MINUTES
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
January 22, 2002

Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. In attendance were Mabel Mumford-Pautz, J. Brian Kirby, Whaland Clark, Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., William S. Ingersoll, Town Manager , Jennifer Stead, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting of January 7, 2002, or the Executive Session of the same date. Mr. Bristoll moved that the minutes be accepted as presented, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated an Executive Session was held at 8:05 p.m. after the Mayor and Council meeting of January 7, 2002 to discuss a personnel matter. The entire Mayor and Council was present, no motion was made or passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m. Minutes were taken and are part of the record.

Mayor Bailey stated that cash on hand and in banks was $613,658.65.

Mr. Ingersoll requested an Executive Session following the meeting for personnel and real estate matters. Mr. Bristoll moved for an Executive Session in accordance with section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of the State of Maryland to discuss personnel and real estate matters, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated at the last meeting there was a discussion about vultures. He stated sixty-one (61) letters to neighbors surrounding "Eliason's Hollow" were sent out and twenty-nine (29) had been returned. The letters were not complete, but there were seven (7) in favor of removing the vultures and the rest were not. Mr. Ingersoll distributed the letters for review by the Council.

Mr. Clark asked what geographic area the letters covered. Mr. Ingersoll stated the letters went to the residents of Kent, Calvert, Washington, and Spring Avenue, in an area circling the area the vultures habitat.

Mr. Ingersoll stated there was room for comment on the letters and was waiting for the other responses. The letters had not been sent out until last Thursday and answers so far ranged from "leave them alone, what are they hurting", to "get rid of them right away". Mr. Ingersoll thought was that if there was not more of a vote to remove them, it would be left to the private property owners who were experiencing damage to their properties to drive the vultures off . Mr. Ingersoll stated that his full report and final recommendation would be made at the next meeting.

Mr. Ingersoll stated the Parker's had sent a note to the Town thanking them for undergoing the process of asking neighbors how they felt about the vultures.

Mr. Ingersoll stated the Block Grant Agreement for Upper Shore Aging Senior Center had been received, signed and returned. It was for $450,000.00 to build a Senior Center on Rt.291. There had to be an environmental review before the project could be started which would be similar to other construction projects with short-term environmental impacts, but long-term social benefit.

Mr. Ingersoll stated the Town had received Concurrence In Award from the State Highway Administration for $400,000.00 TEA-21 grant for the Visitor's Center. Mr. Ingersoll stated that he was working with the County and Chamber of Commerce on a lease or memorandum of agreement and would report back to the Council when he had more information.

Mayor Bailey stated Dr. Anne Hennessey was present at the last Council of Governments
meeting. After the disturbance at Washington Square a year and one-half ago, groups were formed to look at problems and solutions. Dr. Hennessey's group was formed to look at social issues and it was decided there was a need for a Human Relations Commission in Kent County. The closest Commission in the area was in Salisbury. The Human Relations Commission would hear issues about unfairness in housing, workplace, and public accommodations. Mayor Bailey asked the Council to go over the information given to them She stated she would ask their opinion at the next meeting.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz thanked the Volunteer Fire Company, Red Cross, family members and neighbors for their work with the family burned out at Lynchburg and Cannon Street during the past week. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated the response from the Volunteer Fire Company was outstanding.

Mr. Kirby thanked the street crew for their work during the snow.

Mr. Clark made a motion for payment of bills, was seconded by Mr. Kirby 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:

Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:

Margo G. Bailey
Mayor