Walkersville reappoints parks commissioner; resident offers free financial workshops; commissioner discloses solar-farm ownership

Commissioners unanimously reappointed David Tuohy to the parks commission after his term expired; Tuohy was not present and will be sworn in at the next parks meeting. The Chair called the motion: "Motion by commissioner Winch, 2nd by commissioner Whitmore Brannon to reappoint mister David Tuohy to the parks commission," and the board recorded the vote as 5-0.

A local resident, Ken Wilkerson, asked to use town hall for free financial-education workshops for families and small businesses. Wilkerson said the sessions run about 45 minutes to an hour and that his company does not charge for sessions. Several commissioners suggested the library or other community venues to avoid the appearance of the town promoting a private organization; one commissioner recommended clear disclaimers if the town allowed use of town facilities. "We don't want it to look like the town is promoting this," one commissioner said, and another suggested a disclaimer that the program is not sponsored by the Town of Walkersville.

Commissioner Whitmore Brannon made a public disclosure: she said she is a co-owner of property on Biggs Ford Road that is being developed into a solar farm and that she is not involved with the lease arrangements. Her statement was given as a full disclosure to the board and public.

Other routine business: the board approved the bills (voice vote 5-0), reviewed accounts payable and questions about electric bills (including the water plant), and scheduled the senior tax credit seminar for March 4 at 10 a.m. at town hall.

Next steps: Tuohy will be sworn in at the next parks commission meeting; staff will advise Wilkerson on venue options and permit/disclaimer language; commissioner disclosure was noted for the record.