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Friendsville council approves event funds, landscaping contract and seasonal community events
Summary
At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Friendsville Mayor and Town Council approved an additional $750 for a Business After Hours event, accepted a $1,043.64 landscaping contract to replace a damaged maple, and authorized fall community events including Trunk or Treat and door-to-door trick-or-treating.
Friendsville — The Town of Friendsville Mayor and Town Council met Aug. 19, 2024, and approved several routine and event-related measures, heard a monthly report from the Garrett County Sheriff's Office and received a presentation from the Greater Friendsville Business Association (GFBA).
Corporal J. Harris of the Garrett County Sheriff's Department told the council the town had 10 incidents in July, including nine community patrols and one burglary investigation. The council took no further action on the report.
Mike Robinson, president of the GFBA, introduced the association's officers and outlined proposals to promote local business, including entrance signage, a Spring Makers Market, a Fall Business Tour and lighting the bridge for the Christmas season. Robinson invited the mayor and council to attend GFBA monthly meetings.
The council approved a request from the Business After Hours committee to allocate an additional $750 from the accommodation tax to cover vendor and related expenses for the Sept. 12 event. The motion passed unanimously, 4–0.
On storm-damaged street trees, the town received $2,643.64 from ESIS (Ace American Insurance Company) covering removal and replacement costs. The council accepted a July 31 proposal from Halian Landscapes to grind the stump, remove debris and install a 2" caliper red maple for $1,043.64; that motion passed 4–0.
Mayor Spencer R. Schlosnagle reported that Cornerstone Construction LLC has started excavation and is installing sewer and water lines for the new concession stand and ADA restroom at the community park. Council later voted to forgo installing gutters or downspouts on the new concession stand for now, with the option to revisit the decision in the future; that motion was approved 4–0.
Recreation and event items approved include waiving the park fee for Friendsville PTO’s Trunk or Treat on Oct. 18 and approving town-wide door-to-door trick-or-treating on Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., with the caveat that only homes with porch lights on be visited and that children be accompanied by an adult. Mayor Schlosnagle said he will seek State Highway Administration approval for safety stanchions on the bridge during the event. Both motions passed 4–0.
Residents raised concerns about the newly installed pickleball court: Terry Stough noted pole spacing, recommended net heights (31 inches at center, 36 inches at ends), a needed center strap to keep the net aligned, tilting posts and surface chipping; Mayor Schlosnagle said he will meet the contractor to address the issues.
The council also discussed Friendsville Day Festival feedback (shade covers, stage railing sightlines, painting restroom exteriors) and heard that the town submitted an application on Aug. 15 to the Department of Natural Resources (LAP Local Grants) for an inclusive playground at the community park.
The meeting concluded with routine announcements about upcoming meetings, a Community Legacy Grant solicitation for the Friend Family Association Museum/Library exterior (sealed bids to open Sept. 9), the Tri‑State Truck Show fundraiser and invitations to local events. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Motion #1 — Approval of Aug. 19 agenda (mover: Edward Kelley; seconder: Michael Artice) — 4–0, approved. Motion #2 — Approval of Aug. 5 minutes (mover: Michael Artice; seconder: Robert Sines) — 4–0, approved. Motion #3 — Allocate $750 additional accommodation tax funds for Business After Hours (mover: Robert Sines; seconder: Edward Kelley) — 4–0, approved. Motion #4 — Accept Halian Landscapes proposal, $1,043.64 (mover: Edward Kelley; seconder: Michael Artice) — 4–0, approved. Motion #5 — Waive park fee for Friendsville PTO Trunk or Treat (mover: Michael Artice; seconder: Edward Kelley) — 4–0, approved. Motion #6 — Approve door-to-door Trick or Treat Oct. 31, 5:30–7 p.m. (mover: Robert Sines; seconder: Edward Kelley) — 4–0, approved. Motion #7 — Forego gutters/downspouts on concession stand for now (mover: Robert Sines; seconder: Edward Kelley) — 4–0, approved. Motion #8 — Adjourn (mover: Michael Artice; seconder: Edward Kelley) — 4–0, approved.
