MAYOR AND COUNCIL
DECEMBER 19, 2016
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:30 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 meeting of December 5, 2016. Ms. Gross moved to approve the Mayor and Council minutes of December 5, 2016 as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that total operating cash on hand for unrestricted use is $1,891,412.88 and there were assigned funds for waterfront initiatives in the amount of $180,480.00 included in those funds. Mayor Cerino stated that there was a separate fund for the Broad Reach sculpture donations in the amount of $80,456.69, of which $46,366.35 has been expended, leaving a balance of $34,090.34.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay bills. Ms. Gross moved to approve payment of the bills as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.
Chief Baker gave the Police Report for November 2016. Chief Baker reminded everyone not to leave presents in their cars where they would be visible and to make sure that cars and homes are locked each night. He suggested asking neighbors to keep an eye out if packages are expected to be delivered to your door. Chief Baker stated that any business owners keeping later hours should not hesitate to contact the police if they wanted an escort to their car at the end of the night.
Mr. Shoge asked why there were so many patrols along the 100 block of Hawkins Drive. Chief Baker stated that there were reports of shots fired earlier in the month and although no information could be gathered from the residents, they were making sure to actively patrol the block.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that a bid opening was held on Friday, December 16th for the Marina and a total of four (4) bids were received as follows:
- HiTide Marine, Ocean City MD: $584,276.45 with a bulk heading sq.ft. price of $660.00;
- Marine Technologies, Baltimore MD: $1,743,000 with a bulk head sq.ft. price of $4900.00
- Kingfisher Environmental Services Inc., Elkton MD: $374,139.00 with a bulk head sq.ft. price of $587.50; and
- Dissen & Juhn, Stevensville MD: $731,100.00 with a bulk head sq.ft. price of $979.00.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Town had worked with Kingfisher Environmental Services in the past and their bid was the lowest. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he had asked Kingfisher to submit a complete write up of all the items included in their bid, as there were support items he wanted to see before any contract was signed. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he would recommend conditional approval to Kingfisher Environmental Services and to authorize Mayor Cerino to sign all documentation once support items were submitted.
Mr. Ingersoll stated temporary repairs will be made to the docks with the contractor awarded this bid.
Ms. Gross moved to approve the low bidder, Kingfisher Environmental Services, Inc. be awarded the Marina bid pending resolution of outstanding questions and authorized Mayor Cerino to sign all documentation associated with the contract. The motion was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.
Mr. Ingersoll reminded the Town Council to pick the winners of the Annual Christmas Decorating Contest before the January 3rd meeting.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Bull and Goat Brewery currently sell their product in Cassinelli’s Distillery and were interested in participating in the Farmers Market. He said that when first asked, there was not room in the Market and he offered to let them set up in front of the Distillery on High Street on Saturday mornings during the Market. Mr. Ingersoll stated that Mr. McCoy says he now has room in the Park for their beer cart, which they use for samplings and growler sales. Mr. Ingersoll stated that it was important to him that they have the wheeled cart on hardscape and not on the grass. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the applicant stated that both the Kent County Health Department and the Kent County Commissioners have no issue with Bull and Goat Brewery in the Farmers Market.
After discussion, Ms. Kuiper moved to approve the Bull and Goat Brewery be permitted on the hardscape only of the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings pending receipt of all licenses (liquor, Health Department, Kent County) being received at the Town Hall, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated Mr. de Mooy has been working with different State agencies to get approvals for Phase IV of the Chestertown Rail Trail (from across Rt. 291 toward the water tower joining in with Foxley Manor). The Town now has the go ahead to apply for grant funding as the State was hoping to finish their work in that area by the end of January. Mayor Cerino stated that it would be a goal for the Town to have this portion finished by the end of the next calendar year.
Mr. Stetson stated that the 40 mph sign on Rt. 20 was finally removed and the speed limit is 25 mph until after passing Flatland Road (Rt. 514).
Mr. Stetson stated that he made a call to the Governor and sent his letter again in support of the Marina.
Mr. Stetson stated that he represented the Town at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Party, Chesapeake Bank’s 30th Anniversary, the Campus Avenue Community Dinner, and the Chestertown Fire Company Annual Awards.
Mr. Stetson stated that the water has been turned off for the winter at the dog park in Margo Bailey Park.
Ms. Kuiper stated that Downtown Chestertown looks beautiful and thanked the DCA for their work. She said that everyone should ride around Town just to see how lovely it looks this time of year. Mayor Cerino stated that the Garden Club and Curb Appeal were also responsible for decorating and the collective efforts looked fantastic.
Ms. Kuiper stated that all of the holiday festivities were well-attended and enjoyed this year.
Ms. Gross stated that the trees were planted at the Kent County Middle School last week and looked terrific, noting that a total of 55 trees were planted. She thanked Mr. de Mooy and Mr. Ingersoll for their work on the project.
Ms. Gross stated that she had 13 phone calls from residents of Byford Court asking when the speed bump was going to be removed by the newly installed bridge. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he spoke with the Street Superintendent and the speed bump should be removed by the end of the week.
Each member of the Council wished Happy Holidays to all residents in Town and were in agreement in the hopes that 2017 will be more peaceful than 2016.
Ms. Kay MacIntosh stated that on behalf of the Arts & Entertainment District, she wanted to thank Ms. Barbara Slocum, Ms. Ellen Hurst and Ms. Carolyn Grotsky for decorating the vacant storefronts for the holidays.
There being no further business, Ms. Gross moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor