MINUTES
WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING
December 8, 2010
The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, 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, approximately 6 citizens, and Blair Ames of the Frederick News-Post.
The meeting was called to order by Burgess Ralph Whitmore, with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Weddle offered a prayer to open the meeting.
1. MINUTES
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to approve the Town Meeting minutes of November 10, 2010. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
2. REQUEST BY GLADE VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES TO USE CASS SPACE AT THE HFP MANOR HOUSE
Mr. Don Boos, representing the Board of Directors of the Glade Valley Community Services, gave a summary of the organization’s activities. GVCS is a 501 ( c ) (3 ) tax-exempt organization, operating the year round food bank, thrift shop, seasonal food distribution, summer lunch program, back-to-school school supplies drive, and the Christmas toy shop held on the third floor of the town hall. He noted that some of the client interviews and paperwork is operated out of Board of Director members’ homes and they have no storage for their records. The organization is requesting use of the space currently occupied by CASS, which will be vacant sometime after the end of December. Staff is to review the current CASS agreement and propose an agreement with Glade Valley Community Services.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Don Schildt, to authorize Glade Valley Community Services use of the CASS space at HFP manor house after CASS moves on and an agreement is reached. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
3. MOWING CONTRACT
After a rocky start to the first season of the parks mowing contract with Greenlink, Inc, complaints, issues, and problems were resolved. The season ended with town staff and parks representatives satisfied with the performance of the mowers. The contract provides for an option to renew at the sole discretion of the Burgess and Commissioners for a maximum of five years. Staff would recommend extension of the contract.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to renew the mowing contract with Greenlink, Inc. for one year. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
4. SUN MEADOW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION REQUEST
The Town received a request for additional lighting to be installed in the tot lot and gazebo area due to an increase of vandalism and lack of sufficient lighting. The Town owns Trout Park and the association owns the tot lot and gazebo park. Staff will check out the specifics of the request as it appears they are requesting for the park that they are responsible for.
5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to pay the attached bills and accept the November 2010 financial statements. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
6. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS
Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to hold a closed personnel meeting to discuss staff performance evaluations. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2, with Commissioners Chad Weddle and Donald Schildt in opposition.
Burgess Whitmore directed that the lighting timer installed on the Town Christmas Tree be disconnected and the tree be left lighted 24/7.
Commissioner Donald Schildt thanked the Frederick News-Post and the Gazette for coverage on the Veterans’ Day ceremony.
Commissioner Chad Weddle asked for permission to approach the State Police and then the businesses and community wide with information and advice about the rash of juvenile break-ins
about the town.
Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman expressed her concern that the Parks Committee is receiving more and more requests for use of Heritage Farm Park. There has been a request to hold a lacrosse tournament that has been referred to Thom Beckley. Commissioner Zimmerman will poll the Parks Committee to see if they want to allow outside users in the park or not and whether to establish a fee schedule or not. Staff will contact Frederick City and Frederick County to get their fee schedules for rental of their recreational facilities.
Ms. Hauver reminded commissioners of the public hearing on the comprehensive plan on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 7:30 p.m.
7. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Ms. Patty Yoingco commented that the band overwhelmed the singers at the Veterans’ Day ceremony.
Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to pass Resolution 2010-03 for the purpose of petitioning the Administration and the Maryland General Assembly to reinstate revenues to the municipalities for transportation and police protection. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager