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 James R. Johnson, 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 February 18, 2003. Mr. Clark moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Chief Walter Coryell was present and stated for the month of February 2003, the Chestertown Police Department made a total of twenty-nine (29) adult arrests, involving the placement of thirty-three (33) charges. In addition, there were twelve (12) juvenile arrests involving the placement of nineteen (19) separate charges. There was one civil citation issued, forty-five (45) moving violations, and one hundred eighty-five (185) vehicle warnings issued. There were a total of five hundred ninety-six (596) calls for service.

Chief Coryell stated that twelve (12) of nineteen (19) reported crimes were cleared. There were eight speeding tickets given in proximity to “Curves” as addressed at the February meeting. He also said that Officer Standridge and her canine “Dingo” became the first team in the County to make over one hundred (100) arrests for narcotics charges with a dog.

Chief Coryell gave thanks to the National Guard for their help during the snowstorm and thanked the students who raised funds for protective vests for the police dogs.

Ms. Dottie Morlock, of the Board of Trustees of the Upper Shore Mental Health Hospital was present and stated that a closure of the Upper Shore Mental Health Hospital was being considered by the State Legislature. Ms. Morlock said that the Mayor and Council were able to help in the past with a similar problem and asked for their help once more in any way they could provide.

Ms. Morlock stated that a total of one hundred fifteen (115) jobs could be lost within the complex, if it closed, but this did not count the other clinics that would be affected if the hospital was closed. She asked that residents get in touch with their Legislators or anyone that could help. Mayor Bailey suggested that the Eastern Shore Delegation be contacted through Mary Roe Walkup, and that way all Senators and Delegates could be reached at one time. Ms McClung stated that Ms. Walkup had scheduled a meeting with Governor Ehrlich. Ms. Morlock gave the Council the names and addresses of people that could be contacted.

Mr. Bristoll moved that a letter be written to all Delegates with reference to Upper Shore Mental Health Center. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that Washington College applied for an Earth Day Celebration at Wilmer Park on Saturday, April 26th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There would be bands, vendors, and foods. The Council agreed that the application should be approved.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he had an application for Art in the Park at Fountain Park, on Saturday, September 6, 2003. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Town’s street crew lends help to this event and it was the same day as the Jazz Festival. The Council agreed that the application should be approved.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that it was time to enact the Ordinance 2003-01 Declaring Certain Real Property in Chestertown to be Surplus and Authorizing the Sale Thereof. He said the Ordinance was read in its entirety at the last meeting and if enacted would become law in fifteen (15) days.

Mr. Clark moved to approve Ordinance 2003-01, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that new residents, Jack Venscil and Lydia Barry Venscil had donated the $415.00 needed for the Downtown Merchant’s Map to be used at the Visitors Center. He read their donation letter into the record.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Charter Communication invoices had no number to contact for cable problems. He said the only number listed was the Town Office’s number on the back of the bill. He said he had emailed their main office to have the matter corrected.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that fifteen (15) applications were received so far for the meter monitor position and they would be processed in the near future.

Mr. Dean Zang, President of the Student Government Association of Washington College was present to update the Council on issues at the College. Mr. Zang stated that public safety on campus was important to the students. He stated he had a meeting with Mayor Bailey and Chief Coryell on Tuesday to discuss traffic patterns and lighting. He thanked Rock Hall Trolley Co. for their new campus transportation service. He said that Student Elections were being held on Tuesday and he would bring his successor to April’s meeting.

Mayor Bailey asked residents to report areas where streetlights were out.

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

Mr. Clark made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Johnson and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor