Burgess & Commissioners

MINUTES WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING January 8, 2025 The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Chad Weddle, Commissioners Russell Winch, Chris Ragen, Bob Yoder, and Tom Gilbert, Town Manager Sean Williams, Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver, Director of Public Works Joseph Birch, Communications Specialist Crystal Feaga, and a total of 4 citizens. The meeting was streamed on the Town’s website. Commissioner Betsey Whitmore Brannen was absent. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. 1. MINUTES Commissioner Tom Gilbert made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bob Yoder to approve the regular meeting minutes from December 11, 2024. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS – JOHN MERANDO & NICHOLAS THOMPSON Burgess Chad Weddle nominated John Merando and Nicholas Thompson to the Planning Commission and provided background information on both individuals. Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tom Gilbert to appoint John Merando to the Planning Commission. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bob Yoder to appoint Nicholas Thompson to the Planning Commission. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. Burgess Weddle administered the oath of office to John Merando. 3. WALKERSVILLE SOUTHERN RAILROAD IMPROVEMENT PLANS Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver summarized the project that the Walkersville Southern Railroad was looking to have completed at their Pennsylvania Avenue location. Paul Kovalcik from the railroad gave an update on the railroad, discussed the upcoming project and upgrades to a small “pocket park” that is on Town property, and requested $38,300 from the Town for improvements to that park. Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chris Ragen to approve the Walkersville Southern Railroad improvements concept spending up to $38,300, with the Town to seek additional bids. Discussion occurred regarding an abandoned well near the property, if the project cost is in the current budget, the percentage of the cost being requested from the Town, possible improvements to the potato patch, and possible improvements to the contract. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. Commissioner Bob Yoder made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chris Ragen to amend the previous motion with the funds being budgeted in the fiscal year 2025-2026. There was no discussion. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1 with Commissioner Russell Winch opposed. Burgess Weddle restated the amended motion to approve the Walkersville Southern Railroad improvements concept spending up to $38,300, with the Town to seek additional bids, and with the funds being budgeted in the fiscal year 2025-2026.There was no discussion. The motion passed by a vote of 4- 0. 4. UPCOMING BUDGET WORKSHOP DISCUSSION 1 Burgess Chad Weddle summarized the budget process, expressed his interest in holding several budget workshops, and suggested different meetings for the general fund and water fund. 5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tom Gilbert to pay the bills as submitted for the time period. There were questions on several payments. The motion passed 4-0. 6. CHAD UPDATES, STAFF COMMENTS AND COMMISSIONER CONCERNS Director of Public Works Joseph Birch provided an update on the following items: 1. The inlet rebuild at Green Street has begun; the project is delayed due to the weather. 2. A snow event occurred Sunday into Monday, DPW plowed roads and started repair to a watermain break on Challedon and MD 194. An emergency contractor was hired to complete the repair as DPW does not have the equipment to safely address the issue. 3. The Town hosted a meeting Tuesday evening with the Discovery HOA to discuss the upcoming watermain replacement. Timelines, sequences of construction, and questions were all handled during the meeting. Public Works was thanked for their efforts during the snow event. Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver discussed next weeks Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Bob Yoder thanked Administrator Hauver for providing information on a complaint in Town and discussed a possible ordinance regarding vacant/derelict properties. There was a discussion regarding possible future action and previous action attempted by the Town. Town Manager Sean Williams mentioned that the road, sidewalk, and curb improvements on Green Street will not begin until the Spring. Manager Williams assisting Ron Layman discussed the upcoming Klondike event starting January 17 th and invited the Burgess and Commissioners to visit. Commissioner Tom Gilbert inquired about the lead pipe testing in neighboring municipalities and discussed concerns within the Town with Public Works Director Joe Birch. Commissioner Gilbert expressed interest in holding another workshop for the Town’s Senior Tax Credit at Town Hall. Commissioner Gilbert read a 1974 article in the Frederick News Post discussing the “Walkersville bypass”. Commissioner Russell Winch again thanked Public Works for their work during the snow event. Commissioner Chris Ragen mentioned the need to sign the annual agreement with GVAA. There was discussion about the agreement. Commissioner Ragen announced that Parks Commissioner Kevin Conley is being inducted into the Frederick County Soccer Hall of Fame. Commissioner Ragen noted from the Tree Lighting Ceremony there were two complaints from citizens regarding the story of Hanukkah, a request to add someone to discuss the story of Christmas. 2 Commissioner Bob Yoder also expressed concerns with having the GVAA contract signed and charging for GVAA football games. There was a discussion about the agreement and parking concerns in the park. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS/WATERSHED UPDATE Burgess Weddle read the announcements. David Ennis of 118 Challedon Drive complimented Public Works for the recent snow event and water main break. He additionally complimented the Tree Lighting ceremony and the presentation of story of Hanukkah. Commissioner Chris Ragen thanked Mr. Ennis for his snow blowing work in the neighborhood. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Thurs., Jan 9 – Christmas Tree Pickup Tues., Jan 14 – Planning Commission Workshop 7pm Thurs., Jan 16 – Christmas Tree Pickup Mon., Jan 20 – Town Office Closed MLK JR. Day Wed., Jan 22 – Town Meeting 7pm Mon., Jan 27 – EDC Meeting 7pm Tues., Jan 28 – Planning Commission Meeting 7pm Burgess Chad Weddle requested a closed meeting based on the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article:§3-305(b) (3) “To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto” & (10) “To discuss public security, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to public security, including: (i) the deployment of fire and police services and staff; and (ii) the development and implementation of emergency plans.” Commissioner Tom Gilbert made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch to hold a closed meeting. There was no discussion. The motion passed 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Sean Williams, Town Manager 3