Minutes
Town Meeting
February 21, 2011
Emmitsburg Town Office

Present: Mayor James Hoover; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Glenn Blanchard, Patrick Joy, Tim O'Donnell and Christopher Staiger, President
Also present were Donna DesPres, Town Clerk and Dave Haller, Town Manager and Susan Cipperly, Town Planner

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I. Call to Order
Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the February 21, 2011 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of Minutes
The Minutes of the February 7, 2011 Town Meeting were approved as presented.

Commissioner Comments
Members cited their recent attendance at area events. It was announced that the EBPA will have a "Green Challenge" event and regarding a previous request to the Sheriff's office, it was pointed out that the Gettysburg Times does list a "police blotter".

Mayor's Comments
He announced upcoming events.

Consent Agenda - no items

Administrative Business
A closed Executive Session was held at the Emmitsburg Town Office on February 7, 2011 following the regular town meeting for the discussion of a personnel issue. Those present were Commissioners Staiger, Sweeney, and Joy; Mayor Hoover, Dave Haller and Donna DesPres. Motion to hold an Executive Session as permitted by the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article: Section 10-508 (a) Closed Meetings, Item 1, by Commissioner Sweeney, second by Commissioner Joy carried 3-0 in favor.

--Commissioner O'Donnell received a citizen complaint re snow being piled to the side of the mailboxes and accusing preference. Mr. Haller responded that snow is always pushed from the middle to the outside so both sides are piled up. Commissioner Staiger stated that the main objective is to keep the roads open. He requested that if anyone feels that someone is getting special attention he would like to know it. Citizen Rick Oleska, Ramblewood Drive, stated that the issue had to do with the mailbox side.
--Commissioner Joy reported that he had received a call about the lack of clarification on bidding document for the splash park- - that our document is not totally clear. It was stated that there is a contact name provided that any bidder can call for questions.
--Regarding the APFO legal fees, Commissioner Staiger stated that the town is being billed for all the participants, the town attorney has contacted all other municipalities involved for reimbursement to Emmitsburg whose share is $3200.75. He pointed out that the Southgate stormwater management pond is still an open issue- -that trees and bushes grown up were not cut when the grass was cut. He directed the town manager to send a letter clarifying what the arrangements are.
--The idea of having a student serve on the citizens advisory committee was brought up. --Commissioner Sweeney requested that the Arbor Day event be resurrected. This was referred to Commissioner Blanchard of the parks committee with support from the town to provide trees and Mr. Haller will survey the park area for dead trees, needed enhancement, etc.

Reports:
During administrative business Commissioner Blanchard reported that the Parks Committee met and discussed pool parties and parks concerts.
Commissioner Joy reported that the Citizens Advisory Committee met and endorsed these actions: to bring to the board efforts to encourage businesses in town, to conduct a pedestrian audit, and to plan and support a community garden.
Town Manager Report - reported on the public works department monthly activities to include a water production and consumption analysis. He was asked to give specifics on some of the meetings he attended. Detailed report at Exhibit A.
Police Report - Deputy Bartlett. Detailed report at Exhibit B. In response to Commissioner Blanchard's inquiry he reported that no bike rodeo was planned this year but a bike ride is being planned. Turnout for the rodeo has been a problem. The Junior Deputy Academy had a decent turnout and it is again being considered. Commissioner O'Donnell spoke of a "cycling schoolbus" program wherein children ride their bikes to school with an escort to promote this. Interest in this was expressed.

II. Agenda Items

Fiscal Year 2010 Audit
Michele Mills of Draper & McGinley, PA presented the annual audit report. She capsulized details of the report and explained terms and statements required for a government entity.
The Board directed questions in the areas of: refinancing old debt, the best time to effect a budget modification, and clarification of cash vs. fund balance. In discussing the "fund balance", it was explained that it is a measure of liquidity, the same as the working capital of a private business- -the cumulative results of revenue over expenses over time. Benchmarks for targeting a recommended amount of fund balance were mentioned: 5% of annual expenses by large governments, 2 months revenues for smaller entities. Commissioner Staiger commented that, as a board, he would like discussion about setting a target, perhaps providing for a citizen rebate and establishing a fund balance policy to determine uses. The audit report of management shortcomings was discussed at the request of Commissioner Staiger. Commissioner Joy requested to see a schedule of the CIP fund balance and a schedule of debt related to project.

Emmitsburg Municipal Code, Section 14.04: Proposed Changes to Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance
Town Planner Sue Cipperly presented the amended APFO as formulated from previous meetings for acceptance by the Board to forward to the Planning Commission.
By unanimous consent, the current working document of APFO Ordinance 11-09 was referred to the planning commission for comments.

Emmitsburg Municipal Code, Section 17.10.030: Proposed Changes to B-2 Zoning, General Commercial Uses
Unanimous consent approved sending to the Planning Commission Ordinance 11-08 adding uses permitted in the B-2 general business district.

Appointment of Planning Commission Member
The Board unanimously approved Mayor Hoover's recommendation to appoint John Howard to serve the remaining term of Patrick Joy on the Planning Commission.
 

III. Public Comments - none

IV. Set Agenda Items for March 7, 2011 Town Meeting
1. 11-05 commissioners' payment schedule revision
2. 11-07 outdoor watering restrictions
3. splash park bid review
4. community garden proposal from citizens advisory committee
5. parks committee appointment

V. Sign approved text amendments and/or resolutions

VI. Adjournment
With no further business, the February 21, 2011 Town Meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

Date Approved: March 7, 2011