Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS March 5, 2018 The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to order on Monday, March 5, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 39 Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland. MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan U. Burdette, Chair Amy G. Chmielewski Philip L. Einhorn Brendan P. Hopkins Patrick T. Richards STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: L. Jesse Bane, Town Administrator Trish Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development Stephen Kline, Director of Public Works Michael Krantz, Director of Administration Lisa Moody, Director of Finance Charles Moore, Chief of Police Kevin Small, Director of Planning Charles Keenan, Town Counsel Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary Chair Burdette called for a moment of silence for State Senator Wayne Norman. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Chair Burdette called for approval of the Agenda. Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Einhorn seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as written. The motion carried. PRESENTATIONS: Student Achievement Award – Caitlyn Trent – The John Carroll School Caitlyn Trent, a senior at The John Carroll School, is involved in countless types of community service and prides herself on always staying positive, organized and dedicated to academics. Caitlyn has a cumulative weighted grade point average of 4.125 out of 4.0. Caitlyn’s activities are impressive and the theme obvious in all is her love of service to others. from youth ministry, to SADD Club, Speech and Debate Club, youth leadership camps, altar service, Eucharistic minister and mission trips to Appalachia work camp. Caitlyn took on a service project getting the school involved in helping several families who were in immediate need. Chair Burdette thanked Caitlyn for achieving an excellent work ethic and caring for others. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Burdette presented Caitlyn Trent with a Student Achievement Award and encouraged her to continue the commitment to excellence. Certificate of Recognition – Paul Thompson Commissioner Richards advised Paul Thompson rises above with his contributions and collaborative partnership approach with the Town. 2018.03.05.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 1 of 6 Commissioner Richards recognized Mr. Thompson for his 25 years of service on the Economic and Community Development Commission (ECDC) helping to shape the landscape of Bel Air by contributing time, energy and wisdom. Mr. Thompson is a dedicated community activist who plays an important role in the economic development and revitalization of Bel Air. Commissioner Richards informed during his 25 year tenure, most of those as Chair of ECDC, Mr. Thompson was responsible in taking part in several projects and mentioned the following:  Over 20 years assisting with the Archer-Bull and Business of the Year Awards  Supporting Bel Air/Main Street Designation  Development of the Downtown Alliance  Working on the Rt. 1 Corridor Study to find ways of making Bel Air’s busiest streets safer and more pedestrian friendly  Plumtree Park’s refurbishing and daylighting the stream  Contributing to the Town’s Master Plan  Providing a voice as a stakeholder in the Town’s Parking Plan  Continuing to serve as a voice for Town businesses and promoting a vibrant community On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Commissioner Richards presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Paul Thompson in sincere appreciation of his 25 years of service, dedication and commitment to the Economic and Community Development Commission. Ms. Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development advised being fortunate to be the Town Liaison to the Economic Community Development Commission and when first meeting Mr. Thompson noticed all the time and energy he put into the Town trying to make Bel Air a wonderful place to live with activities and events. Mr. Thompson has been volunteering with ECDC for 25 years while being an owner of his own business. Ms. Heidenreich thanked Paul Thompson for the many things taught to her on Economic Development. Mr. Thompson advised when leaving the University of Maryland to come to Bel Air, Main Street was a ghost town with businesses closing at 5:00 p.m. and many shops moving out of Town. Mr. Thompson commented it took time and strategic goals to make Main Street what it is today and thanked Carol Deibel for what she did for him and the Town. Mr. Thompson also acknowledged the Commissioners and staff in helping to make this a better place to live and work. Officer First Class Alex McComas Promotion to Corporal Commissioner Hopkins advised Alexander McComas began his career with the Town in the Department of Public Works and later as a Dispatcher for the Police Department. In 2001, Alex McComas became a Police Officer and during his seventeen years of service has performed in an extraordinary fashion. Corporal McComas received a meritorious award for entering a burning residence to save a life. Commissioner Hopkins stated based on his experience and effort during the promotional process Alex finished at the top and certainly earned the promotion. Corporal McComas’ experience and leadership ability will add strength to the Department and the personnel whom he leads. Commissioner Hopkins commented “Lead by example, rely on your training and do the right thing”. 2018.03.05.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 2 of 6 On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Hopkins congratulated Corporal McComas and stated “Your promotion is well deserved”. Chief Moore advised receiving positive feedback from all the candidates who took the process seriously. Chief Moore stated Corporal McComas rose to the top and that doesn’t take away from the others. Chief Moore has seen in the past that Corporal McComas is articulate, calm, cool under pressure, knows what to do, can be relied on and a perfect example for others to follow. Chief Moore congratulated Corporal McComas on the promotion that is well deserved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that the minutes of the Board of Commissioners’ meeting held on February 20, 2018 and February 27, 2018 be approved as submitted. Ayes: Commissioners Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None The motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution No. 1102-18 – Landscape Manual Amendments Mr. Small, Director of Planning, advised when consultants or land developers come to the Town of Bel Air they submit a Landscape Plan or a Forest Conservation Plan to be reviewed. Most of those requirements are found in a section of the Town Code; however, the requirements have to be interpreted and expanded upon for the consultants or developers to submit a proper application. Mr. Small reported the Landscape Manual was developed in 2010 and is a technical instruction booklet. It is intended to expand and clarify landscape and forest conservation requirements by providing specific information regarding plant preparation. It is also intended to be a guide for design of landscapes in the Town by identifying preferred species, arrangements of planting and acceptable alternatives for required elements. The manual also provides guidance for installation including times of planting, installation techniques and maintenance of plant material after installed. The requirements contained in the manual have the full force and effect of the development regulations outlined in Article VIII, Section 165 to reinforce the need for uniform adherence in the code. The Planning Commission reviewed the manual on February 1, 2018 during a public hearing and the recommended text is labeled as Exhibit A that was received by the Commissioners when introduced. Chair Burdette called for public comments. There were none. Chair Burdette called for Commissioner comments. As there were no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed. 2018.03.05.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 3 of 6 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Resolution No. 1102-18 – Landscape Manual Amendments Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1102-18, amending the Landscape Manual, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None The motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Resolution No. 1103-18 – Budgetary Amendment – Fiscal Year 2018 Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1103-18, amending the budget for fiscal year 2018 for additional appropriations, monetary adjustment, and transfers between departments, be received by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Richards advised the JCI Energy Project was investment made for building infrastructure and energy efficiency that more than pays for itself over multiple years. Ayes: Commissioners Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None The motion carried. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 19, 2018 at Town Hall. Audit for Year Ending June 30, 2017 Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that the audit for FY 2017, ending June 30, 2017, completed by SB & Company, LLC, be accepted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Richards inquired what the highest dedication was that could be received for the audit classification. Ms. Moody, Director of Finance, advised it was unqualified opinion. Commissioner Richards stated in audit terms that is an A++ and speaks well to Ms. Moody and the team leadership. Chair Burdette thanked Ms. Moody for the outstanding work. Ms. Moody agreed it takes a team effort and praised the Department Heads. Ayes: Commissioners Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None The motion carried. Cultural Arts Commission Reappointments Commissioner Einhorn moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that the reappointment of Kristien Foss, Carole Milan and Cheryl Manns to the Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission for a term of three (3) years, effective immediately, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Einhorn is pleased to be the Liaison to the Cultural Arts Commission and has learned something new each month. Commissioner Einhorn 2018.03.05.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 4 of 6 informed the Cultural Arts Commission was responsible for the mural at the Armory, the sculpture at the parking garage, the movie program for citizens/children and the Irishman’s Chorale. Commissioner Einhorn stated Ms. Foss has been a member since 2003 and served several terms as chair. Ms. Manns has been a member since 2003 and a prior chair. Ms. Milan has been a member since 2006 and provides valuable ideas to the Commission. Ayes: Commissioner Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None The motion carried. Economic & Community Development Commission Reappointment Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that the reappointment of William S. Kelly to the Bel Air Economic and Community Development Commission for a term of three (3) years, effective immediately, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Richards advised Mr. Kelly is a longstanding contributor to ECDC, the Town and a tremendous asset to the Commission. Ayes: Commissioners Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None The motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mr. Bunky Luffman, the Eastern Shore Liaison for the Governor’s Office, happened to be in Aberdeen earlier and decided to attend this meeting. Mr. Luffman advised the Highway User House Bill did pass through the Committee. Mr. Luffman offered his assistance to the Town. Commissioner Hopkins noted Mr. Luffman was a Commissioner in Delmar, Maryland. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Commissioner Einhorn takes great pride to be a Commissioner in the Town that was voted the best place to retire in the State of Maryland. Commissioner Einhorn advised there were several reasons listed but wanted to add the following:  Top notch Police Department  Top notch Fire Department  Organizations that help and spend hours planning and doing for the Town. Commissioner Einhorn acknowledged all volunteers.  Outstanding employees dedicated to the Town Chair Burdette acknowledged the Department of Public Works for their efforts during the recent wind storm. On Friday evening, DPW and Mr. Krantz were able to open the Armory for a big concert. Commissioner Hopkins stated Chief Moore went above and beyond this weekend while off duty by checking on people who did not have power. Commissioner Hopkins also thanked the Police staff for coordinating with BGE. 2018.03.05.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 5 of 6 Commissioner Hopkins and Commissioner Einhorn attended the Bel Air Elementary Patriot Program and presented an award to Officer Krause for his outstanding job. Commissioner Hopkins advised people reached out about the school resource officers and hopes some of these concerns can be addressed during the upcoming budget sessions. Commissioner Hopkins informed school resource officers need to be budgeted and the Town has submitted for a grant. Chair Burdette thanked Chief Moore for the presentation on school safety at Town Hall on March 1st. Chair Burdette and Ms. Heidenreich attended the ribbon cutting of the Cherry Blossom Boutique on March 2nd. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Signature on File Susan U. Burdette, Chair Signature on File Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 2018.03.05.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 6 of 6