MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
February 8, 2006
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, February 8, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Joe Magluilo, Donald 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, 8 citizens and 1 press.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Magluilo, to approve the minutes from the January 25, 2006 regular town meeting. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman abstaining.
2. HERITAGE FARM PARK EQUESTRIAN RING RELOCATION
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman went over the 5-year park plan and the Parks committee’s desire to move the equestrian riding ring to another area of the park, preferably to the left of the manor house. She noted that there has been no noticeable activity at the ring for several years. There has been no response to her letters requesting a status report from the Heritage Equestrian Association. The area is centrally located and could provide needed parking to the adjacent athletic fields. The Burgess and Commissioners recommended giving the Heritage Equestrian Association 6 months notice as per the License Agreement with the group. It was agreed that if no response is received, the ring would be dismantled after 30 days, in order to proceed with park plans.
3. CITIZENS QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Ruth Posable stated that she noticed in the town minutes discussions of the sign for Calvary Assembly of God. She asked if it had been considered that the animated sign along Rt. 194 would be a distraction to motorists. Commissioner Weddle explained the sign approval process and noted that the traffic had been a consideration in the decision.
Josh Creager, 116 Savannah Court, from scout troop #1070, asked commissioners about the new library that he had heard was to be built. Burgess Whitmore explained that the Town has dedicated 2 acres of land on Glade Road for a new library site. Frederick County has the design of the library in the CIP for 2009 and construction in 2010.
Ms. Rollins reviewed the template letter received from CI Technologies, LLC. Commissioner Weddle and Ms. Rollins will work on drafting an acceptable version of the letter of agency for the project.
5. FEMA DRAFT FLOODPLAIN MAPS - INFORMATION
In November 2005, FEMA issued a floodplain map for Frederick County. The new map has changed the boundaries of the floodplain in the Creekside subdivision. There is a 90-day appeal process for the map, but notification to the homeowners did not occur until January, putting the residents 60 days into the appeal time. Mr. Bob Fletcher, of 205 Creek Walk Drive, explained the letters and the concerns of the residents. Commissioners agreed to direct staff to write letters to Senators Sarbanes and Mikulski re: the fairness of the 90-day notice period and request an extension of time to appeal.
6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Magluilo, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
7. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Commissioner Schildt would like someone to go to the Wellhead Protection meeting at the county, Tuesday, February 21, at 7:00 p.m. to bring up the issue of the Gray property not being required to hook up to the county sewer. There is an agreement from the past, that municipalities get to make comments on properties adjoining the town being developed. Our insistence that the properties be required to hook up to the county sewer fell on deaf ears and the owner was allowed to install 3 septic systems in the town’s wellhead area. Mr. DePaola will measure the distance for the sewer hookup from Fountainrock Manor to the Gray property.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to hold a closed legal meeting for the purpose of discussing town personnel. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Joe Magluilo opposed.
Commissioner Joe Magluilo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to advertise 3 open positions on the Parks Committee. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Susan reminded commissioners of a hearing Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at 2:00 for the Walkersville Region Plan.
Susan reminded commissioners of a hearing Tuesday, February 21, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. for the Wellhead Protection plan for the county.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager