(7/2022) Road/sidewalk survey project bid approved

At its June 8 meeting, Walkersville Burgess and Council moved closer to accessible sidewalks for all as they awarded a road and sidewalk evaluation survey project bid.

The Town Council began discussion in February for the possibility of bringing sidewalks around the town up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Wilson T. Ballard Company was awarded the sidewalk project at a cost to the town of $45,554.30.

The study will determine the best way to repair the sidewalks as well as the "hot spots" in the town that need immediate attention.

The goal of the project will be to repair sidewalks around town but to also make the sidewalks more accessible and compliant with ADA) accessibility standards, according to Public Works Director Joseph Birch.

Although about five companies attended the pre-bid meeting, the town’s on-call engineering firm Wilson T. Ballard was the only company to put forth an actual bid for the project, he said.

"The town has a good relationship with the firm."

Town Manager Sean Williams had suggested getting a study done by a third party to decide which sidewalks are in the worst condition, but also to see which are used most often to determine where priority should be given. Williams got the idea for the study after speaking with the Emmitsburg’s town manager where ADA ramps were installed last year with grant money.

As of the June 8 meeting, there was no anticipated start date, but Birch believed the project will begin soon and will likely take between two to three months. Based in Ownings Mills, as the company is not particularly local, the project will be performed in chunks at a time, Birch said.

The council became aware of the issues in the sidewalks when residents of Glade Towne Community spoke out about the uneven and cracked sidewalks. This led to the discussion about replacing sidewalks town wide, which would also include ramps at curbs that are ADA compliant.

Town employee recognized for 25 years

The Town Commissioners and Burgess recognized the recent retirement of a dedicated town employee.

Beginning and finishing her Walkersville Town Hall career on June 10, 25 years apart, the burgess and town Council recognized the dedication of Town Water Administrator Diane Fauble.

Expressing sincere gratitude for her service to the residents of the town, "It is great to have had her for 25 years," Burgess Chad Weddle said.

Fauble was hired June 10, 1997, as a front desk administrative assistant before rapidly advancing to Town Water Administrator, Burgess said.

Fauble faithfully and diligently managed the town’s water billing process, meter readings, and has been instrumental in organizing special events including community picnics, Christmas tree lightings, and town elections.

Born in Gettysburg, Fauble resided most of her life in Walkersville and is a product of the Walkersville school system.

When she is not working, Fauble also helps with the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Department carnival, as well as being a member of Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Although she will no longer be in office, Fauble said she would be willing to help out whoever came into replace her.

The council and Burgess wished Fauble well and expressed hope she will remain in town to continue to enjoy everything Walkersville has to offer.

Public works projects

JHG Contractors, Incorporated has started work on the town’s water main replacement project at Spring Garden Estates. Work has begun in the easement area and will continue through the temporary bypass on Wildwood Court toward the intersection into the neighborhood, according to Public Works Director Joseph Birch.

In January, the Spring Gardens Water Main project was underway for approval and signature by the county.

Birch also said there is a message board up to keep residents posted with any updates. Informational project updates can also be found on social media and the town website.

Pavement work has also been completed at Creamery Park parking lot.

Two ADA-compliant parking spots and concrete wheel stops were completed as well along with thermal striping for road markings, he said. Striping is slightly more expensive but will last longer than multiple coats of paint.

"I do not want to paint it, if we paint it, we’re going to be painting it every couple of years," Birch said.

Veteran bus trip to Arlington

The Town of Walkersville proudly sponsors a veteran trip to Arlington National Cemetery at no charge.

All veterans and their guests are welcome to the Walkersville Fire Company on September 14 for an 8:30 a.m. departure. The day trip will run until 4 p.m.

Brown bag lunches will be provided, and seating is limited to the first 54 people to register. For more information and to save a seat, contact the town hall at 301-845-4500 or veterans committee members, including Don Schildt, at 301-788-1056.