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

MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

MAY 5, 2003

            A Special 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 May 5, 2003, at 6:00 p.m.  Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Chiavacci, Ferguson, and Wack; Department Heads Beyard and Urban; Police Chief Joneckis; City Attorney Walsh; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

            The purpose of the Special Meeting was to conduct the Public Hearing on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2003 – 2004 Budget, consisting of the General, Sewer, and Water Funds and the Capital Improvement Program.  Mayor Dayhoff conducted the Meeting.

            City resident Joseph D. Mish, of 385 Pleasonton Road, asked several questions concerning budget amounts for parking, recreation and public safety.  Mayor Dayhoff, Members of the Common Council, and various staff members responded.  Mr. Mish opined that parking fee and fine increases would drive shoppers from downtown.  He added that downtown shoppers should have a brief grace period on parking meters in order to obtain change.

            Mr. Robert D. Miller, of 525 Yellow Lily Court, asked several questions concerning budget figures for income tax and admissions and amusement taxes.  Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Urban responded to him.  Mr. Miller advocated removing the meters and limiting parking on the street to one hour. 

            Ms. Josephine Velazquez, of 59 Pennsylvania Avenue, asked several questions about the Budget that were answered by officials and staff.  Ms. Velazquez remarked that the City would fare better by leasing the meters than purchasing them outright. 

City resident Rebekah Orenstein expressed her view that the increased parking fees and fines would have a punitive effect on businesses.   Ms. Orenstein also spoke of the desirability of the City funding neighborhood block parties.

The Mayor and Common Council  answered several questions about the budgets for law enforcement and the Westminster Fire Company.

            The Mayor closed the Hearing at 7:00 p.m. and the Council President adjourned the Special Meeting.