MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

June 22, 2011

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Chad Weddle, Russell Winch, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, TFC Ramona George, approximately 6 citizens, and Courtney Pomeroy of the Gazette. Commissioner Donald Schildt was absent.

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

Commissioner Chad Weddle offered a prayer asking for God’s continued blessings on work of the town and on the people who will be traveling to the Town of Walkersville to attend the carnival. He also asked for a moment of silence to remember two individuals, Frank Rollins (Gloria Rollins’ father in law) and Helen Poffenbarger (Commissioner Weddle’s law partner’s mother).

1. MINUTES

2. RESOLUTIONS 2011-03 AND 2011-04 AMENDMENTS TO DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

Ms. Rollins notified commissioners that amendments were required to the employees’ deferred compensation plan in order to comply with the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 (HEART Act), the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), the Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2009 (WRERA), the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) and final IRS regulations issued under Code section 415 (the "Final 415 Regulations").

3. MULCH PILE UPDATE

Burgess Whitmore reported that things are progressing on the work to keep the mulch pile open as he feared they would. The discussions with Commissioner Young and County Manager David Dunn have been turned over to the bureaucrats to draft the agreement and the terms are unacceptable to the Town. He stated that the first draft of the agreement would not be anything that the Town could afford to sign. We will continue to negotiate and try to work it out. He is open for suggestions of other options to make it work.

4. REAPPOINTMENTS TO PARKS COMMITTEE

5. ORDINANCE 2011-04 ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT – RECEPTION FACILITIES IN AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT

Ms. Hauver reviewed the zoning text amendment to address reception facilities in the agricultural district. A definition of a reception facility is added to Section 88-2, and several other sections are amended for buildings, off-street parking requirements, signage, and requirements for a special exception. After public hearing and approval by the Planning Commission, the Burgess and Commissioners will hold a public hearing to adopt the amendment.

6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

7. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Sam Eyler noted that he wants to see a solution to the mulch pile issue.

Commissioner Chad Weddle, on behalf of Commissioner Donald Schildt, noted that the Veterans’ Day Service is scheduled for Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

Commissioner Chad Weddle expressed his disagreement with the two proposed amendments to the Frederick County Adequate Public facilities Ordinance, which addressed the adoption of a school mitigation fee option and the revision of senior housing exemption requirements. Burgess Whitmore directed staff to compose a letter in opposition.

Burgess Whitmore reviewed the staff summary of the recent bulk trash pickup and billing from the County in the amount of $8,165.80. We were charged $28 per mattress for a total of $1,372. Also, 50 additional tons were picked up over the November bulk trash pickup, 39.48 tons vs. 89.35 tons. We will have to consider cost cutting options, such as changing to one pickup per year or eliminating the pickup of mattresses.

Commissioner Chad Weddle, on behalf of Commissioner Donald Schildt, reviewed the request for recognition of Mr. James G. Shaheen, Command Sergeant Major, who will be retiring from Fort Detrick. Congratulations on his retirement and thanks for his help will be offered during our Veterans’ Day Service.

Burgess Whitmore, on behalf of Commissioner Donald Schildt, discussed the commissioner’s request that the town put up signs directing people to Heritage Farm Park. Further discussion will be forthcoming.

Commissioner Russell Winch would like the town to consider or investigate an emergency warning system for the town.

8. CITIZENS’ CONCERNS

George Rudy, 11 West Crum Road, discussed his survey of mulch pile users and his perceptions of the proposed closure of the mulch pile. He encourages the town to continue to fight to keep it and he supports the fight.

John Sherrod, address unknown, encouraged the commissioners to preserve the entire Walker Farm as a historic agricultural farm park like the one in Montgomery County (the old Bussard Farm) to use be used by 4-H, FFA, as a museum, classrooms and offices. He recommended getting grants or putting the property into a preservation trust.

9. POLICE REPORT

TFC Ramona George reviewed the resident trooper stats for May 2011. She also reminded citizens that there are now 2 new resident troopers and they are bike certified and ready for carnival week. She also reported that National Night Out will be held the 1^st week of August.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager