Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., W. Whaland Clark, 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. Mr. Kirby moved that the minutes of the meeting of August 7, 2000 be accepted as presented, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Mayor and Council has cash on hand and in banks of $346,813.77.

Mayor Bailey called on the Town Manager for his report. Mr. Ingersoll reported that the MVA bus schedule has been changed for September. They will be in Chestertown on Monday, September 18, 2000 rather than September 11.

Mr. Ingersoll said a resident was present to discuss permission for an easement across Town land. The Council had packets of information on the request. He said William Rogers owned 210 N. Queen Street which was a long narrow landlocked lot which came to a point in the back adjoining Town land on Horsey Lane. Mr. Rogers requested an easement across a small piece of Town land to come out on Horsey Lane in order to install a driveway from the back of his property. Mr. Ingersoll said the installation of this driveway would help with the parking congestion on North Queen Street. He said the driveway entrance would be next to the end of the parking area in back of Vince Raimond's apartment building. He said Mr. Rogers will have to be certain that there will be no water runoff or impounding onto Mr. Raimond's parking area. He recommended that the Town grant the easement and that Mr. Rogers proceed to have easement documents prepared by a surveyor. He said Mr. Rogers has discussed this with Mr. Heller (the neighbor on the other side) and the Hellers are not interested in having an easement into his driveway as they have driveway access from the front of their property. Mr. Bristoll moved that Mr. Rogers proceed to have an easement drafted as discussed for execution by the Town, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the County Commissioners have requested a meeting with the Mayor and Councilmembers to discuss the rail line from Worton to Chestertown. He said they suggested Tuesday, September 12, 2000 at 1:30 p.m. at the Commissioners office. The Council agreed to meet at that time.

Mr. Ingersoll said an executive session was needed to discuss a request from a property owner to purchase an excess parcel of land from the Town. Mayor Bailey said there was a personnel matter to be discussed also. Mr. Bristoll moved that an executive session be held following the meeting pursuant to Sec. 10-508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland to discuss a contractual and a personnel matter. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll asked Mr. William Plummer, who was present, if he wished to speak. Mr. Plummer said he had discussed the matter of noise from vehicles on a lot on Cannon Street with Mr. Ingersoll. Mr. Ingersoll said the visit to the site by the Police did not result in a satisfactory solution over the weekend. He said he will further discuss the matter with the property owner in order to resolve the problems.

Mayor Bailey read an invitation from the Kent and Queen Anne's Rescue Squad to their 40th year open house on September 9, 2000 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a picnic following from 3 to 6 p.m. and the Council was invited. Please let Joan know if you will attend so a response can be sent to the Rescue Squad.

Mayor Bailey requested that the October Utilities and Mayor and Council Meetings be changed from Monday, October 16. The Council agreed to meet on Monday, October 23, 2000. Mayor Bailey reminded the Council that the next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 5, 2000 as Monday will be Labor Day.

Mayor Bailey said the State of Maryland has announced another mortgage program. She said this program would be considerably different from the 4% program they have last year. She said the 5% money would be available to local governments on a competitive basis. She said it can be used for existing homes in community revitalization areas or for new construction. She read from the requirements of the program and she an application would require a cooperative effort from several sources. She asked Mr. Ingersoll to discuss his thoughts for an application for these funds.

Mr. Ingersoll said the program allowed financing for existing houses or new construction. He said the Town owns 11 townhouse lots left over from the Calvert Homes project which are already subdivided and have water and sewer laterals. He said it appears that the market will not take more townhouses, but these lots could be part of the cost of used for fewer single family dwellings. He said the match needed could be the land. He said if the dilapidated house on the corner of College and Calvert Street could be acquired, that building could either be restored and sold or removed and replaced. Both projects would create new homeownership properties. Mayor Bailey said if the Council agrees, the Town will work on an application. The Councilmembers agreed that the Town should apply for the grant as discussed.

Mayor Bailey said the Chamber of Commerce has asked whether the Town wishes to take out a paid ad in their business directory. The Town has always had just a business listing. The Council agreed that the Town would not take a paid ad in the directory.

Mr. Bristoll asked about the channel listing that the cable company promised to send to customers. He said he still has not received one. Mr. Ingersoll said Mr. MaGary had stated in a recent conversation that they would be sent.

Mr. Kirby asked if the Town had a list of the children who went on the trip to Kings Dominion. Mr. Ingersoll said we have that in the office and get a copy to him.

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. Clark moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:00 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Joan Merryman
Stenographer