Mayor & Common Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 23, 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 April 23, 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, and Director of Recreation and Parks Schroers; and City Attorney Levan were present. Interim Director of Planning, Zoning, and Development Horn was excused from attending. Mayor Utz conducted the public hearing on the Administrative Plan, PHA Annual and 5 Year Plan. Mr. Ehlers reviewed with the Mayor and Common Council changes and additions made to the Annual Plan and Administrative Plan. With no comments or questions from the public, Mayor Utz closed the public hearing. MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Chiavacci, seconded by Mr. Whitson and unanimously passed, the minutes of the Council meeting of April 9, 2012 were approved. CONSENT CALENDAR: Mr. Whitson moved to approve the Consent Calendar, which consisted of the March 2012 Departmental Operating Reports, Renewal of State User Agreements, and Traffic Safety Grant. Mr. Chiavacci seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Utz reported that he recently met with Cindy Parr and others regarding a plan of action for the Main Street area. He stated that they are aware of what the City has done to promote public safety. They are working on their end to use some people in their program to handle a community garden project and other future projects. The City does not sponsor the garden project, but it has given them plots of land. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES: Mr. Frazier reported that he has been corresponding with Challenge Design Innovations regarding the climbing tower and zip line for City Park. The design of these items can be adjusted to fit the City’s needs. Mr. Whitson reported that the Fifth Annual Peep Show at the Carroll Arts Center was very successful. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: Ms. Levan reported on Ordinance No. 832, which was amended after introduction at the prior Common Council meeting. She stated that the Ordinance now reads that the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is permitted, with a valid permit or license, in City parks during City-authorized events. Mr. Chiavacci stated that the ordinance should be worded to allow alcohol on any City property such as parking lots and garages, not just in the parks. He recommended that the ordinance be amended to include all City property. Dr. Wack motioned to amend Ordinance No. 832, Section B1 to include all City property. Mr. Chiavacci seconded and the motion unanimously passed. Dr. Wack motioned to adopt the amended Ordinance No. 832, Mr. Frazier seconded. Amended Ordinance No. 832 was adopted unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: Upon motion of Mr. Whitson, seconded by Mr. Chiavacci and unanimously passed, the PHA Administrative, PHA Annual, and 5 Year Plans were approved. Mayor Utz opened the discussion of the FY2013 budget by reminding the Common Council that at the prior meeting they discussed the capital improvement projects that were funded by the increased property taxes in 2009, as well as the discussions of the General Fund and all departmental operating costs. He stated that he recommended a $0.01 decrease this year in the property tax rate. Mr. Ehlers presented the Mayor and Common Council with the remainder of the FY2013 budget information, which included Public Works, Water and Sewer Revenue Estimates, Department Summaries, Public Utilities, and Public Housing. The full FY2013 draft budget presentation can be found on the City’s website. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Mr. Glass reported that the City has completed the current fiscal year’s annual roadway paving project and will be ready to put out bids for the upcoming year. He also reported that the City Hall porch renovation project is currently underway and, as expected, some deterioration to the undercarriage has been discovered. Finally, he stated that the Pennsylvania Avenue Lighting Project has started. Mr. Schroers reported on the previous weekend’s events, including the Father/Son Miniature Golf Tournament at Island Green where 30 father/son teams participated, and the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event sponsored by Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County that saw approximately 200 men walking from Dutterer’s Park to City Park. Finally, Mr. Schroers reminded the Mayor and Common Council of the community clean-up day in Westminster on Saturday, April 28th. Chief Spaulding reported that his department is continuing their work on Main Street and the previously discussed issues around McDaniel College have ceased over the past several weekends. He also reported on the recent shooting just outside of City limits on Gorsuch Road. Ms. Wolf recognized Mr. Glass, Mr. Ehlers, and Mr. Horn for their hard work on the space planning. She added that the departments currently at City Hall will be relocating to the first floor of 56 West Main Street. Finally, she announced that Mr. Glass was awarded the Maryland Municipal League 2012 Employee of the Year. ADJOURN: President Halstad adjourned the meeting at 8:30 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Elizabeth L. Fahey