MAYOR AND COUNCIL
APRIL 3, 2017
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. In attendance were Council members Liz Gross, Linda C. Kuiper, Samuel T. Shoge and Mauritz Stetson, W. S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Jennifer Mulligan, Town Clerk and guests.
Mayor Cerino asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the Mayor and Council meeting of March 20, 2017. Mr. Stetson moved to approve the Mayor and Council minutes of March 20, 2017 as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that total operating cash on hand for unrestricted use is $1,443,901.69 and assigned funds for waterfront initiatives in the amount of $104,240.00 were included in those funds. Mayor Cerino stated that there was a separate fund for the Broad Reach sculpture donations in the amount of $40,613.52.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay bills. Mr. Stetson moved to approve payment of the bills as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Mr. Frank Hurst was called forward to discuss the Spring Bocce League. He said that the 8th season will begin the last week in April and games will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He asked that the Town Street Crew cut the Wilmer Park lawn on Tuesday mornings and for the Town Council to waive the open container law on bocce nights. The Council agreed to the request.
Mr. Hurst stated that he was concerned about the playing area. He said that Mr. Sappington is going to roll the area but the seeding did not fill in the gaps the way that he hoped. He said that they may try to roll and seed one additional time before they request tilling, reseeding or installing sod.
Mr. Hurst stated that he was looking into a shed for the Wilmer Park for equipment as the small bins that they have in place were no longer adequate. Mr. Ingersoll suggested a smaller shed that could be moved to the park during the seasons and then removed. After discussion, the Council authorized Mr. Ingersoll to work with Mr. Hurst for site placement of and design for the housing for bocce equipment.
Mr. Jon Hanley was present on behalf of the Chestertown Environmental Committee. He said that they meet the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and minutes are online and available for review at Town Hall.
Mr. Hanley stated that the Film and Speakers series is held the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Sumner Hall, although the venue was moved for April and May due to the Smithsonian Exhibit housed in that building. April’s movie night will be held at Washington College and the May movie will take place at Figg’s Ordinary on South Cross Street.
Mr. Hanley stated that the committee recycles one use batteries, fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs at Town Hall, the Chestertown Natural Food Store, and at the Earth Day Festival. Last year they recycled 350 pounds of one use batteries, 400 fluorescent tubes and 600 CFL bulbs.
Mr. Hanley stated that 7th Annual Earth Day Event would be held on Saturday, April 22nd in Downtown Chestertown. He said that there will be a food truck, free paper shredding, live music and approximately 30 vendors who provide eco-friendly services and will have products on display.
Mr. Hanley stated that MES was hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off at the Nicholson Facility on April 22, 2017. People can drop off paint, fluorescent bulbs, printers, televisions, etc.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that Mr. Hanley cleaned and painted the fountain and it looked wonderful. Ms. Kay MacIntosh stated that Main Street and the downtown merchants will have a spring cleaning sale on Saturday, April 8th called the “Spring Splash” where the fountain will be turned on for the season. Activities will begin at noon.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that he had a Town Resolution designating a resident agent to accept service of process for the Tow. Mr. Ingersoll read Resolution 02-2017 into the record. Ms. Gross moved to approve Resolution 02-2017 Designating a Resident Agent, was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that an additional parking lot light was added at the Marina parking lot. He said that the Fish Whistle has a light on the same pole but another was added pointing a southern direction to cover the parking lot better for late night bar activities. Mr. Ingersoll stated that an excellent lighting plan would be in place once the marina renovations were completed.
Mayor Cerino stated that on Tuesday, April 11th at 5:00 p.m. he would be joining Washington College President Sheila Bair for a Town Gown Symposium hosted and promoted by the Chestertown Spy in the Decker Theater at Washington College.
Mayor Cerino stated that it was well documented that the Town requested $1.5 million dollars from the Governor’s Capital Budget and that the effort was unsuccessful. He said that he has been working quietly with other members of the legislature and the Maryland Senate added the Marina to their Capital Budget in the amount of $500,000.00. He said that the Conference Committee passed the budget addition and barring any unforeseen changes he thought the Town would be getting an additional $500,000.00 that will address the waterside repairs at the Marina this coming winter.
Mayor Cerino stated that he hoped to give a new comprehensive overview of the Marina project at the next meeting when the Capital Budget is official.
Mayor Cerino asked for ward reports.
Ms. Gross stated that she wanted to thank Mr. Ingersoll and the Street Crew for the newly installed handicap accessible curb cuts at Queen Street and High Street and on Cannon Street and Cross Street.
Ms. Gross stated that the entire Council was present last Friday for the opening of the Smithsonian’s Traveling Museum. She said she was thrilled to see such a diverse crowd.
Ms. Kuiper stated that there was no signage directing people to Sumner Hall for the exhibit. She said that she thought it would be a nice gesture for the Town to arrange for temporary signage since the Sumner Hall fell short on their budget in this category. Ms. Kuiper moved for $300.00 for the Town to order and install temporary signage for the Sumner Hall’s The Way We Worked Exhibit, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino suggested temporary signs on High Street, Cannon Street and Queen Street. Ms. MacIntosh stated that she would get the signage and have it installed.
Mr. Shoge stated that at the next meeting he would have more information on Phase I of the Washington Park park revitalization. He said that they were also applying for a Community Parks and Playgrounds grant for Phase II. Mr. Shoge stated that the Washington Park residents would like to have a spring launch of Phase I in May and he was working with Mr. Sappington, Mr. de Mooy, the Recreation Commission and Mr. Somerville and the Washington Park Committee to make it happen.
Mr. Stetson stated that there was a letter sent to the legislators and the Kent County Commissioners regarding Airbnb’s not paying the room rental tax. He said that he hoped this would get some attention as it was not fair to the Bed and Breakfast owners and other lodging establishments that presently pay the hotel tax.
Mr. Stetson stated that the Smithsonian’s Traveling Exhibit at Sumner Hall was wonderful and everyone should go to see it before it was gone.
There were no requests from the public to be on the agenda.
There being no further business, Mr. Shoge moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m., was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor