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

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2002. Mr. Bristoll moved that the minutes be accepted as presented, was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Chief Coryell stated that for the month of November 2002, the Chestertown Police Department made twenty-three (23) adult arrests, involving the placement of forty-five (45) separate charges. The categories of the most charges were assault, of which there were twelve (12). There were four (4) DWI's and four (4) arrests for CDS. The Police Department also made ten (10) juvenile arrests with the placement of fourteen (14) separate charges. In addition, there were five (5) civil citations issued, four (4) for open containers and one (1) for loud noise violation.

Chief Coryell stated that there were four (4) officers assaulted in two (2) separate instances during the month. Three (3) were assaulted the previous Friday night at Santa Claus' arrival.

Chief Coryell stated that the department received a commendation letter from Dr. Bonnie C. Ward, Superintendent of Schools thanking them for the efforts made during the time of the sniper shootings.

Mr. Kirby asked Chief Coryell if he had a report of a mugging at the Garnett Elementary School on November 23rd. Chief Coryell stated that there was not a report filed.

Mr. Ingersoll read a letter from Charter Communications stating that they were closing their Grasonville office no later than December 31, 2002. Mr. Ingersoll stated that there was not a franchise agreement with Charter Communication. Mr. Ingersoll suggested researching to see what other companies were available.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the schedule for the first half of the year for the MVA was January 13, February 10, March 10, April 7, May 12, and June 19, 2003. The list would be posted on Chestertown's website.

Mr. Ingersoll requested an executive session on a personnel matter. Mr. Bristoll moved for an executive session under Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of the State of Maryland for a personnel matter, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Christmas decoration contest was going to be held on December 15th. She said this sounded early, but was the only time it could be done in order to announce the winners at the last December meeting, which would be held on December 16. Nominations could be given to Jen Stead by Friday, December 13th at noon. Mayor Bailey stated that there will be a first and second place residential winner in every ward and there will be a first and second place commercial winner for the Town. The Beautification Committee would be judging the decorations and recommended the addition of one category for best daytime decoration.

Mr. Kirby moved for the addition one best daytime decoration award. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that there would be a gallery opening at the Chestertown Bank starting on Friday, December 5, from 5-7 p.m., titled, "Through the Eyes of a Child".

There being no further business, Mr. Clark made a motion to pay bills, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mr. Clark moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor