Burgess & Commissioners

MINUTES WALKERSVILLE BURGESS & COMMISSIONERS TOWN MEETING June 11, 2025 The Town meeting of the Walkersville Burgess & Commissioners was called to order on Wednesday, June 11, 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 5 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 Betsey Whitmore Brannen to approve the regular meeting minutes from May 28, 2025. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. 2. PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE 2025-03 WATER FUND BUDGET Burgess Chad Weddle opened the public hearing for Ordinance 2025-03 the Water Fund Budget and noted that no written comments had been received. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tom Gilbert to adopt Ordinance 2025-03 Water Fund Budget. There was discussion regarding several line items, the need to consider future revenue streams to pay for the Discovery Water Main project, the number of phases for the project, and the amount of water usage being projected. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. 3. PROPOSED ZONING MAP – PLANNING COMMISSION DRAFT – STAFF PRESENTATION Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver introduced the draft zoning map and explained the proposed changes recommended by the Planning Commission based on the changes from the Comprehensive plan. Administrator Hauver recommended a future workshop to discuss the changes. There was a discussion regarding approval of all or some of the recommended changes, the number of houses that could be built on a particular lot, and the desire to have an attorney present for the workshop. 4. PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS – PLANNING COMMISSION DRAFT – STAFF PRESENTATION Planning and Zoning Administrator Susan Hauver briefly discussed the proposed changes recommended by the Planning Commission regarding zoning text amendments. Those changes include amendments to the Industrial zoning district (88-50) and increasing the current limitations on building heights (88-58). 5. PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE DISCUSSION Burgess Chad Weddle discussed the Charter and the rules that would apply to forming a subcommittee. There was a brief discussion regarding how members would be picked to be part of the committee, limiting the committee to two Commissioners, general agreement to have the Town advertise for committee openings, and a future mission statement. 6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Commissioner Russell Winch made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tom Gilbert to pay the bills as submitted for the period. Several payments were discussed. The motion passed 5-0. 1 7. CHAD UPDATES, STAFF COMMENTS AND COMMISSIONER CONCERNS Burgess Chad Weddle read a legal opinion based on a request by Commissioner Bob Yoder asking if a Commissioner had the right to attend any closed meetings held by other Town Commissions. The legal opinion confirmed that non-members of a Commission are not permitted to attend a closed meeting unless invited. Burgess Weddle congratulated Commissioner Russell Winch for being appointed to the Frederick County Agricultural Reconciliation Committee. The committee hears complaints about farming activity in the County. Director of Public Works Joseph Birch provided an update on the following items: 1. Water main replacement in progress continues in Discovery with the temporary bypass in place for the next section. The contractor is currently working on Inspiration Ave between Adventure Ave and Triumphant Ct to include Triumphant Ct. 2. The highly anticipated bucket truck has been delivered. 3. Contractors will be working at Crum Road water tower. Town Manager Sean Williams reported that the Walkersville Historical Society provided the Burgess and Commissioners with a letter last week with a funding request and ideas for future plans. They will be on the agenda at the next Town Meeting. Manager Williams will be absent from the next Town Meeting and be away from the office starting next Tuesday for a few weeks. Commissioner Bob Yoder inquired about the property next to Dollar General and the high grass. The owners of the property were notified via mail, and the Town will address the concern. Commissioner Yoder inquired about future tax discussions. Commissioner Chris Ragen reported a same-day request for use of a baseball field at Heritage that was approved. Additionally, Commissioner Ragen reported on damage to baseball field #3 and encouraged better treatment of the baseball field and the park. Commissioner Russell Winch discussed the Town’s savings, the total amount towns should carry for a rainy-day fund and will be researching additional ways to potentially increase revenue streams. 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS/WATERSHED UPDATE Burgess Chad Weddle read the announcements. Lamar Estridge of 106 Ports Circle discussed parking concerns with boats, trailers, and RVs. Mr. Estridge inquired about potential changes to the Town Code to allow legally parking a camper in front of a home for loading and maintenance. There was a discussion regarding potential changes to the Code including time limits and the ability for emergency services to respond if the road is partially blocked. Felicia Martin of 230 Winterbrook Drive and owner of Whistle Stop Coffee entered the fray to inquire if any changes to the Town Code could also include commercial trailers. There was agreement to consider possible changes to the Code. Ms. Martin expressed concern for speeding in Town and inquired about the potential public safety subcommittee. 2 Ms. Martin discussed her concerns with the quality of the Town water. There was a discussion regarding the new water plant and Town water report. Corporal Gary Conklin discussed the Resident Trooper Program and his desire to keep the program strong in Walkersville. Burgess Weddle apologized for a comment made at the last Town Meeting, discussed his time in Walkersville government, and his desire for the group to treat each other in a professional manner. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Thurs., June 19 – Town Office Closed-Juneteenth Mon., June 23 – EDC Meeting 7pm Tues., June 24 – Planning Meeting 7pm Wed., June 25 – Town Meeting 7pm Fri., July 4 – Town Office Closed-Independence Day Tues., July 8 – Planning Commission Workshop 7pm Wed., July 9 – Town Meeting 7pm Tues., July 22 – Planning Commission Meeting 7pm Mon., July 28 – EDC Meeting 7pm Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Sean Williams, Town Manager 3