Harford News

Harford County Joppa/Joppatowne Community Advisory Board met Oct. 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Joppa/Joppatowne Community Advisory Board meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Meetings are held at the Harford County Sheriff's Office Southern Precinct, 1305 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood, MD 21040.

Meeting Number 34 was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Paula Mullis, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of Meeting Number 33 were motioned for approval by Dion Guthrie and seconded by Ron Sollod. CAB members present were Paula Mullis, Gloria Moon, Doris G. Carey, Fran Salbeck, Ron Sollod, Dion Guthrie and J.J. McQueen. Absent from the meeting was James B. Lyons, III.

Special guests and community members who gave presentations were Captain Peter Georgiades, Harford County Sheriff’s Office; Sylvia W. Bryant, Deputy Director of the Department of Community Services; Jansen Robinson, Board of Education Member; Donna Blasdell, Legislative Aide to Councilman Mike Perrone; Barbara Risacher; Adam Shellenbarger; Dion Guthrie; Russ Brown; Bill Temmink; Sue Sapp, aide to Councilman Slutzky; and a representative from Senator Cassilly’s office. A schedule of Legislative Sessions was shared from the office of Council President Richard C. Slutzky.

Sheriff’s Office/Community Policing Report by Captain Peter Georgiades

Captain Georgiades reported on the Joppa/Joppatowne Community Crime Report for September 1 – September 30, 2018. He said that crime statistics are coming in quicker and more accurately. The Sheriff’s Office is seeing a decrease in the stats coming into the county. He shared a new program in the county called “Handle with Care” that is supportive of students. Schools are taking a different approach by monitoring students who may have a family drug problem. Georgiades explained the red flag laws. There are three separate laws included which are Secure Case Search; Search, which includes a pretrial condition which is not a bad thing according to Peter; Gun Transfer; and extreme risk protective order. These bills can be found through HB1302 and HB819. He also stated that lawmakers and police want to do the right thing and act on laws before them. Captain Georgiades discussed at length issues brought by the community. He was thanked for his report.

Sylvia Bryant, Deputy Director of the Department of Community Services

Sylvia Bryant, Deputy Director of the Department of Community Services shared many activities that are happening throughout the County during the month of October and into November. She shared the community resource guide that is on the website. Several campaigns are going on through the month of October to include “Socktober” where collection of socks, mittens, hats and gloves to benefit Harford County homeless and veterans, Harford County Second Chance Job and Resource Fair where employers give a second chance at getting a job. Sylvia shared many other outstanding programs that are happening throughout the County. The County government is working for the members of the community. There will also be a Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, November 10, 2018, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Bel Air Armory. Go to Harfordcountymd.gov if you have questions concerning any of the activities.

Jansen Robinson – Board of Education Update

Jansen Robinson, Board of Education member, reminded the community about the Listen and Learn Tour being done by the new Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools, Dr. Sean Bulson. Jansen reminded all that there is an advocacy for vocational education in the Joppa/Edgewood area. He said that the County Executive, Community College President as well as the school board have an interest in working together to have vocational education in the area. The new superintendent is interested in learning what the concerns are in the county. The community needs to be involved in what happens in our schools. Adam Shellenbarger attended the listen and learn tour at Magnolia Middle School and shared what was learned at the meeting. Adam stated that the conversation for the evening centered around four questions: (1) what do you believe, (2) what should we celebrate, (3) what are the schools doing to inspire the students to prepare them for careers and college, and (4) what do you suggest? No solutions were presented. The superintendent believes schools need to have the freedom to do what is best for their students. The superintendent suggested that the community must decide what the broad investments for our schools are. He mentioned that Superintendent Bulson will host a culminating Listen and Learn tour event at Harford Technical High School on October 29 at 6:30 pm. Jansen and Adam were thanked for their presentations.

Joppa Development and Heritage Corporation

Barbara Risacher of the Joppa Development and Heritage Corporation reported that the next meeting will take place on October 10 at 6:30 pm at Joppatowne Christian Church. She stated that Judy Rose has been working on communicating with State Highway Administration representatives concerning improvements – sidewalks, crosswalks and bridge repairs. Gloria Moon has been keeping us informed concerning zoning issues and the changes in the Magnolia Neighborhood Overlay District bill. Changes to the MNOD legislation will allow developers to opt out of the MNOD requirements. Barbara also mentioned that a demonstration project will be put in Joppatowne at Mariner Point Park, because we have an important part of the green infrastructure along the Little Gunpowder. Members of the Heritage club noted that the biannual cleanup at Mariner Point Park will be held on Saturday, October 6, from 9 am – 12 pm. The community members were invited to come and support the effort also. A grant is being worked on to receive funds from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to improve the waterways in the county. Ms. Risacher also shared a flyer on the Copley Parish Historic Fall Festival that will be held Saturday, October 20 beginning at 11 am; rain date will be October 27th. She was thanked for her report.

Bill Temmink stated that the number one source of mud in our rivers is new construction, followed by farm runoff. There is a survey out asking our elected officials to monitor new construction sites. It is being suggested that the community support the survey.

Joppa Development and Heritage Corporation member, Russ Brown, discussed briefly the results of testing the waterways at Mariner Point Park. He believes that pressure needs to be put on the health department to test the waterways in Harford County. There seems to be dangerous water in the Gunpowder and Marina Point Park at times and some community members are not aware of it. It was suggested that the government needs to be involved inside Harford County to clear up the water and to keep constituents safe.

On October 15, there will be an art festival at the Mariner Point Park. Seventy five vendors will be in the park. It will be a great day. Everyone is invited to attend. Participants should park at the Joppatowne High School. Two shuttle busses will take people to the park.

County Council Update- Donna Blasdell for Councilman Mike Perrone, Jr.

Donna Blasdell, Legislative Aide to Councilman Perrone said there are three final meetings left for this term. A public hearing will be held on 7 bills. Interested community members can sign up ahead of time to speak on any of the bills.

Community Update from Community Council Members

Dion Guthrie reported that the parade committee is planning for next year’s parade which will be on July 6, 2019 in Edgewood. The carnival will still be in Joppatowne; however the date has not yet been set. He said that this will be the last year that he and Dianna will be in charge of the parade; they have run it for 14 years. Everything is in order for someone else to be in charge of the parade.

Ron Sollod shared many safety tips and facts about escape planning in case of fire. He also shared information concerning heating and safety. He encouraged everyone to be warm and safe this winter. October is stroke month. He reminded all that Upper Chesapeake offers classes on how to learn about and recognize stroke victims. Ron shared that all of the firefighters are volunteers. The companies will not exist without donations.

Paula Mullis congratulated the community on being a very proactive group. Much is being done in our area by active community members.

Gloria Moon will help interested constituents who may need some suggestions on how to articulate their feelings on various bills. She said interested members may email her.

Doris Carey expressed appreciation to the Heritage Club and volunteers for their excellent work in beautifying Mariner Point Park. Many users of the park comment often about how great it is to have such a beautiful park to enjoy. She also thanked Gloria Moon for her generosity in offering those who would like to participate in speaking or writing to their elected officials some suggestions on how that can be done.

J.J. McQueen challenged the group about supporting others through volunteerism by stating what “hill he would be interested in dying on.” His hill would be education by supporting people who need help, those needing geriatric care and through civic engagement.

Adam Shellenbarger announced that the dates his church will host the homeless shelter next year are January 2 – 9 and Jan30 – February 6, 2019.

The meeting adjourned 9:10 pm.

https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10012018-1004