City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing Week of Monday February 12, 2018

    City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing
    Week of Monday February 12, 2018

     
    Office of The Mayor:

    • On Saturday, February 10, 2018, The Susquehanna Hose Company President Joe Miller and Chief Scott Hurst presented an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Culture Center at the Opera House. The City of Havre de Grace would like to thank SHCO for their donation and unwavering commitment to the citizens of Havre de Grace.
    • By order of Mayor William T. Martin, the downtown district was illuminated blue Saturday, February 10, 2018 in honor of Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey and Deputy First Class Mark Logsdon of the Harford County Sheriff’s office. 


    Police Department:

    • Bourbon Street comes alive for Mardi Gras this year. Join in the festivities as we parade down Bourbon Street to Washington Street ending at American Legion on St. John’s Street. Starts Tuesday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m. Please be mindful of pedestrian traffic!
    • Havre de Grace Police has specially trained officers who teach Civil Response to an Active Shooter Events if you would like your company, organization, church, or club trained on this please contact Cpl. Petz at 410-939-2121 or danielp@havredegracemd.com and he will schedule this training for you.
    • If you know where any illegal drug activity is taking place around Havre de Grace please fill out the Havre de Grace Drug Tip Form https://goo.gl/SnD2v9 Together we can stop the drug trade in our community.

    Narcan® Pharmacy Project

    • Between February 14, 2018 and July 1, 2018 or while supplies last, Klein’s ShopRite Pharmacies (ShopRite) of Maryland will be offering Narcan® at “no cost”.
    • Participating ShopRite Pharmacy Locations: Aberdeen, Bel Air (Festival and Main) and Forest Hill.
    • ShopRite’s pharmacy staff will assist individuals to identify if Narcan® is covered fully or partially by their insurance.
    • At any time, the individual may request to receive the Narcan® at “no cost”.
    • Training by MDH’s Online Narcan® Training @ www.getnaloxonenow.org or by a licensed or certified individual or organization is encouraged.

     
    Department of Planning:

    • Please remember, property owners or their lessees are responsible for removing snow and ice from public sidewalks fronting their properties within 24 hours of any weather event resulting in snow and/or ice.
    • Building permits are required for sheds, fences, renovations, decks, and other alterations to buildings and property.  If your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, there may be State requirements to comply with also.  When hiring a contractor, be sure they are licensed by the State of Maryland and all the required inspections have been approved.   Contact the Department of Planning (410) 939-1800 ext 1102 for permit fees and details.
    • Per the International Building Codes, Property Maintenance Codes, and for Emergency Services, please be sure your dwelling or business is clearly identified with proper address numbers – numbers should be a minimum 4″ tall, contrasting to their background, and visible from the street.  Rear or side entrances should also be clearly identified.

    Department of Public Works:

    • BGE has begun Phase III of the gas line replacement project.  Weather permitting, the contractor  will begin paving the roadways disturbed by this project. 
    • Promenade Re-decking is on scheduled and will begin shortly. 
    • Disposing of household batteries – City Hall has 2 containers in the lobby for your household Alkaline Batteries.  SPOTLIGHT: The City of Havre de Grace is the only municipality in the area to provide this recycling service. 
    • Recycle Reminder: The following items are considered TRASH – bubble wrap, styrofoam, packing peanuts and pizza boxes.  Please remember to keep these OUT of the recycle bin. They go into the trash can. 
    • You can now Like Us on Facebook! For updates of projects happening around town and helpful tips for residents who call Havre de Grace home, the Department of Public Works is pleased to announce our very own Facebook page.  @PublicWorksHDG                     

     
    STORMWATER MANAGEMENT:
     

    • CONGRATULATIONS to the Maritime Museum for their grant award to restore the shoreline riparian buffer.  Watch for more improvements to the shoreline many of which will include informational signage to enlighten visitors on purpose and partnerships involved with shoreline and runoff improvements as we strive to keep our waterways clean. 
    •  The City has 100% design for Lilly Run Phase I, Wetland Enhancement near the current Middle School.  Watch for next steps. 
    • Stormwater pond revitalization and landscape infiltration areas construction has begun at Concord Point Park.  These improvements will help protect the River and Bay from stormwater runoff and the pollutants it carries. 
    • Design of pedestrian bridge abutments over Lilly Run near the Lock House continues.  Watch for more information on this connection of the Joe K Trail loop.
    • Design of the City’s stormwater management pond retrofit and habitat creation at Bradford Green is underway.  Watch for these enhancements soon. 
    • Inspections for illicit discharges have been completed for the year with none testing positive for harmful elements. 
    • WATCH for other stormwater pollution removal projects happening in the City.  The smallest effort counts!! 
    • Please report any illicit activity on the storm drains by calling City Hall at 410-939-1800 or by using the “REPORT” button on our website.
    • Reminder:  Please keep your storm drains clear of leaves, grass, trash and debris at all times to minimize flooding in the streets and on your property when we have a weather event.

    SPOTLIGHT:  NEW… POP UP RAIN BARREL – stores easily over winter

    Department of Finance:

    • Please Do Not Put Cash in the Drop Box at City Hall. 
    • Having trouble paying your water bill or tax bill?  The City will accept monthly payments to your account to alleviate the burden of paying all at one time.  Penalties will apply to any unpaid balance after the due date and tax bills must be paid by May 31st to avoid tax sale. 
    • Don’t let a running toilet run up your water bill.  Visit the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S website for tips on eliminating leaks in your home and ideas on how to conserve water at: https://www.epa.gov/watersense
    • When making Tax or Water/Sewer payments online, please be sure to use the correct account number for the correct bill for which you are trying to pay.  If you enter your tax id when you are wanting to pay your water bill, the payment will be posted to your taxes.  The payment always follows the account number!
    • All “bill pay”  bank checks are sent through the regular mail and are receipted the day of delivery.  Make sure you allow enough time for the bank to print and mail the check to avoid penalty.  Water/Sewer turn offs for non payment will be on Tuesday, January 23rd.  To avoid the turn off fees please pay by Monday, January 22nd.
    • Sign up for Water/Sewer e-Billing at www.havredegracemd.com.  Click on e-Billing Registration.

     
    Department of Economic Development
    Happy retirement to Audrey Morse & welcome to Mike Kates
    Audrey Morse is retiring after 32 years with State Farm Insurance at 104 N. Washington St., Havre de Grace. As we bid a happy retirement to Ms. Morse, the Havre de Grace Office of Economic Development would like to extend a warm welcome to Mike Kates who is taking over at the Havre de Grace State Farm office at 104 N. Washington Street. Stop by to say, Hello, or give Mike a call at 410-939-1881.
    Chamber of Commerce seeks scholarship support
                Each year the Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce, through generous donations from the community, raises money to give a scholarship to a Havre de Grace High School senior. As in past years chamber members are asked to donate $25 or an amount you deem appropriate as a gesture of support. Please make checks payable to the Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce. You may also call the Chamber office at 410-939-3303 to donate using Visa/Mastercard.
    Polystyrene Foam Product Ban Bill
    The Maryland Retailers Association and HDGOED are keeping a close eye on the Baltimore City Council Ordinance 17-0117 Food Service Facilities Polystyrene Foam Products. Sponsored by John T. Bullock, Ryan Dorsey, Kristerfer Burnett, Bill Henry, Zeke Cohen, Shannon Sneed and Mary Pat Clarke, the ordinance is currently in committee. It went before the Judiciary and Legislative Investigations in public hearing and a work session earlier this month after having been introduced back on September 11, 2017.
    The legislation would prohibit food service facilities from using disposable food service ware made from polystyrene foam, and impose penalties. Last week three hours of testimony was heard – much of which came from children in favor of banning polystyrene – making it clear the Baltimore City Council will be moving the legislation.
    The Maryland Retailers Association will fight for amendments this week, during a work session, to amend all pre-packaged items out of the ban as well as the use of polystyrene for meat, dairy and seafood use.
    What you need to know about HB1
                Yesterday the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act went into effect. The Department of Labor has made a draft sample employee notice poster for your place of business available on their website at www.dllr.maryland.gov/paidleave. The department is also developing sample policies that will be available on the department’s website in the near future. To the extent that the Commission of Labor and Industry receives complaints immediately after the law goes into effect the commissioner will work closely with employers and employees to make sure both parties understand the requirements and limitations of the law and resolve any issues as informally as possible. The commission will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure fair and equitable implementation.
                Governor Larry Hogan issued Executive Order 01.01.2018.04 creating the Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance to assist small businesses in complying with House Bill 1 (HB1). Questions can be sent to this office at its dedicated email: small.business@maryland.gov
    HB459 and traders licensing fees
                HB-459 allows counties and municipalities to lower traders licensing fees. HB-459 authorizes the governing body of a county or municipality to select a uniform trader’s license fee instead of using the existing tiered license fee. The uniform fee is $15, except in Baltimore City and Baltimore County where the fee is $20. Selecting the uniform trader’s license fee is a one-time, irrevocable decision. As opposed to tiered licensing, in which most licensing revenue is retained by local governments, all revenue from uniform traders’ fees accrues to the State general fund. In local jurisdictions without a uniform license fee, the clerk of court must verify the accuracy of each applicant’s business location prior to issuing a trader’s license. The bill also makes minor changes to the licensure of visually handicapped applicants.
                In a local jurisdiction an applicant for a trader’s license must pay an annual license fee to the clerk of the court ranging from $15 to $800, based on the value of the person’s stock-in-trade. There are specified exceptions to these general fees. The revenues are generally split between local government (92%) and the State general fund (8%). If a business is located in a municipality, the local government portion of the revenue is distributed to the municipality; otherwise the revenue goes to the county in which the business is located. Licenses are typically renewed on May 1 of each year. There is no separate fee amount for municipalities – the fee is determined by the county in which the business is located. In FY16 there were approximately 56,300 trader’s licenses issued by the clerks of the court with revenues totaling $9.5 million across state and local government. Of that amount $7.1 million went to counties, $1.6 million went to municipalities; and $740,100 went to the State.
                For illustrative purposes only, if every local jurisdiction chooses to establish a uniform fee, State general fund revenues increase by about $176,000 annually. However since local governments must forego all revenue from the trader’s license fees to establish a uniform fee, this is unlikely to occur in any local jurisdiction that collects significant revenue. Therefore, general fund revenues are not materially affected.
                The uniform trader’s license fees are relatively low. Small businesses with significant stock-in-trade (i.e. inventory) in local jurisdictions that choose to adopt the uniform fees – even though it is unlikely – benefit from reduced license fees. All small businesses in those local jurisdictions benefit from reduced complexity associated with the tiered trader’s license structure.
    (Analysis by: Stephen M. Ross, Inquiries, 410-946-5510 or 301-970-5510)
    HCOED offers HR Essentials on Feb. 21
                The Harford County Office of Community and Economic Development will offer a Human Resources Essentials program at the GroundFloor, 2021 Pulaski Hwy., Suite D, Havre de Grace, Wed., February 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. Since people are the foundation of a good business you are invited to attend this free seminar to learn how to attract and attain the best workforce.
    Langston Hughes Oratorical Contest set for Sat., Feb. 24
                The 2018 Langston Hughes Youth Oratorical Contest will be Sat., Feb. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Helping Hands Ministries, 3237 Level Rd., Churchville. The event is sponsored by Dr. Roosevelt Barfield and students in grades six-12 will perform original works inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem Dreams. Langston was a frequent visitor to the Colored School. The event celebrates students’ achievements and raises awareness of the Havre de Grace Colored High School Foundation’s efforts to purchase the building and preserve the legacy of the students, faculty and community leaders who endeavored to obtain a quality education for African-American children in Harford County. This event is free to the public.
    Startup Breakfast slated for Wed., February 28
                The GroundFloor, 2021 Pulaski Hwy., Havre de Grace, will welcome Venture Access, Inc., with a Startup Breakfast on Wed., Feb. 28, from 8 to 9 a.m. (Access your tickets at www.impactflow.com) Startup Breakfast is the place to meet other Entrepreneurs, makers, innovators and inventors from around Harford County. Mingle with investors, lenders and mentors or enjoy a demo or explore a topic – it’s different each time. Current Venture Access members will receive free admission.
    CSSC named 2018 Great American Defense Community
                The Chesapeake Science & Security Corridor, CSSC, is one of five communities across the country named to the 2018 Class of Great American Defense Communities, the Association of Defense Communities, ADC, has announced with USAA, the initiatives first official sponsor. The CSSC, with offices at 2021 Pulaski Hwy., Havre de Grace, will be honored at the 2018 Defense Communities National Summit, June 18 to 20, 2018, in Washington DC.
    Additional Upcoming Economic Development Events:

        • The MD/DC District Export Council (DEC) has put together a series of Export Education programs to expose prospective exporters to the issues surrounding exporting, through industry and government exports well-prepared to address the topics. The first session Finding Customers is scheduled for Thurs., February 15. Visit www.mddcdec.com for details.
        • Thurs., Feb. 15, 5-7 p.m.– Route 40 Business Association Meet & Greet, Island Spice, Edgewood
        • Thurs., Feb. 15, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Dinner at Richlin Ballroom, Edgewood at 5:30 p.m.
        • Mon., Feb. 19 – Sun., Feb. 25 – Havre de Grace Restaurant Week
        • The Northeastern Maryland Technology Council (NMTC) Visionary Awards will be held February 22. These awards honor neighbors, colleagues, family and friends building a STEM educated workforce and advancing technology and innovation. Details are available at www.nmtc.org/nmtc-visionary-awards
        • 2018 is the 60th Anniversary of Harford Community College. Join the celebration Sat., March 10, at 7 p.m. at the APGFCU Arena with proceeds to benefit the HCC Foundation. Mark your calendar and get your tickets now at www.harford.edu/illuminate

    Office of Tourism:

    • Artists’ Emporium will be hosting the largest exhibition of sculpture in the State of MD.  They are open Friday through Monday throughout the month of February for guests to see the pieces on view. 
    • Fat Tuesday, February 13- Annual Mardi Gras Parade beginning on Bourbon Street, continuing onto Washington Street and ending at the American Legion on St. John Street.  Join us for this family friendly parade beginning at 6:30pm.  The parade will be led by our very own Havre de Grace High School Jazz band!. There will be over 250 crew members in the parade and over 8000 beads thrown to the parade attendees.  After the parade have dinner at one of our local restaurants featuring their very own Mardi Gras menus. 
    • Prior to the parade stop in to the Havre de Grace United Methodist Church for their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner from 5-7pm. 
    • Valentines Day, Wednesday, February 14- Stop by Amanda’s and get flowers, Bomboys for chocolates or one of our many local stores to find that unique gift for that special someone in your life.
    • February 14- Free movie and discussion “What the Health” at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum.
    • Friday February 16- Tourism group will be traveling to Annapolis for Tourism Day.  We will meet with delegations and legislators to discuss the importance of Tourism and how Tourism works for Maryland! 
    • February 18- The Dan Meyer Choir presents “Love Songs of the First Ladies” at St. John’s Episcopal Church. 
    • For more detailed information please call or visit us at 450 Pennington Ave, 410-939-2100 or our website at ExploreHavredeGrace.com

    Cultural Center at the Opera House

    • “Akeelah and the Bee” (Children’s Film Series) on Saturday, February 17 at 11am
    • The Dan Meyer Choir presents “Love Songs of the First Ladies” on Sunday, February 18 at 3pm.  PLEASE NOTE: This event takes place at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 114 N. Union Avenue.