May 12, 2003
ATTENDING:Â President Richard Allan, Commissioners Robert Heritage and Les Unglesbee, Clerk-Treasurer Susan Johnson, resident Andrea Barr, and Terri Hogan from the Olney Gazette were in attendance. The meeting began at 8:00 p.m. at the Brookeville Academy.
MINUTES:Â The March minutes were unavailable
FINANCIAL REPORT:Â The financial report was reviewed and accepted. Ms. Johnson reported that the town has received a $43,000 Public Utility tax payment from the State. As the Town has never received such a payment before, she has been researching the matter to ensure no mistake has been made.
REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS:
1.Operations and Maintenance:
Planning Commission – President Allan raised the importance of getting the Town’s American flags up by Memorial Day. Ms. Johnson reported she had already spoken to a town resident, Wayne Harding, who volunteered to do the installation and to use longer, sturdier screws than those that came with the original flag holders. Commissioner Unglesbee volunteered to assist Mr. Harding.
2.Bypass – Ms. Barr asked if she could help with this project and what has been done in the past. She suggested placing a sign to suggest traffic take alternate routes. The commissioners summarized the various strategies the Town has undertaken in the past to advance the Bypass project and also explained the current situation. They agreed with Ms. Barr that letter writing and otherwise lobbying key officials to support the project’s funding would be very useful. The Commissioners indicated that the Governor’s position and that of the Secretary of Transportation (MD) would be crucial.
3. Web Site – The new site is now up and is much easier to navigate than the prior one. Ms. Johnson continues to work with the webmaster on updates as well as changes that need to be made.
4. Academy – Commissioner Unglesbee expressed concern over whether there is sufficient communication/liaison with the Salem Methodist Church regarding the use of its parking lot by Academy renters. He inquired as to whether or not the church is consulted on availability of parking before we commit to an event. President Allan said he would find out about this and if it were not happening routinely, would ask Ms. Allan, who is responsible for Academy rentals, to ensure appropriate coordination.
5. Schoolhouse – Due to the rain, the roof has not yet been installed.
NEW BUSINESS
President Allan noted that Mayor Charles White of Laytonsville, would be retiring after 24 years of service. He said he would like the town to do something to honor him and suggested a resolution and perhaps the planting of a tree on the grounds of the Laytonsville Town Hall in his honor. He then introduced a resolution paying tribute to Mayor White’s public service (attached), which was passed unanimously.
President Allan has been working on a draft budget for the May annual meeting. He will distribute it to the other commissioners for input prior to the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. The next meeting is on June 9, 2003 at 8:00 p.m. at the Brookeville Academy.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan L. Johnson
Clerk-Treasurer