20080622 Who to call in the city of Westminster for services

20080622 Who to call in the city of Westminster for services

Who to call in the city of Westminster for services

Who to Call

http://www.westgov.com/general/directory.asp

Retrieved June 22, 2008

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES

Call 410-848-9000 or 876-1313 (Baltimore line) if you wish information about a topic that is not listed and the City Hall operator will direct you to the appropriate department. All telephone numbers in this directory have a 410 area code.

Emergency
Fire, Police, Ambulance, and Rescue	911
Westminster Police Department	848-4646 or 876-3100 (Baltimore line)
Water, Sewer Emergency	848-9001 (848-4646 after business hours)
Public Works Emergency	848-9001 (848-4646 after business hours)
Animal: licenses, strays, dead animals, complaints, animal shelter (Humane Society)	848-4810
Applications
Board of Zoning Appeals, variances and special exceptions, zoning ordinance text amendments, and zoning map amendments (City Clerk)	848-4938
Sign permits, sidewalk use permits, utility permits, site plans, preliminary plans and final plats (Planning)	848-9002
Assessments (Carroll County Office)	857-0600
Boards and Commissions Activities(Director of Planning and Public Works)	848-9002
Budget (Finance Department)	848-3255
Building Permits (within City).	848-4938
City Clerk	848-4938
City Hall	848-9000 or 876-1313 (Baltimore line)
(TDD)	857-8290
Code Violations	848-1687
Neighborhood Revitalization	848-2261 or 876-6322 (Baltimore line)
Community Police Programs	848-4646
Drug and Crime Hot-line	857-TIPS (8477)
Economic Development	848-2261 or 876-6322 (Baltimore line)
Elections and Voter Registration (City Clerk)	848-4938
Fax Numbers
(City Hall)	876-0299
(Planning and Public Works)	857-7476
(Police)	848-4230
Finance Department
(Accounts Payable)	848-9174
(Budget Information)	848-3255
(Employee Benefits)	848-2702
(General Information)	848-3255 or 876-1313 (Baltimore line)
(Payroll Department)	848-9025
(Personal Business Tax)	848-9025
(Real Estate Tax)	386-2971 (Carroll County Collections)
(Water/Sewer Billing)	848-2916 or 848-2752
Fingerprinting Appointments	848-4646
Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization	848-2261 or 876-6322 (Baltimore line)
(TDD)	848-9214
Human Resources (Personnel)	848-6043 or 876-1313 (Baltimore line)
TDD)	848-9214
Leaf Collection (Public Works)	848-9077
Library, Carroll County Public, Westminster50 East Main Street Branch,	848-4250
Licenses and Permits: peddling and soliciting, distribution of handbills, picketing, parades, and taxicabs (City Clerk)	848-4938
Mayor and Council Activities (Mayor's Secretary)	848-2362
Motor Vehicle Administration	950-1682
Neighborhood Watch (Police)	848-4646
Parking Permits (Police)	848-4646
Parks and Recreation	848-6962 or 876-1313 (Baltimore line)
Personnel (Human Resources)	848-6043 or 876-1313 (Baltimore line)
(TDD)	848-9214
Planning	848-9002
Police	848-4646 or 876-3100 (Baltimore line)
(TDD)	911
(Emergency)	911
Post Office (Westminster).	848-4780
Public Works
(Administration)	848-9001
(Emergency)	848-9001 (after business hours, call 848-4646)
(Maintenance Building)	848-9077
Recreation and Parks	848-6962
Recycling (Public Works)	848-9077
Refuse Collection (Public Works)	848-9077
Schools (County Board of Education)	848-8280
Senior Center (Westminster)	848-4049
Special Refuse Collection (Public Works)	848-9077
Street Lights (Public Works)	848-9001
Tax Billing
(Real Estate)	386-2971
(Personal Business Tax)	848-2702
TDD (City Hall, hearing impaired only).	857-8290
Utilities
Electric (Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.)	685-0123 or 1-800-699-0123
Gas (Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.)	685-0123 or 1-800-699-0123
Water, sewer (City water billing)	848-2916 or 848-2752
Utility Problems: sewer stoppages, water meters, Water Leaks	848-9001
Water Leaks	848-9001
Wastewater Treatment Plant	848-4380
Water Treatment Plant	848-7040
Weeds, trash, debris, abandoned vehicles on private property (Code Inspection).	848-1687
Zoning Administrator	848-9002

20080618 Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

20080618 Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

June 18, 2008

Kevin E. Dayhoff Sunday, June 18 Why I can't say the 'S' word Friday, June 20 is officially the first day of summer and, for those of us who like it hot, it doesn't come a day too soon.
In recent years, summer months are as busy as the rest of year. Gone are the lazy southern Carroll County summers.
However, growing up in Carroll in the 1950s and '60s, sum... [Read full story]


Paul Causey was the mortar that built many lives in Carroll On May 25, folks filled Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster to say good-bye to one of our community's unsung heroes, Paul Causey. Like Mr. Causey, the folks who came to celebrate his life of 81 years are the foundation of our community.
Mr. Causey would have been annoyed over all the fuss and att... [Read full story]


Food, canning history and eating my way across Westminster On May 3, 1946, a newspaper article carried a story that Carroll Countians opened "approximately 3,163,000 cans of food É annually."
"Citizens of Carroll County can anticipate dramatic developments in canned foods during 1946, many of these products having first been packaged for the armed forces... [Read full story]


Pecoraro makes 'superdelegate' stand in advance of convention Political and presidential historians are often quick to point out that the Democratic Party is the oldest political party in the Unites States.
However, many folks may not be aware that much of the roots of the party are arguably in Maryland.
The U.S. Democratic Party, and specifically, the Ma...[Read full story]


Pictures are worth a thousand words, but not the whole picture Last Wednesday, the Humane Society of the United States released videotape of an "undercover investigation" which claimed to show the "shocking abuse of 'downer' cows occurs not just at slaughter plants but É at livestock auctions and stockyards around the country," according to the humane society p...[Read full story]


More Headlines

For this year's prom, 'Come as you are' ... and stay a while

College may be expensive, but the experiences are priceless

Rhodes offers a helping hand to those in need

Dr. Herlocker set a pace in more ways than one

Days of bicycles, playgrounds, swamps and turkeys

Jeff Morse incident is a lost opportunity

Inns and hotels important in the early history of Carroll County

Hypocrisy and poor money management plague client No. 9

Beet juice, Romeo and Juliet and the 1856 Guano Islands Act

Trouble with trash is nothing new, but the technology may be

Don't let 'wrap rage' leave you in stitches

Looking at Bowling Brook one year later

'Tech Tax' will have crippling impact on Carroll

It's easy to demonstrate for peace; harder to work for it

How culture and song can save a nation

Dr. Martin Luther King's enduring words

Courthouse history seems to match theatrical flair of current case

Something we really must talk about


http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?NPV2Datasource=mywebpal&pnpid=978&show=newscast&CategoryID=18317

20080622 Corbit’s Charge events scheduled in Westminster for June 27 through 29 2008

20080622 Corbit’s Charge events scheduled in Westminster for June 27 through 29 2008

Commemoration of the 145th Anniversary of Corbit’s Charge is Slated for June 27th – 29th

Excerpted from “THE DOWNTOWN WESTMINSTER MAIN STREET NEWS – May/June 2008,” written by the Westminster Administrator of Economic Development Stan Ruchlewicz.

His office is located at 56 West Main Street, Westminster, Maryland.

He can be contacted at 410-848-5294 or send him an email.

If it wasn’t for the Battle of Westminster, more commonly known as Corbit’s Charge, 145 years ago, we all might be speaking with a Southern accent or so the story goes.

The skirmish here delayed General J.E.B. Stuart and his 5,000 Confederate cavalrymen from reaching Gettysburg until July 2, 1863, the 2nd day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Join the Corbit’s Charge Commemoration Committee, City of Westminster, Historical Society of Carroll County and Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table in commemorating the 145th anniversary of the cavalry skirmish that took place on the streets of Westminster on June 29, 1863 by attending a weekend of events from June 27th through June 29th.

On the evening of Friday, June 27th, there will be a period music concert by O’ Be Joyfull on the Locust Lane Stage, beginning at 6:30 p.m.; troops will be patrolling Main Street that evening and a walking tour led by noted local Civil War historian G. Thomas LeGore will kick off the event.

Beginning on the morning of Saturday, June 28th, a Civil War encampment, featuring civilian and military re-enactors, artisans, sutlers, blacksmiths, tinsmiths, chair caners, cavalry horses, cannon firing demonstrations, camp life demonstrations, and artifact and museum displays, will be in place all weekend on the grounds of the Carroll County Multi-Service Center at 225 North Center Street, across the street from the County Office Building.

The annual parade from the encampment to the Corbit’s Charge Monument and Lt. Murray’s gravesite in the cemetery of the Ascension Episcopal Church, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony, will take place at 1:00 p.m.

The encampment closes to the public after a free period music concert by “The Susquehanna Travelers” that begins at 7:00 p.m.

However, the activities do not end for the day, as a Civil War Ball will take place at The Old Longwell Armory (Westminster Recreation & Parks), 11 Longwell Avenue, from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Admission to the ball is $10.00 per person and space is limited.

Briant & Karin Bohleke will serve as dance masters while music will be performed by Peg Shutes and Bruce Young.

The inaugural Corbit’s Charge Civil War Ball is being sponsored by Ms. Kim Prehn and Unique Jewelry.

Sunday's activities will begin with a Civil War tent church service at 10:00 a.m. Guided walking tours of the battle site will be offered Sunday afternoon.

The encampment will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, with various demonstrations throughout the day.

With the exception of the Civil War Ball, all events are FREE and open to the public.

For more information or directions to the events, visit the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table website at http://www.pccwrt.addr.com/Corbits_Charge.htm.


History Westminster 18630629 Corbit's Charge June 29 1863

History Westminster

History Carroll Co. 18630629 Corbit's Charge June 29 1863

Westminster Economic Dev Admin Stan Ruchlewicz

20080619 Westminster Street Department Superintendent Larry Bloom to be recognized MML employee of the year

Sunday, June 22, 2008

20080619 Westminster Street Department Superintendent Larry Bloom to be recognized MML employee of the year

Westminster Street Department Superintendent Larry Bloom to be recognized MML employee of the year

The City Connection

Bringing Employees Together

May 2008

From Marge Wolf

One of the rewards of managing in municipal government is supervising employees who grew up in the community and lived in the municipality all their lives. They bring a sense of dedication and commitment to the job that embodies small town values at their best.

While the City of Westminster is extremely fortunate to have a number of these home grown employees, I was able to select only one of them for nomination as the MML Employee of the Year.

In part, the nomination read as follows:

“Mr. Larry Bloom is the Superintendent of our Streets Department in the Department of Public Works. He does an exceptional job of organizing and directing a crew of 24 in maintaining 317 acres of City property, spreading 1400 tons of salt to keep the streets clear of snow and ice, maintaining 10 municipal buildings, sweeping streets, responding to 4300 calls for bulk trash pickup as well as miscellaneous activities such as decorating for holidays and events, displaying banners, planting trees, and staffing approximately 20 special events.

Like all DPW Superintendents, he accomplishes these activities with ingenious, creative scheduling, “duct tape and paperclips” to keep recalcitrant vehicles and equipment operating and encouraging an exceptional work ethic in his employees. However, while his exemplary job performance alone would merit a nomination, it is the following activities which are above and beyond the scope of his job description that Larry is being recognized by this nomination:

· Mr. Bloom received a “Cost Saving Award” from the City for his idea to purchase a hybrid vehicle to save gas and reduce our emissions. So far, this vehicle has reduced our gas consumption from 21 miles per gallon to 13 miles per gallon and the projected savings keep increasing with the price of gasoline.

· He has participated in the establishment of a Safety Committee to produce a city-wide safety manual. When he realized how much it was costing the City to send our employees off site to training seminars on traffic control, he enrolled in the Trainer’s Course, became certified, and now provides that training on site to all employees at no cost.

· When our new health care provider suggested that we institute an employee wellness program, Larry was the first to again volunteer—the next time we heard from him was to receive an invitation to participate in the Tuesday and Thursday morning walks with his Streets Department employees.

Mr. Bloom had mapped out a mile long walk to start the day’s activities as the initial activity of the Wellness Committee and challenged the other departments to follow suit! At our annual Employee Wellness Day, he enlisted Wellness Committee members to join him in baking Weight Watchers cookies to provide a health(y) dessert.

Mr. Bloom approaches these extra activities with the same intensity that he approaches his regular duties—full steam ahead—with gusto! His contribution and leadership in these other activities extends far beyond his own division and he provides a good role model for other managers.

It is for his exemplary work ethic and leadership that we nominate Larry Bloom
as the MML Employee of the Year.”

A panel of City Administrators reviewed the nominations and selected Larry for this honor.

Larry Bloom will receive his award at the Maryland Municipal League Convention in late June. Please offer Larry congratulations on his selection as the MML Municipal Employee of the Year.

20080619 Westminster Street Department Superintendent Larry Bloom to be recognized MML employee of the year

####

Westminster Dept Public Works Street Dept Superintendent Larry Bloom
Westminster Dept Public Works Street Dept
Maryland Municipal League

Posted by Kevin Dayhoff at Sunday, June 22, 2008

*****

Please find an overview of the organization here: http://www.mdmunicipal.org/about/overview.cfm

Briefly: The Maryland Municipal League, founded in 1936, works as a advocate for municipalities throughout the State of Maryland, strengthening the role and capacity of municipal government through research, legislation, technical assistance, training and the dissemination of information for its members.

MML is a statewide organization in Maryland composed solely of municipal officials.

The Maryland Municipal League represents 157 municipal governments and 2 special taxing districts throughout the state of Maryland. The MML is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan association controlled and maintained by city and town governments.

Disclosure: I served on the Maryland Municipal League Board of Directors annually for five consecutive years, from June 2000 to May 2005.

I graduated from the University of Maryland Academy for Excellence in Local Government in June 2001.

I served on the Maryland Municipal League’s Legislative Committee in 1999-2000 and 2001-2002.

I served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Carroll County Chapter of the Maryland Municipal League for five years (12/07/1999 – 05/16/2005).

I was first elected to the Westminster City Council in May of 1999 and served as the Mayor of Westminster from May 2001 until May 16th, 2005.]

20080621 SHA to reaffirm policy on roadside memorials by Beth Ward

SHA to reaffirm policy on roadside memorials

By Beth Ward, Carroll County Times Staff Writer Saturday, June 21, 2008

[…]

… The tribute was one of hundreds placed along the state’s highways memorializing people who died in traffic accidents. However, the practice of erecting roadside memorials violates state law and, according to officials, poses a safety risk for drivers and highway workers, as well as for friends and family who stop at the memorials.

On Friday afternoon, the State Highway Administration posted its policy for roadside memorials on its Web site. David Buck, SHA spokesman, said the agency is reaffirming the policy that has been in place because of the increased number of roadside memorials dotting the state’s highways.

“It’s gotten to the point we needed to do that,” Buck said. “We are not doing a massive sweep; we are reaffirming what has always been our policy.”

According to the SHA Web site, federal and state laws prohibit the placement of anything on state property along state roads, including roadsides, medians or on utility poles.

Buck said the state’s right-of-way is typically from utility pole to utility pole. The law does not single out roadside memorials, but anything placed on state property near roadways, he said.

“Anything in our right-of-way takes away peoples’ first responsibility of paying attention to the road,” Buck said.

With the warm weather, Buck said the memorials pose a problem because of the mowing that takes place. If a worker doesn’t notice a memorial, it could be dangerous for the worker and passing motorists if it gets tangled in the mower’s blades, he said.

When a memorial is removed by state workers, it is kept intact and held at the local maintenance facility for two weeks, so it can be reclaimed, and every effort is made to contact the owners, Buck said.

[…]

Other states have grappled with the issue of balancing road safety and maintenance with accommodating grieving friends and families. Some states have developed standardized signs, while others allow the memorials only in certain circumstances. Some have banned the practice completely.

With the increasing number of roadside memorials, Buck said the agency is trying to provide safe alternatives. One alternative that is already available is to adopt a highway in memory of a loved one, Buck said.

Reach staff writer Beth Ward at 410-751-5908 or beth.ward AT carrollcountytimes.com.

More information

The State Highway Administration’s policy for roadside memorials can be found under the Frequently Asked Questions section of its Web site here

For more information or to adopt a highway in Carroll County, contact the State Highway Administration’s Westminster Maintenance Shop at 410-848-6565 or 800-807-8449.

Read the entire article here: SHA to reaffirm policy on roadside memorials

20080619 Westminster Police Department DWI Arrest press release

20080619 Westminster Police Department DWI Arrest press release

Westminster Police Department
36 Locust Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
410-848-4646

Captain Gerry Frischkorn
News Release
DWI 08-70

On June 19, 2008 at approximately 0100 hours the Westminster Police Department attempted to stop a Honda Civic that was traveling at a high rate of speed on eastbound East Main Street. The Honda failed to stop and turned onto Maryland Rt. 97 southbound and continued at speeds reaching 90 miles per hour. The Maryland State Police joined the chase and in the vicinity of Maryland Rt. 97 and Maryland Rt. 26 a Stop Stick tire deflation device was successfully deployed causing both the right side tires of the Honda to be deflated.

The Honda continued westbound on Maryland Rt. 26 eventually shredding the right side tires resulting in the Honda being driven on the rims. The Honda continued at speeds of 60 to 80 miles per until it turned northbound on Maryland Rt. 194. Upon entering the Taneytown city limits, a rolling road block was established by pursuing officers and the suspect vehicle was stopped.

While being removed from the vehicle, the operator fell onto a Westminster police officer causing both to hit the ground and receive minor cuts. Both the operator and officer were treated and released from Carroll Hospital Center.

The operator was identified as Vanessa Jane Gardner, age 32, of Rosemont, Pa.

Ms. Gardner was arrested and charged DUI, Fleeing and Eluding , Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving and Speeding.

Media Contact:

Captain Gerry Frischkorn
Administrative Bureau
Westminster Police Department
36 Locust Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
(410) 848-1638

20080620 Westminster Police Department Daily Incident Report

20080620 Westminster Police Department Daily Incident Report

Westminster Police Department
36 Locust Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
410-848-4646
410-876-3100

News Release
JUNE 20, 2008

On 6-18-08 at 3:03 AM, an officer of the Westminster Police Department discovered a trash receptacle fire while on routine patrol in the area of the Safeway store located at the College Square Shopping Center. Damage is estimated at $200.00.

On 6-18-08 at 10:51 PM, this department served a bench warrant on Gregory Scott Snyder, age 21, of Druid Drive in Baltimore. He was taken into custody in the first block of Monroe Street in Westminster and charged with failure to appear.

On 6-19-08 at 4:29 AM, this department arrested William Owen Frederick, age 22, of E. Mary’s Court in Finksburg. He was taken into custody following an incident in the 900 block of Leidy Road in Westminster and charged with theft under $100.00.

On 6-19-08 at 9:45 AM, this department served a bench warrant on Billie Jo Elizabeth Eure, age 33, of Washington Lane in Westminster. She was taken into custody at Police Headquarters and charged with failure to appear.

20080619 Nutritionist to provide advice on gluten-free diet by Karen Kemp Carroll County Times

20080619 Nutritionist to provide advice on gluten-free diet by Karen Kemp Carroll County Times

Nutritionist to provide advice on gluten-free diet

By Karen Kemp, Times Staff Writer

Thursday, June 19, 2008

[…]

Last year, (Anna Letaw of Woodbine) started a support group in Mount Airy for parents of children with autism who avoid gluten and a milk protein called casein. Sawyer’s restrictions include eggs and soy because a test showed she is also intolerant of those ingredients, Letaw said.

To educate people on the facts and challenges of following such a restrictive diet, Letaw has invited Lisa Coleman, a nutritionist who works at Martin’s in Eldersburg, to speak at her next Free-Mealer Support Group meeting on Tuesday.

Coleman said her role as a nutritionist is to provide practical dietary advice to customers at the store. While she does not prescribe or recommend any particular eating plan, she will help people implement a diet that they or their doctors have chosen.

For her presentation Tuesday, she will talk about how to find appropriate substitutions for forbidden ingredients, read food labels, bake with gluten-free grains and prevent deficiency in certain nutrients.

Coleman said there is no proof that a gluten-free, casein-free diet helps in treating autism, but there are a couple of theories that seek to explain it.

According to research from the Center for the Study of Autism in Oregon, one theory is that these proteins pass through imperfections in the intestinal tract and negatively impact brain development in people with autism, so cutting them out can lessen symptoms.

Many autistic individuals have flaws in their digestive system referred to as a “leaky gut,” according to the study, which was among the many Letaw read when she started researching treatments for autism two years ago.

While there is a growing interest in gluten-free and dairy-free products, Coleman said there still are not many resources in the community for people who follow that type of diet.

“It’s a very, very frustrating diet,” she said. “It has to be food kids are actually going to eat, which is the hard thing.”

To complicate the diet further, there is no margin for error. Even trace amounts of these proteins could make the diet ineffective, Coleman said.

[…]

Read the entire article here: Nutritionist to provide advice on gluten-free diet


Reach staff writer Karen Kemp at 410-857-7890 or karen.kemp AT carrollcountytimes.com

If you go

What: “What, How and Why of the Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diet”

When: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday

Where: St. James’ Episcopal Church, 202 N. Main St., Mount Airy

Information: 410-795-7950 or annaletaw@comcast.net

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/06/19/news/local_news/newsstory3.txt

20080619 Westminster city FY 2009 budget update memo

20080619 Westminster city FY 2009 budget update memo

MEMORANDUM

TO: Fellow City Employees

FROM: Marge Wolf City Administrator

DATE: June 19, 2008

RE: Update on Budget

Preparing and obtaining approval for the FY 2009 budget was a real challenge because the City is struggling to maintain the current tax rate AND continuing to provide the level of services our residents expect.

The cost of providing services is constantly increasing, just as your personalbudget is increasing. Here are some examples of the increasing costs the City is facing in FY 2009:

1. Gasoline increased by 40% and more increases are expected

2. Health care premiums increased by 10%

3. Workers Compensation insurance increased by 30%

4. Electricity increased from 6.5 kwh to 11.O kwh, an increase of 38% andmore increases are expected

5. The landfill fees have increased from $61 per ton to $76 per ton andadditional increases are planned

6. The projected premium for the retirees health care benefit was increasedfrom $76,000 to $619,000 to meet the requirements of the GASB rules.

At the same time, the City revenues have been impacted by three major events.

The first is the moratorium imposed by MDE on new building.

The second is the general downturn in the economy.

And the third is the reduction in State and County funding for projects.

In fact, the City revenues have not increased from last year. We have projected a three-year operating budget for the first time. The gap between the revenues and expenditures continues to widen over the next three years so this challenging financial situation will remain with us for some time.

The highlights of the budget approved by the Mayor and Council include:

1. The 3% merit increase will become effective July 1, 2008. No cost of living will be awarded.

2. The deferred compensation program will continue with the 2% matchingcontribution.

3. The employee contribution to health care will be increased from 7% to 14% and the same match will be required for dental and vision plans.

4. The health care retirement benefit for employees will be continued for current retirees and those currently qualified for the benefit will be grandfathered. The benefit will be modified for future retirees and no employees hired after July 1, 2008 will receive the benefit. (These changes reduced the premium from $619,000 to $298,000.)

5. A $3.5M bond will be issued for a major street overlay project to repair andreplace the most damaged roads in the City.

6. Other than multi-year projects or those projects for which the City was required to budget a match in order to receive grant funds, no other capital improvement projects were approved in the General Fund.

7. We have examined our staffing and policies and procedures to provide the most effective and efficient services to our customers. Staffing requirements have changed based on that examination and these changes will become effective in the new fiscal year.

8. The tuition assistance program will not be offered this coming fiscal year.

9. Attendance at conferences and training will be limited to requirements forlicensing and continuing education credits.

In addition to these actions, we will establish several department-wide Task Forces to develop programs in the following areas:

1. Reduce the amount of gasoline consumed. This will include a review of our take home vehicle policy, the use of pool cars and our actual daily operations.

2. Reduce the energy costs in each of our facilities. An energy coordinator will be appointed in each City facility to help develop an energy policy and monitorcompliance with that policy.

3. Reduce the consumption of office supplies. This Task Force will examinecentralizing office supply purchasing and distribution, modifying utilizationpatterns and identifying waste patterns.

4. Additional members will be added to the Health Care Committee to develop along-term strategy to maintain an employee benefit package at a reasonable cost to both the City and employees.

If there are other areas where we need to conserve our resources or ways to use those resources more efficiently, please do not hesitate to make suggestions orrecommendations to your supervisor.

We will be looking for additional ways to economize and conserve to live within our budget. All ideas will be given serious consideration. Only by pulling together can we meet the challenges of this trying financial situation.

####

20080613 Facebook No Longer The Second Largest Social Network

Facebook No Longer The Second Largest Social Network

Michael Arrington, TechCrunch.com Friday, June 13, 2008

It was sort of inevitable given Facebook's monster growth over the last few years, but April 2008 was the milestone: Facebook officially caught up to MySpace in terms of unique monthly worldwide visitors, according to data released by Comscore and shown above. Both services are attracting around 115 million people to their respective sites each month.

Most of Facebook's user growth, however, has been in international markets - MySpace is still dominates Facebook in the U.S. market, with 72 million monthly uniques. Facebook has 36 million monthly uniques, up from 23 million a year ago.

Read the rest of the article here: Facebook No Longer The Second Largest Social Network

20080620 Mark Jackson, The Broken Blossoms, and Half Japanese

Mark Jackson, The Broken Blossoms, and Half Japanese

THE BROKEN BLOSSOMS: Lily

I was doing some research on the classic silent movie from 1919, “Broken Blossoms,” by D W Griffith which starred Lillian Gish; and I came across this video, “THE BROKEN BLOSSOMS: Lily”

I immediately thought of Mark Jackson, an account executive for Patuxent Publishing Group. So this is dedicated to Mr. Jackson. Please enjoy.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xZ3lsThTCLk

Rock n' Roll Band From Oita City JAPANhttp://www.babu.com/~thebrokenblossoms/



Although what Mark would want to hear is something from “Half Japanese”:

HALF JAPANESE - The Band That Would Be King

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kcu2ONECf_8

Some say Half Japanese were the world's greatest underground band. Jad and David Fair started the band HALF JAPANESE in their bedroom in Uniontown, Maryland in 1975. Though neither could play a single note on any instrument, they went on to record one of the greatest albums of all time.



####

20080618 Sykesville Police Dept Press Release: BGE worker killed

20080618 Sykesville Police Dept Press Release: BGE worker killed

Sykesville Police Department
Memorandum
7547 Main St.
Sykesville, MD 21784
(410) 795-0757

Press Release

On 06-18-08 at 0236 hrs., there was a power failure in the Town of Sykesville that affected most homes and businesses in the corporate limits. Investigation revealed a BG & E worker, performing routine work at the sub-station located on Spout Hill Rd. had been electrocuted, causing the outage. The worker was removed from the scene and flown to Baltimore Shock-Trauma, but was pronounced dead at 0437 hrs. There is a joint investigation ongoing, involving the Sykesville Police Department, BG & E and OSHA.
Power has been restored.

20080619 A message from your local fire department

A message from your local fire department

June 19, 2008 Fire is serious business

20080617 Carroll County Times by Ryan Marshall: Westminster Police Sgt. Andy Hundertmark recognized by Red Cross

20080617 Carroll County Times by Ryan Marshall: Westminster Police Sgt. Andy Hundertmark recognized by Red Cross

Carroll County Times by Ryan Marshall: Westminster Police Sgt. Andy Hundertmark recognized by Red Cross

Police officer recognized by Red Cross

By Ryan Marshall, Times Staff Writer

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

A Westminster police sergeant honored for his arrest of an armed robbery suspect said he was just doing what he was trained to do.

Sgt. Andy Hundertmark was honored at a Red Cross breakfast Monday in Baltimore for central Maryland residents who show bravery, courage and community service.

The 14-year veteran of the Westminster police force responded to the call of an armed robbery in the College Square shopping center on Feb. 25, 2007, said Capt. Gerry Frischkorn, a spokesman for the Westminster police department.

[…]

Springing into action, Hundertmark tackled the man and held him at gunpoint until other officers arrived. Police eventually found a BB gun on the man, Frischkorn said.

[…]

Read the entire article here: Police officer recognized by Red Cross

Posted by Kevin Dayhoff at Thursday, June 19, 2008

20080618 Westminster Police Daily Incident Report

Thursday, June 19, 2008

20080618 Westminster Police Daily Incident Report

Westminster Police Daily Incident Report

News Release

JUNE 18, 2008

Westminster Police Department

36 Locust Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

410-848-4646

410-876-3100

On 06-16-08 at 11:23 AM, an employee of the City of Westminster Public Works Department located in the 100 block of Railroad Avenue, Westminster reported that an unknown suspect removed a sewer drain gate from the area of Charingworth Road and Meadowbranch Road. Estimated value of loss was unknown at the time of the report.

On 06-16-08 at 3:00 PM, a resident of Goldenrod Terrace, Westminster reported a that an unknown suspect removed currency, cell phone and prescription medication from their Volvo. This incident occurred in the 100 block of Pennsylvania Ave. Loss is estimated at $330.00.

On 06-16-08 at 4:00 PM, this department arrested Aubrey Lynn Kujan, age 22, of Don Ave., Westminster. She was arrested following an incident in the first block of College Hill and charged with driving while intoxicated.

On 06-16-08 at 4:30 PM, this department served a criminal summons on Joseph Paul Malebranche, age 34, of Bentley St., Taneytown. He was charged with theft over $500.00 and two credit card offenses.

On 06-16-08 at 7:33 PM, this department served a criminal summons on Rachel Anne Raynes, age 26, of Buffalo Rd., Mt. Airy. She was charged with confining an unattended child.

On 06-16-08 at 9:20 PM, a resident of Stonebridge Way, Sykesville reported that an unknown suspect had dented the left rear quarter panel on their Ford Mustang. This incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in the area of the 400 block of N. Center St. Damage is estimated at $200.00.

On 06-16-08 at 11:35 PM, a resident of the 600 block of Johahn Drive, Westminster reported being assaulted by a known individual.

On 06-17-08 at 11:30 AM, this department arrested Lauren Nichole Brandenburg, age 21, of Mountain Laurel Ct., Westminster. She was taken into custody at Central Booking and charged with theft over $500.00.

On 06-17-08 at 3:44 PM, a resident of the 300 block of Buck Cash Dr., Westminster reported that an unknown suspect egged their 2002 Ford F-250.

On 06-17-08 at 5:09 PM, this department arrested Brett Allan Garber, age 34, of Old New Windsor Pike, New Windsor. He was taken into custody following an incident that occurred in the first block of West Main Street and charged with trespassing on private property.

On 06-17-08 at 7:03 PM, an employee of Bob Evans located in the 200 block of Malcolm Drive, Westminster reported that an unknown suspect removed currency from that location. Loss is estimated at $30.00.

On 06-17-08 at 7:15 PM, this department served a criminal summons on Emily Nichole Mottley, age 20, of Main St., New Windsor. She was charged with two counts of second-degree assault and two counts of reckless endangerment.

On 06-17-08 at 9:04 PM, an employee of County Wide Taxi, located in the 200 block of E. Main St., Westminster reported that an unknown suspect was making annoying telephone calls to that location.

20080618 This week in the Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Holes in Our Safety Net

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Tim Russert, “a giant in journalism and in politics” passed away unexpectedly last Friday. It followed by less than a week the death of ABC’s Jim McKay.

Quantity vs. Quality

Tom McLaughlin

For the first time, it was announced recently, the life expectancy in the United States reached above 78 years old. Some may rejoice at this news, but one must be very careful because the quantity of life may have increased but the quality of life has decreased. This quality not only affects the individual who has reached the golden age mark, but the many people who care for him or her.

---

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

So Be It

Roy Meachum

Iraq was never about military success; the war has always been a political mess: unwinnable at its best. That truth trumped all American pretensions from the start. But U.S. deaths settled down to a point when the casualties could be tolerated by the public. More or less.

---

Monday, June 16, 2008

Political Street Gossip – Part 3

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

One set of elected officials sure to change in 2010 is the gang of five in charge at Winchester Hall. Several incumbent commissioners are looking beyond their current board service to Annapolis, interested to trade in the long hours in the snazzy new first floor hearing room for a case of Severn River fever.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being Russert

Steven R. Berryman

The loss by heart attack of Meet The Press host Tim Russert, especially after an excellent stress test recently, reminds us of our “unbearable lightness of being” on this earth. Friday the 13^th, the date this shocked us, will have new meaning now and forever.

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Friday, June 13, 2008

Sex and Color

Roy Meachum

Admittedly there are people who get all out of shape over color. There are probably as many for whom human plumbing counts. For all the ranting by media gurus, neither the one candidate's gender nor her opponent's African roots had much to do with the Democratic primary's outcome.

---

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Growing Up Tales…

Patricia A. Kelly

In A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Katie Nolan was 17 when she married Johnny, a charming, musical foil to her tiny, brisk, dark-curled practicality. She gave birth to her daughter Francie in 1901 in a tenement while Johnny, sent off by the women, spent 24 hours drunk, and lost their job cleaning a school at night.

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Jim McKay

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Yesterday morning the spotlight of the sports world was focused on the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore as people came together to pay their last respects to Maryland’s own Jim McKay.

All Kinds of Sharks…..

Tom McLaughlin

These are some direct quotes about the Great White Shark: “Unlike most fish, white sharks are intelligent, highly inquisitive creatures.”… “No one has seen white sharks mate” (that’s understandable)…. “When I am on the boat, they’ll pop their heads out and look me directly in the eye and once when there were several people in the boat, the Great White looked each person in the eye one by one, checking us out.”

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Tuesday, June 10, 2008

The Word? Heimische

Roy Meachum

Before I spell out my personal thoughts. There's a serious problem at the Bethesda Theatre these nights and matinees. The audience laughs so hard, so frequently and so loud. I had trouble hearing Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson. Fortunately, not all the time.

Great Rides, Great Roads

Nick Diaz

In my last installment, I brought up the idea of “invisible roads,” and the fun involved in discovering and riding (or driving) them.

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Monday, June 9, 2008

Political Street Gossip – Part Two

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Continuing last week’s theme, this week we’ll examine the next chronological ballot contest – the City of Frederick’s 2009 election for the mayor and Board of Aldermen.

Dangerous Days

Steven R. Berryman

The anecdotal evidence has been building for many months. Now two top men are forced from positions of power in the United States Air Force for convenient reasons. Is our target Iran?

20080617 Doug Ross: “Bush says 30,000 troops leaving Iraq next month. AP wonders why no one knows about it.”

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Doug Ross: “Bush says 30,000 troops leaving Iraq next month. AP wonders why no one knows about it.”

To which Doug Ross asks the question that is on many of our minds, “Funny - I didn't see this headline in the American press. Iraqi news service Aswat Al-Iraq (via Gateway Pundit and Larwyn)”

[…]

In concert with this hidden report, Ace calls attention to an AP article, which wonders why the successes in Iraq are generating scant attention in the U.S.

Could the main reason that "positive signs are attracting little attention" be that media coverage of Iraq dropped by 90+% while U.S. troops achieved victory?

Read the entire post here: Bush says 30,000 troops leaving Iraq next month. AP wonders why no one knows about it.

20080617 Westminster Police Department "Operation Crack Down"

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

20080617 Westminster Police Department "Operation Crack Down"

Westminster Police Department

“OPERATION CRACK DOWN”

June 17th, 2008

During the month of May 2008 the Narcotics Section of the Westminster Police Department initiated a significant undercover investigation within the City of Westminster to identify street-level distributors of illicit drugs.

The investigation utilized the collective resources of the Westminster Police Department, the Frederick Police Department, the Maryland State Police Drug Task Force and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Carroll County.

The investigation, dubbed “Operation Crack Down”, was carried out utilizing undercover officers provided by the Frederick Police Department to purchase illegal drugs from local suspects. Nineteen (19) hand-to-hand purchases of illegal drugs were made by the undercover investigators during the course of the operation.

As a result of this investigation, seven (7) Grand Jury indictments were obtained charging the suspects with felonious drug distribution and related charges. Six (6) of the indictments have been served to date. Additionally, nine (9) search and seizure warrants have been obtained and served. A total of fifteen (15) suspects have been arrested during the month of June for drug violations stemming from this investigation. Additional arrests are pending (See attached synopsis for additional details relating to the arrests).

The following property/evidence was seized during the course of this operation:

Total U.S. currency seized for forfeiture: Approx. $3,630.00

Counterfeit U.S. currency seized: Approx. $2,080.00

Total crack cocaine seized: Approx. 28 grams

Total marijuana seized: Approx. 51 grams

Total Oxycontin seized: Approx. 140 pills

“I hope that this operation sends a strong message to those who facilitate and perpetuate the drug problems in our community”, states Chief Jeffrey Spaulding of the Westminster Police Department. “The use, sale and addiction to illicit drugs are significant causal factors in many crimes committed in Westminster and other communities across our country. Collaborative and proactive law enforcement efforts, like those employed during this investigation, illustrate our collective resolve to rid our communities of this significant public safety problem. We in Carroll County law enforcement will continue our collaborative efforts to arrest and prosecute those responsible”. Chief Spaulding gratefully acknowledges the active participation and invaluable assistance provided by the Frederick Police Department and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Carroll County.

# # # #

Media Contact Person: Captain Pete D’Antuono

Commander

Criminal Investigations Bureau

(410) 848-4646

Posted by Kevin Dayhoff at Tuesday, June 17, 2008

20080616 Westminster Police Daily Incident Report

Westminster Police Daily Incident Report

News Release

JUNE 16, 2008

On 06-09-08 at 10:56 AM, this department charged a 16-year-old male juvenile with one count of trespass. Charges are being forwarded to Juvenile Services.

On 06-11-08 at 7:09 AM, a resident of the 100 block of E. Green St., Westminster reported that unknown suspect(s) shattered the rear window on their Dodge Shadow. Damage is estimated at $200.00.

On 06-11-08 at 8:48 AM, a resident of Oakland, Maryland, reported that unknown suspect(s) scratched the front passenger door and egged the trunk of their green Accura. The vehicle was parked at the Wal Mart in Westminster when this incident occurred. Damage is estimated at $500.00.

On 06-11-08 at 12:15 PM, this department arrested a 17 year-old male juvenile. He was charged with one count each possess/issue forged currency and attempted theft less than $100.00. He was released into the custody of Juvenile Services.

On 06-12-08 at 8:40 AM, this department charged a 12 year-old male juvenile with one count of disorderly conduct. Charged are being forwarded to Juvenile Services.

On 06-13-08 at 1:19 AM, this department arrested Brandon Paul Wood, age 25, of Plaintree Circle, Owings Mills. He was taken into custody following a traffic stop that occurred in the area of Route 140 and Englar Road, and charged with driving while intoxicated and several traffic violations.

On 06-13-08 at 3:10 PM, this department served a criminal summons on Alexander Zus Reiff, age 26, of no fixed address. He was charged with one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

On 06-13-08 at 4:32 PM, a resident of the first block of Bond Street, Westminster reported that an unknown suspect attempted to forcibly gain entry into their residence. Molding was damaged in the attempt. Damage is estimated at $ 100.00.

On 06-13-08 at 11:16 PM, this department arrested Jacquelyn Elizabeth Zuelch, age 23, of Sullivan Avenue, Westminster. She was taken into custody following a traffic stop that occurred in the area of the first block of Sullivan Avenue and charged with driving with a suspended license.

On 06-14-08 at 12:02 AM, a resident of the 2000 block of Mayberry Road, Westminster reported that a known suspect had violated an exparte order. This incident occurred in the first block of West George Street.

On 06-14-08 at 1:20 AM, this department served a bench warrant on Shane Wisniewski, age 34, of West Main Street, Westminster. He was taken into custody in the area of the first block of West Main Street and charged with being a fugitive from another agency.

On 06-14-08 at 8:42 PM this department served a summons on Dalton Tyler Norris, age 18, of Naugahyde Rd., Westminster. He was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance marijuana and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.

On 06-14-08 at 9:36 PM this department arrested John Lawrence Ritcey, age 28, of Uniontown Rd. He was taken into custody following an incident that occurred in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue and James Street and charged with disorderly conduct.

On 06-14-08 at 10:32 PM, two residents of the 400 block of Babylon Ct., Westminster reported being assaulted by each other.

On 06-15-08 at 3:05 PM, a resident of E George St., Westminster reported being assaulted by a known suspect. The incident occurred in the first block of Madison Street.