MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

March 23, 2011

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 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, approximately 27 citizens, TFC Jimmy Ardinger, and Blair Ames of the Frederick News-Post.

The meeting was called to order by Burgess Ralph Whitmore, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Chad Weddle asked God for guidance and direction on our discussion of Town issues and for special blessings on those suffering from the effects of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami and for those in our military who have been wounded or are about to be deployed to Libya.

1. MINUTES

2. PUBLIC HEARING ON FUTURE OF WALKER FARM 209 ACRES

Commissioner Chad Weddle presented several options that could be considered for the future of the farm as follows: (1) Town keeps ownership of 209 acres of farm land, continues to lease the land for farming operations, continues to seek the sale of the house and 14.4 acres, (2) Town develops the property, such as 5 homes along Crum Road where housing exists, (3) Sell the entire property for at least the purchase price of $4.7 million (a.) with covenants such as no development for 20 years (knowing that a future board could remove the covenants), (b.) with no covenants. He noted that this is not an exhaustive list and citizens are welcome to offer other suggestions for the property.

Commissioner Russell Winch elaborated on his reasons for being in favor of the Town keeping the property.

Burgess Whitmore told citizens that the Town received an offer from a land developer of $4.7 million for purchase of the entire farm.

Kevin Folk, no address given, President of Winter Brook HOA, was in support of preservation of an agriculture buffer around the town. He encouraged commissioners to be ever vigilant in their decision making. He wants to protect our future and quality of life.

3. BID AWARD FOR PAINTING TOWN BUILDINGS

Burgess Whitmore reviewed the prices offered to paint the Town Hall, metal roof on the rental house next door, the water treatment plant and the clearwell. The low bidder, S & T Painting, Inc., received good references on their performance and there were no negative reports on an internet search or with the Better Business Bureau.

4. TOWN HALL AND WALKER FARM HOUSE CLEANING CONTRACT

The housekeeping services contract expires April 1, 2011. The current contractor is performing somewhat adequately and are agreeable to extending the contract for an additional year.

5. FIRE COMPANY ESCROW RELEASE

Ms. Hauver reviewed funds held in escrow from years ago when the ambulance company expanded their facilities. A request for release of the $2,960 in escrow was received and approved.

6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

7. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Weddle asked for permission for a helicopter to land at Heritage Farm Park as part of a golf ball fundraiser for GVAA.

Burgess Whitmore notified commissioners of town staff hard work this week repairing a myriad of water leaks, in addition to enduring water turn-off day. Citizens who have not paid their November 1^st 2010 water bill, after receiving the bill, the reminder bill, the certified notice, and the door poster have their water turned off after 4 ½ months of neglecting the bill. The whole day of water turn-off is quite an unpleasant experience as employees interact with the offenders.

Burgess Whitmore notified commissioners that he received a response from Frederick County Commissioner President Blaine Young to his letter opposing the "Big Red Road" which is part of Frederick City’s comprehensive plan.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman notified commissioners of a proposal to use ½ acre of the golf course at Heritage Farm Park to plant a community orchard. Discussion ensued regarding the more suitable location of Community Park’s additional 32 acre parcel.

Ms. Hauver notified commissioners that the Planning Commission has approved the Comprehensive Plan. In future months of discussion and hearing, it will come before the Burgess and Commissioners for approval.

8. POLICE REPORT

TFC Jimmy Ardinger reviewed the February 2011 police stats.

9. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Pat Yoingco asked if the Town was not able to afford the port-o-pots at Heritage Farm Park. Three port-o-pots are currently installed there and will continue to be paid by the Town. Rumors, rumors.

Jane Abrecht, of Maple Avenue, expressed her concern at the speeds utilized on Maple Avenue and asked commissioners to consider installing grooves in the street to draw people’s attention to their speeds. Burgess Whitmore made no promises.

George Rudy, 11 W. Crum Road, reported on his issues of concern: 1) he requested the Town take a position on the Transit bus to Walkersville being squished out of the county budget, 2) he requested the Town take a position on the cavalier suggestion by Allegheny Power that the Town be without electricity for a day while they install the upgrade to the sub-station, 3) He reported the skateboard endeavor is going very well and there is tremendous interest in supporting it.

Commissioner Russell Winch reminded Mr. Rudy that the Allegheny Power issue was to be resolved prior to Planning Commission approval of the work.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager