TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
September 7, 2004
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance were the Town Clerk Mr. Karge, Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Chief Blue, Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton and Economic Development Coordinator Mr. Bond.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order. Ms. Jackson-Amis opened the meeting with prayer and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 2, 2004 MEETINGS
Ms. Scott-Taylor made a motion to approve the minutes with corrections as submitted by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey discussed potential Charter changes. He asked for any changes to be presented to the Town Attorney in the next four to six weeks.
Mayor Willey asked for consideration from the Council for the police salary plan.
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously; the police salary plan was unanimously approved.
Mayor Willey asked that the appointments to the Historic District Commission be tabled until the next meeting.
ITEMS BY CHIEF BLUE
Chief Blue thanked the Council for approval of the pay structure as submitted by Mayor Willey.
Chief Blue stated that he received a letter from Ms. Dee Myers thanking them for their support in the Memory Walk.
Chief Blue asked for approval of the following special events:
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, approval was granted for the special events.
Chief Blue stated that the Blake Blackston American Legion Post No. 77 asked for the closure of West Street for September 9. He stated that the date should be corrected to September 11.
Ms. Jackson-Amis commended Officer Trams for the bicycle safety information and the helmets for the children he distributed August 10 at Be A Star.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ENGINEER
The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass informed the Council of an upcoming informational meeting being presented by the State Highway Administration concerning US 50 Ocean Gateway project from US 301 interchange to Maryland Route 404 to be held September 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Grasonville Elementary School.
Mr. Jensen discussed concerns when the traffic reaches Easton.
Mr. Glass discussed possible projects planned for the Town of Easton. He suggested the Council raise any concerns regarding Route 50 to State Highway Administration.
The Town Engineer stated that they are continuing reconstruction work on Higgins Street and are also currently working on Peachblossom Road installing sidewalks and storm drain systems to alleviate drainage issues. Mr. Glass stated that sidewalks are being completed on Idlewild Avenue and Dutchman’s Lane.
The Town Engineer stated that paving bids will be opened October 6 for this year’s paving contract.
The Town Engineer stated that Dover Street colonial lights are in place.
The Town Engineer stated that Easton Police Kennel project is finished except for the punch list.
Mr. Glass discussed a memo regarding a piece of equipment; 2005 medium duty 1 ton cabin chassis with an aerial lift, he is requesting to purchase. He stated that it is in this year’s budget for $60,000. He stated that this is a sign truck and a tree trimming truck. Mr. Glass stated that they are recommending the equipment be purchased from Altec although they are the second lowest bidder. He stated that Altec is viewed to be the superior equipment.
Mr. Wendowski made a motion to accept the bid from Altec as recommended by the Town Engineer; seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously.
The Town Engineer discussed upcoming projects for this year included in this year’s capital budget:
Mr. Wendowski asked for clarification on the letter from State Highway Administration regarding Port Street, Glenwood Avenue and the Parkway.
The Town Engineer stated that in response to that letter, they have arranged a meeting to discuss the situation on Friday at 9:00 a.m. in Chestertown with SHA’s District Engineer and the Highway Design Group.
Chief Blue discussed inconsistencies being a big part of the problem on the bypass.
The Town Engineer stated that the West Kennedy Street water/sewer project is about to get underway. The intention is to have the construction phase completed in 180 days.
Mr. Glass discussed the West Glenwood water and sewer extension project. He stated that they have several months to wrap design and coordinate construction and bidding timeframe.
Mr. Glass stated that they are undertaking a significant analysis of the storm drain network that receives stormwater flow from the Dover Street area as well as other areas.
Mr. Glass stated that he has had conversations with an adjacent property owner with the Doverbrook Apartments that may be willing to participate with the Town in reaching a mutually satisfying agreement on how to address some stormwater concerns.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she had recently visited the Doverbrook site with the President of the Council and subsequently tabled the discussion because they did not realize how large the land requirement was for the construction of the stormwater management pond. She stated that they did not want to utilize their land.
Mr. Glass stated that it may be back on the table. He stated that he does not have a definite time frame as to when it will be built or what can be done. Mr. Glass stated what he envisions happening to alleviate some of the immediate flooding, remove and supplement those pipes; increase some of the size of the storm drain pipes that go down Dover Street extended relatively quickly and easily after identifying funds. He stated that he sees this as a two step process; working on a stormwater pond solution if possible and at the same time, looking at the drain pipe size. Mr. Glass stated that he may have something more definitive for the October 4 meeting.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked Mr. Glass to talk with Mr. Bibb of Easton Housing Authority and Neighborhood Service Center to discuss the demolition of 113 Port Street.
Mr. Glass stated he will look into the situation.
Ms. Scott-Taylor questioned the Town Engineer about the search for an Assistant Town Engineer. Mr. Glass stated that he has recently hired a professional engineer that will be joining their staff this month.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
The Town Planner discussed the Planning and Zoning Commission’s upcoming agenda for the September 16 meeting.
The Town Planner stated that the Planning Commission hopes to submit their annual report for the next Council meeting. He stated that they have decided to work on their Zoning Ordinance at their next meeting.
Mr. Hamilton passed out air photos with areas highlighted of shopping centers and vacant spots.
Mr. Hamilton stated that he has the first draft of the Request for Proposal for the architectural guidelines. He stated that no action has been taken.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Mr. Kehoe stated that at the Fire Board meeting, the Council decided to proceed with the Knox Box Ordinance for the Town of Easton. He stated that he will have that at the next meeting.
Mr. Jensen stated that in his ward, there is a significant amount of new construction and concerns regarding grading and drainage. Mr. Jensen asked if the BOCA Code is amendable.
The Town Attorney stated that it is amendable. He stated that he would like to brief the Council at a future meeting as to what the current grading code requirements are.
Mr. Wendowski discussed updating the stormwater management ordinance.
The Town Attorney stated that it had been updated a few years ago when the State adopted new surface water management standards.
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond stated that he has three items. He stated that the Council should receive a Nexus Study which deals with linkage studies for commercial development and affordable housing.
Mr. Bond stated that it is time for Community Legacy again. He welcomed anyone to come forward with projects within the Community Legacy area to consider for submission on the application. He stated that they are looking for projects that would convert rental properties to condominiums as an affordable homeowner solution. Mr. Bond stated that he hopes to set up a workshop for late September, early October. He stated that the best information is on the DHCD website. Ms. Scott-Taylor suggested linking the website to the Town of Easton’s website.
Mr. Bond, on behalf of the Easton Main Street folks, thanked all who helped out with the carnival.
MS. FAITH COPPER TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING SCOOTERS AND HARASSMENT OF NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN
Mr. Ford asked if Ms. Copper was present. She was not in the audience.
LETTER FROM MS. KRISTINA HENRY, PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR REQUESTING PERMISSION TO HANG PROMOTIONAL BANNER ON THE TIDEWATER INN’S FAÇADE MONDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 THROUGH MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2004.
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, the request was approved.
REQUEST FROM MR. TED PASSYN, III FOR COUNCIL CONSENSUS ON TWO OAKS AT MATTHEWSTOWN PROJECT
Mr. Passyn stated that upon advice of counsel, he would like to delay the vote on this project for two weeks. He asked that any concerns from the Council be forwarded to them.
Mr. Jensen clarified that Mr. Passyn agrees to pay any transportation impact fees that the Town decides to levy as well as any other impact fees.
Mr. Passyn stated that they think that any impact fees that are tied to transportation as long as they are across the board impact fees to all builders for new construction. He stated that the second part is that they added to that an extra $2,000 per lot to be given at time of issuance of construction permit for transportation.
Mr. Jensen asked if the developer is open to negotiate when the funds are transferred such as during phases of the project.
Mr. Passyn stated the arrangement could be considered if it does not put them at too much economic despair. He stated that they could be flexible.
Mr. Jensen discussed the east/west collector road and the prospect of alleviating the across town traffic problems. He stated that he would like to be sure that it is coming before putting 500 houses on the east side of town.
Mr. Jensen asked the Town Engineer where we are with the east/west connector road project.
Mr. Glass stated that the County Engineer and his staff are undertaking a regional type snap shot traffic study which will include Easton. He stated that he has an overall sketch plan of what the overall length of the east/west road will be like but needs staff and time to break it into segments to come up with a more detailed plan.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked about a time-frame. Mr. Glass stated that the only thing he could think of is to outsource some of this work due to staffing constraints.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she cannot justify delaying this project any longer due to the developers contributions. She stated that other projects have been granted without the Tischler report.
Mr. Jensen stated that the developer could build a number of houses without going through the PUD process but would loose a number of units. He stated that he would like to clear up the traffic situation that exists right now before putting 500 homes on the east side. He stated that he would like a timeframe for when the road may get built and how it may relate to this project.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the Tischler report is not going to answer all our concerns so we need to address those that can legally be addressed.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked what will help the Council make the decision regarding the approval of the 500 houses versus the 400 houses allowed in the project.
Mr. Jensen stated that he thinks if they pull this PUD and come back with another development the Council will not see, they are going to get 100 units less and the Town is not going to get the added things offered.
Mr. Wendowski stated that there is a real problem with the traffic which is the issue.
Mr. Passyn discussed the traffic impact with traditional neighborhood developments.
Mr. Ford discussed the quandary he has with the application. He discussed the difference with the Dudrow and Two Oaks application. He stated that the Dudrow actually provides a section of the east/west connector road that we envisioned and builds a portion of it. Mr. Ford stated that although Dudrow will increase traffic in that area, the Passyns' development is a traffic generator. He stated that he has questions that he feels should be answered before we go forward. Mr. Ford stated that he feels it is important that the Passyns are providing workforce affordable housing which is important but we need an idea on how we are going to alleviate the traffic burden on Goldsborough Street and like streets that this project is going to create and we don’t have an idea for a funding source, he can’t go forward. Mr. Ford stated that this is why he needs to see the Tischler report and the Town Engineer’s report on the feasibility of the rest of the pieces we have envisioned.
Mr. Jensen reiterated that the east/west traffic is a disaster and we need to do something about that. Mr. Jensen stated that he agrees that this may not be fair to the applicant but it goes a little further as we don’t want to loose a good deal. Mr. Jensen stated that he can build 400 houses or leave the parcel as a cornfield and there will still be a problem.
Mr. Passyn stated that he would see the Council in two weeks.
LETTER FROM MR. JAY DAYTON, PRESIDENT, WATERFOWL FESTIVAL REGARDING THE 2004 TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Mr. Ford stated that Mr. Dayton had done a great job and the transportation plan was approved with Chief Blue’s recommendations.
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 TO CHAPTER 10 OF THE CODE AND AMENDING SECTION 18-10(A) OF THE CODE”
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously following a roll call vote, Ordinance No. 474 was approved for passage.
RESOLUTION NO. 5840 AUTHORIZING THE TOWN CLERK TO MAKE ABATEMENTS TOTALING $3,821.75
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked for clarification regarding receiving limited town services on the resolution. She stated that she does not understand why these should be abated.
The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe, stated that in the past, some annexation resolutions that past Councils enacted, there were provisions that said that until the property has water and sewer extended to it, the Town will abate real estate taxes against the property which is what the resolution is in reference to.
The Town Clerk stated that it is his understanding that these properties do not have water and sewer.
Upon a motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously following a roll call vote, Resolution No. 5840 was approved.
RESOLUTION NO. 5841, “A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A PROJECT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER AND QUALITY OF OUTDOOR FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS AND LIVELY ARTS PERFORMANCES MADE POSSIBLE BY THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN EASTON MAIN STREET INC AND THE AVALON; TO WELCOME AND PROVIDE ACTIVITIES IN EASTON’S DOWNTOWN TO PERSONS WHO CANNOT AFFORD PAID ENTERTAINMENT; TO PURCHASE PORTABLE STAGING, TENTS AND CHAIRS TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS”
Mr. Bond stated that this is for an application that the Avalon Foundation is hoping to submit to DHCD in their Neighborhood Partnership Program which is a tax credit program. He stated that the goal is to create an environment in the downtown that is accessible to the whole community as these are all free, alcohol-free, family oriented events and also to upgrade the quality of the events and bring lively activity that translates into dollars for local businesses.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously following a roll call vote, Resolution No. 5841 was approved.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Mr. Jensen thanked the Council for their unanimous support for the sidewalk dining ordinance.
Ms. Jackson-Amis commended Mayor Willey and the Council on the Easton Skatepark. She stated that it is a wonderful addition to the community.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the Voter Education project that some of the organizations; republicans and democrats as well as other organizations are undertaking is very useful. Ms. Jackson-Amis commended Ms. Blair for developing voting interest with the youth at Be A Star.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that Ms. Kelly Gibson, a member of the WNBA has been in town recently and has done a lot of outreach with the youth. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she appreciates Ms. Gibson’s efforts.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed a math club that started today at Be A Star. She stated that there is limited availability immediately after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she hopes that those in the community that need tutoring will take part and participate.
Mr. Jensen asked the age for the math tutoring. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it is for first graders through ninth graders.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that Mr. W. Edward Dobson really appreciated the 90th Birthday Proclamation. She stated that she has received calls and wants to extend birthday wishes to those in the community over 90.
Mr. Ford wished Mr. Chester Gates a belated birthday.
Mr. Ford stated that the Easton Skatepark grand opening was a terrific day. He stated that the plans have been very impressive and have not stopped. Mr. Ford stated that they would like to add additional equipment.
Mr. Ford stated that the Easton Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Fund Drive is set to begin in about a month.
The President of the Council asked if there was any other business to come before the Council. There was none.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:19 p.m.
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Town Clerk