Present: Mayor James Hoover; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Patrick Joy, and Christopher Staiger, President.
Also present were Donna DesPres, Town Clerk and Dave Haller, Town Manager.
Absent: Tim O’Donnell with prior notice, Commissioner Blanchard joined the meeting at 8:35 with advance notice of delay.
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Call to Order
Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the February 7, 2011 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of Minutes
The Minutes of the January 19, 2011 Town Meeting were approved as amended.

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Sweeney applauded the staff’s response to the recent snow events and relayed some citizens’ comments about piles of snow on several back streets. Commissioner Joy reported on his attendance at a meeting of the Emmitsburg Baseball/Softball Association.

Commissioner Staiger cited his attendance at the EBPA seminar and expressed complements to the Mayor, staff and presenters for a great small business info presentation.

Mayor Hoover added that the seminar provided a lot of info and resources for new and old businesses. He also attended the Board of Directors meeting for MML and relayed their discussion about highway user funds not being reinstated and other matters addressed at this meeting.

Mayor Hoover announced the need for a closed executive session following adjournment of this meeting as permitted by the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article: Section 10-508 (a) Closed Meetings, Item 1 to discuss an employment matter. Motion by Commissioner Sweeney, second by Commissioner Joy, carried 3-0 in favor.
The Mayor and Commissioner Sweeney briefly discussed the tourist center operating hours.
Commissioner Joy reported citizen complaints of the state plows shooting snow on buildings on West Main Street. The fee policies are being collected for review. At the deputies’ forum, it was pointed out that since the decorative street lights were installed on South Seton Avenue and utility lights removed that this produces less lighting. It was discussed to consider remedies and options. Dog waste bags will be provided for the walking areas in the park. Legal opinion re community calendar liability will be sought.

Reports:
Treasurer’s Report – Detailed report at Exhibit A
Planning Commission Report – Commissioner Joy reported the reorganization meeting of the Planning Commission.

Ordinance 11-01 - Trash
The amendments to the Trash Collection code were presented in Ordinance 11-01 that amends the frequency of trash collection, hours for placing out the trash and introduces language to provide for bulk and recycling opportunities. Item F’s wording of "shall" was changed to "may" by unanimous consent.

 Ordinance 11-03 - Repeal of Chapter 2.20 – Chief of Police
The Mayor brought this item as there is no Emmitsburg police force.

Ordinance 11-04 - Amendment of Chapter 2.28 - Elections
Mayor Hoover introduced text amendments that clarify and simplify the elections portion of the Code to include signifying "days" to mean "calendar days", denoting when judges will be appointed, and clarifying absentee ballots language. Discussion followed that regarded filing days, family members serving as judges and filing deadline. These changes to the ordinance were made with unanimous consent: indicating "regular" election voter eligibility in run-off elections, timing of requirement to obtain voter list and filing deadline.

Motion: - To approve Ordinance 11-04 amending Chapter 2.28.010, Elections with indicated changes.

Motion by Commissioner Sweeney, second by Commissioner Joy     Vote: 3-0 in favor

Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Review
Mayor Hoover presented a six-month budget-to-actual review. He discussed reasons for variances and answered questions regarding county tax equity and the capital improvement fund. Any needed budget amendments will be requested after a 9-month review. He announced that the Auditor will present the fiscal year 2010 audit at the February 21 meeting.

III. Public Comments - none

VI Adjournment
With no further business, the February 7, 2011 Town Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm.

Date Approved: February 21, 2011