MINUTES
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
June 3, 2002

Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. In attendance were Mabel Mumford-Pautz, J. Brian Kirby, Whaland Clark, Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., William S. Ingersoll, Town Manager and Zoning Administrator, Jennifer Stead, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting or the executive session of May 6, 2002. Mr. Kirby moved that the minutes be accepted as presented, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

An executive session was held at 9:25 p.m. after the Mayor and Council meeting of May 6, 2002, to discuss a real estate matter. The entire Mayor and Council was present and voted unanimously to go into executive session to discuss legal matters and a requested land donation. No motions were passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Minutes were taken and are part of the record.

Cash on hand and in banks is $441,935.80.

Mr. George Leonard, from the Humane Society, was present to discuss the Mutt Strut and Duck Derby to be held on Saturday, June 1st. The Mutt Strut would start at Fountain Park and wind up in Wilmer Park and at 1:00 the Humane Society would launch as many ducks as they could sell. The owner of the winning duck would win two round trip tickets anywhere in America, courtesy of Southwest Airlines. There would be other prizes as well.

Mr. George Best, Jr., the recipient of the Chestertown Mayor's Scholarship Award, was present. Mayor Bailey and the Council publicly congratulated Mr. Best.

Mr. Ingersoll stated he wanted to introduce the Budget for 2003, Ordinance #2-02 with a public hearing to be held on Monday, June 3rd. The budget was first introduced at the last Mayor and Council meeting. The numbers had not changed with the total government revenues and expenditures at $3,376,918.00. The public would be able to comment on the budget at the next meeting. Mr. Ingersoll explained that the Council was working on enhancements for the police pension. There would be spending cuts and some revenues raised, such as the building permit fee. Mr. Ingersoll stated that enhancements cost a good amount, in the vicinity of $120,000 - $190,000, depending on whether it would only be the police force or all of the Town employees.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the MVA schedule from July to December was as follows: July 8, August 12, September 9, October 7, November 18, and December 9. The MVA apologized for missing last month's visit. They were rerouted to LaPlata to help with the victims of the tornado.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the SECU van would now be on High Street at the same place as the MVA bus on the second Thursday of the month.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that Ron Kerns made an application for the Prince Theatre for a special theatre beer, wine, and liquor license. The hearing would be June 11, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at the County Commissioner's Office. Mr. Ingersoll stated that generally, unless the Mayor and Council had a specific comment on the liquor license, that the hearing would go without comment, positive or negative, from the Town.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Rotary Club had finished the pavilion and would like some help in choosing paint color for the exterior. It was primed in white and had a gray roof. Mr. Bristoll suggested that the Council visit the site and make a decision at the next meeting. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Rotary had discussed benches in a "U" shape. The Town committed to brick pavers and the bronze plaque was in for Mr. Corr. The Rotary was looking for benches and was asked to advise the Council of their choice.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that there was a contract with David A. Bramble, Inc. to pave the following streets before the end of the fiscal year, June 30th: Roberts, School, Brown, Reed Court, Barroll, David, Waldo, Byford, Birch Run, Cedar, Richard, Kent, and Riverside Terrace.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Council was invited to the Tea Party parade at 10:00 a.m. to judge. Mayor Bailey stated the Tea Party Cocktail Party was on Friday, May 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the pavilion. Tickets were $12.00 and could be bought at the Complete Bookseller, Play it Again Sam's, the Chamber of Commerce, and Scottie's Shoe Store.

Mayor Bailey stated that there would be a free youth tennis clinic beginning Thursday, June 6th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and continue through the summer at the Chestertown Middle School. Ryan Grim could be contacted for more information at 410-810-1417.

Mayor Bailey stated she was in receipt of a petition from the residents at Lynchburg and Prospect Street requesting speed bumps. Mayor Bailey read the petition into the record. Mr. Bristoll moved for the installation of 3 speed bumps on Lynchburg and Prospect Streets to control the speed of traffic was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that there would be two speed bumps on Prospect Street and one on Lynchburg.

Mayor Bailey read a letter into the record summing up the way the Mayor and Council felt on the Crossroads issue. The letter was addressed to Barry Barrell, President of the Board of Directors of Crossroads Community and copied to Stewart Barroll, Esquire, Mr. John Plaskon, The Honorable Wayne Gilchrest, The Honorable Paul S. Sarbanes, The Honorable Barbara Mikulsky, and The Honorable Walter M. Baker. A copy of the 2000 census, showing the extremely high ratio of group homes in Kent County compared to other areas was enclosed.

Mr. Clark made a motion to sign and send the letter, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that Congressman Gilchrest wrote to HHS and requested that they look at the concerns of the community.

Ms. Risa Andrews, of 411 Greenwood Avenue, stated that the letter was commendable and thanked Mayor Bailey. She asked that the copy be sent to Tommy G. Thompson, Health and Human Services Secretary, Louis Mancuso, and Brian Rooney.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that none of her family was serving on the Board of Crossroads Community.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that she would like to see trashcans in her ward. Mayor Bailey stated that they were working on a grant for that.

Mr. Peter Clements stated that eight (8) people were present for the Town Watch training. The Chief and his officers were also present for the training. He stated the next session would be held on June 1st.

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

Mr. Clark moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:07 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:

Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:

Margo G. Bailey
Mayor