Wade Yost

The economic development plan for the Town of Poolesville focuses on promoting economic vitality, supporting local businesses, and creating local jobs to ensure a high quality of life for residents. Key strategies include preserving the small-town character of the Town Center, supporting the reopening of White's Ferry, and working with regional agencies to enhance job opportunities and access to quality education and training. The plan also emphasizes leveraging cultural assets, tourism, and recreation to diversify and strengthen the town's economic base.

The committee discussed solar panel legislation. The committee is planning a Poolesville Day breakfast and will invite the Izaak Walton League and the Montgomery Farm Bureau. The committee will send a letter in August to key agencies in the County and the Council regarding their priorities for the next fiscal year budget.

The meeting included discussions on Parks and Recreation, a speed study, an Eagle Scout bench project, a youth fishing tournament, a skatepark dedication ceremony, an art wall, and pickle ball court painting. There were reports on a Planning Meeting, a variance request, a townhome concept plan, and the water allocation policy. The need for farming photos and ways to honor the farming community were discussed. Updates were provided on the pool bubble, a dedication ceremony, and a grocery co-op. Public comments addressed issues with a fireworks event, U-Haul signs, and power outages. A grant request was presented, and the Commissioners requested additional financial information. A bond report was presented, and a motion was made to approve a reduction. The Commissioners discussed classes, activities, and events that they attended at the annual conference. Staff continue to work on the streetscape project. The Whalen Electrical project is underway. The State budget has earmarked funds for wells and the Westerly waterline project. The Town ranked high on the PFAS priority project list.

The Commissioners of Poolesville discussed a grant request from Poolesville Cats INC, an appointment to the Sustainable Poolesville Committee, the FY2025 budget close-out, and the Town Manager's report. The meeting also involved commissioner announcements, committee reports, and a public comment session.

The committee discussed the pool bubble project and community center, focusing on securing funding in the FY27 budget. They contacted the Rec Department and the Office of Facilities Management to gather information and explore options for moving the projects forward. Updates were provided on potential openings on the UCAB and the MCPS boundary study options at Northwest High School. Planning for the Poolesville Day Breakfast was discussed, with a focus on highlighting the need for the pool bubble and community center in the FY27 budget. The committee also considered a panel on inequities, focusing on transportation, senior programming, mental health resources, and year-round pool facilities. Farmer and farming appreciation at the breakfast and Poolesville Day was also discussed.