Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 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, Joan Merryman, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved that the minutes from the meeting of October 5, 1998 be accepted as presented, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey announced that the Mayor and Council has cash in banks and on hand of $796,923.97.

Mayor Bailey called on the Town Manager for his report. Mr. Ingersoll said he was asked at the previous meeting to explain the amount budgeted for internet services for this year. He introduced Hugh Williams and Michael Wootton from Chesapeake Bay Internet Associates. Mr. Williams said that the homepage was like a cyberspace visitor's center that was open 24 hours a day. He discussed the materials and information on the homepage, the number of daily hits the homepage receives, and the breakdown of their billing. He said the intent for the downtown portion was that the DCA would put up some money, however, they have not done so. He said the map of the downtown does show businesses, restaurants and lodging places. He said individual ads for businesses are paid by that business. He said he did the internet pages for the Town free for the first few years. He said their level of expense will actually be $10,000 for the year after adding new information and updating the materials. He said that they are developing the homepage for Rock Hall and they have budgeted $10,000 for this year. However, Chestertown's bills for the fiscal year will be $5,000.

Mr. Bristoll said Mr. Williams was invited to clarify what the costs for the internet service were and what the Town was getting for its money. He asked if the new plans or actions that are taken were ideas of Chesapeake Bay Internet. He said new development usually means new costs and he asked that the Mayor and Council be consulted and have a voice in those developments. Mr. Williams said he will work with the Council on that. Mr. Ingersoll said he had met with Mr. Williams in the spring during our budget process and went over what his costs would be. He said then he put in the budget item of $5,000 for the year. He said the downtown feature and historic homes were to be part of our fee for this year and if they are not done in the fiscal year, then the Town Council deserves a rebate. He said they were two of the items to be done this year along with updating and maintaining the page. Mayor Bailey said the Council will consider the internet costs again next year during the budget process.

Mr. Ingersoll reported that the landscaping on Cannon Street would start this week.

Mr. Ingersoll said that Earl French's camera died and Mr. French had borrowed a camera to tape the meeting. He said he would propose that the Town purchase a camera, which the Town would own, and Mr. French would use to film our meetings and events and promotions of the Town. He said that sort of camera costs $2500. He said if Mr. French used the camera for non-Town filming it would be on a lease basis and the money would be returned to the Town. He asked that the Council consider this proposal and bring it up in the next meeting.

Mr. Ingersoll said the discussions about answers to some of the CCIA questions were to be addressed by the Town Attorney. Mr. Barroll could not be present but he will attend the meeting on November 2, 1998. He said there will be a public hearing at 7:15 p.m. on that evening on the Family Support Center Block Grant Application.

Mayor Bailey reported that Carl Burke from Upper Shore Aging has advised that they no longer need funds from the Town for matching grant funding. They have gotten the match they need from other jurisdictions. She said Mr. Burke assured her that the best interests of Chestertown residents will always be foremost in his planning.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any comments or questions. Jim Richards said he was the night manager of the Sports Cafe and he wanted to clarify comments at the previous meeting. He said statements were made which named the Sports Cafe as a place where drug arrests were made and he was told the Town wanted to shut them down. Mayor Bailey said the officer from the Drug Task Force had stated arrests were made in the parking lot behind the Cafe. She said the Town had no thoughts about shutting down the business, that we are pro-business. Mr. Richards said no drugs are allowed, he stays in touch with the State Police and authorities here and he reports any illegal activities. He said he was probably the person who had called the police when the arrest was made and he will continue to keep the place cleaned up. Mayor Bailey said the Town has not heard any reports on the Sports Cafe. She thanked Mr. Richards for the good work at the Cafe.

Mr. Kirby asked about the 20 mph sign for Brown Street. Mr. Ingersoll said he referred it to Mr. Sterling and he will follow up on the sign.

Mr. Kirby asked for an executive session following the meeting to discuss a personnel matter. Mr. Bristoll moved that an executive session be held pursuant to Sec. 10-508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland to discuss a personnel matter, was seconded by Mr. Gross and carried unanimously.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz said there was a pile a furniture on Lynchburg Street; juveniles are congregating at the Munson building which indicates the need for recreation for young people in the evenings. She commended owners for the improvements in the 500 and 600 blocks of High Street. She asked about corrections to the sidewalk on S. Kent Street. Mr. Ingersoll said the difference in the sidewalk was because a grade in the property and he will work on this.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz reminded everyone of the Eastern Shore Association dinner on October 27, 1998 in Easton where candidates will be present to speak. She also reminded everyone of the Washington College Lacrosse banquet on Friday night.

There being no further business, Mayor Bailey asked the Council to review the bills. Mr. Bristoll moved that the bills be paid as presented, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mr. Bristoll moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:36 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:

Joan Merryman

Stenographer

Approved by:

Margo G. Bailey

Mayor