Council Meeting Minutes March 4, 2019 Havre de GraceCouncil Meeting Minutes March 4, 2019 The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on March 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding and the following Council Members Present: Council Member’s Glenn, Zinner, Tomarchio, Robertson and Ringsaker. Council Member Martin was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martin and the opening prayer was led by Pastor Norman Obenshain of HDG United Methodist Church. A motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Robertson to approve the council meeting minutes of February 19, 2019. Motion carries 5-0. A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council Member Tomarchio to approve the closed meeting minutes of February 19, 2019. Motion carries 5-0. Comments from citizens on agenda items: None Recognitions: Mayor Martin presented Student of the Month recognitions to Havre de Grace Elementary School: McKenzie Cox Meadowvale Elementary School: William Grimm Havre de Grace Middle School: Aidan Gresock Havre de Grace High School: Karlee DeSantis Mayor Martin also presented a recognition to WXCY for thirty years on air. Appointments: A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council President Glenn to approve the re-appointment of Dr. William Russell to the Planning Commission. Motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council President Glenn to approve the re-appointment of Bruce Lyon to the Marina Commission. Motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Tomarchio to approve the re-appointment of John Narvell to the Marina Commission. Motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council Member Zinner to approve the new appointment of Zephan Matteson to the Youth Commission. Motion carries 5-0. Oath of Office: Zephan Matteson will be sworn in at a later date. Mayor Martin administered the Oath of Office to Everett Humphrey as a Lieutenant for the Havre de Grace Police Department. Resolutions: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE HAVRE DE GRACE CITY CHARTER, SECTIONS 34 AND 76, APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND M/V SUMMER BREEZE LLC FOR USE OF A CITY PIER. A motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Robertson to introduce Resolution 2019-01. Motion carries 5-0. After the header was read into the record, and assigned a number a motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Robertson to adopt Resolution 2019-01. Motion carries 5-0 Ordinances: None New Business: A motion was made by Council Member Zinner and seconded by Council Member Tomarchio to approve the Lock House Craft Beer and Wine Festival: 4/13/19- motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council Member Zinner to approve the Pyrex and Vintage Fest: 4/27/19 & 9/21/19- motion carries 5-0 A motion was made by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council Member Robertson to approve the Shrimp and BBQ Fest: 6/15/19- motion carries 5-0 A motion was by Council Member Robertson and seconded by Council President Glenn to approve Budget Amendment 2019-07; motion carries 5-0 Directors Report: Patrick Sypolt: Beginning tomorrow, March 5th at 8:00 a.m. and running until Tuesday, March 19th the City will be accepting applications for candidacy in this years’ City election to be held on May 7th. Applications will be accepted for those choosing to run for Mayor and City Council. Applications for candidacy can be acquired at City Hall. Also, if you haven’t registered to vote it isn’t too late. For our election, registration forms must be received by April 16th; 9:00 p.m. at the Office of the Harford County Board of Elections, located at 133 Industry Lane, Forest Hill, MD. The 26th Annual R. Madison Mitchell Endowment dinner will be held on Friday, March 8th at the Bayou Restaurant. Cocktails are available at 6:00 p.m.; dinner at 7:00 p.m. and the program begins at 8:00 p.m. The Endowment’s sole purpose is to support the Decoy Museum’s acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of decoys. Please contact the museum for further details or to make reservations at 410-734-6238. On Saturday, March 9th, the Cultural Arts Center at the Opera House will be featuring an evening with Robin Bullock. Hailed as a “Celtic guitar god” by the Baltimore City Paper and “one of the best folk instrumentalists in the business” by Sing Out! Magazine, Robin Bullock is one of the preeminent acoustic music masters of our time. His virtuosity on guitar, cittern and mandolin blends the ancient melodies of the Celtic lands, their vigorous American descendants, and the masterworks of the Baroque and Renaissance eras into one powerful musical vision. Performance begins at 8:00. On Sunday, March 10th, Daylight Savings Time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks forward. Remember ~ Spring Forward. The 8th Black Gospel Music Experience will be held on Tuesday, March 12th at the Cultural Center at the Opera House. In partnership with the Harford County Public Library supported by the Havre de Grace Friends of Harford County Public Library. Learn about the history of black gospel music and its roots in the African American community as local gospel choirs and soloists bring the history and sound to life with the stories behind the music and the music itself. Admission is free but registration is required. To attend please visit the website: hdgoperahouse.org. This year St. Patrick’s Day is on Sunday and what better way to get your Irish on then to see the McLean Avenue Irish Band on Thursday, March 14, at the Cultural Center at the Opera House. The McLean Avenue Irish band is an eclectic mix of musicians that blend together to create a dynamic, vibrant and memorable musical experience for audiences everywhere. McLean Avenue masterfully combines traditional Irish tunes and ballads with elements of rock, pop and R&B. Their performance begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center or on line at hdgoperahouse.org.If you missed any of the information I just spoke of and for a complete calendar of events for our City and participating venues, please visit our web site at explorehavredegrace.com; hdgoperahouse.org; and havredegracemd.org . Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning February was a busy month for building permits. We are encouraged with the interest in infill development. Planning Commission has been rescheduled for 3/12 at 6:30pm to review 321 N. Adams Street, the old Gracetown Inn. A correction from last week, the Friends of the Concord Point Lighthouse participated in the Heartbombing event, not the HPC. With spring just around the corner, citizens are reminded to make sure their properties are maintained and the grass cut in accordance with the Property Maintenance Code. Thanked Council for reappointing Dr. William Russell to the Planning Commission. Mrs. Erika Quesenbery- Director of Economic Development The House of Delegates passed the $15 minimum wage on the floor with amendments. It increases the minimum wage from the current $10.10 per hour to $11 per hour effective January 1, 2020 then increasing 75 cents per hour until reaching $13.25 effective January 1, 2024. Effective January 1, 2025 the minimum wage will move to $15 per hour. The Scope of the current wage and hour law remains in place – which means the current exemptions for commission employees, employees engaged in the canning, packing or freezing industries and three types of farm workers remain. Thus it maintains Maryland’s current law regarding tipped wages. The law also lowers from 20 to 18 the maximum age that an employer can pay a rate equal to 85% of the minimum wage. It also eliminates the six-month training wage clause. Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance: Mr. DeHority thanked Council for passing the budget amendment and thanked Steve Young for working on the grant. Mr. DeHority gave a financial review of the City. Mrs. Teresa Gardner: Director of Public Works Mrs. Gardner announced the re-decking is almost finished. Mrs. Gardner also stated Steve Young is doing a great job and has fostered a great relationship with DNR. Teresa Walter: Chief of Police Chief Walter thanked Mayor Martin for swearing in Lt. Humphrey. Chief Walter announced the Coast Guard Boating Safety Class. May 4-5, June 22-23 and July 13. Chief Walter announced an increased enforcement with the pedestrian traffic. Business from Mayor Martin: Mayor Martin announced the City will celebrate Mardi Gras tomorrow with the Mardi Gras parade. Mayor Martin announced he will present the FY20 Budget at the next meeting and announce the public work sessions. Mayor Martin recognized Camay Murphy, who has been awarded the 2019 State of Maryland Harriet Ross Tubman Achievement Award. Business from Council: Council Member Tomarchio: CM Tomarchio announced the Tree Commission will meet on 3/11 at 7pm. CM Tomarchio thanked Mr. Steve Young, Marina Manager for writing grants. On behalf of the St. John’s Episcopal Church, citizens are invited to attend the services on 3/10 to honor and celebrate Camay Murphy. Council Member Martin: Absent Council Member Zinner: CM Zinner announced the Arts Commission meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month, the Historic Preservation Commission meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month, the Independence Day Commission meets the 3rd Tuesday and the Wage and Benefit meets the 3rd Wednesday. CM Zinner thanked Chief Walter, Chief Hurst and Chief Quackenbush for presenting at Bulle Rock, felt like the presentation was informative and beneficial. Council Member Ringsaker: Council Member Ringsaker congratulated Weeblos Den 965 for getting ready to cross over to Boy Scouts. Council Member Ringsaker announced the St. Baldricks event is on 3/30 at Bill Batemans and Opening Day of Little League is 4/13. Council Member Robertson: The Budget and Finance Committee will meet on 4/2 @ 5:30pm. The Havre de Grace Office of Economic Development will be featured this Friday with the Harford County Public Library for a live radio interview and broadcast on the Harford Community College radio network. And on next Wednesday, March 13, will be part of the presenting panel on Economic Development for Harford Leadership Academy at Harford Community College. CM Robertson reminded everyone to treat people as they would like to be treated. Business from Council President Glenn: CP Glenn congratulated Student of the Month. CP Glenn congratulated Office Marshal Thomas on his retirement. CP Glenn attended Stop the Bleed training with the SHCO. CP Glenn extended his thoughts and prayers to Aberdeen Fire Company for the loss of member Judy Hinch. CP Glenn announced Warrior Proud moments. GP Glenn made a personal statement about his cancer diagnose. Citizens Comments: Kirk Smith: 120 S. Washington St: Mr. Smith would like the Mayor and Council to bring their attention to HB0109 and SB0285. Joe K: Tydings Road; Mr. K thanked the Council for supporting the Lockhouse event. Bob Robinson: 229 N. Union Ave, HDG, Mr. Robinson- Mr. Robinson questioned a location of a pipe in town. A motion was made by Council President Glenn and seconded by Council Member Tomarchio to adjourn at 9:03 P.M. Motion carries 6-0.
