MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
January 14, 2009
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore who arrived later in the meeting, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Russell Winch, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, 8 citizens, Ron Cassie of the Frederick News-Post and Jeremy Hauck of the Gazette.
The meeting began with moments of silence in remembrance of Mr. Aquino, who perished in a house fire.
The meeting was then called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. MINUTES
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russ Winch, to approve both the Town meeting minutes and the Closed Legal minutes of December 10, 2008. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
2. REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to reappoint for another term of 5 years Mr. John Zimmerman and Mr. Phil Smith to the Planning Commission. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman abstaining (due to her relationship with one of the appointees).
Burgess Whitmore arrived at 7:35 p.m.
3. PROPOSED INSTITUTIONAL ZONING ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION OF ORD. 2009-01
Commissioner Chad Weddle reviewed proposed Ordinance 2009-01, which repeals Ordinance 2008-01. Ordinance 2009-01outlines the history and timeline of Ordinance 2008-01and its effect on special exceptions in various zoning districts. It explains the rational for taking certain special exceptions out of various zones in favor of putting those uses in an Institutional Zone. The repeal of Ordinance 2008-01 puts the previously removed uses back into the Town Code’s Chapter 88 Agricultural District.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to introduce Ordinance 2009-01, which repeals Ordinance 2008-01 and places 6 special exception uses, previously deleted from the Agricultural District, back into the code. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
The ordinance will now go to the Planning Commission for comment and review before a public hearing.
4. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russ Winch, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
5. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Wanda Heurich, representing Glade Towne, expressed her concern at the dark, unsafe conditions at the Walkersville Shopping Center. She notified commissioners that only 4 out of the 9 lights in the parking lot are lit. Mr. Tomarkio will be notified by the town code enforcement officer, and will be required to comply with the site plan lighting plan.
6. COMMISSIONERS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Commissioner Russell Winch announced that the Planning Commission has implemented a rigorous schedule for embarking on the Comprehensive Plan update.
The Planning Commission will be concentrating on the Comprehensive Plan on the 2nd Tuesday regular meeting of every month throughout the year.
Mr. DePaola notified commissioners that the crosswalk sign located in front of the McDonalds on Frederick Street has been destroyed AGAIN. Apparently some drivers just cannot miss hitting it as they drive on Frederick Street at 25 mph. He asked for guidance as to the fate of the marking of that crosswalk.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to replace the crosswalk sign yet again. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2, with Commissioners Don Schildt and Sam Eyler in opposition.
There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager