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MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

January 26, 2004

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 January 26, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.  Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Chiavacci, Ferguson and Wack; Assistant Director of Streets and Utilities Glass; City Treasurer Urban; City Attorney Walsh and Police Chief Spaulding were present. 

MINUTES:

Upon motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, the minutes of the January 12, 2004 meeting were approved unanimously. 

CONSENT CALENDAR:

The Consent Calendar consisted of approval of the purchase of an electric seat; November and December 2003 Departmental Operating Reports and the Reallocation of Funds for the Community Legacy Grant Local Match.  Mrs. Albert abstained from the vote on the Consent Calendar.  On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Dr. Wack, the Consent Calendar was passed. 

BIDS:

Mr. Halstad summarized the bid for the Final Design for the Pennsylvania Avenue Street Lights and Preliminary Streetscape Design.  On motion of Mr. Chiavacci, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, the bid of Sidhu Associates, Inc. was unanimously approved in the amount of $29,414.00.

Mr. Halstad summarized the bid for the Preliminary Design for the reconstruction of West Green Street.  Mr. Siders noted that staff also requested that The Mayor and Common Council authorize the reallocation of $1,000.00 from the City’s un-appropriated surplus to ensure that the budgeted amount for this project conforms to the amount authorized by The Mayor and Common Council.  Mr. Chiavacci asked staff whether or not the public would have an opportunity to be involved in the design process.  Mr. Glass assured Mr. Chiavacci that the public would have the opportunity to review the design as well as offer comments.  On motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Dr. Wack, the bid of Century Engineering, Inc. was unanimously approved in the amount of $47,191.00 as well as authorized the reallocation of $1,000.00 from un-appropriated surplus to the project account.   

REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR:

Mayor Dayhoff noted his appreciation to the City’s Department of Public Works for its diligent response to the weather. 

Noted that he attended the birthday party for Carroll County on January 19, 2004 which was sponsored by the Carroll County Historical Society.

Attended a meeting on Emergency Preparedness at the Carroll County Emergency Operations Center and its plan on January 22, 2004.

Noted that he attended the sprinkler press conference on January 21, 2004 at Carroll Lutheran Village.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

Mr. Chiavacci stated that Mr. Bob Cumberland suggested that Carroll Lutheran Village incorporate sprinklers in all buildings in the Millennium Expansion Project.  This decision precipitated the press conference being held at Carroll Lutheran Village which was attended by the United States Fire Administrator. 

Mr. Ferguson asked whether or not sprinklers would be required in any mixed-use development in the MD Route 27 Corridor.  Mr. Siders stated that he would determine whether or not it would mandatory. 

Mr. Ferguson requested that The Mayor and Common Council forward any budget submissions to him in the near future.

Mr. Ferguson stated that it would be a difficult budget year and that the reconstruction of West Green Street is a priority yet the cost will make it difficult to fund. 

Mr. Chiavacci asked Chief Spaulding to review the recommendations of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Task Force and offer suggestions to what is the best approach to address the issues raised in the report.  Chief Spaulding stated that he had reviewed the document and is in the process of trying to determine the status of what has been completed. 

Mr. Chiavacci asked about the redevelopment of the old Lowe’s site.  Mr. Siders stated that Erwin L. Greenberg and Associates are acquiring the property and the City could expect plans to be submitted in the near future. 

Mr. Chiavacci asked about the Sludge Pump Project.  Mr. Glass stated that is an ongoing project that is being completed by City staff. 

Mr. Chiavacci asked about the reinforced wall at the City Playground.  Mr. Glass stated that the dirt that was installed is stable and continues to reinforce the wall. 

Dr. Wack stated that the Carroll County Regulatory Commission met and continues to discuss possible litigation. 

Dr. Wack stated that he will be unable to attend the meeting of The Mayor and Common Council on February 9, 2004. 

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

Chief Spaulding stated that there had been little crime in the last two weeks.

Chief Spaulding noted that an external audit of the Westminster Police Department was completed and the department is in good order. 

Chief Spaulding invited all to attend the “Meet the Chief” program on Saturday, January 31, 2004 at the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department. 

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

Ms. Laurie Graham, 118 Pennsylvania Avenue thanked The Mayor and Common Council for its support of the CASA Ball. 

Council President Halstad adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Shawn Siders