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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
August 11, 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 August 11, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Chiavacci, Ferguson, and Wack; Planning and Public Works Director Beyard; City Treasurer Urban; City Attorney Walsh; Police Chief Brewer; and City Clerk Taylor were present.
MINUTES:
Upon Motion of Dr. Wack, seconded by Mrs. Albert and unanimously passed, the Minutes of the Meeting of July 28, 2003 were approved.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
The Consent Calendar consisted of the approval of a Declaration of Emergency Procurement for sinkhole remediation; approval of a contract with Advanced Land and Water, Inc. for hydrogeological services for sinkhole remediation; approval of a contract with Structural Preservation Systems for pressure grouting for sinkhole remediation; and approval of a second amendment to Parking Lease Agreement No. A-590. Mr. Ferguson made a Motion to approve the Consent Calendar. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
BID:
At Council President Halstad’s invitation, Mr. Beyard explained that Bartlett Tree Experts of Carroll County submitted the only bid to perform the City’s triennial tree contract. On Motion of Dr. Wack, seconded by Mrs. Albert and unanimously approved, the bid was accepted.REPORTS FROM MAYOR:
… Reported that “Ladies’ Night Out” was very successful, and thanked Mr. Ruchlewicz and Ms. Tiombe Page for their work on the event.
… Announced that a Community Forum would occur on August 14, 2003, to accept comments concerning qualifications of the future Chief of Police and that written comments would be accepted through August 20, 2003. All comments would be forwarded to the Selection Committee.
… Advised that the next Maryland Municipal League Chapter Meeting would take place on September 4, 2003.
… Announced that “Celebrate Local Heroes Day” would be held in Dutterer’s Park on August 17, 2003.
… Announced that the Economic Summit and Strategic Planning sessions would each occur on a different day; the first on Saturday, October 18, 2003, and the second in November.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:
Mr. Chiavacci noted that he supports the Mayor’s selection process for the new
Chief of Police.
Dr. Wack noted that he and Mrs. Albert would explore ways to make the crosswalk at
Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue safer. He thanked Mrs. Redeker for bringing the
situation to light.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
Council President Halstad summarized Ordinance No. 705 – Utility Permits and Resolution No. R03-15 – Utility Permit Fees. Mr. Beyard advised that he had received no comments. On Motion of Dr. Wack, seconded by Mrs. Albert and unanimously passed, the Ordinance and Resolution were adopted. Mayor Dayhoff observed that the legislation is very important and thanked Mr. Chiavacci.
Council President Halstad summarized Resolution No. R03-16 – Annexation No. 54 – Lot 3A, Center Street Station. The Resolution would annex 1.8249 acres of land at the intersection of Center Street and Cranberry Road. Dr. Wack moved to Introduce the Resolution. Mr. Ferguson seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Mr. Urban reported that the Finance Office is now selling parking permits and that it will issue permits for the garages beginning on September 2, 2003. He further reported that the contractor who produces source code rewrites for the City has retired, but that the Department will issue a request for proposals for the new financial system in the fall of 2003.
Acting Chief Brewer advised that the National Night Out was extremely successful. Seven communities in the City participated actively.
Mr. Beyard reported that grouting of the sinkhole at West Green and Anchor Streets would begin on August 12 or August 13, 2003. Mr. Beyard also reported that substantial completion meetings for the Longwell Parking Garage and the Westminster Square Parking Garage would take place on August 12 and August 15, respectively. Finally, Mr. Beyard noted that progress is being made toward installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Center Street and Cranberry Road. The County and the developer will pay for the light.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
County resident Phyllis Black complained that the selection process for the new Police Chief is not inclusive enough. City residents Darcel Harris and Rebekah Orenstein voiced the same concern. They urged the Mayor to include minorities, women, and members of the community on the selection committee.
City resident Josephine Velazquez inquired when the new lights would be installed on Pennsylvania Avenue and suggested that parking lines be painted on the street.
City resident Debbie Redeker complained about pedestrian safety. Ms. Harris concurred with her. Ms. Harris also complained about rudeness on the part of the police.
City residents Tina and Jerry Sheeler observed that the Pennsylvania Avenue area has improved greatly during the past 10 years. They complimented City officials and the police.
City resident Catherine Martinson noted that several things have recently been stolen from her yard on Main Street. She added that she has had a good relationship with the police and would like to be active in the community.
City resident John Breeding inquired whether light commercial activity might become permissible on Pennsylvania Avenue. Mayor Dayhoff responded that the City has a grant to study the issue.
City residents Kevin Warren and Rose Blizzard complained about judges’ leniency towards criminal defendants. Mr. Chiavacci noted that he would speak with the State’s Attorney concerning a particular defendant.
Council President Halstad adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk
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