1 00:00:03,360 --> 00:00:08,960 We're going to start out with a public hearing um which is a discussion of 2 00:00:06,560 --> 00:00:14,639 ordinance 561 which is an ordinance to mend the zoning code to include and 3 00:00:11,120 --> 00:00:18,839 regulate accessory dwelling units. >> So Mr. Ror 4 00:00:19,760 --> 00:00:24,320 got it covered. >> So I kind of doubt there's going to be 5 00:00:22,560 --> 00:00:28,720 any public comment. >> We went over this uh last month when we 6 00:00:26,480 --> 00:00:38,000 introduced it. Basically, this is to uh meet the requirement of a new Maryland 7 00:00:31,519 --> 00:00:43,920 law that uh requires jurisdictions to um authorize the being able to build 8 00:00:40,719 --> 00:00:49,600 accessory dwelling units on uh parcels with uh single family dwellings on them. 9 00:00:47,600 --> 00:00:54,559 While they set the minimum requirements, they do allow the local jurisdictions to 10 00:00:52,079 --> 00:01:01,039 expand or modify these requirements basically to fit our conditions. Um, so 11 00:00:58,719 --> 00:01:04,640 what we did is we took the guidelines that they had, we drafted an ordinance 12 00:01:02,960 --> 00:01:09,200 that we feel fits the existing conditions in Hamstead. I worked on it, 13 00:01:06,799 --> 00:01:13,600 Christina worked on it. U, we worked I think with Tom Devil a little bit and we 14 00:01:11,280 --> 00:01:19,600 worked a lot with Tom McCarron, our attorney, on it. Some of the things that 15 00:01:15,760 --> 00:01:25,680 we discussed um and we included in there is is definitely requirements about lot 16 00:01:22,720 --> 00:01:29,520 size. Uh we state that the property either in the principal dwelling or the 17 00:01:27,600 --> 00:01:36,079 accessory dwelling must be owner occupied. Uh where the where the ADU can 18 00:01:32,799 --> 00:01:40,640 go and the size of the ADU, what the ADU can look like that basically that it has 19 00:01:38,079 --> 00:01:46,720 to fit the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Uh we also address parking 20 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:50,640 in there and additional uh off-road parking requirements. 21 00:01:49,119 --> 00:01:56,320 Um so we feel like we we we did a lot of 22 00:01:53,360 --> 00:02:01,119 homework. Um I think we we drafted something that fits the the feel and 23 00:01:58,399 --> 00:02:05,759 character of Hamstead and also some of the 24 00:02:03,200 --> 00:02:11,200 existing conditions in Hamstead and what can be done and what can't. So, we 25 00:02:08,319 --> 00:02:17,280 introduced it last month and um I got some feedback actually from Wayne um 26 00:02:15,360 --> 00:02:21,840 about it. If you look in your packet, you have two different uh ordinances. 27 00:02:20,080 --> 00:02:27,200 561, you have the one that was introduced and then you have one up the 28 00:02:24,400 --> 00:02:33,280 top that in red says amended. And basically, uh, Council Member 29 00:02:30,319 --> 00:02:40,319 Thomas's, uh, suggested amendment was just the first sentence in the new code. 30 00:02:37,760 --> 00:02:45,360 Basically, it it's the same gist. It just makes it a cleaner version of what 31 00:02:42,160 --> 00:02:50,560 I had, and it adds that a non-conforming use has has to be a recognized 32 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:54,080 non-conforming use. Um, Councilman Thomas, anything that I'm missing there? 33 00:02:52,720 --> 00:02:57,760 » Good job. >> Okay. Thank you. 34 00:02:55,920 --> 00:03:01,519 Draft two was good. >> Yes, draft [snorts] two was good. Um, 35 00:03:00,782 --> 00:03:06,159 [clears throat] so, um, that's just basically the 36 00:03:04,480 --> 00:03:11,120 explanation behind why we did the ordinance, how we did the ordinance, and 37 00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:15,519 hopefully later on tonight we can adopt an ordinance. 38 00:03:13,519 --> 00:03:20,239 All right, having that explanation, having two people in attendance, is 39 00:03:17,040 --> 00:03:23,680 there any comment to the proposed ordinance? 40 00:03:22,319 --> 00:03:27,120 All right, seeing none, we'll close the public hearing. 41 00:03:25,672 --> 00:03:30,239 » [clears throat] >> and we'll move right into the council 42 00:03:28,560 --> 00:03:35,280 meeting. Please rise for the prayer and the nash and the pledge of allegiance. 43 00:03:34,187 --> 00:03:38,159 [clears throat] Dear Lord, we submit ourselves to you as your servants and 44 00:03:36,640 --> 00:03:42,239 the servants of the people of Hamstead who've placed their trust in us. Please 45 00:03:40,400 --> 00:03:45,680 allow your work, every word that is spoken and every action taken to be in 46 00:03:44,239 --> 00:03:49,280 the best interest of Hamstead and for everyone gathered here tonight to be a 47 00:03:47,360 --> 00:03:55,680 stabilizing influence in these unsettled times. The Lord bless this meeting and 48 00:03:51,599 --> 00:03:55,680 our town. Amen. Amen. 49 00:03:55,760 --> 00:04:03,680 I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 50 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:08,902 republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and 51 00:04:06,640 --> 00:04:11,840 justice for all. [clears throat] 52 00:04:10,159 --> 00:04:13,040 » Jim roll. >> Mayor Nevin 53 00:04:12,480 --> 00:04:14,560 » here. >> Council member Barrett 54 00:04:14,080 --> 00:04:16,000 » here. >> Council member Payer 55 00:04:15,599 --> 00:04:18,799 » here. >> Council member Thomas 56 00:04:17,040 --> 00:04:21,759 » here. Council member >> here. Council member Zman 57 00:04:20,479 --> 00:04:24,880 » here. >> Thank you. Minute approvals from August 58 00:04:24,000 --> 00:04:27,040 11th. >> So moved. 59 00:04:26,080 --> 00:04:30,080 » Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? 60 00:04:29,680 --> 00:04:34,960 » I. >> Anyone opposed? Thank you. 61 00:04:33,360 --> 00:04:40,240 » All right, Jim, when you're ready. >> Righty. Um, as always, we start with the 62 00:04:37,120 --> 00:04:45,440 water system project. Um, Koago continues to send submitts in to our 63 00:04:43,520 --> 00:04:49,120 engineering firms for their review and approval. 64 00:04:46,960 --> 00:04:53,360 Very slowly, they're being approved. Um, we're having a lot of issues getting the 65 00:04:50,960 --> 00:04:59,040 manufacturers to submit complete and accurate BABA compliance certification. 66 00:04:55,919 --> 00:05:04,160 Um, I had a conversation with uh Kowalago today. I'm going to reach out 67 00:05:01,600 --> 00:05:07,840 to MDE and talk to Matthew Marshall down there, see if he can give us some better 68 00:05:05,759 --> 00:05:12,800 guidance on how to get this moving again. 69 00:05:09,440 --> 00:05:18,720 Um, so that's where we stand on that. Uh, as far as projects, this is good 70 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:22,320 news. At the September 23rd Hamstead Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, 71 00:05:20,240 --> 00:05:26,880 Tractor Your Supply Company and the Weiss Gas and Go will both be seeking 72 00:05:24,320 --> 00:05:31,360 final plan approval. Both plans have been approved by all county and state 73 00:05:28,800 --> 00:05:36,320 reviewing bureaus. All comments of town submitted have also been addressed. 74 00:05:33,759 --> 00:05:40,960 After the plans received P&Z approval, next step is a legal package process 75 00:05:38,320 --> 00:05:44,479 where myars are assigned or myars are signed. all necessary easements are 76 00:05:42,880 --> 00:05:50,560 established and a public works agreements are drafted and executed. Um 77 00:05:47,759 --> 00:05:56,080 on these most of them you'll need a PWA with the town and you also need one with 78 00:05:52,160 --> 00:06:01,039 the county. Uh also Robertsfield 3 which is a small three house subdivision on 79 00:05:58,240 --> 00:06:05,919 Hamshshire Lane. It's currently basically we sign the mylars. Sharon's 80 00:06:03,520 --> 00:06:09,919 supposed to be in hopefully tomorrow to sign it and we'll get them back to the 81 00:06:07,759 --> 00:06:14,160 county. So, they're a little bit further ahead. If all goes smoothly with the 82 00:06:12,400 --> 00:06:19,199 legal process, construction could start on these three projects by the end of 83 00:06:15,919 --> 00:06:25,199 the year. Finally, especially TSC, that took a while. Um, so one thing the town 84 00:06:23,039 --> 00:06:30,240 staff is researching, exploring right now is possible addition of a water 85 00:06:27,440 --> 00:06:33,759 efficiency analysis requirement and any new development projects where the 86 00:06:31,919 --> 00:06:39,280 estimated water usage would be greater than 2,000 gallons per day. While the 87 00:06:36,960 --> 00:06:45,199 town has we're very healthy water system and available water is not an issue. Uh 88 00:06:43,360 --> 00:06:51,440 we feel a need to protect the resource. Although planning uses they they use 89 00:06:48,240 --> 00:06:55,840 planning uses water allocation numbers and the town pride has some verbiage 90 00:06:53,919 --> 00:07:00,800 town pride the town code has some verbiage uh regarding daily water use 91 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:04,880 and well production minimums. There's nothing really in the code that requires 92 00:07:02,560 --> 00:07:10,240 developers to use any water saving strategies. This analysis would require 93 00:07:07,919 --> 00:07:15,919 the developer to minimize portable water consumption through many different ways 94 00:07:13,120 --> 00:07:21,039 water reducing technologies be it water recycling or the use of non-potable 95 00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:27,039 water sources. Um so we're just looking into that now and uh I will let you know 96 00:07:24,400 --> 00:07:31,280 I will update you next month on that. So, uh, CJ Miller, who was awarded the 97 00:07:29,360 --> 00:07:35,520 contract to mill and overlay several town roads, expects to begin the project 98 00:07:33,440 --> 00:07:39,680 by the end of the month. The roads to be repaved include Britney Lane, North 99 00:07:37,520 --> 00:07:43,680 Carol Street, Dogwood Drive, Sycamore Drive, and Boxwood Drive. Residents of 100 00:07:42,319 --> 00:07:48,720 those streets will be notified in advance before the construction begins. 101 00:07:46,319 --> 00:07:52,160 As far as uh the finance department, auditors were on site last week 102 00:07:50,479 --> 00:07:56,960 gathering information for the fiscical year 26 audit. DNA is working closely 103 00:07:55,199 --> 00:08:01,280 with them and providing assistance where needed. They will return for a few days 104 00:07:59,520 --> 00:08:06,560 if needed, but they'll continue to work remotely until the report is complete. 105 00:08:04,560 --> 00:08:11,039 Uh coming up next month, and I know Dave will have a lot more on this probably, 106 00:08:08,479 --> 00:08:15,440 but Hamstead Main Street Partnership uh will be holding uh Fall Fest. They're 107 00:08:13,840 --> 00:08:20,080 currently wrapping up their planning for it. Fall Fest will be held on October 108 00:08:17,759 --> 00:08:24,720 the 10th. The event will feature live music vendors, fall-based activities for 109 00:08:22,319 --> 00:08:28,800 kids, a hay ride in a beer garden. The event will take place on the grounds of 110 00:08:26,319 --> 00:08:33,919 the War Memorial Park, St. John's Church, Matthews Tire, and also go down 111 00:08:31,919 --> 00:08:41,839 behind the Snow Bar and Monument Southern properties with the vendors. 112 00:08:37,440 --> 00:08:47,040 Um, Nissap Scarecrow contest. So last year was a big hit and so because of 113 00:08:44,080 --> 00:08:50,800 that Nissan is once again overseeing a Main Street scarecrow contest to raise 114 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:55,040 funds to help those less fortunate in our community. Hamstead merchants and 115 00:08:53,279 --> 00:08:59,600 organizations are asked to design and construct a scarecrow that pertains to 116 00:08:57,680 --> 00:09:03,839 their business. Each entry will be assigned a lamp post on Main Street to 117 00:09:01,360 --> 00:09:07,760 which they will attach their scarecrow. Um I never heard back about when they 118 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:12,480 were looking to put these scarecrows up and take them down. So, I don't really 119 00:09:10,560 --> 00:09:15,440 know for sure. I would assume hopefully it's around the Fall Fest and they're up 120 00:09:14,160 --> 00:09:19,600 for Fall Fest. >> Um, I'll try and reach out again and 121 00:09:17,920 --> 00:09:25,760 make sure that they are aware that October 10th is Fall Fest. 122 00:09:22,080 --> 00:09:31,680 » So, and then lastly, uh, town offices will be closed on Monday, October 12th, 123 00:09:29,200 --> 00:09:36,399 and observance of Columbus Day. Uh, trash pickup will be on the normal 124 00:09:33,600 --> 00:09:40,880 schedule that week. So, >> okay, that's it. 125 00:09:38,560 --> 00:09:43,760 Thank you. Any questions for Jim? >> Scarecrows were great last year. They 126 00:09:42,640 --> 00:09:47,680 were really a lot of fun. >> Yeah. So, I I I hope that they realize 127 00:09:45,760 --> 00:09:54,640 that they can they need to move to get these up by October the 10th. So, 128 00:09:52,160 --> 00:09:57,120 it's amazing how time flying. >> Speaking of time flying, only two more 129 00:09:56,320 --> 00:09:59,680 to go. >> Three more. Three more. 130 00:09:58,080 --> 00:10:03,600 » Three more. Okay. Yes, there are three more Saturdays remaining in this year's 131 00:10:01,440 --> 00:10:08,640 market season. The last day will be September 26th. We have had several 132 00:10:06,320 --> 00:10:13,360 pop-up vendors over the past few weeks, including woodworks, painted craft 133 00:10:10,720 --> 00:10:18,480 works, floral arrangements, cupcakes, and hot sauces. This gives sellers an 134 00:10:16,640 --> 00:10:22,720 opportunity to try out our market without making a full season commitment 135 00:10:20,240 --> 00:10:26,800 right away. If they decide to become a vendor during the same season, the fees 136 00:10:24,720 --> 00:10:31,839 that they paid as a one-time vendor get applied toward the full season fee. 137 00:10:29,440 --> 00:10:36,640 August 29th was the last day for Ginger Jefferson of Ginger's Jams and More. She 138 00:10:34,640 --> 00:10:42,720 has been a vendor since the market was founded in 2010 and so she just decided 139 00:10:39,839 --> 00:10:47,279 that it was time to retire. They will undoubtedly be missed by their longtime 140 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:51,440 customers as well as newer ones. We thank Ginger, her husband Bob, and their 141 00:10:49,279 --> 00:10:55,040 helpers for participating as vendors from the beginning and we wish them 142 00:10:53,040 --> 00:11:00,320 well. >> Going to miss the fry pies, 143 00:10:57,600 --> 00:11:01,600 » coconut pound cake. What else? Jams, >> cupcakes. 144 00:11:00,959 --> 00:11:05,680 » The cupcakes. >> We do have a new cupcake vendor. They 145 00:11:03,360 --> 00:11:08,000 just joined us, but uh Ginger will definitely be missed. 146 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:12,880 » All right, Wayne. >> Uh the Hamstead Train Station Committee 147 00:11:10,079 --> 00:11:16,959 is um sponsoring Music in the Park. We had Mark and the Sharks a couple weeks 148 00:11:14,720 --> 00:11:21,519 ago. They were very well accepted. Very good band. Uh considering to have him 149 00:11:19,040 --> 00:11:26,240 back next year. And of course uh this coming Saturday, we have uh Blue Moon 150 00:11:23,600 --> 00:11:30,000 Big Band coming September 12th, 6 to8 War Memorial Park. It's a 20 piece 151 00:11:28,079 --> 00:11:34,320 orchestra, so we're looking forward to having a good turnout for that. Um, last 152 00:11:32,000 --> 00:11:38,320 year was about three or 400 people, so should be a good time. Uh, tree 153 00:11:36,320 --> 00:11:44,399 commission, uh, we just received a grant of $6,854 154 00:11:41,440 --> 00:11:49,120 for Westwood Park restoration area. Uh, there's a couple areas in in Westwood 155 00:11:46,640 --> 00:11:54,160 Park where their tree restoration, a lot of the trees have passed away and so 156 00:11:51,279 --> 00:12:00,560 we're going to uh replace those trees and we're working on a uh a grant for 157 00:11:57,600 --> 00:12:03,279 next spring. So, got a lot going on. Very good. 158 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:06,880 » Deb, >> um, [clears throat] excuse me. The 159 00:12:05,279 --> 00:12:12,480 planning and zoning commission met on Wednesday, August 26th, and as Jim had 160 00:12:09,920 --> 00:12:19,600 stated, they did review and recommend ordinance 561 for ADU to council for 161 00:12:16,079 --> 00:12:24,639 adoption. Um, we received the copy of the ordinance with the specific 162 00:12:21,200 --> 00:12:29,519 guidelines that Jim had mentioned and obviously recommended it to a council. 163 00:12:27,440 --> 00:12:34,639 Um, the Carol County Department of Planning had a public hearing on 164 00:12:32,079 --> 00:12:39,600 September 3rd about ADU. So, I don't know what 165 00:12:36,480 --> 00:12:41,600 » transpired with that and that was it. >> All right. 166 00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:45,600 » It looks like next month we'll have more. It'll be busy 167 00:12:43,279 --> 00:12:48,639 » tractor supply. >> All right. 168 00:12:46,320 --> 00:12:53,760 » Can HOAs make more restrictions on the ADUs uh as well? 169 00:12:51,440 --> 00:12:59,600 » Not really. In fact, basically it can't even count in an in an HOA for any 170 00:12:56,880 --> 00:13:05,440 density numbers. And they have to treat that ADU as a separate lot, separate 171 00:13:03,760 --> 00:13:08,480 voting voice. >> And all of those have cluster boxes, so 172 00:13:06,959 --> 00:13:12,720 they have to have their own mailboxes. >> Uhu. 173 00:13:11,440 --> 00:13:16,959 Okay. >> It's good. You're getting interesting in 174 00:13:14,079 --> 00:13:19,360 planning is only with state involvement. Dave. 175 00:13:17,680 --> 00:13:22,959 » So, as Jim was saying about the Main Street Partnership, we're going to have 176 00:13:20,800 --> 00:13:28,079 the uh Fall Fest. It's going to be on the 10th of October from 10:00 to 3. Um, 177 00:13:26,160 --> 00:13:33,600 with the addition of those spaces that we got behind the snow bar and the real 178 00:13:30,800 --> 00:13:38,399 estate office, we actually got up to 71 spaces this year. We've already filled 179 00:13:35,680 --> 00:13:41,040 61. And these are all jured ones that we're we're deciding who's going to be 180 00:13:39,920 --> 00:13:44,160 there. So, we actually got more applications in, but we've went through 181 00:13:42,880 --> 00:13:46,560 them, decided who's going to be there and who's not going to be there. So, 182 00:13:45,519 --> 00:13:51,040 we're going to give them a better quality than we've had before. Um, we 183 00:13:48,720 --> 00:13:54,880 also have some big surprises coming uh for this event, which I can't reveal yet 184 00:13:53,120 --> 00:13:59,920 because they're not completely settled yet, but we're having a meeting next 185 00:13:57,120 --> 00:14:04,880 Monday and um it's going to be a big one, a big surprise coming. Um, also 186 00:14:02,639 --> 00:14:08,639 with um the Richard's uh family cemetery, um, I'm going to reach out to 187 00:14:07,040 --> 00:14:14,320 the town, so this is I haven't told the town this yet, but um, we actually a 188 00:14:12,000 --> 00:14:20,160 couple years ago um, someone that run the man that runs the um, Sons of the 189 00:14:17,760 --> 00:14:24,320 Revolutionary War here in Carol County had reached out about putting a plaque 190 00:14:21,920 --> 00:14:29,199 up there a few years ago for Richard Richards who actually served in the 191 00:14:26,800 --> 00:14:33,040 Revolutionary War in Hamstead, which I didn't know that. So, and it was 192 00:14:30,800 --> 00:14:38,320 interesting, but he actually So, they had bought a goodsiz 193 00:14:35,680 --> 00:14:43,600 monument from Eli, which they're going to have installed all on their don um 194 00:14:41,120 --> 00:14:48,399 goodlook good-looking monument. Uh explaining what he did in the war and 195 00:14:45,440 --> 00:14:52,800 and um and there's contribution to that. Uh tenatively, it's going to be should 196 00:14:50,560 --> 00:14:56,560 be the first weekend or two in November. They'd like to do it. They're going to 197 00:14:54,079 --> 00:14:59,760 have it installed and uh we want to have like a little uh ceremony there. So, I'm 198 00:14:58,720 --> 00:15:03,440 going to reach out to the town. Hopefully, we can kind of come up with 199 00:15:01,519 --> 00:15:06,800 something to add to it. So, >> is it going back by the the black iron 200 00:15:06,079 --> 00:15:08,720 fence >> by the fence? It'll be in the cemetery 201 00:15:08,480 --> 00:15:11,839 itself. >> It will be in the cemetery. 202 00:15:09,920 --> 00:15:15,199 » That's my understanding. Yeah. So, >> all right. 203 00:15:13,760 --> 00:15:18,760 » Ben. >> Okay. [laughter] 204 00:15:15,760 --> 00:15:18,760 » That 205 00:15:19,120 --> 00:15:28,240 Sorry. >> That's all right. August um 2026 water 206 00:15:25,040 --> 00:15:34,880 usage was 341,000 gallons per day compared to August last year was which 207 00:15:31,920 --> 00:15:38,880 was 364,000 gallons per day. So the water leak system and tracking that has 208 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:44,480 been helping. >> Plus it rained 209 00:15:39,680 --> 00:15:47,920 » plus August was pretty dry last. >> Yeah. [clears throat] 210 00:15:45,519 --> 00:15:53,440 And then September this year was 347,000 gallons per day. And last year was 211 00:15:49,920 --> 00:15:59,360 367,000 gallons per day. So it's almost 20,000 gallons per day that were 212 00:15:56,079 --> 00:16:01,199 actually less, which is pretty good. >> All right. 213 00:16:00,079 --> 00:16:06,480 » Anything to say on that, Kevin? >> Well, I can give you a fun fact. Um the 214 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:12,079 341,000galon average for August of this year, you 215 00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:15,040 have to go back to 1992 to find an average that was lower than 216 00:16:14,560 --> 00:16:17,759 that. >> Wow. 217 00:16:15,440 --> 00:16:24,240 » In 1992, there was about a third of the houses and 218 00:16:20,399 --> 00:16:32,000 are here now. So, um it it says a lot about our continued efforts to find, 219 00:16:28,240 --> 00:16:36,240 detect, and uh shut off leaks, get them fixed. 220 00:16:33,120 --> 00:16:40,800 uh infrastructure, the the improvements we've made to infrastructure have just 221 00:16:38,320 --> 00:16:44,880 brought these numbers down incredibly and it gives us capacity for moving 222 00:16:43,279 --> 00:16:48,320 forward for Hampton to grow in the future. 223 00:16:45,680 --> 00:16:52,560 » Wow, that's great. Thank you guys. Last uh was there's rainfall in August, more 224 00:16:50,800 --> 00:16:54,800 than we've had in a long time. >> That helped cut into the number a little 225 00:16:54,240 --> 00:17:01,680 bit. >> Yeah, 4.72 in and September so far is 226 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:07,760 just over half an inch, but 0.55 in. But I will add to that as well. Um, we had 227 00:17:05,039 --> 00:17:12,959 our well levels run by the county to come out and they download the 228 00:17:08,880 --> 00:17:16,319 transducers. Um, July's numbers for our observation wells. We have three 229 00:17:14,559 --> 00:17:21,360 observation wells in the town that we've been doing for a long time. They are at 230 00:17:18,799 --> 00:17:27,360 new historic lows. I don't know if you know, but Pretty Boy Reservoir is now 231 00:17:23,439 --> 00:17:32,160 closed off to all boats. Um although we're getting rain to keep the 232 00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:37,360 grass and the trees and everything, >> we are not getting enough rain to 233 00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:41,039 recharge the groundwater or the or the reservoir. So 234 00:17:38,559 --> 00:17:44,080 » we need rain day long rains >> and it's still only moderate drought 235 00:17:43,360 --> 00:17:49,039 category. We're not >> We are moderate. Yeah. But I expect that 236 00:17:47,039 --> 00:17:54,559 to go back up all of a sudden now it's getting a little dry again. 237 00:17:51,120 --> 00:17:58,400 » It is. Yes. And then you guys uh public works also continues to work on the 238 00:17:56,480 --> 00:18:02,960 storm inlets. Uh seven have been completed so far and two more are in 239 00:18:00,320 --> 00:18:06,720 construction. Sycamore Drive and Boxwood Drive. 240 00:18:03,520 --> 00:18:12,200 » Yes. In anticipation of payment. >> Good job. All right. Thanks, Chief 241 00:18:09,200 --> 00:18:12,200 Petta. 242 00:18:17,200 --> 00:18:22,400 » Thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor. 243 00:18:20,400 --> 00:18:22,400 All 244 00:18:23,360 --> 00:18:31,039 right, for a report for uh our August report of uh 2026. 245 00:18:28,559 --> 00:18:33,760 So, and this was uh I was here the whole month, so this is definitely all one me. 246 00:18:32,559 --> 00:18:39,360 » Congratulations. >> Thanks. Thank you. Um we'll start out 247 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:44,080 with traffic safety. Uh we had uh 11 accidents. Um three of them were um 248 00:18:41,600 --> 00:18:49,840 actual action accident investigations. Um 249 00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:53,360 for the 282 traffic circle, we had three 482. 250 00:18:51,039 --> 00:18:56,640 » Sorry, 482. What did I that that makes up the transpose numbers? I apologize. 251 00:18:54,720 --> 00:19:00,720 Yeah, 482 traffic circle wave three. Uh none none of them will have to be a full 252 00:18:58,160 --> 00:19:05,520 investigation. Just a um information exchange for traffic enforcement. Um our 253 00:19:03,360 --> 00:19:11,840 patrol officers wrote 124 citations, three repair orders, and issued 171 254 00:19:08,160 --> 00:19:17,679 warnings and also had 361 patrol checks. All right. So, for crime, um, our major 255 00:19:15,440 --> 00:19:21,440 incidents, um, we had a missing 5-year-old. Was a pretty stressful 256 00:19:19,520 --> 00:19:25,039 couple hours, but she was located. It was great. Um, hiding in a closet. Got 257 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:29,200 missed a couple on the first couple checks, but so it was good. It all ended 258 00:19:27,280 --> 00:19:34,240 well. Stressful couple hours, but all ended well. Um, our catalytic converter 259 00:19:31,919 --> 00:19:40,400 thefts, you guys have heard that. Um, so we had three in our town. Um, 260 00:19:38,240 --> 00:19:44,000 Westminster also had four and there's one right outside of town. So obviously 261 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:47,440 somebody came in and hit um detective man has been assigned to cases. He's 262 00:19:45,360 --> 00:19:50,640 been working other jurisdictions. So hopefully we'll have some good leads um 263 00:19:49,280 --> 00:19:55,520 in the next couple weeks as we're hoping for. But uh but we're you know it all 264 00:19:53,039 --> 00:19:59,039 happened right on um the 20th and 21st on those two nights. So we've been in 265 00:19:57,280 --> 00:20:02,880 contact with all with all of our victims and trying to follow up on lead trying 266 00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:06,240 to get some more with it. Um we've had a couple assault cases, couple more 267 00:20:04,320 --> 00:20:11,679 frauds. Um I'll get into those a little bit later. Um, but we had about nine 268 00:20:08,320 --> 00:20:14,960 deaths total. Um, and some of our uh Weiss had a couple, but Detective Man, 269 00:20:13,679 --> 00:20:18,314 I'll be getting on. He's actually doing a great job of closing some of those 270 00:20:16,480 --> 00:20:22,960 cases out. [clears throat] Um, so the arrests, so 271 00:20:20,880 --> 00:20:28,080 I'm getting ahead of myself, uh, arrests picked up compared to uh, July. Um, we 272 00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:32,159 had, um, a couple felony arrests. We had a first-degree burglary arrest, but it 273 00:20:29,679 --> 00:20:37,039 ended up being actual an ex-girlfriend. Um so it was you kind of domestic 274 00:20:34,000 --> 00:20:40,240 related um burly arrest but the um officer buck got some charges working 275 00:20:38,559 --> 00:20:44,000 with the state's attorney's office. We had a um three domestic arrests two of 276 00:20:42,080 --> 00:20:46,960 them actually are first degree um so we're working with the state's 277 00:20:44,720 --> 00:20:52,240 attorney's office on those as well. Uh couple theft arrests and a couple 278 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:55,919 frauds. I'll go into um traffic our traffic arrests I told our traffic was 279 00:20:54,080 --> 00:21:01,760 up. Our traffic arrests were up for August. Uh six DUIs went from zero in 280 00:20:58,880 --> 00:21:08,480 July to six in August. So the so our guys are out there. Um and uh there was 281 00:21:04,960 --> 00:21:12,480 al also um driving without insurance we had five suspended drivers uh three and 282 00:21:10,960 --> 00:21:15,679 driving without license. I'm sorry suspended drivers four and driving 283 00:21:14,000 --> 00:21:19,600 without license three. So these are major traffic offenses. So um trying to 284 00:21:18,400 --> 00:21:25,200 hold people accountable hopefully they get anything everything straight away in 285 00:21:20,799 --> 00:21:28,880 the courts. Um so our community events um we had national night out right at 286 00:21:26,799 --> 00:21:34,159 the beginning of the month. Um we've had music in the park and um the farmers 287 00:21:31,760 --> 00:21:36,880 markets every every uh every every Saturday making sure we have officers 288 00:21:35,440 --> 00:21:41,919 there. I know I've been there spending plenty of money. Um but but it's good 289 00:21:39,360 --> 00:21:46,559 that's a great event. Um our and most important are back to school. Um we've 290 00:21:44,080 --> 00:21:51,520 been at the schools every day uh from beginning um drop off and uh and pick 291 00:21:49,760 --> 00:21:54,720 up. So we've had an officer, you know, and we're hitting and all three of our 292 00:21:52,880 --> 00:21:58,000 schools have been covered um you know the uh two elementary schools and the 293 00:21:56,880 --> 00:22:03,039 middle school. So, the school's been very happy with us. All right. Um, some 294 00:22:01,200 --> 00:22:07,280 of our major cases, I know I mentioned about the catalytic converter cases that 295 00:22:05,120 --> 00:22:11,200 we're working on, but uh, Detective Man, you know, obviously he's becoming an 296 00:22:09,280 --> 00:22:16,799 expert when it comes to our frauds. Uh, that, um, sort he had identity theft. 297 00:22:13,360 --> 00:22:19,919 One of our residents, um, knew all these credit card companies all open up on 298 00:22:18,720 --> 00:22:23,600 him. He actually took some leads and found out it was an ex-girlfriend. So, 299 00:22:22,080 --> 00:22:29,840 uh, but go ahead charges on that. And that case is, uh, is within our court 300 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:34,559 system. Um, also there was uh our liquor stores um got hit for for frauds as 301 00:22:32,559 --> 00:22:39,320 well. Um our two liquor stores uh Hamstead Liquors and um 302 00:22:39,600 --> 00:22:43,840 » Street Main Street. >> Thank you. Thank you. Main Street 303 00:22:41,600 --> 00:22:48,000 Liquors. Thank you. Um they were they were hit. Um Detective Man was working 304 00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:51,919 on did some very good following some leads in two suspects were identified. 305 00:22:50,480 --> 00:22:55,360 They're both New York residents. So, it look like they're coming up and down the 306 00:22:53,120 --> 00:22:59,039 east coast and we have active charges on them and uh the warrant has the warrant 307 00:22:57,520 --> 00:23:02,559 has been approved and extradition has been approved too. So, hopefully they'll 308 00:23:00,640 --> 00:23:05,679 get picked up and be held accountable. Um, also the Dollar General counterfeit 309 00:23:04,960 --> 00:23:09,120 case, I don't know if you guys mentioned, I mentioned that last last 310 00:23:07,440 --> 00:23:12,880 month. Um, but he has identified a suspect and they are also a New York 311 00:23:10,640 --> 00:23:16,720 resident coming down and doing um frauds and so that case is in our court system 312 00:23:14,480 --> 00:23:20,559 as well. So, so it's really good he's following up on it and um our our 313 00:23:18,880 --> 00:23:22,960 residents are being victimized by people out of state. know and we're going to 314 00:23:22,080 --> 00:23:27,039 bring them back and hold them accountable. Um, so as we're mentioning 315 00:23:25,039 --> 00:23:32,240 the cal the calic converter thefts, we got a good run of them. So we're going 316 00:23:28,640 --> 00:23:35,120 to that in the uh the last case we had. Unfortunately, one of our residents 317 00:23:33,679 --> 00:23:38,799 passed away with a preliminary investigation, possible fatal overdose. 318 00:23:37,360 --> 00:23:45,280 So Detective Man has been working on that case as well. Um, so that is 319 00:23:41,520 --> 00:23:49,280 basically our report for uh August of 2026. Does anybody have any 320 00:23:47,679 --> 00:23:51,120 questions? You you want to put out the fact that we're recruiting and we got a 321 00:23:50,640 --> 00:23:56,159 bonus. >> Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. We have a 322 00:23:53,360 --> 00:24:00,400 we've been advertising um we're hiring we're looking at minimum two going to 323 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:07,280 hire at least two officers. Um we we have a um a $10,000 sign on bonus for uh 324 00:24:04,799 --> 00:24:10,799 for any lateral or entry level entry level applicants. So we uh we have a 325 00:24:08,960 --> 00:24:15,760 process going on. We have oral boards next week for applicants, but bring on 326 00:24:13,840 --> 00:24:19,679 as many applicants as we can. Get our pool in and uh hopefully hire some good 327 00:24:17,679 --> 00:24:24,480 good candidates next couple months. Looking forward 328 00:24:22,559 --> 00:24:26,960 » questions for chief >> specific model of car they're targeting 329 00:24:26,320 --> 00:24:32,480 for the cate. >> Um so there so looking at all the 330 00:24:28,880 --> 00:24:38,720 reports there were three. Um, tell you exact I know was a Prius. 331 00:24:36,400 --> 00:24:43,600 I know the Econol line. The Econoline truck was one. 332 00:24:41,200 --> 00:24:48,400 Uh, so Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and the Econoline. Those were the three 333 00:24:45,039 --> 00:24:52,480 vehicles um for all those. So it was so Westminster had four, we had three plus 334 00:24:50,320 --> 00:24:55,600 the one right outside the town. So yeah, those were the three vehicles. All those 335 00:24:54,480 --> 00:24:58,799 » with us. >> Yeah. 336 00:24:57,200 --> 00:25:01,279 » Usually goes in sports like you won't have it for a while then all of a 337 00:24:59,840 --> 00:25:04,799 sudden. So, so we're just trying to identify as someone coming through, you 338 00:25:03,520 --> 00:25:07,919 know, coming through the area and then they're hitting, you know, 339 00:25:06,240 --> 00:25:10,000 » we'll find out. >> So, 340 00:25:08,799 --> 00:25:10,960 » all right, Chief. Thank you. Appreciate it. 341 00:25:10,159 --> 00:25:14,200 » Thank you. Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you, everyone. 342 00:25:15,200 --> 00:25:23,120 » Just keep your eyes up. If you see something, say something. Um, my report. 343 00:25:21,200 --> 00:25:26,240 Um, so we heard from Carol County Board of Elections. During the primary, we 344 00:25:24,720 --> 00:25:30,640 didn't have anything locally here, either early voting site or a dropbox. 345 00:25:29,039 --> 00:25:35,120 So, we worked with the board of elections and we now have a Dropbox site 346 00:25:32,720 --> 00:25:40,880 at least at the Carol um senior center up at North Carol Plaza. Um so, those 347 00:25:38,400 --> 00:25:45,279 who want to mail in votes and that opt options available to them. Uh at the end 348 00:25:43,200 --> 00:25:48,559 of last month, the the um Merchants Association had a cornhole tournament 349 00:25:46,799 --> 00:25:51,840 and we had a couple of teams in it. My thanks to Christina Swisser for 350 00:25:50,400 --> 00:25:56,240 partnering up with me that night. We finished runners up to the to the pros. 351 00:25:54,720 --> 00:26:00,320 So, but it was it was a fun night with the merchants association. Jim and I 352 00:25:58,640 --> 00:26:04,240 have met with Wind Development of the Hamstead Residences. Uh they've managed 353 00:26:02,640 --> 00:26:07,200 it for years. Now they're taking more of an ownership interest, but they're 354 00:26:05,600 --> 00:26:11,039 re-uping the low-income housing tax credits. Um so they've talked to us 355 00:26:09,279 --> 00:26:13,760 about continuing subordinate the small loan that we have in a fourth position, 356 00:26:13,279 --> 00:26:16,000 I think. >> Yes. 357 00:26:14,240 --> 00:26:20,000 » Which, you know, we've been in since the since the project started, but it's you 358 00:26:18,400 --> 00:26:24,400 know, obviously was a great project for Hamstead. So we look forward to 359 00:26:21,360 --> 00:26:26,960 continuing that. Um Dave and I have a Maryland Municipal League board retreat 360 00:26:25,840 --> 00:26:31,600 where we're going to update our strategic plan. That's uh sort of this 361 00:26:29,039 --> 00:26:35,600 Thursday. Uh and then on Thursday evening, we're all going to Westminster 362 00:26:33,679 --> 00:26:38,720 for the Carol County chapter, the Maryland Municipal League. And since 363 00:26:36,880 --> 00:26:42,480 we're close by in Howard County, I think several folks from the state level are 364 00:26:40,400 --> 00:26:46,880 going Whoops. going to be up there in Westminster as well. So at the New 365 00:26:45,120 --> 00:26:53,440 Wakefield Event Center. So looking forward to that. And then last but not 366 00:26:49,279 --> 00:26:57,360 least, um I noticed uh um a long time a long ago and longtime mayor of 367 00:26:55,120 --> 00:27:02,880 Westminster passed away last week or I guess passed away in the end of August. 368 00:26:58,880 --> 00:27:06,640 Ken Yowen um he had uh several different positions through um Westminster 369 00:27:04,960 --> 00:27:10,960 government and he was the mayor from 1994 to um sometime in ' 01 about six 370 00:27:09,279 --> 00:27:15,600 and a half years. So during my first couple terms as mayor back in the day, 371 00:27:13,440 --> 00:27:18,799 um you know, he was a great a good man and did a lot of good things for 372 00:27:16,880 --> 00:27:23,440 Westminster and and uh served as a mentor for a young guy who was just 373 00:27:20,799 --> 00:27:29,679 starting out. Um so um he will be missed, but I wanted to to mention Mayor 374 00:27:25,440 --> 00:27:34,240 Yowen. Um and uh you know, a good man and he deserves recognition and he and 375 00:27:31,600 --> 00:27:38,960 he did a good job for Westminster. So that's my report. New business. We 376 00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:44,799 have an award of contract for the water distribution um system improvements. 377 00:27:42,640 --> 00:27:50,000 And Jim, >> so uh the low bid, it was very close, 378 00:27:47,600 --> 00:27:53,720 but uh White Pine Construction came in the low bid at $212,495. 379 00:27:54,240 --> 00:28:01,120 Uh White Pine Construction, we're very familiar with them. They've done several 380 00:27:58,320 --> 00:28:06,640 projects around town recently. Uh most recently they ran the new waterline down 381 00:28:03,120 --> 00:28:12,080 Gil Avenue to the mill for their um reconstruction or remodel. Um they've 382 00:28:10,559 --> 00:28:15,840 been around for over 60 years. It's a Kibler family. Like I said, we're very 383 00:28:13,760 --> 00:28:21,279 familiar with them. We have no qualms with their work. Um so staff recommends 384 00:28:19,360 --> 00:28:25,399 the award of contract to White Pine Construction in the amount of $212,495. 385 00:28:25,600 --> 00:28:30,559 » So moved. >> Second. 386 00:28:27,600 --> 00:28:34,159 » Second by Dev. Any further discussion? All those in favor? 387 00:28:32,159 --> 00:28:37,600 » Anyone opposed? All right. Then under ordinances 388 00:28:35,760 --> 00:28:41,840 resolution, we have the adoption of ordinance 561, 389 00:28:39,679 --> 00:28:46,000 which was the to amend the zoning code to include and regulate accessory 390 00:28:44,240 --> 00:28:49,440 dwelling units. >> I make a motion to adopt. 391 00:28:48,159 --> 00:28:52,480 » Second. >> Amen. 392 00:28:51,520 --> 00:28:58,320 » Motion to amend. >> Yes. Motion to amend. 393 00:28:54,399 --> 00:29:04,080 Um, as Jim stated, um, I, uh, I rewrote the first sentence, um, to read, "An 394 00:29:01,919 --> 00:29:08,399 accessory dwelling unit, ADU, may be allowed as a conditional use in any 395 00:29:06,240 --> 00:29:12,000 zoning district where a single family detached dwelling is either 396 00:29:10,835 --> 00:29:16,960 [clears throat] a principal permitted use or exist as a recognized 397 00:29:14,559 --> 00:29:23,840 non-conforming use." That makes the first uh, sense more clear. 398 00:29:21,600 --> 00:29:26,640 So that's my amendment. >> Proposed amendment. Is there a second? 399 00:29:25,840 --> 00:29:31,360 » Second. >> Second by Deb. 400 00:29:28,640 --> 00:29:34,799 » Thank you. Any further discussion? All those in favor of ordinance 561 as 401 00:29:33,679 --> 00:29:38,000 amended? >> I. 402 00:29:35,760 --> 00:29:43,919 » Anyone opposed? All righty. 403 00:29:39,600 --> 00:29:47,440 » Easy enough. Um, public comments. >> I'd like to thank you from the bottom of 404 00:29:45,440 --> 00:29:52,320 my heart for approving the White Oak Court Uline improvements. I've spent a 405 00:29:50,480 --> 00:29:57,240 lot of cold nights down there, a lot of holidays. So, thank you so much 406 00:29:54,065 --> 00:29:57,240 [laughter] for 407 00:29:58,640 --> 00:30:04,320 » try. We'll try to make your water breaks more temperate. How's that? 408 00:30:02,159 --> 00:30:05,440 » The last one was like two days. >> Yeah. 409 00:30:04,640 --> 00:30:08,960 » Three days. >> At least it was warm. 410 00:30:07,120 --> 00:30:11,279 » Down. Well, White Oak, you were down there like the week between Christmas 411 00:30:10,159 --> 00:30:14,880 and New Year's. Yes. >> When it was 0 degrees and you're out 412 00:30:12,880 --> 00:30:17,440 there at midnight or frostbite. >> Got a [laughter] Christmas party down 413 00:30:16,000 --> 00:30:21,039 there. I missed the Thanksgiving down there. 414 00:30:19,200 --> 00:30:24,039 I'm thrilled to see new pipe go to the ground. 415 00:30:25,440 --> 00:30:32,559 » All good. All right. We have We're going to go into a close session um under 416 00:30:30,159 --> 00:30:37,600 statutory authority to close a session on article 3-305B1 417 00:30:34,960 --> 00:30:42,159 to consider the acquisition of real of real property for a public p purpose and 418 00:30:39,679 --> 00:30:46,720 matters directly related there too. Is there a motion to go into close session? 419 00:30:44,000 --> 00:30:50,320 uh amendment to bring the town manager and the assistant zoning administrator 420 00:30:49,120 --> 00:30:52,480 meeting. >> Okay. 421 00:30:51,840 --> 00:30:54,640 So move >> second. 422 00:30:53,360 --> 00:31:01,640 » All those in favor? >> Anyone opposed? All right. Thank you. 423 00:30:57,760 --> 00:31:01,640 Thanks for hanging out with us.