TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
April 16, 2007
Ms. Maureen Scott-Taylor Ms. Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance were the Town Manager Mr. Karge, Assistant Town Attorney Ms. Van Emburgh, Town Planner Mr. Hamilton, Long Range Planner Mr. Thomas and Town Clerk Mrs. Ruf.
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 APRIL 2, 2007 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, minutes of the April 2, 2007 meetings were approved as written.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. C. Eugene Butler reported on the Fire Department’s activities since the last meeting.
Mr. Butler distributed a letter stating that Past Chief Engineer Donald Spies had informed him that the fire trucks were equipped to use bio diesel fuel.
SURVEY OF POTENTIAL USES FOR THE RTC PROPERTY
Miss Rachel Shaw, 22 Plum Street; Miss Jatara Kiah 26 Plum Street; Master Joshua Bryce, 26 Plum Street; presented the Council with suggestions for a park on the RTC property from a survey they had conducted with neighbors and friends.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked that the list be distributed at the next RTC Task Force meeting.
ITEMS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey reminded the Council about the upcoming department head budget meetings.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the decision to reduce the use of the North Easton Parks.
Mayor Willey stated that permits will be required to play on the fields due to the stress and wear and tear.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that the restriction be revisited. She suggested that the public be allowed to use the park but the illegal activity be policed.
RESOLUTION NO. 5907, “RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON SUPPORTING MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FINANCING TO EAGLE SPIRTS, LLC (DBA MARTINIS)”
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried, Resolution No. 5907 was passed unanimously following a roll call vote.
HISTORIC EASTON AND THE CARL FREEMAN COMPANY TO HAVE A PRESS EVENT AT THE TIDEWATER INN
The Town Manager advised that the press event will be held on Friday, April 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the Tidewater Inn to kick off the Downtown Infill Development Master Plan.
The Town Manager asked for clarification regarding the striping on Kelly Gibson Street.
It was the consensus of the Council to have the corner painted so there would be no parking. Mr. Ford stated that this could be the first step and come back if need be.
Mr. Ford asked that Mr. Hause report on curbside recycling.
The Rental Housing Inspection program was discussed which is now under Mr. Chenault.
Mr. Ford asked for a report to the Council for consideration on how Mr. Chenault and the Town Manager see the rental inspection program running.
The Town Manager advised that the rental housing properties are expected to be inspected on a two year cycle.
Mr. Wendowski and Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that they have received telephone calls regarding inspections at The Greens.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that the information from the League of Women Voter’s review the information they submitted.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Ms. VanEmburgh stated that she has one item for Closed Session regarding pending/potential litigation.
Mr. Ford asked for advice from the Town Attorney regarding the sprinkler ordinance brought before the Council April 2.
RESOLUTION NO. 5904, “A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN LANDS OF THE CLIFTON INDUSTRIAL PARK TO THE TOWN OF EASTON FRONTING ON INDUSTRIAL PARK DRIVE AND MARYLAND ROUTE 331 AND CONSISTING OF 16.20 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS FOR PARCEL NO. 1, AND 19.21 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS FOR PARCEL NO. 2, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ANNEXATION.”
ORDINANCE NO. 511, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF EASTON TO APPLY AN ORIGINAL ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF SELECT INDUSTRIAL (I-1) TO PARCELS OF LAND ANNEXED TO THE TOWN OF EASTON FRONTING ON INDUSTRIAL PARK DRIVE AND MARYLAND ROUTE 331 CONSISTING OF 16.20 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS FOR PARCEL NO. 1 AND 19.21 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS FOR PARCEL NO. 2.”
The President of the Council introduced Resolution No. 5904 and Ordinance No. 511 for a first reading. He stated that the public hearing is scheduled for June 4 at 7:15 p.m.
SGT. PAUGH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING LEOPS FOR FOP
Sgt. Paugh asked the Council to include funding in the amount of $5,350 in the upcoming budget for the actuary study. Sgt. Paugh stated that if the Town would commit to half of the cost for the actuary study, the FOP would fund the remaining half.
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 (FOLLOWING PAGE 184 OF THE PLAN). SPECIFICALLY, THE DESIGNATION OF THE LANDS COMPRISING THE TALBOT COMMERCE PARK, LOCATED NORTH OF GLEBE ROAD, IS PROPOSED TO BE CHANGED FROM “PRIORITY 3 – LONG RANGE GROWTH AREA” TO “PRIORITY 1 – BOUNDARY REFINEMENT AREA.”
At 7:59 p.m., the President of the Council opened the public hearing.
Mr. Thomas, Long Range Planner discussed the reasons for the public hearing and the reason for the requested Comprehensive Plan Amendments. He stated that the Talbot Commerce Park is best described as adjacent to the Black & Decker property. Mr. Thomas stated that it is assumed that the Comprehensive Plan amendment is a prerequisite for an annexation petition.
Mr. Bruce Armistead, 100 N West Street was present representing some of the property owners in the Commerce Industrial Park. He discussed the need for infrastructure in case light industrial businesses want to locate in Easton. Mr. Armistead stated that this park is essentially 50% developed. He stated that a number of property owners do wish to petition for annexation. Mr. Armistead stated that it is zoned by the County as Light Industrial with approximately one acre lots. Mr. Armistead stated that in all probability, this property should have been reclassified some time ago.
Mr. Bill Stagg, Lane Engineering stated that the property is approximately 80 acres; 24 lots.
The President of the Council opened the floor for public comments.
Mr. Craig Zinter, District Manager, Talbot Soil Conservation, 215 Bay Street, stated that they are one of the lot purchasers. Mr. Zinter stated that this is a time issue for them. He discussed the septic system they have proposed for their new facility. Mr. Zinter asked for a time tabable and an estimate for possible sewer hook up to the Town's system should their property be annexed.
Mr. Ford discussed the process.
Mr. Armistead stated that their office will be in touch with the property owners once this moves forward.
At 8:16 p.m., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing and left the record open until the close of business Friday, April 20.
Mr. Hamilton asked that the area all the way over to Goldsborough Neck Road be included for amendment to Priority 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 5906, “A RESOLUTION OF THE 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”
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried, Resolution No. 5906 was passed unanimously following a roll call vote.
AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 508, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE TOWN OF EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE”
Mr. Jensen asked that Section 10-4 be stricken which would require Council review for PRD projects. He stated that this needs to be held off on until the community and the planning staff has a chance to work on. He suggested the PRD Ordinance be re-crafted and spelled out a lot more so the Planning Commission has some more specificity with what they need to look for.
Mr. Wendowski stated that this could be looked at later.
Ms. Scott-Taylor, Mr. Wendowski and Mr. Ford agreed that the Section should be left in the Ordinance. Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that there needs to be a plan with a backup.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she does not like the idea of a process that skips the Council. She stated that the Council needs to make sure that they are exercising some kind of oversight that comports with their responsibility.
Mr. Ford discussed the written comments received. He suggested we mirror the county’s regulations regarding the restriction of 100’ or 50’ to impervious surface and buffer streams. The definition of mall also needs to be included in the table of permissible uses.
Mr. Jensen suggested putting a one year sunset on Section 10, Item 4.
Mr. Wendowski suggested leaving the Section as is and taking a vote.
Mr. Jensen suggested putting a six month or one year moratorium on PRD applications and leave Section 10.
AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 508, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE TOWN OF EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE.”
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried with changes as suggested regarding the streams, definition of mall and No. 8 incorporating the use of tattoo parlors in town was passed with Mr. Jensen and Ms. Scott-Taylor voting no.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO EASTON’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE TO REGULATE PLACEMENT OF FURNITURE INTENDED FOR INDOORS PLACED OUTSIDE OF LIVING AREA
Mr. Jensen stated that he has steady requests by his constituents to make indoor furniture designed to be indoors off porches and out of yards.
The Town Manager stated that the Property Maintenance Codes Department did not find anything currently applicable. Mr. Karge will have them submit proposed language.
APPROVAL OF LIGIT’S CANDIDATES FOR NOMINATION TO SERVE AS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR A THREE YEAR TERM BEGINNING JULY 1, 2007
Upon motion by Mr. Ford seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried, members of the Board of Trustees were approved unanimously.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $984,429.15
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried, invoices totaling $984,429.15 were unanimously approved for payment.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Ms. Scott-Taylor discussed the signage at the Talbot County Office of Tourism. Mr. Karge stated that he will have the EBMA sign removed.
Mr. Jensen suggested organizing a group to discuss the PRD process. He will let the Council members know when the meetings are.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed disbursing affordable housing funds for repairs for a needy elderly couple or making a decision that this is for a good use or legitimate repair.
Mayor Willey stated that there have not been any guidelines established for disbursement of those funds. He suggested that the Council get something in place.
Ms. Jackson-Amis volunteered to move this process along.
CLOSED SESSION
At 9:11 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council convened the regularly scheduled Council meeting into Closed Session for the advice of legal counsel.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Ford and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 9:34 p.m.
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Kathy M. Ruf, Town Clerk