Woodsboro News-Briefs

(2/2022) Park Grants Approved

Getting back to business after the holidays, at its January 11 town meeting, the Woodsboro Town Council presented funding approval to town park projects.

Maryland State Delegate Jesse Pippy recently posted on social media congratulating the town for receiving $18,075 for a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant walking bridge and $60,304 to construct a stage with bandshell for community events.

District 4 (which comprises all of Frederick County with the exception of Frederick City) will receive a total of over $1,200,000 in funding for local parks and Playgrounds projects from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The town "outbid a little bit," for the bridge project so there should be an anticipated $3,000 left for work done around the area as well, Burgess Heath Barnes said.

The stage construction project is anticipated to cost slightly over $50,000 with $10,00 in surplus to be used in other areas connected to the project as needed including landscaping.

Acknowledging the often-tedious process funding distribution can take, Barnes expressed his enthusiasm for the funding approval for the park’s projects.

"We have a little time to decide (how to utilize the additional funding) but I’m just excited that it did go through, which I knew it was going to… but we do have the funds coming," he said.

Depending on any supply issues, projects are estimated to be complete by March or April and project receipts must be received by June.

Municipal Tax Collection Change Anticipated

Changes are coming to how municipal taxes are collected according to Town Manager Mary Rice.

"Frederick County collects all municipal taxes," she said. Collections began in the 1960’s and were "grandfathered in," in the 1990’s, she said.

There is anticipation now to "do away with" interest payouts and change to how penalties are attached and collected, Rice said. "It’s more money to the county and less to the municipalities," she said.

With the changes, Woodsboro is estimated to lose out on about $1,900 in revenue, according to Rice. "It’s not really going to be a big impact on us because we’re so small," she said.

More information is expected in a future meeting with County Executive Jan Gardner, Barnes said. "There’s more to come on that," he said.

Recently Filled P&Z Anticipates First Meeting

The Town of Woodsboro’s recently filled planning and zoning committee will likely prepare for its first meeting sooner than later following the council’s January 11 meeting. At public comment at the council’s January meeting, resident Kurt and Tammy Weinrich discussed the potential for subdividing a lot on Second Street. This would require a street going to the backside of the lot where there currently is none.

"It’s not actually a road per say in town, it’s not on our state maps or anything…It has never been recognized as a road," Town Clerk Mary Rice said.

The Planning and Zoning committee with liaison Commissioner Jesse Case will have its first meeting of the year February 7 to discuss this matter. The meeting is open to the public.

At the Town’s December meeting, resident Carol Tressler was appointed to the board after expressing interest in the subject. Resident J.R. Delauter was also appointed despite not being present at the time, and former Burgess Bill Rittelmeyer was appointed as alternate. Commissioner Jesse Case will act as council liaison to the commission. Planning and Zoning meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m.

Town Purchases New Tractor

The new tractor approved for purchase in December has been ordered. As the products are in back order at this time, The shipping and delivery could be several months away, but the town hopes to have the tractor in time for spring projects.

The new tractor is a $43,000 4-wheel-drive Case IH tractor fit with a cab. One of the selling points for the Case tractor was that it is compatible with the attachments from the town’s current John Deere tractor. Uses for the town tractor include mulching, carrying large debris for cleanup, and pushing snow piles.

Extensive research was put in by Rice regarding replacement tractors. The new tractor will replace the town’s current over 40-year-old John Deere. It is undecided if the town will sell the current tractor or use it for smaller projects.

Woodsboro Lights Festival Proposed

In other news, Pastor Neil Acheampong of Covenant Family Chapel proposed interest in collaborating with the town council in a Christmas festival next winter.

Acheampong met with Barnes to seek the council’s support for a community wide celebration.

Tentatively, next year possibly starting the first week of December though the first week of January residents could expect a "walking Christmas light display" for the community in front of the church, Barnes said.

The trail of light festival also looks to hold a Christmas program the third Saturday in December complete with a community choir consisting of not just the church’s 400 members, but for the whole neighborhood.

The tentative name for the event is the "Woodsboro Lights Festival" which the council would have to approve as it has the town’s name in it, Barnes said.

A decorative illuminated arch would be expected at the entranceway of the church. The potential trail of light display would be of no cost to the residents, he said.

"It sounds like a good idea and a fun thing to do," Barnes said.

The festival is not set in stone and more details are anticipated to come.

Pastor Acheampong is expected to present to the council this month with more information.

Collaborating with the Woodsboro Fire Department, a Saturday Easter egg hunt is also expected this season and help is anticipated to stuff eggs. "I like the idea, we have a huge park we might as well use it," Barnes said.

Other news

Updates to the town website were performed by Commissioner Dana Crum.

As previous month’s meeting minutes are approved each month, they will be posted the website so that the public who may not be able to attend town meetings may have access to what was discussed and or voted on.

In December, resident Rick Bontz expressed interest in seeing two manhole covers on Main Street raised up. The manholes make loud bang sounds when trucks run over them, he said.

The manhole covers have been observed but no action has been taken as of yet, according to Barnes.

Following recent snowstorms, town maintenance crews received several compliments regarding how well the streets were cleaned.

Residents who do not have the ability to shovel their sidewalks are encouraged to reach out to Barnes at hbarnes@woodsboro.org or 301-401-7164 for help finding assistance.