Havre de Grace council adopts election-code amendments, approves holiday budget and several first-reading ordinances

The Havre de Grace City Council on Dec. 1 adopted several measures and advanced others as it prepared for the holiday season.

By a 6–0 roll-call vote the council adopted Charter Resolution 305 on second reading after Council President Ringstager read five attorney-supplied amendments that remove county-specific language and add cross-references to Maryland election law. The amendments edited references to county-provided equipment, removed a county name, and added language directing the local board and staff to follow Maryland Code election law §3-403. The council accepted the amendments and adopted the resolution by roll call.

Also on the agenda, the council introduced Charter Resolution 306 on first reading, a proposed change to candidate qualifications that would reduce the local citizenship requirement for mayor and council candidates from 10 years to 2 years (residency requirements would remain two years). Administration representatives said the change was meant to align local citizenship and residency requirements and that the local board of elections had reviewed the proposal. Council President Ringstager and other members expressed reservations about changing a long-standing requirement. The measure passed first reading and the public hearing was set for Jan. 5, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

The council adopted Counter Resolution 2025-19 recognizing Pat Fair and Carolyn Foley as Emeritus members of the Havre de Grace Arts Commission; both honorees were present and the resolution passed by roll call vote.

On ordinances, the council approved Ordinance 1213 on first reading — a budget amendment (2026-04) that accepts a $20,000 Harford County tourism award to support the city’s Holly Jolly festivities and updates revenue and public-relations expenditure accounts. A public hearing on Ordinance 1213 was scheduled for Dec. 15 at 7:00 p.m. The council also adopted Ordinance 1214 (licenses and minor privileges) on first reading by a 5–1 roll call (Council member Boyer recorded the lone no); Council President Ringstager asked staff to place a constituent email about curb cutouts into the record for the public hearing on Dec. 15.

The council approved a Mardi Gras parade for Feb. 17, 2026 (6–7 p.m.; route from Bourbon to Washington to St. John to the American Legion) by unanimous vote.

Several department directors gave routine reports. Director of Administration Dr. Ritchie promoted Star Center and Opera House holiday programming and carriage-ride registration procedures; Director of Planning Jeff Cohen previewed a Dec. 18 Planning Commission five-lot subdivision proposal at St. John’s and Pennington; Director of Finance Abdi provided fund-balance and revenue/expenditure snapshots across the general, water/sewer and bridal funds; Director Conway reported on downtown holiday decorations and thanked DPW staff and contractors; and Major Joe Walton from the police department highlighted upcoming academy graduations and urged caution with increased pedestrian activity during holiday events.

The meeting closed with brief council-member updates — including a report that volunteers delivered 300 Thanksgiving meals — condolences for several community members and reminders about upcoming events. The council adjourned at 7:57 p.m.; its next regular meeting is Dec. 15, 2025.