April 13, 2010 | Town Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

Woodsboro, Maryland
April 13, 2010

The Woodsboro Town Council met today at 7:00 PM in the Firehall with the following members present:

Burgess Smith, Commissioners Rittelmeyer, Brakebill and Rensberger.
Absent from the meeting was Commissioner Eaves.

There were two guests and eleven residents in attendance.

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

The March 2010 minutes were reviewed and a motion to accept them as presented passed 3 – 0.

The March 2010 financial statements were reviewed and a motion to accept them as presented passed 3 – 0.

Commissioner Rittelmeyer had nothing new to report.

Commissioner Rensberger reported Opening Day in the park was another huge success and the recycling bin was in place and being used. He has not looked into the CREP program, but will. The State has deposited $138,000 into our account as reimbursable funds from grants. The FY11 grants are now beginning and soccer is the main issue this year.

Commissioner Brakebill reported Planning and Zoning is scheduled to meet on April 14th and gave a quick review of agenda items. The Planning and Zoning Committee should be prepared to give their recommendations on the proposed sign ordinances to the Board in the next couple weeks. Denis Superczynski is working on the draft WRE/MGE and it will be done by October 2010. He informed the Board that Mr. Charlie Seymour contacted him on possible annexation of the Ramsburg property. He informed the Board that after quick review of the Comp Plan the property is outside the growth boundaries. He also informed the Board a site plan application form has been created by Denis Superczynski.

Under unfinished business Commissioner Rittelmeyer opened discussion on the removal of trees along Copper Oaks Ct. He informed everyone that the issue has been discussed over the last five months; however there was some down time during the snow storms. The trees are damaging walkways and the road and no strategy to fix the problem has been developed yet. The original concern was damage to the drains and curb already done and improper drainage of water. He informed the residents in attendance that the sidewalk is the responsibility of the homeowner. He also informed them of the low hanging branches being a code violation. The code states that limbs should not be closer than nine feet above the pavement. Burgess Smith reported the town is still trying to collect information and that the trees at the end of the Court that were removed will be replaced but set back from the curb approximately ten feet. Resident Vern Miller asked who would replace the trees for they add value to the homes. Burgess Smith informed him the town will replace the ones at the end of the court that were removed by the Town. A discussion was then held and all residents in attendance were heard and their questions answered.

Code Enforcement Officer Jim Bonneville was in attendance and explained why the trees and sidewalks were marked. The trees were marked for inventory purposes and the walkways to prevent injury to a pedestrian. He informed the group that he never ordered anyone to remove their trees and when approached by a resident who asked his opinion on the cost of removing a tree he told her approximately $400 but never indicated that the town would remove them and bill the residents this amount. He then reported information of the type of tree planted in the Court and its damaging effects.

Burgess Smith feels we need a cooperative effort between the residents and the Board. He assured the residents we will hold a meeting and they will be informed by letter of the date, time and location. Jim Bonneville agreed to hand deliver a letter to each resident informing them of the meeting date, time and location. No more trees will be removed until further notice. Commissioner Brakebill announced the Board’s intent was to communicate with the Copper Oaks Ct. residents. Commissioner Rittelmeyer requested having the person who took the trees down for the town to come back and take the stump that sticks up two feet out. Burgess Smith will ride through the development to access things.

The next line of business was with Mr. Brian Sclar of Reliable Recycling. Mr. Sclar was in attendance to discuss and reach an agreement on the maintenance of the can recycling bin at the park. Commissioner Rensberger’s only concern was who would be liable for injury. Mary will contact the insurance company to inquire on liabilities. Burgess Smith did not agree with the location and Mrs. Terry asked if it could be moved closer to the concession stand. Mr. Sclar informed everyone it needs to be accessible to be successful and also believes it will only be successful during sports season. Mrs. Terry thought the original intent was to place it by the dumpster and Commissioner Rensberger thought that maybe with signs we could move it. Burgess Smith suggested leaving it where it was for a sixty day trial. Commissioner Rittelmeyer suggested planting something around it as a screen.

Burgess Smith informed the Council he was approached by the Lutheran Church to have shaved ice in front of the church during the Memorial Day Parade.

Commissioner Rittelmeyer had one more informational comment for the residents of Copper Oaks Court. He informed them that the code for low hanging limbs is in section 161.1.

Mr. Donaghue, resident of Copper Oaks Court asked if the minutes could be posted on the website as draft minutes. Some of the Council members did not feel we could post them until they were approved.

Lisa Ford, resident of Copper Oaks Court suggested putting a link on the website for pending issues.

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

Respectfully submitted,
Mary E. Rice
Corporation of Woodsboro