TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND

October 21, 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

Richard T. Warfield, Jr., for Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Attorney C. Kehoe, Town Engineer Timothy W. Glass, Assistant Town Engineer J. Gruber, Town Planner Tom Hamilton, Matt Davis, Assistant Town Planner, Capt. Melbourne (Ben) Blue, Easton Police Department, Mr. Mike Morse, Director Parks and Recreation 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. Ms. Jackson-Amis led the audience in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 7, 2002 MINUTES

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

INTRODUCTION OF MR. MATT DAVIS, ASSISTANT TOWN PLANNER

Mr. Tom Hamilton, Town Planner introduced Mr. Matt Davis who joined the Town of Easton after working in the municipality of Hagerstown and came to us from Wicomico County.

RESOLUTION NO. 5790, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING THE 2002 CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE RATE REVISIONS PROPOSED BY THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION”

There being no further questions, upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried, Resolution No. 5790 was passed unanimously following a roll call vote.

MEMO FROM TOWN ENGINEER REGARDING POTENTIAL EASTON SKATEBOARD PARK SITES

 The Town Engineer discussed potential locations. He stated that they are looking for high visibility, a fairly easy to reach location for emergency services, somewhere close to Rails-to-Trails to provide a link to neighborhoods and a piece of property the Town already owns. He stated that the ideal piece of property would be approximately the size of the outside edges of a tennis court.

Mr. Willey discussed his recent discussions with the Mayor of Millington regarding locking their park down due to vandalism.

Mr. Ford suggested contacting the YMCA to make sure everyone is on the same track.

Discussion was held regarding leasing private property for the skateboard park.

Ms. Jackson stated that she was not in favor of the YMCA location and she understood that it is also not a number one choice of a representative of the Park Board at the present time.

The President of the Council asked the Park Board to review the list of prospective locations.

MEMO FROM ASSISTANT TOWN ENGINEER REGARDING EXTENSION OF WATER AND WASTEWATER TO WEST GLENWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD

Clarification was made that the memo from the Town Attorney regarding cost estimates was for Glenwood Avenue only and does not include the private roads.

The Assistant Town Engineer stated that they are in the process of doing the preliminary engineering report which is the first step in getting funding from U.S.D.A.

Discussion occurred on extending water and sewer outside the boundaries. The Town Attorney stated that the expense of extending water and sewer is the same whether annexation occurs or not.

Ms. Bertha Wilson, 46 Johnson Street, discussed her concerns regarding the Assistant Town Attorney’s memo and costs regarding annexation, water and sewer hookup.

APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $555,425.60

Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve payment of the invoices, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

MEMO FROM ASSISTANT TOWN ATTORNEY REGARDING ETHICS COMMISSION

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor from Assistant Town Attorney Sharon Van Emburgh regarding the Easton Ethics Commission’s rule requiring Easton officials and employees of any gifts received in the amount of $10 or greater. Ms. VanEmburgh suggested this rule be amended to be $20 or greater. Ms. Jackson-Amis suggested $25 or greater.  The President of the Council suggested the Town of Easton’s rule be in line with the State of Maryland’s Ethics Commission and if the Council agrees, legislation could be brought forth. The Council voted to amend the Ethics Commission’s gift limitation to $25.

MEMO REGARDING JOINT MEETING WITH EASTON UTILITIES

The President of the Council brought a memo to the floor regarding the joint meeting with Easton Utilities on November 14. Mr. Willey asked the Council to notify Ms. Cheryl Bryan if they plan to attend.

DOVER ROAD UPDATE

The President of the Council stated that the renderings of the Dover Road reconstruction are available at the Planning office.

MAYOR BUTLER’S COMMENTS

Mayor Butler stated that the Spring Hill and Richardson Cemetery cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, October 26. He welcomed all volunteers.

POLICE DEPARTMENT’S COMMENTS

Captain Blue discussed the International Association of Chiefs of Police Meeting where Chief Harvey received the First Place Award for police departments their size in the category Vehicle Thefts and Deterrance. He stated that Newport News has also inquired about the program. Capt. Blue stated that the Department has also received awards statewide for seat belt efforts.

Capt. Blue stated that the Farmer’s Market has asked to be open during the Waterfowl Festival. He stated that the Waterfowl Festival Commission has granted approval given some restraints on the type of merchandise to be sold at the Market.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the Farmer’s Market during the Waterfowl Festival, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Capt. Blue stated he will notify Mr. Bond of the approval to notify the merchants.

Capt. Blue discussed the Volunteer Fitness Program implemented at the Easton Police Department. He stated that the first testing session was held last Friday.

Capt. Blue stated they had two requests associated with the Waterfowl Festival. He stated that the Kiwanis and Lions Club are requesting to use spaces previously used.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the Lions’ Club and Kiwanis’ Club requests to use space during the Waterfowl Festival, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

Captain Blue had the following Public Assembly Permits recommended for approval:

• Make A Difference Day, Family Support Center, October 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Halloween Parade, October 26 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m.
• First Friday Gallery Walk, November 1, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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

TOWN ENGINEER’S COMMENTS

The Town Engineer stated that the Public Works Department will be assisting with the cemetery cleanup. He discussed the Rails-to-Trails section from Chapel Road to North Easton Park. Mr. Glass stated that work continues at Locust Street and South Streets with curb and gutter replacements. The Town Engineer stated that rumble strips would be added to help aid in motorists’ awareness when approaching a YIELD sign on Glebe Road towards Washington Street.

The President of the Council discussed vandalism on the Rails-to-Trails on Idlewild Avenue coming north.

The Town Engineer stated that mosquito spraying will be ongoing until the first frost.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the curb, sidewalks and water and sewer at West Glenwood. The Town Engineer stated that there is a benefit of doing all the work at the same time.

The President of the Council discussed the Council’s upcoming events.

Ms. Jackson-Amis reminded citizens to vote on November 5.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 8:00 p.m.

______________________________

Town Clerk