May Election, Lighthouse Property, Taxes: City Council Recap

8:20 p.m.: The meeting adjourned.

Four citizens spoke on non agenda items, commenting about the farmers' market, property near the lighthouse, bond refinancing and Greyhound bus access.

8:15 p.m.: Mayor Wayne Dougherty explained that the plan for the property north of the Concord Point Lighthouse would be for public open space. He said he had heard many questions from citizens on the acquisition issue, which will be on the ballot in May.

Council members gave brief reports including reminders about the May election, War of 1812 commemoration, Teacher of the Year banquet and other announcements that Patch will detail in future coverage.

Director of Finance George DeHority said there was a budget work session last week and the next is scheduled for April 8.

Director of Public Works Larry Parks said the State Highway Administration is installing an island needed to complete work at Bayview Drive.

Police Chief Teresa Walter said May 3 to 5 would bring new traffic patterns due to the War of 1812 bicentennial commemoration and the Decoy Festival. The city will notify citizens of closures through media, Connect CTY and the city website.

Director of Planning Neal Mills said there were six building permits issued in the third quarter of the fiscal year, compared with 21 from the year before.

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7:33 p.m. The council approved a car and truck show at the American Legion on June 8. It will cost $100 for the Department of Public Works to put out signage. Relay for Life was also approved at Harris Stadium on June 7 and 8. It will cost more than $200.

7:28 p.m. The council approved the Farmers Market as a special event. "These things don't happen by themselves," Council President Randy Craig said of the event, which will take place every Saturday from May 11 to Oct. 26, between 9 a.m. and noon. Councilman Joseph Smith added his support for the Farmers Market. "It's a tradition that goes on a long time....I appreciate the efforts of Main Street, and I hope that people do get out there and use it and support it."

7:27 p.m. The council passed an ordinance for refinancing the city's bonds, 6-0. Council President Randy Craig said that the refinancing would save the city taxpayers money.

7:10 p.m. The council passed several pieces of legislation regarding taxes unanimously. 

7:05 p.m. Bill Watson, chair of the Havre de Grace Main Street’s Arts and Entertainment District, spoke about an agenda item on the Farmers Market. Watson said that Main Street had considered moving the Farmers Market from Pennington Avenue but amended its request to remain there. He thanked Scott Wallace, who has taken the reins as the "Market Marshal" this year for the Farmers Market. He said that Main Street's involvement in the market was for the purpose of encouraging foot traffic to businesses in downtown Havre de Grace.

7 p.m. The council meeting commenced. Pastor Mary Whitehead delivered the opening prayer. The minutes from the previous meeting were adopted. Councilman John Correri abstained from voting on the minutes because he was absent from the previous meeting.

The Havre de Grace City Council is meeting at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Patch will be live blogging from the meeting. Follow along and tell us what you think in the comments section.

What's on the agenda for the April 1 meeting? Check it out here.