Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:43 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 March 3, 2003. Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that cash on hand and in banks was $586,106.52.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he had a request for outside dining at Dunkin’ Donuts. There would be three bistro tables, with two to three chairs per table, along the storefront on High Street. They also wanted to locate the trashcan from the left side of the entrance door to the right. Mr. Ingersoll said that all outside dining permits were provisional on the fact that problems were not experienced or reported. If there were problems, the outside dining would end.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that this had been done in the downtown area before without any problems.

Mr. Bristoll stated that it was important to move the tables in at night and to see that the tables did not creep near the street, as he was concerned for liability issues.

Mr. Clark moved to approve Dunkin’ Donuts request for alfresco dining, not to exceed three tables, with a maximum of nine chairs. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he also had a request with a drawing from Subway. The store wanted to build a concrete patio surrounded by low landscaping, with three concrete tables in front, and an outdoor trashcan.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that she would be opposed to the request. Mr. Clark agreed stating that he did not like the idea of having fixed tables. He said if they could be moved in and out, it would not be a problem.

Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the request if the tables if they were similar to those in the Dunkin’ Donuts request, and would be moved inside at night, was seconded Mr. Clark and carried unanimously. Mayor Bailey asked Mr. Ingersoll to convey to Subway that there was a motion to approve the request if they would change the tables so they could be moved into the store at closing.

Mr. Ingersoll requested an executive session to discuss a contractual matter. Mr. Bristoll moved for an executive session directly following the meeting under section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of the State of Maryland, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the contract for the 2003 fireworks had not been signed. He said this year’s fiscal budget was for fireworks that would actually be shot off in the next fiscal year. He said it might be especially appropriate to have fireworks this year, but did not know how the Council would decide as per the budget. He said he wondered what other jurisdictions were doing in light of the war.

Mayor Bailey stated if the fireworks could be afforded this year, she did not think it was the time to cut back on them. The Council agreed and the contract was approved to be signed.

Mayor Bailey stated that there was a COG meeting on Wednesday and Bay Wolf in Rock Hall at noon.

Mayor Bailey stated that if anyone on the Council wanted to run for first district vice president or member-at-large for the MML, to advise her.

Chief Coryell was present and advised the Council that the Chestertown Police Department was in constant contact with the federal government through the Baltimore office of the FBI. The were also in contact with the State Police with relation to Homeland Security. He said he did not think Chestertown was a primary target, but was prepared to go to 12-hour shifts if they needed to.

Mr. Johnson asked for the status of the crossing guard position. Mr. Ingersoll stated that applications were still being received and would be reviewed beginning the following week. He said he wanted the Council to be a part of the decision in the end. He said that the code enforcement part of the job was an important role. Mayor Bailey stated that the person hired would be given powers to write citations.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that it would help the Town if each property owner would do their part in removing trash. She said since the snowstorm, there was a lot to be done. Mr. Ingersoll stated that it was only within the past week that the street crew could resume bulk trash pick-up.

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 7:58 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Johnson and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor