MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
March 24, 2004
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, March 24, 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 Supervisor Dennis Miller, Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, 60 citizens, and 1 press.
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 the town meeting minutes of March 10, 2004. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Athletic Director Mike Mummert introduced the following sports coaches who in turn introduced the athletes:
Indoor Track – Coaches Weddle and Torres, introduced Rachel Hepburn who placed 2nd in the state for a 34-foot shot put.
Coach Gordon introduced Ian Andrews who went to state and ran the 2-mile in 10:40.
Boys Swimming – Coach Jeb Beaver introduced the Metro participants, Andrew Baldwin, Matt Haines, and Jason Kinder.
Girls Swimming – Coach McGowan introduced Metro swimmers Angela Hotovy and Danielle Reed, and diver Jessica Etzler.
Girls Basketball – Coach Mathis noted the 26-1 record for the year and the 2A State Final efforts. The team was commended for their great season. Team members Ronetta Walker, Gina Casadei, Amanda Richardson, Alicia Weddle, Emily Lancaster, Kim Bindl, Kolbi Harrison, Allison Coleman, Fran Hessler were present. Not present Ashton Beahm, Chelsea Trout, DJ Vernoy.
Wrestling – Coach McIntosh introduced members of the wrestling team; the team placed 2nd in the state tournament. Dan Caywood, Billy Burke, Jimmy Francis, Chad Cotterman, Igor Chudenoff, Ben Gould, and Bill Andrews were present and also won individually at the tournament.
Burgess Whitmore and each commissioner praised the efforts of the teams and thanked them for making Walkersville proud. Refreshments were served and a time of congratulations followed the introductions.
Members of the Habitat for Humanity home building planning committee were present to request a waiver of the requirement to put in sidewalk in front of the home. None of the other properties in the row of homes on Biggs Ford Road presently have sidewalks. Commissioner Schildt stated that he would like to see the sidewalk put in for the future. The Town currently holds a Letter of Credit guaranteeing the driveway, sidewalk, and water connection.
Commissioner Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Magluilo, to waive the sidewalk requirement and reduce the letter of credit by $1,000. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Schildt opposed.
Discussion ensued regarding the placement of the driveway on the property. Photos were submitted showing sight distance from both positions on the property. The plans for the driveway were approved for it to be located on the right side. The Burgess and Commissioners placed no further requirements or restrictions on the location. Groundbreaking for the building will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
4. LANCASTER CRAFTSMEN BUILDERS – PUBLIC WORKS AGREEMENT, EASEMENTS, LETTER OF CREDIT
Mark Lancaster, father of Emily Lancaster, was present to answer questions on the documents. David Severn, Town attorney, had noted several recommendations.
Commissioner Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Eyler, to accept the Public Works Agreement, Easement documents, and Letters of Credit with David Severn’s recommendations included. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
5. HERSHEY PARK TICKETS
Griffith Oil is offering $16 Hershey Park tickets for employees of the town, their customer. Ms. Rollins asked commissioners if they would consider authorizing the town’s purchase of tickets for employees.
Commissioner Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Magluilo, to purchase tickets for town staff/families for Hershey Park. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Ms. Rollins notified commissioners that Walkersville Night at the Keys game this year is May 5, 2004. Tickets will be sold by Walkersville High School as a fundraiser. Town will help advertise the event on Channel 99 and the website.
7. ORDINANCES 2004-03, 2004-04, 2004-05
Commissioner Weddle presented ordinances written to change various code sections to allow committee members to be paid a stipend for attendance at meetings. Ordinance 2004-03 amends §88-59 to allow members of the Board of Appeals to be compensated an amount determined by the commissioners. This ordinance will have to go to Planning and Zoning for a recommendation prior to being passed. Ordinance 2004-04 amends §26-2 to allow members of the Ethics Commission to be compensated an amount determined by the commissioners. Ordinance 2004-05 amends §43-3 to allow members of the Parks Committee to be compensated an amount determined by the commissioners.
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Magluilo, to introduce Ordinances 2004-03, 2004-04, and 2004-05. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Schildt opposed.
Still in process.
9. HFP CEILING ISSUES
Dennis Miller reported that he has no price quotes to date to fix the ceiling but has obtained advice to overlay the whole ceiling with dry wall. He has covered the window on the third floor with plastic and finds there is currently no bug problem. After GVAA Football moves their equipment, work will begin to repair the ceiling.
Ms. Rollins asked commissioners to consider the current policy of allowing 145 days for payment before a water customer is cut off.
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Magluilo, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
12. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Commissioner Schildt asked the status of the improvements to Glade Road. Nothing new to date. He also suggested that the town place temporary No Parking signs along Patty Graham’s property while construction of the Habitat house takes place. It was decided that property owners, not the town, should put up their own No Parking signs.
Commissioner Eyler asked the status of the usage for Heritage Farm Park soccer fields, noting that there is quite a lot of activity on Maryland Avenue.
Burgess Whitmore updated the commissioners on the Chesapeake Bay Restoration bill that is currently making its way through the legislature. Delegate Paul Stull is sponsoring the bill and notified us that it is a Federal mandate and not implementing it will cost the state their federal funds. We are hoping that MML will request exemptions for municipalities.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Sincerely,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager