Dayhoff Soundtrack: Westminster Council Mtgs

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Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Proposed Westminster Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone worksheet

November 8, 2010 Kevin Dayhoff http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/11/proposed-westminster-neighborhood.html

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20PZ%20Planning%20Zoning

My worksheet for the November 8 2010 Westminster mayor and common council discussion of the proposed Westminster Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone… Find an accompanying set of documents here: http://www.scribd.com/document_collections/2712718

Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zones to be considered by the Westminster mayor and common council on November 8, 2010.

As a result of the feedback from Westminster residents in the development of the (a) 2008 Westminster Community Visions Survey and the (b) 2009 Comprehensive Plan, the city of Westminster is continuing to move forward with a series of zoning changes and enhancements.

According to the city of Westminster website, “The State of Maryland requires comprehensive plans to be updated every six years. The 2009 Comprehensive Plan Update began in October 2007 followed by the coordination of the first Westminster resident survey in the summer of 2008.

“The City hosted a series of community workshops in the fall of 2008 that offered residents the opportunity to voice their ideas about the future of their community. In the winter of 2009, the planning staff combined the results of the survey and the feedback from the workshops, to create the 2008 Community Vision Report.

One the zoning enhancements being considered is Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone for properties currently zones R-7,500 and R-10,000, which arguably comprises the bulk of where folks live in Westminster.

Recently, the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zones came before the (d) Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission in the form of two specific legislative initiatives which include: Zoning Text Amendment No. ZTA 10-3 – “Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone” and Sectional Zoning Map Amendment No. SMA 10-1 – “Belle Grove Square Neighborhood” and “Willis Street Neighborhood.”

(e) A public hearing notice was posted in the local newspaper of record [for the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission to put on its (f) October 14, 2010 agenda a public hearing for proposed zoning changes in two historic Westminster neighborhoods.

The purpose of the public hearing on October 14 to hear citizen comments and subsequently deliberate for approval or disapproval of Zoning Text Amendment No. ZTA 10-3 and and Sectional Zoning Map Amendment No. SMA 10-1.

The ad noted, “The proposed text and sectional map amendments are available for public inspection at Winchester West, 56 West Main Street, Westminster, MD during normal business hours in the office of the Zoning Administrator.”

A public hearing notice document was also placed on the city’s website, dated September 30, 2010 that indicated that the Westminster mayor and common council would hold a public hearing on November 8 on Zoning Text Amendment No. ZTA 10-3 which was subsequently introduced at (g) the October 11 common council meeting as Ordinance 816. The Ordinance is sponsored by councilmembers Greg Pecoraro and Dr. Robert Wack.

(h) Ordinance 816 – Zoning Text Amendment 10-3 would amend the text of Chapter 164 of the Westminster City Code by adding a new article VIVD to create a “Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone.”

Section 164-45.25 introduces, “The Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone (NP Zone) is intended to provide for the preservation of the historic character and physical setting of the city’s traditional neighborhoods by promoting residential uses and directing more intense uses to other suitable locations.

“The Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone is a mapped zone which is superimposed over properties included in the R-7,500 residential zone and R-10,000 residential in certain traditional residential neighborhoods. Once properties are included in the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone, any development or use of such properties are subject to its provisions.”

This indicates that once Ordinance 816 - Zoning Text Amendment 10-3 is approved; all of Westminster that is currently zoned R-7,500 and R-10,000, according to the (i b) 2009 Westminster zoning map found in Chapter 54; are eligible to be placed under the provisions of the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone. (j1) (See Chap 164 ARTICLE VI R-10,000 Residential Zone (§ 164-28 — § 164-33.) (j2) (See Westminster City Code Chap 164 ARTICLE VII R-7,500 Residential Zone (§ 164-34 — § 164-39.)

However, a specific area can only be placed into, and thereafter subject to the provisions of the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone by way of a Sectional map Amendment according to “Procedure” section, 164-45.31, of the proposed changes in Chapter 164.

Moreover, under the “Inclusion of Additional Neighborhoods section, 164-45.32, of the proposed changes, “The city will partner with its Historic District Commission … to identify additional traditional residential neighborhoods for potential inclusion in the Neighborhood Preservation Zone as an integral component of an overall preservation plan for Westminster.

“This important work not only helps to implement the city’s comprehensive plan by focusing attention on the perseveration and improvement of the city’s traditional residential neighborhoods, but also by initiating a dialog among city government and its residents about the look, feel and character of Westminster.”

Section three of the proposed Ordinance 816 indicates, “City staff shall focus city programs, including but not limited to residential façade loans… and related historic programs and rehabilitation programs of the city, to properties included in the Neighborhood Preservation Zone.”

The proposed 164-45.31 proscribes, “An application for zonal classification in the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone may be made only by a Sectional Map Amendment.”

A Sectional Map Amendment for the inclusion of the Belle Grove Square and Willis Street neighborhoods was filed simultaneously by the mayor and council on September 30, 2010. (k) (See [20100930 SMA10-1-Belle Grove Square and Willis Street Neighborhood.] City of Westminster Sectional Zoning Map Amendment – SMA#10-1)

(l) A public hearing notice was placed on the city’s website, on or about October 12, that indicated that the Westminster mayor and council will receive the public’s input on Zoning Text Amendment No. ZTA 10-3 and Sectional Zoning Map Amendment No. SMA 10-1 on November 8, 2010.

(m) For an in-depth understanding of the city’s zoning initiative see the staff report and recommendation for the proposed Zoning Text Amendment and Sectional Map Amendment which may be found here: http://www.scribd.com/The-Westminster-city-SMA-10-1-Staff-Report-and-Recommendationn/d/41650007

Documents cited:

2008 Westminster Maryland Community Vision Survey http://www.westgov.com/citygov/CommunityVision.html http://www.scribd.com/doc/40463409/2008-Westminster-Maryland-Community-Vision-Survey

Westminster Planning and Zoning Public Hearing Notice for ZTA 10-3 and SMA 10-1 http://www.scribd.com/doc/40396022/Westminster-Planning-and-Zoning-Public-Hearing-Notice-for-ZTA-10-3-and-SMA-10-1

Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission agenda for Oct 14 2010

http://www.scribd.com/doc/40396820/Westminster-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-agenda-for-Oct-14-2010

October 11, 2010 Westminster MD council meeting http://www.scribd.com/doc/40426182/October-11-2010-Westminster-MD-council-meeting

2009 City of Westminster zoning map

http://www.scribd.com/doc/40428551/2009-City-of-Westminster-zoning-map

Mayor and common council public hearing notice for Nov 8 2010 for proposed zoning changes

http://www.scribd.com/doc/40431257/Mayor-and-common-council-public-hearing-notice-for-Nov-8-2010-for-proposed-zoning-changes

Links for the City of Westminster 2009 Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted on September 28, 2009.

http://www.westgov.com/citygov/citygov_complan.html

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/10/city-of-westminster-2009-comprehensive.html

http://www.scribd.com/doc/40464024/Links-for-the-City-of-Westminster-2009-Comprehensive-Plan

(a) 2008 Westminster Community Visions Survey

(b) 2009 Comprehensive Plan

(d) Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission

(e) A public hearing notice was posted in the local newspaper of record

(f) October 14, 2010 agenda

(g) the October 11 common council meeting

(h) Ordinance 816 – Zoning Text Amendment 10-3 would amend the text of Chapter 164 of the Westminster City Code

(i b) 2009 Westminster zoning map found in Chapter 54

(j1) (See Chap 164 ARTICLE VI R-10,000 Residential Zone (§ 164-28 — § 164-33)

(j2) (See Westminster City Code Chap 164 ARTICLE VII R-7,500 Residential Zone (§ 164-34 — § 164-39.)

(k) (See [20100930 SMA10-1-Belle Grove Square and Willis Street Neighborhood.] City of Westminster Sectional Zoning Map Amendment – SMA#10-1)

20101021 sdosm Neighborhood Preservation Zone

Agenda for the Westminster MD mayor and Common Council meeting for November 8, 2010

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

Monday, October 04, 2010

City to move forward with more water

Gesell well project engineering approved at council meeting

9/29/2010

By Kevin Dayhoff

Westminster MD city officials decided at last Monday’s mayor and common council meeting to move forward with developing additional water resources for the municipality’s public water system.

Upon the recommendation of staff and public works director Jeff Glass, the common council voted to approve an $89,398.00 proposal from ARRO Engineering to perform “permitting, engineering design, and bidding/construction services” to develop the “Gesell” property well, located just south of Westminster on land owned by Carroll County government.

The project has been in the works for several years and is a cooperative effort between the county and the city. According to Glass, “the city conducted successful exploratory drilling in 2008-2009,” of the area, in search for more water.

The Gesell well was identified in the city’s 2009 comprehensive plan, which was adopted a year ago, on September 29, 2009, and is in the current Westminster capital improvements plan.

According to the 2009 comprehensive plan, “the City is working with the County on this estimated $1.2 million (Gesell Well) project that will yield approximately 350,000 gpd (gallons per day) in new water supply to the City in 2012.”

The engineering phase for the Gesell well “is the next step for the design of (water) treatments facilities … which will provide additional water, crucial to extinguish the (current) MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) consent order,” said Glass.

Since April 2007 the Westminster water system has been operating under a consent order with MDE to develop more water resources for the city and the outlying areas in the county it serves.

In a MDE press release on April 3, 2007, then-MDE deputy secretary Robert M. Summers, Ph.D. said, “The droughts of 1999 and 2002 highlighted the need to fully evaluate water system capacities, as many sources in Central Maryland, including Westminster’s, were unable to meet public water demand without seriously impacting the natural resources that also depend upon that water.”

At that time, the MDE consent order provided “the necessary framework to resolve the drought year deficit (and) require(d) a schedule for meeting both short and long term water supply needs…”

It also “establishe(d) a timeline for completing plans (water loss reduction and conservation plans) to better manage the existing system’s capacity; ensures that an interim contingency plan is in place to address drought conditions; modifies operating conditions of the City’s surface water withdrawal permit under drought conditions; and, grants a limited water quantity for planned development.”

According to the drought management section of the Westminster 2009 comprehensive plan, “During the summer of 2002, the State of Maryland experienced a severe drought that required the City to take extensive emergency measures to ensure adequate water was in the system to serve the entire service area.

“In response to the drought, The Mayor and Common Council adopted a ‘Drought Management Plan’ (in which) … the Mayor and Common Council made it a priority to find alternative sources of water. In addition, the City has developed an emergency water supply, utilizing water from Medford Quarry to supplement the Cranberry system during drought emergency conditions.”

“It is likely that the City will receive authorization from MDE to allocate the remaining 39,000 gpd from the Consent Agreement by late 2009/early 2010. The City has (water) allocation requests totaling 228,000 beyond the 139,000 gpd total from the Consent Agreement,” according to further information gathered from the 2009 Comprehensive Plan…

The Gesell well project is part of a multi-faceted approach to bring more water on line for the city’s water users. The 2009 comprehensive plan indicates, “While the Gesell Well will allow the City fulfill some of the backlogged requests in 2012, the completion of Big Pipe Creek Well Development project in 2015 will satisfy the drought of record deficit and move the City to a positive position.”

As far as the “Big Pipe Creek Well Development,” the comprehensive plan indicates, “the City is working with the County on this estimated $6.5 million project that will provide 500,000 in new groundwater to the City in 2015 from the Union Mills area…”

The city water system serves approximately 35,000 citizens, of which approximately 38 percent live outside of the city limits. To service the 9,200 water connections in the system, the city utilizes two separate water systems, the Cranberry system, and the Wakefield Valley system. The two systems are connected and can be operated together, but they are normally operated as separate systems.

Westminster’s water system is currently supplied by a blended source of groundwater and surface water. The major source of water is tributaries of the West Branch of the Patapsco River. That surface source is augmented by eleven wells throughout the community, which contribute 20 to 30 percent of the water supply. The 115 million gallon Raw Reservoir, built in 1957, holds the bulk of the reserve water.

Meanwhile, Glass said, “The City strategically monitors its water resources…” At the moment, under the city’s drought management plan and strategic monitoring, the water system is under a code “yellow” restriction.

“Effective September 13, 2010,” said Glass in a September 15 report, “due to the lack of precipitation during the last few months, the City has moved from Green in its Drought Management Plan to Yellow. This system, which was put into place in 2002 and amended in 2006 to monitor water resources, based on established water level triggers.

“As of today, the system has moved from stage one (Green) – conservation status – to stage two (Yellow) – voluntary restriction status. Yellow voluntary restriction status applies to reduction of outdoor water use. City recommendations are included in the Drought Management Plan.”

No word as to whether the recent rains will change the city’s drought status.

If you have questions regarding the Drought Management Plan, the Gesell well project or the city water system, please contact Jeff Glass, Director of Public Works at 410-848-9000.

---------

Photo: Westminster public works director Jeff Glass explains the engineering phase of the future construction of the Gesell well at the September 27, 2010 meeting of the Westminster MD mayor and common council. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

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Friday, January 29, 2010

And the point is…

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/10a4hp or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/359334499/westminster-dir-tom-beyard-watches-as-city

Westminster planning director Tom Beyard on the left, watches the mayor and council members as the new Westminster city attorney Elissa Levan on the right, explains a point; at the January 25, 2010 meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council at Westminster City Hall in Westminster Maryland.

January 25, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

[20100125 MCC TBB Elissa Levan] Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, Westminster city attorney Elissa Levan, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster govt, Westminster Planning Dir Tom Beyard

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2010/01/and-point-is.html http://tinyurl.com/y9hfakp

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff

Westminster dir Tom Beyard watches as city attorney Elissa Levan explains a point http://tinyurl.com/y9hfakp http://twitpic.com/10a4hp http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/359334499/westminster-dir-tom-beyard-watches-as-city

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The new year means a new city attorney in Westminster

Last Monday was the second meeting of the Westminster mayor and common council for Westminster’s new attorney, Elissa Levan of the law firm of Funk & Bolton.

Folks have asked where my story appeared on the new attorney. It may be found here: http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3801/attorneys/ 1/12/10 http://tinyurl.com/yeqxmcb or here: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-means-new-city-attorney-in.html http://tinyurl.com/yeqxmcb

Posted below is the original copy I filed, before it was edited for length, for the newspaper:

January 26, 2010 http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-means-new-city-attorney-in_27.html http://tinyurl.com/yb3b77p

Photo caption: Westminster appoints new city attorneys. New Westminster city attorney Karen Plumer Ruff (right) looks up to follow the discussion at the Westminster Common Council meeting last Monday as Elissa Levan (left in the background) studies her meeting notes. Seated beside Ms. Levan is the Westminster director of planning Tom Beyard. Picture by Kevin Dayhoff [20100111 MCCmtg (15)d]

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/zyn29 or here; http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/355686994/elissa-levan-karen-plumer-ruff-funk-bolton

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Elissa Levan Karen Plumer Ruff Funk & Bolton appted new Westminster city attorneys http://tinyurl.com/yb3b77p http://twitpic.com/zyn29

~~~~~

The new year means a new city attorney in Westminster

Elissa Levan and Karen Plumer Ruff of the law firm of Funk & Bolton appointed to be the new Westminster city attorneys

By Kevin Dayhoff for the Westminster Eagle January 12, 2010

The new year for Westminster city government will begin with new municipal attorneys for the first time in 30 years.

At the first meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council for 2010, the city announced the appointment of Elissa Levan and Karen Plumer Ruff to take the place of Westminster city attorney John Walsh who retired last December after serving the city for over 30 years.

In the meeting the council voted to authorize the Westminster mayor Kevin Utz to execute a letter of engagement, dated December 23, with the law firm of Funk & Bolton, with offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, and Chestertown, to represent the town.

A city press release, noted that the process for finding a new attorney began last November. Westminster council president Damian Halstad said that the city had sent out a request for proposals for legal services and received six responses. “We interviewed all of them and it was really, I think, an impressive crew. I think we hired – um … we made an excellent choice,” said Halstad.

Halstad introduced both attorneys who were in attendance for the council meeting. “We welcome them and look forward to a long relationship because we sure don’t like interviewing lawyers. The last one we kept for what, 30 years. So ah, that would make me 78, when they retire, and that would be fine.”

Councilman Greg Pecoraro responded when Halstad asked if there were any questions by saying “… it was a very good process as you mentioned. I was pleased that everyone was able to participate. I think that we did have a difficult choice to make…”

“It was helpful to go through it for learning. I mean you learn things when you go through the interview process... This firm … and ah, Ms. Levan and Ms. Ruff had read our comprehensive plan. They had a lot of good questions for us. And they just knew - I think they knew the most about the city. And that goes a long way towards winning over a prospective employer. We were all impressed,” said Halstad.

The firm’s web site notes that “Funk & Bolton, P.A. is a Mid-Atlantic-based law firm practicing primarily in five areas: commercial litigation, insurance regulation, government relations, local government law, and creditors' rights.

“We provide counseling, litigation and legislative services to insurers, other financial services companies, health maintenance organizations, managed care organizations, health plans, dental plans, counties, municipalities, businesses, and trade associations.”

According to the city press release, “With eleven attorneys, this firm is the most experienced of its kind, providing representation to numerous municipal corporations, counties, and other public entities in the state of Maryland, including the cities of Bowie, College park, Church Hill, Rock Hall, St. Michaels, Upper Marlboro, and Forest Heights.”

The release explained that Levan will be designated the city attorney and that Ruff will serve to “provide backup representation… Levan will have the overall responsibility of coordinating the legal services to the city.”

Funk & Bolton announced in April 2009 that Levan had “rejoined the firm after a year as a Maryland Assistant Attorney General. Ms. Levan is a member of the Local Government Practice Group in the firm's Baltimore office. With over 20 years of experience, Ms. Levan will resume her practice of counseling Maryland municipalities and public entities.”

Levan’s web site bio indicates that she “has been representing governmental clients since 1992, when, after a few years at other firms, she joined Levan, Schimel, Belman & Abramson, P.A. in Howard County (later, a regional office of Miles & Stockbridge, P.A.)

“Since then, Ms. Levan has provided advice and counsel to a diverse group of Maryland municipalities, including several of the largest jurisdictions in the State, the Cities of Bowie, and College Park, and many smaller towns, such as the Town of Church Hill on the Eastern Shore.

“She has recently been designated as the town attorney for the Town of Chesapeake Beach. She also spent a year in the Office of the Attorney General, representing the twenty-four Maryland sheriffs and their sworn deputies.”

Her bio also indicates she “has also provided general representation to private sector businesses, including several not-for-profit entities, such as the Corridor Transportation Corporation.

“Ms. Levan has been active for many years in the Maryland Municipal Attorney's Association and served, among other capacities, for several years as its liaison to the Maryland Municipal League's Legislative Committee. She has also been a member of the Maryland State Bar Association's Local Government and Administrative Law Sections, for both of which sections she has served on the governing Councils. She is currently completing her term as Chair of the Administrative Law Section (2008-09).

“She is a Fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation. Ms. Levan was previously a member of the Board of Directors of the Baltimore-Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce and for several years chaired its Public Affairs Group, which undertook legislative education and advocacy functions for the Chamber.”

Levan is a 1985 graduate, with distinction, from University of Michigan. She was awarded her J.D. from George Washington Law School, where she graduated with honors in 1988.

Ruff’s Funk & Bolton web site bio indicates that she “began her career practicing in the area of zoning and land use law at Zanecki, Lally and McDonough, in Prince George's County, Maryland. In 1989, she joined the Howard County firm of Levan, Schimel, Belman & Abramson, P.A. (later, a regional office of Miles & Stockbridge, P.A.)

“For the past twenty years, Ms. Ruff has provided advice and counsel to a diverse group of Maryland municipalities, including the City of Bowie, the City of College Park, the Town of Church Hill, the Town of Edmonston and the Town of St. Michaels.

“Additionally, from 1998 until 2002, Ms. Ruff was the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Annapolis. Ms. Ruff has also served as counsel to the Annapolis Board of Appeals. Ms. Ruff has been a member of the Maryland Municipal Attorney's Association of the Maryland Municipal League for many years. She has served as President and Secretary. Ms. Ruff is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association and the Anne Arundel County Bar Association.

Ruff earned her J.D from Catholic University of America in 1987, and graduated with a B.A. cum laude, from LaSalle University in 1984.

Halstad later indicated that Funk & Bolton will charge the city a rate of $150.00 per hour which is a slight increase over the $125.00 an hour charged by the previous city attorney.

A review of past court cases and council minutes of other municipalities throughout the state indicates that both attorneys have an extensive background in all aspects of municipal law ranging from zoning and land use law to immigration law enforcement.

After the meeting, the two attorneys then got right to work as the mayor and council convened a closed meeting to discuss property acquisition and emergency response procedures for the city.

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Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll, Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff photos Wster gov't, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays Westminster, Westminster Council Mtgs

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Friday, January 15, 2010

New year means a new city attorney in Westminster

Levan and Ruff retained to take place of longtime attorney John Walsh

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/y5men

By Kevin Dayhoff Posted http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3801/attorneys/ 1/12/10 http://tinyurl.com/yeqxmcb

Read the entire article here: http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3801/attorneys/

20100112 SCE New year means new city attorney Wster Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll, Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff photos Wster gov't, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays Westminster, Westminster Council Mtgs
[20100111 MCCmtg (15)csm2] http://twitpic.com/y5men

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-means-new-city-attorney-in.html http://tinyurl.com/yeqxmcb

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff

Levan and Ruff Funk & Bolton retained to take place of longtime Westminster attorney http://tinyurl.com/yeqxmcb http://twitpic.com/y5men

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Main Street businesses decry public safety isues

Westminster Eagle Westminster city council report:

Main Street businesses decry public safety issues

The use of surveillance cameras to be investigated

November 23, 2009 By Kevin Dayhoff

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/11/main-street-businesses-decry-public.html

The number one topic of recent discussions with downtown Westminster businesses was public safety, say Westminster officials.

The discussion and feedback come at a time when the flagging national economy continues to hurt local businesses and the city budget remains in dire straights.

Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz presented the Common Council with a number of recommendations that resulted from five Main Street roundtable discussions held by Westminster officials in the last two months.

The feedback from the Westminster Main Street businesses was the highlight the Westminster mayor and Common Council meeting last Monday.

“We have asked 35 businesses to attend five Main Street Roundtables over the past two months and I would like to summarize the discussions and put forth a series of recommendations for your consideration,” said Utz.

Utz then comprehensively reviewed a summary of the business roundtable findings and four recommendations.

A copy of the summary was given to the Westminster Eagle by Westminster city administrator Marge Wolf.

It reveals that the “business owners (have) requested more police presence, particularly when the stores are closing for the evening. The businesses owners would like to partner with the police department, reporting questionable activities and observations.”

“We need to have our residents and citizens feel comfortable being on Main Street,” said Utz as council members looked-on and nodded in approval.

As a result: “An officer has been assigned to patrol the Main Street area from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Additional officers will be assigned to patrol the area when businesses close.

“In addition, the (Westminster Police Department) will develop strategies to familiarize the merchants with both Command staff and patrol officers and will investigate the use of camera in strategic locations to assist the patrol officers,” Utz read from the report.

In a related problem, Utz noted that “The City of Westminster is also the County Seat for Carroll County and as such provides a wide range of social services in our town.

“This fact, coupled with the fact that the churches in the area are very magnanimous in providing additional services to this client group, results in groups of clients congregating in public areas.”

The recommendation offered at the meeting was that the “Mayor will convene a Roundtable with area church representatives to discuss possible solutions to this problem.”

Business owners also said at the roundtable discussions that many of the local shopkeepers “are not the property owners and, as group, they feel the landlords do not maintain the properties to even code standards.

“The rents are not affordable for most small businesses and the landlords are not willing to work with small businesses. Small businesses have special funding needs and need special assistance. The business owners supported the rental licensing of apartments as an avenue to improving properties to code standards.”

It was recommended that the city initiate “a revolving loan program … to provide low-interest loans to new businesses or businesses expanding in the Main Street area.”

The program would be undertaken by the Westminster Town Center Corporation, an organization developed a number of years ago to advance business interests in the city.

In addition it was recommended that city officials “Continue the work on the more stringent building maintenance code and maintain the timetable for implementation on July I, 2010.

“The Code Enforcement Officer will focus on the Main Street area in a concentrated effort to maintain not only the appearance but the health and safety standards in our Code.”

Marketing the downtown businesses was also the focus of concern: “The Roundtable participants offered a number of suggestions for increased activity on Main Street, including additional activities and events.

“The need for a solid marketing plan to promote the Westminster image was supported by a number of the participants.”

It was recommended that the city “Fund a marketing study for Main Street and consolidate our various promotional budget items into one line item to fund those marketing activities. Develop one brand and one coherent message to promote our downtown.”

It was not discussed at the meeting how the “marketing study” would be funded or whether or not the study would be done in-house or if an outside agency might be hired to do the job.

The final recommendation was that city officials “Continue the Main Street Roundtables on a monthly basis. Convene additional Roundtables with the property owners and church representatives to discuss various concerns expressed by the business owners.

“Continue to pursue the development of the Route 27 Corridor, former Westminster Inn, Stocksdale property and former Ain't that a Frame location to jumpstart the Main Street area and provide a destination for visitors and tourists.”

Look for updates to this and other stories about Westminster city government on our website, http://www.explorecarroll.com/.

-30-

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Friday, October 30, 2009

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Fire destroys home at Liberty, White Rock roads
Posted: October 23rd, 2009 in Eldersburg Eagle

Sykesville warms up to fall festival
Posted: October 18th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle
most emailed

Ramps on Md. 140 and 27 to be closed for construction
Posted: October 28th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

County's Pathways Plan falls off the trail
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Mason-Dixon Mayhem
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CULLETON: Perhaps people are finally coming 'round to my roundabout disdain
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County schools posting attendance-absentee info
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Float, march or play in Westminster parade
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20091029 sdsom Explore Carroll most read most emailed

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/explore-carroll-most-read-most-emailed_30.html

Dayhoff @CarrollEagle Explore Carroll www.explorecarroll.com most read most emailed http://tinyurl.com/yz4urlv #writing

@cfschelle Dayhoff @CarrollEagle Explore Carroll www.explorecarroll.com most read most emailed http://tinyurl.com/yz4urlv #writing

@mseanschmidt Dayhoff @CarrollEagle Explore Carroll www.explorecarroll.com most read most emailed http://tinyurl.com/yz4urlv #writing

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

News brief: Westminster to get fed stimulus grant, names arts task force

Westminster to get fed stimulus grant names arts task force http://tinyurl.com/ygpgt76

Photo caption: Westminster director of public works Jeff Glass explains

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/nd594 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/226742793/westminster-director-of-public-works-jeff-glass

Westminster director of public works, Jeff Glass, explained the Westminster water department water meter replacement initiative at the Monday, October 26, 2009 meeting of the Westminster MD mayor and Common Council meeting at Westminster city hall. October 26, 2009 photo by Kevin Dayhoff [20091026 CowMCC Mtg (11)eGlass]

Westminster to get federal stimulus grant and names arts and culture task force

By Kevin Dayhoff

Westminster announced at last Monday night’s mayor and Common Council meeting, that skillful navigation of a “sea of paperwork” enabled the city to double a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – “ARRA” federal stimulus funds, to replace aging water meters throughout town.

Westminster director of public works, Jeff Glass, explained at the meeting that last May the city applied for a grant 2009 in the amount of $400,000 for water meter replacements.

The grant application process was complicated. “To our credit we met the deadlines… To our credit others did not,” explained Glass. As a result, “the City’s grant was increased to $821,200 which is sufficient to install ‘wireless’ read capable meters for the remainder of the City’s meter inventory and cover all costs associated with the project such as required advertisement etc...,” said Glass with visible pride.

The bidding process was performed in August and September; and the Maryland Department of the Environment signed off on the project on October 13. Glass presented the council with a proposal to approve a winning bid from Ben Franklin/PHS Burgemeister Bell, Inc. in the amount of $817,139.19 to complete the water system upgrade.

Just before the council voted to approve the project, council president Damian Halstad said that the grant will “go a long way in our budget process… It is always nice to ask for $400,000 and get $800,000.”

Under new business councilman Greg Pecoraro gave a detailed six-month status report on the findings of the Tri-Street Advisory Committee.

The committee had been established by the city “on August 25, 2008 to address neighborhood issues and concerns in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue, Union Street and West Main Street, with the objective of creating an action plan for improvement,” explained Pecoraro.

One of the recommendations acted-on by the council at the end of Pecoraro’s report was “under the goal of building economic vitality.

“The report recommended the creation of a task force of representatives from the City, Carroll County Arts Council, Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee, property owners, artisans and others, to be called the ‘Arts and Culture Task Force,’ to develop an ‘arts, culture and small business overlay zone’ for the Tri-Street neighborhood. The report urged the task force to focus on the Carroll Arts Center as a critical anchor in the Tri-Street neighborhood.”

For more, read the Nov. 1 edition of the Carroll Eagle http://www.explorecarroll.com/

Read the Westminster press release on the water meter replacement project pasted below:

MEMORANDUM

TO: The Mayor and Common Council

FROM: Jeffery D. Glass, Director of Public Works

DATE: October 21, 2009

RE: Water Meter Replacement Project- ARRA Stimulus Funds

The Department of Public Works applied for a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Funds) in May 2009 in the amount of $400,000 for water meter replacements.

Due to the complicated nature of requirements and stringent deadlines, a number of applicants were culled from the initial applications. This decrease in applicants provided an increase in available funding available to the City.

As a result, the City’s grant was increased to $821,200 which is sufficient to install “wireless” read capable meters for the remainder of the City’s meter inventory and cover all costs associated with the project such as required advertisement etc.

This project was put out to bid on August 12th, 2009. Three bids were received, opened and read aloud on September 8th, 2009. The bids ranged from $817,139.19 to$1,043,752.00 with one bid disqualification. The apparent low bidder was Benjamin Franklin/PHS Burgemeister Bell, Inc. This bid was reviewed by staff and found to be complete and acceptable for forwarding to MDE for review.

The City received a letter of confirmation from MDE on October 13 2009, which acknowledges the review and approval of the project, which in general terms provides the green light to proceed. The next step is to provide the notice of award to Ben Franklin, the low bidder

I recommend The Mayor and Common Council accept the bid of Ben Franklin/PHS Burgemeister Bell, Inc. in the amount of $817,139.19 to complete the Water meter Replacement Project. This action will allow Notice of Award, and Contractual Documents to be executed.

20091026 sdosm d4 Westminster to get fed stimulus grant

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/news-brief-westminster-to-get-fed.html http://tinyurl.com/ygpgt76

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/nd594 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/226742793/westminster-director-of-public-works-jeff-glass

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