Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., Thomas A. Gross, Sr., Mabel Mumford-Pautz and J. Brian Kirby, W. S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the Mayor and Council meeting of February l, l998. Mr. Bristoll moved that the minutes be accepted as presented, seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey called on Chief Bradley for the police report. A copy of his report is attached to these minutes. Mayor Bailey announced that the town bookkeeper, Linda Quinn, and her husband will be moving. We will not only be losing our bookkeeper but also a reserve police officer.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz questioned the letter writing procedure for code violations in regard to property owners cleaning up their property. Chief Bradley said to date there have been no citations issued and after a letter is sent, the property owner usually cleans up their property.

Chief Bradley said that Sherrie Jacob has resigned her position as Meter Maid/Crossing Guard as of the end of January. At the present time they are waiting to receive ticket books before hiring someone to replace her.

Motion was made by Mr. Kirby, seconded by Mr. Gross, and unanimously carried, that an Executive Session be held following the Mayor and Council Meeting, to discuss the hiring of a Meter Maid/Crossing Guard.

Mayor Bailey read a proclamation recognizing the Kent County Chapter of Red Cross for l years of service and designating the month of March as Red Cross Month in Chestertown.

Mr. John Martone was present, and as a followup to his letter to Mr. Ingersoll, was requesting permission for outdoor dining on the patio next to Jillian's Pub. Following discussion, motion was made by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz, seconded by Mr. Bristoll, and carried that permission for outdoor dining be granted to Jillian's Pub on a probationary basis.

Mr. Ingersoll said he had a request from Randolph Lindsey, Sr. to use the High Street wharf for the yearly Dinner Cruise, Lady Baltimore Harbor Cruises, on July l, l998, from 6 PM to midnight. Mr. Lindsey has permission from Kent County (Carter Stanton) as this is county property. Motion was made by Mr. Bristoll, seconded by Mr. Kirby, and unanimously carried that permit be issued to Mr. Lindsey.

Mr. Ingersoll announced that we have received a very nice thank you from Chester, Nova Scotia for the Christmas wreath sent them from the Town. He also announced a Governor's Partnership Policy Council on Block Grants Meeting on March 23, l at 6 P.M. at the Board of Education Building.

Mr. Ingersoll reported that he attended the second County Smart Growth meeting and he had made up a list of projects for a six to twenty year period. He said apparently the State has asked for this and the County is coordinating this for the various Towns. Mr. Ingersoll read the list he is prepared for short and long term consideration. The Council approved the list to be submitted as outlined by Mr. Ingersoll.

Mr. Ingersoll said that the Council held a workshop meeting in regard to the proposed Visitor's Center Architectural Contract. A motion was made by Mr. Bristoll, seconded by Mr. Kirby, and carried that the architectural contract for the Visitor's Center be awarded. The vote was 4 - l with Mr. Gross opposed.

Mr. Harry Schreiber read a letter from the Chestertown Citizens in Action pertaining to the Visitor's Center. Mr. Ingersoll said that the Town would answer all of the items they addressed.

Mr. Ingersoll asked for the Town's preference on the recommendation by the Planning Commission to spend up to $25,000 for consultant work on the Town's Comprehensive Plan. Following discussion motion was made by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz that an RFP be drafted for consultant work on an hourly basis for work on the Comprehensive Plan. Motion was seconded by Mr. Bristoll, and unanimously carried.

Mr. Ingersoll said on Thursday morning a specialist from Holophane Lighting Company will review the lighting changes for the Hot Spots commercial area.

Representatives were present from the Chester River Craft School. Mr. Drew McMullen, Director of the Sultana Project gave a presentation on the layout of a building site for the reproduction of the l767 schooner. The school is looking for a place to build it, and respectfully asked the Town to consider the possibility of letting them use the front lot being vacated by the Kent County Roads at the corner of Cannon and Mill Streets. Following discussion Mr. Bristoll moved that the Town evidence support for the project and the use of the property shown by the Sultana Group. This was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz. The matter was tabled until the next meeting in order to give Mr. Gross time to check on a couple of questions that he has. Details will be worked out and a lease signed at a later date.

Mayor Bailey read a letter from the Kent County Commissioners respectively requesting a show of support for the Kent County Government Center Project at 400 High Street. A summary of the project was enclosed. A motion to write a letter to Delegate Mary Walkup and Senator Baker in support of the 400 High Street project, was made by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz, seconded by Mr. Bristoll, and unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Mr. Bristoll, seconded by Mr. Gross, and unanimously carried, that the bills, as presented, be paid.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 P.M.

Submitted by:

W. S. Ingersoll

Town Manager

Approved by:

Margo G. Bailey

Mayor RETURN to 1998 Minutes