Dayhoff Soundtrack: Westminster govt

Showing posts with label Westminster govt. Show all posts

Monday, February 14, 2011

City of Westminster Maryland Changes to the Waste Removal Schedule for the President’s Day Holiday Week

City of Westminster

56 West Main Street

Westminster, MD 21157

Phone 410-848-9000

Fax 410-857-7476

Contact: Street Department

Phone: 410-848-9000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2011

WESTMINSTER WASTE REMOVAL SCHEDULE CHANGES

Changes to the Waste Removal Schedule for the

President’s Day Holiday Week

Westminster, MD – The City of Westminster has announced through its Department of Public Works that the City scheduled items collections and bulk trash removal will operate on a revised schedule for the President’s Day holiday week.

The revised schedule for waste removal services within the City limits will be effective Monday, February 21st through Friday, February 25th and is as follows:

Monday – CLOSED – NO BRUSH/ TREE LIMB PICKUPS, next scheduled pickup date is 3/7/11

Tuesday – Metal for entire city

Wednesday – Bagged yard waste, no loose leaves

Thursday – Bulk trash for residents East of MD RT31

Friday – Bulk trash for residents West of MD RT31

Household trash service provided by Ecology Services will NOT change.

# # #

The City of Westminster Public Works Department is located at 56 West Main Street. The department is responsible for overseeing the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, and the Utility Maintenance and Street Departments. For more information, call 410-848-9000 or visit www.westminstermd.gov.

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http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2011/02/city-of-westminster-maryland-changes-to.html

City of Westminster Maryland Changes to the Waste Removal Schedule for the President’s Day Holiday Week

Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack: City of Westminster Md Changes to the Waste Removal Sch for the President’s Day Holiday Wk http://t.co/yWZK2xN

Labels: Westminster govt, Westminster Press Release, Westminster Public Works Street Dept, Westminster Trash pick up

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

Sunday, January 09, 2011

Westminster MD City Offices Closed January 17 2011 in observance of Martin Luther King Day

Press Release regarding the City’s office closings on Monday, January 17, 2011. http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2011/01/westminster-md-city-offices-closed.html

JANUARY 7, 2011 LABELS: WESTMINSTER GOVT

Administrative offices will be closed, but the Westminster Family Fitness Center at 11 Longwell Avenue will be open regular hours 5:30am – 10pm.

City of Westminster

56 West Main Street

Westminster, MD 21157

Phone 410-848-9000

Fax 410-857-7476

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 7, 2011 Contact: Information Desk

Phone: 410-848-9000

WESTMINSTER CITY OFFICES CLOSED JANUARY 17, 2011

With the exception of the Family Center Gym

Westminster, MD – City of Westminster Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2011 in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

Although the Recreation and Parks Department will be closed, the Westminster Family Fitness Center at 11 Longwell Avenue will be open regular hours 5:30am to 10pm.

20110117 COW MLK Day

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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

Friday, September 24, 2010

Westminster MD experiences water main break http://t.co/yyYIQyt by Kevin Dayhoff

See: http://twitpic.com/2reezd

Westminster MD experiences water main break http://t.co/yyYIQyt by Kevin Dayhoff

City officials say water safe to drink. System was quickly repaired by mid-afternoon.

9/19/10 http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/4749/breaking-westminster-experiences-water-main-break-near-cranberry-station/

By Kevin Dayhoff

A 12-inch water main cracked in the city of Westminster water system around 10:15 a.m. Sunday morning, according to Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz.

The break took place in the 300 block of North Cranberry Road near the city’s water treatment plant and occurred just as townsfolk and city workers were returning from church; but perhaps just as bad, it happened just as workers from the city’s utilities maintenance department were preparing for an afternoon of Ravens’ football…

“Glad to see the (city) workers got here quickly knowing there were going to miss the Ravens’ game,” said Utz as he picked-up his phone and ordered pizzas and drinks for those working on the water line…

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/4749/breaking-westminster-experiences-water-main-break-near-cranberry-station/

[20100919 sdosm SCE pubver Wster exps water main break.doc]

Explore Carroll: Westminster experiences water main break http://t.co/yyYIQyt By Kevin Dayhoff

Labels: Water Sewer, Water Sewer Westminster, Westminster govt, Westminster Mayor 2009 Utz Kevin, Westminster Police Chief Spaulding-Jeff, Westminster PW Ultilities Maint
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Thursday, August 19, 2010

Westminster city wants to take away 5-year-old child’s chickens

Westminster man fighting to keep backyard chickens

The City of Westminster, bylaws of homeowners association forbid poultry in residential areas

http://carrollcountytimes.com/article_df021434-ab35-11df-8551-001cc4c03286.html

Thursday, August 19, 2010

By Marc Shapiro, Times Staff Writer | 5 comments

A Westminster resident who has a chicken coop on his property plans to petition the Common Council to let him keep the coop and his 10 chickens.

Westminster City Code and the bylaws of The Greens of Westminster Homeowners Association prohibit residents in city limits and the neighborhood, respectively, to keep any poultry or fowl except on property zoned for agricultural or poultry-dressing uses. Glenbrook Drive resident James Ward was unaware of the ordinance and his neighborhood's bylaws when he acquired the chickens about 12 weeks ago.

"I got enough space, I'm not bothering anybody, you can't even smell them unless you walk up and open the cage," he said. "I don't blame the city for enforcing what's there, but it's obsolete."

The City of Westminster gave Ward until Aug. 30 to get rid of the chickens, said City Administrator Marge Wolf.

He plans to go to the city council meeting Monday night to talk with the council members about possibly keeping his chickens… http://carrollcountytimes.com/article_df021434-ab35-11df-8551-001cc4c03286.html

[20100819 Shapiro Westminster man fighting to keep chickens]

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Friday, July 09, 2010

Carroll County Times: Westminster MD’s Disregard for open government

Disregard for open government

Friday, July 9, 2010 1:00 am

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/article_71eb2fb2-8aa5-11df-975e-001cc4c002e0.html

Editorial

Westminster government's slow reaction to a Times Public Information Act request for the city's general ledger, and the city's general disregard for open government, is not only a violation of state law, it raises some troubling questions about how things are being run at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane.

On June 3, the Carroll County Times sent a PIA request to Westminster City Administrator Marge Wolf, the city's custodian of records, Mayor Kevin Utz and City Attorney Elissa Levan for its general ledger, an accounting document that lists every account a government maintains and each transaction that occurred under each account.

The Maryland Public Information Act requires the custodian of records grant or deny a request within 30 days, and if the request is denied, provide a reason why. The law also says the records must be produced, if the request is approved, within 30 days.

… http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/article_71eb2fb2-8aa5-11df-975e-001cc4c002e0.html

20100709 CCTed Disregard for open government

Carroll County Times: Westminster MD’s Disregard for open government http://tinyurl.com/2ey89z8

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/07/carroll-county-times-westminster-mds.html http://tinyurl.com/2ey89z8

LABELS: NEWSPAPERS CARROLL COUNTY TIMES, PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT,WESTMINSTER GOVT, WESTMINSTER GOVT OPEN TRANSPARENT

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Thursday, July 08, 2010

Westminster slow on Public Information Act request

Westminster slow on Public Information Act request

Thursday, July 8, 2010 By Marc Shapiro, Times Staff Writer

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/local/article_558b96c4-8a30-11df-a3e0-001cc4c002e0.html

While most towns in Carroll County, as well as the county government, have financial documents easily accessible, the city of Westminster has not responded to a Public Information Act request filed more than 30 days ago, a violation of state law.

A recent survey of Carroll County municipalities, county government and the city of Frederick showed how easy, or hard, it can be to get financial documents from public officials.

The Carroll County Times sent a PIA request to Westminster City Administrator Marge Wolf, who is the city's custodian of records, Mayor Kevin Utz and City Attorney Elissa Levan on June 3 for its general ledger and comparative analysis for the most recent available month, preferably in electronic form if available.

As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Times had not received a definitive response from Wolf.

On June 8, Wolf said Westminster would have to hire someone to look through various documents in order to produce a general ledger and comparative analysis, and that she was going to come up with a price for it.

On June 23, Wolf said Levan just got back from vacation and they were to talk that afternoon. On July 1, Wolf didn't have anything new to report, and said the PIA request was at the top of her list to talk with Levan about on July 6. She did not explain why it wasn't discussed on June 23.

Wolf did not return phone calls seeking comment on Wednesday.

Officials from other towns and cities, as well as county government, say they have these documents readily available… http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/local/article_558b96c4-8a30-11df-a3e0-001cc4c002e0.html

20100708 CCT Shapiro Westminster slow on PIA request

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Friday, February 19, 2010

“Grow It, Eat It” Campaign Comes To Westminster

“Grow It, Eat It” Campaign Comes To Westminster - Maryland Master Gardener Diane Brown to host educational

City of Westminster 56 West Main Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Phone 410-848-9000
Fax 410-857-7476

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2010 Contact: Melissa Hynes
Phone: 410-848-7967

“GROW IT, EAT IT” CAMPAIGN COMES TO WESTMINSTER
Maryland Master Gardener Diane Brown to host educational

Westminster, MD – On Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm Maryland Master Gardener Diane Brown will be making a “Grow It, Eat It” presentation at the Westminster City Hall. She will be teaching basic food gardening “how-to” tips and techniques to interested residents. The “Grow It, Eat It” campaign is the University of Maryland Extension’s response to the huge new demand for information and assistance with starting and maintaining successful food gardens. Master Gardeners across Maryland have spent the past year working to educate their communities on the joys of gardening.

The one-hour presentation is free. Ms. Brown will provide information and assistance on sustainable, successful food gardens in your backyards. If residents have limited space or live in an apartment, she will also show participants how to start a container garden or how to join a local community garden.

Please contact Melissa Hynes at 410-848-7967 or at mhynes@westgov.com for more information on attending the presentation and/or joining a local community garden.

# # #

The City of Westminster Administration Department is located at 56 West Main Street. The department is responsible for overseeing the Planning, Zoning and Development, Finance, and Housing Departments. For more information, call 410-848-9000 or visit http://www.westminstermd.gov/.

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/grow-it-eat-it-campaign-comes-to.html http://tinyurl.com/ylkygk6

“Grow It, Eat It” Campaign Comes To Westminster - Md Master Gardener Diane Brown to host educational http://tinyurl.com/ylkygk6

20100219 Grow It Eat It Press Release Carroll Co Community Events, Westminster File community events, Westminster govt, Westminster Press Release

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2010/02/grow-it-eat-it-campaign-comes-to.html http://tinyurl.com/y8fpwy3

http://tinyurl.com/y8fpwy3 on www.kevindayhoff.org

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/399740396/grow-it-eat-it-campaign-comes-to-westminster

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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/

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Westminster government offices closed Wed Feb 10 2010

Westminster MD City offices will be closed on Wednesday, February 10, 2010.

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/12c8qb or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/381249035/westminster-md-government-offices-closed-wed-feb

City offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2010.

http://www.westgov.com/inclementweather.html

The Westminster street department has hardly caught a break this winter since the white stuff began to fall with a vengeance on December 19, 2010. In this picture from earlier in the winter, a Westminster snow removal truck struggles to keep up with the wintry-mix… Wednesday, February 3, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

[20100203 snow (7)c]

20100209 sdsom Westminster govt offices closed Wed Feb 10 2010 Weather Winter Snow, Westminster City Government, Westminster PW Street Dept, Westminster PW Street Dept photos

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http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/westminster-government-offices-closed.html http://tinyurl.com/yf593db

Westminster MD government offices closed Wed Feb 10 2010 http://tinyurl.com/yf593db http://twitpic.com/12c8qb http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/381249035/westminster-md-government-offices-closed-wed-feb

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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Upcoming meetings of Westminster city government

Upcoming meetings of Westminster city government

February 2, 2010: Arts and Culture Task Force – Carroll Arts Center

February 8, 2010: Council Meeting

February 11, 2010: Planning and Zoning Commission

February 22, 2010: Council meeting

For more information go to: http://www.westgov.com/

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/upcoming-meetings-of-westminster-city.html http://tinyurl.com/ylm2ozp

Upcoming meetings of Westminster MD city government http://tinyurl.com/ylm2ozp

20100200 sdsom Upcoming meetings of Westminster city government Westminster City Government, Westminster city govt meetings

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Westminster city government in the news

Westminster city government in the news:
http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/westminster-city-government-in-news.html
Here you can read about the City of Westminster in previous articles that have been published.

Source: http://www.westgov.com/news/news_main.html

Westminster City Government, Westminster City press

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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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Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/

My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Westminster City Hall, Emerald Hill, Westminster, MD

Westminster City Hall, Emerald Hill, Westminster, MD by Kevin Dayhoff March 26, 2009.

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/xw0k4 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/331927727/stories-about-westminster-city-government-by-kevin

[20090326 Emerald Hill Ked Line drawing 3best]

See also: Stories about Westminster city government by Kevin Dayhoff in 2009 http://tinyurl.com/ydhm4jq http://twitpic.com/xw0k4 http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/331927727/stories-about-westminster-city-government-by-kevin

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Articles and columns about Westminster city government in 2009

Articles and columns about contemporary Westminster city government by Kevin Dayhoff in 2009

Westminster electric Christmas parade winners announced Published December 15, 2009 by Westminster Eagle John Street Quarters at the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department was packed Monday night with participants from this year's Westminster Miracle on Main Street Holiday Electric Parade. The 10 winners in Westminster's first-ever electric light parade held ... ...

Westminster's holiday glow, from 'Kringling' to a parade of lights Published December 13, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle ... the best place in the world for the Christmas holidays. No Grinches allowed. When he is not masquerading through town looking at Christmas lights, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

Public safety, code issues among items at Westminster roundtables Published November 29, 2009 by Carroll Eagle ... recommended continuing the Main Street roundtable meetings on a monthly basis with the property owners and church representatives. — Kevin Dayhoff

Westminster to get federal stimulus grant Published October 29, 2009 by Westminster Eagle Westminster announced at Monday night’s mayor and Common Council meeting that 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 ... ...

Westminster city clerk dies Published October 9, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle Westminster and Carroll County officials are mourning the loss of City Clerk Laurell Taylor, who died at her home Thursday morning.“She was a very dedicated city employee,” Mayor Kevin Utz said in an interview with The Eagle. “She did everything asked of her ... ...

Budget woes dominate Westminster council meeting Published October 5, 2009 by Westminster Eagle The meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council last on Sept. 28 began with plenty of smiles, but the mood quickly turned somber as a discussion on budget woes dominated the balance of the evening. Mayor Kevin Utz conducted a public hearing on the ... ...

Westminster council meeting details city improvements and comprehensive plan Published July 25, 2009 by Westminster Eagle ... for the annual Christmas parade. With that, council president Damian Halstad gaveled the meeting to a close and folks quickly paraded out the door. Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/...

Dayhoff: New councilmember tackles alleged hit and run driver Published June 1, 2009 by Westminster Eagle, Carroll Eagle ... Westminster city police arrived and took control of the situation The accident is under investigation. All in a day’s work. Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. ...

Utz elected as new mayor of Westminster Published May 18, 2009 by Carroll Eagle ... with 130 votes; Eleanor DeMario, 105; William Gill, 130; and William Hughes, 58. — compiled by Kevin Dayhoff Incumbent, two newcomers elected council Hampstead Town Councilman Wayne Thomas won election along with newcomers Jamey Ayers and ... ...

Crunching numbers, and historic perspective, in Westminster election Published May 12, 2009 by Westminster Eagle ... “I’m humbled and anxious to get started.” The writer, Kevin Dayhoff, is a history columnist for The Eagle newspapers. He served as ... did his grandfather Frank Thomas Babylon for several years in the 1890s.

Utz elected as Westminster mayor Published May 11, 2009 by Westminster Eagle … the top vote-getter of the evening with 512 votes.Others in the council race were Darcel Harris (130 votes), Eleanor DeMario (105), William Gill (130) and William Hughes (58).— compiled by Kevin Dayhoff...

Dayhoff: How water drove the growth Westminster ... and still does Published May 4, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle ... 200 years after our community banded together to maintain a steady and reliable water supply. Feedback, questions, and comments are welcome in the readers’ comments section below. Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. ....

DAYHOFF: Cutting a ribbon on history at the Westminster Water Treatment Plant Published April 29, 2009 by Westminster Eagle ... prosper. Note: next week's column will review a more in-depth history of the story of the early Westminster water systems. Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster, where he served as mayor from 2001 to 2005. When he is not enjoying a great glass of Westminster ... ...

20100103 Articles about Wster govt in 2009 by KED Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays Westminster, History 2009 Yr in Review, Westminster, Westminster City Admin, Westminster City Government

Art: Westminster City Hall, Emerald Hill, Westminster, MD by Kevin Dayhoff March 26, 2009. [20090326 Emerald Hill Ked Line drawing 3best]

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/articles-and-columns-about-contemporary.html http://tinyurl.com/ydhm4jq

Stories about Westminster city government by Kevin Dayhoff in 2009 http://tinyurl.com/ydhm4jq http://twitpic.com/xw0k4 http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/331927727/stories-about-westminster-city-government-by-kevin

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Friday, October 09, 2009

Laurell Taylor, Westminster City Clerk since 2002, has died

Laurell Taylor, Westminster City Clerk since 2002, has died

October 9, 2009

Word spread quickly through the Carroll County community yesterday Westminster City Clerk Laurell Taylor died unexpectedly at her home in the early morning.

Before she was appointed City Clerk on February 11, 2002, she had served fourteen years Carroll County government, as an in-house attorney and administrator.

In Westminster she was appointed to replace Mr. John Dudderar who retired on January 31, 2002 after 37 years of service with the city. The city received over 110 applications for the position which were reviewed by the Westminster City Clerk Selection Committee for over a month.

During her tenure with Carroll County government, the county law department completed several major projects including the codification and computerization of county laws, regular staff training sessions, and the implementation of an overhaul of county laws. All of these experiences served her well with the City of Westminster.

Taylor participated actively in statewide and national organizations that impact local municipal governments, such as the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) and the International Municipal Law Officers' Association.

She was a graduate of Towson University and had a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

No further information is available at this time.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The current City of Westminster newsletter

The entire current City of Westminster Maryland newsletter may be found by clicking here: September 2009 (PDF)

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/jkwn1

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

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2009/09/current-city-of-westminster-newsletter.html http://tinyurl.com/yahgfkh

http://twitpic.com/jkwn1 The current City of Westminster Maryland newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/yahgfkh

Westminster City Admin, Westminster City Government, Westminster City newsletter, Westminster Mayor 2009 Utz Kevin

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Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/

My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

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Westminster City Discusses Budget Cuts

Westminster City Discusses Budget Cuts – September 18, 2009

CITY OF WESTMINSTER
56 West Main Street
Westminster, MD 21158
Phone 410-848-9000
Fax 410-857-7476

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 18, 2009
http://www.westgov.com/news/documents/CityofWestminsterpressrelease--BudgetCuts.pdf

Contact: Marge Wolf
Phone: 410-848-9000

WESTMINSTER CITY DISCUSSES BUDGET CUTS

Westminster, MD -“These are challenging financial times for municipal governments,” stated city of Westminster mayor, Kevin Utz. “We are two months into the 2009 fiscal year and are now faced with a reduction of over $800,000 in our state revenue projections. A bad financial picture just got worse.”

The State Board of Public Works approved a package of budget cuts last week that included a 90% reduction in Highway User Revenues to local jurisdictions. The City had budgeted $747,850 and will instead be receiving $74,785. In addition, they reduced the State Aid to Police funding from $392,040 to $254,826, a reduction of 35%.

“In a General Fund with $13Million in total revenues, this is a 6% cut. With a cut of this magnitude we are looking at a variety of options to bring our budget into balance,” continued Mayor Utz, “including eliminating services or programs, cancelling capital projects and equipment purchases, examining the take home vehicle program, freezing employee salaries and benefits—everything is on the table for discussion.

A hiring freeze has already been implemented and we do not expect to fill any vacant positions. No new projects or programs beyond those already funded will be implemented.

Unfortunately, we expect that further cuts will be needed after the revenues are projected again in December and FY2011 looks to be even bleaker. I will be working with state, county, and municipal government partners, as well as the Maryland Municipal League to seek solutions to this problem.”

For the past two fiscal years, the financial picture has been deteriorating for local governments, with reductions in revenues from the housing sector, transportation, and property tax assessments to substantial increases in utility costs, gasoline costs, and health care. Unfortunately, at the municipal level, government provides basic quality of life services—and when these services are reduced, citizens suffer.

To cope with the reduced revenues and increased costs, the City of Westminster instituted staff lay-offs, postponed the street repaving project and increased the employee share of health benefits in FY2009. Merit increases and cost of living adjustments were eliminated and a new health care plan and provider were implemented in the FY2010 budget. City of Westminster

Page 2

We will continue to provide information on possible reductions as the Mayor and Council discuss the options and develop a plan to balance the budget. Updates will also be provided on the website www.westminstermd.gov.

###

The City of Westminster Administration Department is located at 56 West Main Street. This department oversees all of the departments in the General Government and is the central location for the City. For more information, call 410-848-9000 or visit www.westminstermd.gov.

20090918 Westminster City Discusses Budget Cuts

Here you can read about the City of Westminster in previous articles that have been published.

http://www.westgov.com/news/news_main.html

Nonprofits benefit from FallFest, Carroll County Times
FallFest to set aside time for children with special needs, Carroll County Times
September 20, 2009 Proclaimed National Neighborhood Day, Press Release
Westminster passes public decency acts, Carroll County Times
Maryland budget reductions mean 6% cuts to Westminster, Carroll County Times
Westminster City discusses budget cuts, Press Release
Toilet Rebate Program a success, Carroll County Times
Water project earns stimulus grant money, Carroll County Times
Westminster buildings to undergo energy audits, Carroll County Times
City linking to crime website, Carroll County Times
Electronics recycling program set to launch, Carroll County Times
Red-light cameras awaiting final OK, Carroll County Times
Recreation and Parks News, Press Release
Toilet Rebate Program, Press Release
Westminster Comprehensive Plan maps out water future, Carroll County Times
Westminster housing variety highlighted, Carroll County Times
Westminster OKs Streetscape bid, Carroll County Times
Plan takes look at future of Westminster water woes, Advocate
Cutting a ribbon on history at the Westminster Water Treatment Plant, Westminster Eagle
Shop with a Cop, Carroll County Times
Building to undergo reconstruction, Advocate
Westminster Clock Tower restoration, Carroll County Times
Westminster: City likes what it sees in Carroll County's Comprehensive Plan, Carroll County Times
City promoting water conservation through grants, Advocate
Upgrade could be done by winter, Carroll County Times

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