I guess by now that everyone has gotten their new water and sewer bills. What a shock! We tried to prepare everyone for the last few months. Bills had to be increased because when the state studied our billing, we were told that we could not pay back loans at the rate we were charging. Grants have been filled out and sent in, but they also have a cost share.

We know that our rates are high compared to other towns, but other towns have had growth. A lot of people live here because we are a small town, but we still have to maintain our town the same as big towns. Every town around us has grown. They have more people and houses to help pay the bills. We need controlled growth to help our town stay alive.

Please, if you have any questions regarding your bill, call the town office.

The Town of Union Bridge has received a planning grant for the revitalization of Main Street. The planning grant was awarded by the State of Maryland in the amount of $29,500. The purpose of the planning grant is to evaluate the Main Street Project and prepare plans and specifications for the bidding process for work to be done.

Jim Schumacher has prepared an implementation schedule, which can be viewed at the Town Hall, that sets goals for accomplishing phases of the grant process. Jim will be coordinating this effort to supply the State the documentation they require and preparing the Request for Proposals for advertisement. Jim and the town council have moved ahead with signing of the Community Development Block Grant agreement with the State of Maryland and other agreement and documents required by the State.

The Union Bridge Recreation Council would like to congratulate Mr. Jim Schumacher for being selected as this years Volunteer of the Year! Jim has helped the rec. council with a number of projects with the town and coordinates and instructs a tennis camp for children in the summer. He will be honored at Bear Branch on Nov. 4^th with a plaque and a "special gift" from the Recreation Council. Thanks Jim for all your hard work.

The 8^th annual Fall Fest is now history and plans are already underway for the 9^th! For those of you who missed it there were lots of great food, added attractions, and a terrific auction. We raised over $3,800 and would like to sincerely thank everyone. Congratulations to Jo Anne Tyler of Westminster for having the winning ticket in the 50-50 raffle.

Also under our belt along with bacon, eggs cooked to order, fried potatoes, chipped beef, pancakes, fruit and scrumptious baked goods was our first breakfast. Come join us on Nov. 21, at the Community Center for our second and mark your calendar for the following dates: Jan. 16, 2000; Feb. 20, 2000;Apr. 16, 2000; and May 21, 2000. The cost of this all you can eat meal is just $4.50 for adults and $2.00 for children 6-12, under 6 are free.

We are also selling the Third print in the series done by Dennis Schrald which would make a wonderful Christmas gift. For information contact the town hall.

The Union Bridge Planning Commission will begin this month, the process of reviewing the town’s master plan. The planning commission has scheduled a workshop and informational meeting for November 18, 1999, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The commission will explain the proposed timetable to complete the master plan review and the various elements of the plan such as land use, roads, community facilities, etc.

The planning commission welcomes and encourages citizen participation. The commission would like to know how you think the town should grow, and what public services and facilities need to be improved, changed and planned for. Citizens and property owners may also request changes to the zoning district currently designated for their property. Also, the commission will review the land areas immediately adjacent to, but outside, the current town boundaries. This will significantly impact how the town will grow in the future.

Copies of the current town plan, adopted in 1990, are available at the town office for review. To assist citizens and to make it more convenient, we will attempt to schedule one on one work sessions with individual citizens, to address specific requests, or to answer questions.

Filtration Study – The town has evaluated a filtration study, prepared by John E. Harms Engineers, Inc., to determine the type and size of proposed filters that might be installed in the new well house. The town must evaluate alternative types of filters, so that the well house can be designed with sufficient space to include filters.

Well House – the town will be advertising for construction bids in December 1999 to construct the new well house. The new well house will be built adjacent to the town office building and will house well pumps, electrical equipment, chemicals, a possible filtration system, and water system supplies.

New Sidewalk – The town has approved installation of an improved concrete sidewalk along the west side of Main Street, beginning at Green Valley Road (Rt. 75), which was done by the State Highway. Improvements include a new walkway, pedestrian improvements to the bridge and fence structure over little Pipe Creek, new curbs and gutter pans, new handicap ramps and drainage and inlet improvements.

Open to boys in grades one through five.

Games, activities, camping, hiking, arts & crafts, sports, leadership opportunities, drug awareness programs, and much more.

For more information contact the following:

Union Bridge Cub Pack 459

410-775-2918

New Windsor Cub Pack 582

410-635-3271

York Waste Disposal will no longer be able to provide pick up/disposal services for any CFC (freon) filled appliance, i.e. Refrigerators, freezers, AC units, unless they are properly tagged and certified that all CFC (freon) components have been removed by certified HVAC company.

For further information call: