MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
June 28, 2006
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore who arrived prior to the discussion of the Big Red Road, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Don Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, TFC Ed Muller, 7 citizens, and 0 press.
Commissioner Joe Magluilo was out of town on business.
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Chad Weddle, acting in Burgess Ralph Whitmore’s stead, with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to approve both the Town Meeting minutes and the Closed personnel minutes of June 14, 2006. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Jeff Keeney of 9536-A Liberty Road and GVAA Board member asked commissioners to authorize the connection of the water line at Heritage Farm Park. He has a water concern for the football field. Commissioners agreed to discuss this at the July 12 meeting when Commissioner Magluilo is available.
Louis Traini of 8794 Inspiration Court and Discovery Homeowners Association asked for information regarding the Town entering into agreement with Sprint/Nextel for a wireless telecommunications facility on the Discovery water tower. He stated that he would like to be notified at PO Box 394, Walkersville, MD 21793.
3. DISCUSSION OF SPRINT/NEXTEL LEASE/PERMIT ISSUES FOR DISCOVERY TOWER
Ms. Rollins notified commissioners of complications with the lease negotiations for the Sprint/Nextel wireless facility to be co-located on the Discovery water tower. There are two items in the lease that are being reviewed by Attorney David Severn. The lease includes language regarding subletting and indemnity that do not follow previous acceptable town lease structures.
In addition, the Discovery water tower is not within the Town limits. Although the Town owns the property, it would not be subject to the Town’s wireless telecommunications ordinance. Frederick County laws would apply should the Town eventually be able to move forward with the lease.
Consideration of annexing the tower will not be possible as the property does not directly adjoin the Town. There is a small strip of land from a Discovery outlot that wraps around the Town’s property, preventing it from being contiguous.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to purchase the Town Hall carpet from the low bidder, U.S. Carpet Market in the amount of $8,760. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Commissioner Sam Eyler made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to send the Memorandum of Understanding drafted by Attorney David Severn to Frederick County Solid Waste Management for their review. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
TFC Ed Muller presented June stats for Walkersville as follows: 2 rapes, 1 forgery theft, 4 thefts, 2 assaults, 2 malicious destruction, property damage, violation of protective order. He also recommended striping several of the streets in Town, making them seem narrower to the speeding traffic population, thereby slowing down speeding. Trooper Muller also asked commissioners to consider purchase of a laser set to aid in speed enforcement. The cost is approximately $3,000. Commissioner Schildt would like to see a Police Night Meet the Citizens this Fall. Trooper Muller would also like to set up a bike registration program to simplify the return of stolen or lost bikes.
Burgess Whitmore asked commissioners their feelings on the Frederick City plan to have a major road run from Rt. 70 to 26/194 to Biggs Ford. Commissioners were not in favor of supporting this idea and directed staff to send a letter notifying Frederick City as such.
8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Commissioner Schildt would like to see voter eligibility information placed on Cable Channel 99.
He also gave a Farmers’ Market update. Things are steadily falling into place for the opening day market on July 12.
Commissioner Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Weddle to hold a closed legal meeting to discuss advice from legal counsel. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
10. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Jane Abrecht of 27 Maple Avenue stated she is in favor of the lines on Maple Avenue because it is a dangerous speedway. She would also like to see the Town institute an ordinance against sleeping in cars.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager