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Havre de Grace council approves assortment of resolutions, ordinances and appointments
Summary
At its July 6 meeting the council adopted a charter amendment on the oath of office, approved surplus property transfer to Special Olympics, approved an MOU with Havre de Grace In Bloom, advanced two ordinances on first reading, and confirmed an Arts Commission appointment.
The Havre de Grace City Council on July 6 moved a set of administrative and routine items that included charter, calendar and ordinance actions, an appointment and a consent calendar of special events.
By roll-call vote the council adopted Charter Resolution 308 (amending sections 53 and 54 of the city charter to permit oaths of office before either the mayor and council or a notary public) and scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 3, 2026. Council president Casey Boyer said the change is intended to create consistency and flexibility for swearing-in officials; the charter resolution passed by roll call, recorded as 6–0.
The council also introduced and approved a calendar resolution (2026-08) declaring certain city property surplus so it can be donated to Special Olympics Maryland. Council members said the transfer imposes no cost or liability on the city and offers a “win-win” for Special Olympics. The motion passed by roll call vote (recorded as an affirmative council vote).
A separate calendar resolution to approve a memorandum of understanding with Havre de Grace In Bloom (to site and maintain self-watering planters downtown) was adopted by roll-call vote 6–0.
On ordinances, council adopted Ordinance 12-24 (amending Chapter 25 pertaining to the housing authority) and Ordinance 12-25 (repeal and replacement of Chapter 81, forest conservation) on first reading; both measures were passed 6–0 and public hearings were scheduled for July 20. The council approved five special events (including the Wave of Light remembrance on Oct. 15 and the Havre de Grace Oktoberfest on Oct. 10) by consent.
The council also approved the appointment of Britney Powell to the Havre de Grace Arts Commission by voice vote (6–0). The meeting included a ceremonial swearing-in for new police officer Jenny Erway and several departmental reports.
Votes at a glance
• Charter Resolution 308 — adopted (roll call 6–0); public hearing Aug. 3, 2026. • Calendar Resolution 2026-08 (surplus property to Special Olympics Maryland) — adopted (roll call recorded affirmative). • Calendar Resolution 02/2009 (MOU with Havre de Grace In Bloom) — adopted (roll call 6–0). • Ordinance 12-24 (Chapter 25; Housing Authority) — adopted on first reading (roll call 6–0); public hearing July 20. • Ordinance 12-25 (Chapter 81; Forest Conservation) — adopted on first reading (roll call 6–0); public hearing July 20. • Appointment: Britney Powell to Arts Commission — approved (voice vote 6–0).
The council adjourned at 9:14 p.m.; its next meeting is July 20, 2026.
