TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
December 18, 2006
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor Ms. Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance was Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Chief Blue, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton 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 DECEMBER 4, 2006 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, minutes of the December 4, 2006 meeting was approved as written.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Jamie McNeal was present to report on the Fire Department’s activities.
LETTER FROM EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. ASKING APPROVAL OF THE ELECTION OF ANDREW R. JENSEN TO THE OFFICE OF CHIEF FOR THE YEAR 2007
Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, Andrew R. Jensen’s election to the office of Chief for the year 2007 was approved.
ITEMS BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Blue congratulated Mr. Jensen on his recent election of Chief of the Fire Department.
Chief Blue asked for approval for a Public Assembly Permit for 1st Night Talbot on December 31 with street closures on Harrison Street from Church Lane to South Street and South Street from Talbot Lane to Washington Street. Carriage and train rides will be available.
Mr. Wendowski made a motion to approve Chief Blue’s request for a Public Assembly Permit seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously.
Chief Blue discussed the toy/food drive being held.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
The Town Planner discussed the Planning Commission’s agenda for the meeting to be held December 21:
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe discussed the petition for annexation by The Yorktowne Group. He stated that Mrs. Schwaniger, the owner of the property is a client of the firm; therefore, Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kehoe will not be able to represent the Town in that matter. Mr. Kehoe stated that steps are being taken to hire counsel for that purpose.
MS. BARBARA BECKETT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MARYLAND COMMITTEE FOR SAFETY BELT USE AND MS. MEG MILLER, STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DO PRESENTATION ON MARYLAND CHIEF’S CHALLENGE
Ms. Beckett presented a 2006 award to the Easton Police Department in recognition of outstanding contributions to lifesaving efforts to increase safety belt use in Maryland presented by the Maryland Committee for Safety Belt Use, Inc. and the Maryland Office of State Highway Administrations.
MR. MILES CIRCO, EASTON AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD TO PRESENT TIMELINE REVIEW
Mr. Circo discussed a draft time line for a proposed launch of the Easton Affordable Housing Program. He discussed the two lotteries proposed per year and the 42 houses to be made available. Mr. Circo stated that they plan to launch the public awareness program in January.
Mr. Circo discussed a workshop to finalize the price and eligibility requirements.
The President of the Council set the workshop with the Affordable Housing Board and the Council for January 4, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 5898, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING THE 2007 CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE RATE REVISIONS PROPOSED BY THE EASTON UTILITIES COMMISSION”
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried, Resolution No. 5898 was passed 3 to 1 with Ms. Jackson-Amis voting no.
Mr. Wendowski asked Mr. Grunden to address the Council in six months to discuss the $80,000 shortfall.
PETITION FOR ANNEXATION BY THE YORKTOWNE GROUP, LLC (SPENCER FARM PROPERTIES) OF 52+/- ACRES OF LAND NOW OWNED BY DORIS SCHWANIGER EAST OF OCEAN GATEWAY ADJOINING THE SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS LAKELANDS TO THE NORTH AND DAYS INN TO THE WEST
The Town Planner stated that the Clerk’s office has received an application to annex 52 +/- acres of land. Mr. Hamilton stated that in the current Comprehensive Plan, this is not listed as a priority annexation area but a future annexation area. He stated it is to be looked at after the next Comprehensive Plan according to the next Comprehensive Plan.
The Town Attorney stated that the Council’s flexibility is somewhat limited due to a state law that sets forth a fairly rigid procedure on how annexations should be treated.
Mr. Ben Passyn, the Yorktowne Group addressed the Council on behalf of Spencer Farms Properties, the contract purchaser of the property proposed for annexation. Mr. Passyn stated that they would like the property referred to Planning and Zoning Commission for a review. He stated that they are proposing moderate and workforce housing in Easton; below the median income level.
President of the Council Mr. Ford stated that Yorktowne Group has to go into this petition for annexation with their eyes open. He stated that the letter states that this annexation is supported by the Comprehensive Plan which may not be the case with the current Comprehensive Plan as this is stated as a Priority 3.
Mr. Passyn discussed a Developer’s Rights Agreement which they intend to sign.
Mr. Ford recommended that the Council remand this annexation request to the Planning Commission for review.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $1,779,487.50
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously; invoices totaling $1,779,487.50 were approved for payment.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Members of the Council expressed good wishes for the holidays.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the Kwanza awards ceremony scheduled for December 28, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Be A Star.
Mr. Ford discussed MCTV’s Teen News program. He stated that MCTV is conducting a Toy Drive to support that program and will be at Acme on Marlboro Road Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with proceeds also going to Neighborhood Service Center.
ADJOURNMENT
At 7:49 p.m., upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
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Town Clerk