MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

April 27, 2011

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, Russell Winch, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, approximately 21 citizens, TFC Dave Thompson, Town Attorney David Severn.

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

Commissioner Chad Weddle offered a prayer for blessings on the work of the Parks Committee and the family of Les Wachter.

1. MINUTES

2. PUBLIC HEARING ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Ms. Hauver summarized the work and the hearing held by the Planning Commission. She reviewed a summary prepared for citizens attending the hearing, noting the major changes to the zoning map by specific properties. There were no public comments. Burgess Whitmore asked specific questions regarding the Bell property. Commissioner Russell Winch praised the work done by Ms. Hauver through the comprehensive plan process. Commissioner Chad Weddle suggested no vote be taken this evening. The hearing was closed.

3. FY 2012 BUDGET PREVIEW

Ms. Rollins reviewed the FY 2012 General Fund and Water Fund tentative budget numbers. Attention was paid to the loss of revenue in the General Fund due to the reduced property assessments. Ms. Rollins noted that increasing the tax rate to the constant yield rate of 19.38¢ per $100 of assessed value would generate an additional $201,895. Cuts to the highway user revenue were restored partially. Police aid is still at last year’s reduced figure. Both funds included 5% increases to salary categories for discussion purposes as per usual. There was no capital projects included in the presentation. Burgess Whitmore directed that $110,000 be added to street paving and overlay projects. Proposed budget figures will be honed for the May 11^th Town meeting for introduction and hearing.

4. PROPOSED SIGNS FOR THE WATERSHED

Mr. Ron Layman, Boy Scout coordinator for usage of the watershed, informed commissioners that someone has been using an air rifle pellet gun on the property. They have shot a grey heron and a snapping turtle. He also noted that he has recently stocked the pond for fishing. He would like 2 signs – one that reads "NO FIREARMS ALLOWED EXCEPT DURING THE PROPER SEASON" and one that reads "CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY" at the pond. Town staff will order the signs and he will show them where to be placed.

5. ORDINANCE 2011-01 CHANGED TO RESOLUTION 2011-01

Town Attorney David Severn reviewed his draft of Ordinance 2011-01 that authorizes the marketing, offering for sale and conveyance of real property for the "House Tract" 14.4 acres and 3 acres from the "Farm Tract" by subdivision plat located at 8939 Woodsboro Pike.

6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

7. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Ms. Rollins notified commissioners of a farewell luncheon to be held on Monday to bid adieu to TFC Jimmy Ardinger and TFC Dave Thompson, who are both being transferred to the Hagerstown barrack.

Burgess Whitmore reminded everyone of Walkersville Day to be held 5/21/2011 and Bulk Trash Pickup to be held 5/28/2011.

TFC Dave Thompson addressed the commissioners regarding his enjoyable stint as a Walkersville Resident Trooper and notified them of the two new troopers who start next week – Trooper Chris Michael and Trooper Gary Baker.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager