Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS Commissioners Retreat March 9, 2019 Bel Air Town Hall PRESENT: Commissioner Susan U. Burdette, Chair Commissioner Philip L. Einhorn Commissioner Brendan Hopkins (from 8:00 10:14 a.m.) Commissioner Amy Chmielewski Commissioner Patrick T. Richards Staff L. Jesse Bane, Town Administrator Trish Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development Steve Kline, Director of Public Works Michael Krantz, Director of Human Resources and Administration Lisa Moody, Director of Finance Charles Moore, Chief of Police Kevin Small, Director of Planning OTHERS: Charles Keenan, Town Counsel Kathi Santora, Recording Secretary Chris Streett, Economic & Community Development Commission Paul Thompson, Economic & Community Development Commission 1. CALL TO ORDER Jesse Bane called the work session to order at 8:10 a.m. and opened the meeting with a team building exercise. 2. Town of Bel Air Economic & Community Development Commission (ECDC) Mr. Bane introduced Mr. Thompson from ECDC. Mr. Thompson stated that he and Mr. Streett will share recommendations for the Commission’s top three initiatives for the coming years, but added that he wanted to take the opportunity to have a dialogue with Town of Bel Air staff and commissioners. Ms. Heidenreich stated that, over the years, the ECDC has recommended many important initiatives, including the public parking garage, Farmers Market, Plumtree Park revitalization, the Christmas parade and establishment of the Bel Air Downtown Alliance. Mr. Hopkins noted these achievements and added that, in the coming months and 2019.03.09.RETREAT.WorkSession Page 1 of 8 years, staff and commissioners must focus on Bond Street, Baltimore Pike and the Harford Mall areas. If these areas fail, it would have serious impact on the Town. Mr. Richards added that the new tri-agency agreement between ECDC, Department of Economic Development and the Downtown Alliance will help facilitate this focus. Ms. Heidenreich noted that there have been discussions about expanding outdoor dining and improving traffic safety on Main Street. Any enhancements result from a combination of ideas and infrastructure improvements. The goal is to draw people into the area to shop and dine. Mr. Thompson stated that he feels that there is incentive to build quality properties and meet market demand along Baltimore Pike and used 331 Baltimore Pike as an example. There are several other ways that the area can be upgraded and the ECDC is happy to take that on. Mr. Hopkins also suggested that the Town work with State Highway Administration to make sure that street damages are repaired. Ms. Burdette suggested that incentives and suggestions from the Town will encourage businesses to enhance landscaping and window displays. Reaching out to businesses to improve relationships. This has worked in the past with other businesses in the Baltimore Pike area. Mr. Thompson stated that the ECDC’s first suggestion is to look at the Fourth Friday event and see how it can be set up to promote and connect the public with various parts of downtown. For example, ask State Highway Administration (SHA) to close Main Street between Pennsylvania and Lee, use the Armory as a central location for the bands and food trucks. It will bring people into town and connect them with north and south shops and restaurants areas. The group agreed that the town must explore the best approach to this issue with SHA. It was also agreed that the downtown merchants should have input. Shutting down Main Street has impact on merchants and residents. Mr. Krantz added that he will like the assistance of the ECDC in the issue of making recommendations about food trucks. He also noted that there is a vacant lot on the corner of Alice Ann and Bond streets that could serve as a food truck location. Ms. Burdette noted that the Harford County Courthouse brings in about 200 jurors a day and that this may be an under-marketed population. Many do not come to Bel Air regularly. Ms. Heidenreich suggested a focus group in reference to food truck issues. Other cities 2019.03.09.RETREAT.WorkSession Page 2 of 8  have developed creative ideas. Mr. Krantz added that there will be food trucks onsite at Shamrock Park during the Friday outdoor movie nights this year. Mr. Richards suggested exploring the fee structure for food trucks. Mr. Thompson noted the trend of food halls that have become popular in other areas. Mr. Krantz noted that there is work in progress to revamp the Summer Concert Series, a Bel Air tradition. Food trucks can be a part of that new vision. Mr. Kline inquired if the ECDC is looking at development that will increase tax revenues. Mr. Thompson stated that developers to date have struggled with making proposals that will be economically feasible. He stated that the lease rates in Bel Air are not high enough to support mixed use development. Mr. Small stated that the work done on underused parcels may help future development as well. Mr. Small addressed the issues of Harford Mall. The mall will likely undergo changes in the near future and the Town should be a part of that. One suggestion is to rezone the area to accommodate innovative development. This will be a multi-year project. However, the Town has limited control over what happens to the property. Ms. Heidenreich noted that 70% of the Town’s retail square footage sits on or near the intersection of Rt. 1 and Rt. 24. Mr. Thompson asked if the commissioners would like the ECDC to take on the issue of the Harford Mall. All agreed. Other ECDC issues, per Mr. Thompson, include the Armory’s future and community gardens. Ms. Heidenreich noted that ECDC’s role is to balance all of the retail and commercial properties in Town. They play an important role and perhaps should be part of more upcoming commissioners work sessions. 3. Town of Bel Air Sustainability Plan Mr. Small introduced the Sustainability Plan and stated that the presentation will be a general overview to introduce concepts for development in the near future by the responsible committees or staff. 2019.03.09.RETREAT.WorkSession Page 3 of 8 These overall issues are addressed in the upcoming plan: Sustainability Comprehensive Plan Sensitive Areas Element a) Water conservation to include consumer education and workshops b) Reduce, reuse and recycle projects to include funding the yearly reuse event c) Pesticide use reduction to include examining some resident requests to reduce mowing d) Other priorities include homeless resources, electric vehicles, clean energy resources Healthy Eating/Active Living e) Health Fair for employees and potential community partners f) Employee Wellness Program expansion (no funds needed) g) Other priorities include bicycle and pedestrian initiatives, community gardens and an active recreation park, perhaps for seniors. Mr. Kline noted that the Rockfield Playground is 20 years old and needs upgrading. Grant funding can be explored. Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan h) Bicycle/Pedestrian routes, street marking and safety initiatives i) Other pedestrian projects. Sidewalk repair has encouraged more use. Sidewalk expansion in selected areas to be explored j) Public transit stops improvements in selected locations k) Other bike path action items, MA & PA Trail access and expansion of future trails Tree City USA l) Tree City USA including street tree replacement m) Tree maintenance education to residents and business owners n) Other priorities include replacement of trees denuded by invasive species, increased tree cover on private lands, help for residents to identify diseased trees, exploration of a future arboretum Keep Maryland Beautiful o) Use available grants and funds to respond to graffiti and other blight; add landscaping to Main Street p) Banners, promotional signs and specialty lighting in appropriate areas, with possible sponsorship opportunities 2019.03.09.RETREAT.WorkSession Page 4 of 8 Comprehensive Plan Historic Preservation Element q) Historic preservation inventory for purposes of adding potential new properties; public education; possible replacement of Christmas ornament project; possible art project related to historic preservation. r) Explore new opportunities for public art Arts & Entertainment District s) Public art in such places as the MA & PA Trail, public parking areas, the library, downtown and more t) Community events: a study of new events and locations, including exploration of new partnerships and expanded use of Armory Park. Mr. Einhorn commented that there are several neighboring residents who set up unlicensed stands during Shamrock Park events, particularly the Arts Festival in September. It will be necessary to carefully coordinate multiple events at places like Rockfield Manor. Mr. Richards advises to make sure pursuing priorities match staff and budget resources. Resiliency Capital Improvement Plan u) Connect Capital Improvement Plan with budget process, including search for additional funding sources and a review of procurement processes Continuity of Operations Plan v) Continue ongoing training and exercises to prepare coordinated emergency responses w) Focus on hiring female and Spanish speaking officers Comprehensive Water Plan Resources Element x) Create a coordinated Master Plan to address storm water management. This is required by 2025. Bel Air’s public works department has already begun working on this. y) Wellhead and watershed protection overlay zoning, creating an overlay zone around the two source water wells owned by Maryland American Water z) Stream restoration of remaining areas that need remediation aa) Purchase targeted floodplain properties 2019.03.09.RETREAT.WorkSession Page 5 of 8 Town property and facilities planning bb) Secure town facilities, in particular the Armory and the public works building cc) Verify list of possible surplus properties to be acquired, sold or re-planned dd) Review human resource needs ee) Review energy savings initiatives Comprehensive Plan Community Facilities Element ff) Police department expansion gg) Body cameras for police officers hh) In-depth review and support of the 2020 census Information Technology ii) Dedicated data center for Information Technology processes and exploration of Harford Metro Area Network (HMAN) participation Vitality Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Municipal Growth Elements jj) Pursue remaining undeveloped parcels that may be suitable for annexation kk) Revise development review Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element ll) Create pedestrian commons in downtown Bel Air mm) Expand and promote outdoor dining in downtown nn) Support commercial development at Rt. 1 and Rt.24 Comprehensive Plan Parking Element oo) Review function of the Hickory Parking Garage and market it to users; review the Town’s role in management of this facility pp) Create a parking authority Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element qq) Complete Wayfinding System priorities rr) Complete design and development for Courthouse Square ss) Develop improvements for Thomas and George Streets Events Committee tt) Review function of Bel Air Armory uu) Address needs of Rockfield Manor vv) Continue support of the Bel Air Farmers Market ww) Explore permanent locations for large events such as the Festival for Arts & BBQ Bash 2019.03.09.RETREAT.WorkSession Page 6 of 8  Elderly and Senior Citizens Committee xx) Continue to address needs of specialized populations, including seniors 4. Town of Bel Air Municipal Government Center Mr. Bane asked Mr. Keenan to provide information needed regarding Town Charter amendments. Mr. Keenan noted that town/municipality charters are controlled by Maryland Constitution and the state legislature. The most recent changes to the Bel Air Town charter occurred in the late 90s through about 2008. He is recommending that the staff and commissioners review the town charter for any necessary changes. He also suggested they review the process needed to make those changes. Mr. Bane asked Mr. Krantz and Mr. Keenan to provide additional written summary about this issue for the next commissioners’ work session. Mr. Bane asked for any suggestions regarding charter changes that may need review. Mr. Richards stated that some property owners and residents have suggested exploring the possibility of opening one commissioner seat to a candidate who owns property in town but does not have a residence in town. Mr. Keenan stated that the regulation that oversees Town Boards is controlled by state law. Different regulations address other committees and commissions that may be operated by a municipality. Mr. Richards understands the distinction, but is concerned that the only requirement to run for the Board is a 6-month residency. This could result in a very short-term resident having more voting power than a long-term business owner who has invested in the community. Mr. Small stated that the concept of requiring residency supports the need for elected representatives to live with the decisions that they make. Most municipalities have this requirement in place. He advises careful consideration of any suggested changes. Mr. Richards stated that he is bringing up these issues because residents have approached him with these concerns. The other issue concerns term limits for the commission members. Mr. Einhorn stated that commission and committee members are volunteers. Mr. Small agreed that there are some commission members who have served for a very long time. The commissions can control that by not reappointing them. Ms. Burdette stated that if there are term limits, there is a risk of losing a competent person and being unable to replace him/her. 2019.03.09.RETREAT.WorkSession Page 7 of 8 In the interest of time, Mr. Bane suggested moving forward to final topics. Ms. Burdette, speaking for Mr. Hopkins who had left the meeting, suggested the establishment of a Youth Commission. Mr. Richards cautioned about efficient use of resources. Mr. Bane closed the meeting at 12:05 and thanked the participants for giving up a Saturday to do this work. ADJOURMENT: With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 12:05 PM. Approved: March 18, 2019 Signature on file ______ Susan U. Burdette, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file ___________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 2019.03.09.RETREAT.WorkSession Page 8 of 8