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    City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing Week of Monday February 5, 2018

    1. Havre de Grace
    2. City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing Week of Monday February 5, 2018

    City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing
    Week of Monday February 5, 2018

    Office of the Mayor:
     

    •  On Thursday, February 1, 2018 Mayor Martin spoke at the 43rd Maryland Preservation Awards ceremony held in Annapolis and received The Havre de Grace Cultural Center at the Opera Houses Maryland Preservation Award for Project Excellence: Community Impact on behalf of the citizens of Havre de Grace.  View Press Releasehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=S_xnKOBxveY
    • On Saturday, February 3, 2018  Mayor Martin attended the MasquerAid Ball.

    Police department:
     

    •         NHTSA’s SaferRide app will help keep drunk drivers off our roads by allowing users to call a taxi or a friend and by identifying their location so they can be picked up.

    o   https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhtsa.SaferRide
    o   https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saferride/id950774008?mt=8

    • The Havre de Grace Police Department has a prescription take back box located in front of our station. Please place your unwanted or expired prescription medications in this box. They will be properly destroyed keeping our streets safe and our bay clean! The box is open 24/7 for your convenience!
    • Your Havre de Grace Police Department has updated its bike registry. Please add your bicycle to it, this way if it gets lost or stolen we can better help you get it back.  Havre de Grace Police Department Bike Registry.

    • Havre de Grace Police has many Crime Prevention Specialists. We can do residential and commercial surveys to help keep you safe! Contact PFC Adams at teresaa@havredegracemd.com, Cpl. Petz atdanielp@havredegracemd.com, or by phone at(410)939-2121 to schedule a free survey!

    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 Finance:

    • February water/sewer bills were mailed on Friday, February 2nd.
    • Please Do Not Put Cash in the Drop Box at City Hall.
    • 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 Public Works:

    • We are currently preparing a Request for Proposal for the seasonal grass cutting and grounds maintenance of City-owned properties. Please check the City’s website under Government,  Request for Bid.
    • The City is working in partnership with the Harford County Office of Recycling, Maryland Environmental Services to help residents dispose of various types of plastic bags. Are you wondering what to do with those plastic grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, sandwich baggies, the plastic bags that hold loaves of bread or fruit, and the plastic wrappers around bulk products like toilet paper or paper towels?  All of these can be returned to WEIS Markets and to City Hall where we have a special bin in the lobby. In addition, City Hall has a bucket to collect household batteries.
    • Fire Hydrants – If you see someone tapping into a fire hydrant, other than City or Fire Service personnel,  please call City Hall at 410-939-1800 with the location.  After hours and on weekends, please call the Police non-emergency number: 410-939-2121.
    • Winter Weather is still upon us – prevent your pipes from freezing by having one faucet run at a slow drip when the temperatures go below freezing.  The cost is minimal compared to the cost of dealing with broken pipes.
    • DPW Staff are ready for snow and ice.  Please keep in mind that the plowing of streets is done by priority order as follows: Snow Emergency Routes, Primary Roadways (example: Juniata St., Washington St., Canvasback Dr., Tidewater Dr.) then Secondary Roadways, ending with courts, lanes and parking lots. You can help by parking in your driveways if available. When shoveling your driveways and sidewalks, do not put the snow into the street.  This is a safety hazard and is against City Code.

     
    STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UPDATES
    CURRENT HAPPENINGS:

    • CONGRATULATIONS to the Maritime Museum for their grant award to restore the shoreline riparian buffer.  Watch for more improvement projects that are in the works affecting the shoreline.  Many projects 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 and work to commence.
    • Stormwater pond revitalization and landscape infiltration areas construction will begin at Concord Point Park next week.  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!!  Landowners in the City can help  protect the river and bay from pollutants carried by stormwater in many ways.  Contact DPW, Stormwater at 410-939-1800 for ideas.
    • 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 Economic Development:
    Susquehanna Workforce offers warehouse training course
    The Susquehanna Workforce Network is offering a Warehouse Technician Training Course beginning Monday, February 12, 2018. For details contact Clara  Henry at 410-272-5400.
    HDG Colored School holding timely fundraisers
                The Havre de Grace Colored School Foundation has reached an agreement with the owners of the former school building to donate the structure with the stipulation that the foundation payoff the existing mortgage of $153,000. Since the original asking price was $800,000 this is an outstanding opportunity to preserve the building and its vibrant history. The challenge is the closing date is February 26, 2018.
                Harford County will be donated $50,000 to help meet the challenge but additional donations are needed to reach the goal and several fundraising events are being held to meet that end.
                Fri., Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the foundation will conduct phone banking at the Susquehanna Hose Company Fire House, 911 Revolution St., Havre de Grace.
                On Sat., Feb. 10, from 8 to 10 p.m., the Cultural Center at the Havre de Grace Opera House, will host Phenomenal Woman featuring Ami Brabson, an actress who has had roles on Homicide and Law & Order. Ami captivates her audiences as she weaves stories into songs – inspired by Ruby Dee, Phoebe Snow and Congresswoman Barbara Lee. A portion of the proceeds will go toward saving the Havre de Grace Colored High School. Tickets are $23 each.
                Sun., Feb., 12, at 3 p.m. the Colored School Foundation will participate in National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Heart Bomb 2018: Spread the Love for Historic Places campaign at the school, 555 Alliance Street. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, supporters are asked to bring hearts, homemade or purchased, for a group photo to show you love for preserving this precious piece of African-American history.
                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.
    Harford Community & Economic Development
    offers Human Resources Essentials Program 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.
    Maryland Clean Marina Workshops slated for February
                The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will conduct a series of workshops in Anne Arundel, Dorchester and Harford Counties to provide information for marine facilities interested in learning about the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative.
                Harford County is the first to host on Wed., February 7 at the Bush River Yacht Club, 4001 E. Baker Ave., Abingdon, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
                The workshop provide valuable information to anyone interested in Clean Marina certification. All marine facility managers are encouraged to attend – even those already certified. The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative recognizes and promotes boatyards, marinas and yacht clubs of any size that voluntarily adopt and implement pollution prevention practices. The department has certified nearly 25% of Maryland’s estimated 600 marinas as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners.
    Navigate the HUBZone Program through SBA Webinars
                The Small Business Administration, SBA, is hosting a six-part webinar series to help small businesses navigate the HUBZone program. The SBA’s Historically Underutilized Business or HUB Zone program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to government contracting opportunities. If your business is located in an area where business development and growth has been fairly limited you may qualify.
                A large swath of Havre de Grace is included on the SBA HUBZone map, which can be accessed www.sba.gov. Go to the website and go to Government Contracting and the HUBZone section, put in your business address in as Havre de Grace and the map will indicate if that property is within the designated zone.
                To learn more about the HUBZone program check out SBA’s free six-part webinar series for information on:

    •         How to obtain and maintain the HUBZone certification
    •         How HUBZone areas are designated
    •         How to fill HUBZone appeals and protest
    •         The regulatory requirements for joint ventures
    •         How affiliated businesses are evaluated; and
    •         The various HUBZone contracting requirements

                The webinars are designed to help small businesses get and maintain their HUBZone certification, survive HUBZone status protests to contracts, maintain good record-keeping to ensure compliance in the program, locate HUBZones and compete for HUBZone contracts.
                To get the most of the webinars review the HUBZone website and the frequently asked questions. All webinars will also be archived on SBA’s YouTube channel.
                The webinars are scheduled as follows:
    Wed., Feb. 7, 2-3 p.m. – HUBZone Contracting: Making the Federal Government your Customer
    Wed., Feb. 14, 2-3 p.m. – HUBZone Joint Ventures: How to partner with other companies for HUBZone Contracts
    Wed., Feb. 21, 2-3 p.m. – Continued HUBZone Compliance: How to maintain your Certification
    Wed., Feb. 28, 2-3 p.m. – Consider Employees and Affiliation
    Wed., Mar. 7, 2-3 p.m. – Understanding how HUBZones are designated
    Wed., Mar. 14, 2-3 p.m. – HUBZone Protests and Appeals
    Additional Upcoming Economic Development Events:

    •         Mon., Feb. 5, 6-7:30 p.m. – District 34 Night in Annapolis hosted by Sen. Robert Cassilly, Del. Mary Ann Lisanti, Del. Glen Glass and Del. Susan McComas, Miller Senate Office Building, First Floor, President’s Conference Center West 1 & 2 including Tour of the State House at 7:15 p.m. and 8 p.m., House or Senate Session (Photo ID required)
    •         Tues., Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Community Development Network Day in Annapolis, Lowe Office Building, Rooms 170 and 180
    •         Thurs., Feb. 15, 5-7 p.m.– Route 40 Business Association Meet & Greet, Island Spice, Edgewood
    •         Mon., Feb. 19 – Sun., Feb. 25 – Havre de Grace Restaurant Week
    •         Thurs., Feb. 22, 6-9:30 p.m. – Harford Leadership Academy, Kick Off session
    •         Fri., Feb. 23 – 8:30a-3:30p – Harford Leadership Academy
    •         Fri., Feb. 23 – 11:30a-12:30p – Harford County Office of Economic Development Municipal Meeting, Ground Floor, Havre de Grace

    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.
    • Bass Class 2018 with “Tackle Box” Tim Sherman will be held at the Maritime Museum on Saturday February 10…a full day of seminars to help improve you bass fishing.
    • 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.  Crews will throw thousands of beads to crowds.
    •   Prior to the parade stop in to the Havre de Grace United Methodist Church for their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner from 5-7 pm.

     
    Cultural Center at the Opera House
     

    •         7th Black Gospel Music Experience (in partnership with the Harford County Public Library) on Tuesday, February 6 at 7pm
    •         Washington National Opera’s prestigious Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program on Friday, February 9 at 8pm
    •         Phenomenal Woman (One Woman Cabaret) on Saturday, February 10 at 8pm