MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
April 26, 2006
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Don Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Resident Maryland State Trooper Ed Muller, 5 citizens and 2 press. Commissioner Joe Magluilo and Public Works Director Bob DePaola were absent on vacation.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to approve the Town Meeting minutes of April 12, 2006. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0-1, with Commissioner Schildt abstaining.
No comments at the public hearing.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to adopt 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.
Mr. David Moxley, 8939 Woodsboro Pike, asked commissioners’ advice on the issue of cars parking on his property along Crum Road. He fears that when they park along the road, partially on his property, partially with tires on the asphalt, that a liability issue is created for him. For now, he will place "No Trespassing" signs along the road and see if the offenders comply. If not, further measures may need to be taken by the Town. The Town staff/attorney will look into the easements and right-of-way along Crum Road to determine whose property the cars are infringing upon.
4. MARYLAND STATE RETIREMENT ENACTED LEGISLATION FOR BENEFITS ENHANCEMENTS
Ms. Rollins explained that the Maryland legislature has adopted some enhancements for the Employees Pension plan and an election to participate in the enhanced plan will have to made sometime in the near future. The multiplier increases from 1.4% to 1.8% of average final compensation times service credit from July 1, 1998 forward. Employees will have to contribute 3%, 4%, and then 5% for each year starting July 1, 2006, July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2008 respectively.
Commissioner Don Schildt made a motions, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler to award the bid to install the asphalt base pad and floor for the new salt building to the low bidder, W.F. Delauter & Son, Inc. in the amount of $28,196. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to award the bid for Water Main Replacements for William Street, George Street, and Hahn Circle to the low bidder, W.F. Delauter & Son, Inc. in the amount of $274,990.00. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to award engineering services for roadway design for the road connecting Fountain Rock Road and Stauffer Court behind Sheetz to Arro Consulting, Inc. in the amount of $18,242. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
9. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS
Ms. Rollins reviewed the draft budget item by significant item. It was agreed that gas, electic, and insurance prices would be re-reviewed prior to introducing the budget(s).
10. MARYLAND STATE POLICE RESIDENT TROOPER REPORT
TFC Ed Muller updated commissioners on the troopers’ activity (crime) stats in Walkersville for the month of March. Mr. Moxley asked what hours of coverage for the town are included in the contract. Trooper Muller said troopers are scheduled 6am – 11pm through the week and Friday and Saturday until 2am. Mr. Rudy asked to know the finding on the gang-related symbolic graffiti that occurred inside the Crum Water Tank fenced enclosure. Trooper Muller was not called for the graffiti as town staff rapidly painted over the mess to discourage further vandalism. In the future, photos will be taken of graffiti to be submitted to the gang unit for evaluation.
11. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Commissioner Zimmerman announced that the dedication of Trout Park will be rescheduled for September due to the sidewalk and street construction status in Sun Meadow.
Ms. Hauver noted that commissioners have the Planning Commission Comments on the Walkersville Region Plan in their packets. Commissioners will discuss the comments at the May 10th Town Meeting. The regional hearing will be held by Frederick County here at the Walkersville Town Hall on May 24.
12. ORDINANCE 2006-03 TO REPEAL CHAPTER 49 PERSONNEL
There was some confusion as to whether the motion from the previous meeting to adopt the Personnel Manual included deleting Chapter 49.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to introduce Ordinance 2006-03 to repeal Chapter 49 and any other references to it within the Town Code. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to hold a closed legal meeting for the purpose of discussing possible litigation. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager