TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
November 1, 2004
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance were the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Chief Blue, Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Economic Development Coordinator Mr. Bond and Mr. Karge, the Town Clerk.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order. Mrs. Jackson-Amis opened the meeting with prayer and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 18 AND OCTOBER 26, 2004 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, minutes of the October 18 and October 26 meetings were approved.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey reminded the Council of the Joint Meeting with Easton Utilities, Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Willey stated that the Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be Friday, November 5 at the Tidewater Inn.
ITEMS BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Blue had the following Public Assembly Permits for approval:
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously, Chief Blue’s recommendations for Public Assembly Permits were approved.
LETTER FROM CONCERNED NEIGHBORS OF THE WOODS AT STONEY RIDGE REGARDING SPEEDING IN NEIGHBORHOOD
Chief Blue stated that there were some signage issues that needed to be addressed that have been taken care of. He stated that enforcement has occurred and there have been 20 traffic contacts in that neighborhood.
Mr. Alexis Kramer was present on behalf of the neighborhood. He stated that he appreciates the efforts by the Easton Police Department. Mr. Kramer stated that they are particularly concerned with three intersections; Corbin Parkway which runs through the subdivision, First Street and Corbin Parkway, Hemlock Lane and Corbin Parkway and a second First Street and Corbin Parkway.
Mr. Kramer discussed STOP signs and traffic calming measures. He stated that he would appreciate any consideration the Mayor and Town Council could give to installing signs and traffic calming measures.
The President of the Council discussed the Police Department’s response and the affects.
Chief Blue discussed Election Day and security measures at the polling sites.
Chief Blue discussed the bank robbery on Tuesday. He stated that an apprehension has taken place.
Chief Blue stated that they have signed off on the 800 megahertz system with Motorola.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ENGINEER
The Town Engineer discussed the leaf collection program. He stated that they are following the bulky trash route.
The Town Engineer discussed the continued construction work around town. He stated that the heavy concentration is August Street between Hanson Street and Pennsylvania Avenue with new curb and gutter, sidewalks, street improvements and landscaping.
The Town Engineer stated that the Public Works Department is currently planting trees. He stated that there will be over 110 trees planted including those that need to be planted at the skate park.
The Town Engineer stated that the Town of Easton offices will be closed on Thursday, November 11 in observance of Veterans’ Day. He stated that the entire town will have garbage collection on Friday, November 12.
The Town Engineer discussed the State Highway road tour at the library. He updated on projects in their budget request.
The Town Engineer discussed the Doverbrook drainage project. He stated that they have started to explore funding opportunities but have not gotten as far as they anticipated. Mr. Glass stated that they have identified the Maryland Department of the Environment Water Infrastructure Program as a possible funding source through the State of Maryland but they are continuing to look for programs to fund this project.
The Town Engineer discussed the wastewater treatment facility contract.
The Town Engineer stated that the Public Works Department has installed additional speed limit signs on Corbin Parkway and throughout the neighborhood. Mr. Glass stated that he would like to continue working with Chief Blue to see if the enforcement, education program is effective for traffic calming measures.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the area wide traffic study is ongoing.
Mr. Glass stated that the traffic study is ongoing. He stated that they are working with Talbot County Public Works who has contracted a traffic engineer to study Talbot County wide traffic movement. He stated that the results are due in the spring.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he has heard that there is no study of traffic coming from Caroline County and how much of an impact that traffic generates.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked the Town Engineer about the trash pickup for Waterfowl Festival in the town.
The Town Engineer stated that Public Works is available to work and he believes there is a truck that goes through to collect everyday as well as someone on call to keep an eye on the trash situation.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
The Town Planner discussed the upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. He stated they will meet on November 18 and has one item on their agenda; a project on Plum Street. The project is a PUD where they are converting the moving and storage warehouse building to five rental unit apartments. He stated that they plan to finish the Zoning Ordinance.
The Town Planner stated that the Assistant Town Planner has resigned to pursue other interests with his last day November 5.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the RFP had been released for the design guidelines.
The Town Planner stated that he has not and is awaiting instructions from the Council.
The President of the Council suggested the Town Planner explore his options and if there is money attached to the options, the Mayor should be advised.
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond distributed invitations from Easton Main Street to the Mayor and Council for the Christmas parade.
Mr. Bond stated that they have the new edition of the Easton brochure available. Mr. Bond commended Mr. Westphal and Whitney Edwards for their efforts.
Mr. Wendowski asked how the parking survey is progressing.
Mr. Bond stated that he will submit a report at the next meeting. He stated that he is waiting on one piece of information.
MEMO FROM TOWN ENGINEER REGARDING PAVING CONTRACT FISCAL YEAR 2005
The Town Engineer stated that P&A Paving was the low bidder for a total base contract of $160,000. He stated that the Public Works capital and operating budget had a total allocated of $187,365.
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously; P&A's paving bid was approved.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
The President of the Council stated that this Ordinance and Resolution No. 5844 and Resolution No. 5845 are pertaining to the construction of the new wastewater treatment facility.
The Town Attorney stated that this will allow Easton Utilities to borrow money on a very short term basis from M&T Bank to allow them to pay bills as they come due during the course of the construction before the Town is reimbursed from the state for those bills. The Town Attorney stated that this ordinance is before the Council for a first reading.
The Town Attorney stated that Resolution No. 5845 approves the contract that Easton Utilities proposes to sign with Galway Bay Corporation for the construction of the primary phase of the wastewater treatment project. He stated that the contract is for 25 million dollars. The Town Attorney stated that this will be the largest contract in absolute dollar terms that the Town or Easton Utilities has ever entered into. Mr. Kehoe stated that the contract was the result of a bidding process and Easton Utilities feels that the bid and contract from Galway Bay Corporation represents the best bid for the Town and is at a favorable price.
The Town Engineer reiterated that the contractor is Galway Bay Corporation; the design engineer on the project has been Sterns & Wheeler with a bid price of $25,071,168 which is a fixed price bid for all work included. He discussed terms of payment and disbursement. Mr. Glass stated that substantial completion is 700 days from notice to proceed.
The Town Attorney discussed Resolution No. 5844 which authorizes the Town to enter into two agreements with Maryland Department of Environment pertaining to the way the project is going to be funded.
Mr. Grunden, President and CEO, Easton Utilities briefed on his memorandum dated October 27. He stated that the State of Maryland has not committed to its portion of the grand funding in its entirety. Mr. Grunden discussed the state’s flush tax. He stated that a certain risk is placed on the Town regarding funding. Mr. Grunden discussed the draft priority ranking of the top 66 plants that will receive funding under the Bay Restoration Fund which Easton is number three with 10 million dollars of funding to be distributed next year. Mr. Grunden stated that Governor Ehrlich and Secretary Filbert will be attending the ground breaking this Thursday.
The Town Attorney discussed the risks involved and the chance that the flush tax revenues will be significantly less than what the state is anticipating. Mr. Kehoe stated that he feels the Town can go ahead as the grant money will be received as promised by the state previously.
The President of the Council stated that everyone is aware that the current wastewater treatment facility is nearly out of capacity. He stated that although it meets the current standards, it will not meet the necessary standards in the near future.
The President of the Council stated that the only reasonable choice is to move forward.
Ms. Jackson-Amis agreed.
Mr. Wendowski stated that the price will only escalate. Mr. Grunden stated that the price will expire in December.
ORDINANCE NO. 478, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A GENERAL OBLIGATION PROMISSORY NOTE IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $5,000,000.00 PAYABLE TO MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY FOR THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF PROVIDING WORKING CAPITAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TOWN OF EASTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND PLEDGING THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT AND TAXING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF EASTON TO THE REPAYMENT OF SAME.”
The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 478 for a first reading.
RESOLUTION NO. 5844, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE TOWN OF EASTON BY THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION AND THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT PERTAINING TO A BIOLOGICAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION PROGRAM AND AN ENHANCED NUTRIENT REMOVAL PROGRAM FOR THE TOWN OF EASTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.”
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously; Resolution No. 5844 was approved following a roll call vote of those members present.
RESOLUTION NO. 5845, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AND GALWAY BAY CORPORATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MODIFICATIONS TO THE EASTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.”
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously; Resolution No. 5845 was approved following a roll call vote of those members present.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC DISTRICT EXPANSION
The President of the Council stated that he recommends that the Council remands this recommendation from the Historic District Commission to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their review.
Mr. Wendowski made a motion to refer the matter to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mr. Ford stated that any comments should be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the tourism brochure. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that this has a lot to do with why she is so in favor of expanding the Historic District. She stated that she has looked through the brochure and there is not one place in it with any reference to an African-American presence in the community. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that they missed a great opportunity to list the Bethel AME Church which is historic, the historic Asbury United Methodist Church and the future site of the Frederick Douglasss monument which has been approved by the County Council. She stated that she looked through the activities portion which lists the general parks and then no mention of Be A Star Youth Sports and Cultural Arts Center. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she had spoken with Mr. Bond in regards to mentioning the Kwanza Celebration which for years has been the fabric of Easton. She stated that it is important for every element of the community be included somehow. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that all history is important and is a part of the concern of the Historic District expansion. She stated that there are part s of the community that need to be protected because of the historical significance and without the expansion of the Historic District, these places and culture would be lost and the history undefined. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that it is important to be sensitive and very inclusive in very simple ways.
Mr. Ford stated that he had a discussion with Mr. Bollman prior to the Council meeting. Mr. Ford stated that perhaps the area for consideration is too great. He stated that there is justifiable cause to extend the Town’s Historic District to the National Historic District. Mr. Ford stated that he is interested to see the process move through the planning process back to the Council. He stated that he is not in favor of the PRD trigger discussed. He stated that he believes the architectural standards may be sufficient to safeguard development in a Planned Redevelopment.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there was a lot of misinformation during the last meeting. She stated that some of the people did not walk away with a clear understanding of the process. Ms. Jackson-Amis suggested additional sessions of workshops in smaller groups so specific questions and concerns can be answered.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the next procedure is for the Planning and Zoning Commission to hold a public hearing.
Mr. Ford stated that they will hold a public meeting; they are not required to hold a public hearing.
The Town Planner stated that this is a proposal to amend the Zoning Ordinance therefore it is mandatory for the Planning and Zoning Commission to hold a public meeting; forward a recommendation back to the Council which is obligated to hold a public hearing.
Mr. Wendowski stated that generally, the Planning and Zoning Commission gives the public the opportunity to speak.
Mr. Hamilton discussed public notification procedures. He stated that he mailed a notification to each property owner that was affected hence the turnout at the workshop.
Mr. Wendowski suggested a larger ad in the newspaper.
The Town Planner discussed scheduling and suggested due to timing, the Planning and Zoning Commission may want to hear this matter after the first of the year.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Ms. Scott-Taylor extended her condolences to the family of Chester Gates.
Mr. Wendowski asked the Town Attorney about the contribution the Cooke’s Hope developers agreed upon. Mr. Wendowski stated that the contribution is currently going to Habitat and wondered if the funds could be diverted to the Housing Trust.
Mr. Wendowski reminded the President of the Council that the Housing Trust and the money for the Housing Trust have not been resolved. Mr. Wendowski asked the Town Attorney if more input from the Council is needed.
The Town Attorney stated that he can draft something for discussion purposes but he needs additional input from the Council.
Mayor Willey stated that additional information is forthcoming for the workshop next Monday night.
Mr. Wendowski stated that there is hazardous waste disposal this Saturday at the regional landfill.
Ms. Jackson-Amis expressed her sympathies to the Gates family. She thanked Mayor Willey for his representation during Mr. Gates’ funeral.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the municipal charter amendment procedures she received at the Fall Legislative MML Conference in Rocky Gap.
Ms. Jackson-Amis reminded everyone of the Frederick Douglass Formal Gala at the Tidewater Inn on December 4. She reminded everyone that all checks for this affair be sent to the Town of Easton.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the Women and Girls’ Fund event November 4 where the Jackson Jubilee singers will be supporting the event.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that on December 3, the Tuckahoe bridge will be renamed the Frederick Douglass Bridge at 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Ford stated that the Town of Easton has recently lost two of its most distinguished citizens; Former Mayor Purdy and now Mr. Chester Gates. He stated that today’s funeral service for Mr. Gates was a sad event but a celebration of his wonderful life.
Mr. Ford discussed the Council’s upcoming events. He reminded everyone to vote tomorrow.
The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe stated that among the many services Mr. Gates gave to the Town of Easton, he was one of the Judges of the elections and handled some very difficult issues. He stated in honor and in respect for Mr. Gates, we should all make an extra effort to exercise the right that he thought so highly of during his lifetime.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:11 p.m.
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Town Clerk