Mayor and Council Minutes – September 9, 2015

MAYOR AND COUNCIL

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

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 August 17, 2015 or the Special Meeting and Executive Session of August 31, 2015. 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 6:00 p.m., August 31, 2015 in accordance with§3-305(b)(1)(7) of the Open Meetings Act. The purpose of the meeting was to interview candidates for the position of Arts and Entertainment Manager/Economic Development Coordinator and to meet with Counsel regarding the Ivey-sol injections at the Hospital. 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. For the portion of the meeting dealing with §3-305(b)(7) Michael Forlini, Esquire and Bob Sipes, Utilities Manager were present. Two candidates were present and interviewed for the position of Arts and Entertainment Manager/Economic Development Coordinator. The only motion of the evening was to offer the Arts and Entertainment position to one of the two finalists. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.   Minutes were taken and are part of the record.

Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay bills. Mr. Stetson moved to pay the bills as presented, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that there was a request for a block party on Queen Street for Saturday, September 12^th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with street closures between Maple Avenue and High Street along with a request to waive the open container regulations for the duration of the party. Ms. Gross moved to approve the permit request for a block party on Queen Street from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 12^th and to approve a waiver of the open container law during the party as outlined in the permit request, was seconded by Ms. Kuiper and carried unanimously.

Chief Baker was present to give the statistics of speed on Haacke Drive to determine if speed bumps were warranted. The results are as follows:

Mr. Stetson stated that Haacke Drive was a wide road with no sidewalks and suggested narrowing the road by adding bike and pedestrian lanes on each side of the road. He said that if the paint did not work, speedbumps could always be added at a later date. The Council agreed. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he would contact the person who submitted the petition to see if the residents agreed to that suggestion and look into the symbols for biking and striping.

Mayor Cerino called forward Ms. Stacy Clough who was present on behalf of Kent County Parks and Recreation to discuss the 2015 Summer Program. Ms. Clough stated that Kent County Parks and Recreation has been offering campership to children for 5 years. There were 224 children involved in the camp. A total of 30 children lived in the Chestertown town limits and were awarded scholarships amounting to $10,280.00 from the Town of Chestertown. There were 6 children involved in the Kiddie Camp which ranged in age from 3 ½ to 5 years, 18 Day Campers ranging from 6 to 10 years, 2 participants in “Youth in Action” for 5^th and 6^th grade students and 4 participated in the “Leadership Program” which was designed for 7^th, 8^th and 9^th grade.

Ms. Clough reviewed the activities that were offered at camp. Mr. Shoge asked if any of the programs were offered in Chestertown. Ms. Clough stated that there used to be camps in Chestertown and in Rock Hall, but the numbers were not enough to support staff at those locations so they moved to one location in at the Kent County Recreation Center in Worton.

Ms. Clough stated that the transportation the Town was offering was not utilized this year, even though efforts were made to get the word out about it. Mr. Ingersoll said that only four (4) people used it last year.

Mayor Cerino stated that it sounded as though the summer programs were well attended and next year the Town had to work on the transportation issue. He presented Ms. Clough with a check for $10,280.00 for the camper scholarships.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that when the contract negotiations were entered into with the bidder who was awarded the contract for the police department IT work, they were looking for a large percentage of money up front which was not how the Town worked. He said that without the generator included the second bidder was actually the low bidder. Chief Baker agreed, stating that he would like the Council to reconsider the awarding the bid to Chesapeake Telephone Systems in the amount of $82,299.00. He said that the original awarded bid included the generator, but he thought it more prudent to redirect the bid for work at 601 High Street to Chesapeake Telephone Systems, excluding the generator from the bid specifications, with the understanding that the Town will purchase the generator. Mr. Stetson suggested looking into state surplus for a generator.   Mr. Stetson moved to redirect the bid award for 601 High Street to Chesapeake Telephone Systems in the amount of $82,299.00, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he was in receipt of a letter from the State Highway Administration indicating that the upcoming Annual Capital Program tour meeting for FY2016-21 Consolidated Transportation Program will be at the Kent County Government Center, 400 High Street on Tuesday, September 22^nd at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Gross asked if the Chestertown SHA Task Force will be attending this meeting. Mr. Shoge stated that the task force is aware of it due to the fact that the meeting fell on their scheduled meeting date, causing their meeting to be rescheduled to September 29^th.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he was in receipt of a letter from the Kent County High School Football Boosters requesting a donation for practice equipment, uniforms, and membership in HUDL (college recruiting program). He said that the boosters told him 20 Chestertown residents play on the team. Mr. Ingersoll stated that this might be something for the Recreation Commission to research. Mayor Cerino stated that the letter should also go to the Kent County Commissioners.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he was in receipt of a letter from Kent County which said that recycling for special events (over 200 people) was now a public law. He said that the letter did not indicate where to take the recycling once it was collected, noting that Chestertown was the only Town in the County with curbside recycling. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Town has been putting out recycling containers for some time, but it was now a state law that the organizers of an event, that will have more than 200 in attendance, recycle.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that Mr. Marty Holden at the Kent County Public Works told him if the Council wanted recycling igloos in Town the County would provide them.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he would like to set potential dates to meet with the Kent County Commissioners to discuss the Quaker Neck Sanitary District Memorandum of Understanding. The Council suggested either Monday, October 5^th or Monday, October 19^th at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Kuiper asked if the other Towns in the County should be invited to the meeting. Mr. Ingersoll suggested that the matter be discussed at the Council of Governments Meeting on Wednesday, September 16^th.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he had a permit request from Reverend Fisher of the Gospel Church of God at 434 Calvert Street to block off the corner of Calvert and Lynchburg for a community outreach activity on October 30, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Council agreed to the request.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he and Ms. Mulligan met with Ms. Cheemoandia Blake at the Kent County Board of Elections to discuss what was necessary for the November 3^rd election. He thanked Ms. Blake for her help with the elections. He said that currently the voter registration logs were being reviewed for accuracy.

Mr. Shoge asked how Chestertown could bring their elections in line with federal and state elections. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the MML would have to consistently make that request on their legislative agenda so that municipalities were ultimately lined up with gubernatorial and presidential elections. He said the elections are a large expense and it would be good to tie all the elections together as more people turn out to vote at a larger election.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he would like to request an executive session following this meeting to go over the Arts & Entertainment District position under personnel. Mr. Shoge moved for an executive session under General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(1) to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.

Mayor Cerino read a Proclamation declaring the week of September 7^th through September 13^th, 2015 as “National Patriotism Week”.

Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to reappoint Barbara Creegan to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Stetson moved to appoint Ms. Barbara Creegan to the Zoning Board of Appeals, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.

Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to reappoint Ruth Menefee to the Tree Committee. Mr. Shoge moved to reappoint Ms. Ruth Menefee to the Tree Committee, was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.

Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to reappoint Ms. Cynthia Saunders to the Tree Committee. Ms. Gross moved to reappoint Ms. Cynthia Saunders to the Tree Committee, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.

Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to reappoint Ms. Jane Scott to the Tree Committee. Ms. Gross moved to reappoint Ms. Jane Scott to the Tree Committee, was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.

Mayor Cerino stated that Mr. Coby Stohrer resigned from the Board of Supervisors of Elections and said that Ms. Cheryl Hoopes agreed to serve on the Board. Mr. Stetson moved to appoint Ms. Hoopes to the Board of Supervisors of Elections, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.

Ms. Gross stated that she had an email from Mr. Brandt Troup, Chairman of the Recreation Commission, recommending Ms. Amy Meeks to fill a vacancy on the Commission. Mayor Cerino stated that Ms. Meeks could be appointed at the next meeting.

Mayor Cerino stated that a letter was mailed to Secretary Grumbles at the Maryland Department of the Environment to request a Consent Order to protect the Town should the wells be contaminated by any oil escaping the Hospital site. He said that the Town has repeatedly expressed concerns over this issue, but MDE approved the remediation plan with minor modifications. The Town felt as though it was appropriate to have a legally binding agreement spelling out who would bear the financial responsibility should something go awry at the Hospital oil spill site. Mayor Cerino stated that he intended to call Secretary Grumbles personally later in the week.

Mayor Cerino stated that Town would carefully watch all of the data coming from the pilot tests and if there were any contaminants heading to the wells on or below Brown Street, the Town may be pressed to get an injunction.

Ms. Gross stated that on Thursday, September 10^th she would be in Easton, along with Mr. de Mooy, at the second of three meetings on the Maryland Healthy Waters Initiative regarding storm water management.

Ms. Gross stated that Ms. Jen Baker of Chester River Wine & Cheese Co. surveyed handicap accessibility, or lack thereof, in downtown Chestertown. She said that she would be compiling notes and photos in the hopes of discussing some changes at a future meeting. Ms. Gross stated that if Chestertown was known as a handicap accessible town, it could be used as a marketing tool.

Ms. Kuiper stated that there was a problem with parking during Farmers Market hours. She said notices were on all meters but there was an individual who parks on the corner each Saturday anyway. Ms. Kuiper stated that she asked if a fine could be imposed. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the language indicating “violators will be towed at owner’s expense” might be added to the signs.

Ms. Kuiper stated that there were people who were illegally parking in handicap spaces and asked Chief Baker to see the fines were enforced.

Ms. Kuiper stated that the crosswalk signs were needed in the streets on weekends. Mr. Ingersoll stated that additional signs may have to be ordered.

Ms. Kuiper stated that she attended the HOYAS/CPIP program at Washington College and said that it was good program to introduce middle school children to college life. She said that if the grant continued, it would be good if it followed the kids through the end of high school.

Ms. Kuiper stated that she would like to see the $600.00 that was not used for transportation to the Kent County Parks and Recreation this summer be sent to the Horizons program. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he would have to verify that it was budgeted this year because there were only four (4) riders the previous year. Mr. Shoge stated that he wanted transportation to Worton to be considered in the budget each year as he was concerned over too much consolidation. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he thought things could be done in order to make the transportation to Worton a success.

Mr. Shoge stated that he met with Ms. Doris Mason, Executive Director of the Upper Shore Regional Council, and said that she would like to help with economic development initiatives in Town. Ms. Mason would be calling to be on a future agenda to see how the Upper Shore Regional Council could collaborate with Chestertown.

Mr. Shoge stated that he went to Washington Park Day on Saturday, sponsored by the Washington Park Foundation, and said that it was a well-attended day and the entire neighborhood seemed to be in attendance. He said that the residents would like to see more amenities at the park, such as a pavilion.

Mr. Stetson asked how the plans for the Kent County Middle School were coming along regarding the ball fields and other amenities on site. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Town was still waiting on the final approval by the Maryland Board of Public Works and said parts of the project were ready to go.

Mr. Stetson stated that there were a few dead trees at the Bailey Park and said that if they were no longer under warranty he would like to see them cut.

Mr. Stetson stated that he was happy to announce that he would be running for another term representing the Fourth Ward. He said many people in his ward have asked him to run again. Mr. Stetson stated that he would not accept donations for his campaign as he wanted his constituents to know that if he did something for them, it was because he thought it was the right thing to do, adding that if anyone runs against him he would like to participate in a debate for the residents of Ward Four.

There being no further business, Ms. Kuiper moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m., was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:                                                 Approved by:

Jennifer Mulligan                                            Chris Cerino

Town Clerk                                                     Mayor