TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
October 2, 2006
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Ms. Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance was Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Chief Blue, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Economic Development Coordinator Mr. Bond and Town Clerk Robert Karge.
At 7:00 p.m., the President of the Council, Mr. Ford called the meeting to order.
Mr. Jensen opened the meeting with prayer and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2006 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, minutes of the September 18, 2006 meetings were approved as written.
ITEMS BY THE EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.
Mr. Drew Jensen was present to report on the Fire Department’s activities.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey discussed a request by Mr. Lee Denny to hook-up Town water and sewer to his restaurant facility at Easton Point. Mayor Willey stated that he had notified Mr. Denny that it is necessary to be annexed into town limits prior to water and sewer extension.
Mayor Willey discussed truck traffic on Idlewild Avenue and Dutchman’s Lane.
ITEMS BY CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Blue discussed Easton Police Department’s 100th Year Anniversary celebration. Chief Blue recognized Robert Karge, the Town Clerk for his assistance with the Department.
Chief Blue asked for approval of the following Public Assembly Permits:
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, approval was granted for the Public Assembly Permits as recommended by Easton Police Department.
Chief Blue had a request for reserved parking on November 11 at the parking lot on Idlewild Avenue during Waterfowl Festival for a wedding.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve the reserved parking request for a wedding on November 11 seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked where the buses stop during Waterfowl Festival.
Chief Blue stated that they are controlled by the Waterfowl Festival and stop on Federal Street and also by Christ Church.
ITEMS BY THE ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN ENGINEER
Mr. Hause stated that SHA has re-bid the Route 50 three-lane project and has received two bids. He stated that the job will be estimated at 4.8 million dollars. Mr. Hause stated that the start date should be around late October, early November.
Mr. Hause stated that Easton Utilities will have their system wide flushing starting Sunday through 4:00 or 5:00 p.m.
Mr. Hause stated that the smoke testing for the wastewater testing will be starting this week.
Mr. Wendowski discussed the sign for Magnolia Meadows and the mosquito problem at their storm water pond.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that someone get notice, in English and Spanish to residents on West and Port Street regarding their trash and the time in which they are allowed to set it out for pick up.
Mr. Jensen discussed bush hogging on Matthewstown Run.
Mr. Jensen asked Mr. Hause to check on the bond for the Bretridge Development due to trees dying and needing to be replaced.
Mr. Jensen asked Mr. Hause to look at the pond at Waylands and stated that there is a Willow Tree that may not be safe in that area.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
Mr. Hamilton stated that the Planning Commission will meet October 19 will the following items on their agenda:
Mr. Jensen discussed the construction access for the WaWa site. The Town Planner stated that he will look into the access.
ITEMS BY THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Mr. Sviatko will be working with the YMCA and Talbot County Parks and Recreation to do a Winter Youth Basketball League. Games will begin in December and run through February.
Mr. Sviatko stated that the skatepark will be available for birthday parties with a nominal fee to accommodate for staff.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that Mr. Sviatko revisit the $25 per week fee requirement for the summer program. She asked that there be equity in the program as there is no fee for the skatepark.
MS. JILL JUDD AND MS. MEGAN COOK TO DISCUSS IDLEWILD PARK PROJECT
Ms. Megan Cook proposed a play structure project at Idlewild Park. She stated that they are willing to fundraise 100% to replace the structure. Ms. Cook asked if the Town would be willing to accept funds to build the structure. She stated that they are proposing more of an imagination park. Ms. Judd stated that the building could be done as a community with designs that coincide with buildings in Easton.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to support Ms. Cook and Ms. Judd’s fundraising efforts; keep track of the funds and then take a look at where the existing equipment would go seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously.
MR. MATT ALLEN, WALLACE & MONTGOMERY TO ADDRESS COUNCIL WITH RESULTS OF EAST/WEST CONNECTOR ROAD STUDY
Mr. Allen discussed the current and future congestion on Goldsborough Street, Dover Road and Marlboro Avenue. Mr. Allen stated that the road proposed would promote cross town vehicular traffic and provide an east/west connector. He discussed the purpose and need analysis distributed. Mr. Allen stated that this will provide a higher level of operation compared to the other road choices. It will be a major thru roadway with limited access and higher speed facility. He stated that we will need State Highway Administration to construct the intersection at US 50 and east/west connector. Mr. Allen stated that once connected, the east/west connector road will capture approximately 30% of all traffic going in and out of town. He stated that there is a possibility that the road will extend across US 50 and connect into Matthewstown Road, Route 328 right across from Elliott Road. Mr. Allen discussed the recommendations in the report: 1) limited access facility; 2) currently recommend 2 lane roadway with a median (for left turns at key intersections); 3) closed section roadway limiting the right-of-way requirements. He discussed the proposed corridors and different options. Mr. Allen stated that preliminary, based on these alignments; constructed costs are between six to eight million dollars. The overall project could cost ten million dollars.
Mr. Jerry Friedel, Engineer; discussed necessary negotiations with State Highway Administration and the current levels of service at Goldsborough and Dover Street.
It was the consensus of the Council to digest the information.
PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS A PROPOSED ZONING MAP AMENDMENT FILED BY BILL STAGG OF LANE ENGINEERING, INC., ON BEHALF OF ELM STREET DEVELOPMENT REQUESTING THE TOWN EXPAND THE PLANNED REDEVELOPMENT (PR) OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT TO INCLUDE THE PROPERTY AT TAX MAP 103, PARCEL 756. SUBJECT PROPERTY CURRENTLY IS IMPROVED WITH THE CANNERY SQUARE APARTMENT COMPLEX.
Mr. Thomas briefed the Council on the proposed procedure. He stated that basically we are talking about moving a line that defines an area in which certain regulations or rules apply. Mr. Thomas stated that the applicant is requesting that the Town expand the PR overlay zone to include one parcel which is the site of the existing Cannery Square Apartments adjacent to the existing boundary. Mr. Thomas discussed the three findings necessary for the Council to approve the request: 1) that the structures within the proposed PR district are predominantly in need of rehabilitation, deteriorated or built before zoning that is appropriate for the area; 2) that the creation of the PR overlay or expansion will allow for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of an area of the Town of Easton that is in need of such action and 3) that the creation of the PR overlay district will not cause undue traffic nor overburden the Town’s community facilities (water, sewer, solid waste, etc.).
Mr. Thomas stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed this request at a previous meeting and forwarded a favorable recommendation in this matter.
Mr. Bruce Armistead was present on behalf of Elm Street Development Corporation, the contract purchaser of the property and Easton Associates, LLC, current owners of the property. Mr. Armistead discussed the history of the property. Mr. Armistead stated that this opportunity presented is a substantial improvement to the property.
Mr. Mike Burlbaugh discussed the specifics of the proposed overlay zoning. Mr. Burlbaugh stated that the existing apartment complex is at a tipping point. In a short period of time, substantial money will be necessary to renovate critical systems and the structure. Mr. Burlbaugh stated that they have the adjacent 63 acres under contract. He discussed the conceptual plan they have presented to the Planning Department. He stated that they are proposing potentially 125 units for this area; a combination of single family houses, townhouses and condominium units. Mr. Burlbaugh stated that they have been meeting with the neighbors and addressing their concerns. He stated that they will be discussing with the Town and the residents, what assistance they may need in relocating. He stated at minimum, the current tenants will have at least a year’s notice. Mr. Burlbaugh stated that one year leases are still being executed.
Discussion occurred regarding previous applications for the site.
Mr. Burlbaugh stated that the condos will be approximately in the high $200’s; townhouses low $300’s; single family homes in the $400’s. He stated that they are not contemplating any on site affordable housing but would like to discuss with the Council a per unit contribution to the Easton Housing Fund. He displayed renderings of the project.
Ms. Nancy Randall, Wells & Associates discussed the traffic impact study prepared for this project. She discussed the intersections, the growth rate, the traffic distribution from this project and projects already on the books. She stated that one of the conservative things they did for this project is not subtract out the traffic from the existing uses on the property. Ms. Randall stated that today if you were looking at the 64 dwelling units and the 10,000 square feet of warehouse space, they are generating around 40 trips in the morning and 58 in the evening. She stated that his project, the single family and townhomes are going to generate a total of 73 in the morning and 89 in the evening. She stated that the congestion is at Route 50 and the signal timing giving limited amount of green time which makes a backup occur in the evening and on the weekends as well. Ms. Randall stated that they have come up with a road improvement for that intersection and they are recommending that everyone pull together a fair share contribution for that road improvement making things operate better. She stated that signal synchronization on Route 50 will help a lot. She discussed proposed interim road improvements to get some of the traffic off the road system.
Mr. Burlbaugh discussed proposed operational improvements. He stated that they are proposing to improve East, North and Park to make them proper roadways with proper infrastructure. He stated that Matt Allen has reviewed the traffic study and concurred.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed contributions to affordable housing. She asked the Town Attorney if there is a 10% requirement for affordable houses in developments. Mr. Kehoe stated that there is no specific requirement in effect.
Discussion occurred regarding various housing issues.
Mr. Armistead submitted written comments addressing the criteria Mr. Thomas mentioned.
The President of the Council opened the floor for public comments.
Mr. Tom Alspach was present on behalf of Talbot Preservation Alliance. Mr. Alspach stated that they support infill development and it is something to be encouraged. Mr. Alspach stated that the 63 tenants in the current development will be displaced and the Council can make their own rules to approve or disapprove this project as a legislative act. He said that the Town cannot afford to loose 64 affordable units.
Ms. Carolyn Jaffe, 412 August Street, stated that it is a town issue not a developer to look at an intersection with four streets and where there is limited vision at Park Street where Goldsborough bends. Ms. Jaffe discussed putting money in a fund and stated that there are no houses being built. She asked the Council to look at houses for the average persons.
The President of the Council left the public hearing open in to the next meeting.
At 9:44 p.m., he closed the Public Hearing for the evening.
MEMO FROM TOWN CLERK REGARDING TAX ABATEMENT REQUESTS
Mr. Karge, the Town Clerk discussed the history of the request for tax abatements. He discussed taxes being a general assessment to pay for those public goods and services needed and required. Mr. Karge stated that the suggestion is that we not entertain abatement of tax requests either from annexation or there should not be any kind of argument that the taxpayer only receives limited services therefore the tax bill should be abated. He stated that some property owners have requested abatement of taxes under the theory that they only receive limited services and the taxes should be tied to water and sewer extension which is generally not a good thing for the council to entertain.
The President of the Council stated that this Council would have no problem saying that from this day forward, we are not dealing with tax abatements on future annexations.
Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to deny the abatement resolution.
The Town Attorney stated that the Council could adopt a policy and instruct the Town Clerk that the Council will not entertain requests for abatements unless it is provided for in an agreement or an existing annexation resolution.
Mr. Jensen made a motion to adopt the policy as stated by the Town Attorney seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 5893, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REPEALING AND REENACTING, WITH AMENDMENTS, ARTICLE VII OF THE EASTON TOWN CHARTER TO PROVIDE FOR THE OFFICES OF TOWN MANAGER, TOWN FINANCE OFFICER AND TO REDEFINE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF TOWN CLERK.”
The Town Attorney discussed the history of the resolution and the desirability of looking at the Town Charter relating to the executive management of the town and to modernize them and bring them into conformity with the way most towns of Easton’s size operate.
Mr. Jensen stated that he is in support of the change.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked if there are any new hires.
Mayor Willey stated that there is re-positioning with no anticipation of new hires.
The President of the Council set the public hearing for Resolution No. 5893 for October 16 at 7:15 p.m.
MEMO FROM ASSISTANT TOWN ATTORNEY SHARON M. VANEMBURGH REGARDING SIDEWALKS
The Council discussed when it is appropriate to bill the property owner for the construction and maintenance of adjoining sidewalks.
LETTER FROM MS. DIANE MIZELLE, 112 HUGHLETT STREET REQUESTING “CHILDREN AT PLAY” SIGN ON HAYWORTH STREET
Discussion occurred regarding the request. Children at Play signs are not a standard sign and there are none that have been placed in the town by the Town. The Police Department will do stepped up enforcement in lieu of placing a sign.
LETTER FROM MR. IRVIN EBAUGH, III, ANNAPOLIS PAINT REGARDING STORM DRAIN INFRASTRUCTURE
The Council discussed various options in the vicinity for storm drain infrastructure.
LETTER FROM MR. DAVID VALLIANT, STAN RIDGEWAY ASSOCIATES, INC., REGARDING NEW RENTAL INSPECTION PROGRAM
The Mayor received a letter from Mr. David Valliant regarding rental inspection fees. Mayor Willey stated that he informed Mr. Valliant that he would be charged for the inspections pursuant to the new fee schedule.
MR. FRANCIS MASON TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING EASTON CLUB EAST
Mr. Francis Mason was present to address the Council regarding the Building Inspection Department. The President of the Council informed Mr. Mason that this was not the place to discuss the matter. A response to his letter was forthcoming.
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:40 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
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Town Clerk