MINUTES CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, August 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD 21157 YouTube Channel Link  CALLTO ORDER  Elected Officials Present: Mayor Becker, Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Staff Present: City Clerk Barber, Director of Community Planning and Development Depo, City Administrator Imhulse, Chief of Police Ledwell, Director of Human Resources Merritt, Director of Technology Services Moore, Director of Finance Rodgers, Attorney Ruff, and Director of Public Works  Councimember Gilbert, Councimember Hoff, and Council President Pecoraro  Summerhill. PUBLIC HEARINGS  Charter Amendment Resolution No. 24-02  Mayor Becker conducted a public hearing beginning at 7:02 p.m. on Charter Amendment Resolution No. 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 repeal S 3.1, "Absentee Registration and Registration and Ballot for members of Armed Forces", and to enact S 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 S 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 S 7 "Oaths of Office, all City Officers; Common Council Judge of Qualifications of Mayor and Councilmen". Mayor Becker asked if anyone wished to speak on Charter Amendment Resolution No. 24-02. Seeing no one wishing to speak on Charter Amendment Resolution No. 24-02, Mayor Becker closed the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. Mayor Becker conducted a public hearing beginning at 7:04 p.m. on 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 S 4-6.1"F 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 in the Common Council; to Delete Certain Obsoleted Provisions; and to Make Other Changes of al Housekeeping Nature. Mayor Becker asked if anyone wished to speak on Ordinance 2024-07. Seeing no one wishing to speak on Ordinance No.  Ordinance 2024-07 Elections  2024-07, Mayor Becker closed the public hearing at 7:06 p.m.  MCDANIEL COLLEGE UPDATE  Dr. Flavius Lilly, Provost with McDaniel College provided an update from McDaniel College as they welcomed the faculty and students back to the campus. Dr. Lilly provided highlight to the recently held  1    Westminster Welcome event. Dr. Lilly closed byi introducing Ms. Nicki Jones, who serves ont the Student  Advisory Council at McDaniel College. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  Ar motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councilmember Dayhofft to approve  the Mayor and Common Council Meeting minutes of August 12, 2024.  VOTE Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR July 2024. VOTE Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None. REPORT FROM MAYOR  AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and  An motion was made by Councimember Gilbert and seconded by Councimember Hoff to approve the Consent Calendar, which consisted of the following: Approval of Departmental Operating Report for AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councilmember Gilbert and  Mayor Becker noted her recent attendance at recent events and meetings held in and around the City. Mayor Becker highlighted several National Night Events held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, throughout the City. Mayor Becker closed her report by noting the upcoming grand opening ribbon cutting for Sprout's Farmers Market (275 Baltimore Boulevard, Suite 4, Westminster, MD21157) on Friday, August 30, 2024, and announcing that the City of Westminster will trick-or-treat on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Councimember Dayhoff, on behalf of the Arts Council, encourage all to go to the Arts Council's website Councimember Hoff, on behalf of the Economic and Community Development Committee (ECDC), Councimember Chiavacci on behalf of the Public Safety Committee, noted the following: On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Westminster Police Department members participated in the Bishop's Garth Apartments National Night Out event; On August 14, 2024, the Westminster Police Department Officers partnered with Exploration Commons staff by participating in a community outreach event titled "Baking with the Badge"; On August 16, 2024, Mayor Becker swore-in the City newest officer Officer Hara; and on August 23, 2024, the Carroll County Boys & Girls Club held an police officer appreciation cookout Councimember Gilbert, on behalf of the Public' Works Committee, noted that the Department of Public Works staff have been working on the following projects: Ball field maintenance at the park; Repainting all the yellow curbs in the City; and hanging the Be Kind Flags along Main Street in the City. Councimember Gilbert on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Committee, noted the recent kick-off of the Be Kindness Tour on Thursday, August 22, 2024, and provided the highlights of the event. Councimember Gilbert closed her report by noting the upcoming City of Westminster 45th Annual  REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES  to see information on all their upcoming events and programing.  noted the upcoming grand opening ribbon cutting for Sprout's Farmers Market.  event, where several City of Westminster Officers attended.  2    Fallfest scheduled for ai four (4) day event starting on Thursday, September 26, 2024, through Sunday, Council President Pecoraro noted the recent TING outage, as iti is very rare for the service provider. Councilmember Dayhoff noted the recent TING outage and the quick response from the City. Councimember Gilbert noted several meetings and events she attended. Councilmember Gilbert welcomed all the McDaniel College students to the City of Westminster and wished them all a great Councilmember Hoff thanked all those involved in making the Westminster Welcome such as great event Approval of Bid to Purchase a Dump Body and Salt Spreader Replacement via an awarded bid between Montgomery County Solicitation (IFB#1131547) with Intercon Truck Equipment, located Amotion was made by Councimember Gilbert and seconded by Councilmember Chiavacci to approve ab bid to purchase a Dump Body and Salt Spreader Replacement via an awarded bid between Montgomery County Solicitation (IFB#1131547) with Intercon Truck Equipment, located at 1200 Pauls Lane, Joppa, Maryland 21085 in the Amount of $42,994.00. Director of Public Works Summerhill  September 29, 2024, at City Park. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION  year.  for the community as well as a great welcome to all the McDaniel College students.  BID  at 1200 Pauls Lane, Joppa, Maryland 21085 in the Amount of $42,994.00  provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion on the item.  VOTE Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None.  AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and  ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS  Adoption 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", toamend the Charter of the City ofWestminster, $3,"Qualifications: forand 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 $ 3.1as "Registration of Voters," to repeal $4,"Board of Registration of Voters - Appointment and Term of Office" and to enact $4" "Regulations and Control", to repeal S 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 $6"1 Tie Elections for Mayor and Councilman, Refusal to Serve and Other Disqualifications; Filling' Vacancies," and amending $ 7 "Oaths of Office, all City Officers; A motion was made by Councilmember Dayhoff and seconded by Councimember Chiavacci to adopt 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 S 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," tor repeal $5 5, Same-Form and Procedure for Registration of Votes; Cancellation of Registration'", to  Common Council Judge of Qualifications of Mayor and Councilmen"  3    repeal S 5.1, "Absentee Registration and Registration and Ballots for Physically Disabled Voters and Others," and to enact $5.1 as Absentee) Voting,"t to amend $6"Tie Elections for Mayor and Councilman, Refusal to Serve and Other Disqualifications; Filling Vacancies,": and amending $7 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 and City Administrator Imhulse took moments tot thank the City of Westminster Board of Elections and the Election Judges for 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 on the proposed Charter Amendment Resolution 24-02. There was no discussion. AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, Councilmember  VOTE NAYS: None.  Hoff and Council President Pecoraro.  Adoption 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 S 4-6.1 K 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 in the Common Council; to Delete Certain Obsoleted Provisions; and to Make Other Changes of a A motion was made by Councimember Dayhoff and seconded by Councimember Chiavacci to adopt 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 in the Common Council; to delete certain obsoleted provisions; and to make other changes of a housekeeping nature. City Clerk 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.  Housekeeping Nature.  VOTE Hoff and Council President Pecoraro. NAYS: None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS  AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, Councimember  There was no unfinished business to be discussed by the Mayor and Common Council. There was no new business to be discussed by the Mayor and Common Council  4    DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Administration a.m.  City Administrator Imhulse highlighted the upcoming grand opening ribbon cutting for Sprout's Farmers Market (275 Baltimore Boulevard, Suite 4, Westminster, MD: 21157) on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 6:45 City Administrator Imhulse highlighted on behalf of Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber, several new class offerings at the City of Westminster Fitness Center. City Administrator Imhulse closed the report by noting that on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, there will be a Pooch Pool Party at the City of Director of Human Resources Merritt reported that the City of Westminster had filled the Safety and  Department of Recreation and Parks  Westminster Municipal Pool and provided highlights for the event.  Human Resources Risk Coordinator position. Department of Public' Works Water Service Lines inventory project. Technology Services  Director of Public Works Summerhill provided an update on door hangers for the City of Westminster  Director of Technology Services Moore provided an update on the projects the department is handling. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for August 15, 2024, has been rescheduled to August 29, 2024. Director Depo advised that the purpose of the meeting is to hold a work session for two residential projects: The Willows (40 2-over-2 market rate rental units), located northeast of Pennsylvania Avenue/Sullivan Road; and Sunny Place Condos (48 market rate condos) located at 222 East Green Street. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo closed his report by reporting that the City of Westminster had been awarded the full grant amount of $300,000 from Project Restore 2.0, a Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development program. Director Depo noted that the funds are intended to help activate vacant properties in Downtown Westminster with new commercial use and can be used for interior and exterior renovations and fit out of the building; furniture, fixtures, and equipment; and rent payments. Director Depo also noted that the City is currently working on a Director of Finance Rodgers noted that the Finance Department was working on close out of FY24 in  Community Planning and Development  grant request process and application to distribute the funds.  Finance  preparation of the annual audit scheduled to begin in October 2024.  Westminster Police Department (WPD)  Chief Ledwell noted that the City of Westminster Police Department had received notification from the Governor's Office on the City of Westminster being awarded grant funding from the Governor's Office ofGovernment Crime Control and Prevention for the purchase of Body-Worn Cameras. Council President Pecoraro reported the passing of former Mayor Tom Ferguson's wife Sandra Ferguson who passed away on August 19, 2024. Councimember Dayhoff noted his attendance during  the visitation hours.  5    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.  ADJOURNMENT at 8:08 p.m. Respectfully Submitted,  Council President Pecoraro announced that the next meeting oft the Mayor and Common Council would be on Monday, September 9, 2024, and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. He adjourned the meeting  BagoaA. Borbo Douglass A. Barber, MMC City Clerk  Full audio version is available on wopestminstemdoy  Adopted by the City of Westminster Common Council on September 9, 2024.  6