[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6510337,"mediaKeyId","5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b","parentId",5386720,"title","Housing agency to hold public hearing after HUD flags 5-year plan deficiencies; administrative plan revisions posted for comment","audioSeconds",226,"startMs",2102000,"endMs",2328000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b&start=2102&end=2328","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b/thumbnail_2102000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6510337/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Housing-agency-to-hold-public-hearing-after-HUD-flags-5-year-plan-deficiencies-administrative-plan-revisions-posted-for-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510337-ce13fc7e63e33f57e18b6700ecd3b222/orig.mp4?Expires=1775146065&Signature=d7gULmm7KgsyxhfEO6JqlW6sgqtPM9DJwRHaD8R0XVa3sxF90eoywjsehA-z0CddRioDylmR6SDgnOnNMpDQeL19lgJmNKIvUc3Y7XfBmtjQPnR8koEj9O7u0PDEFnCHXHeo2zAl27hDcK1nXPbIvv~7VyAfllto8Dyhpu4yp2KEXCUCsSuWUm7O8sEYDI~JmPYG3y7TKBVoGjIgI5bFUa~iXAbdSRegCwo5~UhJ-nMue-un9SE9iyYxWjhqO38YOd6Mkq8vF7-m1NkLH9etxFzzRjBvTEIMb8rMFcpkqJO~fINFBxjrOos2vxsI4igaM3wLU8OMzmSLb6TWeAChYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Westminster, Maryland","date","2025-07-14T22:44:11Z","article","The Westminster housing agency reported that the draft five-year plan it submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in mid-April could not be approved within HUD's initial review period and that HUD provided a list of deficiencies that must be addressed, including the requirement to hold a public hearing.

Housing staff said HUD has 75 calendar days to approve or reject submitted plans; HUD informed the agency on June 25 that it could not approve the draft within that timeframe and provided deficiencies to correct. The agency requested and received an extension until September. Staff said the notice of the required public hearing will be published in the Carroll County Times on July 18 and that the draft five-year plan and notice will be available on the housing office website and at the housing office. A public hearing is expected to be held at the Sept. 8 council meeting; written comments will be accepted through the close of business on Sept. 20, 2025.

Separately, staff described proposed revisions to the housing authority's administrative plan, the operational manual that governs the Housing Choice Voucher program. The revisions reflect recent HUD regulatory changes and the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOPMA), and will reorganize chapters, clarify eligibility and income determination procedures, add a separate chapter on fair housing and equal opportunity provisions, and conform inspection policies to the national INSPIRE standard. Staff said the administrative plan revisions also require a public comment period, which will run concurrently with the five-year plan notice and conclude with the Sept. 8 council meeting.

Housing staff said the agency is classified as a high-performing agency and that the last administrative-plan change was in December 2021. Council members were given the schedule for public notice, comment, and the public hearing, and staff invited questions.

Key dates: Draft five-year plan notice in Carroll County Times on July 18, 2025; public hearing at council meeting on Sept. 8, 2025; written comments accepted through close of business Sept. 20, 2025. The housing director said HUD's list of deficiencies and the administrative changes are being addressed and posted for public comment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Westminster Mayor and Common Council Meeting-July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.","oneSentenceSummary","Westminster's housing agency said HUD flagged deficiencies in its draft five-year plan and required a public hearing; HUD granted an extension to September and the agency will publish a notice July 18 with a public hearing expected Sept. 8.","taxTitle","Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland","taxId",71632,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510342,"Council introduces ordinance to raise water meter fees; finance committee review requested",209,1466000,1675000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b&start=1466&end=1675","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b/thumbnail_1466000.jpg","/articles/6510342/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Council-introduces-ordinance-to-raise-water-meter-fees-finance-committee-review-requested","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510342-04aeb29d994020078b9f9f714ec0462b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775146065&Signature=gADXdieNSacW8i4uzi3tynw9Bvmkhw893DkoZYQfuV0P34v3eXtj8J8t4CmFQR7xV5B3ZMT~s~2v9UhQMZ7hRiU-4Fw5Xk21iAW4BAeLOwUhG6L8eTwMjbh8DZEG8q5Z931fi9tnVWAWRADljzIwDdok5yfkS7rsSIY3F7qtPTvoAAdtL5OmYhDIhMoG5I-o8gI3HAlB3VAzgOE8gyEYYqGUjlQLEwYXMeu9kAlnQkaDXpONjiNUTBShsW~9YUGr3DPwgs00c5WOlJWl694CTC9a9CiLgfSidYgltY6enPOc1eKW334SAKDsKHbe-PHRyRSkoy2N~1C1bKxVfhItEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westminster Mayor and Common Council introduced Ordinance 2025-08, which would amend City Code chapter A175 (utility fees) to raise fees for certain water meters to reflect current city costs.

City staff said water-meter fees were last reviewed and codified in February 2008 and that current meter replacement costs exceed amounts codified in the code, effectively subsidizing some meter types. Staff recommended introducing the ordinance to update the fee schedule to current pricing.

Council member Pecoraro moved to introduce the ordinance and council member Huff seconded. During discussion, several councilors requested that the finance committee review the proposed fee changes before the ordinance returns for final consideration so members can examine fee application (for example, whether replacement-in-kind for same-size meters would be charged). Staff and councilors agreed to proceed with introduction while the finance committee schedules a review; the introduction passed by voice vote.

The ordinance introduction starts the public process; the council did not adopt the fee changes at this meeting. Council members asked staff to clarify replacement scenarios and other specifics during the finance committee review prior to final action.

Votes at a glance: Introduction of Ordinance 2025-08, amending chapter A175 (utility fees) to increase water meter fees — Introduced (voice vote).","The Mayor and Common Council introduced Ordinance 2025-08 to amend city code (A175) to increase water meter fees to current costs. Councilors requested the finance committee review the fee changes before final adoption and asked whether replacement-in-kind charges would apply.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510347,"Council approves $29,228 change order for Wakefield Clubhouse entrance improvements",245,1220000,1465000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b&start=1220&end=1465","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b/thumbnail_1220000.jpg","/articles/6510347/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Council-approves-29228-change-order-for-Wakefield-Clubhouse-entrance-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510347-11185ca75d6a14c346835cac3641e75d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775146065&Signature=GW3rt4VWmejy-fbW2JgL5H~mVQDfwDTksMTJXUOgNax-REHUO75nDqhoB~Ez72ussmXZdxn5Qh-YaPsh1PvzeUSwgR4baFPNi5sABqfoxJ8VSULhVebZgEYqOjEBEhNj0GEwApNfnFZ-XEdTdraSVhcKPNmpky2uyIEvRF8rzuWW-8aDZvJ0sUWWXpkTjhaAbir--UtKCay0RTZ4gXeduPq4fsK4sl9Yk76ldGZv7yV1-2naL8TBww~gkcuXNd91E7Xb5oSKrLwW1RJUpXn4sPqKCNtqf29kpd1sk5k7G9z9Uv4wO0TzLAEEAX3VIR7mV-7J3chVL6QzDhJuBR3UUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westminster Mayor and Common Council approved change order number 5 to Wickersham Construction for exterior entranceway access improvements at the Wakefield Valley Park pavilion and community building, increasing the project cost by $29,228.

City staff described deteriorated brick pavers, failing railroad-tie retaining walls and broken steps leading to the building and said the change order will remove the damaged elements, perform site grading and topsoil placement, seed grass, and install a new concrete sidewalk from the curb to an ADA-compliant landing. Staff said the timeline for project completion will not change because the work will be done concurrently with the existing punch-list tasks. Council members were told funds will be provided by a future budget amendment, likely beginning with the general fund until other sources are identified.

Miss Gerber, who presented the item as the project representative, recommended approval. Council member Huff moved the change order and council member Gilbert seconded. Several council members supported the change as addressing both safety risks and the appearance of the building; one councilor noted that the original entrance had been built \"on the cheap\" and that the change would be an improvement.

The council approved the change order by voice vote. The record shows the council discussed funding sources, with staff saying the city typically starts with the general fund and will identify alternatives before the formal budget amendment.

Votes at a glance: Change order No. 5 to Wickersham Construction for Wakefield Valley Park pavilion/community building — $29,228 — Approved (voice vote).","Westminster's council approved change order No. 5 to Wickersham Construction, adding $29,228 to the Wakefield Valley Park pavilion and community building renovation to replace deteriorated pavers and install an ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk; funds will be allocated via a future budget amendment.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510352,"Westminster council awards $192,467 Microsoft licensing contract to SHI",331,971000,1302000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b&start=971&end=1302","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b/thumbnail_971000.jpg","/articles/6510352/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Westminster-council-awards-192467-Microsoft-licensing-contract-to-SHI","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510352-8727c2f3c9b50829d5ef503b189eb5a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775146065&Signature=DHB0ryfs~rEEOk7GxlMQoMRgCNEPzxv0Mx3FJpRdbsG~RyDCc4KUZUJ1YmxZnvqygWzXz0wxKwuA-A~nP0po42e6B4tYwj8M~XXxA-C1b~XsD7fOli43OmSonae6tDdNTSNmJidMap9HeMg~sN1NHxVmrhYgllVibb7Bnpim1i0iqQAPE886yx8rDbkfW5FavNBW3YA6OP-cKLBxB-sEI4AzKQw6GYZN0Gax5n9LOOMj~b7bmIMKcymk~ujc421fce59hmz6yvOlOC6H-Bo0TaDVlF2DdvuJLFQHQVd833RhJqxrXef2nrjXQIGTzFuoJ773qFzttLB2qr1UEq4aVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westminster Mayor and Common Council voted to award a multiyear Microsoft enterprise licensing contract to SHI Government Solutions for $192,467.37, approving a waiver of local competitive bidding and authorizing the purchase under a state contract.

City staff told the council the city previously adopted three-year Microsoft enterprise agreements in May 2019 and May 2022; the most recent agreement expired May 31, 2025. Staff said maintaining the enterprise agreement is critical for continued operation of westminstermd.gov email, Office 365 services and related server licensing and that, after reviewing alternatives, staying on the current Microsoft enterprise platform is the most cost-effective option for the city’s existing infrastructure.

The FY 2026 operating budget allocated $75,000 for this project, staff said, but the recommended purchase through SHI totals $192,467.37. Staff recommended waiving the city’s competitive procurement process under the city procurement code to “piggyback” off a competitively awarded state contract (state contract number read in the meeting). The council approved the award by voice vote after brief discussion noting the purchase is a multiyear contract and that future years will need to be budgeted.

Mister Moore, a city staff member who presented the item, said the licensing is “critical for the continued functionality” of the city’s email and Office applications. Council member Dayhoff moved the contract award and council member Goodabler seconded the motion. No roll-call tally was recorded in the public discussion; the clerk announced a voice vote and the ayes carried the motion.

Council debate focused on two points: that the purchase uses an existing competitively bid state contract rather than a new direct solicitation, and that because it is multiyear the city will need to account for the later-year costs in future budgets. One councilor noted that the FY26 line item covered only part of the total cost and that the remainder will be handled through annual budgeting.

The contract award takes effect immediately as approved; the council did not identify a specific start or end date beyond noting the agreement is multiyear and consistent with the city’s prior three-year agreements.

Votes at a glance: Award contract to SHI Government Solutions for Microsoft enterprise licensing, $192,467.37 — Approved (voice vote).","The Westminster Mayor and Common Council approved a multiyear Microsoft enterprise licensing agreement with SHI Government Solutions for $192,467.37, using an existing state contract and waiving local competitive bidding. Councilors noted the purchase is multiyear and will require future budget planning.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510333,"Westminster announces police chief retirement and confirms body-worn camera mandate",0,206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b&start=206&end=206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386720-f4951a3b7a0400278e44dc1abee2131b/thumbnail_206000.jpg","/articles/6510333/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Westminster-announces-police-chief-retirement-and-confirms-body-worn-camera-mandate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510333-ecca4612b536b1e0e5669e4dcbe601b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775146065&Signature=S~-bbQUp8-Gzh1vfrznm3t6HjaSPNIRDMFgqAToh-QAyMJd48q2TWATYS-ZC1e9aH5YSfJPakfXR90Bf55cC2KsjHSC6QQiq4RNqMSPolVB6Epuh-~ls4L~0KMerFYFLpe7BqtZnBgxTPTQJYkjO81WWBzaT8fkanUw49XYbVeVljjt8hSriXnq7KkHN8N2DscEyDzYOPRolswgUVKwsTmn0Y6bn4nxi8t-yY6KJu7~nOJkBiK2baeJdQuDpFu9ldDLNF9eJuJkJqqtQeIMDQkRvA3jcwrnUnrQejo-k1EsLBPZP3GQjgoZlKTOM3QJVT86J66HntyDyEJDIiDM~Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westminster Mayor and Common Council heard announcements from the police department that Chief Leadwell will retire Sept. 1 and that body-worn cameras became mandatory July 1 for officers who have regular contact with members of the public.

Council members offered congratulations to Chief Leadwell for more than 10 years of service and praised what the mayor called a community-based policing approach. Chief Leadwell addressed the council and noted that the department's body-worn camera program has been in place for several years and that a mandate took effect July 1 requiring wearing the cameras for officers with regular public contact.

The department also reported ongoing work with Dick's Sporting Goods management and regional partners to address group shoplifting and prevention strategies at that retailer, and noted community outreach efforts including Camp Cops and a youth program called \"Baking with a Badge.\" Councilors asked about enforcement of the city's scooter initiative and Chief Leadwell said enforcement and education are ongoing and that staff would provide enforcement statistics through the city administrator.

The chief's retirement announcement drew council thanks and recognition; no personnel action was taken at the meeting. The body-worn camera update reported the local program is now required in practice for officers with regular public contact, effective July 1, and the department described multiple ongoing community policing and prevention activities.","Police Chief Leadwell told the council he will retire Sept. 1; the department noted state or program guidance making body-worn cameras mandatory for officers with regular public contact effective July 1 and outlined local crime-prevention partnerships and youth programs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Housing agency to hold public hearing after HUD flags 5-year plan deficiencies; administrative plan revisions posted for comment

Council introduces ordinance to raise water meter fees; finance committee review requested

Council approves $29,228 change order for Wakefield Clubhouse entrance improvements

Westminster council awards $192,467 Microsoft licensing contract to SHI

Westminster announces police chief retirement and confirms body-worn camera mandate