TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
February 2, 2007
Ms. Maureen Scott-Taylor
Also in attendance was the Town Manager Mr. Karge, Asst. Town Attorney Ms. Van Emburgh, Major Spencer, Assistant to Town Engineer Mr. Hause, Economic Development Coordinator Mr. Bond, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton and Town Clerk Mrs. Ruf.
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 JANUARY 16, 2007 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, minutes of the January 16, 2007 meetings were approved.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. C. Eugene Butler was present to discuss the 2006 year end report. He presented the January 2007 activities report for the Department. Forty five percent of the fire calls were in the county.
(Ms. Jackson-Amis arrived at 7:04 p.m.).
PRESENTATION OF HISTORIC DISTRICT CITATIONS
Councilmember Jensen presented a Citations of Excellence for Inn at 202 Dover to the owners Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Mitchell and the architect, Mr. Ward Bucher.
Councilmember Scott-Taylor presented Citations of Distinction to:
Mr. Kenneth Burlingame, former owner of 110 N. Aurora Street
Ms. Brenda Bedea, 110 N. Aurora Street
Mr. Ladson Mills, 316 August Street
Mr. Scott Jensen and Ms. Andrea Poe, 209 Brookletts Avenue
Ms. Catherine Poe, 209 Brookletts Avenue
ITEMS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey stated that on Sunday, he attended the Order of the Arrow Award for the Boy Scouts at the Church of the Nazarene where they presented the Easton Police Department with an equipped bicycle for the bike squad.
Mayor Willey stated that there will not be booth for Easton at the MML Convention this year.
Mayor Willey discussed his trip to Moody’s in New York regarding the Town of Easton’s bond rating.
MEMO FROM MAYOR WILLEY REGARDING APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, Mayor Willey’s appointment of Ms. Carlene Phoenix as Supervisor of Elections was approved.
Upon motion of Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, Mayor Willey’s appointment of Ms. Debbie Renshaw to the Board of Zoning Appeals was approved.
Upon motion of Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, Mayor Willey’s appointment of Mr. Richard Tettlebaum as Alternate to the Board of Zoning Appeals was approved.
Upon motion of Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, Mayor Willey’s appointment of Mr. John Merceron to the Easton Utilities Commission was approved.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked for notice of upcoming vacancies on Boards and Commissions.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN MANAGER
Mr. Karge stated that he has sent memos regarding the preliminary budget.
Mr. Karge asked for an Executive Session to discuss contracts.
ITEMS BY THE ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN ENGINEER
Mr. Hause discussed ongoing street projects.
Mr. Hause stated that the Annual Road Review is scheduled for February 14 at 8:00 a.m.
Mr. Hause discussed the garbage schedule for the week of February 19 due to the closing in observance of President’s Day.
Mr. Wendowski asked for an update on Royal Farms. Mr. Hause stated that he had nothing to report at this time.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
The agenda for the upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for February 15 at 1:00 p.m. will include:
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed water and sewer extension to Mr. Webb’s property at Easton Point.
Mayor Willey stated that Mr. Webb has been contacted by Mr. Kehoe’s office and given parameters on the next step.
ITEMS BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Mr. Bond has copies of the proposals from AKRF; the consultant Historic Easton intends to hire for the downtown plan.
Mr. Wendowski asked for a copy of the RFP for the downtown plan.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked for a list of the members of the Task Force as well as the Historic Easton Board members.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Mr. Jensen asked for the Town Attorney’s advice during an Executive Session to discuss Retention of Business.
ITEMS BY THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Mr. Sviatko briefed on the Project Idlewild Design Day recently held.
Mr. Sviatko stated that the equipment for Moton Park and Stoney Ridge Park has been ordered. He hopes to have installation completed by spring. Parking concerns at Stoney Ridge were discussed.
MR. ROGER BOLLMAN, CHAIRMAN HISTORIC DISTRICT PRESENTS HISTORIC DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. Bollman stated that there were 147 applications in 2006; 55 applications were repeat, they had 21 free discussions, 29 consent dockets with staff approvals and 14 requests for demolitions. In May 2005 they expanded the Historic District. Mr. Bollman reported that the Historic District Commission now has a checklist for the applicant regarding demolition and an on-line newsletter. The Historic District Commission had an in-service training and will hold a window workshop in March.
MS. PAIGE BETHKE, TALBOT COUNTY ECONOMIC DIRECTOR TO PRESENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Ms. Bethke discussed the state of economy in Talbot County and the objectives and economic indicators. She stated that there is an approximate population of 35,000 in Talbot County. Talbot County is growing at a rate of 1.4% per year, every year for the last 20 years. She discussed the potential of new businesses. Ms. Bethke stated that in conclusion, Talbot County is a regional hub with an older population, at full employment and an underemployed workforce. She stated that resources and opportunities exist to expand the industrial base of the county.
Mr. Jensen questioned Ms. Bethke how the rumored move of the Memorial Hospital at Easton would affect the economic viability of Talbot County. He stated that he hopes the County will work with the Town regarding this concern. Ms. Scott-Taylor asked Mayor Willey to keep the Council and public informed of the hospital’s intentions.
Ms. Bethke discussed the mismatch of skills and jobs in Talbot County.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked for information regarding what is happening to the older residents; 70 and up who are not affluent such as where they are living and what is happening to them as a result of the county and town economic development. Displacing of seniors was an issue.
Ms. Bethke stated that she would be happy to direct that question to Social Services as her efforts are in job retention and the attraction of employers in the area.
ORDINANCE NO. 507, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE TOWN OF EASTON SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS”
The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 507 for a first reading.
The President of the Council set the Public Hearing for March 5 at 7:15 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 508, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE TOWN OF EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE”
The President of the Council postponed Ordinance No. 508 for a first reading. The Town Planner asked to have another discussion with the Planning and Zoning Commission before a public hearing date is set for this amendment.
ORDINANCE NO. 509, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF ELM STREET DEVELOPMENT, INC. TO EXPAND THE PLANNED REDEVELOPMENT (PR) OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE”
The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 509 for a first reading. Mr. Wendowski stated that the seven points of traffic concern where the Town would get $3,000 per, he recommended that the money be put into the fund for rehabbing homes as opposed to having the money sit in escrow for years.
The Assistant Town Attorney stated that the Ordinance would be amended per Council consensus.
The President of the Council stated that this Ordinance would be eligible for a vote at the next meeting.
LETTER FROM MR. CURTIS A. KILMON AND MR. MARION E. TARR, JR. REQUESTING FENCE REQUIREMENT AS PART OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR 8703 OCEAN GATEWAY
Mr. Jensen discussed citizens’ inability to get to the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings held during the workday to offer their input.
Mr. Hamilton stated that this project has been approved and Planning and Zoning Commission did not recommend a fence as part of the approval requirement. This 8’ fence would require a Board of Appeals variance for a fence in the front yard. He stated that they plan to add additional screening for residential properties and do a screen all the way around.
Discussion occurred regarding the Planning and Zoning Commission holding their meetings in the evenings. Mr. Hamilton stated that he will poll the members and report back to the Council.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Mr. Ford discussed the two homes soon to be available on Port Street as part of the Elm Street off street requirement. He stated there are concerns about the press release draft and the criteria of determining applicant’s eligibility.
Mr. Jensen outlined the criteria as submitted by Mr. Ford:
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that there is a record as a determination was made earlier about this entire issue. She stated what she submitted in e-mail was accurate. She stated that 1998 was not part of the discussion and cannot come in now. Ms. Jackson-Amis suggested to the community to attend the February 13 meeting in Ward 4 to talk about this Affordable Housing issue asking them to bring supporting documents of history with the community; theirs or their families to become part of some consideration. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that we need to be prepared to have legal analysis of this as she is not prepared for the basis to be changed.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked to see how many applicants we have now that qualify under the standards and if enough, then the balance of the homes to be built in the future can abide a different discussion and guidelines.
Mr. Ford asked that the council move forward with criteria to enable the Affordable Housing Board to have specific guidelines.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that if these criteria adopted tonight offend the underlying legislation that was passed or the spirit of the legislation that was passed at the time, and if there are no persons related to that community, a part of this applicant pool, she will move for an injunction.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried; the criteria as set forth by Mr. Ford was adopted with Ms. Jackson-Amis and Mr. Wendowski abstaining.
AMENDMENT OF AGENDA AS SUBMITTED BY MS. JACKSON-AMIS TO INCLUDE DISCUSSION OF THE AVALON THEATRE
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the Avalon Theatre’s fee schedule for utilizing the Theatre which she stated may be beyond the scope of what some in the community can afford. She stated that there is a need in the community to determine what events can be held there that the community might want. She stated she has concerns defining what a town event is. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she has been notified that she in a capacity of a Councilperson and as a representative for Fred’s Army would have to pay funds to use this facility. She stated that it is not appropriate for the Avalon to determine if a councilmember can use a public building that is the Town’s. She stated she also has concerns about organizations unable to use the Theatre. She stated it needs to be determined what is public property and how it can be used should be open discussion. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that this discussion be open to the public in order to see what the public would like to have at the Avalon.
Mr. Ford asked if there is a schedule of fees.
The Town Manager, Mr. Karge stated that he is sure the Avalon Board of Directors established a fee schedule subsequent to the lease. He discussed the rent rebate methodology.
Mayor Willey asked the President of the Council to set a time to talk about the Avalon late in March when more information is available.
The Town Manager discussed the lease which is now month to month.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 9:11 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regular meeting to go into Executive Session to discuss business retention and contracts.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:50 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
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Kathy M. Ruf, Town Clerk