MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

October 22, 2008

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Code Enforcement Officer Andrew Dewese, Town Attorneys Paul Rose and Ashley Mancinelli, 5 citizens, and 0 press. Commissioner Russ Winch was out of town.

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

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Donald Schildt, to approve both the regular Town meeting minutes and the Closed Legal minutes of October 8, 2008. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0 (Commissioner Weddle was not present for the vote).

2. DISCUSSION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT AND CHANGES NEEDED FOR TOWN CODE

Attorney Paul Rose reviewed code enforcement issues with the Burgess and Commissioners. He recommends adding a new Chapter to the code specifically for code enforcement, with violations identified by class and fines listed in a chart. A section will also be added that gives the Code Enforcement officer the authority to enter upon property to accomplish his duties.

Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to direct the Town Attorney to proceed with revisions to the Town Code to streamline the processes for code enforcement. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Chad Weddle in opposition.

3. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Kendra Noll of PMP for Colony Village HOA requested 2 "SLOW-Children at Play" signs to be located in Colony Village and Glade Road. Commissioners asked for time to survey the situation and then make their decision on whether to place the signs.

4. REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR FINANCIAL AUDIT

Ms. Rollins presented the Management Discussion and Analysis draft that will be bound with the Town’s financial audit and auditor’s report. She asked that comments or changes be presented soon as the audit is now being finalized.

5. UPDATE ON VETERANS DAY ESSAY CONTEST

Ms. Rollins reported that four (4) essays have been received to date for the Veterans Day essay contest. Commissioner Schildt reported on his progress in the plans and preparations for the Veterans Day Ceremony.

6. MDE NOTIFICATION OF LOAN FOR PERMANENT EMERGENCY WATER LINE

Ms. Rollins notified commissioners that a letter has been received from Maryland Department of the Environment that $500,000 has been set aside to loan to the Town for the permanent emergency water connection to Frederick County water. More work towards understanding and accepting the loan will have to be done.

7. MML URGENT MEMO RE: BUDGET CUTS

Ms. Rollins urged commissioners to read the urgent memo received from MML outlining expected budget cuts to be coming from the State. We will need to monitor their effects on the Town budget.

8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Commissioner Don Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.

9. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Ms. Susan Hauver reminded 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.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager