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

MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

July 14, 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 July 14, 2003, at 7:00 p.m.  Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Chiavacci, Ferguson, and Wack; City Treasurer Urban; City Attorney Walsh; Police Chief Joneckis; and City Clerk Taylor were present. 

MINUTES:

            Upon Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Dr. Wack and unanimously passed, the Minutes of the Meetings of May 5 and June 9, 2003 were approved.  

BOARDS AND APPOINTMENTS:

            Mayor Dayhoff recommended the following appointments:

Assistant City Treasurer – Dale Taylor

Parks Board – Andy Biller; Stephen Allgeier

Ethics Commission – Lloyd Helt; Tim Bryson

Tree Commission – Neil Ridgely

Board of Zoning Appeals Alternate – Vinnie Legge

Mayor Dayhoff introduced Mr. Biller, Mr. Allgeier, Mrs. Legge, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Ridgely.  On Motion of Mr. Chiavacci, seconded by Mr. Ferguson and unanimously passed, the appointments were approved.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

            Mayor Dayhoff conducted a Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 706 – “I-R” Restricted Industrial Zone.  He explained that the Greater Westminster Development Corporation and staff studied the uses allowed in the district with an eye toward ensuring the uses all were compatible with the purpose of restricted industrial zoning.  At his request, City Planner Siders enumerated the uses that would continue to be allowed under the proposed Ordinance.  Mr. Siders advised that the Planning Commission gave a favorable recommendation.  There being no further comment, the Mayor closed the Hearing at 7:11 p.m., holding the Record open for a period of two weeks.

            Mayor Dayhoff next conducted a Public Hearing on Local Map Amendment No. LMA 02-2 – Helen E. Roop Property.  At the Mayor’s request, Mr. Siders summarized the proposed Amendment.  The Amendment will rezone 2.7638 acres from the R-10,000 Residential zone to the N-C Neighborhood Commercial zone. The property will house a catering and conference center.  Mr. Siders noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission supports the Amendment. There being no further comment, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 7:18 p.m., holding the record open for ten days.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

            The Consent Calendar consisted of the approval of a contract modification by Rager, Lehman & Houck, P.C. and approval of two Parade/Demonstration Permits.  The contract modification covers additional accounting work required to comply with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 34 and Statement on Accounting Standards Statement No. 99.  The additional work will not exceed $4,500.

            Mrs. Albert moved to approve the Consent Calendar.  Mr. Chiavacci seconded and the Motion carried unanimously.

BIDS: 

            Council President Halstad noted that Duncan Industries, Inc. of Harrison, Arkansas submitted a bid in the amount of $129,048.86 to purchase 500 digital parking meters, related enforcement management equipment, and training.  On Motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Dr. Wack and duly passed, the bid was accepted.

            Council President Halstad advised that the City solicited bids for a zero turn mower.  Frederick Equipment Company of Frederick, Maryland, submitted the low bid, in the amount of $10,750.  Dr. Wack moved to accept the bid, Mrs. Albert seconded, and the Motion passed unanimously.  

REPORTS FROM MAYOR:

…            Commended Dr. Wack, former Council Member Rebekah Orenstein, Mr. Beyard, and staff for the commemoration of Corbit’s Charge.

…            Observed that Maryland Municipal League held an excellent convention.

…        Along with City Economic Development Administrator Ruchlewicz, reported on the train excursion from Hagerstown to Westminster on Sunday, June 22, 2003.

…            Thanked Human Services Programs, Radio Station WTTR, and the City Recreation Office for the well-received Concert in the Park Series. 

…            Complimented Council President Halstad for winning first place in the Baltimore City Paper Short Story Contest.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

            Dr. Wack reported that the Corbit’s Charge event was highly successful.  He thanked staff, particularly Mr. Bloom, Mr. Siders, and Mr. Ruchlewicz.  The event is expected to grow in future years.

            Dr. Wack advised that the Cable Commission is exploring remedies for current dissatisfaction with the provider.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

            On Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Ferguson and unanimously passed, Ordinance No. 707 – Helen E. Roop “N-C” Neighborhood Commercial Rezoning – was approved for Introduction.

            Mr. Ferguson moved for the Introduction of Ordinance No. 706 – “I-R” Restricted Industrial Zone.  Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion carried unanimously.

            President Halstad asked Mr. Siders whether he received any comment from the public concerning Resolution No. R03-9 – Administrative Adjustment Procedures.  Mr. Siders replied that he received none.  Mr. Siders noted that very few jurisdictions have availed themselves of this relatively new tool.  Dr. Wack moved for the Final Adoption of the Resolution.  Mrs. Albert seconded and the Resolution was unanimously adopted. 

            Council President Halstad noted that the City Ordinance concerning permits for parades and demonstrations had been the subject of review, public hearing, and revision in order to ensure compliance with the first amendment to the United States Constitution.  Mr. Chiavacci added that, on April 21, 2003, the Common Council adopted Ordinance 702, which mandated the comprehensive review, in response to concerns raised by the American Civil Liberties Union and applicants for permits.  Mr. Chiavacci and Council President Halstad both observed that the resulting product achieves a balance between civil rights, on one hand, and public health, safety and welfare considerations, on the other.  Mr. Ferguson made a Motion to Introduce Ordinance No. 704 – Parade and Demonstration Permits.  Mr. Chiavacci seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

            Council President Halstad summarized Ordinance No. 708 – Amendments to Procurement and Contracts Chapter.  The Ordinance reassigns responsibility for procurement and contracts from the City Clerk to the City Treasurer.  It also allows the City Treasurer to authorize emergency procurements in extremely limited circumstances.  Dr. Wack commended Mr. Urban for his work.  On Motion of Mr. Chiavacci, seconded by Dr. Wack and unanimously passed, the Ordinance was Introduced.

            Mr. Urban summarized Resolution R03-12 – Deferred Compensation Matching Plan.  The Common Council in the 2003-2004 Budget approved funding for the Plan on May 12, 2003.  For Fiscal Year 2004, the City will make a contribution to the Plan for all employees (except those eligible to participate in LEOPS) equal to 2% of each employee’s base salary.  The City will also fund a City –sponsored employee contribution of $240 to facilitate participation in the Plan.  The Plan documents will be finalized in the very near future.  Mr. Chiavacci moved to Introduce the Resolution.  Mr. Ferguson seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

With regard to the Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension Plan, Mr. Urban advised that the City is waiting for the Maryland State Retirement System to forward the Participation Agreement and final calculations.  The credit the City receives for its negative accrued liability will be applied over a ten-year period. 

Mr. Urban noted that all City employees recently received salary and benefits statements, including the dollar costs to the City for providing benefits. 

Mr. Urban reported that he and Mr. Taylor were closing out Fiscal Year 2003 and preparing for the annual audit to begin the first week of September.

Chief Joneckis announced that City Police have begun a weekly radio program on WTTR.  He also noted that the Westminster Police Department’s First Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament would take place on July 23, 2003.  Dr. Benjamin Carson will be the speaker at the Banquet.  Chief Joneckis announced other upcoming events:  National Night Out; National Heroes’ Day; and the future award of two dance scholarships.

Chief Joneckis then announced he would retire effective August 1, 2003.  The Common Council Members and the Mayor all praised the Chief for his long and successful career.  All present thanked him for his service to the City of Westminster.

Assistant Streets and Utilities Director Glass reported that the two new parking garages may open in mid-August.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

            In response to a question from City resident Joe Mish, Mr. Glass stated that Uniontown Road might reopen by early fall.

            City resident Debby Redeker requested that the Mayor and Common Council take up the issue of crosswalk safety.

Council President Halstad adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.                                                                                

Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk