Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Whaland Clark, Mabel Mumford-Pautz and James R. Johnson, W. S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Jennifer Stead, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of January 27, 2003. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to approve the minutes noting that on page 2, Sunday, September 7th should be added for the weekend celebration, was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Chief Coryell stated that for the month of January 2003, there were fifty-nine (59) adult arrests with the placement of ninety-nine (99) separate charges. There were eleven (11) juvenile arrests with fourteen (14) charges placed, six (6) of which were CDS charges. There was one (1) civil citation issued, and sixty-five (65) motor vehicle moving violations. There were two hundred forty-eight (248) vehicle warnings. Chief Coryell stated that the format for the report had been changed as a new system was implemented.

Chief Coryell reviewed the annual report for the Chestertown Police Department. He said during 2002, three (3) new officers were hired and required field training, which reduced manpower. In addition, one (1) officer was on active military duty for five (5) months. In all, there was a 3% decrease in calls for service. There was also a 3.9% decrease in adult arrests.

Chief Coryell stated that major drug investigations were conducted during 2002 with the assistance of the Kent County Narcotics Task Force, Drug Enforcement Agency, and the ATF. The investigation ended in June resulting in fourteen (14) arrests.

Chief Coryell stated there was an increase in serious crime in 2002, primarily in regard to robbery and firearms offenses.

Mayor Bailey read a letter into the record from the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association commending Chief Coryell's appointment to the executive board of the association.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that there was a public hearing before the Mayor and Council meeting to discuss the Chestertown Annexation Resolution 1-2002, and the first part of the resolution was passed on December 16, 2002. He said if it was passed now, it would become effective March 27th, after a 45-day referendum period. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to adopt Chestertown Annexation Resolution 1-2002. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he met with Buckhart Horn about the BNR project. He said the project escalated to $3 million dollars to bring the Town to EPA standards. However, the grant amount had doubled to $1.5 million. Mr. Ingersoll stated this was all mandated under a consent order.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the DCA had been working to improve the downtown tourist map that showed the shopping district. He said the new map had specific changeable names of the businesses and a smaller version could be made for the Visitors Center. The cost would be $415.00 dollars and the DCA was looking to see what portion they could fund. The Town was interested in helping.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he received a letter from Drew McMullen, of Sultana, saying that if the Town was interested in utilizing the two days of free programming on the Sultana, now was the time to do it. Thirty-two (32) people could go sailing at one time. There could be one five-hour sail or two three-hour sails daily. If participants were under eighteen (18) years old they had to have a designated chaperone responsible. The Sultana could only resume responsibility for students once on Sultana. Students should not be any younger than fourth grade. Mr. Ingersoll stated that interested parties should contact the Town and he would get in touch with Parks and Recreation.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he wanted to thank the volunteers at the Visitors Center who put hours in on weekends and afternoons. He also said that Jen Stead was going a great job directing the Center and coordinating new volunteers.

Mayor Bailey stated she was in Annapolis for the Maryland Mayor's Conference and the State budget was addressed. She said she spoke with our Delegates and the Senator appealing to have them intervene for small municipalities. Highway User Funds were going to be cut by $90,000.00 for Chestertown and she asked residents to write to their Senator and Delegates asking them not to cut the Highway User Revenues so sharply.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that LGIT announced that during FY 2001 and FY 2002 the health insurance program incurred losses and were assessing the Town of Chestertown $14,606.00 for 2001 and $16,590.00 for 2002. The total assessment of $31,196.00 was not effective until FY2004. As of July 1, 2003, the Town would be indebted to the trust for that amount. Mr. Ingersoll stated that no Town knew that this was coming and there were no warnings from LGIT.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that this year it was estimated that $13,872.00 would be cut from Highway User Funds for the present year's budget.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that Chestertown would do fine, but wanted everyone to be aware in the beginning that if the debt could not be funded, the Mayor and Council would have to consider a tax change. It would be as modest as it could be under the circumstances.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the first thing to be done was to keep services where they were. He said that taxpayers got a good value from the Town for their taxes and they would continue to have the same. The Town was expected to take care of certain things and would not cut services or have anyone lose their job.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any questions or comments. There being none, Mr. Clark made a motion to pay bills, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey asked for a moment of silence for the flight members of the Shuttle Columbia.

Mr. Clark moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m. was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor