MINUTES
TOWN MEETING
July 6, 2010
Emmitsburg Town Office
PRESENT: Mayor James Hoover; Commissioners Clifford
Sweeney, Denise Etris, Tim O'Donnell and Christopher
Staiger, President.
Staff present were Donna DesPres and Dave Haller, Town
Manager.
ABSENT: Commissioner Glenn Blanchard with prior notice.
_________________________________________________________________________
I. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board
of Commissioners, called the July 6, 2010 Public Hearing
to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the June 21, 2010 Town Meeting were
approved as presented.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Positive comments about recent Lions' Club Community Day
including successes of the MS bike ride fundraiser, free
pool admission, and event and road closure notices.
Discussed communication with SHA re continued South
Seton Avenue closure with comments that owner
convenience was not an acceptable grounds for extension.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Upon Commissioner Etris' inquiry, Mr. Haller reported
that water conditions, with the dry weather, have
remained positive- -wells are still up and conditions
are good and the previous 2 weeks' consumption is up 10%
because of seasonal lawn watering. Mayor Hoover added
that having a reservoir is advantageous in dry
conditions. Mr. Haller informed the Board and audience
that one half-hour of hose-watering consumes 250 gallons
- - the same daily average use for a family.
Also responding to Commissioner inquiry, Mr. Haller
outlined construction items remaining on the water and
sewer lines rehab on Lincoln Avenue and that there
should be only one more day of residential impact. The
resurfacing overlay of the entire road will be a
separate project.
The prior request to repair the softball field for
participating "pick-up" leagues who are playing weekly
was discussed. Staff felt that before committing to this
expense, the Board may want to consider requiring an
agreement (like with the Little League) as there have
been complaints regarding fights and alcohol
consumption. Mr. Haller was directed to have signs
placed stating the prohibition of alcohol in the parks.
Commissioner Sweeney was asked to contact someone who
knows the involved teams.
Commissioner O'Donnell asked what follow-up has happened
on removing the fence from the ballfield. Staff replied
that arrangements are being made to remove the fence at
the lowest cost.
Commissioner Sweeney commented on the success of the
concert in the park and requested that one set of the
bleachers remain at the location during the summer.
REPORTS:
Treasurer's Report - Commissioner Staiger presented in
Commissioner Blanchard's absence. See attached report,
Exhibit A.
Committee reports - Commissioner O'Donnell reported that
the Planning Commission met and considered a
modification to the meeting schedule ordinance. Their
recommendation/request will be a Board agenda item at
the next meeting.
II. AGENDA ITEMS
FIRE HERITAGE MUSEUM
Mr. Chip Jewell, President of the Frederick County Fire
and Rescue Museum and Preservation Society, reported on
the progress of the establishment of the Fire Heritage
Museum in the old ambulance company building. Their goal
is to be open by Firefighters Memorial weekend in
October. This availability has presented this great
opportunity for Emmitsburg as the "heart of the nation's
fire service".
LOCAL SOCIAL SERVICES
Ms. Rosalind Munyiri-Wilson introduced the Frederick
County social support service that will be offered to
area residents. She will be present on the second and
fourth Wednesdays, 9am-12pm, on a monthly basis. She
will offer assistance in the areas regarding foreclosure
and eviction prevention, security deposits and
application for food stamps and energy assistance. Ms.
Deb Wivell, Director of the former Emmitsburg CASS
agency, explained that the County's restructuring of the
agency from 10 to 4 sites caused the Emmitsburg center
to close. She hopes that Emmitsburg can still benefit
from some agency planned school visits. She thanked the
town and Board for their support. Commissioner Staiger
indicated the town's intent to help facilitate any north
county area service.
BID CONSIDERATION - COMMUNITY PARK TRAILS
Mayor Hoover
discussed the state's new process in regard to delayed
funding (2012) of awarded POS grants. He stated that the
town is allowed to flip-flop POS project purposes and/or
forward-fund a project until state reimbursement is
made. He indicated areas of CIP funding that could be
transferred, deferred or borrowed to facilitate funding
the splash park until that reimbursement is made. He
suggested accepting the low bid award for the Community
Park trails and then getting bids for the splash park.
Mr. Haller outlined the 3 bid options requested. The
preferred option "C" added a commitment of a price per
square yard of any additional fill that may be needed.
The low bid received was from W. F. Delauter.
Commissioner Staiger expressed his desire to review the
plans to see the scope and overview of the project;
that, at this level, the Board can assess and weigh-in
the decision better. Fellow commissioners stated their
agreement. Staff will provide the Board with the plans
and bid acceptance was tabled to the next meeting.
TOWN WEBSITE COMMUNITY
CALENDAR
Commissioner Etris requested postponement of this item
as the Advisory Committee representative was not
available.
POSTING TOWN POSITIONS AND
SALARIES
Commissioner Etris stated that contrary to her position
of this prior matter, she has been approached by many
that have expressed that they want to see this
information on the website. Commissioner Staiger
expressed that no one has come to him or is present this
meeting to make "public comment" on this agenda topic so
he has suspicions (on the purpose). Mayor Hoover pointed
out that the salary chart is part of the Emmitsburg Code
and is available on the website. Action was decided by
unanimous consent to provide a direct link to the salary
chart.
SET AGENDA ITEMS FOR JULY 19, 2010 TOWN MEETING
1. Daughters of Charity presentation
2. Planning Commission meeting schedule changes -
discussion
3. Community Park bid consideration
4. Community Calendar on website
5. Proposed changes to salary structure ordinance
6. Ordinance 10-12 Village Zone Parking Section
17.36.040**
**This item was withdrawn subsequent to this meeting.
III PUBLIC COMMENTS - none
IV ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the July 6, 2010 Town Meeting
was adjourned at 9:13 p.m. |
