Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies - www.kevindayhoff.net - Runner, writer, artist, fire and police chaplain. The mindless ramblings of a runner, journalist, and artist: National and International politics. For community see www.kevindayhoff.org. For art, writing and travel see www.kevindayhoff.com
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Kevin Utz for Westminster Mayor - News Release January 10, 2009
January 10, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Councilman Kevin R. Utz
(410) 984-8204
WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCILMAN UTZ DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR
Westminster City Councilman Kevin Utz announces his candidacy for Mayor of Westminster citing his experience and ability to lead the City of Westminster during these challenging economic times.
"I want to see this city meet the expectations that we all have for it," Utz stated. "America has never been proven by cities of gold, but by citizens of character." Utz believes the strongest asset the City of Westminster has is the residents, and that he is the right man with the right experience to continue revitalization efforts begun over the past four years which strengthens the City's economic base. Utz will be committed to the continued revitalization of downtown and producing additional interested industry to the Airpark Business Center that is essential to keeping the tax rates affordable.
Kevin Utz is completing his first term as a city councilman, and serves as the Chairman of the City's Public Safety Committee. He is a member of the Maryland Municipal League's Communication's Committee and is a former member of the Legislative Committee. He is a local businessman, a retired Maryland State Trooper where he earned numerous citations and recognitions, and is the former Chief of the Westminster Fire Department, and a life-long community member.
Utz stated, "It is time to get Westminster moving." The City has made tremendous improvements over the past four years in public safety, public works, infrastructure improvements and general government operations. "With the current economic climate we have to watch how we spend every penny of every tax dollar, but we also cannot turn back the clock on the improvements we have made."
Over the past four years Councilman Utz is pleased to have been a part of a successful team that has lead and made vast improvements to the quality of life for the residents of Westminster. Some of these successes have included the modification of a new water treatment plant ensuring a healthy and safe water supply, as well as saving the taxpayers more than $96,000 per year; and the adoption of a current budget that reduced revenues by over 8%; additionally, the staff of the sewer treatment center just introduced a cost saving measure in the operations of the plant that will save the city approximately $99,000 yearly. Utz strongly commended the dedicated City employees for their incentives for cost reduction ideas.
Kevin Utz has also provided leadership in setting goals to reduce expenses for Westminster Government to meet the stiff economic challenges being faced at all levels of government. Some of these goals consist of a 10% reduction in fuel consumption, 10% reduction in energy costs, a 15% reduction in the consumption of office supplies and a program to increase Westminster's recycling rate.
As a local businessman Kevin Utz knows the challenges in meeting a payroll and as a councilman knows the importance of providing governmental services on a budget.
Kevin Utz will focus on economic development for Westminster and to continue his commitment to public safety if elected as Mayor of Westminster.
Kevin Utz will campaign on a platform of Taking Action, Getting Results!
The election for Mayor is Monday, May 11, 2009.
20090110 Kevin Utz for Mayor news release
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
This week in The Tentacle for Wednesday January 14 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Barack Rhymes With Tupac
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Noticeable, yet relatively underreported in the scandal-filled rhetoric that passes for meaningful political commentary these days, is the passing of an historic era that will occur when President George W. Bush takes off in the presidential helicopter after President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office next week.
From The Desk of the Publisher:
John W. Ashbury
Tom McLaughlin, whose column normally appears on The Tentacle every Wednesday, has extended his travels into the Internet void known as the interior of The Far East. So, for the present, his wi-fi connection has been disabled. However, we can expect several fascinating pieces about the wilds of interior Borneo – and what the people he encounters think about the “West” – when he returns to civilization.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Celebrate and Enjoy Next Week
Roy Meachum
It's easy to remember my first day on The Washington Post. It was January 20, 1953. Ike's first Inauguration found me as the Post copy boy assigned to carry the paper's chief photographer Arthur Ellis' camera equipment; news photogs still toted around Speed Graphics. I loved being an insider in the big event.
Missed Opportunities? Perhaps!
Farrell Keough
If you wake up tomorrow and go out to warm up your car before leaving for work – you could be facing a $60 fine and one point on your driving record. This is yet another sign of not actually thinking through an idea, and what unintended consequences are.
Monday, January 12, 2009
General Assembly Journal 2009 – Volume 2
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
You stand at the base of the impressive marble steps and gaze up at the Georgian-era brick edifice to state governance laid out before you. This building, the Maryland State House, has served as the home of the state legislature since 1772.
The Benefits of Bottoming Out
Steven R. Berryman
Not all progress is linear in nature. As in mountain climbing, sometimes one has to travel down to get up. A glacial valley can lead to a better summit trail.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Statue for George Wenschhof
Roy Meachum
Frederick and its citizens should erect a new statue on the City Hall lawn. George Wenschhof earned it.
Bumper Stickers Say It All
Joe Charlebois
In a recent survey (unofficial) of vehicles that travel the highways and byways from Washington to Pittsburgh over the past few months, it was noted that 99% of vehicles with a Democrat or left leaning bumper sticker did not have a United States flag flanking it with pride. That is, they did not have the United States flag emblazoned upon their tailgate, bumper or rear window.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Matt Millens of Our Economy
Tony Soltero
The Detroit Lions just set a new standard for futility in the NFL, having just wrapped up the first winless season by a team since the league went to a 16-game schedule 30 years ago.
New Year Wisdom
Patricia A. Kelly
It’s a New Year again. For me, that’s always time to reflect. There is so much wisdom in the world, and so much idiocy. This time, at the beginning, I’d like to focus on the wisdom.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Pallywood – When Pictures Lie
Kevin E. Dayhoff
After Hamas, the terrorist organization that has controlled the Gaza Strip since June 2007, unilaterally broke a cease-fire on December 19 and resumed shelling southern Israel, Israeli warplanes sprang to Israel’s defense December 27 by attacking Hamas throughout Gaza. Hamas responded immediately with “Pallywood.”
Land Below The Wind
Tom McLaughlin
Santubong, Borneo – The Israeli incursion into Gaza has been met with indifference here in this Moslem land. The news has been buried in the second sections or on pages 14-15 in The Borneo Post, the local English language daily.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Kingdom of Jerusalem Redux
Roy Meachum
Once there was a Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem. The men who founded it wore a huge cross from their shoulders down to their knees. Many did not always do Christian things. They judged the natives as infidels. They killed many. Random cruelties were allowable on those worthless. That was anybody who did not bow to the cross. They moved right in.
Dumbing Down Mathematics – Part 1
Nick Diaz
Since the 1980's, there have been substantial efforts nation wide to weaken mathematics education in America, and, unfortunately, these efforts have largely been successful.
Monday, January 5, 2009
This Shakeout Year
Steven R. Berryman
There is really nothing overtly negative about encountering an economic shakeout period such as the one we have entered. In fact, what we will discover this New Year is that long-term national prosperity for America herself depends on a boom and bust cycle.
20090114 This week in The Tentacle for Wednesday January 14 2009
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
The B*tch Went Nuts - Ben Folds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV8BpuTfkAs
January 14, 2009
Hat Tip: Andrew Breitbart
OMG! I cranked it up to eleven.
20090114 The B*tch Wents Nuts Ben Folds
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
A connection of Biblical proportions and a few presidential pet projects
EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 1/09/09
I'm excited about the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. It is quite a testimony to our great country to have overcome the yoke of history to see an African-American take a turn in the Oval Office.
I'm particularly curious about the Bible that Mr. Obama has decided to use for his swearing-in ceremony.
According to the New York Times politics blog, The Caucus, Obama "will be sworn into office with the same Bible that Abraham Lincoln used for his first inauguration in 1861."
The "move further extends the parallels that Mr. Obama has drawn with Lincoln since he announced his candidacy for president in February 2007 in Springfield, Ill."
I've been curious ever since I first became aware of Obama's preoccupation with President Abraham Lincoln. Of course, who would not want history to reflect upon one's term of office as well as that of President Lincoln?
However, students of presidential history are aware that of all presidents, Lincoln may have had some of the most difficult years in the White House.
His entire tenure was marked with incredible national challenge and personal tragedy. While Lincoln was in office, he may have had one of the worst approval ratings in history.
In David Elton Trueblood's masterful 1973 portrait of Lincoln, "Abraham Lincoln: Theologian of American Anguish," the low esteem in which he was judged was driven home immediately in chapter one:
"In an editorial The Baltimore Sun said, 'Had we any respect for Mr. Lincoln, official or personal, as a man, or as President-elect of the United States, his career and speeches on his way to the seat of government would have cruelly impaired it.'"
Carl Sandburg's encyclopedic history of President Lincoln calls to our attention that right before Lincoln's renomination for election for his second term, the New York Herald said he was "a joke incarnated, his election a very sorry joke, and the idea that such a man as he should be the President of such a country as this a very ridiculous joke."
Ay caramba. This is but a brief glimpse of the scorn heaped upon President Lincoln while he was in office.
Nevertheless, when history had time to reflect upon Lincoln's accomplishments, it was determined that he was one of our greatest presidents.
Go figure.
I hope that history shines as kindly on President Obama as it has on President Lincoln. I pray for his success.
Read the entire column here: A connection of Biblical proportions and a few presidential pet projects
20090109 SCE A connection of Biblical proportions presidential pets sceked
http://explorecarroll.com/community/2029/connection-biblical-proportions-few-presidential-pet-projects/
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Westminster Eagle: There is no such thing as a simpler time
Kevin Dayhoff
Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 1/07/09
It's the first week of 2009 and, by now, most of us are back to work with the extra pounds of the holidays and the memories of 2008, and we're beginning to focus upon the challenges of 2009.
At gatherings I attended during the holidays, much of the conversation concerned the state of the economy.
On several occasions I heard folks yearning for "simpler days." To which I cringe. The concept of the "simpler days of yesteryear" is a myth perpetuated by the historically uninformed to make a point that we've somehow gone astray.
In the past several years, I have lamented over how the "Internet Age" has resulted in revisionist history obtusely retold in today's context in order to perpetuate a particular political agenda.
Pick a time of economic chaos in history. Or a time of war or great social change. Pick a year, any year, and an accurate portrayal of history will put into context immense challenges and how our nation successfully came together to face those challenges.
To be certain, it wasn't always pretty. However, as any of the great folks who have gone before us will tell you, there was nothing simple about overcoming the challenges of any day.
For whatever reason, in the middle of suffering through one of those soliloquies about how days gone by were simpler, my thoughts drifted to 1942.
It was less than a month after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, that the dawn of the New Year in 1942 witnessed Carroll County engaged in the work of helping with the war effort.
According to "From Our Front Porch," a history of Carroll County in the 1900s by Jim Lee, "As the new year arrived, Carroll stepped up its efforts to prepare for potential enemy invasions. ... In Westminster, a blackout rehearsal (had taken place) on Dec. 12, at 9 p.m. Following that, a meeting of all county Civil Defense personnel was called for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Westminster Firemen's Building."
As part of the efforts to protect Carroll County from the enemy, members of the Civil Defense units would work shifts "at an air raid lookout post" looking for enemy aircraft flying over the county.
Another local defense initiative saw "more than 1,100 Carroll countians signed up as Minute Men.
"The men wore a determined expression that boded no good for any invaders in Carroll County... Crack riflemen" were among the accumulated defensemen. "One man is keeping his fox hounds in excellent condition (to help) lookout for parachutists ..."
The book also reports that, "in February (1942) the City of Westminster informed residents it would provide sand to homes that could be used to extinguish fires from incendiary bombs."
Carroll County was not bombed or attacked, and by today's standards some of the events of the dawn of 1942 may seem silly for those predisposed to analyze history with a 20/20 hindsight sense of false superiority.
As we look forward to 2009, our own challenges seem overwhelming.
However, by rolling up our sleeves and applying a good dose of common sense, we will rise to the occasion ... just as we have in the past.
One can be sure that our efforts to overcome the challenges will not always be pretty, but we'll get there. It's in our heritage.
Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kdayhoff AT carr.org.
20090107 WE There is no such thing as a simpler time weked
http://explorecarroll.com/opinion/2023/there-no-such-thing-simpler-time/
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Recent Explore Carroll columns by Kevin Dayhoff
January 9, 2009 Kevin Dayhoff
A connection of Biblical proportions and a few presidential pet projects
Published January 9, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
I'm excited about the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. It is quite a testimony to our great country to have overcome the yoke of...
There is no such thing as a 'simpler time'
Published January 7, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
It's the first week of 2009 and, by now, most of us are back to work with the extra pounds of the holidays and the...
New Year celebrations filled with joy, hope ... and great food
Published January 2, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Well, The calendar on the wall tells me 2008 is now but a memory. Now we can look forward to the twists, turns and opportunities...
New beginnings, new hopes and new adventures of 2009
Published December 31, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Happy New Year. It is not happenstance that the month of January was named for the Roman god, Janus, who is pictured with two heads....
Carrying a tune, and its words of harmony, into the new year
Published December 28, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
As the 2008 Christmas and Hanukkah holidays come to a close, I do hope everyone has recovered from the shock and awe of spending the...
As Santa hits the road, fire department is a driving force
Published December 24, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Tonight's the night when all good little boys and girls go to bed and lay awake listening for Santa Claus. Last week I had the opportunity...
Carroll shares a history of joining as a community in faith and song
Published December 21, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Some of the many reasons we have such a high quality of life in Carroll County can be traced to the religious traditions found in...
Antler envy: Why Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is probably a cross dresser
Published December 17, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
In an era when nothing is sacred, we are fortunate in Carroll County to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah -- and not the "winter festivities between...
This time of year, we can't get enough Christmas music, or eggnog
Published December 14, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
EAGLE ARCHIVE The Christmas season means different things to different folks. I have many great childhood Christmas memories of growing up in Westminster. I'm biased of...
Shop Carroll for that hippopotamus this Christmas
Published December 10, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Westminster certainly loves to pull out all the stops for the holiday season. This year is certainly no exception. The weekend after Thanksgiving featured the...
Everyone's a winner at the Westminster Holiday Parade
Published December 10, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
... but here are entries the judges liked best Westminster's annual Holiday Parade was a great time for all. Judges said determining particular "winners" in...
Everyone's a winner at the Westminster Holiday Parade ...
Published December 5, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Westminster’s annual Holiday Parade was a great time for all. Judges said determining particular “winners†in various parade categories was difficult because everyone — the...
In the end, Rutherford Hayes had the croquet balls to be president
Published December 4, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
For this Sunday's column, let's keep it light. May we discuss croquet? At my age, croquet is about as close to a contact sport as...
Luebberman marks 20 years with Westminster Fire Dept.
Published December 3, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Kevin Dayhoff kdayhoff@carr.org Cake and stories were served Nov. 22 as about 30 members of the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department gathered at the John Street firehouse...
Letters
Published December 3, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Dayhoff right to lament loss of Pour House on Main St. I just wanted to say "BRAVO" to Kevin Dayhoff regarding his recent column in...
One turkey leg, early Thanksgivings and a pair of President Harrisons
Published November 30, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
We certainly hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are now enthroned upon the couch, watching football and relaxing with a pair of birds: a...
Waist is a terrible thing to mind
Published November 24, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to it because it will be the first holiday in which my extended family gets...
Turkey, stuffing, illegal radios and rowdy college kids
Published November 23, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
This Thursday is Thanksgiving, and we at The Eagle hope you have a great turkey-day with lots of food, friends and family. Perhaps because of our...
Welcome to the Coffee Shop Bank and Trust Company
Published November 19, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
I was sad to see last week that the Pour House Café on East Main Street in Westminster was closing. The unreal irony of the...
At Westminster polls in 1920, the 'Women Disappointed Them'
Published November 16, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
EAGLE ARCHIVE The fact that women gained the right to vote was a milestone that got mixed reviews in Carroll County after the 19th Amendment...
20090109 Recent Explore Carroll columns by Kevin Dayhoff
Twitter:
20090109: Recent Explore Carroll http://tiny.cc/BY0Wt columns by Kevin Dayhoff http://tiny.cc/f1HdU
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
TimesWatch Tracker for January 13, 2009
TimesWatch Tracker Documenting and Exposing the Liberal Agenda of the New York Times
TimesWatch Tracker: Our Latest Analysis Tuesday, January 13, 2009
More Unfairness Against Israel Double standards in Gaza: Reporter Ethan Bronner put the Palestinian case in emotionally resonant terms, while his marshalling of pro-Israel arguments is scattered and grudging.
Reviewer: Reporter David Sanger's Book Sure to Infuriate Rove, Bill O'Reilly A reviewer on reporter David Sanger's anti-Bush book: "These unvarnished conclusions by Mr. Sanger will of course confirm the perfidy that Karl Rove and Bill O'Reilly presume lies in the black hearts of Times reporters. But Mr. Sanger's criticism, the product of extraordinarily diligent reporting, is too hawkish to be easily dismissed by conservatives."
Just Getting By on the Upper West Side Everyone is hurting: "Instead of a long weekend at Canyon Ranch, maybe a day at the Cornelia Day Resort will do the trick."
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20090113 TimesWatch Tracker for January 13, 2009
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The UN school headmaster in Gaza was a Hamas bombmaker
Samuel J. Scott
January 11, 2009
My Teacher, My Bombmaker
RISHON LEZION, Israel — Remember how Israel bombed, with justification, a United Nations school in the Gaza Strip? Well, as it turns out, the headmaster was a Hamas bombmaker.
He also taught science, of course.
Written by Sam Scott
11 January 2009 at 11:04 am
Posted in Anti-Semitism, Islam, Israel, Palestine, Politics, Religion, The Middle East, War, War on Terror
Hamas’ War Crimes
If you think that Israel is committing war crimes and holds responsibility for the deaths of many civilians, read this.
Written by Sam Scott
11 January 2009 at 10:48 am
Posted in Anti-Semitism, Civil Liberties, Europe, Islam, Israel, Journalism, Judaism, Law, Palestine, Politics, Religion, The Middle East, War, War on Terror
20090111 The UN school headmaster in Gaza was a Hamas bombmaker
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Main Street Westminster, Maryland Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Dayhoff Daily Photoblog
Traveling east on Westminster’s Main Street at 5 PM. To the right is the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library.
20091113 DDP Main Street Westminster, Maryland
Samuel J Scott: The Zohar
The Zohar (1:1b) January 13, 2009
An ongoing series
[I recently purchased the new, English translation of the Zohar, the book that laid the foundation for Jewish mystical thought and the Kabbalah. It is the most important book in Judaism after the Bible and the Talmud. As I go through the Zohar, I will be publishing excerpts here for any readers who may be interested in addition to my series of commentaries on each week's Torah portion.]
Read his entire post here: The Zohar (1:1b)
http://samueljscott.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/the-zohar-11b/
20090113 Samuel J Scott The Zohar
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Minutes of the City of Westminster Council Meeting for December 8 2008
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Minutes of City of Westminster Council Meeting
December 8, 2008
A meeting of The Mayor and Common Council was held in the John Street Quarters of the Westminster Fire Company, 28 John Street, Westminster, Maryland, on the evening of December 8, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. President Pro Tem Albert; Mayor Ferguson; Council Members Wack, Pecoraro, and Utz; City Administrator Wolf; Director of Planning, Zoning, and Development Beyard; Recreation and Parks Director Schroers; Director of Public Works Glass; City Treasurer Unger; Major Stevens; City Attorney Walsh; and City Clerk Taylor were present. Council President Chiavacci and Chief Spaulding were excused from attending.
Mayor Ferguson made the following statement:
THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL HAD SCHEDULED A PUBLIC HEARING TONIGHT ON TWO PROPOSED ORDINANCES, ORDINANCE NOS. 796 AND 797. THESE ORDINANCES DEAL WITH PROPOSED ADJUSTMENTS IN SEWER CHARGES AND WATER RATES FOR METERED SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY TO USERS WITHIN THE CITY AND IN SURROUNDING AREAS OF THE COUNTY. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT HEARING WILL NOT BE CONDUCTED TONIGHT AND NO TESTIMONY WILL BE RECEIVED. A NEW HEARING DATE WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR EARLY NEXT YEAR.
IN PREPARATION FOR THE SCHEDULED HEARING, STAFF HAS DETERMINED THAT CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS AND CLARIFICATIONS WILL HAVE TO BE MADE TO THE RATE CONVERSION MODEL WHICH THE CITY DEVELOPED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ITS EXPERTS, THE MUNICIPAL AND FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP. AS A RESULT, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REVISE AND ADJUST THE RATES AND CHARGES PRESENTLY PROPOSED IN 796 AND 797. INDEED, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT AFTER FURTHER REVIEW, NEW ORDINANCES WILL BE PREPARED. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE TO ANYONE WHO HAS TAKEN THE TIME AND EFFORT TO APPEAR HERE TONIGHT. STAFF IS PASSING AROUND A SIGN-UP SHEET SO THAT ANYONE WHO WISHES TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE UPCOMING HEARING CAN BE NOTIFIED.
WE ARE SURE THAT YOU CAN APPRECIATE THAT THE CITY WISHES TO TAKE THE TIME AND EFFORT NECESSARY TO INSURE THAT ANY NEW RATES AND CHARGES WILL BE DEVELOPED WITH GREAT CARE AND ATTENTION.
YOUR PATIENCE AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IS APPRECIATED.
ANYONE WHO WISHES TO LEAVE NOW INSTEAD OF STAYING FOR THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE MEETING IS WELCOME TO DO SO. THANK YOU.
Mr. Schroers introduced Fallfest Board member Lori Graham, who presented checks from the proceeds of the 2008 Fallfest to the following charities: the Rape Crisis Center, the Mission of Mercy, the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau, and the Westminster Lions Club.
Greater Westminster Development Corporation members Toni Pomeroy and Lyndi McNulty presented awards to several participants in the 2008 Holiday Parade. The winners were the Wish Group for best float; Gizmos Old Ford Pickup for best vehicle; Mason Dixon Bernese Mountain Dogs for best animal entry; Westminster Ridge’s float for “Just for Fun;” Boys and Girls Club for best children’s entry; and North Carroll Community School for the Committee’s Choice Award. Honorable Mentions were awarded to Silvia’s Acorn, the Monumental Drum and Fife Corps, and Harry’s Main Street Grille.
MINUTES:
Mr. Utz moved to approve the minutes of the November 24, 2008 meeting. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Ferguson reported on the success of the recent Holiday House Tour, which featured 14 residences and two buildings at McDaniel College. properties. He thanked Historic Planner Tim Rogers, the Streets Department staff, and all who worked on the tour. Mrs. Albert commented that some of the proceeds would be used to repair and refurbish the City Clock.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:
Mr. Pecoraro announced that the Tri-Street Area Committee would meet the next evening. The meeting would focus on traffic issues. He noted that the Committee would meet again in January to adopt recommendations.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
Mr. Pecoraro moved to suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure to introduce and adopt Ordinances 798 (Modifications to General Fee Ordinance) and 799 (Peddlers’ and Solicitors’ Fees). Mr. Utz seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Beyard summarized the two Ordinances, which follow up on recently adopted Ordinances 791 – 795 concerning City fees. Upon Motion of Mr. Pecoraro, seconded by Mr. Utz and unanimously passed, Ordinances 798 and 799 were adopted. Mr. Pecoraro complimented staff on the great amount of work they put into the group of Ordinances.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Mr. Schroers presented a revised version of the Commitment of Intent with the Fallfest Committee concerning the City concession stand/community building. He advised that a new provision allows the City to occupy the building in times of need and that the Fallfest Committee has approved the provision. Mr. Pecoraro made a Motion to approved the agreement. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Beyard summarized proposed Good Cause Waiver No. GCW08-4, which would allow connection to the City water system of the dwelling at 110 North Cranberry Road. It was determined by the Carroll County Health Department that the existing well has become contaminated. Mr. Pecoraro moved to approve the Waiver. Dr. Wack seconded and that Motion passed unanimously.
Dr. Wack moved to cancel the December 22, 2008 meeting due to the holidays. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Ms. Wolf reported that she attended the recent Maryland Municipal Carroll County Chapter dinner and also a Maryland Managers meeting at which the problematic state of the economy was discussed.
Major Stevens reported on the coordination with the Sheriff’s Office of holiday patrols.
Mr. Unger briefly reported on the status of the audit.
Mr. Schroers thanked Ms. Graham and Ms. McNulty for all of their work on the holiday events. He also noted that the City Skate Park ramps are 90% complete.
Mr. Glass announced that the final pipe for the Medford Quarry Pipeline had been laid that day. He further announced that testing on the new Water Treatment Plant was completed successfully and that the plant would start operating 4-6 hours per day at first.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Westminster Fire Company Dan Plunkert reported that the Fire Company would host a breakfast for the public with Santa Claus on December 20, 2008. He added that tickets for the Company’s May raffle are now available.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
Greater Westminster Development Corporation Board member and City resident Lori Graham thanked the Police Department for inviting her to participate in the recent “Shop with a Cop” day.
County resident Beatrice Wolfe thanked the Fire Company for assisting her during a stroke in February 2008.
Ms. McNulty thanked everyone who helped with the Holiday Parade.
President Pro Tem Albert adjourned the meeting at 8:02 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk
- January 14, 2008
- January 28, 2008
- February 11, 2008
- February 25, 2008
- March 10, 2008
- March 24, 2008
- April 14, 2008
- April 28, 2008
- May 5, 2008
- May 12, 2008
- June 9, 2008
- July 9, 2008
- July 14, 2008
- July 28, 2008
- August 11, 2008
- August 25, 2008
- September 8, 2008
- September 22, 2008
- October 13, 2008
- October 27, 2008
- November 10, 2008
- November 24, 2008
- December 8, 2008
- January 12, 2009
20081208 Minutes of the City of Westminster Council Meeting for December 8 2008
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
WANTED MAN AND PASSENGER KILLED IN CRASH AFTER FLEEING FROM TROOPER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2009 |
UPDATED: 1/13/09 AT 3: 30 P.M. - WANTED MAN AND PASSENGER KILLED IN CRASH AFTER FLEEING FROM TROOPER |
(Havre The The Shortly Approaching |