Board of Town Commissioners
Regular MeetingBel Air, MD · February 18, 2020
Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS
February 18, 2020
The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to
order on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 39 N.
Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair
Kevin M. Bianca
Erin S. Hughes
Donna L. Kahoe
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
Richard Peschek, Deputy Chief of Police
Kevin Small, Director of Planning
Charles Keenan, Town Counsel
Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Charles Moore, Chief of Police
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chair Chmielewski called for approval of the Agenda.
Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion
to approve the Agenda as written. The motion carried.
PRESENTATIONS:
Student Achievement Award – Parker Grebe, Bel Air High School
Parker Grebe, a senior at Bel Air High School, is focused, respectful
and organized both in the classroom and in the community. Bel Air High
School has been a more caring, loving school because of all that Parker
has contributed during his four years of attendance. Parker has assisted
the special needs population every year and partnered with students with
disabilities teaching them many life lessons.
Parker is a determined young man who is ready for the next level of
studies and a wonderful person who will be a great influencer in the
years to come.
On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Chmielewski
congratulated Parker Grebe on his accomplishments and presented a
Student Achievement Award. Chair Chmielewski encouraged Parker to
continue his commitment to excellence.
Certificates of Appreciation for Winter Wonderland
We, the members of the Board of Commissioners for the Town of Bel Air,
on behalf of our staff, the citizens, and the businesses of our Town,
wish to express our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to
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Bel Air Downtown Alliance
Greater Bel Air Community Foundation
James Kurtz – “The Engineer”
Mary Chance – “The Visionary”
Patti Parker – “The Boss”
Donna Dickey – “The Enforcer”
for the part you, your Board members, and your volunteers played in
bringing one of the most successful and notable holiday events in
Downtown Bel Air during the month of December, 2019. Bringing Winter
Wonderland to Main Street led to the enjoyment of thousands as it became
an overnight sensation and a “must see” destination for families and
friends.
On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Chmielewski
presented Certificates of Appreciation along with a trophy and ornament
of the Armory for their role played in turning what was once a dream
into a reality. We know that your planning and efforts to bring Winter
Wonderland to Bel Air in 2020 will achieve even greater success and
continue to identify our Town as the greatest little Town in America.
Commissioner Hughes also recognized the Appearance & Beautification
Committee and the many volunteers for help during setup and throughout
the event.
Commissioner Hughes advised tragedy struck the lightshow the first night
of Winter Wonderland when power was lost. Steve Kline, Director of
Public Works, answered the call and saved the show. Mr. Kline magically
located, identified, and produced the electric needed to power the
lights. He performed his duty with little regard for his safety and
wellbeing.
The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners proclaim our Director of Public
Works as “Super Steve” and presented him a “Super Steve” shirt.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion
that the minutes of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners’ meeting
held on February 3, 2020, February 5, 2020, February 6, 2020, and
February 11, 2020 be approved as submitted.
Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski
Nays: None
Abstained: Commissioner Richards – February 3, 2020 meeting
The motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Resolution No. 1143-20 Bel Air Armory Fee Schedule Amendments
Mr. Krantz, Director of Administration, reported this Public Hearing is
a continuation from the February 3, 2020 meeting.
Mr. Krantz reviewed the following issues:
• The Armory’s Leasing Fee Schedule was last amended on September 5,
2017.
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• The Armory’s utilization is increasing and, as a result, the cost
of maintenance, management, coordination and administration of its
use is increasing.
• In addition, future renovations and improvements are currently
under consideration for the Armory stage, curtains, floor, windows,
and audio and video system.
The Town Staff recommends that the Armory Fees be adjusted to better
cover expenses and to encourage Monday-Thursday utilization.
Recommended Amendments:
SPECIAL EVENTS
I Government or Non-Profit
a. Monday-Thursday events
i. Hourly Rate (3 hr. minimum) - $50.00 per hour
b. Friday-Sunday events
i. Hourly Rate (6 hr. minimum) - $75.00 per hour
II Individual or Business
a. Monday-Thursday events
i. Hourly Rate (3 hr. minimum) - $50.00 per hour
b. Friday-Sunday events
i. Hourly Rate (6 hr. minimum) - $125.00 per hour
IV Kitchen
a. Use of the kitchen along with a full day (eight hours) event:
i. Full kitchen use (i.e. cooking, baking) - $200.00
Eliminated kitchen prep and warming.
VII Refunds
a. A contract may be cancelled, in writing, by the lessee, and
submitted at least ninety (90) days prior to the event start date
for a full refund.
Note: To retain rules regarding refunds, following public input on
February 3, 2020.
Chair Chmielewski called for public comment. There was none.
Chair Chmielewski called for Commissioner comments.
Commissioner Richards appreciates the pro-active approach of Mr. Krantz
and welcomes the opportunity to review the schedule on a six month
basis.
As there were no further comments, Chair Chmielewski closed the Public
Hearing.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Resolution No. 1143-20 Bel Air Armory Fee Schedule Amendments
Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion
that Resolution No. 1143-20, revising the Bel Air Armory’s Fee Schedule,
be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners with an amendment
to retain the rules regarding refunds as follows:
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A contract may be cancelled in writing, by the lessee, and
submitted at least ninety (90) days prior to the event start date for a
full refund.
Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski
Nays: None
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution No. 1144-20 Acceptance of the Amended 2018 Harford County
Annual Growth Report
Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion
that Resolution No. 1144-20 outlining the Amended 2018 Harford County
Annual Growth Report be accepted by the Bel Air Board of Town
Commissioners.
Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski
Nays: None
The motion carried.
Award of On-Call Building Renovations and Alterations
Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion
that the unit prices of Brawner Builders, Inc., 11011 McCormick Road,
Suite 300, Hunt Valley, Maryland and Plano-Coudon, L.L.C., 2101
Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland as provided to and accepted by
Harford County Public Schools under Bid No. 19-JHS-013, On-Call Building
Renovations and Alterations, be utilized by the Town to perform
maintenance and repairs to Town facilities as needed for the amount not
to exceed $75,000.00 for each company be accepted by the Bel Air Board
of Town Commissioners.
Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski
Nays: None
The motion carried.
Economic & Community Development Commission Reappointment
Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion
that the reappointment of Christopher Streett to the Bel Air Economic &
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. Street is an asset to the Commission
and appreciates his continued support.
Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski
Nays: None
The motion carried.
Economic & Community Development Commission Reappointment
Commissioner Richards moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion
that the reappointment of Paul Thompson to the Bel Air Economic &
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Community Development Commission for a term of three (3) years,
effective immediately, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town
Commissioners.
Commissioner Richards stated Mr. Thompson has been a longtime Chair of
the Commission and appreciates his time and leadership.
Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski
Nays: None
The motion carried.
Historic Preservation Committee Appointment
Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Richards seconded the motion
that the appointment of Jeffrey Campbell to the Historic Preservation
Committee for a term of three (3) years, effective immediately, be
approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners.
Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski
Nays: None
The motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Chair Chmielewski reported the following:
February 11th – Mr. Bane, Commissioner Kahoe and Chair Chmielewski
attended the ribbon cutting of Saladworks at Tollgate Market Place.
Saladworks hopes to open other locations in Harford County.
February 11th - Commissioner Kahoe and Chair Chmielewski attended the
Grand Opening of Home Sense. Home Sense donated $10,000 to Anna’s
House.
Chair Chmielewski received a letter from Olivia Streett regarding trash
and pollution in Bel Air. Olivia and a friend who picked up two bags of
trash on Moores Mill Road asked the Town of Bel Air to help. Chair
Chmielewski replied to Oliva advising the Department of Public Works
would look into the issue.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Signature on file____________
Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair
Board of Town Commissioners
Signature on file_____________
Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk
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Agenda
Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners
Town Hall Meeting Agenda
February 18, 2020 at 7:30 PM
39 N. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, MD 21014
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. PRESENTATIONS
a. Certificates of Appreciation for Winter Wonderland
b. Student Achievement Award - Parker Grebe - Bel Air High School
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Resolution No. 1143-20 Bel Air Armory Fee Schedule Amendments
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Resolution No. 1143-20 Bel Air Armory Fee Schedule Amendments
8. NEW BUSINESS
a. Resolution 1144-20 Acceptance of the Amended 2018 Harford County Annual Growth Report
b. Award of On-Call Building/Facility Renovation and Alteration Services Contract
c. Appointments to Economic and Community Development Commission
i. Christopher Streett
ii. Paul Thompson
d. Appointment to Historic Preservation Commission
i. Jeffrey Campbell
9. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Sip & Shop - Thursday, February 20, 2020, from 5 PM to 8 PM, at Harford Artists Association, 37 N.
Main Street, Suite 104, Bel Air, MD. Hosted by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance. Sip & Shop was
created to encourage people of all ages to shop, dine and explore historic Downtown Bel Air. It’s
an evening to enjoy extended shopping hours in the various specialty boutiques and dine in the
restaurants and pubs. Sip & Shop kick off begins at 5 pm at Harford Artists Association located in
Armory Marketplace where you can enjoy local art and a glass of wine before you head out to
shop, dine and explore Downtown Bel Air! A complete list of participating retailers, restaurants
and pubs can be found at https://downtownbelair.com/listing-category/sip-and-shop/.
b. House Party Concert Series: BonJourneyNY - Friday, February 21, 2020, from 7 PM to 10 PM, at
the Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD. Hosted by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance. Grab
some friends and come down to the Bel Air Armory- a small concert venue, featuring live music,
beer and wine (cash bar), and artisan food trucks. BonJourneyNY is a New York based Tribute
Band paying homage to Rock Icons, BonJovi and Journey. www.downtownbelair.com.
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
11. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT
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