MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

March 24, 2010

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Russell Winch, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Water Operator Louis Keepers, approximately 6 citizens, and Ron Cassie of the Frederick News-Post. Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman was absent.

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.

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to approve both the Town Meeting minutes and Closed Personnel and Legal minutes of March 10, 2010. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

2. RESIGNATION OF HAROLD RODERUCK FROM BOARD OF APPEALS

Burgess Whitmore announced the resignation of Harold Roderuck from the Board of Appeals after 30 years of service to the Town. A resolution and celebration of Harold’s service is planned for the April 14^th Town Meeting.

3. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND FEBRUARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioners Russell Winch, to accept the February financial statements for the General and Water Funds and pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

4. SUN MEADOW PHASE 5 LETTER OF CREDIT REDUCTION

The Town has received notice from Frederick County that the letter of credit held for improvements in Sun Meadow Phase 5 can be reduced. The $505,551.65 currently being held in the letter of credit covers the following costs for public improvements: $120,789.74 sediment control contingency, $134,828.53 roadway construction, $144,258.88 roadway construction contingency, $84,480 water improvements contingency, and $21,194.50 storm drain improvements contingency. Frederick County inspectors have signed off on all of the improvements. All but the final road improvements have passed the one year warranty period. Staff recommends that the $144,258.88 being held as a contingency for road improvements be held for one year and that the rest of the funds be released. Staff recommends that the letter of credit be reduced by $361,292.77.

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Donald Schildt, to reduce the Sun Meadow letter of credit by $361,292.77 per staff and Frederick County recommendation. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Chad Weddle in opposition.

5. ST. TIMOTHY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ESCROW FUND RELEASE

St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church has requested a release of funds held in escrow for improvements completed as part of their fellowship hall addition. The Town is holding the following: $6,782 stormwater management, and $5,010 contingency for stormwater management and sediment control. The one year period for sediment control is up and staff recommends the release of $1,619 held for that purpose.

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to release $1,619 of contingency funds held in escrow for sediment control. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

6. DISCUSSION OF HOUSE ON WALKER FARM

Burgess Whitmore led the discussion of uses and the future of the house on the Walker Farm. He would like to put it on the market along with the 14.4 acre parcel.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to advertise the Walker House and 14.4 acre plat for sale without a realtor and to determine the property no longer needed for public use. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Donald Schildt in opposition.

7. DISCUSSION OF EMERGENCY WATER LINE

Burgess Whitmore asked commissioners to consider amassing enough funds to put in an emergency water line using a revised plan. The original cost estimate to run the line from Calvary Assembly to the Frederick County facility was $2.4 million. Burgess Whitmore directed staff to obtain cost estimates to run either a 6" or a 12" line between the hydrant at Calvary Assembly of God church to a new hydrant to be installed by the Monocacy River at the Ceresville Bridge. Some costs may be saved by not extending the line under the river. It will be determined if it is feasible to run the temporary connection from the hydrant, across the bridge to the County water facility.

Burgess Whitmore also directed staff to find a cost estimate to run a line from the Walker Farm to our plant for an emergency water source.

8. TAX EQUITY TAX AD

Ms. Rollins reviewed the ad that is required should the Town keep its current tax rate. Since the current tax rate is above the constant yield tax rate a tax increase must be advertised. The ad will be submitted to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation for approval before it is due to run.

9. AWARD OF TOWN HALL HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Commissioners reviewed the bids and references of cleaning contractors for Town Hall housekeeping services. Based on the results of references called and costs, staff recommended the contract be awarded to the 3^rd lowest bidder, Thrashers Cleaning Service.

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to award the contract to Thrashers Cleaning Service in the amount of $817.50 per month. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

10. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

A citizen asked if the Walker House could be toured at some point. This led to discussion of holding an Open House at the property to allow citizens to see it and prospective buyers to tour the home. Some discussion ensued regarding holding the open house on Walkersville Day (this was later determined to be too busy a day for staff to man the house tours).

11. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Donald Schildt, to hold a closed legal meeting to discuss a current town contract and police services. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Chad Weddle in opposition.

Ms. Rollins reviewed the following letters and emails included in the commissioners’ packets:

(1) results of tests on Town of Walkersville wells in response to the toxic algae contamination at Fountainrock Park springs
(2) Maryland Department of Agriculture research project to study the gypsy moth fungus entomophiga miamiaga at the Walkersville watershed
(3) Congratulatory letter to Stewart Simons on his Boy Scout Eagle project electronic recycling.
(4) letter to Maryland State Police barrack commander requesting return of TFC Ardinger when he is medically able.
(5) complaint letter regarding code enforcement from Robert E. Clubb

Commissioner Donald Schildt requested that staff place an announcement on Channel 99 regarding the Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 31^st at 10:00 a.m., honoring Charles Cartwright.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager