MINUTES CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, April 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD 21157 YouTube Channel Link CALL TO ORDER Elected Officials Present: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, Councilmember Hoff, and Council President Pecoraro. Mayor Becker was absent. Staff Present: City Clerk Barber, Director of Community Planning and Development Depo, Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber, 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 Pecoraro led the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD = CLOSED MEETING OF MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025: Council President Pecoraro read into the record in accordance with the General Provisions Article, Section 3-306(c)(2) of the Annotated Code ofl Maryland, and without objection iti is noted that the minutes of tonight's meeting reflect that Common Council met in a Closed Meeting on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 7:47 p.m. pursuant to General Provision Art., Section 3-305) (b)(1) I - move that the Common Council adjourn into a Closed Meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the conclusion of the regular meeting 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. Motion = Councimember Chavaca/councimember Gilbert Vote to Close Meeting: Yes No Abstain Absent Mr. Chiavacci Yes Mr. Dayhoff Yes Ms. Gilbert Yes Mr. Hoff Yes Mr. Pecoraro Mayor Becker The following staff members attended the meeting: City Administrator Imhulse and Ms. Charise Brown. The Common Council took official action during the meeting. The Closed Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Council President Pecoraro on behalf of the Mayor and Common Council acknowledged the retirement of Captain Schuster from the Westminster Police Department. Captain Schuster addressed the Common Council with a few comments and his thanks to the City of Westminster. 1 PRESENTATIONS Celtic Canter Check Presentation 2024 Council President Pecoraro noted that the Celtic Canter is an annual 5K race held in downtown Westminster near St. Patrick's Day and was founded by Dr. Patrick Gallagher and O'Lordans Irish Pub. In partnership with the City of Westminster, the event has grown over the years, now attracting 1,000 or more runners annually. Race proceeds are donated to three local charities, which in turn supply the City with nearly 100 volunteers to assist with event logistics, children's crafts and games, and the 0.5K. The 2025 check recipients were Access Carroll, Target Community and Educational Services, and Crossroads Community Church. Mayoral Proclamation = National Preservation Month (May 2025) Council President Pecoraro read a Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as National Preservation Month in the City of Westminster. Mayoral Proclamation - Municipal Clerks Week (May 4 -10, 2025) Council President Pecoraro read a Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming Municipal Clerks Week (May 4 - 10, 2025), in the City of Westminster. Mayoral Proclamation = National Public Works Week (May 18 - 24, 2025) Council President Pecoraro read a Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming May 18 - 24, 2025 as National Public Works Week in the City of Westminster. FY 26 Budget Presentation City Administrator Imhulse provided an overview of the FY26 Budget to the Mayor and Common Council. She thanked all the department directors and their staff for their hard work in the preparation of the FY26 Budget. MCDANIEL COLLEGE UPDATE David Sears, Vice President of Institutional Advancement with McDaniel College provided an update on programs and activities that are underway at McDaniel College. PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance No. 2025-04 Approving Local Zoning Map Amendment LMA 25-02 Council President Pecoraro conducted a public hearing beginning at 7:36 p.m., regarding Ordinance No. 2025-04, Approving Local Zoning Map Amendment LMA 25-02, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, approving Local Zoning Map Amendment LMA 25-02 designating certain real property located in the City of Westminster's I-R Restricted Industrial Zone and Floating Cannabis Overlay Zone for the establishment of a Cannabis Processor. Council President Pecoraro 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 Council President Pecoraro provided the staff report on the item. There was no one wishing to address the Common Council during the hearing. With no further comments, Council President Pecoraro closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Councilmember Dayhoff and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to approve the Mayor and Common Council Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2025, and the Mayor and Common Council Closed Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2025. There was no discussion. 2 VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councilmember Hoff. NAYS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR A motion was made by Councimember Dayhoff and seconded by Councilmember Hoff to approve the Consent Calendar, which consisted of the following: Approval of Departmental Operating Report = March 2025; Approval of GHD Change Order No. 8 with GHD for Additional Construction Management, Inspection, and Testing Services for Westminster ENR Project in the amount of $120,000; Approval of GHD Change Order No. 18 with GHD for Additional Construction Phase Engineering Services for Westminster ENR Project in the amount of $50,000; Approval of Waive the Competitive Procurement for Good Cause, under the City of Westminster Code Chapter 36 Procurement and Contracts" Subsection 36-4 Specific Regulations, to purchase Microsoft software and licensing through SHI Government Solutions in the amount of $63,226.96; Approval of a Sole Source Contract with Envirodyne Systems Inc., for the purchase of Clarifier Equipment in the amount of $77,000; Approval to Waive the Competitive Procurement for Good Cause, under City of Westminster Code Chapter 36 "Procurement and Contracts' Subsection 36-4 Specific Regulations, for the purchase of Holiday Tree Lighting with Choice Planting, Inc., in the amount of $57,140.10: Approval of Emergency Ordinance 2025-06, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster authorizing the acquisition of the real property located generally along Uniontown Road, Westminster, Maryland, 21158, comprising collectively approximately 101.21 Acres being the properties dentified as Tax Map 38, Grid 20, Parcel 24, Tax ID No. 07-28423. VOTE AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councilmember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR Council President Pecoraro read Mayor Becker's report on her behalf. Mayor Becker thanked City Administrator Imhulse, Director of Finance Rodgers, and Outsourced CFO Krista Gardner, as well as the City's Finance Committee for their work on the proposed FY26 Budget. Mayor Becker closed by thanking all those involved in making the City of Westminster's Wine Stroll held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, such a great event. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Councilmember Dayhoff, on behalf of the Arts Council, noted the recently held 18th Annual PEEPshow held at Town Mall (April 11 - 21, 2025), and the many amazing exhibits. Council President Pecoraro, on behalf of the Finance Committee, noted that the FY26 Budget has been prepared. Councimember Chiavacci, on behalf of the Public Safety Committee, reported that on April 16, 2025, the Westminster Police Department held their Annual Awards Ceremony with several awards being presented as follows: Police Officer of the Year: Officer Pallares; Supervisor of the Year Sgt. Lambert; Civilian Employee of the Year: Ms. Quick; Additionally, several officers received Life Saving Awards, Commendations, Unit Citations, and a Catherine's Cause Award. Walmart Manager, Cochran, received a Community Partnership Award and Auxiliary Officer Mathues was awarded Volunteer of the Year. On April 23, 2025, Corporal Clagett was designated the Westminter Police Department (WPD) Police 3 Officer of the quarter and Communications Supervisor Hundertmark was designated the Civilian Employee of the Quarter for their stand-out performance during the first quarter of 2025. Councimember Gilbert, on behalf of the Public Works Committee, noted and highlighted an upcoming milling/paving project that starts on Monday, May 5, 2025, in the City of Westminster. Councilmember Gilbert, on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Committee, provided the highlights on events held at Wakefield Valley Park surrounding Earth Day 2025. Councimember Gilbert closed her report by noting the upcoming Flower and Jazz Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025. Councimember Dayhoff, on behalf of the Technology Committee, would like to convene a future meeting to discuss an after-action report. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION Councimember Chiavacci noted that the 2025 City of Westminster Wine Stoll held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, was a great event. Councimember Dayhoff noted several meetings and events he had recently attended. Councimember Dayhoff thanked City Administrator Imhulse for providing to the Common Council the FY26 Budget Presentation. Councimember Gilbert noted several meetings and events she had attended. Councilmember Gilbert thanked all who volunteered and worked the City of Westminster Wine Stroll event held on Saturday, Apil 26, 2025 Councilmember Hoff noted that the 2025 City of Westminster Wine Stroll held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, was a great event and commended the staff for all their hard work. Council President Pecoraro noted several meeting and events he had recently attended. ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS Adoption of Ordinance 2025-04, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council Approving Local Zoning Map Amendment LMA 25-02 Designating Certain Real Property Located in the City of Westminster's I-R Restricted Industrial Zone and Floating Cannabis Overlay Zone for the Establishment of a Cannabis Processor A motion was made by Councimember Hoff and seconded by Councilmember Chiavacci to adopt Ordinance 2025-04, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council approving Local Zoning Map Amendment LMA 25-02 designating certain real property located in the City of Westminster's I-R Restricted Industrial Zone and Floating Cannabis Overlay Zone for the establishment of a Cannabis Processor. Director of Community Planning and Development Depo recommended approval with no additional comments. There was no discussion. VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councilmember Hoff. NAYS: None. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-05, a resolution of the Mayor and Common Council Codifying the City's Policy of Non-Discrimination in the Provision of Programs, Services, or Benefits A motion was made by Councimember Hoff and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to adopt Resolution No. 25-05, a resolution of the Mayor and Common Council Codifying the City's Policy of 4 Non-Discrimination in the Provision of Programs, Services, or Benefits. City Administrator Imhulse provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion. VOTE AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councilmember Gilbert, and Councilmember Hoff. NAYS: None. Introduction of Ordinance 2025-05, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, Maryland Approving and Adopting a Budget for the City of Westminster for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2025, and Ending June 30, 2026 ("FY26") and Establishing the Various City Tax Rates for FY26 A motion was made by Councilmember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to introduce Ordinance 2025-05, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, Maryland Approving and Adopting a Budget for the City of Westminster for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2025, and Ending June 30, 2026 ("FY26") and Establishing the Various City Tax Rates for FY26. Director of Finance Rodgers presented the staff report on the item. There was no discussion. VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councilmember Hoff. NAYS: None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to be discussed by the Mayor and Common Council. NEW BUSINESS Vote to go into a Closed Meeting Councimember Chiavacci moved and seconded by Councilmember Hoff that the Common Council adjourn into a Closed Meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the conclusion of the regular meeting 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. There was no discussion. VOTE AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councilmember Hoff. NAYS: None. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Administration City Administrator Imhulse thanked everyone fort their comments regarding the City's recently held Wine Stroll and thanked all the employees for their work. Department of Recreation and Parks Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber thanked the Mayor and Common Council for their continued support of the downtown events. Director Gruber highlighted the many upcoming events and noted many upcoming events being planned for at Wakefield Valley Park. 5 Technology Services Director Moore noted several projects the department has been handling. Community Planning and Development Director of Community Planning and Development Department reported the following: On April 17, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission: Held a Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 2025-04, The Commission forwarded a recommendation to approve Ordinance No. 2025-04 to the Mayor and Common Council, as introduced. Approved a modification to the architectural features approved with Site Plan S-22-044 for Northeastern Supply located at 40 Magna Way. On May 6, 2025, the Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled to hear BZA Case No. 25-02, an application by the property owner requesting Special Exception Automobile trailer and implement sales and services, except automobile car washed and including motorcycle shops" use, pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Article VIII B, Section 164-45.9 A. (6) at 279 East Main Street. Finance Director of Finance Rodgers thanked the Common Council for their kind words and thanked the entire Finance Department for the work the department has been preparing for the upcoming FY26 Budget. Westminster Police Department (WPD) Chief Ledwell provided an update on the Westminster Police Department's developmental training for the officers and staff. CITIZEN COMMENTS Council President Pecoraro advised that residents may submit any comments to the following email address: mmtidasistmse He noted that all emails received would be shared with the Mayor and Common Council. Ms. Lyndi McNulty, 195 West Main Street, addressed the Common Council introducing Ms. Leticia Nortey to the Common Council Ms. Leticia Nortey, 596 Scott Drive, Westminster, Maryland, addressed the Common Council and introduced herself and the organization Expanding Boundaries International. ADJOURNMENT Council President Pecoraro announced that the next meeting of the Mayor and Common Council would be on Monday, May 12, 2025, and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. He adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, DbugbsA Borber Douglass A. Barber, MMC City Clerk Full audio version is available on wwwwestminstermdgoy Adopted by the City of Westminster Common Council on May 12, 2025. 6