MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
April 13, 2005
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Joe Magluilo, Chad Weddle, Donald Schildt, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Maryland State Police Resident Trooper Eric Funk, 11 citizens, and 2 press.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to approve both the town meeting minutes and the closed personnel minutes of March 23, 2005. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Magluilo abstaining.
2. PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE 2005-01 ZONING MAP
Ms. Hauver reviewed that the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2003. The Planning Commission held a duly advertised hearing and recommended approval of the ordinance and the map. Kim Long, of the Winterbrook subdivision, asked if a landowner is held to build what he has proposed on his property or can he change it. Ms. Hauver noted that a landowner would be allowed to try to get approval for any project on his property that would be allowed in that zoning district. Commissioner Schildt noted that he would vote against the map as he feels it leaves the door open for future rezonings. Commissioner Magluilo disagreed and referred to Town Attorney David Severn’s advice that while an applicant may try to make an argument for a future piecemeal rezoning, the argument is not enough to legally justify a future rezoning based on substantial change in the character of the neighborhood.
Commissioner Joe Magluilo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to adopt Ordinance 2005-01, which establishes a zoning map that reflects the approved comprehensive plan. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2, with Commissioners Weddle and Schildt opposed.
3. CITIZENS QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
None
4. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF ESCROW FUNDS - CAMBREX
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Magluilo, to release fund in escrow for Cambrex, based on staff and county recommendation. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
5. WINTERBROOK LANDSCAPING
Winterbrook subdivision homeowners’ association is hiring a landscaper to plant trees and shrubs around the stormwater management pond. They are requesting the town’s approval of this plan.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to approve the revised landscaping plan for the Winterbrook stormwater pond. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Ms. Hauver will be working on the application for a special exception from Frederick County to allow camping at the town’s watershed property.
Commissioner Weddle has placed $70 on deposit with Ms. Rollins as a guarantee that the personnel manual will soon be ready to move on to Town Attorney David Severn for review.
8. MEMORIAL DAY ESSAY CONTEST UPDATE
Ms. Rollins noted that official approval has not been received from Frederick County Public Schools to sponsor the Memorial Day Essay Contest through the Walkersville Elementary Schools.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to spend up to $200 advertising the contest in the Frederick News Post. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Magluilo opposed.
10. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Commissioner Schildt noted that people are upset about the landfill out at the mulch pile at Heritage Farm Park. Mr. Miller will go to the pile and help push it back every Friday before the weekend rush of deliveries. He will also call the county and ask if they can help push back more often over the weekend.
Commissioner Weddle is interested in bulk trash pickup and its scheduling. Date is not known for the Walkersville area.
Commissioner Zimmerman noted that the GVAA opening day ceremonies honoring Buck Houck were wonderful.
Commissioner Magluilo would like our police chief to schedule more patrols for speeding in the subdivisions now that the weather is lovely.
Ms. Rollins noted that Chris Patterson, our devoted reporter from the Gazette, will be leaving her post as of Friday, April 15, and that we will truly miss her sunny presence at our Town meetings.
Trooper Eric Funk reported on activities planned for Walkersville Days. The troopers will be holding an open house at the Fire Department facility, complete with helicopter, K-9 unit, car seat demonstrations, food, fun, and balloons.
George Fisher would like the town to consider the water drainage situation on William Street. He noted that the run off is not running off and is stagnant, green, and smelly. Mr. DePaola and Mr. Miller will add inspection of this situation to their work list.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Sincerely,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager