MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

November 18, 2009

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 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, TFC Ed Muller, Town Attorney David Severn, approximately 9 citizens, Ron Cassie of the Frederick News-Post, and Courtney Pomeroy of the Gazette.

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

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to approve the Special Town Meeting minutes of November 4, 2009. The motion passed by a vote of

5-0.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to approve the Town Meeting minutes of October 28, 2009. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Russell Winch abstaining.

2. RESOLUTION 2009-04 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION

Ms. Hauver reviewed a draft resolution to enlarge the corporate boundaries of the Town for the annexation of the former Rotorex property. Several issues need to be resolved prior to introduction of the resolution, which is scheduled for the December 9^th Town Meeting. A closed legal meeting will be held at the conclusion of tonight’s meeting to discuss.

3. REDUCTION OF LETTER OF CREDIT FOR VICTORIA PARK

Ms. Hauver notified Commissioners that Frederick County has approved the release of a letter of credit for the stormwater management pond at Victoria Park. The Town has received numerous complaints about standing water in the pond and maintenance issues with the pond. Ms. Hauver recommended reducing the letter of credit by $71,796.67 and holding $35,898.34 in contingency funds for a one-year warranty period. Commissioner Russ Winch recommended, in light of the continuing issues, that none of the funds be released until it is determined that the maintenance issues are being addressed on a consistent basis.

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Donald Schildt, to continue to hold the entire Letter of Credit on the stormwater pond at Victoria Park until standing water issues are resolved and they are assured that the pond is being diligently maintained. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

4. ORDINANCE 2009-09 – PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ORDINANCE 2009-06

Ms. Hauver reviewed changes to recently adopted Ordinance 2009-06 requested by applicant Century Center’s Attorney Krista McGowan. References to the County Comprehensive Plan are proposed to be removed and to references to the Light Industrial districts will be corrected as Limited Industrial. The proposed changes to the adopted ordinance must be introduced as a new ordinance and be scheduled for public hearings before the Planning Commission and Burgess and Commissioners before they can be adopted. .

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, made a motion to introduce Ordinance 2009-09 which is a revision to Ordinance 2009-06 in regards to amending Chapter 88, Article VIII, §88-58.1 Special provisions governing annexed lands. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2, with Commissioners Donald Schildt and Russell Winch in opposition.

5. MML LEGISLATIVE DINNER

Ms. Rollins reminded the Burgess and Commissioners to RSVP for the Maryland Municipal League Legislative Dinner by November 27^th. Burgess Whitmore commented that his wife asked him never to include her in the festivities again.

6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND OCTOBER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Commissioner Donald Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to pay the attached bills and accept the General Fund and Water Fund financial statements for October 2009. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

7. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Commissioner Russ Winch asked that a letter go out to Mr. Tomarchio, owner of the shopping center, notifying him of issues with lighting on the site, particularly at the dry-cleaners dark corner, around Fuji and the old bank building. He noted that Walkersvillians need a safe and secure place to shop.

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman invited everyone to come to the annual Town Christmas Tree lighting on Wednesday, December 02, 2009, and experience the joy of the season with neighbors, hot cocoa, and homemade cookies, baked by Mrs. Zimmerman and the Zimmerman clan. Burgess Whitmore will "flip the switch" and set the tree aglow for the holidays.

Commissioner Donald Schildt complimented the arrangements and attendance at the Veterans’ Day Ceremony summarizing the program and speakers featured. He expressed his disappointment at the coverage provided by the press. He proposed adding local hero, Charles I. Cartwright’s name to the memorial monument at Memorial Park and recommended a special Memorial Day Ceremony to honor Mr. Cartwright in May. Mr. Cartwright died in Afghanistan on November 7^th.

Commissioner Donald Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to hold a Memorial Day Ceremony (in addition to the annual Veterans’ Day activities) in honor of Charlie Cartwright. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

Commissioner Schildt directed commissioners to a thank you letter from Rhonda Ramsburg in regards to the Veterans’ Day service.

Commissioner Schildt reminded commissioners that a motion was made at the March 11, 2009 meeting to recognize the service of Harold Roderuck in the future.

Ms. Rollins directed commissioners to the newsletter from the Woodsboro American Legion Auxiliary which included information about their Americanism Essay contest. She suggested that perhaps, next year we could relinquish our essay contest in favor of supporting their efforts, so that the schools would be able to provide more participation.

Mr. DePaola reported that the meter at 204 Glade Blvd. possibly had a problem. It is apparently the first meter in the history of the Town to run fast rather than slow down or stop when broken. He suggested providing the resident with an average water bill.

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to provide an average water bill to 204 Glade Blvd. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Schildt in opposition.

Commissioner Russ Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to hold a closed legal meeting with Town Attorney David Severn to discuss terms of an annexation agreement for Century Center. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Weddle in opposition.

8. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

NONE mentioned.

There was no further business so the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager