MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
July 14, 2004
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, July 14, 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, Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Summer intern Jack Whitmore, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, and Town Manager Gloria Rollins, 4 citizens, and 1 press.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. MINUTES
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Magluilo, to approve both the regular town meeting and closed legal meeting minutes of June 23, 2004. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
2. RESOLUTION 2004-03 EIGHTH AMENDMENT AND RESTATED LGIT AGREEMENT
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Donald Schildt, to adopt Resolution 2004-03 Eighth Amendment and Restated LGIT Agreement. This resolution gives the town’s permission for LGIT to dissolve the trust which provides health and life benefits to members. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
3. CITIZENS’ CONCERNS
Bob Sussman, of Galaxy Control Systems, expressed his concern with the traffic and sight distance of oncoming traffic for his employees pulling out of the Galaxy parking lot onto Frederick Street. He stated there is a blocked view to the left due to the parking in front of the businesses on the block and to the right, there is also obstructed view because of the allowed parking space. Mr. Sussman suggested that a mirror be installed on the Allegheny Power pole by the driveway so that his employees can see oncoming traffic. He stated that Galaxy would be willing to pay for the mirror and the installation. Burgess Whitmore directed staff to contact William Mann to obtain permission to install a mirror and find out particulars as to rental of the pole and installation of the mirror. There was discussion about holding a hearing for the neighbors as this issue has come up on multiple occasions and the town continues to try to satisfy all complainers regarding the parking/sight issues on Frederick Street.
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Eyler, to have Gloria contact Mr. Mann with all mirror questions and report back to the commissioners. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2, with Commissioners Magluilo and Schildt opposed.
Thom Beckley, of GVAA, presented the bill he had received from the town for the excessive electric charges at the concession stand. Dennis Miller had contacted him on numerous occasions to obtain access to the concession stand and determine why the usage was so high. Burgess Whitmore directed staff to contact Mr. Mann and see why the bill is so high.
Mr. Donald Schildt, citizen, rose to the podium to register his complaint about the stormwater pond in Sun Meadow. He stated that it’s been six weeks since it’s been mowed and he wants it mowed again. Staff have sent letters to Frank Smerbeck to no avail. Staff will investigate and contact the HOA to determine the status and schedule for the stormwater pond mowing.
4. FREDERICK CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Burgess and commissioners were given copies of the Frederick City Comprehensive Plan for the purpose of reviewing the plan and issuing comments before its adoption. Preliminary comments concerned issues with the north/south road bypassing Frederick up to Walkersville. Also noted was the city’s plan is very aggressive with little consideration of adjoining municipalities and a weak APFO.
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Eyler, to have Burgess Whitmore send a letter on behalf of the town, after the next Planning Commission meeting, with the town’s comments on the Frederick City Comprehensive Plan. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
5. SINKHOLE DISCUSSION
There were no parties present for the sinkhole discussion. The cost to fix both sinkholes by Musselman Excavating is $9,800. The Fountain Rock Homeowners Association has agreed to pay $5,000 and the property owner, Mr. David Crockett has agreed to pay $3,680 towards the repairs. The town will provide fill material to help with lowering the cost.
Commissioner Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Eyler, to get Musselman Excavating to fix both sinkholes with the town contributing fill material and that we get the HOA and the homeowner to sign permission documents holding the town harmless for entering the property. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Schildt opposed.
Commissioners would like to see the RK&K study of the stormwater pond, which states the best way to handle the sinkholes in the pond.
6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Schildt, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
7. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Commissioner Zimmerman asked for specifics on the new field to be installed by Musselman Excavating from leftover soil from Sun Meadow. Thom Beckley stated that the grading permit is valid until October 2004 and that a silt fence is needed. Town staff will install the silt fence next week. Also, the baseball season is over at the park so the tar and chip loop road could be installed at this time. This will be discussed at another meeting.
Commissioner Weddle brought information about signs from the MML Convention in Ocean City, Burgess Whitmore would like to see miniature radar speed signs mounted on poles as is done in Frederick City.
Commissioner Schildt asked the status of the letter that was to be sent to Barbara Mikulski requesting a new post office. Susan had completed the letter and copies were in each commissioner’s pile. Mr. Schildt also requested information, based on Joe Caha’s letter, on the manor house status on the National Historic Register. Town staff will look into the matter.
The meeting was adjourned at about 8:25 p.m.
Sincerely,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager