Burgess & Commissioners

MINUTES WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING March 12, 2025 The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, March 12, 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 10 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 Russell Winch to approve the regular meeting minutes, the budget workshop, and closed meeting minutes from February 26, 2025. Burgess Chad Weddle summarized the closed meeting minutes. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. 2. PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE 2025-01 CHAPTER 21 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Burgess Chad Weddle summarized Ordinance 2025-01 which would allow the Burgess to serve on the EDC in place of a Commissioner. There were no public comments. Commissioner Tom Gilbert made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch to adopt Ordinance 2025-01. There was no discussion. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. 3. CORPORAL GARY CONKLIN – MSP DISCUSSION Corporal Gary Conklin provided the Burgess and Commissioners with 2024 statics, discussed concerns with identity theft this time of year due to taxes, upcoming events hosted by MSP, a recent theft at the pharmacy, and answered questions from the Commissioners. All information provided will be updated on the Town website Thursday. 4. RELEASE OF ESCROW FUNDS REQUEST - LONZA Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver explained that $24,959 in funds are held in escrow from Lonza for a project that has been completed. Lonza has requested the release of the funds and Town staff recommends the release of the funds. Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tom Gilbert to release $24,959 to Lonza. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. 5. REAPPOINTMENT OF EDC – LINDA MORGAN AND LEANNE TENNANT Burgess Chad Weddle requested the reappointment of Linda Morgan and LeAnne Tennant to the Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chris Ragen to reappoint Linda Morgan and LeAnne Tennant to the Economic Development Commission. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. 6. BID ACCEPTANCE – 2007 CHEVROLET DUMP TRUCK 1 Director of Public Works discussed the bids received for the 2007 Chevrolet dump truck being sold by the Town. Brody Sipes of Axis Concrete bid $9,101, Dustin Edger bid $8,632, and Chad Barrick of Barricks and Sons bid $9,200. Commissioner Bob Yoder made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch to sell the 2007 Chevrolet dump truck to the highest bidder, Chad Barrick in the amount of $9,200. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. 7. PARKS COMMISSION DISCUSSION Commissioner Chris Ragen explained that the March Parks Commission meeting was not able to be held due to lack of quorum. There were two park usage requests from Homeschool Soccer and Boogie Bears Triclub that were time sensitive, Commissioner Ragen polled the Parks Commission members by email, and requested the group to consider both park usage forms. Commissioner Chris Ragen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch to approve the park usage request by Homeschool Soccer. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. Commissioner Chris Ragen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bob Yoder to approve the park usage request by Boogie Bears Triclub. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. 8. GLADE BLVD TRAFFIC REQUEST Town Manager Sean Williams summarized a request by Austin Nelson regarding traffic calming devices on Glade Blvd, discussed feedback from the Town engineer, and the new request to install stop signs and a crosswalk at Glade Blvd and Wyndale Drive. Mr. Nelson read the petition, discussed the requested stop signs and crosswalk, and answered questions from the Commissioners. The cost of the signs, crosswalk, and ADA ramps is estimated between $10,000-$15,000. Commissioner Chris Ragen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tom Gilbert to install stop signs, a crosswalk, and ADA ramps at Glade Blvd and Wyndale Drive. Commissioner Bob Yoder inquired if the Town has the funds to pay for the improvement. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0. 9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Commissioner Tom Gilbert made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch to pay the bills as submitted for the time period. There was discussion on several specific check payments. The motion passed 4-0. 8. CHAD UPDATES, STAFF COMMENTS AND COMMISSIONER CONCERNS Director of Public Works Joseph Birch provided an update on the following items: 1. Work on Green Street will begin on March 24th at the earliest. 2. Tree removal in Discovery is ongoing. Work to the watermain may begin in late March. 3. Walkersville railroad work began March 10th and they are on schedule to be finished with the road closure by March 17th. 4. Regarding the new property purchased near the bowling alley on Pennsylvania Avenue, DPW will install two poles and a chain to block access at the driveway apron once weather allows. Signage has been ordered and will be installed once received. 2  5. An MDE Sanitary Inspection occurred on March 3rd. There were a few minor issues and an email was received from MDE the next day stating that the plant is well maintained and ran very professional. The Water Superintend Matt Orndorff did an outstanding job in upkeep with all requirements. 6. The tennis courts at Community Park are scheduled to have the lines repainted. Once that date is received, the courts will be closed for at least one or two days. 7. Park hours change this Friday with the parks open at 7:00am and closing at 9:00 PM. Community Park bathrooms will be open starting this Friday. 8. Landon Hollinger was awarded Rookie Operator of the Year for the State of Maryland Water Operators. Commissioner Chris Ragen inquired if the Girl Scouts scheduled a time to paint trash cans. Town staff is in touch with the group. Commissioner Bob Yoder inquired about a damaged water valve insert on Sandstone Drive and Cobble Way. Director of Public Works Joe Birch advised it will be fixed. Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver noted that a packet of information was provided to the Burgess and Commissioners regarding the deeds for Town Hall 21 W. Frederick Street and Dr. Gough’s property at 19 W. Frederick Street. Town Manager Sean Williams reminded everyone that MDE will hold a public hearing at Town Hall on Tuesday March 18th at 2 PM to discuss a water permit request by Lochland Ag and Turf LLC. Commissioner Bob Yoder expressed interest in holding a closed meeting. Commissioner Chris Ragen thanked Anna Newman for her time serving on the Parks Commission. Commissioner Ragen spoke with David Delisio regarding blighted properties and the recent measure passed by Brunswick. Commissioner Tom Gilbert provided the Commissioners a copy of the Tale of Two Villages noting the additional information regarding the water company that was discussed at the last Town Meeting. Commissioner Gilbert thanked staff for assisting with the Senior Tax Credit workshop held last week and discussed the tax credit program. Burgess Chad Weddle discussed the Maryland Mayors Association Conference. Currently there are no plans to cut highway user revenue. He also discussed a possible workshop that could be held for the Commissioners to cover various topics including budget priorities, team building, etc. 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS/WATERSHED UPDATE Burgess Weddle read the announcements. Stephanie Widmeyer thanked the Commissioners for the passing the improvements on Glade Blvd. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mon., Mar 24 – EDC Meeting 7pm Tues., Mar 25 – Planning Commission Meeting 7pm Wed., Mar 26 – Town Meeting 7pm Wed., Apr 2 – Parks Meeting 7pm 3  Tues., Apr 8 – Planning Commission Workshop 7pm Wed., Apr 9 – Town Meeting 7pm Fri., Apr 18 – Town Hall Closed – Good Friday Commissioner Bob Yoder made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell Winch to hold a closed meeting regarding property. The meeting was closed under Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article: §3-305(b) (10) “To discuss public security, if the body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or public security.” The motion passed 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Sean Williams, Town Manager 4  MINUTES WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORKSHOP March 12, 2025 The Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners Budget Workshop was called to order on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 8:15 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Chad Weddle, Commissioners Russell Winch, Chris Ragen, Bob Yoder, and Tom Gilbert, Town Manager Sean Williams, Director of Public Works Joe Birch, Communications Specialist Crystal Feaga, and a total of 1 citizen. The meeting was streamed on the Town’s website. Commissioner Betsey Whitmore Brannen was absent. Burgess Chad Weddle and Town Manager Sean Williams discussed capital projects for both the General Fund and Water Fund. There was discussion regarding the five year projected costs of capital projects, sidewalk and road repair, items already purchased in fiscal year 2025, and some projected items for fiscal year 2026. The workshop ended at 8:32 p.m. Sean Williams Town Manager 5