Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: Westminster Council Meeting Notes

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Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Feb. 11, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council

Feb. 11, 2019

What a difference a month makes. A month ago there was standing room only at the Jan. 14, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council. Monday, in the middle of the snow storm, there were less than 10 folks in the audience and the meeting lasted 15 minutes. I am not quite sure if that is a record or not – but if it is not a record, it is close to it.

https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/10215803047722723

Agenda for the CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, February 11, 2019 at 7 pm

Council Chambers of City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD

The weather was bad. It had snowed and rained freezing rain for the last 24-hours. Most of staff did not attend the meeting – as per the request of Ms. Matthews.

1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting began at 7 p.m.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A) Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 14, 2019

B) Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 28, 2019

Approved.

3. CONSENT CALENDAR

A) Approval – Standardized Public Works Agreements and other Development-related Documents – Mr.

Mackey

Approved

4. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR

No report.

5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

A) Arts Council – No report.

B) Economic & Community Development Committee

Ben Yingling had Ms. Matthews deliver a report on the city’s water re-use initiative.

C) Finance Committee – No report.

D) Personnel Committee – No report.

E) Public Safety Committee – No report.

F) Public Works Committee – No report.

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION – none.

7. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS

Adoption - Resolution No. 19-05 of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, amending the adopted Water and Wastewater Allocation Policy for 2018-2024 – Mr. Mackey

The resolution was adopted.

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS9. NEW BUSINESS

A) Approval - Annexation Agreement A-1121 for Parcels 1 and 5 of the EOB and DASY properties – Mr. Mackey

Brooks Leahy attended the meeting with Mark and Dave Bollinger.

10. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

The only report was Westminster Fire Company President Jamie Petry’s report for the fire department.

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS

13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:15.

*****

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Feb. 11, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council

Feb. 11, 2019

https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/10215803047722723

Agenda for the CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, February 11, 2019 at 7 pm

Council Chambers of City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD

The weather was bad. It had snowed and rained freezing rain for the last 24-hours. Most of staff did not attend the meeting – as per the request of Ms. Matthews.

1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting began at 7 p.m.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A) Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 14, 2019

B) Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 28, 2019

Approved.

3. CONSENT CALENDAR

A) Approval – Standardized Public Works Agreements and other Development-related Documents – Mr.

Mackey

Approved

4. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR

No report.

5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

A) Arts Council – No report.

B) Economic & Community Development Committee

Ben Yingling had Ms. Matthews deliver a report on the city’s water re-use initiative.

C) Finance Committee – No report.

D) Personnel Committee – No report.

E) Public Safety Committee – No report.

F) Public Works Committee – No report.

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION – none.

7. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS

Adoption - Resolution No. 19-05 of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, amending the adopted Water and Wastewater Allocation Policy for 2018-2024 – Mr. Mackey

The resolution was adopted.

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS9. NEW BUSINESS

A) Approval - Annexation Agreement A-1121 for Parcels 1 and 5 of the EOB and DASY properties – Mr. Mackey

Brooks Leahy attended the meeting with Mark and Dave Bollinger.

10. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

The only report was Westminster Fire Company President Jamie Petry’s report for the fire department.

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS

13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:15.

*****

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Westminster Fire Dept. and MTA Lodge #20 Chaplain and PIO

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Feb. 11, 2019 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council

Feb. 11, 2019

https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/10215803047722723

Agenda for the CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, February 11, 2019 at 7 pm

Council Chambers of City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD

The weather was bad. It had snowed and rained freezing rain for the last 24-hours. Most of staff did not attend the meeting – as per the request of Ms. Matthews.

1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting began at 7 p.m.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A) Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 14, 2019

B) Mayor and Common Council Meeting of January 28, 2019

Approved.

3. CONSENT CALENDAR

A) Approval – Standardized Public Works Agreements and other Development-related Documents – Mr.

Mackey

Approved

4. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR

No report.

5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

A) Arts Council – No report.

B) Economic & Community Development Committee

Ben Yingling had Ms. Matthews deliver a report on the city’s water re-use initiative.

C) Finance Committee – No report.

D) Personnel Committee – No report.

E) Public Safety Committee – No report.

F) Public Works Committee – No report.

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION – none.

7. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS

Adoption - Resolution No. 19-05 of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, amending the adopted Water and Wastewater Allocation Policy for 2018-2024 – Mr. Mackey

The resolution was adopted.

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS9. NEW BUSINESS

A) Approval - Annexation Agreement A-1121 for Parcels 1 and 5 of the EOB and DASY properties – Mr. Mackey

Brooks Leahy attended the meeting with Mark and Dave Bollinger.

10. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

The only report was Westminster Fire Company President Jamie Petry’s report for the fire department.

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS

13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:15.

*****

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Quick informal Westminster mayor and Common Council Feb. 12, 2018 meeting notes by Kevin Dayhoff

Peggy Bair (in the left picture,) and Lori Graham (in the right picture,) were presented with a token of appreciation by Westminster Mayor Joe Dominick at the Feb. 12, 2018 Westminster Common Council meeting, for their years of service on the Westminster Planning Commission. Kevin Dayhoff photo

CITY OF WESTMINSTER

Mayor and Common Council Meeting

Monday, February 12, 2018 at 7 pm

Council Chambers of City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD

Westminster Common Council meeting on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane.

Quick informal Westminster mayor and Common Council Feb. 12, 2018 meeting notes by Kevin Dayhoff https://www.facebook.com/notes/kevin-earl-dayhoff/quick-informal-westminster-mayor-and-common-council-feb-12-2018-meeting-notes-by/10155345636562654/?pnref=story

I have not attended a Westminster mayor and Common Council meeting for a while. Of course, I am always thinking of running for office again. I really enjoyed working for the City of Westminster.

However, at this evening’s meeting, Westminster Planning Commission members Peggy Bair and Lori Walsh Graham were being recognized. Neither were reappointed.

Bair had served since 1989 and I appointed Graham in 2004.

I wanted to go to the meeting and pay my respects to these two great Westminster citizens who have given of their time so selflessly for the benefit of the greater community. Both individuals took time away from their families to contribute to Westminster and Carroll County and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

Council President Dr. Robert Wack began the meeting began at 7 p.m. with the pledge to the flag and a moment of silence.

In attendance were council members Yingling, Chiavacci, Wack, Mayor Dominick, Becker, and Pecoraro. Finance Director Palmer was not present. Assist. Chief Ledwell represented the police department. City Administrator Barb Matthews, Planner Bill Mackey. Public Works Director Jeff Glass, Housing Director Cindy Valenzisi and Shannon Visocsky.

There were about 11 citizens in attendance.

Mayor Dominick presented an award to Peggy Bair and Lori Graham for their work on the planning commission.

There was a Window Display Presentation - Matthew Kohn of Kohn Creative.

The City of Westminster Mayor Dominick then held two public hearings on two ordinances:

Proposed Ordinance No. 886 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 164, “Zoning”, of the Westminster City Code, Article VIII, “B Business Zone”, § 164-41, “Uses Permitted”; Article VIII B, “D-B Downtown Business Zone”, § 164-45.8, “Uses Permitted” and § 164-45.9, “Special Exceptions”, Article IX, “C-B Central Business Zone”, § 164-47, “Uses Permitted” And § 164-48, “Special Exceptions”; Article VIII A, “C-C Central Commerce Zone”, § 164-45.2, “Uses Permitted”, and § 164-45.3, “Special Exceptions”; and Article VII A, “Mixed Use Infill Zone”, § 164-39.2, “Uses Permitted”, to permit the operation of tattoo parlors as of right or, in some cases, by special exception. – Mr. Mackey

Proposed Ordinance No. 888 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 7, “Boards And Commissions”, Article II, “Planning and Zoning Commission”, to provide for the appointment of an alternate member to the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission and to make housekeeping changes to other provisions of Chapter 7, Article II. – Mr. Mackey

Consent calendar.

A) Proposed acceptance of Deed regarding Parcels E, F, G and H on Plat of Phase 4A Lots 101-111 Windy Hills Farms to provide for water resource protection areas related to City’s water system – Mr. Mackey

B) Authorization to Terminate Lease with Fallfest Inc. for the David S. Babylon Jr., Community Building

REPORT FROM THE MAYOR

Mayor’s report commented that he is still working on formulating future plans for the city.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

No report from Councilmember Yingling.

Councilman Chiavacci reported on the latest developments with the public safety committee.

Councilwoman Dr. Becker reported that she had met with Matthews about the Wakefield Valley initiative.

Council President Dr. Wack commented upon aspects of the Wakefield Valley property. He also mentioned a recent article in Carroll magazine. Dr Wack also reported that soon, he will again testify in Congress about legislation involving municipal fiber infrastructure.

COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION

No additional comments from the council members

BIDS

A) Water and Sewer Rate Study-Ms. Matthews

City Administrator Matthews reported upon a bid for a water and sewer rate study. It was determined that the Municipal and Financial Studies Group will be awarded the bid for approximately $39,000.

A lengthy discussion followed about the possibility of the city pursuing not upgrading the Waste Water Treatment Plant because the cost has escalated so greatly.

ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS

The council adopted 886, 887 with non-substantive adjustment to change processing to dispensary.

A) Adoption of Ordinance No. 886 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 164, “Zoning”, of the Westminster City Code, Article VIII, “B Business Zone”, § 164-41, “Uses Permitted”; Article VIII B, “D-B Downtown Business Zone”, § 164-45.8, “Uses Permitted” and § 164-45.9, “Special Exceptions”, Article IX, “C-B Central Business Zone”, § 164-47, “Uses Permitted” And § 164-48, “Special Exceptions”; Article VIII A, “C-C Central Commerce Zone”, § 164-45.2, “Uses Permitted”, and § 164-45.3, “Special Exceptions”; and Article VII A, “Mixed Use Infill Zone”, § 164-39.2, “Uses Permitted”, to permit the operation of tattoo parlors as of right or, in some cases, by special exception. – Mr. Mackey

B) Adoption of Ordinance No. 887 - An Ordinance regarding Local Zoning Map Amendment No. LMA 18-01, approving an application for the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Overlay District upon certain property located in the City’s P-I Planning Industrial Zone and adopting the accompanying written decision. – Mr. Mackey

C) Adoption of Ordinance No. 888 - An Ordinance amending

Mr. Pecoraro motioned to approve Ordinance 888 to add an alternate on the planning commission with additional amendments. A lengthy discussion followed about various dynamics of the amendment and the workings of the various boards and commissions in the city. It was subsequently motioned by Pecoraro to postpone the adoption of the amendment. That motion was seconded by Becker. The motion passed.

D) Resolution No. 18-01 – Amending the City’s Participation in a Cigna Prescription Drug Plan for the City’s Medicare Eligible Retirees. – Ms. Childs

Resolution 18-01 was adopted.

There was no unfinished business

12. NEW BUSINESS

A) Motion to Hold Executive Session Immediately Following Regular Meeting

Motion to close the meeting by Pecoraro to discuss the potential purchase of property. The motion was seconded and passed.

Dr. Glass, the director of public works reports on various projects in the city.

Housing director Cindy Valenzisi gave a brief report…

Mr. Tim Bangerd with the Westminster Fire Dept. report: He commented upon the recent annual banquet, Top responder Bobby Schwartzman was the top responder for 2017. The department presented awards to Tevis, Baugher’s, Bollinger Insurance, and Pritt’s, for their past support of the fire company.

Bangerd provided commentary about the impact of the new Maryland safety and sick leave, on the fire department.

Bangerd commented upon the county fire and EMS services enabling legislation that is before the Maryland General Assembly.

Mr. Mackey with the planning department commented that the next meeting will take place at the fire department for the discussion about the proposed Public Hearing on ZMA 17-01 for BERAL, LLP at 625 Baltimore Blvd.

Reports by Major Ledwell about recent events in the city.

No questions for Ms. Matthews.

Citizen comments.

A citizen commented upon using natural plants to ameliorate challenges of the costs of the Wastewater Plant.

Craig Giles commented upon a vacant home in his neighborhood. He wants the water turned-off. The house has been vacant for 7 months. 1119 Singer Drive.

The meeting was recessed at 8:27 p.m. for the purpose of conducting a closed meeting.

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Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

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See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf

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Quick informal Westminster mayor and Common Council Feb. 12, 2018 meeting notes by Kevin Dayhoff

CITY OF WESTMINSTER

Mayor and Common Council Meeting

Monday, February 12, 2018 at 7 pm

Council Chambers of City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD

Westminster Common Council meeting on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane.

I have not attended a Westminster mayor and Common Council meeting for a while. Of course, I am always thinking of running for office again. I really enjoyed working for the City of Westminster.

However, at this evening’s meeting, Westminster Planning Commission members Peggy Bair and Lori Walsh Graham were being recognized. Neither were reappointed.

Bair had served since 1989 and I appointed Graham in 2004.

Council President Dr. Robert Wack began the meeting began at 7 p.m. with the pledge to the flag and a moment of silence.

There were about 11 citizens in attendance.

Mayor Dominick presented an award to Peggy Bair and Lori Graham for their work on the planning commission.

There was a Window Display Presentation - Matthew Kohn of Kohn Creative.

The City of Westminster Mayor Dominick then held two public hearings on two ordinances:

Consent calendar.

B) Authorization to Terminate Lease with Fallfest Inc. for the David S. Babylon Jr., Community Building

REPORT FROM THE MAYOR

Mayor’s report commented that he is still working on formulating future plans for the city.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

No report from Councilmember Yingling.

Councilman Chiavacci reported on the latest developments with the public safety committee.

Councilwoman Dr. Becker reported that she had met with Matthews about the Wakefield Valley initiative.

COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION

No additional comments from the council members

BIDS

A) Water and Sewer Rate Study-Ms. Matthews

City Administrator Matthews reported upon a bid for a water and sewer rate study. It was determined that the Municipal and Financial Studies Group will be awarded the bid for approximately $39,000.

A lengthy discussion followed about the possibility of the city pursuing not upgrading the Waste Water Treatment Plant because the cost has escalated so greatly.

ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS

The council adopted 886, 887 with non-substantive adjustment to change processing to dispensary.

C) Adoption of Ordinance No. 888 - An Ordinance amending

D) Resolution No. 18-01 – Amending the City’s Participation in a Cigna Prescription Drug Plan for the City’s Medicare Eligible Retirees. – Ms. Childs

Resolution 18-01 was adopted.

There was no unfinished business

12. NEW BUSINESS

A) Motion to Hold Executive Session Immediately Following Regular Meeting

Motion to close the meeting by Pecoraro to discuss the potential purchase of property. The motion was seconded and passed.

Dr. Glass, the director of public works reports on various projects in the city.

Housing director Cindy Valenzisi gave a brief report…

Bangerd provided commentary about the impact of the new Maryland safety and sick leave, on the fire department.

Bangerd commented upon the county fire and EMS services enabling legislation that is before the Maryland General Assembly.

Reports by Major Ledwell about recent events in the city.

No questions for Ms. Matthews.

Citizen comments.

A citizen commented upon using natural plants to ameliorate challenges of the costs of the Wastewater Plant.

Craig Giles commented upon a vacant home in his neighborhood. He wants the water turned-off. The house has been vacant for 7 months. 1119 Singer Drive.

The meeting was recessed at 8:27 p.m. for the purpose of conducting a closed meeting.

+++++++++++++++

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/search/dispatcher.front?target=all&spell=on&Query=Kevin%20Dayhoff&sortby=display_time%20descending#trb_search

Carroll County Times: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/search/dispatcher.front?page=1&isSearch=true&target=all&spell=on&Query=Kevin%20Dayhoff#trb_search

Westminster Patch: http://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff?page=1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Baltimore Sun - Carroll County Times - The Carroll Eagle: www.explorecarroll.com: http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO

Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/

Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Westminster Mayor Utz recognizes Superintendent John A. Rawlings, Sr., for 30-years of service to the city

Westminster Mayor Utz recognizes Superintendent John A. Rawlings, Sr., for 30-years of service to the city http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/westminster-mayor-utz-recognizes.html

My story on the August 10, 2015 meeting of the Westminster Mayor and Common Council got bumped at the very last minute for space limitations. Please find it on my community website, www.kevindayhoff.org - Westminster Maryland Online: everything that is great about Westminster, Carroll County Maryland.

And he ran my picture of Superintendent John Rawlings in the Carroll Eagle section of the Baltimore Sun Sunday edition, August 16, 2015.

John Rawlings is awesome… Westminster councilman Greg Pecoraro and Tony Chiavacci, Westminster council president Dr. Robert Wack, Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz, Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding, Westminster councilwoman Dr. Mona Becker and Suzanne Albert.

The Westminster mayor and common council are doing some good things for our community. Read my article here: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/broad-range-of-topics-discussed-at.html

Read all my articles in the Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/search/dispatcher.front?Query=Kevin+Dayhoff&target=all

Please enjoy.

Labels: #Dayhoffphotoblog, Dayhoff photos Westminster govt, Westminster, Westminster Council, Westminster Council Meeting Notes, Westminster Council Meetings, Westminster news, Technology Westminster Ting

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Carroll County Times: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/search/dispatcher.front?Query=Kevin+Dayhoff&target=article

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Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Broad range of topics discussed at the Westminster mayor and common council meeting Monday night

Ting, the Westminster broadband technology project, to begin residential installations soon

At the meeting of the Westminster Common Council Monday night, August 10, 2015, Westminster officials had a wide range of issues on the agenda. From left to right: Dr. Mona Becker, Tony Chiavacci, Council President Dr. Robert Wack, Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz, Suzanne Albert, and Greg Pecoraro.

Broad range of topics discussed at the Westminster mayor and common council meeting Monday night http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/broad-range-of-topics-discussed-at.html

Ting, the Westminster broadband technology project

- See more at: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/broad-range-of-topics-discussed-at.html#sthash.p2me1MHw.dpuf

Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz, (L) recognizes Superintendent John Rawlings, Sr., for 30-yrs of service to the city at Mon night’s council http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/at-monday-nights-meeting-of-westminster.html

Westminster Mayor Kevin R. Utz, on the left, recognizes Superintendent John A. Rawlings, Sr., for 30-years of service to the city at Monday night’s council meeting as Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding and Finance Director Tammy Palmer look on. August 10, 2015 by Kevin E. Dayhoff

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

At the meeting of the Westminster Common Council Monday night, Westminster officials had a wide range of issues on the agenda; including an employee recognition, new trucks and equipment purchases, a new playground equipment initiative, and an update on the city’s fiber technology project.

The meeting began with a mayor and common council recognition of the city’s wastewater superintendent John A. Rawlings, Sr., for thirty-years of service.

With his wife and family present, Westminster Mayor Kevin R. Utz acknowledged how Rawlings and his department have saved the city a “great deal of money over the years” by their diligence, and innovative management approaches to an ever-increasingly complex aspect of government. Westminster councilwoman Mona Becker, a professor of environmental studies at McDaniel College agreed; reporting how she takes her environmental geology and chemistry classes to the treatment plant for field trips.

This was followed by a progress report on the Westminster Ting fiber technology initiative, by Valerie Bortz, the Westminster Ting city manager.

“Exciting things are happening,” said Bortz as she reported that the city’s fiber project is “getting ready to go live this week.” Bortz reported that soon Ting will begin making scheduled fiber installations in homes in Westminster.

Bortz also reported that the city recently was given a 2015 Community Broadband Innovative Partnership of the Year award by The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA.) According to a recent release found on the city’s Ting broadband fiber web page, “NATOA is a professional association for local governments … [to] help these communities get better access to telecommunications and broadband Internet services. These awards are intended to recognize people, towns, companies and initiatives each year that advanced the cause of broadband deployment and adoption in local communities.”

A discussion among the councilmembers ensued about continued efforts to get the word out about the broadband fiber initiative. It was noted that there remain many questions about “What is Ting;” how does it bring value to the city and what does it means to Westminster citizens.

In a recent e-mail interview with Westminster councilmember Tony Chiavacci, he noted, “As far as the value. There is a lot. True high-speed internet access … not what we currently have; but gig service - is going to be as important in the future as electricity and roads are to us today.

“We feel this project puts us many years ahead of most of the rest of the nation and it will position Westminster to be on the front of this technology. The hope is by us being out in front, we will attract business and individuals to Westminster that need this level of service, and cannot get it elsewhere. Thus, providing high paying jobs opportunities, increasing the average income, and pushing property values up in our area. As well as allowing people to work where they live versus commuting out of the area every day.”

With Ting, “you are driving a Ferrari instead of a Chevette,” said Chiavacci at the council meeting.

Jeff Glass, the city’s public works director then presented several equipment and truck bids for the council’s deliberation and approval. Glass also asked for the approval of this year’s annual roadway resurfacing and paving contract. This past winter was hard on Westminster’s streets and the councilmembers are anxious to begin addressing the roadway repairs and improvements.

Abby Gruber, the director of recreation discussed with the mayor and council a project to rebuild the aging playground equipment at Dutterer Park. According to a release by Gruber, after an upcoming planning session, on “October 9, 2015, volunteers from The City of Westminster, The Boys & Girls Club of Westminster, and Habitat for Humanity, along with BGE will build a great new place for kids to play in one day. The project is in partnership with KaBOOM!, the national nonprofit dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve by bringing play to those who need it most.”

In other news, Utz reported that the Wakefield Valley golf course task force recently held its first meeting to develop long term planning for the use of the large property at the west end of town that will be transferred to the city in the near future.

There were no ordinances or resolutions – or old business to discuss and after departmental reports the meeting adjourned after a little over an hour.

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