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.