TOWN MEETING MINUTES
Minutes of September 3, 2003 Town Council Meeting
7:30 p.m.
Trappe Town Hall
The regular Town meeting was opened by President Cheryl Lewis and called
to order at 7:30 p.m., Vice President Bob Niemeyer and Commissioners Edgar
Harrison, Danny Adams and Norm Fegel were present. Everyone stood and
recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The August minutes were accepted as
presented. The August Financial Statement was accepted as presented.
Executive Session
There was an Executive Session on September 3, 2003 at 8:55 p.m. Council
members present were: Cheryl Lewis, Edgar Harrison, Danny Adams, Bob Niemeyer
and Norm Fegel. The Town Attorneys present were David Thompson and Brynja
Booth. The meeting was on personnel issues.
Old Business
President Lewis stated that we have just had two Public Hearings on Ordinance
6-2003 Creating Floating Zones and Ordinance 5-2003 Stormwater.
Com. Harrison explained the purpose of a Floating Zone.
Motion was made by Com Harrison to adopt Ordinance 6-2003 Floating Zones.
Motion was seconded by Com. Fegel.
Vote: Adams Y, Lewis Y, Harrison Y, Niemeyer Y, Fegel Y.
President Lewis read Ordinance 5-2003 Stormwater
President Lewis had asked to have the ordinance reviewed by the Boca
Appeals Board. The board accepted the ordinance the way it was written.
Motion was made by Com. Fegel to adopt Ordinance 5-2003 Stormwater.
Motion was seconded by Com. Harrison.
Vote: Adams Y, Lewis Y, Harrison Y, Niemeyer Y, Fegel Y
New Business
ROSE PALOMBO:
Ms. Rose Palombo has applied for a Home Occupation permit. Pres. Lewis
asked if we had any comments from neighbors. There were no objections from
the neighbors. The question was asked about parking and she stated that there
would be no need for parking since she was just doing planning and
consulting. The flowers would be taken from her home to the location.
Motion was made by Commissioner Harrison to approve the permit.
Seconded by Com. Fegel
Vote: Adams Y, Lewis Y, Harrison Y, Niemeyer Y, Fegel Y
CAROLYN ANN THOMAS:
Ms. Carolyn Thomas requested a Home Occupation permit for Day Care in her
new home on Greenfield Avenue. She stated that she already had her state
license and had been approved by the county as she now has a day care in
her home in Easton. She would like to have 8 children ranging from the
ages of infant to 7 yrs. of age.
Motion was made by Commissioner Adams to approve the permit. Motion was
seconded by Com. Harrison.
Vote: Adams Y, Lewis Y, Harrison Y, Niemeyer Y, Fegel Y
GATEWAY ZONING LEGISLATION:
President Lewis stated that the County Council was reviewing legislation
for Gateways leading into the Towns. She asked Mr. Hall to make comments
on this issue. Mr. Hall explained the gateway zone history. A gateway
is often referred to as the entrance to each town or government entity.
A gateway could be a land use zone along major roadways leading into
Oxford, Easton, St. Michaels or Trappe in order to improve the physical
appearance of town entrances.
The County Council is considering a moratorium and a citizens advisory
committee to recommend design changes to improve the image leading to the
incorporated towns. Mr. Hall felt that the entrance to St. Michaels
concerning Hatton Gardens is what fueled the issue for the gateway zoning with
the county. Mr. Hall continued to explain that the gateway resoloution
extends 1500 ft. from the center line of the state or county roads.
The discussion continued on a moratorium being set in this gateway zoning
also. The moratorium would impact some agriculture land.
There will be a public hearing on September 16th at 2:00 p.m. at the County
Council meeting room 142 North Harrison Street. It was suggested Trappe
citizens try to attend the meeting. We would like to have someone to speak
at this meeting on the trees, sidewalks and the appearance of the gateway
zone. President Lewis stated that there are four incorporated towns. We
do need to be players in this County Council action.
There was quite a lengthy discussion from the council on what gateway zoning
really is. The final analysis was that this was not gateway zoning and that
gateway zoning should not regulate land use. President Lewis asked if anyone
had a quick comment. Mr. Drake Ferguson spoke up and said that it was
tailored for one group of people.
President Lewis felt we should create a formal letter to address this matter
and send to the County. She recommended that Mr. Thompson our attorney
write a letter with our comments to the County Council.
PRESIDENT LEWIS:
President Lewis told the Council that Mr. Richard Hutchison of the Talbot
County Planning Commission has asked to come to one of our workshop sessions
to discuss the draft of Talbot Countys new Comprehensive Plan.
The question asked was this the final draft. Mr. Hall answered no the
Commission is trying during the month of October to meet with each incorporated
town to review the draft. It will not be recommended to the County Council
before November. President Lewis recommended that we give copies of the
county comprehensive plan to the Planning Commission for review.
Motion was made by Com. Niemeyer to go into the executive session.
Motion was seconded by Com. Adams.
Vote: Fegel Y, Lewis Y, Harrison Y, Niemeyer Y, Adams Y
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Executive session will be at 8:45 p.m.
Announcements:
Welcome Mr. Frank Hall to town staff.
Town office closed - October 13, 2003 for Columbus Day
Special trash pickup October 31, 2003
Pottery is now in the Town office for orders to be taken.
Respectfully submitted:
Cheryl Lewis, President
Joedy Cecil, Clerk