February 3, 2011
8:00 p.m.
Commissioner President Michael Acierno, Commissioner Robert Heritage, Commissioner Katherine Farquhar, Town Clerk Cate McDonald. Â Treasurer Susan Johnson and Academy Manager Andrea Scanlon were not in attendance. Â Present during all or portions of the meeting were Town Resident Debbie Wagner and Gazette Reporter Terri Hogan.
Minutes: The January Commissioners Meeting Minutes were approved.
Financial: The financial report was not available.  Snow pushing bill has not been received as of yet.
Open Discussion: Debbie Wagner requested speed humps be installed along North Street. When she is walking her dog at night, it is too dark even with street lights and she is blinded by oncoming headlights of car, which are being driven too fast for her to react.  Commissioner President Acierno explained that since North Street is gravel the Town would not be able to install traditional speed humps. Commissioner Farquhar suggested an e-mail be sent to the Residents on North Street asking them to drive more slowly.  Debbie Wagner also wants the potholes along North Street repaired and feels the current Town contractor is not doing a good job as the pot holes reappear every year. There will be no road repair until springtime.
Academy Update: the Academy reports were reviewed and Academy Manager called in for a verbal report.  During a music lesson at the Academy, the fire alarm was pulled by accident. Academy Manager wants to install clear plastic pull covers to prevent anymore accidental fire alarms; estimated cost $2500. Commissioners approved this expenditure.
3 options presented for the Academy to accept credit cards: swipe machine, vertical terminal, and dial-in via phone.  To cover the additional cost of accepting credit cards, rates would be raised $25 across the board and a discount will be offered for cash payments. Academy Manager needs to discuss the bank logistics with the Treasurer.
Snow Removal: a mutual date will be needed between the Commissioners, Town Clerk, and our Snow Removal contractor so everyone can have the same expectations of where the Town’s right-of-way boundaries are for snow removal, where to put the snow, and parking during snow emergencies.
Legislative Night:   Annual Legislative Night was held January 31, 2011 in Annapolis.  Commissioner President Acierno attended and met with our 2 new house delegates. Topics of discussion included more budgets cuts but no cuts in education, environment, and help to the needy.  He will plan to call Del. Craig Zucker since he is on the procurement committee and discuss financial challenges and the Bypass.
Grant update: feedback was received from MHAA regarding the Town’s intent to apply for capital and non-capital grants. To MHAA it is unclear how the Research Project would provide a tourism benefit, but is an eligible non-capital project. The sidewalks and mill race is a capital grant but it is unclear if it would have any significant tourism impact.
GOCA Award: Fred Teal and Debbie Wagner will receive a GOCA award for individual notable contribution to the greater Olney community for their “green†efforts. The ceremony is Sunday, March 6th at Longwood.
Open Discussion:
- Commissioner President Michael Acierno and Commissioner Katherine Farquhar will be out of town during the same period in February. Commissioner Robert Heritage will be available for any emergencies that arise.
- No new news regarding Deeds Wells court proceedings;Â the County Attorney has not return a call back yet regarding the status.
- Commissioner Robert Heritage will not be seeking re-election this term.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Cate McDonald
Town Clerk