Harford News

City of Havre de Grace Council met Oct. 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Public Hearing Ordinance 1009

An 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

Kirk Smith: 120 S. Washington St. Mr. Smith thanked Council Member Ringsaker for the amendments to Ordinance 1009.

Mike Tarquini: 608 Lafayette St: Mr. Tarquini thanked Council Member Ringsaker for the proposed amendments and is satisfied with the changes.

A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Robertson to suspend the rules to adopt Ordinance 1009 under item 13A. Motion carries 5-0

The public hearing was closed at 7:11 p.m.

The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on October 15, 2018 at 7:11 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding and the following Council Members Present: Council Member’s Glenn, Martin, Tomarchio, Robertson and Ringsaker. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martin and the opening prayer was led by Pastor James Snodgrass of St. John’s Episcopal Church. A motion was made by Council Member Martin and seconded by Council Member Robertson to approve the council meeting minutes of October 1, 2018. Motion carries 5-0.

Comments from Citizens on Agenda Items: None

Presentations: Mrs. Rebecca Jessop; Executive Director of the Cultural Arts Center. Mrs. Jessop reported 13,000 visitors came through the first season that the Cultural Arts Center opened. There are several ways to support the Cultural Arts Center- one can attend events, purchase a chair, or make a monetary donation.

Recognitions: Acer Exhibits and Electrostatic Finishing Components and Systems (EFC) were presented with a recognition for Economic Development Week.

Appointments: A motion was made by Council Member Tomarchio and seconded by Council President Glenn to approve the re-appointments of Charles Packard, Jr. and John P. Correri, Jr. to the Street and Traffic Safety Advisory Board. Motion carries 5-0.

Resolutions: A Resolution By The Mayor And City Council Of Havre De Grace, Maryland, Pursuant To Section 34 Of The City Charter And The Local Government Article Of The Annotated Code Of Maryland To Authorize The Mayor To Enter Into An Amended Memorandum Of Understanding With The Havre De Grace Alliance, Inc. To Outline The Collaborative Relationship Between The City And The Havre De Grace Alliance, Inc.

A motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to introduce Resolution 2018-19; motion carries 5-0. After the Resolution was read into the record and the rationale was explained, a motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to adopt Resolution 2018-19; Motion carries 5- 0.

Ordinances: An 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 President Glenn to introduce Ordinance 1009 on second reading; motion carries 5-0. After the header was read and the rationale of the ordinance was explained, a motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Robertson to adopt Ordinance 1009 as amended; Motion carries 5-0 on roll call vote. The following amendments were distributed to council and adopted.

1. The Havre de Grace City Code Chapter 31 Building Construction Article 1 Property Maintenance Code is modified with the language shown in bold and italicized to be added, and language in [brackets] to be deleted.

Chapter 31 Building Construction Article I Property Maintenance Code

Section 31-2 Amendments

The International Property Maintenance Code 2015 shall be adopted with the following amendments:. Z. New Section 302.10, Storage of junk, boats, appliances and furniture, shall be added as follows: "It shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant, lessor, lessee, tenant and/or person, firm or corporation in control of any lot, lots, parcels or tracts of land within the City to permit any junk, trash, refuse, debris, piled brush and branches, unused construction materials, garbage, or rubbish; abandoned or inoperable bicycles, boats, boat trailers, mopeds, motor vehicle parts, i.e., batteries, tires, fenders, rims, etc., or abandoned appliances, equipment, or furniture to remain on any such lot, lots, parcels or tracts of land.[if] where the Department of Planning determines that such materials or items are dangerous, detrimental or cause a nuisance to the adjoining properties or the public health and safety and welfare of the City or are the nesting place for vermin. 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. Definitions contained Section 31-2(S), shall be amended as follows: Section 202.0 General Definitions: shall have added to it these additional definitions as follows: 1. "Junk Yard: Any land or building licensed and used for abandonment, storage, keeping , collecting or bailing of paper, rags, scrap metals, other scrap, discarded materials or junk for the purpose of abandonment, demolition, dismantling, storage, recycling or salvaging. Proper business licensing required." 2. " Open Storage Areas": Property areas used for storage of materials that are related to the occupation of the property owner and/or lessee." 3. "Salvage Yards": Property area upon which any person or business stores three or more wrecked vehicles outdoors for the purpose of dismantling or otherwise wrecking the vehicles to remove parts for sale or for use in an automotive repair or rebuilding business. Any auto salvage business must be properly licensed. 4. "Surface Coat": All exterior siding and millwork shall be scraped to a sound base and sanded smooth. Scraped and sanded areas shall have joints and cracks filled and shall be primed with exterior primer paint. Following this preparation, all exterior siding and millwork shall be painted with two coats of exterior quality paint.” 5. "Bicycles, Boat Trailers, Mopeds and other Motor Vehicles": The same as the definitions provided under Title 11 of the Transportation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended, respectively. 6. "Boats": Every description of watercraft, including jet skis, wave- runners, or an ice boat that is used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water or ice but does not include a seaplane, canoe, kayak, sculling boat, paddle board or similar recreational equipment. 7. "Inoperable": Unable to function in a manner or condition consistent with or similar to the design operation for which it was intended, regardless of modification. 8. "Noxious Matters": Debris, garbage, junk, noxious odors, rubbish and trash·, abandoned or inoperable bicycles, boats, boat trailers, mopeds or motor vehicles; abandoned appliances, furniture or parts thereof and or any other matter or condition as determined to be detrimental to the adjoining properties or the public health, safety, and welfare.

Old Business: A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to approve the amended Holly Jolly First Friday special event application. Motion carries 5-0.

Directors Report:

Mr. Patrick Sypolt: Mr. Sypolt and several employees attend FEMA training at the United States Department of Homeland Security Center for Domestic Preparedness in Alabama. Mr. Sypolt Sypolt gave an update on city events.

Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning: City staff attended Incident Command training in Anniston, Alabama last week at the Center for Domestic Preparedness. Given the recent hurricanes down south, this was excellent training to prepare City staff for emergency events.

The Planning Commission and Board of Appeals will be reviewing a 6 lot townhouse subdivision at 100 Alliance Street. The Planning Commission meets on 10/29 and the Board of Appeals meets on 11/5. The agenda and a copy of the site plan is available on the City webpage under "Agendas". The plan can be downloaded and enlarged.

Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development Maryland Economic Development Week is October 21 to 27 and Havre de Grace has a number of businesses that are celebrating an anniversary this year, or who have opened in Havre de Grace between September 2017 and September 2018. Including Acer and EFC, other businesses celebrating anniversaries are: 15 Years - East Coast Tire; 25 Years - Smucker’s Natural Beverages; 35 Years -Ashley’s Addiction and Treatment Services which began as Father Martin’s Ashley; 40 Years -Bomboy’s Candy Fender Enterprises Founded January 1, 1978; 45 Years -Fence by Fenner founded June 1, 1973 50 Years- St. John’s Towers; 65 Years-Tidewater Marina 70 Years -WHGM Smash Hits; Ryan’s Furniture

Mrs. Teresa Gardner: Director of Public Works: Mrs. Gardner stated the dredging contract is out for bid. Mrs. Gardner announced the handicap swing has been relocated to a favorable location for use. During the next few weeks, improvements near the Pickleball court will begin; such as a pavilion picnic tables and benches.

Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance: Mr. DeHority stated the slip renewals will be mailed this week. Mr. DeHority gave a financial performance review.

Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department Chief Walter announced in to bring awareness to of Domestic Violence Month, a purple ribbon will be placed near the lighthouse.

Business from Mayor Martin: Mayor Martin stated the City of HDG hosted Lt. Governor Boy Rutherford on October 2, 2018. The tour included many new additions to Tydings Park, the Marine Boat 552 and the sustainable water quality project. Mayor Martin announced the passing of Senator Joseph Tydings and sends his condolences. Mayor Martin toured Harbor of Grace with CEO Ken Beyer. Mayor Martin announced that Council President Dave Glenn was inducted into the HHS Hall of Fame. Mayor Martin also stated he participated in the Halloween Parade, attended the homecoming parade, Oktoberfest and Library Gala. Announced the Up-lighting will be pink Monday October 15-21 for breast cancer awareness.

Business from Council:

Council Member Robertson: As part of Maryland Economic Development, the Havre de Grace Office will be participating in the fall conference in Allegheny County, Sunday through Tuesday, October 21 to 23, with a program on site selection and recruitment for industrial and manufacturing companies. Last week the office represented the city at the Maryland Municipal League fall conference in Annapolis. Very happy to report that the long awaited and much anticipated George’s Original Chicken officially had a soft opening today. We would like to welcome George and Richard back home to Havre de Grace and in our downtown district. The City Economic Development Advisory Board, will hold a Board Retreat tomorrow, Tuesday, October 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Havre de Grace Community Center at 100 Lagaret Lane. The all-volunteer board will review their organizational mission, priorities and interests during this local retreat in order to serve in a better advisory capacity to the office of economic development and Mayor and Council. All of their meetings are open to the public. The Budget and Finance will meet on October 26, 2018 @ 4pm.

Council Member Tomarchio: CM Tomarchio thanked the Mayor and Council for supporting awareness for domestic violence. CM Tomarchio thanked the community for supporting the HHS Parade, a special thanks given to Mrs. Dena Cardwell for organizing the parade and volunteering in the community.

Council Member Ringsaker: CM Ringsaker thanked Mr. Grimm for mentoring the Planning Commission. CM Ringsaker thanked Dena Cardwell for organizing the HHS Homecoming Parade. CM Ringsaker thanked the Tourism Department and the numerous volunteers who made Oktoberfest successful.

Council Member Martin: CM Martin announced the proposed Ethics Ordinance was sent to the State for review. CM Martin announced he attended the MML Fall Conference and various topics were discussed- however small cell towers was a hot topic.

Business from Council President: Council President Glenn attended the Caliber Collison event associated with “recycled rides”. During the event, Caliber Collison along with Geico donated a refurbished car to U.S. Air Force veteran, Franchette Farley, as a thank you for her service. Council President Glenn also attended the car show and Oktoberfest at the American Legion. Commended Jim Boatman and Ben Dimauro for a great event. The Maryland Department of Transportation evaluates major transportation projects through a project based scoring model as required by the Maryland Open Transportation Investment Decision Act. Havre de Grace has been placed as number 2 for the US 40/Otsego/Ohio Street project. While this is great news, we still need to ensure that the State funds the project. We will engage our State Delegation in an effort to get on the SHA 5 year Capital improvement Program. Council President Glenn congratulated the HHS on a great homecoming weekend. Council President wished his wife a Happy Anniversary.

Comments from Citizens: Reggie Bishop- 615 Green Street; Director and Caretaker of St. James United Cemetery on Graceview Drive: Organizing a cleanup day on October 26th and 27th starting at 11am.

Fred Wills: 311 D. Red Head Way: The annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on November 22, 2018 at the Community Center. For information on how to participate, volunteer and donate, please call 410-939- 5412; 443-243-7493. Bob Robinson- HdG, MD: Mr. Robinson has a concern with how an officer treated him when he fell asleep in the car while waiting for a herd of deer to cross the road. Kirk Smith; 120 S. Washington St. Mr. Smith commended our DPW team and Stephanie Noye for the work around the Maritime Museum.

A motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Tomarchio to adjourn at 8:34 P.M. Motion carries 5-0.

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