Town Commissioners

APPROVED 11/18/19 MINUTES COMMISSIONERS OF POOLESVILLE November 4, 2019 CALL TO ORDER: President Klobukowski called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. All commissioners were in attendance, as well as Town Engineer Strong, Town Attorney Gullo, and Town Clerk Evans. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Klobukowski led the Pledge of Allegiance. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Commissioner Radigan announced a meeting he attended in which the subject of potential naming of places/streets in Town for historical members of the African American community was raised. Commissioner Cook announced she and President Klobukowski would be testifying before the Board of Education. President Klobukowski announced the upcoming work session on November 16, 2019 regarding the structuring of an economic development committee. He also announced several other meetings he attended and represented Poolesville. President Klobukowski also announced he appointed Lexie Huber to the Sustainable Poolesville Committee. OPEN FORUM: Jane Lehrman spoke regarding funding for school construction funding and the issues facing the financing from the County and the State. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Dickerson moved to approve the minutes of October 21, 2019. Seconded by Commissioner Radigan. Motion carried 5-0. NEW BUSINESS: Heritage Montgomery – Opportunities for Agritourism Sarah Rogers, Executive Director of Heritage Montgomery outlined the activities and partners of her organizations. One specifically is the Canal Town’s group – (C&O Canal). She outlined the benefits of joining the group and opportunities stemming therefrom. She also discussed cycling and its benefit to the community and how it relates to the Canal Towns. Poolesville is not a member but could easily join with the completion of an application and paying the nominal fee. Naming Bandshell Uncommon Dinner Auction Item Ms. Evans stated that the naming of the Band Shell for a year was auctioned off. The Willard Family won it and requests the name be “The Wade Yost Band Shell sponsored by the Willard Family”. Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Cook seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Live Streaming Meetings Commissioner Cook discussed the subject that meetings should be “videotaped” (livestreaming, etc.), and that allowing it will allow more citizen engagement. Her discussion at MML Conferences indicated Poolesville is in the minority in not doing this. She believes this gives more opportunity for transparency and accountability. Commissioner Radigan believes it is time to look at this so that more people can be engaged in government. Commissioner Dickerson agrees with this concept. Town Attorney Gullo gave opinions regarding the proposal. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner Brown suggested that it be discussed at budget time to address the expenditures etc. The Commissioner agreed to do so. WWTP LED Lighting Budget Amendment President Klobukowski discussed the cost of changing the lighting at the WWTP. He outlined the budget line item and the cost share that will happen with Potomac Edison. There is a $5,000 carry-over from last year. A new appropriation from unrestricted funds of $191.40 is needed. Motion made by Commissioner Radigan, seconded by Commissioner Brown. Motion carried 5-0. OLD BUSINESS Poolesville High School Post Prom Request Sheryl Rosenberg and Jack Rosenberg were present to discuss the post-prom activity for PHS. In recent years past it has not had much participation or success, however in more distant years it was a very successful event. Accordingly, a post-prom program is being planned for this year. In year’s past the Town donated as part of its budget. Recently this line item was cut from the budget. Ms. Rosenberg requested that an appropriation be made to assist in making the program a success by keeping the kids off the road and safe. Funding raising is underway. The current principal at PHS wants the event to happen at PHS. In the past the Town’s donation has paid for bus transportation. Jack Rosenberg gave the student/participant perspective. The Commissioners were open to supporting this project and will await further input. Road Transfer Agreement President Klobukowski gave an update on the SHA Transfer Agreement. SHA could not find the executed copy of the Agreement the Town sent to SHA. He informed the Commissioners that a replacement agreement is being executed. Update on Town Manager Search There were 33 applicants. The search firm narrowed it to 15. President Klobukowski stated that he, Wade Yost and the search firm will narrow the number down to 6 which will be interviewed by the entire Board. Commissioner Dickerson and Cook did not recall the process being this. Commissioners Brown wants to see the search firms unfiltered results and any local candidates. Commissioner Radigan stated his recall was that the search firm was to narrow it down, on his own, and present it. The rest of the Commissioners agreed. The issue of Wade’s involvement was discussed. It was agreed that the search firm and Wade Yost will examine all the 15 existing candidates and select the best to be interviewed by the Commissioners. TOWN ENGINEER REPORT The Town Engineer gave a report on the pending project: Lagoon Wier; WWTP Denitrification permits; Fire Marshall and Jamison regarding R-O-W; reviewed Oxley Farm Pump Station; Maryland Natural Resources; WWTP grant for construction; GIS; Willard Stream Restoration; Preliminary Plan for Hartz review; Beaulieu preliminary plan is coming; I & I flow monitoring; analysis; Well #11 construction coordination; Westerly Grove construction and Brightwell construction. COMMITTEE REPORTS: PLANNING COMMISSION Commissioner Radigan stated the next meeting is 11/13/19. PARKS BOARD Commissioner Cook stated the next meeting is 11/6/19. She also informed the group about investigation into standard bike racks with the Poolesville name on it. EVENTS COMMITTEE Commissioner Dickerson gave the dates of upcoming events. There is a possibility of a Poolesville History Day in 2020. She also gave an overview of the past event recognizing a project to memorial racial lynching -one of which occurred in Poolesville in 1880. SCHOOL LIAISON President Klobukowski gave an update on his activities. FAIR ACCESS Commissioner Brown gave an update on the activities and plans for the next few months. The meeting is 11/12/19. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn by Commissioner Radigan and seconded by Commissioner Brown. Motion passed 5-0.