IN ATTENDANCE

Also in attendance were the Town Attorney Mr. Kehoe, Town Manager Mr. Karge and Town Clerk Mrs. Ruf.

CONVENING

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 OCTOBER 1 AND OCTOBER 9, 2007 MEETINGS

Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried with corrections as submitted by Ms. Jackson-Amis, the minutes were unanimously approved.

ITEMS BY MAYOR WILLEY

Mayor Willey invited everyone to the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on October 29.

Mayor Willey reminded the Council of the November 13 work session with the pension actuary. The Easton Utilities Annual Meeting will be November 8 at 7:30 a.m.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that staff be present for a meeting a month for questions. Mayor Willey stated that he will consider the request.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked for an update on the flooding of Mr. Samsone’s property and Dover Street.

MS. TORRI BRUMMELL TO ADDRESS COUNCIL REGARDING FRESH START TRANSITIONAL LIVING

Ms. Torri Brummell introduced Mr. Ralph Young, 612 Windmill Road, Easton.

Mr. Young discussed the program Mr. Anthony Lovett and Ms. Brummell are trying to get started. The program they plan will provide transitional housing including long term residential treatment for substance abusers with particular interest on repeat offenders. Mr. Young currently volunteers with inmates at Talbot County Detention Center and is a retired substance abuse counselor from the city of Alexandria. Mr. Young asked for a contact in the Mayor’s office as their program progresses.

Ms. Brummell stated that they are in the process of getting a budget and a board together. They will be operating under Fresh Start.

Mr. Lovett discussed the need for a family support atmosphere for the recovering substance abuse client. Mr. Lovett

Mr. Jensen suggested talking to Talbot County Government and State of Maryland DLLR Workforce Development.

Interested parties can contact Mr. Lovett at cell number 410-829-9602, 7384 Brett Road in Easton or Ms. Brummell at 443-496-1379 or tbrummell@goeaston.net. Mr. Young can be reached at 410-819-0050.

Mr. Young stated that this is a serious effort and they plan to have medical staff on board as well.

Mr. Ford stated that a short term need that they may be facing is a residence.

ITEMS BY THE TOWN MANAGER

Mr. Karge addressed Ms. Jackson-Amis’ concerns regarding the Samsone and Watkins property. He stated that the Samsone property is still at the same stages as when he e-mailed the council. A developer has come in with a proposal to Planning and Zoning for a property directly adjoining Mr. Samsone and as a part of that development the applicant has proposed to do mitigation after the planning process.

Mr. Karge stated that there is no cost effective solution to the Watkins property at this time.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that the e-mail be forwarded to her regarding the developer and the project adjoining the Samsone property.

Mr. Karge stated that both matters are still pending.

Mr. Jensen discussed the tree budget and asked if trees are to be planted.

Mr. Bollman stated that he is working with Mr. Hause and have identified 16 locations for plantings.

Mr. Jensen asked for a copy of the tree plan.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked if we still have the Tree City Designation.

Mr. Karge stated that as far as he is aware, the Town of Easton still has it.

Capital charges were discussed for sprinkler system hook up.

Mr. Talbot Bone from Easton Utilities was present and stated that there will be no capital charges for residential services if there is a tie in for the system for the sprinkler system.

Mr. Ford asked the Council to be prepared to act on the second part of the sprinkler ordinance regarding existing homes at the next meeting.

ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL

Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed her concern regarding the Affordable Housing from the last meeting and asked the Town Attorney to interpret legislation that had been enacted by the Town Council. She stated that it is within the purview of the Town Council to interpret its own legislation. Ms. Jackson-Amis asked the Town Attorney to clarify the situation.

Mr. Kehoe stated that he will respond after he receives Ms. Jackson-Amis’ letter.

Mr. Jensen asked whether impact fees designated for the road can pay for planning. Mr. Jensen stated that a professional opinion is needed.

Mr. Kehoe stated that his initial answer would be yes but he will research the ordinance.

Mr. Ford asked if all the money that has been raised can be spent for planning and relative costs or does the fund have to have a balance.

LETTER FROM MS. MARTHA MURRAY, FLOOR MANAGER, BOUNTIFUL, REQUESTING PERMISSION TO HANG BANNER AT TALBOTTOWN SHOPPING CENTER FOR BENEFIT OF COMMUNITY ALLIANCE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Upon motion by Ms. Jackson-Amis seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, approval was granted.

MR. GEORGE WEBB TO DISCUSS 204 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET REDEVELOPMENT

Mr. Stagg introduced Mr. George Webb. Mr. Stagg stated that Mr. Webb is the contract purchaser for 204 N. Washington Street. He stated that it is in the CR District in the north block study area. Mr. Stagg stated that Mr. Webb is excited about doing a north block redevelopment project on this particular property. He stated that the property is between Harrison Liquors and what was previously Rugged Roses. Mr. Stagg said that in the normal review of things, the Council would not see this project for a site plan review. However, Mr. Webb is aware

Mr. Webb was present to discuss his proposed project. He stated that the advantage would be to front on Harrison Street and Washington Street. Mr. Webb stated that potentially he would like to put retail on the first floor with a pedestrian promenade and residences on the upper floors. Mr. Webb discussed the elevations and the perceptions. He stated that it would be a multi use building with 23 residential units; one, two and three bedrooms. The overall size of the building is long and narrow. Mr. Webb stated that the building will be in conjunction with the adjacent buildings and the redevelopment of that portion of town. Mr. Webb discussed basement parking. He stated that there will be 32 parking spaces. He stated that this piece of property is only 85’ wide and 200’ deep and this plan is an innovative use of a long narrow piece of property. He stated that this is a preliminary plan and wanted to see what the council’s thoughts and comments are.

Mr. Jensen stated that this plan is great and he supports the northern block redevelopment.

Ms. Jackson-Amis asked what would be the selling/rental prices.

Mr. Webb stated the rental would be $950 for a one bedroom, $1100 for a two bedroom and $1300 for a three bedroom. The selling price would be in the low $300,000s to the $375,000 range.

Mr. Wendowski stated that parking will be a major problem.

Mr. Ford stated that the plan is very impressive and he is encouraged in the mix use. He hopes Mr. Webb is looking at the plan as a cog in a major wheel.

DISCUSSION OF WASTEWATER CHARGES

Mr. Jensen discussed the way residents are billed for wastewater that does not go into the sewage system.

Mr. Hugh E. Grunden, CEO and President, Easton Utilities was present to discuss wastewater charges. He discussed measuring the usage for water in the winter months and prorating for the bill. He said to establish that base line is very difficult if not impossible. Mr. Grunden stated that the water and wastewater services are one billing unit of Easton Utilities. He discussed the method of setting rates and the revenue requirement. Mr. Grunden stated that wastewater is very difficult to measure. The way that Easton Utilities measures water for billing is the most common in the country. Mr. Grunden stated that there is an alternative; you can get a second meter that is irrigation only paying a capital charge of $2,350 and an additional connection charge.

Mr. Grunden discussed the Maryland Broadband Cooperative. He stated that Easton Utilities has been involved since the onset and will assume a roll with respect to operations. Mr. Grunden stated that this is a great project.

RESOLUTION NO. 5919, “A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EASTON APPROVING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A DEED OF EASEMENT FROM THE TOWN TO VERIZON MARYLAND, INC.”

Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously, Resolution No. 5919 was approved.

REVIEW OF INVOICES TOTALING $461,350.38

Upon motion by Mr. Jensen seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, invoices totaling $461,350.38 were approved for payment.

ITEMS FROM MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE

Ms. Lisa Stofer, 112 Hughlett Street was present to address the council as a concerned citizen. She discussed recent drug and violence incidents in the community that she finds completely unacceptable.

Chief Blue discussed crime activities and stated that there have been 169 drug arrests. He stated that drug traffic into the area has to be dealt with as well. Chief Blue asked citizens to be aware and contact the department with suspicious activity.

Mr. Mike Silver, 7220 Bob’s Way, Easton Club East Homeowner’s Association was present and discussed his water/sewer bill.

Mr. Dwight Wetherholt, 8683 Mistybrook was present to discuss the spike and inconsistencies of his water/sewer bill.

ADJOURNMENT

Upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Ms. Jackson-Amis and carried unanimously; the President of the Council adjourned the regularly scheduled meeting at 9:29 p.m.

______________________________________

Kathy M. Ruf, Town Clerk

PRESENT AT CONVENING

Mayor Robert C. Willey

Mr. John F. Ford

IN ATTENDANCE

CONVENING