MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

April 11, 2007

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore (arrived at 7:55 p.m.), Commissioners Sam Eyler, James Reid, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller,

17 citizens and 0 press. Commissioner Don Schildt was away.

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

1. MINUTES

2. ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT PROPOSAL BY FOUNTAIN ROCK NATURE CENTER

John Smucker, Teacher, Carroll County Public Schools, and Alice Nemitsas, Park Naturalist, Fountain Rock Nature Center, asked commissioners to consider an environmental project in Community Park. They propose to plant several stands of Turtlehead plants in order to try to attract the Checkerspot butterfly back into the state. Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman invited Mr. Smucker and Ms. Nemitsas to make their presentation to the Parks Committee on May 2. The Parks Committee will make a recommendation to the commissioners as to approval of the proposal.

3. RESOLUTION 2007-03 BANNER SCHOOL WATER & SEWERAGE CASE #WS-06-07

Commissioner Weddle and Burgess Whitmore will attend the Frederick County Commissioners hearing on April 17 to present the resolution in support of the school and their request that the Frederick County Commissioners uphold their previous approval of the school’s connection to the Frederick County sewer.

4. TRANSFER OF 1.8 ACRES FOR FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SITE

Ms. Hauver reported that the plan to donate 1.8 acres, designated public use in the Sun Meadow subdivision, to Frederick County for a new Walkersville library had undergone a feasibility study. Frederick County is in the process of planning the building site and the Town is in the process of learning the process to hold hearings and transfer the property.

5. REDUCTION OF LETTER OF CREDIT FOR FREDERICKTOWNE BAPTIST CHURCH

Ms. Hauver recommended that the entire balance on the Fredericktowne Baptist Church letter of credit in the amount of $196,202 be released. Amounts covering Sediment Control $33,654, Stormwater management $62,168, Water $8,260, Road Improvements/entrance $26,719, and Contingency $65,401, can be released as the final inspections are complete and the one-year guarantee period has passed.

6. ST. TIMOTHY’S WATER TAP PURCHASE

Ms. Hauver notified commissioners that St. Timothy’s Catholic Church needs to size the water connection to their fellowship hall addition for an 8" line for fire flow. They need to purchase a 1" water connection for water usage.

7. NEW SOUND SYSTEM FOR MEETING ROOM

Ms. Rollins presented a proposal to replace the troublesome sound system in the meeting room. Commissioners noted that due to the amount of the proposal, $7,653, the advertising and bid process would need to be started.

8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Burgess Whitmore arrived at 7:55 p.m.

9. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

David Moxley, 8939 Woodsboro Pike, presented Commissioners with a letter from Weinberg & Miller asking them to consider a piece-meal rezoning to allow a Light Industrial Park, B-2 Commercial zoning, and Open Space for his property on the east side of Maryland Rt. 194. He would like to know procedures regarding well and septic and amending the comprehensive plan to require the county to provide sewer service. He noted that he has discussed the new library with Darryl Batson and suggests that the Commissioners relocate the proposed new library to his property. Burgess Whitmore told Mr. Moxley that no decision would be given tonight, that the Commissioners had not even had a chance to read the letter presented by his attorneys.

Melissa Milyard, 49 Sherwood Drive, told Commissioners that the portable speed bump located on Sherwood Drive is a hindrance. She did not feel it was fair to make everyone, and not just the speeders breaking the law, go over the speed bump. She noted that everyone she had spoken with in the neighborhood is against the bump. She suggested that other laws be enforced against the offenders, such as dogs without leashes and basketball hoops in the street.

Commissioners noted that the speed bump was installed based on complaints of speeding through Glade Village, particularly on Sherwood Drive with drivers heading to the softball fields.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to remove the speed bump in 30 days. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Sam Eyler opposed.

Michael Goldsmith, Frederick County resident, expressed his displeasure that the equestrian ring had been taken down without notice to him. Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman stated that notice had been given last year, the posts and boards have been piled neatly at the barn, waiting for their owner to pick them up. It was noted that the agreement with the Heritage Equestrian Association had been terminated with the required six-month notice in a letter dated February 9, 2006. It was also noted for the record that the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation reports that the Heritage Equestrian Association status is "Forfeited" and it is not in "good standing".

Laura Grimes Hartley, Frederick County resident, asked Commissioners why they did not feel it was important to provide a map of the Town for citizens. She noted that she had requested a map from office staff and felt she was treated disrespectfully. Ms. Hauver noted that she could prepare a map from our GIS system which would include the street names, for a fee.

Henry Brzanski, Fountainrock subdivision, updated the Commissioners on illicit activities occurring in Trout Memorial Park. He noted that age inappropriate teens (the park is designed for 12 years and under) hang out at the park at all hours. Materials such as crack pipes and condoms have also been littered about and graffiti and profanity abound. Town staff will be checking on a job description for a position of Parks Ranger/Night Watchman. Cameras and lighting will also be investigated. Maryland State Police resident troopers will be notified to do patrol checks at the park (they already do) and Bedrock Drive barricade will be removed and the street opened so that there will be more activity around the park.

10. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Jim Reid expressed his concern about 3 huge trucks parked along Devilbiss Bridge Road behind a house in Glade Manor II. It appears that a parking area has been established in the road right-of-way and he feels the trucks parked so close to the road is a hazard and a sight obstruction. Ms. Hauver has reported this to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department and they are investigating the legality of the truck parking.

Burgess Whitmore noted for the budget consideration the following capital improvements: Fountainrock Road @ the new town street behind Sheetz, Hahn Circle, George Street, Glade Road with curb and sidewalk, and paving of the loop road at Heritage Farm Park.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager