MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

October 8, 2008

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Commissioners Sam Eyler, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, Russell Winch, and Debbie Zimmerman, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, TFC Ramona George, 5 citizens, and Sarah Fortney of the Frederick News-Post. Burgess Whitmore was home recuperating from a heart attack. We wish him a sure and speedy recovery.

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

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to approve both the regular Town meeting minutes and the Closed Legal minutes of September 24, 2008, with the correction that Burgess Whitmore was present for the meetings. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

2. UPDATE ON MANURE SPILL

Commissioner Weddle reviewed the status of the Town’s work on recouping expenses incurred to recover from the Teabow Farms manure spill. The Town Attorney is working with the County Attorney to draft a mutual letter requesting reimbursement of costs incurred. Commissioner Weddle asked for a closed legal meeting to discuss the particulars.

3. MOWING CONTRACT

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman noted that it was approved at the last meeting to extend the mowing contract at the same price. However, due to gasoline price increases the mowing company is asking for a $6,000 increase.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to extend the current mowing contract with Lawnscape with a $6,000 increase for one year. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Don Schildt in opposition.

4. HERITAGE FARM PARK PAVILION

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman reviewed FY 2007 Program Open Space funding for a pavilion. She recommended going with the low bidder JCS, Inc. at $22,997. Discussion regarding the need for the pavilion, the size of the pavilion, the specifications and maintenance of the pavilion, the approved funding for the pavilion, the location of the pavilion and current septic system ensued.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russ Winch, to award the Program Open Space pavilion project to JCS, Inc., low bidder, in the amount of $22,997. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Donald Schildt in opposition.

5. MILITARY PACKAGES DISCUSSION

Commissioners discussed the concerns of the Military Packages committee, in that there has been very little response to the current project. Business have not responded with donations, no new names or addresses have been received for service men and women serving overseas. The committee this year, led by Mr. John Hedges, is asking for cash donations rather than items to include in the packages. A November mailing date is planned with the Town providing the funds for the postage to mail them.

6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by a reluctant Commissioner Sam Eyler to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

7. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Don Schildt announced that plans for the Veterans’ Day celebration were coming along well. Two speakers who have served in Iraq were confirmed, the Yellow Springs band was confirmed, a taps player was confirmed. In addition, the Woodsboro American Legion Color Guard will be there and the Scouts will be helping.

Commissioner Russell Winch went over details with their Scouting for Food day and the Scouts placement of new flags at Memorial Park for the Veterans’ Day service.

Commissioner Winch also expressed concern regarding a traffic control complaint he received during the recent work on Crum Road. Mr. DePaola explained that the complaint involved the movement of barrels from in front of the veterinary clinic and people not realizing until they had already turned onto Crum that the road was closed. Mr. DePaola said the situation was now resolved and one lane is open so that cars can make it to Frederick Street and get where they need to go.

Susan Hauver notified commissioners of the county’s plan to designate Walkersville as a Priority Preservation area for agriculture and invited commissioners to come to the Planning Commission meeting on October 28^th when Tim Blaser will explain the plan.

Commissioner Weddle reviewed the report of the Code Enforcement Officer.

Commissioner Weddle noted that the attorney letter discussing the RLUIPA suit would be discussed in the closed legal meeting.

Commissioner Weddle bid farewell to reporter Sarah Fortney, wished her good luck and thanked her for her efforts in reporting the town business to the Frederick News-Post.

Commissioner Weddle noted the report from the MD State Police resident troopers in the packets for review.

Commissioner Weddle noted the draft of the letter to be used for notifying citizens who have obstructed access to their water cutoff valves.

Commissioner Weddle reviewed announcements listed at the bottom of the agenda.

BULK Trash pickup scheduled for Saturday, October 18^th !

VETERANS’ DAY observance and service on Sunday, November 9^th, 1:00 p.m.!

13. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

No concerns presented.

Ms. Hauver noted that the Planning Commission would not hold a meeting on October 14^th. A workshop and combined regular meeting will be held on October 28^th.

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Donald Schildt, to hold a closed legal meeting to discuss pending litigation. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted (prepared from meeting recording),

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager