MINUTES CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, January 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD 21157 YouTube Channel Link CALL TO ORDER Elected Officials Present: Mayor Becker, Council President Pro Tem Chiavacci, Councilmember Gilbert, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councilmember Hoff, and Council President Pecoraro (via-Zoom). Staff Present: City Clerk Barber, Director of Housing Services Brown, Director of Community Planning and Development Depo, City Administrator Imhulse, Chief of Police Ledwell, Director of Technology Services Moore, Director of Finance Rodgers, and Attorney Ruff. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE Council President Pro Tem Chiavacci led the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - CLOSED MEETING OF MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025: Council President Pro Tem Chiavacci read into the record 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 (via-Zoom) on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 3:34 p.m. pursuant to General Provision Art., Section 3-305)(b)(7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice. Motion - Councilmember Chavaca/coundimnember Hoff Vote to Close Meeting: Mr. Chiavacci Mr. Dayhoff Ms. Gilbert Mr. Hoff Mr. Pecoraro Mayor Becker Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Abstain Absent The following staff members attended the meeting: Director of Community Planning and Development Depo, City Administrator Imhulse, and Attorney. Ruff. The Common Council took no official action during the meeting. The Closed Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. PRESENTATION 2024) for MAGIC. MAGIC Quarterly Update - Ms. Kim Samuelson, Executive Director Ms. Kim Samuelson, MAGIC Executive Director presented the quarterly update (October - December MCDANIEL COLLEGE UPDATE an update from McDaniel College. Ms. Heidi Reigel, Associate Vice President of Constituent Engagement with McDaniel College provided PUBLIC HEARING - Ordinance 2024-09, Tabacconist and Vape Shop Text Amendment Mayor Becker conducted a public hearing beginning at 7:15 p.m., regarding Ordinance 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 1, "General Provisions", to add definitions of Specialty Shop", Tabacconist", 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 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. Mayor Becker noted that the Public Hearing had been published in the Carroll County Times, meeting all applicable requirements. Mr. Pete Podolak, 147 East Main Street, addressed his concerns with proposed Ordinance 2024-09. Mr. Dennis Futrel, 54 Liberty Street, addressed his concerns with proposed Ordinance 2024-09. Mr. Ilyas Elftohan, 279 East Main Street, addressed his concerns with proposed Ordinance 2024-09. Mr. Matt Hurff, Attorney with Shaffer, Miller & Hurff, LLP, at7 73 East Main Street, addressed his concerns Mr. Norman Asgar, 279 East Main Street, addressed his concerns with proposed Ordinance 2024-09. Mr. Clark Shaffer, Attorney with Shaffer, Miller & Hurff, LLP at 73 East Main Street, addressed his Director of Community Planning and Development Depo provided the staff report on the item as The following spoke and addressed the Common Council during the hearing: with proposed Ordinance 2024-09. concerns with proposed Ordinance 2024-09. requested by Mayor Becker. APPROVAL OF MINUTES With no further comments, Mayor Becker closed the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. Ar motion was made by Councimember Gilbert and seconded by Councilmember Dayhoff to approve the Mayor and Common Council Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2024, the Mayor and Common Council Work Session Meeting minutes of December 16, 2024, the Special Mayor and Common Council Meeting minutes of December 23, 2024, the Special Mayor and Common Council Meeting minutes of January 6, 2025, and the Mayor and Common Council Closed Meeting minutes of January 6, 2025. There was no discussion. VOTE Pecoraro. NAYS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR AYES: Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, Councimember Hoff, and Council President Amotion was made by Councimember Hoff and seconded by Councilmember Gilbert to approve the Consent Calendar that included the following: Approval of Departmental Operating Report for November 2024; and the Approval of Water and Sewer Allocation Committee's recommendation to 2 approve Annexation Waiver 24-04 for 60 and 70 Monroe Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157 (SDAT 07-003420 and # 07-003447/Wlam Winchester Elementary School). There was no discussion. AYES: Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. VOTE NAYS: None. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR Mayor Becker hoped all had a happy holiday season. Mayor Becker thanked the Department of Public Works and' Westminster Police Department for their work prior, during and after the recent snow event. Council President Pro Tem Chiavacci, on behalf of the Public Safety Committee, noted that on December 21, 2024, Sgt. Ecker located and stopped a vehicle on Route 140 at Malcolm Drive subsequent to at theft complaint at Boscov's. Council President Pro Tem Chiavacci also noted that on December 7, 2024, Sgt Ecker and PFC Stiffler responded to a call and were able to successfully de- escalate the situation. Council President Pro Tem Chiavacci closed his report by advising that on November 23, 2024, PFC Ash and PFC Ray responded to a motor vehicle collision on Route 140 at WMC Drive and assisted with successfully extracting the driver from the burning vehicle and moved Councimember Gilbert, on behalf of the Public' Works Committee, noted the work of the Department of Councimember Gilbert on behalf oft the Recreation and Parks Committee, noted the new equipment at the City of Westminster Fitness Center. Councimember Gilbert closed her comments by providing the highlights to some upcoming events sponsored by the City of Westminster Recreation and Parks REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES him to a safe location. Public Works regarding the recent winter weather event ini the City. Department. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION Councimember Gilbert reminded everyone of the Carroll County State of the County Address Councilmember Hoff noted his attendance at the Maryland Municipal League's Opening Day Reception Award of Bid to Total Contracting Inc., for Westminster Pool Locker Room Renovations at the An motion was made by Councimember Gilbert and seconded by Councimember Dayhoff to award a bid to Total Contracting Inc., for Westminster Pool Locker Room Renovations at the Westminster Municipal Pool in the amount of $152,642. City Administrator Imhulse provided the staff report and responded to questions of clarification given by the Common Council on the item. scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, 2025, ati the Carroll Arts Center. held on' Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland. Westminster Municipal Pool in the amount of $152,642 BIDS VOTE Pecoraro. NAYS: None AYES: Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, Councilmember Hoff, and Council President 3 ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS Council President Pro-Tem Chiavacci noted that the Adoption of Annexation Resolution No. 24-07 (Annexation No. 80 = Annexation Plan) an Annexation Plan for Certain Property Contiguous to and Adjoining the City's Existing Corporate Boundaries Located at 54 Ridge Road, Westminster, Maryland 21157, Containing t 2.505 Acres, and Also Identified as Tax Account Number 07-011989, Map 0045, Grid 0006, Parcel 0167, Which Property is the Subject of a Petition for Annexation Submitted by the Owners of a Portion of the Subject Property to the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, item Council President Pro-Tem Chiavacci noted that the Adoption of Annexation Resolution No. 24-06 (Annexation 80), Maryland Home Builders LLC, Enlarging the Corporate Boundaries of the City of Westminster by annexing into the City Certain Property Containing t 2.505 Acres, Contiguous to and Adjoining the City's Existing Corporate Boundaries, Consisting of Real Property Located at 54 Ridge Road, Westminster, Maryland 21157, Also Identified as Tax Account Number 07-011989, Map 0045, Grid 0006, Parcel 0167, item has been removed from the agenda, as the petitioner has removed their Adoption ofOrdinance No. 2024-09, Tobacconistand Vape Shop" TextAmendment, 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 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 Ar motion was made by Councilmember Hoff and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to postpone the 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", 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 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 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 until the next Mayor and Common Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, January 27, 2025. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo responded to questions of clarification given by the Common Council ont the item. The Common Council discussed and agreed to allow for additional time has been removed from the agenda, as the petitioner has removed their request. request. to review the item. VOTE NAYS: None AYES: Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councilmember Hoff. 4 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 - January 13, 2025 A motion was made by Councimember Hoff and seconded by Councilmember Gilbert to adjourn into a Closed Meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the conclusion of the regular meeting in accordance with the General Provisions Article oft the Annotated Code ofl Maryland, $3-305 (b)(4)to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State and (b)(5) to consider the investment of public funds. There was no discussion. AYES: Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. VOTE NAYS: None Council President Pro Tem Chiavacci advised that the Common Council would not be returning to an open session at the conclusion oft the closed meeting. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Administration City Administrator Imhulse thanked the Westminster Police Department, Department of Public Works and the Technology Department for their many hours handling the snow removal. Department of Recreation and Parks City Administrator Imhulse, on behalf of the Department of Recreation and Parks provided the stats from the Ice Rink usage for the 2025 Holiday Season, as an added attraction to the City of Westminster's Holiday offerings. Housing Services Director of Housing Services Brown noted an upcoming event Let's Make Everyone Count scheduled for January 24, 2025, requesting participation in the Carroll County Street and Shelter Point-In-Time Homeless Count, as volunteers are needed. Director Brown provided an update on the Housing' Voucher Program. Department of Public' Works City Administrator Imhulse on behalf of the Department of Public Works informed the Mayor and Common Council on an upcoming BG&E gas line replacement project fort the City ofWestminster's Main Street. City Administrator Imhulse responded to questions posed by the Common Council ont the project. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo reported that the Historic District Commission On January 7, 2025, the Board of Zoning Appeals heard BZA Case No. 24-05, an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's June 11, 2024, determination regarding signage at 301 East Main Street. The Board upheld and wholly affirmed the June 11, 2024, zoning determination. The Board also continued BZA Case No. 24-05, an appeal oft 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. Community Planning and Development had cancelled it. January 2025 meeting. 5 On January 16, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hold public hearings for Annexation No. 83 (Resolution 24-11), Optimum Properties, LLC, containing approximately 3.572 acres; and for Annexation No. 85 (Resolution 23-13), Ellen Potepan, containing approximately 5.47 acres. Director Depo noted that both annexation properties border Stonegate and are located between Stonegate and Walnut Ridge residential developments. On October 28, 2024, both annexation resolutions, including the annexation plan for each, were introduced by the Mayor and Common Council. Director of Finance Rodgers noted the department's work on the preparations for the FY26 Budget. Chief of Police Ledwell noted that on January 14, 2025, Officer Bogin would receive the Officer of the Finance Westminster Police Department (WPD) Quarter Award for outstanding performance during the last quarter of 2024 CITIZEN COMMENTS Council President Pro Tem Chiavacci advised that residents may submit any comments to the following email address: comments@westminsternd.goy. He noted that all emails received would be shared with the Mayor and Common Council. There was no one wishing to address the City of Westminster Common Council. ADJOURNMENT the meeting at 8:28 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Council President Pro Tem Chiavacci announced that the next meeting of the Mayor and Common Council would be on Monday, January 27, 2025, and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. He adjourned PsowAPota Douglass A. Barber, MMC City Clerk Full audio version is available on wpestminsternager Adopted by the City of Westminster Common Council February 10, 2025.