MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
March 25, 2009
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Chad Weddle, Russell Winch, and Donald Schildt, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, TFC Jim Ardinger, 18 citizens, Ron Cassie of the Frederick News-Post and Jeremy Hauck of the Gazette.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman was absent due to the illness of a family member.
The meeting was then called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. PASSING OF RICHARD A. WINN, FORMER BURGESS, AND TOWN EMPLOYEE
Burgess Whitmore announced the passing of former Burgess Richard Winn and apologized that he had inadvertently neglected to announce it at the previous Town Meeting. Commissioner Chad Weddle opened the meeting with a prayer of thanksgiving for the life and service of Richard and our sorrow at his passing and our sympathy to his family.
2. MINUTES
Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to approve the Town meeting minutes of March 11, 2009. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
3. PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE 2009-01 – REPEAL OF ORDINANCE 2008-01
There were no public comments offered at the hearing.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to adopt Ordinance 2009-01 which repeals Ordinance 2008-01 per the Planning Commission recommendation that passed by a vote of 6-1. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Russ Winch in opposition.
4. RESOLUTION 2009-01 – BUY AMERICAN MADE
Commissioner Russ Winch read a resolution to declare the commitment to "Buy American" by the Town of Walkersville.
Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to adopt Resolution 2009-01 to declare commitment to "Buy American" products and services by the Town of Walkersville. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
5. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Tracy Miller, representing Walkersville Elementary PTA, 1807 River Mist Court, asked commissioners to allow the addition to Walkersville Elementary. Justin Moore, a student, asked the commissioners not to delay the project.
6. DISCUSS OPTION TO PURCHASE USED CROWN VICTORIA
Ms. Rollins explained that TFC George’s 2001 Crown Victoria will be replaced soon and asked commissioners if they wanted to pursue trying to obtain the car for town use. The car was purchased in 2000 for 120% of the cost.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Donald Schildt, to offer $1,000 for the 2001 Crown Victoria. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
7. WALKERSVILLE ELEMENTARY REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM LETTER OF CREDIT REQUIREMENT
Burgess Whitmore expressed his contempt for the reporting to date on the issue of the Walkersville Elementary School addition. The Town Code requires a performance bond or letter of credit be posted whenever any construction work is done in town. Prior to granting an exemption from the requirement, Town commissioners asked for a legal opinion from the Town Attorney. The process delayed the Town’s decision for two weeks.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, based on the opinion from the Town Attorney, pursuant to §71-38 of the Town Code, to waive the letter of credit requirement of §71-16 by making a finding that an undue hardship will result from strict compliance to the letter of credit requirement . The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
8. WINTERBROOK HOA SINKHOLE REPAIR
Kevin Folk, Winterbrook HOA president, informed commissioners they are ready to proceed with the repair of the sinkhole on their reforestation area. They have repaired several sinkholes in the area and have noticed construction debris, asphalt, sewer pipe, improperly compacted rubble. Mr. Folk noted that access from Glade Elementary would be the easiest for the heavy equipment needed and to minimize disruption to the area. Burgess Whitmore informed him that Beth Pasierb at Frederick County Public Schools is where they should start to get permission to enter the area from the school property.
9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
10. HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES CONTRACT
Commissioner Donald Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to extend the current housekeeping services contract in the amount of $866.67 per month with Kenneth Berkowitz for a year with the same terms and conditions. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
11. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to discuss pending litigation and a personnel issue. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Chad Weddle in opposition.
Commissioner Chad Weddle read the following statement:
On Monday, March 23, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. the Walkersville Town Burgess and Commissioners held a closed meeting under Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article: Section 10-508(a)10 to discuss public security, including the deployment of fire and police services and staff. Present were Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, Russell Winch, Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Rollins, and President of Company 24 Sandra Maxey, Chief Company 11 Matt Staley, Treasurer Company 11 Art Graham, Director Company 11 Vaughn Zimmerman. Review of fire and rescue services for the Town of Walkersville were discussed. No official action was taken at the meeting.
Ms. Rollins announced that the Town received notice from the Governor’s office that $67,549 from the Federal stimulus funds has been allocated as a loan to the Town to work on the emergency water connection.
Ms. Hauver discussed annexation proposals for US Rt. 15 and Biggs Ford Road areas that are included in Frederick City’s plans.
TFC Jim Ardinger reviewed Resident Trooper statistics for February.
There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager