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Elk Forest Civic Association Association Meeting Minutes - 8/20/2000
The annual meeting of the Elk Forest Civic Association was held at the home of President Dick and Mary Guttendorf, August 20, 2000. The meeting was called to order by President Guttendorf at 2:30 PM. After introductions of the officers and all families present, Secretary Renie Poole read the minutes of the last meeting. They were approved as read. Laurie Walz, Treasurer, presented the treasurer’s report. The report indicated that we have in our treasury, $29,164.49. Of that total, $2020 is receipts from annual dues for the past year. Disbursements for the year through 8/17/00 were $801.91. The report was approved as read. Harry Roberts has again audited the books and found everything in order. Dick thanked Laurie and Harry and others for the time they expend for the civic association. Much work is done during the year that the residents are not aware of, but do benefit from. Dick noted that the association has three standing committees – the membership, auditing, and nominating committees. He also called to our attention letters received concerning the loose dogs in the neighborhood. Again we will attach the ordinance concerning dogs to these minutes. People need to be aware that their dog, when loose, often creates problems for people out walking or biking. Dogs should be confined to their owners property at all times. Dick also commented about the Welch Point area, stating that it has been unusually quiet this year. He mentioned that residents can obtain a "Friends of Welsh Point" pass to allow them access to the preserve with the understanding that they will also be ears and eyes for the DNR and report anything unusual. Welsh Point is no longer under control of the Millington office. It is now associated with the Bel Air office. The phone number of that office is 410-836-4557.
OLD BUSINESS:
Reporting for the Pest Control, Laurie Walz noted that she has contacted the County Commissioners regarding our spraying concerns. Although we make our request for spraying to the county, the contract is actually with the state. The state will not release the equipment for spraying until Memorial Day. Our only recourse is to try to find a private contractor that can spray earlier. The association felt that this is the direction to go. It was noted that since Laurie’s last call to the commissioners, the spraying is happening along all driveways.
Reporting for the waterways committee, Richard Noennich reported that the battle continues. The citizens group has been able to refute all data the Corps of Engineers has presented in favor of the canal dredging project. Congressman Gilchrest is in full support of our opposition to the project. There will soon be a three-part article in the Annapolis newspaper followed shortly by a series in the Washington Post. These articles will be in support of the citizens protest of the project. They will be truthful accounts of life in the port.
The group has been able to close down the Site 104 area for dredge spoils. The Corps has acknowledged responsibility for the silting of the Elk River after the dredging 35 years ago. They have agreed to repair that damage and the project request for this has moved to headquarters in Washington D. C. for final approval. Richard asked that we, as private citizens take time to thank Congressman Gilchrest for his support. He can be contacted at
The Honorable Wayne Gilchrest
315 High Street
Chestertown, MD 21620
410-287-3713 or Fax 410-778-9560
or e-mail from his web site - http://www.house.gov/gilchrest
.Reporting for the Nominating Committee, Since Pat Twiford was unable to attend the meeting, Gene Monaco presented the 2001 slate of officers as nominated by the committee
President: Mary Guttendorf
V. President: Richard Sernyak
Secretary: Laurie Walz
Treasurer: Richard Guttendorf
Directors: Richard Guttendorf (past President)
Gene Monaco
Harry Roberts
Tim Poludniak
Bruce Hadley
The slate was accepted and the nominated officers were voted to serve for the FY2001.
NEW BUSINESS: New President Mary Guttendorf related the duties of the officers as noted in the introduction in the association directory. "The officers are committed to the vigilance required to monitor, and appropriately respond to, private and government actions which could negatively impact the interests of our community. The Association also works to achieve improvements to the infrastructure of the area including roads, traffic control, policing, and the protection and enhancement of the land, water, wildlife, and forest environments."
She then presented Richard Noennich with an award for his tireless dedication to the Elk Forest Civic Association and in particular for his work on the canal-dredging project. She also thanked John Poole for his work on the Elk Forest web site (www.elkforest.com). John was then asked to speak to the group about the Elk Landing project. The Town of Elkton has purchased 42 acres of land at the confluence of the Big and Little Elk Creeks. This land is of great historical importance to the town, county, and country. The Elk Landing Historical Foundation has been formed and is proceeding with the project of making this site a prime living history museum. The site is where most of the troops involved in the War of 1812 passed through on their way to battle. The British attempted to land here to sack the Town of Elkton, but were held back by the local citizens. A recent underwater archeology exploration has turned up many artifacts, including a sunken packet ship. More information about Elk Landing can be found at www.elklanding.org. John also mentioned that the Elk Forest web site is being accessed by about 130 people a month. Neighbors are beginning to ask that things such as lost or found pets be listed on the site. It is a good resource of information for the area.
Joyce Monaco reported that there was a burglary at 124 S. Shore Rd on Aug 2nd and a shed was broken into at 1644 Elk Forest on the last weekend in July. She mentioned these to remind us we need to be cautious and keep our homes and sheds locked.
Mary Guttendorf also called attention to several dates in the coming year.
The Holiday Party will be on Dec 2, 2000 at St Rose’s Parish Hall
The Spring Clean-up is scheduled for April 21, 2001
Next years annual meeting will be August 18, 2001 at the Guttendorf home.
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,
Renie Poole, 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.