Montgomery News

Town of Barnesville Commissioners met March 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commissioners:

• Meeting called to order at 7:30

• 18 people were present

• January meeting minutes were presented and approved. The February meeting was the town dinner. A brief meeting was held but no minutes were taken.

• Financial Review – The town received approximately $16,000 from speed camera income, which was put into the Miscellaneous income account. As we were told from the County that we would no longer receive any additional speed camera income because of the new formula in place, the Commissioners will follow up to determine whether income will continue in the future.

Reports:

Beautification: Lisa Hilton presented the Beautification Committee report. She is looking for additional people to serve on the committee. The Beautification/Green Committee are working together to sponsor a Town Cleanup on Earth Day, April 22 from 1 to 4. Volunteers will spruce up and mulch the beds on the 4 main areas around the town signs. Lisa has asked LAND for safety vests. The town has some for volunteers to use. The Hiltons will provide their cart/buggy. The town will provide refreshments, trash bags and gloves. Volunteers also will clean out gutters on the side of roads so they drain properly. Lisa will get the mulch and submit bill for reimbursement.

Alternative Energy/Green: Lauren Greenberger, Jane Thompson, Joyce Bailey and Commissioner Morris are working on energy awareness and environmental conservation. Commissioner Morris clarified paper recycling. If people are interested in large bins, we are exploring purchasing at bulk rate or through the county. Interested residents should let Commissioner Morris know.

Lauren Greenberger presented a proposal for the town to register to become a Community Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. The cost would be for $90. The town and a certain percentage of homeowners would also have to get their yards certified at a cost of $20 per home. The NWF will provide outreach and educate residents in sustainable gardening and creating environments for wildlife. Commissioner Morris stated we should reach out to the residents to determine how many would be interested. Others mentioned that monitoring the condition of the spring waters in town should be included, and a suggestion was made that perhaps the springs could be monitored with possible involvement of the Global Ecology program.

Board of Appeals: Nothing to report.

Capital Improvements: Mayor Callear reported the County approved the sidewalks using the alternative material proposed by the arborist hired by the town. The County, town consultant, and arborist are scheduled to meet on Thursday at 11 at the Baptist Church to discuss the alternative material. The County anticipates the sidewalk will be done this summer. The Town will then move on to the next phase of the sidewalk project.

Traffic Calming/Safety: Jim Brown, the committee chair, was unable to attend the meeting tonight. Mayor Callear reported that Street Hawk continues to patrol regularly. They have given over 300 speeding tickets -¬‐-¬‐ many at significant speeds. The accumulated data obtained is provided to the county. The State Highway Association approved the request for a three way stop sign at the intersection of 109 and Barnesville Rd at the antique shop because of several safety incidents involving a student almost being hit while trying to board her school bus and a utility pole being hit by a speeding driver. The SHA also approved a three way stop sign at the intersection of Rte 109 and Barnesville Road at the Town Hall. A number of residents were concerned about backups caused by the stop signs. The Commissioners indicated that they would contact the SHA to try and schedule a Q and A session during which the State could provide information to town residents.

Planning and Zoning: Meg Menke provided background information on the purchase of one of the Heitmuller/Pritchard properties by a church. A church is a permitted used according to the zoning ordinance. However, the subdivision plan places additional restrictions on the footprint of the design, requiring town review for any plan that differs from the approved subdivision plan.

Permits and Applications: The Commissioners are reviewing the town hall rental policy so that it reflects current usage. The security deposit required does not cover the cost of cleaning the hall, should that be necessary. Typically, Town hall renters leave the hall in satisfactory condition and the security deposit is returned. Other items to be reviewed include waiving the fee for civic or governmental functions open to everyone. Residents were asked to review the town hall policy and provide comments to Commissioner Larisch.

Town Clerk Position: The Town Commissioners have performed the town clerk duties for several months. They will consider the applications received.

Maryland Municipal League. The Commissioners have attended the majority of the Montgomery Chapter meetings. Commissioner Larisch informed the town of two items: 1) Commissioner Larisch will research to determine if residents are duplicating tax payments for services offered and 2) the Maryland State Legislature is expected to pass a law protecting resident email addresses from distribution.

Donations: The Commissioners voted to approve donations to the Baptist Church and St. Mary’s at levels previously provided.

New Business:

Commissioner Larisch reminded residents to indicate Barnesville on Page 1 of the Maryland personal income tax form. The 4 digit Political Subdivision Code is 1601. This does not increase anyone’s taxes – it just ensures that Barnesville gets its share of taxes paid.

The importance of keeping the sidewalks in front of your homes weeded was discussed. Mayor Callear stated the town will also hire someone to keep the sidewalk areas clean.

The Commissioners noted that they met with a representative of the County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Office to provide input into the County’s Hazard Mitigration Plan.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50.

http://www.barnesvillemd.org/business/minutes/March%2019,%202018%20Meeting%20Minutes%20.pdf