City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing Week of Monday November 13, 2017

    City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing
    Week of Monday November 13, 2017

    Office of the Mayor:

    • On Saturday, November 11, 2017, Mayor Martin  delivered remarks at the Veterans Day Service held at Tydings Park. “It is our patriotic responsibility as Americans to conduct our lives in the presence of our veterans, in a way and manner that would leave them with no doubt, that their service and sacrifice were well worth every moment.” stated Mayor William T. Martin during the ceremony.  We would like to thank the American Legion Joseph L. Davis Post 47 for organizing this event and our guest speaker, Major General Randy S. Taylor.  Most importantly, we would like to thank all of our nation’s veterans.
    • Student Of The Month:  We would like to congratulate the following students for being selected Student of The Month for November – Dawson Burnett-Paul, Jeremiah Pettigen, Maria Gullo, Jenna Zavoyna.
    Department of Administration:

    Office of Marketing:

      • Each Wednesday this November we will be participating in Municipal Government Works Wednesdays. A social media campaign created by the Maryland Municipal League to highlight significant accomplishments by municipalities across Maryland.  Last week we showcased The All-Access Playground at Tydings Park.


    Police Department:

    • Through the month of November we are spotlighting distracted driving on social media, posting weekly facts about distracted driving. Please don’t drive distracted you could end up getting a citation or even worse hurting yourself or others in an accident.
    • November 15, 2017 is the 2nd Annual Harford County Night of Conversation, please speak with your kids about drugs and alcohol. This conversation can help your kids make the right choice when faced with drugs or alcohol. Learn more at:  http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1999/Night-of-Conversation (This will be November 15th)
    • Donations needed! We are gathering non-perishable foods, toys, and gift cards for families in need, for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. If you can help there is a donation box at the Havre de Grace Police Station or call 410-939-2121 and ask for PCO Mia Kilgore or Cpl. Dan Petz.
    • The holidays are fast approaching, please when doing holiday shopping do not leave the items you bought in plain view in your vehicle. Place them in your trunk or put them in an area of your vehicle where they can’t be seen. This will make your vehicle less desirable to thieves.

    • The Havre de Grace Police will be doing increased foot patrols in commercial areas for the holiday season, please say hi if you see the officers walking downtown!

    Department of Planning:

    • Per Weather.com, the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season continues to climb the ranks of the all-time most active seasons on record, thanks to a frenetic stretch of long-lived, destructive hurricanes from mid-August through early October.  The hurricane season does not end until November 30th.  Even without a hurricane or tropical storm, heavy rains can cause extensive flooding in our City. The City of Havre de Grace has had our Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) revised by FEMA which became effective on April 19, 2016.  Although flood boundary lines on the map may have changed, floods can still happen outside those areas.  You may contact the Department of Planning at (410) 939-1800 ext 1123 to find out the flood zone and map information for your property.  Ask your insurance agent about flood insurance, which is also available for renters.  A Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) offers lower-cost protection for homes and apartments in areas of low to moderate flood risk. These are areas shown as B, C, or X, zones on a FIRM.
    • As noted by DPW Division of Stormwater Management, keep your stormdrains clear of leaves, grass, trash and tree debris at all times to minimize flooding in the streets and on your property.   Please contact DPW if you notice anyone dumping into a stormdrain or stream.
    • 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.   Contact the Department of Planning (410) 939-1800 ext 1102 for permit fees and details.

    Department of Public Works:

    • First Phase of stamped concrete walkway around War memorial and from the War memorial to the playground has been completed.  Contractor is in the process of constructing a handicap path from City Yacht Basin up to Tydings Park.
    • Bulk Trash Collection: The City will monitor the snow forecasts to determine when to cancel a collection as crews will be busy with snow removal.  Stay tuned.
    • Construction of culvert at  Canvasback Drive and Teal Court will begin in about two weeks.
    • Traffic concepts will analyze Right-in and Right-out entrances and by-pass lane requirement.
    • Ontario Street eastbound at the intersection of Ohio Street will be made “Right Out Only” this week.
    • New fountain installed at Concord Point Park.  We used brick pavers to extend the existing pad.
    • DPW Crews are actively working to install the Christmas lights.
    • BGE is moving ahead with Phase II.  BGE is scheduled to complete paving of the roads by the end of this week, weather permitting.
    • Chapel Road – Contractor began the mill and overlay of the roadbed on October 30, 2017.  
    • The Notice to Proceed for resurfacing the Lanes:  Lodge Lane from Fountain St. to Franklin St. was issued 11/9/2017.
    • Coca~Cola’s Keep America Beautiful grant program  – The Green Team has applied for a grant which provides Recycling Containers for public spaces.
    • Water Street Property – The Director is reviewing the Phase II Environmental Assessment Report.
    • Notice to Proceed was issued for the Camilla Street Water Line Rehab on 11/9/2017.
    • The Department of Public Works is currently performing backflow prevention inspections for the month of November.

    Office of Stormwater Management
    Reminder:  Since fall is here keep your stormdrains clear of leaves, grass, trash and tree debris at all times to minimize flooding in the streets and on your property when it rains.

    • Design of pedestrian bridge abutments over Lilly Run near the Lock House will begin this month.  Watch for more information on this connection of the Joe K Trail loop.
    • Please report any illicit activity on the stormdrains by calling City Hall at 410-939-1800 or by using the “REPORT” button on our website.
    • Stormwater pond revitalization and landscape infiltration areas work will begin at Concord Point Park after the first of the year.  These improvements will help protect the River and Bay from stormwater runoff and the pollutants it carries.
    •  Design services for the dredging of the City Yacht Basin will begin this month.  The Notice to Proceed on this project was issued 11/8/2017.
    • WATCH for other stormwater pollution removal projects happening in the City.

    SPOTLIGHT:  why we put dog poop in little plastic baggies:

    • Our neighbors like us to.
    • It makes our dogs feel important.
    • It keeps the poop from being washed into the storm drains.
    • Select them all, and its “two paws up” for you!

    Truth is, most of us pick up after our dogs as a courtesy to uur neighbors. Plus it makes that backyard barbecue all the more enjoyable.  But there’s another important reason to pick up after your pet:  water.
    When pet waste is left behind, it washes into storm drains and ditches. From there, it heads straight to your local river.  Help protect water quality. 
    Department of Economic Development:

    • The Havre de Grace Office of Economic Development worked with the Havre de Grace Arts Collective to gather and collate data for the Havre de Grace Arts & Entertainment District Annual Report for 2017.
    • The hearing for The Cornerstone, part of Coakley’s Pub, will be held by the Harford County Liquor Board at 16 N. Main Street, Bel Air, on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. This hearing was postponed from the September 27, 2017 hearing of the Liquor Control Board.
    • HDGOED, as a member of the Maryland Economic Development Association Awards Committee, is completing a nomination for the MEDA Project of the Year Award for a local business prior to the December 8, 2017 deadline. If you are interested in working with HDGOED in nominating a project, person or program please contact us at erikaq@havredegracemd.com
    • The Harford County Office of Economic Development at 2021 Pulaski Hwy., Havre de Grace, (near Bateman’s) possesses an organizational Costar membership, which is a searchable database for available commercial, industrial, retail, office and manufacturing properties. Those looking for a general overview of properties available within Havre de Grace 21078 can avail themselves of this service and the professional services of a local Commercial Real Estate agent or broker. Those seeking specific property data or with specific needs for properties are encouraged to contact the HDGOED and Erika Quesenbery at erikaq@havredegracemd.com to work together and find locations that meet project parameters.
    • Please do not forget that Small Business Saturday is November 25 through Havre de Grace with enhanced hours, special offers, new merchandise, swag giveaways and more. Why Shop Local? There are 28.8 million small businesses in the country and small businesses account for 99.7% of all businesses in the United States, and account for 64% of the new jobs created in the USA between 1993 and 2011.
    • Did you know our local small businesses in Havre de Grace donated 250% MORE than larger businesses to non-profits and community causes! If you spent $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays in your LOCAL Havre de Grace economy and if you spend that same amount at a big box store or large business only $43 stays in the local economy. Spend $100 online – $0 stays in your local economy.

    Office of Tourism:

    • The Great Havre de Grace Oyster Feast November 18- Join us for our second annual community gathering to support local non-profits. Catered by Atlantic Caterers featuring steamed oysters, fried oysters, oysters on the half shell, homemade oyster stew and Maryland Crab Soup, as well as traditional foods on the pit.  Ticket proceeds benefit local non-profits.  For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 410-939-2100
    • We are still accepting applications!  Join us on December 1 as a merchandise vendor or parade entry during our Holly Jolly First Friday and Light Up Night featuring our Christmas parade and tree lighting by the Mayor and Santa.   For more information please call the Visitor Center at 410-939-2100

    Cultural Center at the Opera House

    • “Paths of Glory” (WW1 Film Series) on Monday, November 13 at 8pm
    • Tidewater Players present “Beauty & the Beast” on November 17 & 18 at 8pm and on November 19 at 2pm