MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

March 10, 2010

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, March 10, 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, approximately 13 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.

Burgess Whitmore announced the passing of Ms. Reba Staley and offered condolences.

1. MINUTES

2. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 2010-01 PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS – AMERICAN RED CROSS

Ms. Hauver reviewed Red Cross request to rent out parts of the building to other entities for office space. The Board of Appeals denied the request and encouraged them to write some zoning text amendments. The staff and Planning Commission worked with the Red Cross to develop a set of text amendments to allow "multiple occupancy office buildings" in the B2 zoning district. Staff took the opportunity to clarify sections of the Code that are problematic, by adding definitions of "structure", "use", "principal use", "accessory use", "principal building", "multiple occupancy office building", "business, professional office or administrative office", and "office". Amendments to Section 88-5.1 regarding the number of structures permitted on a lot are also proposed.

3. SUN MEADOW LETTERS OF CREDIT – PHASE 5 AND PHASE 6

Ms. Hauver noted that she did not have enough information from the inspector to recommend approval of the release of the letters of credit. We will hold off on approval until Mr. DePaola reviews the completion of the work.

4. FREDERICK COUNTY DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DRAFT LANGUAGE RE: "ZONE OF PLANNING INFLUENCE"

Discussion ensues regarding the changes made to the text of the Draft Frederick County Comprehensive Plan regarding the Walkersville region. The County Commissioners acknowledged an area around the town that we would have input over and stated that their intention would be that the area between Walkersville and Frederick be controlled by the Town and not by the City of Frederick. Burgess Whitmore said that he supports the changes because he thinks it’s all we’re going to get.

Commissioner Weddle feels that if we are not totally happy with the changes we should remain silent as to comments.

5. REAPPOINTMENTS TO BOARD OF APPEALS

Commissioner Chad Weddle recused himself from the discussion and the vote on the reappointments as Irene Weddle is being considered for reappointment.

Mr. Vaughn Zimmerman was present, so Burgess Whitmore administered the Oath of Office to him.

6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

7. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Schildt updated everyone on the status of the Memorial Day stone installation and reminded of the ceremony honoring Charlie Cartwright that will be held on Monday, May 31^st at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Schildt announced that Harold Roderuck is planning to resign from the Board of Appeals. At that time a resolution and thank you will be planned for Mr. Roderuck.

Burgess Whitmore announced that the Town will proceed with previous plans to annex the Nicodemus Farm at the intersection of Rt. 194 and Rt. 26 into the town boundaries. The survey has been completed but we had been waiting for final decisions regarding the Grossnickle property and the Century Center project. We are going to proceed with the annexation of just the one property at this time.

Burgess Whitmore asked commissioners for a budget for the set up of the monument that will be placed at Five Points Memorial Park in honor of Charlie Cartwright. Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to allocate up to $2,000 to purchase and place the monument. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

Burgess Whitmore announced that Century Center has presented a proposal that will be a good place to start for further discussion for annexation of the old Rotorex property.

Commissioner Russell Winch announced opening day for Heritage Farm Park GVAA baseball to be held April 10^th at 9:00 a.m. and invited the Burgess and Commissioners to attend festivities.

Commissioner Russell Winch requested and acknowledgement letter go to Stuart Simons in recognition of his Eagle Scout electronics recycling project.

Mr. Bob DePaola announced the hire of a new maintenance employee, John Price.

8. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Sharon Picket requested commissioners relieve her of the water bill associated with the Prosperity Cleaners building that she is trying to purchase at auction. Mr. DePaola will check the meter to see if there continues to be a leak.

Bob Sessman, representing Galaxy Control Systems, asked if there were any issues with setting up booths for Walkersville Day in their parking. There were none.

George Rudy, 11 W. Crum Road, noted that during the snow storm when his mailbox went bye bye, he was relegated to walking to the post office and it was quite a challenge. He suggested that a crosswalk be installed at the intersection of Crum Road and Frederick Street.

Mr. Rudy also expressed his concerns about the Nixle program that was introduced at the last town meeting. He has a concern that there is no cost and wonders who is footing the bill and if there are privacy issues associated with signing up for the service.

Mr. Bill Ashton, a resident of Frederick City, went to the podium to assure everyone that his experience with the Nixle program as instituted in Frederick City has been stellar. He suggested Mr. Rudy go to Nixle.com and check out the sign up process.

FYI – the Town is still investigating how to implement this and the rules that it will adhere to when using the system.

Commissioner Donald Schildt called attention to the Letter to the Editor in the Frederick News-Post from Mrs. Sunny Szymanski, wife of Marine Adam Szymanski.

Commissioner Donald Schildt announced a meeting of the Walkersville Business and Professional Association to be held at Town Hall meeting room on Tuesday, March 16^th, at 3:00 p.m.

Burgess Whitmore announced TFC Ramona George’s birthday tomorrow.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager