October 14 Walkersville Town Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING

October 14, 2015

The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday,
October 14, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Ralph Whitmore, Burgess-elect Chad
Weddle, Commissioners Gary Baker, Russ Winch, Donald Schildt, and Debbie Zimmerman, Commissioner-elect
Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis, Town Manager Gloria Long Rollins, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver,
Public Works Director Bob DePaola, Clerk of the Circuit Court Sandra Dalton, 31+ citizens, and Walkersville
Resident Trooper Gary Conklin, Kelsi Loos of the Frederick News Post.

The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Burgess-elect Chad Weddle.

1. MINUTES

Commissioner Chad Weddle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to approve both the Town meeting minutes and the Closed Personnel meeting of September 23, 2015. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

2. SWEAR IN THE NEW BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS

Burgess Chad Weddle was sworn in to office by the oath administered by Ms. Sandra Dalton.

Burgess Weddle them presented the MML Hall of Fame certificate to Burgess Whitmore, noting his over 20 years of service to the Town. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the June 2015 MML conference in Ocean City.

Burgess Weddle then administered the oath of office to the newly elected commissioners, Gary Baker, Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis, Russell Winch, Donald Schildt, and Debbie Zimmerman.

3. DISCUSS TOWN MEETING ON NOVEMBER 11 – VETERANS DAY

Commissioner Donald Schildt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to hold the November Town meeting on November 18th, instead of November 11th, the second Wednesday, which is Veterans Day. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

4. MOON MAIDEN COURT DECISION

Mr. DePaola reported that in trying to design the water line replacement for Moon Maiden Court, it was discovered that the common area right of way where the line was to go does not belong to the Town. Many of the residents there have sheds and decks in the area that would need to be moved. At this time, the line is fine, and the expense to work around this problem is not warranted. It was decided that we will fix the line as issues arise with it.

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to suspend
activities and plans for the Moon Maiden Court water line replacement. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

5. RUBBER MULCH PRICES AND PLAYGROUND MAINTENANCE

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis, to approve with the rubber mulch purchase in the amount of $5,450 for the playground at Heritage Farm Park, even though it’s more expensive than wood. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman, to approve the repairs to playground equipment by Playground Specialists in the amount of $2,813. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

6. CENTER FOR MUNICIPAL SOLUTIONS RECOMMENDATION REPORT

Commissioner Russell Winch expressed his concern with the Crum Tower report and recommendations by CMS. He wants the consultants to make a trip to the tower and have the report written using actual measurements rather than assumptions. He will work with them and this will go on the next town agenda if resolved.

7. OPENINGS ON PARKS COMMITTEE AND ETHICS COMMISSION

Ms. Rollins reviewed openings as follows; 2 positions open on the Parks Committee and 1 position open on the Ethics Commission. We will advertise the positions.

8. HOMECOMING PARADE

The WHS Homecoming Parade will be held Friday, October 23rd, at 5:00 p.m. Permission was granted to close appropriate streets during the parade and Resident Troopers will be notified.

9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gary Baker, to pay the attached bills. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

10. ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Debbie Zimmerman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch, to elect
Commissioner Donald Schildt, as the highest vote getter, to the position of Vice-President of the Commissioners. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Schildt recusing himself from the vote.

11. COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS

Discussion regarding the Tax Equity calculation used by the County ensued. We are satisfied with the
calculations as explained. Burgess Weddle will present our response to the County Manager.

Commissioner Gary Baker noted that the Economic Development Committee is working on a business visitor brochure and needs approval of $2,000 for the design of the new brochure.

Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis, to approve the expenditure of $2,000 for the EDC brochure design. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Donald Schildt in opposition.

Commissioner Gary Baker reported that the EDC is planning a business beautification project with $250 award to a business that is visually stimulating.

Commissioner Gary Baker reported that the Farmers’ Market is over for the season.

Commissioner Donald Schildt reported that the Veterans Day plans are gelling up for November 8th.

Commissioner Donald Schildt reported that Mike Gimbal will be the speaker, paid by the Town, at the next drug seminar.

Commissioner Donald Schildt reported that a financial report from GVAA has yet to be received.

Burgess Weddle reviewed the upcoming calendar and announcements.

12. CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Mr. Charlie Nicodemus, of Fulton Avenue, and representing the Community Foundation of Frederick County,
announced this year’s honorees, which include Mr. Vaughn Zimmerman of Walkersville, for his service to his community through the fire company and the town government.

Town business was completed and refreshments and fellowship ensued in celebration of Burgess Whitmore’s
service and last town meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Long Rollins
Town Manager