MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

May 11, 2011

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, May 11, 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 16 citizens, TFC Ramona George, Delegate Kathy Afzali, Blair Ames of the Frederick News-Post and Courtney Pomeroy of the Gazette.

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

Commissioner Chad Weddle offered a prayer for blessings on work for the issues of the town and on the Board of Appeals members, safety for Walkersville Days, and our military men and women.

1. MINUTES

2. PUBLIC HEARING ON RESOLUTION 2011-01 RE: SALE OF WALKER FARM HOUSE PARCEL AND 3 ADDITIONAL ACRES

Commissioner Chad Weddle explained that a resolution is needed, per our Town Charter, whereby it is determined that a property is authorized to be marketed, offered for sale and sold because it is no longer needed for any public purpose. There were no comments from the public.

3. VISIT FROM DELEGATE KATHY AFZALI

Delegate Kathy Afzali greeted the Burgess & Commissioners, entertained questions, and offered her assistance to constituents.

4. VOTE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Ms. Hauver reminded commissioners of her review of the plan at the last town meeting and offered to answer any remaining questions on the presentation. Commissioner Russell Winch explained that the requested changes in zoning of the Bell property from R-1 to R-2, and the Mayfair property from R-1 to R-3 would not significantly increase the number of homes to be built. Ms. Hauver noted that per the concept plan on the Bell property the lots would still be ½ acre lots and on the Mayfair property the same number of lots approved 20 years ago would be allowed. Since our code deleted cluster development since the initial plans, a change in R-3 would be required to allow the original number of lots. Commissioner Winch noted that he is opposed to the Stone property being designated as Residential on the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Donald Schildt expressed his opposition to the Bell property requested change to R-2 and the Mayfair property to R-3 rezoning.

5. RESOLUTION 2011-02 HONORING SGT. STEPHEN J. HASSETT

Commissioner Chad Weddle read the resolution honoring the career of Maryland State Police Sgt. Stephen J. Hassett.

6. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 2011-01 GENERAL FUND BUDGET AND ORDINANCE 2011-02 WATER FUND BUDGET

Ms. Rollins reviewed changes and additions to the General Fund and Water Fund budgets as discussed at the April 27, 2011 Town Meeting.

Burgess Whitmore directed Ms. Rollins and Mr. DePaola to prepare staff evaluations for the June 22^nd Town meeting.

7. RENEWAL OF TRASH CONTRACT

8. DVD ON TOWN HISTORY

Ms. Rollins notified commissioners that Mr. Charlie Nicodemus brought in 10 of his DVDs on Town history and requested that the Town sell them at Town Hall for $15 each and keep $2 of the proceeds from each sale.

9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

10. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman introduced presentation of the Freemason Lacrosse Tournament beer garden proposal. Chris Holt and Chris Richter were present to discuss details of the fundraising proposal and procedures to have a beer garden during their June 18-19^th event. Parks Committee has recommended approval of the event.

Commissioner Weddle noted that our Town code does not allow for serving/selling alcohol in public or on town property, and that a resolution would need to be passed to allow it. Commissioner Weddle will draft the resolution per the motion as follows:

Sun Meadow Request for Electricity Lighting for Tot Lot

The Town received a request from the Sun Meadow HOA to allow them to hook up to electricity through the town street lighting pole to provide light to the HOA tot lot. Commissioners agreed that the HOA should be billed for the electricity usage.

Mr. DePaola will figure the cost to be charged to the HOA.

Burgess Whitmore discussed the closing of the USPS mail sorting facility on Tilco Drive.

Burgess Whitmore discussed Frederick County’s proposition of a "school mitigation fee".

Burgess Whitmore notified commissioners and citizens that the HFP county mulch pile facility is in jeopardy and discussion of its closure will take place at the rescheduled County/Municipal meeting on May 26, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

Commissioner Donald Schildt proposed no further discussion of opening a skate park in Walkersville, citing the recent closure of the Brunswick facility.

Discussion ensued regarding a 100 ft. buffer zone for military funerals. Commissioner Donald Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to implement a 500 foot buffer for funerals and burial sites. The motion was withdrawn.

Commissioner Russell Winch lodged his second yearly complaint about the lawn mowing service. He stated that they have no idea that they are supposed to mow the outfields and the lacrosse fields. Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman will consult with maintenance staff to determine if the mowing contract is intact and that they are mowing at least once a week.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman presented the disc golf course logo proposed by Jack Reichel. Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to approve the disc golf course logo. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

Ms. Rollins notified commissioners that DNR would be conducting a black bear survey on the watershed property.

Staff was directed to check dates on the Parks Committee member terms.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager