Burgess & Commissioners

MINUTES WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING May 14, 2025 The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Those in attendance included Burgess Chad Weddle, Commissioners 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 7 citizens. The meeting was streamed on the Town’s website. Commissioners Russell Winch and Betsey Whitmore Brannen were 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 Chris Ragen to approve the regular and closed meeting minutes from April 23, 2025. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0. 2. INTRODUCTION ORDINANCE 2025-02 ADOPT GENERAL FUND FY2026 Burgess Chad Weddle discussed the draft General Fund budget with plans to hold a Public Hearing on May 28th for the general fund budget. Commissioner Tom Gilbert made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chris Ragen to introduce Ordinance 2025-02 General Fund Budget FY 2026. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0. 3. INTRODUCTION ORDINANCE 2025-03 ADOPT WATER FUND FY2026 Burgess Chad Weddle discussed the draft Water Fund budget with plans to hold a Public Hearing on June 11th for the water fund budget. Commissioner Tom Gilbert made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chris Ragen to introduce Ordinance 2025-03 Water Fund Budget FY 2026. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0. 4. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Commissioner Tom Gilbert made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bob Yoder to pay the bills as submitted for the time period. The motion passed 3-0. 5. CHAD UPDATES, STAFF COMMENTS AND COMMISSIONER CONCERNS Communications Specialist Crystal Feaga and Burgess Chad Weddle discussed the Pop Up on Penn event and a future EDC meeting. Director of Public Works Joseph Birch provided an update on the following items: 1. The Green Street project has been completed. 2. The contractor is currently working on replacing the water lines on Inspiration Ave between Adventure Ave and Triumphant Ct to include Triumphant Ct. 3. DPW met with Houck Construction to discuss the lean-to construction and permitting, work to begin in early June. 1  4. Altec contacted Director Birch and advised that the new bucket truck may be delivered in seven to ten days. The original budgeted amount was $125,000.00 and the new cost is $126,838.00. The truck was ordered almost three years to the date. 5. Roadway patching and new curb & gutter on Challedon Drive are being replaced from the 12” watermain break in February. Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver the Planning Commission discussed the closed legal meeting held the previous night to discuss the Town zoning map. Zoning Text amendments and possible updates to the zoning map will be brought to the Burgess and Commissioners for review. Commissioner Bob Yoder questioned why Commissioners are not allowed to attend the Planning Commission closed meeting. He requested a legal opinion on the matter. Town Manager Sean Williams noted the Town received a check for $227,123.50 for reimbursement for the purchase of the Pennsylvania Avenue property through Program Open Space. The Town was granted approval to move forward with replacing the toddler playground at Community Park. The Parks Commission will be working on developing a specific plan for items to replace within the $85,570 budget. The Town will receive $77,013 from Program Open Space funding for this project. Yesterday $300,000 was transferred from the Town’s MLGIP account to assist with paying bills for this pay period. This was the first time this fiscal year funds have been transferred from the savings into our general fund checking account. Commissioner Chris Ragen noted the recent loss of his friend Dimitri who helped maintain and run the model train displays at Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum. Commissioner Bob Yoder discussed the GVAA agreement, inquired if the new agreement was signed, and has concerns with their financial statements. He noted residents of Walkersville should not be charged for attending events in Walkersville. Commissioner Yoder inquired about receiving priorities from the Parks Commission and Planning Commission. Commissioner Yoder wants additional information on the road and sidewalk study. Commissioner Yoder discussed the information he previously obtained regarding a municipal police force and requested follow up information from Burgess Weddle. Commissioner Yoder expressed interest in obtaining additional historical information on the Town’s water fund. Burgess Weddle explained that the old water company was dissolved when the Town purchased it. Commissioner Chris Ragen explained that GVAA has new leadership, and a future meeting may occur. Commissioner Ragen and Manager Williams discussed the future priorities for the Parks Commission of the Heritage Farm Park playground replacement and toddler playground replacement at Community Park. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS/WATERSHED UPDATE Burgess Chad Weddle read the announcements. Mary Annie Brodie Ennis of 118 Challedon Drive expressed support for the bike trail in Walkersville, noting Frederick County is currently slated to maintain the tail. She also noted the County has not received complaints about a similar trial near Ballanger Creek Elementary School and a hotel. 2 John Whitmore of 8300 Biggs Ford Road also expressed support for the bike trail in Walkersville. He noted potential grants that may become available to support the trail and the possibility of removing vehicles from MD 194. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mon., May 19 – EDC Meeting 7pm Mon., May 26 – Town Hall Closed – Memorial Day Tue., May 27 – Planning Commission Meeting 7pm Wed., May 28 – Town Meeting 7pm Wed., June 4 – Parks Meeting 7pm Tue., June 10 – Planning Workshop 7pm Wed., June 11 – Town Meeting 7pm Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Sean Williams, Town Manager 3