MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
March 9, 2011
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Donald Schildt, Russell Winch, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, approximately 7 citizens, TFC Ramona George, and no reporters. Commissioner Weddle was absent due to Ash Wednesday services.
The meeting was called to order by Burgess Ralph Whitmore, with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Not another soul in the room was asked to offer prayers for the work of the town.
1. MINUTES
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to approve both the Town Meeting minutes and the Closed legal minutes of February 23, 2011. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
2. APPROVAL OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Ms. Rollins reviewed proposed hearing notice as directed by commissioners to hold a public hearing at the March 23rd meeting. The hearing will be for the purpose of discussing the future of 209 acres of farmland located at the Walker Farm at 8939 Woodsboro Pike.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to proceed and place the public hearing notice in the Frederick News-Post. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Donald Schildt in opposition.
3. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
4. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Burgess Whitmore discussed the constant yield tax rate and the fact the town may need to raise the tax rate above the constant yield. He directed staff to find out if advertising was required in order to raise the rate above the constant yield, even though the notice stated "EXEMPT" on it.
Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to advertise the town tax rate at 5˘ above the constant yield rate of 19.38˘ per $100 of assessed real estate value. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Per the Department of Assessments and Taxation, we are exempt from advertising a tax increase if the adopted tax rate is the constant yield rate or below. If consideration is given to adopting a rate above 19.38˘, it must be advertised.
Burgess Whitmore notified commissioners of 3 letters recently sent to the BOCC of Frederick County regarding the Walkersville sphere of influence being eliminated from the county APFO upon the rescission of the ordinance. He also sent a letter opposing the "Big Red Road" which is part of Frederick City’s comprehensive plan. He also sent a letter regarding the elimination of the tipping fee credits for the town’s semi-annual bulk trash collections.
Commissioner Winch asked commissioners to consider eliminating bulk trash collection due to budget constraints. The suggestion did not receive strong support amongst the commissioners.
Commissioner Donald Schildt asked if any information had been received regarding a pin for veterans. None had been received.
5. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
None
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager