City Council
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MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

February 9, 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 February 9, 2004 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 Spaulding; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

            In anticipation of an upcoming tour of Estonia, the Children’s Chorus of Carroll County presented a brief program.  Diane Jones, Director of the Chorus, encouraged everyone present to attend a concert by the Chorus and the Estonian group “Rondellus” on February 22, 2004.

            Mr. Beyard introduced Silver Hansen, a scholarship student from Paide, Estonia.

MINUTES:

            Upon Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Ferguson and unanimously passed, the Minutes of the Meetings of January 21 and January 26, 2004 were approved.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

            The Consent Calendar consisted of approval of a lease of additional space at the Winchester West Building. On Motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Albert and unanimously passed, the Consent Calendar was approved.

BIDS:

            Council President Halstad noted that the City’s sewer fund contains $21,000 for a replacement digester blower for the wastewater treatment plant.   Three bids were submitted for the project.  The apparent low bid was from USA Blue Book of Gurnee, Illinois in the amount of $11,345.55.  On Motion of Dr. Wack, seconded by Mr. Ferguson and unanimously passed, the bid of USA Blue Book was accepted.

REPORTS FROM MAYOR:

…            Welcomed Boy Scout Troop No. 483.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

            Council President Halstad summarized Resolution No. R04-2 – Annexation No. 44 – International Senior Housing.  The Resolution would annex 8.476 acres of land at the intersection of Center Street Extended and Gorsuch Road.  The Board of County Commissioners has granted a waiver for 1.5330 of the acres to be zoned “B” Business; the remaining land will be zoned “R-10,000.”  Dr. Wack moved to introduce the Resolution and to accept the Annexation Petition.  Mr. Ferguson seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

            At Council President Halstad’s request, Mr. Urban summarized Resolution No. R04-1 – Employee Flexible Benefits Plan.  Upon Motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Albert and unanimously passed, the Resolution was approved.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

            A closed session was scheduled to follow immediately after the regular session on Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Dr. Wack and duly passed.  The session was closed pursuant to Sections 10-508(a)(1), 10-508(a)(7), and 10-508(a)(14) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland to discuss personnel matters affecting one or more specific individuals; to discuss a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal and matters directly related thereto; and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

            Chief Spaulding noted that the State Highway Administration awarded seatbelt compliance certificates to the City and to the Police Department. He then commented on recent police activity, the format of the monthly Police Department report, and the Department’s review of the Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative.  The Chief also noted that Officer Helm would be assigned to the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit on a fulltime basis.

            Mr. Chiavacci thanked Chief Spaulding for all of his work and especially for the new monthly report.  Members of the Common Council thanked the Chief for assigning a fulltime officer to the C.A.S.A. Unit.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

            City resident Josephine Velazquez stated her concern about the poor quality of cable television service.  Dr. Wack gave a brief update on Cable Commission activity with respect to the cable contract and suggested she file a complaint with the Cable Coordinator as well as with Adelphia.

            City resident Lori Graham noted that the West End Task Force would meet on Wednesday evening, February 11, 2004 and that Chief Spaulding would be the featured speaker.  She encouraged everyone to attend.

            Council President Halstad adjourned the Meeting at 7:52 p.m.

Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk