September 8, 2008
8:00 p.m.
Commissioner President Michael Acierno, Commissioner Robert Heritage, Town Clerk Cate McDonald, Academy Manager Andrea Scanlon, Treasurer Susan Johnson. Commissioner Katherine Farquhar was away. Present during all or portions of the meeting were Gazette Reporter Terri Hogan, Fred Teal, and Craig Zucker
Comptroller of Maryland report: Deputy Chief of Staff Craig Zucker presented a Proclamation from the Comptroller recognizing the Town’s Bicentennial of Incorporation. Advised that Town will receive $ 9,756.40 State Highway use funds, approximately 2.4% less for FY 09-10 as State has less funds this fiscal year. Zucker reported that Brookeville Bypass is on the bottom of the Counties road priority list hence not on the States priority list. Suggested working with our State Delegation to get priority; suggested we invite Maryland Secretary of Transportaion to visit Brookeville to see why the Bypass is needed.
BEAC:Â Fred Teal gave the Commissioners minutes from all the BEAC meetings; Fred Teal is the only remaining member of BEAC. Commissioners advised they will look for ways to restructure the BEAC and gave their sincere gratitude to Fred Teal for all his hard work. Mr. Teal outlined the renewable energy options with cost comparisons and environmental impact for the Commissioners to review. Mr. Teal advised he will be available for consultations regarding Green Energy options.
Community Speaker: Town Clerk will engage a speaker to help educate residents on energy and environmental related issues for the month October.
Street Lights:Â Town Clerk will request Pepco to replace street lights with energy-saving, high-pressure sodium fixtures. Light sensors on existing fixtures will be repaired / replaced.
Minutes:Â The August 2008 Commissioners Meeting minutes were approved.
Financial Report:Â The August financial report was reviewed.
MML meeting: Commissioners Acierno and Farquhar represented Brookeville at the August MML Montgomery County Chapter meeting. Asst. Secretary of Maryland’s Dept. of Transportation was the featured guest and reported that the State is working on traffic light sync program. Commissioners discussed if Georgia Avenue is a designated evacuation route and the need for the Brookeville Bypass. Next MML Chapter meeting is Sept. 25 in Kensington.
Traffic Enforcement:Â Commissioners received a letter from Montgomery County Chief of Police Thomas Manger regarding traffic along High and Market Streets; advised speed enforcement cameras not an option on one lane roads but will work with SHA to improve pedestrian safety and increase speed enforcement.
Schoolhouse:Â Town will consult with Walter Blank regarding repairs to the one room schoolhouse.
2008 Community Night: Town will not participate in OCC Community Night on Oct. 2nd but will in 2009.
Academy Update: downstairs thermostat repaired resolving the AC issue; Trane AC unit has been evaluated and should last several more years. Academy Manager outlined bids from 2 contractors regarding the current heating system and proposed replacing the non working furnace with a similar model with a stainless steel heat exchanger that will be more energy efficient, providing heat this winter: cost approx. $7,000; flue may need to be replaced as it was partly to blame for current furnace malfunction: cost approx. $5,000. Academy Manager still working with bidding contractors to determine the most cost effective, energy efficient way to replace furnace.
New rental rates will go into effect September 15th.
Wireless router will be ordered and installed at the Academy
Market Street: repairs to Eastern Market Street were performed; speed bumps need to be repainted and possibly redone.
Arborist: Town Clerk working to engage the service of Arborist Phil Normandy
Fallen Tree: a tree fell recently from South Street onto the back lawn of the Academy. Fallen tree determined not to be impeding pedestrian or motor traffic and will remain in its natural resting spot.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Cate McDonald
Town Clerk