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    City Council Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019

    1. Havre de Grace
    2. City Council Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019

    September  16, 2019

    The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on September 16, 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 Father James Snodgrass. A motion was made by Council Member Zinner and seconded by Council Member Martin to approve the council meeting minutes of September 3, 2019.  Motion carried 6-0. 

    Comments from citizens on agenda items: 

    1. Melvin Stachura 316 S. Stokes St.  Would like council to approve the demolition of 315 S. Stokes St. due to long standing issues that have never been resolved. 
    2. Carrie Parsons 840 Otsego St. – is troubled by the number of attendees at the council meetings. Reminded citizens to attend to express their likes and dislikes. Urges CM Robertson to engage “get out and vote” with the Youth Commission. 
    3. Mr. Joe K- Tydings Road- Supports the mayor term for referendum but is not in favor of the 3 years terms as written.  Mr. K is not in favor of the water capital cost recovery relief for a developer and could be setting a precedent for future actions. 
    4. Kirk Smith- 120 S. Washington St- Supports the three year term for Mayor. 
    5. Jim Miller- 320 Lewis St- wanted to follow up to Ms. Parsons’s – stated no one is required to attend meetings or vote.   Also suggested to put everyone on a three year term. Mr. Miller also made it clear that he is opposed to giving anyone a break on water especially since adding the quarterly fee. 

    Recognitions: The Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse was recognized for their efforts in preserving and maintaining  the lighthouse. 

    Resolutions: 

    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, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, AND THE HAVRE DE GRACE CITY CHARTER SECTION 19 AMENDING CITY CHARTER SECTION 17 CHANGING THE TERM OF THE MAYOR FROM TWO YEARS TO THREE YEARS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE AT THE NEXT MAYORAL ELECTION SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE CITIZENS OF HAVRE DE GRACE

    A motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to introduce Charter Amendment Resolution. Motion carries 6-0,  the header was read and assigned number 284. A public hearing is scheduled for November 4th. This will give ample time for notification to the public. 

     New Business: 

    A motion was made by Council Member Martin and seconded by Council Member Robertson to approve the 47th Candlelight Tour on December 14, 2019. Motion carries 6-0

    A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by CM Ringsaker to approve the Veterans Day Parade on 11/11/19. Motion carries 4-2 with CP Glenn and CM Martin opposing the parade. 

    A motion was made by Council Member Martin and seconded by Council Member Robertson to approve the connection waiver fee for 315 Stokes St.  Motion carries 3-3 with CP Glenn, CM Ringaker and Tomarchio opposing. The motion fails 3-3 with a tie vote. 

    Directors Report:

    Patrick Sypolt- Director of Administration: 

    “The Maryland Lighthouse Challenge 2019 begins on Saturday, September 21st and continuing into Sunday. The challenge is a weekend-long event in which the general public is invited to visit the land-accessible lighthouses of Maryland. Complimentary souvenirs are given at each participating lighthouse, with a special souvenir for visiting all nine. For more information visit the lighthouse website at: concordpointlighthouse.org .

    On Saturday, September 21st , at our K-9 Cody Dog Park it’s the Bark for Life of Harford Counting. The American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life is a fundraising event honoring the life-long contributions of our Canine Caregivers. It presents an opportunity for people to be empowered through their canine partnerships and to contribute to cancer cures and missions of the American Cancer Society. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., opening ceremonies will begin at 9:15 a.m. There will be a Fun Walk, K-9 Officer demonstrations, a dog massage demonstration and a costume contest. For our first time visitors to the park it is located at 100 Lagaret Lane, behind the Community Center.

    Opening on Friday, September 20th and running through Sunday, September 29th, The Tidewater Players presents A Few Good Men at the Cultural Center at the Opera House. This Broadway hit sizzles on stage as it centers around the trial of two Marines for complicity in the death of a fellow Marine at Guantanamo Bay. Lt. Daniel Kaffee, (Tom Cruise) a callow young Navy lawyer more interested in softball games than the case, expects a plea bargain and a cover-up of what really happened. Prodded by Lt. Joanne Galloway (Demi Moore) of his defense team, Kaffee eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in so doing, puts the military mentality and the Marine code of honor on trial. A Few Good Men contains adult language and adult situations. It is not recommended for children. Visit the Tidewater Players website for show times and about upcoming shows at :www.tidewaterplayers.com .

    Also on Saturday, September 21st, celebrate your love of Pyrex and everything vintage. Have fun vintage shopping with over 50 guest vendors on Pennington Avenue in downtown HdG. There will be gifts for the first 50 customers. Enter the Pyrex Giveaway and enjoy Pyrex themed refreshments. The Pyrex and Vintage Fest is a free semiannual event sponsored by the Havre de Grace Alliance and hosted by JoRetro. The show begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs till 3:00 p.m

    On Tuesday, September 24th, come out and join others for a ramble along the HdG Promenade as they look for residential and migrating birds and butterflies. Professor Colleen Webster leads the way for Wings Over Water. They will meet in front of the Maritime Museum. A limited number of binoculars are available so if you have your own, please bring them. No registration is required as this is a free event. The “ramble” begins at 5:30 p.m.

    The Susquehanna River Running will be held on Saturday, September 28th beginning at 8:00 a.m. The festival features a half marathon, a 2-person half marathon relay and a 5k. The half marathon and relay course is relatively flat and fast touring historic HdG, crossing the Hatem Bridge, taking in sweeping views of the Susquehanna River. There will be an after-party with live music and a beer garden to replenish those carbs. Free shuttle bus service will be provided. For more information please visit their website: susquehannarunfest.org .

    The Steppingstone Farm Museum will be hosting their annual Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 28th & 29th , from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The festival features pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, hayrides, craft vendors, demonstrations of historical trades, live music, food, kids activities and more. Admission is $10.00 for adults and children 12 & under are free.

    On Thursday, October 3rd, enjoy an evening of music from Crosby Stills and Nash, the Beatles, Chicago, Alan Parsons, Steely Dan, Supertramp, and the list goes on. It’s the Thursday Night Live concert series featuring Carey Ziegler’s Expensive Hobby at the beautifully adorned Cultural Arts Center at the Opera House. Show time is 8:00 p.m.

    Somewhat bittersweet, we will be celebrating our last outdoor First Friday of this season on Friday, October 4th. Enjoy a family-friendly, festive celebration within our five blocks of downtown. There are bands performing on most blocks, café seating at our fine restaurants, food trucks, artisans, store specials, kids zone, classic cars and more. This is truly a family-fun event that you don’t want to miss. The festivities begins at 5:00 p.m.

    The Havre de Grace Haunts Tours begins on Saturday, October 5th. Take a guided ghostly walking tour of historic HdG and learn about the ghosts tat haunt many of the buildings. Tours are 1.5 hours long and go out rain or shine. Tour dates are Friday and Saturdays in October, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The tours disembark from 217 N. Washington Street, a.k.a. Concord Point Coffee.

    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 Thanksgiving, the market opens at 9:00 a.m. and runs until noon.

    If you missed any of the events that I have mentioned this evening or to view the complete listing of events happening at our City please visit our website “Explore Havre de Grace.com” and “hdgoperahouse.org”.

    Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning

    “The Department of Planning has responded to SB234 regarding Forest Conservation requirements and mitigation banking.  We have informed DNR of how we handle fee in lieu and mitigation banking. As a small municipality, the SB does not significantly affect our program.  November 6th and 7th is the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association in Aberdeen.” 

    Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- 

    “Would like to recognize that ITekFed at 1101 Revolution Street will have an Open House and Grand Opening next Tuesday, September 24 for invited guests from 4 to 6 p.m.ITekFED is under the umbrella of Increditek, a disabled veteran owned company and defense contractor, that has grown from one employee in 2004 when it was founded by President and CEO Adam Pattisall, to 43 employees. They are consistently in the top five of largest veteran owned businesses in greater Baltimore – along with the Havre de Grace headquartered Acer Exhibits and Events, LLC.”

    “Mr. Adam Pattisall, is also on the Board of Directors for the Ed Reed Foundation and I was able to attend the Ed Reed Foundation Gala for his induction into the Hall of Fame this past Friday at the Four Seasons in Baltimore, as a guest of Mr. Pattisall.”

    Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance

    Mr. DeHority gave an update on Fund 9. 

    Tim Whittie- Director of Public Works

    Mr. Whittie announced the Warren St should be completed by the end of the month. 

    Paving on Camilla will begin this week. 

    Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department 

    Chief Walter announced National Coffee with a Cop will be held on October 2nd at the Dunkin Donuts from 7-9am. 

    Business from Mayor Martin 

    Mayor Martin shared his experience with Twinning with Mumbles. 

    The uplighting will be purple September 16-22,  in honor of Recovery Month. 

    Mayor Martin gave an update on Dumpster Days- and will schedule another one for Spring and Fall of 2020. 

    Business from Council:  

    Council Member Robertson:

    The Havre de Grace Economic Development Advisory Board will meet this Wednesday, September 18, in Council Chambers from 4 to 5 p.m.

    Also welcomed Maryland Vascular Specialists to Havre de Grace with their new office at 1500 Blenheim Dr., on Route 40 at the Bulle Rock Entrance. The new medical office provides expert consultations, a vascular lab, diagnostic ultrasounds, minimally invasive treatments and venous procedures.

    CM Robertson announced the budget and finance committee will be held on October 1, 2019 at 5:30, the Youth Commission will meet on September 26, 2019 and there will be a parade briefing at the legion on September 23. 

    Council Member Zinner:

    CM Zinner spoke about her experience in Mumbles. 

    The Arts Commission will be hosting lunch with Queen Victoria. 

    Council Member Boyer: 

    CM Boyer also spoke about her experience in Mumbles. 

    CM Boyer announced Career Day on APG will be held on October 19, 2019. 

    Council Member Ringsaker: No comments 

    Council Member Martin:

    CM  Martin gave a grant update. 

    CM Martin announced the legion riders will attend the funeral services for Captain Phil Brown on September 19.

    Business from Council President Glenn:

    “Shared our disappointment with Curtis Beulah regarding ongoing efforts to date. Given that County Executive Barry Glassman is unwilling to give us access to the water line, we are unwilling to “just take no” for an answer.  If the County Executive feels it is illegal, he needs to provide us with the supporting documentation that depicts that it is in fact illegal.We feel we are being held hostage.

    OPIOID SITUATION

    We filed a lawsuit on behalf of the City., Appears things are moving in our favor. Settlement against the respective manufacturers could be forthcoming.

    Amount has yet to be finalized.

    COUNCIL WORK SESSION

    I want to personally thank all who took time from their busy schedules to attend the first of three Council work sessions. It was a very informative session, and I would like to thank the members of the Water and Sewer Commission and members of the City Staff for their insight regarding the challenges associated with our aging infrastructure and the outstanding debt obligations on the books.

    WARRIOR PROUD

    (Latest results from County Sports Zone) Boy’s soccer team beat Joppatowne 8-7, Both Girl’s Varsity and JV prevailed over Harford Tech, Girl’s Field Hockey beat Bo Manor 2-0, Girl’s Soccer beat Bo Manor 2-0 and The Warrior Football beat CMW 21-13.  And last but certainly not least, it was recently announced that Paige Milanoski, Havre de Grace High School has been named as a finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year.  She is one of the seven finalists in the state. The winner will be announced on 10/25 at the Teacher of the Year gala at Martins West.”

    Comments from Citizens: 

    Mr. Jim Miller- Lewis Street- Stated the Council voted to save the water/sewer fund $18,000. 

    Mr. Miller also stated he supports the Veteran’s Day Parade.  

    A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adjourn at 8:38 pm. Motion carries 6-0