Harford News

City of Aberdeen Special Council met October 15. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the council:

A) Call to Order

Mayor McGrady called the Special Council Meeting to order in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.

B) Roll Call

Present:           Mayor Patrick McGrady

                        Councilman Steven Goodin

                        Councilwoman Sandra Landbeck

                        Councilman Melvin Taylor

Absent:            Councilman Timothy Lindecamp

Staff Present:  Randy Robertson, City Manager; Phyllis Grover, Director of Planning and Community Development; Kyle Torster, Director of Department of Public Works; and Monica Correll, City Clerk

C) Business Topics

C.1 Ordinance No. 18-O-33, Amendment of FY 2019 Budget (3) (For Introduction) (Sponsor/s needed) [1st meeting]

      Memo-Justification for Main Street Coordinator.pdf

      Ordinance No. 18-O-33, Amendment of FY 2019 Budget (3).pdf

      Spreadsheet of FY 2019 Budget Amendment (3).pdf

Mr. Robertson and Ms. Grover explained that the City received designation as a Main Street Affiliate in 2016 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Main Street Maryland Program. She asked the Council to consider approval for a part-time, contractual position for the period of January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 with a starting salary of $19,000, for the sole purpose of being the ambassador for the downtown. A budget amendment was required. Councilman Taylor and Councilwoman Landbeck agreed to sponsor the Ordinance.

A motion was made by Councilman Melvin Taylor and seconded by Councilwoman Sandra Landbeck to introduce Ordinance No. 18-O-33, Amendment of FY 2019 Budget (3). The motion carried by a vote of 4 – yes; 0 – no; 1 – absent.

Ayes:      Mayor Patrick McGrady, Councilman Steven Goodin, Councilwoman Sandra Landbeck, Councilman Melvin Taylor

Nays:      None

Absent:   Councilman Timothy Lindecamp

C.2 Options on Use of 2017 & 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds

      Memo-CDBG Use of Funds FY18-19.pdf

Ms. Grover said that the City receives a HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award from Harford County Government annual, based on a formula allocation. The Fiscal Year 2018 award was $90,026.84 and the Fiscal Year 2019 award was $105,806.00. Ms. Grover recommended that the combined award of $195,832.84 be used for aesthetic improvements in the downtown area to include benches, trash cans, lighting, works of art, and other architectural features. Information was provided to the Council for consideration for a future decision.

C.3 Land Use Subcommittee Report, I-95 Growth Areas - W. Paul Thompson, Sr., Chairman of the Harford County Economic Development Advisory Board/Land Use Subcommittee

Mr. Thompson reported that the Economic Development Advisory Board and Land Use Subcommittee donated their time to look at the Aberdeen annexation area for the of west of I-95 property and viewed it as an opportunity to: 1) avoid AG preservation, and 2) hemming the City in for future, upscale, dense growth along the I-95 corridor. There would be potential for added manufacturing programs at the Aberdeen University Center, health care, high-end residential, dense town center opportunities, and walkable connections along entire section. Over a period of time, economic trends would compete for resources and the costs for the resources would increase at a higher rate than the returns, creating a challenge near the end. He advised that while planning for the west side, to focus energy and finances in the TOD area for the next 5 years. During the next economic cycle, then pursue the other opportunities on the west side. Council discussion followed and Councilwoman Landbeck noted that the Planning Commission was currently looking at the Comprehensive Plan and that this should be coordinated. Mr. Thompson offered his time in future endeavors.

D) Closed Meeting

D.1 Statutory Authority to Close Session, MD Code Annotated, General Provisions Article, §3-305(b): (7) "To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice"; (8) "To consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation." Topic: contractual matter. Reason for closed session discussion of topic: to protect the Council deliberative process. Location: second floor administrative conference room. Council will return to reopen meeting in Council Chambers when finished.

      10-15-18 Written Statement for Closing a Meeting.pdf

A motion was made by Mayor Patrick McGrady and seconded by Councilman Steven Goodin to close a meeting under Statutory Authority to Close Session, MD Code Annotated, General Provisions Article, §3-305(b): (7) "to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice" ; (8) "to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation." Topic was a contract matter. Reason for closed session discussion of topic: to protect the Council deliberative process. The motion carried by a vote of 4 – yes; 0 – no; 1 – absent.

Ayes:      Mayor Patrick McGrady, Councilman Steven Goodin, Councilwoman Sandra Landbeck, Councilman Melvin Taylor

Nays:      None

Absent:  Councilman Timothy Lindecamp

The meeting was closed at 7:45 p.m.

E) Adjournment

The Council reopened the meeting in the Council Chambers at 9:34 p.m. and being no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m.

https://aberdeenmd.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=aberdeenmd_bc0123f3-5930-41d5-ac69-54f7a18df8e3.pdf&view=1