TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND

December 2, 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, Town Planner Tom Hamilton, Chief George M. Harvey, Easton Police Department 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 MINUTES

Upon motion by Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Ford, minutes of the November 18, 2002 meeting were approved with corrections submitted by Ms. Jackson-Amis.

REPORT FROM EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC.

Mr. Tom Murphy, Trustee was present to report on the Fire Department’s monthly activities.

PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR EASTON UTILITIES GAS RATE REVISION

The President of the Council set the Public Hearing for December 16, 2002 at 7:15 P.M.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EASTON HOUSING AUTHORITY’S ADDRESS TO COUNCIL ON RESOLUTION NO. 5788 REGARDING STATE LOAN FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Mr. Don Bibb, Executive Director, discussed a proposal from the State where they do a special bond issuance making loans available to the public housing agencies in the state that want to accelerate their capital improvement plans. He stated that the result is accomplishing much more capital work at a much faster pace.

Discussion was held regarding extensive renovations at Doverbrook. Mr. Bibb stated that there are currently nine vacancies. He stated that these units are being renovated and will be put on-line for occupancy as they become available.

RESOLUTION NO. 5792, PROPOSAL FOR HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN BENEFITS FOR FORMER ELECTED OFFICIALS

The President of the Council stated that this resolution is for informational purposes and will not be acted on this evening. Mr. Ford stated that any questions or concerns should be directed to the Ward’s representative.

RESOLUTION NO. 5793, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A COMMUNITY LEGACY GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF EASTON AND THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AN FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN APPROPRIATE SUB RECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH THE WATERFOWL FESTIVAL, INC.”

Ms. Jackson-Amis explained her no vote. Mr. Ford made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5793 for passage with the additional comments that he extends his congratulations to the two seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried with Ms. Jackson-Amis voting no.

DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED SKATEPARK LOCATION

The President of the Council, Mr. Willey stated that extensive discussion had taken place regarding the proposed skatepark at the recent Park Board meeting. He stated that the hearing had been well attended with numerous comments.

Mayor Butler asked that the Idlewild Park location not be approved due to the many concerns and adverse comments from the community. Mayor Butler stated that he would like to see the skatepark at the North Easton Park Complex.

Mr. Reed stated that he did not think enough information was presented regarding the location of the skatepark. He asked for additional information from the Park Board regarding the skatepark’s size and appearance. Mr. Reed stated that he feels there are too many unanswered questions. He stated that he felt an alternate location could be found that would not interfere with the Idlewild Park. He asked that the Park Board be given the opportunity to come up with a different location than Idlewild.

Mr. Jensen agreed that additional information is needed including the aesthetics, the operating budget and noise control options. He stated that the Council could make a better determination after these questions are addressed. He suggested re-considering the previous motion to construct the skatepark at Idlewild Park after the Council’s concerns are addressed.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the letters received have been overwhelmingly evident in their positions; some forward and some against. She stated that many residents want to know why some of the other areas were rejected. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated some of the concerns have been set forth by Mr. Drake Whit and this deals with the Moton Park. He said that if the Idlewild Park location is rejected, the Town kids would have to travel through dangerous territory. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that if this is an issue, she believes it should be addressed as all the parks should be safe for all the children as well as ways traveling to these areas have to be made safe for all the children. She discussed the North Easton location and the opportunity for children to get there that don’t have parents and stated that she does not think that it is the best location but she would like to see the Fire Department area re-visited. She asked that all the suggestions be re-weighed in light of all the suggestions and testimony.

Mr. Ford discussed the community support for the skateboard park. He stated that the Council needs a clear idea of a budget, a management plan with supervision and an idea of what the skateboard park will look like before a location is decided upon. He offered his services to help.

Mr. Dan Brasington, Chairman, Easton Park Board, stated that we need to come up with a plan. He discussed the proposal for a tennis court base. Mr. Brasington asked to take the Council’s comments back to the Park Board where they would visit all the sites and locations and answer some of the questions. He stated that if the park is secluded, it will fail. Mr. Brasington stated that he would like this to be a top notch facility.

Mr. Willey invited anyone to ride along on a skateboard park tour that will leave Easton tomorrow morning at 9:00.

Mr. Jensen asked if the Park Board is still acting on tennis court size. Mr. Brasington stated that they will if they could although Clark Park may not have the area to do that. Mr. Willey stated that there is a sense of urgency to get these questions answered.

LETTER FROM TALBOT COUNTY COUNCIL REQUESTING WAIVER OF PERMITS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HVAC RENOVATION AT THE COURTHOUSE SOUTH WING EGRESS STAIRS AND ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTION.

Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously, approval was granted for waiver of permits associated with the HVAC renovation of the Talbot County Courthouse South Wing Egress stairs and Elevator Construction.

ORDINANCE NO. 452, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES FOR THE ELECTION WARDS OF THE TOWN.”

The Town Council discussed the various options and objectives of re-districting. Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to adopt proposal four, seconded by Mr. Jensen.

The Town Attorney stated that this would have to be enacted by an Ordinance. It was the consensus of the Council to draft legislation to adopt proposal four.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR

Mayor Butler invited the community to Easton’s Christmas parade on Saturday at 6:00 P.M.

President Willey reminded everyone of the Volunteer’s Reception on Thursday evening at 4:30 P.M.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHIEF

Chief Harvey stated that he had a request for First Friday Gallery Walk Open House party in the downtown area on December 6 between 5:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M.

Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously, permission was granted for the Walk.

COMMENTS FROM THE TOWN ENGINEER

The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass discussed street reconstruction on South Street. He stated that the Public Works Department will be moving over to Talbot Street, between Harrison and Hanson Street. He stated that colonial streetlights have arrived for South Washington street area and South Street area.

The Town Engineer stated that Public Works crews are concentrating on leaf pickup.

Mr. Glass reported that Bramble’s Paving Plant will be closed December 16 through March.

The Town Engineer reported that the Town of Easton offices will be closed December 24 and December 25 and Public Works will accomplish trash pick up throughout the entire town on December 26 and December 27.

COMMENTS FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Mr. Al Bond, Economic Development Coordinator described the Upper Story Redevelopment Gap Financing Gap project which was funded through Community Legacy. He stated that the Town of Easton received $60,000 to finance development of living space in upper stories in commercial stories in the Historic District. Mr. Bond stated that the deadline for applications is March 1.

Mr. Bond reported on the auction of Arts in Easton Banners which will take place as part of the Gallery Walk August 6 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Mr. Bond reported that he attended the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Annual Conference. He stated that the Housing Authority won a Commitment to Excellence Award for the Graham’s Park project.

COMMENTS FROM THE TOWN ATTORNEY

Mr. Kehoe, the Town Attorney updated the Council regarding West Glenwood. He stated that the Engineering Department has completed the preliminary engineering report and they intend to submit it to Department of Agriculture relatively soon.

COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL

Mr. Ford wished his father a speedy recovery.

Mr. Jensen congratulated Mr. Bond on his new son and the Assistant Town Attorney Ms. Van Emburgh on the recent birth of her daughter.

Mr. Reed wished Mr. Ford a happy birthday.

Ms. Jackson-Amis encouraged everyone to come out for the Kwanza Celebration on December 14 from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Be A Star. Ms. Jackson-Amis mentioned Mr. Wilson who is so faithful, as is Mr. Gross, helping young people with woodwork. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated on December 30, a Kwanza play will be presented at the Avalon Theatre. She invited everyone to share in this experience and also thanked Talbottown for putting up their Kwanza lights for the second year.

Mr. Willey thanked the Council on their work on the redistricting process.

Mr. Willey asked the Council and the Park Board to work with expediency to get the skateboard park rolling.

AUDIENCE COMMENTS

Ms. Carolyn Jaffe stated that East End has the Annual Tree lighting on December 7 at 5:30 P.M.

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 at 8:02 p.m.

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Town Clerk