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    City Council Meeting Minutes July 15, 2019

    1. Havre de Grace
    2. City Council Meeting Minutes July 15, 2019

    July 15, 2019

    The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on June 15, 2019 at 7: 02 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 Evangelist Gene Proud. A motion was made by Council Member Boyer and seconded by Council Member Robertson to approve the council meeting minutes of the July 1, 2019.  Motion carries 5-0 with CM Martin abstaining from the vote since he was absent at the last council meeting. 

    Comments from citizens on agenda items:

    Carrie Parson- 840 Otsego St. Ms. Parson’s supplied a document that she deferred reading into the record. The summary of the document was a variety of “violations of the code”. 

    Gene Proud: 46 Sugarberry Court- Mr. Proud asked Council for the support for the Blessing of the Bay special event application. 

    Presentations: The Historic Preservation Commission announced their recipients for Beautification Awards which include 414 Green St., 724 Water St., and 728 Fountain St. The Historic Preservation Commission also recognized Bastille Day with the French National Anthem. 

    Appointments: 

    A motion was made by  CM Boyer and seconded by CP Glenn to approve the re-appointment of J.W. Walker to the Street and Traffic Safety Advisory Board, Moton carries 6-0

    A motion was made by CM Zinner and seconded by CM Boyer to approve the re-appointments of Jean Johnson and Ellen Eltgroth to the Historic Preservation Commission. Motion carries 6-0

    Resolutions: 

    A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, (“CITY”) PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF ARTICLE XI-E OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND, THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 23A OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, AND SECTION 76 OF THE CHARTER OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, TO APPROVE A LEASE OF A PORTION OF CITY PROPERTY TO THE HAVRE DE GRACE ALLIANCE, INC (“ALLIANCE”) 

    A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CP Ringsaker to introduce Resolution 2019-09. Moton carries 6-0.  After the header was read into the record and assigned a number, a motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Martin to adopt Resolution 2019-09; motion carries 6-0. 

    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 II, SECTION 205-13, ENTITLED “DEFINITIONS” BY MODIFYING THE DEFINITION OF MUSEUM AND DEFINING WHERE SUCH USES ARE PERMITTED

    A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Martin to introduce Ordinance 1022 on second reading. Motion carries 6-0; After the header was read and the rationale of Ordinance was explained, a motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adopt Ordinance 1022. Motion carries 6-0

     New Business: 

    A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Ringsaker to approve the SHCO Crab Feast on August 31. 2019 at Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park. Motion carries 6-0

    A motion was made by CM Martin and seconded by CM Boyer to approve the Blessings by the Bay event on September 15, 2019 at Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park. Motion carries 6-0

    Directors Report:

    Mr. Patrick Sypolt: Director of Administration 

    On Thursday and every Thursday until mid-September the Sailboat Races occur just out from Hutchins Park. Sponsored by the Havre de Grace Yacht Club. Race time is at 6:15 p.m.

    On Friday, the summer concert series of Concerts in the Park continues at Tydings Park. This week it’s Summer Nights, playing country music. 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, 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.

    On Friday, August 2nd, the City will be hosting the 4th First Fridays of 2019. Come out and visit with your friends; shop our many eclectic shops and local artisans, listen to live music and partake of our fine restaurants. The festivities begins at 5:00 p.m.

    Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning

    The Community Input Meeting for Harbour Hills Development at the Community Center is scheduled on Thursday, July 16 at 6pm.

    The Planning Commission work session is scheduled to hear a presentation from the developer of Blenheim Run apartments on July 22 in City Hall at 6:30pm.

    Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- Absent 

    Mr. Sypolt presented comments: 

    Congratulated the Maritime Museum for being awarded the $13,788 through the Maryland Heritage Areas program under the LSHG for their Underground Railroad Exhibit and Interpretation. 

    Try Muller-Thym and Thymly Products, Inc located on Juniata Street was recognized by the Susquehanna Workforce Network . 

    APGFCU was named one of the best in the state credit unions by Forbes magazine, ranking #4 out of 84 credit unions in Maryland and in top 182 of the 5,448 credit unions nationwide. 

    Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance

    Mr. DeHority stated Fund 1 has grown by 90K, Fund 8 is at $470,000 as expected and Fund 9 is at $730,000. 

    Tim Whittie- Director of Public Works

    The resurfacing project will begin soon. 

    Will be advertising for the 2020 paving contractor. 

    We received notice to proceed on the Warren St. 12in sewer line. 

    Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department 

    Chief Walter announced National Night Out will be held on August 6th from 6-8pm. 

    Business from Mayor Martin 

    Mayor Martin expressed well wishes for former councilman Mitch Shank

    The new water fountain downtown has been installed. 

    The fireworks that were canceled on July 6 have been rescheduled for August 24- which is the Waterfront Festival. 

    Dumpster Day  was July 13. This was a successful and we will have another date in the future. 

    Business from Council:  

    Council Member Boyer: 

    CM Boyer announced the Street and Traffic Safety Advisory Board will meet on July 22 at 6pm. 

    CM Boyer announced the Tree Commission needs volunteers for the tree survey. 

    CM Boyer had the opportunity to be a guest on the Summer Breeze. 

    Council Member Robertson:

    CM Robertson announced the Youth Commission will meet on July 24 at 7pm

    CM Roberston announced the Family Night will be held on July 29 at the Legion. 

    CM Robertson thanked the Police Department, DPW, and  volunteers for making the Independence Day Festivities safe. 

    The American Legion Crab Feast will be held on August 10 from 12-4pm. 

    Council Member Zinner:

    CM Zinner congratulated the Independence Day Commission for executing a wonderful day of festivities for the City. 

    CM Zinner congratulated the recipients of the Beautification Awards. 

    CM Zinner will be attending the Harford Leadership Academy on Wednesday. 

    The Arts Commission will meet Tuesday July 23rd. 

    Council Member Ringsaker:

    CM Ringsaker announced he participated in six parades during the July 4 Holiday. 

    CM Ringsaker also announced that his daughter will be having  back surgery on August 22nd for her scoliosis. 

    The Wage and Benefit meeting is canceled due to out of town commitment. 

    Council Member Martin:

    CM Martin announced the Water and Sewer will meet July 19 at 3pm. 

    CM Martin announced the Peach Festival will be held at Webster Church on August 10. 

    Business from Council President Glenn:

    A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Ringsaker to officially name Hutchins Park Tent- 

    “The Community Pavilion at Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park” Motion carries 6-0

    The Admin Committee met and discussed several topics that include the free standing medical facility, the plans to sell water to Aberdeen, ongoing litigation regarding the opioid Crisis,  Electric Trolley and the on-going efforts to pursue the auditorium./gymnasium. 

    CP Glenn commended the Independence Commission for their dedication  and ongoing efforts to showcase the City. 

    Dumpster Days was a success. 

    The Sign Ordinance is being reviewed and will go before Council at the next meeting for adoption. 

    CP Glenn extended thoughts and prayers to Comptroller Franchot for the loss of his father. 

    CP Glenn asked for prayers for former council members John Correri, Barbara Wagner, and Mitch Shank as they battle medical issues. 

    CP Glenn congratulated Stu Chapman who was recently inducted into the HCPS Educators Hall of Fame after 44 years of extraordinary service. 

    CP Glenn recognized the HDG Little League Girls Junior All-Stars who captured the State Title and will be headed to Connecticut to compete in the East Regionals. 

    Comments from Citizens: 

    Kirk Smith 120 S.Washington St. and Tammy Jamerson: Gave an update on the harvesting from the victory garden. 

    Camay Murphy- 564 Green St. – Proposed a Fench Festival in honor of Bastille Day. 

    Charles Lowe: Concerned with the appearance of Angel Hill Cemetery. 

    Bob Robinson: Wishes Mitch Shank a quick recovery.  

    A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adjourn at 8:41pm pm. Motion carries 6-0