Common Council: Well Wishes, Zoning Amendments, Pool Opening

Westminster’s Common Council meeting was the first for incoming council members Dennis Frazier and Paul Whitson. The two were sworn into office on May 16, replacing long-standing council members Suzanne Albert and Greg Pecoraro.

Outgoing Council Member Recognition
Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz thanked outgoing council members Suzanne Albert and Greg Pecoraro for their service and commitment. He noted that Albert served 16 consecutive years. Albert said she is likely the longest-standing female to serve on the Westminster council.

Utz noted Pecoraro served from 1994 until 2003 and then again from 2005 until 2011.

“I appreciate everybody’s hard work over the years," Peccoraro said. "I worked with a lot of terrific people and a terrific staff. Now I look forward to working with you all as a citizen.”

Recognition for 30 Years of Service
Public Works Director Jeff Glass was recognized for 30 years of service in Westminster’s public works department. “We often say he has worked every job in the public works department, and it’s true,” Utz said.

Torch Run Proclamation
Utz proclaimed June 8, 2011 as Carroll County Law Enforcement Torch Run Day—an event in which police from around the county raise money for the Special Olympics. Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding received the proclamation and welcomed residents to join the festivities on June 8.

“We really do have one of the largest and most comprehensive events in the state," Spaulding said. "It reflects our commitment to Special Olympics.”

Ordinances and Resolutions
The council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 824, which will amend the current zoning code to allow funeral homes as a special exception in the City’s I-R Industrial Zone. The amendment comes as a result of Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home wanting to move to Airport Drive in the Westminster Air Park.

Myers-Durboraw attorney William Delaney cited parking and location as reasons for the funeral home’s potential move.

“The funeral home’s been there [in its current location] since 1935, so it’s not been without a lot of discussion to move it. It’s not an easy thing, but the parking and handicap accessibility have always been a problem," Delaney said.

Updates from Recreation and Parks, and Planning Departments
Recreation and Parks Director Ron Schroers said the Westminster Municipal Pool will open on Monday but it will only be open on weekends until school ends. “The water is frigid at best,” Schroers said, “but the atmosphere is beautiful and it’s ready to go.”

Plans for Lax Max are in full swing, Schroers said. Lax Max is a lacrosse tournament, held in Westminster June 9-11, that draws hundreds of teams and up to 10,000 people.

Department of Planning, Zoning and Development Director Thomas Beyard reported that Tri county roofing recently broke ground on a new facility in the West Branch Trade Center on Magna Way. He said the company is putting up a 6,000-square-foot building with the possibility of expanding.

“We’ve seen an increase in building permit activity in the month of May, which is a good thing for us,” Beyard said.