MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP

March 31, 2004

A special workshop of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was held on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Commissioners Sam Eyler, Joe Magluilo, Don Schildt, Chad Weddle, and Debbie Zimmerman, Town Manager Gloria Rollins, Public Works Supervisor Dennis Miller, Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, with Jim Beard, Wanda Heurich, and Jeff Deschamps, of the Parks Committee, Erik Howard and Thom Beckley from GVAA, Town Attorney David Severn, and Program Open Space Regional Administrator John Braskey.

Mr. Braskey went over the options available if the town decides to allow GVAA to build the sports facility on Program Open Space land. The options were:

1. Town continues to own the property – initiates a long term lease with GVAA – building must be open to the public a reasonable number of hours each week – building must charge reasonable fees.
2. Town owns the property with an Operation & Maintenance Agreement with GVAA.
3. Town does a conversion of the Program Open Space property by trading an equal or greater valued parcel to POS. Must be appropriate for recreational use, i.e. not floodplain, etc. Appraisals must be approved by DNR, Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Planning. Would involve lots of legal work and take at least 6 months.

The recreational facility can be located in the Ag District (HFP) by special exception through the Board of Appeals.

GVAA reported that they estimate the cost of the building to be $3-4 million. Morgan-Keller is working on the plans and will come up with a more definite cost figure. Their architect/ engineers will calculate the needed restroom facilities, stormwater management, and parking needed for the site. GVAA will need to write a text amendment to the town’s zoning code to accommodate the parking standards for what they need. Susan advised that they should not attempt to go to the Board of Appeals for variances to the current town code.

Commissioner Schildt stated that he had been hearing lots of negative comments about the building and asked GVAA if their entire membership backed the project. He also recommended that the town be given copies of the GVAA financials as those were required with the Heritage Preservation Society. Commissioner Magluilo reminded everyone that the Heritage Preservation Society received taxpayer dollars as part of their funding and the GVAA raises its own funds and is not planning to use citizen funds for the project.

After further, lengthy discussion it was suggested and agreed to locate the facility directly behind the Manor House and buildings. This would not be POS ground and therefore the requirements and red tape could be avoided. Also, this location would not be readily visible from Devilbiss Bridge Road and would not be an eyesore to the park. The designated area being considered is directly behind the Manor House and over onto the horse riding ring for building and parking. The plans from Morgan-Keller will be able to incorporate this information and determine the best location for each. GVAA will be expected to hire their own attorney to review the documents that Town Attorney David Severn will draft for the project.

Sincerely,

Gloria Long Rollins

Town Manager