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MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

October 27, 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 October 27, 2003, at 7:00 p.m.  Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Ferguson, and Wack; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard; City Treasurer Urban; City Attorney Walsh; Police Chief Brewer; and City Clerk Taylor were present. 

MINUTES:

            Upon Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Dr. Wack and unanimously passed, the Minutes of the Meeting of October 13, 2003 were approved.  

PUBLIC HEARING:

            Mayor Dayhoff conducted a Public Hearing on Annexation No. 53 – Arnold Property (Resolution No. R03-10).  At his request, Mr. Siders summarized the findings and conclusion in favor of the annexation by the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission.  The property comprises 8.1796 acres of land and lies at the end of Chase Street.  The property would be zoned “R-10,000” Residential, but the developer is only proposing to build some fifteen new homes on it.  The Planning and Zoning Commission found the proposal generally in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Westminster and consistent with the surrounding development.  In response to questions from the Mayor and Dr. Wack, Mr. Siders explained that the use-in-common driveway would remain private and that the site plan and bonding processes would take about nine months.   Among other things, the developer would make improvements to King Park.  The developer would also determine the reason for some ponding and take any needed remedial action.  Mr. Siders introduced developer Robin Ford; attorney Clark Shaffer, and engineer Pete Podolak.

            In response to questions by Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Podolak further described the driveway, lot sizes, and quality and configuration of the new homes.  Mr. Ford and Mr. Shaffer spoke in support of the annexation.

            Anchor Street resident Rose Blizzard expressed disapproval of the project, citing concerns about traffic and trash removal.  Dr. Wack explained that if the City does not annex the property, the developer could theoretically build many more than fifteen houses.  Also, traffic, trash removal, and other issues would be addressed during the period following annexation.

            Chase Street resident Linda Rill stated that she supports the annexation but is concerned about the impact on utilities, schools, and roads.  Chase Street resident Ann Thomas noted that the proposal is an improvement over previous proposals.  She supported the annexation, but had concern about the issues to be addressed subsequently, i.e., trash collection, traffic and street conditions, and possible ponding.  Mr. Beyard summarized current plans for utility and street repairs in the area. 

            Anchor Street resident Rick Blizzard opined that new homes should not be built at a time when current taxpayers are having problems with the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company.

            The Mayor closed the Hearing at 7:43 p.m., holding the Record open for ten days.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

            The Consent Calendar consisted of the approval of September Departmental Operating Reports and approval of the reappointment of Kristen Stevens to the Historic District Commission.  On Motion of Dr. Wack, seconded by Mrs. Albert and unanimously passed, the Consent Calendar was approved.  

REPORTS FROM MAYOR:

…       Noted that he, Mrs. Albert, and Dr. Wack attended the NAACP Freedom Fund Evening.

…            Announced that the Eric Byrd Trio gave a performance to raise scholarship money on the preceding Saturday.

…       Asked Mr. Ferguson to report on the Rape Crisis Intervention Fundraiser, which occurred on October 13, 2003 and netted approximately $15,000.00.

…            Reported that he, Dr. Wack, and Mr. Beyard attended a presentation on the Route No. 140 Bypass by the State and that he emphasized the need for the City’s input.

…       Noted that he attended the Dedication Mass at Saint John Church on Sunday, October 26, 2003.

…            Announced that the Eleventh Annual Urban Forestry Workshop would take place the following day.  Mr. Siders added that 140 people were expected to attend.

…            Congratulated City resident Ken Warren on his successful open house for his refurbished home and community meeting room.

  REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

            Dr. Wack advised that representatives from the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company would hold a public meeting on November 3, 2003 at the Fire Hall in order to discuss response to Hurricane Isabel and concerns about service in the area of West Green Street.  Dr. Wack and Mr. Ferguson would attend the meeting and encouraged everyone interested to attend.

            Council President Halstad noted that Mr. Ferguson received the Rotary Citizen of the Year Award during the preceding week.

NEW BUSINESS:

            Mrs. Albert moved to hold a closed session following the regular Meeting in order to discuss personnel matters and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, pursuant to Sections 10-508 (a)(1) and 10-508 (a)(7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.  Mr. Ferguson seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

            Police Chief Brewer announced that he assigned Sergeant Helms to the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit two days per week.

            Mr. Beyard reported that the City submitted a FEMA  Request for costs associated with Hurricane Isabel in the amount of $36,000.  A request in the amount of $2,000 was submitted for damages to the Carroll Arts Center.  Up to 75 percent of these costs may be reimbursed.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:                       

           Mr. Beyard and Mr. Walsh advised Mr. Blizzard that the record on the Pennsylvania Avenue Residential Mixed Use Ordinance would remain open until November 3, 2003 and that the Ordinance would not allow adult entertainment establishments.  In response to questions from City resident Rose Blizzard, Mr. Beyard reported on the status of the former Lowe’s and K-Mart sites and on the future Food Lion site.

           City resident Ashley Pollard advised that he is being required to purchase flood insurance even though his house on Windsor Drive does not lie in a floodplain.  Mr. Beyard explained that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has not updated its maps in some 30 years.  It was agreed that Mr. Beyard and Mr. Pollard would send letters to Congressman Roscoe Bartlett.  The possibility of hiring someone on the local level to update the maps is also being explored. 

Mr. Beyard advised Mr. Pollard that Royer Road would be completed this year.

Council President Halstad adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.                                                                               

Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk