TOWN MEETING
July 5, 2011
Emmitsburg Town Office

 

Present: Mayor James Hoover; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Tim O'Donnell, Patrick Joy and Christopher Staiger, President.
Staff present were Donna Despres, Town Clerk and Dave Haller, Town Manager.
Absent: Glenn Blanchard with prior notice.
_________________________________________________________________________
I. Call to Order
Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the July 5, 2011 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of Minutes
The Minutes of the June 20, 2011 Town Meeting were approved as presented.

Commissioner Comments
Commissioners Sweeney, Staiger and O'Donnell expressed thanks for all those who helped make community day successful. Commissioner O'Donnell shared comments on the MML convention stating that it was worthwhile. Commissioner Joy, who also attended, acknowledged that the networking was valuable.

Mayor's Comments
Mayor Hoover also attended the MML conference. Emmitsburg was one of 44 voted as a "banner city". He announced the passing of Eugene Rosensteel who was a town commissioner in the 70's and husband of past commissioner Joyce Rosensteel. Commissioners joined in condolences to Joyce Rosensteel.

Administrative Business
Commissioner Joy has not yet contacted Mr. Gauss re flag at Doughboy location. Along the line of erecting a flagpole, Commissioner Staiger expressed his interest in highlighting specialities of the town. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that setting the momentum to improve the appearance of the town, hopefully, would engage citizenry to respond in same. Rocks have been removed from Timbermill Run. Commissioner O'Donnell has been contacted by the Catoctin Youth Athletic Association who is hoping to use field in rear of 300A South Seton--he will follow up with specifics. No lights have yet been installed on South Seton but there is survey activity and commitment from the electric company. Commissioner Staiger, for absent Commissioner Blanchard's inquiry, asked for review of the request for a speed bump on Huntley Circle. It was confirmed that sight difficulty exists on the south side around that corner: Unanimous agreement to install speed bump.

Consent Agenda - none

Reports:
Treasurer's Report - Commissioner Blanchard absent. June 2011 cash activity report included in packet. Detailed report at Exhibit A
Committee Reports - Commissioner O'Donnell not present at the Planning Commission meeting -no agenda items, regular quarterly meeting.


II. Agenda Items

Discussion of Proposed Changes to Water and Sewer Connection Fees and Surcharges
Commissioner Joy presented options in regard to the water and sewer fees and surcharges to help encourage development without financial concerns. Option1: remove surcharge; 2: have two rates, lower rate for those already approved to finish off 2 -3 developments (not new), new ones would stay at current rate; 3: lower fee significantly for commercial development in addition to option 2. Commissioner Staiger requested Mr. Haller to review the methodology of the fees. Purposes of assessing connection fees and surcharges were discussed. Commissioner Staiger: recalculate connections fees and make sure they fairly and accurately represent our cost; and, as part as the ongoing look of sewer and water rates, make sure that the town is charging the correct fees for depreciation or repair as a portion paid by all users equally. Mayor Hoover explained when surcharges were started.
Public Comment: Rick Olesek, 1405 Ramblewood - want to spur growth, favors higher use fees vs. upfront (tap/surcharge) fees. Chuck Karfonte, RJD Development - asked for clarification on connection fees, would like to see development get done. Mayor Hoover commented that he disagrees with the assumption that, if rates are reduced there will be development, as there has been no commitment from the developer in this request. There was a previous 20% reduction in tap and surcharge fees without any action/response by the developer. Commissioner Staiger stated that the Board needs to be a steward of the town resources. Mayor Hoover agreed that it is more problematic to justify surcharge fees. Commissioner O'Donnell polled Mr. Haller and each board member as to their pros and cons of changing the fees/surcharge. Council directed staff to bring back two revised ordinances that eliminate the surcharge. All agreed not to change the tap fees. No opposition; Unanimous consent

Discussion of Five-Year Capital Improvements
Commissioner Joy presented that part of the APFO's requirement of a 5-year CIP. He expressed that it is his wish to make it more visible and easy to understand for the public and commissioners as to knowing future needs and fund those that need funding. The Mayor presented the Board with the funding distribution and planned disbursements of the current balance of the Capital Improvement fund. Mayor Hoover commented that the town has not had the luxury to deposit annually the calculated annual portion of replacement funding. Commissioner Joy would also like to see projected costs of these projects. Everyone was comfortable with the format presented with the need to add a column for projected cost.


III. Public Comments - none

IV. Set Agenda Items for July 18, 2011 Town Meeting

1. Consideration of text amendment to Section 15-24 in regard to trailer and trailer campers
2. Multi-user trail update

V. SIGN APPROVED TEXT AMENDMENTS AND/OR RESOLUTIONS - none

VI. Adjournment
With no further business, the July 5, 2011 Town Meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.


Date Approved: July 18, 2011