Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., Thomas A. Gross, Sr., Mabel Mumford-Pautz and J. Brian Kirby, W. S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Joan Merryman, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr. Gross moved that the minutes of the meeting of January 4, 1999 be accepted as presented, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey announced that the Mayor and Council has cash on hand and in banks on January 12, 1999 of $496,773.20.

Mayor Bailey called on the Town Manager for his report. Mr. Ingersoll said that Crossroad Community had written a letter which was distributed at the previous meeting requesting donations. Mayor Bailey asked if the Council had made a decision on their request for funding. Mr. Gross said before the Council considers this he would like to have a copy of the financial statement from the organization as we have done with other groups. Mayor Bailey asked Ms. Merryman to call and ask them to send a financial statement.

Mr. Ingersoll said that the Council has probably noticed in the Historic District Commission minutes for the past two months the proposal to demolish the dilapidated building at 104 Cannon Street. He said the property does not have a clear title and there are now about 36 known heirs. He said the property was inspected 14 months ago and has been condemned. He said that information has been given to the owners who pay the taxes. He said the Historic District Commission has granted a permit to demolish the building as it has become a public hazard. Mr. Ingersoll said the cost of demolition would be $5000 to $6000 and would be a cost the Town would have to pay up front. He said the costs would then be placed as a lien on the property. For several years the property has gone up for tax sale but someone always comes in and pays the small tax bill. There have been attempts to purchase the property but it does not have a clear title and clearing it is a long and costly legal process. The lien for demolition costs will actually enable the clearing of the title. He asked the Council to consider authorizing this demolition sometime during the coming year so that the lien can be placed on the property before December 31. He said it would be several months and a different fiscal year before the Town would recoup the demolition costs.

Mr. Ingersoll said the architect has completed a schematic plan for the Visitor's Center and would like to make a presentation to the Mayor and Council. The Council agreed to meet with the architect at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1 prior to the next meeting.

Mayor Bailey asked if there any questions of Mr. Ingersoll. There being none, she read a Proclamation for the Bicentennial Commemoration of the Life of George Washington. She said Chestertown was a Bicentennial community and we will plant a George Washington Garden at Wilmer Park and fly a flag from Mt. Vernon.

Mayor Bailey announced that the next COG meeting was be January 20, 1999 at noon at the Dublin Dock in Betterton. Anyone attending should notify Ms. Merryman so she can advise the secretary.

Mayor Bailey asked the Council to consider the request from the Chamber of Commerce to fund $200 towards new "Welcome to Chestertown" signs. Mr. Kirby said he felt the sign should be the responsibility of the Chamber and organizations who will be named on the sign and should be funded by them. Mr. Ingersoll said the "Welcome to Chestertown" signs we currently have were constructed and installed by the State Highway Administration and were free to the Town. The Council agreed not to fund $200 for the Chamber signs.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Eastern Shore Association legislative dinner will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 1999 at Annie's Steak House. She asked that anyone wishing to attend should given Ms. Merryman their reservations.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any questions or comments. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz said she had given a list of cleanup items in her ward to Mr. Ingersoll. Mr. Ingersoll said he and Mr. Sterling have been working on the items on the list.

Mr. Gross asked about the status of the Calvert Heights project and its disposition. Mayor Bailey said she will meet with people from the State later in the week to hear their latest proposal for that project. She said the HUD subsidies have been extended. She said if they come up with any feasible proposal, she will then have them meet with the Council.

Mr. Kirby said the Town crew had done an excellent job on the streets during the last two storms and he wanted to commend them for their good work.

Mayor Bailey asked the Council to review the bills. Mr. Bristoll moved that the bills be paid as presented, was seconded by Mr. Gross and carried unanimously.

Mr. Kirby moved that the meeting be adjourned at 7:58 p.m., was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Joan Merryman (Stenographer)

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey (Mayor)