TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
June 5, 2006
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, Long Range Planner Mr. Thomas, Director Parks and Recreation Mr. Sviatko and Town Clerk Robert Karge.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council, Mr. Ford 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 MAY 15, 2006 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor, minutes were approved unanimously as amended by President Ford.
ITEMS BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Jensen presented the May report.
MEMO FROM MAYOR REGARDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING APPOINTMENT
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried; Mayor Willey’s appointment of Ms. Carlene Phoenix to the Affordable Housing Board was approved 3 to 1 with Ms. Jackson-Amis voting no.
PRESENTATION OF TOWN OF EASTON EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS
Mayor Willey presented employee service awards to:
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey discussed vandalism at the parks.
Mayor Willey asked for a work session regarding the LEOPS program for the Easton Police officers.
Mayor Willey stated that Pulte Homes will be finishing the upstairs of the concession stand at North Easton Park which will house the Town of Easton’s Parks and Recreation Director’s office.
Mayor Willey asked for an Executive Session to discuss real estate and the advice of counsel.
HISTORIC EASTON TO PRESENT PRESERVATION AWARDS TO CHERRY’S AND HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Ms. Polly Shanahan and Ms. Adrienne Hyatt presented awards to:
ITEMS BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Blue asked for approval for the following Public Assembly Events:
Downtown Concert Series:
N. Harrison Street
· June 18, USN Saxophone Quartet
· July 29, Unity Reggae
· September 8, Boilermaker Jazz Band
Goldsborough Street
· June 10, USN Commodores
· July 22
· August 5
· August 19, Jambulay
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, approval was granted for the Public Assembly permits as recommended by Chief Blue.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that business owners are worked with regarding the public assembly permits and street closures.
· June 13-17 and June 20-24, Talbot Bible Church Family Festival
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously approval was granted.
· June 24, Opening of Republican Headquarters
Temporary closure of segment of West Street between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously approval was granted.
· August 4, Chesapeake Classic Car Club Show
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously approval was granted.
Chief Blue advised that the C-Safe Grant request for $37,000 has been approved for the upcoming year.
ITEMS BY THE ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN ENGINEER
Bramble will be paving the week of June 19th or June 26th.
Mr. Hause advised on the upcoming Rails-to-trails project near Cadmus.
(Mr. Jensen arrived at 7:36 p.m.)
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
The Planning Commission will meet June 15 with the following applications:
· Amendment to the Lakelands PUD adding a swimming pool and 2 car garages
· Request to vacate Ashby Lane
Discussion occurred regarding issues with the Historic District’s decision regarding the application of 109 South Street.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
The Town Attorney asked for a Closed Session for the advice of legal counsel.
ITEMS BY THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Mr. Sviatko updated on summer camp, skatepark summer hours and the basketball league.
Mr. Sviatko will be meeting with Easton Utilities regarding the installation of a light at the Matthewstown Run Park.
RESOLUTION NO. 5885, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON SUPPORTING MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSWORKS PROGRAM FINANCING HISTORIC EASTON, INC.”
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, Resolution No. 5885 was approved 4 to 1 with Mr. Wendowski voting no.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY2006/07 BUDGET
At 8:10 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing on the FY2006/07 Budget.
Mayor Willey thanked individuals for their time and efforts and their input with the upcoming budget. He stated that there is not a line a credit to balance this year’s budget and necessary steps have been taken to correct the bond rating. Mayor Willey stated that in the budget there is a rainy day fund and no borrowing. Suggestions offered such as an increase in fees and the potential to do vehicle maintenance in our own shop will be considered. Additional revenue will come from revised fee collections. This budget also allows the Town to pursue capital purchases put off in the past such as replacing equipment.
Mayor Willey stated that the biggest line item as far as revenue is the taxes which are $9 million. The fee structure will be monitored very closely. He stated that the single largest expenditure is Safety which includes the police department and the fire department. Interfund transfers are the bonding and bank loans.
Mayor Willey discussed Capital Improvements and plans for park improvements. He stated that salaries and benefits are 41% of the budget. He stated that the Town took an 18% increase in health insurance this year.
Mr. Jensen commented Mayor Willey on his budget proposal. He discussed Town employees’ salaries and suggested a salary structure.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked if a salary survey had ever been done for the Town’s employees.
Mayor Willey stated that an Events Coordinator is included in the Economic Development budget.
The President of the Council opened the Public Hearing for public comments.
Mr. Gene Mechling, 222 S. Washington Street, member of South Easton Neighborhood Association, questioned the shortfall, future tax increases due to growth, controls on growth and the bond rating. Mr. Mechling asked the Council how to address his concerns. He said these concerns should be addressed in public or in the newspaper.
Ms. Libby Dawkins, 11 N. Thorogood Lane, asked that the budget be presented so an average citizen could understand. She wanted the breakdown for the Fire Department and the Easton Police Department. Ms. Dawkins stated that she agrees with Mr. Mechling regarding enough transparency. She said that an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance would have covered fees brought on by growth. Ms. Dawkins discussed town employees’ salaries and the bond rating. She asked that the citizens of the town be kept informed.
The President of the Council stated that the public record would be kept open until the close of business Friday.
At 8:49 p.m., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing.
ORDINANCE NO. 501, “AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RAISING BY TAXATION THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO PAY THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON THE VARIOUS BOND ISSUES AND THE REDUCTION OF CERTAIN BONDS AND NOTES FOR THE PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS AND SETTING THE INTEREST AND PENALTY FOR DELINQUENT BILLS, COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2006 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2007.”
ORDINANCE NO. 500, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING SECTIONS OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE.”
Mr. Thomas distributed a revised version of Ordinance No. 500. The Assistant Town Attorney suggested that it be made clear that this Ordinance also addresses the portion of the zoning mapping issues.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried, the amendment to Ordinance No. 500 which would delete the proposed change to CG of the property on Maryland Route 328 passed following a roll call vote with Ms. Scott-Taylor and Mr. Ford voting no.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried, Ordinance No. 500 as Amended passed unanimously following a roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REQUEST OF BILL STAGG ON BEHALF OF ALVIN AND ELLEN WALBRIDGE. THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS A RESIDENTIAL PUD SUBDIVISION. THE PROJECT PROPOSED IS TO SUBDIVIDE ONE ADDITIONAL LOT AND ADD A RENTAL UNIT ABOVE EXISTING GARAGE AT 325 N WASHINGTON STREET.
At 9:14 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Kehoe disclosed that he has represented the Walbridge’s on other matters and he may leave the room if recommended.
The Town Planner briefed on the history of the project. He stated that the Planning Commission has forwarded a recommendation for approval of this application.
Mr. Stagg, Lane Engineering on behalf of the Walbridge family respectfully asked that this application be tabled due to passing Ordinance No. 500.
REQUEST FROM CHRIST CHURCH – ST. PETER’S PARISH TO POST A VINYL BANNER ON THEIR PROPERTY AS AN INVITATION TO ATTEND VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried; Christ Church’s request was unanimously approved.
EASTON UTILITIES TENTH DECLARATION OF OFFICIAL INTENT
The Town Attorney stated that this is a requirement of Federal Tax Law and does not require any action by the Council.
EASTON UTILITIES REQUEST TO ESCROW AND DEFEASE A PORTION OF THE TOWN’S 2003 BOND ISSUE
Mr. Paul Moeller discussed Federal Law which precludes them from entering into long term contracts with wholesale power producers as long as their electric generating equipment is financed by these tax exempt municipal bonds. Therefore, Easton Utilities could defease these bonds and enter into long term contracts on behalf of their customers at a cheaper rate.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DEPOSIT BY THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION INTO AN ESCROW FUND OF NOT TO EXCEED $4,000,000 IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF NOT TO EXCEED $4,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE TOWN OF EASTON PUBLIC FACILITIES AND REFUNDING BONDS OF 2003; APPROVING THE FORM OF AN ESCROW DEPOSIT AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO WHICH SUCH MONEY WILL BE HELD AND SUCH BONDS WILL BE PAID; APPROVING AN ESCROW AGENT; AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER SUCH ESCROW DEPOSIT AGREEMENT AND TO TAKE SUCH OTHER ACTIONS AS THEY CONSIDER NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE TO IMPLEMENT THE TRANSACTION AUTHORIZIED BY THIS RESOLUTION
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried, Resolution No. 5886 was passed unanimously following a roll call vote.
MS. JACKSON-AMIS TO DISCUSS FLOODING OF PROPERTY
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed flooding of the Watkins property due to the hard rain on Thursday. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she has requested that the Tidewater Inn forward the bill for the Watkins’ stay to her attention. She is requesting that the Town bear the responsibility and pay their bill. Mr. Ford stated that he would like to know what the bill is.
CLOSED SESSION
At 9:41 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Wendowski, seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously; the President of the Council convened the regularly scheduled meeting in Closed Session for real estate and the advice of counsel.
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 10:07 p.m.
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Town Clerk