MAYOR AND COUNCIL
JULY 10, 2017
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:42 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 meetings of June 6, 2017 or June 19, 2017. Mr. Stetson moved to approve the Mayor and Council meetings of June 6, 2017 and June 19, 2017 as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that total operating cash on hand for unrestricted use is $844,832.35. Mayor Cerino stated that there was a separate fund for the Broad Reach sculpture donations in the amount of $1,509.67.
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. Ms. Gross asked if the report to the council could include pending grant reimbursements the Town is expecting. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Marina project would probably have construction loans for the USDA matching funds and a second construction loan for Waterway Improvement funds that required a match. He said that these funds were slow to reimburse and he did not want to be taking those amounts of dollars from general funds.
Mr. Ingersoll asked Ms. Mulligan to go over the election schedule for Mayor, First and Third Wards. Mr. Ingersoll stated that anyone running for election could announce or declare their candidacy, but the first day petitions for candidacy will be accepted is Thursday, August 31st. Ms. Mulligan stated that forms can be downloaded and information regarding the election is available at www.townofchestertown.com or at Town Hall. The final date for candidate filing and voter registration would be Friday, October 6th. The election will take place on Tuesday, November 7th from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that there were three trees cut down in Wilmer Park, 2 of which were diseased Ash trees and a healthy crabapple tree to allow for the sculpture. He said that the brick sidewalk would be moved to make an appropriate spot for the Broad Reach Sculpture and associated earth sculpting.
Mayor Cerino stated that he has been meeting with Mr. Ingersoll and Mr. de Mooy frequently in reference to the Marina. He said that the bulkhead and new walkway from the boat ramp to the river and the raised walkway on the Scott’s Point side of the boat ramp were complete. The Town was waiting on updated engineered renderings for the boat ramp as the ramp would be slightly expanded and ADA accessible. The travel lift will be restored. The Mayor also discussed the new concept of installing a floating dock and finger pier system from the ramp out to the current location of the marina store.
Mr. Stetson stated that he attended the MML summer conference and represented Chestertown in the Parade of Flags. He said that he took part in some interesting sessions on resolving municipal conflicts using mediation and arbitration rather than the court system, and discussions on small towns. He said that one thing he came away with was that most of the municipalities receive payment in lieu of taxes from non-profit private entities and a tax differential from the County in which they are located.
Mr. Stetson stated that a gentleman visits the Dog Park on a regular basis and is always seen weeding the trail to the park and the large dog park area. He said that the man should be acknowledged for his help in beautifying the park but he wishes to remain anonymous. Mr. Stetson said if anyone sees him working in the park he should be thanked.
Mr. Shoge stated that Ward Three has a new park in the Washington Park area of Town. He said that it will be nice watching the park grow over the years.
Ms. Kuiper stated that July’s First Friday was well-attended and the children who performed during the event were outstanding.
Ms. Kuiper stated that River Arts has “Arts Alive” on High Street, where you can rent space, lectures are held, and pottery classes are available.
Ms. Kuiper stated that a brewery was coming to High Street in Cassinelli’s building. Their target date to open was sometime close to Labor Day.
Ms. Kuiper stated that the yard waste bags are being thrown back onto the street by the workers after they are emptied. She asked that the bags be taken along with the brush or left neatly for the owners to reuse.
Ms. Gross stated that things were quiet in the First Ward. She said that earlier in the evening the upcoming election schedule was discussed and she was sad to say that she would not be running for a second term. Ms. Gross stated that although she very much enjoyed being on the Council her husband has had some health challenges which will ultimately leave him blind, so her attention now focused on learning how to handle this change and accompanying him to appointments. Ms. Gross stated that she hoped whoever won the First Ward seat would enjoy the position as much as she had.
There being no further business, Ms. Gross moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor