Smithsburg Town Council briefs

March 07, 2012

Public works director maps town’s sewer system
SMITHSBURG — Smithsburg Public Works Director Jeff Long has prepared detailed drawings of the town’s sewer system that show all of the sewage lines in town.

The drawings, which were shown Tuesday night to the Smithsburg Town Council, also show all sewage lines that have been checked with video cameras to detect possible leaks.

Councilman Troy Jernigan in the past has expressed concern about the town spending up to $27,100 in some months to treat excess water flowing into the sewer system.

Jernigan and other town officials have been trying to determine where the excess water is entering the system.

Mayor Mildred “Mickey” Myers said Tuesday that some sewer manhole covers are not sealed tightly, which can allow water to enter the system.

Council members discussed the situation in detail Tuesday night, and Myers suggested the possibility of a special council meeting to examine the issue more closely.

Council hopes residents will file for town election
SMITHSBURG — Some Smithsburg Town Council members Tuesday night said they hope town residents will have some interest in running for three seats on the council in the May 8 town election.

Seats belonging to council members Shirley Aurand, Jerome Martin and Donnie Souders are up for grabs this year.

Anyone interested in running for the positions must file by April 2 at 4 p.m., Town Manager Betsy Martin said.

Councilman Troy Jernigan said it is important for people to get interested in council and hold government accountable.

“Unless you get involved, there’s not much we can do,” Jernigan said Tuesday night during a town council meeting.

Council holds closed session on personnel issues
SMITHSBURG — Three of four Smithsburg Town Council members present for Tuesday’s regular council meeting voted to have a closed-door session at the end of the meeting.

Councilman Troy Jernigan said he wanted to hold the closed session to discuss personnel issues.

Mayor Mildred “Mickey” Myers said it was not a meeting she had requested.

Jernigan said the personnel issue affected more than one individual.

Jernigan and council members Donnie Souders and Tyler Lushbaugh voted to hold the executive session.

Council member Shirley Aurand voted against it.

— Dave McMillion

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