March 14, 2011
8:00 p.m.
Commissioner President Michael Acierno, Commissioner Robert Heritage, Commissioner Katherine Farquhar, Town Clerk Cate McDonald, Treasurer Susan Johnson and Academy Manager Andrea Scanlon.  Present during all or portions of the meeting were Town Residents Debbie Wagner, Fred Teal, Jr., and Rev. Sue Shorb-Sterling; Mollie Byron, Joan Reynolds,  and Gazette Reporter Terri Hogan.
Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives:  Mollie Byron, Capital Area Coordinator, introduced herself and her role for the Office of the Governor.  The Town will be able to use Ms. Byron as a resource with State Agencies and pass along any community events to the Governor’s office.
Local Artist: Joan Reynolds presented her concept of art work to be sold during the Bicentennial celebration: photo of the Doors of Brookeville and hand drawn note cards. The items would need to be pre-ordered and she would give the Town 10% commission on the sales. The Commissioners will discuss the proposal at next month’s Commissioners Meeting and get back in touch with her then.
Emergency Preparedness Survey results: Fred Teal went over the results of his survey with the Town Commissioners. He determined that using SUMC Orandorff Hall as an emergency shelter would be the best courses of action.   This would require financial resources from the Town. The Commissioners will discuss the survey results at next month’s Commissioners Meeting.
GOCA Award:Â Fred Teal and Debbie Wagner received their award last Sunday from GOCA.
Town Flower: a Town Resident requested the Town name an official flower. Suggestions were the wineberry plant that grows behind the schoolhouse. The Commissioners will solicit interest of naming a Town Flower at the Annual Meeting along with also naming an office bird.
Minutes: The February Commissioners Meeting Minutes were approved.
Financial: The financial report was reviewed.  Snow pushing bill is within the budgeted amount; Commissioners will meet with our snow pushing contractor in the Fall to review areas of concern.
The Town has over 200K at Sandy Spring Bank which is over the FDIC insured limit; Treasurer will look at other options.
Academy Update:  Academy Manager will install the clear plastic fire pull covers as the estimate to professionally install was $800. She wants to have installed a below ground for propane the above ground tank is not attractive, is leased, and only 500 gallons. The supplier who owns the tank is allowed the tank to run out of propane several times.  Installing a 1000 gallon underground tank will cost approx. $3500. The Commissioners will try and budget for an underground tank next fiscal year.  Work on outside maintenance will start soon.
New Rental inquiries: The Longwood Seniors will need to find a new place to meet over the summer. They would like to use the Academy Monday’s from 10am – 2pm and will be offered the room at no charge.
Local artist wants to hold drawing lessons Mon. mornings and Tuesday afternoons. These days and times do not interfere with any other lessons at this time and renter will be offered a similar fee structure as the yoga instructor. Artist also inquired about renting the schoolhouse, which seemed like a good idea to the Commissioners.
Donna Wills will be hosting another tea with waltzing April 10th.
REC:Â the Town will purchase REC for the streetlight Pepco account after the proposal is reviewed.
War of 1812 Research:Â the Town will most likely have to pay for the research project; it most likely will not receive any grants because the research project would not be a draw for tourism.
May Election: The Commissioners will try to lobby residents for nominations for the upcoming Commissioners election.
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.
Open Discussion:
- 309 & 311 Market Street: the Town will looking into hiring a lawyer to help speed the rebuilding process at 311 Market St.
- The Annual Town Meeting will be Monday, May 16th at 7:30pm.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Cate McDonald
Town Clerk