TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

TIME & PLACE:  March 7, 2005; 6:30 p.m., Town Council’s Chambers.

PURPOSE:  To consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand or remain in the state.

CITATION: §10-508(4).

PRESENT AT CONVENING: Mayor Robert C. Willey, President of the Council Mr. Ford, Ms. Scott-Taylor, Mr. Jensen, and Mr. Wendowski. Also in attendance were the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, the Town Engineer Mr. Glass and Town Clerk Mr. Karge.

The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe stated that Mayor Willey has been meeting with most of the property owners in Clifton Industrial Park and most have expressed an interest in obtaining town water and sewer due to expansion plans which would mean more employment or because of well and septic problems.

Mayor Willey stated that there are four businesses that have brought up this issue; Budweiser, Celeste Industries, Konsyl and Easton Steel which hopes to combine their Seaford and Easton operations.

Mayor Willey stated that the Town needs to run a new water line from the new water tank to the water tank on Matthewstown Road which will entail easement agreements. Mayor Willey stated that the county will have to step up and do their share of their work that is going to be required such as surveying, platting and bringing Industrial Park Road up to specifications. He stated that this will not only be a town issue.

Mayor Willey stated that he is looking for a consensus from the Council that we should begin negotiations with the idea that the county will have to cooperate.

Mr. Wendowski asked if there are any cost estimates.

Mayor Willey stated that there are only preliminary figures that the Town Engineer has calculated on the water which are approximately $700,000 plus.

Mr. Glass stated that preliminary costs for water and sewer extensions are about $730,000.

Mayor Willey stated that some of this work has to be done anyway and the property owner should not be charged.

Mayor Willey stated that there are approximately 700 jobs on that road and he does not want to jeopardize losing either one and would much rather think about adding more.

Annexation and capital charges were discussed.

Mr. Wendowski asked if the county had been informed.

Mayor Willey stated that he is before the Council for a consensus first.

It was the consensus of the Council to proceed.

Ms. Scott-Taylor asked if there is anything that can be done about the capital charges.

Mayor Willey stated that the next step is to talk with the county.

The Town Clerk reiterated that the intention is for the businesses to pay those capital charges, not us.

Mr. Bond stated that if it is a matter of retaining the businesses, we may be able to have something like CDBG Grants to keep the jobs.

The Town Attorney stated that the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) provided funding for something like this for Monty Deals’ company. He stated that there is funding available.

Mr. Jensen asked if we should get public with it.

The Town Attorney advised that the businesses might not prefer that.

Mayor Willey advised that this is not in the Comprehensive Plan but it is more of an emergency.

It was the consensus of the Council to proceed.

ADJOURNMENT

The President of the Council adjourned the Executive Session at 6:45 p.m.

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Town Clerk