Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. In attendance were Council members Mabel Mumford-Pautz, W. Whaland Clark, James R. Johnson and Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., W.S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Joan Merryman, Stenographer and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the Mayor and Council meeting of August 2, 2004. Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that cash on hand and in the banks was $117,006.36.

Chief Walter Coryell introduced new officers Stephen Lozar and Robert Gwin to the Mayor and Council. He said that the officers were required to take a six-week course by the State of Maryland for certification. Until that was completed the officers would have to work with a partner.

Chief Coryell stated that for the month of July the Chestertown Police Department had forty-one (41) adult arrests with the placement of sixty-nine (69) separate charges. In addition, there were eight (8) juveniles arrested with thirteen (13) charges placed. There were three (3) civil citations issued and sixty-four (64) traffic citations. Two hundred seventy-four (274) traffic warnings were issued. The police department answered six hundred thirty-one (631) calls for service.

Chief Coryell stated that on Wednesday, August 11 th members of the Kent County Narcotics Task Force, Kent County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Chestertown Police Department, along with numerous other agencies executed four (4) search and seizure warrants on Prospect Street, N. Lynchburg Street, and Calvert Street. Recovered during the searches were one hundred thirty (130) grams of crack cocaine (worth approximately $25,000.00 on the street), thirty-one (31) grams of marijuana, $1,259.00 in currency, eighteen (18) shot guns, and other assorted paraphernalia.

Mayor Bailey asked if the properties involved were rentals. Chief Coryell stated that all four (4) homes were rentals. Mayor Bailey stated that the landlords needed to put a clause in their rental agreements that any unlawful conduct by the renter would be cause for termination of the lease.

Chief Coryell stated that the police department received the instructions to the radar machine and it was ready for use. Mr. Sterling had ordered speed signs that should be arriving shortly and the machine would be put on the street.

Mayor Bailey stated that there was an increasing problem with people who parked on the yellow lines. Mayor Bailey asked to meet with Chief Coryell in the near future to discuss citations for those in violation.

Ms. Sue Willits of the Kent County Emergency Management Agency was present to discuss hurricane awareness. She said that hurricane season ran from June 1 st to November 1 st, but from mid-August to October was the peak season. She said information could be found at www.kentcounty.com under the government section for hurricane preparedness and FEMA also had a web site available.

Ms. Willits suggested that residents of Kent County listen to WCTR 1530 am and WKHS 90.5 fm where emergency information is given on a moment’s notice with precautionary measures.

Ms. Originia Graves was present to discuss the “Back to School Block Party” that would be held on Saturday, August 21 st at the playground. She said that there would be refreshments and music along with games for the children from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. Ms. Graves stated that they were seeking monetary donations which could be made payable to the Town of Chestertown and any items for donations could be dropped at the Town Hall.

Mr. Drew McMullen of Sultana Projects, Inc., was present and said that the Sultana was being awarded the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in maritime education on October 22 nd at the New York Yacht Club. He said since last Fall more than 5,000 students, 70% of which are public school students from the Eastern Shore, have been on a Sultana outing. Since 2001 over 17,000 students have been aboard the Sultana.

Mr. McMullen stated that down rigging weekend would be held the weekend of November 5 th and Chestertown would have the largest fleet of wooden boats docked since the 1800s. Saturday sails would be available. Sunday from Noon to 5:00 people could tour the boats. There would be a charge of $5.00 for adults for the tours and children under 15 are free.

Mr. McMullen presented the Council with a docking schematic and request for music and to hang a banner on Cross Street.

Mr. Clark moved to approve the down rigging weekend as presented, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Ms. Bernadette Van Pelt, Director of Tourism Development for Kent County, was present to discuss the creation of Maryland’s Civil War Trails. She said that interpretive markers were proposed for three (3) sites in Kent County (Lauretum, the Courthouse lawn, and Monument Park). The State would pay for the initial marker and maintenance thru 2006. After 2006, the Town would be liable for a $500.00 fee, which would cover yearly maintenance of the marker and replacement every five (5) years for the Monument Park marker. Ms. Van Pelt stated that she was also seeking approvals from the Garden Club and the Historic District Commission for the markers.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to approve the Civil War marker for Monument Park as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Clarke and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that letters were sent to thirty-one (31) residents of Washington Avenue with reference to a center-turn lane. Fourteen (14) responses were received; eleven (11) opposed, three (3) in favor.

The residents opposed to the turning lane submitted a petition. Incorporated in the petition was a call for weight limits, elimination of the trucks on the bridge, and repair of manhole covers.

Mr. Clark moved to disallow the center-turn lane along Washington Avenue as proposed by the State Highway Administration, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the proposed expansion of the Historic District was ready to be presented. Mr. Ingersoll stated that at the second meeting in September he would present the proposal that was recommended by the Historic District Commission and recommended that a public meeting be held in October.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that there would be a CSAFE Safety Team Meeting at the Family Support Center on Friday, August 20 th at 10:00 a.m.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he has heard from many residents with reference to 4 th of July fireworks. Mr. Dan Saunders, Mr. David Wright, and Ms. Darlene Housely were forming a 4 th of July fireworks committee to raise funds to have fireworks for the year 2005. He said if $10,000.00 could be raised, it would be matched through a donation. Mr. Ingersoll stated that if the funds were raised he would someday like to see the fireworks shot from the harbor. He said John Conklin might be asked to help with technical advice.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Planning Commission was lacking a member. The vacant position should be filled in the near future.

Mayor Bailey stated that the last Music in the Park for the year would be held on August 28 th. She said that donations were welcome and could be forwarded to the Town Office.

Mayor Bailey requested an executive session for the sale of excess property. Mr. Bristoll moved for an executive session directly following the meeting under section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of the State of Maryland to discuss the sale of excess property. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

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

Mr. Bristoll moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor