MINUTES

TOWN MEETING

October 7, 2013

Emmitsburg Town Office

Present:  Mayor Donald Briggs; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Christopher Staiger, Patrick Joy, and Tim O’Donnell, President.

Staff present were Vickie Felix; Sue Cipperly, Town Planner and Dave Haller, Town Manager.

Absent:  Commissioner James Hoover with prior notice.

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I.  Call to Order

Commissioner Tim O’Donnell, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the October 7, 2013 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of Minutes

The Minutes of the September 16, 2013 Town Meeting were approved as presented. The September 23, 2013 Special Town Meeting were approved as corrected.

Motion: to make an amendment to the September 23, 2013 motion to include the acceptance of the Purchase Power Agreement.

         Motion by Commissioner Sweeney and second by Commissioner O’Donnell

                                     Vote 2-1 in favor

                                     Commissioner Staiger opposed

                                     Commissioner Joy abstained  

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner O’Donnell cited attendances to include the Seas Services Mass; the opening of the new All American Hot Dog business in town; he also thanked Commissioner Joy for his years of service. Commissioner Joy thanked everyone for allowing him to serve the Town the past three years. It was also announced that the food bank is in need of donations.  

Mayor’s Comments

Thanked Commissioner Joy for his service to the town. He cited attendances to include EOPCC wine tasting event, movies in the park, Mt. Saint Mary’s Liberal Arts advisory board meeting; Mrs. Ott’s funeral; the Heritage board meeting. Mayor Briggs announced that the Town accommodated the needs of the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Weekend which came a week early this year with the government shut down.

Administrative Business

·         LGIT certificate of membership

·         Board of directors from MORE – hold board meeting on a Sunday in Emmitsburg in town council meeting room. No opposition.

Consent Agenda - none

Reports:

Treasurer’s Report – Commissioner Sweeney reported on September 2013 cash activity. Detailed report exhibit A.

Planning Commission - The Planning Commission did not meet.  

II.       Agenda Items

Oath of Office of Elected Officials

Mayor Donald N. Briggs administered the oath of office of elected officials Glenn Blanchard, Town Commissioner and Jennifer Mellor, Town Commissioner.

Commissioner Kirby Delauter of Frederick County Board of Commissioners presented certificates to formal commissioners and newly elected officials.

Reorganization of Board of Commissioners

Mayor Briggs made these recommendations for the 2013/2014 Board of Commissioners reorganization: Commissioner Tim O’Donnell to remain president; Commissioner Sweeney to be vice president and liaison for the Planning Commission; Commissioner Glenn Blanchard will be treasurer; Commissioner Chris Staiger will be liaison to the Citizens Advisory Committee and Commissioner Jennifer Mellor will be liaison for Parks and Recreation.

  Motion: - To accept the Board reorganization as presented by Mayor Briggs.     

  Motion by Commissioner Sweeney second by Commissioner Blanchard.   

                                     Vote: 5-0 in favor

After Hours Use in Park Policy

Mr. Haller reported that there is a request from a local community service group that would like to use the park after dark. The Park closes a half hour after sunset. Staff has drafted a policy to allow use after hours using the alcohol use policy as a template. He proceeded to read the policy conditions. During Board discussion there were some questions in regards to non-profit status; event policy insurance and safety issue of the horse shoe pits. Condition #2 should read Emmitsburg Community and condition #3 in the last sentence add the word Manger. Staff will bring back policy with corrections and changes for vote at next meeting.

Sign Ordinance Amendment

Sue Cipperly, Town Planner stated this was tabled from the last meeting because of the late hour. This was on the January 2013 meeting agenda; mainly about temporary signage which has been a reoccurring issue; appearance is one of the concerns. She developed an ordinance which also includes signage definitions. The business now can have 32 square feet of temporary signage and don’t need a permit. New approach puts the responsibility on the business and addresses the broad spectrum of the types of signage that occurs. Non residential temporary signs may only be placed on the property on which the business, profession, product, service, event, or other commercial activity is being sold, offered, or conducted. Staff got feedback from the EBPA and they concurred with the approach that was being taken. After discussion the Board decided that they would like more time to review the amendment. This item will be brought back as an agenda item for the next town meeting.

Set Agenda Items for October 21, 2013 Town Meeting

1.    Park Use Policy 

2.    Sign Ordinance Amendment

3.    Reconsider Helmet Ordinance - discussion

4.    Town Website - discussion 

III.      Public Comments- none

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

V.        Adjournment

With no further business, the October 7, 2013 Town Meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.