TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
July 16, 2007
Ms. Maureen Scott-Taylor
Mr. Scott R. Jensen
Mr. Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr.
Ms. Mooneyene 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 JUNE 18, JUNE 29, JULY 2 AND JULY 10, 2007 MEETINGS
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, minutes of the June 29, July 2 and July 10, 2007 meetings approved.
ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY
Ms. Jackson-Amis suggested Ms. Sherry Potter for an appointment on the Affordable Housing Board.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried, the following re-appointments were approved with Ms. Jackson-Amis opposing.
Mayor Willey asked for a workshop for the east/west connector road project sometime in September.
Mayor Willey asked for approval for the Application for Town of Easton Façade Program.
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, applicants Richard and Charlene Edwards and Michelle Osborn and Robert Klimzak were approved for the façade program funds.
MR. GEOFF OXNAM, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, EASTON UTILITIES TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING ELECTRIC PRICING IN EASTON
Mr. Oxnam discussed the new electric reliability pricing model. He stated that there would be no impact to Easton Utilities Customers as a result of this new pricing model. Mr. Oxnam stated that Easton Utilities has invested in local electric generation and is adequate to meet our local load. He discussed buying and selling into the electric pool market and how it is reflected in customers’ bills. Mr. Oxnam discussed the combustion turbine generators recently brought on line which increased their capacity by nine megawatts. He encouraged citizens to conserve.
TALBOT PRESERVATION ALLIANCE TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AT EASTON.
Mr. Mike Sullivan and Ms. Jamie Garner, 2621 Jamaica Point Road, Trappe; were present representing Talbot Preservation Alliance. They presented a video on the Memorial Hospital and its’ history followed by a slide presentation. He discussed their concern regarding the hospital’s possible relocation and stated that they believe that the hospital is a major component and a significant part of this community. Mr. Sullivan discussed the importance of keeping the hospital in the Easton area.
Mr. Sullivan asked the Town Council to pass a resolution stating that it is the Town’s desire and request that any expansion of the hospital be kept in or adjacent to Easton and near all of the existing infrastructure.
ITEMS BY THE TOWN MANAGER
Christ Church requested permission to erect a vinyl banner for Vacation Bible School from August 6 to August 10 on their property.
Mr. Al Bond, Economic Development Coordinator requested permission to hang a Plein Air Easton banner at Talbottown through July 30.
Mr. Karge recommended approval.
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, permission was granted.
Mr. Karge had a request from Easton Police Department to approve the low bid for four Ford vehicles from Preston Automotive for $23,952 per vehicle.
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the bid from Preston Automotive was approved.
Mr. Karge advised that he has received a lease renewal for the District Court from the State of Maryland Department of General Services for another five years.
Mr. Karge discussed individual requests for tax abatement. The Council reiterated the previously adopted policy of not abating parcels, owned by taxable entities.
RESOLUTION NO. 5912 AUTHORIZING THE ABATEMENT OF TAXES DUE TO TAX-EXEMPT STATUS
Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, Resolution No. 5912 was approved.
PUBLIC HEARING TO OBTAIN PUBLIC COMMENTS ON A REQUEST BY THE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY OF EASTON, INC. FOR CHESAPEAKE BAY CRITICAL AREA GROWTH ALLOCATION IN ORDER TO RECLASSIFY 7.513 ACRES OF LAND IN THE CRITICAL AREA FROM LIMITED DEVELOPMENT AREA (LDA) TO INTENSELY DEVELOPED AREA (IDA).
At 8:00 p.m., the President of the Council opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Thomas discussed generally what the public hearing was pertaining to. He stated that this is a two part request; one is for 7.513 acres of critical area growth allocation, the other aspect why we are here tonight is that this is a Planned Healthcare application which is a renamed zoning district formerly known as Commercial Medical District. Mr. Thomas stated that there are two different sets of findings that need to ultimately be made but are both site specific zoning so one hearing can serve the same purpose.
Ms. Bryna Booth was present on behalf of The Retirement Community of Easton also known as Londonderrry. She stated that they are seeking growth allocation for reclassification of 7.5 acres in the Critical Area from the LDA to IDA and are also seeking the application of a Planned Healthcare, the HC floating zone to this property. She stated that 10.5 acres have been annexed and they would like to expand by 41 units. Ms. Booth stated that the windmill, the gardens and the Manor House have been placed in a non-contiguous historical district totaling three acres that will not affect this district. She addressed the aging population and stated that there is currently a waiting list. Ms. Booth discussed the letter in the packet from Mr. Stagg which addressed the findings necessary for the Council to grant the application as well as for the Planned Healthcare. She stated that they have received the required water and sewer amendments from Talbot County and this is the last piece of approval. Ms. Booth stated that the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of both of the applications.
Mr. Bill Stagg, Lane Engineering, discussed the land plan and the architecture of the proposed project. He stated that they are proposing 41 single and two family cottages on 10.5 acres directly west of the current Londonderry campus. He discussed ingress and egress into the project. Mr. Stagg stated that they are widening the road to the Manor House to a 20’ – 25’ width to accommodate two-way traffic. There are only two units in the front of the site. Most of the units are 400’ back from the shoreline. The units are small cottage scale units. Mr. Stagg discussed the growth allocation issues and stated that they took everything out of the floodplain.
Mr. Stagg stated that this type of development has to be directed towards intense or limited development areas. He stated that this project is consistent with the critical area test requirements and legislation. Mr. Stagg discussed protecting water bodies and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. He stated that there are no habitat issues on this site. Mr. Stagg does not project any traffic impacts with this project and stated that he feels it is consistent with all aspects of the Ordinance.
Ms. Scott-Taylor stated that she would like to see some type of shoulder or bike path on the road to get to Easton Point.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked the Town Attorney to clarify what the growth allocation means and what is being asked of the Council.
At 8:34 p.m., the President of the Council closed the Public Hearing. He stated that written comments will be received until close of business Friday.
LETTER FROM MR. JOHN A. ATWOOD, CHAIRMAN, PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION REGARDING LOT 7 EASTON COMMONS
The President of the Council set the public hearing for August 20, 2007 at 7:15 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 515, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EASTON AMENDING THE TOWN OF EASTON ZONING ORDINANCE”
The President of the Council introduced Ordinance No. 515 for a first reading and set the public hearing for August 20, 2007 at 7:45 p.m.
APPROVAL OF INVOICES TOTALING $1,784,804.92
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried, invoices were unanimously approved for payment.
ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Mr. Wendowski stated that the staff should look at carbon monoxide alarms which will be required as stated in HB401.
Mr. Wendowski asked if the water tower could be considered for a wireless telephone communication antenna.
Ms. Jackson-Amis suggested that the Council failed to follow parliamentary procedures and suggested a review of procedures regarding the Affordable Housing Lottery. She entered into the records of the Town of Easton letters from Ms. Sharon Slacum and another from Ms. Sherry Potter regarding the manner in which the lottery was held
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 9:01 p.m.
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Kathy M. Ruf, Town Clerk