Westminster Mayor and Council Agenda for November 10 2008

Westminster Mayor and Council Agenda for November 10 2008

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of November 10, 2008

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Mayoral Proclamation – National Home Care and Hospice Month

Drought Status – Code Yellow Maintained

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OCTOBER 27, 2008

3. CONSENT CALENDAR

Maryland Department of the Environment Consent Order Amendment No. 1

4. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Introduction of Ordinance No. 791 – General Revisions to City Code

Introduction of Ordinance No. 792 – Revisions to Chapter 164 Entitled “Zoning and Subdivision of Land’

Introduction of Ordinance No. 793 – Revisions to Chapter 124 entitled “Sewers and Sewage” And Chapter 160 entitled “Water”

Introduction of Ordinance No. 794 – General Fee Ordinance

Introduction of Ordinance No. 795 – Utility Fee Ordinance

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. None as of November 6, 2008

8. NEW BUSINESS:

a. None as of November 6, 2008

9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

10. CITIZEN COMMENTS

11. ADJOURN

20081110 Westminster Mayor and Council Agenda for November 10 2008

Westminster Mayor and Common Council Meeting of October 27, 2008

Westminster Mayor and Common Council Meeting of October 27, 2008

Home >> City Government

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of October 27, 2008

City Hall Coucil chambers- 1838 Emerald Hill Lane

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Reappointment of Richard Wilbur to Tree Commission

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2008

3. CONSENT CALENDAR

September 2008 Department Operating Reports

Identity Theft Protection Program

4. BIDS

Concrete Slab at Westminster Skate Park - Ron Schroers

Backhoe for Utility Maintenance - Jeff Glass

5. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

6. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

7. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

Adoption of Ordinance No. 788 - Recordation Limits and Phasing - Thomas Beyard

Adoption of Ordinance No. 789 - Political Signs - Thomas Beyard

Suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure to Introduce and Adopt Ordinance No. 790

and Accompanying Decision in Sectional Map Amendment Case No. SMA 08-2 to Rezone

103 South Center Street to the Compatible Neighborhood Overlay Zone - Thomas Beyard

Resolution No. R08-12 - Community Legacy Funding Application - Thomas Beyard

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a. Report of the Finance Committee on Recommended City Fees and Charges

9. NEW BUSINESS

a. None as of October 23, 2008

10. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

11. CITIZEN REPORTS

12. ADJOURN

20081027 Mayor and Common Council Meeting of Oct 27 2008

Westminster council meeting agenda for October 13 2008

Westminster council meeting agenda for October 13 2008

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of October 13, 2008

City Hall Coucil chambers- 1838 Emerald Hill Lane

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Halloween Trick or Treating

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2008

3. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Sectional Map Amendment SMA 08-2 – Rezoning 103 South Center Street to the Compatible Neighborhood Overlay Zone – Thomas Beyard

Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 08-1, Ordinance No. 788 – Political Signs – Thomas Beyard

Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 08-2, Ordinance No. 789 – Subdivision and Site Plans - Thomas Beyard

4. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Ordinance No. 788 – Political Signs -Thomas Beyard

Ordinance No. 789 – Subdivisions and Site Plans – Thomas Beyard

Resolution No. R08-11 – Miss Utility Fees – Jeff Glass

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. Discussion of Paving Bids

b. Bond Issue

c. Establishing Reserve Account

8. NEW BUSINESS:

a. None as of October 9, 2008

9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

10. CITIZEN COMMENTS

11. ADJOURN

20081013 Westminster council meeting agenda for October 13 2008

Westminster mayor and council meeting agenda for Sept. 22, 2008

Westminster mayor and council meeting agenda for Sept. 22, 2008

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of September 22, 2008

City Hall Coucil (sic) chambers- 1838 Emerald Hill Lane

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Mayor’s Proclamation – National Community Planning Month

City Survey – Thomas Beyard

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

3. CONSENT CALENDAR:

August 2008 Departmental Operating Reports

4. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

6. ORDINANCES:

Ordinance No. 787 – Sale of 18A Union Street – Thomas Beyard

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. None as of September 18, 2008

8. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Recommendations for Fees and Charges – Thomas Beyard

9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

10. CITIZEN COMMENTS

11. ADJOURN

20080922 Westminster mayor and council meeting agenda

Thoughts on Westminster posting an agenda in a timely manner

Thoughts on Westminster posting an agenda in a timely manner

The existentialism of the simple task of Westminster city officials posting an agenda for its council meetings in a timely manner

September 8, 2008 by Kevin Dayhoff

After an e-mail to a city official earlier in the day; for which I never did get a response, the city of Westminster has finally posted an agenda on the city’s web site.

Heck, I’m just not sure what their rush was – the agenda was posted at approximately 3:22 pm. The meeting is 3 ½ hours away…

Since 2005 the city of Westminster has added two new positions – a city manager and a director of administration at an annual cost to the taxpayer of over $200,000 and yet the city can’t manage to get an council meeting agenda posted timely – or adopt a budget or have an annual audit performed on a timely basis.

The city spent anywhere from $20,000 to over $40,000, depending on whose version of the story suits your fancy, to move some offices to a rented building from City Hall and other offices from the rented building back over to City Hall; in order to provide better services. It was, in reality, rearranging the deck chairs on The Titanic. And yet the city all-too frequently can’t get an agenda posted on a timely basis.

The city increased taxes, increased the size of government, has borrowed money like there is no tomorrow and is actively discussing cutting back on city services – in order to serve us better. And yet the city seems to have a great deal of difficulty in posting an agenda on a timely basis on a web site that is so woefully inadequate and opaque, it often seems like the city resents even having a web site…

Web sites can be difficult as I am all too aware; however in theory, a web site is no longer an afterthought or a bother, it is a critical information dissemination resource in today’s governance. Then again there are many folks who find current Westminster government so opaque, unapproachable, and inaccessible, that the web site is probably emblematic of a government that all too often seems too annoyed by citizen contact to be bothered with disseminating information.

After-all, our elected officials are some of the smartest folks in the world – and they certainly know what is best for us; so having meaningful contact with the public is probably unnecessary now isn’t it?

I’m glad that Westminster citizens work for such an august group of elitists. It gives us a purpose in our backward shabby meager existence.

Related:

20071130 City municipal offices relocate by Ryan Marshall

20080611 No agenda is sign of poor government

20080720 Carroll County Times Westminster shutting out the public

20080908 Thoughts on Westminster posting an agenda in a timely manner

Westminster mayor and Common Council Agenda for September 8, 2008

Westminster mayor and Common Council Agenda for September 8, 2008

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of September 8, 2008

City Hall Coucil [sic] chambers- 1838 Emerald Hill Lane

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Mayor’s Proclamation – National Constitution Week

Maryland Municipal League Geocache Trail – Council Member Utz

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008

3. CONSENT CALENDAR:

Reimbursement of Commerce Center Water Line – Jeff Glass

4. BIDS:

Roop’s Mill Contract – Jeff Glass

Salt Spreader Inserts – Jeff Glass

5. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

6. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. None as of September 4, 2008

8. NEW BUSINESS:

a. None as of September 4, 2008

9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

10. CITIZEN COMMENTS

11. ADJOURN

20080908 Westminster mayor and Common Council Agenda for September 8, 2008

20080825 Westminster mayor and Common Council agenda for Monday August 25 2008

20080825 Westminster mayor and Common Council agenda for Monday August 25 2008

Home City Government

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of August 25, 2008

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Presentation by Historic District Commission

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUGUST 11, 2008

3. CONSENT CALENDAR:

July, 2008 Departmental Operating Reports

Acceptance of Deed for Devlin Square – Tom Beyard

Good Cause Waiver No. GCW 08-02 – Tom Beyard

Engineering Services for the Pennsylvania Avenue Pedestrian Safety and Streetscape Project, the Community Building, and the Wakefield Valley Community Trail – Tom Beyard

Delegation of Authority for Employee Handbook Modifications

4. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. Appointment of the Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee – Council President Chiavacci

7. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Fiscal Year 2009 Town County Agreement

8. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

9. CITIZEN COMMENTS

10. ADJOURN

Westminster Council Meeting agenda for August 11 2008

20080811 Westminster Council Meeting agenda for August 11 2008

City Council

http://www.westgov.com/citygovernment/agenda.asp

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of August 11, 2008

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Presentation of Check – Robin Ford

Mayor’s Recognition – Award of Eagle Scout Badge to William Ehmann

2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Westminster Skate Park Renovation – Ron Schroers (see: 19990519 Skateboard Park by Kevin Griffis, Carroll County Times Staff Writer)

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JULY 28, 2008

4. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution No. R08-9 - Main Street Improvement/Maple Street Program

Funding Application – Marge Wolf

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. None as of August 7, 2008

8. NEW BUSINESS:

a. None as of August 7, 2008

9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

10. CITIZEN COMMENTS

11. ADJOURN

*THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE JOHN STREET QUARTERS OF THE WESTMINSTER FIRE COMPANY. FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE.

Westminster Mayor and Common Council Agenda for July 28 2008

Westminster Mayor and Common Council Agenda for July 28 2008

City Council; City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of July 28, 2008

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Mayor’s Proclamation - National Night Out 2008

2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

Water and Sewer Rate Structure Study – Municipal and Financial Services Group

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JULY 14, 2008

4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
June Departmental Operating Reports
Intergovernmental Agreement – Comcast Cable – Dr. Wack

5. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

6. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. None as of July 24, 2008

8. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Walking Trail at King Park – Thomas Beyard

9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

10. CITIZEN COMMENTS

11. ADJOURN

PLEASE NOTE: BOTH THE JULY 28, 2008 AND AUGUST 11 MEETINGS OF THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL WILL BE HELD AT THE JOHN STREET QUARTERS OF THE WESTMINSTER FIRE COMPANY. FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE. THE WATER AND SEWER RATE STRUCTURE STUDY WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE JULY 28 MEETING.

20080728 Westminster Mayor and Common Council Agenda for July 28 2008

Mayor: Westminster cutting 9 positions Posted by the Carroll County Times at 4:27 p.m.

Mayor: Westminster cutting 9 positions Posted by the Carroll County Times at 4:27 p.m.

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/07/14/news/breaking_news/88westminster.txt

By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer

Monday, July 14, 2008

Mayor Thomas Ferguson confirmed that Westminster will be eliminating nine city government positions and creating three new jobs.

The following positions are being eliminated:

two administrative assistant positions;

the manager of planning position;

the housing rehabilitation coordinator position;

the Section Eight housing inspector position;

and the code enforcement Officer position.

Two vacant positions, one in the finance department and one in the mayor’s office, won’t be funded.

He also confirmed that the city clerk position will be reduced to a part-time position, one administrative assistant will be reassigned and, unrelated to the personnel moves, another administrative assistant position will be retiring and that position will not be filled.

Two staff assistant positions and a Code Inspector position will be created, Ferguson said.

The mayor and Common Council will discuss the personnel actions more during tonight’s council meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane.

See Tuesday’s Times (Carroll County Times) for more.

20080614 Westminster cutting 9 jobs

20080714 Westminster Common Council meeting agenda for July 14 2008

Westminster Common Council meeting agenda for July 14 2008

Home City Government

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of July 14, 2008

Westminster City Hall- 1838 Emerald Hill Lane

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER — 7:00 P.M.

Mayoral Proclamation — Recreation and Parks Month — July 2008

Reappointment of Barbara Schmidt, Lisa Aughenbaugh, and Chris Ambrose to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board

Reappointment of Dean Camlin and Laurie Walters to the Historic District Commission

2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Community Media Center Update on Strategic Plan— Marion Ware

Solid Waste Disposal Discussion — J. Michael Evans

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF June 9, 2008 (Open and Closed Sessions) AND JULY 9, 2008

4. CONSENT CALENDAR:

Change Order for C.J. Miller Contract — Jeffery Glass

Extension of Vehicle Maintenance and Service Agreement with the County — Chief Spaulding

Dell Inc. — Reconfiguration of Contract for Financial Accounting System - Gary Ehlers

Revisions to Personnel Plan

Revision to Employee Handbook Retirees Healthcare Benefit Policy

5. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

6. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

7. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Adoption of Ordinance No. 783 — Uninhabitable Buildings — Thomas Beyard

Adoption of Ordinance No. 784 — Disorderly House Nuisances - Thomas Beyard

Adoption of Ordinance No. 785 — Underground Facilities — Thomas Beyard

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None as of July 10, 2008

9. NEW BUSINESS:

None as of July 10, 2008

10. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS

12. ADJOURN

PLEASE NOTE: THE JULY 28, 2008 MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL WILL BE HELD AT THE JOHN STREET QUARTERS OF THE WESTMINSTER FIRE COMPANY. FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE. THE WATER AND SEWER RATE STRUCTURE STUDY WILL BE DISCUSSED.

20080714 Westminster Common Council meeting agenda for July 14 2008

20080709 Westminster common council to hold special meeting this evening

Westminster common council to hold special meeting this evening

City Council: City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

http://www.westgov.com/citygovernment/agenda.asp

On July 9, 2008 at 7:00 PM there will be a Special Meeting of the City of Westminster Mayor and Common Council to approve the issuance of a $3.5 million dollar obligation bond. The meeting will be held at City Hall.

Hat Tip: Bryan Schutt of the Carroll County Times

Lots of folks have asked me questions about the $3.5 million loan initiative and I only know what Mr. Schutt has reported.

There was essentially no public discussion.

Questions persist as to why a special meeting –that they are simply going to rubber stamp approval. Why not wait until Monday evening’s regular meeting?

I do not know the answer.

They legally have to have the meeting to authorize the mayor to execute the documents. Why they did not do that before is a fair question, but the last meeting was cancelled as city officials were at the MML Summer Convention…

Many folks are curious as to what source of revenue has been identified for the repayment of the loan. I’m not sure I definitively know that answer.

The lack of dissent in the current administration had lent credence to critics who wonder where's the debate, the transparency and the thorough vetting of issues? Why does every vote appear a rubber-stamping?

However, Westminster voters endorsed the current administration’s leadership style and method, and anyone who didn't think that meant increased spending, increasing the size of government and increasing taxes as a way to provide for additional government services and regulation is so out-of-touch that they don't deserve a vote.

Meanwhile Mr. Schutt has reported: (See also: 20080708 Articles by Bryan Schutt of the Carroll County Times on the Westminster FY 2008 2009 budget)

The $3.5 million will be used to finance several city street projects. The Common Council originally approved the decision to borrow the money during the city’s June 9 meeting.

Mayor Thomas Ferguson said the council will vote during Wednesday’s meeting to adopt an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign all of the documents involved in the loan.

As previously reported, Roland Unger, Westminster’s director of finance, said the $3.5 million loan is for a nine-year term, borrowed at a 3.66 percent fixed interest rate.

He said the debt service on the loan is $571,000 per year.

####

Westminster Common Council Meeting agenda for July 9, 2008

Westminster Common Council Meeting agenda for July 9, 2008

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

Water and Sewer Westminster Rates and Fees, Westminster Dept Finance Budget 2008 – 2009 FY, Westminster Council Meeting Agenda,

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Special Meeting

July 9, 2008 Westminster City Hall

Agenda

Ordinances and Resolutions

Suspend the rules of order and procedure in order to introduce and adopt Ordinannce[sic] No. 786- Authorizing Issuance and Sale of a General Obligation Installment Bond in the maximum principal amount not to exceed $3.5 million pursuant tot he authority of sections 31 to 37, inclusive, of article 23A of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Please note: The July 28, 2008 meeting of the Mayor and Common Council will be held at the John Street Quarters of the Westminster Fire Company. The water and sewer rate structure study will be discussed.

####

20080709 Westminster Common Council Meeting agenda

20080609 Westminster mayor and Common Council Agenda of June 9, 2008 – in English and Spanish

20080609 Westminster mayor and Common Council Agenda of June 9, 2008 – in English and Spanish

20080609 Westminster mayor and Common Council Agenda of June 9, 2008 – in English and Spanish

Agenda del alcalde de Westminster y del consejo común del 9 de junio de 2008 - en inglés y español

For the folks who have asked about the agenda for the Westminster Common Council meeting this evening, I don’t seem to be able to locate the agenda on the Westminster web site – a frequent enough problem…

Whatever.

However, Carroll County Times writer Bryan Schutt has posted a brief on the Carroll County Times web site that “Westminster (will) discuss budget at tonight's meeting Posted 4:24 p.m.: The Westminster Common Council will discuss the fiscal year 2009 budget tonight, according to the city’s agenda."

City Council

http://www.westgov.com/citygovernment/agenda.asp

City Council Members |Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday on May 26, 2008 the Mayor and Common Council Meeting has been cancelled. The next Mayor and Common Council Meeting will be held on June 9, 2008 at 7:00 PM at City Hall.

####

Agenda del alcalde de Westminster y del consejo común del 9 de junio de 2008

Para la gente que ha preguntado por la agenda la sesión del Consejo común de Westminster esta tarde, no parezco poder localizar la agenda en el Web site de Westminster - bastante frecuente un problema… Lo que.

Sin embargo, el escritor Bryan Schutt de los tiempos del condado de Carroll ha fijado un escrito en el Web site de los tiempos del condado de Carroll que “Westminster (discutir) el presupuesto en tonight' 4:24 fijado reunión P.M. de s: El consejo común de Westminster discutirá el presupuesto del ejercicio económico 2009 esta noche, según la agenda de la ciudad.” Historia completa Ayuntamiento

http://www.westgov.com/citygovernment/agenda.asp

Miembros del Consejo de la ciudad |Minutos de reuniones del Ayuntamiento

CIUDAD DE WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Debido al día de fiesta del Memorial Day la sesión el 26 de mayo de 2008 del alcalde y del Consejo común ha estado cancelada. La sesión del alcalde siguiente y del Consejo común será celebrada el 9 de junio de 2008 en el 7:00 P.M. en ayuntamiento.

Posted by Kevin Dayhoff at 6/09/2008 06:05:00 PM

20071126 Municipal and Financial Services Group Westminster Water and Wastewater Rate and Fee Study presentation

Municipal and Financial Services Group Westminster Water and Wastewater Rate and Fee Study presentation

November 26, 2007 - Municipal and Financial Services Group Westminster Water and Wastewater Rate and Fee Study presentation

Presentation to the Westminster mayor and common council on November 26, 2007 by Edward J. Donahue III, CMC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2pX2lmraZI

City of Westminster

Water and Wastewater Rate and Fee Study

Agenda

Project Team

Project Understanding and Approach

Policy Issues

Firm Profile

Specialized Financial and Management Consulting Practice
Focus on Municipal and Environmental Infrastructure
Efficient Delivery of Public Sector Services
National Practice Since 1976
Part of National CPA/Engineering Firms for 25 Years
Maryland-Based
Established as an Independent, Women-Owned Firm in 2002
Previous Clients Range from Very Large (Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, San Francisco) to Very Small (Marydel, Queen Anne’s County, Bramble Hills, North Slope Borough)
Clients Serve 45% of Nation’s Population

Project Team Synergy
Complementary Blend of Functional Skills
Broad Industry Experience
Seamless Service Delivery for Clients

Project Organization
Project Team Skills
Agenda

Project Team

Project Understanding and Approach

Policy Issues

Project Fundamentals

OBJECTIVES
Long-Term Financial Security and Stability
Lowest Rates Over Time (Optimal Management of Assets)
Equitable Rate Design
Rational and Defensible Basis for all Rates and Fees

Custom Tailored Financial Model
Model tied to official documents
Operating Budgets
Capital Improvement Plan

Can produce cost of service on multiple bases
Cash
Utility
Hybrid(s)

Easy/quick updates and iterations

Inexpensive feasibility studies for revenue bond issues

Project Work Plan/Schedule/Deliverables
Agenda
Preliminary Policy Issues

Lowest Lifecycle Cost

Paying for Growth

Existence / Adequacy of Reserves

Rate Design

Policy Issue: Lifecycle Cost

Assumption – City wants lowest total capital and operating costs for its utilities over their useful lives

Requirement: Adequate funding of maintenance to make facilities last as long as practicable – use of Asset Management approach to maintenance

Impact: Possibility of slightly higher rates now to assure lower rates in the long run

Policy Issue: Paying for Growth

Assumption - City does not want rates for existing customers to be impacted by growth

Requirement - Segregation of capital costs into growth / non-growth categories, then determination of capital cost recovery fees based on growth-related capital costs

Impact - Possible adjustment of capacity fees / connection fees; increase in user fees if growth does not occur as planned

Policy Issue: Financial Reserves
Purposes for Reserves
Insurance against unexpected events
Reduce borrowings
Smooth out rate increases
Designation of formal restriction on fund balance

Operating Reserve
Typically 90 days of operating cash (PSC provision for investor-owned utilities)

Repair / Renewal / Rehabilitation Reserve
Regular contribution towards cost of renewing long-lived assets
Annual contribution on formulaic basis

Policies on spending approvals

Policy Issue: Rate Design
Rate Structure
Fixed vs. Variable
Discounts for selected customer classes

Drought Rates

Inside-City / Outside-City Differential

Fund Balance

Transfers to / from General Fund
Reimbursement for services provided
Payment in Lieu of Taxes

Frequency of Rate Adjustments

####

Water and Sewer Westminster, Westminster Council Meeting Agenda, Westminster Dept Public Works, Westminster Dept Public Works Water and Sewer, Water and Sewer Westminster Rates and Fees

20071126 Municipal and Financial Services Group Westminster Water and Wastewater Rate and Fee Study presentation

20071126 Westminster Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes

20071126 Westminster Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes

City Council: Minutes of City Council Meetings Agenda for next City Council Meeting

Westminster Council Meeting Minutes, Westminster Council Meeting Agenda, Annual events holidays Fallfest, Water and Sewer Westminster

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER

MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

November 26, 2007

QUORUM:

A meeting of The Mayor and Common Council was held in the John Street Quarters of the Westminster Fire Company at 25 John Street on the evening of November 26, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Ferguson; Council President Chiavacci; Council Members Albert, Wack, Utz, and Pecoraro; City Administrator Wolf; Chief Spaulding; Acting Director of Planning and Public Works Glass; Director of Recreation and Parks Schroers; City Attorney Walsh; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

The Mayor and Common Council recognized with gratitude the members of the Greater Westminster Development Corporation for organizing the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on the preceding Saturday.

Mr. Schroers introduced the members of the Fallfest Board. He and Fallfest Board member Lori Graham presented checks from the proceeds of Fallfest activities in 2007, in the amount of $12,163.31 each, to four charitable organizations: Mission of Mercy, Kiwanis Clubs of Westminster, Carroll Hospice, and the Historical Society of Carroll County.

Edward J. Donahue III, President of the Municipal & Financial Services Group, gave a presentation on the impending water and sewer rate structure study that the firm will conduct. The presentation included an overview of the objectives and policy issues to be addressed by the study. Mr. Donahue noted that an initial meeting would occur imminently and that a draft report would follow twelve weeks later. The report would be finalized in time to include financial data in the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

Ms. Albert moved to approve the Consent Calendar, which consisted of the October 2007 Departmental Operating Reports. Mr. Glass observed that the reservoir level had risen to sixteen feet. Mr. Pecoraro remarked that the drought is far from over. Mr. Utz seconded Mrs. Albert’s Motion and it passed unanimously.

BIDS:

Mr. Glass summarized the low bid received to furnish a discrete analyzer for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, in the amount of $46,600 with an alternate bid in the amount of $1,000 per day for additional training, from Seal Analytical, Mequon Technology Center of Wisconsin. Upon Motion of Dr. Wack, seconded by Mr. Pecoraro and unanimously passed, the bid was accepted.

REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR:

Mayor Ferguson and Mr. Utz complimented all involved in the holiday events of the preceding Saturday.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

Dr. Wack reported that the draft Intergovernmental Agreement for the Cable Regulatory Commission would be subject to further revision.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Mr. Davis summarized Resolution No. R07-13, which would extend the time for final action on Sectional Map Amendment No. 07-1. Upon Motion of Mr. Pecoraro, seconded by Dr. Wack and unanimously passed, the Resolution was approved.

Natural Resources and Cultural Planner Rogers summarized Ordinance No. 772, which would amend Sections 143-5 and 143-6 of the City Code to reduce the minimum rehabilitation expenditure for receiving Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit from $10,000 to $5,000. Mr. Pecoraro moved to suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure to introduce and adopt the Ordinance. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Upon Motion of Dr. Wack, seconded by Mr. Pecoraro and unanimously passed, the Ordinance was adopted.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mr. Walsh summarized the Deed of Easement and Deed of Relinquishment for City water service in connection with the Brightview of Westminster, LLC development project on the corner of Center Street and Gorsuch Road. Dr. Wack moved to accept the Deed. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

Mr. Glass reported that construction of the new water treatment plant remains on schedule. He further reported that staff expects to have a recommendation for a construction bid award for the emergency waterline from the Medford Quarry at the next meeting.

Chief Spaulding reported that all three suspects in a recent armed robbery at McDaniel College had been apprehended. He noted that the victim and suspects all knew each other.

Chief Spaulding announced that one of the lieutenants would be selected to attend the ten-week Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command in Sykesville in the near future.

Ms. Wolf reported that the new payroll software would be activated on January 1, 2008. The next module will be utility billing

The Mayor and Common Council expressed their gratitude to Mr. Reifsnyder and his staff for setting up the John Street Quarters for the meeting and for clearing it afterwards.

Council President Chiavacci adjourned the meeting at 8:40 P.M.

Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk

20071126 Westminster Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes

20071126 Westminster Mayor and Common Council Meeting

20071126 Westminster Mayor and Common Council Meeting

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of November 26, 2007

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Fallfest Check Presentations

Water Sewer Rate Structure Presentation

2. CONSENT CALENDAR

October Departmental Operating Reports

3. BIDS

Recommendation to accept Bid from Seal Analytical for a

Discrete Analyzer for the Wastewater Treatment Plant

4. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

a. Resolution R-07-13 regarding Extension of Time for Final Action

on Sectional Map Amendment No. 07-1

b. Ordinance 772 Historic Tax Credits Amendment

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a. Revised Carroll Cable Regulatory Commission Agreement

8. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Brightview of Westminster, LLC – Deed of Easement and Deed of

Relinquishment

9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

10 CITIZEN COMMENTS

11. ADJOURN

This Meeting will be held at the John Street Quarters of the Westminster Fire Company,

28 John Street, Westminster, MD. Free parking is available.

20061127 Westminster Common Council Agenda

Westminster Mayor and Common Council Meeting of November 27, 2006

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Confirmation of Appointment of Roland L. Unger as City Treasurer

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 13, 2006

3. PUBLIC HEARING:

Amended Development Plan for Wakefield Valley

4. CONSENT CALENDAR:

October 2006 Departmental Operating Reports

5. BIDS:

Replacement Water and Sewer Facilities on Gorsuch Road

Recoating of Digester Covers

6. REPORTS FROM MAYOR

7. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. None as of November 22, 2006

9. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Appointment of Board of Examiners – Carroll County Commerce Center

b. Confirmatory Deed – John Street

c. Zoning Text Amendment Request

10. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS

12. ADJOURN

THE NOVEMBER 27, 2006 MEETING OF

THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL WILL BE HELD AT THE

JOHN STREET QUARTERS, 28 JOHN STREET.

PARKING IS AVAILABLE.

20060410 Westminster Common Council Meeting Agenda

Monday, April 10, 2006

20060410 Westminster Common Council Meeting Agenda

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Council Meeting on April 10, 2006

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARCH 27, 2006

3. REPORTS FROM MAYOR

4. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

5. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

a. Introduction of Ordinance No. 747 – Floodplain Ordinance and Floodplain Management Manual

b. Introduction of Ordinance No. 748 – Environmental Management of Storm Sewer Systems

c. Introduction of Ordinance No. 749 – Intergovernmental Relations

d. Introduction of Ordinance No. 750 – City Administrator

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. Update on West Green Street Reconstruction Project

7. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Closed Session to Discuss the Acquisition of Real Property

b. Approval of Carroll County Cable Regulatory Commission Budget for Fiscal Year 2007

8. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

9. CITIZEN COMMENTS

10. ADJOURN

Posted by Kevin Dayhoff at 4/10/2006 01:52:00 AM

Labels: Westminster Council Meeting Agenda

20010611 Westminster Mayor and Common Council Agenda

Monday, June 11, 2001

20010611 Westminster Mayor and Common Council Agenda

Westminster Mayor and Common Council Agenda

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Council Meeting of June 11, 2001

A G E N D A

UPDATE: See 20010612 Baltimore Sun: Ferguson fills Council Seat

1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 14, 2001, and BIENNIAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF MAY 21, 2001

3. PUBLIC HEARING:

Amended Annexation Resolution No. R00-6 (Annexation No. 42 - The Maples, Inc.,

et al.)

Zoning Text Amendment No. TA 01-1 (new Residential Cluster Subdivision)

Zoning Text Amendment No. TA 01-2 (new City of Westminster Zoning Map)

4. CONSENT CALENDAR:

April Departmental Operating Reports

5. BIDS:

Award contract for Sludge Hauling and Disposal

6. REPORTS FROM MAYOR

7. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

8. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS:

Introduction of Zoning Ordinance No. 664 (Residential Cluster Subdivision)

Introduction of Zoning Ordinance No. 665 (adopt new Zoning Map)

Introduction of Zoning Ordinance No. 671 (Annexation No. 42 - The Maples, Inc., et al.)

Final Enactment of Resolution No. R01-5 (L.G.I.T. Agreement)

Suspend Rules of Order & Procedure to adopt Resolution No. R01-6 (revised drug and alcohol testing policy)

9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. Appointment of new Council Member by vote of the Council

b. Amend Rules of Order and Procedure to revise Council Committees

c. Appointment of Council Committee members

10. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Cancel Mayor and Council Meeting of June 25, 2001, due to MML

Convention

b. Water status update

c. Mayoral Appointment to Parks Board

11. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

12. CITIZEN COMMENTS

13. ADJOURN