MINUTES
TOWN MEETING
June
21, 2010
Emmitsburg Town Office
PRESENT: Mayor James Hoover; Commissioners Clifford
Sweeney, Glenn Blanchard, Denise Etris, Tim O'Donnell
and Christopher Staiger, President.
Also present were Vickie Felix; Sue Cipperly, Town
Planner and Dave Haller, Town Manager.
_________________________________________________________________________
I. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board
of Commissioners, called the June 21, 2010 Town Meeting
to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the June 7, 2010 Town Meeting were
approved as presented.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Blanchard along with Mayor Hoover attended
the Flag Day ceremony. He also attended opening day of
the Farmers Market and commended Amy Naill for her
efforts in keeping the Farmers Market going every year.
He attended the community pool this weekend and stated
that it looks like the contractor for the pool this year
is doing a good job. The rules were being enforced and
safety was being followed. He thanked Commissioner
Sweeney for helping cover the first concert in the park
during his absence. Commissioner Etris reminded the
citizens about the Community Day celebration and
schedules. The Citizens Advisory Committee met and is
working on a small insert to put in with the water bills
on tips for grease disposal for households. Commissioner
Sweeney encouraged citizens to come out to Community Day
he stated it is Founder's Day so the Emmit family will
be honored. Commissioner O'Donnell would like town staff
to add on the sign out front "Welcome Mason Dixon
Challenge Riders", "share the road" and put on channel
99 as well to inform residents that cyclists will be in
town on Community Day participating in a fund raiser for
multiple sclerosis. Commissioner O'Donnell spoke of his
attendance at the Plan Maryland Forum. Some of the items
identified had to do with transportation, quality of
life, affordable housing and economic development.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Hoover reminded everyone that the Farmers Market
opened up this past Friday and will be every Friday from
3pm to 6:30pm. The first pool party will be July 23,
2010.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Commissioner Sweeney asked about the update on the
closure of South Seton Avenue. Mayor Hoover responded
that the Fire Marshall's office has final jurisdiction
over it. The tentative date to open is July 2, 2010.
CONSENT AGENDA - none
REPORTS:
Town Manager Report - reported on the public works
department monthly activities to include a water
production and consumption analysis. Seasonal speed
bumps were installed on Timbermill Run in Brookfield.
Also after a number of inquiries/complaints speed bumps
were installed in the first block of Depaul St. The
trash will be picked up on Monday, July 5th. Detailed
report at Exhibit A.
Police Report - Deputy Moxley reported on the May 2010
police activities. The bike rodeo was conducted on May
1, 2010 with an unfortunate low turnout. East Lincoln
Avenue is being especially targeted for traffic
enforcement due to continued and increased traffic
because of South Seton closure. Detailed report at
Exhibit B.
II. AGENDA ITEMS
REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 17.36 VILLAGE ZONE PARKING
DISCUSSION
Ms. Cipperly presented the board with a summary of the
planning recommendations from the May 24, 2010 meeting.
There was some wording suggestions that she incorporated
into the second document presented to the Board. The
changes to the ordinance are to make the requirements
match up with off-street parking in other zones,
reducing the burden for new businesses. Staff was
directed to work make the changes and bring back for
review and final consideration.
MUNICIPAL ATHLETIC FIELDS CONSIDERATION
Commissioner O'Donnell proposed to modify the
athletic field that is located behind the Community
Center and is currently being used as a softball field.
He would like to have the fence removed in the outfield
area creating a rectangular athletic field that would
open up uses to other sports including softball and
other field sports.
Public Comments: Jeff Little, 410 Timbermill Run,
President of Emmitsburg Baseball and Softball; Bob
Mellor, 3 University Drive; and Bill Bigman, 2020
Pembrook Court - all in favor to open up field for other
sports.
Commissioner O'Donnell read over a summary of a letter
received back from Ray Barnes, Executive Director of
Facilities for Frederick County Public School. The
burden to maintain the field would continue to be the
responsibility of the town. Commissioner O'Donnell feels
this would be very valuable for the town. It will offer
more opportunity. This is an issue that was brought to
the Parks and Recreation awhile ago. He asked for
support from the Board. Mayor Hoover inquired what the
specific request is. Commissioner Staiger recommended
that the town take down the fence and not volunteers.
Mr. Haller garnered some quotes to take down the fence.
He said it will cost approximately $7300 to remove the
fence and have it hauled away. There was discussion on
what part of the fence would be taken down and what part
would remain. From an administrative standpoint, Mr.
Haller expressed concern where the money would come
from, no money in the budget for it right now. Mayor
Hoover stated that they need to get a scope of what the
work is and get a bid, then go back and look at the
budget dollars. There is some real demand for use of the
field. There being no opposition, unanimous consent to
move forward with this proposal. Staff will get the bids
and bring back to the Board, should have them within two
weeks. Commissioner O'Donnell's goal is to have the
field ready for the fall.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - none
IV. SET AGENDA ITEMS FOR JULY 6, 2010 TOWN MEETING
1. Presentation by Mr. Chip Jewell on the Fire Heritage
museum
2. Introduction of a new provider for social support
services offered by the County.
3. Community Park Trails bid consideration
4. Consider establishing a community calendar on the
Town website.
5. Discussion of posting town positions and salaries.
V. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the June 21, 2010 Town Meeting
was adjourned at 8:39 p.m. |
