MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

April 14, 2010

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, Debbie Zimmerman, and Russell Winch, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, approximately 20 citizens, Courtney Pomeroy of the Gazette, and Ron Cassie of the Frederick News-Post.

The meeting was called to order by Burgess Ralph Whitmore, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Donald Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to approve the Town Meeting minutes with correction to vote on item 6. Sale of Walker Farm, and approve the Closed Personnel and Legal minutes of March 24, 2010. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0-1,with Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman abstaining and Commissioner Russell Winch was not yet in attendance.

2. RESOLUTION 2010-01 TO HONOR THE SERVICE OF HAROLD RODERUCK ON THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Burgess Whitmore introduced the resolution to honor Harold’s service to the town. He noted that he had been present when Harold was nominated to the Board by John Poole in the old Town Hall on Pennsylvania Avenue. Each commissioner took a moment to personally thank Harold for his service. Commissioner Chad Weddle read the resolution noting 31 years on the Board of Appeals and numerous years of service as an election judge. Harold was presented with the traditional parting gift of a beautifully matted and framed Heritage Farm Park print. His family members were introduced and made comments about Harold. Harold shared memories of his time with the town and praised the work of the three sensational Town Managers past and present that he worked with: Ms. Sharon Hose, Ms. Jan Coffey, and Ms. Gloria Rollins. Refreshments were served and everyone enjoyed celebrating with Harold.

3. REAPPOINTMENT OF IRENE WEDDLE TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioners Russell Winch, to appoint Ms. Irene Weddle to another 5 year term on the Board of Appeals. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

4. WALKERSVILLE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

Mr. Bob Sessman, representing the Steering Committee for the to- be-formed Walkersville Business and Professional Association, announced their meeting for Thursday morning. He stated that they will be encouraging the success of businesses in Walkersville and will meet to develop their mission statement and articles of incorporation.

5. WALKER FARM OPEN HOUSE

Commissioners approved ad and time for the Walker Farm Open House to be held Saturday, April 24, 2010 between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. Burgess Whitmore announced that although the farm belongs to the taxpayers of Walkersville, they should not feel free to roam about the property. The farmland is currently leased and any damages to the crops will be the responsibility of the town to compensate the farmer for their loss. The house will be open on the 24^th for the curious to be satisfied and the serious buyers to be enticed.

6. CENTURY CENTER ANNEXATION AGREEMENT

Ms. Hauver reviewed the process for holding meetings to hammer out the details of the annexation agreement with Century Center. She plans to hold the Planning Commission hearing on May 25^th and the Burgess and Commissioners’ hearing on June 23^rd.

Commissioner Donald Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to begin the process of scheduling the meetings. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Russell Winch in opposition.

7. COSTS FOR WATER LINES, WATER PLANT, WALKER FARM

Mr. DePaola reviewed the water availability studies of the current wells on the Walker Farm. He noted that it appears the maximum water provided from there would be 150,000 gallons per day. To be a viable source for emergency purposes, it would need to produce 300,000 gallons per day. Therefore, at this time, it does not appear to be feasible to count on the Walker Farm and that aquifer for the Town’s emergency source of water. Mr. DePaola also presented his cost estimates for 6", 8", and 12" water main lines to the Monocacy Bridge. He has material cost estimates and will consult with Mr. Michael Marschner for full cost estimates to construct the line using 8" pipe.

8. PARK PROJECT REQUEST FORM FOR DISC GOLF AT HERITAGE FARM PARK

Commissioners reviewed the request from Mr. Eric Reickel for improvements to the disc golf course at Heritage Farm Park. The Parks Commission approved the request at their April 7, 2010 meeting. Mr. Reickel will install a warm-up basket for putting by the first tee. He will also move hole 3 closer to the 4^th hole tee, to make it more challenging and still avoid disturbing the local equine population. He will also install a bulletin board at the first hole to post flyers for tournaments and other communications between the golfers. He will also donate trees and bushes for holes 14, 15, 16, and 1 and work with town staff for plantings to enhance each hole. The final improvement, adding additional tee pads to each hole will cost about $1,045 in asphalt to complete.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, Parks Liaison Commissioner, made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to approve the $1,045 from the Parks budget to install additional asphalt tees at each of the disc golf holes. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Sam Eyler in opposition.

9. WALKER FARM FOR SALE

Commissioners reviewed the proposed ad for the sale of the Walker Farm and 14.4 acres surrounding the house.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to run the ad with no asking price, to accept sealed bids for the property until June 15^th, and to include the right to reject any and all bids. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

10. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND MARCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to pay the attached bills and accept the March 2010 General Fund and Water Fund financial statements. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

11. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Donald Schildt reported that the Memorial Day Service is panning out nicely, there will be a Color Guard from Fort Detrick.

Commissioner Schildt reported that 33 George Street is a hell of a mess, the grass is over 12 inches tall, there are newspapers laying everywhere. Had it been reported to Code Enforcement officer it could have been addressed sooner, however it will be turned over to the officer on Thursday.

Ms. Rollins noted that Mr. Dewese, Code Enforcement Officer, had suggested that the height restriction on tall grass of 12 inches is already way out of control by the time it gets reported to the time given for the owner’s remediation. Then, if the Town has to mow it is even taller and harder on the guys and the equipment to get it taken care of. He suggested the code be changed to allow him to intervene sooner than the 12 inch requirement.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to introduce Ordinance 2010-02 to amend Chapter 13, §13-1 of the Town Code to reduce the height restriction for tall grass from 1 foot to 8 inches. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Donald Schildt, to hold a Closed Legal meeting to discuss public security and police operations within the Town. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

Ms. Rollins reminded commissioners to review their drafts of the Talk of the Town newsletter and get changes back to staff by Monday. She also reminded them of the MML request to call senators regarding the collective bargaining bills introduced that will apparently have ill effects on municipalities.

Bulk Trash will be picked up on Saturday, May 22^nd! Get your junk out to the curb early and often.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager