City Council Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 Havre de GraceCity Council Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 October 7, 2019 Council Meeting Proceedings The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on October 7, 2019 at 7: 00 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding. Council Members present: Glenn, Robertson, Ringsaker, Zinner, Boyer and Martin. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and opening prayer given. Council Member Martin moved to approve the council meeting minutes of September 16, 2019. Motion carried 6-0. Council President Glenn amended the Agenda to remove item number 12 concerning a proposed ordinance related to the discharge of firearms within the city limits. Comments from citizens on agenda items: Carrie Parsons – (840 Otsego Street). Debby Stathes – (615 Commerce Street) Recognitions: Mayor Martin presented recognitions for Students of The Month. Presentations: Ron Browning Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission presented the “Fleur De Lis” Medallion to mark the historic Lafayette Trail. Ed Rybczynski spoke on the Susquehanna River Running Festival. Resolutions: RESOLUTION 2019-10 A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, PURSUANT TO SECTION 33 AND 34 OF THE CITY CHARTER AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND CREATING THE “CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE CULTURAL EXCHANGE COMMISSION” TO FURTHER SUPPORT THE SOCIAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE AND MUMBLES, WALES AND REVIEW AND RECOMMEND ANY FUTURE “TWINNING” REQUESTS. A motion was made by Council Member Boyer(second by Council Member Martin) to introduce and adopt Resolution. 2019-10. Motion carries 6-0. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-11THE ANNEXATION PLAN FOR THE LAND OF 1921 PULASKI HIGHWAY TAX ID CONSISTING OF A TOTAL OF 8.83 ACRES MORE OR LESS. RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, ADOPTED PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XI-E AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECTION 4-405 WHICH REQUIRES THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF A MUNICIPALITY SEEKING TO ANNEX PROPERTY AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2006 TO ADOPT AN ANNEXATION PLAN FOR THE SUBJECT PROPERTY AND THAT THE ANNEXATION PLAN NOT BE PART OF THE ANNEXTION RESOLUTION. A motion was made by Council President Glenn (second by Council Member Ringsaker) to introduce and adopt Resolution #2019-11. Motion carries 6-0 ANNEXATION RESOLUTION NO. 285 A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, ADOPTED PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE XI – E AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE SUBTITLE 3: AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF CHARTER, AND SUBTITLE 4: ANNEXATION AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF A MUNICIPALITY TO ANNEX PROPERTY EXTENDING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE MUNICIPALITY UPON A PETITION FOR ANNEXATION, AND AMENDING THE CITY CHARTER, SPECIFICALLY APPENDIX A OF THE HAVRE DE GRACE CHARTER BY ADDING “SUBSECTION A.33 THE FIRST 2019 ADDITION TO THE CITY BOUNDARIES,” ALONG WITH THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACRES OF LAND WHICH WILL ENLARGE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE TO INCLUDE THE LAND OF 1921 PULASKI HIGHWAY CONSISTING OF A TOTAL OF 8.83 ACRES MORE OR LESS. A motion was made by Council President Glenn (second by Council Member Martin) to introduce Annexation Resolution #285. Motion carries 6-0. A public hearing will be set no earlier than November 18, 2019 after proper notice and publication. New Business: Special Events – A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker (second by Council Member Boyer) to approve the HHS Homecoming Parade on October 11, 2019. Motion carries 6-0. Directors Report: Patrick Sypolt- Director of Administration: Mr. Sypolt provided dates of upcoming events in Havre de Grace which are available on the tourism website at www.explorehavredegrace.com. Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning Mr. Grimm gave an update on residential building permits. Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- Was absent from Council Meeting. Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance gave the current financial condition of General Fund 1, Water/Sewer Fund 9 and Marina Fund 8. Tim Whittie- Director of Public Works gave an update of paving projects at various locations. All going as scheduled with more to come soon. Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department thanked the community and Dunkin Donuts for recent fundraising efforts and the Steppingstone Museum for support in recent police department training exercises. Business from Mayor Martin Mayor Martin highlighted his past event functions that he attended and welcomed ItekFed, a new veteran-owned business located on Revolution Street. The Mayor also reminded residents and guests of the upcoming Oktoberfest on October the 12 and the Oyster Feast event that will take place November 16. Proceeds from the Oyster Feast will benefit local nonprofits. Mayor Martin shared an update on the much needed new roof currently in progress at city hall. Business from Council: Council Member Martin: Spoke on the water sewer work session regarding the capital cost recovery.CM Martin announced that the Tourism Advisory Board will meet November 9th at 10:00am. Council Member Zinner: Spoke about Upper Chesapeake Hospital and the need to address the shortcomings of healthcare in our community. Council Member Boyer: The tree commission will meet October 24th at 7pm. Street and Traffic advisory board will meet October 28th here at City Hall. CM Boyer reminded everyone about Career Day on APG will be held on October 19, 2019. Council Member Ringsaker: Spoke on the Wage and Benefits Commission CM Ringsaker shared his recent visit with Scout Pack 965 Council Member Robertson: The Havre de Grace Office of Economic Development has signed up for the 10th Annual Small Business Saturday event to be a Neighborhood Champion for Havre de Grace on Saturday, November 30. Business from Council President Glenn: A motion to reconsider was made by CP Glenn(second by Council Member Ringsaker) to reconsider the vote on a motion by Council Member Martin concerning a water hookup for 315 S. Stokes Street which was defeated at the September 16, 2019 City Council meeting. The basis for the motion for reconsideration was presentation of new information. CP Glenn originally voted to oppose so had standing to raise the motion to reconsider as someone who voted on the prevailing side. The Motion to Reconsider carried 5-1 with CM Boyer opposed. CP Glenn called upon the Deputy Director of Public Works Shane Grimm, and the City Attorney to explain the purpose and rationale behind Motion. After discussion and consideration by Council members Council President Glenn then moved to adopt the Motion (second by Council Member Martin) to transfer one water hookup from Grace Reformed Church to 315 S. Stokes Street on the condition that the two Grace Reformed Church lots be consolidated on the tax map and the condemned building on the Grace Reformed property be demolished within 60 days. Motion carries 5-1 with CM Boyer opposed. CP Glenn made a Motion to enter into closed session at adjournment to discuss legal issues and to consult with staff concerning potential litigation involving a City contract. Closed meeting is permitted under Section 3-305(b)(7) and (b)(8). The reason for the closed meeting is that attorney client communications about potential litigation are entitled to confidentiality under the attorney-client privilege. Motion carries 6-0. Comments from Citizens: Allen Fair – 3 Concord Place. Kirk Smith – 120 S. Washington St. Mary Manguse – 840 Otsego St. Bob Robinson – Union Ave. Joe Kochenderfer – Tydings RD Jim Miller – 320 Lewis St. Adjournment: A motion was made by CP Glenn to adjourn at 9:59 pm. Motion carries 6-0 Video recording of the City Council Meeting may be viewed online through Harford Cable Network. Summary of Closed Session Meeting Minutes attached.
