20070521 May 21 2007 Biennial Organizational Meeting of the Westminster Common Council

May 21 2007 Biennial Organizational Meeting of the Westminster Common Council

City Council

Minutes of City Council Meetings | Agenda for next City Council Meeting

Minutes of City of Westminster Council Meeting

May 21, 2007

QUORUM:

The Biennial Organizational Meeting of The Mayor and Common Council and the Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Tax Rate (Ordinance No.764), the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget, and the Capital Improvement Program took place in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of May 21, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Ferguson; Council President Chiavacci; Council Members Wack, Utz, and Pecoraro; City Administrator Wolf; Acting Planning and Public Works Director Glass; City Treasurer Unger; City Attorney Walsh; Major Stevens; Recreation and Parks Director Schroers; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Mayor Ferguson conducted a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Tax Rate (Ordinance No.764), the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget, and the Capital Improvement Program.

City Treasurer Unger summarized the proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Program. Mr. Unger also explained the constant yield tax rate.

City resident Rebekah Orenstein suggested several cost-saving measures. She complimented Ms. Wolf and Mr. Unger on the budget process.

City resident Ronald Powers expressed concern about rising taxes and costs.

There being no further comment, Mayor Ferguson closed the hearing and the record at 7:27 P.M.

BIENNIAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:

The Chief Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court for Carroll County, Theresa Mozzano administered the oath of office to Council Members Wack and Pecoraro.

Mrs. Albert, who was out of town, had taken the oath separately the preceding Thursday.

Mayor Ferguson and Mr. Chiavacci congratulated the successful candidates.

On Motion of Mr. Pecoraro, seconded by Mr. Utz and unanimously passed, Mr. Chiavacci was elected Council President.

On Motion of Council President Chiavacci, seconded by Dr. Wack and unanimously passed, Mrs. Albert was elected President Pro Tempore of the Common Council.

Council President Chiavacci read a list of his and the Mayor’s recommendations for appointments to standing committees and other bodies:

Finance and Personnel – Dr. Wack, Chair, and Mr. Pecoraro Vice-Chair;

Economic Development and Community Affairs – Mr. Pecoraro, Chair, and Dr. Wack, Vice-Chair;

Public Works – Mrs. Albert, Chair, and Mr. Utz, Vice-Chair;

Public Safety – Mr. Utz, Chair, and Mr. Chiavacci,

member; Planning and Zoning Commission – Mrs. Albert;

Parks Board – Mr. Chiavacci;

Cable Regulatory Commission – Dr. Wack;

Westminster Town Center Corporation – Mayor Ferguson and Mr. Chiavacci;

Greater Westminster Development Corporation – Dr. Wack;

County Arts Council liaison – Mr. Pecoraro;

Council of Governments – Mrs. Albert and Mr. Pecoraro as co-representatives;

and the Westminster Cemetery Board – Mrs. Albert.

Mr. Pecoraro made a Motion to approve all of the recommended appointments.

Mr. Utz seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Mr. Walsh noted that Ordinance No. 764 – Levy of Taxes for Fiscal Year 2008 – needed an amendment to correct the hearing date in the second “Whereas,” paragraph. Dr. Wack moved to adopt the Ordinance as amended. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Mr. Utz moved to adopt the Budget for Fiscal Year 2008 and the Capital Improvement Program. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Council President Chiavacci adjourned the Meeting at 7:40 P.M.

Laurell E. Taylor, City Clerk