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The Bookeville Times

November 2005
Volume 1, Issue 2

Town Notes by Rick Allan

Much has been going on regarding town affairs and interests over the past few months.  On October 11, 2005, the Town Commissioners hosted Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele and his party of state officials and had a great opportunity to show him firsthand why the Brookeville Bypass was so important to the Town's future and also why we needed the sidewalk to Longwood Recreation Center.  The previous day, Commissioners Michael Acierno, Robert Heritage and I met with County Councilperson and Chair of the Transportation Committee Nancy Floreen to press the Town's case for a higher priority ranking for the bypass on the County's annual list of construction projects that it will recommend to the state for funding.  We also took the opportunity to bring up the need (again) for the county to repair the dangerously deteriorating shoulders along Brookeville Road just west of its intersection with Market Street (Rt. 97). 

At our monthly meetings, we have been working to strengthen operational communications between the Town Commissioners and the Brookeville Planning Commission and ensure a more effective building permit process.  We also have been exploring ways to reduce energy expenses at the Brookeville Academy.  One promising approach we are looking at is replacing our propane-fueled hot water heater with a more efficient tankless water heater.  We are working with Salem Methodist Church on innovative ways of eliminating a storm water runoff flooding problem that has affected a residence on Market Street.

Brookeville Hosts the Lieutenant Governor

Maryland Lt. Governor Michael S. Steele, the Secretary of Housing and Community Development Victor Hoskins, State Highway Administration District 3 Engineer Charlie Watkins, the Governor's Grants Office Administrator, and several other state representatives met with the Town Commissioners at the Brookeville Academy on October 11, 2005.  The Lt. Governor expressed his strong support of and need for local government in Maryland and then introduced his colleagues who went on to explain what they do and possible interactions with Town interests.  The Commissioners presented Lt. Governor Steele with a framed Brookeville Bicentennial map (from the limited edition print done by resident Miche Booz) and then conducted a walking tour that included the Madison House and the Brookeville Schoolhouse and a "careful" stroll up High Street, illustrating the need for a sidewalk and where the proposed bypass would begin. 

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Refreshments were graciously provided to the group by Adam Rich, proprietor of the Inn at Brookeville Farms.  Brookeville was the 54th municipality out of 157 in Maryland that the Lt. Governor has visited.

Academy Energy Surcharge for Rentals Voted

The Town Commissioners voted to add a $20.00 surcharge to each rental of the Brookeville Academy between November 1, 2005 and March 30, 2006, in order to help offset high propane heating costs.  The Commissioners believe that rental costs, even given the surcharge, still remain a bargain.

Leaf Pick-Up Scheduled

Leaf pick-up this year will be conducted on November 19 and December 3, 2005.  Residents should rake their leaves to the curbside.  Please do not include any branches, plants or other debris in among the leaves.

Holiday Party

Brookeville's oldest tradition, the annual Holiday Party, has been scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2005.  Volunteers to help organize and decorate may call Town Clerk Diane Allan at 301.774.6206 or email her at dvallan@comcast.net.  As usual, residents are asked to bring food items - entrees, desserts, salads, appetizers, and fruits.  For the children, the Town will order pizza.  The Town will provide beverages.

Special Trash Collection a Success

We are now into our second dumpster as residents filled the first one up even during a very rainy weekend.  The second dumpster will remain until it, too, is filled.  Please remember, no tires, hazardous materials, garbage, concrete, dirt, etc.

Gravel Roads Maintenance

Our gravel road contractor will be reviewing North, South, and Water Streets in the near future to assess the need for additional gravel or maintenance.

Town of Brookeville

P.O. Box 67
Brookeville, MD 20833

Phone:  301.570.4465
Fax:  301.570.0355
E-mail:  townofbrookeville@comcast.net

TELEPHONE NUMBERS TO KNOW

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