February 2011

By PAT ROCKINBERG, Mayor of Mt. Airy
As published Feb. 16, 2011

Budget Preparation: We are working on several budget issues, including one of the most critical - police protection. Last year, we were able to hold off on any increase in our state police cost, but the state is anticipating a substantial increase for next year.

While we will be in discussion with the state on this issue, we are, as a result of possible large cost increases, exploring options, which include looking at other service providers - including county sheriffs.

I-70 Annexation: For a variety of reasons, the I-70 Annexation is no longer under town council consideration. Our neighbors who live south of I-70 have fought to prevent large scale commercial development, and to maintain conservation zoning on our southern borders, for the past 10 years.

Commercial development just outside of town is not seen as something that benefits the town - as we receive none of the revenue from the commercial development, but get much of the cost, including traffic. Preserving the area against such development is something preferred by the majority of town residents, as well as those persons living on those 600 acres.

As part of their effort, they have reportedly spent over $100,000. In this annexation petition, most would agree we all gained valuable information regarding the option of bringing them within our borders to preserve this area.

While we're unable to resolve all the issues, it should not be forgotten this was not an annexation process related to land development, but an annexation seeking to preserve a community from development - therefore without any expectation of profit.

There are some final details regarding the final costs to be charged to the petitioners, which the Council must decide. Hopefully this last issue will be resolved in the near future, and we can move on as a community.

Communication/ Emergency Preparedness: We are completing the Nixle Communication registration process and ironing out some final details. The good news is we – the town – will have control over all notifications. This gives us the ability to limit notifications to include important issues, and to give you the ability to choose categories important to you.

Once this is finalized, we will implement the system and inform citizens how they can sign up for this service. Additionally, Carroll County Media Center will now stream our Town Council Meetings live. This will allow those without Carroll County Cable to view our meetings via the Internet at carollmediacenter.org/streaming. Look for the link "web-cast".

We are also working with Carroll County to bring WEB EOC to our town. This tool will allow us real time communication with emergency responders and other resources in the event of a large scale emergency situation impacting the town.

As a reminder, residents are responsible for clearing their sidewalks within 24 hours of a snow fall. This not only helps keep our pedestrians safe, but allows our children to safely get to their bus stops. I'd like to thank those in the community who chip in to clear out the bus stops which are frequently plowed in when streets are cleared.

We appreciate those who give this extra effort. Also, to help protect you and your neighbors, the town asks those with a fire hydrant in their yard to please keep them clear of snow, in case they are needed.

When they are needed to put a fire out, but covered with snow, fire and rescue workers are delayed in locating the hydrants - and in a fire emergency, seconds count. Having the hydrants clear can make a huge difference when they're needed. This will save fire fighters much time in finding the hydrants in snow, as well as clearing the snow off of the hydrants once they do find them.

Staff Appreciation: In addition to the many volunteers, Mt. Airy is fortunate to have a dedicated staff. Many work behind the scenes and are not known to the thousands of residents they serve.

I intend to highlight one of these dedicated employees each month to allow the community to better understand how things are accomplished and who is accomplishing them.

Tom Roberson was hired in July 1989 to run the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). In 1998, he also achieved water certification and took over operations of all water treatment plants.

During his 22 years with the town, he has overseen two major upgrades at the WWTP. The town has in that time gone from two water treatment plants to five.

Tom lives with his wife Pat in Jefferson, and has two grown children, Michael and Jessica, as well as two step children, Merri and Stacey, and five grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with family and friends.

The next time you see Tom, please take a moment to say hi and thank him for his 21 plus years of dedicated service.

Mayor's Community Forums: Last week's forum was cancelled, due to weather and illness. The next forum will be held Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to drop by town hall on Main Street and discuss any town related items. Town Council members are also invited to attend.

The setting is comfortable and informal. Grab a cup of coffee and stop by!

Volunteer Opportunities: Please visit our town website, mountairymd.org, for a list of volunteer opportunities, and let me know if anyone is interested in serving on a task force or commission. You can call Town Hall at 301-829-1424 or email me directly at prockinberg@gmail.com as well.