MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

July 13, 2011

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, Russell Winch, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, 3 citizens, and Ike Wilson of the Frederick News-Post. Commissioner Sam Eyler was absent.

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

Commissioner Chad Weddle offered a prayer thanking God for the opportunity to work on the issues for the Town and for His continued blessings on the Town. He offered thanks for all the volunteer organizations and committees in the Town that make our community such a great place.

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to approve both the Town Meeting minutes and the Closed Legal and Personnel minutes of June 22, 2011. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0-1, Commissioner Donald Schildt abstaining.

2. PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE 2011-03 FUNERAL DISTANCE

Commissioner Chad Weddle reviewed the Federal and State law sources that he used to craft the Town’s ordinance on appropriate distance maintained from funeral activities.

Ron Layman, of 24 West Frederick Street, stated that the distance should be 5 miles.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to adopt Ordinance 2011-03 which prohibits making noise or diversion that is not part of a funeral activity within 1,000 feet of the funeral activity. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

3. MORTGAGE PRINCIPAL PAYMENT

Ms. Rollins notified Commissioners that a $250,000 Certificate of Deposit matures on July 15th. She asked if Commissioners would consider paying down that amount on the Walker Farm mortgage as interest rates on renewing the CD are minimal, i.e. below 1%.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russ Winch, to pay $250,000 on mortgage principal upon maturity of the CD on July 15, 2011. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

4. WALKER FARM DISCUSSION

Burgess Whitmore reviewed staff report on the Walker Farm contract. The contract purchaser proposes realignment of the property lines and addition of a 50-foot buffer around the current tract. He proposes to pay $30,000 for the realignment and an additional $20,000 for the additional 50-foot buffer. The Town would need an amendment to the resolution authorizing sale of the property.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to allow the increase of 3 acres to realign the property lines and the addition of a 50-foot buffer around and have the Town Attorney revise Resolution 2011-01. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Donald Schildt in opposition.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to figure out the exact acreage increase in the proposal and determine if the proposed $20,000 is fair value for the addition. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Donald Schildt in opposition.

 

5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

6. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Chad Weddle will work on a service for September 11th.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to hold a closed legal meeting to discuss town property. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

Burgess Whitmore informed commissioners that the MOU with Frederick County is still in process with revisions.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman registered her complaint that the stormwater management pond located at the B Building (corner of Frederick Street and Nicodemus) is an eyesore with tall, unsightly weeds throughout. Code enforcement officer will be notified to take action.

Burgess Whitmore noted that a gravel driveway has developed off of Frederick Street onto the middle school property and Frederick County Sheriff’s department vehicles gather on the school property for what appears to be maintenance activities (hood up, etc.). Code enforcement officer will be notified.

 

There being no further business or citizens’ concerns, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager