Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Votes Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Havre de Grace council: votes at a glance — MOU renewal, park lease, subdivision rule change, budget items, events
Summary
The council adopted a memorandum of understanding renewal for the Victory Garden, approved a kayak‑club lease, adopted changes to subdivision plan approvals as an emergency, and introduced budget amendments; several special events were approved on consent.
Havre de Grace — At its Sept. 15 meeting the Mayor and City Council approved a series of resolutions and ordinances, and placed several budget items on first reading. Key votes included:
• Resolution 2025‑14 — MOU with Havre de Grace Green Team: The council introduced and adopted Resolution 2025‑14 (6‑0) to authorize the mayor to enter a memorandum of understanding with the Havre de Grace Green Team for use of 319 Lafayette Street and 710 Market Street, renewing an existing partnership that supports the Victory Garden and related volunteer activities. Council member Boyer introduced the resolution; Council member Bowker seconded. Danielle Wolfe, president of the Green Team, spoke in support during public comment and described the garden’s role donating produce to local food pantries.
• Ordinance 12‑04 — Lease for Hutchins Memorial Park: The council adopted Ordinance 12‑04 (6‑0 on second reading) to approve a lease authorizing the Canton Kayak Club to use a portion of Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park. Ray Sker, president of the Kent Kayak Club, and an instructor previously testified in favor of placing a kayak rack at Hodgkin’s Park.
• Ordinance 12‑05 — Subdivision plan approvals (emergency consideration and adoption): After holding a public hearing earlier in the evening, the council voted to suspend rules and adopt Ordinance 12‑05 (6‑0) to amend sections of chapter 173 of the city code pertaining to plan approvals. City attorneys said the change ties preliminary plan expirations to the city’s approvals rather than third‑party agency recording timelines and codifies limited 90‑day extensions to avoid penalizing applicants when third parties delay recording final plats.
• Ordinance 12‑06 and 12‑07 — Budget amendments: The council introduced and adopted on first reading Ordinance 12‑06 (carry‑forward of FY25 capital project funds) and Ordinance 12‑07 (grant‑related allocations). Ordinance 12‑07 accepts new funding that includes a $120,000 state grant for a Route 40 school project with a $30,000 city match, a cybersecurity enhancement grant requiring no match, and a digital‑forensics package for the police department funded from seized‑case funds. Both were approved 6‑0 on first reading; public hearings were scheduled for Oct. 6.
• Special events (consent): The council approved three city‑sponsored events: the Washington Street Grand Opening and Fall Fest (Oct. 25; ribbon cutting 12:30 p.m., festival 1–5 p.m.), the Holly Jolly Parade and Tree Lighting (Dec. 5), and a Holly Jolly tent at Lower Pennington for children’s activities. Dr. Ritchie reviewed the event times and logistics.
Ending: The meeting combined routine approvals with several items that carry implementation tasks — tracking enterprise‑zone job creation, scheduling public hearings on budget amendments, and preparing for the October Washington Street grand opening and fall festival.
