City Council Meeting Minutes June 17, 2019 Havre de GraceCity Council Meeting Minutes June 17, 2019 June 17, 2019 Ordinance 1020 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. Mr. J.W. Walker- Chairman of Street and Traffic Safety Advisory Board- spoke on behalf of the Advisory Board, proffered a few amendments made by the advisory board. The public hearing is closed 7:04 The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on June 17, 2019 at 7: 05 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 Council Member Ringsaker. A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Zinner to approve the council meeting minutes of the June 3, 2019. Motion carries 4-0 with Council Member Tomarchio abstaining from the vote due to her absence at the last meeting. A motion was made by Council Member Zinner and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to approve the closed meeting minutes of June 3, 2019. Motion carries 4-0 with Council Member Tomarchio abstaining from the vote due to her absence at the last council meeting. (Closed Session Minutes- See attached.) Comments from citizens on agenda items: None Presentations: Mr. John O’Neill- MD Transportation Authority gave a presentation on the cashless tolling program. Mr. Dave Layfield of Greenstreet Housing gave a presentation of a concept plan for the property at 1921 Pulaski Highway which would need to be annexed into the city. Oath of Office- Mayor Martin administered the Oath of Office to Officer Jacqueline Dalton. Ordinances: Ordinance 1021- Second reading and adoption AN ORDINANCE BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND AND SECTION 37 OF THE HAVRE DE GRACE CITY CHARTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING THE CITY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020, BY DESIGNATING THE ANNUAL PROJECTION OF ANTICIPATED REVENUES AND PROPOSED AUTHORIZED EXPENSES FOR THE CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020. A motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Zinner to introduce Ordinance 1021 on second reading. Motion carries 5-0. After the header was read,a motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CP Glen to adopt Ordinance 1021. Motion carries 5-0. New Business: A motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Ringsaker to approve Budget Amendment 2019-09, which concerns the transfer of $2,000 for the Youth Commission. Motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by CM Tomarchio and seconded by CM Robertson to approved the First Friday Amendment- additional street closure at St. John and Legion Square. Motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Tomarchio to approve the Arts, Wine and Jazz Fest on August 3, 2019 at the Lock House Museum. Motion carries 5-0 Directors Report: Mr. Patrick Sypolt: The Havre de Grace Youth Sailing Program summer sessions are underway at Hutchins Park. The Program is a nonprofit, community oriented sailing organization offering basic and competitive dinghy sailing instruction, maritime safety instruction providing water personal development, confidence and character building opportunities for the youth in our region. For more information please visit their website at: hdgyouthsailing.org Join us on Friday, June 21st, and every Friday night in June and July for the summer series of Concerts in the Park at Tydings Park. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a free concert on the waterfront. This Friday features Deer Creek playing classic rock music. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The concert series is sponsored by the Havre de Grace Arts Commission. Also on Friday, the Cultural Center at the Opera House is featuring the Pyxis Piano Quartet. Celebrating 10 years as ensemble in residence at the Delaware Art Museum, this sparkling chamber ensemble will perform Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia Duo for violin and cello. Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor and Piazzolla Histoire du Tango, arranged for Piano Quartet by Pyxis’ violinist, Luigi Mazzochi. Show time is 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd, the Maritime Museum will be hosting the Maryland Boating Safety Course. This course satisfies the requirements for operating a vessel on Maryland waters and a Maryland Department of Natural Resources Certificate of Boating Safety Education is issued upon satisfactory completion. Instructors teach two sessions followed by a test (attendance at both sessions is required). The Maritime Museum is located at 100 Lafayette St., HdG. The course runs from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 on both days. The cost is $35.00. To register please email: safeboating2207@gmail.com or text: 443-504-3880. Also on Saturday, it’s the Gravity Youth Festival. The Havre de Grace Youth Commission will be hosting the inaugural Gravity Youth Festival on June 22, from 1-5 pm at the Lock House Museum. This fun filled event is geared toward the youth of our community. There will be a stage with performances by bands: Middle of No Where, the Tony Hancock Trio, Restore Church, and other local artists. Onsite activities include corn hole, dunking booth, jousting and more. The event is FREE to attend. Food trucks and vendors will be onsite for food and merchandise purchasing. The Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Festival will be held on Saturday, June 22, from 3 – 7 p.m. at Concord Point Park in HdG. Come celebrate the LGBTQIA community, enjoy art, music, food and culture at the area’s only PRIDE festival. This event is sponsored by St. Johns Episcopal Church. And yet again on Saturday, June 22nd, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and running until 9:00 it’s the 3rd Annual HdG Maritime Museum Shrimp and BBQ Fest at Hutchins Park under the Festival Tent. The menu includes: Old Bay steamed shrimp; Nic’s Rub pork ribs; pulled pork; BBQ chicken; salad, water; sodas; wine; beer; coffee and dessert. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and bingo pop-openers. Tickets are $40.00 and can be purchased at the HdG Maritime Museum; the HdG Visitor’s Center or by contacting Mary Leavens at 410-939-4800. All proceeds benefit the HdG Maritime Museum and the Environmental Center programs. On Thursday, June 27th, Roger Girke & The Wandering Souls will be performing at the HdG Maritime Museum. Roger Girke is a blues playing, singer and song writer whose career has spanned over 4,000 live shows, concerts and festivals, with numerous recording sessions and releases. The concert takes place in the main gallery. Admission is $15.00 per person, no reservations necessary. Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and drinks will be sold on the premises. On Saturday, June 29th, it’s the third annual All You Can Eat Breakfast, hosted by the Weedon-Elliott VFW Post 8126. This kick-off for the 4th of July week will be held at the HdG Community Center, located at 100 Lagaret Ln. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00. The menu includes: scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, gravy & biscuits, pancakes, juice, coffee, water and much more. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, kids 12 and under, $5.00. Military discount is $5.00. $12.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Kerri Roman at 410-459-9783; and also at the VFW located at 300 Lodge Ln as well as the HdG Visitor Center. 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 mid November. The market opens at 9:00 a.m. and runs until noon. Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning Looks forward to working with Council the following night at Public Work Session on Sign Code. Also looks forward to further discussion with the Planning Committee on the Blenheim Run Property annexation. A friendly reminder to citizens to make sure they are cutting their grass and keeping their properties attractive, especially with the upcoming 4th of July holiday Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- Will be participating with the Maryland Economic Development Association in the Emerging Ag Tour sponsored by the Dorchester County Economic Development team on Wednesday, June 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is on the Medical Cannabis industry and is inclusive of hemp processing and cultivation facilities, as well as CBD and tincture facilities and how they operate within the state of Maryland. There will also be a tour of the Harriet Tubman Visitors Center and trail network with a best practices presentation. A free webinar will be held at the Harford County Office of Community and Economic Development, 2021-D Pulaski Hwy., on Feeding the Masses and Your Economy, regarding farm to table, restaurants, breweries, farm markets and cottage industries. The webinar is from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and is through the International Economic Development Council. The Joint Harford and Cecil County Chambers of Commerce will hold a mixer at Hollywood Casino in Perryville on Thursday, June 27, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Havre de Grace Office of Economic Development is a sponsor for this event. Will also be participating in a Maryland Historic Trust Non-Capital Historic preservation grant program training on Wednesday, June 26, in Crownsville MD. Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance Thanked Council for Adopting Ordinance 1021 (FY 2020 Budget) Thanked Council for Approving Budget Amendment 2019-09 Presented Financial Status for City Fund 1 = $1.65 million Fund Balance – $800,000 > Budget Expectations (Salaries/Benefits $600,000 < Budget, Tax Revenues $200,000 > Budget) Fund 9 = $150,000 Fund Balance – $425,000 < Budget Expectations (Metered Water/Sewer Fees) Fund 8 = $350,000 Fund Balance – $50,000 > Budget Expectations (Fuel Costs) Joe Conaway- Director of Public WorksMr. Conaway announced that Dumpster Days will be held on July 13th located on Wilson St and Bloomsbury in the old Tranquility area. Hours are 8 am to noon, or until dumpsters are full. Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department Chief Walter reminded citizens with school getting out for the summer, to please pay attention when driving, to kids playing, riding bikes, folks attending the many special events, to no drive distracted. Chief Walter thanked those who supported the Law Enforcement Torch run for MD Special Olympics by purchasing t-shirts or hats. Business from Mayor Martin Mayor Martin thanked the council for the passage of the budget. Water rate and tax rate is the same however a $10 fee per month infrastructure replacement fee will be applied to your bill. This fee will be used to replace aging water pipes. Dumpster Days will be held on July 13th from 8-noon on Bloomsbury Ave. Mayor Martin announced that Mr. Tim Whittie will be returning as the Director of Public Works. Mayor Martin announced the City of HDG hosted Lt . Governor, met with him about the potential use of HMH when it eventually closes. Congratulations to Harford Leadership Academy Graduates Lauri O and CM Carolyn Zinner. Thanked the Independence Day for a successful carnival. Business from Council: Council Member Tomarchio CM Tomarchio thanked the Street and Traffic Advisory Board for attending. The City is a vibrant community with many events. The Pride Festival will be held on June 22 at Concord Point Park. Asks citizens to come out and support. Wished David Craig a Happy 70th Birthday. Council Member Robertson CM Robertson thanked all the employees for making every event in the City successful. The Youth Festival will be held on June 22 at the Lock House Museum. Family Night at the Legion will take place on June 24. Attended the Pirate Festival and thanked Julie Runkhe for organizing the event. The Economic Development Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. this Wednesday, June 20, at City Hall. The Harford Leadership Academy Class of 2019 graduated last Thursday, June 13, with my colleague Councilwoman Carolyn Zinner and Havre de Grace’s Tourism manager Lauri Orziewicz graduating that evening. In addition, Class of 2018 graduate Erika Quesenbery was chosen as the alumni of the year for her class of 39 graduates. The Yard at Coakley’s and Coakley’s Next Door held an official opening and we have a few other new businesses to report in Havre de Grace. We are expecting an official grand opening to be held with ITekFed and Increditek at 1101 Revolution Street in the coming weeks and with Kuzma Technical Enterprises at 601 Revolution Street as well. Panoramic View Vacations, is a home based business that has received its business license in Havre de Grace as has Hutschenreuter Consulting Services, Family for families, LLC, and Glass Half Full Consulting. Council Member Zinner CM Zinner thanked all the volunteers that worked with the Jazz Festival. The Independence Day Commission will meet on June 19th. Council Member Ringsaker CM Ringsaker thanked the Mayor and Council for the budget. Thanked the Independence Day for a fun and successful carnival. Council Member Martin- Absent Business from Council President Glenn: CP Glenn attended many events over the last few weeks. Attended the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development awards. A few recognitions go out to Allen Fair – Citizen of the Year; Jolene Forrester (Joretro) – Good Neighbor Award; Nick Contis and Kim Barth (La Banque de Fleuve-Wedding Reception Venue & the SeaPlane Base)-Regional Awareness Award; Kunal “Kenny” Shah(Lyon’s Pharmacy- 125 Years); Business of the Year; Bangs Properties – Most Improved Property Attended the Carnival sponsored by the Independence Day Commission and thanked them for their hard work in keeping the Carnival going. CP Glenn thanked his parents for all their support during the time he was battling with cancer. Comments from Citizens: Joe K- Mr. K is concerned with the process of changes to legislation from first reading to second reading. A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Robertson to adjourn at 9:25 pm. Motion carries 5-0 Summary of Closed Session For inclusion with Minutes of City Council Meeting June 3, 2019 Date and time of Closed Session: June 3, 2019 9:55 PM Place: Havre de Grace City Hall, Mayor’s office, 711 Pennington Ave, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 Authority under Section 3-305 for the closed session: General Provision Article 3-305(b)(1) to discuss the appointment, employment and compensation for the new DPW Director. Purposes: To consider the employment contract of the new DPW director and discuss the qualifications of the candidate for the position. Members who voted to meet in closed session: CP Glenn, CM Martin, CM Ringsaker, CM Zinner, CM Robertson. (CM Tomarchio-absent) Persons attending closed session: Council President Glenn; CM Martin; CM Ringsaker; CM Robertson; CM Zinner; Chief of Staff Gamatoria; Director of Administration Sypolt; City Attorney Ishak; Mayor Martin. Topics actually discussed: The City published the position and only one candidate applied, former DPW Director Tim Whittie. Qualifications of the candidate for employment as Director of the Department of Public Works and contract terms were reviewed. Actions taken: CM Martin made a motion, seconded by CM Zinner to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Mr. Whittie as the Director of DPW on the terms proposed. Vote 5-0 in favor of Mr. Whittie’s appointment. Motion to adjourn by CM Robertson, second by CM Martin. Vote 5-0 to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 10:20 PM.
