Rutter’s gas station coming to town

A new filling station to be located at the intersection of US Route 15 and MD 140 may be coming to Emmitsburg within the next few years. The commercial plan was submitted as a large filling station, slated to be a Rutter’s, and will operate as a 24-hour gas station. Town Manager Cathy Willets and Town Planner Zachary Gulden believe this new commercial development could "spark development in town," more specifically development along Route 15.

Commissioner O’Donnell, although supportive of the new facility, cautioned town staff to address light pollution, signage and the overall aesthetic of the facility when reviewing plans in the future. "This is a gateway location on your way into town, and we want it to have a positive reflection of our community," said O’Donnell.

Flat Run Bridge update

On February 5, phase 2 of the Flat Run Bridge project commenced. After several delays causing the project to be pushed further behind, the lane shift on Flat Run Bridge has finally occurred. Flagging operations were in place on the day of the shift, and signage has been posted on East bound and West bound Route 140. The lane switch and new traffic pattern will remain in place until this phase of the project is completed. Projected completion date of the bridge is in December.

Zest, LLC to complete hydraulic analysis of Rainbow Lake dam

Last August, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) notified the town that an engineering firm had to complete a hydraulic analysis and a dam break analysis of the Rainbow Lake dam. This analysis must be submitted no later than May 1, 2019. The town must also prepare an updated emergency action plan to accompany this analysis.

An RFP was published late last October, with bids due in December. Ten bids were received, and the town narrowed the bids down to three, with a recommendation for the Board of Commissioners. As part of the requirements of the RFP, the engineering firms had to complete the analysis, provide a report and had to have experience with MDE. Zest, LLC was the recommended engineering firm, and was also the lowest bidder, at $15,912. The other two bids were JMT, at $19,936 and CPJ, at $23,690.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously accepted the lowest bid by Zest, LLC. The projected completion date for this analysis is April 1.

RSV Pools hired for three-year pool contract

Emmitsburg’s Board of Commissioners voted to approve a three-year contract for a pool management company during their February 5 town meeting. The pool management company that the town used last year, RSV Pools, submitted a bid for $58,596. This price jumps to $63,654 in 2020 due to a projected increase in chemical costs and minimum wage, but then drops back down to $61,620 in 2021. The second bidder, USA Management, submitted a bid for $56,021. They did not include projected increases in the remaining two years of the contract, but town staff estimates that they would also increase their costs due to the same factors as RSV Pools.

Staff recommended continuing service with RSV Pools, as they have worked with them in the past. RSV Pools will look to hire locally and may offer swimming lessons if desired. The motion was carried 3-2 for a three-year contract with RSV Pools.