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FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
The budget is finished for another year and, thankfully, we will have enough to continue with the services we have all become accustomed to. The state has even returned a small portion of the Highway User Funds that were withheld from us in previous budgets. This is good news and we hope a sign of better things to come. We must, however, continue to find ways to reduce expenses, thereby holding down taxes. We have done well in the last ten years or so in keeping the tax rate down and still managed to make significant improvements to the Town. The water related projects such as the new storage tank and water treatment facility were long overdue, as well as the street and sidewalk replacement projects on Farquhar and Benedum Streets. We hope to continue with these streetscape improvements, and the Waste Water Treatment Plant is in need of repairs.
Recycling is a practice that we must improve upon, If for no other reason than to save money on disposal fees. Trash that is destined for the landfill requires payment of a tipping fee, trash that is headed for recycling does not. We can do better with this and I would like to see Union Bridge lead the County in percentage of recycle to waste. Council woman Ellen Cutsail is working on this and would be happy to answer any questions you may have concerning what is recyclable. Our next major concerns are the Total Maximum Daily Loads on our receiving waters and the new Storm Water Management rules. These rules are very restrictive in use and costly to implement, but given the shape of our streams, rivers and the Bay, very necessary. The elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus alone have proven to be damaging to the health of our waters, both surface and ground, and we are only beginning to scratch the surface of understanding the long- term effects of everything that winds up in the environment through use, overuse and misuse of an immense assortment of chemicals. The Town does not have the resources to make the changes to our storm water management systems at this time, but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing we can do. We can start by acting responsibly in our use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, anti-bacterial soaps, detergents containing phosphates, and any number of other ways to reduce our impact on the environment. We truly do hold the health of the planet in our hands.
Don’t forget to vote on May 10, 2011. Donald Wilson and Edgar Wentz are running unopposed for Council, and Perry Jones and I are running for Mayor. There are a few projects that are important, such as resolving the issue of who will help pay to repair the damage caused by the heavy truck use on North Main Street. A study was recently completed and we are waiting for an evaluation from the engineer before calling a meeting of all those concerned. The Waste Water Plant is another issue that needs to be addressed. We cannot wait any longer for the developers of Jackson Ridge and The Villages of Union Bridge to upgrade our plant. Given the state of the economy these developments may not move for several more years and we need to make some repairs now. Working for the town has been rewarding and a pleasure over the years.
Finally, and most importantly, we will be saying farewell to Violette Hobbs, our Clerk-Treasurer, this month as she leaves us for retirement. Violette has played a huge part in all that we have accomplished over the years and will be sorely missed. Her professionalism and attention to detail is unmatched and we thank her for her dedication to the job that went beyond just doing what was required. We are better for having the pleasure of working with her and wish her good luck for the future.
Bret D. Grossnickle, Mayor
GRANT PROJECTS UPDATE
CDBG Application & Training -
The Town of Union Bridge scheduled a public hearing on April 25, 2011, to discuss the proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. The town is considering a street improvement project for West Broadway, similar to the successful projects that the town complet4ed for Benedum and Farquhar Streets. If residents have any questions or comments on the proposed application, please call the Town Office.
SHA Wetlands Park Trail Extension -
The town was awarded a $30,000 grant from the State Highway Administration to extend the trail located at the Wetlands Park adjacent to Route 75. We are still awaiting permit approval from the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Construction is planned to start this summer
Benedum Street Sidewalk Improvements -
The Town of Union Bridge was awarded $242,000 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program. This grant was used to improve sidewalks and curbing along Benedum Street. This was at no cost to the residents or property owners. The project is nearing completion.
MDE Refinancing -
The town has sent an application to MDE to refinance our existing water quality loan to a lower interest rate.
For questions on these or any other projects, please call the Town Office at 410-775-2711.
Jared Schumacher,
Town Consultant
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 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. 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.
Penny Rockwood, Community Coordinator
UNION BRIDGE COMPUTER CENTER
Bridges sponsors the Computer Lab at the Union Bridge Community Center in conjunction with the Town of Union Bridge and the Carroll County Public Library. The Computer Lab is open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 5:00 – 8:30 pm. The Bookmobile is scheduled to be at the Community Center every third Monday. We are looking for volunteers to help staff the center. No computer experience is necessary. Volunteers are official library volunteers.
Matt Gibbons,
Bridges Secretary
PET OWNERS
The town is getting calls about residents not picking up after their pets. Please consider those who come after you on your walk. Put yourself in their shoes – literally. Please be a good neighbor and pick up your animal droppings. Union Bridge Code, Chapter 10, The owner of every animal shall be responsible for the removal of any excreta deposited by his animal(s) on public property, including sidewalks, recreation areas or on private property.
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
PUBLIC NOTICE
TO THE CITIZENS OF UNION BRIDGE:
MAYOR AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE ELECTED
ELECTION DAY
IS TUESDAY,
MAY 10, 2011
7:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.
LOCATION: TOWN HALL 104 WEST LOCUST STREET
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TOWN ELECTIONS:
Voter Registration: It is necessary to be registered in order to vote in Town elections. If you are already registered with the County to vote in County, State, and Federal elections, you are automatically registered to vote in Town elections. If you wish to vote in only the Town election you may register at the Town Hall during regular hours, 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration for this election has already closed.
Qualification of voters:
You must be a citizen of the United States.
You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age on or before Election Day.
You must have resided within the corporate limits at least thirty (30) days prior to the election.
You must be registered to vote.
Qualification of Candidates for Mayor and Council:
You must have resided within the corporate limits for at least one (1) year.
You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
You must be a qualified voter of the Town.
***Terms of office are for four (4) years***
Should you have any questions concerning this notice please call the Town Hall, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at 410-775-2711.
On March 25, 2011, the Union Bridge Town Council approved:
- Budget Ordinance 308-A for FY 11/12, with expenditures and revenues of $793,241 the town tax rate to remain at $.30 per $100.00 of full value assessment of property in The Town of Union Bridge and the town personal property tax rate to remain at $.75 per $100.00 of assessed value.
- Allied Waste’s three-year bid proposal for trash removal in the amount of $134,578.08. Allied Waste will begin trash removal July 1, 2011.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland became one of the first states in the nation to begin taking applications for a new program designed to help unemployed homeowners meet their mortgage payments while
they’re looking for work. For more information contact hallw@mdhousing.org
Union Bridge Volunteer Fire Company
Union Bridge Volunteer Fire Company will hold their annual carnival the week of May 30- June 4, 2011.
The Firemen’s parade has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 1, 2011 and will begin at 7:00 p.m. (There is no rain date).
The parade will begin at the intersection of MD Route 75 and Main Street. It will proceed south on Route 75 to Broadway, make a right
on W. Broadway to Whyte Street, left on Whyte Street
LADIES AUXILIARY TO VFW POST 8806
Spring dance -
May 21, 2011
8 p.m. to 12 midnight
115 Penrose Ave.
Union Bridge, MD
For information:
Call
Judy Wolf – 410-775-7934
Or the Post Home
410-775-2160
GRASS & WEEDS
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 further duty of maintaining such premises free of noxious weeds and dense underbrush…
MD State Police Drug TIPS HOTLINE 410-875-0936
They CAN’T do it without your help!!!
COMMUNITY CENTER AVAILBLE
FOR WEDDINGS, PARTIES, AND REUNIONS.
410-775-2711
DON’T
FORGET TO
VOTE ON
MAY 10, 2011
POLLS
OPEN
AT 7 A.M. at the town hall.
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UNION BRIDGE NEWSLETTER