TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
April 7, 2003
President of the Council Robert C. Willey Councilman Carl B. Reed
Councilman John F. Ford Councilwoman Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Attorney C. Kehoe, Town Engineer Tim Glass, Assistant Town Engineer Joe Grueber, Town Planner Tom Hamilton, Economic Development Coordinator Al Bond, Chief George M. Harvey Easton Police Department and interested citizens and members of the press.
The Mayor and Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mr. Ford led the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 6 AND MARCH 17, 2003 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mr. Ford seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis, March 17 meeting minutes were approved as written. The President of the Council stated that the March 6 meeting minutes will be held.
PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION FOR ARBOR DAY
Mr. Jensen presented Ms. Libby Dawkins with an Arbor Day Proclamation.
On behalf of Treekeepers, Inc., Ms. Dawkins thanked the Council. Ms. Dawkins recognized Treekeeper members.
Ms. Peg Sinclair invited everyone to a class being given by Easton’s Public Works Superintendent Brian Hause at Easton High School Cafeteria, Wednesday, April 9 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. C. R. Chance was present with the monthly report.
MR. CHRIS DELAPORTE TO REPORT ON HIS SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THE PARKS IN THE TOWN
Mr. Jensen briefed on Mr. Delaporte’s history and the background regarding enhancement of the Town of Easton’s park system. Mr. Jensen stated that Mr. Delaporte had been recommended through the Parks for People Foundation out of Baltimore. He discussed the process Mr. Delaporte had been going through looking at the parks.
Mr. Delaporte stated that he had surveyed the situation and responded to the Mayor and Council. Mr. Delaporte asked the Council to ask how the RTC property could be incorporated into the community in a manner that it would not only protect if not enhance existing land and water science as well as satisfy multiple community needs. He suggested further that the property be planned and developed to exemplify the finest civic virtues and qualities citizens would like to have as evidence of Easton tomorrow in the future with multiple uses including the therapeutically disabled.
Mr. Ford asked for elaboration on the Recreation and Parks Foundation.
Mr. Delaporte discussed surveys to determine the extent of coverage for youths during critical times through the day. He suggested informal consulting to get an idea of the next step to take.
APPROVAL OF DHCD AGREEMENT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF HOME FUNDS
The Town Attorney discussed approving the document on a conceptual basis and allowing the Mayor and Town Attorney to correct the documents and make them conform with the Town’s past practices.
Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to approve the agreement seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
MEMO FROM MAYOR BUTLER PROVIDING NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF MR. TIMOTHY WYMAN TO THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION
The President of the Council stated that this appointment will be accomplished at the next meeting.
ORDINANCE NO. 458, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF CHERRYWOOD DEVELOPMENT, LLC FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE”
Mr. Reed made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 458 seconded by Mr. Ford and carried with Mr. Jensen and Ms. Jackson-Amis voting no.
COMMENTS FROM MAYOR BUTLER
Mayor Butler thanked the Council members and the community for their help during the cemetery cleanup on Saturday.
COMMENTS FROM CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Harvey reported that he had a request for an Easter Egg Hunt for April 19 from 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. between the County Courthouse and the park.
Mr. Ford made a motion to approve the request seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
Chief Harvey reported on the 41st Mid-Atlantic District Convention which will be held in Easton on April 24 through 27. On Tuesday through Saturday, the Convention will be held at the Union Baptist Church, 108 Glenwood Avenue, Sunday at Easton High School at Mecklenburg Avenue. Chief Harvey stated that there will be an increase in vehicular traffic during these times.
TOWN ENGINEER’S COMMENTS
Mr. Glass updated the Council on upcoming construction projects. He discussed the reconstruction projects they are currently working on in the vicinity of Winton Avenue, Brookletts Avenue and Higgins Street.
Mr. Glass discussed the installation of additional colonial streetlights in the near future from Hanson Street to Aurora Street on Dover.
Mr. Glass discussed the garbage schedule for Good Friday. He stated that there will be no collection on that day but will resume the normal schedule on Monday. He stated that they will try to pick up the entire town on Monday but will pick up the normally scheduled route on Tuesday.
Mr. Glass stated that he had forwarded a memo regarding the Easton Utilities’ wastewater allocation procedures which has been reviewed and revised. He stated that the allocation has been reduced from 20% to 10% to any one project.
Mr. Glass discussed a letter that went before the County Council requesting that they re-classify property. He stated that he would reconstruct that letter to clarify the properties to be re-classified.
Mr. Jensen discussed the recent workshop with the Planning Commission regarding the Comprehensive Plan and wondered if there was additional workshops scheduled. Mr. Hamilton stated that he would relay that request. Mr. Hamilton stated that he would copy the Comprehensive Planning comments to the Council that he intended to forward to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their review.
Mr. Jensen stated that the East End Neighborhood Association had held a cleanup on Saturday. He discussed the sidewalk at South Street and Aurora. The Town Engineer stated that he will take a look at it.
Ms. Jackson-Amis congratulated the crew on the west side which was organized by Mr. and Mrs. Banks. She stated that the Public Works crew were very professional and available to go the extra mile.
It was the consensus of the Council for the Town Engineer to draft a letter to Mr. Clark at Talbot County for the Mayor’s signature to reclassify property.
TOWN ATTORNEY’S COMMENTS
The Town Attorney asked for a Closed Session to discuss pending litigation, to review some real estate negotiations and to provide legal advice regarding the Elm Street motion for reconsideration enclosed in the Council packets tonight.
The Town Attorney updated on the West Kennedy Street annexation. He stated that they are working with the county who is in the process of putting together a submission for a block grant for the West Glenwood application.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR’S COMMENTS
Mr. Bond announced that the Department of Housing and Community Development has set a date for the new Legacy Grant which is August 1st. He stated the process will be starting early May.
Mr. Ford asked how it is funded this year. Mr. Bond stated that he thought it would be funded at last year’s level which was six million dollars.
The President of the Council discussed a letter from Delegate Schisler to be distributed regarding funding issues.
COUNCIL’S COMMENTS
The President of the Council reminded everyone of the Farmer’s Market meeting.
The President of the Council stated that there will be a budget workshop for April 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Ford discussed Mr. Mercier’s request for a Peaceful Solution Resolution for the conflict in Iraq. He stated Mr. Mercier’s request has been withdrawn.
Mr. Ford echoed the Mayor’s comments regarding the Historic Easton Cemetery cleanup. He stated that they have also received their Not for Profit status and are now a tax deductible organization. Mr. Ford thanked Ms. Carolyn Jaffe for leading a tour through the East End Neighborhood.
Ms. Jackson-Amis acknowledged the Samuel T. Hemsley Lodge 974, located on Glenwood Avenue. She stated that she is proud of their undertakings including their annual oratorical contest, the swearing in of Mayor Goldsborough in Denton, and the Be A Star program. She stated that their Exalted Ruler is Marty Bailey and they are participating very significantly in the community.
Mr. Jensen asked to add an agenda item for the Closed Session. He stated that he wanted to discuss a personnel matter.
CLOSED SESSION
Upon motion by Mr. Ford seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried following a roll call vote, the President of the Council went into Executive Session at 7:58 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Mr. Reed and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:15 p.m.
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Town Clerk