TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
May 21, 2007
Ms. Maureen Scott-Taylor Ms. Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Also in attendance were the Town Manager Mr. Karge, Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, 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.
Mr. Jensen opened the meeting with prayer and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 8, 2007 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, minutes of the May 8, 2007 meetings were approved as written.
MS. MARY ANN SHORTALL, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR TALBOT COUNTY ADMINISTERS OATH OF OFFICE TO MAYOR ROBERT C. WILLEY
Ms. Shortall swore in Mayor Robert C. Willey for a four year term.
MAYOR ROBERT C. WILLEY ADMINISTERS OATH OF OFFICE TO MS. MAUREEN SCOTT-TAYLOR, COUNCILMEMBER WARD I AND MR. LEONARD E. WENDOWSKI, COUNCILMEMBER WARD III
Mayor Willey swore in Ms. Maureen Scott-Taylor and Mr. Leonard E. Wendowski, Council members for a four year term.
EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Due to no member of Easton Volunteer Fire Department being present, Mayor Robert C. Willey reported on the Fire Department’s alarms. He stated that there had been 56; split evenly between the town and county.
MR. AND MRS. STEPHEN HUNTER, 28564 NINTH DRIVE, EASTON CLUB, TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING RECENT FIRE
Mr. and Mrs. Hunter thanked the Easton Fire Department and responding companies as well as the Easton Police Department for their response. Mr. Hunter stated that they had all done an incredible job.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey invited the Council to the American Legion Home May 28, at 11:00 a.m. for the Memorial Day service.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN MANAGER
On behalf of the staff, Mr. Karge congratulated Mayor Willey, Ms. Scott-Taylor and Mr. Wendowski.
Mr. Karge asked for approval for the Chesapeake Christian School to reserve the pavilion at Idlewild Park on September 7, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a family picnic with music.
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, permission was granted.
Mr. Karge presented a letter form Ms. Megan Cooke which asked for approval for a Project Idlewild trailer to be placed in the Idlewild Park adjacent to the project to store tools and materials May 23 through May 28.
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously, permission was granted.
Mr. Karge discussed the Summer Concert Series and the request for Public Assembly Permits from Mr. Bond:
Mr. Karge recommended approval subject to the Police Department granting the Public Assembly Permits. He stated that Mr. Bond had a sheet where he had obtained the merchants’ approval.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously permission was granted for the Summer Concert Series.
INVOICES TOTALING $786,159.24
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, approval was granted to pay invoices totaling $786,159.24.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT PROJECTS
Mr. Hamilton discussed the Board of Appeals agenda:
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets on June 21. The items on their Draft Agenda are:
Mr. Jensen discussed the gate that was to be constructed behind Hampton Inn. Mr. Hamilton stated that he has forwarded a letter to the owner. Barricades have been placed to temporarily block that alley.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Mr. Kehoe thanked everyone for their support during his son’s recent convalescence.
Mr. Kehoe congratulated Ms. Jackson-Amis on her recent re-appointment to the Talbot County Emergency Planning Agency.
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE FY2007-2008 BUDGET
At 7:21 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing and introduced Resolution No. 5909, the Budget for the twelve month period from July 1, 2007.
The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 512, “AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE RAISING BY TAXATION THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO PAY THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON THE VARIOUS BOND ISSUES AND THE REDUCTION OF CERTAIN BONDS AND NOTES FOR THE PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS AND SETTING THE INTEREST AND PENALTY FOR DELINQUENT BILLS, COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2007 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2008.”
Mayor Willey stated that there is a shortfall of approximately $900,000. He discussed cuts in departments and the necessity for department heads to submit no more than 5% in requests of last year’s budget in order to get our financial house back in order. Mayor Willey discussed the necessity to keep up with Capital projects and service levels. He stated that83% of capital expenditures are for public safety which includes the expansion of the Easton Police Department.
Mayor Willey stated that the budget balances with a $.04 tax increase which would bring the Town of Easton’s tax rate to $.52/$100 of assessment. He stated that the tax rate still compares favorably with St. Michaels, Cambridge and Denton. Oxford and Trappe’s tax rate is much lower but they do not have a police force or a public works department the size of Easton’s.
Mayor Willey discussed the Constant Yield Tax Rate.
Mayor Willey discussed concerns in upcoming years such as the east/west connector road, the Easton Police Department’s request for a pension improvement, infrastructure needs and the replacement of the Fire Department’s aerial truck. He stated that it is still unknown what effect the state’s deficit will have on municipalities.
Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that she would like to take the lead in talking with the county regarding the tax differential. She stated that if we are going to do significant roads like Dutchman’s and Goldsborough, maybe we should talk with the county about that as well.
Mr. Wendowski stated that there is no fat in this budget. He also would like to work with the county regarding the tax differential.
The President of the Council opened the floor for public comments.
Mr. John Ward, 506 Diamond Street asked for clarification regarding the funds for the police department expansion.
The President of the Council stated that the public record for written comments would be kept open until the close of business on Friday, May 25.
At 7:44 p.m., the President of the Council closed the Budget Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PETITION OF DORIS SCHWANINGER (“THE PETITIONER”) FOR RESOLUTION NO. 5903 WHICH WOULD ANNEX APPROXIMATELY 56.24 ACRES LYING CONTIGUOUS TO THE EXISTING BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF EASTON
At 7:45 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing and introduced Resolution No. 5903, “A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN LANDS OWNED BY DORIS SCHWANINGER TO THE TOWN OF EASTON LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF US ROUTE 50, CONSISTING OF 56.24 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ANNEXATION.”
Ordinance No. 510, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONIG MAP OF THE TOWN OF EASTON TO APPLY AN ORIGINAL ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF R-7A ON THE EAST SIDE OF US ROUTE 50, CONSISTING OF 52.35 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, IDENTIFIED AS PARCEL 265 OF TALBOT COUNTY TAX MAP 42.”
The Town Attorney, Mr. Kehoe stated that Mr. Thompson has been retained to represent the Town in this matter due to a Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kehoe having a conflict of interest.
Mr. Thompson clarified that Resolution No. 5903 and Ordinance No. 510 had been introduced when the public hearing was set. Mr. Thompson stated that the State Planning agencies that had been notified of the Public Hearing have the right to comment first on the annexation petition.
Mr. Thomas stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed this request at their February 15 meeting. He stated that they considered the application and voted that the request was not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan due to the area being a Priority 3 Growth Area.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the Priority 3 Growth Area. She stated that applications have been changed in previous meetings.
Mr. Thomas discussed the other applications that had amended the Comprehensive Plan first before requesting annexation.
Mr. John Passyn, Yorktowne Group, presented the annexation request for Spencer Farm project. He discussed the concept of the project. He stated that affordable housing is a problem in the community. Mr. Passyn thinks this is a real opportunity and discussed the Developer Rights and Responsibilities Agreement proposed. Mr. Passyn stated that every one of these homes is affordable to people making Easton’s median income or less. He stated that the first homes will start out at $129,000 or less which will be the Centurion House. He stated that he hopes that this annexation is not more about the way but about the project.
Mr. Passyn stated that the project is located just south of the Lakelands property next to the State Police Barracks. It consists of a maximum of 119 single family homes and 178 townhomes; 10% of those will be the Centurion with an 8 or 9 acre park in the middle of the project. He stated that this is not a Planned Unit Development but all available under the R7A provisions with the one special exception for multi-family. Mr. Passyn discussed the need for workforce housing in Easton. He stated that there is a deficit of homeowners in Easton with 45% of residents being renters.
Mr. Passyn stated that the figures for the houses will not change except for a CPI.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she is uncomfortable not knowing what the actual prices of the houses will be. She stated that it is unfeasible for the Town of Easton to consider waiving the fees as outlined in Mr. Passyn’s proposal.
Mr. Passyn stated that he is prepared to waive the provision regarding the Town absorbing the costs of the impact fees.
Mr. Wendowski stated that the fees could not be waived by the Town without someone paying for them which would result in the rest of the taxpayers absorbing the costs.
Mr. Ford stated that this public hearing is for the annexation request. He stated that the focus should be on the value of annexing this property at this time.
Mr. Passyn stated that this is about what the community needs and desires and he feels that it is important that the elements and context of the DRRA be made known.
Mr. Passyn stated that the builder is expected to be Ryan Homes. He discussed the targeted homeowners and the steering committee which will select the owners for the Centurion Homes. He stated that the lots are R7A compliant with a special exception for multi family dwellings. Mr. Passyn stated that the units are 60% rear loaded with direct access to Route 50.
Mr. Passyn stated that they think this is the answer to Easton’s Affordable Housing. He discussed organizations that support this project.
Mr. Passyn stated that he recognizes that there is one sentence in the Comprehensive Plan that says no to this annexation at this time.
The President of the Council opened the public hearing for public comments.
Mr. Bob Burris, 8305 Mueller Drive stated that affordable housing has always been a problem in Talbot County. He stated that graduates may remain in Easton if there was affordable housing available.
Ms. Tammy Keeler, 9145 Fox Meadow Lane was present representing Talbot County Education Association with ten young teachers. She stated she supports the project due to the desire for affordable housing. Ms. Keeler stated that 60% of the teachers do not live in the county which decreases student/teacher interaction. She suggested working with Mr. Passyn to work out questions.
Ms. Barb Bain, 7166 Lauren Lane, Apartment 903, stated she lives in an apartment and doesn’t understand everything to do with an annexation but she is a teacher at the high school and knows her numbers and the numbers show she cannot afford to live in Talbot County. She may possibly move and work in a neighboring county.
Mr. Donez Pritchett, 7080 Lauren Lane, Apartment 312, is an Easton native and wants to own a home and does not want to leave Talbot County. She asked the Council to support the project.
Ms. Daphan Smith has lived in Talbot County all her life. She stated that she has a daughter graduating from Salisbury University and another from Easton High School. They may not be able to return to Easton because of the unavailable affordable housing which is her concern. She wants to make sure that anyone that was born in this area can return here and contribute back to their community.
Rev. Gregory Ball, 313 Pacific Avenue, Cambridge, MD; newly appointed pastor at Bethel African Church at 110 South Hanson Street, Easton. Rev. Ball stated he moved to Cambridge due to the shortage of unavailable affordable housing. He stated he could not find a decent house for under $500,000 in Easton. Rev. Ball stated that this is a problem not only in Easton but all over the country.
Mr. Jeff Wright, 29803 Standish Street, stated that he came in opposition of the project. He has a son that graduated from college that drives back and forth to Salisbury because he can’t afford a place in Easton and doesn’t want to live in Salisbury. Mr. Wright stated that there is no affordable housing. He stated that his concern is the numbers presented tonight and wondered if the numbers will be real when it actually comes time to buy the houses. He stated that he puts in on the town to make sure that we get affordable housing and that a good quality product is offered at the prices presented. Mr. Wright questioned who the buyer would turn to when it doesn’t work the way as presented.
Mr. Steve Christian, 29245 Corbin Parkway, grew up in Easton and graduated from Easton High School. Mr. Christian moved back to the area three years ago with his wife and children. Mr. Christian asked what is legitimately being done about this problem now. He stated that it will take two to three years to get this project going. He discussed his problem with finding a home to purchase in the range of $120,000 to $130,000. Mr. Christian discussed how far his children’s teachers have to travel to teach in Easton due to the lack of affordable housing.
Ms. Carol Ann Brennan, 117 Parris Lane, Apt. G8 stated that she recently read that her apartment will be torn down to build affordable housing which she does not find affordable. She stated that she cannot afford to purchase a home and doesn’t understand how people in this town and county can afford to buy.
Ms. Lenore Burkhardt, 616 Diamond Street stated that she is house poor. She stated that her bi-monthly paycheck does not cover her mortgage. Ms. Burkhardt stated that her family has been here since 1750 and Easton needs quality people. She does not want to live somewhere where she does not have the amenities of this town and community.
Mr. Thomas Alspach, 295 Bay Street was present on behalf of Talbot Preservation Alliance. Mr. Alspach stated that he empathizes with the speakers tonight. He encouraged those present to engage in activities and get involved in the community. Mr. Alspach stated that there is a disconnect in what he sees in the community regarding what he is hearing and what he sees is available regarding workforce housing. Mr. Alspach discussed available housing at Douglass Landing, Lakeland’s on Route 50 and Dixon Square. He stated that there are opportunities available. Mr. Alspach stated that he is opposed to this annexation at this time as it is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the growth map. Mr. Alspach asked the Council to distinguish with the real of need of affordable housing to the additional almost 300 more houses that will have to be brought in with this project to fill a void that is not a void. Mr. Alspach stated that TPA is opposed to the annexation of this parcel at this time because it is contrary to the Comprehensive Plan and the 29 units is not enough to offset bringing in almost 300 more that are clearly inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan and will not fill a void that exists now due to the abundance of housing already in that price range.
Mr. Roger Bollman 221 S. Hanson Street has three major points. He stated that this annexation request is clearly in violation of the Comprehensive Plan and he is against the annexation. Mr. Bollman stated that the Comprehensive Plan encourages infill and this clearly is not infill. He stated that the Town of Easton also intended to control growth with the P1, P2 and P3 categories. Mr. Bollman stated that this parcel is categorized as a P3 and should not be in play for annexation until 2016. He discussed the effect this annexation would have on the Town’s infrastructure and is a premature claim. Mr. Bollman stated that as a taxpayer, the suggestion that the impact fees in the town and county be waived is really not fair to the taxpayers and he is happy to know that has been rescinded. Mr. Bollman discussed the town’s finances and stated that residential growth takes $1.00 to $1.25 in support services for every $1.00 of taxes received so the effect of this project would make the town’s finances worse. Mr. Bollman suggested that that this Council not let affordable housing be exploited by developers as a wedge issue to abandon the Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Libby Dawkins, 11 N. Thorogoood Lane, stated that this is not a new issue and not the first time the need for affordable housing has been discussed in Easton and Talbot County as well as other parts of the country.
Mr. Dick VanGilder, 717 Elizabeth Street asked the process for a decision. Mr. Ford discussed polling the council for a straw vote. Mr.VanGilder asked for a list of properties Mr. Alspach mentioned that are available. He encouraged the Council to make properties available for volunteers that are important in the community. Mr. VanGilder stated that these people presenting this project are trustworthy and part of the community. He asked the Council to give strong consideration and make an exception in the Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed changing previously presented properties from Priority 3 to Priority 1. She discussed making exceptions changing the categories and having impacts on the infrastructure. She asked the audience to see if this project is going to give the affordable housing needed.
Mr. Hamilton discussed meeting with the applicant and discussing the multi-step process as submitted by the previous applicants that had property changed from Priority 3 to Priority 1. He discussed proposed inclusionary zoning. He stated if passed, 10% of houses in proposed developments would be required to be affordable.
Mr. Ford stated that Comprehensive Plans are not meant to be inflexible and are general guides. He stated that it behooves the Planning Commission and the Council to make sure that not the text of the existing plan fits and grants some sort of approval of the application but the questions should be asked if the situation has changed that makes this application appropriate now instead of when the Plan was approved or did the Plan make a mistake in relation to this particular plan or application.
At 9:54 p.m., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing and left the record open for written comments until close of business Friday.
RESOLUTION NO. 5908, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LICENSE AGREEMENT TO ALLOW ENCROACHMENT FROM 8 SOUTH AURORA STREET INTO THE SIXTY (60) FOOT RIGHT-OF-WAY KNOWN AS SOUTH AURORA STREET TO CONTINUE
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, Resolution No. 5908 was passed following a roll call vote.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Ms. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 9:58 p.m.
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Kathy M. Ruf, Town Clerk