Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Council members Mabel Mumford-Pautz, James R. Johnson, W. Whaland Clark 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 Mayor and Council meeting of July 19, 2004. Mr. Bristoll moved to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey asked for a moment of silence for those serving in the armed forces and their families.

George and Jane Neal were present to discuss the explosion in Chestertown in 1954. Ms. Neal expressed her concern over the fact that people mistakenly thought that there was a fireworks plant in Town. Ms. Neal wanted to clarify that the plant was a defense plant making explosives for WWII and that was what caused the explosion. She stated that 11 people died that day.

Mr. Steven Atkinson was present and submitted the Mission Statement for the Museum of Kent County. He said that there was 12-member Board of Directors and at present 11 of the slots were filled. He said that the Museum’s mission was to preserve, research, exhibit, and interpret a collection of Kent County historical artifacts as an educational experience.

Mr. Atkinson stated that he attended the meeting on July 22 nd with reference to the 300’ tower proposed for the SHA property. He said that the Maryland Historical Trust was still researching the tower’s impact on one site. There would be a total of 14 radio antennas attached to the tower, 6 of which would be used for county purposes. The light on the tower would be a white strobe during daylight and red at night.

Mayor Bailey stated that there would be a public hearing regarding the Kent County Senior Center at 7:15 p.m. on August 16, 2004 at Town Hall.

Mayor Bailey stated that at the next meeting Mr. Ingersoll would give an update on volunteers for the fireworks donation fund.

Mayor Bailey stated that a bench was destroyed at the Betty Anne Connolley Garden. The Beautification Committee was offering a reward for any information leading to the person or persons responsible. The Chestertown Police should be contacted with information.

Chief Coryell stated that National Night Out Against Crime was Tuesday, August 3 rd. Beginning at 7:00 pm on the corner of Calvert and Lynchburg Streets there would be a community walk ending at the church with light refreshments. Anyone interested was welcome to attend. Residents were asked to leave their porch lights on throughout the evening.

Mr. John Seidel was present on behalf of the Washington Avenue residents to discuss their opposition of the left-hand center turn lane along the street. Mayor Bailey stated that this issue would be heard at the next meeting and said that the Town Office was receiving many letters from the residents, which would be looked over within the next two weeks.

Ms. Register asked what Atlantic Broadband was going to do to the streets, as they were marked with paint for cutting. Mayor Bailey stated that she would have Mr. Ingersoll research the markings on the Town streets.

Mayor Bailey stated that the first Mayor and Council meeting of September would be held on Tuesday, September 7 th at 7:30, as that Monday was the Labor Day Holiday.

A resident expressed concern over the fact that the shopping centers in Town were not turning on their lights at night. Mayor Bailey stated that she would send a letter to the owners of the shopping centers asking that their outdoor lighting be turned on at dusk.

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

Mr. Clark made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor