself which was approved.

Mr. Hamilton stated that every project has the right to come before the Council and make their argument based upon what the Ordinance says.

Mr. Jensen asked if there was any way that the Council can decide between the Planning Commission and the Town Council on the merits of the project itself and then visit this Ordinance question afterwards.

Mr. Hamilton stated that the Planning Commission has already said that with the language as stated, the Easton Club project will not go forward.

Mr. Ford stated that he had spoken with members of the Planning Commission and they suggested that the Council look at this amendment as it makes the Zoning Ordinance better.

Mr. Kehoe stated that this discussion was held by the Planning Commission when they considered the proposal for Easton Club and one of the matters talked about was whether or not they could simply make a recommendation to the Town Council for or against the particular application having to do with the Conference Center subject to a recommendation that the Zoning Ordinance be changed to reflect or conditioned upon the Council separate determination that the Zoning Ordinance be changed. He stated that the Planning Commission made a decision not to do that but to inform the Council that the proposal was not compatible with the existing Zoning Ordinance and suggest that the language be formulated in another way. He stated that the Planning Commission’s recommendation to the Council with regard to the text change is an indicator that they will be in favor of or opposed to the Easton Club application.

Mr. Reed asked what the benefits would be to the property owner. Mr. Hamilton stated that if the changes were approved, then a presentation would be made to the Council if it is successful from the Planning Commission in a public hearing forum where you will hear the whole story. But the application will not be heard if the amendment is not approved.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if the change could be languaged to only impact new development or if it could be made effective in the future. She stated that what is on the books now would have to apply to existing circumstances.

Mr. Kehoe stated that this Ordinance amendment could be written to be prospective only.

The President of the Council opened the Public Hearing to the audience.

Ms. Judy McLenna, 27833 Waverly Road, stated that she is here on behalf of the Waverly Association. She stated that they recognize that they are not residents but they are immediately adjacent neighbors and are extraordinarily concerned about the proposed amendments to change the PUD applications. She discussed the quality of life impacts on Waverly Road residents. She stated that the Waverly Association feels very strongly that there should be no language changes to Zoning Ordinance until the Town’s new Master Comprehensive Plan is final. Ms. McLenna asked for postponement of any consideration of the PUD language change until its serious implications for the communities at large are fully discussed.

Mr. Ed Miller, resident of Oxford and President of the Easton Business Management Association and a member of the Mayor’s Economic Development Advisory Board. He stated that he is present to speak about the elimination of the Parking Tax. He discussed the history of the abolishment of the Parking Tax and the insignificant amount of generated tax. He urged the Council to act favorably upon this in order to support downtown revitalization efforts.

Mr. Miller discussed the PUD amendments and stated that the Planning Commission only wants their ability to exercise their discretion and judgment. He stated that each project will be judged on its merits and it is not fair to not discuss the amendment as changes only occur when matters are brought forward.

Mr. Leonard Williams, 27950 Waverly Road, stated that the Planning Commission supported the Conference Center in a public meeting.  He urged the Council to vote against the zoning change. He stated that the Town’s Comprehensive Plan should not be amended by the developer before it is adopted by the Town. Mr. Williams discussed the commercial representations made by the developer to the residents.

Mr. Peter Carroll, 28480 Granville Lane, Trappe, commended the Planners and the Planning Commission on their visioning. He stated that he is concerned about the potential of affecting a large number of homeowners by changing the community in ways they felt protected from current Zoning Ordinances. Mr. Carroll asked to date the change if granted, to only apply new developments. He stated that this needs a lot more work before it is ready to come before the Council. Mr. Carroll discussed the adverse affect of the closing of the Tidewater which he says operates at 50 to 60% capacity. He suggested that the Easton Club to pull itself up before the community has to bale them out.

Mr. Richard Bulman, 28471 Waterview Drive, read a statement offering reasons why the Town Council should not approve the proposed Amendment to 510.3(C) of Easton Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Bulman stated that he felt that residential neighborhoods should be for residents, the place where citizens of Easton live and enjoy their family and friends. Mr. Bulman stated that some commercial development may be needed to serve the needs of the residents but should not be designed primarily to attract businesses to the residential neighborhood. He stated that the language, as proposed will assign to the Town the decision as to what is compatible with the residential neighborhood. He asked that if the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance is approved, a condition be added to address previously approved Residential and A-1 PUDs. He offered the following proposed language: Changes to a previously approved PUD District in the A-1 or any “R” District must be supported by the owners of 65% of the land area in the PUD District and by 65% of the owners of land in the PUD District. He stated that any changes to the approved zoning and use of the land should have strong support from those directly affected. He asked the Council to consider Ms. Jackson-Amis’ suggestions and offered his availability for questions.

Mr. William Hoffman, co-owner Coffee East, was present in favor of the change of the Parking Tax in the CR District. He stated that redevelopment of the downtown is still of concern to this community and a subject the council addressed in their election platforms. Mr. Hoffman stated that the parking issue effects the redevelopment of a building or property into an eating establishment as there are more parking spaces required per square foot in an eating establishment. Mr. Hoffman stated that there is no available parking to be generated in the downtown should a business be interested in moving in the area. He stated that he is in favor of more parking downtown although he does not know where it would go but he is not in favor of being taxed for non-existing parking spaces. Mr. Hoffman encouraged the Council to change the language and vote for the amendment as presented by the Planning Department.

Mr. Tom Alspach, 295 Bay Street, spoke as President of Talbot Preservation Alliance and in defense of the existing Zoning Ordinance with regard to the PUD issues before the Council. Mr. Alspach disagreed that the proposed new language would make the Ordinance better and provide for more flexibility in the future. He stated that this proposal was before the Council due to one specific project as stated in the Planning Commission’s letter of August 19 in which they stated that the Commission has recently reviewed a project which the members indicated that they would have like to have supported however, language in the existing Ordinance prohibited them from considering such use. Mr. Alspach explained why the Ordinance is written as it is now. He stated that if you take away the language as it is now, all you are left with is a commercial zone which enables a proponent of a project to place commercial development anywhere in a residential zone. He asked the Council to look at the permitted commercial uses in the Zoning Ordinance and imagine the uses in a residential zone.  Mr. Alspach stated that if the restraint is eliminated, you will be opening up a long-term problem of commercial uses in residential zones throughout the community. He urged the Council to keep the Zoning Ordinance as it is written.

Mr. Dave Layton, resident of Easton Club, 28495 Waterview Drive, stated that he has attended the neighborhood meetings at the pavilion at the Easton Club with respect to the new proposed Conference Center. He stated that he and many neighbors support the proposal of Mr. Conway. He thinks that the Conference Center will be a viable asset to our community and it will help the property values. He stated that this will be a welcomed addition to their community and the visitors will visit the downtown and the restaurants. Mr. Layton stated that the change was well received and he supports it.

Mr. John Murray, 28110 Legates Cove Road, office address 101 Bay Street, stated that he is present to speak in favor of the amendment to Section 510(C) 3. He stated that he is present representing the Easton Club. Mr. Murray stated that the issue was identified by the Planning Commission in the course of looking at the proposed Conference Center; however, this is not a presentation of the Conference Center project. He stated that tonight, the Council is presented with suggested change to the Zoning Ordinance based upon Planning and Zoning principals not a specific project. He asked that the focus be kept on the changes in the text amendment. Mr. Murray distinguished between a PUD and a general permissive zoning. He stated that the Council will have the discretion with what will be permitted in the PUD. Mr. Murray encouraged the Council to pass the proposed amendment as has been asked of the Council by the Planning Commission.

Ms. Ruth Meier Donnelley, 29695 Lakeview Court, stated that there is a large tract of undeveloped land in their development. She asked what would stop other things from going in and asked what this change would allow under this amendment. She stated that as proposed, she objects to the changed amendment. Ms. Donnelley stated that the developers and the zoning should not rule but the people of the town.

Mr. Leonard Wendowski, 28545 Congressional Court, stated that he is opposed to the changed amendment. He asked the Council to consider this change thoughtfully as the possible impact on current and future PUDs in the Town of Easton and the residents.

Mr. Meredith Smith, 28530 Waterview Drive, Easton Club, discussed the difference in a hotel and a conference center. He stated that the plans are for a limited use conference center which is highly compatible and a potential asset. Mr. Smith stated that he is highly in favor of the amendment.

Mr. Jensen asked the Town Attorney or the Town Planner to indicate what is allowed. The Town Attorney stated that what this proposal is intended to change the focus that the Planning Commission or the Town Council would use when reviewing an application for a Planned Unit Development with a commercial aspect to it. He stated that if the commercial uses are primarily oriented to serving the residents, then those uses are uses of a primary or a neighborhood or commercial type use such as a convenience store, a sandwich shop, a dry cleaning establishment where the business makes it more convenient for the people in the PUD residential portions to meet their daily needs.  He stated that compatible with means that the uses are not primarily oriented to serve the residents within the planned unit development but instead do not have a negative impact on those uses.

Ms. Brenda Crabbs, 7615 Easton Club Drive, stated that when she purchased in the Easton Club, there was a large diagram in the sales office which did not include a 120-room facility. She stated that she thought she was buying into a residential community surrounding a golf course with a restaurant and pro shop. She said to change the rules now seems a little disingenuous. Ms. Crabbs stated that the word primarily in a PUD is to protect the residents who buy into the community. Ms. Crabbs discussed her experience with PUDs. She said that the new language would reverse the intention as compatible leaves a wide open range for commercial opportunities and would allow destination sites. She asked the Council not to make the change.

Ms. Rebecca Ellison, Oxford Road, stated that it is disingenuous to try to persuade the Council that a conference center is not a hotel. She stated that this project would be totally out of scale. She asked that the developer be made to show that there is actually a need for a conference center and that it won’t detrimentally impact long standing businesses.

Ms. Joanne Seville, Waterview Drive, stated that the Council has not been given an opportunity to review the specifics of the project. She stated that everyone present is not here to talk about the Easton Club but changes to the rules and just because the rules are changed, doesn’t mean that the Council will accept the project. Ms. Seville stated that this could be a viable business and urged the Council to think about changing the Zoning Ordinance.

Mr. Ford discussed designing a language change that would encourage commercial developments that would service residential areas and encourage non-vehicular traffic to and from commercial centers. He stated that we would be improving the ordinance and that is where the Council and Planning Commission would determine compatibility with residential uses. He stated that he believes that the current language in the Ordinance is flawed.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it is important to establish that not any of the comments should be viewed as hypercritical of the Planning Commission and the Council’s job is to review and to use the analysis available and make every effort to understand all sides of the argument. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she has taken into consideration the suggested change that the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended and it is clear to her that it is not ready for a vote this evening and is not part of the Comprehensive Plan and should be thought out and submitted with regard to the projects already on the board. She asked the President of the Council to table this.

The President of the Council stated that the public record will be held open until close of business on Friday afternoon for additional written comments.

The President of the Council declared a five-minute recess.

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT AWARD #2002-LB-BX-2755.

At 9:00 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. He stated that the grant is a $12,506 award with a $1,390 dollar match. He asked for comments from Chief Harvey.

Chief Harvey discussed the purpose of the grant. He stated that the funds would be to upgrade their technology and to try to get some items that are outside of the realm of the normal operating budget. Chief Harvey stated that the $1,390 match would come from the Law Enforcement Fund which is money seized by the Town by the Police from drug activity. He stated that these grant funds would be to move the radio communications tower from its current location to a more secure location as it is currently housed in a public building. Chief Harvey stated that the Department would also like to replace the base stations that are approximately 35 years old.

The President of the Council asked for any questions from the Council. There were none.

The President of the Council asked for audience comments. There were none.

At 9:02 p.m., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing and left the record open for written comments until the close of business on Friday.

RESOLUTION NO. 5782 TO APPROVE SUBMISSION OF THE WATERFOWL FESTIVAL, INC. PROJECT TO DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR INCLUSION IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5782, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

RESOLUTION NO. 5783 TO APPROVE SUBMISSION OF THE BE A STAR YOUTH & CULTURAL ARTS CENTER PROJECT TO DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR INCLUSION IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5783, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

RESOLUTION NO. 5784 TO APPROVE SUBMISSION OF THE TALBOT COUNTY FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER’S PROJECT TO DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR INCLUSION IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5784, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

RESOLUTION NO. 5785 AUTHORIZING THE TOWN CLERK TO MAKE ABATEMENTS TOTALING $3,251.16.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5785, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

RESOLUTION NO. 5786 AUTHORIZING EASTON UTILITIES TO PROCEED WITH THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL ELECTRIC GENERATING UNITS.

Mr. Grunden discussed the purpose and function of Resolution No. 5786. He stated it is to satisfy requirements by the State of Maryland. Mr. Grunden discussed the resolution of support from the Town Council and stated that impact fees would not attach to these services. Mr. Grunden discussed keeping up with the current demand.  He stated that everyone that receives Easton Utilities’ electric service pays over the course of time for these assets and receives significant benefits. Mr. Grunden discussed potential inclusion of a part of this project in a future bond issue.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5786, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

RESOLUTION NO. 5787 MODIFYING HEALTH INSURANCE PROVISIONS FOR TOWN OF EASTON EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR EARLY RETIREMENT

Mr. Ford asked if this is cost neutral to the Town. The Town Clerk stated that they ran cost versus benefit and he stated that effectively, this is cost neutral.

Mr. Ford moved Resolution No. 5787 for approval, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously following a roll call vote.

MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT TO TALBOT COUNTY TOURISM BOARD

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Mayor Butler’s appointment of Mr. Alexander Bond to the Talbot County Tourism Board replacing Ms. Ellen General, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

MEMO FROM TOWN ENGINEER REGARDING 2003 4WD PICKUP

Mr. Reed made a motion to approve the Town Engineer’s request to accept the bid from Hertrich Fleet Services in the amount of $18,020, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously.

MEMO FROM CHIEF OF POLICE REGARDING BID PROPOSALS FOR TWO NEW POLICE PACKAGE VEHICLES

Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to approve Chief Harvey’s proposal to purchase two new police package vehicles from Norris Ford, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously.

TOWN ENGINEER’S UPDATE ON HAWKES HILL ROAD AND AND DUTCHMAN’S LANE IMPROVEMENTS

The Town Engineer discussed maintenance issues on Hawkes Hill Road. Mr. Glass suggested a letter to the residents describing the proposed scope of enhancements. Mr. Jensen suggested meeting with the residents for their input.

The Town Engineer updated the Council on the Royal Farms project. He stated that he has not received engineering documents submitted for review. Mr. Glass discussed the parties that will be involved in the review and the contributions of funds for improvements to that corner.

APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $357,180.08

Mr. Reed made a motion to approve payment of invoices totaling $357,180.08, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Butler thanked everyone for their participation in the September 11 Commemoration Ceremony at the Idlewild Park.

CHIEF’S COMMENTS

Chief Harvey stated he had three requests.

1          October 4 Friday, Block Park, 11 South Harrison Street, Thompson Park, sidewalks and downtown area between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. to celebrate business openings and attract visitors to the downtown area.

2          A request for permission to use a crane to lift an air conditioning unit on the roof of  Long & Foster, 24 N. Washington Street on the morning of September 20, 2002, 5:30 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. May require lane closures.

3          Historic St. Michaels Century, Mr. Steve Fuhrman, requesting for September 21, 2002, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., 75 participants in a recreational bicycle ride from Oxford Road to Route 33, St. Michaels Road.

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

TOWN ENGINEER’S COMMENTS

Mr. Glass discussed the recent meeting with the State Highway Administration regarding long range improvements on Route 50 through Easton. He suggested meeting with them following the Joint Meeting with the County Council on October 22.

Mr. Glass reminded everyone that leaves will be picked up curbside mid October through the end of the year. He asked that leaves that need to be picked up prior to that time, need to be bagged and set out with regular garbage.

Mr. Glass stated that the town has been sprayed and larvacided as appropriate for mosquitoes.

Mr. Glass updated on the Rails-to-Trails extensions. He stated that the extension south along Cadmus does not look like it will happen right now. He stated that they will be focusing their attention on the north end to Easton Park.

Mr. Glass updated on the South and Washington Street areas. He stated that they are currently under construction with the installation of street lights and replacement of sidewalks.

Mr. Glass discussed a request from Mr. Gelson Brooks for a small No Parking Zone at the end of Mecklenburg Avenue due to concerns regarding the emergency entrance.  Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion for the Town Engineer to move ahead with Mr. Brooks’ request, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked the Town Engineer to take Mrs. Sherwood’s concerns into consideration with respect to the Rails-to-Trails.

TOWN ATTORNEY’S COMMENTS

Mr. Kehoe asked that Ordinances 448 and 449 be introduced for a first reading.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR’S COMMENTS

Mr. Bond spoke in favor of amending the Parking Tax Ordinance that is before the Council.

Mr. Bond asked for Council approval to use balloons on the meter poles on October 4 for the block party. Mr. Jensen moved approval, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES NO. 448, 449 AND 450 FOR A FIRST READING

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 448, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACTING WITH AMENDMENTS CHAPTER 6 OF THE TOWN OF EASTON (BUILDING CODE) TO ADOPT THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (2000 EDITION) AND THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE FOR ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS (2000 EDITIONS)” for a first reading.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 449, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACTING WITH AMENDMENTS CHAPTER 13A OF THE TOWN OF EASTON CODE (PROPERTY MAINTENANCE) TO ADOPT THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE/2000” for a first reading.

The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 450, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING SECTIONS 510.3 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PUD), SECTION 505.2B OFF-STREET PARKING, AND SECTION 601.3 CR ZONING DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE” for a first reading.

CABLE RESTRUCTURING PUBLIC HEARING SET

The President of the Council set Cable Restructuring Public Hearing for October 7, 2002 at 7:15 P.M.

COUNCIL’S COMMENTS

Ms. Jackson discussed Ordinance No. 449 in regards to Motor Vehicles, Section 302.8.

REQUEST TO WAIVE PERMIT FEES FOR AVIONICS HANGAR AT EASTON AIRPORT

At the request of the County Manager, Mr. Ford made a motion to waive the fees for construction of the Avionics Hangar at Easton Airport seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously.

VANDALISM AT TOWN PARKS

Mr. Willey discussed vandalism at the Idlewild Children’s Garden and Rails-to-Trails. He asked the Council to consider a reward for the conviction of anyone involved in vandalism at the park.

Chief Harvey stated that the State’s Attorney will mark part of the court proceedings, restitution for equipment and property damage.

Mr. Willey suggested signage regarding damage to parks.

Mayor Butler suggested making the light at the Children’s Garden a sensor light. Mr. Jensen made a motion to make that improvement, seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis, and carried unanimously.

REDISTRICTING

The President of the Council passed out the Mayor’s suggestions regarding re-districting. He stated that the Council should submit their recommendations in two weeks for a re-districting plan in early November.

COUNCIL’S COMMENTS

Mr. Ford wished Ms. Jackson-Amis’s mother a Happy 90^th Birthday tomorrow.

Mr. Jensen discussed the coordination of a meeting to walk around Easton to take a look at the parks.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 9:44 p.m.

______________________________

Town Clerk