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FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
In the last newsletter I asked for volunteers to fill two vacant positions in Town government, an alternate for the Planning and Zoning Board and a member for the Board of Zoning Appeals. Both positions are very important to the future of Union Bridge as the decisions made by these people can have a profound impact on the look and feel of the Town. Growth, be it economic or residential will be largely decided by these two groups and the Council. I do not understand people’s unwillingness to participate in matters that will impact their lives, yet have the time to build fantasy football teams and watch hours of reruns on TV. As they say “Life Happens” and we can go along for the ride or we can help to steer the bus. I prefer the latter. If you are interested, but not sure if it is something you would like to do, please call and we can discuss it. We really need your help.
The 2010-2011 budget is balanced, but this may become increasingly harder to accomplish in the coming years. We will continue to do the best job possible with the resources we have and I ask for your patience and understanding as we work through the next few years of recovery.
Thank you and stay safe
Bret D. Grossnickle, Mayor
UNION BRIDGE RESIDENT DEPUTY
Greetings Union Bridge: The warm weather has finally arrived and change is all around us. As most of you know, due to the economy, the Community Deputy Program is coming to an end, effective June 30 of this year. Some residents have expressed concern that with the end of the program Union Bridge would be without police service. Rest assured that Sheriff Ken Tregoning is committed to providing the highest level of service to The Town of Union Bridge. You will continue to see deputies patrol through Town, and respond to your needs.
On a personal note: I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the citizens of Union Bridge for these past two and a half years. The sense of community found here and the willingness of residents to offer a helping hand in times of need have always been impressive. I would like to wish each and everyone of you the best of luck.
Quote for this issue: “We must become the change we want to see.” Mahatma Gandhi.
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
Benedum Street Sidewalk-
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. The town has hired Arro Engineering as the project engineer. The first set of preliminary plans should be ready sometime in May. There will be an informational public meeting held sometime this spring. Residents will be informed of the date when it will take place.
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. The generator has been delivered and is being installed.
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 on the trail and extend approximately 1,500’. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2010.
For questions on these or any other projects, please call the Town Office at 410-775-2711.
Jared Schumacher,
Town Consultant
HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Historic Home Tour Reservations required.
The Union Bridge Area Heritage Committee has planned another “members only” event to encourage interested persons to pay their 2010 dues and join us for a rare look at a privately-owned property. We will be touring Hard Lodging on Ladiesburg Road in Union Bridge on Thursday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. This property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a Maryland permanent preservation easement on the house was deeded to the Maryland Historical Trust. The c.1790 brick house is built on a small cliff overlooking the site where its first owner, Solomon Shepherd, had a mill. Although the mill is no longer present, the site is still surrounded by nearly 39 acres of meadowland and woods. To pay dues ($10/individual or $15/household) and /or make a reservation, please contact Amy Simpson (call 410-775-0151 or email simpsonaj@hotmail.com).
WEST CARROLL REC
West Carroll serves Union Bridge, New Windsor and surrounding areas. Anyone interested in Rec. Council programs or events is welcome to attend our meetings. Meetings will now be held the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Old New Windsor School/County Government Offices/Library Administration Offices in New Windsor. *Next Meeting Dates: May 10th and June 14th. See our website: www.goWCRC.com
For general information about West Carroll programs, contact Community Coordinator, Penny Rockwood at 410-775-1506. Another source to check for upcoming sports registrations is “RecZone”’ found in the back of the Sports section of the Carroll County Times on Sundays.
UNION BRIDGE COMPUTER CENTER
The Computer Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. We follow the Carroll County Public Library holiday and snow closing schedule. The Bookmobile visits every other Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 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.
Matt Gibbons,
Bridges Secretary
UNION BRIDGE FIREMAN’S CARNIVAL
MAY 31-JUNE 5, 2010
Come out and support your local fire company.
NEWSLETTER ATTENTION
The newsletter is posted six times per year, January, March, May, July, September, and November, and may be viewed on the town’s web site at www.carr.org/~unionbr. Also, upon request, paper copies may be picked up at the town hall. (410-775-2711)
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
THE COMMUNITY CENTER
IS AVAILABLE FOR WEDDINGS, PARTIES AND REUNIONS
CALL THE TOWN OFFICE AT 410-775-2711
TO INQUIRE ABOUT RENTING THE COMMUNITY CENTER FOR YOUR FUNCTION
REMINDERS:
ORDINANCE# 263, Sec. B-1, Paragraph 1
Owners and occupants of premises fronting upon any street, with paved gutter and sidewalk, shall keep such gutter or sidewalk free and clean of all filth, dirt, earth, snow, ice or any other obstruction of any kind whatsoever, at all times of the year: and during the months of May, June, July, August, and September clear and clean of all grass or any other foreign substances growing therein.
ORDINANCE #263, Sec. C-2 Paragraph 2
Owners and occupants of occupied premises and owners and persons in charge of unoccupied premises, including vacant lots, are hereby charged with the duty of maintaining any grass on such premises at a height of not more than six (6) inches: and the further duty of maintaining such premises free of noxious weeds and dense underbrush.
YARD WASTE PICKUP BEGAN IN APRIL. BAGS FOR YARD WASTE MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE TOWN HALL FOR $1.00.
THIS CHARGE HELPS TO DEFRAY THE COST OF THE PICK UP.
ZONING
If you are considering any sort of construction project, please contact the Zoning Administrator. Many projects will require a permit. There may also be required distance from streets and property lines for some projects. Please check out the town’s requirements before you begin your project.
PLEASE RECYCLE
*IT’S STATE LAW
*IT’S ENVIRONMENTALLY SMART
*IT’S EASY AND
* IT SAVES THE TOWN MONEY (YOUR TAXES)
*THE MORE YOU RECYCLE THE LESS TRASH YOU PUT INTO LANDFILLS.
Contact the town office (410-775-2711) to get information for your organization placed in the newsletter!
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UNION BRIDGE NEWSLETTER