Board of Town Commissioners

BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION February 25, 2020 – 5:15 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Commissioner Kevin M. Bianca Commissioner Erin S. Hughes Commissioner Donna L. Kahoe L. Jesse Bane, Town Administrator Trish Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development Steve Kline, Director of Public Works Michael Krantz, Director of Administration Lisa Moody, Director of Finance – arrived 6:05 p.m. Richard Peschek, Deputy Chief of Police Kevin L. Small, Director of Planning OTHERS: Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary Elizabeth Janney, Bel Air Patch ABSENT: Commissioner Patrick T. Richards Charles Moore, Chief of Police APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion to approve the Agenda for the meeting. The motion carried. PRESENTATION/UPDATE: Speakers/Music on Main Street (Bel Air Downtown Alliance) Jeff, a representative from Street Sound Wireless, advised the speakers are high quality wireless audio system that mount to existing infrastructure (poles), require a constant always-on power supply and are a wireless network. The transmission element is located at the originating point of the network and broadcasts out to the street units. The equipment was displayed on the monitor and Jeff informed 16 units were mounted within 3 hours in Havre de Grace. Phase I: The transmission point will begin at the Armory with 3-4 units installed within the block. Phase II: Small repeaters are needed to build the network out, covering the downtown area. The repeaters are placed high on a pole or rooftop and need power. 2020.02.25.MIN.WorkSession Page 1 of 7 Chair Chmielewski asked if there are any concerns with the Town’s poles having banners and hanging flower baskets. Jeff did not see any real issues and explained the zigzag pattern on the street for good coverage. The Director of Public Works requested information on the height of the unit. Jeff offered a demo unit be set up to see placement and hear sound. Commissioner Kahoe inquired if the system could be used at the viewing stand during parades. Jeff advised the Town would have to predetermine where to host events and configure the network to have signal back to the originating point. Deputy Chief asked if the units were selective because of interfering with an office that may have a window open. Jeff advised the software at the originating point can control the volume and a location can be turned off. The Town Administrator inquired about maintenance and troubleshooting. Jeff advised there really is no maintenance other than cleaning away a bird’s nest or spiders and the troubleshooting is done through the software. Commissioner Kahoe asked about ice. Jeff informed the units are in many states, including those with minus temperatures, with no issues. Commissioner Hughes asked for the number of repeaters needed. Jeff advised initially three (3) that are strategically placed on the façade of the building or roof. Commissioner Hughes is concerned with cooperation from owners on Main Street. Jeff stated that would have to be negotiated and each location would need power or a conduit installed to make the connection possible. The cost of electric is minimal per year and the repeaters have 800+ ft. distance from one to another. Christopher Pineda, Executive Director of the Bel Air Downtown Alliance notified funding is available to implement the project and additional money will be looked at down the road. Mr. Pineda notified the system can also be used for emergency purposes. The Commissioners discussed other areas in the Town where speakers could be placed. First Fridays Update Christopher Pineda advised Downtown Alliance met with State Highways Administration regarding closure of Main Street for First Fridays. State Highway wants to continue its recommendation of a 6:00 p.m. closure on 2020.02.25.MIN.WorkSession Page 2 of 7 Main Street. Downtown Alliance will pursue to the next level with State Highway for an earlier closure. Commissioner Bianca is concerned with the volume of traffic being diverted and requested the preliminary plans. Mr. Pineda will compile information and forward to the Commissioners. The Town Administrator reminded a letter from the Town is needed giving permission to divert traffic onto Town streets. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR: The Equal Justice Initiative The Town Administrator reported the Harford County Committee for the Maryland Lynching Project is hosting a remembrance ceremony for persons lynched in Harford County. Research indicates there were three (3); two in the Town of Bel Air and one in Jarrettsville. The Equal Justice Initiative plans to send soil samples where the hangings occurred throughout the United States to a museum in Alabama. The ceremony will take place March 28th, 11:00 a.m. at Shamrock Park and the Town Administrator asked the Commissioners to consider attending. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – Advice for the Public The Town Administrator distributed the Town’s Coronavirus Continuity of Operations Plan and advised officials are planning for a potential pandemic in America. There is no real need for concern at this point but they do expect the spread of the virus in the US. The Town Administrator reminded about past concerns with the Mad Cow Disease and SARS where a plan was put into place. The Town Administrator will review the Coronavirus plan with the Department Heads and invited the Commissioners to attend. Also distributed was information on Isolation and Quarantine. Contact the Town Administrator with any questions. The Town Administrator recognized the Director of Public Works for his assistance in compiling the information. AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING (Monday March 2, 2020) NEW BUSINESS: Award of Pump, Motor and Mechanical Equipment Maintenance Service The Director of Public Works reported this contract will piggyback on Harford County Government to replace the wet well and pumps at the Baltimore Pike pump station, replace valves at Ewing Street station, and replace a pump at the English Country Manor station. The Director of 2020.02.25.MIN.WorkSession Page 3 of 7 Public Works is taking a smart approach on the pump stations to avoid issues. The cost of the contract is $55,835 that is currently budgeted and the Director of Public Works asked for Commissioner approval to not exceed $75,000 in case of emergency repair. Fleet Repairs of Large Refuse and Dump Trucks The Director Public Works stated this contract for fleet vehicle repairs will piggyback with Harford County Public Schools. Appointment to Appearance and Beautification Commission To be discussed during Closed Session. Town Board Meeting March 2, 2020 The Town Administrator received a suggestion for the Commissioners to consider cancelling the March 2nd meeting due to a short business agenda. The Commissioners decided to hold the March 2nd meeting. STAFFING: The Director of Administration reported: • Planner II – position was posted • Public Relations – offer has been made • Continue to work on Police, Crossing Guard and Parking Enforcement positions CALENDAR: The Director of Administration distributed February, March, April, 2020 calendar. Additions/Corrections February 25th – Board of Appeals cancelled. March 7th – Chocolate, Brew & Wine – change time to 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. April 4th – Easter breakfast at the Armory 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Easter egg hunt at Shamrock Park at 11:00 a.m. Reminder Cecil-Harford MML meeting is April 16th; contact the Town Administrator if needing a ride. 2020.02.25.MIN.WorkSession Page 4 of 7 MISCELLANEOUS: Website Redesign Preview The Director of Economic Development informed the website design is close to completion and the draft was reviewed on the monitor. The Director of Economic Development advised this has been a team effort to cover all opinions. The website will be easier to read and more friendly. The Director of Administration acknowledged the help from the Director of Economic Development, Angela Robertson, Patti Sterling, Elise Gerard, Julia Potler and Josh Forth. Any questions/concerns should be directed to the Director of Economic Development or the Director of Administration. Ma & Pa Trail Parking on Williams and Ellendale Streets The Director of Public Works distributed a diagram of the area and reviewed the following: • Stop bars and new stop signs located at Williams Street and Ellendale Street. Proposing a stop sign at the Ma & Pa trail parking lot. The new stop signs will need to be legislated into law. • Williams Street parking - 14 spaces which need tobe striped. Parking will be allowed on both sides and signs removed. • Approximately 6 parking spots to be eliminated. The description of the eliminated spots will be in linear feet. The Director of Planning wants to make sure there are no changes to Ellendale Street. The public hearing will be scheduled March 16th and the proposal to be posted. Armory Post Event Cleaning Fee The Director of Administration advised most events are broom cleaned/dust mopped by those renting the Armory. During large events with high usage the floor and restrooms need a good cleaning. The fee for cleaning on a 4 hour event would be $100.00 and customers will know in advance. Service Master will provide the cleanup and the customers are responsible for putting away tables and chairs. Chair Chmielewski inquired if the service would clean up trash outside of the Armory. The Director of Administration stated an extra fee would be involved. Commissioner Hughes recommends advising what the fee would cover. 2020.02.25.MIN.WorkSession Page 5 of 7 Tentative Budget Schedule for FY21 The Director of Finance advised there were some concerns about changing the Town Board meeting from May 18th to May 21st. After discussion, the tentative date of May 20th is being considered by the Commissioners. LIAISON REPORTS: Commissioner Bianca reported the Elderly and Needy Citizens Committee met this morning and discussed aging in place. The committee is interested in the 2020 Census and requested the Commissioners comment on the census during the Town meetings. An article will be placed in The Bond. Commissioner Kahoe reminded about Cultural Arts events: • Take a Chance on Art - March 7th 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Armory • Irishman’s Chorale - March 7th, 7:00 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church Commissioner Kahoe informed Angela Robertson is looking into grant funding for a mural at the American Legion. The Director of Planning advised Harford County would like to partner with the Town on a mural. Commissioner Kahoe notified the owner of A Country Setting (previously the Craft Corral) near the Ma & Pa Trail would like to place a mural on the building. Chair Chmielewski advised an article will be placed in The Bond regarding the cleanup of Alice Anne Park. Commissioner Hughes will finalize the draft and forward to the Commissioners and Director of Administration. At 7:00 p.m. Lisa Moody, Director of Finance, exited the meeting. 2020.02.25.MIN.WorkSession Page 6 of 7 CLOSED SESSION: At 7:10 p.m. Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion to go into Closed Session to discuss an appointment to the Appearance and Beautification Committee. The meeting reopened at 7:15 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Approved: March 2, 2020 Signature on file____________ Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 2020.02.25.MIN.WorkSession Page 7 of 7