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    City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing: Week of Monday, September 18, 2017

    1. Havre de Grace
    2. City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing: Week of Monday, September 18, 2017

    City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing:
    Week of Monday, September 18, 2017

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    Headlines:

    • The Aegis:  “Homebuilding up in Havre de Grace, steady elsewhere in Harford.” View Article
    • The Aegis:  “Ground broken for Gold Star Families Monument in Havre de Grace.” View Article
    • Municipal Maryland Magazine: “Havre de Grace Installs 7th Little Free Library.” View Article

    Office of the Mayor:

    • Monday, September 11, 2017 Mayor Martin attended and spoke at the Gold Star Families Monument groundbreaking.

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    •  Saturday, September 16, 2017 Mayor Martin along with Council President Glenn had the distinct honor of attending the American Flag Retirement Ceremony, organized by the Havre de Grace American Legion Joseph L. Davis Post 47.

    Department of Administration:

    • The Mayor and City Council will meet Monday, September 18, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.  View Agenda

    • Hurricane season is currently underway.  Please sign up for our storm alert CTY to receive important notifications from the city.

    Department of Finance:

    • Water/Sewer Delinquent Notices were mailed 9/15/17.  To avoid Turn Off Fees and disconnection, please pay your bill by Monday, September 25.
    • User Benefit Fees are due by September 29, 2017.
    • Register for e-Billing online or call Michele at 410-939-1800
    • Water/Sewer and Taxes can be paid online at haverdegracemd.com.  PIN’s are located on your bill and can also be changed online by request.

    Department of Planning:

    ·         Five hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic during August and September, but hurricane season is far from over, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  Even without a hurricane or tropical storm, heavy rains can cause extensive flooding in our City. The City of Havre de Grace has had our Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) revised by FEMA which became effective on April 19, 2016.  Although flood boundary lines on the map may have changed, floods can still happen outside those areas.  You may contact the Department of Planning at (410) 939-1800 ext 1123 to find out the flood zone for your property.  Ask your insurance agent about flood insurance, which is also available for renters.  A Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) offers lower-cost protection for homes and apartments in areas of low to moderate flood risk. These are areas shown as B, C, or X zones on a FIRM.

    ·         As noted by DPW Division of Stormwater Management, keep your storm drains clear of leaves, grass, trash and tree debris at all times to minimize flooding in the streets and on your property.   Please contact DPW if you notice anyone dumping into a storm drain or stream.

    ·         Building permits are required for sheds, fences, renovations, decks, and other alterations to buildings and property.  If your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, there may be State requirements to comply with also.  When hiring a contractor, be sure they are licensed by the State of Maryland.  Contact the Department of Planning (410) 939-1800 ext 1102 for permit fees and details.

    Department of Public Works:

     A busy time with Requests for Proposals for the following projects:

    • Camilla Street water line

    • City Yacht Basin dredging

    • Bridge Abutment Design for Joe K Trail

    • Concord Point Pond Restoration

    • Planning for a Traffic Study to examine intersection and by-pass lane entering Scenic Manor.
    • Drinking Water Quarterly Testing: The 4th quarter testing revealed excellent results.

    Passing level is at 80 parts per billion.  Our results showed: 23.8ppb at the lowest and 43.3ppb at the highest.

    ·         BGE Gas Line Replacement Project – Phase 3 will begin this week.  Once the gas lines have been replaced, the sidewalks and roadbeds will be repaved.

    ·         Water Street – MDE approved engineers to perform soil borings.  Work to begin this week.

    ·         Curbside Collections – Making very positive strides with residents using trash cans with secure lids. The vast majority of residents are now following the City’s Code. For folks finding they may need more trash cans – Now is an excellent time to purchase Recycle Containers instead as the more you recycle, the less trash you will have.

    ·         Water & Sewer Connections- Year to date, there are 108 new connections.

    ·         Girl Scout Gold Project – A local Girl Scout will be working with DPW to create a video to demonstrate to our community how easy it is to recycle and how everyone benefits.

    STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UPDATES

    • Reminder:  Since fall is almost here keep your storm drains clear of leaves, grass, trash and tree debris at all times to minimize flooding in the streets and on your property when it rains.

    • Stormwater Management personnel are working with some students to stencil some our storm drains reminding folks that anything entering our storm drain system flows to the Chesapeake Bay.

    • If anyone notices someone dumping into a stormdrain please notify City Hall at 410-939-1800, ext. 1128.  Anything going into the drains except for stormwater is illicit.

    • The City is progressing with plans for stormwater management facility retrofits/improvements.  Keep watching the updates for the improvements happening throughout the City.

    Current requests for proposals:

    • Concord Point Park Pond Retrofit and Infiltration Facilities Construction
    • Pedestrian Bridge Abutment Design Over Lilly Run
    • DPW will be installing fencing surrounding the perimeter of the Burns Property of which 319 Lafayette St. will be the site of the Green Team’s Victory Garden.

    SPOTLIGHT:  VETERAN’S PARK

                Located behind Citizen’s Care facility along Girard Street, this park is “healthy” in many respects.  The bioretention adjacent to Citizen’s Care parking lot serves to slow the rain on its way to the River while native plantings use and filter the rain.  The beautiful park setting is well planned to provide ample seating for respite and relaxation, as well as, modern outdoor exercise equipment for all to use as you amble along the pathways.

    Office of Tourism:

    Cultural Center at the Opera House

    • “Presenting Princess Shaw” (POV Film Series) on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 8pm

    • Tidewater Players present “The Marvelous Wonderettes” on September 22,23 & 24

    Department of Economic Development 

    • Matrix America has been making extensive renovations and improvements to 613 Revolution Street and will soon be opening. The company has a niche business of repairing the specialty saws utilized in cutting concrete.
    • Harford County Business Appreciation Week, with Havre de Grace’s day Tuesday, September 19, brought recognition to Thymly Products, Inc., Washington Street Books and Music, Citizens Care and MacGregor’s Restaurant with a Business Appreciation Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. at MacGregor’s Restaurant for their 30th anniversary year.
    • The Brewery, Winery and Distillery Start-Up Seminar with Maryland Grow & Fortify will be at Havre de Grace City Hall, 711 Pennington Avenue, next week Tuesday, September 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Please register online in advance at www.growandfortify.com.