7/31/2019 Minutes Quarterly Meeting of Elected Officials MARCH 2012

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HARFORD COUNTY QUARTERLY MEETING OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

The City of Aberdeen

60 North Parke Street

Aberdeen, Maryland 21001

March 29, 20126:00 p.m.

In Attendance

City of Aberdeen: Mayor Michael E. Bennett

Councilman Bruce Garner

Councilwoman Sandra Landbeck

Councilwoman Ruth Ann Young

Douglas Miller, City Manager

Monica Correll, City Clerk

Bethany Shaffer, Receptionist

Town of Bel Air: Commissioner/Mayor Edward Hopkins

Commissioner Susan Burdette

Commissioner David Carey

Christopher Schlehr, Town Administrator

Harford County Government: James Richardson, Director of Economic Development

Kathryn Hewitt, Treasurer

Mary Chance, Director of Administration

City of Havre de Grace: Councilmember Fred CullumCouncilmember Barbara Wagner

Councilmember James Miller

A. Welcome: Mayor Bennett opened the meeting at 6:45 p.m. in Council Chambers andwelcomed everyone to the City of Aberdeen.

B. Discussion Topics:1. U-13 Region 1 Soccer Tournament in Harford County: Mr. Richardson reported on the

upcoming 2013-2014, U-13 Region 1 Soccer Tournament to be held June 27-July 22,

2013 in Harford County. Cedar Lane was awarded the tournament and the attendance isexpected to exceed 30,000. There are about 5,000 players attending with their families.

The first Region 1 Group met to start the planning process and Ripken Stadium wascontacted to make arrangements for the opening ceremony. Due to the anticipated large

attendance, there will be a May meeting to plan coordination measures with Ripken

Stadium, police, EMS, and DPW. There is an ambitious marketing plan to encourage

visitors to stay longer in Harford County. The 2012 tournament will be held in LancasterCounty, Pennsylvania.

7/31/2019 Minutes Quarterly Meeting of Elected Officials MARCH 2012

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2. The BRAC Effect: Mr. Richardson stated that according to the Bureau of LaborStatistics, Harford County placed in the top 25 for employment and wage gains in thenation. The largest employment gain came June 2010-June 2011 with an increase of

2.8%. Harford County was third in the nation and largest in the state for having the

fastest over-the-year growth of 8.8% and was 108 out of 322 largest counties for averageweekly wages. This acts as a good bargaining piece to grow retail operations.

3. Cal Ripken World Series: Mayor Bennett reported that the Cal Ripken World Series willbe held in August and that it is planned to be a community event with a parade held in

downtown Aberdeen followed with a cookout in Festival Park. He would like it to be a

county-wide event and to would like everyone to know that all the events are free,

including the ballgames. There will be a carnival held in front of Cal Sr.'s Yard as perCal Ripken, Jr.'s desire to have a carnival for the children.

4. Hotel Tax: Mayor Bennett said that efforts to introduce a hotel tax for Harford Countywere unsuccessful in the Maryland General Assembly.

5. Tourism/Events: Per Mr. Richardson, the Maryland War of 1812 Celebration will be amajor event to be pushed at state and local levels. National marketing is planned, a

map/guide will be produced and much of it will take place in Havre de Grace. The APG

Garrison will coordinate military appreciation events. He stated that APG is recognizing

the technical accomplishments of women with a memorial. Some smaller tournamentsscheduled at Cedar Lane and activities at Ripken Stadium generate significant hotel

business.

Mayor Hopkins explained that the War of 1812 Celebration also includes tall ships, a

Blue Angels aircraft display, fireworks, etc. to take place during June in Baltimore. He

said that Bel Air is scheduled to have a barbeque bash.

Councilman Cullum mentioned that a Seafood Festival will be held in Havre de Grace.

C. Other: Councilman James Miller reported on Upper Chesapeake Medical Center plans inthe Havre de Grace area. Ms. Chance reported on recent Harford County Emergency

Operations exercises which received excellent reviews. Commissioner Carey, Ms. Chance

and Ms. Hewitt contributed to a discussion on smoking policies. Overall, the reaction wasfavorable with minor issues. It was clarified that Cedar Lane Grove issues were resolved.

Councilwoman Young reminded everyone about Earth Day in Aberdeen during June.

D. Schedule for Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held in Bel Air on Thursday, June21, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

E. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Bennett at 7:21 p.m. by unanimousconsent.