Walkersville Town Meeting Focuses on Inoperative Vehicles and New Library
The Town of Walkersville will hold its Town Meeting of the Burgess and Town Commissioners tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Walkersville Town Hall.
Following last night’s Walkersville Planning Commission Meeting, the Burgess and Town Commissioners will discuss an ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission regarding inoperative vehicles. The Planning Commission voted to recommend adoption of changes to the Town Code. The recommended changes add definitions of inoperative motor vehicles to the town code. The proposed ordinance permits only one inoperative or unregistered vehicle on a residential property as long as it is in a garage or covered with a fitted cover made for that vehicle. The ordinance also provides the code enforcement officer with the power to deem any inoperative vehicle a public nuisance if it may be attracting pests or be a safety hazard.
Last night, one resident, Don Deibler, of Deerfield attended the Planning Commission Meeting. He strongly urged the members of the Planning Commission to reject the ordinance. He presented photographs of several homes in Deerfield in violation of the current town ordinance. Mr. Deibler expressed his fear that the proposed ordinance allows everyone to have an eyesore in their front yard.
Town Commissioner and Planning Commission member Gary Baker responded to Mr. Beibler’s complaints by citing the Deerfield Home Owners’ Association. Mr. Baker pointed out that the HOA already prohibits many of these violations, because the HOA rules are more strict. He inquired as to why the HOA has not addressed the matters. Mr. Beibler speculated that the HOA did not have the means or the will to take legal action against violators.
After discussing that the proposed ordinance addresses Code Enforcement Officer, Andrew Dewese’s requests, the Planning Commission members voted unanimously to recommend the approval of the proposed ordinance.
The Town will also discuss the New Walkersville Library to be built on South Glade Road. The Burgess and Commissioners plan to discuss fees, a letter of credit, and a water tap for the new library. The Planning Commission approved site plans for the library earlier this summer.
