TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Police Board Meeting
February 2, 2004
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor
Also in attendance were Town Clerk Robert Karge, Chief of Police George M. Harvey, Captain David A. Spencer, and Lieutenant Greg Wright.
At 6:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order. Mr. Ford discussed procedures for this meeting. Mr. Ford suggested Wednesday at noon for the deadline for the agenda to be included in the Council’s packet for distribution. Discussion occurred regarding the rotation of chairing the meetings. Mr. Jensen stated that he did not want to chair the meetings, Mrs. Scott-Taylor stated that she had no desire to chair the meetings and the Town Clerk stated that with the members present, unless the President of the Council was not present, this is still a Council meeting and the Charter states that the President of the Council will chair the meetings.
The President of the Council stated that he had no set agenda and asked Chief Harvey, Mayor Willey and members of the Council if they had anything to bring before the Council.
CHIEF HARVEY’S COMMENTS
Chief Harvey discussed the delivery of the special weapons vehicle which was included in last year’s budget.
Chief Harvey discussed the replacement of two wrecked vehicles. He stated that both vehicles came in under what was allowed by the insurance.
Chief Harvey discussed the upgrade at the Communications Center. He stated that the cost estimate is approximately $18,000.
Chief Harvey stated that there are currently two recruits in the training academy; one male and one female. He stated that they will graduate the end of May. Chief Harvey advised that the total of sworn officers after graduation will be 48.
Chief Harvey advised that a receptionist began work today to answer phone calls.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor questioned if this would be the person you see when you come into the Department.
Chief Harvey stated that configuration does not allow for room in the lobby. He discussed where the receptionist would be sitting.
Chief Harvey discussed the expansion at the Police Department for the dog kennels and to protect the gas generator for back-up power.
Captain Spencer discussed the bids and drawings.
COMMENTS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey stated that he is glad the Police Board and Fire Board meetings will be held like this. He stated that he likes the idea of the President of the Council chairing the meetings and is glad the Council saw fit to conduct the meetings as so. He stated that personnel matters will be addressed in Executive Session.
COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL
Mrs. Scott-Taylor discussed the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held March 17. She stated that an Assembly Permit will be forthcoming from Mr. Bond. She asked for police participation. Chief Harvey asked for a letter requesting the Police Honor Guard.
Chief Harvey discussed honor guard training which took place this past summer.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor stated that they are looking to improve the process for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities this year.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor discussed a recent accident on Bay Street. She discussed the response by Easton Police Department and stated that it seemed like overkill.
Chief Harvey discussed typical procedures in place for investigations.
Mr. Jensen discussed activities on the rails-to-trails. He discussed citizens’ concerns.
Chief Harvey stated that a major concern is that pet owners are not curbing their dogs or cleaning up after their droppings. He stated that there is foot patrol for the rails-to-trails.
Mr. Ford discussed homeless people in the rails-to-trails area. Chief Harvey stated that they will look at the area.
Mr. Jensen questioned the Chief about strong arm robberies on the rails-to-trail. Chief Harvey discussed gang want to bees.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the speed indicator is still used. Chief Harvey stated the Department has it but has not had a request to use it. Chief Harvey stated that they would like to wait for the conclusion of bad weather.
Chief Harvey discussed a complaint from Easton Club regarding speeders.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the complaint Mr. Fitzgerald had forwarded had been resolved.
Lt. Wright advised that Mr. Fitzgerald has no more issues that need to be investigated. He stated that officers had been there and monitored and assessed the situation.
Mr. Wendowski asked if No Parking could be posted on certain streets.
Chief Harvey advised that Easton Club is private property but the roadways are for the general public. He stated that the biggest problem he sees through there are construction vans, bulldozers, cats, etc. Chief Harvey stated that it could be posted but enforcement would have to come from the caretaker at Easton Club. He stated that enforcement could not come from the Town.
Mr. Ford asked the Chief to consider a less formal report at the Council meetings. He stated that he does not know to what extent he is restricted regarding police activities but the public would benefit about police activities in the town such as arrests and speeding tickets. Mr. Ford stated that the public may have a clearer perspective regarding the amount of work the department performs.
Chief Harvey stated that there are approximately between 600 to 700 in this town on parole and probation according to the currently listing. He stated that he notices a disturbing trend of people sent here.
Discussion occurred regarding notification of parolees and probation listings.
Mr. Jensen asked the Chief to notify the Housing Survey committee about substandard housing.
Chief Harvey discussed the procedure already in place and the notification of property inspectors.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon unanimous consensus, the President of the Council adjourned the Police Board meeting at 6:42 p.m.
______________________________________
Town Clerk