Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS May 21, 2018 The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to order on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 39 N. 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 Commissioner Hopkins called for a moment of silence for the Baltimore County Police Officer who was tragically killed today in the line of duty. 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Einhorn seconded the motion that the minutes of the Board of Commissioners’ meetings held April 2nd, 10th, and 12th, and May 7th and 15th of 2018 be approved as submitted. Ayes: Commissioners Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None Abstained: Chair Burdette – April 2nd and April 12th meeting Commissioner Einhorn – April 10th meeting The motion carried. PRESENTATIONS: Sister City Narva, Estonia – Narva Days Proclamation Chair Burdette advised Barbara Tower and Toivo Tagamets will represent the Town of Bel Air during Narva Days in Estonia the first week in June. Ms. Tower and Mr. Tagamets have accomplished an amazing partnership with the Town of Bel Air and our Sister City in Narva. Chair Burdette shared about the cultural history classes held at Harford Community College and the planned art sharing. 2018.05.21.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 1 of 8 Chair Burdette advised the Town of Bel Air and the City of Narva in the Republic of Estonia engaged in a Skype signing Sister City agreement with the Mayor of the Town of Bel Air, the Mayor of Narva, Estonia and the US Ambassador to Estonia at Town Hall on April 2, 2014. This agreement commits the two cities to work together by providing opportunities to discuss plans for future exchanges and cooperation in every field like economy, trade and government. The purpose of the Maryland – Estonia Exchange Council (MEEC) is to establish and coordinate agreements of international cooperation between the towns, cities, counties and governments of Estonia and Maryland. These agreements allow specific initiatives for mutual benefit to visits, cultural exchanges, educational programs, civic organizations, security departments and healthcare institutions. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Burdette proclaimed June 2, 2018 as Days of Narva in our Sister-City Narva, Estonia, and called upon the people of the Town of Bel Air to join our sister-city in celebrating. Ms. Tower informed the Proclamation will be read during Narva Days in Estonia. Ms. Tower thanked and acknowledged the on-going support of the Commissioners and Mr. Bane, Town Administrator, stating without their support we could not have gotten where we are today. Ms. Tower informed of the successful HIV education classes completed in Estonia by Harford Community College nursing students during December, 2017. Ms. Tower encouraged the citizens of the Town of Bel Air to get involved and visit the upcoming art exhibit this fall at the Liriodendron. Student Achievement Award – Graham Arrison – Harford Day School Chair Burdette informed Graham Arrison exemplifies the sincerity, kindness and dignity of the ideal Harford Day student. He is a hard worker, an active participant, and a supportive friend. Graham achieves excellence in his academic pursuits, while also developing athletic prowess in ice hockey, soccer and lacrosse. Graham enriches the community at Harford Day School with his earnest and inquisitive spirit, eager to engage and explore new experiences while also encouraging others to reach their own potential. Chair Burdette thanked Graham for achieving an excellent work ethic and caring for others. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Graham was presented a Student Achievement Award and encouraged to continue his commitment to excellence. Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) Training Grant Award Mr. Tim Ailsworth, Executive Director of Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), stated because of the good experience and long term commitment, the Town of Bel Air receives about 20% off the gross premium. Mr. Ailsworth informed this will be the Town’s 7th training grant and presented the grant in the amount of $2,142.46 to Chief Moore, Officer Kauffman and partner Blitz. Mr. Ailsworth recognized Mr. Bane. Town Administrator, for participating in LGIT’s law enforcement task force. Chief Moore acknowledged Patti Sterling, Grant Coordinator, for writing the grant application. 2018.05.21.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 2 of 8 Chief Moore thanked LGIT for the training grant advising it will make our program stronger and reduce liability for mishaps. Historic Preservation Month Proclamation Commissioner Hopkins stated historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability. It is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Commissioner Hopkins proclaimed the month of May, 2018, to be designated Preservation Month in the Town of Bel Air and called upon the citizens of the Town of Bel Air to recognize and participate in this special observance. Commissioner Hopkins informed the members of the Historic Preservation Commission are all volunteers, experts in preservation who help conserve the Town’s historic buildings. Historic Preservation Poster Contest Awards Ms. Peg Lucas, member of the Historic Preservation Commission, advised when a property is designated historic by the Town the owner is eligible for tax credits. Ms. Peg Lucas, stated as part of Preservation Month, the Commission holds the Historic Poster Contest where several hundred elementary school students participate every year. Ms. Peg Lucas and Mr. Tim Coale presented awards to the following students: Overall Winners 1st Place – Vicky Lin, Homestead/Wakefield Elementary School 2nd Place – Julia Rehnberg, Harford Day School 3rd Place – Hannah Gregory, Homestead/Wakefield Elementary School The overall winners received a monetary gift from Peoples Bank and additional gifts from the Town of Bel Air. Honorable Mentions Harford Day School - Yuvan Arshan, Charlotte Jacobs, Lilah Parker Homestead/Wakefield Elementary School - James Clary, Madelynn Freda, Irakoze Husna The honorable mention winners received a gift certificate from a local restaurant and additional gifts from the Town of Bel Air. Ms. Peg Lucas informed the student drawings will be made into placemats for use at local restaurants; Buontempo Brothers, Greek Village and The Tower. A reception for the winning students and their families was held at Rockfield Manor. 2018.05.21.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 3 of 8 PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution No. 1106-18 – Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2019 Mr. Bane, Town Administrator, advised the Town has considerably less revenue for FY2019 when compared to the FY2018 budget. It was a challenge to come up with a budget that does not cut services or raise taxes. Mr. Bane stated, with a lot of work on the part of the Commissioners and staff, the FY2019 budget maintains the same constant tax rate (held since 2004) with no cuts in service. Mr. Bane notified the Town did eliminate the discount on paying property tax before September as a necessity to find funding to hire a Resource Officer for Bel Air Middle school. Mr. Bane advised the budget includes a merit increase and 1% COLA for all eligible employees of the Town. Mr. Bane thanked the Town Commissioners, staff and Ms. Moody, Director of Finance, for their efforts in putting the budget together. Ms. Moody stated the budget was introduced on April 2, 2018 and this is the second public hearing being held. The public hearing on April 16th and the one tonight offer the public opportunity to provide input during the process. Ms. Moody informed of six public work sessions held during April and May where the public could come to Town Hall to comment. Ms. Moody advised at the April 16th public hearing the General Fund was presented and during the public hearing this evening the two Enterprise Funds will be presented; however, the public hearing addresses the entire budget. Sewer Fund Revenues – FY2019 Ms. Moody reported in the Sewer Fund Revenues there is a decrease in revenues of $105,026. The one main source of revenue in the Sewer Fund is the sewer service charges. Ms. Moody reviewed the following changes:  Base charge – includes a 2.1% increase based on the December, 2017 consumer price index. The rate per 1,000 gallons includes the same 2.1% increase however it also includes a .24 cent decrease due to the elimination of the Bio-Nutrient Removal rate as Harford County will pay the final debt service in FY2018. Ms. Moody stated the Town’s tax payers will see a sewer rate decrease from $5.99 to $5.87 per 1,000 gallons effective July 1, 2018 and represents a net decrease of .12 cents per 1,000 gallons. Sewer Fund Expenses – FY2019 Ms. Moody stated, on the expense side, there is the same decrease of $105,026 as it is a balanced budget. Ms. Moody reviewed the following:  $273,000 will fund the routine expenses and operate/maintain the sewer system (utilities, salaries, supplies, maintenance and repair).  Almost $1.4 million will fund payments to Harford County who transports and treats the Town’s sewage. This reduces the cost by almost $253,000 due to the elimination of the Bio-Nutrient Removal fee. Ms. Moody continued reviewing the line items in this fund. 2018.05.21.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 4 of 8 Parking Fund Revenues – FY2019 Ms. Moody advised the Parking Fund Revenues saw a decrease of about $339,000 due to several capital projects in FY2018 are not a part of FY2019. Harford County reimburses the fund 2/3 of which the operating cost of the garage and an annual contribution of $10,000 to the Capital Improvement account. Ms. Moody informed the main revenue sources in the Parking Fund are meter collections, parking garage vouchers and smart cards. The parking fines are based on FY2018 tickets and lease fees based on actual monthly leases for the lots and parking garage at the time the budget was prepared. Parking Fund Expenses – FY2019 Ms. Moody informed the Parking Fund Expenses saw the same decrease of about $339,000 as it is a balanced budget. Ms. Moody reviewed lots, parking garage operations, depreciation cost on capital expenses and the collection fees that pay the vendor who processes the majority of the Town’s tickets. Special Revenue Fund – FY2019 Ms. Moody stated the Special Revenue Fund has a slight decrease of about $47,000 and accounts for grants and special projects. This fund rolls over from year to year. Ms. Moody informed the dollar amount matches the revenue in the following accounts:  Stormwater Management Fee in Lieu - $30,000 is expected to be collected during FY2019 and utilized to repair two aging stormwater outfall sections.  CDBG Project - $54,000 – represents one allotment grant year and is used for the ADA requirements at the Armory Marketplace.  Community Legacy Grant – applied for a grant for $350,000 to support the Office Street/Courtland Street/Court House Square project. Ms. Moody thanked the Town Commissioners and staff for their time and effort during the budget process. Chair Burdette called for public comments. There were none. Chair Burdette called for Commissioner comments. As there were none. The Public Hearing was closed. NEW BUSINESS: Resolution No. 1108-18 – Community Legacy Grant Application and Project Financing – Façade Improvement Program Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1108-18, endorsing a Community Legacy/Sustainable Communities grant application and project financing, either directly by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development of the State of Maryland or through other departments or agencies of the State of Maryland, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Chair Burdette thanked Ms. Heidenreich for the hard work put into the grant application that will be important to businesses. Ayes: Commissioners Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette 2018.05.21.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 5 of 8 Nays: None The motion carried. Resolution No. 1109-18 – Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2019 Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that proposed Resolution No. 1109-18, providing for the adoption of a Final Budget for the Town of Bel Air for fiscal year 2019, be adopted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Ms. Moody advised the amendments to the FY2019 budget discussed at the work session should be a part of the motion. Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion to amend the motion on Resolution No. 1109-18 with the following amendments to the tentative budget that were previously discussed at the May 15, 2018 budget session and reflected in the seven-page Final Budget: GENERAL FUND 1. Increase the Real Property Tax revenue account by $5,783 to balance the budget. 2. Decrease the Highway User revenue account by $51,000. 3. Decrease the Medical Insurance account by $28,000. 4. Decrease the General Insurance account by $8,000. 5. Decrease the Department of Public Works Refuse Salaries account by $9,618. 6. Increase the applicable Salary and Benefit accounts for the 1% COLA (76,090). 7. Decrease the Contingency account to spend the 1% COLA ($76,090). SEWER FUND 1. Increase the applicable Salary accounts for the 1% COLA ($1,583). 2. Decrease the Contingency account to transfer the 1% COLA ($1,583). Commissioner Richards continues to be impressed with the collaborative effort the staff takes in preparing their budget, the presentations and discussions plus the collaboration of the Commissioners in making hard decisions. Commissioner Richards is also amazed how Ms. Moody maintains the level of detail for different funds in the budget. Commissioner Richards thanked everyone for their collective efforts. Chair Burdette acknowledged Ms. Moody for answering all the questions of the Commissioners. Chair Burdette called for the vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None The motion carried. Award of Contract #18026-DPW – Bituminous Concrete Street Resurfacing Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that the proposal of Gradeline Construction Company, Inc., P.O. Box 374, Brooklandville, Maryland 21022, to resurface Choice Street, Maitland Street, Williams Street, Broadway, Calvin Place, Pennsylvania Avenue, Hunter Drive, Market Place Drive, and other miscellaneous asphalt work in accordance with contract specifications for an amount not to exceed $313,400.00 be accepted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. 2018.05.21.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 6 of 8 Chair Burdette inquired when the resurfacing of Market Place Drive is expected. Mr. Kline, Director of Public Works advised after July 1, 2018. Commissioner Hopkins further asked about the additional streets being resurfaced. Mr. Kline informed the project should begin the 3rd week of June, 2018. Ayes: Commissioners Chmielewski, Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None The motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Ms. Rachel Petterson, 418 Bush Chapel Road, Aberdeen, Md. is the Harford County Local Coordinator for the Maryland Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. The organization is non-profit and started after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School five years ago. The group advocates for common sense laws and policies to protect citizens from gun violence while recognizing the importance of the Second Amendment rights. Ms. Petterson stated the organization is not anti-gun but are anti-gun violence and pro-gun safety. Ms. Petterson informed National Gun Violence Day is being recognized June 1, 2018 where many will come together wearing the color orange in honor of the victims and survivors of gun violence and to fight for a Country where every person can live free from gun violence. In Harford County, people will gather at Shamrock Park for a family- friendly event. Ms. Petterson stated we all know Harford County is not immune to the gun violence and requested a proclamation from the Town for National Gun Violence Day. Ms. Cheryl Adams, 2025 Colgate Circle, Forest Hill, Md. a member of the local chapter of Moms Demand Action reported on a program of Mayors Against Illegal Guns and asked the Town of Bel Air to participate. Ms. Adams distributed material on a proclamation that takes action to reduce gun violence in Maryland. Ms. Aravinda Pillalaurarri, 712 Shamrock Avenue, Bel Air, Md. expressed her appreciation for Moms Demand Action and recommended the Town of Bel Air and Harford County show support for this event. Ms. Khiyali Pillalaurarri inquired about the gazebo in Shamrock Park. Chair Burdette advised to see Mr. Kline, Director of Public Works after the meeting. 2018.05.21.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 7 of 8 COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS: Commissioner Chmielewski attended the Al Cesky Scholarship Awards Banquet and was amazed with the candidates. Commissioner Chmielewski was proud to attend and wondered how the students have time for a social life. Chair Burdette attended the Harford County Remembrance for Fallen Heroes and spoke with Deputy Mark Logsdon’s parents. Chair Burdette also attended the Military Appreciation Luncheon where she spoke to the Gold Star Mothers. While attending these events, Chair Burdette realized the importance of these memorials and learned greatly from the experience. Chair Burdette attended the Good Scout Award where Andrew Klein, the CEO/President of Klein’s Shoprite, was recognized for his contributions to improve the quality of life in Harford County. Chair Burdette also attended the Close Foundation fundraiser that honors Judge Close and supports local at-risk mothers and babies born addicted. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. Signature on File Susan U. Burdette, Chair Signature on File Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 2018.05.21.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 8 of 8