September 14, 2009
8:00 p.m.
Commissioner President Michael Acierno, Commissioner Robert Heritage, Commissioner Katherine Farquhar, Town Clerk Cate McDonald, Treasurer Susan Johnson. Present during all or portions of the meeting was Gazette Reporter Terri Hogan.
Minutes:Â The July 2009 Commissioners Meeting Minutes were approved.
Financial:Â The August financial report was reviewed.
H1N1:Â Commissioners Acierno attended the Aug 25th policy discussion at the County Executive Building. The Town will subscribe to the Weekly Situation Report from OEMHS to stay current on H1N1.
Academy Update:Â Report reviewed – no new rentals; rental inquiries are down.
Highway User Revenue Fund (HUR): On August 26th, 2009 Maryland’s Board of Public Works slashed the Town’s allocation from $8030 to $803 – a 90% reduction. This budget cut came 2 months after the Town passed its budget in July.
Leaf Removal:Â The Town will not be renewing the contract with our current landscaping provider and will not opt to use them for leaf collection. Due to the state budget cuts issued by the BPW, the Town will need to reduce services it provides to Town Residents. Ways to accomplish this will be a reduced leaf collection in November and a reduction in landscaping around Town. Town Residents will be encouraged to compost leaves.
Town Hall Meeting:Â The Commissioners would like to hold a Town Meeting with our State Delegate, Karen Montgomery, and invited members of the County Council. The purpose of this meeting will be to educate Council members on the history of Bypass and ask them to update the priority of the Bypass from #4 to #1. Proposed dates are Oct 19, Oct 26, and Nov 2.
Schoolhouse:Â Walter Blank sent a letter to the Town stating he sought a second opinion on the schoolhouse roof and the roof does not need to be replaced. Walter Blank still has not responded with a revised quote for work on the schoolhouse.
August Picnic review: Positive feedback received from people who attended the picnic. Commissioners will consider scheduling next year’s picnic 1 week later, depending on when the school year starts.
309 & 311 Market St:Â Commissioner Acierno plans to attend the Sept. 29th hearing on the status of 309 Market St.
Resolution proposal:Â A Town Resident asked the Commissioners to support a single payer or public option for health care. The Commissioners did not accept or reject the proposed resolution as they are bound by the non-partisan makeup of the Town Charter.
National Volunteer Day:Â suitable tasks discussed included SSL hours to school children for work around Town; Resident doing cleanup work along the Mill Race Path.
Trees:Â Tree-Mendous Maryland is offering trees for fall plantings. Commissioners will decide on quantity, species, and location of trees to be purchased.
The large tree in front of the Academy needs to be pruned.
Academy Report:Â Academy Manager phoned in: Rentals are down with 2 cancellations.
Will rent table at Olney Community Night Oct. 7th at Longwood to showcase the Academy and donate an Academy rental for the Silent Auction.
Holiday Party: December 5th, 2009 has been set for the Town’s Annual Holiday Party.
Open Discussion:
Status of Donna Will’s was brought up and it was discussed that a contract between the Town and Ms. Will’s was not being pursued due to cost.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Cate McDonald
Town Clerk