MINUTES
TOWN MEETING
October 7, 2013
Emmitsburg Town Office
Present:
Mayor Donald Briggs; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney,
Christopher Staiger, Patrick Joy, and Tim O’Donnell,
President.
Staff present were Vickie Felix; Sue Cipperly, Town Planner and
Dave Haller, Town Manager.
Absent:
Commissioner
James Hoover with prior notice.
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I. Call to Order
Commissioner Tim O’Donnell, President of the Board of
Commissioners, called the October 7, 2013 Town
Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance
was recited.
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes of the September 16, 2013 Town Meeting
were approved as presented. The September 23, 2013
Special Town Meeting were approved as corrected.
Motion:
to make an amendment to the September 23, 2013
motion to include the acceptance of the Purchase
Power Agreement.
Motion by Commissioner Sweeney and second
by Commissioner O’Donnell
Vote 2-1 in
favor
Commissioner
Staiger opposed
Commissioner
Joy abstained
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner O’Donnell cited attendances to include
the Seas Services Mass; the opening of the new All
American Hot Dog business in town; he also thanked
Commissioner Joy for his years of service.
Commissioner Joy thanked everyone for allowing him
to serve the Town the past three years. It was also
announced that the food bank is in need of
donations.
Mayor’s Comments
Thanked Commissioner Joy for his service to the
town. He cited attendances to include EOPCC wine
tasting event, movies in the park, Mt. Saint Mary’s
Liberal Arts advisory board meeting; Mrs. Ott’s
funeral; the Heritage board meeting. Mayor Briggs
announced that the Town accommodated the needs of
the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Weekend which came
a week early this year with the government shut
down.
Administrative Business
·
LGIT certificate of membership
·
Board of directors from MORE – hold board meeting on
a Sunday in Emmitsburg in town council meeting room.
No opposition.
Consent Agenda - none
Reports:
Treasurer’s Report –
Commissioner Sweeney reported on September 2013 cash
activity. Detailed report exhibit A.
Planning Commission -
The Planning Commission did not meet.
II. Agenda Items
Oath of Office of Elected Officials
Mayor Donald N. Briggs administered the oath of office of elected
officials Glenn Blanchard, Town Commissioner and
Jennifer Mellor, Town Commissioner.
Commissioner Kirby Delauter of Frederick County Board of
Commissioners presented certificates to formal
commissioners and newly elected officials.
Reorganization of Board of Commissioners
Mayor Briggs made these recommendations for the 2013/2014 Board of
Commissioners reorganization: Commissioner Tim
O’Donnell to remain president; Commissioner Sweeney
to be vice president and liaison for the Planning
Commission; Commissioner Glenn Blanchard will be
treasurer; Commissioner Chris Staiger will be
liaison to the Citizens Advisory Committee and
Commissioner Jennifer Mellor will be liaison for
Parks and Recreation.
Motion: - To accept the Board reorganization as
presented by Mayor Briggs.
Motion by Commissioner Sweeney second by Commissioner Blanchard.
Vote: 5-0 in favor
After Hours Use in Park Policy
Mr. Haller reported that there is a request from a local community
service group that would like to use the park after
dark. The Park closes a half hour after sunset.
Staff has drafted a policy to allow use after hours
using the alcohol use policy as a template. He
proceeded to read the policy conditions. During
Board discussion there were some questions in
regards to non-profit status; event policy insurance
and safety issue of the horse shoe pits. Condition
#2 should read Emmitsburg Community and condition #3
in the last sentence add the word Manger. Staff will
bring back policy with corrections and changes for
vote at next meeting.
Sign Ordinance Amendment
Sue Cipperly, Town Planner stated this was tabled from the last
meeting because of the late hour. This was on the
January 2013 meeting agenda; mainly about temporary
signage which has been a reoccurring issue;
appearance is one of the concerns. She developed an
ordinance which also includes signage definitions.
The business now can have 32 square feet of
temporary signage and don’t need a permit. New
approach puts the responsibility on the business and
addresses the broad spectrum of the types of signage
that occurs. Non residential temporary signs may
only be placed on the property on which the
business, profession, product, service, event, or
other commercial activity is being sold, offered, or
conducted. Staff got feedback from the EBPA and they
concurred with the approach that was being taken.
After discussion the Board decided that they would
like more time to review the amendment. This item
will be brought back as an agenda item for the next
town meeting.
Set Agenda Items for October 21, 2013 Town Meeting
1.
Park Use Policy
2.
Sign Ordinance Amendment
3.
Reconsider Helmet Ordinance - discussion
4.
Town Website - discussion
III. Public Comments-
none
IV. SIGN APPROVED TEXT AMENDMENTS AND/OR
RESOLUTIONS -none
V. Adjournment
With no
further business, the October 7, 2013 Town Meeting
was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
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