Najila Ahsan

The Green Team meeting convened without a quorum, thus precluding any formal voting actions. Old business included extending the pumpkin drop-off program and considering a competition with Thurmont. Discussion on the Community Garden involved the Board of Commissioners approving the full lot for potential expansion and authorizing grant applications; the Mayor will recommend the Green Team oversee the garden in December. Further discussion covered potential capacity, reviewing past grant applications, and incorporating points for the Sustainability Application, including volunteer concerns regarding regulations. The team also reviewed the Green Team Action Plan for updates, noted the lack of a dedicated budget outside of grant matches, and received an announcement regarding the 2026 Fall Festival planning. New business expressed support for Emmitsburg Elementary School's Green School certification efforts and assigned responsibility to the Green Team for providing public awareness updates regarding the North Seton Avenue project.

The meeting focused extensively on developing final guidelines and rules for the community garden, drawing from recommendations by the Citizen Advisory Committee, the Mayor, Frederick County guidance, and existing plot rules. Key discussions involved establishing that the Green Team will oversee the volunteer-run garden, liability concerns requiring specific waivers, and discussions on water usage via rain barrels. The group made numerous rule-by-rule edits, including clarifying liability clauses, removing planting limitations, defining public consumption/donation protocols, standardizing the 'no illegal plants' rule based on UMD Extension guidance, and determining that no fees or deposits would be instituted at this time. Due to time constraints, the Green Team Action Plan items—including Green School certification for Emmitsburg Elementary, a Town Clean-up day in April, and a shred event—were mentioned but not fully discussed.

The Town Meeting Agenda Packet for February 2, 2026, outlines several key items for discussion and action. Administrative business includes reviewing Ordinance 25-02 regarding student housing and discussing the Town visitor and welcome center. Under agenda items, the Board is scheduled to review the FY2025 Audit Presentation, consider approvals for FY2025 budget transfers, and consider several ordinances and resolutions concerning updates to the Park's and Recreation Committee (Ordinance 26-02) and the Citizen's Advisory Committee (Ordinance 26-03), as well as establishing meeting times (Resolution 26-03). Further agenda items include approving a Public Works and Improvements Agreement for Brookfield Parcels C, D, and E, considering the bid for the Federal Avenue Storm Drain Inlet project, and discussing FY2027 water rates. Reports from the Police Department, Town Manager, Grant Administrator, Parking Code Enforcement, Town Operations' Specialist, and Town Planner provide updates on various ongoing operational matters, projects, and grant activities.

The meeting focused on reviewing the Sustainable Maryland program requirements and purpose. Key sustainability initiatives discussed included the North Seton Avenue Green Street Project, where the Green Team will assist with public awareness, and the Tree Planting Program partnership. A significant discussion involved the governance of the Community Garden, with consideration for oversight by the Green Team pending a Board of Commissioners workshop and vote. Collaboration opportunities with Mount St. Mary's University were explored, leading to the decision to launch a pilot Pumpkin Pickup Initiative for composting and farm donation, modeled after Thurmont's program. Finally, the team determined the current 2021 Action Plan must be updated for the 2027 certification cycle, and noted that the Green Team currently operates without a standalone budget.

The initial meeting focused on brainstorming ideas for future sustainability initiatives. Key discussion points included the suggestion of a Pumpkin Pickup Program for collection and donation after holidays, involving Mount St. Mary's students in Green Team projects, and planning general volunteer recruitment efforts. Discussions also addressed the structure, noting the requirement to include elected officials as per the Sustainable Maryland framework. Follow-up actions include clarifying budget details with the Town Manager and distributing foundational documents such as the 2024 Sustainable Maryland certification application and the 2021 Action Plan.