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FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
2009 has been an uneventful year in that nothing really bad has happened. That is a good thing. Boring is good when it comes to running a town. That’s not to say we didn’t do anything; we just didn’t have to redo or react to anything. I know the economy has taken its toll on everyone, but so far the town has been able to remain in the black. This may be increasingly difficult to do if the state doesn’t return the funds that were cut this year. We will keep you posted on this.
With the completion of the sidewalks on Farquhar St., we have forever changed the look of that area. I am hard pressed to remember what the street looked like with the rails still in place. The computer lab and visits by the Bookmobile are a pleasant highlight that will surely improve the lives of those in need of such services. This is a very good use of the Community Center, one that I am sure would make Mrs. Shriner proud to be a part of.
We continue to work to find ways to improve all aspects of the town and encourage participation by all in the workings of the town. We need a few people to fill some spots on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. If you are interested, please call the town office for more information. As always we wish you a safe and happy holiday and an even better New Year.
Bret D. Grossnickle, Mayor
UNION BRIDGE RESIDENT DEPUTY
Greetings Union Bridge: I hope everyone’s holiday went well and the new year is off to a great start. With inclement weather upon us I thought this would be a good time to provide a few winter driving tips, courtesy of the American Automobile Association:
· Avoid driving while you are fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
· Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage
· Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
· Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
· Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze up.
· If possible avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy, and snowy weather.
· Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
· Always look and steer in the direction you want to go.
· Use your seatbelt every time you get into your vehicle.
· And of course during one of our infamous ice storms, if you don’t have to go out – don’t!
Quote for this issue: “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” Oprah Winfrey
Vince Pacelli, DFC
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
phone: 410-386-2900 ext. 4159
email: vpacelli@ccg.carr.org
Tips: 1-888-399-TIPS
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 410-386-2900
Grant Projects Update
Farquhar Street Sidewalk -
Construction has been completed on the Farquhar Street Sidewalk Improvements. A final inspection and walk through has been scheduled. In the notice letters that were given to each Farquhar Street resident, MK Concrete Construction presented a small list of suggested items not to use on the sidewalk this winter. Union Bridge would like to keep the sidewalks looking as nice as possible for as long as possible.
The town received a $195,300 grant from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) toward the sidewalk improvements.
South Benedum Street Sidewalk Improvements -
The Town of Union Bridge was awarded $242,000 from the Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program. This grant will be used to improve sidewalks and curbing along Benedum Street. This will be at no cost to the residents or property owners.
Union Bridge has completed the Environmental Review Process and will plan on starting the engineering and design process as soon as we receive the release of funds from the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Union Bridge Wetlands Park Trail System -
The Town of Union Bridge was awarded $30,000 from the State Highway Administration to extend the town’s wetland park. The extension will start near the bridge of the trail and extend approximately 1,500’. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2010.
Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Backup Generator -
Union Bridge received $88,000 from the Maryland Department of the Environment for the purchase and installation of a backup power generator to the town’s WWTP. This generator will be used for emergencies if the town loses power to the WWTP. Swam Electric has begun installation of the generator.
For questions on these or any other projects, please call the Town Office at 410-775-2711.
Jared Schumacher,
Town Consultant
UNION BRIDGE COMPUTER CENTER
Bridges wants to express appreciation to everyone involved in our town’s Computer Center. The town’s Computer Center was created through the combined efforts of the Carroll County Public Library, The Town of Union Bridge, Bridges and John Witiak, who had the insight to bring this endeavor together. We opened our doors on October 5 and there were 143 users over 12 dates for that month. In November ther were 49 users over 12 dates and through December 14 we have had 30 users over 6 dates.
We want to thank all the volunteers for their time and effort in staffing the center. We want to thank The Town of Union Bridge for the use of the Community Center. We also want to thank the Carroll County Library and their tech support department for their continued assistance. The Computer Center is funded through private donations and we want to thank everyone who has contributed: the Lehigh Cement Company, PNC Bank, The Union Bridge Fire Company, Union Bridge Lions Club, Wayne & Betty Adams, Matt Gibbons, Gretchen R. Kraft, Ruth E. Leppo, Paul & Judy Lynch, Susan A. Mease, Donna Rabiotti & The Union Bridge General Store, John & Marian Witiak.
The Computer Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. We follow the Carroll County Public Library holiday and snow closing schedule. The Bookmobile visits every other Monday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The spring schedule is January 11, 25; February 8, 22; March 8, 22; April 5, 19: May 3, 17. We have six new laptops and two used ones that use a Wi-Fi connection to access the internet. Volunteers at the center are official Carroll County Public Library volunteers. Students who volunteer can qualify for community service volunteer hours.
Again we would like to thank everyone involved for making this center possible. We wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season.
Matt Gibbons,
Bridges Secretary
NEWS RELEASES
Town Hall Sign -
The sign for the Town Hall was installed on Nov. 17, 2009. The design was submitted by town resident Vicki Myers in 2002. Woodland Signs was awarded the contract to construct the sign.
Firewood -
On January 19, 2010 between 9:00 a.m. & 12 noon, firewood will be available for Town Residents only. The wood will be in large lengths. You will need equipment to move these large pieces of wood. THERE WILL BE NO SAWS ALLOWED ON WOOD SITE. Firewood is ash. The location of firewood is at the sewage treatment meadow.
NEWSLETTER ATTENTION
This is the last news letter that will be mailed to each of you, due to the fact that the Union Bridge Post Office is no longer allowed to accept or mail bulk mail.
The newsletter comes out six times per year, January, March, May, July, September, November, and may be viewed on the town’s web site. Also upon request paper copies may be picked up at the town hall. (410-775-2711)
CENSUS 2010
Census Day is April 1, 2010. The census will consist of only ten questions and will only take ten minutes to fill out.
Your answers are strictly CONFIDENTIAL. It is important that everyone be counted so fill out your form on April 1.
SEWER LINE BLOCKAGES
RESIDENTS: If your sewer line becomes blocked please contact the Town
Hall at 410-775-2711 before calling a plumber.
Water & Sewer Emergencies
Please page Amy Kalin at 410-899-1200
SNOW
Main Street is a snow emergency route, NO PARKING is allowed when the snow emergency plan is in effect
REMOVE SNOW AND ICE TO A WIDTH OF 30” ON SIDEWALKS WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER SNOW OR ICE CEASES TO FALL.
THANK YOU
The Cartwright Family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support. During a time like this we realize how much our friends and relatives really mean to us. Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered.
Mike, Carol, Becky and Marissa
Contact the town office (410-775-2711) to get information for your organization placed in the newsletter!
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UNION BRIDGE NEWSLETTER