MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

May 26, 2010

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 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, TFC Ramona George, approximately 9 citizens, including Frederick County Commissioner Blaine Young, and Ed Waters of the Frederick News-Post. Commissioner Russ Winch was absent due to a family commitment.

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

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to approve the Town Meeting minutes of May 12, 2010. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

2. PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE

Mr. Dick Creager questioned the Walkersville tax increase ad that was placed in the Frederick News-Post with a possible tax rate of 24¢ per $100 of assessed real property value. Burgess Whitmore explained that if the town plans to adopt a tax rate that is above the constant yield tax rate it must advertise that a tax increase is in store for the residents. The constant yield tax rate calculated by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation dropped to 14.65¢ per $100 and the Town tax rate has been 15.6¢ for several years, the advertisement was required. The Town chose to advertise the possibility of adopting a 24¢ rate so that it would have the authority to adopt any rate within that range if needed.

There were no further public comments, although several citizens in the audience maintained hostile expressions on their faces.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to adopt the current 15.6¢ per $100 tax rate again for FY 2011. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

3. PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET ORDINANCES 2010-04 WATER FUND AND ORDINANCE

2010-05 GENERAL FUND

Ms. Rollins reviewed changes made as budgets were introduced at the last town meeting. There were no public comments on either the Water Fund or General Fund budget.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioners Donald Schildt, to adopt Ordinance 2010-04, the Water Fund FY 2011 budget, and Ordinance 2010-05, the General Fund FY 2011 budget. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

4. REPORT ON ADVERTISING OF FARMHOUSE

Ms. Rollins reported that all advertising has been placed per appropriated $5,000 in the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Hagerstown Herald, Montgomery County Gazette, and Frederick County Gazette. She reported that no inquiries have been made, but later learned from office staff that a call of interest had been received. No appointments to tour the property have been scheduled to date.

5. REPORT ON BULK TRASH COLLECTION

Ms. Rollins reviewed the staff report on the bulk trash collection as follows: Bulk trash pickup on Saturday, May 22^nd yielded 66.15 tons of trash delivered to the Frederick County Landfill with a cost of $5,038.80. Combine this with the bulk trash pickup of October 2009 in the amount of 20.81 tons, costing $1,592.20 for a grand total bulk trash cost of $6,631.00 for FY2010. The Frederick County credit allowance to the Town of $3,759.77 applied results in a net cost to the Town of $2,871.23.

6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND APRIL 2010 FINANCIAL REPORTS

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to pay the attached bills and accept the April 2010 financial statements as presented. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

7. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Frederick County Commissioner Blaine Young introduced himself and expressed his desire to get to know the commissioners of the various municipalities and asked if there were any concerns that they wanted to discuss with him. Burgess Whitmore reiterated the Town’s concern about Frederick City’s comprehensive plan and their designation of a "Big Red Road" that will divert Rt. 270 highway traffic off of Rt. 15 and onto a new road through Walkersville.

Commissioner Donald Schildt announced that there is a tremendous program in place for the upcoming Memorial Day ceremony honoring Charles Cartwright. Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 31^st at 10:00 a.m. He announced that the program is set, speakers lined up, previous commissioners and servicemen have been invited.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman announced that she has 3 Park Committee members that she would like to reappoint as their terms ended in April 2010. Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to reappoint Artie Fauble, Thom Beckley, and Jim Harbaugh to the Parks Committee for another 2 year term. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

Ms. Hauver reported on the May 25^th Planning Commission meeting and public hearing which did not have a quorum. The public hearing on the Century Center annexation will be rescheduled to the 2^nd or 4^th Tuesday in June 2010 and the Burgess and Commissioners will hold their public hearing on it on July 14^th, 2010.

8. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Charles Nicodemus, as an 81 year resident of the Town, addressed the Commissioners claiming to need help. He explained that he has put together a slide show encompassing a 35 year history of the Town and does not know how to preserve it. Commissioners asked staff to see what they could do about getting prices to assist Mr. Nicodemus in his endeavor. Suggestions such as Carpel Video, FCC class projects, and various other companies were entertained.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager