February 18, 2020 City Council Minutes Havre de GraceFebruary 18, 2020 City Council Minutes February 18, 2020 Council Meeting Proceedings The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on February 18, 2020 at 7:01 pm with Mayor Martin presiding. Council Members present: CP Glenn, CM Robertson, CM Ringsaker, CM Boyer, CM Zinner and CM Martin. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and opening prayer was given by Dr. Baron Young, Pastor St. James A.M.E. Church. Approval of Minutes: CM Zinner moved to approve the Council Meeting minutes of February 3, 2020. Seconded by CM Ringsaker. Motion carries 6-0. CP Glenn moved to approve the minutes from the Joint Public Work Session of January 16, 2020 Seconded by CM Martin. Motion carries 6-0. Comments from Citizens on Agenda items: Taryn Martin, of 302 Squaw Ct., thanked Council for considering the applications presented this evening by the Independence Day Commission. Presentations: George Diebel presented the recent Special Election results. CM Martin made a presentation of the Water and Sewer Commissions Annual Report and Recommendations. Resolution: 2020-02 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 AND CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 33, 34, 17 AND 18 APPROVING THE LANGUAGE OF A BALLOT QUESTIONAND THE PLACING OF THE QUESTION ON THE BALLOT AT THE NEXT REGULAR ELECTION TO BE HELD MAY 5, 2020 CONCERNING VOTER APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO CITY CHARTER SECTION 17 CHANGING THE MAYORAL TERM FROM TWO YEARS TO THREE YEARS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE AT THE NEXT MAYORAL ELECTION A motion to introduce was made by CP Glenn with a second by CM Martin. Motion carries 6-0. Motion to adopt Resolution 2020-02 was made by CP Glenn with a second by CM Martin. Motion carries 6-0. Ordinance 1027: 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 173, SUBDIVISION OF LAND, IN ITS ENTIRETY IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH NEW STANDARDS FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF LAND. A motion to introduce was made by CM Ringsaker. Second by CM Martin. Motion carries 6-0. A motion to adopt on first reading was made by CM Ringsaker. Second by CM Zinner. Motion carries 6-0. A public hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Ordinance 1030: AN ORDINANCE BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE ADOPTED PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF ARTICLE XI-E OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 23A OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, AND SECTIONS 33 AND 34 OF THE HAVRE DE GRACE CITY CHARTER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AMENDING HAVRE DE GRACE CITY CODE CHAPTER 31 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ARTICLES I, II, III, IV AND V. A motion to introduce was made by CM Ringsaker. Second by CM Martin. Motion carries 6-0. A motion to adopt on first reading was made by CM Ringsaker. Second by CM Robertson. Motion carries 6-0. A public hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Ordinance 1032: 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 67: ETHICS, SECTION 2, ETHICS COMMISSION; FILING COMPLAINTS; AMENDMENTS, BY REVISING ITEM A, TO CLARIFY VOTNG AND NON VOTING MEMBERS. A motion to introduce was made by CM Martin. Second by CM Ringsaker. Motion carries 6-0. A motion to adopt on first reading was made by CM Martin. Second by CM Robertson. Motion carries 6-0. A public hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Ordinance 1031: 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 25: ARTICLE VII, ORGANIZATION AND MEMBERS, SECTION 25-36, BY REVISING ITEM 11, TO INCLUDE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM “VISIT HARFORD, INC.” AS AN EX-OFFICO MEMBER OF THE TOURISM ADVISORY BOARD A motion to introduce was made by CM Ringsaker. Second by CM Martin. Motion carries 6-0. A motion to adopt on first reading was made by CM Ringsaker. Second by CM Zinner. Motion carries 6-0. A public hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2020 at 7:00 pm. New Business: Carnival on the Chesapeake – CM Zinner moved to approve. Second made by CM Robertson. Motion carries 6-0. Independence Day Parade – CP Glenn moved to approve. Second made by CM Ringsaker. Motion carries 6-0. Independence Day Concert (Concord Point) – CM Zinner moved to approve. Second made by CM Robertson. Motion carries 6-0. Independence Day Concert (Hutchins Park) – CM Robertson moved to approve. Second made by CM Martin. Motion carries 6-0. Lockhouse Craft, Beer & Wine Festival – CM Ringsaker moved to approve. Second made by CM Robertson. Motion carries 6-0. First Friday’s – CP Glenn moved to approve. Second made by CM Boyer. Motion carries 6-0. Out of Darkness Walk – CM Martin moved to approve. Second made by CM Zinner. Motion carries 6-0. Budget Amendment 2020-08 – CM Robertson moved to approve. Second made by CM Martin. Motion carries 6-0. Budget Amendment 2020-09 – CM Robertson moved to approve. Second made by CM Zinner. Motion carries 6-0. Directors Report: Patrick Sypolt Director of Administration: Provided dates of upcoming events in Havre de Grace which are available on the tourism website at www.explorehavredegrace.com. Mr. Shane Grimm Deputy Director of Planning: Census 2020 is upon us and please contact Marisa Willis with any questions. Mrs. Erika Quesenbery-Sturgill Director of Economic Development: Absent, on City business. Mr. George DeHority Director of Finance: The current financial condition of General Fund 1, Water/Sewer Fund 9 and Marina Fund 8 were presented by Mr. DeHority. Mr. Tim Whittie Director of Public Works: The grant for the living shoreline was submitted. The county has promised $500,000 towards this project. Chief Teresa Walter Havre de Grace PD: Advised citizens to never leave your car running or unattended. You could also receive a $70 ticket and one point on your driving record. Business from Mayor Martin: The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism presented Camay Murphy with the Senator Verda Freeman Welcome Legacy Award ceremony this morning. Congratulation to Ms. Murphy on this very special award. On February 23rd at 2:30 pm A Memorial Tree Dedication to celebrate the Harriet Tubman Award will be held at St. John’s Church. A Transfer of Ownership will be held this Friday February 21st at 4:30 pm. The Havre de Grace Colored School Foundation located at 555 Alliance Street, will transition from Foundation of Community Projects of Havre de Grace., Inc. to their own 501(c) 3 organization now known as, Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center, Inc. Mayor Martin thanked all Havre de Grace citizens who came out to vote on the recent referendum and took the time to learn all about it. Business from Council: Council Member Robertson: February 19th at 4 pm EDAB will meet at city hall. February 27th at 7 pm the Youth Commission will meet at city hall. February the 29th The Havre de Grace American Legion will host a Wild Game Feast. Council Member Ringsaker: February 28th and 29th from 6 pm to 8 pm. March 7th and March 14th also from 10 am to 3 pm, signup for Havre de Grace Football is being held at the Activity Center. Troop 965 Boy Scouts will host a spaghetti dinner at Level Fire Hall on February 14th. Wage and Benefit will meet at city hall on the 19th of February at 6:30 pm. Council Member Martin: Thanked all voters for their support Council Member Zinner: April 1, 2020 Census Day is observed nationwide. Everyone should have received an invitation by this date. Independence Day Commission will meet February 24th at 6 pm at PD. Council Member Boyer: The Street and Traffic Safety Committee will meet at city hall at 6 pm on the 24th of February. The Green Team will meet on March 24th at PD at 7 pm. Tree Commission will meet March 9th at 7 pm at the Maritime Museum. Council President Glenn: Wished all the Warrior Teams the best as they begin to approach tournament time. CP Glenn recognized his Aunt Catherine who at 97 years young and a huge supporter who religiously watches the city council meetings. “Aunt Catherine this shout out is for you, you are one special individual”. CP Glenn made a motion to go into closed session at the end of this meeting tonight, to discuss the performance evaluation of an appointment position to the position of Director of Planning. Seconded by CM Martin motion carries 6-0 No comments were made by citizens. Adjournment to go into closed session was made at 8:54. The meeting was reconvened at 9:22 pm, all council members were in attendance. CM Ringsaker motioned to appoint Mr. Shane Grimm to Director of Planning which was seconded by CM Robertson. Motion carries 6-0. Each council member took a moment to comment on Mr. Grimm’s qualifications. A vote was taken and was unanimously approved for the position. CP Glenn moved to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by CM Boyer. Meeting to adjourn was unanimously approved. Meeting ended at 9:32 pm. Video recording of the City Council Meeting may be viewed online through Harford Cable Network. Respectfully Submitted by, Resa Laird & Patrick Sypolt PUBLIC VERSION – SUMMARY (attach to public meeting minutes) MINUTES OF HAVRE DE GRACE CITY COUNCIL MEETING CLOSED SESSION Tuesday, February 18, 2020 City Hall 711 Pennington Avenue Havre de Grace, MD 21078 Time of Closed Session: 8:57 PM Place: City Hall, Mayor’s office. Purpose: To consider the job performance and appointment of Shane Grimm as Director of Planning. Persons Attending: Council President Glenn; CM Boyer; CM Robertson; CM Martin; CM Ringsaker; CM Zinner; Chief of Staff Gamatoria; Director of Administration Sypolt; City Attorney Ishak; Mayor Martin. Motion to go into close session made by CP Glenn, second by CM Martin. Vote in favor: 6-0 Authority under Section 3-305 for the closed session: General Provision Article 3-305(b)(1) to discuss the job performance and appointment of a new Director of Planning. Topics actually discussed: The council members considered the job requirements of the Director of Planning, and how Shane Grimm, the Deputy Director of Planning, was actually performing many aspects of the job. He is recommended by the Mayor for appointment of a three-year contractual term. Action taken: None. Motion to Adjourn and return to open session in order take the vote in open session. Passed: Vote 6-0. Closed Session adjourned at 9:21 PM. Open Session resumed at 9:23 PM. A motion was made by CM Ringsaker to approve Shane Grimm as the new Director of Planning. Second by CM Robertson. Council members shared their support for Mr. Grimm and his competency for the position. Motion carries by a vote of 6-0. Motion to Adjourn was made by CP Glenn. Second by CM Boyer. Motion to adjourn carries by a vote of 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:32 PM
