MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
January 10, 2007
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, January 10, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Jim Reid, Don Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Maryland State Police Resident Trooper Ramona George, 12 citizens, and 1 press. Commissioner Sam Eyler was absent due to recovery from surgery.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Jim Reid, to approve the Town Meeting minutes of December 13, 2006. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Ms. Rollins and Commissioner Weddle reviewed the letter received from Comcast, which constitutes the formal notification requirement for renewal of the franchise agreement October 6, 2009. Comcast sent the letter in order to meet the 3-year notification required. Staff was directed to respond to the letter and acknowledge its receipt.
3. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Pastor Antonio Love whose congregation meets at the Walkersville Rescue Company 24 building, asked how to get permission to put up his church’s sign on the organizational board on Frederick Street. Commissioners granted permission to do so and told him to "just put it up." He will install the sign himself without infringing on any other signs.
Clara Winch, owner of 55 Maple Avenue, requested 3 spaces on Maple Avenue be designated as parking for the business only. This is a request for a substitution of on-street parking for off-street parking, which is unavailable at the property.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to grant 3 designated spaces on Maple Avenue as a substitution for off-street parking for the Winch business. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
4. BOARD OF APPEALS TERMS AND APPOINTMENTS
Ms. Susan Hauver noted that terms for the Planning Commission are 5 years, terms for the Board of Appeals are 3 years, and terms for Parks Committee are 2 years. We have been incorrectly calculating the terms for the Board of Appeals, as we thought they were also 5 years terms.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to reappoint David Haller to a 3-year term to the Board of Appeals effective tonight, January 10, 2007. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Ms. Hauver reviewed the Planning Commission recommended text amendment to Section 88-57, to allow additions to project in the rear yard under specific conditions. Public hearings will be scheduled prior to passing the ordinance, which must be complete by March 28, 2007.
Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Jim Reid, to introduce Ordinance 2007-01 to amend §88-57 to allow additions to project in the rear yard under specific conditions. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
7. NEW RESIDENT TROOPER AND POLICE REPORTS
Trooper Ramona George was introduced as Trooper Eric Funk’s replacement. Eric was promoted and moved to another barrack. TFC George went over stats reported for the month of December as follows: Traffic Enforcement Activities - 17 Citations, 60 warnings, 0 SERO, 0 DUI, 3 accidents investigated, 3 accidents charged, 1 criminal arrest for domestic assault. Incident Reports included 4 Thefts, 2 assaults, including 1 domestic assault, 1 sex offense, 4 malicious destruction of property, and 1 suspicious person. Community policing and crime prevention activities included foot patrol at Walkers Village Way and business contacts in town.
Burgess Whitmore asked if, in the future, all Walkersville police activity statistics could be provided, regardless of whether handled by a resident trooper or a barrack trooper. TFC George will let us know how these reports can be included.
8. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Commissioner Schildt noted once again that the light is out at Memorial Park. Staff will investigate alternative fixtures to locate one that remains lighted for reasonable amounts of time and alleviates the need for constant complaints by veterans.
Commissioner Reid presented a request from a resident on Dublin Road regarding legality of junk cars and barn debris. The subject property is in Frederick County and not within the town limits.
Burgess Whitmore notified commissioners that he and Attorney David Severn, and town staff met with the new purchasers of the Rotorex property to discuss annexation information. General information and ideas were exchanged regarding the procedures required if they are interested in becoming a part of the town and being provided with water and other town services.
Burgess Whitmore notified commissioners that he and town staff had met with the new contract purchasers of the shopping center. General information was discussed about their plans for renovating the shopping center, the Safeway expansion with gasoline station, time tables and text amendments which may be needed to meet town requirements.
Burgess Whitmore asked commissioners to reconsider their direction not to sign the municipal wellhead protection ordinance with Frederick County. He stated that while it’s not completely effective, it is a beginning towards working on a stronger agreement.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Jim Reid, to reverse previous decision not to participate in the municipal wellhead protection ordinance and authorize Burgess Whitmore to sign the document at the next County/Municipal meeting. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Don Schildt opposed.
Ms. Hauver notified commissioners that she and Ms. Rollins would be attending a Maryland State Planning informational meeting regarding the new annexation rules.
Steve Weakley of Colony Village HOA, introduced himself, noted that he had met Commissioner Chad Weddle, the commissioner liaison, and outlined improvements the HOA has made.
Burgess Whitmore announced, in answer to questions as to why the cemetery board had removed pine and cedar trees from along Glade Road, that those types of trees stain the headstones. The Cemetery board will be replacing the trees with memorial trees, which folks can purchase, of a more appropriate species that will not damage the markers.
Russell Winch, local cub scout leader, reiterated that the scouts are still looking for community service projects. Staff will compile a list of age appropriate projects for the scouts, such as tree and flower planting, trash pickup, and snow shoveling for elderly people who cannot do their own.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager