Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS October 15, 2018 The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to order on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 39 Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland. MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan U. Burdette, Chair Philip L. Einhorn Brendan P. Hopkins Patrick T. Richards ABSENT: Amy G. Chmielewski STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: L. Jesse Bane, Town Administrator Rachel Deaner, Deputy Director of Finance Trish Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development Stephen Kline, Director of Public Works Michael Krantz, Director of Administration Charles Moore, Chief of Police Kevin Small, Director of Planning Charles Keenan, Town Counsel Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary ABSENT: Lisa Moody, Director of Finance 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: Cecil and Harford Counties Maryland Municipal League 2018 Scholarship Recipient Citations Chair Burdette has been on the Cecil/Harford Maryland Municipal League (MML) scholarship review committee for seven years and stated the application consists of 20 pages asking for GPA, school activities, community/volunteer involvement, letters of recommendation and two essays. Chair Burdette informed Jennifer Little, a graduate from Patterson Mill High School, received the Harford County Scholarship from MML. Jennifer participated in over 15 volunteer activities that included working in an Inner-City camp, peer mentor at Bel Air United Methodist Church, ABC 2 Teen News reporter, youth blogger and a Maryland General Assembly Page. Each applicant was required to submit an essay on the importance or function of the Municipal Government in their community. Chair Burdette stated Jennifer’s essay and knowledge of Town government was outstanding and exceptional. Commissioner Einhorn congratulated Jennifer on receiving the scholarship from the Cecil/Harford Chapter MML, her outstanding academic performance and community service. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town 2018.10.15.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 1 of 5 Commissioners, Commissioner Einhorn presented Jennifer with a Certificate of Recognition. Jennifer thanked the Maryland Municipal League for the scholarship and advised she attends University of Maryland Baltimore County majoring in Political Science and Global Studies. Over the summer, Jennifer worked with Harford County Community Services and County Executive Glassman. Commissioner Einhorn informed Congressman Andy Harris invited Jennifer and family to visit his office and other buildings in Washington. Economic Development Week Proclamation Chair Burdette advised the Town of Bel Air Office of Economic Development is an active member of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) whose mission is to enhance the knowledge and skills of its members, encourage partnerships and networking among people committed to bringing jobs and capital to Maryland, and promote economic development as an investment in Maryland. The Town of Bel Air is an important component of the State’s economic success by working and partnering with local, regional and statewide economic development organizations. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Burdette proclaimed the week of October 21 to October 27, 2018 as Economic Development Week and asked all to recognize and reaffirm the importance of business development locally and statewide. Ms. Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development accepted the Proclamation on behalf of Pamela Ruff, Executive Director, Maryland Economic Development Association. Municipal Government Works Month Proclamation Chair Burdette stated municipal government represents the most responsive form of government with citizens being able to directly access their elected officials. In an effort to educate citizens about municipal government and the importance of their participation, the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners join the Maryland Municipal League in declaring the month of November, 2018 as Municipal Government Works Month. Mr. Krantz, Director of Administration accepted the Proclamation and acknowledged the support from the Town Commissioners. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Einhorn seconded the motion that the minutes of the Bel Air Board of Commissioners’ meeting held on October 1, 2018 and October 9, 2018 be approved as submitted. Ayes: Commissioners Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Chmielewski Abstained: Commissioner Einhorn – October 1, 2018 meeting Commissioner Richards – October 9, 2018 meeting The motion carried. 2018.10.15.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 2 of 5 PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution No. 1116-18 – Public Road Realignment of Upper Chesapeake Drive Mr. Small, Director of Planning, reported on December 7, 2017 the Bel Air Planning Commission granted approval for expansion to the parking area for the Upper Chesapeake Medical campus and recommended approval of a realignment of a public road of Upper Chesapeake Drive. The Town Charter and Development Regulations provide for acceptance of the proposed public road right-of-way and approval of the exchange of land between University of Maryland – Upper Chesapeake Health System (UM-UCHS) and the Town of Bel Air. In this case, the property of the existing road to be abandoned will be exchanged for the proposed road right-of-way with no monetary consideration. A graphic representation of the proposed right-of-way revision is provided with the Resolution. The realignment of Upper Chesapeake Drive enables the hospital to configure parking in a more efficient manner and provide for additional spaces close to the main entrance of the facility. In addition, the straightened road also improves visibility. The Planning Commission was concerned with vehicle speed and conditioned the approval of the Site Plan on installation of two elevated crosswalks in locations where pedestrians are most likely to cross the road. Mr. Small stated the current Upper Chesapeake Drive operates under an existing Agreement dated April 18, 2011. However, a new agreement will be recorded referencing revised plats and documents consistent with recent changes to the hospital campus. This agreement does not materially differ with the previous one insuring that all costs related to maintenance, repair and replacement of road infrastructure is assumed by UM-UCHS. Costs related to creation, recordation of the Plat, Deeds and Agreement will be borne by UM-UCHS along with all costs for construction of the proposed road. Chair Burdette called for public comment. There was none. Chair Burdette called for Commissioner comment. As there were no comments, the Public Hearing was closed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Resolution No. 1116-18 – Public Road Realignment of Upper Chesapeake Drive Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Einhorn seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1116-18 Realignment of Upper Chesapeake Drive be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioner Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Chmielewski The motion carried. 2018.10.15.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 3 of 5 NEW BUSINESS: Access Easement Agreement – 45 N. Main Street Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that the Access Easement Agreement between the Town of Bel Air and Streett Family Bond Street, LLC, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioner Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Chmielewski The motion carried. Public Works Street Sweeper Repair Commissioner Hopkins moved and Commissioner Richards seconded the motion that the repair of the Town’s Street Sweeper by Maryland Industrial Trucks, Inc., 1330 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, Maryland for the amount of $10,961.14 be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Ayes: Commissioner Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Chmielewski The motion carried. Appointment of Thomas F. McNulty to the Bel Air Economic and Community Development Commission Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Hopkins seconded the motion that the appointment of Thomas R. McNulty 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. McNulty was the Harford County Liaison to the Bel Air Economic & Community Development Commission and welcomes him as a full member. Ayes: Commissioner Einhorn, Hopkins, Richards and Burdette Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Chmielewski The motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mr. French Poole, Giles Street, is concerned with the recent depressing gray painting that does not improve the appearance of the former Bank of America Building. Commissioner Hopkins suggested Mr. Poole speak with Mr. Small, Director of Planning after the meeting. Mr. Keenan, Town Council, informed the Town of Bel Air has no control over paint color choices. 2018.10.15.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 4 of 5 COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Chair Burdette reported the following:  October 4th – Chair Burdette attended the ribbon cutting to welcome Smiles and Shines Boutique with Michaela Lintz, at 6 Office Street.  October 11th – Chair Burdette had the pleasure to open the 2018 Town of Bel Air Film Festival. Several former commissioners and many residents have been attending for 10 years as well as new people each year. Attendees living the furthest away were from England. Chair Burdette thanked Ms. Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development, Angela Robertson, Patti Sterling, Elise Gerard and the many volunteers for their hard work and dedication on the 3 day event. Chair Burdette advised of always walking away with some profound new knowledge. This year was that everyone has traces of Teflon in their blood.  October 12th – Chair Burdette attended the ribbon cutting for Orangetheory Fitness, 331 Baltimore Pike which offers group workout experience to meet the needs of individuals at all levels including cancer patients, those with obesity issues, diabetes and other health concerns.  October 13th – Chair Burdette attended the kick off for the 2018-2019 season for Susquehanna Symphony at Bel Air High School. This was the same night of Bel Air High Homecoming dance and Chair Burdette acknowledged Officer Rick Krause who maintained total cooperation and calmness as guests arrived for both events.  October 15th – Chair Burdette attended the dedication for the Samara Bike Rack sculpture next to the Sheriff’s Office on Main Street. The sculpture was designed by Adrienne DeRan who served on the Cultural Arts Commission. The sculpture represents a samara seed entertaining the community as it drops from a maple tree spiraling like a helicopter to the ground. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m. Signature on file Susan U. Burdette, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 2018.10.15.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 5 of 5