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Town Workshop
Meeting Minutes
5/24/2010
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 |
