MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

January 27, 2010

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 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 Ramona George, approximately 7 citizens, Courtney Pomeroy of the Gazette, and Pam Rigaux of the Frederick News-Post.

The meeting was called to order by Burgess Ralph Whitmore, with the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting opened with a prayer by Commissioner Chad Weddle.

1. MINUTES

2. STREET SWEEPER DECISION

Burgess Whitmore reviewed costs of contracting the Town’s street sweeping operations. To date, in FY 2010 the Town has spent $4,675 having ServTech perform the street sweeping. Burgess Whitmore feels that their equipment does a better job than our current street sweeper. The cost would be approximately $80,000 to replace the equipment we currently have and $5,000 to repair the suction sweeper for cleaning storm drains.

3. DISCUSSION OF ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS

Commissioners discussed the possibility of implementing credit card service for convenience of the Town’s water customers. Ms. Rollins presented a proposal from PNC Merchant Services which had been reviewed by Burgess Whitmore. The general consensus was the costs outweighed the benefits to the Town.

4. WATER RATES – MORE INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS

Burgess Whitmore reviewed staff proposals on raising water rates to generate enough revenue to stay even with costs of running the water operations of the Town. Option 1 consists of a 25% increase in the minimum bill causing the In-town rate to increase from $40 to $50 per 6-month period and Out-of-town rate to increase from $60 to $75 per 6-month period. Option 1 would also add a 5% increase to each of the water usage tiers. The total impact of Option 1 could result in an annual increase in revenue of $88,374. Option 2 proposes a 50% increase to the minimum bill causing the In-town rate to increase to $60 per 6-month period and the Out-of-town rate to increase to $90 per 6-month period. Option 2 could result in an annual increase in revenue of $129,000.

5. NEW WATER BILLING SOFTWARE

Ms. Rollins notified commissioners that the current utility billing software purchased in 1996 was a DOS based system and would no longer be supported by DataWest Software company. In addition, the water utility administrative assistant’s computer is 7 years old and in need of replacement. The old software will not operate on the new computer equipment so new software is needed. The staff reviewed two proposals and endured demonstrations of various software. The staff liked the lower priced package from CUSI which costs $13,600 for software, conversion of data, and training.

6. FARMERS’ MARKET UPDATE

Ms. Rollins reviewed responses to the questionnaire sent to interested farmers and participants in past Walkersville Farmers’ Markets. Concerns regarding location, number of shoppers, numbers of vendors, and declining success of the market were discussed.

7. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Burgess Whitmore asked commissioners for clarification on hiring a new maintenance technician. At the previous meeting they had moved to advertise for the position but had not determined whether to hire for it or not.

Burgess Whitmore asked commissioners to stop by the office and review the applications for the position.

Burgess Whitmore announced that many residents are receiving a proposal to purchase maintenance coverage on the water connections to their homes. This is a scam that residents should avoid.

Burgess Whitmore asked for a new easel marker board to replace the paper tablet in the meeting room. Commissioners voted 5-0 to replace the current easel.

Burgess Whitmore announced the Municipal/County meeting for tomorrow, Thursday, January 14^th at 2:00 p.m. He asked that anyone who could attend and discuss the Town’s growth boundary to please do so.

Burgess Whitmore announced that from now on the newly purchased property located at 8939 Woodsboro Pike will be called the "Walker Farm".

Burgess Whitmore asked for a closed meeting to discuss annexation agreement.

Commissioner Donald Schildt announced that he has spoken with Mrs. Cartwright and the Memorial Day Remembrance honoring Charles Cartwright will be held on Monday, May 31^st, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Donald Schildt announced an invitation to the Emmitsburg Business/Professional Association on February 17^th. Doe Horsch will attend.

Commissioner Donald Schildt expressed his concern that the mowing contract documents included mowing of the new library site which is property that was deeded to Frederick County.

For Memorial Day, Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to allocate $2,000 for an appropriate memorial to be located at Memorial Park. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

Commissioner Russell Winch notified staff that there are no lights on the flag at Memorial Park. Mr. DePaola will handle.

Commissioner Russell Winch read a resolution proposing recognition and preservation of the historical significance and agricultural icon for the Walker Farm. The draft of the resolution will be discussed/revised and possibly adopted at a future meeting.

Ms. Rollins asked commissioners if they were interested in meeting a representative from LGIT at a local restaurant prior to the February 24^th Town meeting. It was decided that in the current economic times, commissioners would not accept an invitation to dinner.

9. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

None mentioned.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager