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Sustainable Maryland Community Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable Maryland Certification Report of Emmitsburg, a Sustainable Maryland bronze certified applicant.

Emmitsburg was certified on October 08, 2021 with 270 points. Listed below is information regarding Emmitsburg’s Sustainable Maryland efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable Maryland contact for Emmitsburg is:

Name:Madeline Shaw
Title/Position:Town Clerk / Executive
Phone:3016006300
Email:Mshaw@emmitsburgmd.gov
Address:300A South Seton Avenue Emmitsburg MD 21727

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Emmitsburg was approved for in 2021 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • Community Action

    Participation in MD Green Schools

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Emmitsburg has one Maryland Green School within its boundaries: Mother Seton School (certified 2009, re-certified 2014 and 2018). The attached screenshot from the Maryland Association of Outdoor and Environmental Educators indicates this designation. The Town has been in communication with Mother Seton School about possible joint "green" projects.

    Green Team Action Plan

    10 Points

    Program Summary: In June 2021 the Town of Emmitsburg advertised a social media poll to collect information regarding possible sustainable projects to pursue in Emmitsburg. With the results of the survey, town staff and Green Team members were able to draft the attached Action Plan for June 2021 to June 2024. In total, 34 people responded to the survey. Results indicated Emmitsburg residents are most interested in attending the following 3 community activities: farmer’s market, a local food fair, and a native plant sale. Residents are most concerned with litter and flooding. In addition, residents would be interested in future classes such as composting, rain barrels, or food preservation, etc. Results of the poll are attached. Given the timeline of three years, some of the information requested (timing, etc.) is only an estimated at this time. In addition, the Town is hoping to obtain grant funding to complete some of these projects such as tree planting money for Tree City USA recertification or the composting class. All team members contributed to the Mission: “To establish and institutionalize programs, policies, practices and procedures that will create a stable, sustainable environment contributing to the health, knowledge and welfare of our citizens and provide them opportunities for sustainable action, education and participation.” More information is listed in the Action Plan supporting document.

    Create Sustainability Resource Center

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The Emmitsburg Resource Center is located in the front hallway of the town office and was created in 2006 when the town office moved to its current location at 300A South Seton Avenue. The information rack can be found directly on the right when a member of the public walks in the front door (see photos in PDF). The Resource Center currently includes the following (among other items): • Ride Guide: Frederick County TransIt brochure. • Emerald Ash Borer: A Threat to Our Native Trees brochure. • Frederick County Shelter-In-Place Emergency guide. • Disaster Supply Kit Checklist • Small Business Lending • Lead Hazard Reduction • Emmitsburg Cigarette Litter Prevention brochure. • Only Rain in the Drain brochure. • Emmitsburg Rain Barrel Program brochure. • Welcome to Emmitsburg brochure – the Emmitsburg Business and Professional’s Association (EBPA) brochure that shows were local businesses are in Town. • And more! It should be noted that the information is rotated approximately three times a year to generate new interest in the Resource Center. There is also a small resource center located directly on the front desk counter with flyers on the following: “Composting: Do the Rot Thing,” “Harvesting Rainwater Using Rain Barrels,” “Maintaining Your Lawn While Protecting Water Quality,” “Gardening With Native Plants,” “Natural Household Cleaners,” and and the Frederick County Green Homes Challenge flyer (among other items).

    Green Team

    10 Points

    Program Summary: On April 21, 2014, the Emmitsburg Mayor and Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2014-01R, which is entitled “A Resolution Supporting Participation in the Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipal Certification Program." The Resolution started the Emmitsburg Green Team. There was some town staff turnover in 2016, which resulted in the Green Team needing revitalization. In 2017 Mayor Briggs and Madeline Shaw, Town Clerk, joined together to revitalize the team. Invitations were sent to various residents, businesses and leaders. Since then, the Team has been growing and is actively recruiting new members and has recently gotten t-shirts in 2020. As of June 2021, the team is composed of 13 team members. Since the last Sustainable Maryland certification in 2018, the team has been meeting every 6-8 weeks. Meetings are occasionally adjusted to accommodate the schedules of the team members. Since 2018, meetings were held on the following dates: 01/30/2019, 03/20/2019, 05/01/2019, 09/11/2019, 11/06/2019, 01/08/2020, 03/04/2020, 04/21/2021. Some projects completed through the team have been planning the annual Arbor Day tree plantings for the Town, planning a community recycling event, and hosting various guest speakers at the meetings based on team member interest. The team also attempted to plan a Green Fest to celebrate the 50th anniversary of earth day in May 2020; however, the event was canceled due to COVID-19. The two most recently approved meeting minutes are attached as well as the two most recent agenda packets.

  • Community Based Food System

    Establish Local Farmers Market

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Emmitsburg’s rural location allows for many farmers to be involved in the town’s farmer’s market and sell goods such as fruits, veggies, jams, flowers, baked goods and crafts among other items. The market is located on town property (302 South Seton Avenue) at a central location adjacent to the Emmitsburg Community Center that houses the Emmitsburg library, senior center and town office and off South Seton Avenue, the road leading off of Route 15 and one of the main entrances to town. Every year, the market is scheduled to be open on Fridays from 3:00 to 6:30 pm. The market runs from the second Friday in June through the end of September/early October. The markets eighteenth (18) year of operation will be in 2021. Amy Naill, Parking and Code Enforcement Officer, is the town staff member assigned to managing the market each year. Town staff advertise the market year-round with posters in places such as the town library, town office, and public bulletin boards. In addition, newspaper ads are also placed in the Emmitsburg News Journal and information is also placed in the annual summer newsletter, on the Town’s Facebook and on the Town’s website. Space for vendors is also advertised in the same places as the market and is free to all who want a space to sell their produce. There are by laws outlining rules restricting the sale of goods not produced by the vendors as well as requirements for kitchens and farms where goods are produced to ensure high quality products at the market. Vendors must be able to verify the locations and origin of the various items they are selling. The market is organized by a Town employee who coordinates vendor contracts, portable toilet delivery, and the maintenance/mowing of the market area. Other than the cost of the restroom and mowing, there is little to no cost for the Town. The Town did order a new farmer's market sign in 2017 (see photo) and a new feather sign in 2021. Vendor space is free; the Town does not profit from the market. This year (2021) there are about six contract vendors (including a monastery that brings fresh bread), and the Town is anticipating more vendors. Although not all vendors come every week, the farmers market appears to be a big success to those who attend. The market is well attended, with visual observations revealing approximately 50 vehicles stopping over the three-hour hour operation.

    Community Gardens

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Since 2012, the Town of Emmitsburg has maintained and managed a community garden in E. Eugene Myers Community Park nearing the walking path. Town staff oversee maintain, prepping the gardens plots for each garden season with compost and mushroom soil as well as collecting rental agreements from the public. The garden consists of eight garden plots available to residents of the Town. Six plots are 4’x6’ in size and two are 8’x10’ in size. The plots have been occupied each season by approximately 10 gardeners but there has not been an excessive demand to increase the number or size of the plots. The garden plots are advertised each spring on the Town web page, Facebook page, the local government TV channel and by flyers located throughout the community. The Town collects a $20 refundable deposit for each plot. The deposit is refunded once the plot has been cleared at the end of the planting season. Other than clearing the plot at the end of the season, the Town does not require anything from the users. The plots are rented out to all local residents. In 2021, the Town obtained a Program Open Space grant to improve the gardens via installing deeper raised beds with new weed matting, a picket fence surrounding the area (and protecting from critters) and by adding a rain barrel to improve water access. A Frederick News Post article describing the launch of the gardens can be found here: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/archive/emmitsburg-board-approves-community-garden-plans/article_a88240ec-6016-5a42-8050-44effd060066.html

  • Energy

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Energy

    35 Points

    Program Summary: #1.) Solar Fields: The Town of Emmitsburg has two solar fields that generate approximately 250,000 kWh/month. The electricity generated powers nineteen of the Town's largest electrical accounts and also the local Fire Company and the Town’s Waste Water Treatment Plant. Overall the Town of Emmitsburg's electrical use is now supplied by well over 95% renewable energy. This includes the Town’s new Waste Water Treatment Plant that uses 32% of the energy provided by field 2. Solar field #1 was opened in April 2014 and produces an average of 124,700 kWh since its opening. Solar field #2 was opened in August 2015 and produces an average of 129,600 kWh since its opening. A grant from the Maryland Energy Administration was used for the site work. The solar arrays were constructed by Standard Solar under the terms of our Power Purchase Agreement. The field is operated by UGI of PA, which is the Town’s solar power final provider. A 2021 analysis of the kWh the fields produce and the kWh the town uses revealed the Town has saved 7,706,342 kWh since the solar fields were installed. The report is attached. #2.) LED Lights: The Town also completed the replacement of all streetlights with LED bulbs. There were 330 bulbs replaced; evenly split between LED 360 35 watt and 45 watt bulbs. MEA provided a grant to cover a portion of the cost of the bulbs. This action cut Town street light kWhs use by nearly 60% and the Town's overall use by roughly 9%. The attached 2021 chart shows the reduction in street light expenses since the upgrade in 2012. As of 2021, the Town has saved $31,614 since LED light installation. #3.) PowerStar: In September 2015, the Town of Emmitsburg purchased a 150 kVa Powerstar Lite Voltage Optimization System (“Powerstar System”) for the Town’s Sanitary Sewer Pump Station located on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727. The Powerstar system was purchased from the Facility Resource Group, Inc (FRG) located in Frederick, Maryland. The Powerstar was installed to reduce the Town’s power consumption by 10V at the pump station by reducing incoming voltage leading to lower electricity usage and reduced electricity bills. The Powerstar returns the excess voltage in terms of real negative power which is then subtracted from the grid input power. Prior to installing the system, FRG estimated the Town’s average annual electric costs incurred at the sewer pumping station will be reduced by $2,059 per year or a total of $17,587.00 over a period of 10 years as a result of the Powerstar. 70-80% of the savings come from the negative power feedback while 20-30% comes from the improvement in the equipment efficiencies. Kilowatt wise, FRG estimated the system would provide an annual savings of 19,717 kWh. The system was purchased with a 10-year warranty and a 100% savings guarantee. In 2021 the Town completed an analysis to see the energy savings (chart attached). This chart simply shows the bills pre-Powerstar (the first row) and then after installation (all other rows) are averaged month-by-moth to give savings compared to the base year. Since installation, the Powerstar system has reduced electrical costs at the Sanitary Sewer Pump Station by approximately 56% for an overall savings of $929.77. More savings and reduction in electrical consumption are anticipated as the system continues to be used.

  • Greenhouse Gas

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Greenhouse Gas

    10 Points

    Program Summary: #1.) Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: In March 2019 the Town of Emmitsburg in partnership with the Electric Vehicle Institute (EVI) installed the first-ever public charging stations in Emmitsburg. The four (4) level 2 charging stations were installed at the rear of the Emmitsburg Community Center (300A South Seton Avenue), where the Town Office, public library and Senior Center are located. The funding for the project was mainly via EVI who obtained grant funding from the State to purchase the stations and hire a contractor to install conduit. The Town contributed staff time, which was used to work with Potomac Edison to install a single phase transformer to the site and complete the necessary permits for the project. The stations have been steadily used over the past three years and are free to the public. The Town’s solar fields power the charging stations via a waterfall account and the Town pays for any associated costs. A ribbon cutting ceremony with the County Executive and other public members was held May 23, 2019 for the stations (a photo is attached). #2.) Purchase of All Electric Town Car: In June 2019 the Town purchased its first-ever fully electric vehicle (EV), a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt for $35,656 that has been used for parking enforcement, code enforcement and other staff needs. The EV is charged on 100% solar power using the electric vehicle charging stations the Town installed behind the Emmitsburg Community Center in 2019. The Frederick News Post published an article in the Fall 2019 Gateway (pg. 16) about the car, which is mailed to all Frederick News Post customers in Frederick County. The article is attached.

  • Health & Wellness

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Health & Wellness

    10 Points

    Program Summary: #1.) Construction of All-Inclusive Playground: On November 2, 2019 the Town held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the first ever all-inclusive American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant playground in Emmitsburg’s Community Park. The 6,455 square foot playground replaced the existing playground on site and doubled its size. The total cost of the project was $302,350 of which the Town contributed $82,350 and obtained $220,000 in grant monies from the following organizations: Maryland DHCD ($75,000), Maryland Program Open Space ($120,000) and the Catoctin Area Civitan Club ($25,000). Town staff designed the playground with Playground Specialist, Inc. and the Catoctin Area Civitan Club, an organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The new playground features a wheelchair accessible glider, musical percussion play, multi-user cloud swings, climbing gym, wheelchair accessible spinner and 2-inch bonded rubber padding. The old equipment was removed from the site, refurbished and installed at other playgrounds in Town except for one existing climbing towner. The new playground received coverage from WDVM 25 news station. The article and news clip can be viewed here: https://www.localdvm.com/news/i-270/new-inclusive-playground-opens/. The Frederick News Post also published an article in the Fall 2019 Gateway (pg. 16), which is mailed to all Frederick News Post customers in Frederick County. Copies of the WDVM article and Gateway article are attached.

  • Local Economies

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Local Economies

    10 Points

    Program Summary: #1.) Sale of Compost Bins: Since June 2017, the Town Office has sold 55 subsidized compost bins to residents for $20/each in partnership with Frederick County Department of Public Works and Backyard Composting. In total, the Town has ordered 72 bins for $28/each with the most recent order of 20 compost bins occurring in October 2019 (price determined by Backyard Composting). The Town advertises the sale of the bins on Facebook, the Town website, flyers around town and during community events. Anyone living within the Emmitsburg area (verified by photo ID) can purchase a bin by coming to the town office and completing a one-page order form. The compost bins are a one-piece unit with a top lid and sliding door. The bins have a 10-year warranty. Photos of the compost bin, Town advertisement and the order form are attached. #2.) Community Shred Event: On the morning of June 29, 2019 the Town hosted a free drive-up document shredding and electronic recycling event behind the Emmitsburg Community Center located at 300A South Seton Avenue. The majority of the event was sponsored by and paid for by the Town and cost $1,658. Green Team members ran the check-in tent. There was also a vendor called “Yuck, Old Paint!” that residents could pay to have their old paint recycled with. The cost for paint recycling was $5 per can for each quart and 1-gallon container and $10 for each 5-gallon bucket. In total, 3,990lbs of paper was shredded, 1,333lbs of electronics were recycled and 44 gallons of paint was diverted away from the landfill. Photos from the event and an event flyer is attached. The Town would like to plan a similar event in the future once COVID-19 has passed.

    Green Purchasing Policy

    15 Points

    Program Summary: At the town meeting on October 20, 2014, the Mayor and Board of Commissioners approved the Town of Emmitsburg Sustainable Procurement Policy (P2014 – 01) for use by the Town staff. The policy requests town staff use sustainable purchasing practices when choosing vendors and supplies for the Town. Town staff are asked to consider pollutant releases, toxicity, waste generation, greenhouse gas emission, energy consumption, depletion of natural resources and impact of biodiversity when making purchases or using a contractor. Policy 2014 – 01 and a June 24, 2021 memo and email from the Town Manager reminding employees of the purchasing policy are attached. Within the past 2-3 years, some of the “green” items purchased by the Town include but are not limited to manila folders, toilet paper, copier paper, benches, trash cans, trash bags, printer supplies, picnic tables and more. See document attached with specific examples.

    Establish Local Business Directory

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Emmitsburg has a dedicated section on the municipal page, www.emmitsburgmd.gov to the local business directory. The local business directory can be found at this link: http://www.emmitsburgmd.gov/community_info/businesses/index.php or by the “Community” and “Business Directory” headings. The businesses are categorized for easy and quick access to the information. Users can look-up businesses alphabetically or by topics such as automotive, food and beverage, health and beauty, miscellaneous, retail and services. The webpage is periodically updated by town staff to include new businesses. Ms. Ray, Office Coordinator, is the staff member assigned to updating the directory throughout the year. The Town Planner will also let Ms. Ray know where new businesses apply for zoning permits and will need to be added to the directory soon. In addition, businesses are encouraged to reach out to town staff if their business information has changed and needs to be updated. All businesses within the municipal limits of the town are listed on the site. The information about businesses includes the business name, address, phone number, email and link to business website page. A Facebook post was released on June 29, 2021 to promote the business directory and the July 2021 email newsletter also included a reference to the directory to encourage the public to look for local businesses they may not be aware of. The Town of Emmitsburg’s Facebook feed has 2,470 followers and the email newsletter is emailed to 359 people. The Town does not publish a hard copy of the directory as the digital directory ensures new businesses and revisions are immediately available to the public. Town staff would print a hard copy of the website listings if requested by a resident.

  • Natural Resources

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Natural Resources

    30 Points

    Program Summary: #1.) LG Sonic Algae Control System: On April 11, 2017 the Town of Emmitsburg and Kershner Environmental Technologies installed an LG Sonic Algae and Biofilm Control system on Rainbow Lake in the Emmitsburg watershed. Rainbow Lake supplies drinking water for the Town. The new algae control system helps eliminate algae, which clogs the water system’s filters and pumps. To clean the algae out of the water, the town has to use excess water and chemicals. The new algae control system is powered by solar energy and will use low non-toxic frequencies to collapse gas vesicles in the algae cells. Since installation, the water use has reduced from approximately 1.292 million gal./month to 600,000 gal./month, chemical usage and electrical usage have also reduced. A 2021 analysis revealed water savings of approximately 22,721 gallons a day or equivalent to 90 Town taps. #2.) Dead Tree Removal, Community Park: Between April 7, 2021 and April 14, 2021 the Town hired Baker Tree Services to remove 48 dead trees in Community Park along the disc golf course area. In total 46 dead ash trees, 1 dead elm tree and 1 dead black cherry tree were removed to improve forest health and public safety. Large limbs from the dead trees had been falling during storms and windy days and creating a safety hazard for the public as well as damaging nearby healthy trees. The total cost for tree removal was $18,825 paid for by the Town. The invoice for the project is attached. #3.) Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Ash Tree Treatments: On June 15, 2021 the Town hired Bartlett Tree Experts for $886 to perform systemic root flare injection treatments (emamectin benzoate) on five ash trees in Emmitsburg’s two main parks (Memorial and Community Park). The injections will help fight against the EAB beetle and were recommended by Maryland DNR after an ash tree inventory in 2017. Prior injections occurred in September 2017 and June 2019. Treatment will continue to occur every two years with the next one occurring around June 2023. The trees treated were 10”, 13”, 21”, 27” and 30” in diameter and provide much needed shade. The invoice for the on-going project is attached. #4.) Natural Fertilizer Storage: At the November 7, 2016 town meeting the Town’s Board of Commissioners voted to approved the 5-year contract (Nov. 2016 to Nov. 2021) between Denali Water (now Enviro Organic Technologies (EOT)) for the storage of natural liquid organic chicken residuals at the Town’s wastewater treatment plant in the Town’s unused 4-million-gallon storage lagoon. The residual fertilizes farm fields in lieu of toxic chemical fertilizers and also provides a use for the liquid residual created at chicken packaging plants, which use approximately 1,000 gallons of water to package 1,000 pounds of chicken according to the University of Georgia. EOT works directly with chicken processing plants by removing the liquid residual after the packaging process is complete, then stores the liquid residual at the Town’s lagoon until farmers are ready to use the fertilizer. EOT works directly with the farmers, who then apply the fertilizer. The Town does not work directly with the farmers. The lagoon is overseen by the Town’s eight Department of Public Works employees, who ensure the property is maintained for fertilizer storage and is accessible by trucks bringing the fertilizer in/out of the property. The Town estimates $5,000 is spent each year maintaining the premise. EOT pays the Town approximately $80,000/year to use the facility. The storage agreement and lagoon photos are attached.

    Tree City USA

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Since 2018 the Town has received annual certification as a Tree City USA Town. At the November 5, 2018 town meeting, the Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners passed Ordinance 18-16 regarding streets trees and tree maintenance/pruning/removal and also agreed to have the Emmitsburg Green Team act as the required Tree Committee for Tree City USA recognition. The Town completed its first Tree City application in 2018 and achieved Tree City USA acceptance and recognition for having a tree ordinance, an Arbor Day proclamation and an annual budget of at least $2 per capita (Emmitsburg spent $7.23 per capita in 2018). In 2019 and 2020, the Town continued the Tree City program by continuing with the tree ordinance, adopting an Arbor Day proclamation, and spending at least $2 per capita (Emmitsburg spent $8.14 per capita in 2019 and $17.34 in 2020). The Town looks forward to participating in the Tree City USA program each year and the Green Team looks forward to continuing to plan public tree planting events/activities each year.

    Adopt a Pet Waste Ordinance

    5 Points

    Program Summary: On July 1, 2013, the Town of Emmitsburg passed ordinance 2013-06, which adopted section 6.04.140 of the Town Code that makes the failure to remove pet waste from public property a municipal infraction punishable by a fine of up to $25 per day, per occurrence. In addition to passing the pet waste ordinance, Emmitsburg has also been combatting pet waste through the installation of numerous pet waste stations throughout Town. Since the Town was first initially certified as a Sustainable Maryland Town in 2015, nine pet waste stations have been added throughout Town to problem areas and transition points (e.g. the entrance to parks and neighborhoods). The stations were installed in Community Park (2), Memorial Park (1), along East Lincoln Avenue (1), along Silo Hill Road (1) and at the Emmitsburg Dog Park (3). The April 2021 email newsletter included a section reminding residents of section 6.04.140 (see attached). Other reminders are posted/announced throughout the year via social media, email newsletter and town meetings.

    Stormwater Management Program

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Emmitsburg is a Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permittee. The Town is charged with the following six minimum storm water management control measures: 1) public education/outreach; 2) public participation/involvement; 3) illicit discharge detection and elimination; 4) construction site runoff control; 5) post-construction runoff control; and 6) pollution prevention and good housekeeping. The Town is also required to mitigate 20% of the Town’s impervious surfaces by the end of the permit term in 2023. At the October 7, 2019 town meeting (agenda item #6), the Emmitsburg Mayor and Board of Commissioners approved the MS4 Impervious Area Restoration Work Plan, which provides a plan towards meeting storm water management requirements. Restoration projects must treat 20.36 acres of impervious surfaces by 2025 for the Town. The Impervious Area Restoration Work Plan proposes tasks for a six-year time frame beginning in October 2018 and ending in December 2024. The plan proposes three main restoration projects: planting 10 acres of trees, retrofitting the Silo Hill stormwater management pond and retrofitting the Northgate development stormwater basin. Zach Gulden, Town Planner, is in charge of the Town’s storm water management program. Emmitsburg’s first restoration project consists of retrofitting the Silo Hill residential development storm water pond. The Silo Hill extended retention pond was constructed in 2002. This facility has a total drainage area of 22.22 acres and intercepts runoff from the Silo Hill residential development. Total untreated impervious within the drainage area is 7.96 acres. The Town will retrofit this basin, which will cost $224,000.00. The second restoration project consists of planting 25 acres of trees on pervious urban land. Approximately 11 acres of trees will be planted at the Town’s wastewater treatment plant, and the remaining 14 acres at a neighboring property. The Town has formed a partnership with the non-profit group StreamLink Education and the Daughters of Charity for the tree planting project. The project cost to the Town is at least $50,000 as a grant match to gain 9.5 acres of credit for the tree planting project. Future restoration projects for the next permit term that spans from 2023 to 2028 can include stream restoration, Northgate residential development storm water basin retrofitting, tree plantings, street sweeping, and catch basin cleaning. Projects are prioritized based upon an immediate need and funding availability. The Town performs on-going stormwater activities such as bi-monthly street cleaning, stormwater facilities maintenance, storm drain facilities maintenance, and erosion controls. The town meeting minutes from October 2019 and plan are attached.

    Provide Incentives for Watershed Stewardship on Private Lands

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Rain Barrel Incentive Program: Through a partnership/grant between the Town and Chesapeake Bay Trust, the first-ever rain barrel incentive program was started in Emmitsburg in the fall of 2019. The program subsidizes 50% of the cost of rain barrels, which provides an extra incentive for more property owners to utilize and reap the benefits of rain barrels on their property. Since the start of the program in 2019, the Town has purchased 126 total rain barrels and as of June 2021 the Town has sold 88 of those rain barrels. The Town will continue to incentivize the rain barrels until all 126 are sold. The Town currently has six residential developments, which include Pembrook, Brookfield, Northgate, Southgate, Silo Hill, and Emmit Gardens. Only those living within the Town boundary and Town employees are eligible to purchase the reduced rate rain barrels. Initially the barrels were sold at $25.00/each; however, the Towns initial supplier (Scott Key Center) no longer makes the barrels and a different supplier was found via Wayfair.com. The 2021 prices of the rain barrels are $40.00/each. Those living outside of the Town boundary, but within the Town’s watershed, are still be able to purchase barrels at full price of $80.00/each. The Town is considered an urbanized municipality because of Emmitsburg’s high population density and impervious surface coverage, which means Emmitsburg produces higher levels of storm water runoff and storm water pollution during rain events. Each barrel sold stored approximately 55-gallons of rain water, which could be used to water plants instead of flowing into the Town’s storm drains. 126 barrels’ x 55 gallons = a potential of 6,930 gallons of rain water saved during each rain event. Town staff purchases the barrels, takes order forms, and arranges pick-up with purchasers. Photos of the rain barrels are attached along with a Facebook post, email newsletter and mailed newsletter showing advertisement of the program and the brochure/order form.

    Provide Voluntary Opportunities for Citizen Engagement in Watershed Stewardship

    10 Points

    Program Summary: #1.) Rain Barrel Workshop – 2 Total: The Town has sponsored two rain barrel workshops in partnership with a Chesapeake Bay Trust grant. The first workshop was held on October 1, 2019 and had 18 participants and the second was held on March 3, 2020 and had 9 participants. Both workshops were approximately 1 hour long, held in the evenings at 6:00 p.m. and were recorded. The recordings were added to the Town’s YouTube page afterward for public reference, which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eb1JQMoew8 and here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1s3S-ee3LM. The workshops were taught by Jenny Willoughby, Sustainability Manager for the City of Frederick. At the workshop members of the public learned about the benefits of rain barrels and the proper maintenance of the rain barrels. The Town provided refreshments such as cookies, water, chips, etc. The workshops were free to attend; however, the public was encouraged to purchase a rain barrel prior to attending the workshop for $25.00. The events were advertised via a direct brochure mailing to all households in Emmitsburg (approx. 1,010) on DATE, email newsletters and Facebook posts, proof of which are attached. The Town is still selling rain barrels and hopes to hold another workshop in the future once COVID-19 is past. Sign-in sheets from each session are also attached. #2.) Arbor Day Tree Planting: On September 26, 2020 Emmitsburg held its 3rd annual Arbor Day tree planting event in Community Park by planting 15 trees (3 Red Maples, 4 River Birch, 6 Sycamores, 2 Swamp White Oak) purchased with MUCFC grant funds, donations from the Emmitsburg Lions Club and Town funds. The event started at 9:30 a.m. where members of the public enjoyed light refreshments provided by the Town, listened to an opening speech from the Mayor and watch a tree planting demonstration given by Madeline Shaw, Town Clerk and Green Team president. Volunteers split into groups of 2 to 3 people to plant the trees along an asphalt walking trail with tools and mulch provided by the Town. Volunteers also watered the trees afterward. Town staff assisted and oversaw the volunteers as needed. Initially the Town had planned to hold the event on April 4, 2020; however, due to COVID-19 the event was delayed until the Town felt it was safe to hold a public event outdoors. Public notice about the event was given through the Town’s website (www.emmitsburgmd.gov), the Town’s Facebook (@EmmitsburgMD), flyers throughout Town, email invitations and word-of-mouth. Approximately 19 people attended the event from the following organizations: Lions Club, Emmitsburg Green Team, Mount St. Mary’s University Rugby Team, town staff and general public. There was no charge to participate. The Town shared pictures from the event on social media. See photos of the event and social media posts attached.

  • Planning & Land Use

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Planning & Land Use

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Multi-User Trails: To utilize the 900-acre watershed the Town owns, approximately 13 miles of natural surfaced multi-user trails have been created as part of a stacked loop network in the Emmitsburg Watershed. Trails vary by difficulty, but can be used by mountain bikers, hikers, bird watchers, trail runners and horseback riders. The Town of Emmitsburg has worked in conjunction with MORE, the Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts, the Trail Conservancy, Mt. St. Mary’s University, the Single-track Futures Foundation, IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the Frederick Bicycle Coalition as well as local bikes shops WheelBase, Bicycle Escape, Bike Doctor (all in Frederick, Maryland) and Gettysburg Bicycle and Fitness to complete and maintain the trails. In 2005, the trail program started with a proposal from the Emmitsburg Parks and Recreation Committee and Town Council. The process then included formation of a Trails Feasibility Study and creation of a land evaluation study by the Potomac Conservancy. Each step of the trail development process has been presented in a deliberate fashion to the Town Council. Major actions such as trail design, routing and construction have been approved by open vote and/or board consent. Elected commissioners have also participated in volunteer trail workdays and independent on-site reviews of trail development. This transparent process has consistently allowed and responded to citizen input. Funding has been provided by Recreational Trail Program grants, which are managed by Maryland’s State Highway Administration. The Town’s match has been provided by over 1,000 hours of volunteer work and approximately $300,000 in private donations from the Single-track Futures Foundation. The Trail Conservancy, a non-profit organization, professionally designed and built the trails. Over 1,000 documented volunteer hours have been committed to the effort. Volunteer trail workdays occur in the spring and summer. In 2019 thru 2021 trail work days occurred on 05/05/19; 06/15/19; 06/22/19; 11/10/19; 12/15/19; 03/15/20; 05/02/21; 05/23/21. Due to COVID-19, there was only one trail workday held in 2020. Volunteers are typically treated to bagels, doughnuts, coffee, fruit, OJ and water prior to the work and a barbecue lunch afterwards. Volunteers are both locals and visitors from outside Emmitsburg. There are five total trails in Emmitsburg: Family Trail (2.2 miles, beginner); Beginner-Intermediate Trail (1.6 miles, beginner/intermediate); Intermediate Trail (1.6 miles, intermediate/advanced); Trail Boss Trail (2.8 miles, advanced); and Connector Trail (3.2 miles, intermediate/advanced). A National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) trail riding day was held on July 24, 2021 and other trail riding events are held throughout the year. The Trail Website can be found at www.mbtproject.com and search “Emmitsburg.” A promotional video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0aDjCFxHQw and a trail work day video can be found here: https://vimeo.com/175700056

    Participation in DHCD Sustainable Communities

    20 Points

    Program Summary: Since FY2013, the Town has received $510,415 from Community Legacy Façade and Restoration Program funds, which have been applied to several buildings within the Sustainable Communities Area on a 50/50 State/Private basis. The Town has also received Streetscape Revitalization funding for use in conjunction with the State Highway Administration sidewalk project, as listed below: FY2013 - $50,000, completely utilized for CL façade and restoration programs. FY2014 - $50,000, completely utilized for CL façade and restoration programs. FY2015 - $50,000, completely utilized for CL façade and restoration programs. FY2016 - $50,000, completely utilized for CL façade and restoration programs. FY2017 - $50,000, completely utilized for CL façade and restoration programs. FY2017 - $75,000, utilized for Square Revitalization in partnership with SHA (#FR1715184). FY2019 - $50,000, completely utilized for CL façade and restoration programs. FY2020 - $55,000, completely utilized for CL façade and restoration programs. FY2021 - $50,000, nearing completion of project and filing of final report. The attached photos show the comparison of some of the restoration efforts via the program. In addition, the approval letter from DHCD is attached as proof of Sustainable Community Designation.