May 24, 2010 | Town Workshop Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

Woodsboro, Maryland
May 24, 2010

The regular scheduled Workshop Meeting of the Woodsboro Town Council was held on Monday, May 24, 2010 in the Firehall with the following members present:

Burgess Smith, Commissioners Brakebill, Eaves and Rittelmeyer. Arriving late was Commissioner Rensberger.

There was nine residents in attendance.

Burgess Smith called the meeting to order.

After review of the April, 2010 minutes a motion to accept them as presented passed 3 – 0.

Burgess Smith reviewed the budget to actual for the General Fund and the Water and Sewer Fund.

The first line of business was on the trees in Copper Oaks Ct. Burgess Smith asked the residents in attendance for any suggestions and they informed him they were waiting on the Town’s facts. Town Code Enforcement Officer Jim Bonneville began the discussion by giving an explanation of what type of trees are currently planted in Copper Oaks Ct. and the damage they have or can cause over 20 years. Burgess Smith explained his concerns of water running under the damaged sidewalks and the additional problems that can create. Residents who have already taken their tree (s) down asked if they could replant other trees in the same location. Burgess Smith would prefer contacting a representative specializing in trees in the next sixty days to inquire on what type of tree to plant before any are replaced. Residents then inquired on the damaged sidewalks and if they could be replaced and by whom. Burgess Smith informed them sidewalks are the homeowner’s responsibility. Residents then asked if they would need a permit to replace or repair their damaged sidewalk and Commissioner Brakebill didn’t think they would. Residents asked if the Town could hire a contractor to do the sidewalk repair and save the residents money, is the town going to chop up the stumps and will the trees be replaced? Burgess Smith replied he would like to hold a discussion with the Council before any decisions were made. Commissioner Rittelmeyer reported the planting of trees between the sidewalk and curb was against Town Code and to do so you would need to come before the Council and obtain permission. Jim Bonneville then explained how to stop the roots from growing after a tree is taken down. Residents asked if the Town would want them to research what type of tree could be planted and Commissioner Eaves suggested contacting the Extension Service for information. Burgess Smith then reiterated the Town would be back in touch with in sixty days and will post updates on the Town’s website. Commissioner Rittelmeyer ended the discussion by saying he could get someone to inquire on grinding the stumps up.

Commissioner Rensberger reported on the Memorial Day activities. An unveiling ceremony of the Civil War Markers will take place at 1:00 PM in front of Trout’s Market followed by the parade at 1:30. The parade will begin at the cemetery on the south end of town, proceed North on Main Street, turn down by the Highs store, south on North Second St. and then back up Elizabeth Street to Gravel Hill Rd. and end at the American Legion for lunch.

Under New Business Commissioner Rittelmeyer reported on a damaged storm drain on Cornell Drive during the snow storms. Donald Gladhill repaired the storm drain and will patch the cement.

Commissioner Eaves had nothing to report.

Commissioner Rensberger reported on a letter from the Department of Natural Resources informing the Town the FY11 Community Parks and Playgrounds (CPP) Meadows and Fields project of $84,000 has been approved by them. It will now be reviewed by the Board of Public Works and then Commissioner Rensberger can begin obtaining bids.

Commissioner Brakebill reported receiving a message from Denis Superczynski stating he was unable to get a clean version of the text amendments to the sign ordinance to Mary but should be able to provide it by June 1st so we can address the Resolution at the June meeting. Commissioner Brakebill reported distributing a handout on a recommended Planning and Zoning Fee Structure which will require a Public Hearing. He asked if anyone had any feedback or consideration in any area, not just Planning and Zoning, to let him know. He indicated there was no urgency on this. Mary will scan and email each Council member the current and proposed fee structure. Commissioner Brakebill then opened discussion on Tax Equity allocation and asked for an explanation of how the distribution of monies is determined. Burgess Smith informed him the County uses three or four formulas when dividing the money between Municipalities. Burgess Smith will ask for the formula used to determine Woodsboro’s portion at the next County/Municipality meeting he attends.

Under Comments from the Public, Paul Donaghue, 116 Copper Oaks Ct. indicated residents of Copper Oaks Ct. feel the problem was created from miscommunication from the Town and that now the burden and expense has been pushed onto the property owners. A discussion on what has happened to date was held and Commissioner Brakebill explained the Town is not pushing any expense onto to the residents; these expenses have always been in place. Commissioner Rittelmeyer indicated the Town has never communicated with the residents concerning the problem with the trees. Burgess Smith reminded him how he wanted to send a letter months ago and the Council suggested he not but instead have the Code Enforcement Officer assess the damage. Discussion was then held again on how things transpired through the entire event since Fall of 2009.

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

Respectfully submitted,
Mary E. Rice
Corporation of Woodsboro