City Council
Minutes of City Council Meetings | Agenda for next City Council Meeting

MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND
JANUARY 13, 2003

QUORUM:

A meeting of The Mayor and Common Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of January 13, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Pecoraro, Ferguson, and Chiavacci; Department Head Beyard; City Attorney Walsh; Westminster City Police Chief Joneckis; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

MINUTES:

The Minutes of the Meetings of December 9 and December 24, 2002, were approved on Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Pecoraro, and duly passed.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

On Motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Chiavacci and duly passed, the Consent Calendar was approved, consisting of: 1) approval of Good Cause Waiver Nos. GCW 02-9, GCW 02-12, and GCW 02-13; 2) a Request for Unpaid Leave; 3) a Job Reclassification; 4) the Component Fund Agreement of the Westminster/Paide Partner City Fund; and 5) approval of November Departmental Operating Reports.

REPORTS FROM MAYOR:

… Noted that he had received many compliments about the snow removal efforts of the Department of Public Works.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

Mr. Pecoraro announced his resignation from the Council, effective at the end of the meeting. He explained that he had accepted the position of Chief of Staff in Baltimore County and that, for several reasons including time constraints, the new position would not be compatible with his service on the Council. He complimented his colleagues and the City staff. The Mayor and Common Council expressed their regret at his departure and presented him with commemorative gifts.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Council President Halstad presented background for Resolution No. R03-1 – Amendment of Mandatory Drought Restrictions. The Raw Reservoir Level had risen to 98 percent. The Resolution would loosen the water use restrictions and bring the City restrictions into conformance with the existing State restrictions. Mr. Beyard noted that the Resolution would not affect restrictions on new construction. Moreover, the Medford Quarry Connection, which is progressing well, will not be used to supply water for new construction. On Motion of Mr. Chiavacci, seconded by Mr. Pecoraro and duly approved, the Rules of Order and Procedure were suspended. Mrs. Albert moved to adopt Resolution No. R03-1. Mr. Chiavacci seconded the Motion and it passed unanimously.

Council President Halstad introduced Resolution No. R03-2, which enables the Mayor and Common Council to expend reimbursable funds on the Medford Quarry Emergency Water Connection prior to closing on the permanent financing through the Maryland Department of the Environment Revolving Loan Fund. The amount would not exceed $2.5 million. Mr. Pecoraro moved to suspend the Rules of Order and procedure. Mr. Chiavacci seconded the Motion, and it passed unanimously. On Motion of Mr. Pecoraro, seconded by Mrs. Albert and unanimously passed, Resolution No. R03-2 was approved.

At the request of Council President Halstad, Mr. Beyard summarized Ordinances 693, 694, and 695 – Amendments to Water, Sewer, and Special Capital Benefit Assessment Fees. Staff has determined that there is less consumption of City services in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (“CCRC”), as defined by State regulation. Therefore, the Ordinances would establish a special category, assessing 65 percent of the fees assessed to multi-family and single-family units. The CCRC would only qualify for the special fee if it owns and maintains its on-site infrastructure. Mr. Chiavacci recused himself from discussing and voting on the three Ordinances. Mr. Pecoraro moved to Introduce Ordinances 693, 694, and 695. Mr. Ferguson seconded, and the four Council members voted to Introduce the Ordinances.

Mr. Pecoraro observed that Ordinance No. 696 – Alcohol in City-Owned and City-Leased Buildings - resulted from the desire of the Carroll County Arts Council to serve alcohol occasionally at events in the renovated Carroll Theater, and of other organizations to serve alcohol at events in the Longwell Center. No alcohol will be allowed in City parks or open spaces. Mr. Pecoraro moved to Introduce Ordinance No. 696, Mr. Ferguson seconded the Motion, and it passed unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Mayor Dayhoff noted that the City has an excellent opportunity to have a say in regional policy by joining the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board. On Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Pecoraro and duly passed, the Council appointed the Mayor to the Board.

Mayor Dayhoff next discussed the Westminster/Paide Partner City Fund Advisory Board. He proposed that he, the Council President, Mr. Beyard, Mr. Siders, and Mr. Schroers be appointed to the Board. Mr. Ferguson moved to approve the Mayor’s recommendation, Mr. Chiavacci seconded the Motion, and it passed unanimously. At Mr. Ferguson’s request, Mr. Beyard advised that the $6500 seed money for the Fund originated a closed project and that it was immediately matched. He noted that Mills’ Communications Inc. and the community have been quite responsive.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mayor Dayhoff announced the appointment of Joseph D. Urban as Finance Director for the City of Westminster. He read the following announcement:

Consistent with previous discussions among City Council Members and with the recommendation of the Westminster Finance Director Selection Committee it is my privilege this evening to announce the appointment of Mr. Joseph Urban to the position of Westminster Finance Director to replace Mr. Steve Dutterer.

I'd like to pay special tribute and commend the Finance Director Selection Committee, which has worked diligently to review, interview and select this evening's nominee. I firmly concur with the Committee's selection.

Mr. Urban received his MBA degree from the University of Baltimore and his BS degree from Towson State University. He achieved his license as a Certified Public Accountant in1985, and has maintained an active license in good standing for the past 17 years.

He comes to the City of Westminster with over 26 years of public service with the State of Maryland. For the past 16 years he proudly served the University of Maryland Baltimore in a diverse range of administrative positions.

Accordingly, subject to the approval of the Westminster City Council at the Council meeting on January 13th, 2003; I would like to appoint Mr. Joseph Urban to the position of Westminster Finance Director. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.

Mr. Ferguson moved to appoint Mr. Urban. Mr. Chiavacci seconded the Motion, and it passed unanimously. The Council welcomed Mr. Urban. Mr. Urban thanked the Mayor and Common Council and introduced his family.

Mr. Halstad stated that Mr. Ferguson had graciously agreed to succeed Mr. Pecoraro as the Finance Committee Chairperson. Mr. Pecoraro moved to appoint Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Chiavacci seconded the Motion, and it passed unanimously. Mr. Ferguson distributed the Schedule for the 2003-2004 Budget Preparation and Public Hearing.

Mr. Ferguson moved to appoint Mrs. Albert as Council President Pro-Tem. Mr. Chiavacci seconded the Motion and it passed unanimously.

Mrs. Albert moved to Accept the Deeds for road widening at Parcel A, Windsor Overlook and at Hillcrest. Mr. Ferguson seconded the Motion and it passed unanimously.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

On behalf of Chief Joneckis, Mr. Chiavacci congratulated the Police for their success with a six-month undercover drug investigation. Mr. Chiavacci noted that he would like a strong signal to be sent that illegal drugs are vigorously investigated and dealt with in Westminster.

Chief Joneckis announced that the Westminster Police Department is teaming up with Westminster Ballet Theater to hold a fundraising golf tournament and banquet in July. The proceeds will be used for dance scholarships for youth.

Mr. Walsh, Mr. Beyard, Chief Joneckis, and Ms. Taylor welcomed Mr. Urban. They also noted their sadness at the departures of Mr. Dutterer and Mr. Pecoraro.

Council President Halstad noted that applications to fill the Council vacancy were due in the office of the City Clerk by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2003.

Mayor Dayhoff introduced Mayor Craig from Havre de Grace and his wife. He noted that Havre de Grace also has a sister city in Estonia, Sillamae.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

Mr. Robert Miller of Westminster stated that a need exists for an indoor ice rink and sports complex. Mr. Chiavacci and Council President Halstad encouraged him to deliver a formal proposal to the Parks Board.

City Resident George Fringer remarked that licensing of landlords is a good measure. He also stated that lighting is not adequate at Charles and Church Streets. Mayor Dayhoff replied that the City would look into the lighting.

City residents Tom and Judy Smith expressed their disapproval of the Restaurant Association’s request for legislation extending hours for serving alcohol in Carroll County to 2:00 a.m.

City resident Josephine Velazquez inquired about the status of landlord registration. Mr. Siders advised that 90 percent have registered. Mayor Dayhoff and Mr. Beyard updated her on the new lighting for Pennsylvania Avenue. Ms. Velazquez also complained that a local establishment has an “all you can drink” night on Thursdays.

Parr’s Ridge resident Joe Mish noted that his development maintains its own infrastructure. Mr. Pecoraro explained that the benefit assessment reductions would only apply to the one-time fees assessed on new construction.

City resident and former Council member William Haifley thanked the Council for accepting his application to fill the vacancy.

City resident Darcel Harris inquired about code enforcement. Council President Halstad advised her that a meeting to discuss code enforcement would be scheduled with the local judges and that any code complaints about landlords would be investigated.

City resident Rebekah Orenstein complained about a rental property near her. She noted her approval of the golf tournament. She complimented Mr. Pecoraro on his leadership. Ms. Orenstein recommended there be regular clean-up events in the City.

Council President Halstad adjourned the Meeting at 9:00 p.m.

Laurell E. Taylor

City Clerk