MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

October 26, 2005

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, October 26, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Joe Magluilo, Donald Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, 8 citizens and 1 press.

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

1. MINUTES

2. 30 MAIN STREET SIDEWALK CONCERNS

Ron Cooper, of 30 Main Street, pointed out sections of sidewalk on his property, which are floating, uneven, and not safe due to tree roots growing up under it. He requested that, due to the tripping hazard, commissioners approve his plan to remove his sidewalk totally and replant the area with grass and shrubbery. To repair the sidewalk he would have to cut into the roots of the ancient oak trees, and possibly kill them to install a sidewalk that leads to nowhere. Discussion ensued among the commissioners regarding the wisdom of injuring the trees versus setting a precedent of allowing someone to remove and not replace a sidewalk. Discussion of feasibility of pavers as an option to replace the sidewalk and leave tree roots intact ensued.

This issue will be discussed again in December. Staff will check with Frederick City to see how they handle tree root issues and sidewalks in the city. Mr. Cooper will check into the option of pavers.

During the discussion, a citizen, Sterling Silver, of 3 Chapel Place, brought sidewalk concerns of his own before the commissioners. Recently moving into the town, Mr. Silver had been told that the 2" raised, uneven sidewalk was not his responsibility. Burgess Whitmore assured him that the sidewalk is his responsibility to maintain and repair. Commissioner Weddle explained that the town cites sidewalk repairs on a complaint basis. Until someone complains to Mr. Silver or the town regarding his sidewalk, he recommends leaving the sidewalk as it is.

3. PERSONNEL MANUAL UPDATE AND LEGAL REVIEW

Ms. Rollins briefly reviewed the legal comments from the town attorney regarding the proposed personnel manual. Commissioner Weddle and Ms. Rollins will review the comments in depth and make recommendations for the changes or further investigation.

4. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR AUDIT REPORT

Ms. Rollins reviewed her analysis of the town’s audited financial statements, noting that this document will be presented at the beginning of the financial reports and commissioners should be familiar with the information, as they are part of the management presenting the information.

5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

6. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Schildt asked if an alternate had been appointed to the Board of Appeals as yet. Ms. Hauver stated that she has not yet advertised, but will do so this week. One person has applied to date. The appointment is planned for the November 9 meeting agenda.

Commissioner Eyler asked if there were plans to improve the "speed bump" at the railroad crossing on Glade Road. Burgess Whitmore stated that the railroad has to do the improvements, they don’t allow the town to work in their right of way, but we could include the work in our bid documents for future improvements to Glade Road.

Commissioner Zimmerman announced the Walkersville High School Homecoming Parade to be held Friday, October 28, at 5:00 p.m.

Ms. Rollins asked commissioners if they wanted a response written to Ms. Amanda Davis, who had submitted a proposal to purchase the horse riding area of Heritage Farm Park. Ms. Rollins will write to Ms. Davis.

Ms. Rollins requested that a personnel issue and potential litigation issue be added to the closed meeting previously motioned by Commissioner Weddle.

Burgess Whitmore asked commissioners to consider the upcoming holiday season and to formalize employee holidays. Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Magluilo, to close Town Hall on Friday, November 25, the day after Thanksgiving, and Monday, December 26, the day after Christmas, both as paid holidays. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

Burgess Whitmore announced a new sinkhole in his backyard, approximately 12-foot squared and 4 feet deep. He is planning to install a swimming pool.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager