MAYOR AND COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 5, 2018
Mayor Cerino called the Mayor and Council meeting to order at 7:44 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers David Foster, Linda C. Kuiper, Rev. Ellsworth Tolliver and Mauritz Stetson, and guests.
Mayor Cerino asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the Mayor and Council Meeting of January 16, 2018. Mr. Stetson moved to approve the Mayor and Council minutes of January 16, 2018 as submitted, was seconded by Rev. Tolliver and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that total operating cash on hand for unrestricted use is $1,174,579.03. A total of $233,789.33 in bills has been paid for construction work at the Marina which the Town was waiting to be reimbursed through grants, for a total of $1,408,368.36 in operating cash on hand.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay bills. Mr. Stetson moved to approve payment of the bills as submitted, was seconded by Rev. Tolliver and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that the next meeting of the Mayor and Council would fall on Presidents Day, so the meeting will be rescheduled for Tuesday, February 20th at 7:30 p.m.
Mayor Cerino stated that Mr. Ingersoll had planned to discuss the offer for the property on Calvert Street and asked if the Council wished to discuss the matter in Mr. Ingersoll’s absence or table this issue for the next meeting. The Council agreed to table the matter for the February 20th meeting.
Ms. Kay MacIntosh presented Resolution 01-2018 in support of tax credits for LaMotte as part of the Enterprise Zone. Ms. MacIntosh reviewed the Enterprise Zone tax credits available. She said that this resolution could be approved at this meeting. Ms. MacIntosh stated that LaMotte was expanding their building on Washington Avenue by 9,000 sq.ft. and was hiring 15 new employees. Mayor Cerino read the resolution into the record. Mr. Stetson moved to approve Resolution 01-2018 as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Kuiper and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that the Environmental Commission’s film series continues at Sumner Hall on Thursday, March 1st at 7:00 p.m. with “How to Change the World”.
Mayor Cerino stated that there has been a lot of activity at the Marina. Dredging was underway in the area from the corner of the former Marina store to the Cannon Street pier. The old fuel dock was in the process of being removed. The Marina Interpretive Center now has the roof trusses in place. Mr. Stetson stated that he thinks the Town made the right decision in bringing down the height of the building because it will not overpower the other buildings on the block.
Mayor Cerino asked for ward reports.
Mr. Stetson stated most of the Council attended the ESAM Legislative Dinner at Fisherman’s Inn on Tuesday, January 23rd.
Mr. Stetson stated that on Thursday, January 25th he attended the standing room only Bay Bridge crossing meeting at the Chestertown Volunteer Company. Mr. Stetson read a letter he sent in opposition of a span of the Bay Bridge through Kent County into the record.
Mr. Stetson stated that he was with the State Police when the Bay Bridge to Kent Island was built, noting that Queen Anne’s County calls for service increased by 75% once the bridge was in use. He added that if the bridge lands in Kent County it would create pass through traffic only with people going to Delaware for tax free shopping or to the Delaware and Maryland beaches. Mr. Stetson stated that Kent County has remained pristine and he thought it should stay that way.
Rev. Tolliver stated that the ESAM Dinner speaker helped him learn a lot about local government’s issue of Highway User Funds.
Rev. Tolliver stated that he attended a Super Bowl Party at Bethel A.M.E. Church and there were many questions regarding the addition of bridge crossing in Chestertown. He said that there was a contingent who believed there would be growth in economic development with a bridge crossing in Kent County.
Rev. Tolliver stated that he would like Ms. MacIntosh to bring some of her marketing skills to the Third Ward.
Rev. Tolliver stated that he wanted to recognize Ms. Trish McGee in her role as President of the School Board by mentioning an issue at the Garnett Elementary School. He said that he was pleased they are aware of the parking situation and there may be some changes to improve it.
Ms. Kuiper stated that the Kent News Open House was held on First Friday and said that it was enjoyed by all that attended. Ms. Kuiper stated that the Bordley Center was packed for their First Friday lecture about Rose Hill.
Ms. Kuiper stated that on Tuesday, February 13th and Wednesday, February 14th the Death By Chocolate Bake Sale would be held at the Bordley Building on High Street from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Ms. Kuiper stated that Chester Gras was on Saturday, February 10th from noon to 4:00 p.m. with a parade on High Street at 1:00 p.m. Chester Gras continued in Rock Hall with a Mardi Gras Dance Party (reservations required) at the Mainstay from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., along with a street parade.
Mr. Foster stated that he also attended the ESAM Legislative Dinner and was happy to learn about the Highway User Funds, noting that it was just as important as receiving the tax differential from Kent County.
Mr. Foster stated that Ms. Elizabeth Watson will be presenting information on the proposed Bay Bridge Crossing at the Community Breakfast Group. He said that he was personally against the bridge but would like to see the pros and cons discussed. He said that there needs to be other economic areas for people in Kent County, but did not want the congestion that would come along with a bridge crossing.
Mr. Foster stated that he attended the Environmental Committee’s last film and said it was outstanding with approximately 25 people in attendance. Mr. Stetson stated that he was concerned that only the same people come to the films each month and it was an expense to the Town.
Mr. Foster stated that there were a number of events at the GAR Sumner Hall and said that one of the activities being planned was a job fair, which he thought would be valuable.
Mr. Foster stated that he wanted to thank Ms. Kay MacIntosh for being honored for Business Person of the Year through the Kent County Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Jeffrey Carroll asked if he could be on the next agenda to discuss hosting a rockfish and catfish fishing tournament to be held at the mouth of the Chester River to Crumpton Bridge. He said that some of the proceeds would benefit Kent & Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad, Sultana summer scholarships for underprivileged children, and Hope Fellowship Church’s addiction and recovery program. Most of the event would be on the Fish Whistle property but he would like to use a portion of the dock or marina and was looking at dates in October. Mayor Cerino stated that it would be prudent to put the request in writing, including what will be needed on Town lands, outlining the entire event and then presenting it to the Council.
There being no further business and no questions from the audience, Mr. Stetson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m., was seconded by Rev. Tolliver and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor