February 9, 2010 | Town Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

Woodsboro, Maryland
February 9, 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 was five residents in attendance.

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

The January 2010 minutes was reviewed and a motion to accept them as presented passed 2 – 0. Commissioner Brakebill abstained from voting.

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

The bank accounts was reviewed. It was noted that a General Fund CD will mature on March 19, 2010. Burgess Smith suggested putting it back into another 9 to 11 month CD and Commissioner Rittelmeyer suggested putting $40,000 of it into a separate, shorter term CD. Mary will check on rates with the bank.

Commissioner Rittelmeyer reported on the installation of the sign in front of the school and how it was damaged the first day out but has been fixed and reinstalled. He also reported putting the Glade Valley Food Bank Breakfast being held at Trout’s Restaurant on the website.

Commissioner Rensberger opened discussion on the Civil War signs by asking if we had established a date for the unveiling. Burgess Smith informed him he was unable to attend the last Legion meeting but will get with them to inquire on doing it the same day as the Memorial Day Parade. All agreed the dedication should be held in front of Trout’s Market.

Commissioner Rensberger also reported on the recently submitted grant through Community Parks and Playgrounds (CPP). He reported having submitted for $84,000 and getting 100% approval on the first level with additional approval needed. Projects are to expand the soccer field to regulation size and add bleachers and to take the 6.5 acres of “wetlands” and turn it into a natural, self sustaining area. Commissioner Rensberger hopes to have a date for Opening Day with the Rec Council by the next meeting.

Commissioner Brakebill reported Planning and Zoning met on January 20th. Review on the sign text amendment and fee schedule was held. They are going to compare fees with other Municipalities to ensure we are in line. Planning and Zoning will then make recommendations to the Town Council for approval. The issuance of zoning certificates and ways to make that process easier on the Town Office staff was discussed. Also discussed was the WRE/MGE amendment to the Woodsboro Comprehensive Plan. The State of Maryland mandated we enter a plan into our Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Brakebill introduced a “new” way of approving Planning and Zoning minutes which will mirror the Town and Workshop minutes. The County informed the Woodsboro Planning and Zoning Committee that the State of Maryland requires all members of Planning and Zoning to go through training and Denis Superczynski will provide links and information on how to do this.

Commissioner Rensberger inquired on the Code Enforcement Officer membership into the Code Enforcement and Zoning Officials Association (CEZOA). Mary indicated and Burgess Smith confirmed we are waiting on Commissioner Rensberger to provide the information. He will provide that after the meeting.

Commissioner Rensberger asked if anyone had looked at the trees on Copper Oaks Court. Burgess Smith suggested tabling that discussion until the snow melted and informed the Council that 14 trees are on town property and Tom, maintenance personnel, is going to have a gentleman contact Burgess Smith to inquire on taking them down in lieu of the wood.

Under New Business Commissioner Brakebill explained why we were holding Public Hearing on an ordinance to exempt Woodsboro from County Ordinance No. 09-28-532. After a brief discussion Mary read the proposed ordinance aloud and public comment was heard. A motion to adopt the proposed ordinance was passed 3 – 0.

Burgess Smith informed the Council that two Planning and Zoning members need to be reappointed. They are Hartwood Cornell and Dan Caywood. A motion to reappoint them for a 5 year term passed 3 – 0.

Resident Ryan Trout informed the Council he is changing the name of Woodsboro Watch to Woodsboro Community Initiative. It was decided to place a statement in the next water and sewer billing letting residents know about the Security Survey they can obtain through the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department free of charge. Ryan informed the Council another meeting is forthcoming with the group and they are working on possibly doing a “clean sweep” project. Commissioner Rittelmeyer suggested while doing so they raise funds for the Glade Valley Food Bank. Ryan would like to see the funds go to the Historical Society.

Resident Ryan Trout asked if Mary’s membership into the MD Clerk’s Association had been discussed. It had not and Mary thanked everyone for their consideration in the membership and informed them she would pursue it with her own personal funds.

Residents Leon Printz and Susan Writer of S. Main St. was in attendance to voice their concerns about the sidewalks being covered back over with snow by the town after they had cleaned them off.

Resident Chris Spruill was in attendance with concerns on snow removal on Elizabeth Street. He informed the Council that his driveway was pushed back shut and his vehicle covered with the snow from the street. Burgess Smith indicated the town did not do that and indicated the Fire Department cleared that part of the street. Chris also informed the Council how belligerent the contractor hired by the town was with residents and suggested using a different one. Burgess Smith will review these issues with the contractor.

Resident Leon Printz thanked Burgess Smith for the time he gave him on a previous discussion pertaining to the sidewalks but indicated these are older residents who pay to have their sidewalks opened and then the town pushes them shut again.

Burgess Smith indicated he will speak with the contractor and take all comments into consideration.

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

Respectfully submitted,
Mary E. Rice
Corporation of Woodsboro