Minutes
Town Meeting
November 3, 2008
Emmitsburg Town Office

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

Call To Order Commissioner Christopher Staiger, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the November 3, 2008 Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval Of Minutes The Minutes of the October 20, 2008 Town Meeting and the October 20, 2008 Public hearing were approved as presented.

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Blanchard announced that the place and time of election polls the next day and also thanked the organizations that were involved with the Halloween activities. Commissioners Rosensteel and Etris encouraged everyone to vote tomorrow. Commissioner Etris gave reminder that Saturday November 8, 2008 will be the first annual Turkey Trot that will be held, rain or shine.

Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Hoover commented that Frederick City lost a police officer about two weeks ago due to a vehicle accident and The Town of Thurmont had lost their Deputy Chief, Brian Willard due to cancer. There will be services for him on Wednesday and Thursday.
Administrative Business

Commissioner Staiger to Council: planner will be attending the mid month meetings at which time the council will review the comp plan and offer any changes for her to incorporate and continue at the next mid-month meeting, which will become the review process.

Reports:

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

Planning Commission– Commissioner Joyce Rosensteel reported that most of the meeting was concerning the approval of turning the Comp Plan over to the commissioners. Water committee report – Commissioner Blanchard reported that they discussed possible signage for drought/water storage situations like the park service does with fire danger and considered conservation signage on storm drains.

Agenda Items

Surcharge Funding Options

This is a follow up to discussion from the last meeting regarding the current water and sewer surcharge waiver request previously denied. Over the interim staff reviewed water and sewer tap structure to see if any relief could be afforded. Commissioner Staiger explained the current charge operation. The staff-proposed change better represents the allocation of charges, with an approximate 20% reduction. Also presented was a comparison of other municipalities’ charges in our region. He looked to the Board for opinions whether to move forward with the reductions. The next exhibit provided a look at the underfunding of the depreciation as fees have not been increased for several years. A model fee schedule was presented for how rates could possibly be adjusted. Mr. Haller stated hope of moving forward to improve and rehab the system.

Public Comment: Frank Palik, 1449 Ramblewood Drive – proposed a method that was actual cost per gallon. He presented an alternate analysis of a rate structure that would provide enough revenue without the up-front charges. Commissioner Staiger discussed the water commodity.

Discussion: Commissioner Staiger solicited any proposed changes, explanations, etc. to staff’s proposal. He stated that what’s driving this process is the residents’ participation and support. Mayor Hoover clarified that this proposal is not a temporary one, but a permanent adjustment. Commissioner Etris expressed that it is a good compromise, in that it doesn’t place a burden on any one particular group. At this time Commissioner Staiger questioned if there were any oppositions to Mr. Haller’s proposal. No opposition.

Motion: to approve the tap impact surcharge associated fees as developed by Mr. Dave Haller as it stands, the idea being to provide Mr. Haller with the direction that he needs to prepare the ordinance and amendments that are necessary.
Motion by Commissioner Blanchard, second by Commissioner Etris.
Vote: 4-0 in favor.

The board moved on to the second part of the proposal as one way to address current underfunding of the sewer budget. The thought was to not increase rates of those households under 20,000 gallons per quarter. The rate increase would basically be on the top 55% of the users (based on the third quarter numbers). Those households using 20,000 gallons a quarter represent about 33% of the total consumption, but are a huge number of the actual users. They are probably 80% of the meters. Some of the theory behind that is, if you have a valued resource, consumers who are consuming at a higher rate and consuming more of that resource should bear the burden of the cost. Commissioner Staiger stated his non-interest in a mid-term rate increase now but a good guide to consider for the next budget preparation. Mr. Haller advised that if one structure is lowered, felt it is wise not to leave a gap until raising the other. Commissioner Staiger asked if the Board was comfortable with the rate increase. He recommended that Mr. Haller prepare the draft for the sewer and water rate changes and details can be discussed when they are brought back to the Board.

Motion: to authorize Mr. Haller to formalize his recommendations in the form of amendments of existing ordinances.
Motion by Commissioner Staiger, second by Commissioner Blanchard.
Vote: 4-0 in favor.

Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

Mr. Haller stated that a number of the 157 municipalities in this state have already gone through this process. It doesn’t add any additional obligations as far as holding jobs for people in reserve duty, it is to generally show that town agrees with the policies that exist and support the troops. Commissioner Blanchard supports the statement. Commissioner Staiger stated that this is a worthwhile statement of our feelings on the matter.

Motion: To follow through with the statement of support for the National Guard and Reserve Forces by the Town of Emmitsburg.
Motion by Commissioner Blanchard, second by Commissioner Rosensteel.
Vote: 4-0 in favor.

Amend Title 12 – Clarifying No Pick-Up of Yard Waste, Etc.

This relates to Ordinance 08-08 amending Title 13 Section 13.16.020 Collection of garbage. Mr. Haller said this is basically a housecleaning item to reflect actual practice, as yard waste is no longer allowed in regular trash pick-up. The town provides yard waste disposal twice a month approximately from March/April to November.
Motion: to except the changes for Ordinance 08-08 regarding trash collection.
Motion by Commissioner Etris, second by Commissioner Rosensteel.
Vote: 4-0 in favor

Set Agenda Items for November 17, 2008 Town Meeting

• Resolution 2008-05R - Mt. Saint Mary's Bond Issue
• Comprehensive Plan Introduction and Review, Chapter 1

Mr. Haller will be absent for the November 17, 2008 meeting therefore requesting some items to be put on the December 1, 2008 agenda to include 1.) Resolution 2008-4R – authorization to purchase POS land, 2.) Text amendment related to title 12-20-100 rules and regulations for park and recreation facilities, 3.) Holiday parking rates, 4.) Ordinance changes related to tap impact surcharge rates and associated fees.
Commissioner Blanchard would like a document drafted to show appreciation for all the groups involved in the Halloween activities.

Signing of Documents

At this time documents that needed signatures were signed.

Public Comments - None

Adjournment With no further business, the November 3, 2008 Town Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Date Approved: November 17, 2008