October 8, 2019 | Town Council Meeting Minutes

Town Council Meeting Minutes

Woodsboro, Maryland

October 8, 2019

The Woodsboro Town Council met today at 7:00 PM in the fellowship room of St. John’s UCC with the following members present: Burgess Rittelmeyer, Commissioners Smith, Cutshall, and Boyer.  Absent from the meeting was Commissioner Crum.

There were two guests and nine residents in attendance.

Burgess Rittelmeyer called the meeting to order and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

After review of the September 2019 minutes, a motion to accept them as presented passed 3 – 0.

After review of the September 2019 financials, a motion to accept them as presented passed 3 – 0.

The first line of business was the presentation of a draft copy of the FY19 Audit. A representative with Linton Shafer Warfield and Garrett was in attendance to present the audit and answer all questions.

Commissioner Smith opened discussion on a request from Platinum Auto to tie into the town’s water and sewer system.

Commissioner Cutshall reported on the storm drain project and asked who is responsible for the stormwater management pond at Bell Court.  Commissioner Smith indicated Frederick County is.

Commissioner Boyer reported the banana plant at the corner of Main and W. Elizabeth was not trimmed yet.

Commissioner Boyer opened discussion on the creek restoration project and Mary provided everyone with a copy of an email from Ms. Laura Ruddy who was in attendance and spoke on how she disagrees with the project. Burgess Rittelmeyer explained how discussions have been held for the past six years and how it was a tough decision to take the trees down.

Commissioner Boyer reported the town hall building committee met for the first time and a lot was accomplished.  It was decided to table discussions until a concrete plan could be presented.

Burgess Rittelmeyer reported Ms. Brandy Peeples, who was chosen to be the town’s new attorney, has been contacted and will attend the October Workshop.

Burgess Rittelmeyer opened discussion on a letter received from a resident asking the town to reimburse her for damages sustained by a sewer back up.  Burgess Rittelmeyer explained the town code reads that all homes should have a backflow preventer valve installed.  He also reported that in the past the town has not reimbursed for a backup.  All council members agreed to not reimburse the resident.  The letter also mentioned getting a system for emergency calls. Burgess Rittelmeyer researched the option of an answering service and reported the cost would be $1.19 per minute for such a service.

Burgess Rittelmeyer reported on looking at bus stop areas that have no crosswalk.

A resident who resides at 208 N Main St was in attendance to ask for the speed sign to be moved near his house. He also agreed the banana plant needs to go. He reported the slurry seal company did a great job at removing the mess from his neighbor’s brick but they never touched the walkway at the monument. Burgess Rittelmeyer informed him that he would take care of the monument sidewalk. The resident then asked for a continuation of the sidewalk along Coppermine Rd just past the medical center and before the entrance into Highs. Burgess Rittelmeyer and Commissioner Boyer suspect the small area mentioned is a storm drain area and a sidewalk cannot go there.

Resident Ken Morgan reported the pine tree blocking the pole light on Wood Street has been trimmed a little but still needs to be trimmed more.

Commissioner Boyer reported the trees along the sidewalk that fronts the town’s lot has not been trimmed yet.

Burgess Rittelmeyer reported walking along Cornell Drive to look at 204 and 205’s low hanging branches. He will send them a letter asking them to trim their trees.

Mr. Morgan also reported the streets have not been swept yet.  Mr. Morgan swept and cleaned up the gravel on Wood Street himself.

There being no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting passed 3 – 0.