MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

May 23, 2007

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Town employee Martin Wolfe, 8 citizens, Jeremy Hauck of the Gazette. Commissioner Jim Reid was recovering from surgery.

The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to approve the Town Meeting minutes of May 9, 2007. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

2. PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE 2007-03 AND 2007-04 GENERAL AND WATER FUND BUDGETS

Ms. Rollins reviewed budgets previously presented and noted changes.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to amend the proposed Ordinance 2007-03 General Fund budget, and adopt it adding $5,000 for "Security" and increasing "Designated from Surplus" by $5,000 to cover the additional expense. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to adopt the proposed Ordinance 2007-04 Water Fund budget. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

3. PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE

Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to adopt the current tax rate of 15.6¢ per $100 of assessed value of real property. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

4. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

NONE

5. TOWN MEETING ROOM SOUND SYSTEM PROPOSALS

Ms. Rollins presented 2 proposals to improve the meeting room sound system. DSL Sound’s proposal $13,083 included replacement of the lectern, microphones, speakers, and meeting recording system. Audio/Video Group’s proposal $7,726 included replacement of the lectern, integration with current microphones and speakers, and new meeting recording system. Both companies have done excellent work for the town in the past.

Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to accept the proposal of Audio/Video Group in the amount of $7,726. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

6. WATER PLANT BACKFLOW PREVENTER

Mr. DePaola notified commissioners of the backflow preventer on the large sand filter that did not pass the annual certification inspection. He requested their approval of $6,300 to replace the failed unit.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to replace the failed backflow preventer for $6,400. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

7. AWARD BID FOR HERITAGE FARM PARK PATHWAYS

Two bids were received to pave the walking pathways at Heritage Farm Park. This is a Program Open Space Project that the Town has been planning for several years. Funds were awarded in FY 2006. Town staff has done the prep work for the pathways and we will get as much paved as fits within the POS project.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to award the paving contract to W.F. Delauter for $11.50 per linear foot. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

8. ANNOUNCEMENT OF MEMORIAL DAY ESSAY CONTEST AND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Ms. Rollins announced the Walkersville High School Seniors whose essays for the Memorial Day Remembrance won scholarships from the Town:

Amy E. Gilbert – 1^st Place - $500 Scholarship

Charles D. Pearl – 2^nd Place - $300 Scholarship

Kate M. Santullo – 3^rd Place - $200 Scholarship

Special thanks to the Veterans Judging Committee, Commissioner Jim Reid, Commissioner Sam Eyler, and Mr. Ridge Cramer.

9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Chad Weddle opposed.

10. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Burgess Ralph Whitmore announced a public meeting with Mr. Jim Fitzgerald, purchaser of Rotorex property, set for Tuesday, June 12, 2007, in conjunction with the Planning and Zoning Workshop. Discussion will include annexation process and public utilities availability.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, for a closed meeting to discuss land acquisition. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2, with Commissioners Don Schildt and Chad Weddle opposed, and Burgess Whitmore breaking the tie with a vote in favor.

Ms. Rollins and Ms. Hauver presented a letter from the town engineers, RK&K requesting renewal of the agreement for engineering and review services and upgraded fee schedule.

Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to renew the RK&K agreement for one more year and then go out for bid next year for engineering services. In addition, the Town’s fee schedule should be adjusted as soon as possible to cover the engineering fees charged. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to advertise for the new maintenance position that is included in FY2008 budget. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Zimmerman opposed.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager