MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF FEDERALSBURG

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2002

7:30 P.M.

 

 

The regular meeting of the Mayor and Council was held on Monday, August 5, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mayor and Council Meeting Room.  Those in attendance were Mayor Fluharty, Councilmembers Bee, Ballas, Happersett, and Wheatley.  Also in attendance were local citizenry, staff, and media.

 

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fluharty who lead the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

MINUTES

 

A motion by Councilmember Ballas seconded by Councilmember Bee and unanimously passed approving the minutes of the previous meeting as amended.  The amendment to the minutes should be under “Amber Glanden” to reflect that this was just a discussion because Ms. Glanden should have been at the meeting but did not attend.

 

COMMUNITY LEGACY GRANT REQUEST – RESOLUTION NO. 2002-17

 

A motion by Councilmember Bee seconded by Councilmember Wheatley and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero approving Resolution No. 2002-17, which endorses and supports a Community Legacy Project.  It also endorses the designation of the Community Legacy Area and the Project in the Area and approves the request in the form of a grant(s), loan(s), or other financial vehicles in the approximate amount of $200,000.

 

INDUSTRIAL PARK PAVING BID

 

Conway Gregory, Grants Administrator, reported only one bid was submitted for paving the Federalsburg Industrial Park Road, from David A. Bramble, Inc., in the amount of $295,075.00.  The bid came in under budget for this project as follows:

 

Funds available for this project are as follows:

 

Rural Development Administration of the USDA                       $ 65,000.00

One Maryland Program                                                            $157,043.43

Town of Federalsburg                                                               $251,600.00

 

Total Revenue                                                                          $473,643.43

 

Construction costs, design, engineering and inspection services should be as follows:

 

Construction                                                                             $295,075.00

Design, Engineering and Inspection                                            $ 41,100.00

 

Total Expenses                                                             $336,175.00

 

Conway Gregory reported One Maryland and RDA would provide $222,043.43 or 66% of the funding.  This will leave the Town providing the remaining 34% or $137,468.43, well under the budgeted $251,600.00.  This will be a savings of $144,131.57 from the Metal Systems Account.  All of this is also predicated upon there being no unexpected expenses related to this project. 

 

A motion by Councilmember Bee seconded by Councilmember Happersett accepting the bid from David A. Bramble, Inc. in the amount of $295,075.00 for the paving of the Federalsburg Industrial Park.

 

Richard Colburn, Town Manager, said this project has been in the making for the last ten to twelve years.  Councilmember Bee suggested a letter should be sent to the property owners in the park advising them of the progress of the work for the park.

 

MARSHYHOPE GREENWAY AMENITIES

 

Conway Gregory, Grants Administrator, advised that he has received a grant in the amount of $23,000, from Maryland State Highway Administration through the Symms National Recreation Trails Act Program, for the Marshyhope Greenway Amenities (park benches, trash receptacles, etc.).  The park benches will go in the wetland area. 

 

Five bids were received for completing the Marshyhope Creek Greenway Amenities Project using Symms National Recreational Trails Act grant funds.  The bids ranged from a high of $22,105 to a low of $10,375. The lowest and most responsible for completing the entire project, except for the purchase of one swing set, was REC-Creative, Inc. in Westminster, MD.  Their bid was for $10,375.00.  The matching monies for this project will be the South Main Street Shoreline monies. 

 

A motion from Councilmember Bee seconded by Councilmember Wheatley and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero to accept the bid in the amount of $10,375 from REC-Creative, Inc. in Westminster, MD plus an additional $630.00 for the swing set for a total of $11,005.00.

 

FIREMAN’S AWARD TO JUSTIN & NICOLE DORRELL

 

Wendy Garner and Conway Gregory presented to Justin and Nicole Dorrell (the recent family whose home was demolished by fire in American Corner) with a $500 grant from the Firemen’s Charitable Foundation.  The citizens of Federalsburg have given the family at total cash donation of $330.00 plus clothing.

 

WILLIAM HADDAWAY – CONCERNS ABOUT EAST CENTRAL AVENUE

 

Mr. & Mrs. William Haddaway were present to voice their concerns about trash being thrown from Main Street and East Central Avenue in front of their property located at 312 East Central Avenue.  Mr. Haddaway issued pictures of the property located at 310 East Central Avenue that showed trash in the yard.  He stated he is trying to improve his property and it is hard to keep clean with the trash being thrown everywhere.  Another problem he talked about was of his driveway and how vehicle traffic is destroying the corner of his property.  He requested approval to install a fence or guard line along his property.  The Mayor and Council requested Mr. Haddaway to contact Cary Malkus, Building Code Administrator, for the regulations to install a fence on his property.  The Mayor and Council also advised him in regard to his trash situation that unless the Mayor and Council could see the person that was littering there was nothing they could do. 

 

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT PROCLAMATION – HEATHER HUTSON

 

A motion by Councilmember Ballas seconded by Councilmember Happersett and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero proclaiming August 6th, 2002 as appreciation day for the extensive and valuable contributions made to the safety, security, property and happiness of the citizens in the Town of Federalsburg. 

 

PUBLIC CONCERNS

 

Joseph Glime – Trash Cans – Main Street

 

Mr. Glime wanted to know when the trashcans would be installed in the 1st block of South Main Street.  Steve Dyott, Public Works Director, advised that he was waiting on a decision on the type and style of trashcans and then they would be ordered.  Mayor Fluharty will review the styles in the brochures and get back with Steve Dyott.  Mr. Dyott advised that there is a 12 to 14 week delivery time on the trashcans with the wooden slats with the tops.  Bart Johnson advised that there is a pedestal that is located on South Main Street that is unsightly.

 

Steve Parks

 

Steve Parks stated that he gave Ms. Betty Happersett the letter that was sent to him by Cary Malkus, Codes Administrator, in which he was issued a municipal infraction for violation of the property maintenance code.  Mr. Parks stated that he couldn’t do much until his name is off the deed, which should be soon.  Mr. Parks stated that after Labor Day the equipment he has in the yard would be taken to Curtis Andrew’s Sale Barn.  He said he is doing everything he can to alleviate the problem.  The Mayor and Council advised him to continue to work with Cary Malkus to resolve the problems.

 

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

 

Police Department

 

Chief Nagel presented the monthly police report.   He advised the Anything Goes Day Festivities went well.  He advised that the 1st Church of God’s Family Fun Day, National Night Out, and Fireman’s Carnival is scheduled for this month. 

 

Chief Nagel also requested the Mayor and Council to consider instituting the Landlord Rental Inspection Program because of problems the police department has witnessed with landlord tenant problems.

 

Chief Nagel asked if the Mayor and Council would be interested in placing speed bumps or 4 way stop at the intersection of Morris Avenue and Vernon Avenue, and Greenridge Road and Vernon Avenue, due to speeders.  The police have conducted additional radar on both streets.  Steve Dyott and Donald Nagel will get a cost from David A. Bramble for the cost of speed bumps and present to the Mayor and Council.

 

Public Works Department

 

Steve Dyott, Public Works Department advised the temporary fence has been installed at the marina along the trail and he stated that the cost to install the fencing was quite costly.  He also advised there was some vandalism (spray painting) of the signs and the bathroom in the marina.  Public Works was able to remove 95% of the spray paint. The bathrooms at the marina are being locked at night due to the vandalism.

 

Main Street Manager

 

Wendy Garner, Main Street Manager, reported the following:

 

ü      Anything Goes Main Street Parade and Festival was held on Saturday, July 27th.  It was a very successful event until it rained, at which time we decided to close the event.  Most comments have been very favorable.

 

ü      Next YMCA Founder’s Campaign Committee meeting is scheduled for August 26th.  Current pledged total is $94,250.

 

ü      Habitat for Humanity house project has begun work on a second house on Park Avenue.  Blocks have been laid for the foundation.

 

ü      The next Federalsburg Historical Society meeting will take place on August 11th.  The group made its first public appearance at Anything Goes.  Memberships are now being offered for $10.00 per year per individual or $15.00 per family.  Anyone joining this year will become a Founding Member and their name will be inscribed on a plaque to be produced in 2003.  A 50/50 raffle was drawn at Anything Goes and Diane Matthew’s won $220.50.  Several historic photos were copied and enlarged by Chuck Planner and are now hanging in the Town Office Lobby.  One of this organization’s future goals is to prepare an accurate accounting of the history of Federalsburg and procure and install a historical marker in the Town, which gives a brief summary about Federalsburg.  Does the Mayor and Council have any recommendations for an appropriate location?

 

ü      Deadline for the September/October Times of Federalsburg Newsletter is August 16th.

 

ü      There will be no Marshyhope Bass Fishing Tournament this year.  We were notified too late to plan this event, but Kristy Marshall and I will take on this task next year.  There will be a Federalsburg VFC Carnival Thursday, August 29th, Friday, August 30th and August 31st.  There will also be a Classic Car Show during Saturday’s event.

 

ü      The Blood Bank of Delaware/Eastern Shore is closing down their Easton facility.  They are looking to collect blood donations via a mobile unit.  They have asked permission to hold a monthly blood drive in Federalsburg in the parking lot across from the Town Hall.  They will likely plan for a Monday or Wednesday and either 11 AM to 3 PM or 1 PM to 6 or 7 PM.  Does the Mayor and Council support this activity?

 

ü      The Federalsburg Visitor’s Guide has been approved by all of the businesses listed.  Printing will begin in house sometime this week.  I have also designed a Guide to Town Services and have distributed a Draft copy.  Please let me know if you have any suggestions or corrections for this Guide.  This was designed for new residents, but it may be useful for all residents.  What does the Mayor and Council think about community distribution, either through local businesses or distributed to mailboxes?

 

ü      I am planning on holding another Business Meeting for mid-September.  The date is not yet firm, but I plan to have the meeting from 7:30 to 9 AM.

 

 

Reminder:

ü      Hotspots Neighborhood Watch Night Out is tomorrow evening beginning at 5 PM.

ü      First Church of God is sponsoring a Family Fun Day at the Marina this coming Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM, which is open to the public.

ü      Caroline Summerfest … Safari will take place Friday, August 16th and Saturday, August 17th on the Courthouse Green and the Choptank River in Denton.

 

Planning and Zoning Update

 

The Mayor and Council of Federalsburg held a public hearing on Monday, August 5th at 7 p.m. in the Mayor and Council Meeting Room to hear discussion on Ordinance No. 2002-13 which amends Section 5 of the town’s zoning ordinance regarding the General Industrial District (ID-2).

 

A motion by Councilmember Bee seconded by Councilmember Happersett and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero approving Ordinance No. 2002-13, which amends Section 5 of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance regarding the General Industrial District (ID-2).

 

Councilmember Bee advised that the Commission discussed the following at their July regular monthly meeting:

 

1.      There was discussion about the controversy over the Bourbon Street & Voo Doo Lounge Sign.  The members agreed with the Town Attorney, that Mr. Harris could not be forced to change the name of his establishment.

 

2.      Mrs. Walsh from the Goal Post Restaurant asked about having a Teen Night once a week to allow local teens to come into their establishment to play video games, pool, etc.  Mrs. Walsh said that all alcohol would be removed from the area during Teen Night.  The Commission discussed the matter and agreed that this type of event is not specifically covered under the Zoning Ordinance.  However, the Commission felt that Mrs. Walsh should obtain permission from the Caroline County Liquor Board.

 

3.      Mr. & Mrs. Gene Adams requested permission to temporarily live in their travel trailer during an emergency lead paint removal project at their home.  The Commission discussed the matter and agreed that they would not have any problem granting Mr. & Mrs. Adams permission to temporarily live in the travel trailer during these renovations.

 

4.      The Commission agreed to schedule a Public Hearing to accept public comment on the Urban Development Plan on Tuesday, September 24th, 2002 at 7 p.m.  The Commission requested that all members of the Mayor and Council attend if possible.

 

5.      Kristy Marshall, Planning and Zoning Secretary, advised the Commission that Bob Breeding Contractors contacted her to advise that they would like to be on the August agenda for a new company locating in Federalsburg.  They will submit their proposal and more information once it is finalized.

 

The next Planning and Zoning Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2002.

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

Resolution No. 2002-18

 

A motion by Councilmember Wheatley seconded by Councilmember Happersett and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero adopting Ordinance No. 02-18, which changes the address for two properties on South Main Street.  Currently there are addresses for 110 and 110-1 South Main Street but there is no property with the address of 116 South Main Street.  To correct the confusion the Mayor and Council by virtue of this ordinance change the property address currently known as Horizon Photography, which has a current address of 110-1 South Main Street, Federalsburg, to 112 South Main Street.  The address for the property currently know as the old radio station, which has a current address of 112 South Main Street, Federalsburg, shall be changed to 116 South Main Street, Federalsburg, Maryland.  The property owners shall have the obligation to notify the post office or anyone else that is required to be notified of the change in address. 

 

Federalsburg National Night Out

 

Councilmember Ballas invited everyone to attend Federalsburg’s National Night Out on August 6, 2002 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Anything Goes Day Parade

 

Councilmember Happersett thanked everyone for a successful Anything Goes Day Parade.

 

South Caroline Little League

 

The South Caroline Little League 9 & 10 & 11 & 12 year olds won the State Championship for their division.  The 9 & 10 year olds traveled to Hagerstown, Maryland for their finals and the 11 & 12 year olds traveled to Connecticut to play in the regional tournament.

 

A motion by Councilmember Bee seconded by Councilmember Happersett and unanimously passed by a vote of three to zero to contribute $250 to SCUBA Organization in support of their trip to Bristol, Connecticut.  This will come from the Fiscal Year 2002-2003 Budget Line Item No. 1109200 Building Maintenance.

 

Soap Box Derby

 

David Bowman, the local winner of the Soap Box Derby placed 7th in the world, in the stock car category and the citizens of Federalsburg are very proud of him.

 

Closed Session

 

The Mayor and Council held a Closed Session on August 5, 2002 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. in to discuss a Real Estate Matter.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion by Councilmember Wheatley seconded by Councilmember Ballas and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero to adjourn at 9 p.m.

 

Submitted by,

 

 

 

Shirley A. DeShields

Clerk/Treasurer