Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Issues topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Boonsboro over restaurant exhaust and Wolfsville Commons road; council approves salt contract, hires officer and appoints environmental members
Summary
Public commenters urged action on an unpermitted exhaust fan at My Mini Mart and on a deteriorated parking area at Wolfsville Commons. The council said it will write county offices about the exhaust, convene Wolfsville property owners for a meeting, and approved several routine motions including a road‑salt purchase, hiring a part‑time officer, and environmental commission appointments.
Boonsboro residents used the Oct. 14 public‑comment period to press the Mayor and Council to act on neighborhood quality‑of‑life and maintenance problems, and the council approved several routine procurement and personnel items.
Lee and Joanna Daugherty told the council that an owner of My Mini Mart (23 South Main Street) installed an unpermitted exterior cooking exhaust system in May 2024 that vents onto the Daughertys’ rear patio at 21 South Main Street, produces loud noise that renders their outdoor living area unusable, and may lack on‑site fire suppression. They said they filed a formal complaint with Washington County in May; Town Planner Drew Bowen previously discussed the matter with the council in June and the Daughertys said they had not received follow‑up. Mayor Howard Long and the council agreed the Town would send a letter to Washington County Commissioners, the Washington County Health Department and the county Permits and Inspections Office requesting follow‑up.
Kelly and Abigail Losquadro and Brenda Kefauver raised concerns about a deteriorated parking/drive area in front of town‑owned units at Wolfsville Commons (310–320 St. Paul Street). The speakers said the Wolfsville Commons homeowners association was dissolved years ago and that the town maintains the area; Town Manager Rachel Souders said she has been in contact with Washington County and will schedule a meeting with all property owners to discuss options and next steps. The minutes note that Ms. Kefauver was escorted out of the meeting because she is subject to a no‑trespass order that prohibits her entry without invitation.
Votes at a glance
• Minutes and Treasurer’s Report: Council approved the Sept. 9, 2024 regular meeting minutes (motion by Council Member Marilee Kerns, second by Assistant Mayor Tony Nally) and the Sept. 2024 Treasurer’s Report (motion by Council Member Eric Kitchen, second by Council Member Kerns). (Motion carried.)
• Road salt procurement: The council approved the low quote from Eastern Salt Company at $82.25 per ton (200 tons = $16,450) contingent on delivery being included; the council agreed to accept Mid‑Atlantic Salt at $85 per ton if the low quote excluded delivery. (Motion carried.)
• Hiring: The council formally approved hiring part‑time Police Officer James Sword following an executive session vote. (Motion carried.)
• Appointments: The council appointed Spice Cromie to the Boonsboro Environmental Commission (term ending Nov. 2025) and reappointed Cassandra Ladino (4 years), Laura Schnackenberg (4 years) and Kathy Vesely (3 years). (Motion carried.)
• Donation: The council approved a $100 donation to the Boonsboro Middle and High School Warrior Band Boosters for 2024–2025. (Motion carried.)
The council also heard staff updates on road and water system maintenance, lead service line inventory work, and ongoing grant and procurement timelines. The meeting moved into executive session under General Provisions Article §3‑305(b)(1) for personnel matters and adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
