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Votes at a glance: Havre de Grace council actions, Jan. 21, 2025
Summary
Council approved multiple routine resolutions and appointments and set a public hearing on a budget amendment; it also approved a temporary trailer permit and several special events. Several calendar resolutions and a budget ordinance were approved by roll call; Ordinance 11‑68 was tabled after extensive public comment.
Havre de Grace City Council took a series of votes at its Jan. 21, 2025 meeting. Most votes were unanimous and procedural; the council also set a public hearing on a budget amendment and approved a temporary permit to occupy a camper while a residence is renovated.
Key outcomes
- Closed‑session appointment recorded: The council read into the public record a Jan. 6 closed‑session vote approving the mayor’s appointment of Joe Conway as acting director of Public Works. The closed‑session motion (moved by Councilmember Robertson; seconded by Council President Ringstalker) passed 5‑0, the council reported.
- Reappointment to Ethics Commission: The council voted to reappoint Bill (William) Watson to the Ethics Commission. The reappointment was approved 6‑0.
- Calendar resolutions: The council introduced and approved two calendar resolutions by roll call. Calendar Resolution 2025‑02 (reviewing criteria to characterize active status for basic credit for qualifying members of local first‑responder organizations) passed by roll call vote 6‑0. Calendar Resolution 2025‑03, a license agreement to remove and replace a driveway apron along South Union Avenue right‑of‑way, was introduced and approved 6‑0.
- Ordinance 11‑72 (budget amendment): The council introduced and adopted Ordinance 11‑72 (budget amendment FY2025) on first reading by roll call vote 6‑0 and set a public hearing for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at 7 p.m.
- Temporary dwelling permit (801 Tidings Road): The council approved a motion to allow residents at 801 Tidings Road to temporarily reside in a mobile camper parked on their property for six months (subject to renewal). The motion carried 6‑0. Staff noted the property uses city water and sewer billing would reflect water usage for the camper.
- Special events and festivals: The council approved multiple special event permit requests, including the Independence Day parade and concerts (Hutchins Park and Concord Point Park), SARC Paws for a Cause, and the Arts, Wine, Jazz and Soul Festival. The AutumnFest application (Oct. 4, 2025) was approved with a waiver of the city trash‑service fee.
- Ordinance 11‑68 (group housing/zoning): After extended public comment the council voted 6‑0 to table Ordinance 11‑68 and return it to the planning commission for revised definitions and further review; no final adoption took place.
Votes and motions (selected details)
- Closed session appointment (Joe Conway as acting DPW director): motion by Councilmember Robertson; seconded by Council President Ringstalker; recorded vote read into record as 5‑0 in favor (action taken in closed session on Jan. 6, 2025).
- Bill Watson reappointment to Ethics Commission: motion by Council President; seconded; vote 6‑0 to reappoint.
- Calendar resolution 2025‑02 (first‑responder active status criteria): motion introduced and adopted by roll call vote 6‑0.
- Calendar resolution 2025‑03 (license agreement — South Union Ave driveway apron): motion introduced and adopted by roll call vote 6‑0.
- Ordinance 11‑72 (budget amendment FY2025): introduced and adopted on first reading; roll call vote 6‑0; public hearing scheduled for Feb. 3, 2025 at 7 p.m.
- Temporary trailer at 801 Tidings Road (6‑month permit): motion by Council President to allow temporary camper while residence is renovated; seconded by Councilmember Boger; approved 6‑0.
- Special events: consent approval for items 1–5 (SARC Paws for a Cause; Independence Day parade; concerts at Hutchins Park and Concord Point Park; Arts, Wine, Jazz and Soul Festival). AutumnFest (Oct. 4, 2025) approved with a trash fee waiver.
Next steps and follow‑ups
- Planning commission: Ordinance 11‑68 was sent back to the planning commission for reworking of definitions (group home vs. group living), alignment with COMAR, and narrowing of scope (veterans/first responders language had been proposed). Council awaits refined language before any subsequent vote.
- Budget ordinance public hearing: The council set a Feb. 3, 2025 public hearing for Ordinance 11‑72 (first Monday in February) to receive public comment before a final adoption vote.
The council recorded all roll calls and most votes as unanimous; where recorded, the staff packet and meeting minutes will include full vote roll calls and agenda references for each item.
