MAYOR AND COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 21, 2015
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:41 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 September 8, 2015 or the Executive Session of the same date. Mr. Stetson moved to adopt the minutes as presented, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that an executive session was called to order at 8:55 p.m., September 8, 2015 in accordance with§3-305(b)(1) of the Open Meetings Act. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a personnel matter with the Council. 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. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Minutes were taken and are part of the record.
Mayor Cerino stated that operating funds on hand were $1,140,830.16. There were restricted use funds from the Washington College donation of $192,740.00 for total operating funds on hand of $1,333,570.16.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay bills. Mr. Stetson moved to pay the bills as presented, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Chief Baker presented the police report for August 2015. Chief Baker reminded residents to lock their doors and windows at night, noting that one arrest was made in regard to the burglaries, but he did not want people to stop being vigilant.
Ms. Gross asked how many officers were included in the overtime report. Chief Baker stated that there were seven, noting that the report did not include himself, the Lieutenant, an officer assigned to the MSP Drug Task Force and the detective assigned to the Kent Bureau of Investigation.
Ms. Gross asked if there were additional statistics available for Haacke Drive. Chief Baker stated that he did not have them tonight but he would provide that to the Council.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that he had a permit request for the Annual Kent County High School Homecoming Parade for Saturday, September 26th at 10:00 a.m. There was also a permit request for the annual Lion’s Club Halloween Parade to be held on Saturday, October 31st at 10:00 a.m. The Council agreed to the permit requests.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that Tractor Supply was holding an Open House on Friday, September 25th.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Town hired Ms. Kay MacIntosh as the Arts & Entertainment Director and said that she was looking forward to beginning her work with Chestertown. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the future was bright for Chestertown and Ms. MacIntosh was well-qualified for the job.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that he received confirmation this afternoon that the joint meeting to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding for the Quaker Neck Sanitary District with the Kent County Commissioners will take place on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Ingersoll stated that Ms. Kuiper suggested inviting the other Towns in the County to attend this meeting. After discussion, the Council agreed to refrain from inviting other towns to this meeting, adding that the meeting was open to the public and anyone could attend to listen. Mr. Ingersoll stated that it would be nice to have a forum at another time with the other Towns and the Kent County Commissioners to work this out.
Ms. Gross requested that Mr. Ingersoll put together documents in regard to the Quaker Neck Sanitary District so the Council could review them before the meeting on October 19th.
Mayor Cerino stated that there was a request for a Class D Beer License for Chester River Brewing Company on Morgnec Road. The hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2015 in the Kent County Commissioner’s Hearing Room at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Cerino stated that the Council received the qualifications of Ms. Amy Meeks for appointment to the Recreation Commission. Mr. Stetson moved to appoint Ms. Amy Meeks to the Recreation Commission pending the results of the background check, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated the letter sent to Secretary Grumbles was unanswered to date. He said that with the Council’s permission he would like to make a call to Secretary Grumbles. The Council agreed.
Mr. Stetson stated that he attending the Kent County Council of Governments (COG) meeting on September 16th and said that every town reported a successful summer thanks to an improving economy.
Mr. Stetson stated that he met with the manager of Tractor Supply and said that they were looking forward to their grand opening this upcoming weekend. He said that Ward Four has had both shopping centers recently improved and the Town seemed to be doing well.
Mr. Stetson stated that Mayor Cerino gave a talk at the Community Breakfast Meeting held last Thursday and said that it was well done and provided details of all that Chestertown has done over the past couple years.
Mr. Shoge stated that things were going well in Ward Three. He asked if there was any progress made on the sidewalk repair on Devon Drive in Coventry Farms. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Town masonry crew looked at the sidewalk and the contractor responsible for the damage was supposed to fix the sidewalk. He said that if it was not fixed, the mason crew would fix it and bill the contractor.
Mr. Shoge asked what would happen to the playground equipment at 601 High Street. Chief Baker state that the playground equipment belonged to the Town and said that he would like to see it put to good use, adding that Carrot Top Day Care expressed interest in taking the playground to their new location.
Ms. Kuiper stated that she would like to thank the Police Department for all that they do for the Town of Chestertown.
Ms. Kuiper stated that on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:00 p.m. there was a State Highway meeting scheduled at 400 High Street.
Ms. Kuiper stated that the Chamber of Commerce’s business “after hours” was scheduled on Thursday, September 24th at the Wilmer Park.
Ms. Kuiper stated that RiverFest was being held on Saturday, September 26th and would kick-off with the inauguration of President Bair at 10:00 a.m. at Washington College followed by the festivities at Wilmer Park and the Foot of High Street from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Ms. Kuiper stated that this year would mark the 40th anniversary of the Tea Party and said that there were volunteer categories that needed to be filled. Anyone interested in working on the Tea Party Festival should contact the committee.
Ms. Kuiper stated that the Harry Potter Festival would take place the first weekend in October.
Ms. Gross stated that there was an erroneous street sign installed on Kent Street. The sign read South Kent Street and it was placed on North Kent Street. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he would see that the sign was corrected.
Mr. Dan Menefee asked the original total amount due from Kent County was for sewer in the expanded area. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the bill was in excess of $90,000.00, which accounted for hookups on MD 289 and Lover’s Lane. He said that in meetings with Mr. Crofoot, an agreement was made that hookup fees would be paid only on vacant lots moving forward, so in theory the previous bill would be waived under the MOU proposed.
There being no further business, Ms. Gross moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor