Minutes
Town Meeting
August 18, 2008
Emmitsburg Town Office

Present:  Mayor James Hoover; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Glenn Blanchard, Joyce Rosensteel, Denise Etris and Christopher Staiger, President.
Also present were Donna DesPres and Dave Haller, Town Manager.

Call to Order Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the August 18, 2008 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of Minutes The Minutes of the August 4, 2008 Town Meeting were approved as corrected.

Commissioners Comments                                               

Commissioner Sweeney:  South Seton Ave street lights look great and expressed thanks.  Commissioner Etris:  classic rock concert reminder August 29, 2008.  Commissioner Staiger:  compliments to Amy Naill and Mayor Hoover for rebound of farmers’ market.

Mayor’s Comments

There will be another concert September 12, 2008 “Blue Streak”, with incorporation of an ice cream social. This coming Friday will be the last pool party.  The new South Seton lights have been tested and are functional.

Administrative Business

Topics addressed were tree wells clean-up, Allegheny clean-up of Flat Run areas, Emmit Gardens park sites meeting, County stream buffer ordinance, Creekside Drive Allegheny light outage, presentation of William Emmit portrait and "liberation of Emmitsburg" reenactment.  Mr. Haller requested the scheduling of a public hearing for the annexation parcel.

Reports:

Town Manager Report -  reported on the public works department monthly activities to include a water production and consumption analysis. Highlights:  inspected and refilled large storage tank; for 1^st time this season, Rainbow Lake is now below the spillway; over the last 6 months precipitation has been above average, but has dried up some in July.  Detailed report at Exhibit A.

 Police Report - DFC Bartlett.  Detailed July report at Exhibit B.  Commissioner Blanchard requested patrol when school starts to renew safety concerns of school children on the streets.

Agenda Items

Recycling Presentation

Bob Clark, trash collection hauler for the Town of Emmitsburg introduced Frederick County's program for single stream recycling (all recyclable in one bin) in looking for ways to decrease the trash collection fees.  The County’s landfill rate is $80.20 per ton.  Mt Airy councilmember Wendy Peters spoke about the benefits and results of being the pilot town for the program.  In evaluating the data, there proved to be a great response:  77.54 tons recycled in May, June 72 tons, July 89 tons.  A participation rate of 73% -82% has been observed.  And in May and June they saw a decrease of chargeable landfill.  

Discussion included increase in fuel costs charges, enforcement, how this program differs from the current  County recycling program, and exemptions for seniors and health problems.  "This project is not only good for the community but has a positive impact on the budget."  

Consideration of the Trash Fuel Surcharge

Bob Clark approached the council for a 15% increase of the July 1 contract due to diesel fuel increases, with provision if cost goes down.  He asked for this consideration outside of the contract.  Mr. Haller stated that there is no specific accelerator in the contract.  Board President Staiger proposed to review his request and work with staff to write a recommendation to consider any options.  

Review and Possibly Modify Town Code Concerning Election Process

The 30 days requirement for a candidate to file the disclosure form is in conflict with the 21 business days filing deadline.  It was decided to amend the requirement to within 7 days of filing for candidacy to submit the initial disclosure form.   Staff will come back with a draft ordinance for final approval.              

Set Agenda Items for September 2, 2008    

• William Emmit portrait presentation by Mike Hillman

• WWII “liberation” 2008 program by Bob Buker, 4^th infantry division military             police platoon (recreated)

• Request for special parking under section 10.12.030

• Emmitsburg East Industrial Park sewer and water contract

• Land donation

• Report on existing pool contract

Remaining requested agenda items will go on mid-month meeting agenda:  Ryan homes request waiver of sewer and water surcharge and approval of election judges.          

Public Comments - none    

Adjournment With no further business, the August 18, 2008 Town Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Date Approved: September 2, 2008