MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF FEDERALSBURG
REGULAR
MONTHLY MEETING
MONDAY,
NOVEMBER 4, 2002
7:30 P.M.
The regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg was held on Monday, November 4, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mayor and Council Meeting Room. Those in attendance were Mayor Fluharty, Councilmembers Ballas, Bee, Happersett, and Wheatley. Also in attendance were local citizenry and staff.
The
meeting was called to order by Mayor Fluharty who lead the group in reciting
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 October 7, 2002 regular monthly meeting.
Greg Roby and Shameem A. Khan, State Highway Administration, were present to request permission from the Mayor and Council to allow SHA to use a portion of the paved parking area at the Federalsburg Marina, while they are painting the bridge. Mr. Roby advised the Mayor and Council that the project would take approximately four months to complete. He also advised that during one of the four months, a portion of the Hike and Bike trail would be closed off because they will be working on the bridge and they will be removing lead from the bridge. They hope to begin construction in 2003. They will need approximately five spaces for storage and four spaces for parking. They advised that the access to the river would not be closed off. Mayor Fluharty voiced his concerns in regard to there being public functions scheduled at the marina, and the possibility that this project would create problems. Mr. Roby advised that they could begin their project later possibly during the month of August 2003. There was some concern with the Bass Tournament being scheduled the end of August. The Mayor and Council recommended that Mr. Roby look at using the south side of the bridge for parking and storage, and report back to them. The Mayor and Council were in agreement to help in any way possible.
THOMAS LLOYD –
SHORELINE PROJECT
Mr. Thomas Lloyd, who resides at 215 North Main Street, expressed his concerns with the type of grass that will be planted behind his property for the shoreline erosion project. Mr. Lloyd advised that he was impressed with the project, except for the fill dirt that looks like beach sand and the weeds that have grown up in the area. He feels that this is not appropriate for the downtown area and he would not like to see these weeds growing up behind his property. Mr. Lloyd feels that this would degrade his property. He said he has neighbors on both sides of his that could not be present, however, they feel the same way. Mr. Lloyd advised that he has lived in Federalsburg for 33 years and anything the Mayor and Council could do to help to resolve his concerns, would be appreciated. Conway Gregory, Grants Administrator, was asked to look into this matter to determine whether or not the project could be changed. Conway advised that this was a 100% grant to the Town and he was unsure whether or not the Town could deviate from the project plans but that he would contact George Beston, Mitigation Officer with MDE, and Walid Saffouri, with Maryland Department of the Environment, and express their concerns.
COMMUNITY MAP COMPANY
Shirley DeShields advised that she was contacted by the CMC Communications, Inc. This is the company that composed the Town’s last Community Information Map Guide. They are interested in working again with the Town to compose another Community Information Map Guide for Federalsburg. Ms. DeShields advised their representative of the problems that were experienced with the publication of the last brochure. Their representative advised her that they have made staff changes and things would not be the same. They assured the town that they would be using 70 lb high gloss paper, full color, the latest print technology, everything on guide gets proofed 2 times prior to printing, and they guarantee a 120 day turn around time. The brochure is paid for by the advertisements that are sold.
A motion by Councilmember Ballas seconded by Councilmember Wheatley and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero to allow CMC Communications to move forward with the Community Map, provided they adhere to the guidelines that they stipulated in their letter dated October 30, 2002.
EPILEPSY
ASSOCIATION PROCLAMATION
A motion by Councilmember Ballas seconded by Councilmember Wheatley and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero proclaiming the month of November 2002 as “Epilepsy Awareness Month”.
PUBLIC CONCERNS
KATHIE J. OSTROWSKI
Mrs. Ostrowski expressed her concern in regard to the property located at 211 Academy Avenue. She advised there is trash piled up outside of the home and she doesn’t want to see it get out of hand. Mrs. Ostrowski showed pictures of the trash that is outside the door. She also advised that they have had as many as 50 bags of trash for Island Disposal to pick up. Robin Eaton advised that Island Disposal has made reference that they would no longer pick up that many bags of trash. The Town’s agreement with Island Disposal states that they will pick up the garbage that is in the garbage containers. Mrs. Ostrowski stated that the property owners at 211 Academy have vehicles on the property that are tagged, however, they are inoperable. One vehicle has had a flat tire for six weeks. The trash is piled up so far today that Tri-Gas and Oil will be unable to fill the tank. One of the vehicles has animal food stored in it. Mrs. Ostrowski showed the Mayor and Council pictures of the area dated August 2002. Mrs. Ostrowski was advised that Cary Malkus, Code Enforcement Officer, has sent a letter to the property owners at 211 Academy Avenue and will follow-up on their progress.
YIELD TO
PEDESTRIAN SIGNS
Mr. Israel Mossman requested the installation of “Yield For Pedestrian” signs to be placed at the cross walk on the Morris Avenue side of the Town Hall. Robin Eaton advised that the signs have been ordered and are at the town barn. The signs will be installed as soon as weather permits.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
Police Report
Chief Nagel issued the monthly report. He also advised that there were no problems on mischief and Halloween nights.
Chief Nagel advised that he has put in an application for funding of three police cars for $1.00 each in exchange for allowing NASCAR-style advertisements all over the cruisers.
Any make or model vehicle is available. The town would purchase the vehicles, brand-new, fully equipped and street-ready for the nominal sum of one dollar ($1.00). The town would then sell them back in three years for one dollar ($1.00). Their objective is for every officer to have a new vehicle and to replace it every three (3) years, to cut down on high repair costs and breakdowns. The ability to get the vehicle depends on initial and ongoing sponsor interest in our area. Chief Nagel has completed the first round of the application process and requested approval from the Mayor and Council to proceed further. The consensus of the Mayor and Council was to allow Chief Nagel to proceed to look further into this matter. Mayor Fluharty expressed his concern that this type of vehicle would degrade the police department and he could not vote for such a purchase.
Mayor Fluharty expressed his concern about the method in which citizens should report criminal activity when they see it. After much discussion, it was determined that the best method for citizens to assist the Police Department in reporting a crime, it to be able to describe the individual that committed the crime, be able to identify what was in the open container, and be willing to go to court. There was also discussion of installing a video camera along Main Street. This may me done as soon as the cameras are delivered.
Councilmember Ballas, along with the entire Mayor & Council, congratulated Officer Gasser and the drug team for a job well done on their recent drug bust.
Steve Parks advised that he felt the additional radar on Liberty Road has been successful.
Public Works
Department
Robin Eaton reported the following:
1. Robin Eaton has advised that Steve Blanchfield has requested approval from the Mayor and Council to install PVC fencing, that has been donated to them, at the girl’s softball field. The Mayor and Council unanimously gave their approval for Mr. Blanchfield to proceed with installing the fencing.
2. Robin Eaton reported George Weeks, representative for Habitat for Humanity, has requested approval from the Mayor and Council to install curb and gutter and sidewalk at the properties located at 320, 322, and 324 Park Avenue at their expense. The Mayor and Council approved the installation of the curb, gutter and sidewalk.
3. The pole at the triangle has been hooked up.
4. Public Works will be purchasing a grinder that was budgeted for in the amount of $27,961. The budgeted amount for this equipment was $30,000. The Mayor and Council unanimously agreed to the purchase for the amount mentioned above.
Councilmember Wheatley requested the parking arrows in the Morris Avenue Municipal Parking Lot be repainted. Robin Eaton advised that these arrows would be painted when it was dry enough to paint.
Island Disposal
Island Disposal has advised the town that they will increase their cost for garbage pick-up per household from $3.10 to $4.25, effective November 1, 2002. This represents an increase from the original amount quoted for fiscal year ending 2003. The additional expense would be a non-budgeted amount. Island Disposal has two outstanding invoices with the town that total $6200. The invoices were for the use of the town’s garbage truck when theirs was disabled. The Mayor and Council requested the Town Clerk contact the Town Attorney to find out if the payments for garbage collection for September and October could be held against the invoices that Island Disposal owes the town. If this is permissible, a letter will be forwarded to Mr. Bandurski.
The Mayor and Council discussed looking at alternative means of picking up garbage should Island Disposal go out of business. The town needs to look at the costs for another Company to collect the Town’s garbage, and compare them to the town picking up their own garbage.
MAIN STREET
MANAGER
Wendy Garner, Main Street Manager, gave the following report:
ü November/December 2002 issue
of Times of Federalsburg Newsletter completed and distributed. This issue is on the Town web site and the
past two issues are also archived on the web site.
ü The Blood Bank of
Delaware/Eastern Shore held their first Blood Drive on October 23rd. They collected forty-five units of blood and
were very pleased with the turnout. They
have scheduled to bring the Bloodmobile to Federalsburg the third Wednesday of
each month through June 2003 (except February – which is scheduled for
2/12/03). They will hold their next
Blood Drive on November 20th from 12 to 7 PM across from the Town
Hall.
ü Wendy attended Downtown
Institute’s Community Revitalization class on “Promotions” in October. She will be attending the “Organization” class
this Friday. These are elective courses
accepted by the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance Certificate Program.
ü Wendy has sent a letter to
the businesses in the Industrial Park and other large local businesses, about
the progress of the Caroline County Tourism Advisory Committee, and local
tourism efforts, along with copies of the Caroline County Accommodations
Brochure, County Calendar of Events or Museum of Rural Life Brochure, and Town
of Federalsburg Visitors Guide.
ü Attended ribbon cutting ceremony
for Mother’s Southern Kitchen. They have
had a very successful opening with many customers coming from out of town. They have recently installed new signs so
people might be able to locate the restaurant easier.
ü Discussed with local
merchants an evening of shopping on a Friday or Saturday in early December
where the stores will remain open late.
Evening might be called Old-Fashioned Hometown Christmas.
ü Wendy proposed a fundraising
idea for a scout group or other civic organization. House numbers could be painted in black
numbers on a white rectangle on a curb in front of a residence for those
wishing to pay a $5.00 fee. This would
help make house numbers more visible and uniform. The Mayor and Council did not approve this
project.
ü Wendy will be working on
some updates/additions proposals to the Town’s web site this month.
ü Wendy requested the Town pay
for the Citizen of the Year award; the Santa Claus Committee will choose the
person.
ü Wendy reported the pole
light that was erected for the Anything Goes Day has been removed.
Reminder:
ü Sunday, November 10th
the FVFC will host a Longaberger Basket Bingo.
Doors open at 2 PM; bingo begins at 3 PM.
ü The Federalsburg Historical
Society, Inc. will meet Tuesday, Nov. 12th at 5:30 PM at the Food
Lion parking lot for car pooling to the Talbot County Historical Society Museum
to tour their facility and hold a brief meeting. They received the Articles of Incorporation today, which makes
the organization official.
ü Caroline County Habitat for
Humanity is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Denton Fire Hall on
Sat., Nov. 16th.
ü The Ministerial Association
will host a Community Thanksgiving Service at Christ United Methodist Church on
Sunday, Nov. 24th at 7 PM.
The Mayor and Council gave Wendy Garner approval to order the plague for Citizen of the Year. Heather Hutson and Wendy Garner will work together to get the plaque at the most reasonable cost.
ALLEY CLOSING
A motion by Councilmember Ballas seconded by Councilmember Wheatley and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero to close the alley between 116 North Main Street and 118 North Main Street to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic until construction has been completed at 116 North Main Street.
Planning and
Zoning/Code Enforcement Update
Steve Parks Update
Steve Parks was thanked by the Mayor and Council for completing the work to his home. He has satisfied the code enforcement officers code violations. Steve has worked very hard to complete the projects on his home and the Mayor and Council thanked him for his hard work.
Planning and
Zoning Update
Councilmember Bee gave the following Planning and Zoning update:
1. The Commission welcomed new member Janet Wheatley to the Commission.
2. Mr. & Mrs. Alan Harris discussed their plans with the Commission to erect a new home behind their existing home, then demolish the existing home. The Commission reviewed Mr. & Mrs. Harris’ drawing and determined that as long as all property line setbacks are met, there would not be any problems. The Commission instructed Mr. & Mrs. Harris to talk with Kristy Marshall about obtaining the proper building permits.
3. The Commission is still researching the mistake in the Zoning Ordinance referencing a C-2 District, and the location of Car Wash and Bus Terminal facilities.
4. Lynn Thomas, of the Maryland Department of Planning, sent a letter to Kristy Marshall with some questions about the revisions of the Comprehensive Plan. Most of the questions were regarding information that needed to be updated. The Commission agreed to review the Vision section and get back with Mr. Thomas with the updated portion.
5. The Commission was also informed that the second Public Hearing regarding the Dorman Concrete plant is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12th at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall.
6. The next Planning and Zoning meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 7 p.m.
Councilmember Ballas revisited the recommendation earlier in the year, to combine the BOCA Board and Board of Zoning Appeals Boards. The Town Clerk will look into the matter and report back to the Mayor and Council.
ACTION ITEMS
Food Lion Standing
Water
Councilmember Bee requested a letter be sent to the Management Company for Food Lion Shopping Center, in regard to the standing water near Family Dollar. Cary Malkus, Code Enforcement Officer should be contacted to determine whether or not this is a code violation.
Flags
The VFW should be contacted to inquire when the flags will be taken down that were installed on telephone poles throughout Town. Some of the flags have become ripped and torn.
Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Department
Mayor Fluharty inquired if the Town Charter says that the Mayor and Council must approve the Fire Company Officers. The Town Clerk advised that it is not in the Town Charter. Chief Nagel stated that it is part of the Fire Company Charter.
The Town Clerk will advise Mayor Fluharty when the annual donation to the Fire
Company can be distributed to them.
Tenant’s Payment of Water and Sewer Bills
Mayor Fluharty advised he had been contacted by a resident of the town, inquiring whether or not a tenant could be held responsible for the payment of a water and sewer bill once they leave a property. The citizen had a tenant that moved out of her property and left her with the water bill. Then the tenant moved into another property and the water was turned on. The water and sewer bills are the responsibility of the property owner. Currently the town holds the property owner responsible for any bills. It was the consensus of the Mayor and Council not to change this policy at the present time.
PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
Chief Nagel advised that Dick Furst, LGIT, Safety Inspector looked at the existing police station and found some items that concerned him. These were items that the town couldn’t do anything about at the present time.
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Bee advised the Mayor and Council held a closed session from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Town Manager’s Office to discuss a real estate matter per State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland Section 10-508 (3).
CLOSED SESSION
A motion by Councilmember Bee seconded by Councilmember Wheatley and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero to hold a closed session following the regular monthly meeting to continue the discussion on a real estate matter, per State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland Section 10-508 (3).
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Bee seconded by Councilmember Wheatley and unanimously passed by a vote of five to zero to adjourn at 10:15 p.m.
Submitted by,
Shirley A. DeShields