Town of Brookeville Commissioners Meeting
February 19, 2007

Present:  Commissioner Richard Allan, Commissioner Michael Acierno, Commissioner Robert Heritage, Treasurer Susan Johnson, Clerk Paul Geib, Gazette Reporter Terri Hogan.

Minutes:   The January 2007 minutes were accepted as written

Financial Report:  The financial report was reviewed.  The Commissioners and the Treasurer discussed the option of increasing principal payments on the Brookeville Academy mortgage and interest rates on the cash accounts in the report. 

Support for Deeds Wells:  In response to several comments/suggestions from the community, the Commissioners discussed ways in which to provide for Town residents to be of support to Deeds Wells as he recovers from the fire that destroyed his house.  A number of residents have inquired about how to collectively respond to the tragedy.   The Commissioners agreed to have the Town Treasurer set up a Deeds Wells Fund administered by the Treasurer where residents could send contributions.   The Clerk will send out announcement of the fund and a message will be placed on the Web Site.     

Status of 309 Market Street:  The Commissioners asked the Clerk to check with the MC Fire Department and the County regarding the "next steps" status of 309 Market Street - the fire site regarding  protocols of insurance, health and safety issues, impact on  property taxes, etc.  The Commissioners were responding to a concern that the burned-out house might become derelict and a public danger if there was not a known schedule for appropriately dealing with the structure and site.

Selection of Contractor for Powers Woods Project Design:  As a follow up to the joint meeting with the planning commission, the Commissioners agreed to a motion to award a contract to Slater Associates, Inc. as the contractor for the Powers Woods park project.  They noted that this was an important opportunity to connect the Town's historic built assets and resources like the recently restored schoolhouse and Thomas Mill Race with the Town's environmental and natural settings.

Other Potential Design Projects for the Town:  Commissioner Allan suggested that one of the other firms considered for the Powers Woods project, Bradley Site Design, be asked to evaluate and prepare a site plan for the Brookeville Academy ground, including integrating the Brookeville Angel into a more appropriate site setting involving hardscaping, plantings, and furniture such as benches.  The Commissioners agreed to proceed in this direction. 

Work on Thomas Mill Site:  The Montgomery County Conservation Corps has begun work around the historic remains of the Thomas Mill.  They have cleared the area around the remains of the various Thomas Mill buildings behind the "Miller's Cottage" and have started clearing the mill race.  The Clerk was asked to contact Greenskeeper regarding using a chipper machine to clean up the accumulated debris.  The chips could then be used to cover the various trails near the site.  The Corps will later work to remove the deteriorated split rail fence near Brookeville Road and the stream on the other side of town. 

Selection of Supervisor of Elections:  The Commissioners again selected Margaret Van Gelder to run the May election in which two Commissioners will be selected.

Meeting with the County Executive:  Commissioner Allan reminded the Commissioners of a February 15th meeting of the Maryland Municipal League Montgomery County Chapter meeting with County Executive Ike Leggett. 

Brookeville Times:  The Commissioners discussed the content of the next “Brookeville Times.”  It should include information on the election and reiterate the Town’s snow removal policy. 

Meeting Adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Paul R. Geib, Jr.