Board of Town Commissioners

BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION – VIA TELECONFERENCE November 10, 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 Charles Keenan, Town Council 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 which 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 agenda items for the meeting. Meeting Etiquette/Protocol Chair Chmielewski reviewed the protocol for the meeting and reminded all participants to identify themselves before speaking. Roll Call Chair Chmielewski conducted the roll call. Those present are listed above. Brad Stover, attorney for Liriod, LCC, joined the teleconference. 20201110.MIN.WorkSession.Teleconference Page 1 of 8 APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Chair Chmielewski called for approval of the Agenda. Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as written. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT: The Town Administrator reminded the Pre-Legislative meeting is scheduled November 18th and a presentation by the Town is being developed. Commissioner Richards has been involved in conversations with Maria at Savona’s regarding a requested change to their liquor license. Licenses are issued for either wine/beer or full liquor and Savona’s wants a “middle of the road” license. Going with a full liquor license is cost prohibited and Savona’s is looking for flexibility from the State of Maryland. Commissioner Richards informed Harford County Liquor Board does not have any concerns regarding what is being proposed by Savona’s. Commissioner Richards will send out information to the Commissioners and the Town Administrator, and he will be happy to follow-up with a report. The Town Administrator advised Governor Hogan will be speaking this evening on mandates he will put into place to deal with the increase of COVID-19 cases. The Town Administrator will report back to staff concerning changes to operations. The Town Administrator advised the letter received from Brad Stover regarding a requested postponement of the public hearing on annexation was amended with the correct plot number. The Director of Public Works requested a meeting on Thursday, November 12 to discuss the Governor’s changes on operations due to the COVID increase. The Town Administrator plans to schedule the meeting for 8:30 a.m. Thursday. 20201110.MIN.WorkSession.Teleconference Page 2 of 8 TENATIVE AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING TELECONFERENCE (Monday, November 16, 2020) Public Hearing: Charter Resolution 133-20 Catherine Street Annexation The Director of Planning informed this Resolution is the same as when it was received by the Commissioners. More information was added to the agenda item to include the explanation of misinformation on social media and emails received. The Director of Planning received another letter from the Liriodendron Foundation that will also be distributed to the Commissioners. The Director of Planning reported emails received were looked at and can verify out of the 25 received on the annexation; 10 were in-town and 15 out-of-town. Commissioner Richards asked about concerns in granting/postponing the public hearing. The Director of Administration notified when handling an amendment/ resolution, the Town Charter, Section 310-c states the public hearing must be held not less than 5 days or no more than 30 days from a public case notice. The Director of Administration recommends not to delay or postpone the public hearing but there may be some language in the Maryland Annotated Code to allow for a delay. However, Section 310-e of the Town Charter states once the Resolution is introduced it should be passed, rejected, or amended within 6 days and not more than 60 days. The Director of Administration stated this provides for a vote delay until December 18, 2020. The Director of Administration feels the public hearing will have to be held to comply with Town Charter. Mr. Keenan, Town Council informed Section 4-406, Local Government for Annexation provides if the meeting has begun, Chair Chmielewski has the power to postpone or continue the hearing on November 16th. Mr. Keenan advised if rescheduled it would be held December 7th and notice needs to be published. The Director of Administration will provide several recommended motions for the Commissioners to consider in the Agenda packet for the November 16th meeting. 20201110.MIN.WorkSession.Teleconference Page 3 of 8 Commissioner Richards wanted clarification that there will be a public hearing November 16th. The Director of Administration reminded it has been published since October 21, 2020. Chair Chmielewski stated with the number of comments/letters received from residents, we should go forward with the public hearing and decide at that time about the vote. Commissioner Kahoe agreed. The Director of Administration will keep the public hearing on the November 16th agenda. Mr. Stover, attorney for Liriod, LCC, is prepared to appear November 16th to reiterate the request of clients that some of the Planning Commission’s conditions were related to development. Mr. Stover stated the annexation does not require a detailed Development Plan and advised clients if the Planning Commission makes a recommendation, it will be strongly considered by the Town Commissioners. Mr. Stover informed his clients need to undertake an analysis with their engineer for cost of the conditions. Mr. Stover advised that has not been completed and he is trying to avoid any problems if the client comes back saying it is not going to work. Unfinished Business: Charter Resolution 133-20 Catherine Street Annexation The decision of approval will be made by the Commissioners during the November 16th meeting. New Business: Reappointments to the Appearance and Beautification Committee The Director of Public Works advised the two members for reappointment are Bonnie Bailey and Jennifer Dombeck who are interested in another term on the Appearance and Beautification Committee. Chair Chmielewski stated Bonnie and Jennifer are big assets to the Committee. The Appearance and Beautification Committee made the decision to go forward with other reappointments and appointments of new members during the next several Town Board meetings. The Director of Public Works stated 20201110.MIN.WorkSession.Teleconference Page 4 of 8 this is a great Committee and appreciates Chair Chmielewski diligence in recruiting. Appointment to the Planning Commission Commissioner Hughes reported the Planning Commission currently does not have an alternate and many individuals have been approached for the position. Commissioner Hughes notified Dan Gray is interested and his application has been forwarded. Commissioner Hughes recommends the appointment of Mr. Gray who will make a good addition to the Commission. STAFFING: The Director of Administration reported: • Traffic Support Technician, part-time – applications received and hiring process to begin • Dispatcher, full time – position to be posted • Crossing Guard – delayed until staffing needs are decided • CDL Driver - DPW – outstanding • Event Staff, part-time – position to be posted CALENDAR: Chair Chmielewski advised some adjustments were made on the calendars. Please contact Patti Parker to volunteer with decorating and working the Winter Wonderland event. MISCELLANEOUS: BAVFC Tax Credit Ordinance Update The Director of Administration reminded the Town is amending the tax credit provided to the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company (BAVFC). The draft Ordinance was amended with some language but the benefit for active duty member dwellings is $500 with a maximum of $1,000 per household has not changed. The Maryland Annotated Code defines the volunteer firefighter, EMT, and dwelling that is being pulled as a reference. There were some questions if the benefit could be a credit or rebate/reimbursement and the Town has confirmed the benefit must be a tax credit. 20201110.MIN.WorkSession.Teleconference Page 5 of 8 The Director of Administration notified BAVFC requested including their Auxiliary members in the tax credit but the Maryland Code does not define those members and cannot be approved. Chair Chmielewski asked if Auxiliary members currently receive a benefit from the Town. The Director of Administration believes the Auxiliary has been included in the past but going forward with a formal ordinance the tax credit will not be given to the Auxiliary. The Director of Administration advised any benefit would have to be different and mentioned the Town provides a significant amount of funds to BAVFC on an annual basis and possibly some of that could be reallocated to the Auxiliary members. Chair Chmielewski asked for the number receiving the benefit. The Director of Finance stated last fiscal year it was four (4) and BAVFC provides a roster of names and addresses that does not differentiate the levels. The Director of Finance informed, when looking into the ordinance, it was found the Auxiliary are not eligible for the tax credit. Mr. Keenan stated, if the Commissioners are interested in including the Auxiliary members, the Town should approach the Delegation for an amendment to the Maryland Code. Chair Chmielewski inquired if the Commissioners are interested in approaching the Legislature for a change in the Code. Commissioner Bianca wanted clarification if the amount would be the previous $25.00 credit or the $500 credit. Mr. Keenan stated if the code includes Auxiliary members, it would be the full credit. Commissioner Bianca knows the firefighter and EMT must meet a certain number of hours of training and asked if Auxiliary members have a quantifiable number of hours. The Director of Administration advised the current Annotated Code and the draft ordinance does not have the benefit for Auxiliary members but the Town could brainstorm a different benefit instead of trying to pass legislation through Annapolis. Commissioner Richards does not want this to become complex and an administrative burden. Commissioner Richards stated if the Town can do something for the Auxiliary member that would be great and, if not, he recommends moving forward with the ordinance as is. 20201110.MIN.WorkSession.Teleconference Page 6 of 8 The Director of Administration appreciates the feedback and will move forward with discussions with BAVFC. The ordinance should come before the Commissioners in January, 2021. Converting Tennis Court to Pickleball Court The Director of Public Works advised a group of residents wanted to convert a tennis court at Homestead Park into a pickleball court. Commissioner Bianca took the time to paint the pickleball court on the existing tennis court and it looks great. There is now a group of happy residents using the pickleball court at Homestead Park. The Director of Public Works advised there are plans next year to make a regular pickleball court at Homestead Park for the residents to enjoy. Commissioner Bianca is glad residents are pleased. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS: Community & Public Relations Manager advised everyone should have received a Winter Wonderland and Commissioners’ Open House invitation. Each Commissioner can bring an additional 4 guests and it was suggested they invite a business owner to get them involved. Names should be given to Ms. Parker as soon as possible and the Town will have to keep an eye on the numbers to enjoy the event safely. The Director of Public Works informed the Appearance & Beautification Committee decided the Town’s Holiday decorations will be illuminated on November 28th. Chair Chmielewski wants to make sure people do not forget Thanksgiving is also an important holiday. Commissioner Hughes informed of the discussion to begin the Work Sessions in-person but with the Governor’s mandates today feels it is more prudent to wait. Chair Chmielewski agrees and encouraged everyone to continue wearing masks, distancing yourself, and wash/sanitize your hands to stay safe. Commissioner Kahoe and Commissioner Hughes attended the groundbreaking at The John Carroll School for the Kutcher family baseball facility. The 20201110.MIN.WorkSession.Teleconference Page 7 of 8 caliber of this facility will go far with athletes who are pursuing baseball careers during their high school years. Chair Chmielewski acknowledged all Veterans and encouraged everyone to thank them. ADJOURNMENT: With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m. Approved: November 16, 2020 Signature on file___________ Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_______________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 20201110.MIN.WorkSession.Teleconference Page 8 of 8