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    Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2019

    1. Havre de Grace
    2. Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2019

    Ordinance 1019: Signs

    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 DELETING AND REPLACING CITY CODE CHAPTER 151, SIGNS, IN ITS ENTIRETY IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH NEW REGULATORY SIGN STANDARDS.

    Citizens Comments: 

    Chip Paradis: 309 Red Head Way:  Would like to see the electronic signs in commercial district only, and doesn’t want the historic feel to be taken away. 

    Warren Hartenstine: 225 Prescott Court: Feels the ordinance is cumbersome and questioned why a new sign ordinance is needed. 

    Joe K- Tydings Rd.: Feels the political signs should not be placed in the City right-of-way without the abutting property owners permission. Signs should not be placed on park and playground property. Feels the City should take an aggressive stance on the license agreements. 

    Rebecca Jessop: 121 N. Union Ave, Bill Price 200 Stokes St.: Speaking on behalf of the Opera House,  is opposed to Ordinance 1019 as written. Supports electronic messaging and its capabilities. Attracts advertisement opportunities, and could be remotely changeable. 

    Mrs. Camay Murphy: 564 Green St: Mrs. Murphy assures the Mayor and Council that St. Johns Church supports electronic message boards and would follow the rules and stay in compliance. The intent is to work with planning and comply with an amended ordinance that allows electronic sign boards. 

    Father Snodgrass of St. John’ s Church spoke on behalf of the church. The church supports electronic message boards to inform the public of the programs and services. Father Snodgrass stood with approximately fifteen parishioners. 

    Greg Shin : 652 Otsego St: Mr. Shin is proud of the stance the church is taking on electronic sign boards. 

    Nadine Anderson- Goforth Dr.; supports the electronic message boards, many do not see what is being offered and lose out, especially with the food bank. 

    Mrs. Irmgarde Brown 623 Fountain St. Supports the electronic sign boards for the Opera House, Library and the St. John’s Church. 

    Mrs. Barbara Hartsell- Counterpoint Circle: Represents Tidewater Players and the electronic sign boards would offer better advertisement. 

    Bill Watson- 712 Giles St.  Primary concern is coming to an agreement so the City is not overwhelmed with electronic sign boards. Suggested an amendment to allow responsible design. 

    Mrs. Parson- Otsego St. HDG is on the National Park Service registry and there are some regulations that council should review. 

    Council President Glenn scheduled a council work session 6/18/19 at 6pm. 

    The public hearing is closed 7:46pm 

    The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on June 3, 2019 at 7: 47 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding and the following Council Members present: Council Member’s, Glenn, Martin, Robertson, Ringsaker and Zinner. CM Tomarchio was absent.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martin and the opening prayer was led by Father James Snodgrass of St. John’s Church. A motion was made by Council Member Zinner and seconded by Council Member Martin to approve the council meeting minutes of the May 20, 2019.  Motion carries 5-0.  A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council Member Martin to approve the closed meeting minutes; Motion carries  5-0 (Closed Session Minutes- See attached.)

    Comments from citizens on agenda items: 

    No Comments noted. 

    Recognitions: 

    Recognitions: (Presented by Mayor Martin)

    Student of the Month  recognitions were presented to the following: 

    Havre de Grace Elementary School: Gavin Bolen 

    Meadowvale Elementary School: Caroline Eckman

    Havre de Grace Middle School: Matthew Scopelletti 

    Lieutenants  Bo and Wendy Parsons- Salvation Army

    Mayor Martin recognized Lt’s Bo and Wendy Parsons for their involvement with the community and the difference they made in the surrounding counties. 

    Major General Randy S. Taylor was presented with the Key to the City in appreciation for his relationship with the City of Havre de Grace and his stellar leadership at APG. 

    A motion was made by CM Zinner and seconded by CM Robertson to approve the re-appointment of  Janet Carrick to the Arts Commission. Motion carries 5-0

    A motion was made CM Martin and seconded by CP Glenn to approve the re-appointment of  Dan Wusinich to the Water and Sewer Commission. Motion carries 5-0. 

    Mayor Martin asked for a recess at 8:46pm with no objections from Council. 

    The Council Meeting reconvened at 8:57 with members of council present. 

    Ordinances: 

    An Ordinance concerning the FY 20 Budget 

    AN ORDINANCE BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND AND SECTION 37 OF THE HAVRE DE GRACE CITY CHARTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING THE CITY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020, BY DESIGNATING THE ANNUAL PROJECTION OF ANTICIPATED REVENUES AND PROPOSED AUTHORIZED EXPENSES FOR THE CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 

    A motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Martin to introduce Ordinance 1021 on first reading; motion carries 5-0.  After the header was read and assigned a number, a motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adopt Ordinance 1021 on first reading. Motion carries 5-0.  

    A public hearing is scheduled for June 10 at 6pm. 

    An Ordinance concerning the definition and locations of Museums 

    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 first reading. Motion carries 5-0. Ater the header was read and assigned a number, a motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adopt Ordinance 1022 on first reading. Motion carries 5-0

    A public hearing will be held on July 1st at 7pm.

     New Business: 

    A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Martin  approve the Lease Agreement- 300 St. John St. Motion carries 5-0.

     

    Directors Report:

    Mr. Patrick Sypolt: 

    “On Thursday, the Havre de Grace Yacht Club will be sponsoring the HdG Sailboat Races. Located at the Tidewater Marina, the sailboat races occur every Thursday evening, weather permitting, until mid-September. Race time is at 6:15 p.m.

    Our First Fridays continues on Friday June 7th in downtown Havre de Grace. Come shop our many eclectic shops, local artisans, listen to live music and partake of our fine restaurants. The festivities begins at 5:00 p.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m. This year we have expanded our food truck court and kids zone and have added additional vendors to quench your shopping thirst.

    Also, beginning this Friday, June 7th and continuing through June 9th the Havre de Grace Arts Collective presents the Havre de Grace Jazz and Blues Fest. This event, a first for Havre de Grace and surrounding area will be featuring nationally reknown acts such as Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers; the Cab Calloway Orchestra; (both at the High School Auditorium); the Headhunters Band; Jack Broadbent and the Eric Byrd Trio; (at the Cultural Arts Center at the Opera House) and there will also be a rising star concert featuring: Mark G. Meadows and the Movement; Tony Hancock Trio and the Noah Pierre Trio at Hutchins Park under the Festival Tent. For a complete schedule line-up and to order tickets, visit www.HdgJazzBluesFest.org or visit the HdG Vistors Center.  

     On Friday, the summer series of Concerts in the Park begins at Tydings Park. This Friday features Acoustic Turnpike (blue grass). The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. This is a free event as is all the concerts in the park and will continue every Friday evening; weather permitting, now through the end of July. The concert series is sponsored by the Havre de Grace Arts Commission.

    Beginning Tuesday, June 11th, the Summer Carnival on the Chesapeake kicks off five days of fun for the entire family. This year the carnival will have more rides than previous years for the young and old alike. There will be games and of course plenty of cotton candy, popcorn and pizzas. The hours are from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00, Tuesday through Friday and from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Saturday. Proceeds from the ticket sales supports your Independence Day Commission.

    On Saturday, June 15th, the Pirates return to the Lock House Museum. Join the Museum from 1:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the 10th Annual Havre de Grace Pirate Fest. The event will feature pirates and mermaids, maritime activities, festive food, refreshing drinks and kids crafts and live music. New this year is a V.I.P(irate) tent! Tickets start at $10.00 and the proceeds benefit the Lock House Museum. 

    Also on Saturday, June 15th, it’s Summer Jam 2019 Great Communities Family Fun Day at Somerset Manor. There will be Carnival-Style games and prizes; moon bounce, face painting, music and dancing, food concessions, live entertainment and vendor booths. The event runs from noon until 4:00 p.m. at Somerset Manor, located at 101 Stansbury Court, right here in HdG. For more information, please visit their web site http://theupwardclimb.org

    Early Announcement; because this event sells out quickly… It’s the 3rd Annual Hometown Heroes Breakfast, hosted by Weedon-Elliot VFW # 1826 will be at the Havre de Grace Community Center located at 100 Lagaret Lane on Saturday, June 29th from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Adults are $10.00 prebuy and $12.00 at the door, and children 12 & under are $5.00. Military members are $5.00. Tickets can be purchased at the Weedon-Elliot Post or at the Visitor Center.

    On Saturdays, 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 the end of November, the market opens at 9:00 a.m. and runs until noon. This past week’s Saturday attendance was 635; an increase of 22% from last year. And the third week in a row that more than 600 visitors attended the market. On behalf of the all the vendors at our market.”

      

    Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning

    Mr. Grimm stated he looks forward to working with the Council during the Work Session on the draft Sign Code.

    Permit activity is up as we would expect this time of year.  All building permits for new construction were in Bulle Rock.

    Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- 

    “Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford and the Maryland Opportunity Zone Leadership Task Force will host a Regional Summit for Cecil, Harford and Carroll Counties this Wednesday, June 5, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Havre de Grace Opera House, 121 N. Union Avenue. Lt. Governor Rutherford is the Chair of the task force and will be providing further information on the Opportunity Zone, of which there are four in Harford County, two of them being in Havre de Grace, essentially covering nearly all of the City Limits. Les Petits Bisous at 100 N. Washington Street is under new ownership after a passing of the apron and ribbon cutting ceremony this past Friday. The original proprietors Wanda and Johnny Boker passed the apron to Emily Yeatman who held her soft opening back on May 3, when she sold out during First Friday. Subsequently she has sold out of her macaron products every day since, and has now added eclairs and macaron ice cream sandwiches with Keyes Creamery Ice Cream to her menu. ITM4G, headquartered in Sterling, VA, is a defense contractor that has located their Maryland office in Havre de Grace at 1101 Revolution Street, after a brief turn at the GroundFloor at 2021 Pulaski Hwy., Havre de Grace. A fire protection, engineering, construction and facilities maintenance company they are a service disabled veteran owned small business and located centrally in the Havre de Grace HUBZone, or Historically Underutilized Business Zone. In 2015 there were two recognized DoD contractors located in Havre de Grace and as of Friday’s ribbon cutting with ITM4G there are 16. The Havre de Grace Fitness Center at 1024 Pulaski Highway held a ribbon cutting on Friday, May 31, as well. This gym offers cardio, classes, self-defense training, cross training, weight lifting, and is a 24-hour a day gym with memberships currently available. They are also the first business in all of Harford County to receive a Route 40 Façade Improvement Grant trough Harford County’s Office of Community and Economic Development. A soft opening was also held at The Yard at Coakley’s, 406 St. John Street, with the new outdoor dining, bar, music performance area and fire pit remaining a busy and popular venue all weekend. The improvements made to the property by Margie Coakley and Will Nori have been extensive and impressive.”

    Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance

    Mr. DeHority gave a general update of the current financial status. Continues to move in a positive direction. 

     Joe Conaway- Director of Public Works- Absent 

                              

    Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department 

    Chief Walter announced that tomorrow is the law enforcement Torch Run and kicks off at North Park at 7am. 

    Chief Walter also announced that the 75th Anniversary of D- Day  is June 6th. 

    Business from Mayor Martin 

    Mayor Martin announced that 635 visitors attended the Farmers Market this past Saturday. 

    Mayor Martin  informed citizens that the derelict boat at the foot of Franklin Street was removed. 

    Mayor Martin announced Community Clean -Up Day will be held July 13th along Wilson Street and the old Tranquility Manor site from 8am-noon. 

    Mayor Martin congratulated the class of 2019 and was honored to speak to the graduating class. 

    Business from Council:  

    Council Member Tomarchio- Absent 

    Council Member Robertson

    CM Robertson thanked the City for supporting the American Legion and the VFW Memorial Day services. 

    The Youth Commission will be held on June 22 at the Lock House Museum. 

    An open house is scheduled at the new offices of Kuzma Technical Enterprises at 601 Revolution Street. Another of Havre de Grace’s defense contractors, Melissa Kuzma invested in Havre de Grace real estate to grow her business having previously been located at the Medical Arts Building at 131 S. Union Avenue.

    Bay Breeze Soap Company will hold a grand opening on Friday, June 7 at 463 Franklin Street. The familiar company sets up at the Farmer’s Market and at previous First Fridays in front of Lyon’s Pharmacy. Owner Vicki Swanson will have karaoke, and a host of the vendors and artisans who share her shop on hand throughout First Friday as well as Goll’s Bakery cupcakes, door prizes and more. Her Havre de Grace storefront is the headquarters for her business which also operates in Tucson, Arizona.

    Council Member Zinner 

    CM Zinner expressed gratitude to all men and women in the service and who participated in the Memorial Day service. Thanked MG Taylor for being the keynote speaker. 

    Congratulated the Students of the Month and the Destination Imagination team from HDG Middle School. 

    Congratulated the class of 2019

    The Arts Commission awarded two scholarships. 

    The Independence Day Commission will meet 6/19.

    Will be participating in the Relay for Life and will attend the HHS Breakfast. 

    Council Member Ringsaker

    CM Ringsaker thanked the citizens for coming out to speak on the signage ordinance. 

    CM Ringsaker recognized FireFighter Grant Morris for his quick actions and life saving skills when he and his son assisted with an overturned kayak. 

    Council Member Martin 

    CM Martin congratulated the recipients of the MML Scholarship. 

    CM Martin announced the American Legion Riders will sponsor a ride to the Gold Star Memorial in HDG. 

    Business from Council President Glenn:

    A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Zinner to enter into a closed session at adjournment to discuss the vacancy of the DPW Director. Motion carries 5-0- Minutes are attached. 

    CP Glenn congratulated the Students of the Month, and also congratulated the entire class of 2019. 

    CP Glenn congratulated CM Zinner and Lauri O for graduating Harford Leadership Academy. 

    CP Glenn announced Warrior Proud moments and gave a special “shout out” to Callan Mercaldo and Jacob Corfman, both Little League ball players who broke their arms. Wished them both a speedy recovery. 

    Comments from Citizens: 

    No citizen comments. 

    A motion was made by CM Ringsaker  and seconded by CM Martin to adjourn at 9:44 pm. Motion carries 5-0