MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
April 12, 2006
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, April 12, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Joe Magluilo, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, 10 citizens and 1 press. Frederick County Commissioner Mike Cady was a visitor. Commissioner Donald Schildt was absent on vacation.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to approve both the regular Town Meeting minutes and closed Personnel meeting minutes of March 22, 2006. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to introduce Ordinance 2006-02, which will lower the height clearance requirements for trees above sidewalks from 9 feet to 7 feet. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
A public hearing will be held on the ordinance at the next town meeting.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Magluilo, to advertise the Town’s current tax rate of 16.6˘ per $100 of assessed property value for real property located within the Town limits. This tax rate is above the constant yield tax rate of 14.8˘ per $100 of assessed real property value and therefore constitutes a tax increase. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
4. WALKERSVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET UPDATE
Gwen Whitmore, chairperson of the Walkersville Farmers’ Market, updated commissioners on committee decisions. The committee continues to recommend location of the market in front of the bank barn at HFP. The condition of the grass and soils will be monitored during rainy conditions. The market will be able to move forward or onto the back driveway to prevent damage to the area if needed. Five applications have been received from vendors for the market. Additional vendors are needed to make the market a possible success. We will continue advertising and monitoring whether to go forward this year with implementing the market.
Mr. George Rudy, 11 West Crum Road, expressed his concern to the commissioners that the Town of Walkersville is insensitive to environmental issues. Specifically, he alleges that sediment control procedures were not implemented properly during the recent work on the waterline in front of his house. He has contacted Frederick County and the Maryland Department of the Environment to follow up on Walkersville DPW procedures. After lengthy discussion with Mr. Rudy, Commissioner Chad Weddle called for the Orders of the Day, to move on to the next agenda item. Four (4) ayes closed the topic and moved the meeting forward.
6. FREDERICK COUNTY COMMISSIONER MIKE CADY
Commissioner Mike Cady notified commissioners of the Walkersville Region Plan meeting schedule as follows:
April 13 Woodsboro Fire Hall 5-8 pm
April 20 Libertytown Fire Hall 5-8 pm
May 4 Walkersville Town Hall 5-8 pm
May 24 Walkersville Town Hall Public Hearing
Commissioner Cady announced that Frederick County is adopting the constant yield tax rate of 93.6˘ per $100 of assessed real property value. He said this will result in a structured deficit and will require cutting some county services.
Burgess Whitmore informed Mr. Cady that he opposes the county building and funding fire stations in other towns in the county, when many of the towns worked their butts off and sacrificed as volunteers to raise the money to build their fire stations.
Burgess Whitmore also informed Mr. Cady that Walkersville is satisfied with the current growth lines for the Town. Mr. Cady agreed that he would not support the City of Frederick expanding across the natural boundary of the Monocacy River.
Ms. Rollins went over some typo/corrections and policy/procedure corrections brought to her attention from staff during their review of the proposed personnel manual.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to adopt the Personnel Manual, which replaces Chapter 49 of the Town Code, Personnel Policies. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
8. K HOVNANIAN REQUEST TO AMEND WATER TAP AGREEMENT
Ms. Hauver went over the current expiration dates of water tap agreements for Phases 4,5, and 6 at Sun Meadow. K Hovnanian is close to completion on Phase 4, but additional time is needed for Phases 5 and 6. They are requesting a 2-year extension on the water tap agreements. Burgess Whitmore stated that he has no problem extending the agreements but he feels they should pay any increases in tap fees should they be implemented in the interim.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Magluilo, to extend the 3 water tap agreements for 2 years each, with any increases in tap fees to be paid. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
9. LANCASTER CRAFTSMEN BUILDERS REQUEST TO REDUCE LETTER OF CREDIT
Ms. Hauver went over the Lancaster Craftsmen Builders request to reduce letters of credit for sediment control, road, storm drain, and water improvements. Frederick County recommended, and Ms. Hauver concurs, that all funds be released except for those set aside for sidewalks, driveway entrances, and contingency funds.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to release letters of credit in the amounts of $3,695 for sediment control and $25,708 for roads and storm drains, per Frederick County and staff recommendations. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
10. LANCASTER CRAFTSMEN BUILDERS SIDEWALK DISCUSSION
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to require Lancaster Craftsmen Builders to put in sidewalk as close to the curb as possible (thereby waiving the Design Manual specifications). The motion passed by a vote of 3-2, with Commissioners Zimmerman and Magluilo opposed, and Burgess Whitmore breaking the tie in favor of the motion.
11. DISCUSSION OF AD CONGRATULATING WHS CHAMPIONS
Ms. Rollins reviewed cost of a ˝ page ad congratulating WHS champions for the various teams and activities at the school. Commissioners were concerned that someone’s name would be missed. Commissioner Zimmerman suggested running the congratulations on the Channel 99, "Burgess and Commissioners congratulate all WHS State and National CHAMPS!"
12. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Joe Magluilo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
13. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Commissioner Zimmerman announced that Opening Day for softball season took place in the rain last Saturday and "Kiwanis Field" was dedicated.
Commissioner Magluilo reminded everyone of Bulk Trash Collection on April 22, and asked staff to send information into the local radio stations, as he has heard other community activities announced.
Ms. Hauver noted that the Planning Commission meeting will be held April 18, 2006 rather than the regularly scheduled April 11.
Mr. DePaola announced that he and Mr. Wolfe had attended the National Rural Water Convention in Washington, DC, and that the Town of Walkersville had placed 5th in the nation for Best Tasting Water.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager