MINUTES CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, July 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD 21157 YouTube Channel Link  CALLTOORDER  Elected Officials Present: Mayor Becker, Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Staff Present: City Clerk Barber, Director of Housing Services Brown, Director of Community Planning and Depo, Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber, City Administrator Imhulse, Chief of Police Ledwell, City Attorney Levan, Director of Human Resources Merritt, Director of Technology Services Moore, and  Councimember Gilbert, Councilmember Hoff, and Council President Pecoraro.  Director of Finance Rodgers. PRESENTATION 2024) for MAGIC. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  MAGIC Quarterly Update - Ms. Kim Samuelson  Ms. Kim Samuelson, MAGIC Executive Director, presented the quarterly update (April 2024 - June  An motion was made by Councimember Dayhoff and seconded by Councilmember Hoff to approve the Mayor and Common Council Closed Meeting minutes of June 10, 2024, and the Mayor and Common  Council Meeting minutes of July 8, 2024.  VOTE Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR  AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and  AI motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to approve the Consent Calendar, which consisted of the following: Approval of Departmental Operating Report for June 2024; the Approval of the reversal of the Receivable and the "Write Off" to Bad Debt Expenses of each oft the charges totaling $61,520.00; Approval to waive the competitive procurement for good cause, under the City of Westminster Code Chapter 36 Procurement and Contracts" Subsection 36-4 Specific Regulations to award a contract to The Traffic Group for Traffic Study Services in the amount of $64,500; Approval tov waive competitive bidding for good cause under CityofWestminster Code Chapter 36 Procurement and Contracts" Subsection 36-4 Specific Regulations to purchase an 80Kw portable generator from Rippeon Equipment Company in the amount of $86,531.55; and Approval of Sole Source Contract with Guyer Brothers Utility Construction, Inc., for repairs to Pump Station 6 Collection AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councilmember Gilbert, and  System in the amount of $218,046.00.  VOTE Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None.  1    REPORT FROM MAYOR  Mayor Becker noted her recent attendance at the 2024 Annual Maryland Municipal League Conference held in Ocean City, Maryland. Mayor Becker also noted her appointment to the Maryland Municipal League's Engagement and Outreach Committee which is also being chaired by our City Clerk Doug Barber. Mayor Becker reminded everyone of the upcoming Historical Society of Carroll County History Fest scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 210 East Main Street. Mayor Becker closed her report by noting that starting on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, some oft the businesses will be staying open late for "First Wednesday" oft the Month, and it will continue for the months of September and October. Councilmember Chiavacci on behalf of the Public Safety Committee, noted that during the week of. July 8-1 12, Sgt. Dellospedale participated in the annual Camp Cops outreach event, that provides an opportunity for middle school children to interact with local law enforcement. Councilmember Chiavacci also noted that the Westminster Police Department hired two certified police officers, Officer Hines will start on July 30, 2024, and Officer Hara will start on August 13, 2024. Councimember Chiavacci closed his report by reporting that Sgt. Lambert earned 2024 Quarter 2 "Police Officer of the Quarter" Award and Dispatcher Reid earned the 2024 Quarter 2 "Civilian Employee of the Quarter" Award. Councimember Gilbert, on behalf of the Public Works Committee, noted that the department has been working on the following projects: Storm Drain Maintenance and Road Maintenance Improvements. Councimember Gilbert, on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Committee, noted the recent events sponsored by the Westminster Recreation and Parks Department. Councimember Gilbert closed her report by also noting that July is National Recreation and Parks Month and to check out the City's  REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES  website anwesmnstermdgon for activities being held throughout the month.  COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION Conference Planning Committee. Legislative Committee. BIDS  Councimember Gilbert noted that she is serving on the 2024-2025 Maryland Municipal League's Councimember Hoff noted that he is serving on the 2024-2025 Maryland Municipal League's Approval to Purchase a Pickup Truck (Ford F350) from Apple Ford located at 8899 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, Maryland under Baltimore County Government Contract # 00004504 at a An motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Hoff to approve the purchase of a Pickup Truck (Ford F350) from Apple Ford located at 8899 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, Maryland under Baltimore County Government Contract # 00004504 at a total cost of $83,285.00. City Administrator Imhulse provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion. AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and  total cost of $83,285.00  VOTE Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None.  2    Approval to Purchase a Pickup Truck (Ford Ranger) from Apple Ford located at 8800 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, Maryland under Baltimore County Government Contract # 00004504 at a AI motion was made by Councimember Dayhoff and seconded by Councimember Hoff to approve the Purchase al Pickup Truck (Ford Ranger) from Apple Ford located at 8800 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, Maryland under Baltimore County Government Contract # 00004504 at a total cost of $44,975.30. City Administrator Imhulse provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion.  total cost of $44,975.30  VOTE Councilmember Hoff. NAYS: None.  AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and  Approval to Waive the Competitive Procurement for Good Cause, under the City of Westminster Code Chapter 36 "Procurement and Contracts" Subsection 36-4 Specific Regulations and Authorize the Purchase of a Mini Excavator from Metro Bobcat in the total amount of $74,363.80 Amotion was made by Councimember Hoff and seconded by Councimember Chiavacci to approve to waive the competitive procurement for good cause, under the City of Westminster Code Chapter 36 Procurement and Contracts" Subsection 36-4 Specific Regulations and authorize the purchase of a Mini Excavator from Metro Bobcat in the total amount of $74,363.80. City Administrator Imhulse provided the staff report on the item and responded to questions of clarification posed by the Common AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and  Council on the item. VOTE Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None.  Approval to Waive the Competitive Procurement for Good Cause, under the City of Westminster Code Chapter 36 "Procurement and Contracts" Subsection 36-4 Specific Regulations and Authorize the Purchase of a Forklift from Atlantic Truck Lift, Inc., in the total amount of Amotion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to approve to waive the competitive procurement for good cause, under the City of Westminster Code Chapter 36 Procurement and Contracts" Subsection 36-4 Specific Regulations and authorize the purchase of a Forklift from Atlantic Truck Lift, Inc., in the total amount of $33,342.29. City Administrator Imhuise  $33,342.29  provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion on the item.  VOTE Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None.  AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and  ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS  Introduction of Charter Amendment Resolution 24-02, a Charter Amendment Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Westminster concerning the single subject, "Elections", to amend the Charter of the City ofWestminster,$3,"Qualifications for and Election of Mayor and Common Council; notifications of those elected," to repealg 3.1, "Absentee Registration and Registration and Ballot for members of Armed Forces", and to enact $3.1as "Registration of Voters," to repeal $4,"Board of Registration of Voters - Appointment and' Term of Office" and to enacts 4"Regulations and Control,"t to repeal $5, "Same-Form and Procedure  3    for Registration of Votes; Cancellation of Registration'", to repeal S 5.1, "Absentee Registration and Registration and Ballots for Physically Disabled Voters and Others," and to enact $ 5.1 as Absentee Voting," to amend $6"1 Tie Elections for Mayor and Councilman, Refusal to Serve and Other Disqualifications; Filling' Vacancies," and amending! $ 7 4 Oaths of Office, all City Officers; Ar motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Gilbert toi introduce Charter Amendment Resolution 24-02, a Charter Amendment Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Westminster concerning the single subject, Elections", to amend the Charter of the City of Westminster, S 3, Qualifications for and Election of Mayor and Common Council; notifications of those elected," to repeal S 3.1, "Absentee Registration and Registration and Ballot for members of Armed Forces", and to enact $3.1 as "Registration of Voters," to repeal S 4,'Board of Registration of Voters - Appointment and Term of Office" and to enact S 4 "Regulations and Control," to repeal $5, "Same-Form and Procedure for Registration of Votes; Cancellation of Registration", to repeal S 5.1, "Absentee Registration and Registration and Ballots for Physically Disabled Voters and Others," and to enact S 5.1 as Absentee Voting," to amend S 6 : Tie Elections for Mayor and Councilman, Refusal to Serve and Other Disqualifications; Filling' Vacancies,' and amending $7"Oaths of Office, all City Officers; Common Council Judge of Qualifications of Mayor and Councilmen". City Clerk Barber provided the staff report on the item. City Clerk Barber responded to questions posed by the Mayor and Common Council on the item. The Mayor and Common Council all thanked the staff for their many hours of work on the item. City Administrator Imhulse took a moment and thanked the City ofWestminster Board of Elections and the Election Judges fort their work and input on the City's election process. City Clerk Barber closed by thanking the Mayor and Common Council for their work and input  Common Council Judge of Qualifications of Mayor and Councilmen"  on proposed Charter Amendment Resolution 24-02.  VOTE  AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Introduction of Ordinance 2024-07, an Ordinance amending Chapter 4, Administration of Government," of the Code of the City of Westminster, to repeal $ 4-6 "Authorization; Empowerment; Membership: Elections; Terms; Qualifications" and $ 4-6.1 # Filling Council Vacancies" as these Issues are Addressed in Chapter 14 "Elections" of the City Code, and amending Chapter 14, "Elections, of the Code of the City ofWestminster to Align the Provisions of Chapter 14 with the City Charter, to Enhance the Efficiency of the Conduct of the City Elections, to Change References from the City Clerk to the Clerk of Elections, to Clarify when Declarations of Candidacy may be Filed, Providing Qualifications for Members of the Board of Elections, Judges of Election and Campaign Treasurers, to Incorporate the Process for Absentee Voting, and Providing a Complaint Procedure; to Provide for Filling Vacancies in the Common Council; to Delete Certain Obsoleted Provisions; and to Make Other Changes of a An motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councilmember Hoff to introduce Ordinance 2024-07, an Ordinance amending Chapter 4, Administration of Government," of the Code of the City of Westminster, to repeal S 4-6 "Authorization; Empowerment; Membership: Elections; Terms; Qualifications" and S 4-6.1 " Filling Council Vacancies" as these issues are addressed in Chapter 14 Elections" of the City Code, and amending Chapter 14, "Elections, of the Code of the City of Westminster to align the provisions of Chapter 14 with the City Charter, to enhance the efficiency of the conduct of the City Elections, to change references from the City Clerk to the Clerk of Elections, to clarify when Declarations of Candidacy may be filed, providing qualifications for members of the Board of Elections, Judges of Election and Campaign Treasurers, to incorporate the process for Absentee Voting, and providing a complaint procedure; to provide for filling vacancies ini the Common Council; to delete certain obsoleted provisions; and to make other changes of a housekeeping nature. City Clerk  Councimember Hoff.  Housekeeping Nature.  4    Barber provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion. City Clerk Barber advised that Ordinance 2024-07 would be adopted in the same timeframe as Charter Amendment 24-02.  VOTE  AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councilmember Gilbert, and  Councilmember Hoff. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS  There was no unfinished business to be discussed by the Mayor and Common Council.  Motion to go into a Closed Meeting - Monday, July 22, 2024  A motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Hoff to move that the Common Council adjourn into a Closed Meeting, at the conclusion of the meeting of. July 22, 2024, in accordance with the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, $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" and (b)(7) "to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice". There was no  discussion. VOTE  AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and  Councimember Hoff. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Recreation and Parks  City Administrator Imhulse thanked the Mayor and Common Council for their partnership on the introduction of the election legislation, she noted she viewed the project as legacy project for the City. Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber thanked the Mayor and Common Council for their approval to fund the six new treadmills for the City of Westminster's Fitness Center. Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber closed her report by providing highlights from the recently held events. Director of Technology Services Moore provided an update on the projects the department is handling.  Technology Services  Community Planning and Development  Director of Community Planning and Development Depo gave the following report:  On July 17, 2024, the City Westminster partnered with Bartlett Tree Experts for the beneficial insect release. Children from the City's Camp attended the event and learned about ladybugs during an outdoor presentation and helped release 27,000 ladybugs into the bushes and trees  outside of City Hall (1838 Emerald Hill Lane). On July 18, 2024, the Planning and Zoning Commission:  Introduced an Amendment to the Wakefield Valley Development Plan proposing to construct 25 single family detached dwellings on 38.29 acres and dedicated 16.06 acres to Carroll Lutheran Village. The Commission requested that staff work with the applicant Reviewed the McDaniel Overlook preliminary subdivision plan located off Wyndtryst Drive to construct 4 single family detached dwellings. The Commission continued the  tos schedule a future meeting  application.  5    Approved Sign Permit 1959 allowing a sign greater than 64 square feet but less than  125 square feet at 1101 Business Parkway.  Finance Department FY24. Audit.  Director of Finance Rodgers noted the City's Audit Firm has been on-site doing preliminary work on the  Westminster Police Department (WPD)  Chief Ledwell noted the Annual National Night scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2024, with (5) five sights in the City of Westminster. Chief Ledwell noted additional details will be provided to the Mayor  and Common Council as location and final details are provided.  CITIZEN COMMENTS Mayor and Common Council.  Council President Pecoraro advised that residents may submit any comments to the following email address: comments@westminsternd.gov. He noted that all emails received would be shared with the  There was no one wishing to address the Common Council at the meeting.  ADJOURNMENT 8:10 p.m.  Council President Pecoraro announced that the next meeting oft the Mayor and Common Council would be on Monday, August 12, 2024, and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. He adjourned the meeting at  Respectfully Submitted,  dawABoib Douglass A. Barber, MMC City Clerk  Full audio version is available on wpestmnstermagor  Adopted by the City of Westminster Common Council on August 12, 2024.  6