Board of Town Commissioners

BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION – VIA TELECONFERENCE May 26, 2020 5:15 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Commissioner Kevin M. Bianca Commissioner Erin S. Hughes Commissioner Donna L. Kahoe Commissioner Patrick T. Richards 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 Patti Parker, Community & Public Relations Manager Kevin Small, Director of Planning OTHERS: Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Chair Chmielewski advised the objective of the teleconference is to conduct normal business of the Town of Bel Air during the COVID-19 Pandemic we all are experiencing. A teleconference allows us to comply with social distancing, as recommended by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, and the Maryland Open Meetings Act. Chair Chmielewski informed of items on the Agenda. Meeting Etiquette/Protocol Chair Chmielewski reviewed the protocol for the meeting and reminded participants to identify themselves before speaking. Roll Call Chair Chmielewski conducted the roll call. Those present are listed above under Present and Others. No other callers identified themselves. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Chair Chmielewski called for approval of the Agenda. 20200526.MIN.WorkSession-Teleconference Page 1 of 5 Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as written. The motion carried. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT: The Town Administrator notified most of his time and effort has been dealing with COVID-19 Pandemic issues and working with staff to prepare the Town for when the Governor moves into Stage 2. There has been no official notice that Governor Hogan will give a press conference this week. The Town Administrator recognized Patti Parker and Chair Chmielewski in their efforts of congratulating our 2020 graduates. The Town Administrator appreciates the social media Memorial Day presentation honoring those who gave their lives in the line of duty to protect our freedoms. TENATIVE AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING TELECONFERENCE (Monday, June 1, 2020) New Business: Resolution No. 1153-20 – Town Fee Schedule Amendments – System Development Fee The Director of Administration stated the fee schedule is looked at each year for changes recommended by staff and the only modification is on the sewer system. This fee is collected by the Town of Bel Air on behalf of Harford County and increases about 6% each year. Ms. Moody advised this is a pass-through charge that is dictated by Harford County and effective July 1, 2020. 20200526.MIN.WorkSession-Teleconference Page 2 of 5 Award of Printing Services Contract The Director of Finance informed an RFP has been prepared for all the Town’s printing to become more cost effective. Four companies submitted proposals and Alpha Graphics was chosen by the evaluation committee. Alpha Graphics, located in Town, was awarded an additional 15 points with the new local preference procurement policy. The term is 24 months with the ability to renew in 1-year increments for 3 additional years. John Miller, Procurement Officer has put together a document that will help each department when ordering. Commissioner Richards inquired about savings. The Director of Finance did not have any projections. Commissioner Richards asked to be notified as it evolves. Professional Auditing Services Contract The Director of Finance reported the auditing services contract was approved in October, 2017, that included fiscal years 17,18,19 and had extensions. The staff is recommending approval of the 2-year extension with an option to renew. The company is excellent, fees extremely reasonable, and available for questions throughout the year. The Director of Finance advised the increase for FY20 is $500.00 and another $500.00 for FY21. STAFFING: The Director of Administration informed of the following positions posted on the website: • Laborer – full time – DPW • Parking Enforcement Monitor– full time – Police Department • Traffic Support Technician – part-time – Police Department The Town extended an offer to a Police recruit and it is moving forward. 20200526.MIN.WorkSession-Teleconference Page 3 of 5 CALENDAR: The Director of Administration notified the calendar is available on the Town’s website. MISCELLANEOUS: Commissioners Report None. Public Meeting Teleconference for Board of Town Commissioners – Town Hall and Work Session Meetings Chair Chmielewski recommends the Commissioners continue the teleconference through August for Town Board and Work Session meetings. The Commissioners agreed to continue the teleconferences. Chair Chmielewski acknowledged Mr. Krantz and Mr. Forth for their involvement in managing the connections. Citizen Concern Weekender Newspaper Delivery Chair Chmielewski received a letter from Brooks Matthew Buerhaus, a young resident concerned with the Weekender Newspaper being left on lawns/sidewalks that eventually go into storm drains. Also attached was a letter from his father, Matt Buerhaus, 702 Idlewild Road, notifying the papers blow around, get wet and stick on the street like concrete. Mr. Buerhaus stated this is unsightly and plastic bags wash into storm drains that end up in the Chesapeake Bay. Mr. Buerhaus asked the Town to address the situation and commented this causes unnecessary pollution that could be harmful to our wildlife. Chair Chmielewski tried contacting the newsletter with no result. Anyone with a contact name please inform. The Town Administrator advised receiving the same complaints in the past and will contact his source to try to get a response to the problem. Chair Chmielewski will reach out to the Buerhaus family. The Director of Public Works offered a letter from the department regarding environmental concerns. 20200526.MIN.WorkSession-Teleconference Page 4 of 5 Parking Enforcement The Chief of Police reported parking enforcement will begin June 1st. Commissioner Richards recommends a communication strategy for the public. Chief Moore will coordinate an announcement with Patti Parker. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS & LIAISON REPORTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 5:44 p.m. Approved: June 1, 2020 Signature on file__________ Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 20200526.MIN.WorkSession-Teleconference Page 5 of 5