The City Council met in regular session on July 30, 2001, in City Council Chambers.  A quorum being present, Mayor Cleveland L. Rippons called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Those Commissioners in attendance were Commissioners Bohlen, Watkins, Weldon, Atkinson and Travers.

 

Oden C. Wheeler Jr. led in the Lord’s Prayer.  Commissioner Atkinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Commissioner Travers made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 23, 2001 Council meeting as distributed.  Commissioner Weldon seconded the motion.  The motion was passed unanimously.   

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Planning & Zoning Commission--Commissioner Watkins reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission met on July 19, 2001 and voted unanimously to deny the request of Gage Thomas to subdivide a parcel of property on Boundary Avenue Extended (off Maces Lane) into two parcels.  Mr. Thomas was not planning to put a road, sewer, or water in at the present time.  He was going to leave it up to the individuals who bought the property.  Commissioner Watkins made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commissioner to deny Mr. Thomas’ request.  Commissioner Weldon seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

None

                       

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Final Decision on Tax Abatement for Cambridge Creek Property on Commerce Street—Mayor Rippons reported that an Executive Session was held prior to tonight’s meeting on this topic.  Documents will be drawn up for Council’s review.  The final vote will be taken next week.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Request from Marina Slip Holder to Alter Slip Size—A slip holder at the Municipal Yacht Basin would like to have two slips combined into one to accommodate a 22‑foot beam catamaran.  It will be necessary to remove three pilings.  They understand and accept that the cost of two annual slips will be imposed on them as well as all other costs that would result from combining the two slips and replacing the pilings if they cancel their contract.  Commissioner Weldon made a motion to allow this renovation.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Approval of Memorandum of Understanding for Management and Maintenance of Governor’s Hall at Sailwinds Park—Raymond Simmons, on behalf of the Sailwinds Management Board, gave a progress report on Sailwinds Park.  The Board has raised approximately $30,000 in revenue and has received in‑kind services worth at least $15,000.   Plans have been drawn for the installation of a kitchen as well as an area upstairs in Governors Hall for dressing rooms and additional office space.  Air conditioning studies have been done and preliminary electrical installation is now under way.  The Board not only wants to ensure that the facility becomes and remains financially viable, but it wants to give back to the citizens of Dorchester County.  They have requested through the State of Maryland Legacy Grants Program approximately $400,000.  Additionally, they have undertaken to raise $150,000 in private contributions and in-kind donations to show the broad support of the community. 

 

Kim Seward has been named as Executive Director and is in charge of the day-to-day operations.  Kim gave an update of the events that were held in the last 7 weeks and mentioned several events that will be held in the near future.  Mrs. Evelyn Townsend, who was on the Sailwinds Board for several years, complimented Kim on the wonderful job she has done.  She is very dedicated to making sure that things are done properly. 

 

Commissioner Atkinson toured Governors Hall last week and he congratulated the Board, particularly Mr. Creighton, who donated a set of plans, which cost him approximately $7500 for his staff to produce, and for the time he has spent on the Hall.  Commissioner Weldon is extremely confident in what he sees and is looking forward to seeing it come to fruition.  Commissioner Travers would like to support the Board and is very enthused in what he has seen.  Commissioner Watkins said Sailwinds Park belongs to the citizens and he feels the plans are beautiful. 

 

Rob Collison would like to defer the Memorandum of Understanding until next week so he can meet with Mr. Simmons. 

 

Approve PO 2051 (J. M. Bryan & Sons, Inc.)—Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to approve the purchase order.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

 

Commissioner Travers made a motion to send a thank you letter to Chief Joseph Dickerson of the West Side Fire Department for generously loaning Cambridge an ambulance for use during the Cambridge Classic Boat Races.  Commissioner Bohlen seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to convene in Executive Session following this meeting.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

With no further business, Mayor Rippons adjourned this portion of the meeting at 7:43 p.m.

 

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate account of the Council meeting Monday, July 30, 2001, insofar as I personally am aware.

 

 

                                               

Oden C. Wheeler Jr.                                                

Administrative Coordinator