TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
March 19, 2007
Ms. Maureen Scott-Taylor
Also in attendance were the Town Manager Mr. Karge, Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Chief Blue, Economic Development Coordinator Mr. Bond, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Parks and Recreation Director Mr. Sviatko and Town Clerk Mrs. Ruf.
Ms. Jackson-Amis was excused.
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 MARCH 5, 2007 MEETINGS
The President of the Council read a note from Ms. Jackson-Amis asking that the minutes be tabled until she submitted corrections.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
There was no one present from the Fire Department.
PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION FOR RED CROSS MONTH
Mr. Wendowski read into the record a proclamation proclaiming March 2007 as American Red Cross Month.
MS. MEGAN COOK, PROJECT IDLEWILD REQUESTING PERMISSION TO USE IDLEWILD PARK FOR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
Ms. Cook, Co-Coordinator requested permission to use Idlewild Park for fundraising efforts on May 6. She asked for approval of the proposed playground plan and permission to erect tents, portable dumpsters and toilets for up to 400 volunteers during construction period May 30 through June 3. Chief Blue will need to look at the access to the parking lane. Ms. Cook asked to also use parking at the skatepark and requested permission to have the National Guard and/or the Boy Scouts spend the night to watch the materials and tools starting May 29.
Mr. Sviatko, Director of Parks and Recreation stated that he is aware of Ms. Cook’s requests and has no problems.
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, permission was granted for Ms. Cook’s requests.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey asked the President of the Council if he could invite the Talbot County Firemen’s Association to attend the April 2 Council meeting to address the use of residential fire sprinklers.
Mayor Willey advised that the CDBG Grant for Clifton Park had been submitted to Department of Housing and Community Development.
Mayor Willey displayed a gift from the Chesapeake Stamp Club that was presented to him at their 25th Anniversary Show.
Mr. Ford asked for information from the Assistant to the Town Engineer regarding curbside recycling and drainage issues on the Sansone property.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN MANAGER
Mr. Karge asked approval of the 2007 Landscape Maintenance Bid proposals from Robinson Lawn Care (Proposal B: ponds) in the amount of $11,640 and Chesapeake Landscape & Design, Inc. (Plan A: parks and rail trail) in the amount of $45,920.
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, the bids as submitted by the Superintendent of Public Works was approved.
Mr. Karge advised that the upcoming agenda for the Board of Appeals and Easton Police Department’s requests for Public Assembly Permits as previously approved were included in the packet.
Mr. Karge discussed renovations due to leaking at the Easton Town Hall.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN PLANNER
Mr. Hamilton asked for approval for a banner to be displayed at Talbottown on behalf of Mental Health April 26 through April 29.
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, approval was granted.
Mr. Hamilton discussed the upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission’s agenda on April 9:
1) Growth Allocation application for the expansion of Londonderry.
2) Inclusionary Zoning forwarded from the Council.
3) Request of the East End Neighborhood Association relative to the Planned Redevelopment District.
Mr. Ford discussed a letter from Mr. Boycourt regarding the potential for development of the Easton Point area and suggested the Town and County discuss a small area development plan. Mr. Ford suggested the Planning Department include this in the update of the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Thomas and Ms. Scott-Taylor discussed the proposed development and neighborhood meeting regarding the Springdale Drive proposal.
ORDINANCE NO. 507, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE TOWN OF EASTON SUBDIVSION REGULATIONS”
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, Ordinance No. 507 was approved following a roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARING TO OBTAIN PUBLIC COMMENTS ON A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN OF EASTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. THE COUNCIL IS CONSIDERING AN AMENDMENT TO THE GROWTH AREA MAP. SPECIFICALLY, THE DESIGNATION OF LANDS ADJACENT TO AND WEST OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES ON BROOKS DRIVE, LOCATED SOUTH OF GLEBE ROAD IS PROPOSED TO BE CHANGED FROM PRIORITY 3 – LONG RANGE GROWTH AREA TO PRIORITY 1 – BOUNDARY REFINEMENT AREA.”
At 7:31 p.m., the President of the Council opened the public hearing.
Mr. Thomas briefed on the history of the request for amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission forwarded a favorable request due to the need for industrially zoned land. Talbot Preservation Alliance is also in favor of the change. Mr. Thomas stated that this request is for land that is currently in agricultural west of those businesses that front on Brooks Drive and south of Glebe Road. The purpose is to accommodate expansion of businesses. He stated that those businesses on Brooks Drive and even on Commerce Drive are built out and we are running out vacant industrially zoned property thus they have presented the Town with this request to move to a Priority One Area which will enable them in the future to petition the Town for annexation and future development for industrial expansion. Mr. Thomas stated that in addition to amending the growth area map to change the growth area designation, the Council is also being asked to consider placing an industrial classification as well so it is consistent for a recommended land use as well.
Mr. Bruce C. Armistead, Esq. was present with Mr. Barry Griffith and Mr. Bill Stagg of Lane Engineering on behalf of the applicant Mr. Warren Clem. Mr. Armistead stated that the property is currently owned by Mr. John Brooks lying immediately to the west of the Brooks Industrial Park and to the south of Glebe Road. He stated that Mr. Clem is the contract purchaser of a portion of that property and has proposed to develop this property as light industrial property. The property is currently in the county and is in the Town of Easton’s Priority 3 Classification for annexation. Mr. Armistead requested a change to Priority 1 to follow this proceeding with a petition for annexation and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Armistead discussed the need for industrial property.
Mr. Barry Griffith, Lane Engineering, discussed what the surrounding land uses are and what is appropriate for this parcel from a planning prospective. Mr. Griffith stated that the current County Comprehensive Plan anticipates this property is to be annexed and shows it as a growth area within the Plan and designates this property as a Priority Funding Area. He stated that the official zoning in the county’s plan is Town Residential. Mr. Griffith stated that this property is not sensitive to environmental features. Mr. Griffith stated that they are requesting that the Town agree to amend the Town’s Comprehensive Plan to allow for this property to proceed with annexation and development sooner than the Priority 3 designation that is in the current plan and that the land use plan map in the Town be amended to show this area for limited or light industrial development. He stated that the property is within the Town and County Priority Funding Areas, it is surrounded all three sides with industrial and commercial land uses with a green belt on the fourth side. Mr. Griffith stated that there is an immediate need for industrial land for expansion and growth of existing businesses. The property has adequate access to public sewer and water; access to a road that can accommodate traffic associated with development and is not sensitive to environmental features.
Mr. Stagg, Lane Engineering discussed general concept and the type of industrial development that is represented by that layout. He stated that it is still early in the park layout. Mr. Stagg stated that they are conscious of the responsibility for treating the Glebe Road frontage differently than it has been treated in the past. He stated that they are envisioning a regional stormwater management system at the lower southwest corner of the park. They plan to treat the water on-site. Mr. Stagg stated that the lots will be approximately one acre in size which will accommodate a small business. The businesses on Brooks Drive will be able to expand their businesses. He stated that there will be an entrance to Glebe Road and Waterside Village.
Mr. Warren Clem, 3 Papermill Street stated that he is the contract purchaser for the Brooks’ property. He stated that he started the business in 1984, employs 51 people and 2 part time employees. He discussed the necessity to rent warehouse space in Caroline County due to lack of storage space on Brooks Drive. Mr. Clem stated that he would like to have the ability to expand.
Mr. Wendowski stated that this should have been included in the previous Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Armistead presented a letter in support of the amendment from Mr. Chris Kleppinger that could not be present.
The President of the Council, Mr. Ford opened the meeting for public comment.
Mr. Mark Lewis, Lewis Auto Body, 2776 Glebe Road (residence) 8672 Brooks Drive (auto body shop) was present in support of the proposed amendment. He stated that even though he recently put on an addition, he is land locked and wants to add on to his business.
Ms. Eileen Demeyer was present on behalf of Talbot Preservation Alliance in support of this proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and reclassification and subsequent annexation to supply light industrial land.
At 7:58 p.m., the President of the Council closed the public hearing and left the record open for written comments until close of business on Friday.
Mr. Jensen stated that he is in support of the amendments and asked if the resolution could be acted on tonight.
Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that the Comprehensive Plan is to be used as a guide and things change. She stated that she thinks this amendment makes perfect sense and is in favor of the change.
Mr. Wendowski stated that he thinks that this change is long over due.
Mr. Ford stated that amending the Comprehensive Plan is serious business but a motion could be made.
RESOLUTION NO. 5902, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE 2004 TOWN OF EASTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVISING THE GROWTH AREA MAP FOUND BETWEEN PAGES 184 AND 185 OF SAID PLAN AND THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP FOUND BETWEEN PAGES 188 AND 189 OF THE PLAN.”
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried, Resolution No. 5902 was passed unanimously.
LETTER FROM RESIDENTS OF GRAHAM’S PARK ASKING THAT THE STREET NOT BE RE-OPENED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS
Upon the request of Councilmember Jackson-Amis, the President of the Council asked that this matter be tabled until she is present.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $513,806.51
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen, seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, invoices in the amount of $513,806.51 were approved for payment.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Mr. Ford advised that Affordable Housing Information meetings will be held March 20, March 27 and April 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Easton Town Council’s Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:12 p.m.
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Kathy M. Ruf, Town Clerk