Burgess & Commissioners

MINUTES WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING April 23, 2025 The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Chad Weddle, Commissioners Russell Winch, Chris Ragen, Bob Yoder, Betsey Whitmore Brannen, 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 6 citizens. The meeting was streamed on the Town’s website. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. 1. MINUTES Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bob Yoder to approve the meeting minutes from April 9, 2025. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Commissioner Tom Gilbert abstaining. 2. REAPPOINTMENT TO PLANNING COMMISSION – MIKE KUSTER Burgess Chad Weddle nominated Mike Kuster for reappointment for the Planning Commission. Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tom Gilbert to reappoint Mike Kuster to the Planning Commission. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. 3. FREDERICK-PENNSYLVANIA RAIL TRAIL PRESENTATION Patrick Muldowney from Frederick County and Matthew Sichel from KCI Technologies Inc presented an overview of the entire plan for the Frederick-Pennsylvania Rail Trail and how it will potentially run through the Town. There was a discussion regarding potential security concerns, maintenance questions, requests for emergency service phones and lighting, fencing, and concerns with the trail being close to residential properties. Richard Creager of 58 Hampton Place and John Merando of 3 Wyndale Court expressed concerns with the trail. 4. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tom Gilbert to pay the bills as submitted for the time period. The motion passed 5-0. 5. CHAD UPDATES, STAFF COMMENTS AND COMMISSIONER CONCERNS Burgess Chad Weddle read the announcements. Burgess Weddle discussed the upcoming Pop Up on Penn event scheduled May 3 rd. Burgess Weddle requested a future Public Hearing to discuss the Water Fund Budget at an additional Town Meeting in May. Burgess Weddle left the meeting at 7:40. Town Manager Sean Williams reported a citizen’s concern regarding a recent positive radon test at their home. Radon testing is suggested for homeowners. 1 Manager Williams discussed an upgrade to the Town’s email server. Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver discussed an email that was received from Strong Towns and dispersed to the Burgess and Commissioners regarding safety concerns at the intersection of Frederick Street and Main Street. The Planning Commission discussed the four-lot subdivision application for a property on George Street and Goldsboro Place owned by the Frederick County Student Trades Foundation. Public comments were also taken at the meeting. The Planning Commission also discussed the Planning Commission work on potential changes to the industrial districts and zoning map. Lonza was present at that meeting regarding possible changes to the restrictions on the height of buildings. Director of Public Works Joseph Birch provided an update on the following items: 1. The sidewalk installation on Green Street has been completed. Curb and gutter on the east side of the street will occur this week. A mill and overlay of the street will start next Monday or Tuesday and hopefully be completed by end of next week. 2. Water main replacement is in progress in the Discovery Community. A temporary bypass is in place. 3. The work on Pennsylvania Ave continues with projects on the sides of the road being completed to include the pocket park. 4. ADA’s have been installed at the new three-way stop on Glade Blvd and advance warning of the new signs is in place to include flagged stop signs. 5. The work on Glade Road railroad tracks is still in progress, but the road is open to traffic. 6. DPW will be meeting with Houck Construction Thursday to discuss the lean-to construction and permitting. Commissioner Tom Gilbert discussed an article in the Frederick News Post regarding the annual award ceremony for fire and rescue. Vaughn Zimmerman was honored with the Bruce Reeder Sr. Golden Service Award for his many years of service. Commissioner Bob Yoder requested a closed meeting be held after the Town Meeting. Commissioner Chris Ragen thanked DPW for the fast installation of the three-way stop at Glade Blvd. Commissioner Ragen thanked MSP for their work on the Easter Egg Hunt last week. Commissioner Betsey Whitmore Brannen noted that she will be absent for the May 14th Town Meeting. Commissioner Russell Winch discussed interest in having money budgeted for curb and sidewalk replacement work on Pennsylvania Avenue. There was a discussion regarding the potential need to address the road, as well. There was general agreement to address the curb and sidewalk concerns to start. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS/WATERSHED UPDATE There were no public comments. 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mon., Apr 28 – EDC Meeting 7pm Sat., May 3 – Pop Up on Penn 10am-4pm Wed., May 7 – Parks Meeting 7pm Tues., May 13 –Planning Commission Workshop 7pm Wed., May 14 –Town Meeting 7pm Mon., May 26 – Town Hall Closed – Memorial Day Commissioner Betsey Whitmore Brannen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bob Yoder to hold a closed meeting regarding a legal discussion. The meeting was closed under Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article: §3-305(b) (7) “To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice.” The motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Tom Gilbert in opposition. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Sean Williams, Town Manager 3