Minutes
Town Meeting
Emmitsburg Town Office
March 3, 2008

Present: Mayor James Hoover; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Joyce Rosensteel, Denise Etris and Christopher Staiger, President. Also present were Donna DesPres and Dave Haller, Town Manager.
Commissioner Blanchard joined the meeting at 7:53 pm (with prior notice of delay).

Call to Order  Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the March 3, 2008 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Approval of Minutes  The Minutes of the February 18, 2008 Town Meeting approved as presented.

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Rosensteel issued appreciation for the community response at the celebrity bartender event which raised $6000 donated to area community agencies.
Commissioner Etris attended the emergency planning task force meeting and Commissioner Staiger reported that the Green Living Forum was well attended. More Green Living forums are scheduled

Mayor's Comment  He is still arranging a presentation on the state's Main Streets Program.

Administrative Business

Regarding the previous announcement that Bradford pear trees would be placed in the park, Commissioner Staiger updated that the New Forest Society will find a similar native tree that flowers in springtime and is acceptable for the area.

Reports

Treasurer's Report - Commissioner Joyce Rosensteel. See attached report, Exhibit A.
Representing the Parks Committee, Commissioner Etris will present both meeting reports at the next Town Meeting.

Agenda Items

Alderman Allen Imhoff, Frederick City, Sister Cities Presentation

Alderman Imhoff provided material and spoke on the Sister Cities International network to include discussing history, awards and grants programs and conferences. He exampled the exchange with sister cities of Frederick. It promotes good will and possible economic exchange. It's up to the municipality to develop a program that best fits the community and is very flexible as to effort and involvement.

Approve Contract for Design Plan of Emmit Gardens Water Treatment Facility

The Town Manager requested authorization to enter into a contract with McCrone Inc. to supply the engineering expertise to develop the conceptual treatment phase design (methods: i.e., filters, chemical injection). The Mayor pointed out that he didn't find any timeframe in the proposal. Mr. Haller responded that it is a 6-8 month project.

Public Comment Tim O'Donnell, 4105 Carrick Court - spoke to matters re the Emmit Gardens park site and approved, budgeted parks equipment placement.  Mr. Haller reported that this has been examined and an elevated site has been proposed and the 2 items should not conflict with each other.

Motion: To fund the conceptual treatment design contract with McCrone Inc. for wells #7 and J at a cost not to exceed $26,000.
Motion by Commissioner Sweeney, second by Commissioner Rosensteel.
Vote:  4-0-1 in favor
Commissioner Blanchard abstaining because of delayed arrival.

Placement of Portable Basketball Backboards

Options related to various concerns regarding the placement of portable basketball backboards within the town roads, streets and rights-of-way were considered. Mayor Hoover stated that this has come up before. The problem of item-specific legislation was discussed. Staff was directed to formulate amendment language to be considered by the Board.

Resolution 2008-01R for William Emmit Portrait Acceptance

The historical portrait of William Emmit, Jr. has been offered to the Town from Richard and Madeleine Fisher preserving the donors' wish for the Town to hold, maintain, and display. If at any time the Town is no longer interested, the painting will be dedicated to the Maryland Archives for safekeeping.

Motion: To approve Resolution 2008-01R to accept and preserve the historical portrait of William Emmit, Jr., son of William Emmit who founded the Town of Emmitsburg.
Motion by Commissioner Etris, second by Commissioner Rosensteel.
Vote: 5-0 in favor

2008 Art Contest

Mayor Hoover proposed preserving the annual student art contest but revising the timing and award presentation to better suit all involved and perhaps garner more participation. These factors were mentioned: the school's request to move it to fall; eliminating the 3rd category due to lack of participation (k-8th grade); contact with the schools to coordinate the best timetable, themes, etc.; establishing a date and time each year to honor the winners. Commissioner Sweeney suggested to contact Mt. St. Mary's to display the artwork at the Knott Arena and get the Mount students involved. The Board is to rethink and revise.

Set Agenda Items for next Meeting
• Contract approval for gypsy moth spraying
• Draft of street obstruction ordinance

Vote: 5-0 in favor
Approved resolution was signed.

Public Comments

Adjournment With no further business, the March 3, 2008 Town Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

Date Approved: March 17, 2008