Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Thursday, September 19, 2002

20020918 Pennsylvania Ave Advisory Task Force Sept. 18, 2002 Committee Report

Westminster Scrapbook Pennsylvania Ave Advisory Task Force Sept. 18, 2002 Committee Report

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Report and Recommendations

September 18, 2002

Advisory Task Force Committee

On

Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative

City of Westminster

P.O. Box 710 – City Hall
Westminster, Maryland 21158

I. Introduction

At it’s May 13, 2002 meeting, The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster unanimously established the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Committee. Thereafter, on Wednesday, June 12, 2002, Council President Damian Halstad convened the Advisory Task Force (“Committee”) consisting of clergy, residents and business owners which was charged with reviewing and making preliminary recommendations to The Mayor and Common Council under a venture titled the “Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative.” The area of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative is highlighted in Attachment 1. The following persons were appointed to the Committee.

Lower Pennsylvania Advisory Task Force Committee

The Honorable Jerry Barnes
Pastor Howard Hinson
Thomas B. Beyard
Darlyn Horgos
Jim Billingslea
Eric Horgos
Councilman Roy Chiavacci
Chief Roger Joneckis
Carter Clews
Jonathan Mawhinney
Nancy Ensor
Rebecca Orenstein
Debbie Finch
Nancy Palmer
Jackie Finch
Councilman Greg Pecoraro
Monica Gomez
Mark Pohlhaus
Lori Graham
Tonia Pope
Thomas Hallman
Dr. Phil Sayre
Council Pres. Damian Halstad
Dr. Ethan Seidel
Darcel Harris
Andrew Shaw
Edith Haschert
Deborah Sims
Pastor David Helfrich
Thomas Smith


State Resource Team

Governor’s Office of Smart Growth
Maryland Department of Planning
Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland Department of Transportation
Carroll County Office of the State’s Attorney

Prior to its initial meeting, Council President Halstad sent the Committee a series of questions designed to provide state and local officials with an assessment of the current condition of the neighborhood as well as the Committee’s vision for the future of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area. The questions posed were:

1. What things would you preserve in the lower Pennsylvania Avenue Neighborhood?

2, What things would you change in the lower Pennsylvania Avenue neighborhood if you could? What would you do to make those changes possible?

3. What new things would you do in the lower Pennsylvania Avenue neighborhood that is not being done to make things better?

The responses to those questions highlighted strengths and weaknesses of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Area. As a result, officials from the City and State developed the following five topics which would be discussed by the Committee.

1. June 27, 2002 - Municipal Code Enforcement

2. July 10, 2002 – Crime Prevention

3. July 24, 2002 - Landlord Accountability

4. August 21, 2002 - Local Zoning Code/Smart Codes

5. September 5, 2002 - Homeownership Initiative/Neighborhood Aesthetics

These general topics were identified as possible areas whereby the City could address the current condition of the neighborhood as well as accommodating the Committee’s vision for the future of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area. Attachment 2 includes an agenda from each meeting.

Prior to each Committee meeting, City and State officials worked cooperatively on developing a list of “Best Practices” which are currently being used throughout the State. State Officials who had thorough knowledge of each topic then presented the “Best Practices”. At the conclusion of each meeting the Committee was given an opportunity to discuss the proposed “Best Practices” and was able to develop a list of policies and implementation schedule it would forward to The Mayor and Common Council for its review. Many of those “Best Practices” involved had previously been undertaken by the City.

II. Municipal Code Enforcement

On June 27, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Municipal Code Enforcement. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:

· Landlord Licensing
· Fire Code Discussion
· Habitual Offending Homes Padlock Policy
· Registration of All Rental Properties
· Expansion of Current Property Maintenance Regulations to include the facades Commercial and Owner Occupied Properties
· Registration of Agents
· Streamlined Violation Decision Making Process

A. Landlord Licensing

Overview

Implement a landlord licensing pilot program which would use the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative area as a model. The licensing program would require that owners of rental occupied housing obtain a license from the City of Westminster. Licenses would only be issued to property owners that successfully pass an annual inspection of the entire property including interior inspections. The license process would also require the landlord or an agent of the landlord to provide contact information which would be used by City staff. The objective of this program is to reverse the physical decline of the neighborhood and provide a safe and healthy community for its residents.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this program.

Timeline for Consideration

6 months - Department of Planning and Public Works staff and City Attorney to draft an ordinance for consideration by The Mayor and Common Council.

Licensing fees may need to be imposed to cover additional staff considerations.

City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard

B. Habitual Offending Homes Padlock Policy

Overview

Implement a Habitual Offending Homes Padlock policy which would allow the City to place a padlock on rental properties which house habitual drug offenses. This policy pertains to drug dealing and drug possession. A similar policy has been in effect for some time in Baltimore City. Once a property is discovered to have two drug offenses within a year, the City would have the ability to place a padlock on the property which would then physically bar the property owner from renting the property. This program is designed to encourage better cooperation between the City’s Code Enforcement Officials and the City’s Police Department, as well as encourage better tenant screening by landlords.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to consideration of this program.

Timeline for Consideration

12-18 months - Westminster Police Department, City Code Officials and City Attorney to develop ordinance and program for implementation.

This program will create additional workload for the abovementioned parties. The City will have to create an extensive database in order to track drug offenses.

City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis

C. Abatement of Nuisance Actions

Overview

Initiate a cooperative effort with the Office of the State’s Attorney to enforce Section 14-120 of the Real Property Code of the State of Maryland. This statute addresses repeat offenses or repeat nuisances in a particular location. Action against a landlord or a tenant under this provision may be brought either by the City of Westminster, State’s Attorney’s Office or a Civic Organization. This approach offers progressively stronger sanctions against a particularly troubled property if there is no effort to rid the property of the nuisance or the offenses. The ultimate sanction against a landlord is demolition of the property.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this initiative.

Timeline for Consideration

0-6 months – City staff and City Attorney must coordinate with Office of State’s Attorney to devise a work plan which would assist in the development and implementation of this program.

City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard

D. Streamlined Violation Decision Making Process

Overview

Investigate whether or not the City should establish an administrative judge which would consider Municipal Code violations. This official would be appointed by The Mayor and Common Council and could potentially streamline the decision making process.

Encourage cooperation between local District Court Judges and the City of Westminster pertaining to Municipal Code Violations. This program would investigate the ability of the City to secure a date in court on a monthly basis which solely consists of the City’s Property Maintenance Code Violations.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this initiative.


Timeline for Consideration

12 – 24 months - City Code Officials and City Attorney investigate and make a recommendation to The Mayor and Common Council regarding the appointment of an administrative judge to consider Municipal Code Violations.

6-12 months – City Code Enforcement Officials contact the Administrative Judge of the State of Maryland Carroll County District Court. This action will determine whether or not the City has enough Municipal Code Infractions to secure a set date and time on a monthly basis in which the entire docket during that time frame would be allocated to the City’s Municipal Code Violations.

City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard

E. Registration of All Rental Properties and Registration of Agents

Overview

Investigate whether or not all rental properties should be required to register with the City of Westminster as well as the registration of the agents of all properties within the City. Based upon the findings of the Property Maintenance Code Annual Report, City staff has recommended that a registered agent must live within twenty-five miles of the City of Westminster. This facilitates locating a contact person if the need arises.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

The Mayor and Common Council introduced an ordinance on July 22, 2002 which was adopted on August 12, 2002, implementing implement these two programs.

City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard

F. Expansion of Property Maintenance Code to Include the facades of Commercial & Owner Occupied Properties

Overview

Investigate whether or not the City should expand the Property Maintenance Code Regulations to include all owner occupied units as well as commercial units.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

The Mayor and Common Council introduced an ordinance on July 22, 2002 which was adopted on August 12, 2002, implementing implement these two programs.

City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard

III. Crime prevention program

On July 10, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Crime Prevention Program. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:

· Arrest Inventory
· Citizen Block Watch
· Community Policing Initiative
· Economic Subsidies for Police Housing in the Lower PA Avenue Area

A. Arrest Inventory

Overview

Investigate whether the Westminster Police Department should consider establishing a database which inventories the arrest activity in the Lower PA Avenue Initiative area. This program would give City Police an accurate assessment of the type and location of criminal activity. With this information, the Westminster Police Department would have the opportunity to focus its efforts in an appropriate manner. The Westminster Police Department will coordinate with appropriate agencies to assist in the development of the inventory.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

6- 12 months to establish procedures for implementation of this procedure. Due to the administrative nature of this practice, no legislative action would be required of The Mayor and Common Council. However, support of this program by The Mayor and Common Council would be critical due to the increased workload of Westminster Police Officers and possible expense of creating such an inventory.

City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis

B. Citizen Block Watch

Overview

This effort would provide residents of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area training in detecting criminal activity and how to properly report criminal activity. This program would also team the Westminster Police Department with the local media sources to promote programs that the Westminster Police Department Offers. This would be an exhaustive effort to market all programs which are managed by the Westminster Police Department. This effort would also provide the patrol officer with a mobile phone in which residents would have the officer’s contact number. As a result of this discussion, the Committee recommended that additional street lighting be placed in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area to make pedestrians feel more secure at night.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

0-6 months to consider equipping patrol officers with a mobile phone that the residents of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area would have access to. The City of Westminster will apply for grants through the State of Maryland to fund street lighting in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area. Additional street lighting for Pennsylvania Avenue is included in the FY 02-03 – FY 07-08 Capital Improvements Program if no grant funding is available to the City to expedite the installation. The Westminster Police Department currently has an active program in place for resident training. Through the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Advisory Task Force the Westminster Police Department is encouraging more residents to become involved with citizen policing. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention has offered staff assistance for program development.

City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis

C. Community Policing Initiative

Overview

This effort would require extensive coordination on the part of The Mayor and Common Council, Westminster Police Department, State’s Attorney’s Office, Office of Juvenile Justice, Office of Parole and Probation, City of Westminster Code Enforcement and McDaniel College. The focus of this initiative is to develop two teams which would coordinate the community policing effort. Initially, the Police Probation Team would consist of a patrol officer and caseworkers from the Office of Parole and Probation and Office of Juvenile Justice. The Police Probation Team would be responsible for the day to day monitoring of criminal activity.

The Community Police Community Supervision Team would consist of representatives from the Westminster Police Department, State’s Attorney’s Office, Office of Juvenile Justice, Office of Parole and Probation, City of Westminster Code Enforcement and McDaniel College. This team would utilize the resources offered by local drug rehabilitation centers, vocational training centers, local Chamber of Commerce, Board of Education and other parties which could assist the Police Probation Team in developing and locating programs which assist in the rehabilitation of offenders.

As a result of this discussion, the Committee also recommended that the report include the opening of a Police Probation Team Office in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Area. Due to the “hands on” nature of this initiative, the Committee has indicated its desire to have a substation in the area.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

12-36 months to receive support from the necessary parties to implement this strategy. Due to the extensive cooperation that is required from this effort, it will be critical to have the support of all the aforementioned parties prior to implementing this program. There will be extensive consideration given to the staffing of the Police Probation Team which may require shifting duties of various employees that are employed by different government entities. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention has committed staff resources to assist in developing this program.

City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis

D. Economic Subsidies for Police Housing in the Lower PA Avenue Area

Overview

To provide an economic subsidy to Westminster Police Officers who choose to live in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Area. The City currently funds the Live Near Your Work Program which is in part funded through the City and the State of Maryland. The Police Department will also consider partnering with owners of rental property that may be in a position to provide rental subsidies to police officers that live in a rental unit. The Westminster Police Department also has a “take home” vehicle policy which allows officers to take their vehicles home provided they live within the City of Westminster.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

6 – 12 months - for the Westminster Police Department to attempt to establish a relationship with a property owner(s) in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area which may have the financial ability to provide rental-housing subsidies to Westminster Police Officers.

City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis

E. Designated Emergency Telephone Booths

Overview

Investigate whether or not the City should establish one or more “Emergency Telephone Booths” along the street in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative Target Area. Individuals in distress would press a call button on the station, automatically alerting the dispatcher to the individual’s position in addition to providing an audio connection. College campuses across the Country, including McDaniel College, employ similar “Blue Light Phones” that flash a light when the call button is pressed, alerting anyone in the area to the emergency. The high visibility, ease of use, and accessible design of the proposed stations seek to deter crime through faster reporting and response times.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

12 – 36 months – for the Westminster Police Department to determine potential sites and cost estimates/funding sources for the station(s). The appropriate technology would then have to be purchased and installed. A plan to mitigate potential abuse of the telephones should also be developed.

City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis

F. Police Substation on Pennsylvania Avenue

Overview

Investigate whether the Westminster Police Department should establish a police substation on Pennsylvania Avenue. The substation would provide a constant police presence in the neighborhood and create a local “safe haven” for residents. Officers would complete administrative duties during shifts in the substation as well as be available to respond to calls for emergency assistance.

The proposed substation differs from the Police Probation Team Office introduced in Section C above. The team office would provide meeting space in the community for Community Policing activities, while the substation would house a uniformed officer on duty to respond to incidents as they occur.

Committee Recommendation

Committee formed a subcommittee with the direction to study the costs and benefits of a police substation. The subcommittee returned an un-favorable recommendation on this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

12 – 36 months – to consider whether or not the City has the available staffing and financial resources for a police substation in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area. Officials must also determine if a substation would represent the most effective use of these resources. Support of this program by The Mayor and Common Council would be critical due to the significant expense of establishing a field office and the increased workload of Westminster Police Officers.

City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis

G. Youth Curfew

Overview

A curfew on Pennsylvania Avenue would require persons under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult between specified hours at night. The curfew would apply to public spaces in the target area. The Committee recommended that City staff review Union Bridge’s Municipal Curfew policy which could be used as a model. The implementation of a curfew would be designed to reduce crime through the increased supervision of youth on the Avenue.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to the consideration of this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration:

12 – 36 months – to establish procedures for implementation as well as determine legality of such a proposal.

City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis.

H. Emergency Cellular Phone Program

Overview

To develop a program in which residents within the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Target Area would be able to receive a free cellular phone which would be deactivated, yet, retains the ability to dial 911 for emergencies.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to the consideration of this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration:

0 – 6 months – to establish a program for Westminster Police Department to collect used cellular phones that have been deactivated.

City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis.

IV. LANDLORD OUTREACH PROGRAM

On July 24, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Landlord Outreach Program. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:

· Landlord Education Partnership
· Financial Assistance for Landlords

A. Landlord Education Partnership

Overview

This effort would provide landlords an opportunity to attend training sessions sponsored by the City of Westminster which specifically focus on establishing a successful rental program. The programs offered by the City would be a series of quarterly workshops with experts from the surrounding area which can offer technical assistance to local landlords. The Carroll County Landlords Association currently offers a landlord-mentoring program which provides technical assistance to landlords within its association.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

12-24 months for the City of Westminster’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization to establish a quarterly training series designed to provide technical assistance to local landlords. Due to the publications and speaking fees required for this type of program, participants would have to pay a fee in order to attend.

City Staff Contact: Karen K. Blandford and the Carroll County Landlords Association

V. LOCAL ZONING CODE/SMART CODES

On July 24, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Local Zoning Code/Smart Codes. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:

· Principles of Infill Redevelopment and Design Considerations
· Appropriate Land Use Ordinances
· Administrative Variances

A. Appropriate Land Use Ordinances

Overview

The City of Westminster has received a $10,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Planning to review its zoning code and determine areas which may be suitable for the implementation of more flexible zoning codes. This includes adopting procedures which facilitate infill development and redevelopment. The first of these was to review the land use designations within the Lower PA Avenue Target Area. Investigate whether or not certain commercial uses should be allowed as a special exception use within the Lower PA Avenue Target Area. The uses discussed by the Committee in addition to the underlying residential uses were Bed and Breakfast, Coffee Shop (with hour limitations) and an artist live/work gallery/studio.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

0 – 6 months for the Department of Planning and Public Works to meet with a subcommittee of the Lower PA Avenue Committee and formulate recommendations. At that point, City staff would develop a Zoning Text Amendment which would implement the findings of the subcommittee.

City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard

B. Administrative Variances

Overview

The second procedure outlined in facilitating infill development and redevelopment is to develop an administrative variance process which would be administered by the Director of Planning and Public Works. The enabling legislation is provided to municipalities in Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This procedure would authorize the Director of Planning and Public Works to grant administrative variances with respect to building height, size and setbacks without an applicant being required to apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals. This process saves applicants time and expense and providing a more efficient method to consider their requests.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

0 – 6 months for the Department of Planning and Public Works to develop an administrative variance procedure which would be presented to The Mayor and Common Council for its consideration.

City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard

VI. HOMEOWNERSHIP INITIATIVE/NEIGHBORHOOD aESTHETICS

On September 5, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Homeownership Initiative/Neighborhood Aesthetics. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:

· Community Legacy Overview
· Homeownership Initiatives
· Neighborhood Aesthetics/Streetscape Improvements
· Impact of Limited Transportation – Opportunities for Change?

A. Community Legacy Overview

Overview

The Committee was given a presentation of the Community Legacy Application which was submitted to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The projects which were submitted for funding under the Community Legacy Application were:

1. Union Street Community Center: The City has requested $450,000 to help fund construction of a Community Youth Center.

2. Pennsylvania Avenue Street Lights: The City has requested $116,000 to help fund installation of street lighting on Pennsylvania Avenue. Residents will have the opportunity to assist in light selection.

3. Multiple-family Façade Revolving Loan Program: The City has requested $160,000 which would fund a revolving loan program for multiple-family housing units with five (5) or greater units that are not eligible for other funding through other State programs. This program would provide loans for exterior renovations at reduced interest rates.

4. Homeownership Program: The City has requested $10,000 in continuation funds to maintain a homeownership incentive that targets moderate to upper income homebuyers to locate in the “Old Town Westminster Area.”


Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration
0 – 36 months depending on availability of funding from the State.

City Staff Contact: Karen K. Blandford

B. Homeownership Initiatives

Overview

To initiate an Acquisition Rehabilitation Program in which the City would partner with a non profit organization or a neighborhood policy service. This program is in addition to the Affordable Housing Program which offers help for home repair purchase. The second program is to initiate a lease/purchase program which would require a partnership with willing landlords that would be agreeable to this arrangement.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.

Timeline for Consideration

0 – 36 months depending on availability of funding from the State.

City Staff Contact: Karen K. Blandford

C. Neighborhood Aesthetics/Streetscape Improvements

Overview

To develop a series of streetscape improvements that would reduce the speed of traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue as well as making improvements to the overall appearance of the Avenue. This would include, but is not limited, to the possible narrowing of the travel lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue, creating curb bump outs and installing varied pavement at pedestrian crosswalks. This program would also develop a series of environmental improvements which would enhance the safety of the neighborhood through better design. New and enhanced lighting will be critical to the success of improving the aesthetics of the neighborhood as well as creating a safer environment for pedestrians. Interested Pennsylvania Avenue Residents will have an opportunity to comment on proposed changes prior to the City’s selection.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this program

Timeline for Consideration

0 – 6 months for City staff to incorporate into the streetscape improvements into the City’s Capital Improvement Program. Due to funding constraints, the City will seek financial assistance from Federal funding mechanisms such as the TEA-21 program.

City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard

D. Limited Transportation Opportunities

Overview

To develop a partnership with a local transit agency that would offer transit service to Westminster residents on a regular schedule within the Westminster and Environs area. This proposal would provide residents without personal transportation the opportunity to reach employers and providers of services which may otherwise be limited due to the lack of transportation.

Committee Recommendation

Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this program

Timeline for Consideration

24 – 36 months to develop a partnership with a local transit service which may result in regularly scheduled transit services for all residents. Due to funding considerations, the City will need to seek Federal and State financial assistance to develop a program of this nature.

City Staff Contact: Karen K. Blandford

VII. SUMMARY

The Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Committee proudly submits these recommendations to The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster.

While in the last three years Pennsylvania Avenue has begun the long process of transitioning from a declining neighborhood to a resurgent neighborhood, the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Area needs additional assistance from The Mayor and Common Council.

The Committee feels these recommendations represent a substantial step in the right direction to establishing Pennsylvania Avenue as one of the premiere neighborhoods in the City of Westminster.

Tuesday, September 17, 2002

20020916 Bistro 1896 Ashville North Carolina Farm Credit RAAW conference

20020916 Bistro 1896 Ashville North Carolina Farm Credit RAAW conference


Dinner, September 16th, 2002, at the Bistro 1896, 7 Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801


John Kahoe and Donna Kahoe

John Brumbaugh and Cindy Brumbaugh

Surina Jan

Pam Mallott

Caroline Babylon and Kevin Dayhoff


Review and Audit Advisory Workgroup Conference

“Review, Improve and Prepare”

Renaissance Asheville Hotel, Asheville, NC September 16-18, 2002


Ag MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Ag MidAtlantic Farm Credit RAAW confs, US st North Carolina Ashville, Dayhoff Travels, Art

Thursday, August 22, 2002

20020822 “Mayors consider an area council” By Mary Gail Hare, Sun Staff

20020822 “Mayors consider an area council” By Mary Gail Hare, Sun Staff

http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/carroll/bal-ca.towns22aug22.story?coll=bal%2Dlocal%2Dcarroll

Mayors consider an area council

Board of towns' leaders would work with county; 'Enormous untapped talent'

By Mary Gail Hare, Sun Staff, August 22, 2002

Representatives of Carroll's eight towns, buoyed by their solidarity on growth management, are looking to form a council of town governments to work directly with the county commissioners on regional issues such as transportation, development and education.

The proposed countywide council would include mayors; town council members; school officials; and representatives from police, fire and emergency services agencies.

"We have enormous untapped talent on our councils, and we represent one-third of the county's population," said Westminster Mayor Kevin E. Dayhoff. "A council would allow us input above and beyond the quarterly mayors' meeting."


The commissioners meet with the mayors four times a year, usually late in the afternoon. Often, job demands - nearly all the mayors have careers outside of town hall - keep town leaders from these daytime meetings.

"What gets accomplished in those meetings is up to the mayors," said Commissioner Robin Bartlett Frazier. "The agendas are largely fixed by the towns. We use the meetings as an opportunity to share information. We are always open to their concerns."

Hampstead Councilman Haven Shoemaker Jr., president of the Carroll chapter of the Maryland Municipal League, said he would use the league's framework to expand the mayors' meetings into a county council. The sessions - which would include other county departments and would be held more often and in the evenings - would operate as an arm of the league.

"It is wiser to build on MML," said Westminster Councilman Damian L. Halstad. "This is an organization with clout, stature and credibility."

Dayhoff introduced the concept Monday as town officials gathered to formally endorse growth-control measures that call for limiting or curtailing building permits in areas coping with water shortages or with crowded schools and roads.


But town officials decided that the council issue would be diffused if they included it in a letter to commissioners meant to detail their growth-control proposals. They decided to wait until next month to tackle the proposal.

The monthlong delay will give the mayors time to discuss the issue with their town councils and gather support.

"I think everybody will go for it," said Sykesville Mayor Jonathan S. Herman. "But, if it is not effective, people will lose interest. The effectiveness of this council is more important [than] what it is."

Mount Airy Town Council President Frank Johnson developed the towns' six-point growth-management strategy, which insists that the county plan with the towns in mind. He won support for the strategy from the other seven towns and from the Finksburg and Freedom area residents councils.

"We brought the county together on this issue that affects everybody," Johnson said. "We demonstrated the importance of corroboration, cooperation and standing together. The next step is long-term problem-solving."

Johnson told his municipal colleagues the next step is a county council that would include the county staff.

"We are all part of the same county," Johnson said. "What happens in one part of this county does have an effect on other parts. There is much more of a connection and a need for ongoing communication, a problem-solving approach that brings everybody to the table."

Halstad said that the towns have not had the best relationship with the county commissioners and that selling them on the idea could be difficult. Several candidates for county commissioner are members of the municipal league and were present at the signing.

"We need a board of commissioners that is sensitive and willing to listen," Halstad said. "This organization could fly once we have that. We can get ahead of the growth curve and participate in policy planning."

Shoemaker said he will add the council proposal to the league's meeting in Union Bridge on Sept. 19.

"This is an idea that is definitely worth exploring," Shoemaker said.


Labels: Carroll Co. Council of Govts COG, People Carroll Co. Shoemaker – Haven Shoemaker, MD Municipal League Carroll Co. Chap., Westminster Mayor 200105 200505 Kevin E. Dayhoff, Dayhoff press clippings, MD Municipal League

Monday, August 12, 2002

20020811 Law enforcement officers like Carroll

Law enforcement officers like Carroll

By Jamie Schmidt, Times Staff Writer

Click here for more Carroll County News: The Carroll County Times

August 11, 2002

Some say it's the schools. Others say it's aesthetic qualities. For whatever reason, hundreds of police officers who work throughout Maryland have chosen Carroll as home.

Lt. Terry Katz, commander of the Maryland State Police Westminster barrack, said that based on anecdotal evidence, he figures several hundred police officers in Carroll work outside the county.

"There are hundreds, from Howard, Anne Arundel, the FBI, DEA, Baltimore County and Baltimore City, people I see," he said. The state police has 250 officers in Carroll and around 80 of the Westminster barrack's 102 MSP officers live in the county, Katz said.

Cpl. Leonard Mays works at MSP's headquarters in Pikesville and lives in Hampstead. Mays grew up in Anne Arundel County and moved to Carroll in 1984 when he became a resident trooper at the Westminster barrack.

"I live in a rural setting and I like that," Mays said. "The street we live in is a deadend, so we don't have traffic blowing through."

Another officer, Leonard Armstrong, also hopes that Carroll will stay country. Armstrong, captain of the field operations bureau for MSP's Pikesville office, has lived in Silver Run for the last 18 years.

"I have no plans to move," he said. "There is farmland all around me, part of an agriculture preservation program, so there is no chance of major development."

Armstrong said that the lack of violent crime in Carroll is a contributing factor to why he stays. During the first six months of 2001, Carroll had 22 general robberies, Baltimore County had 717, and Baltimore City had 2,814, according to MSP uniform crime report figures. Also in that time, there were no murders in Carroll, 12 in Baltimore County and 137 in Baltimore City.

Armstrong also prefers Carroll's quiet.

"When you live in a big development in Anne Arundel county, you have a marked police car outside, it tends to draw people to the door saying 'I just have a question,' " Armstrong said. "There comes a time when you don't want that. In 18 years [in Carroll], I've had about five people knock on my door."

Major Tom Long with the Carroll County's sheriff's office said that 44 of the sheriff's office's 52 sworn officers live in Carroll, too. Long has lived in Carroll his entire life, even when he worked as an officer in Charles County, St. Mary's County and Queen Anne's County.

"It's an attractive place to live," Long said. "A lot of troopers live here because commuting isn't a problem, especially to Maryland State Police headquarters in Pikesville. And troopers like the education here - a child isn't a number."

Long said that Baltimore County police officers who reside in Carroll have Carroll's radio channel in their police cars so they could act on calls when driving home.

"We are adding all these extra eyes to the county," he said. "When you live in a neighborhood and there is a police car parked there, it enhances your neighborhood's public safety. But one disadvantage is that police officers might see things, but whatever they get involved in, the local municipal officers or troopers have to take care of it."

Long used to live in Westminster and now resides in Union Bridge.

"I live on a farm now and the only people who can see me would have to be in an airplane," he said. "But I have had people come to my house, pre-cell phone days, when there was an accident. I am one of the crazy ones - I am listed in the phone book. A police officer is often tapped for free legal advice."

Lt. Col. William Arrington, chief of the field operations bureau with the Maryland State Police, grew up in Baltimore City but said that when he chose to live in Carroll, he was looking for a better life for himself and his family. Arrington lives in Mount Airy and works at the MSP's Pikesville headquarters.

Arrington doesn't mind his 30-minute commute; he has known officers with hundreds of miles to commute every day.

"In my position, I have responsibility for the entire state," he said. "Anywhere could be home. When I considered places to live, I thought if you are within one hour of your assignment, then you are considered close."

He said that he found a better life for himself in Carroll.

"You have country living with the convenience of a metropolitan area," he said. "I wish there was a way to stop growth, but I don't know if that would be fair. It would be denying folks the same opportunity I was looking for."

©Carroll County Online 2002


Wednesday, July 31, 2002

20020731 Carroll County Ag Center Ground Breaking Press Release

Carroll County Agriculture Center, Inc.

Website: http://www.carrollcountyagcenter.com/

For articles on “Soundtrack” about the Carroll Co. Ag Center

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Carroll%20County%20Maryland%20Agriculture%20Center

702 Agriculture Center Drive, Westminster, MD 21158

PRESS RELEASE

July 31, 2002

Building for the Next Century - Honoring the Past, Focusing on the Future

Construction will begin on the new Danele Shipley Memorial Arena immediately after the completion of the 2002 Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair. The building will be completed in time for the 2003 Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair.

MSG Associates of Columbia, Maryland is the contractor for the project. Charles J. Miller Excavating of Hampstead, Maryland is performing the site preparation work. Probst-Mason, Inc Architects has designed and is overseeing the project. The arena is named in honor of Danele Shipley a late Carroll County teacher known for her dedication to 4-H

Project background:

In 1995 the members of the Ag Board started to address the need to replace the animal barns on the lower section of the property. The present barns are more than showing their age. They constantly require maintenance before each fair, and have very limited use other than for the fair as they can only be used for animals and have no walls, no heat and are not handicapped accessible.

The first plans for the new building were drawn up in 1997. In response to community input, the Board spent many months in 1998 exploring additional options for the building. The current location was determined in 1999, and the design was started all over again. The design has changed considerably over the years, with additions and changes based on feedback from committee members, board members, Fair Board, neighbors and County departments. The result is exciting and shows foresight with regard to the Fair's needs and other educational opportunities and economic opportunities for the Citizens of Carroll County. Carroll County needs to not only preserve agricultural land, but we need to also preserve and expand the business of agriculture. This building will help preserve a future for agriculture in Carroll County.

The new facility will be constructed consisting of a 150’ x 350’ (52,500 square feet) clear span arena with an eave height of sixteen (16) feet. The rear of the building will have a food service area, storage and mechanical rooms and bathrooms with showers extending out from, and along side of, the rear arena wall measuring 25’ x 160’ (4,000 square feet). The front of the building will have two offices, bathrooms and an entrance measuring 33’ x 126’ (4,158 square feet) extending out from and along the side of the front arena wall. The building will have a total of 60,658 square feet.

The new facility will allow year round use. The new arena can be used to better serve the educational needs of the agriculture community, the constantly growing 4-H programs, the Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair, and the expanding Carroll County 4-H Youth Development Program. When not in use by the Carroll County Agriculture Center members, the new arena will provide a facility for other exhibition and educational activities of public interest. The people that attend these activities will have a positive impact on the future of the Ag Center and the economy of Carroll County.

The building, as designed, is an open flexible use space. The ventilation is designed for livestock and the building has heat to allow year round usage for 4-H programs, FFA, livestock sales, community groups and any number of other educational and exhibition uses. The new building is also handicapped accessible; so all members of our community will have access. This new building changes a portion of the Ag Center property from a single-use area to a multi-use facility. This allows us to better meet the needs of all of our constituents, the Fair, 4-H, Carroll Kennel Club, many educational groups and various community groups and clients.

Funding

The initial community fund raising effort in 1997 raised $1,000,000 in cash and in-kind gifts for the $4.3 million building. Another $600,000 will be spent in site preparation costs. The project has also received $1,000,000 in grants from the State of Maryland. Additional fund raising together with county bond authorization of up to $2.5 million will enable completion of the project. This project demonstrates the history and tradition of community support for the Carroll County Agriculture Center, since Burns Hall was first built in 1954.

As the building project begins, the construction phase fund raising is also under way. Contributions can be at the Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair or sent to the Carroll County Agriculture Center at 702 Agriculture Center Drive, Westminster, MD 21158. Pictures of the building will be on display at the Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair. For more information call 410 848-6704.

Ag Center Background

The Carroll County Agriculture Center, Inc. was created in March of 1954 exclusively for “charitable, educational and scientific purposes.” It is still made up of the original seven member groups: Farm Bureau, Young Farmers, Farm Bureau Women, Homemakers (now Family Community Education), the Pomona Grange, 4-H All Stars and 4-H leaders. Standing Committees of the Ag Center include other groups, such as the Fair Board, the Farmers Market and 4-H Therapeutic Riding. It provides a permanent site for the annual Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair and other agriculturally related activities. In 1968 the Ag Center was granted tax-exempt status under the provision of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Mission of the Ag Center is:

To provide for agriculture related activities and educational programs.

To support the 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Grange and similar groups within Carroll County, Maryland.

To provide an accessible facility for use by supported groups, other charitable and educational organizations and the general public.

To pass to the future generations of Carroll County, a rich agricultural heritage.

The Ag Center Goals are:

To improve the facility in order to better provide services.

To better serve our target groups.

To increase the participation of the general community in our activities.

# # # #

Thursday, July 18, 2002

20020718 Annual Tawes crab feast means politics, as usual

http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-md.tawes18jul18.story?coll=bal%2Dlocal%2Dheadlines

Annual Tawes crab feast means politics, as usual
Tradition: The campaign trail led the prospective gubernatorial candidates and many others to Crisfield to eat and greet.
By Howard Libit and Tim Craig, Sun Staff

July 18, 2002

CRISFIELD - Three out of every four years, the annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake is an equal mix of crabs and politics. And then there are statewide election years, when almost everything involves politics.

If you're a politician, this is where you should be every year," Comptroller William Donald Schaefer said yesterday as he worked on a fried fish sandwich. "But if it's an election year, this is the place where you have to be. Because if you're not here, people won't know that you're running."

Of course, the 26th annual event at Somers Cove Marina attracted plenty who came for the crabs, corn and fried clam strips. But there was no escaping the politics in the 95-degree heat, whether it was in the form of stickers, fliers, banners or signs.

[…]

And for the 5,000 or so people who packed picnic tables and tents…

[…]

Named for former Maryland Gov. J. Millard Tawes, the crab feast has become one of the biggest events sponsored by the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce, with many Eastern Shore and statewide politicians making it a habit to attend…

[…]

"This is a very good-natured political gathering, very polite," said McDaniel College professor Herbert C. Smith, a close observer of Maryland politics. "At this event, Republicans and Democrats show they can get along. I don't know if it will be this polite in October."

[…]

####

Monday, July 08, 2002

20020708 Westminster Drought Management Plan

Westminster Drought Management Plan


July 8th, 2002


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


On July 8, 2002, The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster adopted Ordinance No. 683 which amended Chapter 160 of the Westminster City Code entitled "Water".


In accordance with Section 160-13 of the Westminster City Code, the following Drought Management Plan proposed by the Director of Planning and Public Works and approved by The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster by Resolution No. R02-5, on July 8, 2002, governs the drought management of the City of Westminster's water system.


Click on the following links to download or view the Drought Management Plan and related documents:


Resolution No. R02-5


Drought Management Plan


Mandatory Water Use Restrictions (in effect during Stage 3 - Red status only)

If you are having trouble viewing these documents, be sure you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. This free software is available for download here


Westminster City Hall

P.O. Box 710, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane,

Westminster, Maryland 21158-0710

410-848-9000

Monday, July 01, 2002

20020701 to 2003 SDOSM Westminster City Budget Summary

20020701-2003 Westminster City Budget Summary

INCOME

TOTAL

GENERAL FUND

SEWER FUND

WATER FUND

Taxes - Local - Property

4,150,000

4,150,000



Taxes - Local - Income

1,200,000

1,200,000



Taxes - Local - Other

260,000

260,000



License & Permits

297,300

297,300



Revenue from other Agencies






Federal Grants &/or State Grants







Police Protection

390,000

390,000





Highway User revenue

800,000

800,000





Other

702,467

702,467




Carrol County Grants







Shared Revenue

622,429

622,429





Roads/Other

13,460

13,460





Financial Corporations

8,516

8,516



Fines & Forfeitures

64,000

64,000



Service Charges for Current Services

5,065,993

506,100

2,351,748

2,208,145








Miscellaneous







Interest Income

194,000

130,000

32,000

32,000



Benefit Assessments

2,911,083

197,900

1,286,500

1,426,683



Carrol County Septage Facility

310,000


310,000




Other - Parking Fees

4,400

4,400





Other

2,801,188

2,658,688

25,500

117,000

Prior Years Surplus or Allocations

864,566

864,566



Unfunded Deprication

12,666,000


834,000

432,000






TOTALS

21,925,402

12,869,826

4,839,748

4,215,828

EXPENDITURES

TOTAL

GENERAL FUND

SEWER FUND

WATER FUND

General Government







Legislative

28,908

28,908





Executive

41,433

41,433





Elections

4,745

4,745





Financial Administration

167,774

167,774





Law

57,500

57,500





Planning & Zoning

262,326

262,326





General Services

265,176

265,176





Other

431,192

431,192



Public Safety







Police Department

2,869,171

2,869,171





Fire Department

185,000

185,000





Other

49,995

49,995



Public Works







Streets, Highways and Alleys

3,951,028

3,951,028





Sanitation & Waste Removal

872,526

872,526





Recreation & Parks

1,463,431

1,463,431





Other - Autos, Trucks & Equip

257,338

257,338



CDBG

69,162

69,162



Pension, Insurances, Etc.

1,893,121

1,893,121



Water/Sewer System Operation:







Source of Supply

313,200



313,200



Treatment, etc.

1,472,900


943,200

529,700



Transmission & Distribution

614,800


278,300

336,500



Customer Account

98,008


49,004

49,004



Administrative & General

1,737,895


836,101

901,794



Bond/Loan/MWQFA Loan Interest

107,784


50,392

57,392



Amoritization Bond Issue Expense

4,704


2,459

2,245



Deprecation

1,266,000


834,000

432,000



Bond Principle Redemption

296,785


151,292

145,493



Carrol County Septage Facility

185,000


185,000




Capital Items (machinery, Equip., Etc.)

2,930,500


1,504,000

1,426,500



Other

28,000


6,000

22,000








TOTALS

21,925,402

12,869,826

4,839,748

4,215,828