MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

October 13, 2010

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, October 13, 2010, 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, approximately 7 citizens, TFC Jimmy Ardinger, and Blair Ames of the Frederick News-Post.

Burgess Whitmore pre-empted the meeting with notification and remembrance of four citizens who passed away in the past week: Mr. Glenn "Hot Dog" Fogle, Mr. Leo Carey, Mr. Bob Campbell, and Mr. Ed Hedges.

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

Commissioner Weddle offered a prayer to open the meeting.

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to approve both the Town Meeting minutes and the Closed Legal Meeting minutes of September 29, 2010. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

2. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Ms. Martha O’Brien, representing "Let’s Dance Frederick" requested that commissioners allow her dance group to hire a licensed electrician to install 3 or 4 additional electrical outlets on the outside wall of the 3rd floor of the Town hall. This space is rented to the group for dances and they would like to improve the ambiance of the space.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Donald Schildt, to allow the group to hire and pay the electrician to install the additional outlets on the 3rd floor. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

 

3. LETTER OF CREDIT – VICTORIA PARK –REQUEST FOR RELEASE

Frederick County notified the Town that the letter of credit in the amount of $107,695.01 held for the stormwater management pond at Victoria Park could be released. Mr. DePaola reported that the issues with standing water in the pond have been resolved and concurred with releasing the funds as requested by the developer. Ms. Hauver recommended reducing the letter of credit by $71,796.67 and holding the contingency amount of $35,898.34 for a one-year warranty period. As a result of the vote at the September 29th town meeting, Mr. DePaola rechecked the pond after the massive storm activity and found that he is satisfied with how the pond is working. Burgess Whitmore noted that he has an extreme dislike of wet ponds such as this one.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to release of the letter of credit in the amount of $71,796.67 and hold the remaining $35,898.34 contingency funds for the one-year warranty period. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Chad Weddle in opposition.

4. RESURRECTION OF SKATEBOARD PARK DISCUSSION – THIS TIME AT HERITAGE FARM PARK LOCATION

Ms. Zimmerman reported that a group of kids approached the Parks Committee requesting that a skateboarding area be built in the Town. This is a request that is made every few years and the requestors are directed to organize themselves into a responsible group to make sure that the project has the appropriate adult supervision and support. Ms. Zimmerman asked commissioners to consider whether they would like to pursue providing this additional sporting activity to the youth of Walkersville and noted that skateboarding on sidewalks, in streets, and on private property is a problem in the Town and she would like to give the kids a place to go. She noted that Poolesville and Mt. Airy have installed successful skateparks. TFC Ardinger agreed that illegal skateboarding has been a problem since June. Ms. Zimmerman reported that the Parks Committee was willing to pave an area in the former Farmers Market parking area by the manor house at Heritage Farm Park. Further investigation will be required.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to ask the Town Attorney to research the issue and legality of confiscating skateboards, bikes, and other nuisance toys from properly posted private property. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

 

5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

 

6. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Donald Schildt reported that Mr. Hot Dog Fogle’s daughter will speak in his place at the Veterans’ Day Ceremony. He has arranged a speaker from Fr. Detrick, a band, tent, and a flag presentation from Delegate Paul Stull. The ceremony will be held November 14th at 1:00 p.m.

Burgess Whitmore reminded everyone to be aware of the Homecoming parade to be held Friday evening, with football game and fireworks.

Burgess Whitmore notified everyone that the Town’s Bulk Trash collection is scheduled for Saturday, November 13th, and he would like everyone to put their bulk trash out as soon as possible after the trash is picked up on Wednesday. This allows for "recyclers" to snap up the treasures prior to the pickup and saves the town some tipping fee charges.

 

7. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DRAFT AVAILABLE

Ms. Hauver notified commissioners that the Comprehensive Plan is back from the printer and the public hearing before the Planning Commission will be held on Tuesday, December 14th at 7:30 p.m.

8. POLICE REPORT

TFC Jimmy Ardinger reviewed the resident trooper stats for the month of September. It was a very busy month.

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager