MINUTES CITY OF WESTMINSTER Mayor and Common Council Meeting Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD 21157 YouTube Channel Link CALL TO ORDER Elected Officials Present: Mayor Becker, Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, Councimember Hoff, and Council President Pecoraro. Staff Present: City Clerk Barber, Director of Human Resources Brown, Director of Housing Services Brown, Senior Planner Gerhard, Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber, City Administrator Imhulse, Director of Technology Services Moore, Deputy Chief Price, 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 28, 2025: Council President Pecoraro 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 on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 7:47 p.m. pursuant to General Provision Art., Section 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 = Councilmember Chiavacci/Councilmember Hoff Vote to Close Meeting: Yes No Abstain Absent Mr. Chiavacci Yes Mr. Dayhoff Yes Ms. Gilbert Yes Mr. Hoff Yes Mr. Pecoraro Mayor Becker Mayor Becker was not in attendance for the Closed Meeting. The following staff members attended the meeting: City Administrator Imhulse. The Common Council took no official action during the meeting. The Closed Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. PRESENTATIONS Mayoral Proclamation = National Police Week 2025 (May 11-17, 2025) Mayor Becker read a Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming National Police Week 2025 (May 11 - 17, 2025), in the City of Westminster. Mayoral Proclamation - World Migratory Bird Day (May 10, 2025) Mayor Becker read a Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming World Migratory Bird Day (May 10, 2025), in the City of Westminster. 1 Council President Pecoraro recognized the City of Westminster's Human Resource Director Charise Brown to her first Mayor and Common Council Meeting. MCDANIEL COLLEGE UPDATE Dr. Richard Smith, Associate Vice President for Institutional Mission & Belonging, and College Chaplain with McDaniel College provided an update on the graduations activities that are upcoming at McDaniel College. PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance 2025-05 (FY26 Budget), an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, Maryland approving and adopting a Budget for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026 (FY26) and establishing the various City Tax Rates for FY26 Mayor Becker conducted a public hearing beginning at 7:09 p.m., regarding Ordinance No. 2025-05, (FY26 Budget), an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, Maryland approving and adopting a Budget for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026 (FY26) and establishing the various City Tax Rates for FY26. Mayor Becker noted that the Public Hearing had been published in the Carroll County Times. There was no one wishing to address the Common Council during the hearing. With no further comments, Mayor Becker closed the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Councimember Dayhoff and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to approve the Mayor and Common Council Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2025, and the Mayor and Common Council Closed Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2025. There was no discussion. VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councimember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember 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 a Sole Source Contract with Tyler Technologies for Eden Maintenance Agreement, in the amount of $76,179.33. VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR Mayor Becker opened her report by noting and thanking all those involved in the preparation of the City's FY26 Budget, with a special thanks given to City Administrator Imhulse, Director of Finance Rodgers, and Outsourced CFO Krista Gardner. Mayor Becker, closed by noting the many meetings and events she has recently attended. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Councilmember Dayhoff, on behalf of the Arts Council, noted the wonderful programs being offered at the Carroll Arts Center and to check the Arts Council's website for all the details. Council President Pecoraro, on behalf of the Finance Committee, noted that the FY26 Budget has been prepared and will be presented later in the meeting. 2 Council President Pecoraro, on behalf of the Personnel Committee, noted that the City has hired Ms. Charise Brown, as the City's new Director of Human Resources, as she was introduced earlier in the meeting. Councimember Chiavacci, on behalf of the Public Safety Committee, reported that three of our newer officers successfully completed their first year and probationary period, earning the rank of Private First Class, with congratulations going to PFC Eid, PFC Haines, and PFC Ramirez. Councimember Chiavacci also noted that Chief Ledwell has announced the promotional process for the ranks of Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Corporal begin in June. Councilmember Chiavacci closed his report by noting that PFC. Ash and PFC. Ray will be recognized at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards on May 20, 2025, for their lifesaving actions on November 23, 2024. Councimember Gilbert, on behalf of the Public Works Committee, noted the department's assistance in the preparation of the City of Westminster's Flower and Jazz Festival and the Mutter's Day 5K held on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Councimember Gilbert, on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Committee, provided highlights on the City of Westminster's Flower and Jazz Festival and the events held at Wakefield Valley Park surrounding the Mutter's 5k Run and the Mini Mutter held on Saturday, May 10, 2025. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION Council President Pecoraro noted that the 2025 City of Westminster Flower and Jazz Festival was a great event and thank all that were involved. Council President Pecoraro thanked the Common Council for allowing him to serve as the Council President over that last six years and provided some of the highlights. Council President Pecoraro noted that he will not be seeking nomination for Council President at the future City of Westminster Mayor and Common Council Biennial Organizational Meeting scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025. Councimember Chiavacci thanked Council President Pecoraro for his work and accomplishments as the Council President. Councilmember Dayhoff noted several meetings and events he had recently attended. Councilmember Dayhoff noted the season opening of the City of Westminster's Farmer's Market scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025. Councimember Gilbert noted the City of Westminster's 2025 Election was scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Councimember Gilbert also thanked Council President Pecoraro for his service as Council President. Councimember Hoff noted the City of Westminster's 2025 Election was scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Councimember Gilbert also thanked Council President Pecoraro for his service as Council President. ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS Introduction of Annexation Resolution No. 25-06 (Annexation 87), 1012 BWMD LLC Petition for Annexation to Enlarging the Corporate Boundaries of the City of Westminster by Annexing into the City Certain Property Containing t 1.2 acres, Contiguous and Adjoining to the City's Existing Corporate Boundaries, Consisting of Real Property Located at 1012 Baltimore Boulevard, Westminster, Maryland 21157, Also Identified as Tax Account Number 07-029748, Map 0046, Grid 0016, Parcel 0616 3 A motion was made by Councimember Hoff and seconded by Councimember Gilbert to introduce Annexation Resolution No. 25-06 (Annexation 87), 1012 BWMD LLC Petition for Annexation to Enlarging the Corporate Boundaries of the City of Westminster by Annexing into the City Certain Property Containing t 1.2 acres, Contiguous and Adjoining to the City's Existing Corporate Boundaries, Consisting of Real Property Located at 1012 Baltimore Boulevard, Westminster, Maryland 21157, Also Identified as Tax Account Number 07-029748, Map 0046, Grid 0016, Parcel 0616. Senior Planner Gerhard provided the staff report on the item. There was no discussion. VOTE AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None. Adoption 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 Councimember Chiavacci and seconded by Councimember Hoff to adopt 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 provided the staff report on the item. Mayor Becker and Council President Pecoraro provided the highlights of the FY26 Budget. Council President Pecoraro thanked City Administrator Imhulse and Director of Finance Rodgers and the members of the Finance Committee for their work on the FY26 Budget. Council President Pecoraro noted slight changes to the FY26 Budget given during the Mayor and Common Council Work Sessions, and without any objection from the Common Council noted that the FY26 Budget be adopted as amended. VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councimember Gilbert, and Councimember Hoff. NAYS: None. Introduction of Ordinance 2025-07 (FY25 Budget Amendment #1), an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, Maryland Amending the Adopted Budget for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024, and Ending June 30, 2025 (FY25) A motion was made by Councimember Hoff and seconded by Councilmember Gilbert to introduce Ordinance 2025-07 (FY25 Budget Amendment #1), an Ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council of Westminster, Maryland Amending the Adopted Budget for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024, and Ending June 30, 2025 (FY25). Director of Finance Rodgers presented the staff report on the item. City Administrator Imhulse responded to questions of clarification given by the Common Council on the item. VOTE AYES: Councimember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councilmember Gilbert, and Councilmember Hoff. NAYS: None. 4 UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to be discussed by the Mayor and Common Council. NEW BUSINESS Appointment of City Attorney Mayor Becker presented Mr. Ramsay Whitmore with Silverman Thompson, Slutkin & White for the appointment to serve as the City of Westminster City Attorney. Councilmember Dayhoff moved and seconded by Councilmember Chiavacci to approve Mayor Becker's appointment of Mr. Ramsay Whitmore with Silverman Thompson, Slutkin & White to serve as the City of Westminster City Attorney. There was no discussion. VOTE AYES: Councilmember Chiavacci, Councilmember Dayhoff, Councilmember Gilbert, and Councilmember Hoff. NAYS: None. Councimember Chiavacci thanked City Attorney Levan and Attorney Ruff for their many years of legal services to the City of Westminster. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Administration City Administrator Imhulse acknowledged and thanked City Clerk Barber for his work on the upcoming 2025 Election. City Administrator Imhulse advised that residents would be receiving information from the City's recycling collector on requirements. Department of Recreation and Parks Director of Recreation and Parks Gruber provided an update on the opening season of the City's Municipal Pool that is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 2025. Director Gruber highlighted the many upcoming events and noted the Beer & BBQ Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025. Human Resources Director of Human Resources Brown thanked the Mayor, Common Council, and City staff for the wonderful welcome. Director Brown noted that the department was preparing for the City's open enrollment period which will begin on Monday, May 19, 2025. Technology Services Director Moore noted several projects the department has been handling. Housing Services Director Brown provided an updated on the Rental Housing Licensing Program and the upcoming deadlines. Director Brown responded to questions given by the Common Council. Community Planning and Development Senior Planner Gerhard reported the following: On May 6, 2025, the Board of Zoning Appeals was scheduled to hear BZA Case No. 25-03, 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 was continued to the June Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting. 5 On May 7, 2025, the Historic District Commission conducted their annual elections and continued their ongoing discussions regarding the Nation's 250th Anniversary. On May 17, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission are scheduled to meet and discuss: Work Session on Zonal Map Amendment ZMA 24-01: A Zonal Map Amendment which reclassifies certain real property from the R-7,500 Residential Zone to the Planned Development 9 Zone. Properties are located off the east of Pennsylvania Avenue and north of Sullivan Avenue. The applicant is proposing to construct 20 two-over-two dwellings for a total of 40 dwelling units also known as the Willows. Work Session on Wakefield Valley Development Plan Amendment DP-24-01, Parcel W and Parcel X: The applicant is requesting to amend the Wakefield Valley Development Plan (the 2025 Development Plan") to add 35 new density rights to ParcelWto construct 35 single-family detached dwelling units and dedicated Parcel X to Carroll Lutheran Village for open space. Finance Director of Finance Rodgers thanked the Common Council for their kind words and thanked the entire Finance Department for the work the department accomplished in preparing for the FY26 Budget. Director Rodgers noted that the department will now start preparing for the FY25 Audit. Westminster Police Department (WPD) Deputy Chief Price provided an update on the Westminster Police Department's upcoming hiring event scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025. CITIZEN COMMENTS There was no one wishing to address the Mayor and Common Council. ADJOURNMENT Council President Pecoraro announced that the next meeting of the Mayor and Common Council for the Mayor and Common Council Biennial Organizational Meeting, would be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. He adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, ouglowA Bobon Douglass A. Barber, MMC City Clerk Full audio version is available on wwwwestminsterdaoy Adopted by the City of Westminster Common Council on June 9, 2025. 6