Mayor & Common Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2012 QUORUM: A meeting of the Mayor and Common Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, Maryland, on the evening of February 13, 2012, at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Utz; Council President Halstad; Council Members Chiavacci, Frazier, Wack and Whitson; City Administrator and Acting City Clerk Wolf; City Treasurer Ehlers; Chief of Police Spaulding; Director of Public Works Glass; Interim Director of Planning, Zoning, and Development Horn; Director of Recreation and Parks Schroers; and, City Attorney Levan were present. Mayor Utz presented a certificate of appreciation in recognition of the services Mark Degasperi and the Interstate Batteries Crew provided to the Third Annual Electric Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 26, 2011. He explained that they are the power behind the parade and without them the participants would have be in the dark. MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Chiavacci, seconded by Mr. Frazier and unanimously passed, the minutes of the Council meeting of January 23, 2012 were approved. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Utz reported on the recent Maryland Mayor’s Association (MMA) meeting at which the various attending municipalities discussed issues each town faces. He stated that the meeting was very informative and he will be able to use many of the suggestions made. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES: Mr. Frazier reported on recently receiving information regarding energy efficiency through alternative energy sources in City buildings. He stated that with the rising cost of energy, pursuing alternative energy sources will help the City become more self- sufficient. Mr. Halstad agreed with Mr. Frazier, and asked Mr. Glass if any research had been done regarding this issue. Mr. Glass stated that the City has done research for geothermal energy for the Longwell Municipal Building (Old Armory), as that will help decrease heating and cooling costs significantly. Another project that has been researched is using the Wastewater Treatment Plant to extract heat from the wastewater to use for heating and cooling the plant itself. The City has also looked to wind power at the water tanks, as a higher elevation is needed for that machinery to work best. Mr. Glass explained that the power needed for the water tanks are three-phase, and wind power is only single-phase, so that method will not provide sufficient power. At City buildings, single-phase power is required and an alternative power source could be an accessory. He also stated that funding may be available through the Environmental Protection Agency through their “green cities” campaign. Mr. Chiavacci praised the idea and recommended a local resource through R.M. Schmidt to do an energy assessment and evaluation. They would also be current on funding and resources available for such a project. Mayor Utz commented that with the upcoming budget process, this type of project would fall under that Capital Projects funding, and available grants may need matching City funds. The Common Council will need to look at the Capital Improvement Projects fund to make sure such a venture will fit into the budget. Mr. Halstad asked Mr. Glass to keep the Common Council up to date with any new information received. Dr. Wack stated that he will keep his colleagues informed on the budget process as it moves along. He stated that the Finance Committee is currently tracking priorities and looking to possibly reduce services and/or close facilities. Mr. Chiavacci referenced the minutes of the last Council meeting, stating that he and his colleagues are aware of the situation in Downtown Westminster regarding loitering and vagrancy, and are looking for a solution to the problem. He also reported on a recent meeting with a turf field company representative, who is enthusiastic about the City Park site. The representative is willing to develop site plans and cost analysis at no cost to the City. Mr. Chiavacci stated that the project will not only be an economic engine for the City, but may also decrease the vagrancy issue in downtown because of the added crowds. He said that bringing more people and activity to Downtown will deter problems and increase potential revenue. Mr. Whitson reported on his recent visit with President Roger Casey of McDaniel College with regards to their current funding situation without the Raven’s coming to visit over the past summer. Mr. Halstad stated that Senator Getty reported on possible relief to municipalities through bills currently in the Senate. He asked Ms. Levan who is serving on the MML Task Force on this issue for any updates on that news. Ms. Levan stated that the Maryland Municipal League (MML) opted against the Raskin Bill, which omits certain points, but the Getty Bill may not pass the Senate vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Horn summarized that after a hearing on January 23, 2012 and extensive input from the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) and sign manufacturers, Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 11-02 would create the opportunity for local business owners to take advantage of new technology to promote their businesses. Mr. Chiavacci asked if ZTA 11-02 would affect Downtown businesses such as Tevis Oil to allow them to advertise pricing and change it electronically. Mr. Horn stated that the PZC was united in not wanting advertising electronic message signs in Downtown Westminster. Dr. Wack clarified by saying there was a special exception for digital displays of pricing information, as long as the sign did not contain animation. Mr. Horn also stated that ZTA 11-02 would only address the City’s Business (B), Restricted Industrial (IR), Planned Regional Shopping Center (PRSC), and Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning Districts. Central Business districts include an exemption for pricing use, as gas stations may be regulated by parent corporations for changing pricing. Upon motion of Dr. Wack and seconded by Mr. Chiavacci, ZTA 11-02 was approved unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: Mayor Utz announced the Main Street business meeting on Friday, February 17 at John Street Quarters as part of the Roundtable meeting initiative over the past two years. He stated that the meeting will be open to the public to allow comments from business owners who were unable to attend the Roundtable sessions. At past meetings, suggestions were made to pursue county and state aid, and the City has followed all avenues to find funding. Mayor Utz stated that it will be difficult to eliminate contention between business owners and residents who use Main Street, but everyone can suggest solutions to the problem. Chief Spaulding reported that the police department has been working on the issue for some time, and has already taken initiatives. The issue is complex and will need several solutions to make many small changes. Mayor Utz reported that he spoke to other mayors at the MMA meeting for help and possible solutions. Ms. Wolf commented that the meeting on Friday will be a continuation of information gathering and part of an ongoing discussion. Dr. Wack said that the incident on Main Street has resulted in a positive spark for business owners to become more involved in the Downtown area. It is a challenge to focus on a productive outcome; trying to control and enforce behavior is difficult. Mr. Halstad stated that the Mayor and Common Council may have to make decisions and take risks in order to find a permanent solution. He suggested researching an enforceable loitering law. He stated that Carroll County Commissioner Rothschild suggested relocating certain community services to help in the resolution. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: President and C.E.O. of the Westminster Fire and Hose Company No. Bob Cumberland reported that of the 98 fire calls in January, 45 were in the City and 10 were mutual aid. There has been no fire loss so far in 2012. He also reported that to date there were 398 EMS calls, down from 416 in 2011. Mr. Cumberland stated that their new EMS employees have completed their training and on February 15 th, the new, all-electronic fire engine will go into service. He said that the Fire Department is looking toward green energy to help with the rising cost of heating and cooling services. However, the cost and time needed to recoup the upfront costs is not available to them at this time. He requested the Mayor and Common Council consider partnering with the Fire Department to reduce costs for both. Ron Schroers announced the upcoming Parents’ Night Out on February 18 th and thanked local business owners for donating coupons for the event. He reported that the Family Center agreed to a contract with Knorr Brake to allow their employees use of the facilities for a reduced cost. Finally, Mr. Schroers wished the Mayor and Common Council a happy Valentine’s Day. Mr. Ehlers announced that the Finance Committee is currently finalizing the first part of the budget to be sent to department heads for year-end projections. Chief Spaulding reported a fatal car accident on MD Route 140 at Meadow Creek on February 12th. He also announced the Police Department Award Ceremony on March 30th. Mr. Horn stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission is developing an amendment for the 2009 Comprehensive Plan to change certain zoning use for mixed-use residential/retail. He said that a sectional map amendment for these zoning changes may be required, with a 60 day review period needed. Ms. Wolf reported that both the Maryland Senate and House of Representatives have bills to remove the cable franchise fees from County and City funding. Dr. Wack commented that in doing so, it would also strip local regulatory committees of their abilities at a franchise level. Ms. Wolf stated that the MML is currently tracking the status of these bills. Ms. Wolf also clarified the watershed improvement program report. She stated that the deficient information was deliberate on the part of the water resource committee. They opted for a basic submission because there was not enough information available at the time to submit a complete report. Next year’s submission will be more complete as all of the information will be available to report. Mr. Frazier asked if MDE had given more information. Ms. Wolf stated that there was no data specific to the City, and the watershed was not divided by County or City lines. CITIZEN COMMENTS: Lynn Wheeler, Director of Carroll County Public Library (CCPL), commented that she was concerned with the Westminster Library being perceived as a problem in Downtown Westminster. She stated that the Library is invested in making Main Street a better community and not part of the problem; it is part of the solution. Mr. Halstad clarified comments made earlier in the meeting, by stating that the library is one of the largest economic engine for Downtown Westminster, but the nature of its services encourages people to loiter in the area. He stated that the Common Council will focus on the library for more assistance in resolving that issue. Ms. Wheeler thanked him for his comments and finished by stating that CCPL staff and security guards enforce all of their rules and they are very strict in following them. Mr. Halstad quoted recent comments made by Commissioner Rothschild regarding CCPL, in which he stated that photo identification should be required by users of the library system. Ms. Wheeler stated that in order for patrons to check out materials or use the computers, they are required to present a library card; photo identification and proof of residency are required to obtain a library card. She stated that library cards are updated bi-annually, but no ID is required to sit in the library. Ms. Wheeler said that CCPL is committed to maintaining clean and appealing buildings for their customers. Dr. Wack agreed that the location and types of services offered by CCPL involve them by default. The issues with Downtown are more complicated than before. Mr. Whitson complimented the CCPL staff overall. Toni Pomeroy, from Pomeroy Jewelers in Downtown Westminster, thanked everyone for their support after the recent violent incident with loiterers. She has received a tremendous outpouring from the community. She stated that it is a community problem against which everyone is passionate, and it includes everyone and is not just the responsibility of one person. The problem is multi-faceted and everyone must work together toward a solution. Mr. Chiavacci thanked the Carroll County Times and WestminsterPatch.com reporters for not making the unfortunate incident a bad story about Downtown Westminster. He complimented them for reporting only the facts and not embellishing the events. Lori Graham, 118 Pennsylvania Avenue, commended the City on hiring a marketing person to promote Downtown Westminster. She also recognized Melissa Hynes, City Comprehensive Planner for all of her hard work and achievements. Ms. Graham stated that Mrs. Hynes has been an asset to the Planning, Zoning and Development Department and the PZC and will be greatly missed. Mr. Halstad expressed his sadness at seeing the closing of Dutterer’s Flower Shop after so many years in business. Ms. Graham thanked him for his support. Christopher Tomlinson, PO Box 1172, Sykesville, was present to ask for support for Representative Dave Wallace (R) as the only person from Frederick and Carroll Counties running for congress in the primary elections on April 3 rd. ADJOURN: President Halstad adjourned the meeting at 8:10 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Samantha H. Parthree