May 4, 2020 City Council Minutes

    May 4, 2020

    Council Meeting Proceedings

     

    The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order on May 4th 2020 at 7:00 pm with Mayor Martin presiding.

     

    Council members present- CP Glenn, CM Robertson, CM Ringsaker, CM Zinner and CM Boyer with CM Martin absent.

    The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and opening prayer was given by CM Ringsaker in Proxy for Pastor Norman Obenshain of the Havre de Grace United Methodist Church.

    Approval of Minutes:

    CM Zinner moved to approve the Council Meeting minutes of April 20, 2020.  Seconded by CM Ringsaker.  Motion

    carries 5-0

    Comments from Mayor Martin:  Mayor Martin in opening remarks, gave a brief summary on the evening’s proceedings which were about to take place.  He shared instruction on how citizens can take part in the meeting and how we will continue with the council meetings, in order to comply with Governor Hogan’s Executive Order until further changes are put in place.

    Comments from Citizens on Agenda items:  No comments were made at this evenings meeting.

    Resolution:  2020-09

    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 AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE HAVRE DE GRACE GREEN TEAM LTD, AS IT RELATES TO COMPOSTING COLLECTION WITH GARRITY RENEWABLES, LLC. ON CITY PROPERTY

    A motion to introduce was made by CM Boyer with a second by CM Ringsaker. Motion carries 5-0.

    A motion to adopt on first reading was made by CM Boyer with a second by CM Ringsaker. Motion carries 5-0.

    Resolution: 2020-10

    A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, PURSUANT TO SECTION 34 OF THE CITY CHARTER AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE SGT. ALFRED B. HILTON MEMORIAL FUND, INC., AS IT RELATES TO THE PLACEMENT OF A MONUMENT IN THE MILLARD E. TYDINGS MEMORIAL PARK, LOCATED IN THE CITY OF HAVRE DE GRACE

    A motion to introduce was made by CP Glenn with a second by CM Zinner.  Motion carries 5-0.

    A motion to adopt on first reading was made by CP Glenn with a second by CM Ringsaker. Motion carries 5-0.

    Resolution: 2020-11

    A RESOLUTION BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF ARTICLE XI-E OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 33, 34, 65 AND 66 CONCERNING DEEDS OF DEDICATION FOR PORTIONS OF CHESAPEAKE DRIVE AND SENECA AVENUE

    A motion to introduce was made by CM Ringsaker with a second by CM Zinner. Motion carries 5-0.

    A motion to adopt on first reading was made by CM Ringsaker with a second by CM Boyer. Motion carries 5-0.

    Resolution: 2020-12

    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 to introduce was made by CM Ringsaker with a second by CM Zinner. Motion carries 5-0.

    A motion to adopt on first reading was made by CM Ringsaker with a second by CM Boyer. Motion carries 5-0.

     

    Ordinance: 1033

    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, 2020 TO JUNE 30, 2021 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 to introduce was made by CM Robertson with a second by CP Glenn. Motion carries 5-0.

    Public hearing was held this evening. A second reading will take place on the May 18th council meeting.

    Ordinance: 1034

    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 to introduce was made by CM Robertson with a second by CM Boyer. Motion carries 5-0.

    Public hearing was held this evening.  A second reading will take place on the May 18th   council meeting.

    CP Glenn made a clerical change on page 5 of this Ordinance.  This change was confirmed by Director of Finance George DeHority.  All council members were in agreement with the change.

    Recess was called by Mayor Martin to hold the Public Hearings on Ordinance 1033 and Ordinance 1034 at 7:46 pm. No public comments were provided in advance of the hearing in writing or in person at the Public Hearing for either Ordinance 1033 or Ordinance 1034. The Mayor encouraged citizens to send in comments for consideration at the Second Reading at the May 18, 2020 City Council Meeting. The Public Hearing ended at 7:46 pm. 

    The meeting reconvened at 7:47 pm.

    New Business:

    HDG Sailing Camp – (Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park) CM Ringsaker moved to approve. Second made by CM Boyer. Motion carries 5-0.

    Directors Report:

    Patrick Sypolt, Director of Administration:  Tomorrow would be our regular Election Day for Havre de Grace but due to the executive order issued by Governor Hogan, our Mayor has elected to postpone this year’s election until the Governor’s orders are lifted or amended. We will notify you when a date has been established. The Farmer’s Market kicked-off their season on Saturday at Hutchins Park. Their opening day was very good despite the COVID-19 constraints.  A special feature this past week was having the market opening at 8:30 am for the seniors and those with underlying health issues. The market will open again this Saturday at 8:30. The Farmers Market is open every Saturday from May to mid-November and features locally grown produce, baked goods, meats, soaps, beer, wine, spirits and hand crafted items. Early announcement, City Hall will be closed on Monday May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. City services will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26th.   We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this most difficult of times. We continue to update our calendar with event cancellations and postponements. Please continue to stay connected with us via our web sites and Facebook. When we migrate into the upcoming phases as outlined by our Governor we will post those events and the requirements for attendees.  Please visit our web sites at: havredegrace.com; explorehavredegrace.com and hdgoperahouse.org.

    Shane Grimm, Director of Planning: Absent at this evenings meeting, Mr. Sypolt gave a report on his behalf as follows:  The Planning Commission is being convened for a work session on May 19th at 6:30pm to review the Concept Plan submitted for the Green-Ianniello-Patrone properties.  The work session will be live streamed on YouTube and a link will be provided on our webpage.  Citizens can contact Shane Grimm, Director of Planning, directly with questions or comments at shaneg@havredegracemd.com.

    Erika Quesenbery-Sturgill, Director of Economic Development: Stated that funds are still being distributed for the Maryland Commerce COVID-19 Relief funding on a first-received, first served basis beginning with ones who applied on March 23. The FAQ page for Maryland Business Express is the fastest information resource.   The Maryland Business Relief Wizard – at www.reliefwizard.net can help you determine what programs you qualify for and which programs are open to apply for at this time.

     

    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.

     

    Tim Whittie, Director of Public Works: The City will be flushing hydrants as we do in the spring. Residents may see a little rust in the water during this time.  Bulle Rock repairs are completed on the water tower. Leaks were repaired and a new mixing unit was installed.

    Chief Teresa Walter, Havre de Grace Police Department:  The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in separation of families and friends for various reasons such as illness or geographic distances.  However, the Chief encouraged everyone to call each other on a regular basis just to touch base and check on everyone’s physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing.  So that simple act of kindness may be that very thing that helps a person during these anxious times.

    Chief Walter also thanked various businesses and people in the community who have provided everything from personal protection equipment, cloth masks, hand sanitizer, to food delivered to the PD.  Everyone in our community has really stepped up to show their appreciation for all of first responders to include the Susquehanna Hose Company and the Ambulance Corp.

    Business from Mayor Martin:  Mayor Martin encouraged residents who wished to voice any questions on the two Ordinances, introduced this evening, to please call or email.  The tax rate and water and sewer rate are unchanged this new fiscal year.   The City is financially sound and we are committed to providing all citizens with all City services.  We are being cautious on spending and will make smart decisions on the allocation of your tax dollars.  Mayor Martin encouraged residents to please take part in the Census. Mayor Martin shared his concerns on the pandemic we now find ourselves in. He firmly believes we are going to make it through this difficult time. He is proud of how all Havre de Grace Citizens are conducting themselves during this pandemic.   Mayor Martin spoke on the reason the City election was postponed.

    Business from Council:

    Council Member Zinner: CM Zinner congratulated three City of Havre de Grace seniors who were awarded this year’s Soroptomist scholarships. The Independence Day Committee met May 19th at 7pm via Zoom.

    Council Member Ringsaker:  CM Ringsaker sends prayers to CM Martin, Planning Commission meeting will be held via YouTube on May 19th at 6:30pm.

    Council Member Boyer:  CM Boyer thanked all for their votes for the Green Team.  She urged all too please continue to look out for your neighbors.

     

    Council Member Robertson: CM Robertson thanked all who contributed to the American Legions Food Pantry. He apologized to all who tuned in to the last council meeting and heard his spirited comments.

    Council President Glenn:   Council President thanked his fellow council members for the work they did on this year’s budget.  The next Budget Work session will be held on May 26th at 6:00pm.

    CP Glenn said he is so proud to call Havre de Grace his home.  Throughout this pandemic, we as a close knit community have exemplified the true definition of TEAM – TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE.  We have served as an inspiration for other municipalities and have shown that, People who care can and do make a difference.

     

    CP Glenn made a motion to adjourn at 8:32 pm with a second by CM Zinner. Motion carries 5-0.

    Video recording of the City Council Meeting may be viewed online through Harford Cable Network.

    Respectfully Submitted by, Resa Laird