Council adopts leases, zoning changes and budget amendments; reappoints election supervisor
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Summary
At its March 17 meeting the Havre de Grace City Council approved a dock lease for the skipjack Martha Lewis, adopted landscaping and lot-and-yard ordinances, introduced budget amendments for pier repairs and other capital work, and reappointed an elections supervisor. Vote totals and next steps are summarized below.
The Havre de Grace City Council took multiple legislative actions on March 17, adopting ordinances and budget amendments and approving appointments. Key outcomes:
- Dock lease for skipjack Martha Lewis (Ordinance 11-76): Council approved a dock lease between the City and Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc., for use of the Hutchins Park Pier. The ordinance passed on second reading by roll call vote, 5-0.
- Landscaping code amendments (Ordinance 11-77): Council adopted amendments to Chapter 102 (Landscaping — Sustainable) on second reading. The measure was introduced and then amended on the floor; the final roll call vote was 5-0. Public commenters including Carol Zimmerman (Havre de Grace Green Team) urged stronger protections for large specimen trees and greater public input on landscape impacts.
- Lot and yard requirements / infill alignment (Ordinance 11-78): Council adopted changes to Chapter 205 (Zoning) intended to require infill dwellings to align with the existing streetscape (front-yard alignment within the same city block). The ordinance passed on second reading by a 4-1 roll call (one councilmember opposed). Council discussion described the intent as preserving consistent streetscape setbacks for infill development.
- Budget amendment for pier repairs and redecking (Ordinance 11-79): The council introduced and adopted this budget amendment on first reading, authorizing $62,500 in DNR and city funds for pier repairs and redecking; the motion carried 5-0. A public hearing was set for April 7.
- Budget amendment for unanticipated project cost increases (Ordinance 11-80): Council adopted a first-reading budget amendment to cover additional costs encountered on several capital projects, including water and downtown infrastructure work; the motion carried 5-0. Council and staff explained the increases were unanticipated costs discovered during ongoing projects and would be funded from capital cost recovery and bond proceeds.
- Reappointment to Board of Elections Supervisors: The council approved the reappointment of Nick Gallaro to the Board of Elections Supervisors; motion carried 5-0.
Other recorded actions appearing in the meeting minutes that were approved during closed-session minutes review included approval of the mayor’s appointment of Jeff Goans as Director of Planning (motion reflected in closed-session minutes and recorded as passed 6-0 in that earlier closed-session entry).
Ending
Council scheduled public hearings where required (April 7) and directed staff to carry out the budget transfers and administrative steps necessary to implement the adopted ordinances and capital work.
