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    Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019

    1. Havre de Grace
    2. Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019

    The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on May 20, 2019 at 7:020 p.m. with Mayor Martin presiding and the following Council Members present: Council Member’s, Glenn, Martin, Robertson, Tomarchio, Ringsaker and Zinner.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martin and the opening prayer was led by Council Member Rngsaker. A motion was made by Council Member Zinner and seconded by Council Member Martin to approve the council meeting minutes of May 6, 2019.  Motion carries 6-0.  A motion was made by Council Member Martin and seconded by Council Member Ringsaker to approve the closed meeting minutes; Motion carries 6-0  (Closed Session Minutes- See attached. )

    Special Presentation- HDG Police Department – Officer Chad Smith received a lifesaving award for saving a woman who was having a cardiac event. His quick actions- CPR and AED training saved her life. Mayor Martin presented a challenge coin.

    Recognition – Havre de Grace Middle School Destination Imagination Team will be attending a global competition in Kansas City.    Each team member was presented with a challenge coin and a city flag.

    Comments from citizens on agenda items:

    Kirk Smith 120 S. Washington  St. -Specific questions concerning  Sections 8 and 9 : What does BOD stand for- Biological Oxygen Demand , Questions about projection signs on page 14

    Traffic and Access Management- Good Ordinance that is sustainable. Likes the developers have an option.

    Question for overtime hours for Waterfront Festival for DPW.    

    Bambi Johnson – Executive Director of the HDG Alliance- 356 Congress Ave, Suite 203

    Would like council to consider the special event application- The Waterfront Festival- August 24-25  Would like to consider incorporating a heritage into the festival. The Museums are on board-

    Proclamations

    Mayor Martin presented a proclamation to Mr. John Correri in recognition of EMS Week- May 19-25, 2019.

    Presentations:

    Official Election Results: Election Board Chair, Mr. George Deibel

    Ordinances:

    Ordinance 1016: Second Reading and Adoption (CM Robertson)

    AN ORDINANCE BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY PROVIDED BY THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND TAX-PROPERTY ARTICLE TITLE 6 AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, FIXING THE TAX RATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020 ON EACH ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) OF ASSESSABLE REAL PROPERTY, PERSONAL PROPERTY; AND PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL SPECIAL TAX LEVIED WITHIN THE CRITICAL AREA SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT AND SETTING THE SERVICE CHARGE FOR THE SEMI-ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT OPTION.

    A motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Martin to introduce Ordinance 1016 on second reading. Motion carries 6-0. After the header was read, a motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Martin to adopt Ordinance 1016. Motion carries 6-0  

    Ordinance 1017:  Second Reading and Adoption (CM Robertson)

    AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE ADOPTED PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, AND THE CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 33 AND 34 AND CITY CODE CHAPTER 196 AND EXHIBIT A THERETO, ESTABLISHING THE CITY WATER AND SEWER RATES AND SERVICE PARTICIPATION FEES FOR THE USERS OF THE CITY WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM.

    A motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Zinner to introduce Ordinance 1017 on second reading. Motion carrie 6-0. After the header was read – a motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Ringsaker to adopt Ordinance 1017. Moton carries 6-0

    Ordinance 1018:  Second Reading and Adoption (CM Martin)

    AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAVRE  DE GRACE PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XI-E, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE, AND CITY CHARTER SECTION 33 AND 34, AMENDING THE CITY CODE SECTION 67: ETHICS

    A motion was made by CM Martin and seconded by CM Ringsaker to introduce Ordinance 1018 on second reading. Motion carries 6-0  After the header was read- a motion was made by CM Martin and seconded by CM Zinner to adopt ORdinance 1018. Motion Carries 6-0

    An Ordinance concerning Zoning: Signs: First reading (CM Ringsaker)

    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.

    A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Tomarchio to introduce Ordinance 1019 on first reading. Motion carries. After the header was read and assigned a number, a motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Zinner to adopt Ordinance 1019 on first reading.

    A public hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2019

    An Ordinance concerning Performance Standards (CM Ringsaker)

    AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL 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 205-11, ENTITLED “PERFORMANCE STANDARDS” BY REVISING THE TRAFFIC STANDARDS

    A motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Martin to introduce Ordinance 1020 on first reading. Motion carries 6-0.

    After the header was read and assigned a number, a motion was made by Council Member Ringsaker and seconded by Council Member Robertson to adopt on first reading. Motion carries 6-0

    A public hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2019 at 7pm. A public hearing will be placed in the newspaper for two consecutive weeks.

    Motion to Sine Die

    Oath of Office was administered by the Honorable Paul Ishak

    1.       William T. Martin
    2.       Jason Robertson
    3.       David Martin
    4.     Carolyn Zinner

    Call to Order for the 2019-20 Legislative Session

    Roll Call  with all members of council present

    A motion was made by CM Glenn and seconded by CM Martin to move into closed session for selection of Council President. Motion carries 6-0

    Meeting is reconvened at 8:53pm with all members of council present.

    A motion was made by CM Ringsaker and seconded by CM Zinner to nominate CM David Glenn as Council President. On roll call vote- motion carries 5-0 with CM Glenn abstaining from the vote.

    New Business:

    A motion was made by CM Robertson and seconded by CM Martin to approve Summer Jam Family Fun Day;  June 15, 2019, HDG Housing Authority; motion carries 6-0.

    A motion was made by CP Glenn and seconded by CM Tomarchio to approve the Waterfront Festival; August 24-25 2019; Hutchins Park and Concord Point; motion carries 6-0.

    Directors Report:

    Mr. Patrick Sypolt:

    Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better Thursday Night Live returns to the Cultural Center at the Opera House on Thursday, May 23rd, featuring the Blues Brotherhood! A tribute to the Blues Brothers. The Blues Brotherhood covers the best material from the original Blues Brothers as well as other classic blues, funk and soul tunes in a style unique. So hold on to your hats and shades as the boys capture the sound, energy, and persona that propelled the original Blues Brothers in the phenomenon that still thrills audiences around the world. The show starts at 8:00 p.m.

    On Friday, May 24th and again on Saturday, May 25th, it’s Rogue Swan, returning to the Opera House for a second year in a row, presenting its newest Vaudeville act: The Last Call. After performing to a sold-out house last spring, Rogue Swan have crafted a new Vaudeville for everyone to enjoy. For our first-timers, prepare for a night filled with music, comedy, drama and dance. Rogue Swan provides a unique combination of music throughout the last century to pay homage to the Vaudevilles there were widely popular in the early 20th century while making them relevant for today. And for our returning patrons, be prepared for an entirely new storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show begins at 8:00 p.m.

    City Hall will be closed on Monday May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28th.

    The Bob Hooper Hospice Regatta returns to Concord Point on Saturday, June 1st. The regatta features a sailboat race, dinner and dancing to live music. There is also gaming wheels, raffles and live and silent auctions. All the proceeds fund hospice services at the Hooper House. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

    If you missed any of the information I just spoke of and for a complete calendar of events for our City please visit our websites at: havredegrace.com and explorehavredegrace.com and hdgoperahouse.org.

     

    Mr. Shane Grimm: Deputy Director of Planning

    Marisa Willis of the Department of Planning is holding a meeting at 7pm in Council Chambers on 5/23 to educate the public on floodplain management and benefits of the CRS program which helps them save money on their flood insurance.

    Mrs. Erika Quesenbery Sturgill: Director of Economic Development- Absent

    Mr. George DeHority: Director of Finance

    Mr. Dehority gave a monthly financial report.

    Joe Conaway- Director of Public Works

    Mr. Conaway announced new shingle roof has been installed on the Moore house at 710 Market St

    The Sweeper truck back in service after being down for an extended period for maintenance.

    The tree contractor in town.

                             

    Chief Teresa Walter: Police Department

    Thanked the community for recognizing National Police Week

    Chief Walter reminded citizens that with warmer weather- please pay attention to where your parking. Do not park on yellow curbs or in handicap

    Business from Mayor Martin

    Mayor Martin announced that Mrs. Teresa Gardener,  DPW Director turned in her resignation.

    Mayor Martin attended the elevated walkway Ribbon Cutting at Joe K Trail. Thanked Mr. K and community partners for their years of work on this project.

    The Farmers Market hit 602 visitors this past weekend.

    Mayor Martin thanked the citizens for voting and is beyond humbled to run opposed. Excited for the next 2 years for more change, growth and progress.

    Business from Council:  

    Council Member Tomarchio

    CM Tomarchio congratulated her colleagues and their families during the election.

    Council Member Robertson

    Thanked everyone last wednesday who attending they shall not grow old as a Legion fundraiser.

    Youth Commission will not meet until after the June 22 Festival.

    Next Teen Night June 11 at 723 Yoga

    Also thanked the citizens who also ran for election.  

    Council Member Zinner

    CM Zinner expressed her happiness that she is now an elected official and thanked all the voters, and candidates.

    Participated in a Women’s Build for Habitat for Humanity on Revolution St.

    Announced that the Soroptomist’s recieved over sixty applications- twelve were presented and four were from HHS.

    Attended the Historic Preservation Awards ceremony and APG Gold Star Memorial.

    The ARts Commission will meet on 5/21.

    The HPC will meet at the home of Ron Browning.

    Council Member Ringsaker

    CM Ringsaker congratulated CM Glenn for being selected as Council President.

    Congratulated his colleagues and to the candidates who ran during the election.

    Commended Chad Smith for his Life Saving Award.

    Council Member Martin

    CM Martin deferred his comments to Mr. Larry O’Neal- Poet Laureate for the City of Havre de Grace. Mr. Larry O’Neal read a poem called “Start Again”

    Business from Council President Glenn:

    Administrative Committee will be meeting this Wednesday and will be meeting with a representative from Bob Cassilly’s office.

    Attended the ribbon cutting for Joe K’s long awaited bridge over Lily Run.  

    WARRIOR PROUD MOMENTS

    Congratulations to the Havre de Grace Boys Lacrosse Team for reaching the Regional finals before losing to Patterson Mill.

    Individual honors include: Tommy Meehan,  Mike Sweigart, Braeden Bushyager, Tanner Thompson,

    Brandon Rabbit. Congratulations to Alex Gresock and Christina Wilson on their recent Al Cesky Scholarship recognition.Congratulations to all the seniors and for those furthering their education next year I wish them nothing but the best.Bryce Bauer who plays for the Little League Major division Cardinals has hit two grand slams this year.  What an awesome achievement. Going, going, gone!!!!

    MEMORIAL DAY

    On May 27, we will be recognizing all those fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation. We also must not forget the families they left behind.  They are considered GOLD STAR FAMILIES but it is an honor that no one wants. The loss of life during conflict reinforces that freedom is not FREE. Someone thanked me the other day for all we do for the City. But I have to tell you, what we do is small potatoes to what veterans have done (past and present) to preserve our freedom.  So I ask a favor. In your travels if you run into a veteran (past or present) or a GOLD STAR family member THANK THEM. We need to reinforce that their tireless dedication, sacrifice and selfless service has not gone unnoticed. We shouldn’t hesitate to thank the men and women who put the uniform on asking for nothing in return. Their commitment to serving our country deserves the highest level of respect and gratitude we have to offer. Because of these brave and courageous men and women, we all possess our most precious gift – that of freedom. Without a doubt, they are the true unsung heroes and we can’t begin to thank them enough.  But we should at least try.

    Comments from Citizens: Camay Murphy- Green St.

    Thanked the City Council for allowing a public hearing on the sign ordinance.  Also thanked the City Council for the tree that was planted in honor of Harriet Tubman. Offered congratulations to elected officials.

    A motion was made by Council Robertson and seconded by Council Member Ringsake to adjourn at 9:44 pm. Motion carries 6-0