Minutes
Town Meeting
April 7, 2014
Emmitsburg Town Office

 Present:  Mayor Donald Briggs; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Christopher Staiger, Jennifer Mellor, Glenn Blanchard and Tim O’Donnell, President

Staff present were Vickie Felix; Donna Despres, Town Clerk; Cole Tabler, Town Accountant and Dave Haller, Town Manager.

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I.        Call to Order

Commissioner Tim O’Donnell, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the April 7, 2014 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

  Approval of Minutes

The Minutes of the March 17, 2014 Town Meeting were approved as presented.

 Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Blanchard encouraged residents to utilize the parks now that the weather is getting nice.  Attendances cited included the Town Planning Meeting and the Community Garden Program.  Announcements included the trail workday stating that a lot of work was accomplished. 

 Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Briggs introduced the new Town Accountant, Cole Tabler.  He reported that the town was $8,000 over-budget for snow plowing and under-budget for salt and streets overtime.   He thanked the Mount Saint Mary’s Rugby Team who visited the Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida while they were there for a game; congratulations also on their win.  

 Administrative Business

·         Enforcement of trash at Rainbow  Lake – suggested heavy duty trash cans and more signage in regards to trash – staff will address

·         Fishing permit process

·         Trail Flagging – a property owner had an issue of individuals parking on his property.  Commissioner O’Donnell will be getting signage for the property owner’s driveway.

·         Gymnasium use

·         Community park field #1 – Maryland Storm Sports Team would like to utilize and repurpose to a baseball field.   Staff has no problem and recommended a one-year contract similar to the softball leagues.   There was unanimous consent from the Board to allow staff to move forward with a contract. 

·         Attorney Daniel Cox moved back in town at 7 East Main Street; only one commercial space remains vacant downtown. 

·         National Trust for Historic Preservation

·         Upcoming meeting with the Maryland Department of Planning to discuss comp plan

·         Possible position opening up in the planning commission

·         Tourism Council – take advantage of a grant for a kiosk which costs $3,182; town would need to find $1500; unanimous consent by the Board to move forward. 

·         Tenant safety ordinance

·         Resolution is needed for State of Maryland’s Certified Sustainable Community Program – will bring at next meeting.

·         Meeting with SHA in regards to the square – committed to doing all the engineering drawings; will give a letter of intent  

Consent Agenda - none  

Reports:

Treasurer’s Report - Commissioner Blanchard reported on March 2014 cash activity.  Detailed report at Exhibit A. 

Planning Commissioner Report - Commissioner Sweeney reported that the planning commission met on March 31, 2014.  They voted on the Dollar General record plat which passed with 2 items contingent, site plan not yet approved.   

II.        Agenda Items  

New Sewer Plant Progress Update from RK&K

Mike Schultz of RK&K gave an updated presentation for the new sewer plant stating that it is over 50% complete and progress is good; should meet all deadlines.  

Audit Report Presentation

This agenda item has been postponed until the April 21, 2014 Town Meeting.  

Set Agenda Items for April 21, 2014 Town Meeting

1.     Audit report presentation

2.     Appointment of Town Clerk

3.     Finance adjustments for waste water treatment plant  

III.      Public Comments – Dave Maze, 330 Mountaineers Way – would like to be able to use the gym on the same day as needed and would like to use the field right across from the school for football and lacrosse.  Patrick Boyle, 339 East Main Street; Rick Oleszczuk, 1405 Ramblewood Drive; John Malachowski, 3120 Stonehurst Court.; Bryan C. Devilbiss, 57 Fruitwood Trail, Fairfield, PA: all spoke in favor of using the Community Park field for baseball use.  Mr. Devilbliss also suggested naming the Memorial Park field after Mr. Robert Seidel.  Brian Hoover, 706 W. Main Street - approached the Board about a request to have a mechanical bull in the town park.  Town staff denied this use because it is not in the best interest of the town.     

IV.       Sign approved text amendments and/or resolutions- none