TOWN MEETING MINUTES
Minutes of the October 1, 2003 Town Council Meeting
7:00 p.m., Trappe Town Hall
The regular Town meeting was opened by President Cheryl Lewis and called to
order at 7:32 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 September minutes were accepted as
presented. The September Financial Statement was accepted as presented.
Executive Session – September 8, 2003
There was an Executive session on September 8, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.
Council members present were: Cheryl Lewis, Edgar Harrison, Danny Adams,
Bob Niemeyer, Norm Fegel, Robert Croswell and Brynja Booth.
The meeting was to discuss personnel issues.
Executive Session – September 22, 2003
There was an Executive session on September 22, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.
Council members present were: Cheryl Lewis, Norm Fegel, Bob Niemeyer,
Edgar Harrison, Danny Adams, Robert Croswell and Brynja Booth.
The meeting was to discuss personnel issues.
Old Business:
Gateway Ordinance:
Mr. Hall gave a brief discussion on the County hearing of the gateway
ordinance.
There were so many unanswered questions that the Council tabled voting on
the resolution. The County agreed that the towns should be included in the
gateway committee mentioned in the resolution.
New Business:
PN Zone: 7-2003
Mr. Harrison introduced the PN Ordinance 7-2003.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF TRAPPE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO CREATE
SECTIONS 37 ENTITLED “PN PLANNED NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT”
There will be a public hearing on November 5, 2003 at 7:15 p.m.
Heritage Area:
Mr. Hall stated that he met with Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, Executive Director of
Eastern Shore Heritage, Inc. and Mrs. Debbie Dodson the County Tourism
Director to discuss the potential benefits the Upper Shore Heritage Area Plan
may have for the Town of Trappe. Mr. Don English was also present at the
meeting. Mr. Hall explained that the Heritage Area Plan can be used as an
economic development tool. The Heritage Area Plan draft includes Trappe, and
other incorporated towns, as a “recognized boundary” within the larger scope
of the Upper Eastern Shore Heritage Area. Inclusion in the Heritage Area
Plan, once the Plan is certified next year, could open up many grant
opportunities for large and small Town projects.
Pete Johnston, Redman/Johnston Associates, recommended to the Planning
Commission that the Town should consider being recognized in the Heritage
Area Plan as a "potential Targeted Investment Zone (TIZ)". A TIZ designation
could provide significant grant opportunities for projects such as the Village
Center Overlay Zone concept presented by Mr. Johnston. Mr. Hall requested
permission from the Council to ask Mrs. Watson to include Trappe as a
"potential Targeted Investment Zone" in the draft Heritage Area Plan. Mr.
Hall also explained that there is no financial or planning obligation to
being identified in the Plan. Mr. Hall mentioned that Mrs. Watson would be
willing to come to a future Council meeting to discuss the purpose of the
Heritage Area Plan and answer questions from the Council, Planning
Commission and the public.
Motion was made by Com. Harrison to authorize Mr. Hall to follow up with
the Heritage Area Resource board to include Trappe as a potential Targeted
Investment Zone and to invite Elizabeth Watson to a future council meeting
to explain the plan. Motion was seconded by Com. Niemeyer.
Vote: Adams – Y, Lewis – Y, Harrison – Y, Niemeyer – Y, Fegel – Y
Frank Hall – Fee In Lieu – Subdivision Open Space
Mr. Hall stated that the rate has not been established for subdivision
open space. Kent County has set a rate of $250.00 per lot. Various other
towns do not have a rate. Mr. Hall will be working with the town attorneys
and the planning commission to recommend a reasonable rate.
Community Events – Cheryl Lewis
President Lewis stated that Homerun Baker board has made a recommendation that
they would like to see the community have a once a month event, some of the
events could even be at the park. They would like to have a committee formed
for this project, a group of volunteers from various organizations in the town.
The Board for Homerun Baker asked for some impute from the Council. President
Lewis will report back with more information at the next meeting.
Mid Shore Regional Council - Helping Towns with problems.
President Lewis:
Mid Shore Regional Council has asked for nominations from the different areas
to serve on this committee. Com. Harrison will serve on this committee.
Vote: Adams – Y, Lewis – Y, Harrison – Y, Niemeyer – Y, Fegel – Y
Attorney Booth:
Attorney Booth presented the board with the new bond bill.
Halloween:
The date for trick or treating will be October 31, 2003 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Mrs. Schulze:
Mrs. Schulze would like to thank the Town and Mr. Thomas for the removal
of the storm debris.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Announcements:
Work Session – October 8, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. with County Planning – Comp. Plan
Nace’s Day Parade - October 11, 2003 at 1:00 p.m.
Town Office Closed – October 13, 2003 – Columbus Day
Special trash pickup – October 31, 2003
Respectfully submitted:
Cheryl Lewis, President
Joedy Cecil, Clerk