 |
Note: Some links open in a new window. If you don't see this menu, just close that window to return here.
Minutes - Elk Forest Civic Association Meeting; Aug 19, 2001
The annual meeting of the Elk Forest Civic Association was held at the home of President Dick and Mary Guttendorf, August 19, 2001. President Guttendorf called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM. After introductions of the officers and all families present, Secretary Lauri Walz read the minutes of the last meeting. They were approved as read. Dick Guttendorf, Treasurer, presented the treasurer's report. The report indicated that we have in our treasury, $29,947.17. Of that total, $2162.61 is receipts from annual dues and interest for the past year. Disbursements for the year were $1,379.93. The report was approved as read. Harry Roberts has again audited the books and found everything in order.
OLD BUSINESS: Safety and Law Enforcement, Dick Guttendorf reported that in previous years the gate located at the entrance to Welch Point is usually raised on April 1st and lowered September 1st for hunting. This year the gate has remained down the entire summer. Wildlife management reported that they did not close the area because it was reported to be the private playground for the Elk Forest residents. This is not the case and anyone entering the area needs to have a permit for trespassing or risks being fined. Many out of state cars have been spotted entering this area and the police have been notified of the increase in activity. Bel Air Department of Natural Resources will be monitoring the area for the risk of fire. Richard Noennich reported that some of the incidents have occurred in the past and residents had to contact the secretary of DNR to have access to Welch Point restricted. Pat Twifford reported that prior to closing Welch Point there was drug activity, fires, ATV's, and abandoned fires that had to be extinguished by local residents. At this point the Civic Association asked DNR to manage the property that they owned. However, the land is actually owned by the Corp of Engineers and is patrolled by DNR. John Poole reported problems with weekend bonfires on the canal. DNR came and controlled the situation and the beach has been cleaned up and there have not been any more fires.
Reporting for the waterways committee, Richard Noennich reported that there has been a temporary defeat of the Corp of Engineers and the Port of Baltimore. Maryland Port as to put the project on hold for three years so that they can improve their economics. In three years the project will be reviewed. Richard advised that the community needs to stay diligent in case Congressman Gilchrist is no longer in office. Welch Point project: Plan devised to create a channel from Welch Point to meet with Locust Point that is 50 feet wide by 5 feet deep. Final status is not yet known but will be posted on the Elk Forest web site when determined. (www.elkforest.com)
NEW BUSINESS: Gypsy moths are expected to be a serious problem in the spring. The community needs to check their trees for signs of gypsy moths. Pat Twifford will contact the county to see if they can come and get a count. The most seriously affected areas could be sprayed. More information will be coming once the board of directors meet. There are many complaints about dogs that are loose. Please read the attached ordinance. Some residents reported missing trashcans that have been moved down the road. Also missing or moved are crab traps on the Elk River. Sings from the house on Locust Point Road have been taken and discarded in the Elk Forest area. Please return any that are found. Gene Monaco attended a Project Impact meeting. Discussed concerns about hazards and disasters in our area, especially evacuation for fires. Joyce Monaco has a Pyrex dish that was left at the Christmas Party. John Poole wanted input on the Elk Forest web site. He reported that usage is down and should it be kept up. E-mail John Poole on information you would like to see on the web site. (www.elkforest.com) Concerns about the tar and chip road on South Forest and South Shore were raised. Mary Guttendorf was going to look into the matter. Mosquito spraying: Dick Guttendorf contacted several private contractors about spraying our area. He found two companies in Baltimore however they can't find a cost effective way to spray our community. All other companies declined because of regulations. Dick discussed starting spraying earlier with the county sprayer and he said that if the community could get him clearance form the commissioners he would spray as a private contractor. Dick is looking into getting him clearance. Elk Forest dredging project is starting October 15th. Dredging is to take place from Locust Point to the C & D Canal. Averaging a 5 foot depth
The Holiday Party will be on Dec 1, 2001 at St Rose's Parish Hall She also encouraged all members of the association to be involved in the community. The meeting was then adjourned and we enjoyed the beautiful afternoon and great food.
Minutes respectfully submitted by,
Lauri Walz, Secretary
Addendum: Because dogs running loose is still a problem the following ordinance is presented for you information. QUICK REFERENCE OF CECIL COUNTY ANIMAL ORDINANCE (209-6) ALL DOGS MUST BE CONFINED TO THE OWNERS PROPERTY AT ALL TIMES. WHETHER IT BE WITH A LEASH, CHAIN, FENCE, OR KENNEL. (NO MATTER HOW MUCH PROPERTY YOU OWN) (209-4, & 5) A COUNTY LICENSE MUST BE OBTAINED WHEN THE DOG IS FOUR MONTHS OLD AND HAS ITS RABIES SHOT. THE COUNTY LICENSE IS RENEWABLE EVERY JULY. WHEN FIVE OR MORE DOGS ARE OWNED BY ANY ONE PERSON, THEN A KENNEL LICENSE MUST BE PURCHASED EVERY JULY. (209-6) IF A DOG IS TO BE LEFT OUTSIDE UNATTENDED OR WITHOUT A MATURE ADULT BEING WITH IT THEN IT MUST HAVE PROPER SHELTER. THE DOG MUST BE TIED, KENNELED, OR INSIDE A SECURE FENCE. (209-10) ANY FEMALE DOG MUST BE CONFINED IN A SECURE STRUCTURE, SUCH AS A HOUSE, GARAGE, OR SHED WITH VENTILATION, WHEN IN SEASON. (APPX 3 WEEKS) ANY VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION COULD RESULT IN FINES FROM $25.00 TO $500.00 AND/OR 30 DAYS IN JAIL. THE ENTIRE ANIMAL ORDINANCE CAN BE FOUND IN THE CECIL COUNTY CODE BOOK, SECTION 209.