TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
April 18, 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. Mr. Wendowski opened the meeting with prayer and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 4, 2005 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, minutes of the April 4, 2005 meetings were approved as written.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Drew Jensen reported that the new substation dedication will be held June 5. He discussed parking issues. Mr. Jensen stated that they have responded to numerous mulch fires on Route 50. He stated that a letter to SHA may be in order due to the fact that they have responded to 11 for the month of April.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey reminded the Council members of the BAI tour Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Willey asked for an Executive Session to discuss personnel and a contract.
Mayor Willey asked for the Council’s approval for the following appointments:
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, the Mayor’s appointments were approved.
ITEMS BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Blue stated that he has three issues to bring before the Council:
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously, permission was granted for the public assembly permit.
Chief Blue proposed a change in the date for the Police Board. Chief Blue stated that it is scheduled for May 2. He stated that the Council meeting has been moved from May 2 to May 3 due to the election.
President of the Council, Mr. Ford stated that it is fine to schedule it for May 3.
Chief Blue discussed an anonymous letter from a resident in the area of Sts. Peter and Paul regarding reoccurring parking problems in the vicinity of Choptank Avenue and E. Needwood. He stated that this issue was last brought to the Council in 2001 and it was agreed that the school would park their students on the side of Choptank Avenue that is adjacent to the school property and the north side of Needwood Avenue from Choptank to Prospect where there aren’t any homes that front that. He discussed the problem when students come in and park all day. Chief Blue stated that the school also decided that they would provide a parking lot on their property also to be used by the students to relieve the pressure on the public streets. Chief Blue suggested a residential parking district.
Mr. Jensen stated that this is a progressive thing and a parking permit is the next step.
Discussion occurred regarding the parking at Easton High School.
Mr. Ford stated that the Chief is recommending an ordinance.
Chief Blue stated that the regions most effected are Choptank Avenue from High Street to its terminal end; Prospect Avenue from High Street. He stated that we many need to expand that to South Street.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ENGINEER
Mr. Glass requested an Executive Session.
The Town Engineer stated that work is continuing on design construction projects and land reviews.
Mr. Glass stated that West Glenwood is on track and getting ready to go to bid.
Mr. Wendowski discussed the vote at the County Council’s office regarding Dutchman’s Lane tomorrow.
Mr. Ford discussed a letter from the County Manager, Mr. R. Andrew Hollis asking if the Town of Easton is interested in taking over Dutchman’s Lane if it is brought to the Town’s standards. Mr. Ford stated that the county has enacted Impact Fees including transportation fees and he cannot see why the Town of Easton would take over the responsibility of maintaining that road. He discussed the burden of maintaining the road.
The Town Attorney stated that even setting aside the funding issue that Mr. Ford has addressed, the only way to do that would be to obtain the consent for annexation for the residents of Old Stoney Ridge neighborhood. Mr. Kehoe stated that he does not think that would be forthcoming.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he had told the County Council that the option of taking over the road is open for discussion.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked if that would be put in writing for the County Council’s meeting at 1:00.
The Town Attorney stated that he would draft a letter for Mayor Willey’s signature tomorrow.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
The Town Planner stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission meets Thursday and has one residential project and the Zoning Ordinance. He stated that he has received the first draft of the first working documents of the architectural guidelines which he will forward to the Council. The Town Planner stated that the residential application is from Elm Street. He stated that they propose to take down the Pierson warehouse and replace it with 38 townhome units.
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond discussed the BAI tour.
Mr. Bond stated that the Economic Development Advisory Board has approved an application for an upper story redevelopment Gap Financing Grant. He stated that he will like to get on the next agenda.
PARKS AND RECREATION ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Mayor Willey discussed the first organizational meeting for Parks and Recreation program for the summer. He invited those interested to attend Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Town office.
HERITAGE AREA RESOLUTION
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed a recent telephone call from Ms. Elizabeth Watson regarding the Heritage Area Resolution. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that Ms. Watson has asked the Council to confirm the Council’s action that was taken recently. She read the language into the record: I wish to confirm the Town Council’s understanding of this action last year in Resolution No. 5838 of July 19, 2004. At that time, we the Council affirm the incorporation of the Heritage Area Management Plan by reference in the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that our resolution did not follow the model of the state so that language needs to be inserted. She stated that the record should show the specific remarks of our Council that we want and support the Heritage Area. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that this would put us in line for grants.
Mr. Bond clarified what Heritage Areas are in the State of Maryland.
Mr. Hamilton stated the Council needs to read the new resolution to see what it says and if it commits the Town of Easton to any obligations. He stated that the Comprehensive Plan supports the Heritage Area and has been adopted. Mr. Hamilton stated that he suggested Ms. Watson attend a meeting and bring forth a new resolution for the Council to study.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he would like to have a copy of what is proposed. He stated that he would like to table Ms. Jackson-Amis’ request for affirmation until the end of the meeting.
MR. DON BIBB, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TALBOT COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY TO PRESENT REPORT ON GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON HOUSING AND STATE PROGRAMS
Mr. Bibb presented a report from the 16 individuals the Governor appointed to serve on the Commission of Housing and State programs. He stated that the county needs about 500 to 800 affordable houses. Mr. Bibb stated that there are approximately 157,000 units less than what is needed and will take about 19.1 billion dollars to create those housing units.
Mr. Jensen asked how individuals get access to what is available.
Mr. Bibb stated that the DHCD has a list of participating lenders.
Mr. Wendowski stated that there is real opportunity for participants that fit the profile.
Mr. Bibb discussed the criteria for participants.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked Mr. Bibb if he could do a hands-on workshop for the community.
Mr. Bibb stated that he can do a workshop and target those that would most benefit.
LETTER FROM MR. WILLIAM STAGG REQUESTING CLOSURE OF THREE TOWN OF EASTON PARKING SPACES FOR USE BY THE HOSPITAL COMMISSION SHOP
The President of the Council discussed the history of the request. He stated that the request is for the town to give up three parking slots but will have a net increase of 19 spaces in that area due to the new lot which doesn’t exist which will have 22 spaces.
Mr. Wendowski stated that that lot is underutilized.
Mr. Bond suggested talking to Shore Health Systems and see if they would be willing to offer an easement on three of those spaces and have them be two hour parking so the town doesn’t loose anything.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she thinks this is a very good idea.
The Town Attorney suggested going to Shore Health Systems and find out if this agreeable and draft legislation for the Council to consider. He suggested making this revocable in case the situation in that parking lot changes. He stated that these spaces are not absolutely necessary. Mr. Kehoe suggested reserving the right to change the decision if it is in the town’s best interest to do so.
Mr. Kehoe stated that he will approach Shore Health System.
The President of the Council tabled Shore Health Systems’ request.
RESOLUTION NO. 5848, “A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN LANDS TO THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF MARYLAND ROUTE 322 AND CONSISTING OF 30.192 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ANNEXATION.”
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried; Resolution No. 5848 was approved unanimously following a roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 5849, “A RESOLUTION TO CREATE A SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT ENCOMPASSING CERTAIN LANDS IN THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF MARYLAND ROUTE 322 AND CONSISTING OF 30.192 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS , FOR THE FINANCING OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AREA.”
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried; Resolution No. 5849 was approved unanimously following a roll call vote.
AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 480, “AN AMENDED ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF EASTON TO APPLY AN ORIGINAL ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF R-7A (RESIDENTIAL) AND CRITICAL AREA ZONING OF LDA (LIMITED DEVELOPMENT AREA) TO A PARCEL OF LAND ANNEXED TO THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF MARYLAND ROUTE 322 CONSISTING OF 30.192 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS.”
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried, Ordinance No. 480 was approved unanimously following a roll call vote.
RE-OPEN PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE APPLICATION OF LOWE’S HOME CENTERS, INC. FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 168,708 SQUARE FOOT HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER LOCATED ON A 14.86 ACRE TRACT, ADJACENT TO THE EASTON MARKETPLACE SHOPPING CENTER; AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF THE EASTON PARKWAY (MD 322) AND GLEBE ROAD. THE PROPERTY IS PRESENTLY IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) ZONING DISTRICT. THE REQUEST IS TO CLASSIFY THE 14.58 ACRE TRACT TO PMR TO ACCOMMODATE A NEW LOWE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER.
At 8:00 p.m., the President of the Council re-opened the public hearing on the Lowe’s application.
John Murray, Esq., representative for the applicant, discussed the follow up correspondence that had been submitted to the Council dated April 4. He stated that they felt that they should respond to that correspondence. Mr. Murray stated that the topics addressed in correspondence to the Council from the applicant were stormwater management, the existing store, traffic, impact fee, outdoor display area and the contribution to affordable housing.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked if anyone has been in touch with the Mears.
Mr. Murray stated that they have been in contact regularly.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked if they could forward a letter of confirmation.
Mr. Murray stated that Mears is not in a position to confirm due to a lot of uncertainties. He discussed what action they are currently taking.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if the neighboring residents had voiced their concerns.
Mr. Murray stated that Mr. Showalter has spoken to them.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked what their concerns were and how were they addressed.
Mr. Murray stated that they did not send a letter or meet with everyone individually but they did meet with Mr. and Mrs. Evans. He stated that he met with them on two occasions and shared plans and coordinated the landscaping plans to address some of their site land visibility concerns. Mr. Murray stated that they had also attempted to reach out to the church congregation and left numerous messages and making themselves available to meet and had not received a response.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her concern with egress and ingress.
Mr. Murray stated that Lowe’s is concerned with satisfying the Town and the Planning Commission staff’s recommendation that Lowe’s construct a potential interconnection with the development of the Artery site and the Lowe’s site in between the Lowe’s and the Food Lion.
The Town Planner stated that Artery is progressing on with their subdivision.
The Town Planner stated that he had met with a concerned neighbor regarding the road becoming a shortcut. He stated that they are trying to give the Artery residents more than one way out of their subdivision. Mr. Hamilton stated that this satisfied the concerned resident.
Mr. Wendowski stated that the concern he is having with Artery is taking one of their exits and making it a street onto a private shopping center. He questioned the town’s liability and responsibility for that road. Mr. Wendowski asked where the Easton Police Department’s legal responsibilities lie.
The Town Planner stated that there is a third entrance being worked on which is going between the ball field and the VFW. He stated that Artery has resubmitted a proposed plan that would follow the Mear’s property line behind the old Lowe’s and come out at the entrance to the lumberyard at Lowe’s. Mr. Hamilton stated that the Council should keep in mind that the Artery project is a PUD and will be before the Council due to the request for rezoning. He stated that they are also looking for another route which follows the rear of the parking lot fence boundary which would take it over to Marlboro Avenue.
Discussion occurred regarding delivery trucks to Lowe’s.
Mr. Showalter stated that the reason the Planning Commission requested coordination was not so they could resolve the ultimate transportation pattern across the Artery site but it was so they could ensure that the approval and development of Lowe’s did not preclude a connection that would allow a future pattern. Mr. Showalter stated that if this Council moves forward on the Lowe’s application, the Council could elect with or without Artery’s blessing to put a chain across that and call that an emergency exit but the intent is to make sure that option is there in the future.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked Mr. Showalter if a concerned neighbor could address him with questions this evening.
Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that she has approached Mr. Stagg and told him that she wants to do a public workshop with the Ward 1 residents about the Artery project before it goes any further.
Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned the Town Engineer regarding the Artery project and the Lowe’s project and asked if they together have the same or similar impact on the storm water management issue.
The Town Engineer stated that each of those projects will have to meet the regulations individually. He stated that his office has received some preliminary sketch planning for Lowe’s.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her concerns regarding both projects on that site and the affect.
Mr. David Nemacheck, Bollar Engineering was present on behalf of the applicant. He clarified that all of the water that would be running off the Artery development, would be bypassed through the Lowe’s stormwater system but would not be managed because it would be managed on the Artery site.
Discussion occurred regarding stormwater management systems and bioretention methods.
Ms. Adriene Hyatt, 375 Glebe Road, stated that she has talked to the neighbors and explained things to them because there has been no community input, no community impact study and no survey. She stated that 14 homes back up to the portion of the field where the Artery project and Lowe’s will be. Ms. Hyatt requested that more time be taken to think about this and get the consensus of the neighborhood. Ms. Hyatt stated that they are concerned about the setback variation and how close it is. She stated that demographics are not a guarantee of success for the size of the store.
Ms. Dorothy Johns, 205 Wrightson Avenue, stated that she loves living in the town of Easton. She stated that she is not opposed to Lowe’s but is concerned with the high density area. Ms. Johns asked that while the Town is working with Lowe’s that they take the time to talk to the community and do a little more outreach. She stated that if it is going to enhance the Town, she is all for it. Ms. Johns stated that she has been in the neighborhood for 21 years and sees a decline.
Mr. Joseph Davis, 313 Prospect Avenue, distributed a handout regarding light pollution. Mr. Davis discussed the three main components of light pollution; the glare, the light trespass, and the urban sky glow. He discussed examples of pollution and good lights and bad lights. He encouraged the Council to seek out a town that has addressed ordinances limiting light pollution. Mr. Davis stated that we need to require that projects buy lights that are not light polluting and are shaded; going down and lighting the ground and not the sky. Mr. Davis discussed the Town’s street lights and suggested purchasing light pollution lamps.
Mr. Ryan Showalter for the applicant, stated that Lowe’s recognizes the light issue and stated that it is very inefficient to Lowe’s to light areas that do not need to be illuminated. Mr. Showalter stated that the site plan incorporates concepts that address glare with shielded light bulbs. He stated that this site will be developed like all Lowe’s sites and will have specific lights at specific heights so that the lights shine down at the parking areas and not off of the property line. With respect to the rear of the property, Lowe’s has designed a light pack with a shield designed to cut off the light at the base of the six foot tall fence behind the property line. Mr. Showalter stated that Lowe’s has set up the parking lot lighting on a night circuit so that a portion of the lights are turned off after normal operating hours. With respect to the rear setback, Mr. Showalter stated that the Planning Commission’s conclusion is that if you compare what Lowe’s is comparing with a combination of a berm and a fence to the alternative of having an open lawn, this alternative is a suitable operation to ameliorate impacts caused by the Lowe’s store. He discussed the scenario if this property was not developed by Lowe’s.
At 8:53 p.m., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing.
Mr. Ford asked for a consensus on the application of Lowe’s Home Centers.
Mr. Jensen stated that he thought this was a good infill project and a good addition to our town. Mr. Jensen stated that he would like to see the following conditions: 1) have the Town Engineer work with Lowe’s to cut down on light pollution and glare; 2) make every effort to help them get on this site unless the stormwater cannot be managed to the point where it is not going to harm the Tred Avon. Mr. Jensen proposed that the standard to which the stormwater should be treated, 10% reduction which Lowe’s has already offered should be a minimum. He would like to see stormwater be treated to the level of bioretention if possible and whatever they come up with, the proposal presented publicly before the Town Council.
Ms. Scott-Taylor invited Lowe’s to host a workshop for the Ward 1 residents and any other interested parties. She stated that she is not prepared to reach a consensus.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he has some concerns regarding the street that may be an emergency exit.
Mr. Wendowski asked the Chief what would happen in the case of an accident.
Chief Blue stated that the Transportation Code that would address this would be Section 21 which is Rules of the Road and the scope of that title gives you the authority to enforce it on private property used by the public in general as well as public property.
Mr. Wendowski asked Lowe’s not to do the minimum as far as the landscaping plan. Mr. Wendowski stated that the site plan as proposed.
Ms. Jackson-Amis thanked Mr. Talbot Bone for addressing her concerns regarding the storm water management system. She stated that she understands that it should not be a problem and there will be a top shelf storm water treatment process. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she would like to encourage collaboration. She stated that she would like to see some kind of demonstration of what the stormwater process will be.
Mr. Ford discussed the standards that apply to the application.
Mr. Glass suggested getting the preliminary plans as a sketch level and later going ahead and design stormwater management.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked the applicant if they are willing to sit down and answer questions from organizations that are knowledgeable of stormwater requirements.
Mr. Showalter stated that he has provided two organizations with the stormwater plans and has not heard any questions or comments.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she likes the light pollution suggestion and that we look to a standard in that area. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she likes that whatever the Affordable Housing process is after we pass the ordinance, the applicant is willing to handle their portion. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she is depending on the applicant to shade the noise that the neighbors are concerned with. She stated that these considerations should have been part of the conversation beforehand. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she does like the project otherwise.
Mr. Ford stated that he agrees with all the stipulations that Mr. Jensen had and he does support the application as presented. Mr. Ford discussed the history of the big box moratorium.
RECESS
The President of the Council recessed the regularly scheduled meeting for five minutes.
RECONVENE
At 9:27 p.m., the President of the Council reconvened the regularly scheduled meeting.
RE-OPEN PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER COMMENT ON ORDINANCE NO. 482 REGARDING IMPACT FEES
The President of the Council stated that most of the comments concern the fee schedule for the commercial side of what is being proposed.
Mr. Jack Mason, 114 S. Harrison Street, stated that he has concerns about commercial impact fees and industrial development. He stated that this town needs industry and jobs as well as training. Mr. Mason stated that we should be a town that offers tax incentives for businesses to come here.
Mr. John Sener, 118 South Street, stated that if there should be more of the burden put on residential development and in conjunction, if possible, to weight those fees so that higher end houses pay a larger share. He stated that the people that can afford to pay should be asked to bear that burden and affordable housing be rewarded.
Mr. Al Bond, Economic Development Coordinator stated that his concern is not so much with impact fees which he thinks are needed and beneficial. He stated that his concern is the structure which the impact fee is currently proposed. Mr. Bond stated that the bulk of his concern is on the commercial side. He stated that we need to expand the commercial base and by imposing these impact fees, you are essentially reducing the number of projects that are going to come in. He stated that the fewer commercial developments, the more ground we loose in terms of relative buying power. Mr. Bond stated that this is a large conceptual problem that he has with putting these impact fees on the commercial level. He stated that if you look at the entity, the person that creates the impact, you have to trace it back to the residential because the new commercial is coming here in order to satisfy new demand that is driven by residential. Mr. Bond suggested going back to Tischler and asking whether that line of reasoning is legally defensible and if so, take some portion of the commercial impact fees and allocate it over to residential development.
Mr. Bond stated that the second suggestion has to do with the incredibly regressive nature of the commercial impact fees. He stated that if Easton Hardware decided to expand their business, they would pay 43% more per square foot in impact fees than Lowe’s. Mr. Bond stated that this sounds counter intuitive particularly if we are interested in an entrepreneurial economic development plan. He stated that this fee is erroneous for small businesses. Mr. Bond stated that the real solution is to assign some much larger portion of this impact fee to the residential side because that is where the real impact is being generated. He asked the Council to take some time and go back and consider that approach.
Mr. Jensen asked the Town Attorney what his opinion is regarding Mr. Bond’s suggestion to shift more of the impact fee to the residential side.
The Town Attorney stated that the probable answer is that this is a fee not a tax. He discussed Maryland limitation on fees versus taxes which is a charge the government imposes on an activity or a kind or property. Mr. Kehoe stated that his prediction is that the commercial versus residential, that will get a negative back versus a positive from Mr. Tischler. He stated that there might be some merit to the concern regarding the decreasing rate of fees on various kinds of commercial developments such as if you get larger, the fee gets lower. Mr. Kehoe stated that the issue here is that if the community in the future needs these improvements to accommodate new development, then the issue becomes how to pay for them.
The President of the Council closed the public hearing at 9:46 p.m.
The President of the Council asked for a consensus regarding Ordinance No. 482.
The President of the Council, Mr. Ford stated that the development community is realizing that some form of impact fee is imminent. He stated that there is a sense of urgency to enact these fees at some level to start getting funding in to begin the process of implementing the capital improvements plan. He stated that another dilemma is that Mr. Tischler’s advice is not free and to go back to him if deemed appropriate, will cost the Town of Easton money. He stated that we don’t want to create an impact fee structure that might deter commercial development. Mr. Ford asked if it is worth considering moving forward with enacting the ordinance and fee structure as discussed with the intention that the fee schedule needs to be reviewed quickly to adjust the fee schedule.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed amending the ordinance and questioned how much time it would take.
The Town Attorney stated that the ordinance would be introduced at one meeting, adopted at the next meeting and become effective 20 days after signature of the Mayor; approximately six weeks.
Mr. Wendowski questioned what type of message it would send to adopt a fee then amend it. He suggested voting on the ordinance, putting it in place and giving it a period and see what happens.
The Town Attorney stated that the council is free to change the law and developers that incur the original fee would have no recourse. He stated that the impact fee ordinance is keyed to the Council formally adopting a capital plan and formally adopting a capital budget.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she is concerned with the level of the impact fee but knows we need it. She stated that she also does not want the residential owners overly burdened. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she does think it would be prudent to address and hone that with Mr. Tischler and if there is any measure of relief of the recommendation from Mr. Bond.
Ms. Scott-Taylor suggested speaking with Mr. Tischler due to the fact that it is important to do this right. She stated that we are going to lose the fabric of our community if we put the impact fees on the business people.
Mr. Jensen stated that if there is a way to some kind of progressivity into this ordinance, then it should be done to alleviate some of the raised concerns. He discussed comparable impact fees for other counties.
Mr. Ford stated that the fee schedule can be adjusted in an appropriate matter very quickly.
Discussion occurred regarding adjusting fee schedules.
ORDINANCE NO. 482, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE TOWN OF EASTON CODE TO ADD ARTICLE TWENTY NINE TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPOSITION AND COLLECTION OF DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES WITHIN THE TOWN
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski with an amendment submitted by the Town Attorney, page 11, lines 18 through 21, delete from the ordinance due to the blanks that have never been filled in. Ordinance No. 482, as amended was passed following a roll call vote with Ms. Scott-Taylor voting no.
ORDINANCE NO. 483, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING CHAPTER 13 OF THE TOWN OF EASTON CODE TO ADD ARTICLE TWO TO ESTABLISH AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried; Ordinance No. 483 was passed unanimously following a roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 484, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE BOUNDARIES OF EASTON HISTORIC DISTRICT NUMBER 2 TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRETY OF THE EASTON NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT, ADDING TWO PROPERTIES TO THE LIST OF NON-CONTIGUOUS PROPERTIES SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN’S HISTORIC DISTRICT REGULATIONS AND REPEALING AND RE-ENACTING WITH AMENDMENTS SECTION 510.1D OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE
The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 484 for a first reading.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $557,417.48
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried, invoices totaling $557,417.48 were unanimously approved for payment.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked the status on the amendment to dogs on rails-to-trails.
The Town Attorney stated that it is self-regulating.
Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that a sign needs to be changed.
Mr. Jensen thanked the Mayor, Council and staff for the flowers and good wishes sent during his father’s passing.
Mr. Wendowski suggested reducing the minutes of the meetings to just what MML recommends; just reflecting a decision and not the verbiage that continues throughout the entire meeting. He stated that minutes should only reflect the action taken.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that many towns have detailed minutes and she uses them for a reference.
Ms. Jackson-Amis credited Ms. Pam Neary for her input regarding dogs on the rails-to-trails.
Ms. Jackson-Amis encouraged the Council to attend the Academy of the Arts event.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the request of Ms. Elizabeth Watson asking the Council to affirm their action last year in Resolution No. 5838 of July 19, 2004. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that at that time, the Council affirmed the incorporation of the Heritage Area Management Plan by reference in our Comprehensive Plan and approved the submittal of the Heritage Plan to the state including Easton as one of the member jurisdictions. She stated that the Town of Easton’s resolution did not follow the model provided by the state due to the fact that language incorporating a reference to the Heritage Area Management Plan had already been inserted into our Comprehensive Plan in anticipation of this requirement by the State of Maryland.
Mr. Jensen affirmed the actions by the Council. Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded the affirmation.
Mr. Ford affirmed Ms. Jackson-Amis’ statement and that the Council acted on that resolution in July.
The President of the Council reviewed the Council’s upcoming calendar of events.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council convened into Executive Session at 10:17 p.m.
The President of the Council adjourned the Executive Session at 10:48 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 10:48 p.m.
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Town Clerk