A NEWSLETTER BY AND FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF HARFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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Executive Summary: Stormwater Fee Repeal Introduced at County Council

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

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for a full repeal of the countys Stormwater Remediation Fee, also known as the Rain Tax. Id like to briefly explain how we arrived at this decision. Despite my strong opposition to the 2012 state legislation that required certain counties to charge a fee, we passed local legislation pursuant to our requirements under the state law. We did so in good faith in order to remain in compliance with the new law by the specified deadline and to avoid the costly penalties that had been threatened. At the time I had, however, many serious questions regarding this state-required fee and the projects that it would fund, including:
David R. Craig Harford County Executive

Executive Summary HR Update Employee of the Month

How the inconsistencies in the application of the fee from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as well as within individual jurisdictions, could be justified and whether it passes a basic test of fairness;

Whether the data and science used to determine the baselines and benchmarks related to stormwater were sound; What the specific penalties for noncompliance with the state-mandated stormwater fee or with required stormwater remediation benchmarks would be; and, How the expenditure of tens of millions of dollars in county funds, as well as the significant burdens placed on taxpayers and businesses, can be justified in order to achieve a relatively small reduction in locallyproduced stormwater pollution when far more nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment are flowing into the bay 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 EPA. In fact if anything, there are even more questions. On the local level, programs for managing the system of credits for remediation practices and for the awarding of projects and grants have not been sufficiently 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 on the threatened penalties for noncompliance given the public backlash that their rain tax mandate has rightly received. We have not, however, received any formal notification from the state related to this determination. 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 public works projects. We all want a cleaner Bay, but are we willing to stretch the household budgets of our 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 repeal of Harfords local stormwater remediation fee. I wish to thank and commend the County Council for their work, through which the first year fees were minimized and a task force was convened to study the issue. The period of time that they created to allow for the stormwater fee to be more adequately studied has made it possible for us to undertake this repeal deliberately and in a responsible manner. Cordially,

Sustainability Office

Tech Tips & Health Screenings

Hypertension

Community Conversations Engineer of the Year! Innovator of the Year! Milestones & BJs

David R. Craig, Harford County Executive

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Department of Human Resources Update

2013 SERVICE AWARDS

submitted by Vanessa Kelly

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 vakelly@harfordcountymd.gov 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!

Department of Human Resources 112 Hays Street Bel Air, MD 21014 410-638-3101 410-879-3564(f)

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September Employee of the Month

submitted by Sherrie Johnson

Dan Higbee Named Harford County Employee 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 the Administrative 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

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Tech Tips
submitted 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 adjusting 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

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Symptoms of Hypertension
Submitted 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 C and other nutrients contribute to optimum availability of artery wall relaxing factors. Chronic deficiency of these nutrients results in spasms and thickening of the blood vessel walls and elevated blood pressure. Hence, dietary intake of vitamin C, micro nutrients and natural amino acids is of great value in controlling hypertension. A lot of nutrients have been implicated in hypertension. The following vitamins help for hypertension patients: Vitamin C reduces hypertension; Vitamin B1 lowers raised blood pressure; Vitamin D assists in calcium absorption, which helps reduce blood pressure; Vitamin E helps to thin the blood. The following minerals help for hypertension patients: Magnesium dilates blood vessels, reducing pressure; Calcium stabilizes blood pressure; Potassium helps to flush excess sodium (salt) from the body; Selenium increases 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. Garlic and 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.

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Jeffrey M. Stratmeyer receives County Engineer of the Year Award!

Submitted by: Hudson Myers

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 roundabouts for their low costs, capacity improvements and traffic calming 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 case for funding of the projects to the Public Works Advisory Board, County Executive, and County Council.
Jeff Stratmeyer, Chief of engineering.

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!

Jim Richardson named Innovator of the Year!

Submitted by Kathy Whitehead

Congratulations to Jim Richardson, named Innovator of the Year by The Daily Record for the development of The GROUNDFLOOR AT HARFORD, a new technology co-working space for business. The GROUNDFLOOR is located at Swan Creek Village on US Route 40 in Havre de Grace. Jim accepted the award on October 2, 2013 at a reception at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

Jim Richardson, Director, Office of Economic Development and Mary Chance Director of Administration

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Milestones
Congratulations to Jeff Berthney, Chief of Recreation, on the birth of his grandson, Marco. Congratulations to Kriste Garman, Park Manager, on the birth of her grandson, Drew Garman. Congratulations to Ard en McC lune, Director of Parks & Recreation, and Tony McClune, Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning on the birth of twin granddaughters, Everleigh & Imogene. Congratulations to JR Shillman, DPW-Capital Projects, on the birth of his son, Liam George Shillman, born Sept 12th.

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO RENEW OR JOIN!!! To process your BJs membership we will need: A completed membership Application/Renewal form which can be sent to you through interoffice mail or you can stop by the Department of Human Resources between the hours of 8 a.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 @
tdsimmons@harfordcountymd.gov.

Is there someone in your workplace who goes above and beyond for Harford County?

Why not nominate this individual as Employee of the Month?

What a great way to recognize your co-workers for their contribution to Harford County. For details contact Sharon Ballweg at
saballweg@harfordcountymd.gov

or call 410-638-3019

Congratulations to Eileen Frado, Economic Dev. on the birth of her granddaughter, Annaleigh McCacken, born Sept 12th. Congratulations to Sharon VandenEynden, Economic 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, Imelda were married on Friday, September 27th!

Sharon BallwegEditor & Graphic Design Department of Human Resources 410-638-3019 saballweg@harfordcountymd.gov

David R. Craig, Harford County Executive

Preserving Harfords past; Promoting Harfords future

Sherrie Johnson Contributor Office of the County Executive 410-638-3420 sajohnson@harfordcountymd.gov Rebecca Macek - Contributor Department of Community Services 410-638-3389 ramacek@harfordcountymd.gov Erin Ferriter-Contributor Sustainability Office 410-638-4707 eferriter@harfordcountymd.gov Joan Ingold Contributor Information and Communication Technology 410-638-1231 jsingold@harfordcountymd.gov

Published by
Harford County Department of Human Resources Deborah Duvall, Acting Director

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