Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Whaland Clark, Mabel Mumford-Pautz, James R. Johnson and Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., 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 or the executive session of July 7, 2003. Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that an executive session was held at 7:55 p.m., directly following the Mayor and Council meeting of July 7, 2003 according to section 10.508 of the annotated code of the State of Maryland. The Mayor and Council voted unanimously to go into executive session following the Mayor and Council meeting of the same date. No motions were made or passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m. Minutes were taken and are part of the record.

Mayor Bailey stated that cash on hand and in the banks was $191,282.84.

Captain Edler reported that for the month of June 2003 there were twenty-eight (28) adult arrests with the placement of fifty-four (54) charges. The most charges were for assault, theft, bad checks, and CDS. There were seventeen (17) juveniles arrested with the placement of thirty-two (32) separate charges, the most being for disorderly conduct, harassment, and trespassing. Four (4) civil citations were issued, fifty-six (56) motor vehicle citations, and two hundred seventy-six (276) were written.

Captain Edler distributed the sixth month report to the Mayor and Council.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz asked who was going to be responsible for the loose dogs in Town. She said there were 300 new young dogs in her ward alone. Captain Edler stated that when called, the Humane Society would come.

Captain Edler introduced Officer Campbell, who graduated in June from the police academy. Mayor Bailey swore in Officer Timothy Campbell and welcomed him to Chestertown.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that stated that all the problems with the weeks of rain had finally been worked out.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the first CSAFE meeting was held and Mr. Josh Cohen, who runs the grant through the State, was present. He said the school zone was addressed and the hot spot officer would be told to be there every day between 3 and 4 p.m. There were problems that began right after the end of the school day.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that on Tuesday, July 22, the County Commissioner’s were discussing the property at the corner of Route 213 and Route 291. They had asked the Mayor to attend. Mr. Ingersoll would go in her stead and invited any of the Council who could attend to please join him.

Mr. Bristoll requested an executive session directly following the Mayor and Council meeting under section 10.508 of the annotated code of the State of Maryland for two contractual matters and a new hire. The motion was seconded Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that there was a request from the Kettledrum Tea Room for two 2’ x 2’ tables that would abut the front of the building during business hours. In addition, she requested a park bench in front the building next to the street. Mr. Ingersoll stated that this would be granted on a probationary basis as was the case for all of the downtown businesses. Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the tables, chairs, and benches and requested. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey read a letter of support endorsing the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway Seed Grant Application into the record.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Beautification Committee was planting the Martha Washington Freedom Garden between Town Hall and the Visitors Center.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz commended the SHA improvements to the instersection of Route 291 and Route 20. Mayor Bailey stated that the markings in front of Sud’s and Soda were a nice improvement as well. There would be new lights installed at the shopping center by the movie theatre and on Campus and Washington Avenues. Mr. Johnson asked if the traffic light was planned to be removed along High Street. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that the traffic light should not be removed at High Street and was needed.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that parents should volunteer to cross the children at Calvert and College Avenues before and after school.

Mr. Johnson stated that the employees at the Health Department wanted to thank the Town for the paving job in the industrial park.

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

Mr. Clark made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor