Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:41 p.m. In attendance were Council members Whaland Clark, Mabel Mumford-Pautz, James R. Johnson and Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., Jennifer Stead, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of December 1, 2003. Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Johnson and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Town of Chestertown had cash on hand and in banks of $746,771.18.

Chief Coryell stated that for the month of November 2003, the Chestertown Police Department made thirty-three (33) adult arrests, involving the placement of fifty-three (53) separate charges. Eleven (11) charges were for CDS, nine (9) for assault, six (6) for theft, and five (5) for DWI. There were twenty-two (22) juveniles charged with twenty-five (25) offenses. Twelve (12) were for assaults, three (3) for disorderly conduct, two (2) for theft, and two (2) for CDS. There were seven (7) civil citations issued, four (4) for open containers, one (1) for skateboarding, and two (2) for loud noise. Chief Coryell stated that for the month of November a total of five hundred ninety-seven (597) calls for service were handled.

Chief Coryell stated that the Narcotics Task Force had provided the Town Police with $395.00, enabling Detective Beck to go to a training program in Baltimore County on interview techniques. He said the Task Force has provided the Town with almost $20,000.00 in funding in 2003.

Mayor Bailey requested an executive session for a personnel matter. Mr. Bristoll moved for an executive session for a personnel matter directly following the meeting under Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of the State of Maryland. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mr. Drew McMullen, of Sultana Project, Inc., was present to discuss the possibility of renewing the lease of 327 Cannon Street, which was Town property, for an additional three (3) years. Mr. McMullen said that previously there had only been one (1) year renewals, but certain donors questioned whether programs could be accomplished in the one (1) year span. He said the lease would be effective January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006.

Mayor Bailey stated that people one-year leases were running into problems around the State receiving funding and grant monies, and used the Maryland Historic Tax Credits as an example. She said lobbying was under way for this problem. Mayor Bailey also stated that Sultana had proven to be a good neighbor and was deserving of this.

Mr. Bristoll stated that he would like to see the yard kept clean at all times and that private boats should not be worked on in the yard.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to allow the renewal of the Sultana Project, Inc. lease with the Town of Chestertown from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006, was seconded by Mr. Johnson and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he was in receipt of a letter and plat from Mr. John Wright requesting that two 100 lb. propane tanks be placed at the east corner of 329 Cannon Street, which would encroach 12" x 5' on the Town property at the rear of 327 Cannon Street. The tanks would be set on cement blocks and no permanent foundation changes would be made.

Mr. Ingersoll recommended that the Mayor and Council allow Mr. Wright the use of the small piece of Town owned by the land. Mr. Clark moved to allow the tanks to be set on the Town's land, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he was in receipt of a proposal from Landscape Architectural Services to complete the plans and drawings of the new Chestertown Park. He said that this was preliminary and there was approximately $23,000.00 in the budget to draw the plans. This architect, however, met with the public and did the original schematic plan for the park. The bid covered the scope of the project and would cost $23,000.00.

Mr. Clark stated that the Town was bound to have open bids over a certain amount ($10,000.00). Mr. Ingersoll stated that the planned changed with public comment and the final plan was based on that but would put the project out to bid.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that the BNR project costs had risen significantly, but would be funded by approximately 75% from MDE. He said the plans should be done in the spring. Preliminary plans had already been amended and approved by MDE, which is where a great deal of the cost increase came from.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that Mr. Bob Sipe would, Mr. Capel's successor, would be at the next Utilities Meeting. He said that Mr. Capel would be available to help with problems as well as MES.

Mayor Bailey read the winners of the Christmas Decorating Contest into the record.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that she has completed 22-years of service on the Council of the Town of Chestertown.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz expressed her concern over the brightly colored, plastic playground equipment at the new Kent Family Center. She said that it did not belong in a residential neighborhood or national scenic by-way and asked that it be moved.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that the fireworks for 2004 had been cancelled for lack of funds. If people wanted to donate money towards the fireworks show, the funds had to be in place by March in order for the show to be ordered.

Mr. Clark stated that the Chestertown Fire Department had a new tanker that would serve a dual purpose and perform as a tanker and a pumper and would be ready for use within the next week. He said the Chestertown seal was on the top of the tanker thanking the Town for their donations.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that there were a few homes on Calvert Street that had been foreclosed on and asked if there was a group in place to counsel those in financial trouble. Mayor Bailey stated that she sat on the Board at the Kent Center and would try to find out if their organization could help. Mr. Ingersoll stated that unpaid water bills indicated possible failures and might be used as a resource for counseling, if legal.

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

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor