Regular Monthly Meeting
Monday, June 3, 2002
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fluharty who then
lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion by Councilmember Wheatley seconded by Councilmember Ballas and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero approving the minutes of the previous meeting.
JUNE TRUITT
WEST CENTRAL AVENUE TRIANGLE
Mrs. June Truitt expressed her concern with the shed that is located at the intersection of West Central Avenue and Buena Vista Avenue. The shed is located in the triangle year round and is used as the Santa Claus House during the Christmas Holiday. The shed is not moved because of its size and it is hard to get someone to move the shed after Christmas and then replace it. Mrs. Truitt advised that in 1920 Mr. Morris gave the ground to the Vista Garden Club with the stipulation that no buildings would be placed there. Mrs. Truitt expressed her concern that the shed was unsightly in this location and would better serve its purpose at a different location. Mrs. Truitt offered her services to get together a design committee to revitalize the triangle and make it more attractive, provided the shed could be removed. Steve Parks made a recommendation to leave the shed at the existing location and just decorate around the shed so that it blends in with the scenery. Mrs. Truitt advised that she felt she could get Haines Holt to move the shed to a different location. Ms. Truitt was advised that the town has had difficulty transporting the shed from location to location. The shed must be placed at the location for Christmas by the first Saturday in December. Mrs. Truitt advised the Mayor and Council if they could get the shed moved to a different location and return the triangle back to a Vista Garden, then she could get a committee together to create the landscape design and also a group to decorate for Christmas. Some of the recommendations to place the shed were at the town barn, Morris Avenue municipal parking lot, or the locations off East Central Avenue next to Charles Long Real Estate Office. After a lengthy discussion the Mayor and Council agreed to the following:
A motion by Councilmember Bee seconded by Councilmember Happersett and passed by a vote of four to one (Mayor Fluharty – Yea; Councilmember Bee –Yea; Councilmember Happersett – Yea, Councilmember Wheatley – Yea; and Councilmember Ballas – Nay) requesting that the Public Works Department to obtain a cost estimate to move the building from the triangle, to a place to be determined. And to obtain a cost estimate to move the shed back at Christmas time. The cost to move the shed should be prior to Christmas 2002 and to be put back at the triangle by the first week of December for the Santa Claus Committee.
Mrs. Truitt advised she would come back with a design for tree lighting in the triangle for Christmas decorations.
HEATHER HUTSON
Heather Hutson, Chairperson of the Neighborhood Watch Nite Out Committee, reported that the Neighborhood Watch Nite Out is scheduled for August 6, 2002 at the Federalsburg Marina. Mrs. Hutson requested support from the Mayor and Council for her idea to hand out plaques and proclamations to the dedicated emergency and military personnel in Federalsburg and the surrounding area. Mrs. Hutson advised that Federal Manor would pay the expense to have the plaques and proclamations printed. There would be no cost to the town for the expense of the proclamations. She submitted a sample proclamation and plaque. The Mayor and Council gave their support to Mrs. Hutson for this project and requested that she submit another proclamation at the July 1st, 2002 Mayor and Council Meeting for final approval. There was a recommendation by Chief Nagel to also include DNR (Department of Natural Resources) to the list of personnel honored. The Mayor and Councilmembers were invited to attend on August 6th for the presentation. The plaques would be engraved and the proclamations would be presented to the different agencies.
ROBBIE HANSON
CAROLINE PAROLE AND PROBATION
Robbie Hanson with Caroline County Parole and Probation, was present to discuss a new pilot program. Mr. Hanson handed out a brochure that outlined the duties of the agents under the new program. This program would hire 40 new agents in Caroline County. It would double their work force. With this new program there will be seven new full-time agents in Caroline County. This will mean that the agents will be getting out of the office more and doing more fieldwork. The officers would also have laptops, which would be paid for by a grant. There will also be full-time field supervisors based in the Denton Office and they will also be out in the field with the agents. As this program moves forward, Mr. Hanson advised the Mayor and Council that he would keep them aware of the program and its services.
RESOLUTION NO. 02-014
A motion by Councilmember Bee seconded by Councilmember Wheatley and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero approving Resolution No. 02-014, which authorizes the submittal of an application for Community Development Block Grant funds in the amount of $66,437.50. The grant would be used for the rehab and extension of sewer lines on Reliance Avenue.
PUBLIC CONCERNS
Mr. Jim Taylor, who resides at 203 Liberty Road, requested that the town notify the Fire Company whenever a hydrant is not in operation or being repaired. The last hydrant being repaired was off of Liberty Road and Steve Dyott, Public Works Director, advised that the local fire company was notified.
Mr. Taylor also questioned whether or not it was necessary for the Public Works Department to have an answering machine phone system at the barn. Mr. Taylor was advised that the phone system assisted in streamlining incoming calls, since a person could not always sit in the office to answer the telephone. This new system was installed after the old system was struck by lighting.
Mr. Taylor also advised that he
has witnessed some abuse of town equipment.
Mr. Taylor was advised when he notices abuse of equipment to contact
Steve Dyott immediately so that the problem can be corrected immediately.
Mr. Roy Lare and Mr. Jim Taylor thanked the public works department for the sweeping Buena Vista Avenue.
Mrs. June Truitt and Mr. Roy Lare stated that they were very proud of how beautiful Federalsburg is. They both have traveled recently across country and after looking at how other locations look it made them very proud of Federalsburg.
Speed Bumps and Truck Traffic
Ms. Marlaine Smith, who resides at the corner of Maple and Buena Vista Avenue, expressed her concern with the speeders in the 200 block of Buena Vista Avenue in both directions. There were suggestions of installing a four way stop sign, however, a four-way stop sign has not been found to work in other areas of town. Chief Nagel advised that he would have the police officers work radar in the area. Mayor Fluharty recommended getting the speed wagon back in Federalsburg on that street. The time when there seems to be the most speeders are from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There was also a concern with large truck traffic (six wheeler’s) on Liberty Road and Academy Avenue. Those in particular are from A & R, Federal Paper, and Budweiser. Chief Nagel will contact the companies and give them the truck route.
Ty Harris
Ty Harris, who resides at 101 Liberty Road, requested and was granted permission to install a depressed curbing, at his expense, at the corner of his property because of truck traffic. Mr. Harris advised that when the trucks come through they damage his mothers curbing and sidewalk. Chief Nagel advised Mr. Harris to get the tag number of the truck that destroyed the property and they could be charged and would have to pay for the expense to replace the curbing and sidewalk.
Steve Parks
Steve Parks, who resides at 113 Maple Avenue, advised that he received a violation notice from the code enforcement officer about the vehicles in his yard. He said the letter requested copies of registration and insurance on the vehicles. He said all the vehicles were tagged excepted the MG, which he is looking at getting moved this week. The Mayor and Council referred Mr. Parks back to the Code Enforcement Officer because he would be the only person who could answer his questions. Mr. Parks also advised that he is in the process of trying to get things resolved with his house. He said he is not trying to ignore things and he is slowly moving forward.
June Truitt
Mrs. June Truitt wanted to know if the Mayor and Council could get the garbage can moved from the sidewalk on West Central Avenue from in front of the gate to behind the gate. The garbage can is for the apartment located at 101 West Central Avenue and would look more attractive located behind the gate verses on the sidewalk.
Sharon Ewing
Mrs. Sharon Ewing, who resides at 409 Railroad Avenue, thanked the Mayor and Council for putting up the flags on Memorial Day. Mayor and Council advised that the flags were put up by the Federalsburg VFW. The Mayor and Council recommended a thank you letter be sent to them and notice put in the editorial section of the local newspaper thanking them for the installation of the flags. The flags will remain up through the fourth of July. They will then be taken down and replaced for Veterans Day.
Chief
Nagel presented the police report. He
advised that the K-9 Officer graduated in May and has done a good job each time
he has been called out. Officer Xavier
Camacho is the K-9 Handler. Even though
they were small in numbers the Walk-A-Thon went well with no problems. The soapbox derby practice also went well
with no problems. The Soap Box Derby
will be held on Saturday, June 8th from 10 a.m. to approximately 2
p.m. Chief Nagel advised that his
department would be hand-delivering letters to the property owners on West
Central Avenue advising them of the closing of the road. The police department is sponsoring one of
the cars in the Soap Box Derby and the driver will be Landy Batson, who resides
in Federalsburg. Chief Nagel also
advised that the fire company would be striping the lines on West Central
Avenue for the soap box derby. The paint
would wear off in approximately two weeks.
Chief
Nagel requested the Mayor and Council consider increasing the speed limit in
the Federalsburg Industrial Park from 30 mph to 40 mph. He asked that this request be considered when
the road has been repaired.
Heather
Hutson reported that she has seen a woman sleeping in her car along the hike
and bike trail. Ms. Hutson walks the
trail the early hours of the morning and has seen this quite frequently. The car is a white Buick with Delaware
tags.
Public Works Report
Steve Dyott, Public Works Director, advised that someone backed into a town fire hydrant located off Liberty Road, and it had to be repaired. In order to repair the hydrant, the water had to be turned off, which affected Building Four at Maryland Plastics. The town was not aware that building four was connected to the water system and would have a direct impact on their business. Maryland Plastics was notified that the water would be turned off. There was a recommendation to move the hydrant back off the road so that trucks would not hit it again. The Mayor and Council requested Steve Dyott to determine the cost to move the hydrant. Public Works was already looking into moving the hydrant and would get the cost information to the Mayor and Council.
Public Works will contact Chuck Emerson, at Caroline County Roads, to request several 55 gallon barrels so that some of them could be placed in Chambers Park near the community building.
The Mayor and Council agreed to post signs at the Federalsburg Marina that read “NO GRILLING” will be allowed under the Pavilions for safety reasons. This will also be added to the Public Area Rental Agreement.
The bridge at the Federalsburg Marina needs to be repaired as soon as possible for safety reasons. Conway Gregory, Grants Administrator, will be contacted to determine whether or not there are grant monies available to repair the bridge.
Main Street Manager Report
Wendy Garner, Main Street Manager, reported the following:
1.
The YMCA
Founders Committee met on June 3rd.
The fundraising effort has begun.
Money pledged to date is $88,400.
Several sites are being reviewed to house the YMCA. Food Lion Shop and Share 2002 is
participating by donating a share of MVP cardholders total purchase each
quarter with a maximum per quarter of $350.00.
Their next meeting will be held on July 1st at 12 Noon.
2.
The
Federalsburg Business Newsletter was distributed during the month of May. A business meeting will be scheduled for
sometime during the month of September.
3.
The Federalsburg
Historical Group will meet in the Town Hall Meeting Room on June 9th
from 4 p.m. .to 6 p.m. They have several
pictures at Horizon photography being reproduced to be displayed in the Town
Hall Lobby. The group is collecting
copies of documents and recording information about persons, places and things
around Federalsburg and eventually would like to house these materials in a
museum somewhere in Town.
4.
Mrs. Cora
Stanley, owner of “What’s Your Destination Transportation”, was recently
honored by Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore.
Mrs. Stanley attended their Self-Employed Association Program-Business
Skills Training Course. She was selected
as one of three successful students to be videotaped for their marketing
video. Richard Colburn, Town Manager,
was interviewed and spoke of the service Mrs. Stanley provides to the
community.
5.
Mother’s
Southern Kitchen should be opening in June.
Ty Harris, owner has painted the outside front of the first floor of the
entire building on South Main Street.
6.
Caroline County Tourism – The tourism budget
for FY02-03 was cut by $9,000. These
funds were connected to the Caroline County Economic Development Corporation
Budget and their entire budget was cut by $9,000, which represents the major
part of funding for the Tourism program.
Richard Colburn, Wendy Garner and representatives from the Tourism
Council will be attending the June 4th County Commissioners Meeting
asking them to restore the $9,000 back to the budget for Tourism.
7.
Wendy Garner
attended a DLITE Meeting in Berlin (Delmarva Low Impact Tourism
Experiences). This group is working on
promoting low impact tourism for the Delmarva Peninsula.
8.
The Anything
Goes Planning is going well. There will
be a full day of activities from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The committee is presently
looking at bus transportation between the Marina, the Fire Hall, and the
downtown area.
9.
Habitat for
Humanity will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for their next building project at
322 Park Avenue on Saturday, June 15th at 10 a.m. The Mayor and
Council were invited to attend. They had
a recent fundraiser brunch at Café One 10, which earned them $186 in tips.
10.
Kelly Rouse,
Channel 47 is coming back to do “Our Town in Federalsburg” the week of July 1st
through 5th. Richard Colburn,
Town Manager, will be interviewed on June 19th, which will be aired
on June 30th at 8:30 a.m.
Wendy Garner will also contact Kelly Rouse to see if they will also be
present for the Patriotic Extravaganza.
11.
The Marshyhope Bass Fishing Tournament will be
held on August 31st. The FVFC is
sponsoring Paul Stine Amusement’s Carnival on Thursday, August 29th, Friday,
August 30th, and Saturday, August 31st.
The fire company will be advised to obtain a Special Events Permit.
12.
Peninsula Dry
Cleaners opened on June 3rd.
They will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wendy Garner
requested and was granted permission by the Mayor and Council to welcome new
businesses on the Town Sign.
13.
BesTemps will
be at the Town Hall on June 26th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and June 27th
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to interview persons interested in seeking temporary,
part-time and full-time employment.
Several of the local businesses use BesTemps Services.
14.
Wendy was
granted approval from the Mayor and Council to arrange a ShoreBirds bus trip on
Friday, August 9th. This
will be called Federalsburg Night Out at the Ballpark.
15.
Bryan Ebling
has been notified that Mrs. Mary Holt and Mrs. Catherine Routzahn have some
concerns with the installation of the tower to be located in Federalsburg.
Planning and Zoning Update
Councilmember Bee
reported the following:
1.
The Commission
is re-examining Lou-Lou’s Mini Market sign.
It was first thought that the sign would have to be replaced, however,
the Commission is reviewing the ordinance to make sure.
2.
The Commission
is investigating Ty Harris request to place café tables in front of his
business on South Main Street.
3.
The Commission
is working on revising the Comprehensive Plan.
They will meet with Mark Gradecak, State Planning, on June 4th
for further review.
4.
The Commission
determined that according to the ordinance travel trailers are not allowed to
be used as a primary residence.
5.
Shirley
DeShields advised that at the June 4th meeting the Planning and Zoning
Commission will be advised what they need to do to adopt the Urban Renewal Plan
as part of the Comprehensive Plan.
A motion by Councilmember Ballas seconded by Councilmember Bee and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero for the Town of Federalsburg to cast their vote toward Councilmember Victoria Goldsborough, from the Town of Denton, as Board of Directors on the MML. Mayor Fluharty or Councilmember Ballas will cast the vote.
PATRIOTIC EXTRAVAGANZA
The Patriotic Extravaganza
is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th at the Federalsburg
Marina. Some of the features will be a
volleyball tournament, “Kids Say The Darnest Things”, Emings dinners will be
sold from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and fireworks.
Councilmember Ballas was able to obtain 500 lights from Conectiv to be
used for a special number the Community Choir will do.
HOTSPOTS GRANT UPDATE
Councilmember Ballas reported the awards for Hotspots 2002-2003 has been awarded to the Town of Federalsburg in the amount of $83,500.
WATER TOWER
FILLING OF SWIMMING POOLS
Mayor Fluharty
questioned how the town bills for filling of pools by the fire department. Currently, the Mayor and Council charge the
pool owner the fee per 1,000 gallons of water used for the actual amount of
water used. The fire department
currently is not charged. Mayor Fluharty
will attend their next meeting and advise them of the process.
SOUTH MAIN STREET PARKING
There have been concerns about cars parking on both sides of the street from Central Avenue to Railroad Avenue. These concerns were raised when two vehicles smacked mirrors in the vicinity of Academy Avenue. At the time this incident occurred, there were vehicles parked on both sides of the South Main Street. The Mayor and Council requested that Chief Nagel and Steve Dyott obtain the width measurements of South Main Street, to determine if the Town should limit parking to one side on South Main Street. Chief Nagel and Steve Dyott obtained these measurements and determined that the street does meet with required width outlined by the State Highway Administration. Shirley DeShields will contact the Local Government Insurance Trust to determine the Town’s liability concerns.
BNR STUDY UPDATE
Mayor Fluharty
reported that he would be meeting with Annie Williams, from Davis, Bowen, and
Friedel, on Friday, June 7th to explore the use of spray
irrigation. The Council was invited to
attend.
COMMUNITY LEGACY PROGRAM
Conway Gregory, Grants Administrator, will submit a grant outlining the downtown revitalization program.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Wheatley seconded by Councilmember Happersett and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero to adjourn at 10:40 p.m.
Submitted by,
Shirley A. DeShields
Clerk/Treasurer