Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., 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 February 3, 2003. Mr. Clark moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that cash on hand and in banks was $422,934.23.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that there was a bid opening on Friday, February 14, 2003 for the pension financing. There were bids from six local banks. All banks responded, most of them with a fixed rate from 3-5 years on a fifteen-year loan, with 3-5 year interest adjustments thereafter. SunTrust Bank was the only bank that offered a fifteen-year loan amount at 3.74%. Mr. Ingersoll gave an overview of the other bids and recommended the 15 year fixed rate.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to accept the bid from Sun Trust bank for a fifteen-year loan amount at 3.74%, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll read Ordinance 2003-01 Declaring Certain Real Property in Chestertown Surplus and Authorizing the Sale Thereof into the record. There were twenty properties listed as surplus and Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Town was not obligated to sell the properties.

Mr. Clark moved to adopt Ordinance 2003-01 Declaring Certain Real Property in Chestertown Surplus and Authorizing the Sale Thereof. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that after advertising the Ordinance it would be brought up for passage at the March 3rd meeting.

Mr. Ingersoll read an Emergency Ordinance 2003-02 Declaring Certain Real Estate Property in Chestertown to be Surplus and Authorizing the Sale into the record. This Ordinance directly involved two properties. The first property was three acres on the East side of Maryland Route 289 for $175,000.00 to Kevin G. Kimble. The second property was 14,589 square feet of non-buildable land along the south side of Horsey Lane to be subdivided and added to the lands of George and Christine Wallish for $5,000.00. Mr. Ingersoll stated that this Ordinance could be read and adopted at one meeting, due to the fact that settlement on one property was imminent and had been advertised 20 days before settlement in accordance with the Charter.

Mr. Clark moved to approve Emergency Ordinance 2003-02. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the street crew was working non-stop since the snowstorm began on Saturday. He said that the Town would try to correct any problems that residents had. The Town was eligible for State or Federal aid and would be filing for it.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the street crew had done a fantastic job removing snow.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that HUD through the CDBG program awarded the Town another $41,000.00 for the Senior Center project. He said this would relieve stress on the Senior Center’s budget.

Mayor Bailey stated that the C-300 Proclamation should be addressed. The group wanted to organize Chestertown’s tercentennial celebrations. Mayor Bailey stated that the C-300 Resolution paragraph that read, “Whereas C300, Inc. officials agree to present all new projects to the Town Council for prior approval…” should read, “Whereas C300, Inc. officials agree to present all projects to the Town Council for prior approval…”

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to sign the C-300 Proclamation with the noted change. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that under Town regulations, Article 3 read, “The time for removal of snow on any real/leased property shall be within 24 hours of the snow”. She said there was a great amount of snow, but a small path was appreciated to help keep pedestrians off the road.

Mayor Bailey stated that the MML has offered courses for government officials to take. Mr. Clark completed the Academy of Excellence of Local Government and received a diploma, which Mayor Bailey presented to him.

Mayor Bailey stated that Ryan Grim had presented the Council with a Resolution regarding the possible war with Iraq. She said she knew her own feelings on the possible war, but her job was to represent all the townspeople and she could not make a Resolution on how the Town felt. The Council agreed that they did not feel it was appropriate to sign the Resolution since they were not aware of how their constituents felt on the matter. However, Mayor Bailey stated that it was important for the Town to stay informed and active on the matter.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that she wanted to thank the utilities department, street crew, and the police for their job during and after the snowstorm.

There being no further business, Mr. Clark made a motion to pay bills. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mr. Clark made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Johnson and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor