MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

February 24, 2010

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, February 24, 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, CPL David Keller, Code Enforcement Officer Andy Dewese, Scott Hancock of MML, Tim Ailsworth of LGIT, approximately 16 citizens, Courtney Pomeroy of the Gazette, and Ron Cassie 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. LGIT (LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE TRUST) AWARD – TOWN’S 20^TH ANNIVERSARY

Mr. Tim Ailsworth, new Executive Director of the Local Government Insurance Trust, along with Scott Hancock, Executive Director of the Maryland Municipal League, presented the Town with a 20^th Anniversary award. They reviewed the history of the insurance trust created 7/1/89 and noted that the Town was an original member in the creation of the trust to provide reasonable priced, comprehensive insurance coverage for local governments. They reviewed several of the benefits of being a member of the trust, including an Employer’s Hotline, Risk Management Training grants. Mr. Ailsworth informed commissioners that LGIT would be introducing a health insurance product on 7/1/2010. Burgess Whitmore accepted the award plaque.

3. PUBLIC HEARING ON WATER RATES

The rate schedule advertised and presented increases the base charge for 10,000 gallons to $50 for in-town and industrial usage and to $75 for out of town usage. It also increases each rate tier by 5% for each 1,000 gallons.

No public comments.

4. NIXLE PRESENTATION – TFC GEORGE AND STEVE KROON

TFC Ramona George and Mr. Steve Kroon from City of Frederick presented information on an information system Nixle. This free system provides municipalities the ability to send out alerts and messages to citizens through email or text messages on cell phones. Examples of uses include Amber alerts, snow removal updates, activities or emergencies of interest to citizens. TFC George and Ms. Rollins will explore the product further to determine feasibility for the Town.

5. AWARD MOWING CONTRACT

6. HFP REQUESTS FROM GVAA

Commissioners reviewed two requests from Glade Valley Athletic Association for projects at Heritage Farm Park. They are (1) construction of a 10’ x 14’ shed for the soccer program, and (2) construction of an additional T-Ball field to accommodate program expanded to 8-10 teams. Both projects were approved by the Parks Committee and funds to complete them will be provided by GVAA.

7. SUN MEADOW LETTERS OF CREDIT

Ms. Hauver reviewed K. Hovnanian Homes request to release the letter of credit for Sun Meadow stormwater management ponds 3 & 4. Staff recommends releasing the letter of credit in the amount of $257,499.65, which are contingency funds being held for improvements associated with the two stormwater management ponds within the development.

8. CONSTANT YIELD TAX RATE

Commissioners reviewed notification from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation that the Town’s constant yield tax rate is 0.1465 (14.65¢) per $100 of assessed real property value. The Town’s current tax rate is 15.6¢ per $100 of assessed value. To continue with the current tax rate the Town will be required to advertise a tax increase to citizens prior to adopting the rate.

9. POLICE REPORT

TFC Ramona George passed out the police statistical report for the month of January 2010. She introduced Cpl. David Keller, who is filling in for TFC Jim Ardinger until his knee gets better and he can return to duty as a Town Resident Trooper. Cpl. Keller presented a history of his life and activities to the Commissioners.

10. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

None mentioned.

12. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Donald Schildt noted a letter in the paper from Elaine Morthorst thanking the citizens for their support of the military care packages that she organized and sent to our soldiers.

Commissioner Schildt announced the success of the initial meeting of the Business and professional association that is starting in Walkersville.

Commissioner Schildt reminded commissioners of planning retirement party for Harold Roderuck.

Code Enforcement Officer Andy Dewese commented on the successful removal of cars from town streets, the cooperation of most citizens, and the hard work of the town staff working so many long hours to keep up with the snow removal. He offered KUDOS to all.

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.

Commissioner Russell Winch commented that he had contacted several of the HOAs and had received good reports on the good job snow plowing.

Commissioner Chad Weddle read a thank you letter from LCpl. Szymanski thanking the Town from Afghanistan for the care package.

Commissioners discussed their support of two bills in Annapolis: (1) regarding cooperation between the Towns and the County in water and sewer amendments, and (2) updates to the tax equity procedures between the Towns and the County. Commissioners supported the bills 4-1, with Commissioner Winch not supporting the water sewer amendment process.

Mr. Bob DePaola reported on the snow removal operations. Burgess Whitmore and Commissioner Eyler also commented on the outstanding work. Thanks went out to local farmers John Zimmerman and Gary Grossnickle for all their help during the snow catastrophy.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager