TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND

February 18, 2003

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 T. Glass, Town Planner Tom Hamilton, Economic Development Coordinator Al Bond, 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. Mr. Jensen led the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 3, 2003 MEETING

Upon motion by Mr. Ford by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried, the minutes were unanimously approved.

MEMO FROM MAYOR BUTLER PROVIDING NOTICE OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

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

The President of the Council stated that the upcoming appointments will be: Historic District Commission (three year term) Tom Bachelor, William N. Kirby, Kenneth L. Carroll, Roger A. Bollman, Bill Stagg, Sandra Rosenfield, and Michael Rouse (new appointment).

Mr. John White will be reappointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a term of five years.

DISCUSSION ON THE LOCATION OF A NEW MILLION GALLON WATER TANK PLANNED TO BE AT THE SOUTH END OF THE CLIFTON INDUSTRIAL PARK ON LAND OWNED BY THE TOWN OF EASTON

The President of the Council stated that the Easton Utilities’ Engineers will be submitting options and alternatives which will be discussed at the next meeting.

LETTER FROM MR. WILLIAM B. STAGG, LANE ENGINEERING, INC., REGARDING COOKE’S HOPE VILLAGE AMENDED PUD SUBMITTAL

The President of the Council stated that it is the opinion of the Council from the last meeting that the applicant was asked to meet with the residents to discuss reconciliation and to come up with an agreement. He asked Mr. Stagg to return to the Council with the PUD with a full plan for a complete build out with the cooperation of the residents.

 APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $375,739.51

Upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried, approval of invoices were approved for payment.

DISCUSSION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DRAFT PUBLIC HEARING

The Town Planner asked that a date be set for a workshop with the Planning and Zoning Commission for a workshop to discuss the Draft Comprehensive Plan. The President of the Council and the Town Planner agreed on March 20 at 6:00 p.m.

UPDATE ON MAIN STREET PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC) PROGRAM

Mr. Al Bond, Economic Development Coordinator was present to discuss the Main Street program and Community Development Corporation (CDC) program.

Mr. Bond discussed how Easton’s Main Street program could be organized. He stated that they are in the process of putting together the basic Main Street committees. Mr. Bond stated that the Avalon Theatre is already the Town of Easton’s promotional organization. He discussed attracting and retaining businesses. Mr. Bond outlined Community Development Corporations’ functions, guidelines and benefits.

He stated that the whole point is to bring high foot traffic businesses in that have a synergistic relationship with other businesses.

Mr. Ford stated that he had the opportunity to look at some of the programs in Washington that are successful and are operating in some challenging neighborhoods.

Mr. Bond stated that there are not a lot of limits and it can act as a private developer.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked whether the CDC could manage funds for affordable housing. Mr. Bond stated that Easton already has a CDC that is owned by the Housing Authority. She questioned where Main Street would be. Mr. Bond stated that it is from South Street to Talbottown and the core downtown area. He stated that Main Street programs can operate in a larger area but they do best in commercial areas.

Mr. Jensen discussed the proposed changes.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked what kind of budget would be attached to this proposal. Mr. Bond stated that funds are available from other sources than the town so it should not be that expensive.

Mr. Ford asked for a detailed and structured timeline for the Council.

COMMENTS FROM MAYOR BUTLER

Mayor Butler thanked the departments of the Town of Easton, the Town Engineer and the Public Works Department, the Chief and the Police Department and the Fire Department for a job well done during the recent snowstorm. He thanked everyone for their cooperation.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she is concerned that the Supervisor of Elections that is new to the position should receive extensive training.

The Town Attorney stated that he has spoken with the professional at the County Board of Elections, Ms. Patricia Davis. He stated that he will set something up between Ms. Davis and Ms. Phoenix and also contact the State Board of Election Laws to see if they have any training programs.

CHIEF’S COMMENTS

Chief Harvey stated that he had a request for a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to cover the areas of the Historical Society, Washington Street, Goldsborough Street, back to Harrison Street to Dover Street, Washington Street back to the Historical Society.

Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the St. Patrick’s Day Parade pending the issue of getting more information regarding street closures, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.

TOWN ENGINEER’S COMMENTS

The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass thanked the Public Works employees on a lot of long hours and dedication to get through the storm. He stated that it is appreciated all across the community. He also thanked the Police Department. The Town Engineer expressed gratitude to Denny’s, the Memorial Hospital and Tastee Freeze to keep the crews running and providing food. He also thanked Econo-Lodge for their accommodations.

The President of the Council asked if any of the costs associated with the snow were recoverable from the State or Federal Government. The Town Engineer stated that he has not heard definitely, but he expects to there to be some FEMA funds available for reimbursement.

Snow removal on alleys was discussed.

Ms. Jackson-Amis addressed the garbage schedule. Mr. Glass stated that they will be back on regular schedule tomorrow after picking up holiday schedule today.

Ms. Jackson-Amis expressed her appreciation for her concerns during the recent storm.

TIDEWATER STAMP CLUB REQUEST

A letter was received from the Tidewater Stamp Club asking for waiver of room rental fee at the Firehouse for their Annual Stamp Show.

Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to approve the Stamp Club’s request, seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously.

COUNCIL’S COMMENTS

Mr. Ford requested a short executive session.

Mr. Jensen reminded the community of their responsibility to clear the sidewalks as deemed in the Town Charter.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that the Town of Easton crossing guards be recognized during the next Council meeting.

The President of the Council, Mr. Willey, acknowledged the death of former Mayor Sherwood Hubbard (Mayor 1961-1971). He discussed funeral arrangements.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 7:58 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously following a roll call vote, the President of the Council convened the regularly scheduled Council meeting into Executive Session.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, the Acting President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:30 p.m.

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Town Clerk