HCG Connection October 2013

7/27/2019 HCG Connection October 2013

1/9

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

ExecutiveSummary

1

HR Update 2

Employee of the

Month3

Sustainability Office 4

Tech Tips & HealthScreenings

5

Hypertension 6

CommunityConversations

7

Engineer of the

Year!8

Innovator of the

Year!8

Milestones & BJs 9

A N E W S L E T T E R B YA N D F O R T H EE M P L O Y E E S O F

H A R F O R D C O U N T YG O V E R N M E N T

HCG CONNECTIONO C T O B E R 2 0 1 3V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 1 0

David R. Craig,

Harford County Executive

Executive Summary: Stormwater Fee Repeal Introduced at

County Council

David R. Craig

Harford County Executive

As you have probably heard, my administration has introduced local legislat

for a full repeal of the countys Stormwater Remediation Fee, also known as

Rain Tax. Id like to briefly explain how we arrived at this decision.

Despite my strong opposition to the 2012 state legislation that required cert

counties to charge a fee, we passed local legislation pursuant to our requireme

under the state law. We did so in good faith in order to remain in complia

with the new law by the specified deadline and to avoid the costly penalties t

had been threatened. At the time I had, however, many serious questi

regarding this state-required fee and the projects that it would fund, including

How the inconsistencies in the application of the fee from jurisdiction jurisdiction, as well as within individual jurisdictions, could be justified

whether it passes a basic test of fairness;

Whether the data and science used to determine the baselines and benchmarks related to stormwater w

sound;

What the specific penalties for noncompliance with the state-mandated stormwater fee or with requi

stormwater remediation benchmarks would be; and,

How the expenditure of tens of millions of dollars in county funds, as well as the significant burdens plac

on taxpayers and businesses, can be justified in order to achieve a relatively small reduction in local

produced stormwater pollution when far more nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment are flowing into the b

each day from a variety of sources in neighboring states.

To date, none of these questions have been adequately answered by the State of Maryland or the federal EP

In fact if anything, there are even more questions. On the local level, programs for managing the system

credits for remediation practices and for the awarding of projects and grants have not been sufficien

created given the lack of direction from the state or the creation of a local advisory board.

I am now of the opinion that the leadership in Annapolis is no longer in a position to follow through

the threatened penalties for noncompliance given the public backlash that their rain tax mandate has righ

received. We have not, however, received any formal notification from the state related to this determinatio

The fact that stormwater and urban runoff from Maryland accounts for just 5% of the sediment and 2

of the nitrogen and phosphorus in the Bay calls into question the need to undertake incredibly costly pub

works projects. We all want a cleaner Bay, but are we willing to stretch the household budgets of

citizens or to put local companies out of business to achieve just a fractional improvement in Bay quality?

Because of these reasons, on October 1, I introduced legislation to the County Council for a full rep

of Harfords local stormwater remediation fee. I wish to thank and commend the County Council for th

work, through which the first year fees were minimized and a task force was convened to study the iss

The period of time that they created to allow for the stormwater fee to be more adequately studied has ma

it possible for us to undertake this repeal deliberately and in a responsible manner.

Cordially,


2/9

P A G E 2

Department of Human Resources Update

H C G C O N N E C T I O N

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 1 0

2013 SERVICE AWARDSsubmitted by Vanessa Kelly

Department of

Human Resources

112 Hays Street

Bel Air, MD 21014

410-638-3101

410-879-3564(f)

SAVE THE DATE!

It is that time of year again when we celebrate the long standing commitment of

our employees at the Annual Service Awards Program to be held at the Bayou Restaurant

in Havre de Grace. Program is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th, from 5:30

8:30 p.m. Invitations were mailed to employees being honored for their 25, 30, 35, and

40 years of service. We sincerely hope that you are able to join Mr. Craig, Cabinet

Members, our County Council, the Sheriff, and your co-workers for a relaxing, social

evening. The banquet includes dinner and an awards program where recipients will receive

an award packet and a service pin. The award packet contains a letter of congratulations

from the County Executive, a certificate, and a catalog from which to select a service

award gift.

Please rsvp to Vanessa Kelly 410-638-3304 or [email protected] by

Thursday, October 31st. The invitation is for you and one guest. If you are scheduled to

work a shift at the time of the dinner, please let your immediate supervisor know and

administrative leave may be granted so you are able to attend.

Other note

For employees celebrating 5, 10, 15, or 20 years of service certificates, pins, and small

tokens of appreciation will be delivered within the next few weeks! Departments will host

a breakfast or luncheon to recognize honorees.

Congratulations to all!
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


3/9

September Employee of the Month submitted by Sherrie Johnson

P A G E 3V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 1 0

Dan Higbee Named Harford CountyEmployee of the Month for

September 2013


Dan Higbee and County Executive David R. Craig

Risk Management employee praised for upgrades in security system

Harford County Department of Administration employee Dan Higbee has been

named the Harford County Employee of the Month for September 2013. Higbee is an

Asset Manager in the Office of Risk Management.

Higbee did an outstanding job with the new security system upgrades at theAdministrative Building. He evaluated the needs and accurately put the system in

place. He also worked well with security personnel to coordinate the project.

Dan Higbee did this while being financially conservative and energy efficient,

said V. Rocky Gonzalez, Risk Manager for Harford County, who nominated Mr. Higbee

for the award. His expertise in I.T. security matters has significantly improved security

of 220 South Main Street.

Higbee also investigated and supervised alarm repairs, alarm inspections,

installations and assessments for needs at other county locations.

His expertise has saved the county financially and made the systems

increasingly more efficient, said County Executive David R. Craig. He is a wonderful

county employee and I appreciate the work he has done.

Preserving Harfords past; promoting Harfords future


4/9

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 1 0


P A G E 4


5/9

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 1 0


P A G E 5

Tech Tipssubmitted by the Office of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Microsoft Word 2010

Change full-justification formatting

When full justification is applied to a paragraph, Word ensures that

text is vertically aligned on the left and right of the page by adjust-

ing the spacing between words. While this usually isn't a problem,

there are occasions when it can lead to a lot of visible white space.

By opting to use the justification style that's utilized in WordPerfect,

the spacing between individual letters on each line is adjusted to

allow for better-looking text when it spans from margin to margin.

To activate this option, click the File tab, followed by 'Options', and

then click the 'Advanced' link on the left. Scroll to the bottom of the

advanced options and expand the 'Layout Options' entry. Now you

just need to tick the box labelled 'Do Full Justification The Way

WordPerfect 6.x For Windows Does', then click 'OK'

Blood Pressure Screening, Free

When: Thursday, October 10, 11 am2 pm Where: Harford Mall, Center of Mall

When: Saturday, October 12, 10 am2 pm, Where: Walmart, Abingdon

When: Wednesday, October 23, 10 am2 pm, Where: Havre de Grace Senior Center

Cardiovascular Screening, Free

When: Wednesday, October 9, 8 am4 pm, Where: Upper Chesapeake Medical Center

When: Wednesday, October 16, 8 am4 pm, Where: Harford Memorial Hospital

Description: Registration is required by calling 1-800-515-0044


6/9

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 1 0 P A G E


Symptoms of HypertensionSubmitted by Tamara Simmons, from MedicineNet.com

Hypertension may not produce any symptoms, even if you have had it for years. Thats why

it is sometimes referred to as a "silent killer." Its estimated that 1 out of every 5 people

with high blood pressure arent aware that they have this major risk factor for strokes and

heart attacks. If not properly treated, high blood pressure can damage the heart and

circulation, lungs, brain, and kidneys without causing noticeable symptoms.

What is the Ideal Diet to Control Hypertension? from VitaminsDiary.com

One of the main causes for high blood pressure is chronic deficiency of essential nutrients in the millions of artery wall cells.Apparently, the natural amino acid arginine,vitamin Cand other nutrients contribute to optimum availability of artery wall relaxingfactors. Chronic deficiency of these nutrients results in spasms and thickening of the blood vessel walls and elevated blood pressure.Hence, dietary intake ofvitamin C, micro nutrients and natural amino acidsis of great value in controlling hypertension.

A lot of nutrients have been implicated in hypertension. The following vitamins help for hypertension patients:

Vitamin Creduces hypertension; Vitamin B1lowers raised blood pressure; Vitamin Dassists in calcium absorption, which helps

reduce blood pressure; Vitamin Ehelps to thin the blood.

The following minerals help for hypertension patients:

Magnesium dilates blood vessels, reducing pressure; Calcium stabilizes blood pressure; Potassiumhelps to flush excess sodium

(salt) from the body; Seleniumincreases the effects of vitamin E.

Other nutrients helpful for hypertension patients:

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - Strengthens the heart. It is concentrated in a variety of foods, notably fish oils, fish, meat and nuts.

Nowadays a number of new vitamin supplements also contain Co-enzyme Q10; Omega-3 fish oils thin the blood; Omega-6 oils

lower blood pressure.

Garlicand Ginkgo Biloba are among herbs that increases blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.

Your diet should include oily fish such as sardines and mackerel. Also include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Herbs like garlic,

onion and ginger also help. You should have low-fat dairy products. Also, make a note to avoid refined and salty foods which

contribute to raised blood pressure.

Following lifestyle strategies definitely help in managing hypertension:

Reducing weight if you are overweight.

Curtailing excessive salt intake (6-7 gms/day).

Including regular physical activity.

Increasing your intake of above mentioned nutrients in your diet.

Reducing alcohol intake.
http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/amino-acids/arginine.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/amino-acids.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/amino-acids.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-b1.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-b1.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-d.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-d.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-e.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-e.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/magnesium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/magnesium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/calcium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/calcium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/potassium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/potassium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/selenium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/selenium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/herbs/garlic.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/herbs/garlic.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/herbs/ginkgo-biloba.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/herbs/ginkgo-biloba.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/herbs/garlic.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/selenium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/potassium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/calcium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/magnesium.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-e.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-d.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-b1.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/amino-acids.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins/vitamin-c.htmlhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/amino-acids/arginine.html


7/9

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 1 0 P A G E 7



8/9

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 1 0 P A G E 8


Jeff Stratmeyer has over 23 years with Harford County

Government, with 13 years as Chief of Engineering. During

this period, Jeff has been a big proponent of roundaboutsfor their low costs, capacity improvements and trafficcalming aspects. To date, the County has constructed 10

roundabouts with the latest being a mini-roundabout.

Jeff prepares the Capital Budget and must present his casefor funding of the projects to the Public Works Advisory

Board, County Executive, and County Council.

Jeff was involved in several projects that made him a worthy candidate for consideration of

the Engineer of the Year Award. Some of which are: the Tollgate Road Mini-Roundabout,Patterson Mill Detour Road for the Wheel Road construction, and the Hess Road bridge.

Congratulations, Jeff!

Jeffrey M. Stratmeyer receives County

Engineer of the Year Award!Submitted by: Hudson Myers

Jeff Stratmeyer, Chief of engineering.

Jim Richardson named Innovatorof the Year! Submitted by Kathy Whitehead

Congratulations to Jim Richardson, namedInnovator of the Year by The Daily Record

for the development of TheGROUNDFLOOR AT HARFORD, a new

technology co-working space for business.

The GROUNDFLOOR is located at SwanCreek Village on US Route 40 in Havre deGrace. Jim accepted the award onOctober 2, 2013 at a reception at the

American Visionary Art Museum inBaltimore.

Jim Richardson, Director, Office of Economic Development

and Mary Chance Director of Administration


9/9

David R. Craig,Harford County ExecutivePreserving Harfords past;

Promoting Harfords future

Published by

Harford CountyDepartment of Human ResourcesDeborah Duvall, Acting Director

Sharon BallwegEditor & Graphic Design

Department of Human Resources

410-638-3019

[email protected]

Sherrie JohnsonContributor

Office of the County Executive

410-638-3420

[email protected]

Rebecca Macek - Contributor

Department of Community Services

410-638-3389

[email protected]

Erin Ferriter-Contributor

Sustainability Office

410-638-4707

[email protected]

Joan Ingold Contributor

Information and Communication Technology

410-638-1231

[email protected]

Is there someone in yourworkplace who goes

above and beyond forHarford County?

Why notnominatethis individual as

Employee of the Month?

What a great way to recognize yourco-workers for their contribution to

Harford County.

For details contact

Sharon Ballweg at

[email protected]

or call 410-638-3019

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO RENEW ORJOIN!!!

To process your BJs membership we will need:

A completed membership Application/Renewal

form which can be sent to you through inter-

office mail or you can stop by the Department

of Human Resources between the hours of 8a.m. 5 p.m.

Your payment of $40 which gives you 15 month

membership. Payment can be made in the form

of personal check or credit card. Checks should

be made payable to B.J.s Cash is not

accepted.

Once the paperwork and payment has been

received in the Department of Human Resources, it

will be forwarded to B.J.s for processing. Please

keep the gold page for your records and use as your

temporary membership pass until you receive your

membership card. Normal processing time is 30

days.

If you have any questions or need additional

information, please contact Tamara Simmons at

410-638-4871 or email her @[email protected].

MilestonesP A G E 9V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 1 0


Congratulations to Jeff

Berthney, Chief of

Recreation, on the

birth of his grandson,

Marco.

Congratulations to

Kriste Garman, Park

Manager, on the

b i r t h o f h e r

grandson, Drew

Garman.

Congratulations to

Arden McClune,

Director of Parks &

Recreation, and Tony

McClune, Deputy

Director of Planning

and Zoning on the

b i r t h o f t w i n

g r a n d d a u g h t e r s ,

Everleigh & Imogene.

Congratulations to JR

Shillman, DPW-Capital

Projects, on the birth

of his son, Liam

George Shillman, born

Sept 12th.

Congratulations to

E i l e e n F r a d o ,

Economic Dev. on the

b i r t h o f h e r

g r a n d d a u g h t e r ,

Annaleigh McCacken,

born Sept 12th.

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o S h a r o n

V a n d e n E y n d e n , E c o n o m i c

Development, on the marriage of her

son, Jonathan, and his wife Dana who

were married on September 21st.

Congratulations to Wini Roche,

Economic Development on her

marriage to Mark Hemelt on

September 8th.

Congratulations to Jim Fender with the

Division of Highways. Jim and his wife,

I m e l d a w e r e

married on Friday,

September 27th!
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Documents

HCG Connection October 2013