MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
November 28, 2007
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, November 28, 2007, 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, 19 citizens, and 1 press, Gina Gallucci of the Frederick News-Post.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Charles Combs, of 82 Sherwood Drive, expressed his complaint of speeding on Frederick Street and recommends a radar survey to monitor the speeds. Burgess Whitmore will consult with the resident troopers.
Jay Walsh, of George Street, brought more photos of the property at 11 George Street which he considers the beginning of a junkyard. Burgess Whitmore has discussed the situation with the owner of the materials bedecking the property and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver will be sending a violation letter with a 30-day warning and fine schedule.
2. REQUEST FOR REDUCTION OF LOC – K HOVNANIAN, SUN MEADOW, PHASE 3
Ms. Hauver reviewed the K. Hovnanian Homes request to release the letter of credit for Sun Meadow Phase 3 public improvements. Frederick County inspectors, along with Ms. Hauver, recommend release of funds for Storm drains, Water & Roads, Street lights, and the contingency funds for these and sediment and erosion control and stormwater management. She recommended reducing the letter of credit by $439,968.48 in accordance with the Frederick County inspectors’ recommendations.
Ms. Hauver reviewed the K. Hovnanian Homes request to release the letter of credit for Sun Meadow Phase 4 public improvements. Frederick County inspectors, along with Ms. Hauver, recommend release of funds for Roads in the amount of $145,957.48, and Street lights in the amount of $87,500. Staff recommends holding all contingency funds until the 1 year warranty period is over 11/13/08. Staff recommends reducing the letter of credit in the amount of $233,457.48 in accordance inspector recommendations.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to release the letters of credit for Sun Meadow Phases 3 and 4 in the amounts of $439,968.48 and $233,457.48 respectively, per Frederick County and staff recommendations. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
3. ACCEPTANCE OF ROADS IN SUN MEADOW PHASE 3
Ms. Hauver noted that the streets in Sun Meadow Phase 3 have survived the 1 year warranty period, with customary acceptance by the Town at this time.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to accept the roads in Sun Meadow Phase 3. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
4. MINUTES
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to approve the Town meeting minutes of the October 24, November 7, and November 14, 2007 minutes. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
5. AWARD OF MOWING CONTRACT ADDITIONAL YEAR
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chad Weddle, to award an additional year of mowing service to Lawnscape per the current contract. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
6. FREDERICK CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMENTS
Burgess and commissioners directed Ms. Hauver to draft comments regarding the Frederick City Comprehensive Plan reiterating the Town’s previous position in opposition to the "big red road", proposed bypass around Frederick City and through Walkersville.
7. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Chad Weddle in opposition.
8. RESCUE COMPANY SIGN – EAGLE SCOUT ZACH ROBERSON
Mike Marchesani, represented the Rescue Company in changing their initial request, which was a letter-changing sign, same as the current Fire Company sign, to a digital sign. Mr. Roberson was unable to attend due to play rehearsal. The paperwork has been redone to reflect this change in request and submitted to Ms. Hauver. Commissioners reviewed the drawings and specifications.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to approve the digital sign to be built in front of the Rescue Company. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
9. TOWN SEAL COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Ms. Rollins notified the Burgess and Commissioners the Town Seal has been spotted on the Citizens of Walkersville website. Commissioners directed that a cease and desist letter be sent to the unauthorized users of the copyrighted town seal.
10. SNOW POLICES – REVISE CODE
After discussion of the town’s policies for towing and removal of vehicles during snowplowing events, Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to introduce Ordinance 2007-19 to increase all the fines in §80-18 to $100. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
11. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Burgess Whitmore announced that 17 holiday packages have been mailed to service men and women in Iraq.
Commissioner Schildt noted an unregistered, untagged Mercedes, located at the Marsala’s Restaurant remains a source of ongoing complaints. Ms. Hauver will inspect and send appropriate violation letter.
Commissioner Zimmerman reminded citizens of the Town Christmas Tree Lighting scheduled Wednesday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. Hot chocolate, marshmallows, and cookies will be served in celebration of the upcoming holiday.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sam Eyler, to give staff the Monday, day before Christmas, as a holiday, and ½ day starting at noon on Monday, December 31, as a holiday before New Year’s Day. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
Ms. Hauver announced that applications for the Board of Appeals vacancy (created by the resignation of David Haller) will be accepted until December 7, 2007, 4:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager