Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

20070611 Westminster Common Council Meeting Minutes



Westminster Common Council Meeting Minutes

http://www.westgov.com/citygovernment/minutes/061107.asp

City Council

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

Minutes of City of Westminster Council Meeting

JUNE 11, 2007

QUORUM:

A meeting of The Mayor and Common Council was held in City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of June 11, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. Council President Chiavacci; Council Members Albert, Wack, Utz, and Pecoraro; City Administrator Wolf; Chief Spaulding; Director of Recreation and Parks Schroers; City Treasurer Unger; City Attorney Walsh; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

Council President Chiavacci presented Mayor Ferguson’s reappointment of Stephen Allgeier to the Parks Board. Mr. Pecoraro moved to confirm the reappointment. Mr. Utz seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Council President Chiavacci introduced Daniel Byrd from Scout Troop 381.

Geographic Information Technician Tim Rogers and Historic District Commission Chairperson Dean Camlin introduced winners of the Preservation Month Scavenger Hunt and distributed their prizes. Mr. Camlin described the contest and noted that the Commission received 57 entries. He added that the Commission intends to hold the contest annually.

MINUTES:

Council President Chiavacci observed that the draft minutes of the March 14, 2007 meeting had been corrected to reflect the fact that three write-in votes were cast for Kevin Dayhoff in that day’s election. Mr. Pecoraro moved to approve the minutes of the meetings of May 7, May 14, and May 21, 2007. Mrs. Albert seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

Council President Chiavacci summarized the four items on the Consent Calendar: April and May Departmental Operating Reports; renewal of the audit contract; purchase orders for vehicles; and the wireless connection from 56 West Main to 105 Railroad Avenue. Mr. Ehlers explained that the last item would complete the wireless hookup among the main City buildings. Upon Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Utz and unanimously passed, the Consent Calendar was approved.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

Mr. Pecoraro reported that the Growth and Annexation Committee met the preceding week. The Committee has directed staff to discuss with applicants the desirability of bringing pending annexations and good cause waivers for smaller parcels before the Mayor and Common Council in order to move them along. Action on the larger parcels will wait until completion of the permanent Water Allocation Policy, The Capacity Management Plan, which will precede adoption of the permanent Policy, is due to the Maryland Department of the Environment by March 31, 2008. The Committee hopes to submit recommendations to the Mayor and Common Council in the fall.

Mr. Pecoraro noted that the Commissioners would vote on the proposed expansion of the Carroll County Regional Airport the next day. The City requested a presentation on the project from the County several months ago, but the presentation had not yet occurred. Ms. Wolf explained that County Chief of Staff Steve Powell assumed management of the project following the recent departure of another County employee. He would schedule a presentation in the near future. Mr. Pecoraro observed that the City does not yet have enough information to take a position on the expansion. However, the implementation period would be long. At Mr. Pecoraro’s suggestion, Ms. Wolf was directed to prepare a memorandum urging the Commissioners to consider forming an airport advisory commission that would include representatives from the City.

Dr. Wack advised that he met with Ms. Wolf and Mr. Unger to discuss establishment of formal written policies concerning City finances.

Dr. Wack reported that renegotiation of the ten-year City cable franchise would soon begin.

Dr. Wack announced that the annual commemoration of Corbit’s Charge would take place on June 23 and June 24, 2007. He complimented the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table for assuming oversight of the event.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Mr. Schroers summarized a packet of proposed legislation relating to the Recreation and Parks Department. In 2006, the Mayor and Common Council created the position of Director of Recreation and Parks. Subsequently, the Parks Board requested adjustments to the Board’s title and duties. Ordinance 765 would change the Board’s name to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and make the other requested changes to Article I, Chapter 7 of the Westminster City Code. Ordinance 766 would make the Director of Recreation and Parks responsible for recommending park rules and regulations to the Mayor and Common Council. The Ordinance also would authorize the Mayor and Common Council to adopt the rules and regulations and to make infractions punishable by an initial fine of $200.00. The accompanying Resolution, R07-7, sets forth the actual rules and regulations, which were last adjusted in 1991. The last piece of legislation in the packet, Resolution R07-8, designates as Locust Lane Park the property owned by the City in the 100 block of East Main Street.

Mr. Pecoraro thanked the Mayor and Council President for following up on citizen concerns about Locust Lane. In response to a question by Dr. Wack, Mr. Walsh advised that representatives from the City and public library would meet to establish uniform regulations for Locust Lane and the front courtyard of the library. At Dr. Wack’s request, Mr. Walsh also advised that he would add language to Resolution R07-7 clarifying the authority of the Director to authorize the use of audio devices in connection with events such as park concerts.

Mr. Pecoraro moved to suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure in order to introduce and adopt Ordinances No. 765 and 766. Mrs. Albert seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Upon Motion of Mr. Pecoraro, seconded by Mrs. Albert and unanimously passed, the Ordinances were introduced and adopted. Mr. Pecoraro moved to adopt Resolutions R07-7 and R07-8. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Council President Chiavacci noted that the next meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission would take place on June 21, 2007 and that the Mayor and Common Council would next meet on July 9, 2007.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Mr. Unger reported that the Department has started using the new software for accounts payable. Transfer of payroll and utility bills to the new system will take place during September and October.

Council President Chiavacci complimented Chief Spaulding for coordinating the recent Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

Ms. Wolf reported that staff is working diligently on the water conservation plan. The plan will include an education component and the Community Media Center has been asked to produce a major film about water. She observed that the timing for the film is excellent because of the major projects underway. The Center will produce two versions of the film, one for the general public and the other for school-aged children.

Ms. Wolf noted that the Finance Committee, in addition to formulating new policies, is considering a new budget format. Ms. Wolf announced that the West Green Street project is proceeding on schedule.

Mr. Schroers reported that the basketball court resurfacing and the pool upgrade are

complete. Mr. Schroers also noted that day camp would begin on Monday, June 18, 2007. Mr. Schroers lastly reported that Concerts in the Park would take place each Sunday in July.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

Several City and County residents voiced disapproval of a proposed expansion of the Carroll County Regional Airport: Victoria Oneda, Kevin Gregor, Dr. Brink, Siniti Oneda, Rebekah Orenstein, Karen Priest, David Taylor, and Beatrice Wolf. Ms. Oneda served as the main spokesperson. The concerns included traffic, noise, safety, and water. Mr. Oneda encouraged formation of an citizens’ advisory commission.

City resident Lyndi McNulty advised that her son, Roger, would travel to Estonia and work as a camp counselor as part of the sister city program with Paide.

City resident Toni Pomeroy, owner of Pomeroy’s Jewelers, thanked the Mayor and Common Council and City staff for promptly addressing her concerns about loitering in the area of Main Street and Locust Lane.

Council President Chiavacci adjourned the meeting at 8:35 P.M.

Laurell E. Taylor

City Clerk

_____

2007 Westminster Common Council Meeting Minutes to date:

January 8, 2007

January 22, 2007

February 12, 2007

February 26, 2007

March 12, 2007

March 26, 2007

April 3, 2007

April 9, 2007

April 23, 2007

May 7, 2007

May 14, 2007

May 21, 2007

June 11, 2007

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