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MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND
APRIL 21, 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 April 21, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Chiavacci, and Wack; Department Heads Beyard and Urban; City Attorney Walsh; Police Chief Joneckis; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Council President Halstad summarized Ordinance No. 702 Review of Article II of Chapter 109 of the Westminster City Code. Mr. Halstad stated that the Ordinance was in response to concerns with respect to the Picketing and Demonstration provisions of the Westminster City Code. The proposed Ordinance was drafted by City Attorney Walsh and provides the City thirty (30) days for the Public Safety Committee to review the provisions and make a report of finding to The Mayor and Common Council for its consideration.

Pending the review of Article II of Chapter 109 demonstration permits shall be enforced only to groups involving more than twenty-five (25) persons and the filing requirement is reduced from ten (10) days to two (2) days with the proviso that an application can be filed and acted upon in twenty-four (24) hours for exigent circumstance. While under review by the Public Safety Committee, the City Clerk shall be authorized to review and act upon applications in a content and viewpoint neutral manner subject to the review and development of appropriate standards by The Mayor and Common Council. Mr. Chiavacci moved to suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure in order to adopt the Resolution. Mr. Wack seconded the Motion and it carried. On motion of Mr. Chiavacci, seconded by Mrs. Albert, Ordinance No. 702 was approved as presented.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

Mr. Jeffrey S. Evans with Saul Ewing, LLP proposed that Ordinance No. 702 be amended to include the provisions of Section 109-9 only be enforced in the event there is a parade, a street closure or to a group of twenty-five (25) or more persons gathered in a park. Mr. Chiavacci stated that the Public Safety Committee would take his proposal under advisement.

On motion of Mr. Wack, seconded by Mr. Chiavacci, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

Shawn Siders