MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
February 23, 2005
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Joe Magluilo, Chad Weddle, Donald Schildt, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Maryland State Police Resident Trooper Eric Funk, 8 citizens, and 1 press.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to approve all three (3) sets of minutes, the regular town and Closed Legal and Personnel meeting minutes of February 9, 2005 and the Special Annexation Meeting minutes of February 16, 2005. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
2. RESOLUTION 2005-01 HONORING JOHN C. NICODEMUS
Commissioner Weddle read the resolution honoring the accomplishment of John Nicodemus, in being named State Teacher of the Year. The Burgess and Commissioners each congratulated and spoke of their special acquaintance with John. Everyone joined in for refreshments after the presentation.
3. RESOLUTION 2005-02 TO ADOPT FREDERICK COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
Ms. Rollins summarized the process for the development of the county’s hazard mitigation plan. A team of representatives from the county and the municipalities, guided by a consultant, met multiple times to develop and prepare the plan. All who participated and adopt the plan will be covered for Federal funding should a natural disaster strike.
Commissioner Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Weddle, to adopt Resolution 2005-02, the Frederick County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
4. CONSIDERATION OF TAX CREDIT FOR VACANT COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development asked the town to review the County Commissioners’ proposed ordinance to create a vacant commercial structures property tax credit. They are interested in knowing if the town would consider such a credit within the town for vacant commercial structures. The Commissioners directed that the issue be sent to the Planning and Zoning Commission and tabled for a future Town Meeting.
5. SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUIRED FOR CAMPING AT THE WATERSHED
Susan notified the commissioners of information she received regarding camping at the watershed. As the watershed is located in the county, it must comply with zoning requirements in the county. To allow camping at the watershed, a special exception will need to be granted. The town will proceed with the application process to obtain the exception from the Frederick County Board of Appeals.
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, to award the roof replacement contract with Alternative #1 to the low bidder, Cole Roofing, in the amount of $90,297. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
7. WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT FULTON AVENUE/PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Magluilo, to award the water line replacement contract to the RK&K recommended contractor, Gabe Services, Inc. in the amount of $455,046. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Commissioner Schildt reminded everyone that Sun Meadow falls under the APFO as of 1/1/06.
Commissioner Zimmerman thanked all staff for their hard work during the snow storms, fire hydrant repairs, and sinkhole repairs.
Ms. Rollins reviewed the 2005 Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit forms that senior citizens in need can use to get a reduction in their property taxes.
Ms. Rollins reviewed the letter received from Colonel Tim Hutchins in response to the town’s request to keep Sgt. Al Butler as a resident trooper after his promotion.
Burgess Whitmore discussed the engraving for the Viet Nam veterans’ memorial. After discussion with the citizens present, it was decided to omit the word "war" from the list. Town staff will review the list and select some appropriate wording.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Sincerely,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager