TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
November 21, 2005
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance was Chief Blue, Assistant to the Town Engineer Mr. Hause, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Al Bond Economic Development Coordinator, and the Kathy Ruf for the Town Clerk.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council, Mr. Ford called the meeting to order.
Ms. Scott-Taylor opened the meeting with prayer and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
BOY SCOUNT TROUP
The President of the Council introduced Mr. Ernie Smith who was present with Scout Troop No. 532 attending a local council meeting for their Citizenship Merit Badge.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Jensen reported on Fire Department activities.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 7, 2005 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously; minutes of the meetings were approved as written.
CLOSING OF ADKINS AVENUE
Ms. Jackson-Amis introduced members of the audience present with concerns regarding the possibility of the association of Shore Health System with University of Maryland Hospital.
(Mr. Kehoe arrived at 7:08 p.m.).
Ms. Peg Sinclair, Wye Avenue, urged the Council to review the situation due to the change of circumstances. She discussed the annual letter of intent that has a deadline of December 12. Ms. Sinclair asked that the Council require that the roadway be returned to its original state when the hospital moves.
Mr. Wendowski asked that Shore Health System present its case after their November 29 Board meeting.
Mr. Ford stated that the hospital will be on the December 5 Council meeting agenda.
Mr. Gene Mechling, 222 S. Washington Street, representing SENA, asked the Council not to convey any deed until the hospital addresses the council and the public. Mr. Mechling asked that any deed that is transferred would require that the hospital when they vacate return Adkins Avenue in its original condition.
Mr. Michael Jacobs representing SENA discussed the change of circumstances and stated that these have not been made public. He strongly urged the Council to get all the information and wait before taking any action. He asked that there be a requirement that the street be returned as a usable public street.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that the concerns raised this evening be forwarded to the hospital so they can be prepared to address any questions during their presentation at the next Council meeting.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey stated that he has asked the Chief of Police and Mr. Hause to review the request for a 4-way stop at the intersection at Brookletts and Hanson Street.
ITEMS BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Blue asked for approval for the following Public Assembly Permits:
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, approval was granted for the Public Assembly Permits recommended by Chief Blue.
Chief Blue asked for permission for a street closure for approximately one hour on Port Street on November 29 that has been requested by Habitat for Humanity for a photo shoot from Washington Street to West Street for their new campaign. Chief Blue asked Habitat to speak with U-5 to discuss any inconvenience.
Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion for permission for the street closure seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
Chief Blue discussed the proposal of Lions’ Club car show in downtown Easton on June 10. Chief Blue is working with Mr. Bond for a location.
ITEMS BY ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN ENGINEER
Mr. Hause discussed the 4-way stop sign request at Brookletts and Hanson. He stated that the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Device does not warrant a 4-way stop sign and should not be used to control speed as they are used for equal and competing traffic volumes. Mr. Hause stated that he is not recommending a 4-way stop at the requested location.
ITEMS FROM THE TOWN PLANNER
The Planning and Zoning Commission has one item on their agenda for December 15 for review of a manufacturing building at Easton Technology Center.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Mr. Kehoe requested an Executive Session to discuss a real estate matter and potential litigation.
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond accepted on behalf of Easton the designation of a Preserve America Town. Grants are available with matching money up to $150,000 with a deadline of December 15.
Mr. Bond asked for an Executive Session to discuss real estate.
MR. DON BIBB, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TALBOT COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING SPECIAL LOANS PROGRAM AND HOME FUNDS PROGRAM
Mr. Bibb forwarded a letter addressing the utilization of the Special Loans funds and the contracts with the state.
RESOLUTION NO. 5868 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SPECIAL LOANS PROGRAM AND HOME FUNDS PROGRAM WITHIN THE TOWN OF EASTON
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried; Resolution No. 5868 was approved unanimously following a roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 5870, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REVISING THE LICENSE, PERMIT, INSPECTION AND REVIEW FEES
Mr. Kehoe advised the Council to look at these fees on an annual basis.
Mr. Kehoe added on page 3 for subdivisions, a plat review fee of $250.
Mr. Hamilton asked that the annexation fee be a minimum and any costs incurred in addition to the fee, be billed to the applicant.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that the Historical District Review remain at $25 instead of the $50 proposed. It was the consensus of the Council for the fee to remain at $25.
Considering the Historic District renovations and the specificity of the requirements of the Commission, Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that the review fees reflect costs should the applicant not be in the District.
Mr. Kehoe will meet with Mr. Chenault to try to get a handle on how that differential would function on a practical basis.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried, Resolution No. 5870 passed unanimously following a roll call vote with the addition of the Plat Review Fee of $250 and rejecting the proposal to increase the application of the Historic District of $25 to $50.
MEMO FROM TOWN ATTORNEY AND TOWN CLERK REGARDING THE TOWN OF EASTON TAX RATE
The President of the Council set a workshop with staff to reach a consensus regarding the Town of Easton tax rate for Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $760,425.92
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, invoices totaling $760,425.92 were approved for payment.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council convened the regular session into Executive Session to discuss two real estate matters and potential litigation at 8:44 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 9:34 p.m.
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Town Clerk