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City Council
Minutes of City Council Meetings | Agenda for next City Council Meeting
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND
MARYLAND MARCH 24, 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 March 24, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Ferguson, Chiavacci, and Wack; Department Heads Beyard and Urban; City Attorney Walsh; Major Dean Brewer; and City Clerk Taylor were present.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Council President Halstad stated that the Mayor and Common Council wished to honor five local businesses that recently received Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards. Dr. Wack pointed out that the Chamber only gave six awards; five of them were to Westminster businesses. Mayor Dayhoff noted that each of the businesses is an integral part of the community. Mayor Dayhoff, Dr. Wack, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bonnie Grady, and Economic Development Administrator Ruchlewicz presented Proclamations to the following award recipients: Absolute Detail, owner Patrice Andreu; Kohn Creative, owners Josh and Matt Kohn; Frame-A-Page, Inc., owner Shearl Seibel; Inspirations/Gypsy’s Tearoom, owner Jo Fleck; and Intellitech, Inc., president Barbara Biller.
MINUTES:
Upon Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Dr. Wack and unanimously passed, the Minutes of the Meeting of March 10, 2003 were approved.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Dr. Wack moved to approve a Parade/Demonstration Permit for Women in Black. Mr. Ferguson seconded the Motion and it passed unanimously.
Mr. Ferguson moved to approve the February Departmental Operating Reports. Mrs. Albert seconded and the Motion passed.
Mrs. Albert moved to approve the signing of a Letter of Understanding concerning the Carroll Lutheran Bond Issue. Dr. Wack seconded the Motion and it passed. Both Mr. Chiavacci and Mr. Ferguson recused themselves from discussion and voting on the matter.
REPORTS FROM MAYOR:
… Thanked the President of the United States for declaring the February blizzard a disaster, enabling the City to recover some of its snow removal costs from FEMA.
… Requested those present to keep in their prayers the troops involved in the War with Iraq.
… Noted that he would refer a letter concerning parking issues to the Committee on Public Works.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:
Dr. Wack advised that resolution of a misunderstanding concerning the City’s payments to the Cable Regulatory Commission is expected in the very near future.
Council President Halstad announced that the Council of Government officers would meet on Thursday, March 13, 2003.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
Council President Halstad explained that Resolution No. R03-7 – Conduit for FEMA Blizzard Disaster Funds – authorizes George Thomas, the Assistant Director of Emergency Services in County government, to act as the liaison for the County and its municipalities in obtaining disaster relief funds from FEMA. Mr. Beyard noted that the City could recover up to 75 percent of its costs. Mr. Chiavacci moved to suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure in order to adopt the Resolution. Mr. Ferguson seconded the Motion and it carried. Mr. Chiavacci moved to adopt Resolution No. R03-7. Doctor Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
The Council next considered Ordinance No. 698 – Parking Regulations – Municipal Parking Lots. Following a discussion about the goals of the fine schedule, Mr. Walsh recommended adding a Section 5, to read: “For purposes of calculating the number of violations set forth in Section 155-38B, the City shall reset to zero the number of violations of an owner or operator on January 1st of each calendar year period.” Dr. Wack moved to amend the Ordinance to add the language proposed by Mr. Walsh. Mr. Chiavacci seconded, and the Motion passed. Mr. Ferguson moved to adopt the ordinance, Mrs. Albert seconded the Motion, and it passed unanimously.
Council President Halstad summarized Resolution No. 03-5 – Designation of Metered Parking Zones. The Ordinance establishes new rates for meters and increases the hours during which meters must be fed. Mr. Ferguson moved to adopt the Resolution and Doctor Wack seconded the Motion. Mr. Chiavacci observed that the changes need to be well-advertised. Mr. Beyard agreed and noted all three of the measures concerning parking take effect July 1, 2003. The Common Council unanimously approved the Resolution, the text of which follows:
RESOLUTION NO. R03-5
RESOLUTION of The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster:
SUBJECT: Designation of Metered Parking Zones
WHEREAS, Section 155-31 of the Westminster City code authorizes The Mayor and Common Council to establish by resolution parking meter zones, and the amounts to be charged for parking in said zones; and
WHEREAS, Section 155-35 of the Westminster City Code authorizes The Mayor and Common Council to establish be resolution the hours and operations of said meters; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster desires to designate the areas, lots, zones or spaces to be set aside for metered parking, the days and times for the meters shall be in effect, and the charges therefore; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor and Common Council unanimously established the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee on March 11, 2002; and
WHEREAS, The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee issued its Final Report and Recommendation to The Mayor and Common Council on November 20, 2002; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster finds that it is desirable and in the public interest to regulate parking as provided herein.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that all or part of the following municipal parking lots are hereby designated for metered parking: Diffendal Municipal Lot, Davis Municipal Lot, Babylon Municipal lot, Gehr Municipal Lot, Sentinel Municipal Lot, the Sherwood Municipal Lot, Longwell Avenue Municipal Parking Garage and Westminster Square Municipal Parking Garage;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all or part of the following streets shall be designated for metered parking: Main Street, Court Street, Liberty Street, Court Place, Liberty Street, Bond Street, Anchor Street and Pennsylvania Avenue;
AND, BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED that parking meters shall be in effect from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parking meters will not be
in effect on Saturday, Sunday, designated holidays and during special dates or periods as approved by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the charge for parking meters shall be at the rate of .50 per hour;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City staff are directed to convert parking meters to conform to the terms and conditions of this Resolution.
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any previous actions or Resolutions approved by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that are contrary to Resolution No. R03-5 except as herein provided are hereby rescinded;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Resolution No. R03-5 shall become effective on July 1, 2003.
Council President Halstad next summarized Resolution No. 03-6 – Implementation of Parking Permits. Dr. Wack moved to adopt the Resolution and Mr. Ferguson seconded the Motion. Mayor Dayhoff recommended that the Common Council postpone action on the Resolution, citing problems officials from Bel Air and Frederick reported as a result of charging higher prices for parking in garages rather than on lots. Mayor Dayhoff encouraged the Common Council to consider revising the fee structure so that the deck would cost less than the parking lot ($25 versus $30) or so that both would cost the same ($30). A lengthy discussion ensued concerning the need for parking in the downtown area and the differences between Westminster and the other municipalities with regard to the parking situation. The Common Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. R03-6. The text of the Resolution follows.
RESOLUTION NO. R03-6
RESOLUTION of The Mayor and Common Council
SUBJECT: Implementation of Parking Permits
WHEREAS, The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster has enacted Section 155-30 of the Westminster City Code authorizes The Mayor and Common Council by resolution to authorize applications for an issuance of parking permits; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster desires to designate the areas, lots, zones or spaces to be set aside for permit parking; the days and times when said permits shall be valid; procedure for application for and priority for the issuance of said permits; the charge or fee for said permits; and the method by which said permits shall be displayed by the permit holder and other related matters; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster adopted Resolution No. R99-3 which was approved on April 12, 1999, and desires to rescind said resolution; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor and Common Council unanimously established the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee on March 11, 2002; and
WHEREAS, The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee issued its
Final Report and Recommendation to The Mayor and Common Council on November 20, 2002; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor and Common Council find that it is desirable and in the public interest to regulate parking as provided herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF WESTMINSTER that all or part of the following lots shall be designated for permit parking: North Longwell Avenue Municipal Lot, Longwell Avenue Municipal Lot Annex (formerly known as “Key Street Municipal Lot”), South End of the LeRoy L. Conaway Municipal Lot (formerly known as “Railroad Municipal Lot”) and the North End of the LeRoy L. Conaway Lot, Chapel Municipal Lot, Albion Municipal Lot, Winter’s Municipal Lot, Eugene A. Bauerlien Municipal Lot, Longwell Avenue Municipal Parking Garage and the Westminster Square Municipal Parking Garage;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that said permits shall be valid from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits will be in effect on holidays but will not be valid on special dates as determined by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that the charge for parking permits in the Longwell Avenue Municipal Lot Annex (formerly known as “Key Street Municipal Lot”) shall be .00 per month; the charge for parking permits in the North Longwell Avenue Municipal Lot and South Conaway Lot shall be $25 per month; the charge for permits in the North Conaway Lot, Chapel Lot, and Bauerlein Lot shall be $20 per month; the charge for permits in the Longwell Avenue Municipal Parking Garage and Westminster Square Municipal Parking Garage shall be $30 per month, which charges shall be paid on or before the 30th day of the month preceding the month for which the permit is sought, except that the fee for the month of March shall be paid by February 28th;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that permits shall be issued on a first come first serve basis to those applicants who are employed within the corporate limits of the City of Westminster, and thereafter to those applicants who are not so employed, but reside within the corporate limits of the City of Westminster. Thereafter, applications shall be issued to those applicants who are neither so employed nor reside within the corporate limits in the order in which said applications are received;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that said permits shall not be valid unless a permit holder shall display it on the interior dash of the vehicle in such a fashion so that anyone outside the vehicle shall have a clear and unobstructed view of said permit;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that no permit shall be issued to any individual who has any outstanding parking citations as of the date of the filing of his or her application;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that any person residing in an area defined by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster by Resolution may apply for a residential parking permit for his or her passenger vehicle. Any such vehicle lawfully displaying the permit may park in the designated area everyday, including Saturdays, Sunday, and holidays, without time limitation in any lawful metered or non-metered parking space;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that the annual fee for said residential permit shall be $10.00, except that the fee shall be $5.00 for any application received after June 30th of each calendar year, but may be renewed upon application and payment of the fee.
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that the owner of any vehicle to whom such a permit is issued shall affix the permit to the right rear bumper of said vehicle so that it shall be readily and easily observed;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that no permit shall be issued to anyone who has any outstanding parking citations at the time of application for said permit;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that Resolution No. R99-3 be and the same is hereby rescinded;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that nothing herein shall preclude any past or future agreement by the City to lease spaces in any of the above-referenced parking lots pursuant to approval by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster that this Resolution shall become effective on July 1, 2003.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Mr. Beyard reported that a family from Estonia visited Westminster and the surrounding area from March 14 through March 22. They were greatly impressed by the openness of the government. Mr. Beyard conveyed the gratitude of the family for the City’s invitation to visit and warm welcome.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
Kim Prehn, owner of Unique Jewelry and Jewelry Repair; April Beacham, an employee of Unique Jewelry; Venus Reese, owner of Venus and Company; and Shirley Collison, an employee of Venus and Company, expressed their disapproval of the parking fee increase and concerns about safety in the Longwell Parking Deck. Mr. Chiavacci observed that the Parking Committee would take up the safety issue. Mr. Ferguson stated that he and Mr. Ruchlewicz would meet with the affected merchants to consider options that would address their concerns. It was agreed that Major Brewer would participate in the meeting and that Mr. Ruchlewicz would organize it.
In response to a complaint by Ms. Prehn about parking during the Farmer’s Market season, Mr. Ruchlewicz noted that the Farmer’s Market is expected to move to another parking lot this year.
Katherine Freed-Collier, a Westminster attorney, requested the Common Council to consider passing a Resolution concerning the War with Iraq. The Council members declined.
County resident Beatrice Wolf agreed with the business owners that people increasingly avoid shopping in downtown Westminster.
City resident Russell Myers thanked the Mayor for attending a welcome-home ceremony at the National Guard Armory.
Council President Halstad adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk
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