Minutes
Town Meeting
May 4, 2009
Emmitsburg Town Office

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

Call To Order Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners,called the May 4, 2009 Public Hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of Minutes The Minutes of the April 20, 2009 Town Meeting were approved as presented.

Commissioner Comments

Commissioners Blanchard, Rosensteel and Etris cited their participation in area functions and committees and issued their condolences for the recent loss of a Mt. St. Mary’s student.

Administrative Business

Commissioner Rosensteel mentioned a deep pothole at rear of DePaul Street. In reference to the student loss, Commissioner Staiger spoke of county/town areas- - of past research and attempt to lay a lane for biking, etc. to include a footpath across Tom’s Creek but connectivity between Mt. St. Mary’s and the town was lost at a point due to right-of-way. The Mayor added that the item has been recently revived and he will be attending a meeting tomorrow re same. Mr. Haller explained the right of way problem. Along with emails received about this problem, Commissioner Staiger addressed others re trash collection and tax rate. In regard to comp plan feedback of tap calculations using a system recognized by the state he recognized and pointed out that the method applied by the town is very equivalent.

Reports:

Town Manager Report - reported on the public works department monthly activities to include a water production and consumption analysis. Detailed report at Exhibit A.

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

Committee reports - Commissioner Rosensteel reported that the Planning Commission
comp plan was discussed in that if any changes are made to the land use changes, will property owners be notified? Mr. Haller replied no, but will be advertised before final accepting. Commissioner Blanchard reported that the Water Committee did not meet.
Agenda Items

Agenda Items

Revised Employee Handbook

This handbook was presented at the April 6 meeting for Board review. Sandy Krauer of Krauer Consultants (human resources) was on hand to answer any questions. The only change since submission for approval was that of a statutory reference correction and with town attorney John Clapp’s review, the section re “employment at will” was amended to allow for town charter provisions. Mr. Clapp was in attendance and was in concurrence. The Mayor added that the revision was mainly to incorporate those items needed by statute.

Motion: To adopt the 2009 employee handbook.
Motion by Commissioner Blanchard, second by Commissioner Rosensteel
Vote:  5-0 in favor

FY 2010 Budget Message

The Mayor presented his fiscal year 2010 budget message. The general fund and CIP budgets were presented to the Board to review for future adoption. The Mayor enumerated factors considered in the preparation of this budget to include:

• $55,000 contribution to CIP vs. prior years’ amounts
• Maintaining the current 36 cents tax rate
• Highway user revenue has been cut 30%
• Trash service is reduced to once a week
• Continuation of 3 deputies
• no new residential development

The budget will be considered for adoption at the May 18 meeting.

FY 2010 Tax Rate

Commissioner Staiger pointed out his past penchant for promoting only the state computed “constant yield” tax rate but recognized that the reduction of property values and the fractional difference did not warrant a change from the current rate.
Regarding citizen comments about cutting deputy coverage, Commissioner Blanchard commented that he is not in favor of dire cuts, especially during a recession, when domestic violence increases and the deputy coverage is needed more, “It’s not a time to cut.”

Motion - To maintain the tax rate of 36 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value for the coming fiscal year.
Motion by Commissioner Etris, second by Commissioner Sweeney
Vote: 5-0 in favor

Planning Commission Appointment

Mayor Hoover recommended Mr. Gary Pozzouli for the completion of the term vacated by Mr. Larry Little for the planning commission.

Motion – To accept the appointment of Gary Pozzouli for the planning commission
Motion by Commissioner Rosensteel, second by Commissioner Blanchard
Vote: 5-0 in favor

Ordinance 09-05 – Sewer Pretreatment Ordinance

After much investigation to fit to our community, this ordinance was developed to limit and/or eliminate the introduction of oil, grease, wax, fats, etc. into the wastewater collection and treatment system. Mr. Dan Fissel presented slides to demonstrate the effects of grease deposits on collection wells, pumps, lagoons, etc. Commissioner Sweeney from his experience supported the recommended legislation and stated that most cities have such an ordinance. Upon query by Staiger, Mr. Haller explained that Frederick County mainly addresses this through their permit application process. Commissioner Staiger suggested allowing a review time to allow for press coverage for business input.
Mr. Haller also explained the requirements of new construction vs. retrofit. With unanimous consent this item was tabled to the June meeting to allow for local business review.

FY 2010 Trash Contract

5 bids were received as requested with 2x week and 1x week collection costs with extended 3 year proposal. Prior to bid opening, references were sought for applicants. Commissioner Sweeney expressed concern that when a pickup day falls on a holiday, that a week is not skipped. Mr. Haller stated that he will insure that the contract provides for such and examine same for no escalation clause for fuel increase as also requested by the Board.

Motion - To authorize the town manager to pursue a contract for Board approval with Key Sanitation for the 3 year contract at once weekly collection.
Motion by Commissioner Blanchard, second by Commissioner Etris
Vote: 5-0 in favor

Set Agenda Items for Next Meeting

• Ordinance 09-06, issuance and sale of bonds for funding Lincoln Avenue water and sewer lines replacement.
• Resolution 09-02R town’s official intent to reimburse itself for initial cost of the Lincoln Avenue water line replacement
• Continued Comp Plan review
• FY 2010 budget approval

Public Comments - none

Adjournment With no further business, the May 4, 2009 Town Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Date Approved: May 18, 2009