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, Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr. and Whaland Clark, W.S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Jennifer Stead, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes or the executive session of the previous meeting of September 20, 2004. Mr. Clark moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey asked for a moment of silence for those on active duty and their families.

Mayor Bailey stated that there was an executive session on September 20, 2004 directly following the Mayor and Council meeting. All members of the Mayor and Council were present. A contractual matter and personnel matter were discussed. No motions were made or passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. Minutes were taken and are a part of the record.

Mr. Bob Ortiz, President of the Garnett Elementary School PTA, was present and stated that he wanted to begin an open line of communication between the school and the Town. He said that Garnett Elementary had community services and was open every month of the year and 55% of the students were entitled to Federal funding.

Mr. Ortiz stated that on Friday, October 8 th at 6:00 p.m. Garnett Elementary was having their annual spaghetti dinner. The cost was $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under twelve (12).

Mayor Bailey asked that the Town Office be informed of coming events at the elementary school. Mr. Ortiz stated that he would ask the principal to get that information to her.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he was in receipt of a permit request for the annual Wildlife Festival, with a waiver of the open container law on October 15 th and 16 th, and different parking requests. He said that the permit was similar to requests of previous years.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to approve the permit requests as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he had a permit request from the Lions Club for the annual Halloween Parade scheduled for Saturday, October 30 th at 3:00 p.m. Lineup would be at Garnett Elementary School and street closings were included.

Mr. Clark moved to approve the permit request for the Halloween Parade as submitted, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he was in receipt of a permit request from the Kent County Jaycees for a Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 27 th. The rain date would be Saturday, December 4 th. Street closings were addressed.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved to approve the Jaycees Christmas Parade permit as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried unanimously.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he filed an application for Program Open Space funds for refurbishing old parks. The renewal grant application was for $175,000.00 which would be used at the Wilmer Park to repair and repave the walking trail, construct the Water Street pedestrian entrance, landscaping, replace the hauser fencing, provide lighting around the walkway, irrigate the park, install fountains, new benches and trashcans, and to raise and repave the parking lot. He said that he estimated 20,000 people use the park each year.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he was trying to get a new VHS camera for taping the meetings, but they are getting very hard to find due to the new digital technology. He said that if anyone had a VHS camera they did not use anymore the Town would be interested in a donation. He said that if the town had to purchase equipment, he would work with the Humane Society towards the same format since they shared tapes.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that he had developed a map to show the proposed expanded historic district. He said if anyone wanted, they could obtain a copy of one at the Town Hall. He said if anyone that did not understand the map should call the Town office with questions. Any letters received would be read into the record. Mr. Ingersoll said that the proposed expansion would be discussed at a public hearing on October 18 th at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Ingersoll requested an executive session for an offer made on public property. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved an executive under 10.508 of the Annotated code of the State of Maryland directly following the Mayor and Council meeting to discuss the sale of public property. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that the SHA was having their annual tour of Maryland. She said that on October 12 th at 9:30 a.m. they would be in the County Government Center, 400 High Street, room 100. She said that if anyone had questions or concerns for the State Highway this was the time to address it.

Mayor Bailey stated that there was much discussion about the new yield sign on High Street at Rt. 291. She said that Chief Coryell was preparing a report listing accidents at that intersection and she was going to address the SHA about other options for the site.

Mayor Bailey stated that she was in receipt of an article from The Star Democrat, which reported that the Centreville City Council was going to pass an ordinance prohibiting truck traffic through Centreville. She said that the council could not pass a Town ordinance for a State Road because it was not their property. She said she understood the residents’ concerns about truck traffic, however, a town ordinance was not allowed for State roads.

Mayor Bailey stated that on Monday, October 25 th, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., there would be a program by the State Department of Planning titled “Before You Annex” presented at Washington College. She said that the conference was free for Council members. Mayor Bailey stated that Ms. Joan Merryman had the forms in the Town Office for those that wished to attend.

Mayor Bailey stated that there were many developmental pressures on the Town, all which came with hidden costs. She said she received a letter from Congressman Gilchrest and an article discussing unhealthy lung development and long-term health problems on children in high air pollution areas. Mayor Bailey read the letter into the record and said that it should be addressed to the Planning Commission to include in the Comprehensive Plan.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Council members had received a biography for Ann Bass, who was interested in filling the vacant Planning Commission spot. She said that she would like to appoint her at the next meeting if the Council agreed.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated she walked the trail in Easton and visited the Skateboard Park that they built with Open Space funding. She said that the park was tucked away by town property and was successful. Mayor Bailey stated that she thought Open Space funds were no longer available. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz stated that she would like to find other funding for recreation.

There being no further business, Mr. Bristoll moved for payment of the bills. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mr. Clark moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Jennifer Stead
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor