MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

January 12, 2011

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, Russell Winch, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, TFC Dave Thompson, approximately 25 citizens, and Blair Ames of the Frederick News-Post.

The meeting was called to order by Burgess Ralph Whitmore, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Weddle offered a prayer to open the meeting and offered condolences to the family of Commissioner Eyler on the death of his sister.

1. MINUTES

2. UPDATE ON SKATEBOARDING

Tommy Morgan, of 212 Braeburn Drive, presented a request on behalf of local skateboard and biking enthusiasts, that the Burgess and Commissioners consider building a skateboard park in the Town of Walkersville. He reviewed several skate parks in Frederick and Carroll counties, presented the benefits of having a local skate park, and speculated on funding and costs for building a skate park. He also presented some drawings of prospective skate parks. He estimated 60-80K to put down a concrete slab and build moveable pieces for the skaters and bikers.

Mr. Roelkey Myers, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Frederick, presented an overview to the commissioners of Frederick City’s skate park. He noted that the City had spent 500K for an all concrete park with bowls and edges, etc. The park is staffed, fees are charged for in-city and out-of-city residents, helmet, knee and elbow pads are required. Discussion ensued about revenue generated, numbers of visits to the parks, expenses for the staff, liability insurance, and costs being too high to encourage participation. He noted they will be making some changes in their operations and recommended that if the town decides to go forward with a skate park, they should try modular boxes on a tennis court and see how it goes over. It would be better to test out the usage before investing lots of money in the facility. TFC Thompson commented that if run properly it could be good.

3. LETTER OF CREDIT FOR SUN MEADOW PHASE 4

Ms. Hauver reviewed the Forest Resource ordinance letter of credit for Sun meadow Phase 4. Frederick County inspector recommends that the letter of credit can now be released. Staff concurs.

4. FREDERICK CITY RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR WATER AGREEMENT

The Town has requested that Frederick City and Frederick County enter into a water agreement with the Town whereby the Town purchases water from the county and the water is delivered to the town by "wheeling" it through Frederick City’s water facility to a connection to be built at the Century Center property. The Town received Frederick City’s response to the request which outlines further information needed and possible improvements needed to the infrastructure. Burgess Whitmore noted that this concept is still in the very preliminary stages of development and no studies or engineering have yet been arranged.

5. REASSESSMENT UPDATE

Ms. Rollins reviewed the reduction in the Town’s assessable tax base, as a result of the recent lowering of property assessments. Information provided by the assessment office as of 1/5/2011 shows a reduction in the assessable tax base of $112,358,691 (from $655,057,687 to $542,698,996). This will result in a loss of $175,280 in property tax revenue should the Town continue with the current tax rate of 15.6¢ per $100 of assessed value.

6. CENSUS INFORMATION

Ms. Hauver reviewed census data based on the American Community Survey 2005-2009. The information can be accessed through the Town’s website. Commissioner Weddle noted that, based on the demographics of the town, there should be some services provided for his age group and there are none.

7. REMOVAL OF RIGHT TURN ONLY SIGN AT COMMERCE DRIVE

Commissioner Chad Weddle discussed the removal of the right-turn-only sign at Commerce Drive. He noted that the reason for its design is probably because the Planning Commission thought the entrance would be located straight across from the entrance to Glade Village. The right-turn-only would’ve been needed for safety had the entrances been more aligned. However, since they are not aligned, the feature is not needed and is quite a nuisance to people who need to turn left onto Frederick Street, as Commissioner Weddle does to return home after a trip to the bank. In order to prevent further non-compliance with the law, everyone felt it would be wise to remove the sign.

It is hoped that the property owner will have the sign removed.

8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

9. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Burgess Whitmore noted an invitation from the YMCA to attend a visioning breakfast at Dutch’s Daughter on January 28^th. He would like Ms. Rollins or Ms. Hauver and/or a commissioner to attend.

Burgess Whitmore recommended that the town sell the cubes of brick at the Walker Farm.

Burgess Whitmore noted that citizens did pretty well in the recent snow storm removing their vehicles from the streets. There were however, 3 offenders that he will notify.

Burgess Whitmore offered a clarification from a previous meeting that the park at Heritage Farm was not built for GVAA, it was built for youth sports.

10. POLICE REPORT

TFC Dave Thompson reviewed the police reports for the month of December 2010.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager