MINUTES

TOWN MEETING

February 6, 2012

Emmitsburg Town Office

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

Staff present were Donna DesPres and Dave Haller, Town Manager

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I.       Call to Order

Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the February 6, 2012 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of Minutes

The Minutes of the January 18, 2012 Town Meeting were approved as presented.

Commissioner Comments

Commissioners cited attendances, recognitions and announcements.  Commissioner Blanchard expressed his desire to continue the “powerful partnership” program with Mt. St. Mary’s University.  Commissioner Sweeney added that the Lions Club is celebrating the 30^th anniversary of their reactivation and announced their presentation of the Health Fair scheduled for March 24.  Commissioner O’Donnell called attention that the gym has hosted the Catoctin Youth Association basketball games with attendance of over 50 people.                            

Mayor’s Comments

• Cited meetings to include:  Steven Plunkett regarding grants for town square rejuvenation, Frederick County Historical Organization, PNC Bank, Gettysburg Foundation

• Made announcements to include:  removal of concrete wall eyesore on South Seton Avenue via volunteers, 2 metal roofs in town now, dedication of the Leaning Center

Public Comments

Sr. Eleanor, 313 South Seton Avenue – relayed complaints regarding egress on the Brookfield/Irishtown connection, that the speeding and wrong-way ingress need deputy attention.

Administrative Business

• Discussed one-way violations of the Brookfield Drive-Irishtown Road connection

• Availability of ballfields

• Date for community garden application

• Announcement of informational meeting regarding new wastewater treatment plant construction

Reports:

Treasurer’s Report - Commissioner Blanchard reported on January 2012 cash activity.  Detailed report at exhibit A.

Committee Reports – Commissioner Joy reported that the Planning Commission met on January 30.  Their annual reorganization continued the same positions.  Items considered without objection were the rezoning of 303 W. Lincoln Avenue and the civil war heritage area resolution.  Upon inquiry from Commissioner O’Donnell, Commissioner Joy responded that the architectural guidelines are scheduled for the February meeting.

II.       Agenda Items

War of 1812 Proclamation

The Board reviewed the mayoral proclamation to officially recognize June 18, 2012 as “War of 1812 Remembrance Day.”                                                                                                                                                                      

Audit Report for Fiscal year 2011

Michele Mills of Draper & McGinley, PA presented the annual audit report.  She capsulized details of the report and explained terms and statements required for a government entity and new standards regarding terminology and presentation.  The audit report of management shortcomings was discussed.  Upon motion by Commissioner Joy and second by Commissioner Blanchard, the Board unanimously accepted the report.

III  Set Agenda Items for February 20, 2012 Town Meeting

1.   Ordinance 12-02, grass and weeds control 

2.   Rezoning 303 West Lincoln Avenue

3.   Civil War Heritage resolution

4.   Update on sustainable communities program

5.   Consider funding of after-school program

6.   Public Meeting:  Sewer rates

IV       SIGN APPROVED TEXT AMENDMENTS AND/OR RESOLUTIONS

IV       Adjournment
With no further business, the February 6, 2012 Town Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.