At the April town meeting Commissioner Hoover reported that Mother Seton School received conditional approval from the planning and zoning commission of their building plans for the new addition to the school. Commissioner Boyle reported that Robert F. Gauss & Assoc. was low bidder for work to be done on the alleys.

During public comments, Joan Boyle asked what the town was doing for Earth Day and inquired what happened to the evergreens in front of the Community Center. Commissioners Sweeney responded that the town and children from the Emmitsburg Elementary School would be planting trees by the ball field in Community Park. It was reported the evergreens, which had been a gift of the Homemakers Club several years ago, had died and had to be removed.

New residents on Main Street, Amy and Larry Phillips, said they would like to see a street cleanup to pull weeds from the tree wells and pick up trash. They were sad to see the amount of litter produced in town and would like to foster community participation by having a cleanup day. The Phillipses were told about the Silver Fancy Garden Club’s contest this year where residents may adopt a tree well and prizes will be given in September to the three gardeners who maintained the most beautiful tree wells throughout the summer. Tree wells not adopted will be planted by members of the club.

Also at the town meeting, the commissioners:

• voted 4-0 to accept the low bid of $8,500 from W. S. Drywall and Services to insulate the town garage. It costs $4,000 a year to heat the garage, and it is expected that the cost of the insulation will pay for itself in four years with the energy savings;
• voted 4-0 to construct a wheelchair ramp at Silo Hill Park;
• voted 4-0 to accept the bid from Lowery Tree Service for $1,500 to trim the trees on Main Street and agreed not to spend $700 to fertilize the trees; and 
• voted 4-0 to accept the contract with Hyde Engineering for $9,900 to do a water detecting and mapping of the town’s water system so that it will be leak free. They will also do a mapping of the delivery system in town. This is the first step in replacing the old system.

Brush burning ordinance adopted:  At their April 16 workshop, commissioners adopted an ordinance to permit the burning of wood and brush in town . The ordinance requires permits from Frederick County and from the town before burning. For the county permit, residents must apply in person at the Frederick County Health Department at 350 Montevue Lane in Frederick. For more information call 301-694-1717.

Residents are reminded that there is no burning in the state from June 1 to August 31.

Skateboard park closed temporarily
The skateboard park in Community Park has been closed indefinitely due to the deterioration of the wooden ramps. Mayor William Carr said. repairs must be made to meet insurance specifications and the town needs to establish adult supervision.