Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. In attendance were Council members Mabel Mumford-Pautz, James R. Johnson and Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., Joan Merryman, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of December 15, 2003. Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Johnson and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that cash on hand and in banks was $643,990.20.

Chief Coryell stated that for the month of December 2003 there were twenty-five (25) adult arrests involving the placement of sixty-three (63) charges. The leading charge was fifteen (15) instances of controlled dangerous substance. There were fourteen (14) juvenile arrests involving the placement of twenty-seven (27) charges. The leading category was controlled dangerous substance.

Chief Coryell stated that one hundred eighty-six (186) traffic warnings were issued and that four hundred thirty (430) calls for service were answered.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that she would like a briefing on the charges listed as "contributing to the condition of a child". Chief Coryell stated that he would meet with her in private to discuss the matter, as it was not a normal category.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that there was money set aside to buy a used street truck from the County. The cost of the truck was $11,000.00 and would be forthcoming.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that Mr. Sterling had a fall on ice, while on duty, and as a result had to have surgery on his shoulder on January 9 th . Mr. Ingersoll said that the rest of the street crew had stepped up and done a good job during the snow storms and gave credit to Mr. Sterling for training them so well.

Mr. Ingersoll requested an executive session for a personnel matter. Mr. Bristoll moved for an executive session under section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of the State of Maryland directly following the Mayor and Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he had a request from the Kent County Venture Club for a parade called "Venture Club Celebrates Children" on April 24, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to grant the permit, was seconded by Mr. Johnson and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that Mr. Clark had surgery and hoped to return for the next meeting.

Mayor Bailey stated that on Tuesday, February 10 th at 6:00 p.m. the County Commissioners were holding a "Community Meeting" at 400 High Street and asked that the public attend. Mr. Bristoll stated that he thought the LaMotte property proposal was on the agenda for that meeting.

Mayor Bailey stated that there was a letter to the editor that she wanted to respond to. She said that Chestertown was a non-partisan Town and was not run on political parties. Town Commissions were appointed based on merit and skill and not on politics. Mr. Bristoll stated that by State law municipal elections were non-partisan.

Mayor Bailey stated that fireworks were not in the budget for the year 2004. In their place, Mayor Bailey stated that some residents and the DCA came forth with the idea of a Victorian 4 th of July. Since the 4 th fell on a Sunday and Rock Hall was having their daytime celebrations on July 3 rd , the Town might consider brass bands, barbershop quartets, and the like during the afternoon hours. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to go forward with plans for a Victorian 4 th of July for 2004. The motion was seconded by Mr. Johnson and carried unanimously.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that if people wanted to donate for fireworks for the 4 th of July, donations should be received within the next couple of weeks.

Mayor Bailey asked Mr. Ingersoll about a budget for a 4 th of July celebration. Mr. Ingersoll said if it was under $5,000.00 it could be Town funded. Mr. Ingersoll stated that some unexpected funds were available from the State of Maryland for returned administrative funds for the rental partnership property on Cannon Street.

Mr. Bristoll stated that all local businesses should be asked to participate in the 4 th of July celebrations.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that the School Board should reconsider the cuts in the music and arts programs in the schools.

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 7:55 p.m., was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor