MAYOR AND COUNCIL
APRIL 20, 2015
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. In attendance were Council members Liz Gross, Linda 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 Public Hearing for the Arts & Entertainment District Designation of March 16, 2015, the Mayor and Council Meeting of April 6, 2015 or the Executive Session of April 6, 2015. Mr. Stetson moved to approve the Mayor and Council Public Hearing for the Arts & Entertainment District Designation of March 16, 2015, the Mayor and Council meeting minutes of April 6, 2015 and the Executive Session minutes of April 6, 2015 as presented, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino called the executive session to order at 9:12 p.m., April 6, 2015 in accordance with§3-305(b)(3) of the Open Meetings Act. The purpose of the meeting was to consider a joint acquisition proposal for a strategic piece of property to be used for a public use with the Town using Maryland Program Open Space funding for their portion of the acquisition. In attendance at the meeting were Council members Liz Gross, Linda C. Kuiper, Samuel T. Shoge and Mauritz Stetson, W.S. Ingersoll, Town Manager and Jennifer Mulligan, Town Clerk. No motions were made or passed, nor was a decision made to purchase said property. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Minutes were taken and are part of the record.
Mayor Cerino stated that cash on hand and in the banks for unrestricted use was $1,611,783.21 and assigned use from the Washington College donation was $192,740.00, for total funds of $1,804,522.21.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay bills. Ms. Gross moved to pay the bills as presented, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Sergeant Steve Lozar presented the police report for March 2015. Sergeant Lozar stated that he wanted to remind people that as it warms up that it was unlawful to leave animals in locked cars or to leave cars unattended while they are running. He reminded everyone to lock their cars and houses, especially at night.
Ms. Francoise Sullivan of Moo Productions was present and said that she was going to present quarterly stats on the website moving forward. She gave an overview of the website to date, indicating that most people looking at the website are from the Washington, D.C. area (copy attached to record). She said that more than half of the people going linking from our site to others are looking for hotels and restaurants.
Ms. Sullivan stated that there was a mobile-friendly version of the website that is in use currently. She said that it was much quicker when waiting for information to download and easier to navigate.
Ms. Sullivan stated that the top pages visited to date were Explore Chestertown, Government, Arts Calendar and Annual Festivals. The most time by explorers was spent in the Government and Annual Festivals (tied) followed by Lodging, Art Calendars and For Foodies (tied).
Mr. Shoge stated that the website is not even close to its full potential and was showing excellent results.
Mr. Drew McMullen was present to discuss Downrigging Weekend. Mayor Cerino recused himself from the discussion. Mr. McMullen gave an overview of the event, noting it that there were a few new requests, but most were the same as last year.
Mr. McMullen stated that one new request was to use the large metal building at the Marina for the food and music, as the weather has been a challenge in years prior. An area around the Marina shed would be blocked off for other activities. He asked for permission for the Antique and Boat Society to park at the Foot of High Street for another addition called “Keels and Wheels” where boats from 1960 and older, with similar vintage automobiles would be on display.
Mr. McMullen stated that this year he would also like to have a lighted boat parade on Friday, October 30th on High Street from Dixon Drive to Water Street. He said that an anonymous donor put up $3,000.00 in prize money so he thought there were be many participants.
Ms. Gross moved to approve the permit request to the Sultana Foundation for activities as described for Downrigging in the letter dated April 14, 2015 as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried with four (4) in favor, Mayor Cerino recused.
Mr. McMullen stated that a design forum for the new building was being held on Wednesday, April 22nd and asked that the Council attend if their schedule allowed. He said that the project was currently out to bid and they anticipated breaking ground by end of summer, with completion by June 30, 2016.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that Resolution 02-2015 Establishing a Marketing Committee in the Town of Chestertown was ready for adoption at this meeting if the Council approved. Paper copies were distributed. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Committee would report to the Council at least once annually, have meetings open to the public, and be created for a five (5) year period. Members would serve three (3) year terms. Members would be nominated and approved by the Mayor and Council. Ms. Gross moved to adopt Resolution 02-2015 Establishing a Marketing Committee as presented, was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that Ms. Kristen Owen was present on behalf of the DCA who wanted to have “Porchfest”, which was an acoustic music festival in Downtown Chestertown where different musical acts will perform on residential front porches and businesses downtown between noon and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015. She asked that the open container law be waived for the event. Ms. Kuiper moved to approve the permit request as submitted, including the request to waive the open container law, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the National Music Festival was hosting an event the Garfield Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 25th at 4:00 p.m. They were requesting permission for the patrons to take their drinks outside of the theatre during intermission from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ms. Kuiper moved to waive the open container law for the National Music Festival event at the Garfield Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 25, 2015, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried with four (4) in favor, Ms. Gross recused as she was on the National Music Festival Board of Directors.
Mr. Ingersoll thanked the Chestertown Runners Club and all others who pitched in to clean the Rail-Trail on April 11th and April 18th. He said that the Chester River Association cleaned the Wilmer Park on April 11th.
Mr. Ingersoll reminded everyone that the Mayor and Council was having a budget workshop at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27th.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that a letter was received from the Kent County Department of Public Works Department indicating that the Mid-Shore Recycling Program would no longer pay the expense for tub-grinding of yard waste. He said that when yard debris is taken by the Town the Mid-Shore Recycling Program comes in once a year and tub-grinds it so it can be transferred elsewhere. He said that all Town taxpayers pay $5.00 a ton from their trash toward recycling. He suggested that the Council speak with the County Commissioners in an effort to capture the funding. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he spoke with Mid-Shore Recycling Program and they don’t consider the $5.00 per ton that comes from Chestertown as funding for the tub grinder, but said those funds go towards paying for the recycling igloos located in Worton and Kingstown. However, the Town offers curbside recycling which the County discontinued during the recession.
Mr. Ingersoll suggested a delegation from the Mayor and Council attend a budget meeting to discuss these issues. Mayor Cerino stated that he would go to a meeting. Ms. Kuiper stated that she would attend as well.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Town was in receipt of the permit request for Tea Party and read it into the record. Vendor parking would be provided at the newly created parking lot on Cannon Street. Merchants would use the parking lot behind Dunkin Donuts. Ms. Kuiper outlined the changes proposed for this year. Mr. Stetson moved to approve the permit request for Tea Party as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried with four (4) in favor. Ms. Kuiper recused herself as she was a member of the Tea Party Committee.
Mayor Cerino stated that there was a request from Kent County High School for a Post-Prom Party Donation request and said that the Town usually donates $100.00. Mr. Stetson moved to approve a $100.00 donation to the Post-Prom Party was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that he received an email from Mr. Bill Arrowood that he was stepping down as Chairman from the Recreation Commission. He said that the Commission needs a new Chairman and some direction. It was decided that Ms. Gross and Mr. Shoge would meet with the Recreation Commission and then ask the Commission to come to a Town meeting to discuss how to proceed.
Mayor Cerino read a proclamation declaring Tuesday, April 21st as Arbor Day.
Mayor Cerino read a proclamation declaring the week of April 20th as Fair Housing Week in Chestertown and April 2015 as Fair Housing Month.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Old Kent Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were having a ceremony at the Courthouse on Memorial Plaza at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21st to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. There was a plaque installed on site by the Town mason.
Mayor Cerino stated that the Council agreed to form a task force to work with representatives of the State Highway Administration and suggested having one representative from each Ward and a representative from the College. The Council agreed. Mayor Cerino asked each Councilmember to have their representative’s name by the next Mayor and Council meeting.
Mayor Cerino stated that he made a presentation to Washington College’s Board of Visitors and Governors to discuss initiatives of the Town, focusing mainly on the Marina.
Ms. Gross stated that a memorial for Gil Watson would be held on Saturday, April 25th at 2:00 p.m. in Hynson Hall at Washington College.
Ms. Kuiper stated that she had a request from the Artisans in the Farmers Market for a reprint of the brochures. Last year the brochures were printed from the revenues of the Artisans. Mr. Shoge asked if the Historic Chestertown brand could be added to the brochures in an effort to reinforce Chestertown’s brand. Ms. Kuiper stated that she would get a proof to Mr. Ingersoll before printing.
Ms. Kuiper stated that the Farmers Market vendors would be parking a car at High and Cross Streets on the Farmers Market side on Saturdays as a safeguard for pedestrians.
Ms. Kuiper stated that the Town of Chestertown was hosting “Business After Hours” at the Kent County Visitors Center on Thursday, April 23rd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mr. Stetson stated that he and Ms. Kuiper attended the Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast and said that the representatives felt that there was a good working relationship in place.
Mr. Stetson stated that the SHA denied his request for a sign for the Dog Park on Rt. 291, unless the Town paid for it.
Mr. Stetson stated that Mr. Scott Boone was the speaker at the COG meeting and talked about internet fiber and said it was major economic development potential if it was done right.
There being no further business, Mr. Stetson moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor