TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
December 4, 2006
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Ms. Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance was Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Chief Blue, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Assistant to Town Engineer Mr. Hause, 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. Wendowski opened the meeting with prayer and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 20 AND NOVEMBER 29, 2006 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, minutes of the November 20 and November 29, 2006 meetings were approved as written.
REQUEST APPROVAL FOR SUBMISSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM FOR TRAIN STATION
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, permission was granted for Historic Easton to submit a grant request for funds to repair beams at the train station.
PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION TO MISS MEGAN MCNEAL
Ms. Jackson-Amis presented a proclamation to Miss McNeal and her father Tim for volunteering their time and efforts for the residents on Brickyard Lane that were without water resources.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Jamie McNeal reported on the Department’s November activities.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey discussed the Memorial Walk proposed on the corner of West and Dover Street dedicated to deceased veterans, fireman and police officers.
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Wendowski, approval was granted to go forward with the project.
RE-APPOINTMENT OF MS. PAM GATES TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST BOARD
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously; Ms. Gates’ appointment was approved.
ITEMS BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Blue updated on the Christmas parade and the Easton Police Department Toy Drive.
ITEMS BY THE ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN ENGINEER
Mr. Hause updated on the leaf collection schedule and street projects.
Mr. Hause stated that the SHA Route 50 lane widening project will not start until spring.
Mr. Wendowski inquired about developer’s responsibility in a new development when trees die. Mr. Hause stated that a small percentage of their bond money is usually reserved for replacement or new plantings.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
Mr. Hamilton discussed the Planning and Zoning Commission’s agenda for December 21:
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond thanked the participants of the tree lighting and parade and discussed the Midnight Madness and Banner Auction.
Discussion occurred regarding the Redevelopment Project for downtown.
DISCUSSION OF DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. 5895, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON ADOPTING A PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT FOR CERTAIN APPOINTED OFFICERS OF THE TOWN”
Mr. Ford discussed Exhibit A, Step 2 regarding the Notice of Vacancy. Mr. Ford stated that both parts of Step 2 should be concurrent and happen at the same time for all these positions.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he thinks that open positions should be posted within the inside first then goes outside if there are no qualified applicants. He stated that the current policy is more than adequate.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she prefers an open process. She stated that she has some concerns on how we are effecting change. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she wants to give the current employees a fair shot but extend opportunity to the community at large. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she has not changed her position and she does not see where this document changes anything and cannot support the resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 5897, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON REVISING THE TOWN’S LICENSE, PERMIT, INSPECTION AND REVIEW FEES”
The Town Planner stated that Category A, Structures 500 square feet or less has been added to the third page under Site Plan Review which would be a $25 fee to review these simple plans.
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried, Resolution No. 5897 was passed 3 to 1 with Ms. Jackson-Amis voting no.
MR. FRED KIRSCH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING USE OF BIO-DIESEL FUEL
Mr. Kirsch stated that he represents Community for Sustainable Energy with over 275 members. He stated that there are three things they would like to see the Town do: 1) support bio-diesel in the town’s trash trucks; 2) contract with a trash company that uses B-20 where the Town contracts out service and 3) encourage new gas stations to sell bio-diesel. He stated that their main goal is to reduce dependents on fossil fuels through bio-diesel. Mr. Kirsch stated that this use would also reduce air pollution and support local farmers. Mr. Kirsch discussed the economic benefits of bio-diesel.
Mr. Hause stated that B-20 is the most popular bio-diesel. He discussed Queen Anne’s use of bio-diesel. The cost is usually one cent per 1% or $.20 more per gallon. Mr. Hause discussed the cost of implementing the use of bio-diesel. He stated that the Town of Easton is already experimenting with the use of bio-diesel now. Mr. Hause discussed a centralized fueling depot.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked for confirmation from Tri-Gas & Oil if they would put a tank in for just the Town’s 14,000 gallon consumption and if not, what threshold would be considered and if there are other incentives to participate in this program such as other government entities.
Mr. Ford asked when there would be any report from Easton Utilities on their experience with bio-diesel.
Mr. Hause stated that he probably has all the feedback available until spring. He stated that he sees the Town using bio-diesel in the future, but present it is cost prohibitive.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed grant opportunities.
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CABLE TELEVISION TARIFF REVISIONS
At 8:18 p.m., the President of the Council, Mr. Ford opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Hugh E. Grunden, President and Chief Executive Officer, established the need for the adjustment, discussed the impact of the rising programming costs which is driving the need for the rise in cable rates, stated what the proposed adjustments are going to be and discussed what the impact to the customers is. Mr. Grunden stated that Easton Cable still will have the lowest rates in the region. He stated that they have seen a 70% increase in programming costs since the last rate case.
Mr. Grunden discussed the implementation timeline. He stated that the Council could consider and pass a resolution on December 18 and the new bills would be effective on or after January 1, 2007.
Mr. Grunden stated that in summary, when you look at pricing, customer satisfaction survey, Easton Cable offers superior service to improve the quality of life in our community, great customer and local support and lowest rates. He stated that programming expenses are what is driving the costs.
Mr. Grunden respectively requested that the Council consider this action so the adjustments can be effective in January.
Mr. Wendowski stated he has concerns with the $80,000 shortfall and he would just assume Easton Cable go for an increase to cover the expenses to alleviate another request from the Council. He suggested a step in rate increase.
Mr. Grunden stated that they would like to look at more of a phased approach next time.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if there is a decline in service since the last rate increase.
Mr. Grunden stated that this is a hard thing to track. He stated that the market will punish Easton Cable if they get out of line.
Budget billing for Easton Cable was discussed. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if something creative could be considered.
The President of the Council opened the Public Hearing for audience comments. There were none. Mr. Ford stated that the public record would be left open until close of business on Friday.
At 8:52 p.m., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing on the cable rate revision.
RESOLUTION NO. 5897
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her reason for voting no for Resolution No. 5897 brought to the floor earlier in the meeting. She stated that the $25 fee does not reflect the time and talent put in to the review by the staff and thought the resolution deserved more consideration. Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed refunding the previous two applicants and stated that she is concerned with retroactive decisions.
Mr. Ford stated that there are two applicants that fit the criteria with a total of $1950 that could be refunded.
The Town Attorney stated that the Council has a request from Mr. Mangassarian but not the other applicant.
Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that she thought the Council was considering a rebate.
Mr. Ford made a motion to refund both applicants that fit the criteria with less than 500 square foot criteria seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried three to one with Ms. Jackson-Amis voting no.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:03 p.m., upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
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Town Clerk