Town of Emmitsburg
300A S. Seton Ave Emmitsburg, Maryland
21727
301-600-6300

 

 

 

MINUTES

TOWN MEETING

September 2, 2014

Emmitsburg Town Office

 

 

 

Present:  Mayor Donald Briggs; Commissioners Christopher Staiger, Glenn Blanchard, Commissioner Sweeney and Tim O’Donnell, President.

Staff present were Vickie Felix and Dave Haller, Town Manager.

Absent: Commissioner Mellor with prior notice.

Tardy:  Commissioner Sweeney late with prior notice; arrived 8:05p.m.

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I.       Call to Order

Commissioner Tim O’Donnell, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the September 2, 2014 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

President O’Donnell welcomed David Dunn, Liaison for Frederick County Commissioners.

 

Approval of Minutes

The Minutes of the August 18, 2014 Town Meeting were approved as presented.

 

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner(s) cited attendances to include the Mother Seton 240th birthday celebration. Announcements include upcoming events at the shrine; the Emmitsburg/Thurmont community show; the pool season is now closed; the young student injured while skateboarding has improved and back in school and is now wearing a helmet for such activities. Recognitions included the upkeep of parks; had conversation with Mr. Fissel related to water treatment plant and very pleased with what is going on there.  

 

Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Briggs cited that he was in Bardstown, Kentucky last week which has been awarded best small town in country; very beautiful with lots of flowers. He announced that he will not be able to attend the Emmitsburg/Thurmont community show, and announced that there will be a “light in the park” event this fall put on by Pastor John.

 

Administrative Business - none

 

Consent Agenda

  1. Appoint Election Judges

a.    Sharon Hane

b.    Charlotte Mazaleski

c.    Jenna Ott

d.    Barbara Weedon (alternate)

 

  1. Reappoint Ronald Lind and Richard Kapriva to Board of Appeals

 

Approval of Consent Agenda

It was motioned by Commissioner Blanchard, seconded by Commissioner O’Donnell, to approve Consent Agenda as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

Reports:

Treasurer’s Report - Commissioner Blanchard reported on July 2014 cash activity.  Detailed report at Exhibit A.

 

Planning Commission Report – Commissioner Sweeney reported that the planning commission did not meet.

 

II.        Agenda Items

 

Drug Drop Box

Mayor Briggs stated that they were informed by David Dunn, Frederick County Commissioner liaison, of a drug drop box program offered by the county. As many know the town along with a lot of other areas is experiencing a heroin problem. This is a great program to be able to collect “gateway drugs” that young people are using. About 70% of young people get them from their parent’s medicine cabinet. Most heroin users start out with “gateway drugs”.  Mr. Haller interjected that the program is also environmentally sound as well.  The town has the money in the budget in the special events fund. David Dunn reported that there are four drop boxes in operation now. They are located at the Middletown Municipal Center; Frederick County Law Enforcement Center; Brunswick Police Dept. and Thurmont Police Dept. He said 200 lbs. have been collected in 6 months. The police collect the drugs weekly and then the DEA collects them every 6 months to be incinerated.  The boxes are relatively inexpensive. The drop box is being proposed to be put in the town lobby and must be emptied by law enforcement. There are no fees for collection or disposal at this time.

                                                                                                                                                                           

Motion: to have the drug drop box installed in the town office.  

Motion by Commissioner Blanchard, second by Commissioner O’Donnell.

                                       Vote: 3 -0 in favor

 

Nuisance Ordinance- discussion

Mayor Briggs stated with the help of the sheriff’s department they noticed that there may be some responsibility on the landlords related to the activities that take place on their properties.  Staff has had Mr. Clapp and the deputies look at the ordinance. Staff has also reviewed some ordinances from other jurisdictions. They will also have a least three people from the community who own properties to look at the ordinance. There have been people in town who have been identified as using drugs and their activity is being monitored. But Town needs to go a little further where these properties constantly come up. Need to energize the landlords to be responsible for whom they are collecting rent from to support their investment.  Mr. Haller reported that staff has been working on this ordinance for over a year. He directed the Commissioners to review the ordinance and email him or Cathy by Monday with their questions so staff can agree on how it should be applied and be written for the Board by the next meeting.

 

Set Agenda Items for September 15, 2014 Town Meeting

  1. Excessive water/sewer billing exception

  2. Nuisance Ordinance

  3. Address the terms of office related to parks and recreation committee members

 

III.      Public Comments – Kimberly Nicolet, 400 W Main St .  – presented a request to the Board for a fence ordinance height revision from 4ft to 5ft. Tracy Sebold, Fairfield, PA - friend of Kimberly Nicolet commented on what she felt was disrespectful behavior from a staff member.

         

IV.       SIGN APPROVED TEXT AMENDMENTS AND/OR RESOLUTIONS - none

 


V.        Adjournment

          With no further business, the September 2, 2014 Town Meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.