MINUTES
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
September 4, 2001

Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. In attendance were Mabel Mumford-Pautz, Whaland Clark, Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., William S. Ingersoll, Town Manager and Zoning Administrator, Jennifer Stead, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting or the Executive Session of August 20, 2001. Mr. Clark moved that the minutes be accepted as presented, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that an Executive session was held on Monday, August 20, 2001 to discuss a personnel issue. The entire Mayor and Council was present. The Council discussed a new job position for code enforcement. A Motion was made and it was decided by unanimous vote to appoint Ms. Billie Beck to this job as an addition to her existing position with the Town of Chestertown. The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

Mayor Bailey asked Chief Walter Coryell to give his report. Chief Coryell stated that during the month of August there were 26 adult arrests involving a total of 30 separate charges. 4 were controlled dangered substances, 5 were for assaults. There were 4 juvenile arrests with 5 separate charges.

Chief Coryell also reported on the outstanding performance of Jason Yiannikis. Earlier in the day, in response to a house fire that occurred at 103 College Avenue in Chestertown, he was very instrumental in saving the life of Frieda Collins. Ms. Collins suffered smoke inhalation and second degree burns over a large portion of her body. From what the Chief was told, Officer Yiannikis kicked in the door and entered the home, bringing Ms. Collins to safety. Ms. Collins was flown to Baltimore for treatment. Chief Coryell expressed how grateful he was to be a member of his agency where officers distinguish themselves by their courage and self-sacrifice for the citizens of the community.

Chief Coryell stated that he knew the Mayor and Council would join him at a future date, when he had all of the facts documented appropriately, so there could be an appropriate presentation to Officer Yiannikis for his valor, in the form of a commendation he can wear on his uniform, and also to remind the members of the community of his valor and self-sacrifice in his service to the people.

The Chief commended the children of the CINI organization, who held their last session this past Saturday. He stated that every child who signed up for the program was there and there was no speaker. Instead, they took the children to the rescue squad and the children learned about the equipment there. He said the children were impressed and appreciative for the trip. Afterwards, they proceeded with their clean up duties.

There was an instance where one of the children's names was found as graffiti on an abandoned building. The Chief discussed this with the child and at the end of the day the child had borrowed an officer's knife and scraped his name from the building. The Chief stated that he thought the child understood what a problem graffiti can be on an abandoned property. He stated that an abandoned property presents a danger not only in terms of become a gathering place and hiding place for narcotics, but its general appearance can bring down a whole community. The Chief stated that the program was a success and he will speak to the Downtown Business Association at their next meeting in two weeks about the program.

Mayor Bailey thanked the Chief and the officers who took their time to work with the youngsters. She stated that she thought it was a very positive experience for them. Chief Coryell stated that Officer Dolgos was primarily responsible for the program and that he did an excellent job.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Mayor and Council was looking forward to having Officer Yiannikis available so there could be an appropriate ceremony in his honor. She also asked Chief Coryell to thank him, and all of the officers, for their hard work.

Mr. Ingersoll reported on the Hot Spot Clean up. He stated that it started with four large dumpsters placed around the Hot Spot community. Mr. Ingersoll commended the Washington College's "Into the Street" program for their hard work.
The program consisted of 20 freshman volunteers from Washington College who spent their time in the Community helping with the clean up. Mr. Ingersoll showed pictures of the students and the street crews working together.

Mr. Ingersoll also thanked the County for helping by accepting about 50 tires that they had found into the landfill for free. The program was such a success that they left the dumpsters there for a second week and they were filled as well. September 4th was the last day for the program and Mr. Ingersoll stated that he wanted to get a report on the tonnage that was dumped. He stated that a $5,000 Hot-Spot grant paid for this.

Mr. Ingersoll also stated that the only casualty was to a homeless man who had left his belongings in paper bags. Mr. Ingersoll searched the dumpster and found a lot of his things and the Town helped to get him some new clothes.

Ryan Grimm, cameraman, was a team leader for the clean up. Mr. Ingersoll stated that there were four team-leaders. Some were from the college and some were from the street crew. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the street crews were very helpful overseeing that none of the college students found themselves in dangerous situations. Mr. Ingersoll stated that this would be a wonderful thing to do on an annual basis, not only for that neighborhood, but also for others, even if Hot-Spot grant money is not available.

Mr. Ingersoll reported that the Visitor's Center was given approval from the federal and state governments to advertise for bids. He stated bidding would begin in the Baltimore Sun on September 9, 10, and 11. It will be in the Kent News on the 13th and 20th. Open bids will be on October 15th.

Mr. Ingersoll had a request for the Kent County High School Homecoming Parade, which was approved. The parade was scheduled for September 29th at 9:00. The parade begins at Dixon Valve down High Street to Lawyer's Row.

Mr. Bristoll requested an Executive Session under Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of the State of Maryland, upon completion of the meeting, for several property topics and a request for easement, was seconded by Mr. Clark and unanimously carried.

Mayor Bailey read a Proclamation, stating that National Assisted Living Week would be September 9th through 15th.

Mayor Bailey read a letter from the Kent Hospice Foundation, describing tax credits to help develop and implement a Children's Bereavement Program for Kent County. Anne O'Connor, Bereavement Coordinator, had contacted representatives from some of the Kent County Schools and the program had been deemed much needed. Mayor Bailey asked the Council for approval to sign a Resolution to submit with her application to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Mr. Bristoll moved that the Resolution be accepted as written, was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that she would like bring up Betty Needles, Chairman, Hilda Gilbert and George Johnson for reappointments to 4-year terms on the Board of Supervisors of Elections. She will ask for approval at the next Mayor and Council meeting.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz took time to also thank Officer Dolgos, and all other people who volunteered to stabilize Ms. Collins so that she could be flown out for treatment. She stated that they worked on the street for about 2 ½ hours helping and she could never say enough good about the volunteers, police department and rescue squad.

Mr. Clark made a motion for payment of bills, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mr. Clark moved that the meeting be adjourned at 7:54 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Joan Merryman
Stenographer