Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack

Thursday, July 24, 2008

2008 CARROLL COUNTY 4-H & FFA FAIR SCHEDULE

2008 CARROLL COUNTY 4-H & FFA FAIR SCHEDULE

http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/2008/PDFs/Schedule%20of%20Events.pdf

http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/

Saturday, July 26, 2008, 7:00 PM Combine Demolition Derby - Upper Horse Ring:

http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/2008/PDFs/2008%20Combine%20Demo%20Derby%20%20Good%20_3_.pdf

Westminster, MD 21158 - Carroll County 4-H & FFA Fair weather forecast from “Weatherbug.”

Friday July 25, 2008 through Sunday night

Friday: Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
_____

(Subject to change without notice)

May 16, 2008 Activity Book

May 16, 2008 Writing Entries Due

June 16, 2008 Fair Entry Deadline

July 3, 2008 Grandparent Essay Contest Entries due

July 7, 2008 Vegetable, Flower & Herb Gardens Judged

July 12, 2008 Fashion Fun Fest

July 16, 2008 Rabbit Judging Practicum

July 19, 2008- 8:00 Barn Setup Livestock Area - Shipley Building

July 19, 2008- 12:00 Mandatory Livestock Orientation - Shipley Building

July 19, 2008- 8:00-3:00 Exhibitor packets & parking passes handed out - Shipley Building

July 19, 2008- 9:00 AM Arc Welding Contest

July 20, 2008- 8:00AM Red Building (Indoor Exhibit Area) Setup

July 20, 2008- 8:00AM-2:00 Exhibitor packets & parking passes handed out - Red Building

July 20, 2008-8:00AM Livestock Area Setup if needed - Shipley Building

THURSDAY JULY 24, 2008

8:00 AM Fair Beautification Set-up - Fair Grounds

9:00AM - 12:00PM Booths & Banners Entered - Red Building

9:00 AM -12:00 PM Engineering & Technology Exhibits Entered & Judged - Red Building

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Shoe Box Floats Entered - Red Building

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Craft Department Exhibits Entered & Judged - Red Building

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM General Dept. Exhibits Entered & Judged - Red Building

FRIDAY JULY 25, 2008

9:00 AM Tractor Operator Contest & Certification - Gessell Parking Lot

10:00AM Fair Beautifications Exhibits Judges - Fair Grounds

11:00AM Garden Tractor/ Small Engine Operator Contest - Gessell Parking Lot

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Garden Exhibits Entered and Judged - Red Building

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Mechanical Arts Entered - Therapeutic Ring

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Photography Dept. Entered and Judged - Red Building

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Clothing Entered & Judged - Red Building

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Silk & Dried Floral Exhibits Entered - Red Building

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Art Department Exhibits Entered and Judged - Red Building

12 Noon -5:00 PM Poultry Exhibits Entered - Poultry Barn

5:00 PM Tractor Pull - Farm Stock (Gates open at 4pm) - Upper Horse Ring

7:30 PM Tractor Pull - Interstate Tractor Pullers - Upper Horse Ring

SATURDAY JULY 26, 2008

8:00 AM Breeding Swine, Breeding Sheep, Breeding Meat Goats Exhibits in Place - Shipley Building

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Carroll County Farmers Market - Lower Parking Lot

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Woodworking Department Exhibits Entered and Judged - Red Building

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM INDOOR BUILDING CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC FOR JUDGING - Red Building

9:00 AM Bicycle Contest - Farm Museum

9:00 AM Breeding Beef Heifer Exhibits in Place - Shipley Building

9:00 AM Breeding Swine show followed by Breeding Meat Goat, Breeding Beef Heifer and Breeding Sheep Show - Shipley Building

9:00 AM Rocket Entry and Judging – Gessell

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Ag Commodities Entered and Judged - Red Building

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Canning Entered and Judged - Red Building

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Club Books Entered and Judged - Red Building

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Natural Resources Entered and Judged - Red Building

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Home Environment Entered and Judged - Red Building

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Family Life Entered and Judged - Red Building

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Wool Exhibits entered only (Judging on Tuesday) - Red Building

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Plants and Flowers Entered and Judged - Red Building

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Clover Department Exhibits Entered and Judged - Red Building

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Robotics Demonstration - Activity Tent

9:00 AM Antique Tractor Show - Vendor Area

10:00 AM Alpaca Show - Shipley Building

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Lost Arts Department Exhibits Entered and Judged - Red Building

12:00 PM Rockets Launched – Gessell

12:00 PM Children's Pedal Pull Registration - In Front of Shipley Building

1:00 PM Children's Pedal Pull - In Front of Shipley Building

1:00 PM - 10:00 PM Indoor Exhibits Open to the Public - Red Building

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Service Learning Exhibits Entered and Judged - Red Building

3:00 PM Consumer Education Judging Contest - Extension Office

4:00 PM Clover Food Entry Bake Sale - Red Building

5:00 PM Family Fun Fest - Activity Tent

7:00 PM 21 the Difference (Band) - Activity Tent

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Market Livestock Arrive at Fair - Shipley Building

6:30 PM Be a Farmer Contest - Ag Sravgantza Tent

7:00 PM Combine Demolition Derby - Upper Horse Ring

Sunday July 27, 2008

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Market Livestock Exhibits arrive at Fair - Shipley Building

8:00 AM Automotive Contest - Gessell Parking Lot

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Indoor Exhibit Building open to the public - Red Building

9:00 AM Dog Show – TBD

9:00 AM Market Goat Weigh In - Shipley Building

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Rabbit Exhibits Entered - Rabbit Barn

9:00AM - 3PM Antique Tractor Show - Vendor Area

10:00 AM Non-Denominational Worship (Christian Farmers) - Shipley Building

10:00 AM Market Swine followed by Market Sheep weigh In - Shipley Building

10:00 AM Carriage ShowUpper - Horse Ring

11:00 AM Mule Show and Jump Lower - Horse Ring

12:00 PM Gospel Travelers Concert - Activity Tent

12:00 PM Livestock Orientation - Shipley Building

12:00 PM Children's Pedal Pull Registration - In Front of Shipley

1:00 PM Children's Pedal Pull - In Front of Shipley

2:30 PM Battle of the Gospel Groups - Activity Tent

3:00 PM Clover Small Pet Show - Shipley Building

3:30 PM Small Animal Dress Up - Shipley Building

4:00 PM Clover Poultry Exhibits Judged - Poultry Barn

5:30 PM Parade Line Up - Farm Museum

6:00 PM Parade - Fair Grounds

7:30 PM Carroll County Farm Bureau Ambassador Contest - Activity Tent

7:30 PM Exhibitor Appreciation Concert with Twenty For Seven - Upper Horse Ring

Monday July 28, 2008

8:00 AM Rabbit Exhibits Judged - Rabbit Barn

8:00 AM English Horse Show - Lower Horse Rings

8:00 AM Beef Steers in Place/Weigh In - Shipley Building

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Indoor Exhibit Building Open to the Public - Red Building

9:00 AM Poultry Exhibits Judged - Poultry Barn

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Dairy Cattle Exhibits Entered - Shipley Building

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Dairy Steers Exhibits Entered - Shipley Building

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Dairy Goat Exhibits Entered - Shipley Building

12:00 PM Meat Goat Department Show - Shipley Building

2:00 PM Poultry Showmanship Contest - Poultry Barn

3:00 PM Beef Clip Out Contest - Shipley Building

5:00 PM Mini Fashion Review - Activity Tent

5:30 PM Sheep Showmanship, Shepherd Classes and Club Groups to follow -
Shipley Building

6:00 PM Carroll County Performing Arts Club - Activity Tent

7:00 PM Dairy Cattle Exhibits in Place - Shipley Building

7:15 PM Dairy Goat Orientation - Tent in front of Shipley

7:30 PM Demolition Derby - Upper Horse Ring

7:30 PM Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Orientation - Tent in front of Shipley

8:30 PM Dairy Fit Out Contest - Shipley Building

Tuesday July 29, 2008

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Dairy Steer Weigh In - Shipley Building

8:00 AM Swine Showmanship - Shipley Building

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Indoor Exhibit Building Open to Building - Red Building

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Children's Day Activities - Activity Tent

9:00 AM Dairy Goat Fitting & Showing Followed by Breeding Goat Show - Tent in front of Shipley

9:30 AM Horticulture Judging Contest - Extension Building

3:00 PM Dairy Goat Team Fit-Out Contest - Shipley Building

4:00 PM Shepherds Lead Contest- Shipley Arena - Shipley Building

5:30 PM Market Sheep Show - Shipley Building

7:00 PM Skid Steer Contest - Upper Horse Ring

7:00 PM Entertainment-TBA - Activity Tent

Wednesday July 30, 2008

8:00 AM Western Horse Show - Lower Horse Rings

9:00 AM Rabbit Fitting & Showing - Rabbit Barn

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Indoor Building Closed to the Public for Judging of Baked Goods – Red Building

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Food Exhibits Entered and Judged - Red Building

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Nathan Blizzard Hall Closed for Cake Auction - Nathan Blizzard Halls

3:00 PM Market Swine Show - Shipley Building

1:00 PM - 10:00 PM Medford & Alesia Buildings Open to the Public - Medford & Alesia

6:15 PM Hall of Fame and Friends of the Fair Awards - Activity Tent

6:00 PM - 10:30 PM Bake sale items (not included in cake auction) - Red Building

7:00 PM Cake Auction - Activity Tent

7:00 PM Horse Pull - Upper Horse Ring

Thursday July 31, 2008

8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sr. Citizen Exhibits Entered and Judged - Blizzard Building

9:00 AM- 10:00 PM Indoor Exhibit Building Open to Public - Red Building

8:30 AM Dairy Judging Contest - Shipley Building

10 AM - 12:00 PM Small Pet Exhibits Entered and Judged - Red Building - Small pet Exhibits will be released after judging

10:00 AM Poultry Judging Contest - Poultry Barn

12:00 PM Beef Cattle Fitting & Showing Contest followed by Dairy Steer Fitting and Showing Contest starting approx. 2:30 - Shipley Building

1:00 PM Written Rabbit Judging Contest - Rabbit Barn

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Sr. Citizen Social - Activity Tent

5:00 PM Market Steer Show - Red Building

6:30 PM Grandparents contest Winners Announced - Activity Tent

7:00 PM DJ and Dancing - Activity Tent

7:00 PM Mule Pull - Upper Horse Ring

7:00 PM Rabbit Awards Program - Rabbit Barn

7:00 PM Poultry Awards Program - Poultry Barn

Friday August 1, 2008

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Indoor Building Open to the Public - Red Building

9:00 AM Dairy Cattle Fitting and Showing followed by Dairy Breed Shows -
Shipley Building

9:00 AM Livestock Judging Contest - Shipley Building

2:30 PM Sr. Citizen Exhibits Released - Blizzard Hall

3:30 PM 4-H FFA Fair Exhibitor Awards Program - Activity Tent

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Pit Beef & Pork Dinner – Cafeteria

5:30 PM Livestock Sale - Shipley Building

6:00 PM Jay Henley & Stone Broke Band - Upper Horse Ring

8:00 PM Lady Antebellum Concert - Upper Horse Ring

8:00 PM Silent Auction closes - Shipley Building

9:00 PM Silent Auction winners posted - Shipley Building

10:00 PM Raffle Drawing winner announced - Information Booth

Saturday August 2, 2008

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Carroll County Farmers Market - Parking Lot

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Poultry Exhibits Released - Poultry Barn

9:30 AM Indoor Exhibits Released - Red Building

9:30 AM All remaining Livestock exhibits release - Shipley Building

FOR EVERY EXHIBITOR - following exhibit release, Fair Clean Up begins and continues through Sunday August 3 until grounds returned to pre-fair condition.

Wednesday August 6, 2008

7:30PM Fair Evaluation Meeting open to all Extension Office

20080724 CC 4H FFA Fair Schedule

2008 CARROLL COUNTY 4-H & FFA FAIR SCHEDULE

2008 CARROLL COUNTY 4-H & FFA FAIR SCHEDULE

http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/2008/PDFs/Schedule%20of%20Events.pdf

http://www.carrollcountyfair.com/

Carroll County Times Editorial for Sunday, July 20, 2008: Westminster shutting out the public

Carroll County Times Editorial for Sunday, July 20, 2008: Westminster shutting out the public

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/07/22/news/opinion/editorial/editorial572.txt

Last week's aborted attempt by Westminster officials to circumvent the bidding process for a multi-million dollar roadwork contract was just the latest in a string of questionable actions that should have residents concerned about how their government is being run and whether the city is fiscally sound.

In May, the city advertised as required by law that it would not be lowering the tax rate to maintain a constant yield with rising revenue. As tax and assessment revenues increase, the state says that governments should lower the tax rate to maintain a constant yield. If they don't, they have to advertise the defacto tax increase.

Most municipalities don't decrease taxes, so Westminster not doing so wasn't unusual. What was unusual, however, was that city officials could provide no expense numbers prior to the May constant yield hearing, and they could not explain how they knew they would need additional tax revenue if they didn't have the expense numbers.

To further muddy the picture, the city then produced a "narrative" budget, touting it as easier to follow and good for residents. The narrative, however, did not include a breakdown of revenues and expenses.

Not surprisingly, with no real numbers and scant facts on expenses and revenues available, few people attended the constant yield hearing.

Weeks later, after not holding a public hearing on the budget, and with little discussion of the budget in open sessions, the council approved the current fiscal year's budget.

Officials never could explain why they didn't want to hold a public hearing.

Given the lack of open discussion, as well as the unavailability of real budget numbers, residents may be concerned that either their council voted on something they had no real knowledge of, or the council talked secretly - and illegally - outside public meetings to hash out the details and hid that from residents.

Last week, the city announced it would be firing several employees and consolidating some positions in an effort to save money. The week before, the city had to hold an emergency meeting in order to give the mayor the authority to sign for a $3.5 million loan for road projects. Originally city officials planned to circumvent the bidding process and give the contract to C.J. Miller. But last week they thought better of ignoring the city charter on putting contracts out to bid and removed the rubber stamp approval from the constent agenda.

Juggling the intricacies of a municipal government can be challenging for anyone, and there are sure to be missteps along the way. But what has emerged in Westminster since the beginning of this year's budget process is more than a few simple missteps and more closely resembles a concerted effort to hide the city's finances from public view.

The mayor and council need to return to the basic concept of doing public business at public meetings. They need to stop treating the public as intruders, and they need make a full accounting of the city's finances and why they have thrown up so many barriers to public participation in the budget process this year.

20080720 Carroll County Times Westminster shutting out the public

Westminster Governance open and transparent govt, Westminster Mayor 200505 to 2009 Thomas K. Ferguson

Carroll County Times Editorial for Sunday, July 20, 2008: Westminster shutting out the public

Carroll County Times Editorial for Sunday, July 20, 2008: Westminster shutting out the public

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/07/22/news/opinion/editorial/editorial572.txt

Taylorsville United Methodist Church sermons by Pastor Sarah Dorrance

Taylorsville United Methodist Church sermons by Pastor Sarah Dorrance

July 24, 2008

Full link to download sermons: http://www.taylorsvilleumc.org/Sermons/

July 6, 2008: “Divine Appointments” Isaiah 52: 6-9 ; Romans 10: 9-15
2008-07-06 divine appointments.mp3

July 13, 2008: “God of all Comfort” Psalm 40: 1-5; 1-2; 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7
2008-07-13 God of all comfort.mp3

July 20, 2008: “Blessed to be a Blessing” Genesis 12: 1-5; Romans 4: 13-16
2008-07-20 blessed to be a blessing.mp3

July 27, 2008: “Why am I a Methodist?” Matt 22: 34-40; Ephesians 2: 1-8

4356 Ridge Road
Mt Airy, MD 21771

Tel: 410-875-4101

Office Hours: Mon. & Wed. 9:00 am—Noon
Other Office Hours by appointment
E-mail:taylorsvilleumc@comcast.net

Schedule of Special Events

August 3rd– 6:00 pm Pizza and movie night for youth with Pastor Sarah. Come talk about next year’s plans.

August 24th Church Picnic—All are invited! Worship will be at 10:30 am at the Lions Club Ball Field. We will have worship outside, pot luck lunch, softball, games and more.

Worship—Every Sunday at 11:00 am
Sunday School at 9:45 am

Related: For other posts and information on Taylorsville United Methodist Church see:

religion taylorsville united or Religion Taylorsville United Methodist Church or Religion Taylorsville United Methodist Church

Taylorsville United Methodist Church videos on Kevin Dayhoff’s YouTube account

20080724 Taylorsville United Methodist Church sermons by Pastor Sarah Dorrance

Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff – July 23, 2008

Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff – July 23, 2008

Related: “explorecarroll” website unveiled for the Westminster, Eldersburg and Sunday Carroll Eagle

July 23, 2008

Viva la bicyclette de Carroll
Published July 23, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Today, as you are reading this, the 95th Tour de France is in Stage 17. This year's race began on July 5. After 23 days,...

Memories from City Hall and e-mail from the great beyond
Published July 20, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Westminster purchased the property for its City Hall, on Emerald Hill Lane, from the estate of George W. Albaugh in September 1939 for the grand...

Appreciating Tony Snow's passion for life
Published July 16, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Saturday, July 12, former White House press secretary Tony Snow, 53, died of cancer. I certainly never knew him, yet after following his too-short career for...

Westminster's Civil War role didn't end at Corbit's Charge
Published July 13, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
The last several weeks have been busy in Carroll County, and one of the busiest was during the June 27-29 events surrounding the commemoration of...

Smith & Reifsnider was too hot to handle in July 1938
Published July 9, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Seventy years ago, Carroll County was reeling from the aftermath of fireworks of an unwelcome variety -- one of the biggest fires in the county's...

What a concept: sharing the wealth and pain of tax increases
Published July 6, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
"Gov. (William Preston) Lane does not like taxes ... but as long as you have colleges to take your money, ... you are to have...

The merry marry month of June
Published July 2, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
As we say goodbye to the month of June, bachelors can breathe a sigh of relief that they've survived what has historically been the traditional...

Years ago, trip to the beach required help from a little ferry
Published June 29, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
EAGLE ARCHIVE For many Carroll County residents, summertime means an opportunity to make an annual family trek to Ocean City, Md. Some of my fondest childhood memories...

Westminster's past included days of swine and meters
Published June 25, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
There have been many critter problems in the history of Westminster, but none seems to have caused as much a stir as what to do...

20080723 Recent WE and SCE columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

This week in The Tentacle - Wednesday, July 23, 2008

This week in The Tentacle - Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Fetching Food and Politics
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Every third Wednesday in July the Maryland State Capital, if not the center of the Maryland political universe, moves from Annapolis to Crisfield for the annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake.

This year marked the 32nd occasion for the storied unique mixture of great southern Eastern Shore hospitality, tradition, Maryland seafood, and some of the best people watching of the year.

Last Wednesday was a beautiful, hot, and humid Maryland summer day at the quintessential Eastern Shore community situated within sight of the Chesapeake Bay on Tangier Sound, where the Manokin, Annemessex, and Pocomoke Rivers come together.

I, along with fellow Tentacle.com columnist Chris Cavey, spent a delightful afternoon at the event with a number of good friends from Central Maryland.

Read the rest of the column here: Fetching Food and Politics

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Cartoons Capture Cinema
Roy Meachum
As readers know, Bob Miller has me on his Morning News Express (WFMD*930AM) to talk about films and plays. We chat every Friday shortly before nine, when his program ends. This is why I can be spotted hanging around movie theatres.

Ireland or Bust
Nick Diaz
My wife and I are leaving for Dublin tomorrow. No, not Dublin, Virginia, nor Dublin, Ohio. Not even Dublin, California.

Monday, July 21, 2008
Building Community Capacity
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
How do we measure the health of a community? Is it wealth-based? Maybe a healthy community is one wherein there are enough jobs paying a sufficiently high wage to sustain a family.

The Enemy Within
Steven R. Berryman
Vacationing in Bethany Beach, Delaware, took me past the iconic sub-watch towers, still positioned as they were during World War II, standing guard at the shoreline. These fortified cylindrical monoliths at one time dotted the East Coast from Maine to Florida, protecting our borders from invasion.

Friday, July 18, 2008
I Am Not Amused
Roy Meachum
A great deal of ruckus happened in the national media; the chuckling and tsk-tsking came over that New Yorker cover. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, please go back to your computer war game.

The Suicide of Earthworms
John W. Ashbury
Is there a reason that earthworms have taken to committing suicide by crawling out of the ground and crossing sidewalks all over Frederick County, only to die from the heat before getting to the other side? Why the chicken crossed the road poses a similar explanation.

Thursday, July 17, 2008
Bull Hockey and The Reverend Jackson
Chris Cavey
Last Saturday was the 5th Annual D.C. Testicle Festival sponsored by the Montana State Society. The event was in Arlington, Virginia, and once again just a little too far for me to travel for a four-hour event on a busy summer Saturday.

The Implications of Illegal Immigration
Joan McIntyre
There are so many hot issues to talk about this week, such as Waste To Energy (WTE), the economy, gas prices, housing foreclosures, car sales, layoffs and many more. But one, which seems to be slipping from the Number One spot it used to fill, needs to be brought back to the forefront again.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
R.I.P. Tony Snow
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Last Saturday former White House press secretary, Fox News commentator and well-known columnist, Tony Snow, died of cancer at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington. He was but 53 years old.

The Good Reverends
Tom McLaughlin
Sen. Barack Obama sure is having problems with preachers. First it was the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and now the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Both have added a sense of amusement to the campaign.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Killing the Messenger
Roy Meachum
In the 25 years my writings have appeared in local media, I have become accustomed to being measured for a virtual coffin. My publisher for most of the time, George Delaplaine, put up a strong shield around the News-Post's right to print diverse opinions, including mine.

A Beautiful Friendship?
Farrell Keough
So many interesting events have taken place since my last entry here that it was difficult to decide what to write about. But, a Herculean accomplishment is taking place within this county, and it needs to touted.

Monday, July 14, 2008
Obama's Dilemma
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
Presidential campaigns are fraught with challenges and obstacles. One of the biggest is how, in a national race in the cable television age, can a candidate define himself and his opponent in a way that highlights differences without alienating too many voters.

From The Desk of the Publisher!
John W. Ashbury
Steve Berryman, whose column usually appears in this space every Monday, is on vacation. His unique views will return next week.

20080723 This week in The Tentacle

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

July 7, 1958 – Anchorage Daily News: Ike signs statehood bill

July 7, 1958 – Anchorage Daily News: Ike signs statehood bill

Ike signs statehood bill

Puts Signature to Legislation at White House

(July 7, 1958) WASHINGTON — President Eisenhower today signed into law the bill to make Alaska the 49th state.

The president put his signature on the historic legislation at 3:20 p.m. EDT in his White House office.

After signing the bill, the president looked up and commented to Gerald Morgan, White House special counsel, "Now we have 49 states." But the president quickly added, "Maybe we don't do it until the plebiscite."

Morgan replied, "We don't do it until the plebiscite."

They were referring to the fact that Alaskan voters still must approve the terms of statehood in a referendum to be held in December. Only after that will Alaskan statehood become a reality.

The president advised Gov. Michael A. Stepovich of Alaska by letter that the bill had been signed as required by one of its provisions.

"As you start the procedure that will, I hope, result in the admission of Alaska into the union as a state, you and the people of Alaska have my very best wishes," Eisenhower wrote.

In his statement, the president said he had requested Defense Secretary Neil H. McElroy to review U.S. military needs in Alaska in accordance with a provision authorizing "special national defense withdrawals to assure that the defense requirements of our nation are adequately protected."

In a statement issued shortly after the signing, the president said he was pleased with the Alaskan action but "extremely disturbed over reports that no action is contemplated by the current Congress" on legislation to admit Hawaii.

"I personally believe that Hawaii has qualified for statehood equally with Alaska," he declared. "The thousands of loyal, patriotic Americans in Hawaii who suffered the ravages of World War II with us and who experienced the first disastrous attack upon Pearl Harbor must not be forgotten."

Related: 19590630 Col Marston and Mayor Anderson stand in front of 49 star flag

And… US state Alaska, US state Alaska Anchorage, US state Alaska history, President 1953 34 Eisenhower - Dwight David Eisenhower, US state Hawaii, US state Hawaii history,

19580707 Anchorage Daily News: Ike signs statehood bill

June 30, 1958 – Col Marston and Mayor Anderson stand in front of 49 star flag hung from the Federal Building in Anchorage

June 30, 1958 – Col Marston and Mayor Anderson stand in front of 49 star flag hung from the Federal Building in Anchorage

June 30, 1958 – July 2008

Anchorage Daily News

This year, in celebration of Alaska becoming the 49th state in the United States in 1959; the Anchorage Daily News has been publishing, once a month, a vintage broadsheet of the paper from 50 years ago.

It has been a delightful series. My brother-in-law, from Anchorage, just gave me the latest installment and I really enjoyed the photograph of:

“Col Muktuk (Marvin R.) Marston, left, with Mayor Anton Anderson in front of a 48-star flag with a 49th attached, hung from the Federal Building in Anchorage in celebration of statehood on June 30, 1958. Marston was a member of the Constitutional Convention.”

19590630 Col Marston and Mayor Anderson stand in front of 49 star flag

Monday, July 21, 2008

20080721 Nags Head Outer Banks North Carolina The Three Lifeguards

Nags Head, Outer Banks North Carolina: "The Three Lifeguards"

© Kevin Dayhoff http://www.kevindayhoff.net/

20080721 Nags Head Outer Banks North Carolina The Three Lifeguards

AP: Facebook gets a facelift to help users share

20080721 AP Facebook gets a facelift to help users share

Facebook gets a facelift to help users share

By ANICK JESDANUN, AP Internet Writer, Jul 21, 7:33 AM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) -- The popular online hangout Facebook is sporting a new look to reflect changes in how its members communicate with each other and how they share photos and updates about their lives.

Central to the redesign, to be unveiled Monday, is an expanded Wall, the section of a member's personal profile page where friends can leave comments and photos. People will now be able to add items more easily, and the Wall will incorporate reports on a user's activities previously found on a user's "Mini-Feed."

The development comes as Facebook and rival MySpace from News Corp. vie to become the central hub of online communications. Both sites are reorganizing their layouts this summer to reduce clutter and make information easier to find.

[…]

Read the rest of the article here: Facebook gets a facelift to help users share

Virginian Pilot: Tropical Storm Cristobal grazes coast, mostly skips wildfires

20080721 Virginian Pilot: Tropical Storm Cristobal grazes coast, mostly skips wildfires

Tropical Storm Cristobal grazes coast, mostly skips wildfires

By Alicia P.Q. Wittmeyer The Virginian-Pilot © July 21, 2008

The first tropical storm of the season to threaten the United States grazed the Outer Banks, bringing some showers and wind but saving most of its fury for the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

"There is little to nothing on land now," National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Rusnak said about 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Most of the Outer Banks, he said, "just saw a showery day."

As of 8 p.m., Tropical Storm Cristobal was 25 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., moving northeast at 8 mph, heading out to sea.

A cold front coming from the northwest is expected to help push the storm out to sea today, Rusnak said, although the front will bring its own set of showers and thunderstorms.

The strongest winds at the coast were recorded at Cape Hatteras, which got up to between 30 and 35 mph, Rusnak said. Winds of up to 50 mph were recorded offshore, but "nothing near that by the coast," he said.

Rainfall was expected to be 1 to 2 inches, with up to 4 to 5 inches expected in some areas. Not much of that rain fell on either the fire burning in the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge or the fire at the Great Dismal Swamp, Rusnak said.

And none of it fell in Duck…

[…]

Read the rest here: Tropical Storm Cristobal grazes coast, mostly skips wildfires

20080716 Being and artist and growing up in Carroll County by Lyndi McNulty

16.JUL.08 Eye for Art: Being an artist and growing up in Carroll

Eye for Art: “Being an artist and growing up in Carroll” by Lyndi McNulty

“There is no better place to be an artist than Carroll County,” exclaimed Kevin Dayhoff of Westminster. “Lots of people have asked me what it is like to grow up an artist here. It’s great. Growing up in Carroll County you learn self-sufficiency, independent thinking and personal responsibility. You learn that the world doesn’t owe you a living because you are a writer and an artist,” he said.

“There is a great sense of artistic collaboration in Carroll County that comes from our agricultural heritage, such as when folks got together and did barn raising,” he said.

“I grew up an artist and a writer. My mom, my dad and my friends were very supportive. My father was a painter and a woodworking artist, creating both art and beautiful furniture out of wood, and mother is a culinary artist,” Dayhoff reflected.

“One of my earliest discoveries with art was drawing cartoons and caricatures. I used to sit in class and draw caricatures of the teachers. Even today, I continue to draw postcard size caricatures of daily events, vacations and people in the news. I make my own vacation ‘mail art’ postcards,” he said, laughing.

“‘Mail art’ opened up the world for me long before the internet. After almost two decades, I still have a collaborative mail art partner in Japan.”

Combination of talents

“My main preoccupations growing up were reading, art, writing short stories, and plants. I was very fortunate to put them all together and make a living. That is how I got into landscaping. After all, landscaping is a 3-D mixed media assemblage with plants,” Dayhoff said.

“I also learned that if I spent hours doing a collage I ended up with a storage problem. But, if I drew a landscape design and did a landscape collage with plants, I got paid for it.” In 1974 Dayhoff started a landscaping, designing and nursery business. That business also gave him time to do art and write.

Dayhoff’s work from the 1980s and 1990s included art created on copying machines, color experimentation, collaging and new technologies.

Since his first art show at the Theatre Project in Baltimore in 1981, Dayhoff has been exhibiting art, including mixed media collages, drawings, sculpture and photography.

“I have had a lifelong interest in color [and] spatial relationships putting together incongruent objects. In recent years I have expanded my use of technology to collage with a digital camera, a scanner and a computer. I was inspired by Sue Bloom, a McDaniel art professor, who uses computers to create art,” he said.

“The collages are about putting seemingly disparate items and qualities together to give them a new meaning and a new purpose,” Dayhoff explained. “A lot of the collages began to come off the page into a much more sculptural element as a result of the inspiration of Wasyl Palijezuk, a now retired art professor at McDaniel College.”

Dayhoff has taught art, horticultural and landscape design as an adjunct faculty member for Carroll Community College.

On display

He has exhibited his art for the Carroll County Arts Council for the past two decades as well as at other venues.

“There are so many opportunities for art and culture to flourish in Westminster,” he said. “Capitalizing upon the successes of Common Ground on the Hill, the McDaniel and Carroll Community College Art community and the Carroll Arts Center Carroll, Westminster is the perfect place for art studios, art galleries and artists to live and work, especially on Pennsylvania Avenue and Main Street.”

“Growing up an artist has always been an advantage in my life as it teaches you to be a collaborative and creative problem solver and think outside of the box,” Dayhoff said.

He can be contacted at kdayhoff AT carr DOT org.

— Lyndi McNulty is owner of Gizmos Art in Westminster.

Art, Art – Eye for Art Lyndi McNulty Advocate, Dayhoff bio and disclosures

http://westminsteradvocate.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=3728&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1322&hn=westminsteradvocate&he=.com

Meeting to address water and sewage rate structure by Bryan Schutt for the Carroll County Times

Meeting to address water and sewage rate structure by Bryan Schutt for the Carroll County Times

Meeting to address water and sewage rate structure

By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer

Monday, July 21, 2008

A water and sewage rate structure study will likely show the need for Westminster to raise its water rates and correct deficiencies in the current billing structure, according to several city officials.

The study, which was started last winter by Municipal and Financial Services Group, will be unveiled during the July 28 meeting of the mayor and Common Council. The meeting will not be a public hearing and the rate structure will not be set then, but residents will have the chance to voice their concerns or thoughts on the study.

Although the city has not made the study available to the public, Mayor Thomas Ferguson said the current rate structure is essentially upside down and the city is generating insufficient reserves from the current billing system.

He said the rate structure, which has been in place for decades, basically has a quantity discount, which is one point the study examines.

Another area that he believes the study will address is the rate structure and financial risks involved for residents in and outside of city limits. Currently, people out of the city limits pay slightly higher water rates, the mayor said.

[…]

Reach staff writer Bryan Schutt at 410-857-7886 or bryan.schutt@carrollcountytimes.com.

If you go

What: Second monthly meeting of the mayor and Common Council

Why: To discuss the water and sewer rate structure study

Where: John Street Quarters of the Westminster Fire Hall, 28 John St.

When: 7 p.m. July 28

Information: City Hall, 410-848-9000

Read the rest here: Meeting to address water and sewage rate structure

20080721 Meeting to address water and sewage rate structure by Bryan Schutt for the Carroll County Times

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Grammy and Aunt Betty patrol for dolphins

Grammy and Aunt Betty patrol for dolphins

The Babylons at Nags Head, Outer Banks, North Carolina July 18-26, 2008

Grammy and Aunt Betty take a walk on the beach and keep an eye out for dolphins...

07/20/2008 © Kevin Dayhoff

20080720 Grammy and Aunt Betty patrol for dolphins

20080718 Real Clear Politics: The Audacity of Hope by Charles Krauthammer

20080718 "The Audacity of Hope" by Charles Krauthammer

Real Clear Politics: The Audacity of Hope by Charles Krauthammer

July 18, 2008 The Audacity of Vanity By Charles Krauthammer

WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama wants to speak at the Brandenburg Gate.
He figures it would be a nice backdrop. The supporting cast -- a cheering audience and a few fainting frauleins -- would be a picturesque way to bolster his foreign policy credentials.

What Obama does not seem to understand is that the Brandenburg Gate is something you earn. President Reagan earned the right to speak there because his relentless pressure had brought the Soviet empire to its knees and he was demanding its final "tear down this wall" liquidation. When President Kennedy visited the Brandenburg Gate on the day of his "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech, he was representing a country that was prepared to go to the brink of nuclear war to defend West Berlin.

Who is Obama representing? And what exactly has he done in his lifetime to merit appropriating the Brandenburg Gate as a campaign prop?

[…]

Does Obama not see the incongruity? It's as if a German pol took a campaign trip to America and demanded the Statue of Liberty as a venue for a campaign speech. (The Germans have now gently nudged Obama into looking at other venues.)

Americans are beginning to notice Obama's elevated opinion of himself.

There's nothing new about narcissism in politics…

[…]

Obama is a three-year senator without a single important legislative achievement to his name, a former Illinois state senator who voted "present" nearly 130 times. As president of the Harvard Law Review, as law professor and as legislator, has he ever produced a single notable piece of scholarship? Written a single memorable article? His most memorable work is a biography of his favorite subject: himself.

[…]

At this point Mr. Krauthammer was just warming up. To read the rest of the column go here: The Audacity of Vanity.

Related links: 20070612 Ronald Reagan Tear Down This Wall June 12 1989

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/07/obamas_egoaccomplishment_gap.html

20080718 Real Clear Politics: The Audacity of Hope by Charles Krauthammer

Friday, July 18, 2008

Westminster will impose job cuts by Katie Jones for the Westminster Eagle

20080718 Westminster will impose job cuts by Katie Jones for the Westminster Eagle

Westminster will impose job cuts

Layoffs, revision of benefits announced

By Katie V. Jones

Originally Posted on the Westminster Eagle 7/16/08

Westminster Mayor Thomas Ferguson announced Monday the elimination of several jobs within city government as a means to cut the city’s budget in the face of what he called a “challenging year.”

A press release issued Monday said the cuts are needed “to facilitate a balanced budget.”

The city will not fill two vacant positions in the Office of Finance and the Mayor’s Office, and will eliminate the position of Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator and Manager of Planning.

Additionally, the city’s Code Enforcement Officer and Section 8 Housing Inspector positions will be merged into one job, and the City Clerk position will be trimmed from a full-time position to part-time.

Two administrative assistant positions will be cut, but two “staff assistant” positions will be created.

The release said a severance package, including pay and benefits, will be set up for employees whose positions have been eliminated.

In addition, the release announced changes to current city employees’ benefit packages.

Employees will be asked to double their contribution to health care policies from 7 percent to 14 percent.

Also, retirees’ health care benefits will be modified, and employees hired after July 1 of this year will not be eligible for this benefit, the press release stated.

“This has been a challenging year for the city as revenues have declined and expenditures have continued to increase,” said Ferguson in the release.

“Our three-year operating projections do not indicate this situation will improve significantly in the immediate future,” he addded. “Accordingly, I am reluctantly outlining the steps we have taken to adapt to this financial situation.”

Borrowing $3.5 million

The job cuts were not discussed at Monday’s meeting of the mayor and council.At the meeting, though, city officials did discuss how they would spend the $3.5 million loan that the council authorized in a special session July 9.

The bond money is targeted at road overlay projects, and Jeff Glass, director of public works, briefed the council on which streets would be slated for repairs and the possible order of completion.

Glass said that while his office has organized 11 groupings of streets for “some orderly fashion,” the future contractor of the project may have their own suggestions on how the work should proceed.

Glass noted that while plans are to complete all 11 groups, the rising cost of asphalt could prevent all from completion.

At the special session on July 9, Ferguson had noted that if asphalt prices continue to rise, the city may opt to stall the road repair program and return some of the $3.5 million without using it.

Prices, he said at last week’s meeting, are “going due north,” and will already affect the number of projects the city thinks it can accomplish.

The general obligation bond will be with BB&T Bank and is structured for nine years, with a two-year interest-only component. If the city chooses not to use the full amount, there is no penalty for early repayment, officials said.

At Monday’s session, the council agreed to put the overlay project out to bid instead of extending an existing order with C.J. Miller. While this will delay the project, it is necessary, Ferguson said, to get “the best price we can.”

That process will take 30 days, which Glass described as “the fast track.”

“It has to be advertised and the companies have to put their bids together,” he said. “Thirty days is cutting it.”

While Glass was fairly confident that the first two groups of streets would proceed as planned, Ferguson reminded everyone that the proposal was a “plan.”

“This is a plan and it is subject to modifications and change,” he said.

Jim Joyner contributed to this story.

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/221/westminster-will-impose-job-cuts/

Thursday, July 17, 2008

20080716 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle
http://www.thetentacle.com/

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

R.I.P. Tony Snow
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Last Saturday former White House press secretary, Fox News commentator and well-known columnist, Tony Snow, died of cancer at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington. He was but 53 years old.

The Good Reverends
Tom McLaughlin
Sen. Barack Obama sure is having problems with preachers. First it was the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and now the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Both have added a sense of amusement to the campaign.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Killing the Messenger
Roy Meachum
In the 25 years my writings have appeared in local media, I have become accustomed to being measured for a virtual coffin. My publisher for most of the time, George Delaplaine, put up a strong shield around the News-Post's right to print diverse opinions, including mine.

A Beautiful Friendship?
Farrell Keough
So many interesting events have taken place since my last entry here that it was difficult to decide what to write about. But, a Herculean accomplishment is taking place within this county, and it needs to touted.

Monday, July 14, 2008
Obama's Dilemma
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
Presidential campaigns are fraught with challenges and obstacles. One of the biggest is how, in a national race in the cable television age, can a candidate define himself and his opponent in a way that highlights differences without alienating too many voters.

From The Desk of the Publisher!
John W. Ashbury
Steve Berryman, whose column usually appears in this space every Monday, is on vacation. His unique views will return next week.

Friday, July 11, 2008
Iraq Poleaxed Political Debate
Roy Meachum
The New York Times reported early this week:
BAGHDAD – Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Malikli publicly confirmed Monday his government was leaning toward a short-term security pact with the United States instead of a broader agreement that would last for years.

Thursday, July 10, 2008
If the Truth Be Known…
Tony Soltero
One of the great unknowns of this year's presidential campaign is the impact the newer online media will have on the narratives that define Barack Obama and John McCain, as well as on the dynamics of the race itself.

Resilience, recovering from adversity…
Patricia A. Kelly
We all know people who have it. We all know it’s a life-affirming quality. It’s one of the attributes significant in high achievement, in finding happiness and even in longevity.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The Path of History
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Hidden away in plain sight, in a storybook setting in northern Frederick County’s Catoctin Mountains, sits Eyler’s Valley Chapel, like a silent stone tribute to a Ralph Waldo Emerson essay.

Writing a Book
Tom McLaughlin
Everybody wants to write a book, including me. A recent survey revealed that 87% of all Americans want to take pen in hand or fingers to keyboard. There are three reasons experts have cited; and they include a person having a message to share, ego and money.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Ike Was the Man!
Roy Meachum
No one gets bored faster with the nitty-gritty of politics. My frequently criticized "impatience" comes into play. Once a candidate captures my approval, the game is over. There was one exception I recall.

Christmas in the Summertime
Nick Diaz
I just rode home from Lewiston, Maine, on my new Yamaha Venture. Rode Amtrak to Portland and met the seller at the station. A half hour later we were at the seller’s place, where the Venture was waiting for me.

Monday, July 7, 2008
Political Street Gossip – The Final Chapter
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
In an effort to run the table, and to affirm that I really have no idea what I'm talking about, I thought I'd weigh in on the 2010 gubernatorial race.

Firearms Clutching in Maryland
Steven R. Berryman
Having grown up with guns, little did I know that the politics surrounding them packed more energy than a .44 Magnum “wheel-gun.” Of course, that was when television came in over an antenna, was black and white, and afforded four stations of programming.

20080716 This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Westminster City Government Memo: Westminster cutting 9 jobs

Date of Release: July 14, 2009
Contact: Marge Wolf
City Administrator
PRESS RELEASE

After the July 14 Common Council meeting. Mayor Thomas K. Ferguson announced a series of personnel and other actions required for the FY2009 fiscal year to facilitate a balanced budget.

"As I have cautioned during the budget deliberations, this has been a challenging year for the City as revenues have declined and expenditures have continued to increase. Our three year operating projections do not indicate this situation will improve significantly in the immediate future. Accordingly, I am reluctantly outlining the steps we have taken to adapt to this financial situation."

Among those changes is the following personnel restructuring. These changes in no way reflect on the performance of the employees but reflect a reorganization of the delivery of services.

1. Two vacant positions in Finance and the Mayor's Office have not been funded.

2. Instead of serving as our own general contractor for affordable housing projects, the City will partner with non-profit housing agencies or for profit developers to undertake these projects. The Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator position will be eliminated.

3. The Code Enforcement Officer and the Section 8 Housing Inspector will bemerged into one position under one property maintenance code. To achieve thischange, the Code Enforcement Officer and Section 8 Housing Inspector positions will be eliminated. A new Code Inspector position will be created.

4. The managerial functions of the Planning Department will be combined with the Director of Planning, Zoning and Development and the Manager of Planningposition will be eliminated.

5. Two certified Administrative Assistant positions (Department of Planning, Zoning and Development and Finance) will be eliminated and one certifiedAdministrative Assistant will be reassigned.

6. The central telephone Operator will be relocated from the Recreation Department to the Administrative Offices at 56 West Main Street.

7. Two Staff Assistant positions will be created.

8. The City Clerk position will be transitioned from a full-time position to a part-time position.

The City has developed a uniform severance package, including pay and insurance benefits, for those employees whose positions have been eliminated. They will also receive support in transitioning to other employment and will be given the information and the opportunity to apply for any of the newly created positions for which they are qualified.

Further, the City of Westminster has instituted a number of changes to the employee benefit package. The employees will be asked to double their contribution to the health care policies from 7% to 14%. The retirees health care benefit package will be modified and employees hired after July 1, 2008, would not be eligible for this benefit. In light of the continuing increases the City is facing for basic utilities and materials, task forces will focus on the following areas to meet these challenges:

• Gasoline consumption will be reviewed and modifications will be made to thetake home vehicle policy, the use of pool cars and reimbursement for the use ofprivate vehicles.

• An energy coordinator will be appointed in each City facility to develop anenergy policy and monitor compliance with that policy.

• By centralizing office supply purchasing and distribution, modifying utilization patterns, and identifying waste patterns the City will reduce our consumption of office supplies.

• The cost of providing employee benefits has been increasing every year. TheHealth Care Committee will a develop a long-term strategy to maintain anemployee benefit package at a reasonable cost both to the City and the employee.

• As was indicated in Mike Evan's presentation to the Mayor and Common
Council, the City needs to increase the recycling rate to decrease our landfill and hauling costs.

20080614 Westminster City Government Memo: Westminster cutting 9 jobs

Monday, July 14, 2008

Mayor: Westminster cutting 9 positions Posted by the Carroll County Times at 4:27 p.m.

Mayor: Westminster cutting 9 positions Posted by the Carroll County Times at 4:27 p.m.

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/07/14/news/breaking_news/88westminster.txt

By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer

Monday, July 14, 2008

Mayor Thomas Ferguson confirmed that Westminster will be eliminating nine city government positions and creating three new jobs.

The following positions are being eliminated:

two administrative assistant positions;

the manager of planning position;

the housing rehabilitation coordinator position;

the Section Eight housing inspector position;

and the code enforcement Officer position.

Two vacant positions, one in the finance department and one in the mayor’s office, won’t be funded.

He also confirmed that the city clerk position will be reduced to a part-time position, one administrative assistant will be reassigned and, unrelated to the personnel moves, another administrative assistant position will be retiring and that position will not be filled.

Two staff assistant positions and a Code Inspector position will be created, Ferguson said.

The mayor and Common Council will discuss the personnel actions more during tonight’s council meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane.

See Tuesday’s Times (Carroll County Times) for more.

20080614 Westminster cutting 9 jobs

20080714 Westminster Common Council meeting agenda for July 14 2008

Westminster Common Council meeting agenda for July 14 2008

Home City Government

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of July 14, 2008

Westminster City Hall- 1838 Emerald Hill Lane

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER — 7:00 P.M.

Mayoral Proclamation — Recreation and Parks Month — July 2008

Reappointment of Barbara Schmidt, Lisa Aughenbaugh, and Chris Ambrose to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board

Reappointment of Dean Camlin and Laurie Walters to the Historic District Commission

2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Community Media Center Update on Strategic Plan— Marion Ware

Solid Waste Disposal Discussion — J. Michael Evans

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF June 9, 2008 (Open and Closed Sessions) AND JULY 9, 2008

4. CONSENT CALENDAR:

Change Order for C.J. Miller Contract — Jeffery Glass

Extension of Vehicle Maintenance and Service Agreement with the County — Chief Spaulding

Dell Inc. — Reconfiguration of Contract for Financial Accounting System - Gary Ehlers

Revisions to Personnel Plan

Revision to Employee Handbook Retirees Healthcare Benefit Policy

5. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

6. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

7. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Adoption of Ordinance No. 783 — Uninhabitable Buildings — Thomas Beyard

Adoption of Ordinance No. 784 — Disorderly House Nuisances - Thomas Beyard

Adoption of Ordinance No. 785 — Underground Facilities — Thomas Beyard

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None as of July 10, 2008

9. NEW BUSINESS:

None as of July 10, 2008

10. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS

12. ADJOURN

PLEASE NOTE: THE JULY 28, 2008 MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL WILL BE HELD AT THE JOHN STREET QUARTERS OF THE WESTMINSTER FIRE COMPANY. FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE. THE WATER AND SEWER RATE STRUCTURE STUDY WILL BE DISCUSSED.