MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

September 14, 2011

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, 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, TFC Ramona George (Miller), Code Enforcement Officer Andy Dewese, 13 citizens, including representatives from Daughters of the American Revolution, Ike Wilson of the Frederick News-Post, and Courtney Pomeroy of the Gazette.

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.

1. MINUTES

2. PROCLAMATION 2011-01 – CONSTITUTION WEEK

Ms. Anna Peterson, representing the Daughters of the American Revolution, read comments regarding the adoption of the constitution 224 years ago and noting that the first national Thanksgiving Day was established in thankfulness for the constitution.

Commissioner Chad Weddle read the proclamation honoring the Constitution. The reading was followed by a photo shoot including the Burgess and Commissioners and the 5 representatives from the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

3. WALKERSVILLE SHOPPING CENTER ISSUES

Code Enforcement Officer Andy Dewese updated the Commissioners on progress made with the owners of the Walkersville Shopping Center for compliance with the code violations cited there. He reported that Mr. Tomarchio has claimed they are working on the lighting issues on the deserted side of the parking lot. Mr. David Ennis, representing Glade Towne Homeowners Association, reiterated issues in a complaint letter to the Town: 1) shopping center lighting issues, 2) illegal signs all over Town, and 3) the Exxon property eyesore. Mr. Dewese will continue to monitor the progress of compliance. A brochure developed for inclusion with violation notices was presented for the Commissioners review and approval at some future date.

4. UPDATE ON SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH – COMMISSIONER RUSSELL WINCH

Commissioner Russell Winch briefed commissioners on his research into the solar energy proposal presented at the August 10^th meeting. He reported that the proposal is based on the company entering into a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) with the Town. At that point, they become eligible for credits and tax breaks that make the endeavor worth their while. He noted that the quoted set price for the Town’s electricity cost was on the high side. Consensus among commissioners was to not rush forward with any decisions and to continue to gather information regarding the topic.

5. MULCH PILE – PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH FREDERICK COUNTY

Burgess Whitmore and Commissioners discussed sections of the Memorandum of Understanding forwarded by the County Commissioners. Several sections were discussed as concerns. Burgess Whitmore is not in favor of accepting the 1998 Caterpillar 973 track loader as proposed in the agreement. He would like the County to continue to own and maintain all equipment at the site and arrange through their risk management for appropriate Town staff to operate the equipment. Concern was also expressed regarding the section stating the County will not be responsible for any costs associated with any regulatory requirement or regulatory issue. There was concern as to the consequences if the County’s grinder was damaged due to unacceptable materials slipping through our monitoring process. And, concern was also expressed regarding the Town waives and releases County from any and all liability that might occur in connection with or arising out of the MOU, INCLUDING that which might result from County’s negligence (real problem with this section). It was agreed that further revision of the document is needed to be acceptable and Burgess Whitmore will be reworking some of the sections in order to present a counter offer to the County.

6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

7. CONCEPT APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL ACREAGE SALE AT WALKER FARM

Burgess Whitmore notified commissioners that redrawn plat lines at the Walker Farm are in the process of being finalized and will be presented for vote at the next Town meeting.

8. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Donald Schildt reported that arrangements for Veterans’ Day are in process. Speakers will be Ned Kerns, Major Sheehan, and John Schildt.

Commissioner Chad Weddle reported that he had met with the Senior Citizens and they expressed concern of small turnouts on Thursdays. They proposed ordering smaller quantities on Thursdays but the caterer on Thursdays has a minimum of 25 meals required for delivery. Therefore they request food be discontinued on Thursdays and commissioners approved this.

Burgess Whitmore reported that the newspaper has misinformed the public about decisions made at last Thursday’s County/Municipal meeting. It was decided that municipalities would continue to receive funds from the County using the Tax Equity method, not the Tax Differential method. Tax Differential requires the Town to raise its tax rate to compensate for not receiving tax equity from the County. In addition, the County lowers its tax rate on taxpayers within the municipalities to compensate for the increased municipal rates. In theory, there should be no effect on the citizens combined tax bill. He reiterated that it was decided at the meeting to continue with Tax Equity.

Bulk Trash collection day is proposed for November 12. Burgess Whitmore reviewed costs for this year’s bulk trash collection in the amount of $8,500, mattresses accounting for $1,400 of the cost. Also, the County no longer offers the Town any credit to reduce the tipping fees paid on bulk trash.

Burgess Whitmore announced no mattress pickups for bulk trash as they cost $28 each to dispose of.

Commissioner Russell Winch noted that the Boy Scouts of Troop 1070 were to be commended for their patriotism in parading flags around Town on Sunday, September 11^th. He also asked Commissioner Schildt to be sure to include Boy Scout participation in his planning for the Veterans’ Day ceremony as per previous years.

Ms. Susan Hauver said that Frederick County would be forwarding requests for rezoning and changes to the Comprehensive Plan designation for property owners in the Walkersville area. The County Commissioners opened the process for rezoning as they felt that decisions made by previous boards needed to be rectified. Planning Commission will be proposing comments to be submitted to the County.

10. CITIZENS’ CONCERNS

Mr. Jim Harbaugh, no address mentioned, member of Parks Committee, notified commissioners that he supports the Town placing a recycling dumpster at the mulch pile site to serve the 150 town residents who do not have recycling.

There being no further business or citizens’ concerns, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager