City Council Meeting Minutes July 1, 2019

    A Public Hearing was called to order at 7:00 p.m  concerning Ordinance 1022

    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 AMENDING THE CITY CODE CHAPTER 205: ZONING, ARTICLE II, SECTION 205-13, ENTITLED “DEFINITIONS” BY MODIFYING THE DEFINITION OF MUSEUM AND DEFINING WHERE SUCH USES ARE PERMITTED.

    No Citizen Comments noted. 

    The public hearing was closed at 7:02pm. 

    The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on June 1, 2019 at 7: 02 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding and the following Council Members present: Council Member’s, Glenn, Robertson, Ringsaker, Zinner and Tomarchio. Council Member Martin was absent.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martin and the opening prayer was led by Pastor Norman Obenshain. A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Zinner to approve the council meeting minutes of the June 17, 2019Motion carries 5-0 

    Comments from citizens on agenda items: None 

    Recognitions: 

    Chief Walter announced 7 department promotions. They include, Sgt. Jonathan Sova, Sgt. Brian Daniels, Sgt. Daniel Petz, Cpl. Jeremy Lathroum, Cpl. Philip Goertz, Cpl. Anthony Molesky and Cpl. Bertram Brown.

    Appointments: 

    A motion was made by CM Zinner and seconded by CM Robertson to approve the appointment of Mr. Kevin Purcell to the Historic Preservation Commission. Motion carries 5-0

    Oath of Office- Mayor Martin administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Kevin Purcell. 

    Ordinances: 

    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 AMENDING THE CITY CODE CHAPTER 205: ZONING, ARTICLE I, GENERAL PROVISIONS, SECTION 205-11, ENTITLED “PERFORMANCE STANDARDS” BY REVISING THE TRAFFIC STANDARDS

    A motion was by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Zinner to introduce Ordinance 1020 on second reading. Motion carries 5-0. After the header was read into the record, a motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Robertson to adopt Ordinance 1020; under the question- CM Tomarchio made a motion to  insert the word Mayor so he would be a part of the approval process, motion seconded by CM Zinner. Motion fails, with 4 against the motion and CM Tomarchio for the motion. Under the question- a motion was made by CM Tomarchio and seconded by CM Robertson to add “date of report” on line 70 and the line would read The conclusion of the TIA shall be valid for 2 years from the date of the report. On roll call vote- motion fails 4 against and CM Tomarchio for the motion. 

    Ordnance 1020 is adopted on a roll call vote 4-1 with CM Zinner opposing. 

     New Business: 

    A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Tomarchio to approve the lease agreement for 700 Market St. Motion carries 5-0 

    A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Tomarchio to approve the lease agreement for  615 S. Union Ave. Motion carries 5-0

    Directors Report:

    Mr. Patrick Sypolt: 

    “City Hall will be closed Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day. City Hall will reopen on Monday, July 8th at 8:00 a.m.

    On Friday, July 5th, the City will be hosting First Fridays downtown. Come shop our many eclectic shops and local artisans, listen to live music and partake of our fine restaurants and lounges. The festivities begins at 5:00 p.m. As a reminder, we are closing the 400 block of St. John St. for better pedestrian flow and as an added level to safety for everyone visiting our event.

    Also on Friday, the summer concert series of Concerts in the Park continues at Tydings Park. This Friday feature performers are the Middle of Nowhere. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. This is a free event as is all the concert in the park series and will continue every Friday evening now through the end of July.

    On Saturday, July 7th, the Farmers’ Market continues in fine fashion under the Festival Tent at Hutchins Park. They are open every Saturday, rain or shine, from now until the end of November, the market begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until noon.

    Also on Saturday, the City will be celebrating Independence Day. Come join us for the best Independence Day parade around. Please get here early for a great viewing spot along Union Avenue. The theme for this year’s celebration is: Havre de Grace Honors First Responders, the event will focus on honoring and recognizing local first responder. Following the parade, join us at Hutchins Park for the Amish Outlaws concert, music starts at 7:00 p.m. There will also be live family concert at Concord Point Park beginning at 7:00 p.m. Speaking of fireworks, the fireworks display will be at 9:15 p.m., shot from the barge off of Concord Point. There is great viewing of the fireworks display all along the shoreline.

    On Sunday, July 7th, the Steppingstone Farm Museum will be hosting “Summer Fun Day”.  Enjoy a great family day with lawnmower racing, an antique car and tractor show, music, children’s crafts and games. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students, children under 12 are FREE.

    On Saturday, July 13th, our own American Legion Post #47 is sponsoring “Christmas in July”. Stop by to get the best in handmade craft items, candles, and candy by numerous vendors. It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping. This event begins at 9:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post #47, located at 501 St. John Street.”

    Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning

    Mr. Grimm stated his office is staying busy but will defer his time this evening to Chief Walter. 

    Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- 

    “The Growth Coach Business and Sales Consulting with Mark Ford

    Unlimited Art at 102 N. Washington Street, with Shawn Forton opening soon

    Nails  by Nikki is now open at 425 St. John Street

    Impressions by Charm II Salon is opening this Saturday at 320 St. John Street

    Sunrise Cleaners at 1022 Pulaski Hwy. is under new ownership 

    T&C Cleaners which has been at 409 N. Union Avenue since the early 1960s has closed due to a retirement and will now be converted to an art gallery in the A&E District”

    Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance

    Mr. Dehority wished everyone a happy fiscal year. 

     Tim Whittie- Director of Public Works

    Mr. Whittie stated the paving for FY19 will be wrapping up. 

    Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department 

    Chief Walter played a video – America the Beautiful. 

    Business from Mayor Martin 

    The Independence Day Celebration is Saturday, July 6. The Fireworks will be set off a barge and the Amish Outlaws will be performing at Hutchins Park. 

    The VFW will host their annual all you can eat breakfast on June 29th at the Community Center. 

    Attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Yard at Coakelys on June 27th. 

    City Wide Dumpster Days is Saturday July 13th, 2019 8-noon. 

    Attended the Change of Command Ceremony for the outgoing MG Randy Taylor and incoming MG Kilgo. 

    Attended and spoke at the inaugural Pride Festival on June 22. 

    Business from Council:  

    Council Member Tomarchio

    CM Tomarchio welcomed back Mr. Tim Whittie. 

    Attended MML for the first time and attended classes. 

    Attended the Pride Festival – was happy to see the success of the event. Everyone felt safe, loved and freedom was exhibited. 

    CM Tomarchio officially announced that her name has legally changed to Cassandra Boyer. 

    Council Member Robertson

    CM Robertson announced the Budget and Finance committee will meet in September. 

    The American Legion will host the installation of new officers on July 10th. 

    Christmas in July will be held July 13 at the American Legion. 

    The American Legion will host a crab feast on August 10th. 

    The Water and Sewer Commission will meet on July 12th at 3pm. 

    The Youth Commission will meet on July 18th. 

    Thanked everyone is organized the inaugural Youth Day. 

    Attended the Pride Festival. 

    Council Member Zinner 

    CM Zinner recognized the Independence Day Commission, especially Taryn Martin for creating a brand to make this parade a successful event. She is looking forward to volunteering on Saturday. 

    CM Zinner attended the MML Conference for the first time and was happy to be the Flag Bearer. 

    The HPC will meet next Tuesday at 7pm. 

    Council Member Ringsaker

    CM Ringsaker attended the Pride Festival , Youth Festival, MML. 

    CM Ringsaker wishes Troop 965 good luck as they travel to Horseshoe Camp. 

    The Wage and Benefit will meet on July 16th at 6:30pm. 

    Council Member Martin- Absent 

    Business from Council President Glenn:

    CP Glenn welcomed back Mr. Whittie 

    CP Glenn attended the Change of Command Ceremony on APG. 

    The Sign Ordinance will be forthcoming as there are additional amendments. 

    Also attended MML with other council members and had the opportunity to network with counterparts from other municipalities and state elected officials. 

    Comments from Citizens: 

    Mr. Bob Robinson- Thanked CM Boyer for her thoroughness when reviewing and proposing changes to the traffic performance standards.  

    Mr. Al Caffo- Fountain St. – Will be volunteering at the Maritime Museum this weekend and welcomes the Lockwood at the pier to the public. 

    A motion was made by CP Glenn  and seconded by CM Tomarchio to adjourn at 8:45pm pm. Motion carries 5-0