Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2019

    The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on March 18, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding and the following Council Members Present: Council Member’s, Martin, Robertson, Tomarchio, Ringsaker and Zinner. Council President Glenn is absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martin and the opening prayer was led by Pastor Ron Tabor of First Christian Church. A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to approve the council meeting minutes of March 4, 2018. Motion carries 5-0

    Comments from citizens on agenda items:

    Mr. Warren Hartenstine- Spoke on zoning as it relates to breweries. The economic impact is substantial. Bruce Russell: would like council to consider a resolution for opposing off shore drilling.

    Nic Galloro- Supports the presentation by Oceana. Allison Kinney- Supports the presentation by Oceana.

    Nic Galloro- would like to mention the Farmers Market is celebrating 23 years.

    Rick Wahl- HDG Sailing Program- asking for support for the use of Hutchins Park Tent for the sailing camp.

    Presentations:

    Commander Robert Schmidt- of the VFW presented the Officer of the Year Award to Chet Norton. Mrs. Suzanne Chadwick presented on the Jazz and Blues Fest.

    Lt. Bo Parsons and Chairman Greg Dorrell gave an update on the Salvation Army.

    Mrs. Caroline Wood from Oceana and the HDG Green Team presented about off shore drilling and has requested legislation to oppose off shore drilling.

    Appointments:

    A motion was made by CM Tomarchio and seconded by CM Robertson to approve the appointment of the Honorable Paul Ishak to the Street and Safety Advisory Board; motion carries 5-0.

    Oath of Office:

    The Oath of Office was administered by Mayor Martin to the Honorable Paul Ishak. Mayor Martin requested a 10 minute recess at 8:30pm. No objections from Council.

    Resolutions:

    A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, PURSUANT TO SECTION 33 AND 34 OF THE CITY CHARTER AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND TO SUPPORT THE SOCIAL AGREEMENT FOR “TWINNING WITH MUMBLES, WALES”

    A motion was made by CM Tomarchio and seconded by CM Robertson to introduce Resolution 2019- 02; motion carries 5-0. After the header was read, a motion was made by CM Tomarchio and seconded by CM Robertson to adopt Resolution 2019-02. Motion carries 5-0

    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 SECTION 5-203 AND CITY CHARTER SECTION 33 AND 34 AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO GRANT LICENSES REGARDING CITY PROPERTY.

    A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CT Martin to introduce Resolution 2019-03; motion carries 5-0. After the header was read into the record, a motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Tomarchio to adopt Resolution 2019-03. Motion carries 5-0

    A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND AND SECTIONS 33 AND 34 OF THE CITY CHARTER, TO REAFFIRM THE CITY’S 1977 APPOINTMENT OF THE “FRIENDS OF CONCORD POINT LIGHTHOUSE, INC.” AND THEIR MISSION TO OVERSEE THE RESTORATION, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ICONIC HAVRE DE GRACE LIGHTHOUSE.

    A motion was made by CM Martin and seconded by CT Robertson to introduce Resolution 2019-04; motion carries 5-0. After the header was read into the record, a motion was made by CM Martin and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adopt Resolution 2019-04. Motion carries 5-0

    Ordinances:

    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.

    A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Robertson to introduce Ordinance 1014 on first reading. Motion carries 5-0. After the header was read and the rationale of ordinance was explained, a motion was made by CM Zinner and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adopt Ordinance 1014 on first reading. Motion carries 5-0. A public hearing is scheduled for April 1, 2019 at 7pm.

    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 CM Martin and seconded by CM Zinner to introduce Ordinance 1015. Motion carries 5-0. After the header was read and the rationale of the ordinance was explained, a motion was made by CM Martin and seconded CM Ringsaker to adopt the Ordinance 1015 on first reading. Motion carries 5-0 A public hearing is scheduled for April 1, 2019 at 7pm.

    New Business:

    A motion was made by CM Martin and seconded by CM Robertson to approve the Children’s Arts Festival: September 7, 2019; Tydings Park. Motion carries 5-0

    A motion was made by CM Zinner and seconded by CM Martin to approve the Youth Sailing Camp; June 15- August 16, 2019; Hutchins Park. Motion carries 5-0

    A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Zinner to approve the Farmers Market:: Every Saturday, May 4- November 23 2019; Hutchins Park. Motion carries 5-0

    A motion was made by CM Martin and seconded by CM Zinner to approve the Jazz and Blues Fest; June 8, 2018; Hutchins Park. Motion carries 5-0

    A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Zinner to approve the HDG United Methodist Church Easter Sunrise Service: April 21, 2019. Motion carries 5-0

    Directors Report:

    Patrick Sypolt: Director of Administration:

    The public work session for the proposed city budget will occur on March 25th at 6pm.

    Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning-

    We received notice on Friday afternoon from Caitlin Merritt, Historic Preservation Planner with Harford County, that The Cultural Center at the Opera House will be the recipient of a 2019 Harford County Historic Preservation Project Award in the category of Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse. The award will be presented at an afternoon ceremony hosted by the Harford County Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday, May 16th at Swan Harbor Farm.

    Last year, The Cultural Center at the Opera House received awards through the Maryland Historical Trust, Board of Trustees for Project Excellence: Community Impact in February 2018 and Preservation Maryland, Best of Maryland, Phoenix Award in May 2018.

    Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- Absent Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance

    Mr. DeHority gave an update on the City’s financials.

    Mrs. Teresa Gardner: Director of Public Works:

    Mrs. Gardner gave an update on the current public works projects.

    Teresa Walter, Chief of Police:

    Chief Walter reminded citizens about the Drug Take Back program on April 27th.

    Business from Mayor Martin:

    Mayor Martin presented the FY20 Budget. Business from Council:

    Council Member Ringsaker:

    The Marina Commission will meet on 4/3. The St. Baldrick’s event is scheduled for 3/30.

    CM Ringsaker commended his wife Brenda for assisting in an emergency at the Opera House. CM Ringsaker gave a shout out to Alex Gresock.

    Cm Ringsaker sent positive thoughts to Dave Glenn – Warrior community is proud of him and wishes him well in his recovery

    Council Member Tomarchio:

    Congratulated the members of the Ambulance Corps on their award ceremony. Attended the Portraits of HDG.

    The Street and Traffic Safety Advisory Board will meet March 25th.

    Council Member Robertson:

    The Budget and Finance committee will meet April 2nd at 5:30pm. The Youth Commission will meet March 19 at 7pm.

    The legion will sponsor a Family Fun Night, Monday 3/25 at 5pm celebrating Maryland Day. Kudos to the Opera House- attended the Wizard of Oz Movie.

    Attended the American Legion Centennial Celebration.

    Council Member Zinner:

    Also attended the Ambulance Corp banquet. Attended the Portraits of HDG.

    Business from Actin Council President Martin:

    Acting Council President Martin made a motion to post pone the closed session until the next meeting. No objections by council.

    Thanked the candidates who filed for elected official. Prayers and thoughts to CP Glenn

    Citizens Comments:

    Chip Paradis 309 Red Head Way- Mr. Paradis has asked for an update on the sinking boat near the water intake.

    A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council Member Tomarchio to adjourn at 10:05P.M. Motion carries 5-0.