TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
March 15, 2004
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance were Town Attorney Mr. Christopher B. Kehoe, Chief of Police George Harvey, Assistant Town Engineer Mr. Joe Gruber, Town Planner Mr. Tom Hamilton, Economic Development Coordinator Mr. Al Bond and Town Clerk Mr. Robert Karge.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order with Mr. Jensen leading the audience in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 1, 2004 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mrs. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen, minutes of the March 1, 2004 meetings were unanimously approved as written.
INTRODUCTION OF BOY SCOUT TROOP 190
Mr. Jensen introduced members of Boy Scout Troop 190. He stated that they are present this evening working on their Merit Badge.
RESOLUTION NO. 5822 IN SUPPORT OF THE PLACEMENT OF THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS MEMORIAL ON THE TALBOT COUNTY COURTHOUSE LAWN
Upon motion by Mr. Ford, Mrs. Scott-Taylor, Mr. Jensen and Ms. Jackson-Amis, Resolution No. 5822 was seconded and carried with Mr. Wendowski voting no.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked members of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Action Coalition to stand and be recognized. She thanked those members for their support.
EASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Second Lt. Jamie McNeal was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. He distributed the February monthly report. Mr. McNeal stated that there has been an increase in calls. Lt. McNeal updated on the bell removal. He stated that a contract has been signed. He discussed the groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. for the substation on Matthewstown Road. Discussion occurred on the Knox lock box system.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the Chief of the Fire Department has reviewed the model ordinance he submitted. Lt. McNeal stated that Chief Russel Miles has reviewed it and it is to be discussed this evening at the Fire Department’s meeting.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor invited the Council to ride on Easton Fire Department’s equipment in the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day parade.
ITEMS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey discussed a letter of resignation enclosed in tonight’s packet from Mr. Richard Contee from the Economic Development Commission. He stated that suggestions are being accepted for replacements. He discussed the resumes in the packet for the Historic District Commission. Mayor Willey stated that interviews will be taking place in the near future.
Mayor Willey reminded the Council about the groundbreaking for the Easton Volunteer Fire Department’s substation.
ITEMS FROM CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Harvey reported that he has two requests.
Chief Harvey reported on the Easton Department’s activities for the month of February.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor, requests recommended for approval by Chief Harvey were unanimously approved.
ITEMS FROM THE TOWN ENGINEER
Mr. Gruber, Assistant Town Engineer updated on the progress of the elevated water storage tank. He stated that construction will continue through the next several weeks until the mid April.
Mr. Gruber updated on the subdivision that Bob Evans will be in on Chapel Road.
ITEMS FROM THE TOWN PLANNER
Mr. Hamilton, the Town Planner stated that the Planning Commission will meet to discuss five items on March 18. He reviewed the agenda with no changes as submitted during the previous Council meeting.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the special meeting with Elm Street developers which was postponed has been re-scheduled.
The Town Planner stated that it has not. He stated that the document submitted to the Planning Department was still in the sketch format and they are preparing the development plans and construction documents. Mr. Hamilton stated that the developers indicated that they will not be back before the May Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
ITEMS FROM TOWN ATTORNEY
The Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe discussed a memo with regard to a request that we will shortly receive from the Episcopal Ministry of the Aged for the Town to issue an industrial revenue bond to assist that entity in the acquisition of William Hill Manor facility. He stated that it is necessary in order for them to meet their financial deadlines that this be advertised March 22. He stated that he has received the advertisement today and if things work out, he asks that the Council allow the public notice to run in the newspaper and if for some reason, the request does not transpire, an announcement can be made at the meeting that there will be no public hearing on that subject.
The President of the Council suggested that the Town Attorney publish the advertisement.
REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Town Attorney requested an Executive Session to discuss the advice of legal counsel and a personnel matter.
Mr. Wendowski asked the Town Attorney if he had been in contact with representatives of Trappe and Oxford in regards to Wednesday’s meeting.
The Town Attorney stated that he will contact them tomorrow.
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond encouraged everyone to attend the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Mr. Bond asked for a public hearing to be scheduled April 19 for projects to make application to the Community Development Block Grant. He stated that one is for Hawkes Hill Road, pending an outcome of a survey to extend curb, gutter, sidewalk and road resurfacing. The next is for short-term housing needs with the Easton Housing Authority as the sub recipient. Mr. Bond stated that there may be an Economic Development CDBG that is related to Cherry’s.
The Town Attorney stated that there is a public hearing scheduled for the Dudrow PMR application on April 19 which may be a lengthy proceeding. Mr. Bond stated that April 30 is the application deadline.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked for a list of proposed projects prior to the public hearing. Mr. Bond stated that he will forward them.
Mr. Ford scheduled the Public Hearing for the CDBG for April 5 at 7:15 p.m. and the William Hill Bond Public Hearing could be held at 7:45 p.m. Mr. Bond stated that any resolution would have to be contingent on the survey results.
PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS THE FINAL DRAFT OF AN UPDATE OF EASTON’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Mr. Matt Davis, Assistant Town Planner briefed the Council on the history and some of the changes in the Comprehensive Plan. He discussed the timeline relative to the revisions.
Mr. Davis stated that the changes include adjustment in the growth boundary. He stated that as of right now, it is identical to the Talbot County’s Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Davis stated that the purple comment area had been removed, the timelines for the priority area have been adjusted, the loophole for property owners to develop property that straddled the priority two, priority three area has been eliminated, language has been strengthened clarifying the role of the eastside collector road saying that it is part of a larger grid network to ensure the connectivity between all the neighborhoods that are eventually going to be in that area.
Mr. Jensen stated that the lay out of the east side collector road has also been changed.
Mr. Davis stated that the Plan had been edited to recommend the establishment of the Housing Trust Fund and also regularly schedule inspections of rental housing.
Mr. Davis clarified the Economic Development Plan and stated that there is now more emphasis on tourism and cultural characteristics of the town. Changes to the sensitive areas have been implemented regarding runoff and phasing of development. Mr. Davis stated that ultimately, a monitoring document will be presented yearly in detail comparing what has been accomplished in the past year to the goals and objectives to the Plan.
The Town Planner indicated the Priority One, Priority Two and Priority Three areas. He stated that the Comprehensive Plan states that nothing will be annexed or considered until after 2006.
The President of the Council opened the Public Hearing for audience comments. He asked that comments be limited to three minutes.
The Town Planner stated that procedurally, we have had a public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that this is a voluntary public hearing so that everyone understands what the Plan says and what changes have been made.
Mr. Tom Alspach stated that he is present on behalf of Talbot Preservation. He stated that there have been a lot of good things done with this Plan. Mr. Alspach stated that all the changes seen tonight are changes that TPA supports. He stated that he wished there could be a way to get better publicity regarding events such as this public hearing tonight.
Mr. Alspach discussed areas of concern. He stated that TPA is concerned with the rate of growth experienced recently. He stated that he disagrees with the 2% to 3% rate of growth the Plan talks about. Mr. Alspach stated that at that rate of growth, the Town of Easton could experience some serious problems with infrastructure. Mr. Alspach discussed the growth rate in relation to the new wastewater treatment plant. He stated that at the rate the growth is going, the plant that is supposed to last 30 years will only last eight years. Mr. Alspach discussed the priority funding areas. He stated that they do not address the rate of growth at all. Mr. Alspach stated that the Town of Easton can double in size and population on the basis of what is in the town’s pipeline right now. He stated that roads, schools and Easton Utilities will pay the price if we do not have some mechanism for watching out how quickly we are continuing to grow.
Mr. Alspach stated that the second point he wants to make is in regards to the urban growth boundary and the 30 year area in which we are going to grow. He stated that the biggest concern the Town Council should have about the priority annexation areas is one that he spoke about in November. He stated that the Council should think about the fact that in the Priority Two and Priority Three area, a large percentage of the land is zoned in the county under TR or R zoning.
Mr. Alspach stated that the only Priority One annexation parcel that is troublesome to him is this big empty farm area. He stated that the annexation is not surrounded on all sides by development but a large farm. He stated that he supports annexing the land that is already developed.
Mr. Alspach thanked the Council for their hard work and public discussions.
Mr. Jensen clarified that the Priority One areas are “may” annex parcels.
The Town Planner stated that the Council doesn’t have to annex anything.
The President of the Council asked if there were any other comments. There were none. The President of the Council left the public hearing record open for written comments until close of business Friday.
ORDINANCE NO. 470, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF MCDANIEL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE.”
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor, Ordinance No. 470 was carried 4 to 1 with Mr. Wendowski voting no.
RESOLUTION NO. 5821, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING THE 2004 CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE RATE REVISIONS PROPOSED BY THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve Resolution No. 5821. He discussed his concern with Easton Utilities’ rates. Mr. Wendowski seconded the motion which was passed 4 to 1 with Ms. Jackson-Amis voting no.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $406,973.16
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, invoices were approved for payment.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mrs. Scott-Taylor invited everyone to come out for St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor thanked Easton Police Department for responding to concerns the residents of Mt. Pleasant have regarding their neighborhood.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor stated that the RTC Task Force meets Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. at Chapel Farms. She invited interested citizens to walk the RTC property with the Task Force.
Mr. Jensen stated that the Architectural Standards Study Group met last Friday for two hours. He stated that they have drafted a proposed architectural standards guide.
Mr. Wendowski stated that tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., the Fire Department will attempt to turn into the emergency exit at the Easton Club. He stated that they are not sure the emergency exit can be accessed by a Fire Engine.
Ms. Jackson-Amis reported to those that attended the Town Hall meeting several weeks ago concerning building, improvements, rehabilitation, growth on Hanson and Harrison Street and various concerns that relate to the Academy Arts Museum; she did have a very long open discussion with Mr. Chris Brownawell. She stated that Mr. Brownawell extended his open door policy for citizens to ask questions or concerns. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that Mr. Brownawell has no plans for the yellow house, 116 S. Harrison Street other than to use it for residential purposes and there are no plans for their organization to acquire the house on Talbot Lane or to make parking lots of those areas. She suggested that anyone with concerns should make an effort to talk to Mr. Brownawell.
Ms. Jackson-Amis encouraged teachers, parents and friends to learn poetry and join the open mike session at the Be a Star Center available the first Fridays. She stated that this is very important to groom people for the oratorical contest with huge scholarship awards for college that are currently held by the Samuel P. Hemsley Elk’s and the American Legion.
Ms. Jackson-Amis thanked Mayor Willey, the Council and the community for their considerate input and work that has gone on trying to bring to the attention the County Council the need to responsibly handle the request that has been made to suitably honor Frederick Douglass.
The President of the Council reminded everyone that the Historic Cemeteries of Easton is planning their spring cleanup on Saturday, April 3. That cleanup will include activities at Richards Memorial Park on Bay Street and Spring Hill Cemetery on Aurora.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the appeal of the demolition project on Hanson Street. She stated that the determination hearing will be held tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Town Hall.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council convened the Council into Executive Session at 8:10 p.m.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
At 8:41 p.m., the President of the Council reconvened the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey asked if the housing workshops have been scheduled. Mr. Ford stated that he has not heard from Ms. Becky Sherwood yet.
Mayor Willey asked the representative to the Talbot County Economic Development Commission to express our complete dissatisfaction that the County Council has not replaced the Economic Development position. He stated that he has been fielding questions for economic issues.
Mayor Willey asked if there is any objection to the skate park having the name Optimist in it. He stated that the Optimist Club is willing to donate $5,500 but they would like to have Optimist in the park’s name.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor stated that she would like to bring it back to the Rotary Club and explain what other organizations have done.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she is not in favor; she thinks there should be a generic name.
Mr. Jensen agreed with Ms. Jackson-Amis.
Mayor Willey suggested a plaque.
Mr. Wendowski asked if a letter was to go to Ms. Haddaway thanking her for her support.
The Town Clerk discussed an e-mail that had been forwarded to her.
The Town Attorney updated the Council on the Wickersham farm house. He stated that it is his understanding that Mr. Steve Seawright has a contract or an obligation and someone else will be moving the structure. Mrs. Shanahan called the Town Attorney and asked that the Town get involved to mediate between Tim Daniels and Todd DuPont. The Town Attorney advised that the Town would not do that. He suggested the two parties speak to each other and get it worked out.
Mayor Willey advised that he had been asked to issue a stay of demolition and he did not think it was in his purview to do that.
General discussion occurred regarding the Wickersham house.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Town Attorney asked if the Council wanted a resolution for the next meeting approving the Comprehensive Plan. It was the consensus of the Council for the Town Attorney to draft legislation.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:55 p.m.
______________________________________
Town Clerk