At the Chestertown Council meeting Nov. 18, Town Manager Bill Ingersoll certified the results of the Nov. 5 council election in which Tom Herz and Meghan Efland were elected. Herz won over incumbent Councilwoman Linda Kuiper, 167 to 63. Efland, who ran unopposed to succeed retiring Councilman Marty Stetson, received 41 votes.

Ingersoll said the town did not receive the level of support from the Kent County Board of Elections that it has seen in the past.

“A lot of small communities have been cut loose,” without the use of voting machines and personnel from the county level, he said. On the other hand, he said the town had “a very nice experience” with the private contractor it employed to run the election. “They did a fantastic job,” he said. The contractor cost the town about $5,000 for the two-race election, he said. He said it was about 33% more expensive than in previous years.

Ingersoll also praised Town Clerk Jen Mulligan, who he said “as usual, did a fabulous job” working with the contractor to make sure everything ran smoothly. He said he thought the previous system, with the county Board of Elections, was better in a lot of ways. “It takes a little local knowledge,” which he said Mulligan was able to help the out-of-state contractor with. But on the whole, there were no incidents.

“It’s still my dream” that the town’s elections would be held in the same years as presidential and gubernatorial races, Ingersoll said. “All towns in the state should be on that ballot,” he said, citing the higher turnout and lower expenses for coordinating local, state and national elections. He said it would probably take 7 to 9 years to bring about the change because it would require action from the General Assembly, “but it would really be worth it.”

Herz and Efland were in attendance at the meeting. They take office at the first meeting in January.

Councilman Ellsworth Tolliver 

Councilman Ellsworth Tolliver, in his ward report, thanked Ingersoll for his help with a resident’s complaint about vultures roosting near a couple of homes in the Washington Park subdivision. “I had no clue that you could not kill a vulture,” Tolliver said, referring to the birds’ protected status under federal law. He said the thought they were roosting in a wooded area near the new Louisa Carpenter Park.

Ingersoll and some long-time council watchers recalled an infestation of vultures in Eliason’s hollow, near the junction of Washington Avenue and Spring Street, in 2007. After complaints by neighbors and nearby business owners, Ingersoll studied the problem and learned that vultures can be made to leave an area by hanging the corpse of a dead vulture in a tree near their roost. A town employee found a road-kill vulture and the town crew hung it on a tree – and the birds departed! The story even made it to WBAL TV in Baltimore.

At the Nov. 18 meeting, Ingersoll put out a call for a road-kill vulture the town can use to evict the Washington Park flock from the neighborhood. There was considerable back-and-forth among council members, with Mayor Chris Cerino recalling that a song he wrote about the Eliason’s hollow birds was the lead title on his first CD. Kuiper recalled that the national Vulture Federation “got upset about it.” A number of audience members, hearing the story for the first time, were clearly nonplussed by the matter-of-fact account.

Tolliver also mentioned the dedication of the Good Seeds Garden at Garnet Elementary School, and the foundation of an Uptown Business Association to benefit merchants and restaurants in the area beyond downtown.

Councilman Marty Stetson

Also at the meeting, Stetson introduced a proposed amendment to the town code to respond to a problem with aggressive dogs in the dog park at Margo Bailey Park. He said that some of these animals have attacked other, smaller dogs and that their owners have brought them back to the park despite being asked to remove them. “They know that there’s not much you can do about it,” he said. He said he knew of one woman who no longer brought her dogs to the park because she was afraid they might be attacked. “We have one guy that shows up, and everybody in the dog park just leaves.”

Stetson suggested that the council make it a civil citation to bring dangerous animals to the park after being asked to stay away. He suggested a $100 ticket for infractions. He said he would post the ordinance at the park, once it was passed, suggesting it might take only one person being fined to teach the others the lesson.

Ingersoll said that the town doesn’t have an animal control agency, but depends on Kent County to enforce its ordinances, which are adopted from the county code. He said the question was whether the town police would be asked to enforce the ordinance or whether it would fall under the county’s jurisdiction. He said he would get in touch with the county to see if the Animal Shelter, the county’s enforcement agent, would enforce such an ordinance if the town adopted it. If not, he said, the council could decide whether to turn enforcement over to the police. He said there was also a problem with owners of large dogs allowing them into the small dog enclosure.

Cerino asked Ingersoll to massage the language of the proposed ordinance for the council to take up at a future meeting.

The Chestertown Marina is attracting renewed interest from boaters. That was one of the key points in marina manager Samantha Branham’s report to the Chestertown mayor and council at their Monday evening, Nov. 18, meeting.

Chestertown Marina manager Samantha Branham reports to the Mayor and Council

The report reflects the results of substantial renovations and upgrades to the town-owned marina, including replacement and extension of docks, new bulkheads, dredging the boat basin, a new marina office building, and raising the level of the parking lot to combat flooding. The work, which has been ongoing since the town acquired the marina in 2012, was finally completed over the summer. Branham came on board as the manager at the beginning of the season.

“I’m just going to give you a snapshot of our first summer and where we’re headed in the future,” Branham began. The marina has a total of 63 slips. The 2019 season began with 26 slips rented and ended with 35. The remaining slips are available for day-trippers or other short-term stays, such as for visiting local restaurants For 2020, the marina set a goal of 32 summer slip holders, and 18 have already committed, she said. This summer, the marina staff consisted of Branham and four part-time dock hands, whose role was to assist boaters with their needs and answer questions.

Last winter, there were seven boats in land storage. This year, eight have committed and are ready to haul out of the river and go into outdoor rental spaces on the marina property. Three more are still deciding, for a possible total of 11 winter rentals.

Between the start of the boating season in May and Downrigging weekend at the end of October, there were 1,011 overnight stays at the marina, which Branham characterized as “a really good number for our first summer, especially with no advertising whatsoever.” That translates to a rental rate of 68% for the whole season, although there was construction going on for part of the season. The rate from the beginning of July was 84% occupancy every weekend, Branham said. She said 316 of the stays were for weekdays, with the rest weekends. Moving forward, she said, she would like to see a higher weekday occupancy. The marina sold over 10,000 gallons of gasoline and just under 9,000 gallons of diesel.

Samantha Branham in her office at the Chestertown Marina

For next summer, five yacht clubs have confirmed that their members will be staying at the marina. And three weekends next season – Tea Party, Downrigging and Jazz Festival – already have waiting lists for slip rentals. Branham said her objectives over the winter include raising the marina’s social media profile. She said she hadn’t pushed social media this summer because the renovations were still ongoing. She also wants to make a stronger connection to local businesses to see how the marina can work to their benefit.

Mayor Chris Cerino asked what the big weekends are likely to be in addition to those already booked. Branham said the marina was nearly full for the HP festival, and she expected it to be the same next year.

Councilman Marty Stetson asked how the slips are allocated for Downrigging weekend when a number of tall ships are at the marina. Branham said the display slips are blocked out in advance. This year, there were 14 total, she said. She said she wait-listed everything until she knew how many had to be committed to the festival, then took care of the rest. Cerino said the two docks on the upriver side of the marina are traditionally reserved for Sultana and the other tall ships during the festival, with the downriver dock reserved for slip-holders and transients. If one of the display boats decides not to return, that space would become available for rental, he said.

Branham added that the weather forecast for the 2019 Downrigging weekend was originally “pretty bad,” so that some possible renters had delayed making commitments, but that in the end every slip was filled. She also noted that a number of boats were anchored out in the river, but came to the marina to buy fuel and/or let passengers come ashore for the festival.

Cerino said the thinking behind the town’s giving so many slips to Sultana for the weekend was that at the end of October, the marina would normally be “basically empty.” But the festival brings in many visitors to see the historic boats. “It’s a little bit of a chicken-and-egg thing,” he said.

Councilman David Foster asked Branham what she saw as her biggest challenge. “I think, just because it’s new, trying to get people to realize that all the improvements have been made.” She said that would be part of her social media campaign over the winter.

Stetson asked about the launch ramp, which had to be redone after the initial installation proved unsatisfactory. “The ramp’s in excellent shape, everyone loves it,” Branham said. She said that before it was redone, people had to wait for the proper state of the tide to use it, but it’s now available all the time. “We have a lot of sailboats that use it,” she said.

Councilman Ellsworth Tolliver asked if the marina was making a profit on fuel sales. Branham said the fuel isn’t really a profit center for the marina, but it brings people in to use other services that do generate a profit and to visit the town and patronize local businesses.

Cerino said the 2019 season was “kind of a weird year,” because the renovations were completed so late in the summer. He said the fact that the marina wasn’t really finished led the town to hold back on its promotion and marketing efforts. Now that “those band-aids have been kind of ripped off,” the town can go all-out to promote the marina, he said. He said he wanted to set up a business forum to focus on ways to tie in the marina and local businesses “to strengthen that connection. That’s kind of the whole reason we invested so much money down there – it’s for water access, but it’s also to encourage people to come into town.”

Foster asked how many marina customers are first-time visitors. Branham said the majority this year were new, and that many of the returnees hadn’t been to Chestertown “for a long time.” She said she thought the length of time it took to complete the dredging was a major reason. “The town couldn’t accommodate (large) boats,” she said. For anything substantial enough for the owners to stay on board overnight, “there wasn’t enough water there.”

Cerino asked how many slips the marina has after the renovations. “There are 63 slips total,” Branham said. Two of them on the fixed dock are without electricity, which makes them suitable only for short stays, such as day boaters coming to visit Chestertown. And two others have been set aside for the 98 Cannon restaurant, so they have slips for customers. On the whole, after subtracting the long-term slip holders, that leaves 20 to 25 available for visiting boats at any given time.

As Branham finished her report, Cerino asked if there were any questions from the audience. Kay MacIntosh of Main Street Chestertown said, “I think Sam’s doing an awesome job. She’s so unflappable, and is just the perfect person to handle this first year… Hats off to Sam.” The council and audience gave Branham a round of applause.

In an unusually brief meeting, the Chestertown Council approved two appointments, heard the Utilities Commission report, and heard from a Heron Point resident in support of retaining the town police force.

The Chestertown Council at its Nov. 4 meeting

Mayor Chris Cerino gave a brief report on the dedication ceremonies at the newly refurbished Chestertown Marina, noting the number of state cabinet members present. He also said that the Sultana Downrigging festival was a success, due to a “perfect storm” of the new marina facilities being available for the first time and the addition of a bluegrass festival to the activities. He said the downtown merchants and restaurants saw significant business because of the festival. He estimated that festival attendees spend some $100,000 in town over the weekend.

The council has scheduled a workshop meeting to discuss first-quarter budget figures. The meeting, at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, was scheduled at the request of council members who said they want a more detailed review of the budget than they get from the summaries provided at their regular meetings. The session is open to the public, but comments from the public will not be accepted.

The council also approved permits for the Dickens Christmas festival, Dec. 6-8. Kay MacIntosh of Main Street Chestertown said the street closures and other details are essentially the same as last year. The routes for the 5K “Run Like the Dickens” race and the carriage rides are also unchanged. She said that High Street will reopen to traffic in the evenings earlier than last year, with activities moving at 4 p.m. to the foot of the street, where there will be bonfires and refreshments. Acting Police Chief John Dolgos said his department had been consulted on the street closures and had no problems.

Town Manager Bill Ingersoll read a letter of thanks from the Chestertown Lions Club for the town’s help with the annual Hallowe’en parade, which the Lions sponsor. Ingersoll said the town police did “a heck of a job” in view of all the activities taking place over the weekend, which coincided with the Sultana Downrigging festival. Councilman Marty Stetson said the Hallowe’en parade is the best organized of all the parades in town.

By unanimous votes, the council approved the appointment of Barbara Creegan to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Kurt Smith to the Historic District Commission.

Cerino announced an Ethics Training session for 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15 in town hall. The session is open to the public.

In the Utilities Commission meeting, town Utilities Manager Bob Sipes reported that his department purchased several pieces of equipment. They included replacement parts for the ultraviolet lighting equipment at the wastewater plant, at about $6,000; a new impeller for the Radcliffe Creek station, at $8,000; and a push camera at $8,000. The camera allows utilities workers to inspect the inside of pipes for blockages or leaks. Sipes said the camera could save residents the cost of a call to Roto-Rooter.

Ernie Maher of Heron Point tells the town council his views on the town police

Sipes also reported on a water leak on Queen Street, which became evident after the street was recently repaved. Because of the repaving, he said, he doesn’t want to keep digging to find the leak. There’s not a lot of water running off, so it doesn’t present a hazard. Sipes said the utilities crew will pump out an existing hole and try to see which direction the water is coming from, using a microphone. “I was hoping that the leak would get worse,” so the source could be more easily identified, he said.

At the end of the meeting, Heron Point resident Ernie Maher addressed the council. He said that over the years, he had lived in a number of small towns and had become interested in how they operate. He said that in towns where the Mayor and Council work together with the police department, “there’s a real pride in our town.” The police become “our friends,” protecting families and being regarded as “part of the group.” He contrasted this to larger cities, where police are often perceived by residents as “the enemy.” Referring to proposals to merge the town police with the Kent County Sheriff’s office, he said, “I just think it would be a tragic loss to Chestertown to give up our own police department.”

The meeting adjourned at 7:56.

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The League of Women Voters of Kent County presented the candidates for two seats on the Chestertown Council at a candidates’ forum, Tuesday night. More than 50 residents filled the upstairs room at Town Hall.

Ward 2 candidates, Linda Kuiper and Tom Herz, fielded questions from the League and from audience members. Kuiper is the incumbent. Ward 4 candidate Meghan Efland, who is running unopposed for the seat being vacated by retiring Councilman Marty Stetson, was also present to meet with voters face to face after the forum.

Following a brief introduction by League president Cece Trainor, moderator Kitty Maynard outlined the ground rules. Candidates were given two minutes apiece for opening statements, followed by three prepared questions, after which audience members were given the opportunity to present questions. The candidates alternated responses, except for a few cases where a question was addressed to a particular candidate. The entire forum lasted about 90 minutes.

Herz spoke first. “I’m running as a candidate for Ward 2 because I believe Chestertown’s future is bright,” Herz said in his opening statement. He described moving here 18 years ago to work as a webmaster for Dixon Valve, gradually expanding to become a software developer with a nationwide clientele. At the same time, he became captivated by the work-life balance he found in the community. “We have problems here; our revenue is flat and our expenses only continue to rise. But we have so many opportunities here to grow, we have so much to offer,” he said, saying he hoped to use a role in the town’s government to help make Chestertown “the jewel of Kent County.”

Kuiper was second. She began by saying, “I know pretty much everybody in the room, and I’ve been working for you for the past 8 years.” She said she is a quality and training coordinator for a locally-based company that provides services to chronically mentally ill adults in four states, a job that makes her familiar with Maryland regulations, policies and procedures. She said she uses her knowledge regularly to help constituents who feel they aren’t being listened to. “Sometimes I feel like I spend a lot of time fighting city hall,” she said, adding that she has “helped a lot of people” during her time in office. “I’m here, I’m hoping to serve you and work for you another four years.”

The first prepared question noted that the town council is considering moving some or all of its policing responsibilities to the county Sheriff’s office, and asked which of the options the candidates supported and why.

“I don’t support turning the Chestertown police department over to the county at all,” said Kuiper. She said the town police department is unique and local, and that the officers know the residents and are responsive to their needs. She said the controversy about the future of the department has already caused trouble, with some officers looking for other jobs and the part-time secretary having resigned. She said she has frequently ridden with the officers during their shifts. “I know the issues, I know the hot spots.” She said the type of police work on the county and state levels differs from what the town needs.

Herz began by thanking the police department and interim Chief John Dolgos, noting that they are “all dedicated public servants.” He said the town cannot afford any lapse in public safety, and that residents deserve the same level of treatment and response they get from the town police in case of any merger with the county. However, he said, “As a steward of your tax dollars, I think it would be irresponsible to not at least explore the various options that are on the table.” If elected, he said he would “dig into the statistics,” to get a clear idea of the services the town is providing so residents continue to get the same level of response if a merger with the county does take place.

The second League question looked at the Historic District Commission’s guidelines and the frequent complaints that the guidelines unfairly weigh on homeowners with moderate or low incomes. The candidates were asked if they support changes to allow more reasonably priced repair and maintenance work within the District.

Herz said the issue raises “a central question to my campaign,” in that communication between the town government and its residents is critical to the town’s well-being. He supports the use of modern materials to obtain a historic look, and the use of modern doors and windows for energy efficiency. However, he said, “We have to be careful,” because “the charm of our town” is dependent in part on its authentic historical architecture, which brings visitors to town and “makes them fall in love with it.” So while changes are sometimes necessary, the town also needs to protect the historical integrity of its buildings.

Kuiper said that the residents who are going to the Commission need to determine whether their home is defined as “contributing” to the District, depending on age, style, and other considerations. She said tax credits and other assistance are available to low-income residents who need to maintain historic homes. Some repairs, such as roofs, may be covered by insurance, she said.

The third League question asked how the candidates would communicate with residents, determining their needs and making them aware of their positions on issues being considered by the council.

“I’m out and about all over town,” Kuiper said, “I volunteer for a lot of organizations.” She said all her constituents know she is available at all hours, “so I have no problems communicating, no problems listening, and no problems trying to fix whatever is going on.”

Herz said, “Communication is a central part of what I’m trying to achieve.” He said many problems in town are rooted in miscommunication, either from the town or between citizens. He gave Kuiper credit for “bird-dogging issues,” but said the town needs to do more in “leveraging technology” to communicate. He said he would professionally produce a podcast and use YouTube videos to explore issues of concern to the town and correct misinformation “that spreads and causes worry.”

The floor was then opened to audience questions. Tom Timberman asked what kind of relationship the town has with the county government, and how it could be changed to better serve residents.

Herz said there are long-standing issues between the two governments, but that as a new face on the scene, he doesn’t hold grudges. He said projects succeed or fail with good communication. He gave an example of Galena contacting the county when it needed new computers and getting not only the machines but other services. He said he would work on those issues “with a forthright effort and no pre-judgment.”

Kuiper agreed about the history of disagreements between town and county, and said “I have no problem going to anybody with the county,” or to state government officials. She gave an example of working with Gov. Martin O’Malley’s office to get highway signs for the Farmers Market at considerable savings. “I don’t have problems talking with anybody,” she reiterated.

Another audience member asked whether Kuiper has gone to the county commissioners about a tax differential to benefit town residents, and Herz whether he supported the attempt to win such a differential for the town.

Kuiper said she has gone to the county meetings regularly. Herz said he supports Mayor Chris Cerino and Councilman David Foster in their work to convince the Commissioners of the need for the differential. He said he would “fight to get your tax money back,” whether as a direct refund or by finding “synergies” by which the two levels of government would work together.

Barbara Jorgenson asked Herz how many council meetings he has attended and how many volunteer hours he has contributed. Herz said he regularly attended meetings before Kuiper’s election, and that he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for many years. “Speak to anyone who knows me,” he said, and they will testify to my commitment to the community.

Kuiper reiterated that, as the incumbent, she has been “working for you for eight years,” listing her service to constituents and accomplishments such as getting the speed limit lowered on Quaker Neck Road at the entrance to town, as well as her volunteer work with the Farmers Market, the Historical Society, and other institutions.

David Bowering asked whether Herz has attended council meetings more recently. Herz said his work makes it difficult to attend, but he regularly reads the minutes and is aware of issues facing the council. He gave examples of his public service, beginning with his work with AIDS patients while a college student.

Kuiper said her job puts her in regular contact with the mentally ill, and that she carries that dedication to the needy into her council work.

Another resident noted that the marina is not self-sustaining and asked for the candidates’ comments.

Kuiper said there is new development coming to town that should increase the tax rolls. She said the marina is beginning to pay its mortgage and expenses, but will take years to become profitable. She said she doesn’t believe that the town should own property, and that she has been working to get the council to sell off much of what it has. However, the marina cannot be sold because of the terms of the bond issue the town purchase to support it.

Herz said the marina needs to be looked at as a long-term investment, which will more than repay its cost in its benefits to the community. It will bring in visitors who will support the local economy and, in some cases, fall in love with the town and buy homes and start businesses here. In 20 years, it will have been “cheap at twice the purchase price.” Selling it off, even if possible, would be a serious mistake.

Jeff Weber asked how the candidates would bring 21st-Century technology to town.

Herz said Chestertown is one of the few communities in the nation with the opportunities to exploit high-tech. He noted that there is 110 miles of “lit fiber” in the county, which will bring people from outside to live here and create businesses. He said the town needs to work with the county and with Washington College to exploit the potential, but he said the potential is there for the town to become “Silicon Valley East.”

Kuiper said the county commissioners “dropped the ball” on bringing in high-tech businesses several years ago. She said she supported the drive for a tax differential but hoped the county wouldn’t claim the fiber network was sufficient compensation for the lack of a tax differential. She said there is progress in improving cell service in town.

Gibson Anthony said the “last mile” connections remain a problem with communications, largely because the providers seek to monetize it. He asked how the candidates would address those problems.

Kuiper frankly said she didn’t know. She said she had attended meetings at the county where the issues were discussed. “I’m just disappointed” about the slow progress in connecting the town, she said.

Herz said the last mile is always problematic. He noted problems with wi-fi connections in the downtown area and said he is working with county information technology director Scott Boone to find answers. He said things were improving, and that they would improve faster if businesses and residents organize to pressure the providers for solutions.

Another resident asked about attracting young people to the community. Herz said it was a large reason why he was running. He said he knew several young people who had moved here from nearby cities, starting businesses and raising families. He said that communicating the town’s benefits was the key. “The future is bright, but we need to shine our light” to let people know about it, he said.

Kuiper said the lack of nightlife is a problem. Businesses close early, and people used to city life find the town dull. She said she hoped that new businesses such as Zelda’s speakeasy and the bar replacing J.R.’s would help fill that gap.

Bowering asked whether the candidates support a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) from the college, to compensate for its large volume of tax-exempt property.

Kuiper said she opposes a PILOT program. The college had a good deal of property already on the tax rolls, she said. She said the college is an integral part of the community, often providing first jobs for locals in addition to its educational mission. She also noted that the college is having its own financial issues and has in the past declined to make a PILOT.

Herz said he supports a PILOT payment – “Washington College doesn’t pay enough,” he said. He said he would also work to get the college to partner with the town more to create “centers of excellence” to help build business and attract new young residents.

Jim Bogden asked if the candidates would support projects such as the large solar energy farm proposed for a property on Morgnec Road just outside town.

Kuiper said the property in question is under county jurisdiction, though the town has talked about annexing it at various points. She said the county has fought to exclude other such large projects, and that it has become “a target” for such proposal by outside entities. She said both the town of Chestertown and the county government have solar arrays to provide some of their energy, but that she opposes industrial-scale arrays.

Herz said he supports green energy. He said that property used for that purpose “isn’t lost forever,” but can be returned to agricultural or other use. He said the community can be leaders in green energy – “it’s the responsible thing to do.”

Another resident asked the candidates for assurance they wouldn’t raise property taxes.

Herz said he would do anything he could to avoid it. He noted that Chestertown has one of the lowest tax rates of any town on the Shore, so while he hopes he could delay any tax increase, “I can’t promise I won’t (raise taxes).”

Kuiper said she had worked to get the council more informed on the budget. She said there is an open budget meeting scheduled for Nov. 16 and asked residents to attend. She said she would vote to raise taxes if analysis of the budget showed it was unavoidable.

In closing statements, Kuiper repeated her theme that she has worked for her constituents for eight years and “I have seen a lot, heard a lot and done a lot. I thrive on it,” she said. “You know me, you know what I’ve done.” She also commented on the critical place of Washington College in the community, listing the benefits it brings to residents. “I’ve really enjoyed the last eight years and I’d like to enjoy four more,” she concluded.

After thanking his supporters, Herz said, “The future of Chestertown is bright, but we have to go after it.” He said it’s not about rehashing the past, but taking the opportunities currently available and continuing to move forward “in a way that enriches our whole community.” He said the town needs to work with local professionals to take advantage of its resources and bring young people here to build businesses and drive economic development.

The council election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls at the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All registered voters in Wards 2 and 4 are eligible to vote. For more information, call town hall (410-778-0500) or visit the town website.

Stay tuned to the Chestertown Spy for more pre- and post-election coverage.

Dan Menefee contributed to this story