20031110 Westminster Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes

20031110 Westminster Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes

City Council

Minutes of City Council Meetings Agenda for next City Council Meeting

MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

November 10, 2003

http://www.westgov.com/citygovernment/minutes/111003.asp

QUORUM:

A meeting of The Mayor and Common Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of November 10, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Dayhoff; Council President Halstad; Council Members Albert, Chiavacci, Ferguson and Wack; Department Heads Beyard and Urban; City Attorney Walsh; and Acting Westminster City Police Chief Brewer were present.

Minutes

On motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, the Minutes of the Meeting of October 27, 2003 were approved as presented.

Public Hearing:

Mayor Dayhoff conducted a public hearing on the City of Westminster’s Public Housing Agency Plan. Ms. Karen Blandford summarized the federally mandated five-year plan. Ms. Blandford indicated that the requirements stipulate that the plan be updated annually and the document is not a strategic planning document. Ms. Blandford stated that the Section VIII program in the City of Westminster serves 289 families. Ms. Blandford stated that graduates of job training programs would not be eligible for assistance unless their children are under three years of age. Council President Halstad requested that a provision be included to ensure that recent graduates, within six months of graduation be eligible for assistance. Ms. Blandford advised The Mayor and Council that a timing provision could be included but staff’s recommendation would limit the time restriction to four months of graduation. Mayor Dayhoff requested that Ms. Blandford and Mr. Walsh work together to define “Government Action.” Ms. Blandford advised that would occur.

Ms. Josephine Velazquez indicated her concern with the program and the potential for loopholes that could be created to abuse the program. Ms. Blandford addressed the plans on how to combat program abuse.

The Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 7:28 and closed the public record as well.

Consent Calendar

On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Chiavacci, the consent calendar was approved as presented which consisted of the acceptance of a sanitary sewer easement at the Carroll County Agriculture Center, Good Cause Waiver No. GCW 03-11 and Job Reclassifications.

Reports from the Mayor:

… Noted that he attended the Maryland Municipal League Legislative Conference.

Reports from Standing Committees:

Mrs. Albert indicated that she is working with the residents of Manchester Avenue to resolve parking related concerns of the business and residential community.

Mr. Ferguson indicated that BGE had a very successful meeting with the residents of West Green Street.

Mr. Ferguson noted that he had received a complaint about taxicab operators in Carroll County.

Mr. Chiavacci congratulated Mr. Ferguson for being the Westminster Rotary Club Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

Dr. Wack noted that BGE representatives were able to address many concerns of the residents on West Green Street and would follow up with those that required more investigation.

Mr. Halstad deferred his time to Mr. Frank Johnson, Special Assistant to Commissioner Gouge to discuss the County’s growth initiatives.

Mr. Johnson outlined the County’s growth initiatives to date and discussed in length Carroll County’s development deferral process.

Mr. Halstad announced that Mr. Steve Horn, Planning Director and Mr. Steve Powell, Chief of Staff, Carroll County Government would attend the December 22, 2003 meeting of The Mayor and Common Council to further discuss the County’s growth initiatives.

Mr. Ferguson noted that he attended the Carroll County Landlords Association meeting and States Attorney Jerry Barnes gave an overview of the Nuisance Abatement law as outlined in the Annotated Code of Maryland. Mr. Ferguson indicated that many of the members of the Carroll County Landlords Association own property in Westminster.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Mr. Halstad summarized Resolution No. R03-10 – Annexation No. 53 “Arnold Property.” Mr. Chiavacci inquired about the result of the Public Hearing. Dr. Wack indicated that there was some concern on behalf of the community but overall the applicant had sufficiently addressed many of the site specific concerns. Mr. Chiavacci requested staff to work with the developer and the community to ensure that all parties are involved in the site planning process. On motion of Dr. Wack, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, Resolution No. R03-10 – Annexation No. 53 “Arnold Property” was unanimously adopted.

On Motion of Mr. Chiavacci, seconded by Mrs. Albert, Ordinance No. 712 – Arnold Property “R-10,000 Residential Rezoning” was unanimously introduced for consideration.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

Mr. Urban stated that the 2003 Annual Audit was completed in October 2003. The City expects include General Fund Contributed Assets in the 2004 Audit.

Mr. Beyard reminded The Mayor and Common Council of the Planning and Growth Session scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2003 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at McDaniel College.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

Ms. Josephine Velazquez, 59 Pennsylvania Avenue, commended the Westminster Police Department for its prompt response to her report of a party at a property near her home.

Mr. Erik Horgos, Westminster, Maryland, indicated his support of the infill annexation of the Arnold Property. Mr. Horgos expressed his concern with the proposed layout of the development.

Council President Halstad adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

SHAWN SIDERS