MINUTES
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 18, 1999
Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:56 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 meeting of October 4, 1999 and the executive session of September 27,
1999. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved that the minutes be approved as presented, was
seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.
Mayor Bailey announced that the Mayor and Council has cash on hand and in banks on October 18, 1999 of $715,833.88.
Mayor Bailey called on the Town Manager for his report. Mr. Ingersoll said
it was obvious from the cash on hand that the tax collection by Kent County
is working well. We have received two payments from the County to date.
Mr. Ingersoll said that we will be eligible to get funds back from FEMA for
two main items, debris removal by the street crew and protective measures by
the Utilities crew (such as the diver contract, pumps, and their overtime).
He said we expect to get between $15,000 and $20,000. He said when Mr. Capel
asked about purchasing the diesel pump, he was told the Council would probably
approve it as the Town should get money back from FEMA and the allowance on
the rental fees on the pump. He said there may be funding for the upgrade of
the pumps at the foot of Cannon Street and he will check on this. He said this
was done about 8 years ago when we doubled or tripled their earlier size.
Mr. Ingersoll said he had a representative from FEMA come into Town Hall to
discuss assistance for private homeowners who had problems with flooded basements,
etc. where private insurance did not cover damages. He said he could not guarantee
that it was a grant but the phone number is available for people who need assistance
from FEMA.
Mr. Ingersoll said he had a request for an executive session on a personnel
matter from one of the Council. Mr. Kirby moved that an executive session be
held pursuant to Sec. 10-508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, was seconded
by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.
Mr. Kirby asked if Mr. Ingersoll knew what the costs had been for overtime
and other things during hurricane Floyd. Mr. Ingersoll said he and Pat Diver
were putting together a detailed list to be submitted to FEMA and it should
be about $20,000. He said we should get back 75% of what we submit. He said
we will have it in within 30 days, but they will accept the grant applications
for 6 months and they will accept things people are repairing even now but most
of our costs came during the storm.
Mr. Kirby asked if we had gotten a copy of the Hot Spot grant that was to be
submitted by October 8. Mr. Ingersoll said we have not gotten the copy but he
will get one.
Mayor Bailey reported on the Community Fair held on Saturday, October 16, 1999
on the 500 block of High Street. She said it one of the best events she ever
attended. She said it was well attended with representatives from Parole and
Probation, Social Services, Humane Society, Health Department groups represented,
and others with tables and information. She said there was music, food, and
activities for children. She said the neighbors swept their porches and sidewalks,
had flowers out, and spent the day visiting with each other. She said it was
a very positive event. She said the residents thanked the Community Council
and her for having this event and everyone was proud of their street.
Mayor Bailey said the Mayor and Council has been invited to judge the Halloween
Parade on Saturday, October 31 at 3 p.m. She asked that Councilmembers let Joan
know who will be there. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz said she would attend.
Mayor Bailey read a letter from Chris Conner of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
#10063. His request was to change the name of the lower block of Park Row to
"Veterans Row." Mayor Bailey said the Council had discussed using "Memorial
Place" but we had asked for public comment. She said this will come up for a
vote at the next meeting.
Mrs. Mumford-Pautz said a basketball net was needed for the Washington Park
court. She said there are windows on the 700 High Street house that need to
be boarded up. She reminded the Council of the Legislative Conference in Easton
the end of the week.
Mayor Bailey asked the Council to review the bills. Mr. Bristoll asked about
the $2000 bill for Bell Atlantic Mobile. Mr. Ingersoll said that under an arrangement
with the County employees can have cell phones under the same contract and we
are reimbursed monthly by the employees for those phone calls. He presented
an attached list of reimbursing employees. Mr. Ingersoll said the Council could
also participate in this program if they liked. Mr. Bristoll then moved that
the bills be paid as presented, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried
unanimously.
Mr. Bristoll moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Gross and carried unanimously.
Submitted by:
Joan Merryman
Stenographer
Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor