MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

July 9, 2008

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, July 9, 2008, 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, 8 citizens, 1 press, Sarah Fortney of the Frederick News-Post, Town Attorney Danny B. O’Connor and Ashley Mancinelli.

Commissioner Donald Schildt was absent.

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

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russ Winch, to approve the minutes of the June 25, 2008 Town meeting. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

The closed personnel meeting minutes of June 25, 2008 will be reviewed and approved when complete at the August 13, 2008 meeting.

2. WHS REQUEST FOR ELECTRONIC VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN

WHS Assistant Principal Jim Kennedy presented the request for an electronic variable message sign to replace the current sign in front of Walkersville High School.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to approve the design and placement of the electronic sign. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

3. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

NONE

4. MARYLAND STATE POLICE CONTRACT REVISED DOCUMENT

Ms. Rollins reviewed the revised contract attachment which increases the Indirect Cost percentage from 22.04% to 30.54%, resulting in an increase of $28,108 to the contract.

5. FORESTRY CONSULTANT PROPOSALS

Ms. Rollins reviewed 3 proposals to manage a timber cutting on the Town’s watershed in accordance with the Town’s forestry stewardship plan. Costs of the proposals are as follows:

Mr. John Seely proposes to manage the project as a seasonal employee for 37.5 hours per week at $29.oo per hour.
Mr. Dan Speace proposes to manage the project at an administrative rate of $12.50 per hour and a site rate of $20.00 per hour, at a total cost of approximately $9,532.50.
Mr. Bill Bond proposes to manage the project for a service fee of 10% of the timber sale price.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russ Winch, to accept the proposal of Mr. Dan Speace not to exceed $10,000. The motion passed by a vote of

4-0.

6. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OPTIONS

Ms. Rollins asked commissioners for guidance on how to handle the code enforcement officer position budgeted for $20,000. Other municipalities have handled it in several ways, i.e. as a full time employee or as an independent contractor.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russ Winch, to advertise for a code enforcement officer as an independent contractor up to 10 hours per week at an hourly contract rate of $35 per hour. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

7. SHA UPDATE LETTER

Ms. Rollins reviewed a letter received from State Highway Administration notifying the Town that they are still reviewing concerns on Rt. 194 and plan to contact us in August.

8. REQUEST FOR STOP SIGN

Phillip Christy, of 212 Deer Run Drive, presented his request for a stop sign at the intersection of Deer Run Drive and Braeburn Drive. He is requesting an all way stop at the intersection to slow traffic and make the street safer. Burgess Whitmore suggested commissioners look at the proposed site for a new stop sign and run it by the resident troopers. He also recommended that Mr. Christy notify the Deerfield HOA of his request and get their approval.

9. 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.

10. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

None mentioned.

Mr. Bob DePaola asked commissioners to consider an additional 350 feet of water line replacement on George Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, while the contractor is currently working on the Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue project.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to authorize up to $150,000 to complete additional water line replacement at George Street. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

Wanda Heurich, of Glade Towne, asked who had been working and leaving a mess on Challedon Drive and who to complain to. Mr. DePaola said Allegheny Power had worked there last week.

Commissioner Russ Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to hold a closed legal meeting to consult with counsel and potential pending litigation. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Chad Weddle in opposition.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager