City Council
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MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

March 8, 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 March 8, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.  Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Chiavacci, Ferguson, and Wack; Planning and Public Works Director Beyard; Police Chief Spaulding; City Treasurer Urban; City Attorney Walsh; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

MINUTES:

Upon Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Chiavacci and unanimously passed, the Minutes of the Meetings of February 9 (closed session) and February 23, 2004 were approved.   At the suggestion of Mr. Chiavacci, it was agreed that the Westminster City Recreation Report for July 1994 – December 2003 would be attached to the Minutes of February 23, 2004.

REPORTS FROM MAYOR:

…       After brief discussion, announced that the annual Town – County Meeting with the Board of County Commissioners would take place at City Hall on July 28, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

  …      Noted that the Economic Summit would occur Saturday, March 13, 2004 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

…       Cited  recent articles concerning the new Water Treatment Plant, the City Clock Tower, and City resident Darcel Harris.

…            Advised of a recent Maryland Municipal League Executive Committee meeting.

…             Noted that the Civil War Heritage Area would be included in the Comprehensive Plan.

…            Advised of some recent deaths.

…            Reported on the upcoming Budget schedule.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Council President Halstad summarized proposed Ordinance No. 711-Pennsylvania Avenue Residential Mixed Use.  Mr. Chiavacci noted that it was important to consider both the wishes of the current residents and the best interests of the community.  He recommended that staff reconsider the proposal, allowing for expansion of existing commercial uses but not allowing the creation of new businesses, since a large majority of the residents opposed the latter possibility.  Dr. Wack agreed, but observed that the proposal would need to be carefully worded.  Mrs. Albert and Mr. Ferguson also agreed.  By consensus, the proposed Ordinance was tabled and Mr. Beyard was directed to draft a separate Ordinance.

NEW BUSINESS:

At the request of Council President Halstad, Mr. Beyard presented a staff proposal to adjust the Parking Policy so that it would facilitate greater use of the Longwell and Westminster Square parking decks.  Specifically, staff recommended increasing 1) the discounts for bulk and prepaid parking permits; and 2) the number of permits available in the Longwell parking deck.  Mr. Chiavacci moved to accept the recommendation.  Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Beyard next presented a recommendation that the position of skate park monitor be eliminated.   Skate parks in other jurisdictions are not monitored, and the Local Government Insurance Trust has no objection to the recommendation.  Mrs. Albert suggested that Recreation staff monitor the park for six months to ensure its smooth operation.  Mr. Schroers noted that he would.  Chief Spaulding observed that the Police Department also would patrol the area.  Upon Motion of Dr. Wack, seconded by Mr. Ferguson and unanimously approved, the recommendation was approved.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

Mr. Urban noted that the City completed its application to join the Electricity Purchasing Cooperative.

Chief Spaulding advised that he received approximately 100 applications to fill vacant patrol staff positions and that filling them would be a high priority.

Mr. Beyard distributed a memorandum detailing the ratio of growth between the County and the towns.  The information, derived from building permits, indicates that seventy-three percent of growth has occurred outside of the municipalities since 1997.  Mr. Chiavacci observed that annexed lands were included in the municipality building permits.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

City resident Darcel Harris suggested that high school volunteers monitor the skate park.  Mr. Schroers responded that he would consider the suggestion. 

City resident Jackie Finch thanked the Council for tabling the Pennsylvania Avenue “PARMU” Ordinance.

Westminster Fire Company President Bob Cumberland noted that the United States Fire Administrator visited Carroll Lutheran Village to discuss residential fire sprinklers.  Mr. Chiavacci thanked Mr. Cumberland for his efforts.

Council President Halstad adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m.

Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk