Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., Thomas A. Gross, Sr., Mabel Mumford-Pautz and J. Brian Kirby, Medford Capel, Utilities Commission Manager, W. S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Joan Merryman, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor stated that guests included Cub Scout Den 1, Pack 253 of Chestertown who would open the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr. Bristoll moved that the minutes of the meeting of December 15, 1998 be approved as presented, was seconded by Mr. Gross and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey announced that the Utilities Commission has cash on hand and in banks on January 12, 1999 of $279,602.42.

Mayor Bailey called on Mr. Capel for his report. Mr. Capel stated that there had been several water line breaks due to cold weather and they have repaired them.

Mr. Capel said we have been advised of two unfunded mandates by the EPA. He said the Utilities Commission must produce a Consumer Confidence Program which involves giving the water users a detailed report of the number of wells, depth of wells, what aquifers they are in, and everything that was in the water. He said using the Internet and information from Maryland Rural Waterworks, we can complete the information needed for the report. He said the program would then be approved by the EPA and then we would notify every user in Town of the program. If anyone has a problem with the water, we will have the answers. He said there will also be a water hot line directly to the EPA which people may call if there are questions Mr. Capel can't answer. Mr. Capel said this program must be complete by October of 1999 and available every year after that by June 1, if any changes or updates are needed.

Mr. Capel said the second requirement will be to produce a Risk Management Plan. This plan must be produced by any agency that stores over 2500 pounds of chlorine or 5000 pounds of sulfa dioxide. He said they store 2000 lb. containers of the chemicals. He said this plan was quite long and involved and the Town may have to have someone to do it. He said we must have a five year accident plan. He said we have not had any accidents for fifty years, but we must have this plan. He said this plan must be done by June 1.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any questions. There being none, she asked the Council to review the bills. Mr. Gross moved that the bills be paid as presented, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved that the meeting be adjourned at 7:38 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Joan Merryman (Stenographer)

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey (Mayor )