Mayor & Common Council Meetings

AGENDA CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, April 8, 2024, at 7:00 pm City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD 21157 City YouTube Channel Link 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PRESENTATIONS A) Ting Quarterly Update – Ms. Catherine Rice B) MAGIC Quarterly Update – Mr. Graham Dodge 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A) Mayor and Common Council Meeting of March 25, 2024 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A) Approval of Civil Rights Certification 5. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR 6. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES A) Arts Council B) Economic and Community Development Committee C) Finance Committee D) Personnel Committee E) Public Safety Committee F) Public Works Committee G) Recreation and Parks Committee H) Technology Committee 7. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION 8. ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10. NEW BUSINESS 11. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 12. CITIZEN COMMENTS 13. ADJOURNMENT TO WORKSESSION  MINUTES CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, March 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD 21157 YouTube Channel Link CALL TO ORDER Elected Officials Present: Mayor Becker, Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councilmember Gilbert, and Council President Pecoraro. Councilmember Hoff was absent. Staff Present: City Clerk Barber, Director of Community Planning and Development Depo, Chief of Police Ledwell, City Attorney Levan, Director of Technology Services Moore, and Director of Finance Rodgers. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE Council President Pecoraro led the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD – CLOSED MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024: Council President Pecoraro noted that in accordance with the General Provisions Article, Section 3- 306(c)(2) of the Annotated Code of Maryland, and without objection it is noted that the minutes of tonight’s meeting reflect that Common Council met in a Closed Meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 5:04 p.m. pursuant to General Provision Art., Section 3-305) (b)(1) to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. Motion – Chiavacci/Hoff Vote to Close Meeting: Yes No Abstain Absent Mr. Chiavacci Yes Mr. Dayhoff Yes Ms. Gilbert Yes Mr. Hoff Yes Mr. Pecoraro Mayor Becker City Administrator Imhulse was the only staff member in attendance. Mr. Melvin Merritt attended as a guest to the meeting. The Common Council took official action during the meeting. The Closed Meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m. MCDANIEL COLLEGE UPDATE Ms. Elizabeth Towle, Dean of Students with McDaniel College provided an update from McDaniel College and noted that McDaniel College has two entries in the 17th Annual PEEPshow. PRESENTATIONS Mayoral Proclamation – National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 14 – 20, 2024) Mayor Becker read a Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 14 – 20, 2024) in the City of Westminster. Mayor Becker presented the proclamation to Chief of Police Ledwell. 1 Mayoral Proclamation – Arbor Week (April 22 – 28, 2024) Mayor Becker read a Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming Arbor Week (April 22 – 28, 2024) in the City of Westminister. Mayor Becker presented the proclamation to Director of Community Planning and Development Depo. PUBLIC HEARING (Ordinance No. 2024-01) Mayor Becker conducted a public hearing on the City of Westminster’s Ordinance No. 2024-01, Public Right-of-Way Abandonment, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, vacating, abandoning, and closing two platted but unconstructed rights-of-way extending generally northeast from Tuc Road in the vicinity of its intersection with Longwell Avenue and authorizing the Mayor to execute a quitclaim deed reflecting said abandonment in favor of the Carroll County Board of Education, beginning at 7:09 p.m. Mayor Becker noted that the Public Hearing Notice had been published in the Carroll County Times, meeting all State of Maryland requirements. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report and responded to questions given by the Common Council on the item. Councilmember Chiavacci thanked and appreciated the Carroll County Board of Education’s collaborative efforts on this item with the City of Westminster. Mayor Becker seeing no one wishing to comment, closed the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING (Ordinance No. 2024-02) Mayor Becker conducted a public hearing on the City of Westminster’s Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-02, MUI, B, C-C, D-B, and C-B Uses Text Amendment, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, amending Chapter 164, “Zoning and Subdivision of Land”, of the Code of the City of Westminster, to amend Article VIIA, MUI “Mixed Use Infill Zone”, Section 164-39.2; Article VIII, “B Business Zone”, Section 164-41; Article VIIIA, “C-C Central Commerce Zone”, Section 164-45.2; Article VIIIB, “D-B Downtown Business Zone”, Section 164-45.8; and Article IX, “C-B Central Business Zone”, Section 164-47, to amend existing permitted uses, delete existing uses, and add new permitted uses, beginning at 7:11 p.m. Mayor Becker noted that the Public Hearing Notice had been published in the Carroll County Times, meeting all State of Maryland requirements. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report and responded to questions given by the Common Council on the item. Mayor Becker seeing no one wishing to comment, closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Councilmember Chiavacci and seconded by Councilmember Gilbert to approve the Mayor and Common Council Meeting minutes of March 11, 2024, the Mayor and Common Council Work Session Meeting minutes of March 11, 2024, the Special Mayor and Common Council Meeting minutes of March 13, 2024, the Mayor and Common Council Closed Meeting minutes of March 13, 2024, the Special Mayor and Common Council Meeting minutes of March 14, 2024 and the Mayor and Common Council Work Session Meeting minutes of March 18, 2024. VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, and Councilmember Gilbert. NAYS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR A motion was made by Councilmember Gilbert and seconded by Councilmember Dayhoff to approve the Consent Calendar, which consisted of the following: Approval of the Departmental Operating Report for February 2024. 2 VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, and Councilmember Gilbert. NAYS: None. REPORT FROM MAYOR Mayor Becker noted the many meetings and events she had attended since the last Mayor and Common Council meeting. Mayor Becker provided the highlights from the Maryland Municipal League Carroll County Chapter Meeting held on March 14, 2024, and hosted by the City of Westminster, with over sixty attendees. Mayor Becker closed by providing an update from the City of Westminster’s quarterly meeting with McDaniel’s President Dr. Julia Jasken and representatives from McDaniel College held on March 21, 2024. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Councilmember Dayhoff, on behalf of the Arts Council, noted the 17th Annual PEEPshow will be open until Monday, April 1, 2024, at the Town Mall of Westminster. Council President Pecoraro on behalf of the Finance Committee, noted that the City is currently in preparation mode for the FY25 Budget. Councilmember Chiavacci on behalf of the Public Safety Committee, noted that Police Recruits Eid, Haines, and Ramirez would graduate from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Police Academy on Thursday, March 28, 2024, and would be assigned to Patrol Squads as they begin their field training. Councilmember Chiavacci closed his report by noting that Chief Ledwell and Lt. Rife participated in the Carroll County Sequential Intercept Model Mapping at the Public Safety Training Center on March 21, 2024. Councilmember Gilbert on behalf of the Public Works Committee, noted that the department provided assistance to the Recreation and Parks Department with their preparation for the Bunny Trail and Egg Hunt held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Wakefield Valley Park. Councilmember Gilbert on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Committee, provided the highlights from the City of Westminster Adaptive Recreation Karaoke Party held on Friday, March 22, 2024. Councilmember Gilbert closed her report by noting and providing details on the upcoming Bunny Trail and Egg Hunt event held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Wakefield Valley Park. Councilmember Dayhoff on behalf of the Technology Committee, thanked the Mayor and Common Council for their initiative to obtain the Park Mobile service. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION Council President Pecoraro thanked those involved in the Park Mobile unveiling held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in front of JeannieBird Baking Company. Council President Pecoraro provided the highlights from the Maryland Municipal League Carroll County Chapter Meeting held on March 14, 2024. Councilmember Dayhoff thanked the Department of Recreation and Park for a great job on the Bunny Trail and Egg Hunt held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Wakefield Valley Park. Councilmember Dayhoff closed by noting that the Maryland Municipal League Carroll County Chapter Meeting held on March 14, 2024, was a wonderful event. Councilmember Gilbert noted her attendance at the ceremony recognizing Eagle Scout Rolland Brengle, where she presented Rolland Brengle with a mayoral proclamation on behalf of the City. 3 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-01, Public Right-of-Way Abandonment, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, vacating, abandoning, and closing two platted but unconstructed rights-of-way extending generally northeast from Tuc Road in the vicinity of its intersection with Longwell Avenue and authorizing the Mayor to execute a quitclaim deed reflecting said abandonment in favor of the Carroll County Board of Education. Councilmember Chiavacci moved and seconded by Councilmember Dayhoff to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-01, Public Right-of-Way Abandonment, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, vacating, abandoning, and closing two platted but unconstructed rights-of-way extending generally northeast from Tuc Road in the vicinity of its intersection with Longwell Avenue and authorizing the Mayor to execute a quitclaim deed reflecting said abandonment in favor of the Carroll County Board of Education. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion on the item. VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, and Councilmember Gilbert. NAYS: None. Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-02, MUI, B, C-C, D-B, and C-B Uses Text Amendment, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, amending Chapter 164, “Zoning and Subdivision of Land”, of the Code of the City of Westminster, to amend Article VIIA, MUI “Mixed Use Infill Zone”, Section 164-39.2; Article VIII, “B Business Zone”, Section 164-41; Article VIIIA, “C-C Central Commerce Zone”, Section 164-45.2; Article VIIIB, “D-B Downtown Business Zone”, Section 164-45.8; and Article IX, “C-B Central Business Zone”, Section 164-47, to amend existing permitted uses, delete existing uses, and add new permitted uses Councilmember Chiavacci moved seconded by Councilmember Gilbert to adopt Ordinance No. 2024- 02, MUI, B, C-C, D-B, and C-B Uses Text Amendment, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, amending Chapter 164, “Zoning and Subdivision of Land”, of the Code of the City of Westminster, to amend Article VIIA, MUI “Mixed Use Infill Zone”, Section 164-39.2; Article VIII, “B Business Zone”, Section 164-41; Article VIIIA, “C-C Central Commerce Zone”, Section 164-45.2; Article VIIIB, “D-B Downtown Business Zone”, Section 164-45.8; and Article IX, “C-B Central Business Zone”, Section 164-47, to amend existing permitted uses, delete existing uses, and add new permitted uses. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion on the item. VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, and Councilmember Gilbert. NAYS: None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to be discussed by the Mayor and Common Council. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to be discussed by the Mayor and Common Council. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Technology Services (IT) Director of Technology Services Moore thanked all those involved in the ParkMobile project. Director Moore closed by noting he has posted for a GIS Technician for his department. 4 Finance Director of Finance Rodgers thanked all the staff for their work and participation in preparing the FY25 Budget. Director Rodgers noted that all open positions are posted on the City of Westminster’s website and encouraged all interested parties to apply. Westminster Police Department (WPD) Chief of Police Ledwell noted that the Carroll County Public Safety Awards has been scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Pleasant Valley Community Fire Hall (2030 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Westminster, MD 21158), at 7:30 a.m. Community Planning and Development Director of Community Planning and Development Depo reported that on March 21, 2024, the Planning and Zoning Commission: • Held a Public Hearing on Local Map Amendment LMA 24-01 amending the Zoning Map to rezone Parcel F-1B; • Held a Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2024-02, MUI, B,C-C, D-B, and C-B Uses Text Amendment (Bookstore Text Amendment); • Reviewed and approved Sign Permit 1947 for Honeygrow at 343 Baltimore Boulevard; • Heard a presentation from the Carroll County Planning Department regarding the Carroll County Economic Development and Land Use Study; • Certified the Water and Sewer Amendment request for two parcels in the Walnut Ridge development consistent with the City of Westminster 2009 Comprehensive Plan. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo closed his report by noting the next Downtown Business Association meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Exploration Commons (50 East Main Street). CITIZEN COMMENTS Council President Pecoraro advised that residents may submit any comments to the following email address: comments@westminstermd.gov. He noted that all emails received would be shared with the Mayor and Common Council. There was no one wishing to address the Mayor and Common Council. ADJOURNMENT Council President Pecoraro announced that the next meeting of the Mayor and Common Council would be on Monday, April 8, 2024, and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. He adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Douglass A. Barber, MMC City Clerk Full audio version is available on www.westminstermd.gov Adopted by the City of Westminster Common Council on ___________________________. 5 To: Mayor and Common Council From: Eric C. Brown, Director of Housing Services Date: March 25,2024 Re: Civil Rights Certification and Resolution Background The Westminster Public Housing Agency is required to submit a Five Year Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) every fifth year. The Five Year Plan outlines the housing authority’s mission, goals, objectives, and Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) requirement. The Civil Rights certification and resolution must also be included in the submission. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) provided an exemption for Public Housing Agencies with 500 units or less from the requirement to prepare and submit an Annual Plan. The Westminster Public Housing Agency has 297 vouchers and is exempt from the requirement to submit an Annual Plan to HUD each year. Although the housing authority is exempt from the requirement to submit an Annual Plan each year, HERA requires that the housing authority submit a Civil Rights Certification and Resolution to the local HUD office each year. Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the Civil Rights Certification and Resolution as well as its submission to the local office of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The staff also recommends that the mayor or her designee be authorized to sign the Civil Rights Certification and Resolution. Attachments Annual Civil Rights Certification and Resolution (HUD form 50075-CR) cc: Sara Imhulse, City Administrator  Civil Rights Certification U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Public and Indian Housing (Qualified PHAs) OMB Approval No. 2577-0226 Expires 3/31/2024 Civil Rights Certification Annual Certification and Board Resolution Acting on behalf of the Board of Commissioners of the Public Housing Agency (PHA) listed below, as its Chairperson or other authorized PHA official if there is no Board of Commissioners, I approve the submission of the 5-Year PHA Plan , hereinafter referred to as” the Plan”, of which this document is a part, and make the following certification and agreements with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 in which the PHA receives assistance under 42 U.S.C. 1437f and/or 1437g in connection with the mission, goals, and objectives of the public housing agency and implementation thereof: The PHA certifies that it will carry out the public housing program of the agency in conformity with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d-2000d—4), the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-19), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), and other applicable civil rights requirements and that it will affirmatively further fair housing in the administration of the program. In addition, if it administers a Housing Choice Voucher Program, the PHA certifies that it will administer the program in conformity with the Fair Housing Act, title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other applicable civil rights requirements, and that it will affirmatively further fair housing in the administration of the program. The PHA will affirmatively further fair housing, which means that it will take meaningful actions to further the goals identified in the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) conducted in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR § 5.150 through 5.180, that it will take no action that is materially inconsistent with its obligation to affirmatively further fair housing, and that it will address fair housing issues and contributing factors in its programs, in accordance with 24 CFR § 903.7(o)(3). The PHA will fulfill the requirements at 24 CFR § 903.7(o) and 24 CFR § 903.15(d). Until such time as the PHA is required to submit an AFH, the PHA will fulfill the requirements at 24 CFR § 903.7(o) promulgated prior to August 17, 2015, which means that it examines its programs or proposed programs; identifies any impediments to fair housing choice within those programs; addresses those impediments in a reasonable fashion in view of the resources available; works with local jurisdictions to implement any of the jurisdiction’s initiatives to affirmatively further fair housing that require the PHA’s involvement; and maintains records reflecting these analyses and actions. Westminster Public Housing Authority MD 027 PHA Name PHA Number/HA Code I hereby certify that all the statement above, as well as any information provided in the accompaniment herewith, is true and accurate. Warning: HUD will prosecute false claims and statements. Conviction may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. (18 U.S.C. 1001, 1010, 1012; 31 U.S.C. 3729, 3802) Name of Executive Director: Eric C. Brown Name of Mayor: Dr. Mona Becker Signature Date Signature Date The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development is authorized to collect the information requested in this form by virtue of Title 12, U.S. Code, Section 1701 et seq., and regulations promulgated thereunder at Title 12, Code of Federal Regulations. Responses to the collection of information are required to obtain a benefit or to retain a benefit. The information requested does not lend itself to confidentiality. The information is collected to ensure that PHAs carry out applicable civil rights requirements. Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 0.16 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering, and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. HUD may not collect this information, and respondents are not required to complete this form, unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Previous version is obsolete Page 1 of 1 form HUD-50077-CR (3/31/2024)