State mandates dual check device installation

As part of a mandate from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) all new residential buildings and some commercial businesses will soon be required to install a residential dual check device downstream of the water meter at their cost.

This mandate is an effort to protect the public water supply served by the town from possible contaminations which could backflow or back siphon into the public water system. It is the Town’s responsibility to protect the water distribution system from contaminants and pollution. According to town staff, this mandate was issued years ago, but somehow the town was never notified, until this past January. The town is well overdue to enact this regulation.

Old residences will be grandfathered in unless there is significant plumbing or water work that needs to be done. If significant plumbing work does need to be done, the town will have homeowners install one of these backflow preventers at that time. According to Dan Fissel, the town’s Superintendent for Water/Sewer, these devices are easy to install and cost approximately $60. Some businesses in town will also be required to install these devices. "Twelve to fifteen businesses are on the list to install these devices, including us here at the town offices," said Town Planner Zachary Gulden. "We’re being mandated by the state." Businesses needing to install these devices will have 90 days from the time this ordinance is passed to complete this.

Town Manager Cathy Willets noted that the town would be fined if they do not implement this ordinance. However, members of the Board felt uncomfortable voting to approve an ordinance without having adequate time to review it, or having adequate time for residents to review it.

The ordinance will be brought back to the meeting in April for further discussion and a vote will be taken at this time.

Community Park botanical garden proposed

A botanical garden to line the half-mile walkway that runs through Emmitsburg’s Community Park was brought to the Board of Commissioners for discussion during the March 4 town meeting.

Local residents, Sandra Adams and Wayne Slaughter proposed adding native plants and flowers to enhance the few native species that are already present along the walkway. As explained, they would not be planting garden beds, but instead planting various Maryland native species along the pathway to enhance the plants that are already there. Signage could be incorporated amongst the plants to help those utilizing the trail identify what species are present. Additionally, some invasive species of plants and vines that currently reside there need to be cleaned out.

Slaughter and Adams hope to make this a community-based effort with volunteers from local schools, Boy Scout or Girl Scout troops, and members of the community looking to become more involved. Funding this project, as proposed, would be done through donations. Slaughter has already reached out to Blue Water Baltimore to inquire about appropriate plants and costs related to purchasing the plants.

Commissioners seemed to be on board with the idea. Town staff will work on a draft agreement to bring back to the Commissioners at a later date. If approved, Slaughter and Adams hope to begin planting this May.

Food bank looks to relocate

Emmitsburg’s Food Bank may be looking to relocate soon due to the building’s leaky roof. Phyllis Kelley, manager of the town’s food bank brought her concerns to the Board of Commissioners during the March 4 town meeting.

"This winter has been especially hard on the food bank," stated Phyllis. The roof has been leaking and there have been mold issues as a result of the faulty roof. The Catoctin Pregnancy Center, also housed in the rented building, may also be looking to relocate if this problem is not fixed. According to Kelley, the roof has been repaired, but it is only a temporary fix – it needs to be completely replaced. However, that could cost as much as $40,000. Additionally, the building is heated with propane; between the leaky roof and the cold winter, the heating bills have been incredibly high.

Kelley approached the Board, asking them to keep an eye out for any buildings that may be appropriate to house both groups. Commissioner Tim O’Donnell advised Kelley to inform the building owner that there are grant funds available to renovate buildings in the historic district. The owner may consider looking into these opportunities.

In the meantime, Kelley was urged to reach out to Town Planner Zachary Gulden with specifications for a new location. The Pregnancy Center and food bank are willing to part ways if they need to, noted Kelley.