Harford News

City of Havre de Grace Council met Oct. 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on October 1, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding and the following Council Members Present: Council Member’s Glenn, Martin, Worrell, Tomarchio, Robertson and Ringsaker. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martin and the opening prayer was led by Pastor Ron Taber. A motion was made by Council Member Martin and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to approve the council meeting minutes of September 17, 2018. Motion carries 6-0.

Comments from Citizens on Agenda Items: None

Recognitions: The following students were recognizes as Student of the Month Havre de Grace Elementary School: Adrianna Saenphimmachak Meadowvale Elementary School: Yeam Zakari Havre de Grace Middle School: Lacey Swart Havre de Grace High School: Emily Curry

Proclamations: (Presented by Mayor Martin) A proclamation was presented to Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill and Mr. Warren Hartenstein for Economic Development Week.

Resolutions: A Resolution By The Mayor And City Council Of Havre De Grace, Maryland, Pursuant To The Local Government Article Of The Annotated Code Of Maryland And Section 34 Of The City Charter To Authorize The Mayor To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Understanding With The Woods Of Bayview Homeowners Association

A motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Worrell to introduce Resolution 2018-18; motion carries 6-0. After the header was read and the rationale of the Resolution was explained, a motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Robertson to adopt Resolution 2017-18. Motion carries 6-0

Ordinances: Ordinance By The Mayor And City Council Of Havre De Grace Adopted Pursuant To The Authority Of Article Xi-E Of The Maryland Constitution, Article 23a Of The Annotated Code Of Maryland And Sections 33 And 34 Of The Havre De Grace City Charter, For The Purpose Of Amending Havre De Grace City Code Chapter 31, Article I, Property Maintenance Code Sections 31-2 (S) Titled "General Definitions" And 31-2(Z) Titled "Storage Of Junk, Appliances And Furniture" To Include Certain Restrictions On Boat Storage.

A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Robertson to introduce Ordinance 1009 for amendments- motion carries 6-0. After the header was read, a motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council President to adopt the following amendments. (bold and underlined) In the case of a boat, it must have a current registration; be situated upon a boat trailer that also has a current registration, and is in operational condition. No boat(s) shall be stored on private property that has a hull registration size of 30' or greater without first obtaining a permit from the City. All permits for storage of boats 30’ or greater, shall be made in writing to the City’s Director of Planning with a copy sent to the Director of Administration and Council President. All permits shall be valid for seasonal storage purposes and are renewable upon approval of subsequent letters of request. All requests must contain proof of current registration and are subject to inspection of the boat and property to ensure the boat has not become a nuisance or danger. Any denied or expired requests for permitted seasonal storage require removal of the boat from the property within 60 days. A boat may be placed on blocks or cribbing for not more than one year. A property owner shall not have more than two registered and tagged boats and/or boat trailers parked or stored on a property, unless the property owner is operating as a licensed boat storage or boat operations business in accordance with all applicable zoning and other applicable laws or the property owner holds a valid Maryland State Commercial Fishing or Crabbing License. Boats that are stored inside an approved enclosed structure are exempt from this section of the code

On roll call vote- the amendments were adopted 6-0. A public hearing on the amendments is scheduled on October 15, 2018 at 7pm.

New Business: A motion was made by Council Member Worrell and seconded by Council Member Robertson to approve the special event application for Movie Night at the Park; Sponsored by Agape Church and Restore Church; October 20, 2018; Motion carries, 6-0. A motion was made by Council Member Martin and seconded by Council Member Robertson to approve the special event application for the American Legion Oktoberfest; Use of David Craig Park; October 6, 2018. Motion carries 6-0.

A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to approve Budget Amendment 2019-02. Motion carries 6-0

Directors Report:

Mr. Patrick Sypolt: Mr. Sypolt gave an overview of the upcoming events. To view events announced please visit www.explorehavredegracemd.com

Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning: Shane Grimm and Dianne Klair attended the County's Green Infrastructure meeting last week. There was a lot of good information presented. Citizens can review the draft plan on the County's Green Infrastructure webpage.

Department staff met with Ms. Lisa Hoerger of the Critical Area Commission to discuss the update to our program. Mr. Hoerger has done a considerable amount of work in helping us with the revisions that will make it easier to understand and less work for staff. We will keep citizens informed of the date of the public meeting that will be held by the Critical Area Commission to discuss the mapping changes.

Permits for the first quarter of the fiscal year of 2019 are down when compared to the same time period the past 2 years; however, we have received 20 new construction permits.

Planning staff is continuing to work to improve processes in the Department, particularly demolition procedures.

Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development Congratulations to Jolene Forrester of Jo Retro for an outstanding Pyrex Fest. The weather was perfect and the crowds were massive at some points she had a line from her front door up Washington Street to Congress Avenue.

We presented a certificate of recognition to St. John’s Towers for their 50th anniversary and for Harford County’s Business Appreciation Week and will have over two dozen recognitions for new businesses and those celebrating milestone anniversaries distributed October 21 through 27 for Economic Development Week.

Mrs. Teresa Gardner: Director of Public Works: Mrs. Gardner gave a paving project update.

Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance: Mr. DeHority gave a financial overview and states we are moving in a positive direction.

Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department Chief Walter commended the HDG Police Department for participating in Cops on Rooftops and raising over $3400 for the MD Special Olympics. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and department is selling pink patches to fundraise for this worthy cause. The HDG Police Department is partnering with the SARC to bring awareness of early signs of domestic violence.

Business from Mayor Martin: Mayor Martin announced that on September 21, eighteen Ukrainian Mayors visited HDG to understand our form of government and public policy. Mayor Martin attended the Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day Brunch hosted by Senior Commander Major General Randy Taylor. The featured speaker was Dr. Jill Biden.

Business from Council:

Council Member Robertson: Havre de Grace Economic Development Office will be participating tomorrow in the Mid-Atlantic Food, Beverage and Lodging Expo in Hunt Valley. The expo is focusing this year on the craft beverage industry and the trend toward boutique hotel, brewery and distillery combinations.

The City will participating in the Maryland Economic Development Association’s Economic Development Week October 21 through 27 with special awards for our local businesses and attending the fall conference at Rocky Gap to meet with site selection brokers in manufacturing.

Thanked everyone for attending Family Night at the Legion.

Council Member Tomarchio: Council Member Tomarchio paid tribute to Mrs. Virginia Wetter. Council Member Tomarchio announced the Homecoming Parade is October 13. Council Member Tomarchio is excited to get more involved with SARC by brining awareness of domestic violence to the community.

Council Member Ringsaker: Council Member Ringsaker commended the Havre de Grace Police Department organizing a drug prevention class his football team.

Council Member Martin: Council Member Martin will be attending the Fall MML Conference. Asked citizens to thank the Elected Officials in Annapolis for passing the Highway User fund for 2019.

Council Member Worrell: Council Member Worrell made a heart-felt statement about her resignation. CM Worrell accepted a position with APGFCU as the Director of Business Development. She made a personal decision to step down for the HDG City Council. Holding both positions would not be fair to the citizens, new employer, her family or herself. Therefore, this evening is her last meeting as a Council Member.

Business from Council President: Council President Glenn attended the HDG Alliance meeting- Johnny Boker was voted in a President for the coming year. Council President Glenn participated in the Blessings in a Backpack program at HDG Elementary School. Council President kicked off the Out of Darkness Walk this past Saturday which was designed to raise awareness for Suicide Prevention. Council President Glenn attended Cops of Roof Tops to support the Special Olympics. Council President Glenn announced at this time both the Girls Volleyball Team and the Boys Football Team are undefeated. Council President Glenn took the opportunity to thank CM Worrell and thank her for her service on behalf of the residents of Havre de Grace. Monica served on exceptional levels and she will be sorely missed by the Mayor, Council and citizens.

Comments from Citizens: Mr. Bob Robinson: P.O. Box 996 W. Bel Air Ave, Aberdeen, MD 21001. Mr. Robinson gave a generalized update on his residency.

A motion was made by Council Member Worrell and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to adjourn at 9:16 P.M. Motion carries 5-1 with CM Robertson Opposing.

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