Town Council Meeting Minutes

Woodsboro, Maryland
August 12, 2025

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 Barnes, Commissioners Cutshall, Rittelmeyer, Case and Hahn.

There were three guests and eighteen residents in attendance.

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

After review of the July 2025 minutes, a motion to accept them with two corrections passed 3 – 0 with Commissioner Case abstaining.

After review of the July 2025 financials, a motion to accept them as presented passed 4 – 0.

Burgess Barnes reported on receiving the $193,000 grant for the town hall and informed the Council that the $400,000 grants should be coming in soon. Commissioner Cutshall had questions that were answered.

Under unfinished business, Burgess Barnes reported on one storm drain being repaired and more to be done. He reminded the Council that this is an expense to the streets budget.

Commissioner Cutshall provided two quotes for overlaying Adams Street. One quote from D&H Paving was for $38,575 and they will do a 2.5” overlay. The other quote was from Thurmont Paving for $44,980 and they would do a 2” overlay. Commissioner Cutshall suggested going with D&H Paving. Upon discussion, a motion to use D&H Paving passed 4 – 0.

Commissioner Case reported on the Knotty Alder streetlight project. He reported there will be three lights installed. The power company has a few questions and then they should be able to provide a quote. A lengthy discussion was held.

Burgess Barnes gave an update on the town hall. Electric, blacktop and sod will be done this week. Commissioner Case inquired about the way the sidewalk is in front of the building. Mary and Heath will look at it.

Under reports from the Commissioners, Commissioner Rittelmeyer had nothing to report.

Commissioner Case had nothing to report.

Commissioner Hahn had nothing to report.

Commissioner Cutshall opened discussion with Laurel Sand and Gravel in reference to the property wellhouse one sits on. A brief discussion was held and a motion to allow Laurel Sand and Gravel to do a Quick Claim Deed, at no expense to the town, passed 4 – 0.

Burgess Barnes reported that Shentel’s attorney and the town attorney are still working on the contract for Glo Fiber.

A representative from Laurel Sand and Gravel indicated they could help fund the pond project and that Legore Bridge Rd will be closed for about a week with all trucks being detoured to Rt. 550.

Burgess Barnes reported on the Maryland Municipal League (MML) dues going up to $2,600 this year and asked the Council for their thoughts for joining again. The consensus was to join and re-evaluate next year.

Under comments from the public, resident Brenda Hedges, Wood Street, provided a handout to the Council in reference to things she sees around town that our code cannot address. She also wanted to address three observations she sees during town meetings. The first being the minutes. She would like to see the minutes be read before the meeting so that there is no down time. Second, she would like for attendees to be able to interact during the meeting and third, she would like to see a follow-up of public comments. A discussion was then held.

Resident Betty Younkins-Tucker, Knotty Alder Court, inquired on how much the pond in the park is used and does it justify the money being put into it. Burgess Barnes informed her that before the pond got overgrown it was used daily. She then mentioned that the flow of water in the stream is not enough to keep the pond filled. She was informed the pond is not filled by the stream but by a spring. She was informed the town has two options, fill it in or fix it.

Resident Rick Bontz, N. Main Street, mentioned the State report indicates there are no galvanized pipes but the pipe that was recently repaired on Coppermine Road was galvanized. He then gave a timeline of the water leak on Coppermine Road. He is requesting the town test his water and provide him and the Medical Center with bottled drinking water.

Burgess Barnes announced the Planning and Zoning Commission is still looking for one, possibly two more people and an alternate. Mr. David Williams has already agreed to fill a position and may have two more residents interested.  Mr. Bud Eckenrode and Mr. Gerald Sando also showed interest.  Mr. Scott Brakebill is interested but cannot join until 2026.

There being no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting passed 4 – 0.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary E. Rice
Corporation of Woodsboro