From the Mayor's Desk
It has been an honor to serve the Town of Elkton through all the many accomplishments in 2009. I am delighted to provide you an overview of the projects that have passed through Town Hall and give you a glimpse into 2010.
The Elkton Wastewater Treatment Plant is now complete! After stressing the need for odor control, we finally have a very impressive system that is operating beautifully. Not only was the plant expanded for capacity; but it is safer and cleaner to the environment, in particular the Big Elk Creek. I commend Severn Trent's efforts to continue good operations and maintenance of our water and wastewater facilities. Another water-related addition is the interconnect with Artesian along Red Hill Road. The pipe line can provide up to 1.5 million gallons per day in the event of a drought or emergency to the Elkton Water Treatment Plant. The back-up water supply was designed to protect Elkton's 7,026 water service customers. Elkton was awarded $234,910 for the rehabilitation of the Thomson Estates Water Standpipe.
Additions to Elkton have been steady. Union Hospital added a medical office building to their campus. Many commercial entities have popped up: Chick-Fil-A, Aamco, Aldi, and USA Sports Club to name a few. The Stone House at Elk Landing has completed its restoration by adding flooring and a roof. The West Main Street Project is wrapping up. The State has put in handicap accessible sidewalks and fluid streets, providing a picturesque scene for residents and those passing-by.
Parks and Recreation has expanded activities exponentially. I am happy to note the increase in the participation of various programs and its healthy way to promote creativity and socialization skills for children of all ages. The Town received three Community Parks & Playground grants totally $60,000 which will provide two rock walls, new tot equipment and play curbs around all equipment in Meadow Park.
Elkton's Police Department has found grant money to make the force state-of-the-art. New equipment include: Live Scan electronic finger print system, First Responder Kits for the vehicles, and a Crime Scene Sight Scope to record evidence.
It's been a financially tough year but Elkton has managed through and yet continue to provide the same services as in the past. The Town has received its fifth consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY08.
I need to commend the Public Works department for their dedication to making Elkton's streets safe and clean for its citizens, especially after the blizzard on December 19. Thank you for all your hard work!
Video coverage of the Town Meetings are a new addition to the website. The meetings held on the first and third Wednesday of each month are available for online viewing by accessing http://www.elkton.org/boards_commissions/recorded_meetings.cfm.
2010 is just around the corner and many projects will be nearing an end over the next several months. Delaware Avenue will receive a 1.7 vertical lift to reduce the frequency in road closures and decrease the clean-up efforts after a flood event. This State project will begin around the end of winter. The Thomson Standpipe Rehabilitation project will commence in the spring. The wastewater treatment plant is expected to be formally dedicated in April 2010. The Elkton Senior Housing Project will be constructed along East High Street. The Comprehensive Plan will go under public review in January and require adoption by the Board shortly thereafter. Plans currently underway through the next year include the Truck Signage Study, Bicycle Plan, and Transit Oriented Development Plan.
I wish you all a safe and Happy New Year! 2009 was tough but certainly rewarding; and my expectations for 2010 are nothing but the best.
Sincerely,
Joseph L. Fisona