MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

October 14, 2009

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at 7:38 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, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, TFC Ramona George, TFC Kevin Wolters, approximately 9 citizens, and Ron Cassie of the Frederick News-Post.

The meeting began at 7:38 p.m. due to technical difficulties with the MP3 recorder. Issues were resolved by the masterful mechanical skills of Commissioner Weddle after the pledge, swearing in ceremony, and several agenda items.

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

1. MINUTES

2. SWEARING IN CEREMONY

Ms. Sandra Dalton, resident of Walkersville and Clerk of the Circuit Court of Frederick County, administered the Oath of Office to Burgess Ralph Whitmore, to which he responded, "I will."

Ms. Dalton then administered the Oath of Office to the Commissioners collectively and they too swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States, be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland, and do the best that their skills and judgment, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, execute the office of Commissioner.

3. RESOLUTION 2009-03 CHARTER AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE V "AUTHORITY TO BORROW"

The Town Charter presently authorizes the Town to borrow money for any proper public purpose by sale of general obligation bonds and/or by the issuance of tax anticipation notes. The Town would like to expand the authorized methods and procedures for borrowing money from financial institutions through loans or other indebtedness evidenced by promissory notes or other debt instruments.

This resolution will become effective on December 3, 2009, 50 days from adoption.

4. RELEASE OF LETTER OF CREDIT FOR BBR PROPERTIES (22 CRUM ROAD)

Ron Hemby of BBR Properties has requested a release of the letter of credit contingency funds held for sidewalk, curb, gutter, water connection and driveway apron improvements completed at 22 Crum Road. Improvements were inspected and approved and the one year warrantee period is complete, therefore staff recommends approval of the release.

5. AMENDMENT TO DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY

Town Attorney Danny O’Connor recommended several additions to the recently adopted Debt Management Policy. The insertion of the phrase "or for any other proper public purposes as deemed by the Burgess and Commissioners" was included in Section II, Section IV B., and Section V B. along with the correction of a typo and the deletion of the word "only" in Section IV B.

6. WATER TAP POLICY

Ms. Hauver’s memo requested direction from the Commissioners on adopting a water tap policy for building additions used as separate dwelling units. The Town has not established a consistent policy as to whether purchase of a separate water tap would be required. Burgess Whitmore recommended that the policy be if Frederick County requires a sewer tap for the addition, then the Town would require a water tap.

Commissioner Chad Weddle reviewed the Town Code §85-4 and instructed that Ms. Hauver us it to determine whether or not a water tap is required.

7. FREDERICK COUNTY DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

Burgess Whitmore expressed his continued opposition to the Frederick County plan’s retraction of the Town "zone of influence" to the Town borders. He announced the County/Municipal meeting at Winchester Hall tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. where he will again emphasize his objections to the plan and he encouraged any Commissioners who are available to attend.

8. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

Ms. Rollins is preparing the document that will be included with the Town’s audited financial statements. She will forward to Commissioners by email when complete.

9. VETERANS’ DAY ESSAY CONTEST

Approval was received from Frederick County Public Schools to submit essay contest guidelines to Glade and Walkersville Elementary Schools. Essays from local 4^th and 5^th graders will be received and judged on October 27^th. Winners will be notified and invited to read their essays at the Town’s Veterans’ Day Ceremony on November 8^th at 2:00 p.m. Commissioner Schildt has been diligently planning the program for the day and notified Commissioners and citizens of some of the participants: Yellow Springs Band, Boy Scouts, various speakers, essay winners, flag presenters, and several veterans are expected. Judges for the essay contest will be Commissioner Schildt, veterans Mr. Ridgely Cramer and Mr. Dan Thomas.

10. FARMERS MARKET DISCUSSION

This discussion will continue at a later date to determine the future of the Farmers’ Market.

11. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

12. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman announced the resignation of Jeffrey Deschamps from the Parks Committee. The Parks Committee recommends appointing Mr. Bill Dyke to replace him.

Discussions with TFC Ramona George included the Homecoming Parade next Friday, October 23^rd and the closing of the streets during the parade. Trooper George also announced a rash of bicycle thefts in the Town and recommended folks lock their bikes and register their bikes with the police. She also introduced TFC Kevin Wolters who will be filling in for Trooper Ardinger, who injured himself while on bike patrol and will have a 2 to 3 month recovery period.

Commissioners are to review the draft "Talk of the Town" and submit changes or additions to Diane by Monday, October 19^th. Commissioner Zimmerman announced the Christmas Tree lighting date and asked Commissioners to mark their calendars.

Discussion of the recent bulk trash project led Burgess Whitmore to recommend changing the schedule to once each year. The weekend after Walkersville Day is recommended.

The next regularly scheduled Town meeting would be Wednesday, November 11^th which is Veterans’ Day and a holiday which closes the Town Hall. Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to hold the November Town meeting on November 18^th. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

13. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Commissioner Schildt addressed Mr. Rudy and asked if he was prepared to apologize to the Commissioners. Mr. Rudy declined.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:35p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager