Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., 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 April 21, 2003. Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Ms. Meg Roggensack was present to discuss her kayak and canoe expedition in Kent County. She said she was going to write a book about her trip.

Mr. Ingersoll gave an overview of two proposed FY2004 Town budgets. He said Highway Use revenues decreased $96,893.00 but the County reverted the tax differential to the Town, which was a net loss of $42,893.00 in revenues. Expenses such as workman’s compensation, medical insurance, and liability insurance increased totaling a net deficit of $118,993.00. Two budgets were presented, one with no increase to taxes and another raising taxes $.04. Mr. Ingersoll reviewed the budgets.

Mr. Ingersoll also reviewed the Utilities budget for FY2004, and the budges for the enterprise funds of Cannon Street, Satterfield Court, and the Visitors Center.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Council had to make a decision on whether to raise taxes or not in order to proceed.

Mr. Bristoll stated that a decision regarding a tax increase could be made at the beginning of the upcoming workshop sessions keeping in mind that State and County taxes may also be raised. Mayor Bailey asked that the County be asked what their intentions are concerning tax increases. The budget workshop session would be held on Tuesday, May 13th at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Ingersoll stated that this meeting was open to the public, but guests would not be participating.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that every subscriber to Charter Cable should have received the letter advising that Charter would be implementing a settlement program in a class action suit. The letter was aimed at customers who were billed for late fees between November 1, 1996 and September 30, 2000 by Falcon Cable or Charter Cable. He said that the Town had the forms if residents did not receive a letter.

Mr. Ingersoll read a request from Carla Masoni to have caterers and tables in front of the Masoni Gallery at 203 High Street for an opening reception on Friday, May 16, 2003 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A waiver of the open container law in the area was requested for the event. Two parking spaces would be reserved for the caterers in the front. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to approve the request as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Johnson and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that a letter had been submitted by the Sultana and would be addressed at the next meeting.

Mayor Bailey stated that if the Hot Spot grant would be applied for, it needed the Council’s permission. She said the County wanted to turn the grant over to Chestertown. Funding may be obtained for the Hot Spots Officer, nuisance abatement, and addiction recovery. The grant would be contingent on the fact that money was available to have someone coordinate. Mr. Bristoll moved to apply for the grant. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that there would be a dedication of Chesapeake Country as Maryland’s first National Scenic Byway on Friday, June 6, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. The ceremony would be at the foot of High Street. The Council was to let Ms. Stead know if they would be in attendance.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that more lighting was needed on Flatland Road. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that motorists needed to drive more carefully in Town.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that the Town really needed summer recreation programs. Ms. Diver stated that the Kent Youth initiative was part of the budget.

Ms. McClung thanked the Town for the work along Radcliffe Road.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Garden Tour was almost sold out this year.

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

Mr. Bristoll made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 p.m., was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautzl and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor