MINUTES
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
October 1, 2001

Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Mabel Mumford-Pautz, J. Brian Kirby, Whaland Clark, Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., William S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Jennifer Stead, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting of September 17, 2001. Mr. Bristoll moved that the minutes be accepted as presented, was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Chief Coryell was asked to give his report by Mayor Bailey.

Chief Coryell stated that due to the events of September 11, our Nation's strength to a great degree had always laid in its diversity. As a nation, we must stand together at this time of stress and horrible tragedy of the civilian population. He stated that the police department had been as visible as possible and attended every ceremony held in order to let the community know that they stand ready to protect and serve the community.

Chief Coryell stated that for the month of September 2001, there were twenty-six adult arrests, involving thirty separate charges. There were eight arrests for possession of alcohol, five for assault, four for failure to appear in court, three for DWI, three for CDS, two for bad checks, two for theft, one for credit card fraud, one rape, and one sex offense.

Chief Coryell also stated that there were twelve juvenile arrests with fifteen separate charges. Five arrests were for disorderly conduct, four for CDS, three for possession of tobacco, two for assault and one for driving on a suspended license. In addition, there were two civil citations issued, one for noise violation and one for an open container.

Chief Coryell noted that he met with the Chestertown Downtown Business Association, gave a presentation, in reference to the CINI children, and they were very receptive to it. They pledged over $1,500.00 for a program to be held again next summer. Chief Coryell stated that was extremely helpful and was very pleased to have the help.

Chief Coryell stated that they also began the LETN (Law Enforcement Television Network) courses. Chief stated that the first order had been issued, and for law enforcement officers, training has to be ongoing throughout the year. He stated that in a small agency, it was difficult, even when funds were available, to allow officers to leave to attend training. Through the LETN officers can train in the office. For the first month there were three courses selected; two for Cultural Diversity and one for Crime Scene First Responder, Evidence Gathering and Preservation. Chief Coryell stated these were fitting in light of the September 11th events.

Mayor Bailey stated that Chief Coryell had agreed to participate in a forum that was to be held on Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at the Norman James Theater, Washington College. The title of the program was Unity and Diversity.

Mayor Bailey stated that she and Chief Coryell met with Mr. Sing and Dr. Augerwall with reference to the concerns about racial problems that could arise for people of middle-eastern decent. Mayor Bailey stated that had not happened here, but spoke of incidents in other areas, and wanted to inform people about the community, how diverse it was, and about the residents who lived here. The moderator was going to be David Newell, a professor at Washington College. Congressman Gilchrest was also scheduled to attend. Mayor Bailey thought it was going to be an interesting evening, with time for questions from the community. She stated that a well-informed community was a successful community.

Chief Coryell thanked Mayor Bailey for the opportunity to attend and stated that it was very important to have these sessions to allow the community to come together and stand against the terrorism that was facing the nation.

Chief Coryell stated that there was a resignation from an officer during the month and that brought the police department to two full-time openings for police officers. He also stated that one officer was due to be operated on later in the month and would be out for some time after that. He stated that the Kent News was going to be advertising for law enforcement officers and said that it was an extremely challenging profession. He stated that the events of the month only emphasized that. He wanted the very best officers possible for the community, who would remain dedicated to the community. He also stated that pensions and benefits would be looked at as means of keeping officers in the community.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz asked when the advertisement would be in the paper. Chief Coryell stated that it would be in Thursday's paper. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz asked if it could go into the Maryland Municipal Bulletin. Chief Coryell stated that they could submit it there as well.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that there were recent letters received in reference to the college students. She stated they have only been back one month and things already needed to be worked out. Although, Mrs. Mumford-Pautz said she liked the students and they made for great neighbors during the day, something had to be done about the late night parties. She stated that she was personally calling on the students who lived in her ward to discuss how to solve this problem. She asked if Mayor Bailey and Chief Coryell could speak to the college about the problem.

Chief Coryell stated that he had spoken previously to the college and there was an ongoing dialogue with the college. He stated that the college was going to be working with the students at two of the locations mentioned in the letter with reference to the parties. He stated there were some things in the community that could be used as a resource to deal with the problems. He also stated that at any time, the police were willing to meet with any group, to increase understanding in the community and to make conduct better.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that one problem was that there were not enough evening events for the students at the college. She stated that nobody in the community wanted parties until 4:00 a.m. Chief Coryell stated that he would like to help resolve the problem and would look into it. He suggested mediation as a source for resolving the issue.

Mayor Bailey stated that she talked to the founder of the Mediation Board and it was something that he was interested in. Mayor Bailey stated she would like to have a resident homeowner and a house of students sit down together to resolve some of these issues and then expand the program. Mayor Bailey stated she was going to work on that during the week. She stated that the police department could not be called to handle all problems and there had to be another way to work it out. Mayor Bailey hoped that mediation could begin in the next week.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that Dana Mitchell was present to request the use of Wilmer Park for a group who does war of 1812 reenactments, during the weekend of June 29, 2002. Ms. Mitchell stated that she was from the Schrewsbury Institute Committee and had just started working on the project. She stated that she met with some of the people who do the reenactments and was impressed with them. She stated it was a small group of people, who would like to camp in the park on Saturday, June 29th. She stated the reenactment would be sometime in the early afternoon, they would stay over, and were available on Sunday, for part of the day. That way, people could come on Sunday, and they would stay in character and discuss what life was like at that time.

Mayor Bailey stated she thought it was a great idea. Mr. Bristoll asked if it was open to the public, which Ms. Mitchell stated that it was. Mayor Bailey stated that learning our history was always something encouraged. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz asked if there was any rule for overnight guests at the park. Mr. Ingersoll stated that Wilmer Park is a dusk till dawn park, but that could be waived for a special event benefiting the public. Mr. Ingersoll stated Ms. Mitchell was a resident and would not do something that would disturb the residents. He stated there would be small campfires, with the grass repaired afterwards.

Mr. Bristoll asked how many people would be involved. Ms. Mitchell stated there would be about 10-12 tents, and somewhere between 50 and 80 people. Mr. Clark moved to allow the request as presented was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and unanimously carried.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that there was a request from the Chestertown Lions Club to formulate and organize the annual Lion's Club Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. The parade would form in the Garnett School parking lot and proceed down High Street. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz asked if there was a rain date and Mr. Ingersoll stated that he would have to get a clarification on that and get back to her. Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the request as presented, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and unanimously carried.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that while on the subject of Halloween, there was no set trick or treat hours.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that bid opening for the Visitor's Center was October 15, 2001.

Mr. Ingersoll discussed the election on Tuesday, November 6. The election is for the Mayor and Council members from the first and third ward. The polls would be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Board of Education Building on Washington Avenue. The last day to file a petition to run for election is Tuesday, October 9th at the Town Hall until 5 p.m. The last day to register to vote at the Kent County Election Board is Tuesday, October 9, 2001. Mr. Ingersoll stated that applications for absentee ballots must be requested at the Town Office. The application form may be requested at any time from now on, completed, and returned to the Town Office. Ballots, however, would not be available to be mailed out until after the filing deadline and the ballots are printed by the State. He gave written instructions to the Council in case there were any questions from their wards.

Ms. Ann Hoon, guest, stated that on Thursday, October 25th, the League of Women Voters would hold a public forum for the election at the Board of Education at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Board of Supervisors of Elections had already met once to go over early petitions for candidacy. This was in accordance with enhanced election procedures adopted after the last election. This way a candidate can be sure that they had enough registered voters before the deadline when the Board used to have their only meeting. They were scheduled to meet after 5 p.m. on October 9th, to go over any other candidates that have filed.

Mr. Bristoll requested an Executive Session be held after the meeting, to discuss a legal matter, pursuant to Sec.10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities had a chapter dinner scheduled in Salisbury on Tuesday, October 16th. He needed to know by October 11th who was going to attend. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz was the only one who was going and asked for permission to host the April chapter meeting.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Dr. Richard Norton, Chairman of the Chestertown Recreation Commission sent a memo the Mayor and Council stating they received state approval for a grant for portable basketball hoops in the amount of $2,388.00. They had originally requested $4,775.00. There was going to be official paperwork sent to the Town about it later. He stated the Town was also working on more permanent solutions to the lack of space for sports.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Beautification Committee was submitting a grant to Preservation Maryland to receive funding for a more detailed walking-tour booklet. It would run about 16 pages long. It would cover the whole Town with more information. At present time, the walking-tour only focuses on the lower part of historic Chestertown and this would allow for the entire historic district . There would be better mapping for the visitors, which would allow for other notable areas to be seen.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Town recently acquired the Raimond property at 113 Philosophers Terrace and it would be an extension to the Chestertown Fire Company. They had needed additional space for storage and offices and they would continue to use the current fire department instead of relocating.

Mayor Bailey thanked Marge Fallaw for all of her work for Music in the Park. For the past seven years, she has volunteered her time to book the players and do the grant work that goes through the Kent County Arts Council. She basically performs all the duties that allow for Music in the Park, which was a great deal of work, all done voluntarily. Mayor Bailey stated that she could not thank her enough for the pleasure the community received all summer from the programs.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that Frieda Collins had passed away. She was in a fire several weeks beforehand and had been hospitalized ever since. Her service was going to be held Tuesday, October 2, 2001 at 11 a.m.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz mentioned that she would like the summer program at Garnett Elementary School to continue with Orginia in charge. Mayor Bailey stated that preparations had to be made for the "Judy Center" which disrupted the program this past summer, but next summer it should be back on track.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated the community was neglected from Mill Street down and out to the railroad tracks. She wanted to see the historic district expanded to see that area included. She thought that all of Chestertown should be treated in the same fashion as the historic district and as equal as possible.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz also stated that she attended the Safety Team Meeting at Bethel. She was disappointed at the amount of money that was set aside for the program, for the Hot-Spot initiative, and what was being given in return. She stated that the community had to be a part of it. She thought meetings could be announced at the Mayor and Council meetings so residents would know in advance. She stated that Calvert Street, in particular had problems, but there was no way to know this unless the residents discussed the issues. She stated for the program to be worthwhile in the community, there were many things that had to be done.

Mr. Bristoll made a motion for payment of bills, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mr. Bristoll moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:10 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Joan Merryman
Stenographer