With a quick goodbye, former commissioner Hunter left the Ridgely House and Dale Mumford was sworn in. The crowd enthusiastically welcomed him and the change that he represents.
It was then on to the department and commission reports. After his report, commissioner Smith praised our new police chief Gary Foster for the changes he has implemented. Cathy Schwab reported that the Ridgely Historical Society raised $1547.00 over the past weekend with the 2nd annual Old Time Ridgely Days Festival in the Railroad Park. In addition, she reported on plans to establish a weekly farmers market in town in the very near future. Robin Eaton and public works were roundly praised and thanked for their efforts on behalf of the Ridgely Arbor Day activities.
The town manager's report elicited questions and opinions starting with the problem of bringing leachite from the new landfill to our waste water treatment plant. Strong opposition to this exists and few support the measure pointing out that any gain in revenues is cancelled by the risk. Martin Sokolich pointed out the fact that the spray fields are near the little league fields and wondered how we could justify such a risk to Ridgely's children. Commissioner Mumford expressed opposition to the idea worrying that we might find out too late about the hazardous makeup of the leachites after harm had been done to the town. Former commissioner Gearhart requested an info meeting on the issue.
Ridgely Park was finally declared dead and the Developers Rights and Responsibilities Agreement came into question. Dale Mumford asked whether or not it should be voided. Town manager Mangini then said he'd consult with our attorney. I added there was no need since Jack Hall, the town attorney, has already advised the planning commission in a memo to void it. This will be on the next planning commission agenda.
Joanne Stepp asked about administering the grant for the renovation of the train station and commissioners Smith and Mumford said they were considering the whole question of the project. During the planning commission report it was also pointed out that the train station has been added to the Ridgely Historic district which currently includes only the Ridgely House. Commissioner Smith said we needed more grant money to successfully complete the project. I added that the Historic District designation would aid in that quest.
Other issues includeed the reappointment of Leo Stepp to the Economic Development Commission but he declined a second term on the Tree Commission. And, there was some discussion of the biding process to get a better deal for our trash pick up. Finally, proposed ordinance #321 which provides for the town to take responsibility for the streets in Lister Estates was tabled and what bond the town still has from the developer will be held for the time being.
Major issues regarding the budget, the $238,000 deficit, personnel,as well a charter reform remain and will certainly dominate town meetings in the weeks ahead.
The Historical Society on the wagon...
My favorite strawberry blond wins the big prize from the Lions Club presented by the Reeps...
Hard at work on chicken lunch with MYF...
Ethan Thomas and Jenna Guthrie, the unofficial prince and princess of the festival...
The Schwab family and our Bonnie strawberry dog..of course, click on photos to enlarge...
