20070212 Westminster Common Council Meeting Minutes

Minutes of City of Westminster Council Meeting

http://www.westgov.com/citygovernment/minutes/021207.asp

February 12, 2007

QUORUM:

A Meeting of The Mayor and Common Council was held in City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of February 12, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Ferguson; Council President Chiavacci; Council Members Albert, Wack, and Pecoraro; City Administrator Wolf; Acting Director of Planning and Public Works Glass; Police Chief Spaulding; Director of Recreation and Parks Schroers; City Attorney Walsh; Manager of Planning and Development Davis; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

Gary Clark of the Central Maryland Christian Crusaders football team presented Mayor Ferguson and Mr. Schroers with a plaque and a donation in the amount of $300.00 in appreciation of the help of Mr. Schroers and his department during the team’s first season.

Dr. Wack moved to confirm the Mayor’s reappointment of Anthony Biller to the Parks Board. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

MINUTES:

Mrs. Albert moved to approve the minutes of the Meetings of January 8 (open session) and January 8 and 22 (closed sessions) 2007. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

BIDS:

Mr. Schroers presented the recommendation of staff that the Common Council accept the low bid of Mirabile Construction Company in the amount of $357,981.00 to construct Phase 2Bof the Wakefield Community Trail. Dr. Wack moved to accept the bid. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Schroers presented the recommendation of staff that the Common Council accept the bid of Playground Specialist in the amount of $49,998.00 to purchase climbing boulders for Fenby Farm Quarry. Mrs. Albert moved to accept the bid. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

REPORTS FROM MAYOR:

The Mayor reported on several recent awards. He advised that the City has received its 18th consecutive Tree City U.S.A. award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. He noted that the City has been honored by the National Guard as a Patriotic Employer. Finally, the Mayor reported that Martha Harris, daughter of City resident Darcel Harris, has been recognized for an essay she wrote about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Mayor distributed an email with a photograph of Planning and Public Works Director Beyard raising the American flag approximately 40 miles north of Baghdad.

Mayor Ferguson reported that the water summit hosted by the County on February 3 was well-attended. The County and the cities will form a task force to work on water issues.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

Mr. Pecoraro reported that work on Phase 2 of West Green Street (between Liberty and Bond Streets) would begin on February 26, weather permitting.

Dr. Wack advised that the Carroll Cable Regulatory Commission met Thursday, January 25 with representatives of Comcast. Dr. Wack further advised that City auditors would give a presentation at the next meeting.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

With regard to Ordinance No. 758, which would prohibit tattoo parlors and eliminate specialty shops in certain downtown zoning districts, Mr. Pecoraro explained that the purpose is to preserve the historic character of the downtown area. Dr. Wack moved to adopt the Ordinance. Mrs. Albert seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Pecoraro moved to suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure to introduce and adopt the next three ordinances. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Walsh summarized Ordinance No. 759, which would authorize the issuance and sale of a bond in the maximum principal amount of $11,500,000 pursuant to the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration Act. Mr. Glass pointed out that the proceeds will be used for the new Cranberry Water Treatment Plant, and not for the emergency pipeline. Mr. Pecoraro moved to introduce and adopt Ordinance No. 759. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Mrs. Albert moved to introduce and adopt Ordinance No. 760 and the accompanying Decision, which grant a rezoning to “N-C” Neighborhood Commercial on 14.99 acres at the Village of Meadow Creek. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

The Council next considered Ordinance No. 761, which authorizes the Mayor to enter a contract for the sale of 49 Union Street to Habitat for Humanity. Upon Motion of Mr. Pecoraro, seconded by Dr. Wack and unanimously passed, the Ordinance was introduced and adopted.

NEW BUSINESS:

Gregor Becker, Dan Andrews, and Jeff Wilhelm of the Catoctin Chapter of the Sierra Club gave a presentation on global warming. They asked the City to sign a “U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.” Council President Chiavacci and Mr. Pecoraro agreed that the Public Works Committee would review the request and other methods of dealing with the issue.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

President and C.E.O. Chris Cull of the Westminster Fire Company reported briefly on the Company’s recent activity and the upcoming basket bingo event.

Mr. Walsh reported that Woodhaven Building and Development noted an appeal to the Circuit Court from the Council’s denial of the company’s proposed third amended development plan for the Wakefield Valley Golf Course.

Chief Spaulding introduced Nancy Yeager, the new Captain of Administration for the Police Department.

Council President Chiavacci thanked the Chief and Sergeant Bible for a recent presentation at Carroll Lutheran Village.

Ms. Wolf reported that CGI Communications recently offered to make six videos featuring the City of Westminster. The City can choose five of the topics. In return, the City will allow a CGI to place a link to the videos on its website and will furnish a letter of introduction for CGI to use in approaching private sector organizations. By consensus, Ms. Wolf was directed to proceed with the project.

Ms. Taylor reported that the next municipal election would take place on May 14, 2007, from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Mr. Glass noted that several water main breaks occurred recently. He also noted that the utility maintenance and street crews were short a total of ten employees due to illness and other reasons.

Mr. Schroers reported that Ms. Wolf has formed a committee to study employee use of the Family Wellness Center. He also noted that he and Ms. Wolf would serve as guest hosts at the second annual Community Media Center Auction on February 19. Lastly, Mr. Schroers reported that he was working with the Greater Westminster Development Corporation to organize a new event.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

Henry Hepner, a City resident and member of the public service group “Voice,” summarized concerns about the airport expansion and proposed reservoir at Union Mills.

City resident Paula Cook presented a certificate of appreciation to Greater Westminster Development Corporation member Lyndi McNulty for allowing Ms. Cook’s son to assist with the Holiday Parade.

City residents Ed and Marilyn Cramer and County resident Brenda Dorenfeld expressed their support of the Sierra Club position and recommendations on global warming.

Greater Westminster Development Corporation President Lori Graham thanked Ms. Wolf for attending immediately to the concerns about lighting downtown. Ms. Graham announced that the Corporation would form a blue ribbon committee to address the issue of vacancies downtown.

Council President Chiavacci adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M.

Laurell E. Taylor,

City Clerk