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Minutes
Town Meeting
Emmitsburg Town Office
December 3, 2007
Present: Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Glenn Blanchard, Joyce Rosensteel, Denise Etris and
Christopher Staiger, President. Also present were Donna DesPres and Dave Haller, Town Manager.
Absent: Mayor James Hoover with prior notice
Call to Order Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the
December 3, 2007 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
He announced the Planning Commission meeting date change to December 13 because of the holidays.
Senator Brinkley attended and updated the Board on the past legislative session. Issues considered were tax increases, to include tax on
computer services; increased title fees; and the slots bill. Frederick County will lose about 5 million dollars. He commented that he had arrived in town in time for the
annual Tree Lighting festivities, "A tradition being lost in other communities...a bit of home town."
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes of the November 19, 2007 Town Meeting were approved as presented.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Blanchard: reported on the sheriff’s open forum, attended MML legislative meeting with other Commissioners, lauded the
entertainment of the Emmitsburg Chorus.
Commissioners Rosensteel and Etris also attended the MML dinner meeting.
Administrative Business
Commissioner Etris questioned Mr. Haller regarding the progress of the Emmitsburg Gardens tot lot. Mr. Haller responded that there have been
citizen concerns that it was not an appropriate spot, and the area is being reassessed.
The Parks Committee asked for approval of prize categories for the Christmas decoration contest. Mr. Haller instructed that the Board needs
to accept the prize level structure for the budgeted allocation. With no opposition, staff was instructed to go ahead.
Holiday free parking will be considered at next meeting.
Reports:
Treasurer’s Report - Commissioner Joyce Rosensteel. See attached report, Exhibit A.
Committee reports - Commissioner Blanchard reported that the Planning Commission meeting
addressed critical feedback re the Board’s consideration of the sign ordinance and that they are trying to push the timeline on the comp plan. Representing the Parks
Committee, Commissioner Etris announced the decorating contest for December 20 from 6-7 pm and 2 judges. They are also making band plans for summer concerts, maybe salsa
or reggae and discussed budget plans.
Agenda Items
Elements of a Water Management Plan
At the Board’s request, Mr. Haller illuminated the factors in formulating the water resources element to include determining water demand,
estimation of excess water
capacity available for allotment, establishing a process of controlling allotments and a plan to finance ongoing water improvement. He
commented that this is "a common sense plan" that the state is finally mandating and anticipates completion by summer 2008, more than a year early of the
requirement. Commissioner Staiger stated that there has been a need for a stand-alone water plan to which other plans could refer and likes that the policy is put together
into one package, that it definitely has value, especially in the compilation of the comp plan.
Resolution 2007-05R - Bond Issue to Mt St Mary’s
This resolution as approved at previous meeting was presented for signature. It was pointed out that the Town has no liability
Motion: To approve Resolution 2007-05R authorizing the bond issue of $10 million to Mt. St. Mary’s.
Motion by Commissioner Etris, second by Commissioner Rosensteel.
Vote: 5-0 in favor
Water Management Update
The past month’s gross consumption is close to where it should be: within 2500 gpd. The 2 big
institutions have reduced their consumption, and residential has stayed the same: running about 10 taps more than last year. Rainbow Lake is now 2.3 feet below level,
advancing .6 feet from November 4. Wells average 14.4 feet to July 23, a foot lower now than November 4. The impact of extended drought is deepening on the
system, the lowest level since 2002 when it was 5 feet. Mr. Haller recommended to hold steady, no real demand for outside water use now, but it’s wise to show a
commitment of protecting the resource. Commissioner Staiger remarked that it is commendable that the institutions have reduced consumption since they move the needle so
greatly. Mr. Haller added that, historically, they’re good neighbors.
Set Agenda Items for next Meeting
- reconsider sign ordinance
- Christmas season parking meter policy
- invite circus
- review of town planner position
- BOA appointment
- authorizing memorial park benches in town, to authorize style and selection for uniformity
Vote: 5-0 en masse
Public Comments
Kenny Code, 7650 Hampton Valley Road - as an abutting watershed area property owner, he questioned
what is being done in the water shed area in re gypsy moths, to maybe get together with other property owners for a better quote since spraying is done in 100-acre blocks, so
that more property may benefit.
Adjournment
With no further Business, the December 3, 2007 Town Meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Date Approved: December 17, 2007 |
