March 16, 2020 City Council Minutes Havre de GraceMarch 16, 2020 City Council Minutes March 16, 2020 Council Meeting Proceedings The regular meeting of the Mayor and City council was called to order on March 16, 2020 at 7:02 pm with Mayor Martin presiding. Council Members present: CP Glenn, CM Boyer, CM Ringsaker, CM Martin, and CM Robertson. CM Zinner Absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and opening prayer was given by CM Boyer in Proxy for Reverend James Snodgrass of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Approval of Minutes: CM Boyer moved to approve the Council Meeting minutes of March 2, 2020. Seconded by CM Martin. Motion carries 5-0. Comments from Citizens on Agenda items: None. Recognitions: None Presentations: Jim McFarland shared a presentation of the update on the Ernest Burke Statue. Captain Rick Wahl spoke on the City of Havre de Grace Youth Sailing Program. CM Ringsaker gave an update on the Marina Commission. Appointments: Motion made by CM Ringsaker to re-appoint Darryl Leonetti and Steven Lay to the Marina Commission. Second by CM Martin. Motion carries 5-0. Oath of Office: None Resolution: None Ordinance 1027: Was read into record. A motion to introduce on second reading by CM Ringsaker with a second by CM Martin. Motion carries 5-0. A motion to adopt Ordinance 1027 on second reading was made by CM Ringsaker with a second by CM Robertson. A number of substantive, grammatical and punctuation amendments were proffered by CM Ringsaker with a second by CM Boyer. The Friendly Amendments were passed successfully by a 5-0 vote. A motion by CM Ringsaker to approve Ordinance 1027 with the suggested substantive amendments was seconded by CM Martin. Motion carries 5-0 Ordinance 1030: Was read into record. A motion to introduce on second reading by CM Ringsaker with a second by CM Martin. Motion carries 5-0. A motion to adopt Ordinance 1030 on second reading was made by CM Ringsaker with a second by CM Boyer. A number of friendly amendments were introduced by CM Ringsaker and a second was made by CM Martin. Motion carries 5-0. Ordinance 1032: Was read into record. A motion to introduce on second reading by CM Martin with a second by CM Ringsaker. Motion carries 5-0. A motion to adopt Ordinance 1032 on second reading was made by CM Martin with a second by CM Ringsaker. CM Martin introduced friendly amendments which were adopted with a second by CP Glenn. Motion carries 5-0. Ordinance 1031: Was read into record. A motion to introduce on second reading by CM Martin with a second by CM Boyer. Motion carries 5-0. A motion to adopt Ordinance 1031 on second reading was made by CM Martin with a second by CM Boyer. Motion carries 5-0. New Business: Budget Amendment 2020-10 – CM Robertson moved to approve. Second by CM Martin. Carries 5-0 Maryland Bass Nation Trail #2 – CM Ringsaker moved to approve. Second made by CM Boyer. Motion carries 5-0. HDG Pirate Fest – CM Robertson moved to approve. Second made by CM Boyer. Motion carries 5-0. 10th Annual Blessing & Pet Expo – CM Ringsaker moved to approve. Second made by CM Boyer. Motion carries 5-0. HDG Recreation Committee Halloween Parade/Costume Contest – CM Martin moved to approve. Second made by CP Glenn. Motion carries 5-0. Directors Report: Patrick Sypolt Director of Administration: Encourage citizens to utilize online resources along with other protocol we are currently following in light of the best approach to prevention of the spread of the COVID-19. Mr. Sypolt encouraged citizens to stay connected and use the city website for a source of information to links to gather all current information. Mr. Sypolt asked that citizens please visit our web sites at explorehavredegrace.com; hdgoperahouse.org; and havredegracemd.org for updated calendars on city events. On behalf of DPW Mr. Sypolt reported that the Phase III Storm water projects nears completion. Engineering proposals for NG Pump station water mains will be pushed back a week from March 20th to March 27th. Pre-prosed meeting for the construction of the WTP intake pipes scheduled for March 18, 2020. Dumpster Day will be held April 11th. Mr. Shane Grimm Director of Planning: Mr. Grimm thanked the Mayor and Council for approving the Ordinances 1027 and 1030. Mr. Grimm acknowledged Ms. Marisa Willis of Planning for her work on Ordinance 1030. The meeting to discuss the Critical Area remapping has been postponed and the Planning Commission for April 14th may be postponed as well. Mrs. Erika Quesenbery-Sturgill Director of Economic Development: Spoke on the effects of local businesses and the current impact due to COVID-19. She provided links to SBA and State COVID sites. The next EDAB meeting of March 18th will not be held. Mr. George DeHority Director of Finance: Thanked the Mayor and Council for approval of Budget Amendment 2020-10. 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: Absent. Chief Teresa Walter Havre de Grace PD: Chief Walter added to Economic Development Director Mrs. Erika Quesenbery-Sturgill’s comments regarding Governor Hogan’s Executive Order calling for the closure of bars, restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters as of 5:00 p.m. today. This is in an effort to ensure social distancing and further prevent the spread of COVID-19. Chief Walter asked that people understand that Governor Hogan’s Executive Order does have potential legal consequences if people choose to ignore the order. If you knowingly and willfully violate the order you could be charged criminally and if you are convicted subject to imprisonment not to exceed one (1) year or a fine not to exceed $5,000 or both. Chief Walter asked folks to please follow the Governor’s order and help by doing your part to keep everyone safe and healthy in or community. Business from Mayor Martin: Mayor Martin presented opening statement, for the submission of the Preliminary Budget. Mayor Martin shared the following actions put in place at this time addressing COVID – 19 to protect the health and safety of our community. Suspension of programs and use of the Havre de Grace Community Center on Lagaret Lane through the end of the month. Suspension and programs at the Havre de Grace Opera House through the end of the month. We ask that all City Boards, Committees and Commissions suspend their monthly meetings until further notice. The Havre de Grace Visitor’s Center will remain open at this time. Havre de Grace City Hall will remain open and operational, and will be implementing measures to protect the safety of City staff and our citizens. If you are currently sick, or have experienced a fever in the last 48 hours, please do not enter City Hall. Citizens are strongly encouraged to conduct necessary business through phone, internet and email and avoid face-to-face contact if possible. All City bills can be paid online at www.havredegracemd.com, or can be paid by credit card over the phone by calling 410-939-1800. For building permits, please contact Ms. Colleen Critzer at 410-939-1800 to discuss and arrange for electronic submission, or drop-off in the drop box located at the front entrance. Approved permits can be forwarded electronically, and payment arrangements can be made over the phone. If you must enter City Hall to conduct business, we request that you exercise the following precautions: Utilize the hand sanitizer provided in the foyer prior to conducting business with City staff. If you prefer to wash your hands, please visit the restroom and wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before conducting business with City staff. Please practice “social distancing” and remain 6-feet away from City staff and other citizens. Business from Council: Council Member Boyer: We are celebrating the 100 year of the 19th Amendment in which women were given the right to vote. Havre de Grace was proactive in support of this movement. Council Member Martin: The next Ethics Commission meeting will be held via phone and email. Council Member Robertson: Spoke on COVID-19 overwhelming the healthcare system. Ringsaker: Thanked Marisa Willis of the Planning Department for all of her hard work. Council Member Zinner: Absent Council President Glenn: There are a lot of postings relative to COVID – 19 that in many cases are false. Request residents review the City’s website for the latest up-to-date guidance. The Mayor and City Staff has put initiatives in place to ensure that the website is up-to-date with the latest “official guidance” from the CDC and State of Maryland Department of Public Health. This will help you to stay abreast of the latest and greatest and avoid false guidance. Be safe and stay healthy. No comments were made by citizens. CP Glenn made a motion to adjourn at 9:14 pm with a second by CM Martin. Carries 5-0. Video recording of the City Council Meeting may be viewed online through Harford Cable Network. Respectfully Submitted by, Resa Laird
