MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

April 28, 2010

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, April 28, 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, Cpl. David Keller, approximately 13 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.

Commissioner Weddle offered a prayer to open the meeting.

1. MINUTES

2. PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE 2010-01 ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT FREDERICK COUNTY CHAPTER OF AMERICAN RED CROSS

Ms. Hauver reviewed the ordinance and explained it would give the American Red Cross more flexibility in the use of their property. This ordinance applies to the B-2 zoning district. With Planning Commission approval, the Red Cross will be able to lease out part of their space to other entities. New definitions of use, structure and building will provide clarity to sections of the ordinance that have been confusing and difficult to interpret. The revisions to §88-5.1 provides exceptions to the provision allowing only one structure on a single lot in the commercial and industrial buildings. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the ordinance with one change to paragraph 8, changing total signage permitted to 100 square feet rather than 50 square feet per tenant.

Ed Stanfield, 6591 Coldbrook Lane, Middletown, leasing agent for the Red Cross, supported the ordinance.

George Rudy, 11 West Crum Road, Walkersville, representing an owner of B-1 property, his wife, would like the ordinance to apply to B-1 and B-0 zoned properties also.

Maria Valcarcel, 12 West Frederick Street, Walkersville, would also like the ordinance to apply to B-1 property. Her father owns property that has had multiple tenants in the past, so wants the ordinance to apply to officially allow it and avoid problems in the future.

3. ORDINANCE 2010-02 CHAPTER 13, BRUSH, GRASS AND WEEDS, HEIGHT RESTRICTION

Commissioners introduced Ordinance 2010-02 to lower the height restriction for brush, grass and weeds from 1 foot to 8 inches. This will hopefully expedite the code enforcement officer’s ability to address tall grass before it gets so totally out of control that it requires excessive amounts of staff time and stresses town equipment to get it mowed.

4. ORDINANCE 2010-03 TO AUTHORIZE THE MARKETING, OFFERING FOR SALE OF THE 14.4 ACRE HOUSE TRACT LOCATED AT 8939 WOODSBORO PIKE

Ms. Rollins presented Ordinance 2010-03 drafted by Town Attorney David Severn in regards to authorizing the marketing, offering for sale at public or private sale and the conveyance of real property belonging to the Town described as the 14.4 acres House Tract located at 8939 Woodsboro Pike. Commissioner Weddle disagreed that this ordinance needs to be introduced at this time. Commissioners made a motion at their April 14^th Town meeting to advertise the sale of the property by sealed bid until June 15^th with the right to reject any and all bids. Commissioner Weddle noted that if an acceptable bid is received, then commissioners would be able to determine if the property is no longer needed for any public use.

To reiterate previous instructions, Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to authorize staff to advertise as before. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

5. BUDGET PREVIEW

Ms. Rollins reviewed preliminary numbers for the General Fund and Water Fund budgets. Additions, deletions and changes will be incorporated for the introduction of the budget at the May 12^th Town meeting. A public hearing and adoption of the budget and the tax rate will be held May 26^th, 2010.

6. REPORT ON WALKER FARM OPEN HOUSE

Ms. Rollins noted that several hundred citizens attended the Walker Farm Open House. The day was lovely and seemed to be enjoyed by all.

7. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

8. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Donald Schildt announced that the stone honoring Charles Cartwright has been placed at Memorial Park. Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 31^st at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Sam Eyler suggested that speed bumps need to be installed at Heritage Farm Park. People are driving around there like bats out of hell.

Commissioner Russell Winch expressed his displeasure at the job the new mowing contractor is doing at the park(s). The contract started April 1^st and the entire park area has yet to be mowed completely.

Commissioner Russell Winch reported an altercation at Heritage Farm Park when an umpire for a GVAA game insisted on going the wrong way around the loop road. Apparently the umpire did not appreciate, respect, or heed Commissioner Winch’s reminder that the road is one way. Commissioners are considering installing the old style drive-in movie treadles that will discourage a car’s tire from entering the park in the wrong direction.

9. POLICE REPORT

Cpl. Dave Keller reviewed some of the specifics of the March police activity report. He discussed several arrests made with the cooperation of the drug task force and several arrests for drunk driving. He also commended TFC Ramona George on her handling of an alleged child abuse case.

10. REMINDERS

- Water bills to be mailed Friday, April 30^th

- Walkersville Day – May 15^th

- Bulk trash pickup – May 22^nd

- National Duck Pin Bowling Tournament will be held at the Walkersville Bowling Center the next four weekends. Burgess Whitmore will roll the first ball.

11. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Don Specht, representing the Town’s previous mowing contractor, notified commissioners that he would be willing to take back mowing of the parks if the Town remains dissatisfied with the current job being done.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager