MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

March 26, 2008

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Chad Weddle, Russell Winch, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, 11 citizens, TFC Ramona George, TFC Ed Muller, and 0 press.

Commissioners Sam Eyler and Don Schildt were absent.

The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

1. MINUTES

2. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 2008-02 – AMEND PARKING STANDARDS FOR LIBRARIES

Ms. Hauver reviewed the proposed ordinance to amend the Town’s current parking requirement for the new library to 1 space per 400 square feet of floor area. This is in harmony with the Frederick County standard for parking for libraries.

The ordinance will now go to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.

3. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Mr. Ron Mallonee, of 8 Wyndale Court, asked commissioners to address the traffic noise pollution on Rt. 194. He stated that the traffic noise exceeds the State Highway Administration’s threshold of 66 dba. He complained that the trucks and tractor trailer exhausts and jake braking are responsible for a lot of the noise pollution. He asked that resident troopers monitor the noise polluters and issue traffic citations.

Bulk trash pickup day is May 31^st, 2008.

4. FUNDRAISER MOTORCYCLE RIDE TO RED CROSS BUILDING AND THE CLOSING OF CRUM ROAD

TFC Ramona George notified commissioners of a fundraising motorcycle ride to be held Saturday, April 26, whereby 100-200 motorcycles will be riding across the state with several stops along the way. They will be stopping for a break at the American Red Cross building on Crum Road for approximately 2 hours. TFC George requested permission to close access to Crum Road for those 2 hours in order to accommodate all of the motorcycles. Commissioner Winch asked that when the motorcycles are directed out of town via Devilbiss Bridge Road that a trooper be posted at Heritage Farm Park to direct traffic because of the athletics going on that day.

5. RELEASE OF LETTER OF CREDIT FOR SUN MEADOW PHASE 3

Ms. Hauver recommended that the contingency funds on the Letter of Credit for stormwater management and sediment control for Sun Meadow Phase 3 be released. County inspectors have indicated that the facilities have been inspected and that the warranty period has ended.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russ Winch, to release the remaining funds in the letter of credit for Sun Meadow Phase 3 stormwater management and sediment control. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0.

6. RENEW TRASH CONTRACT

7. UPDATE ON WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Public Works Director Bob DePaola reported that the sand and anthracite replacement in the water plant filters is almost complete. The clear well holding tank has been disinfected. The plant will be started up on Friday with the water being processed undergoing final laboratory testing. The processed water results will be reviewed and the water should be ready for release into the distribution system on Monday or Tuesday, March 31^st or April 1^st.

8. RESPONSE TO MDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OFFER

Ms. Rollins reviewed a fax received from MDE requesting the Town’s interest in potential financial assistance in the form of a low interest loan for the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund Program. Ms. Rollins notified commissioners of the potential of up to 20% of loan forgiveness if a loan was obtained.

9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

10. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Winch reported that the light on the Flag is out at Memorial Park and needs to be replaced immediately. He also noted that the Flag at Community Park is tattered and needs to be replaced.

11. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

George Rudy, 11 West Crum Road, asked commissioners to notify Heritage Animal Clinic about the Red Cross Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser and allow ingress and egress to their business.

Don Deibler, of 302 Kenwood Ct., asked if anything has been done with the farmer to prevent contamination to the Town’s water system in the future. Burgess Whitmore informed him that the MDE is continuing to investigate the incident and the Town is pursuing its own remedies. The water plant equipment detects rises in turbidity that indicates a contamination. It also automatically turns off the plant when the plant cannot process the contamination. The Town is also in the process of making a permanent connection to the county water system at Ceresville so that suitable water can be introduced into the Town’s system with the turn of a valve.

Conrad Bangh, of Crum Road, inquired as to the status of the sidewalk for Crum Road. Burgess Whitmore notified him that the sidewalk under discussion is for the first 3 houses along Crum Road. The developer did not put in the sidewalk due to technical difficulties and paid the town $7,000 instead of building the sidewalk. It has been determined on several occasions that the sidewalk leading to nowhere is not in the best interests of anyone, however the issue continues to be resurrected for discussion ad nausea. Staff is currently trying to obtain cost information from Allegheny Power regarding moving electric poles in order to install the sidewalk.

TFC Ed Muller presented maps delineating crime activities in the town for 2006 and 2007. Citizens were invited to review the maps and ask questions.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager