Burgess Whitmore requested a moment of silent prayer in memory of former Town Commissioner Walter Dutrow.

1. MINUTES

2. CITIZENS QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Mr. Jim Santos, of GVAA spoke with the commissioners about working out an agreement with the CASS group for sharing the rooms and space in the Heritage Farm Manor House. He explained that the Board of Directors of GVAA were concerned that the Town may want to write the agreement between the groups themselves and to be prepared for an impact on operating budget with increased utilities, sewer fees, etc. He stated that they felt awkward negotiating a lease. Commissioner Magluilo explained that he wanted them to go over the house and agree on what rooms each one would get. Commissioner Weddle will rewrite a lease for each group with their space designated in the lease.

Walkersville Southern Railroad – Doe Horsch came to the meeting to explain the railroad’s plans and activities for the coming year. Plans for the World War II Memorial Day Weekend include an FDR Impersonator on the caboose; there will be no fighting, no foreign soldier re-enactors. There will be a parade up Pennsylvania Avenue to the Memorial at Five Points where they will lay a wreath at the Memorial. A USO dance and USO canteen serving coffee and donuts all day. Ms. Horsch brought 2 Civil War re-enactors to explain the Civil War activities. Ralph explained that the Town has few problems with their activities but there can be no Nazi soldiers killing American soldiers, no cannon fire, and no speeding up and down Kenneth Drive, Biggs Ford Road or any street in town. Commissioner Schildt would like Doe to contact the Kiwanis Club so some coordination could be done between the groups for the Memorial Day Service.

3. FINANCIAL AUDIT

Michael Manspeaker and Wayne Becker, of Smith, Elliott, Kearns & Company, presented the Town’s audit report to the Burgess & Commissioners. He stated that it was an unqualified opinion with no problems encountered during their work. He went through the report and highlighted some of the presentations for the commissioners. He pointed out where revenues were up and were budgeted expenditures were underspent. He complimented staff of the town on their good work. The town is in good financial condition.

 

4. GRAY MANOR SUBDIVISION UPDATE

David and Sharon Gray came to the meeting to discuss their plans for subdivision of their property on Devilbiss Bridge Road, right on the edge of town limits. The question had been posed at the last Town meeting why the town had not been notified that he was subdividing and building within the town’s future annexation limits. As it turned out Frederick County had asked the Town for it’s comments and Beth Pasierb had submitted her list of concerns and problems with the subdivision to the county and to the Health Dept. Apparently these concerns were never forwarded to Mr. Gray. He thought everything was fine and placed a for sale sign on the lots before they were actually subdivided and recorded. Burgess Whitmore explained our concerns and stressed that he is very concerned about a septic system within the town’s wellhead area. He stated that he pleads with Mr. Gray to hook up to the county sewer which backs up to his property through Glade Manor. Mr. Gray indicated that he would check into that option.

5. SPRINT LEASE

Michael Steele, consultant from Center for Municipal Solutions, presented the revised Sprint lease which included David Severn’s changes. Michael Steele reviewed the document and recommended it for acceptance by the town.

6. TRAILER PURCHASE

Options were presented and recommended for the purchase of a trailer for hauling town equipment. Dennis noted that the 18’ trailer would give extra room to haul additional items.

7. NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM WITH VOICE MAIL

Ms. Rollins presented the proposals for installation of a new phone system with voice mail capacity. She recommended the low proposal purchase from Glessner.

8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

9. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Burgess Whitmore has talked with the fire department about placing a salt building on their property by the Public Works building. They may lease it to the town or sell it to the town.

Burgess Whitmore explained his plan to explore the feasibility of setting up a holding tank at the water plant to hold backwash water. He would like to see it treated so that it could safely be utilized to water the athletic fields at the high school. He will meet with Mike Mummert to see if there is interest on the school’s part. The holding tank may also be used to slowly release the discharge into the county’s sewer system.

Commissioner Schildt complimented Susan Hauver on her planning and zoning summary report of projects and their status.

Commissioner Magluilo announced that the Homecoming parade is rescheduled to Nov. 8.

Bulk trash collection for the Fall is to be on the County Commissioners’ agenda this week.

Commissioner Zimmerman expressed her concern about the recently passed motorized scooter ordinance. Clarification was offered on what qualifies and what is illegal. She would also like to have rabbit and turkey hunting permitted at the watershed next year.

An employees’ meeting with the Commissioners is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30. Each employee has signed up for a 15 minute time slot.

Commissioner Magluilo announced the November 19 Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager