Minutes Town Meeting
Emmitsburg Town Office
November 5, 2007

Present:  Mayor James Hoover; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Glenn Blanchard, Joyce Rosensteel, Denise Etris and Christopher Staiger, President.  Also present were Donna DesPres and Dave Haller, Town Manager.

Call to Order  Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the November 5, 2007 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Approval of Minutes  The Minutes of the October 15, 2007 Town Meeting were before the Council for approval. The Minutes were approved as presented.

Commissioner Comments  Commissioners Blanchard and Rosensteel highlighted their activities to include attendance at the Fallen Firefighters' Memorial service and the "Lift the Nation" dedication.  Commissioner Staiger thanked the Ambulance Company and Lions Club for the annual contribution of organizing the Halloween festivities. Mayor's Comments Mayor Hoover also commented on his attendance to the Memorial service and the new memorial, stating that it is the only one in existence and is 3 times life-size.  He announced that the annual Town swag-making will take place on November 17, the tree lighting will be Monday December 3rd and, on November 27 at 7 pm Sheriff Jenkins will host a small "town meeting" for resident input for police matters and an open forum.

Administrative Business Commissioner Etris reported that the parks committee will again be holding a tree decorating contest, judging to be December 20 with the same prizes as last year. The matter of Federal Avenue parking on spaces that were removed about six years ago was mentioned. The Mayor added that more line striping is being done with the new resurfacing in an effort to show true access to meet normal road standards.  Mr. Haller also added that now the true travelway is being defined. The Board mentioned the FYI memo from Dave:  re policy, hope that will solve the issue.  Mr. Haller stated that the property owners are in support.  Commissioner Staiger confirmed planning commission procedure to be that the commission makes the requests to the consultant thru Mr. Henry, then the information is put in the meeting package.  This is to allay the commission concerns of manipulating the information that the consultant is providing, this matter was cleared up.  The Mayor added that the consultant was told, further explaining that his presence mimics the same position that the Town Manager has at the Town Meeting.

Reports: 

Treasurer's Report - Commissioner Joyce Rosensteel.  See attached report, Exhibit A.

Committee reports - Newly elected Planning and Zoning Commission secretary Patrick Joy, reported that they elected a new vice chair also -Tim O'Donnell.  Other matters considered were the sign ordinance, consultant position, water element of the Comp Plan and edu's. He also invited the public to attend meetings.  Commissioner Rosensteel, Water Committee, will have a report at the next meeting.

Agenda Items

Ordinance 07-14 Village Zone Parking Amendment

Motion: To approve Ordinance 07-14 amending Section 17.36.040 of the Code of Emmitsburg waiving off-street parking requirements for existing commercial use.

Motion by Commissioner Etris, second by Commissioner Rosensteel The Mayor explained that this is brought forth to allow existing buildings be able to meet parking space requirements, making the burden easier in establishing a new business and to eliminate the 3rd party agreements that provided the required spaces.

Vote: 5-0 in favor

Water Consumption Update

Mr. Haller reported that the residential use remained 21,000 gallons greater today to last year (about 84 taps), now better than in the summer, and inline with the population of Maryland.  The State has found that consumption is 5-16% higher in drought time.  Wells are 15-20 feet lower than normal but not dropping, stabilized, wells won't recharge until 6-8 months until rain flow picks up.  His recommendation was to hold steady on the current restrictions.  The Board agreed to keep same and still monitor.  He added that, with staff, is writing the state required Water Management Capacity Plan.

Channel 99 Program

Mayor Hoover's requested opportunity to create a TV program on channel 99 was considered.  He iterated that the perceived program would be 30 minutes, once a month, like the Community Spotlight radio program he did with Mt. St. Mary's- - a tool to communicate to residents in a different forum.  The attorney opinion stated that it would be lawful as long as subject is about Emmitsburg and not argumentative.  Commissioner Staiger inquired if he is producing this privately and, if so, is the opportunity available to other people?  The Mayor responded that, as explained to him, anybody has a right to equal access, with or without the program, regardless.  Commissioner Staiger expressed that he is not comfortable with opening the medium up to become an abuse. Commissioner Blanchard also commented that from the way the letter is written, he is uncomfortable with that aspect, setting up a whole new issue of problems- - to maybe put some thought into a policy as to what is advisable.

Set Agenda Items for November 19, 2007

• Town Meeting Catoctin High School Principal Newkirk update - grad requirements, changes, etc.
• NC Track transportation project for supplemental transport in community
• Water Management
• Update Mt. St. Mary's bond request
• Sign Ordinance Modification

                                  en masse, 5-0 in favor

Public Comments
Joan Boyle, commented on snow removal within 24 hrs, tree wells, and park tree planting.

Adjournment With no further Business, the November 5, 2007 Town Meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

Date Approved:  November 19, 2007