MINUTES CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, January 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD 21157 YouTube Channel Link CALLTOORDER Elected Officials Present: Mayor Becker, Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Gilbert, Councilmember Hoff, and Council President Pecoraro. Councimember Dayhoff was absent. Staff Present: City Clerk Barber, Director of Housing Services Brown, Director of Community Planning and Development Depo, Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber, City Administrator Imhulse, 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 MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025: Council President Pecoraro read into the record in accordance with the General Provisions Article, Section: 3-306(c)(2) of the Annotated Code ofMaryland, and without objectioni iti is noted that the minutes of tonight's meeting reflect that Common Council met in a Closed Meeting on Monday, January 13 2025, at 8:34 p.m. pursuant to General Provision Art., Section 3-305) (b)(4) to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for al business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain int the State; and (b)(5) to consider the investment of public funds. Motion = Councimember Hoff/Councilmember Gilbert Vote to Close Meeting: Mr. Chiavacci Mr. Dayhoff Ms. Gilbert Mr. Hoff Mr. Pecoraro Mayor Becker Yes Yes Yes Yes No Abstain Absent The following staff members attended the meeting: City Administrator Imhulse, Chief of Police Ledwell and Director of Finance Rodgers. The Common Council took no official action during the meeting. The Closed Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. PRESENTATION Auditors Presentation - SB& Company, LLC for the City of Westminster FY24 Audit Mr. William Seymour Engagement Partner and Ms. Renata Reis, Engagement Manager with SB & Company, LLC presented to the Mayor and Common Council the City of Westminster's audited Financial Statement for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024 (FY24). Mr. Seymour provided highlights from the report to the Common Council. There were no questions. MCDANIEL COLLEGE UPDATE Dr. Flavius Lilly, Provost with McDaniel College provided an update from McDaniel College. Dr. Lilly noted the experiences oft two students from McDaniel College that completed ani internship with the City of Westminster and highlighted their wonderful experience. Annexation Resolution No. 24-11 (Annexation No. 83) PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Becker conducted a public hearing beginning at 7:16 p.m., regarding Annexation Resolution No. 24-11 (Annexation No. 83), Optimum Properties, LLC Petition for Annexation, enlarging the corporate boundaries of the City of Westminster by annexing into the City certain property containing +3.572 acres, located at the northwestern end of Kent Terrace beyond its intersection with Woodside Drive and generally to the east of Starry Night Drive, contiguous to and adjoining the City's existing corporate boundaries, consisting of real property identified as tax account number 07-001223, Map 0046, Grid 0021, Parcel 0033. Mayor Becker noted that the Public Hearing had been published in the Carroll County Times, meeting all applicable requirements. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo at the direction of Mayor Becker provided the staff report on the item. The following spoke and Attorney Kelly Shaffer Miller, with Shaffer, Miller, & Hurff, LLP, 73 East Main Street, addressed the Common Council representing the applicant for Annexation 83, stated her support of the proposed addressed the Common Council during the hearing: annexation. With noi further comments, Mayor Becker closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Annexation Resolution No. 24-13 (Annexation No. 85) Mayor Becker conducted a public hearing beginning at 7:23 p.m., Annexation Resolution No. 24-13 (Annexation No. 85), Ellen Potepan Petition for Annexation, enlarging the corporate boundaries of the City of Westminster by annexing into the City certain property containing +5.47 acres, located at the western end of Glen Drive and generally to the south of the western end of Starry Night Drive, contiguous to and adjoining the City's existing corporate boundaries, consisting of real property identified as tax account number 07-434089, Map 0046, Grid 0021, Parcel 1648. Mayor Becker noted that the Public Hearing had been published in the Carroll County Times, meeting all applicable requirements. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo at the direction of Mayor Becker provided the staff report on the item and responded to questions of clarification given by the Common Council. The following spoke and addressed the Common Council during the hearing: Attorney Kelly Shaffer Miller, with Shaffer, Miller, & Hurff, LLP, 73 East Main Street, addressed the Common Council stating her support for the approval of the proposed annexation. With no further comments, Mayor Becker closed the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. CONSENT CALENDAR Amotion was made by Councilmember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to approve the Consent Calendar, which consisted oft the following: Approval oft the Departmental Operating Report -D December 2024; and the 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 procure Carnival Services for Fallfest. VOTE NAYS: None. AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. 2 REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR winter weather event. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Mayor Becker thanked all the departments of the City for their work prior, during, and after the recent Council President Pecoraro on behalf of the Finance Committee, noted that the committee had met Councimember Chiavacci on behalf oft the Public Safety Committee, noted that the Westminster Police Department offered Maryland Certified Police Officer Druktenis with an offer and will begin work with the City of Westminster Police Department on February 13, 2025. Councilmember Chiavacci closed his report by noting that on January 14, 2025, Officer Bogin received the Officer of the Quarter Award for Councimember Gilbert, on behalf of the Public Works Committee, noted a few stats related to the Councimember Gilbert, on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Committee, noted the upcoming 2025 14th Annual Celtic Canter 5K and Downtown Irish Festival scheduled for Saturday March 8, 2025. Councilmember Chiavacci noted all the great things happening at the City's Wakefield Valley Park and earlier ini the day (Monday, January 27, 2025) to review a contract. outstanding performance during the last quarter of 2024. recently received winter weather in the City of Westminster. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION thanked Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber for her great work on the project. Councimember Gilbert noted her recent attendance at several meetings and events. Councimember Hoff thanked the City of Westminster's Planning Department for all their hard work for the City of Westminster. BID Approval to Purchase a Pickup Truck from Apple Ford, Under Baltimore County Contract AI motion was made by Councimember Gilbert and seconded by Councilmember Dayhoff to approve the purchase of a Pickup Truck from Apple Ford, Under Baltimore County Contract #00004504 in the Amount of $115,000.00. City Administrator Imhulse provided the staff report and responded to #00004504 in the Amount of $115,000.00 questions of clarification given by the Common Council on the item. VOTE NAYS: None AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-09, Tobacconist and Vape Shop Text Amendment, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, Amending Chapter 164, "Zoning and Subdivision of Land", of the City Code, to Amend Article I, "General Provisions", to Add Definitions of "Specialty Shop", "Tobacconist', and' "Vape Shop"; to Amend Article' VIIA, "Mixed Use Infill Zone"; Article VIII, "B Business Zone"; Article VIIIB, "D-B Downtown Business Zone"; Article IX, "C-B Central Business Zone"; and Article XII, "P-I Planned Industrial Zone" to Add Tobacconists and Vape Shops as Permitted Uses; to Amend Article XIA, "N-C Neighborhood Commercial Zone" to Add Vape Shops as a Permitted Use; to Amend Article XX, "Special 3 provisions", to Impose Certain Restrictions on the Location of Vape Shops; and to Renumber without Substantive Change the Lists of Permitted Uses in Certain of Those Zones A motion was made by Councilmember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-09, Tobacconist and Vape Shop Text Amendment, an Ordinance oft thel Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, amending Chapter 164, Zoning and Subdivision of Land", oft the City Code, to amend Article I, "General Provisions", to add definitions of "Specialty Shop", Tobacconist", and' "Vape Shop"; to amend Article VIIA, "Mixed Use Infill Zone"; Article VIII, "B Business Zone"; Article VIIIB, "D-B Downtown Business Zone"; Article IX, "C-B Central Business Zone"; and Article XII, "P-I Planned Industrial Zone" to add Tobacconists andVape Shops as permitted uses; to amend Article XIA, "N-C Neighborhood Commercial Zone" to add Vape Shops as a permitted use; to amend Article XX, "Special provisions", to impose certain restrictions on the location of Vape Shops; and to renumber without substantive change the lists of permitted uses in certain of those zones. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report on the item. Councimember Hoff moved to postpone adoption of Ordinance 2024-09 until the Mayor and Common Council's next meeting scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025. VOTE NAYS: None AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. Adoption of Annexation Plan Resolution No. 25-02 (Annexation No. 83), an Annexation Plan for Certain Property Containing +3.572 Acres, Contiguous to and Adjoining the City's Existing Corporate Boundaries, Consisting of Real Property Identified as Tax Account Number 07- 001223, Map 0046, Grid 0021, Parcel 0033, which Property is the Subject of a Petition for Annexation Submitted by the Owners of the Subject Property to the Mayor and Common Council A motion was made by Councilmember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to adopt Annexation Plan Resolution No. 25-02 (Annexation No. 83), an Annexation Plan for certain property containing +3.572 acres, contiguous to and adjoining the City's existing corporate boundaries, consisting of real property identified as tax account number 07-001223, Map 0046, Grid 0021, Parcel 0033, which property is the subject of a petition for annexation submitted by the owners oft the subject property to the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster. Director of Community Planning and of Westminster Development Depo provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion. AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councilmember Hoff. VOTE NAYS: None Adoption of Annexation Resolution No. 24-11 (Annexation No. 83), Optimum Properties, LLC Petition for Annexation, Enlarging the Corporate Boundaries of the City of Westminster by Annexing into the City Certain Property Containing +3.572 Acres, Located at the Northwestern End of Kent Terrace Beyond its Intersection with Woodside Drive and Generally to the East of Starry Night Drive, Contiguous to and Adjoining the City's Existing Corporate Boundaries, Consisting of Real Property Identified as Tax Account Number 07-001223, Map 0046, Grid 0021, A motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Hoff to adopt Annexation Resolution No. 24-11 (Annexation No. 83), Optimum Properties, LLC Petition for Annexation, enlarging the corporate boundaries of the City of Westminster by annexing into the City certain property containing +3.572 acres, located at the northwestern end of Kent Terrace beyond its intersection with Woodside Drive and generally to the east of Starry Night Drive, contiguous to and Parcel 0033 4 adjoining the City's existing corporate boundaries, consisting of real property identified as tax account number 07-001223, Map 0046, Grid 0021, Parcel 0033. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion. AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. VOTE NAYS: None Adoption of Annexation Plan Resolution No. 25-03 (Annexation No. 85), an Annexation Plan for Certain Property Containing +5.47 Acres, Contiguous to and Adjoining the City's Existing Corporate Boundaries, Consisting of Real Property Identified as Tax Account Number 07- 434089, Map 0046, Grid 0021, Parcel 1648, which Property is the Subject of a Petition for Annexation Submitted by the Owners of the Subject Property tot the Mayor and Common Council Ar motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to adopt Annexation Plan Resolution No. 25-03 (Annexation No. 85), an Annexation Plan for certain property containing +5.47 acres, contiguous to and adjoining the City's existing corporate boundaries, consisting of real property identified as tax account number 07-434089, Map 0046, Grid 0021, Parcel 1648, which property is the subject of a petition for annexation submitted by the owners of the subject property to the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster. Director of Community Planning and Development ofWestminster Depo provided the staff report ont the item. There was no discussion. VOTE NAYS: None AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. Adoption of Annexation Resolution No. 24-13 (Annexation No. 85), Ellen Potepan Petition for Annexation, Enlarging the Corporate Boundaries of the City of Westminster by Annexing into the City Certain Property Containing +5.47 Acres, Located at the Western End of Glen Drive and Generally to the South of the Western End of Starry Night Drive, Contiguous to and Adjoining the City's Existing Corporate Boundaries, Consisting of Real Property Identified as Tax Account A motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Hoff to adopt Annexation Resolution No. 24-13 (Annexation No. 85), Ellen Potepan Petition for Annexation, enlarging the corporate boundaries oft the City ofWestminster by annexing into the City certain property containing +5.47 acres, located at the western end of Glen Drive and generally to the south of the western end of Starry Night Drive, contiguous to and adjoining the City's existing corporate boundaries, consisting of real property identified as tax account number 07-434089, Map 0046, Grid 0021, Parcel 1648. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report on the item. There was no Number 07-434089, Map 0046, Grid 0021, Parcel 1648 discussion. VOTE NAYS: None AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-01, Amending the Adopted Water and Sewer Allocation Policy and Accompanying Master Distribution Chart to Allow for Sewer-Only Allocations and to amend A motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Hoff to adopt Resolution No. 25-01, amending the adopted Water and Sewer Allocation Policy and accompanying Master Distribution Chart to allow for sewer-only allocations and to amend certain sections for Certain Sections for Consistency without Substantive Changes 5 consistency without substantive changes. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report on the item and responded to questions of clarification given by the Common Council on the item. VOTE NAYS: None AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025-02, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, adopting Local Map Amendment LMA 24-02, Amending the Zoning Mapi for Certain Real Property Located at 222 E. Green Street, Westminster, MD 21157 to Superimpose the Compatible Neighborhood Overlay Zone (CN Zone) over the Existing R-7,500 Residential Zone A motion was made by Councimember Hoff and seconded by Councilmember Gilbert to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-02, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, adopting Local Map Amendment LMA 24-02, amending the Zoning Map for certain real property located at 222 E. Green Street, Westminster, MD21157 to superimpose the Compatible Neighborhood Overlay Zone (CN Zone) over the existing R-7,500 Residential Zone (R-7,500 Zone) to develop Multiple-Family Dwelling Units. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report ont the item and responded to questions of clarification given by the Common Council on the item. The Common Council thanked City Administrator Imhulse and the City's Planning and Zoning Commission (R-7,500 Zone) to Develop Multiple-Family, Dwelling Units for their hard work on the project. VOTE NAYS: None AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025-03, Cannabis Overlay District Amendment, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, Adopting a Sectional Map Amendment to Amend the Boundaries of the Cannabis Overlay District, for the Purpose of Establishing the Appropriate Locations for the Designation of Cannabis Overlay Floating Zones Permitting the Am motion was made by Councimember Hoff and seconded by Councimember Chiavacci to introduce of Ordinance No. 2025-03, Cannabis Overlay District Amendment, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, adopting a sectional map amendment to amend the boundaries of the Cannabis Overlay District, for the purpose of establishing the appropriate locations for the designation of cannabis overlay floating zones permitting the operation of cannabis businesses in the City. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report on the item and Operation of Cannabis Businesses in the City responded to questions of clarification given by the Common Council on the item. AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. VOTE NAYS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to be discussed by the Mayor and Common Council. Vote to Go into a Closed Meeting Ar motion was made by Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to adjourn into a Closed Meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the conclusion of the regular meeting in 6 accordance with the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, $3-305 (b)(3) to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto and (b)(7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice. VOTE NAYS: None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Administration AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. City Administrator Imhulse thanked the Mayor and Common Council for their acknowledgement to the City Departments who assisted in the snowstorm preparations, as well as during the storm and after with the storm clean up. City Administrator Imhulse noted that it is just not the Department of Public Works and the Police Department that provided assistance during these storms that many of the City's departments have duties that are needed prior, during and after a snow event in the City. City Administrator Imhulse closed her report by thanking Director of Finance Rodgers and the staff of the Finance Department for their work on the FY24 Audit Report. Department of Recreation and Parks Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber noted the City has begun selling pool memberships for the 2025 Swim Season. Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber also noted that City of Westminster Summer Camp 2025 registration will begin on Monday, February 3, 2025. Director Gruber closed her comments by reporting that the department is preparing for the 14th Annual Celtic Canter 5K and Downtown Irish Festival scheduled for Saturday March 8, 2025. Community Planning and Development On February 4, 2025, the Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled to hear the following: BZA Case No. 24-05, an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's September 27, 2024, initial Notice of Violation for 279 East Main Street for the unapproved operation of a retail sales establishment at the property, the installation of unapproved signage at the property, and the illegal use of City sidewalk-the application was continued from the BZA's January 7, 2025, meeting. BZA Case No. 25-01, an amendment to the special exception for a multiple-family detached dwelling use at 301 East Main Street to allow for a 32 On February 16, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission is tentatively scheduled to: Review 2024 City of Westminster Annual Report, a planning document for Maryland Department of Planning; and Review Site Plan S-18-0037, My K-9 Buddy, to construct a 40,000 square foot Indoor Dog Training Event facility. The subject property is located on the northern side of Kriders Church Road, behind the square foot sign for the multiple-family use. existing Sheltered Systems. Finance City Administrator Imhulse on behalf of the Department of Finance thanked SB & Company for their partnership with the City of Westminster. Director Rodgers closed her report by noting the recent McDaniel College Intern Student that worked in the Finance Department noting it was a good experience for both the student and the City. Westminster Police Department (WPD) Westminster Police Department. Chief Ledwell thanked all the City departments involved in assisting with the current renovations at the 7 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 Ms. Lyndi McNulty, 195 Main Street, addressed the Common Council, she thanked the Westminster Police Department for saving the life of one of her tenants. ADJOURNMENT 8:29 p.m. Council President Pecoraro announced that the next meeting of the Mayor and Common Council would be on Monday, February 10, 2025, and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. He adjourned the meeting at Respectfully Submitted, BougbA Bobv Douglass A. Barber, MMC City Clerk Full audio version is available on wwwestmihsterdoow Adopted by the City of Westminster Common Council on February 10, 2025. 8