TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
December 19, 2005
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor
Also in attendance was Chief Blue, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Al Bond Economic Development Coordinator, and Town Clerk Robert Karge.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council, Mr. Ford 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 DECEMBER 5, 2005 MINUTES
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried, minutes of the December 5 meetings were unanimously approved.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Drew Jensen was present to report the Fire Department’s monthly activities.
LETTER FROM EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. ASKING APPROVAL OF THE ELECTION OF JAMES T. KNOTTS TO THE OFFICE OF CHIEF FOR THE YEAR 2006.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the election of James T. Knotts to the office of Chief for the year 2006 was unanimously approved.
MR. KEN SCHISLER, CHAIRMAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL REGARDING POTENTIAL RESOURCES FOR HEATING BILL RELIEF
Mr. Schisler briefed on market issues and high energy prices. He discussed help available and programs that will be funded this year. Governor Ehrlich requested and funded an augmented budget adding 13 million dollars to the Maryland Energy Assistance program and expanded the eligibility level for customers in Project Heat Up. These funds are available through Social Services and The Neighborhood Service Center through March 16.
Ms. Jackson-Amis arrived at 7:10 p.m.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey has accepted Mr. Chris Brownawell’s resignation from the Planning and Zoning Commission due to his relocation out of town limits and will be conducting interviews for the position.
Mayor Willey reported that the Town of Easton has received a grant from State Highway Administration for $20,000 for the construction of the Rails-to-Trails segment from Idlewild Avenue to Dutchman’s Lane.
ITEMS BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE
There are two new recruits recently graduated from the police academy.
Chief Blue asked for approval for a Public Assembly Permit for First Night Talbot, December 31 commencing at 6:00 p.m. to midnight with street closures on South Street from Washington Street to Harrison Street from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Harrison Street from Church Lane to South Street. He stated that Mason’s and The Inn at Easton do not support that street closure.
Mr. Ford and Mr. Wendowski supports the permit and street closings as proposed.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that the festivities should be where it does not impact businesses. She suggested the parking lot at the Historical Society and stated that she does not support the closing of the street.
Ms. Scott-Taylor made a motion to approve the Public Assembly Permit as presented by Chief Blue, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried with Ms. Jackson opposing.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Mr. Kehoe asked for a Closed Session to discuss potential litigation
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond reported that he has been working on possible funding sources for the Clifton Industrial Park annexation and that the Town of Easton has been invited to apply for a Community Development Block Grant funds for Economic Development.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REQUEST OF STANLEY HALLE COMMUNITIES, INC., CONTRACT PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY WHICH IS OWNED BY ALLIANCE DEVELOPMENT COROPORATION. THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS A 197 UNIT RESIDENTIAL PUD SUBDIVISION ON A 198.84 ACRE SITE ON THE EAST SIDE OF MARYLAND ROUTE 333 (OXFORD ROAD) ADJACENT TO COOKE’S HOPE. THE REQUEST IS TO REZONE THE SITE FROM R-10A (RESIDENTIAL) TO PUD (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT). THE PROJECT INCLUDES SEVERAL RESIDENTIAL UNIT TYPES CLUSTERED ONTO A 35.22 ACRE PORTION OF THE 198.84 ACRE SITE.
At 7:36 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing.
The Town Planner discussed the history of the project. He stated that this development is described as a cluster development on 35 acres of the site. Mr. Hamilton stated that a majority of the site will remain forested forever. He stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended 5 to 0 supporting the application as submitted. The Planning and Zoning Commission asked that the preliminary site plan be sent back to them for review.
Mr. Bruce Armistead, was present on behalf of Stanley Halle Communities and its principals. He discussed the PUD application. He stated that the property is within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Easton and does not require any annexation. Mr. Armistead referred to the boundary owners. The developer has been working closely with various regulatory agencies for almost three years and they believe that all the environmental issues have been addressed and satisfactorily resolved. Mr. Armistead discussed the clustering providing a proficient use of town land and the preservation of habitat and natural area. Mr. Armistead stated that the developer will leave approximately 160 acres that will be preserved in perpetuity. He stated that they expect that a condition of approval will require the preservation of that area and restriction against any development activity in perpetuity. There will be an area of almost 300 acres that will be preserved as open space and restricted in perpetuity. Mr. Armistead discussed discussions with Shore Health regarding extension of the road as a joint effort between the two property owners.
Mr. Stanley Halle, discussed his firm which has been building houses for an extensive period of time. He discussed architectural and planning awards received. Mr. Halle discussed his firm’s activities in Easton. Mr. Halle stated that they have met with residents of Cooke’s Hope and worked with them to address their concerns.
Mr. Bill Stagg, Lane Engineering, discussed the project and the consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Stagg discussed the buffering proposed. He stated that they are proposing 197 residential units in the PUD; 19 larger lots, single family detached lots. He stated that the entrance point for this portion of the project is across from Clubhouse Drive and Tour Drive in Easton Club which was determined and directed by State Highway Administration. Mr. Stagg discussed the products and their architectural designs proposed in the project. He stated that the architect has incorporated diverse architecture into the development to look like it has been developed over a period of years.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked that the same type of berm and buffer be considered for the Chatham Village development as proposed for the Cooke’s Hope development.
Mr. Stagg stated that a traffic plan was completed and revised approximately ten days ago.
Mr. Bob Bissell, 28898 Jasper Lane, Cooke’s Hope stated that he is a civil engineering and overall thinks this is a good plan. He is pleased that this plan does not include public access to their private roads as they pay for the maintenance of their roads.
Mr. Bill Jones, 7055 Thomas Lane, Cooke’s Hope stated that he hopes to see screening between the two developments. He stated that the developer has responded to their concerns and is pleased with their efforts. Mr. Jones stated that he wants to indicate his objections for a road between the two communities.
Mr. Ino Ball, Easton Club asked how this project affects the waterfowl sanctuary.
Mr. Armistead discussed the Waterfowl Festival’s sanctuary. He stated that the program pays the landowner which is the hospital to leave standing crops for the benefit of waterfowl during the winter months. He stated that it is an annual program and is not a perpetual program.
Ms. Sashly Schneider, 7316 Waverly Island Road questioned the setback for the 40’ wide townhouses which border Cooke’s Hope.
Mr. Preston Paddon, 5734 Pirates Cove Road stated that he came to Easton from Montgomery County. Mr. Paddon read a statement opposing the development. He urged the Council to not approve the development and just say no. Mr. Paddon discussed the Town’s budget shortfall and stated that this development would impact the already overcrowded roads.
Mr. Tom Alspach, Easton supports Mr. Paddon’s comments. He asked what the effect of all the new development coming to Easton will have on the ability of Easton’s residents to drive along the Parkway. Mr. Alspach discussed expanding the tax base and stated that approving these projects will not get the Town to fiscal stability.
Mr. Stagg discussed the150’ buffer for Delmarva Fox Squirrels that Cooke’s Hope voluntarily agreed to do on their property.
The President of the Council stated that the public record will be kept open until the close of business on Friday of this week.
At 8:50 p.m., the President of the Council closed the public hearing.
RECESS
The President of the Council declared a five minute recess.
RECONVENE
The President of the Council reconvened the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 8:57 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN’S ZONING ORDINANCE
Mr. Lynn Thomas, Long Range Planner discussed the proposed amendments.
Mr. Thomas discussed the history of the proposed amendments. He stated that at the suggestion from the Town Attorney, the Planning Department has added Article XV to the Draft which authorizes the Town to enter into Development Rights and Responsibilities with prospective developers. The Traditional Neighborhood District has been removed and replaced with provisions covered in the R7A and R10A standards and the Subdivision Regulations.
Mr. Thomas stated that included in this amendment is notification for proposed projects to be sent to neighboring property owners within 400’ of the subject property via certified mail by the Town of Easton at the applicants’ expense.
Mr. Ford asked about growth rate.
Mr. Thomas stated that this will not be part of the Zoning Ordinance; it is something that is being worked on. He stated that they are trying to prepare a report for the Council on describing a number of techniques to control the rate of growth which is near completion.
Ms. Elizabeth Lee, 612 South Street brought to the Council’s attention 1305.5D, which relates to the role of Board of Zoning Appeals and their duties. She discussed the checks and balances of the Appeal Board and asked the Council to reject the change as proposed.
Mr. Ford asked the Town Attorney to respond to the Council with Ms. Lee’s concerns.
Mr. Mike Wood, 304 Elm Avenue and also owns property at 318 August Street. Mr. Wood read an e-mail for the record with his concerns regarding a Planning and Zoning issue on Higgins Street. His concerns regard removing 275 properties from the PRD Overlay District.
Mr. Chris Nagers, 301 S. Aurora Street stated that he is concerned with the change in the PRD Overlay District. He stated that he purchased 31, 33 and 35 S. Aurora Street because they are in this district. He stated that down zoning will hurt the improvements he is trying to accomplish.
Mr. John Sener, 118 South Street stated that there is a flip side to the PRD process. He discussed spot zoning which he opposes due to the fact that it does not live up to its potential. Mr. Sener stated that when a person vacates that use and leaves that property, that special use granted to the property owner stays with the property which needs to be addressed.
Mr. Joe Minarick, 128 S. Harrison Street, President of East End Neighborhood Association, stated that their Association is concerned with the erosion of their residential neighborhood due to commercial creep and the lack of residential development. Mr. Minarick requested that CR zoning in traditionally residential neighborhoods be returned to R7A. Mr. Minarick asked the Council to help them encourage the critical density of non vacant houses. He discussed notification procedures that he felt should be enacted.
Ms. Joyce DeLaurentis, 220 South Street stated that the PRD remapping should be looked at. She discussed the change and mistake rule which does not apply to PRD. Ms. DeLaurentis stated that the section regarding Granny Flats is very unclear. She reiterated that the Special Office Use needs to be sunset to alleviate unintended uses over a period of time. Ms. DeLaurentis discussed satellite dishes which are becoming predominant in the east end neighborhood.
Mr. Eric Heath, 707 South Street discussed the WaWa project coming to their neighborhood and no prior notice. He discussed the lack of information on the Town’s website.
Mr. Jacque Baker, 311 Dutchman’s Lane discussed clarifications that might be considered for proposed amendments.
Mr. Tom Alspach asked if the rezoning for the WaWa properties and the Dutchman’s Lane request are still on the table. Mr. Thomas stated that they are not.
Ms. Carolyn Jaffe, 412 August Street discussed the 400’ notification amendments. She asked that community groups also be notified of potential projects.
The President of the Council stated that the record will be held open until the end of business Friday.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $528,157.60
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried, invoices totaling $528,157.60 were unanimously approved for payment.
FRIENDS OF TALBOT COUNTY LIBRARY
Mr. Ford brought a request to the floor that he has received via e-mail and telephone calls asking for clarification on the Town Council’s position regarding the proposed expansion of the Talbot County Free Library. Mr. Ford read his response in opposition to the library project at 142 N. Harrison Street as a stand alone project.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM CATHERINE POE
Ms. Poe presented a letter to the Council regarding the Talbot County Library project.
CLOSED SESSION
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, the President of the Council convened the regular session into Closed Session for the advice of legal counsel at 10:12 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 10:36 p.m.
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Town Clerk