Council Meeting Minutes April 1, 2019 Havre de GraceCouncil Meeting Minutes April 1, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes April 1, 2019 Public Hearings: Ordinance 1015 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 AS IT RELATES TO BREWERIES, WINERIES, AND DISTILLERIES IN THE RB/RESIDENTIAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND HOTELS IN THE RB/RESIDENTIAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.- Mr. Kirk Smith 120 S Washington St. Fully supports- this ordinance. Feels HDG has a great water source and supports business of such to take advantage of the water supply. Closed 7:04 Ordinance 1015 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE SECTION 5-202 AND CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 33 AND 34 AMENDING THE CITY CODE CHAPTER 145 REGULATING THE USE OF THE CITY’S RIGHTS OF WAY AND PUBLIC WAYS, INSTALLATION OF FACILITIES, AND DEFINING “SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITY” AND “SUPPORT STRUCTURE.” Mr. Kirk Smith 120 S. Washington St.- understands the importance of adopting this ordinance quickly as possible. Thanked Mrs. Ishak for assisting him with understanding the ordinance. Commends the council. Closed 7:06 The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on April 1, 2019 at 7:07 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding and the following Council Members present: Council Member’s, Martin, Robertson, Tomarchio, Ringsaker and Zinner. Council President Glenn was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martin and the opening prayer was led by Pastor Gene Proud. A motion was made by Council Member Zinner and seconded by Council Member Robertson to approve the council meeting minutes of March 18, 2018. Motion carries 5-0 Comments from citizens on agenda items: Wanda Boker- speaking on the resolution concerning the nonpartisan election: 701 S. Adams Street: Opposed to resolution – appreciates the non partisan elections but feels this resolution attempts to restrict freedom of speech. Also feels this resolution is addressing an imaginary problem. Mr. Joe Smith 110 Flying Ebony Place: is speaking for support for the Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride event. Feel this is a proud moment for HDG. Kirk Smith 120 S. Washington- would like to address the non- partisan resolution. He is opposed and feels that it violates the first amendment rights. Feels the city council should not impose on free speech. Mr. Jim Nemeth- 610 Lafayettet St- Opposes the resolution to control candidates to speak to certain groups. Feels this resolution is unethical and unfair and a direct violation of free speech. Our candidates are non partisan and they should address who they please. Mrs. Delane Lewis: Baldwin Maryland – President of Together we Will, and Yvonne Mathews, President of PFLAG in Bel Air: In Support of the Bay Pride Event- family friendly event and send a message of inclusion. Excited for the opportunity to hold an event in our city. Camay Murphy- 564 Green Street: In favor of the Chesapeake Bay Pride Event- Is representing St. John’s Episopcal Church. . Supports the activity and feels that this event is a healthy community activity. William Watson: 712 Giles Street: supports the resolution and general idea of the content based on what our country is going through. Has reservations for supporting the pride event. We should not politize these movements in our city. Opens the door for other events, such as pro life events etc. We should avoid this all together. Innocent of youth and safeguarding children – protect young minds. Council should not allow this event to bring in children. Matter is delicate. Mr. Randy Craig – 313 S. Washington St.- Strongly encourages council to adopt the resolution maintaining non-partisanship in city elections. Mr. Joe K – Tydings Road- Has been attending meetings since 1960. Supports the Resolution. Kirk Smith 120 S. Washington St- Supports the appointment of Nic Galloro to the Board of Election Supervisors. Recognitions: Student of the Month Recognitions were presented by Mayor Martin Meadowvale Elementary School: Julianna Baker Havre de Grace Elementary School: Kyleigh Turner Havre de Grace Middle School: Nevaeh Sisco Havre de Grace High School: Team Captains Marlon Lewis and Gary Gibson Appointments: A motion was made by CM Zinner and seconded by CM Tomarchio to approve the appointment of Mr. John Krause to the Arts Commission. Motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by CM Martin and seconded by CM Robertson to approve the appointment of Mr. Nic Galloro to the Board of Election Supervisor. Motion carries 5-0. Oath of Office: John Krause- Arts Commission (to be sworn in at a later date) Mayor Martin administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Nic Galloro to the Board of Election Supervisors. Mayor Martin called for a 5 minute recess. No objections 8:37pm The Council Meeting reconvened at 8:51pm. Resolutions: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, CITY CHARTER SECTION 16 AND CITY CODE SECTION 33 TO MAINTAIN NON-PARTISANSHIP IN CITY ELECTIONS A motion was made by Acting CP Martin and seconded by Ringsaker to introduce Resolution 2019-05 motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by Acting CP Martin and seconded by CM Rngsaker to adopt Resolution 2019-05 – Acting CP Martin read the Resolution in its entirety. Under the question: CM Robertson agrees that City elections should be non-partisan. Has reservation about this resolution, especially the timing. Would like to review the legislation and propose amendments. CM Robertson made a motion to table Resolution 2019-05- seconded by CM Zinner. On roll call vote- motion fails 2-3. CM Roberton and CM Zinner voted for the table and CM Tomarchio, Martin and Ringsaker opposed the motion to table. After further discussion on the dias, council decided more thought and deliberation should be put into the resolution. CM Ringsaker made a motion to table the resolution- CM Robertson seconded the motion. Motion to table passes 5-0. AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE SECTION 5-202 AND CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 33 AND 34 AMENDING THE CITY CODE CHAPTER 145 REGULATING THE USE OF THE CITY’S RIGHTS OF WAY AND PUBLIC WAYS, INSTALLATION OF FACILITIES, AND DEFINING “SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITY” AND “SUPPORT STRUCTURE.” A motion was made by Acting CP Martin and seconded by CM Tomarchio to introduce Ordinance 1015 on second reading. Motion carries 5-0 After the header was read and the rationale of the ordinance was explained, a motion was made by Acting CP Martin and seconded by CM Robertson to adopt Ordinance 1015- motion carries 5-0. New Business: A motion was made by CM Tomarchio and seconded by CM Robertson to approve the Havre de Grace High School Music Booster 5K: May 11, 2019- Tydings Park: Motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by Acting CP Martin and seconded by CM Robertson to approve the 9th Annual Animal Blessing and Expo: September 8, 2019- Tydings Park : Motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by CM Zinner and seconded by a CM Robertson to approve the Bark for Life Harford County: September 21, 2019- K9 Cody Park: Motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by Acting CP Martin and seconded by CM Zinner to approve the Amendment to Vintage and Pyrex Fest- Additional street closure. Motion carries 4-1 with CM Ringsaker opposing. A motion was made by Acting CP Martin and seconded by CM Ringsaker to approve the Amendment to Maritime Museum Shrimp and BBQ Fest- Date Change to June 22- Hutchins Park ; Motion carries 5-0. A motion was made by CM Ringskaer and seconded by CM Tomarchio to approve the Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Event: June 22, 2019- Concord Point Park: Motion carries 5-0. Directors Report: Steve Gamatoria: Chief of Staff: Chief of Staff announced the scheduled events are listed to the rear of the chamber and are listed on the explore Havre de Grace website. The Harford County Health Department is sponsoring its annual rabies clinic located at the Susquehanna Hose Company House 4 on Revolution Street on Sunday, April 28th from 2-4pm. The next Budget Work Session is scheduled on April 8thth from 6-8pm in the Council Chambers. Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning- Permits are slightly down from last year, but overall permits are still doing well. Board of Appeals meeting on April 4th at 7pm to review the parking variance for 321 N. Adams Street. Asked citizens to make sure they are not stacking tree limbs and debris on the sidewalk or in the roadway in such a way that would impede traffic or be dangerous. Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- Plush House of Beauty has opened at 1031 Pulaski Hwy., offering hair styling, beauty and cosmetic services, including last extensions, and special event bridal party salon days. They will hold their ribbon cutting and grand opening at the end of the month on Saturday, April 27 at 5 p.m. Abbey Burger, an extremely popular burger and craft beer restaurant in Havre de Grace has signed a lease for the Rodgers Tavern building at 226 North Washington Street. Abbey Burger has two locations in Baltimore – in Federal Hill and Fells Point – as well as a third in Ocean City, which is presently closed during a renovation of the hotel in which it is located. The owners plan to open in Havre de Grace a little later this year after a thorough cleaning and rebranding. During the off season they will renovate with an open kitchen and other improvements, along with a more seafood-centric menu. Not just another burger joint as they were recognized by MSN as having the best burger in Maryland for the Baltimore burger and was named Maryland’s Best Burger by USA Today. They offer vegan selections, duck, bison, shrimp, lamp, turkey, chicken and duck burgers on the regular menu and daily specials of exotic meats, sundaes and a variety of spiked hand spun milkshakes from Berger cookie to a cinnamon toast milkshake. The beer list – as of today – includes 48 different bottles, half being craft; nine canned beers and 40 different beers on draft from nitro to porter, ale, lager, stout, IPA and ciders. Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance Mr. DeHority gave an fiscal update Mrs. Teresa Gardner: Director of Public Works: City Wide yard sale is scheduled for April 27th. Teresa Walter, Chief of Police: Please pay attention to pedestrians in crosswalks. Business from Mayor Martin: Mayor Martin gave an overview of the water main break on March 23-24 on Weber Street. Mayor Martin announced the elevated walkway connecting the Lock House ground and the Joe K trail has been installed. Attended the St. Baldrick’s event on Sunday, March 30th and the event raised over 100K for children’s cancer. Business from Council: Council Member Ringsaker: CM Ringsaker announced the Marina Commission will meet on April 10th at 6:30pm. CM Ringsaker announced the opening of HDG Little League is April 13th at 9am. CM Ringsaker reminded citizens to be vigilant of motorcycles when traveling. Council Member Tomarchio: CM Tomarchio congratulated Student of the Month CM Tomarchio congratulated the members of “Destination Imagination.” Council Member Robertson: CM Robertson attended St. Baldrick’s event. The Budget and Finance committee will meet tomorrow at 5:30 and the Youth Commission will meet on April 18th. The quarterly reports for open grants through the Department of Housing and Community Development were completed and submitted to the state for review; along with a grant request to DHCD from one of the breweries coming to Havre de Grace for equipment and exterior improvements. Saturday, April 6 is opening weekend for three of our museums from 1 to 5 p.m., Concord Point Lighthouse, The Lock House and the Steppingstone Farm Museum. There will be a free Franchise Resource Seminar this Thursday, April 4, from 8 to 10 a.m., at the Harford County Office of Community and Economic Development. Next Saturday, the Lock House will hold their 2nd Annual Craft Beer and Wine Festival from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday April 13 with tickets at $35 per person in advance. Council Member Zinner: CM Zinner announced the Arts Commission is looking for new members. CM Zinner thanked Chris Ricci for organizing a financial seminar. CM Zinner stated the Soroptomists have received a large amount of scholarship applications. Business from Actin Council President Martin: A motion was made by CM Martin and seconded by CM Ringsaker to defer closed session this evening. Motion carries 5-0. Citizens Comments: Bob Robinson 229 Union Ave- Congratulated the Boys Basketball Team for their victory. Tu Mathew- Thanked council for approving the Bay Pride Event Joe K- Happy with the Elevated Walkway Sean Welsh- 611 Snowgoose Ct- Invited Council to Little League Opening Day on April 13th @ 9am. A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Acting CP Martin to adjourn at 10:24pm Motion carries 5-0.
