Town Council Meeting #07-04
April
15, 2004
Council
Vice President Norman Pinder convened meeting #07-04 at 7:00pm in the
Town Hall. Donna Turner,
Council Member, Chief Benjamin Cohey and Deana Ashley, Clerk, were also
present.
Welcome:
Citizens and guests were welcomed to the meeting.
Review
of Minutes from Previous Meeting:
Meeting #06-04 of April 1, 2004 minutes were accepted as read by
the Council members. Mrs.
Turner made a motion to accept the minutes; Mr. Pinder seconded the
motion. A vote was taken, members voted in the affirmative, and the
minutes were approved unanimously. (2 ayes)
Appearances:
Mr. Rob Babbitt, 331 Kidwell Ave, Mr. Babbitt appeared before the
Council to read a statement regarding the wastewater treatment plant.
His statement included remarks regarding the existing plant and a
suggestion that a two pronged approach be undertaken:
1) the Town should conduct a thorough investigation and produce a
summary report of its findings and 2) the Town should create a sewage
treatment and allocation plan. The Council thanked Mr. Babbitt for his participation.
(statement on file)
Mr. George Smith, Miller Environmental, Mr. Smith appeared to
provide the Council and citizens with a report regarding conditions at
the current wastewater treatment plant.
He stated that the deficiencies were being addressed and normal
operations should return within 10-14 days.
He also reported that the drinking water was in good condition.
The Council thanked Mr. Smith for his report.
Mr. Tom DeLormier, URS Engineering, Mr. DeLormier reported on the
design and status of the new plant.
He noted that it should be on-line within the year, barring
extreme weather conditions. The
Council thanked Mr. DeLormier for his report.
The
Council then held a discussion with citizens along with Mr. Smith and
Mr. DeLormier.
- Sveinn Storm, 209 S
Commerce St, asked about the current daily flows at both the plant and
the North Pumping Station?
- Rob Babbitt questioned the specifications for the current and new
plant?
- Bob Suling, 207 S Liberty St, asked if the new plant had capacity for
all the homes within new developments?
- Rick Ferrell, 219 Autumn Ln, asked if new homes could be placed on
septic tanks?
-
Col Harry Dermody, discussed his concerns regarding the condition of the
river and suggested the moratorium be extended until the new plant is
on-line and an allocation plan developed.
-
Harriet Goodyouth, Symphony Village, expressed her concern that she has
purchased a home but will not be able to obtain a building permit.
-
Luke Phipps, 202 S Commerce St, asked about the soil and compaction
levels at the new plant?
-
Stephanie Thompson, 510 Chesterfield Ave, questioned the status of
allocations for infill lots?
The
Council addressed each question and suggested that a criminal
investigation is underway where all findings will be made public as soon
as made available. They
also stated that the conditions for the building moratorium will be
reviewed again near the 30 day deadline considering information
available at that time. The
Council also repeated the need for an allocation policy before any
further commitments can be made to the new plant.
The Council thanked each citizen for their time and
participation.
Business:
None
Maryland
Municipal League: Ms.
Ashley reported that reservations were made for the annual MML
convention in June.
QAC Municipal League: Discussion
was held regarding the minutes from the most recent Eastern Shore
Association of Municipalities meeting.
Announcements
and Correspondence: Mr.
Pinder read the announcements and correspondence into the record.
Report
of Department Heads:
Town
Clerk – Ms.
Ashley reported the transition to the new accounting software was on
schedule. She also reported
that the first draft of the 2004-2005 budget was underway and on
schedule.
Chief
of Police –
·
The Chief’s report was included in the Council’s books
for their review. There was
nothing unusual to report.
·
The next Town Watch meeting will be held on April 27, 2004
at 7pm in meeting room A of the County building on Commerce St.
·
In the first quarter 2004, there was a 22% increase in
part 1 crimes, mostly due to theft cases.
·
The Chief’s Challenge is underway;
everyone is encouraged to buckle up.
Town Manager - None
Citizens
Forum:
·
Sveinn Storm – Mr. Storm read a statement regarding the employment of
Mr. Bob Griffith (statement on file).
·
Rob Babbitt – Mr. Babbitt questioned the Council regarding the termination of Mr.
Adams and Mr. Hodgson. The
Council noted that those are personnel issues discussed during
executive, closed sessions.
·
Rick Ferrell – Mr. Ferrell asked for confirmation that approximately only 12% of
treatment plants in the state are in compliance? Members of the audience replied in the affirmative.
Motion
to Adjourn: There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was
adjourned by unanimous vote at 7:58 pm.
(2 ayes)
Respectfully Submitted,
Deana Ashley, Clerk
