City Council Meeting Minutes August 5, 2019 Havre de GraceCity Council Meeting Minutes August 5, 2019 August 5, 2019 The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on August 5, 2019 at 7: 00 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding and the following Council Members present: Council Member’s, Glenn, Robertson, Ringsaker, Zinner, Boyer and Martin. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martin and the opening prayer was led by Pastor Ron Tabor. A motion was made by Council Member Boyer and seconded by Council Member Zinner to approve the council meeting minutes of the July 15, 2019. Motion carried 6-0. Comments from citizens on agenda items: None Presentations: Mrs. Julia Downer and Mrs. Cindy Height presented the 2019 Art Show poster to Mayor Martin. Appointments: A motion was made by CM Boyer and seconded by CM Martin to appoint Carrie Parsons to the Street and Traffic Safety Advisory Board; motion carried 6-0. Mayor Martin administered the Oath of Office. A motion was made by CM Boyer and seconded by CM Zinner to approve the re-appointment of Annette White to the Street and Traffic Safety Advisory; motion carried 6-0 A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Ringsaker to approve the re-appointment of Charles Packard to the Board of Appeals; motion carried 6-0 A motion was made by CM Zinner and seconded by CM Robertson to approve the re-appointment of Tyler Buck to the Historic Preservation Commission; motion carried 6-0 Ordinances: Ordinance 1019: Second reading and adoption (CM Ringsaker) AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY PROVIDED BY THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XI-E, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, AND CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 33 AND 34 DELETING AND REPLACING CITY CODE CHAPTER 151, SIGNS, IN ITS ENTIRETY IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH NEW REGULATORY SIGN STANDARDS. A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Robertson to introduce Ordinance 1019 on second reading; motion carried 6-0. After the header was read into the record, a motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Robertson to adopt Ordinance 1019; motion carried 6-0. Ethics Ordinance: First Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XI-E, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE, AND CITY CHARTER SECTION 33 AND 34, AMENDING THE CITY CODE SECTION 67: ETHICS A motion was made by Council Member Martin and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to introduce Ordinance 1023 on first reading; motion carried 6-0. After the header was read and assigned a number, a motion was made by CM Boyer and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adopt Ordinance 1023 on first reading. Motion carried 6-0 A public hearing is scheduled for August 19, 2019. New Business: A motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Zinner to approve the amendment to the Art Show Application – to add a beer garden and exhibitors to the swale such as a fire truck and police dog demonstrations. Motion carried 6-0 Directors Report: Mr. Patrick Sypolt: Director of Administration “On behalf of the entire Administration I would like to offer our sincere Congratulations to all the standing members reappointed to their respective commissions and boards and to our newest member. You have our commitment in assisting you in your various rolls and with any questions you may have in the performance of your tasks. Also on Saturday, August 10th our American Legion, Post No. 47 will be hosting Commander Crabby’s Seafood Festival at the Post from noon until 4:00. The crab feast features all you can eat: Maryland steamed crabs, crab soup, hot dogs, fried chicken, meatballs, salad, mashed potatoes, watermelon, chips/pretzels, cake soda and beer. There will also be a kids zone and music by the Andy McIntyre Band. Tickets are $55.00 for adults, children under 12 are $15.00. For tickets call 484-459-5683. On Sunday, August 11, it’s the inaugural Steppingstone Folk and Bluegrass Festival at the Steppingstone Farm Museum. Come on out to Steppingstone Farm Museum for an afternoon of music, food, beer and fun. Start the day with exciting new and local pickers, Joe & Co. Then groove to the beautiful folk sounds of Under the Oak Tree a Philadelphia-based group. The finale features the legendary Ken and Brad Kolodner with Charm City Junction bringing down the house. This promises to be a great day, with awesome music, good friends and beautiful scenery up on the farm. Tickets are $30.00 per person, the festivities begins at noon and runs until 6:00 p.m. This is a rain or shine event. On Saturday August 17th and continuing to August 18th, it’s the 56th Annual Havre de Grace Art Show at Tydings Park. The Havre de Grace Art Show proudly showcases the talents of artists and craftsman from throughout the country. Come enjoy live entertainment, children’s entertainment and a variety of specialty foods and more. All the proceeds from the show benefit Soroptimist of Havre de Grace. The organization rewards Harford and Cecil County deserving young women for their community services and academic excellence through scholarships and awards. On Saturday and every Saturday, the Farmers’ Market continues in fine fashion at the Community Pavilion at Hutchins Park. They are open every Saturday, rain or shine, from now until the end of November, the market opens at 9:00 a.m. and runs until noon. If you missed any of these announcements please visit our web sites at explorehavredegrace.com or hdgoperahouse.org for a complete listing of all of the events happening in our fine City.” Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning Mr. Grimm thanked Council for passing the Sign Code. He appreciated meeting with Council members to work through the issues and answer questions. Information was given to citizens regarding meetings being held by MDTA for all electronic tolling on I-95. The Planning Commission will be meeting on August 12th at 6:30pm to review a variance request for an enclosed deck. Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- Mrs. Sturgill stated she was recently added to the Susquehanna Workforce Network Business Engagement Committee, which will be meeting tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m., at their office on Girard Street. The featured speaker will be Sue Nappi who is the Executive Director of the Army Alliance. The Maryland Association of Counties or MACO Summer Conference is next week, August 14 through 20, and will be attending with meetings scheduled with experts in their fields on done craft legislation, google cloud and checkpoint software, data protection from cyber attack, and Maryland’s Small Cell Rollout for 5G. On Wednesday, there is a special session on Small Business Excellence and initiatives. Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance Mr. Dehority gave a financial recap. Tim Whittie- Director of Public Works Mr. Whittie gave an update on the project on Warren St. Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department Chief Walter reminded citizens to beware of social security scams. Chief Walter announced National Night Out is scheduled for August 6th. Business from Mayor Martin Mayor Martin announced the new cigarette disposal stations that have been installed throughout the City. Mayor Martin stated the next date for Dumpster Day will be announced at the next meeting. Mayor Martin commented on the loss of Former Mayor Phil Barker. Business from Council: Council Member Robertson: Next Tuesday, August 13, the Chesapeake Professional Women’s Network will hold their August networking event at La Banque de Fleuve sponsored by Allied Phillips. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has reviewed and given approval and official certification to Havre de Grace’s Sustainability Renewal Plan. The original plan was written in 2012 and expired in 2017, with the renewal drafted by Economic Development in 2016 and submitted in 2017. The approval was received from the state in July 2019 and the next renewal, required in order for the city to continue to seek and receive grant funding, will be in 2022. Council Member Zinner: CM Zinner attended the ribbon cutting for Delegate Johsnson’s new office. The Historic Preservation Commission and Independence Day Commission will meet on 8/13. The Arts Commission will meet on 8/27/19. Council Member Boyer: CM Boyer announced the Street and Traffic Safety Advisory Board will meet on 8/26. School starts on September 3 and the Homecoming Parade will be held on October 11th. This will be the last parade before moving into the new school. Council Member Ringsaker: CM Ringsaker stated the season for practices is upon us and to watch for pedestrian traffic. CM Ringsaker announced the Toy Run for the Shriners Hospital was a success and thanked Mayor, Chris Ricci, and Patrick for participating. Council Member Martin: CM Martin announced the W/S Sewer Commission will meet on 8/9. The Peach Festival will be held at Webster Church on August 10. The Tourism Advisory Board will meet on 8/14. CM Martin announced that he was nominated again for the MML Legislation Committee and will be attending upcoming meetings. CM Martin wished his wife Debbie Martin a wonderful birthday. Business from Council President Glenn: CP Glenn sent his sympathy and deepest condolences to the family of Phil Barker. Thoughts go out to the Junior Softball team for their disqualification. Met with the new Executive Director of LSHG. Bridgette Carty. Continues to work on several hot topics such as the water line. Comments from Citizens: Carrie Parsons- 840 Otsego St. Feels the EMC’s would be beneficial if regulated and used for emergency preparedness. A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adjourn at 8:38 pm. Motion carries 6-0
