|
City Council
Minutes of City Council Meetings | Agenda for next City Council Meeting
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND
November 24, 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 November 24, 2003, 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; 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 November 10, 2003 were approved.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
The Consent Calendar consisted of the approval of Good Cause Waiver No. GCW 03-12 – Water and Sewer Service Application of Town Properties, Inc. and approval of the October Departmental Operating Reports. On Motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Chiavacci and unanimously passed, the Consent Calendar was approved.
REPORTS FROM MAYOR:
… Thanked Mr. Beyard and Mr. Siders for the successful Strategic Planning Workshop held on November 15, 2003.
… Announced that the Bel Air Main Street Economic Restructuring Committee visited Westminster on November 14, 2003.
… Commended Dr. Wack, Mr. Schroers, and the Recreation Department staff for their work on the Veterans’ Day Ceremony.
… Noted that Mr. Ruchlewicz made an excellent presentation to the to the Historical Society of Carroll County.
… Commented on the success of the Open House for the Stewart N. Dutterer Flower Shop and the Fallfest Appreciation Presentation.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:
Dr. Wack advised that the Carroll Regulatory Commission met during the preceding week and discussed options for bringing Adelphia into compliance with its contract, particularly with regard to customer complaints and Adelphia’s payment of franchise fees.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
At Council President Halstad’s request, Mr. Siders summarized Ordinance No. 707 – Rezoning of Helen E. Roop Property and Local Map Amendment 02-2 – Helen E. Roop property. The Ordinance, Map Amendment, and accompanying Development Plan rezone approximately 2.7638 acres of the recently annexed Roop Property from “R-10,000” Residential to “N-C” Neighborhood Commercial. Mr. Siders explained that the property will have direct access onto Maryland Route No. 140 only temporarily. Permanent access will be established onto Maryland Route No. 832. The developer has a maximum of two years to create the permanent access. Doctor Wack moved to adopt the Ordinance. Mrs. Albert seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Albert moved to adopt the Local Map Amendment. Mr. Ferguson seconded that the Motion passed unanimously.
Council President Halstad summarized Ordinance No. 712 – Arnold Property – R-10,000 Residential Rezoning. The Common Council approved a Resolution annexing the property on November 10, 2003. Mr. Ferguson moved to adopt the Ordinance. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
At the request of the Council President, Mr. Urban discussed Resolution No. R03-12 – Deferred Compensation Matching Plan. The Resolution, which was introduced on July 14, 2003, has been amended to reflect that the Director of Finance will be the Administrator and Trustee of the Plan. Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. will serve as Third Party Administrator. Employees will sign statements acknowledging their responsibility for investment decisions, and the City will conduct on-site training for employees. Mr. Chiavacci pointed out that sworn police officers are not eligible to participate because of their existing retirement benefits. Mr. Chiavacci moved to adopt the Resolution. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Council President Halstad summarized a proposed contract amendment with Stearns and Wheler, LLC. The Chlorination/Dechlorination project at the Wastewater Treatment Plan necessitated the change to the existing contract. Mrs. Albert moved to approve the amendment. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Siders summarized a proposed Assignment of Deed of Easement to the City relating to the access of public utilities and infrastructure in the Ridge Terrace development. Mr. Chiavacci moved to accept the Assignment, Dr. Wack seconded, and the Motion passed unanimously
Mrs. Albert moved to hold a closed session following the regular Meeting in order to consider the investment of public funds, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to discuss public security, pursuant to Sections 10-508 (a)(5), 10-508 (a)(7), 10-508 (a)(10), and 10-508 (a)(14) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Motion included a determination that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to the public safety and adversely impact the ability of the public body to participate in the proposed process. Mr. Ferguson seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
A closed session was held immediately following the regular meeting. The Mayor and Common Council attended, along with Mr. Walsh, Mr. Urban, Ms. Taylor (first portion) and other interested persons. The meeting was held to consider the investment of public funds, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to discuss public security, pursuant to Sections 10-508 (a)(5), 10-508 (a)(7), 10-508 (a)(10), and 10-508 (a)(14) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
City resident Lori Graham thanked the Mayor, the Council members, and several staff members for their assistance with her flower shop renovation project and for attending the open house during the preceding week.
Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk
|
