MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
March 10, 2004
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Joe Magluilo, Don Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Rollins, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, 6 citizens, and 1 press. The meeting commenced with moments of silent remembrance of former Mt. Airy Mayor Gerry Johnson, who died in an automobile accident this past Friday. The meeting was then called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Magluilo, to approve both the town meeting minutes and the closed personnel minutes of February 25, 2004. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Commissioners reviewed Town Attorney David Severn’s legal opinion on options available for building a GVAA facility on town property. Gloria reviewed information from John Brasky, Program Open Space Administrator, on allowable used of POS land, and recommendations from LGIT, the town’s insurance carrier. Commissioners directed staff to arrange a workshop meeting on Wednesday, March 31, at 7:00 p.m. with Program Open Space, David Severn, GVAA, the Parks Committee, and the Commissioners.
Vinnie LaMonica, of 234 Cobble Way presented the following issues: 1) Thanks Dennis for fixing the depression by the fire hydrant in his yard, 2) the enormous sinkhole in the guy’s yard across the street and beside the Homeowner’s Association stormwater pond, 3) is there a blasting plan which requires Washington Homes to survey each house in the neighborhood to document damage caused by the blasting in Phases 3-6 of Sun Meadow. One citizen commented that the nic-nacs were falling off his shelves. Commissioners notified Mr. LaMonica that sinkholes are the responsibility of the property owner on which they are located and the Fountainrock Homeowners Association is responsible for sinkholes in the stormwater pond. Staff will look up blasting plan to determine if a survey is required.
4. HERITAGE FARM PARK MANOR HOUSE CEILING REPAIRS
Dennis Miller notified commissioners that the third floor ceiling of the Heritage Manor House is in need of repair. The plaster ceiling is falling down and multiple critters are entering the house per the exterminating company. There are lath strips missing and 2-3 foot areas of missing ceiling.
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Magluilo, to go out for bid prices to repair either by plastering or other methods. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
5. PERSONNEL MANUAL
Commissioner Weddle noted that he is still reviewing the personnel manual and it is not yet ready to send to Attorney David Severn for review. He directed staff to continue adding this item to the agenda.
Commissioner Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, to introduce Ordinance 2004-02 with the proposed new planning and zoning fees. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
The fees will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a public hearing will be held.
7. ZONING MAP
Susan Hauver reviewed the proper procedure with commissioners for adopting the Zoning Map to go with the newly adopted Comprehensive Plan. All affected properties will be posted and the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing prior to the Burgess and Commissioners’ public hearing.
Commissioner Magluilo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, to send the recommended zoning map to the Planning Commission for public hearing. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Commissioners reviewed a memo from Martha Bush with information recommending that a roof consultant be hired to professionally evaluate the roof before it is decided what work is needed, or placed out for bid.
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Schildt, to hire Gale Associates to evaluate the roof at a cost of up to $3,000. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Zimmerman opposed.
9. COMMISSIONER CONCERNS
Commissioner Schildt reported on his conversation with Rick Weldon. Mr. Schildt is opposed to a $2.50 per month surcharge on citizens for cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. The charge will be added to sewer bills and cost citizens $30 per year. Commission Schildt wants a letter sent to our delegates encouraging them to vote against this surcharge.
Commission Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, for the Town to send a letter opposing the $2.50 surcharge for Chesapeake Bay restoration. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Magluilo opposed.
Commissioner Zimmerman had questions about burning permits in the Town of Walkersville. Ms. Rollins went over the exceptions in the code that allow the county to issue a burn permit to town residents.
Commissioner Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Eyler, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Wanda Heurich and Sally LaMonica had questions regarding differences in the rules they read in their town code and what the town enforces. It was determined that they were using an out of date code book. Staff will get additional code books printed so that they may obtain a current version.
Commissioner Weddle asked that the next meeting agenda include introduction of the ordinance needed in order to pay committee and commission members a stipend for each meeting attended.
GVAA representatives announced that Saturday, April 3 is opening day for baseball at Heritage Farm Park and invited the Burgess and Commissioners to attend.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Sincerely,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager