Commissioner President Michael Acierno, Commissioners Sue Daley and Katherine Farquhar, Academy Manager Andrea Scanlon and Treasurer Susan Johnson were present. Present during the meeting was Gazette reporter, Terri Hogan,

The meeting was held in the Brookeville Academy and began at 8:10 pm.

Planning Commission: Michelle Rosenfeld, JD, Bob Sheehan, owner of Inn at Brookeville Farms, architects Jeff Broadhurst and Gregory Wiedemann came to the meeting to present preliminary plans for rooms to be built next to the Inn at Brookville Farms.  Greg Wiedemann presented the plan which shows a total of 79 rooms.  It consists of one larger building and four smaller buildings in a U shape with a courtyard in the middle. It also had a spa located farther in the back as a separate building.  The buildings would have a golf cart shuttle that would run from the restaurant to the rooms.  The plan has been presented in detail to the Brookeville Planning Commission.  They will be making changes based on input from both the BPC and the Historic Planning Commission.  See commissioners’ comments below.

Bypass:  Chris Haris came and presented a letter that he wrote regarding the need for the bypass and outlining accidents that have happened near his house.  He also spoke to resident and state senator Karen Montgomery about the letter and who to send it to.  She provided him a list of officials it should go to.  Commissioner Acierno said that a plea to write letters will be in the Feb newsletter.  He asked Chris to e-mail him the letter and we could use it as a template.  Chris also offered to go door to door in the town to collect letters.

Minutes:  The minutes were approved as amended.

Financial Reports: Susan stated that the mortgage on the Academy will be paid off in March.  Commissioner Daley suggested that the town have some kind of a celebration.  No firm plans were finalized.

Academy Report:  Andrea reported that we have had a lot of rentals but they are low dollar rentals.  Many are resident rentals.  It was suggested that the newsletter mention that resident rates are for residents only and not friends or family members.  She said she has only seen this happen once.

Inn at Brookeville Farms proposal: President Acierno commented that he attended the BPC meeting where the Inn plans were presented.  He said there are several things that are conditions for any type of approval.  First is that it must not jeopardize the construction of the bypass.  If so, commissioners will not approve. Developer must get a guarantee from state and county officials that this would not happen if it were to be built.  There was also discussion that the property would have to be rezoned commercial.  It is currently zoned residential.  All commissioners agreed that there would have to be a great benefit to the town by approving the project.  Other discussion included that the project would have to be postponed until after 2014 so that there would not be construction during the 2014 celebration.  Also points to look at are what should happen in the future if it fails or gets sold.

2014 Commemoration Report: There will be a town meeting on March 18 at 7:30 in the Brookeville Academy where a full report of the plans will be presented.

Highway User Funds: President Acierno commented that our funds have increased and are up to 4 times what we have gotten the last few years.

Landscaping:  Sandy Hieler and Bob Hines have asked if the mill race could start to be cleaned up in March over spring break.  Since the town would then have to maintain this area until next year, it was decided that it would be postponed until 2014.  There was discussion that we should look for landscapers who would be willing to help and perhaps give a reduced rate.  The town needs to come up with a beautification plan and a plan for sidewalk restoration.  Some areas to include are the millrace, academy, schoolhouse, sidewalks, property in front of 205/203 Market and WSSC, hill between Issokson/Yinger, town signs, town meadow, historic lamps, and pot holes.  There was also discussion about cleaning up the millrace that leads to Oakley cabin.  It was decided that the town would try and do town signs and sidewalks in the current fiscal year.  Sidewalks would include Heritage to Heiler, Van Gelders house to Evans house and the academy area.  Commissioner Farquhar has a landscaping contact.

Misc:  Resident Debbie Wagner had a car run into her property on the snow day but she was unable to get information on the car.  It can be put in the Brookeville Times to see if anyone may have seen anything.

Meeting adjourned at 10:05 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Johnson, Treasurer

Commissioner President Michael Acierno, Commissioners Sue Daley and Katherine Farquhar, Academy Manager Andrea Scanlon and Treasurer Susan Johnson were present. Present during the meeting was Gazette Reporter Terri Hogan

Minutes: November minutes were approved after amendments. They will be posted to the website.

Financial: Reports were reviewed. Michael put all back audits and financial statements on the website so we are currently up to date.

Academy Report: The Plein Air paintings that were done around town were on display at the Sandy Spring Museum and are now at the Inn at Brookeville Farms. Roberta Staat wanted to know if the town could have the paintings on display at the Academy or Schoolhouse. Andrea does not think it will work well with the rentals that use the academy. She thought that we might be able to display them at the Schoolhouse for a specified weekend, if the Plein Air group agrees to help out. They could also be displayed during the bicentennial celebrations.

Plein Air Olney will be having another evening the spring of 2013 and would like to use the academy for an after party. Andrea stated she was fine with that.

Roberta Staat would like to rent the schoolhouse again beginning Jan or Feb 1, 2013. Andrea will discuss the deposit to cover heating costs and other final details with her once she knows when she wants to start.

The rentals are down until March 2013 and we have not had very many full price rentals over the past year. We have not been doing any advertising lately and may need to start in the Spring.

Planning Commission: The commissioners signed a permit for tree removal. It is not to be given to the resident until the permit fee has been paid.

Town Clerk Vacancy: The town has received two applications. Michael will be in touch with both applicants to set up interviews within a week.

War of 1812: Teleconference with Bill Penecek to discuss details of $20,000 grant with Sandy Heiler, Michael Yesenko and Michael Acierno. Michael Yesenko is our grant manager.

Town Comments: Katherine noted that a resident mentioned to her that the town was starting to look a bit trashy with leaves in gutters and needed some clean up. See next item for response

Town Maintenance: Leary Trucking is finishing up gravel work on North, South and Water Sts. After that job is complete, he will present a new contract to clean the gutters, move large rocks by fire pit, etc.

Tax Rates: The town’s tax rates have remained the same for at least the last 10 years. Susan will try and find when the last increase occurred.

Legislative dinner: Will be held on Dec 13. Brookeville was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.

Large Item Pick up: Postponed till spring.

Open Discussion: Andrea stated that she hoped to have the new town directory printed and distributed in May, but will need assistance verifying the rest of the listings that were mot updated at the Holiday Party..

The meeting adjourned at 9:00p.m.

Susan Johnson, Treasurer

Commissioner President Michael Acierno, Commissioners Sue Daley and Katherine Farquhar, Academy Manager Andrea Scanlon, Treasurer Susan Johnson and Clerk Diane Teague were present. Present during the meeting were: residents Buck Bartley, Chris Haris, Stefan Syski, David Yinger and friend.  Also present was Fred Ambrose of Salem United Methodist Church.

Minutes:  Minutes of the December meeting were reviewed and approved.

Financial Reports: Financial Report was approved. There were larger expenses this month due to street repaving and street clean up by Leary Trucking. There was also a large landscaping expenditure that included the cost of steps at top of walkway between Water and North Streets.

Academy Report: Andrea commented that inquiries were up. Also noted was the link to the calendar on the website needs to be switched from Comcast.  President Acierno will look at this

Salem UMC: Fred Ambrose and Buck Bartley presented issues and proposals on behalf of Salem UMC.  Their first concern is for pedestrian safety on sidewalks in front of the church and cross walks to the Academy and the grave yard.  They are also planning new signage as well as improvements to the church exterior including landscaping and ways to correct drainage problems that are causing erosion in the back of the property. They would also like to replace the mulch on the playground. The discussion was about ownership of the sidewalks and SHA jurisdiction, what part the town will play in subsidizing the projects and signage that would coordinate Academy and Church pedestrian/parking directions.  Katherine Farquhar suggested that sidewalk improvements maintain a uniform appearance with the Academy. It was resolved that Buck Bartley would get estimates for the landscaping and drainage work and that Fred Ambrose will draft a letter to SHA for the proposed work.

New Clerk: Commissioners welcome new Town Clerk Diane Teague. It was also discussed that planning commission secretary’s duties will be added to Clerk’s and position eliminated.  The position is being eliminated due to there not being enough work to warrant a separate paid position.

Maintenance: Water/North/South St. maintenance completed. Gutter cleaning completed. Gravel pile to block vehicles from using path between Water and North Street was removed and two stones from fire pit were put in its place to block vehicles.

Grants: Star Spangled 200 Grant agreement for $20,000 signed and witnessed.

Meeting Dates:

• Date for Town Meeting set for Monday March 18^th at 7:30 pm for 2014 Events presentation.
• Annual Town Meeting Set for May 13^th. Election May 7^th.

Misc: Agree to donate items from the town to the Sandy Spring Museum.

Open discussion:

1. David Yinger noted the town’s poor appearance with examples of leaves, brush and loose trash left uncollected in the streets. Michael Acierno responded that Brookeville’s funding from the state has been drastically reduced in recent years. Recent improvements in the economy will hopefully return funding to prior levels. Also savings and a grant to prepare for the 2014 Celebration will be used to spruce up the town. Katherine Farquhar mentioned that town contractors need to be informed that the town limits extend North on Georgia Ave. past Dave Yinger’s house.

1. Contractor issues: Chris Haris noted that Leary Trucking was depositing leaf waste and debris on his property.  He also noted that Leary mentioned other sites in town where they dump clean up waste. It was resolved that all future contracts would be explicit about removing all waste from the town and that dumping on private property and town property was forbidden. He also noted that road maintenance should be performed in the Spring and that much of the work will be disturbed by winter weather and snow plows.

1. Traffic: Chris Haris presented a letter to the Commissioners describing a recent traffic incident on his property. At issue is the continuing occurrences of speeding drivers failing to stop and hitting his fence before they regain control of their vehicle. Michael Acierno read the letter aloud and all approved sending it to SHA. He also noted that MCPS bus drivers refuse to pick up near the intersection because of safety issues. It was resolved to put an appeal for letters supporting the bypass in the newsletter.

1. Utility Poles and Lights: Chris Haris noted a utility pole with snapped guy wires at the corner of Water and Market St.

1. Commissioners welcome Stefan Syski a returning Brookeville resident. Stefan grew up in Brookeville and has moved back with his wife and family.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Diane Teague
Town Clerk

Commissioner Sue Daley, Commissioner Katherine Farquhar, Academy Manager Andrea Scanlon and Treasurer Susan Johnson were present. Present during all or portions of the meeting were Gazette Reporter Terri Hogan and town resident, Harry Montgomery and Sandy Heiler.

Minutes: No October minutes to approve

Financial: the Financial Report was emailed. Harry Montgomery suggested that the budget should be on the town website. Susan stated that both the budget and yearly financial statements were put up in the past. She will get the information and get it on the website. Harry asked if we knew what other towns were paying in taxes. Susan will look up that information and bring to next meeting.

Madison House Dinner: A dinner was held at the Heilers house on Nov 10, 2012 for the county executive, members of the county council, our delegates, people from the state highway administration, and our congressional representative Sarbanes. The purpose was to make clear the need for the bypass to protect the town’s historic resources. The commissioners decided to send a thank-you letter to those who attended and another letter to those who couldn’t come, along with a copy of the framed print of a watercolor by Miche that we gave to the guests.

War of 1812: Sandy Heiler requested that the town start looking for people who would like to serve on the War of 1812 committee. She would like the committee to start meeting in January of 2013. Sandy will send information to Terri Hogan for the Gazette and to clerk for the Brookeville Times. There will be a symposium on Sept 28, 2013 from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm… Also the bicentennial will be Labor Day weekend of 2014. Sandy stated that we should have exact dates by May 2013. The committee will discuss plans and the number of days the events will take place. She also suggested that the commissioners have a brief overview of the progress at the May town meeting and perhaps another separate meeting.

On December 4, Sandy will be meeting with resident Michael Yesenko and Commissioner Acierno to discuss grant writing.

Academy Report: Andrea reported that there has not been much change in usage. She had the smoke alarm replaced in the kitchen. She also had the elevator inspected and it passed.

Town Holiday Party: We need to get invitations out to the town residents as well as another reminder in the next newsletter. We also need to be sure that LesUnglesbee is invited. Andrea offered to try and get as many updates of names, e-mails, etc for the Town Directory at the party. A list of what is needed for the party will be sent out and the commissioners, Susan and Andrea will split up the list.

Large Item Pick up: No one was sure if the dates had been set. We may need to postpone till spring.

Open Discussion: Andrea stated that Chris Scanlon, PC chair will be meeting with Pepco on Nov 14 to review tree placement.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00p.m.

Susan Johnson, Treasurer

Commissioner President Michael Acierno, Commissioner Sue Daley, Commissioner Katherine Farquhar, Town Clerk Cate McDonald, Academy Manager Andrea Scanlon and Treasurer Susan Johnson.  Present during all or portions of the meeting was Gazette Reporter Terri Hogan.

Minutes: The June Commissioners Meeting Minutes were approved.

Financial:  the Financial Report was not available.

Academy Report:  rentals are currently slow.  Yoga will have one class this Fall on Thursday mornings.  Vinyl flooring replacement will need to be done soon as there was a toilet leak that damaged part of the flooring.
The MEA grant money was received.
Roberta Staat still undecided about renting the schoolhouse.

Olney Community Night – Oct 3rd: Academy Manager not be able to host table at Community Night; the Commissioners are not available that night.  Academy Manager will ask the long term Academy renters if they can host the table.  Town will donate an Academy rental for the auction.

Holiday Party:  December 8 from 6pm-10pm was confirmed for the Town’s Holiday Party

Inn at Brookeville – SHA update: Commissioner Acierno talked with SHA about the potential development at the Inn at Brookeville and the preliminary conclusion from SHA is as long as the development is not in the path of the road re-alignment, it should not be an issue.   Commissioner Acierno asked the BPC to send all current information they have about the potential development to SHA and to contact MD Planning Commission.  The Commissioners discussed the need to hire a lawyer to protect the Town’s interest with their concerns being diluting SHA / MoCo interest in the Bypass; a weak review of the potential development; and if the Town’s current resources are up to the task of this potential development.

Large item pickup:  the Commissioners reviewed the options of a dumpster or Waste Management bagsters.   Commissioner Daley will discuss with SUMC the possibility of using the Church’s parking lot for the bagster, which will benefit the Church as they are able to use the bagsters as well.  If so, the Town will order 10 bagsters and have them in 2 locations in Town.

Walking path and Schoolhouse:   the weeds are overgrown this summer at the one-room schoolhouse and along the walking path between North and Water Streets.  This will be a large project that the Commissioners authorized to have a landscaper tidy-up.  Town Clerk will solicit a bid for the mulching and weeding.

2014 Celebration:  Sandy Heiler hosted a meeting September 5th  and came up with a list of ideas for Brookeville’s bicentennial celebration.  A 2 day celebration was tentatively selected for Aug. 23-24, 2014.

Open Discussion: none

The meeting adjourned at 9:30p.m.
Cate McDonald