MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

June 23, 2004

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, June 23, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Joe Magluilo, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, several citizens, and press. Town Manager Gloria Rollins was absent.

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

1. RESOLUTION HONORING KATHERINE JENKS POWELL

Commissioner Chad Weddle presented a resolution honoring retiring Walkersville High School teacher Katherine Jenks Powell. It was noted that Ms. Powell had taught the Burgess and three of the Commissioners as well as members of their families. The meeting was adjourned for a brief reception for Ms. Powell and her family.

2. MINUTES

3. DISCUSSION OF MOWING CONTRACT

Burgess Whitmore stated that issues had been worked out with the mowing contractor and that all is well.

4. SINKHOLE DISCUSSION

Representatives from Fountain Rock HOA and the resident of 235 Sandstone Drive attended the meeting. The two sinkholes on Mr. Crockett’s property have been a source of complaints to the town. The town addressed this as a public safety issue. Mr. David Crockett, 235 Sandstone Drive, contends that the sinkhole(s) originated with the stormwater management pond. Mr. Crockett went over his letters to the town and the HOA. He states that his reports from the geotechnical engineer and Musselman Excavating reinforces his position that the sinkholes should not be his responsibility although located on his property. He stated that Mr. Tauszky of the HOA has offered up to $5,000 but Mr. Crockett does not want to be responsible for the balance to fix the sinkhole. Mr. Crockett stated that he offered Mr. Tauszky that he would pay $3,680 to fix the hole up to his property line. To date they have been unable to arrive at an agreement. Mr. John Tauszky of the HOA went over his timeline of attempted communications with Mr. Crockett and Mr. Crockett’s lack of response to the offers to rectify the sinkhole. Commissioner Weddle suggested that Mr. Crockett put in his $3,680, the HOA put in their $5,000, the town takes the responsibility for the repair and be held harmless for entering the property. Mr. Tauszky said he could not commit the HOA at this time based on his attorney’s advice.

The commissioners will take time to think about this issue, Mr. Tauszky will check with the HOA, Mr. Crockett’s offer stands. Dennis Miller will contact Musselman and Poole for a cost to fix both sinkholes.

5. CITIZENS’ CONCERNS

Mr. Tauszky expressed his concern that the Trout Park is becoming a hangout after dark. Burgess Whitmore directed staff to put up a sign that the park is closed at dusk as are all other town parks.

Another citizen commented that sinkholes are a way of life in Walkersville – that the whole backend of a car fell into a sinkhole at the carnival grounds.

Harold Roderuck asked who is going to fix the walkway over the railroad tracks to connect the sidewalk along Glade Road to the Winter Brook sidewalk. Burgess Whitmore stated that NOBODY is going to do it. He will not have 5 years olds required to walk from Colony Village to Glade Elementary.

Paul Carter of 137 Polaris Drive expressed his concern that the streetlights are not on in Sun Meadow. He asks that the town put pressure on Smerbeck to get the lights turned on. Commissioner Magluilo stated that Letter of Credit funds would not be released until the town is satisfied.

Mr. Carter also expressed his concern that people are driving on through the stop sign at Glade Road and Pennsylvania Avenue and would like a state trooper to monitor the area and give out tickets.

6. WALKERSVILLE SELF STORAGE LETTER OF CREDIT

7. NO PARKING EXCEPT FOR RESIDENTS

Burgess Whitmore suggested that "No Parking Except for Residents" signs be placed along Frederick Street in front of Glade Village. Commissioner Weddle would like to add "on school days" and hold off until next meeting so that he can talk to his neighbors.

8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

9. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Burgess Whitmore notified commissioners that Ron Layman, the local Boy Scout leader, would like to open up the old entrance off of Daysville Road so that there will be better access for the scout. As long as the neighbors don’t object, commissioners approve of this entrance.

10. MARYLAND STATE POLICE QUARTERLY MEETING

Citizen Jim Baker, 9 Georgetown Road, told Corporal Butler that the speed on Georgetown Road is atrocious and getting worse. He asked for help from the troopers and enforcement of the 25 mph speed. A second complaint is the stop sign at Sherwood Drive and Georgetown Road. People go through the stop sign all the time and he would like to see that enforced. He also noted that the lighting at Rt. 194 by the Fire department is very poor and he can’t see the road. Burgess Whitmore noted that is the state highway’s responsibility. Cpl. Butler stated that the speed sign will be put out tomorrow and the troopers will rotate in there and work some radar and monitor the speeds.

Commissioner Zimmerman expressed her concern that there is speeding on Stauffer Road and motorcycles and four-wheelers running through their cornfield.

Commissioner Schildt noted that his neighbors have been complaining about the stop sign at Pennsylvania Ave and Glade Road also.

Burgess Whitmore complained that there are several trucks illegally parked around town. They are not parked in front of their own properties and are overweight. Cpl. Butler stated that they can’t take care of a problem until they know about it – he stated he will personally take care of any problem that someone jots down and puts in his box.

Commissioner Magluilo expressed a citizen’s complaint that there are commercial trucks parking in the shopping center overnight. Cpl. Butler stated that the shopping center parking lot is private property and they can have anything they want parked in there.

11. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Magluilo announced a meeting next Wednesday at Ballenger Creek Middle School regarding toll lanes proposed for I-270. He will attend the meeting.

Commissioner Magluilo noted that the Planning Commission had voted to forward the Zoning Map to the Burgess and Commissioners for their hearing in August.

Bob DePaola notified the commissioners that Mr. Oliver, plumber for the Habitat for Humanity project on Biggs Ford Road is requesting that the Town install the water tap for the home as he does not have the equipment. Commissioner Schildt made a motion that the town not install the water tap for the Habitat house. The motion died for lack of a second. Mr. DePaola stated that the town has the equipment, the staff, and the time to help with the installation. Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Magluilo, that Habitat does the excavation and traffic control, and the town will provide one man and the tap machine to do the tap. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Schildt opposed.

Commissioner Weddle reminded that trash pickup is on Thursday, and recycling is on Wednesday next week.

Commissioner Magluilo asked commissioners to review their Frederick City comprehensive plan and it’s effect on the town. Planning commission will have a workshop on the city’s plan as it appears their plan does not conform to the town’s plan and boundaries.

The meeting was adjourned at about 9 p.m.

Sincerely,

Susan J. Hauver

Planning and Zoning Administrator