January 2008

By FRANK M. JOHNSON, Mayor, Town of Mt. Airy
As published Jan. 16, 2008

I again thank the Messenger for including this report.

1. Cable Update. Comcast continues to plan to combine the town under the Carroll County franchise, but after much discussion with the town, has tentatively agreed to provide all public, educational and governmental channels for Frederick and Carroll counties to everyone. If this is the final agreement we reach, it will allow some public channels to be provided as digital rather than the traditional analog channels. That would require customers to receive basic digital service, but Comcast’s pricing will ensure that there is no additional cost for basic digital or if needed, a cable box.

If the details are worked out, the changes could come to the cable lineup as soon as February. In addition, Frederick County customers would expect to see a significant increase of channels and services as part of the changes will be a major upgrade to the broadcasting facilities.

2. Land Acquisition. Most agree that more parks are needed, not only for more ballfields, but for walking trails, other activities, and to preserve natural areas. That requires more land, and many believe this is a good time for the town to be in the market. At the same time, land acquisition involves a number of steps.

Under the town’s policy, appraisals as well as evaluations of potential uses of any land must be carefully considered. Citizen involvement and feedback will be very important throughout this process. Costs for acquisition as well as development must be weighed, and for land outside of the town borders, county zoning rules also have to be considered.

No matter what the final decisions, or which land might be considered, all would agree that we need to do it right - to follow the right processes to ensure wise investments.

3. Fire Code Review. Mt. Airy’s history, in the distant past and more recently as well, is defined largely by fire. Within the last 13 months, the town has suffered two major fires – the Twin Arch Crossing townhouse fire in December 2006, and the Sept. 2 downtown fires. No lives were lost, and property damage could have been far worse. Even so, we should try to learn from what has happened, and consider whether any changes to our fire protection codes might be called for.

The Fire Code Review Task Force is making a comprehensive review of the town’s fire codes, and expects to propose some new rules that will better protect all of us.

4. Next Year’s Budget. Discussions about the upcoming budget will be ongoing until May, when the town hopes to adopt the Fiscal Year 2009 budget. Budgets are about priorities, since not every need or desire can be met. Key priorities include adding new wells to the town’s water system, and the five-year plan also calls for additional police protection in the coming year. Acquiring more land for parks is also a continuing priority.

We hope to continue supporting initiatives begun in the last budget year – including water conservation, neighborhood speed control, emergency services, park development and capital planning. Elected officials are agreed that keeping our property tax rate low is a key priority. The five year budget not only adopts that policy, but also projected keeping water rates for average users low (which increasing them for progressively higher water users).

5. Water Conservation. Water conservation makes sense. We can, without changing our lifestyles, significantly reduce the amount of water we use by using water saving appliances. After running out of several water conservation items, we have replenished our stock. Faucet aerators, shower heads, tank banks for toilets and other items are available for free at town Hall for town residents.

6. Commission memberships. Several openings are available. Those interested should contact me at frankmjohnson@verizon.net, or town Hall at mtairy2@comcast.net or 301-829-1424.