TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
August 2, 2004
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance were Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Chief Blue, Major Spencer, Superintendent of Public Works Mr. Hause, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton and Town Clerk Mr. Karge.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order. Mr. Wendowski opened the meeting with prayer and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 19, 2004 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, minutes of the July 19 meetings were approved as written.
MAYOR TO ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO CHIEF OF POLICE
Mayor Willey administered the Oath of Office to Chief Melbourne J. Blue.
Mayor Willey introduced Major David Spencer and stated that he has been promoted to Deputy Chief.
Chief Blue introduced Lt. Waltrup and stated that he will be in charge of Special Operations Unit.
EASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Steve Painter, Fourth Lieutenant reported on the activities for the month of July.
Mr. Jamie McNeal congratulated Chief Blue on his promotion to Chief and Major Spencer.
Mr. McNeal discussed putting in service a 40’ fire prevention trailer they received from a FEMA grant. He discussed an upcoming fund drive.
TOWN OF EASTON EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS
Mayor Willey distributed awards to the following employees:
Police Department
Cpl. Brian C. Doyle 10 Years
Lt. Mark R. Waltrup 10 Years
Public Works
Alan L. Conaway 20 Year
Matthew D. Wooters 10 Year
Stanley E. Morris, Sr. 30 Years
MS. PRISCILLA MORRIS TO PRESENT EASTON SURVEY PROJECT
Ms. Morris thanked the Council for celebrating the volunteers and their accomplishments.
Ms. Morris stated that they have completed the building condition and land use piece of the survey project.
Ms. Morris discussed the data collected and the database record. She stated out of 5,303 parcels 1,405 are excellent and 2,022 are good. Ms. Morris discussed classifications and stated that 301 housing units are substandard which averages to potentially 786 persons or 5.5%. She stated that fully half of the units are in the east end with a west strip through town and truly concentrated in the center of town; 70% are rentals. Ms. Morris stated that there are a lot of neighborhood revitalization opportunities within this group as well as the maintenance group.
Ms. Morris discussed the use of the data collected.
Ms. Morris stated that they will be looking at in-fill sites, green spaces, vacant houses, analysis of housing design, digital maps and data that will support grants.
Ms. Morris stated that they still need volunteers for additional analysis.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the data tells what is wrong with each substandard unit.
Ms. Morris stated that each volunteer made different type of notes.
Ms. Scott-Taylor commended Ms. Morris and the volunteers.
COMMENTS BY PRESIDENT OF LEAGUE OF WOMAN VOTERS
President of League of Woman Voters, Ms. Barbara Coat discussed the teamwork of the volunteers for the housing survey project. She stated that they believe that identification of substandard rentals strengthens the focus for comprehensive inspection program which is a very special interest to the League.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey recognized volunteers for the Survey Housing Project.
Ms. Shanahan discussed new housing near Adkins Lumber.
Mayor Willey stated that there will be signage erected at Moton and Idlewild Park. He discussed park restrictions.
Mayor Willey stated that the Easton Skatepark will have its dedication ceremony August 28.
ITEMS BY CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Blue recognized Sheriff Pope who was present and stated that the departments are moving together as a united law enforcement group.
Chief Blue discussed putting departments together and organizing within the department using the resources they have to reassign responsibilities in an effort to make the best advantage of what they have. He discussed cosmetic changes to the department to make a positive effect on morale.
Chief Blue asked for approval for the following public assemblies:
Upon motion by Mrs. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, Chief Blue’s requests for public assemblies were approved.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that businesses in the area be notified and if they have any questions, they be addressed.
Chief Blue stated that this is standard practice.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that Sheriff Pope be invited to the roundtable with youth in the community in order to have open dialogue.
Chief Blue stated that he will let Sheriff Pope know when the meeting is scheduled.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ENGINEER
Mr. Brian Hause, Superintendent of Public Works was present on behalf of the Town Engineer.
Mr. Hause updated on construction projects on Higgins Street and Peachblossom Road.
Mr. Hause stated that the Public Works Department is finishing the skatepark for the grand opening on August 28.
Mr. Hause reported that due to the rain, the colonial street lights on Dover Road will soon be finished.
Mr. Jensen discussed the concern of a citizen that lives on Choptank Avenue regarding the demolition of the old hotel and asbestos shingles.
Mr. Hause stated that he has some familiarity with asbestos shingles. Mr. Hause stated that he will talk with the Codes Enforcement office tomorrow.
Mr. Wendowski discussed the traffic lights at Harrison and Dover. He stated he is concerned about maintenance and repair of old traffic signals.
Mr. Hause stated that new lights are being looked at but he will defer Mr. Wendowski’s concerns to the Town Engineer.
Mr. Wendowski asked that Mr. Glass be thanked regarding Port Street and the Parkway.
Mr. Wendowski asked for an update on the firehouse substation.
Mr. Hause stated that Mr. Glass recently updated the Mayor on the progress of the project.
Mayor Willey stated that the holdup with the permitting process was an engineering drawing and specifications to the state for the flashing lights to be erected on Matthewstown Road in front of the firehouse. He stated that a temporary building permit will be issued August 6 to start construction of the building with no occupancy permits until the details of the signal have been resolved with State Highway Administration. Mayor Willey stated that there is also a concern by the contractor regarding price increases for building materials.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
Mr. Hamilton stated that he has no items at this time. He discussed the upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission agenda for August 19.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Mr. Kehoe stated that there is an Executive Session on the agenda regarding personnel matters and he would also like to discuss a real estate matter and potential litigation.
MEMO AND BID TABULATION FROM TOWN ENGINEER REGARDING NEW 2005 2 WD SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE FOR BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
MEMO AND BID TABULATION FROM TOWN ENGINEER REGARDING NEW 2005 4 WD PICKUP FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Mr. Hause stated that the low bid on both vehicles was from Hertrich. He asked approval to order the vehicles.
Discussion occurred regarding low bid versus buying from Easton dealers.
The President of the Council stated that the Town Clerk informed him that the Town Code requires the Council to accept the low bid.
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor, the Town Engineer’s recommendation to accept the low bid was unanimously approved.
ORDINANCE NO. 471, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING SECTION 608.2, OF THE TOWN OF EASTON COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 28 OF THE EASTON CODE) ELIMINATING 608.2, (13),N”
The President of the Council stated that if this ordinance is approved, future shopping center would still fall under the 65,000 square foot cap.
Mr. Jensen asked if changes were made to the ordinance, could it still be voted on tonight.
Mr. Jensen asked the Town Planner why Section I is crossed out.
Mr. Hamilton stated that initially, the 65,000 square foot cap would be eliminated universally but the Planning Commission left it as it is because that provision doesn’t matter anymore for those projects which exceed the cap due to the fact that the Council will review every one. Mr. Hamilton discussed trying to measure outside display areas and the ability to enforce restrictions.
Mr. Hamilton stated that anything over 25,000 square feet goes through a Planning Commission site plan review and ultimately a Town Council review and then the zoning is placed as a Planned Major Retail. He stated that it is stores less than 25,000 square feet that give him trouble because they built that store so they would not qualify as a PMR.
Discussion occurred regarding the term adjacent and the date the ordinance becomes effective.
Mr. Wendowski asked for a map identifying properties with possible adjacent structures. Mr. Hamilton stated it could be done.
The Town Attorney discussed making an amendment to the ordinance. He stated that it cannot be passed tonight.
The Town Attorney discussed the TPA document and stated that typically, a covenant like that is not enforceable by the Town. He stated that this is an agreement that the owners of the Dudrow farm have with TPA and whoever else is authorized to enforce it. He stated that it is not binding on the Town but is probably binding on Dudrow.
The Town Attorney stated that he and the Town Planner have an underlying comment on the ordinance. He stated that they view this as a transitional measure looking towards resolving this through a final fashion through the comprehensive zoning process that will hopefully be completed soon.
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, Ordinance No. 471 was approved.
ORDINANCE NO. 474, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING STANDARDS FOR SIDEWALK CAFES IN THE TOWN OF EASTON BY ADDING ARTICLE I TOP CHAPTER 10 OF THE CODE AND AMENDING SECTION 18-10(A) OF THE CODE”
The Town Attorney stated that this is a follow-up to the discussion that the Council had at the last meeting regarding sidewalk dining.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed a question regarding page 2. She stated that she thought the standards would be made so there was no opportunity to reduce them by the Town Clerk or the Town Engineer.
The Town Attorney stated that it will always be a minimum of 4’ regardless what the American with Disabilities Act states. He discussed using language regarding federal law. He discussed reviewing situations on a case by case basis.
Insurance issues for non-profits were addressed. The Town Attorney stated that this was taken care of on page 1, Section 10.2 which addresses festivals and other public events. He stated that if organizations don’t sell alcohol, this ordinance does not apply.
Mrs. Scott-Taylor discussed page 2, Section 2 which addresses the sidewalk sales on Sunday.
The Town Attorney stated that the Code does not permit those sales on Sunday. He stated that you might want to consider addressing the sidewalk sale provision of the Town Code. He stated that it makes a great deal of sense to have the same standards in terms of sidewalk with applicable for sales whether the people are selling alcohol or non-alcohol.
The Town Attorney stated that he will address this.
RESOLUTION NO. 5839, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE WITH HISTORIC EASTON, INC. FOR THE OLD RAILROAD STATION PROPERTY”
The Town Attorney stated that this formalizes an arrangement that the Town Council approved approximately six months ago regarding extending the lease from the Town to Historic Easton, Inc. for the Railroad Station that Historic Easton renovated ten years ago. He stated that Historic Easton entered into a lease with Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage and will use the income derived from that lease for other historic and neighborhood preservation projects within Easton.
Mrs. Polly Shanahan discussed the history of the building and their efforts. She stated that they have invested approximately $80,000 to $90,000 in reconstruction of this building.
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, Resolution No. 5839 was approved.
DRAFT DEED OF RIGHT OF WAY AND EASEMENT FOR THE PROPOSED STORMWATER POND ON THE EASTON HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY
Ms. Jackson-Amis suggested tabling this discussion until further discussion with the Town Attorney and the Town Engineer.
Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to table discussion seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $275,719.16
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve paying invoices totaling $275,719.16 seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Mrs. Scott-Taylor reminded everyone about the carnival being held August 23 through August 28 at the VFW fairgrounds in support of the 2005 Fourth of July celebration.
Mr. Jensen discussed the major retail amendment. He stated that he thinks it is a very good thing and stressed that this is a provisionary measure that it looking forward toward comprehensive rezoning where we need to focus in order to revitalize; especially in the Marlboro Road corridor.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he has submitted sample lockbox ordinances to the Town Attorney for review. He stated that he is looking forward to getting that ordinance moving.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed Ms. Morris’ survey project and stated reiterated that over half of the substandard housing is in Ward 4. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she thought the volunteer reception was well done. She stated that she hopes that property owners particularly along West Street will come to the table with the Town Council to see how to build affordable housing on those lots. She urged contractors to come forward to share their time and talents to help and restore properties.
Ms. Jackson-Amis thanked Ms. Shanahan and Historic Easton for the interest of revitalization of older homes in the area in the fourth ward, 107 Hanson is an example. She stated that this has stirred a lot of interest in the African American community to look at some of the homes that were built by African Americans when the area was totally segregated and to restore these and have some interest in preservation. She stated that the energies and efforts are going a long way and are having a long range impact.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Mr. Kevin Broll, 29490 Hawkes Hill Road, Easton; thanked Mr. Jensen about his concern regarding the asbestos shingles being removed at Atlantic Budget Inn. He discussed his concern regarding the inactivity around the building and school starting soon.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:41 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council convened the regular meeting into Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate and potential litigation.
At 9:17 p.m., the President of the Council adjourned the Executive Session and reconvened into Regular Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 9:17 p.m.
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Town Clerk