December 2007

By Frank M. Johnson, Mayor of Mt. Airy
As published Dec. 5, 2007

Many thanks to the Messenger for including this report, and Happy Holidays to everyone.

1. Budget Planning. The next fiscal year may be seven months away, but planning is beginning now for the new year. In the budget adopted for this year, new priorities included funding for water conservation efforts, parks, land for recreation, speed control and emergency services. Certainly those priorities will, under the five year plan, be continued, but a new budget year brings an opportunity to consider new priorities.

The long range budget projected a focus on police protection and recycling, in addition to continuing the commitment to parks, recreation, emergency services overall and water conservation. In addition, keeping our tax rate and water rates (at least for average users) low is a goal reflected throughout the five year forecast of the budget.

2. Cable Television Update. As noted last month, Comcast is considering combining the Town of Mt. Airy under the Carroll County franchise. If the town were to take no action, this could mean that all public, educational and governmental channels for Frederick County cable franchise customers would be lost.

Since last month, the town has hired counsel with specialized expertise in cable franchising, and has made it clear to Comcast that we will take steps to protect these channels. Currently, the town is working with Comcast and the Carroll Cable Regulatory Commission on possible solutions that could preserve these public channels.

3. Neighborhood and Community Concerns. Over the last several months, the town has addressed a handful of serious community concerns – including noise, zoning, traffic, trespass, sewer system issues and the like. In each case, we have attempted to address citizen concerns as quickly as possible, but also in a way that allows for open, public comment and involvement.

While no problem can be resolved in a way that always satisfies everyone’s concerns, the town’s main goal has been to protect the quality of life of its citizens, maximize opportunities to solve problems by working together, and where that hasn’t been possible, to ensure citizens and those affected have a right to be heard.

4. The Downtown Recovery. After three months, the businesses displaced by the fire, except for the two restaurants, have reopened in temporary quarters behind the old Train Station on Main Street. Both of the destroyed buildings have received conditional approval, and reconstruction is beginning. With all of the existing businesses still on Main Street as well as those who have reopened, the fact is that Main Street has much to offer.

There are also expanded new efforts by many shops to provide food service and dining. We all hope you will support Mt. Airy by shopping downtown, not only during Christmas but throughout the year.

We also want to thank many of the entities who have worked to begin our recovery – including the Greater Mt. Airy Chamber of Commerce, Mt. Airy Main Street Association, Carroll County Commissioners and the State of Maryland, especially the Office of Community Initiatives and Department of Housing and Community Development.

5. Water Development and Conservation. Both of these efforts are continuing. The town is currently taking further steps to develop at least one promising well in the Gillis Falls conservation area, and will be working with the state in serving as a pilot program for water conservation efforts. In addition, water conservation items are available at town hall – free for town residents.

6. Commission memberships. Few may be planning to volunteer for town service during the holidays, but a New Year’s resolution could be to find new ways to serve the community. Those interested in serving on a commission should contact me at frankmjohnson@verizon.net, or town hall at mtairy2@comcast.net or 301-829-1424. Several commissions have vacancies.

Thanks to everyone for reading and have a happy holiday season!