MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

August 8, 2007

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Jim Reid, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, TFC Ramona George, 7 citizens, and 2 press, Gina Gallucci of the Frederick News Post and Jeremy Hauck of the Gazette.

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

1. MINUTES

2. PARK SECURITY CAMERA PROPOSALS

Ms. Rollins presented the proposals and costs for park security camera systems ranging in cost from $4,200 to $18,900. Discussion ensued as to the needs and objectives of the Town in installing security cameras. It was agreed that further research and contact with other providers would continue until a recommendation can be made that meets the Town’s needs.

3. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

None

4. FINANCIAL AUDIT

Ms. Rollins noted that the financial audit will begin on the Town’s records on August 13, 2007. The cost of the audit will not exceed $13,800 as per the understanding of services letter and the town budget.

5. BULK TRASH PICKUP SCHEDULED

Burgess Whitmore announced the town’s bulk trash pickup scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2007. Residents may place their bulk trash items on the curb in front of their homes for pickup, the night before and by 5:00 am Saturday morning.

6. SENIOR CITIZENS SCHEDULE

Commissioners discussed the Senior Citizens meal schedule, particularly the low number of attendance on Thursdays. As the Fall schedule approaches, meal delivery from Cozy, the 35 meal minimum will be discontinued. Other options will be explored for Thursdays, such as pizza delivery or another restaurant provider of a lesser number of meals.

7. AT&T/CINGULAR PROPOSED RENEGOTIATION OF LEASE

Ms. Rollins presented a proposal from Marcos Weinstein, representing Cingular Wireless. He is proposing a reduction in the monthly rental amount from $1,988.76 to $1,624.35. The term would be for 5 terms of 5 years each. The current term includes 4 more terms of 5 years each. Commissioners did not find an incentive to renegotiate the lease and directed that a letter be sent explaining that the current lease is satisfactory to the Town.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to send the same substantial letter to AT&T/Cingular Wireless that was sent to Sprint in response to their request for lease renegotiation. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

8. REVIEW OF ITEMS FROM JULY 25 TOWN PICNIC

Victoria Park Letter of Credit from an out of state bank was approved.

Rescue Company bond refinancing of 1.5 million due to F&M being purchased by PNC Bank was reapproved.

Low bid for brick point up work at Heritage Farm Park Manor House and buildings of $11,000 awarded to David Poole.

9. ROTOREX WATER ALLOCATION DISCUSSION/DECISION

Burgess Whitmore presented the calculations for the available water from the Town’s water system. He noted that the calculations used a peak flow of 800,000 per day and 330 gallons per day per household (tap). The capacity of the water plant is the treatment of 1.4 million gallons per day, but there is not necessarily that much water available for withdrawal from the water table.

MDE advised the Town that a new well would be appropriate.

10. MILITARY GIFTS DISCUSSION

Burgess Whitmore will organize a meeting of the committee volunteers in the next few weeks. Volunteers to the committee include Colleen Barron, Brenda Davis, Harvey Starkey, John and Patsy Hedges. Don Schildt volunteered to serve as a Commissioner on the committee.

11. FALL FESTIVAL/OPEN HOUSE AT HFP

Ideas for future use of HFP barn.

12. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

13. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Schildt announced and congratulated Bob Kight on being honored as Amvet of the Year.

Commissioner Schildt would like to see a fundraiser for veterans gifts by setting up a movie screen in the park and charging a donation.

Commissioner Schildt brought up the complaint of several junk vehicles on a property on George Street. He feels that a letter should have been sent as this is against the Town ordinance. He noted that this is same property which has had mowing complaints in the past. Burgess Whitmore asked Ms. Hauver to report on the status and history of the complaints. Ms. Hauver reported that she has inspected the property several times and finds no zoning violation to date. The grandson of the property owner works on vehicles as a hobby and none of them are stored there. She noted that the neighbors who complain are not concerned about what is happening now, but about what it may become. "What it may become" is not something a citation can be issued for. Investigation has occurred and Ms. Hauver has spoken to the owner multiple times and she is concerned and would like to resolve this issue with her neighbors. Burgess Whitmore noted that he had spoken with the complainer, who agreed to a solution of placing a fence, and the next day changed his mind. It is a neighbor dispute and they need to resolve it.

Commissioner Jim Reid noted that there have been cars for sale at the old Exxon station and that this is something the Town usually puts a stop to. TFC Ramon George reported that she called 2 of them last week and had them removed.

Commissioner Jim Reid also reported that old Burger King building has kids breaking in and running around inside. Trooper Ardinger has been monitoring and notified the owner, who doesn’t care. Ms. Hauver noted that when people see kids in there they should call the police and not wait until the next day.

Ms. Hauver informed commissioners that the Amadiyya Community has a contract to purchase the Moxley farm for a religious retreat to annually host 5,000 members. This will require a special exception from the Board of Appeals to be approved for this activity on agriculturally zoned property. There will be an informational meeting held by the group on Monday, August 20, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Hauver asked commissioners if they had any input as to the format of the meeting or recommendations she could give to the group. Burgess Whitmore suggested that the meeting be run like the Board of Education meetings where they make a presentation to interested citizens and have a question and answer time and informally mingle afterward.

Commissioner Jim Reid expressed his concern of 5,000 people converging on the town at once and finds it hard to believe it would only be once a year. He has a lot of concerns and does not think this would benefit the Town of Walkersville.

Commissioner Chad Weddle expressed his concern that this meeting being held is not presented as a Town sponsored meeting.

John Hatgi expressed his concern that Gladetowne has a covenant fence height restriction of 42" and the Town issued a permit to allow a fence higher. Burgess Whitmore stated that Gladetowne must enforce their own covenants. Ms. Hauver noted that the fence met the Town’s zoning requirements. Commissioner Weddle noted that costs to enforce covenants made it rare that homeowners associations did so.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager