MINUTES
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 22, 2002

Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:13 p.m. In attendance were Mabel Mumford-Pautz, J. Brian Kirby, Harrison J. Bristoll, Whaland Clark, 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 or the executive session of July 1, 2002. Mr. Kirby moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting and the executive session as presented was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated an executive session was held directly following the Mayor and Council meeting of July 1, 2002 under section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of the State of Maryland. The Mayor and three Council members were present and decided unanimously to go into executive session to discuss personnel and real estate matters. No motions were made or passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Minutes were taken and are part of the record.

Mr. Ingersoll read a letter from the Christmas Shop requesting that the Town's Christmas lights be turned on the nights of October 10th and 11th for their annual fundraiser at the armory. Many of the downtown shops were participating in this year's Christmas Shop. The Council agreed that the lights could be allowed for the two nights, and then would be turned off until the night after Thanksgiving. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he would contact Mr. Anthony and ask him if he could string the lights earlier this year.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he received a request from Rev. Fisher to block off Lychburg and Calvert Streets with cones on Saturday, July 27th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. for the Gospel Church Annual Team Challenge. The Council approved the request.

Mr. Ingersoll read a proposed amendment to the sidewalk ordinance into the record and said the ordinance needed to change to regulate the strip between the sidewalk and curb. He stated that some of the plants being used in the strip were inappropriate and could become overgrown, causing a safety hazard to motorists and pedestrians. Ms. Hornaday had written a pamphlet that stated what plants could be used and hoped to have the Town use the guide as an example. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the ordinance also needed to be specific as to whether the Town had the power to remove it the plants, or not, if they became overgrown.

Mayor Bailey stated that at the next meeting she would like to reappoint Evie Castill and Ted Chase to the Ethics Commission for three-year terms.

Mayor Bailey had a letter from Russ Brinsfield, Mayor of Vienna, asking for support of a regional planning effort to coordinate future growth and development of the Eastern Shore. Mayor Bailey stated that she would like Chestertown to adopt a resolution similar to the Town of Vienna. Ms. Merryman would draft a resolution for the next meeting.

Mayor Bailey stated that she wanted to discuss the issue of dog ordinances. Mayor Bailey stated that the Council had copies of ordinances from other Towns. She asked if pit bulls, presa canarios, concorsos and dogo argentinios should be included in the ordinance. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that she wanted to research the animals that were mentioned before any action was taken. Mayor Bailey stated that she had requested information on the dogs and when she received it she would pass it on.

Mayor Bailey stated that before the dogs were banned there had to be justification for it. A model ordinance could be adopted in full or in part. Mayor Bailey said that dangerous dogs that were already in Town would have to be grandfathered in at a certain date, and would have to abide by rules regarding the animals. There were many unlicensed dogs in Town and the Town would probably need a temporary hire to look for unlicensed dogs.

Mr. Bristoll stated there could be a temporary addition to the animal control officer, someone looking at the parks, and the police could also help to enforce the ordinance. Mr. Kirby stated that the police were not equipped to pick up dogs.

Mayor Bailey stated that she would like to approach the County Commissioner's with the Council's approval. She said if the Town and the County followed the same rules and restrictions it would be easier to enforce the ordinance. The Council agreed that Mayor Bailey could speak to the County Commissioner's Office. Mr. Kirby stated if there were a model ordinance at the next meeting it would help to move things along.

Mr. Kirby questioned why the Workmen's Compensation premium rose so dramatically. Mr. Ingersoll explained the Town received the bill after the start of the fiscal year. It was understood by the Town that the rate was only supposed to increase 8%. The problem was that there were several individuals who had been hurt and were represented by the same attorney who sought temporary/permanent disability determinations for their injuries that really cost the Town as a result.

Mr. Ingersoll stated there would be a budget revision for the Workmen's Compensation cost. Mr. Kirby asked where the additional money was going to come from, as the budget was lean for the year. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Town had to have Workmen's Compensation and they would have to find the money. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the amount was negotiated down quite a bit and was originally over $100,000.00.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that there were many problems in the third ward. She said that extra trash pick-ups and extra police calls were costly to the Town and would result in property owners having to pay more money to live in Chestertown when the taxes were raised.

Mr. Clark made a motion to pay bills, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

There being no further business, Mr. Clark moved to close the meeting at 8:42 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:

Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:

Margo G. Bailey
Mayor