February 22, 2012 Commissioners Meeting Minutes

Town of Brookeville Commissioners Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2012
8:00pm

Commissioner President Michael Acierno, Commissioner Sue Daley, Commissioner Katherine Farquhar, Town Clerk Cate McDonald, and Academy Manager Andrea Scanlon. Treasurer Susan Johnson was not present.  Present during all or portions of the meeting were Sandy Heiler, Robert Hines, Heather Blouslog, and Roberta Staat. 

War of 1812 planning update: Robert Hines, a History teacher with MCPS and Archaeologist volunteer with

M-NCPPC, and Heather Blouslog, an Archeologist with M-NCPPC, along with Town Resident Sandy Heiler came to discuss an archaeological dig for the 1812 celebration.   The location would be on private property (Heiler and Scanlon), the field that belongs to MoCo, and possibly WSSC where Thomas Mill was.  None of the land considered belongs to the Town.   They would be looking for places the soldiers camped while President Madison came to Town in Aug. 1814.  They would like to conduct Phase 1 this summer, which would be a shovel test to find an area in which to concentrate.  Summer 2013 tie in with Heritage Days and have a display of any found artifacts displayed.  Summer 2014 have the dig area open to the public with an Archaeologist there to answer questions.   This will be a volunteer driven dig.  Heather Blouslog will need to get permission to dig on MoCo property and have M-NCPPC discuss liability issues.  Commissioner President Acierno said the Town will help in any way possible, such as helping with site prep (mowing the field).

The Town received notice that our grant application to Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission was not selected in the first round.  Subsequent grant cycles are planned.

Sandy Heiler has a meeting with the White House Historical Association in March at the Madison House to discuss War of 1812.

Grad Students from UMBC will start their research papers and would like to use the Academy from 9am – 12:30pm June 7, 14, 28.    Commissioners approve this request.

Plein Air Olney:  Roberta Staat wants to have a workshop at the Academy.  She is working on a grant to pay for the Academy rental, which will be October 27-28, 2012.  She would also like to plan 2-3 more workshops for Plein Air artists.  Ms. Staat discussed her desire to have an art center in the local area and to possibly start with a long term rental of the One Room Schoolhouse.   As the Schoolhouse is under used, the Commissioners are in agreement that this would be an acceptable use of the building.  The issues that would need to be worked out are a source of water, insurance, and a portapotty.

Minutes: The January Commissioners Meeting Minutes were approved.

Financial:  the Financial Report was emailed prior to the meeting.  

Academy Update:  working on the MEA RFP.

Water St.:  parking on Water Street remains an issue.  The concern is safe access to Water Street for residents and emergency service access.  The Town will ask the Fire Marshall to survey the side streets for safety.

Congressman John Sarbanes: with the recent Congressional redistricting,   The Town falls within Rep. Sarbanes district.  The Congressman met with Commissioner President Acierno and Commissioner Daley on Feb. 13th to introduce himself and learn about the Town.

Open Discussion: none

The meeting adjourned at 9:40p.m.
Cate McDonald