Town Council Meeting #18-03

November 20, 2003

Council President Michael Whitehill convened meeting #18-03 at 7:00pm in the Town Hall.  Vice President Norman Pinder, Donna Turner, Member, Terry Adams, Town Manager, Jonathan Hodgson, Town Attorney, Chief Ben Cohey, and Deana Ashley, Town Clerk, were also present.

Welcome:  Citizens and guests were welcomed to the meeting.

Review of Minutes from Previous Meeting:  Meeting #17-03 of October 02, 2003 minutes were accepted as read by the Council members.  Mrs. Turner made a motion to accept the minutes; Mr. Pinder seconded the motion. A vote was taken, members voted in the affirmative, and the minutes were approved unanimously. (3 ayes)

Appearances:   Dr. Harry Rhodes, Queen Anne County One Room School House Project – Dr. Harry Rhodes appeared before the Council to describe the project to renovate and move a one-room schoolhouse at the QAC High School.  He provided pictures and discussed the funding required for the project.  The Council unanimously approved a $500 donation to the project.  The Council thanked Dr. Rhodes for his presentation.

Business:    

·        Resolution R-08-03, Assignment of Cable Television Franchise – Mr. Hodgson read the title of the resolution for the record.  Mr. Whitehill requested that the Council defer their approval of the franchise resolutions and amendments until such time to review the County’s position.  The Council voted unanimously to postpone their decision on the agreements. (3 ayes)

·        Amendment to Franchise Agreement – See Above.

·        Resolution R-09-03, Amendments to Cable Television Franchise Agreement –  
See Above.

·        Bond Reduction – Mr. Adams reviewed requests for reduction in bond amounts by developers in consideration of work completed to date.  The Council approved the requests. (3 ayes)

·        RWI Lease Agreement – Mr. Hodgson summarized the request of RWI to lease space on top of the downtown water tower to place an antenna to extend their coverage.  The rental rates and length of the lease were discussed.  The Council voted unanimously to approve the lease agreement. (3 ayes)

Maryland Municipal League:  None

QAC Municipal League:    Mr. Whitehill requested a meeting be scheduled asap with other municipalities to discuss Title 18 revisions and County impact fees. The meeting time was suggested for early December.

Announcements and Correspondence:  Mr. Whitehill read the announcements and correspondence into the record. 

Report of Department Heads:

Town Clerk -

·        Ms. Ashley presented a request from a local organization to receive a peddler’s permit for the Christmas parade.   The Council approved the request and others with the condition that sales cease during the parade.

·        She discussed with the Council the cost of placing the Town’s charter online via a link to the website.  The Council approved the $1,500 proposal and requested an estimate to update the charter with recent revisions.

·        The Town received a $500 credit on its workers compensation policy as a result of fewer claims.

Chief of Police –

·        The Chief stated that his report was included in the Council’s books for their review.  There was nothing unusual to report.

·        Officer Meil made a significant drug arrest in October. 

·        All personnel have completed firearms training for nighttime operations.

·        The office has been awarded $3,000 in highway safety funds to pay for overtime of DUI enforcement.

·        The office received 14 donated hats from the Easton police department.

·        Ms. Isbell and the Chief attended a grants writing seminar. 

Town Manager -  Mr. Adams reported the following:

·        FEMA monies will be paid to the Town for Hurricane Isabel for $8,000.

·        The wastewater treatment plant remains behind schedule by 2-3 months.

·        He asked the Council to select a date to light the holiday decorations.

·        The pedestrian crosswalk at Fayette Street was installed.

·        He discussed with the Council the sale of the skateboard park equipment.  The Council suggested that other municipalities be offered the equipment before private individuals at an estimated cost of $1,500.

 Citizens Forum:

Mr. Elmer Thompson – Thompson and Thompson, LLC –
Mr. Thompson appeared before the Council to discuss the status of the permit for the fence constructed on the area between the liquor store and Tidewater Therapy.  The Council then discussed drafting a letter to the applicant regarding the status of the permit and their next action.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Allen, 301 Windsor Ave – Mr. and Mrs. Allen appeared before the Council to discuss the placement of snow during emergencies on Windsor Ave.  They also noted their concern regarding the gates on the park lane, the equipment used for the local lumberyard on Glendale Avenue, and the parking of box trailers within Town limits.  The Council noted the Allen’s concerns and thanked them for their appearance.

Mr. Oliver Stromberg, 113 Windsor Ave – Mr. Stromberg appeared before the Council to discuss the “alley” which is located behind his house and its uses.  After discussion, the Council suggested Mr. Hodgson review the Town’s policy on the maintenance and use of all Town lanes.  The Council thanked Mr. Stromberg for his participation.               

Motion to Adjourn:  There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 7:50 pm. 

                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                                    Deana Ashley

101 Lawyer's Row

Centreville, MD  21617

Phone: (410) 758-1180

Fax:     (410) 758-4741