MINUTES
TOWN MEETING
February 4, 2013
Emmitsburg Town Office
Present:
Mayor Donald Briggs; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney,
Christopher Staiger, Patrick Joy, Tim O’Donnell and
Glenn Blanchard, President.
Staff present were Vickie Felix; Sue
Cipperly Town Planner and Dave Haller, Town Manager.
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Call to Order
Commissioner Glenn Blanchard,
President of the Board of Commissioners, called the
February 4, 2013 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes of the January 23, 2013
Town Meeting were approved as presented.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Sweeney announced the
upcoming open meeting for Community Heritage Day.
Commissioner O’Donnell requested the trail-related
consent agenda item be cancelled from tonight’s
agenda, stating that the Trail Conservancy is
looking to move forward on the trails. He brought
to light that there is some interest in plans for
the Scott Road farm. Commissioner Blanchard
encouraged residents to take advantage of the free
concerts that take place at Mount Saint Mary’s and
also announced that the Mount’s gym membership cost
is very reasonable and closer then traveling to
Frederick.
Mayor’s Comments
He attended the Lions Club banquet
and the planning commission. Upcoming meetings
planned include the Exhibit foundation meeting, the
Mayors’ meeting in Annapolis and the Community
Heritage Day meeting. He spoke of a future agenda
item to support financial literacy week.
Administrative Business -
none
Consent Agenda
Trail Update – cancelled
Park Committee Appointments:
David McCarthy, Matt Donahue, Jay Phillips,
Alejandro Canadas. Vote 5 -0 in favor.
Reports:
Treasurer’s Report –
Commissioner Sweeney reported on
January 2013 cash activity. Detailed report at
Exhibit A.
Planning Commission Report –
Commissioner Joy reported that the
Planning Commission met on January 28, 2013. They
reorganized and Patrick Boyle is the Chairman.
There was an overview given of Roberts Rules.
II. Agenda Items
Town square development presentation
Ms. Cipperly introduced Seth Harry of
Seth Harry & Associates. Mr. Harry introduced other
team members of CMS Associates and Townscape
Design. He presented a power point of the
Emmitsburg Square plan options and short term,
mid-term and long-term action list. The purpose is
to make the square safer, more efficient, attractive
and successful. Public Comments: Ed
Stanfield, Emmitsburg Antique Mall; Cynthia P.
Fraya, 332 Mountaineers Way; Allen Knott, 100
Creamery Court; Bob Hance, 200 South Seton Avenue;
Susie Glass, 239 North Seton Avenue; Amy Myles, 506
West Main Street; Jay Myles, 506 West Main Street;
Harold Craig, 103 West Main. – All of the
comments were in favor of the town square
presentation and appreciation was expressed.
Further Discussion on water rate
issue and possible adjustments
Mr. Haller stated that the town has
underfunded the water depreciation for three years.
He went over the statistics. Town basically needs
to pick up $100,000 a year or approximately $21 per
quarter per customer. Mr. Haller is looking to
Board for direction. Discussion took place and the
Board went over the reports provided by Town Clerk,
Donna Despres. After attending the MML conference
last year Commissioner Joy is concerned that the
Town capture all the direct costs as well as
legislative cost. Donna Despres stated after
consulting the accountant that the Board’s function
would be legislative and that is also the way it is
defined in the manual. Commissioner Joy will follow
up to get more information about legislative time
from MML. Mr. Haller stated that over a ten-year
period the $21 dollars will allow the system
depreciation funding to catch up. Mrs. Despres
explained that depreciation is not a fund of
dollars. Commissioners suggested using sewer rates
as the model. Mr. Haller will look at the sewer
modifications and bring this item back with that
data and have Board review and then they will be
able to work up rates at a future date.
Set Agenda Items for February 18,
2013 Town Meeting
1. Rebid of the LED street light
conversion
2. Water rate discussion
3. Financial aspects of square
project
4. Scott Road farm management
5. Discussion Town code section
17.08 prohibited uses
Consent Agenda
Resolution for Sr. Salvatrice on
Financial Literacy
III. Public Comments- none
IV. SIGN APPROVED TEXT
AMENDMENTS AND/OR RESOLUTIONS – none
V. Adjournment
With no further business, the
February 4, 2013 Town Meeting was adjourned at 10:40
p.m.
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