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

MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND
NOVEMBER 25, 2002

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 November 25, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert and Chiavacci; Department Heads Beyard and Dutterer; City Attorney Walsh; Westminster City Police Chief Joneckis; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

MINUTES:

The Minutes of the Meeting of November 11, 2002, were approved on Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Chiavacci, and duly passed.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Mayor Dayhoff conducted a Public Hearing on Resolution No. R02-14, concerning a proposed Amendment to the Carroll County Master Sewer and Water Plan for the Medford Quarry emergency water connection. At the Mayor’s request, Mr. Beyard explained that the Amendment was a necessary procedural step in order for the project to move forward. Water from the connection cannot and will not be used to sustain growth, but rather only for emergencies. The City Planning Commission has found the project consistent with the Master Plan and recommends its approval. There being no further comment, the Mayor closed the Hearing at 7:05 p.m.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

Mr. Chiavacci moved to approve the Consent Calendar, consisting of parking changes for the Conaway North and South Parking Lots; the Albion Parking Lot Lease Extension; October Departmental Operating Reports; and Employees’ Insurance Benefits for the 2003 calendar year. Mrs. Albert seconded the Motion and it passed unanimously.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

Mr. Chiavacci noted that the Police Pension Subcommittee would obtain an actuarial study concerning conversion of the current pension system to the Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System.

Council President Halstad observed that the Raw Reservoir Level had risen to 68.5 percent.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Mr. Chiavacci made a Motion to Approve Resolution No. R02-12, McDaniel College 2002 Bond Issue. Council President Halstad remarked that the Bond issued pursuant to the Resolution would not pledge the full faith and credit of the City. Mr. Chiavacci made a Motion to approve the Resolution, Mrs. Albert seconded, and the Motion passed unanimously.

Mrs. Albert made a Motion to Adopt Ordinance No. 691 – Zoning of Ridge Terrace/Windsor Overlook Property (Annexation No. 49). Mr. Chiavacci seconded the Motion and it passed unanimously.

Mr. Chiavacci moved to suspend The Rules of Order and Procedure in order to adopt Resolution No. 02-14 – Amendment to Carroll County Master Sewer and Water Plan for Quarry Emergency Water Connection. Mrs. Albert seconded, and the Motion was duly passed. Mr. Chiavacci moved to adopt Resolution No. 02-14. Mrs. Albert seconded, and the Motion passed.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

Chief Joneckis reported that the Citizens’ Police Academy Graduation Ceremony was held on the preceding Saturday. The next Graduation Ceremony would occur on February 25, 2003. He thanked those who attended the first graduation and encouraged the Mayor and Council Members to attend the next ceremony. Chief Joneckis announced that the Westminster City Police Department had won the Chiefs’ Challenge Award, with a poster contest. Over 2000 fifth grade students participated. He thanked the press for its coverage of the contest.

Chief Joneckis announced that arrests for driving while intoxicated and driving while under the influence of alcohol stood at 151 as compared to 79 at the same time in the year 2001. He attributed the increase to additional enforcement, additional training, and officers working additional hours. Chief Joneckis also noted the reduced-price parking permits for the Conaway Parking Lot would be issued beginning November 26, 2002.

Mr. Beyard announced that the State invited the City to consider participating in a State-funded study of sewer system flow rates and user rates. By consensus, Mr. Beyard was requested to notify the State that the City wished to remain in the participant pool before the December 5, 2002 deadline.

The Council President adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Laurell E. Taylor

City Clerk