TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
January 3, 2005
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance were the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Chief Blue, Town Engineer Mr. Glass, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Karge, the Town Clerk.
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 DECEMBER 13 AND DECEMBER 20, 2004 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, minutes of the December 13 and December 20 meetings were approved as written.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Jamie McNeal was present on behalf of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. He distributed the December report. Mr. McNeal introduced Chief Tim Knotts. He stated that he is looking forward to a good year.
Mr. Ford and the Council congratulated Chief Knotts on the election.
Ms. Scott-Taylor congratulated Mr. McNeal on his recent nuptials.
ITEMS BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Blue discussed the purchase of three new police vehicles.
Chief Blue discussed the status of the new recruits. He stated that there have been two new graduates who are in field training and they are interviewing for a participant to work in Talbot County’s Task Force. Chief Blue stated that they also have five new employees that will be going to the Police Academy January 10.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ENGINEER
The Town Engineer, Mr. Glass updated the Council on the status of the West Kennedy Street annexation and water and sewer project. He stated that currently all customers are connected to public sewer and have approximately three customers connected to water. He stated that the additional water mains are being put in over the next several weeks with a completion date of February 25. He stated that street improvements will follow. Mr. Glass stated that the road work will be bid with bids due February 18.
Mr. Glass discussed the Easton Volunteer Fire Department substation. He stated that the concrete footers have been poured and the foundation has been prepped for a slab pour. The pre-engineered metal building will be delivered around January 15 with a completion date of mid April.
Mr. Glass stated that he had a design meeting today on the West Glenwood water and sewer project which will also involve street reconstruction work. He stated that the project’s completion date is September.
Mr. Glass stated that the prime focus over the next month will be developing and fine tuning the construction cost of the east/west collector road.
Mr. Glass stated that negotiations with Cadmus are coming to a close regarding a license agreement to extend the Rails-to-Trails along their property between Dutchman’s and Idlewild Avenue.
Mr. Glass discussed a pipe extension on Aurora Street at Tanyard Branch by Spring Hill Cemetery.
On the Utilities side, Mr. Glass discussed putting the two million gallon water tank on line and the construction of the wastewater treatment facility. Mr. Glass stated that the wastewater treatment facility will take approximately 24 months. He discussed maintenance repairs to the Matthewstown Road water tank.
ITEMS FROM THE TOWN PLANNER
The Town Planner, Mr. Hamilton discussed the upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on January 20 at 1:00 p.m. He stated that the first application is called the Preserve at Easton which is a 198 acre site across from Easton Club which is an application for a PUD project for 220 units. The second application is from the Hospital Commission site on Federal Street. He stated that they are considering the Grayblock building on Federal Street. The third application is a project on South Aurora Street where the developer proposes two buildings with offices on the first floor and residences on the second floor; the vacant lot on Bay Street where the applicant has changed his mind on the size of the building; a warehouse storage building and office in Carlton Business Park and then Mr. Bollman is going to make a short, brief presentation to the Planning Commission on the expansion of the Historic District. Mr. Hamilton stated that the staff has been working diligently on the Zoning Ordinance and they have a draft to review.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe wished everyone a Happy New Year.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REQUEST OF WILLIAM B. STAGG ON BEHALF OF OWNER, FRANK SALISBURY. THE PROJECT IS A RESIDENTIAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT CONVERTING AN OLD MOVING AND STORAGE BUILDING INTO FIVE RENTAL APARTMENTS LOCATED ON A .67 ACRE SITE LOCATED AT 22 PLUM STREET
At 7:17 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Ford recused himself as this application’s site is directly across the street from his residence. Mr. Ford asked Ms. Jackson-Amis to run the public hearing. He then left the room.
Ms. Jackson-Amis called the Public Hearing to order. She discussed the order for tonight’s hearing.
The Town Planner discussed the application. He stated that the Planning Commission at their meeting November 18 reviewed the application for a PUD. He stated that the request is to rezone the property from R10A to PUD for this project. He stated that the applicant wants to convert the storage facility to five rental units. Mr. Hamilton stated that the Planning Commission voted 4 to 0 in to recommend approval of the application.
Mr. Bill Stagg, Lane Engineering, 117 Bay Street, was present on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Stagg introduced Mr. Jon Braithwaite and Mr. Tom Bachelor from Atelier II, an architectural firm for the project and Mr. Frank Saulsbury, the project owner and also the builder/developer. He discussed working with the neighbors in the area with the project plans. He stated that their plans are to leave the building intact and remodel. Mr. Stagg stated that this is an opportunity to take an dilapidated eyesore that is currently not being used and turn it into something viable that will introduce residential uses in that established neighborhood. He stated that this is a wonderful infill opportunity. Mr. Stagg stated that they are proposing five residential units. He discussed putting the vehicular parking area to one side which the residents requested as well as additional landscaping. Mr. Stagg stated that the residents had also asked for an enclosed garbage structure which they were also able to do. He stated that this is a revitalization effort and they will leave the building intact. Mr. Stagg stated that they are proposing 12 parking spaces for the project; two per unit plus a few extra guest spaces. He discussed the additional landscaping proposed.
Mr. Stagg stated that the rental units will have an outdoor patio and will rent somewhere above $800 per month; $1,000 to $1,100. Mr. Stagg stated that he believes they have addressed all the residents’ concerns satisfactorily. Mr. Stagg stated that by right in the R10A they can do three units but they are asking for five.
Mr. Jon Braithwaite discussed the architecture of the project. He stated that he is with Atelier II in Easton. He presented images of the present condition at the moving building showing the existing apartment. He stated that the photographs are about 30 days old. He presented drawings of the proposed project with the improvements. Mr. Braithwaite stated that they are proposing to break down the structure and retain some of the quality of the old farm building that was there without deviating from the structure.
Mr. Jensen questioned the size of the windows.
Mr. Braithwaite stated that they are oversized windows; 36” wide.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked for clarification regarding which part of the structure is slated for demolition.
Ms. Scott-Taylor questioned the age of the building.
Mr. Wendowski questioned the number of doors and splitting the units.
Mr. Braithwaite discussed the amount of space necessary to maintain the property.
Mr. Wendowski questioned the average size of each unit.
Mr. Braithwaite stated that the units would be approximately 1,200 square feet but will fluctuate depending on the unit.
Mr. Wendowski asked if they would be single family.
Mr. Braithwaite stated that this is the intention or young professionals.
The Town Engineer stated that there may need to be private garbage collection for that facility which is not untypical for projects like this.
Ms. Jackson-Amis addressed the owner regarding the rental charges. She stated that she is concerned about affordable housing. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if at least one unit be considered affordable.
Mr. Saulsbury stated that they have to review the budget and that will determine the amounts of the rent. He stated that he believes the amount proposed for rent is in line for this area.
Mr. Stagg stated that one of the concerns of the residents in the area was the design details and they are specific about the types of materials which can be incorporated in the Findings of Fact to be made part of the record.
Ms. Jackson-Amis opened the floor for public comment.
There being no comments, the public hearing was closed at 7:37 p.m.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the record will remain open until Friday January 7 for additional comments.
The President of the Council, Mr. Ford rejoined the meeting and resumed his duties.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Ms. Scott-Taylor wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Mr. Jensen echoed Happy New Year wishes. He reminded everyone of an upcoming Ward II meeting Thursday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council’s Chambers regarding the Expansion of the Historic District.
Mr. Wendowski wished everyone a Happy New Year and informed residents in the vicinity of Dutchman’s Lane that there is a scheduled meeting at the County Council’s Chambers at 4:00 p.m. concerning Dutchman’s Lane and Route 50. He encouraged concerned citizens to attend.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there will be a Ward IV meeting at the Talbot County Public Library. She stated that Dr. Dale Dowling, who grew up in Easton and resides on the western shore, will be present. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that Dr. Dowling has pursued the research study of preservation of historic buildings, districts and communities for the past 19 years. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there will be two sessions; 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. She stated that local churches have also been notified.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that annually, on the Saturday before the official Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Peninsula Delaware Conference hosts a Dr. King symposium and celebration. This year it will be in Newark, Delaware. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that an Easton resident, Ms. Blanche Walker will be one of the award recipients this year. She extended an invitation to those present and offered transportation.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that Fred’s Army will begin the second publication, its final publication of its journal which will contain information for supporters and those giving support and encouragement for this project. She asked people to continue sending in donations which will be recorded. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that this journal will be placed in a time capsule at the site of the monument when it is built.
The President of the Council discussed the Council’s calendar.
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 7:45 p.m.
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Town Clerk