April 14, 2008 Commissioners Meeting Minutes

April 14, 2008

Present:  Commissioner Michael Acierno, Commissioner Robert Heritage, Commissioner Katherine Farquhar, Treasurer Susan Johnson, Clerk Paul Geib, Gazette Reporter Terri Hogan

Minutes:   The March 2008 Commissioners Meeting minutes were approved with one minor correction.

Financial Report:  The March financial report was reviewed.

Review Geothermal bids – Set date for geothermal town meeting: The Commissioners discussed the various geothermal heating system bids received.  They decided to hold a town meeting on April 29th to invite comments on the various alternative heating systems for the Academy.

Greenskeeper fuel surcharge – 3%:   Our landscaping contractor, Greenskeeper, informed us that they had to add a 3% surcharge to their bid to cover rising fuel costs.  The Commissioners agreed with that necessity.

Permits:  The Commissioners discussed two permits forwarded by the Planning Commission. They actions taken were:

  • Chad Wheeler and Michael Yesenko permit ready for signature. They signed it and requested the clerk give to Margaret to send copy of signed permit to Chad and Michael.
  • 1 South Street permit – wait to sign until receipt of HAWP

Low hanging wires at Madison House: The Commissioners discussed this issue.  The Planning Commission will ask Doug Lomeyer Consulting to write a letter to Pepco regarding the situation.

MD Citizens Planner Association:  The Commissioners voted to remain a member of this organization and asked the treasurer to send our dues.

Comprehensive Plan – Rick Allan:  The Comprehensive Plan has been typed into Word.  The Commissioners voted to use Rick Allan for a fee of $300 to review for compliance with State standards.  They established a deadline for completion and submission to the Town by the May 21st Town Meeting.

Budget for next fiscal year:  The 2008-2009 budget is being developed and will be presented to the residents at the May 21st Town Meeting. 

Town Election:  The Town Election will by May 13th from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Status of Town Clerk and Academy Manager search:  A new Town Clerk and a new Academy Manager have been selected.  The Commissioner decided to hire Kate McDonald as the Clerk and Andrea Scanlon as the Academy Manager.  The Commissioners decided to have them begin work on May 1st.  They will ask the Clerk to set structured hours for being in the office.

Farewell party for Paul:  The Clerk suggested that Commissioner Acierno contact Mary Ellen Brown at SUMC to possibly coordinate with the church on a farewell party.

August Celebration: Commissioner Farquhar hosted a meeting of residents on April 22nd to work on planning the 200th anniversary celebration.

Town Directory:  Andrea Scanlon is working on finishing the Town Directory.

Market Street Repairs:  The Commissioners asked the Clerk to contact Montgomery County to receive the rate charged to the county for road repairs.   

Street Lights:  Clerk Geib asked for permission to contact Lighting Maintenance to perform work on the ornamental light at 308 Market Street.  It needs a new base.  He will inventory the other ornamental lights that stay on during daylight to have Kirby Electric see if they can adjust the sensors.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Paul R. Geib, Jr.