Easton Employee Newsletter - Feb 2023

Cover Photo by Scott Messick, IT Director

Christmas activity is behind us and now attention turns to the coming year that is already shaping up to be just as busy as the one before. Several new housing projects are going through the permitting process. Be sure to stay informed.

There's been lots of exciting news over the past few weeks: Ordinance 793 was approved giving us the goahead to purchase Easton Woodland Park, a 197-acre plot of land off of Oxford Road, the Public Works and Engineering teams have wrapped up construction on the sidewalk along Elliot Road, Parks and Recreation activities are picking up, and, of course, there is a Municipal election on May 2nd.

Several events, such as Fire and Ice on February 17 and 18 are being offered so be sure to stay tuned. Please be mindful of the upcoming plastic bag ordinance beginning on April 2, 2023, and make plans to begin bringing reusable bags with you when shopping around town.

Before you know it it will be spring again and time to get outside!

Sincerely,

Mayor Robert C. Willey

Employee Spotlight

AARON SADBERRY | ENGINEERING

Aaron is the Construction Inspector with the Town of Easton. Before starting with the Town of Easton last June, Aaron was working with Hillis-Carnes Engineering for the past 18 years. His experience with Construction Material testing helps him to accurately inspect the Town's roads, sidewalks, and stormwater. Aaron inherited this position from Jerome Pierce, who worked for the town for 45 years before retiring.

He currently lives in Salisbury and in his free time enjoys beekeeping and refereeing college and high school football games. Aaron said, "I always looked at Easton as the Jewel of the Shore and it's a honor to help to keep it that way."

RAIN OR SHI NE Y

Despite the inclement weather, First Night Talbot rings in 2023 with a great celebration and over 1,000 attendees

First Night Talbot, now in its 29th year, was a huge success despite the rainy conditions! There were musical performances in the town chambers, the Avalon Theater, the Waterfowl Building, and the Academy Art Museum. Also at the Armory were interactive activities for everyone including face painting, a photo booth, and more!

Performances included a juggler and a puppet show for the children. Around 1,000 residents and visitors attended the 9:00 PM crab drop. While less attended, the midnight crab drop still drew around 200 spectators. Everyone enjoyed

getting their picture taken in front of the giant crab that towered over Harrison Street.

This event is supported in part by First Night Talbot, The Talbot County Arts Council, Discover Easton, Easton Economic Development Corporation, and the Town of Easton. Our first night event is one of the oldest alcohol-free events in the state of Maryland, and has been profiled on CNN and in numerous publications.

Get ready for 2023, the thirtieth year celebration will be the best yet. For more information: https://firstnighttalbot.net/

WHO SAYS IT'S NOT EASY

BEING GREEN

In advance of Ordinance 784 taking effect on April 2, 2023, the Town of Easton, Easton EDC, and Discover Easton are partnering to spread awareness and information about the ordinance to businesses, residents, and tourists.

Ordinance 784, states that as of April 2, 2023, retail establishments can no longer provide single-use plastic bags to customers. Council President Megan Cook remarked, “The intended goal of this ordinance is for customers to bring their own reusable bags in order to cut down on the massive amounts of waste and litter caused by single use plastic bags.” Cook continued, “The switch to reusable bags will be a big step forward in keeping our waterways clear, our streets clean, and our habitat healthy.”

The Easton EDC has been reaching out to local businesses about the transition, and has found some businesses are ahead of the curve. Easton EDC Executive Director Holly DeKarske said, “Some of our local merchants have traditionally used reusable bags and are positive about the new ordinance.” DeKarske

notes, “We are designing a resource kit which will be distributed locally in late March and our team is available to help you utilize the branding kit and marketing tools.”

Some retail establishments have already made the change, and have shared the difference it has made. Eat Sprout owner Ryan Groll says his store began offering reusable bags in 2017. Since then, he estimates they have prevented the use of over a quarter million single use plastic bags. Other larger stores such as ACME and Staples have transitioned in other regions and are well-prepared to make the switch here.

For more information on the plastic bag ban, please visit https:// eastonmd.gov/587/Plastic-Bag-Ban where you can find information on what to expect, answers to frequently asked questions regarding Ordinance 784 and the environmental impact of single use plastic bags, free downloadable flyers, and BYOBag branding materials that can be used as tools and reminders for local businesses.

Easton prepares for transition to reusable bags in April

ON BRAND

Easton Economic Development Corporation acquires Discover Easton brand

The Easton Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announces its acquisition of the Discover Easton brand for marketing and promotional purposes. Discover Easton website, social media, and other assets will be used to promote businesses, events, and community engagement opportunities in the town of Easton, MD.

“This iconic, simple brand symbolizes Easton’s growth in a strong and powerful way,” remarked Holly DeKarske, Executive Director of Easton EDC. “We are proud to represent the businesses and people in the greater Easton, MD area and look forward to working with all of our partners to socialize the logo and re-introduce our tourism brand to the greater region.”

Discover Easton’s assets include a highly recognizable logo, name, and strong association with the dynamic and growing

small town in Talbot County, MD. Easton EDC has discontinued use of the Easton Downtown logo and website. Additionally, the social media channels will be retired on January 31, 2023.

of Easton Main Office

SEE THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES

Town of Easton approves purchase of 197-acre Easton Woodland Park

On Tuesday, January 3 the Easton Town Council voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 793, which authorizes moving forward with the purchase of Easton Woodland Park. Easton Woodland Park is a 197-acre parcel of land on the eastern side of Oxford Road, near Cooke’s Hope.

The Town of Easton is acquiring this land in order to preserve the allotted area, and to provide an enjoyable recreational space for its citizens. The property would become the largest public park in Easton, and features natural trails through wooded areas. The Town currently has several community parks with sports fields and/or playground equipment for active use, but only one other community park for passive use, John F. Ford Park, which is not wooded.

Mayor Bob Willey noted “This park will be a great benefit to the town and a wonderful place for families to enjoy for years to come. It is a unique opportunity to preserve pristine woodland that once gone we would never see again. We have a chance to protect the land, help the town, and improve the quality of life for all residents.”

The Easton Woodland Park acquisition would serve to protect the plot from future development, safeguard native plant and animal species, and would satisfy a significant portion of the restoration requirements for Maryland’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. The MS4 Permit aims

to advance Chesapeake Bay restoration while reducing flooding and making communities more resilient to the effects of climate change.

Town Engineer Rick VanEmburgh stated “Easton Woodland Park is a fantastic opportunity to preserve Easton’s woodlands, and to meet some of the requirements necessary for MS4 program compliance.”

The Woodland Park lot is being sold by Alliance Development Corporation to the Town of Easton for the amount of $5,095,000. For the purchase of the land, the Town of Easton has applied for a Program Open Space grant that would partner them with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Talbot County. If approved, the Program Open Space grant would cover more than 96% of the expenses.

Town

SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET

Construction on Elliot Road sidewalk project is completed

In early January 2023, Easton's Public Works and Engineering departments completed the joint project of constructing a sidewalk alongside Elliot Road. The goal of the project was to provide a safe walking space between nearby residential neighborhoods and local retail shops.

In a little over 3 months, the teams worked together to construct nearly half a mile of sidewalk between Dover Road and Matthewsttown Road. The sidewalk extends

to the limits of the Town of Easton's right of way, but the town is working in conjunction with the State Highway Administration (SHA) to extend the sidewalk along Matthewtown Road to more neighborhoods.

This sidewalk gives nearby residents safer, walkable access to several retail shops and restaurants. It is a welcome addition to our town, and a great job done by our Engineering and Public Works Teams!

Public Works

ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE

Public Works deptartment finds a helpful use for discarded trees after the holidays

This year after the holidays, Easton’s Public Works team partnered with the Maryland Environmental Service to reuse discarded Christmas trees in an effort to benefit the habitat of Poplar Island.

After collecting the disposed trees, the Public Works team takes select trees (between 100150) and load them into trucks to be taken to the wharf in Tilghman Island.

The trees are then unloaded where they will be taken by barge to Poplar Island. Once delivered they are distributed to the wetland cells around the island. These trees help local birds and other wildlife to form homes and strengthen the ecosystem around Poplar Island.

A great job from by our Public Works team to make the most out of what would have been discarded anyways!

(From left to right) Justin Jones, Brandon Miles, and Matt Haines stand in front of the delivered trees.

THANKS TO MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE (MES), MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MARYLAND PORT ADMINISTRATION, U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, AND U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE FOR MAKING THIS ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORT POSSIBLE!

PHOTO COURTESY OF MES

PHOTO COURTESY OF MES

PHOTO COURTESY OF MES

Facilities

and Buildings

INSIDE THE VAULT

Reimagining a historic vault space

The Town of Easton's Facilities and Buildings team just wrapped up work on "The Vault" project. The Vault was a historic bank space (hence the nickname) that is accessible from the parking lot across from the Town offices on S. Harrison St. This project has taken that space and repurposed it into administrative offices for the Town of Easton.

Now that the space is renovated, it will become a temporary relocation of the Veteran’s office for a planned alteration of the Welcome Center building to include an accessible entrance, vestibule and two accessible public bathrooms.

The project was introduced and went before the Town's Historic District Commission in January 2022. Approval was granted and then windows and

custom-built doors with extended lead times were ordered. Demolition commenced in mid-November of 2022 and completed in January of this year.

A large portion of the work was completed by in-house staff Tim Tarrant and Mike Thume of the Buildings and Facilities Department. They had the knowledge to get the work done from demolition to framing to trim carpentry as well as the completion of many other components. Thume remarked, “(At the beginning) It looked like it could be a nightmare, but it ended up turning out to be pretty good.”

Their work kept the project moving forward and limited outside contractor expenses, thus saving the town money and keeping the project well within budget. After completion Tarrant said, “We hope that the public gets some good use and enjoyment out of it.”

The completed renovation has allowed for underutilized square footage to be put to good use and to make way for future accessibility enhancements that are important to our citizens.

— Trevor Newcomb, Facilities & Buildings Director

Mike Thume (left) and Tim Tarrant, who completed most of the restoration, stand proudly in front of the completed project.

WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED?

• Entire interior gutted and demolition of all electric and ceiling

• Brick demolition and installation of two windows and one entry door with transom above

• Installation of framing and an interior partition with picture window and office door

• Insulation of all exterior walls

• Drywall trimmed and painted throughout

• Electrical, occupancy sensors and data lines installed

• HVAC system installed

• Floor coverings and ceiling installed

CLICK HERE TO SEE A FULL GALLERY OF CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS

Anniversaries

JANUARY

Kathy Ruf

Brian Doyle

George Paugh

Gordon Lee

Tracy Lednum

Joseph Mayer

Timothy Tarrant

Michael Thume

Richard Farr

Human Resources

FEBRUARY

Joanne Drummer

Kevin Hackett

Milton Orellana

Daniel Farmer

Richard VanEmburgh

Kody Cario

Brandon Watkins

Alan Lowrey

Birthdays

JANUARY

Michael Whitby

Colin Jones

John Tripp

Heather Hanson

Megan Coxon

Samantha Smith

Tyrone Perry

Brandon Miles

Garey Fike

Nicholas Johnson

Mitchell Reeley

Catelin Clopein

Jacob Towers

FEBRUARY

David Wroten

Vincent Barnett

Duston Otto

George Larrimore

Carolinne Kahane

Nicholas Lange

Joshua Maxwell

Joseph Schinault

Cody Bland

Drequan Stevens

Tyquan Beckett

A SOUTHERN SPIN ON A COMFORT-FOOD CLASSIC

The next time your loved ones crave a comforting dish that’s warming from the insideout, turn to an all-time classic with a touch of southern flair.

Take inspiration for this Tex-Mex Beef Lasagna from season 3 of “BBQuest: Beyond the Pit,” a video series that dives into the longheld traditions, new flavors and everyday inspiration that make Texas barbecue legendary. Developed from the show by BBQuest co-host and “Hardcore Carnivore” cookbook author Jess Pryles, this tasty take on comfort food can be the perfect solution for a family meal with plenty of leftovers.

(Family Features)

Tex-Mex Beef Lasagna

Courtesy of Jess Pryles/Beef Loving Texans

Total time: 60 minutes

Servings: 10

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 pounds ground beef

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

2 teaspoons chipotle powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

15 ounces canned corn, drained

15 ounces canned seasoned black beans, drained

10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained

15 ounces canned red enchilada sauce

1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream nonstick cooking spray

12 corn tortillas

8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese cilantro (optional) green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F. In large pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat then add onion. Cook until softened, 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly.

Add ground beef and cook, stirring regularly, until beef has browned.

Add kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, chipotle powder and onion powder; stir well. Add corn, black beans and diced tomatoes. Turn heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

In bowl, combine enchilada sauce and crema; mix well. Spray casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup enchilada sauce mixture on bottom to prevent tortillas from sticking.

Layer 2-4 tortillas across bottom then top with layer of ground beef mixture. Use ladle to spoon some enchilada sauce mixture on top, distributing evenly. Top with another layer of tortillas then repeat layers until casserole is full, 3-4 layers. Top with shredded cheese.

Loosely cover dish with foil in tent shape to help prevent cheese from sticking then bake 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with cilantro and green onions, if desired.