Present: Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Glenn Blanchard, Joyce Rosensteel, Denise Etris and Christopher Staiger, President.
Also present: Vickie Felix and Dave Haller, Town Manager, John Clapp, Town Attorney.
Absent: Mayor Hoover with prior notice

Call To Order Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the September 2, 2008 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The Minutes of the August 18, 2008 Town Meeting approved as presented.

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Blanchard complimented town staff regarding the pool operation this season and kudos to the trail that has started behind the town pool around Community Park.

Commissioner Rosensteel gave reminder that the Emmitsburg Thurmont Community Show is this weekend.  Commissioner Sweeney announced on behalf of the Lions Club there will be a community car wash September 20, 2008 from 9am – 5pm behind the Carriage House.  The money will go to the scholarship funds.  Commissioner Etris gave reminder that the ice cream social and last summer concert for the season will be on September 12, 2008.  Commissioner Staiger also thanked town staff for their work regarding the community pool this summer.

Mayor’s Comments-absent

Commissioner Etris:  At the Parks and Recreation meeting a motion was made by committee members requesting a seeding be done to the baseball playing fields for safety concerns.  Mr. Haller explained that the little league is under contract with the Town of Emmitsburg and are responsible for field maintenance.  Commissioner Staiger recommended that if the request that was made was outside of the scope of the contract and involve potential financial expenditure by the town then they can be addressed by the committee as budgetary recommendations for the next fiscal year. Commissioner Etris stated that there were two dates selected by the Parks and Recreation committee for the proposed tot lot walk through in Emmit Gardens.  Mr. Haller has to review his schedule and he’s also waiting to hear from the Mayor.  He will let Commissioner Etris know what date works and she will email the members of the parks and recreation committee.

Treasurer’s Report - Commissioner Joyce Rosensteel. See attached report, Exhibit A.

Committee Reports - Commissioner Blanchard reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission met on August 25, 2008 and mostly went over housekeeping items. Parks Committee - Commissioner Etris reported that Mr. Little presented his request for field seeding along with a wish list of things he would like to see i.e. concession stand, additional bathrooms.  Also discussed ideas for next years summer concert and they will be looking at park benches and will come back with recommendations.  Discussed other ways to utilize the parks.

On behalf of Mrs. Fisher, Mr. Hillman presented the portrait of William Emmit to the Board. He stated that the portrait has been passed down through the Fisher family.  The Town of Emmitsburg has agreed to take the portrait on behalf of the citizens of Emmitsburg and maintain it.  The portrait was hung in the town meeting room.

Mr. Buker thanked the town for past support of last years "liberation" of Emmitsburg. They recreate the 1944 liberation of a French town, of September 1944.  They are doing it again this year on September 20, 2008 at 10am, he submitted a flyer to the board along with the routes that will be taken coming into town.  Would like support from the town and towns people to recreate this "Liberation".  Mr. Haller will get the information put on the website and channel 99.

Mr. Haller read from section 10.12.030 of the town code.  He stated that the Vigilant Hose Co. contacted staff and after reviewing the detail, staff came to a conclusion that they could best meet their handicap parking requirements by utilizing a space on the street in front of the rebuilt portion of their facility.  This space is not a metered area now.  Staff strongly supports this request.  The board had packets to review that marked the requested space.  Mr. Haller stated there is no downside for the town but it is beneficial to the Vigilant Hose Co. and thereby beneficial to the community.  There was discussion if anything had to be done to the curb to make it handicap accessible. Nothing needs to be done because it will be stepping out at curb level.  If any modifications need to be done staff will work with Vigilant Hose Co.

Public Comments:  Mike Proffitt, Proffitt & Assoc Architects- he was present for any technical questions.  Mr. Haller stated that there will be a sign put up stating that it is a designated handicap space to support Vigilant Hose Co. activities.

Motion:  To approve and reserve for handicap parking for fire department business or functions only located immediately in front of the new addition as indicated in the materials in the packet.
Motion by Commissioner Sweeney second by Commissioner Rosensteel.
Vote: 5-0 In favor

• Acquisition of open space property
• Ryan Homes request for wavier of the water and sewer surcharge
• Approval of the Election judges