Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS TELECONFERENCE March 15, 2021 The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to order on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. via teleconference. MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Kevin M. Bianca Erin S. Hughes Donna L. Kahoe Patrick T. Richards STAFF 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 Charles Moore, Chief of Police Patti Parker, Community & Public Relations Manager Charles Keenan, Town Counsel Kevin Small, Director of Planning 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. 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. No other callers identified themselves. Chair Chmielewski notified in the Public Hearing of the Redesignation of the Arts and Entertainment District and inquired if anyone wanted to make public comments during the hearing. Kristien Foss, 355 Crocker Street, Bel Air, Md., telephone # 410-688-2636 requested to speak during the hearing. 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. 2021.03.15.MIN.BOTC.Teleconference Page 1 of 5 Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. PRESENTATION: Proclamation of Bel Air Arbor Day, Saturday, April 10, 2021 Chair Chmielewski advised the attention to the quality and health of the urban forest enhances the Town’s landscape and the quality of landscape on public and private lands is an important aspect of the urban forest. Providing trees, shrub and pollinator plantings to expand the urban forest is the goal for Arbor Day, 2021 sponsored by the Bel Air Tree Committee with the cooperation of the Department of Natural Resources, Forest Services, the Harford County Forestry Board, and the Harford County Master Gardeners. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Chmielewski proclaimed that Saturday, April 10, 2021 be designated as Bel Air Arbor Day, and called upon the citizens of Bel Air to recognize and participate in the special observance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that the minutes of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners’ meetings held on February 27, 2021, March 1, 2021 and March 9, 2021 be approved as submitted. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 1160-21 – Redesignation of the Arts and Entertainment District Ms. Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development, reported the State of Maryland Arts & Entertainment District Designation program is overseen by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), which is an agency of the Maryland Department of Commerce. The purpose of the A&E District program is to create tax benefit jurisdictions which incentivize and support diverse artistic and cultural activities. This, in turn, spurs economic development, increases community engagement and preserves a sense of place. Approximately 100 acres of the Town’s historic core was first designated as an Arts & Entertainment District in 2011. The designation was valid for ten years and is expiring this year. In the ten years that have passed, the Town has seen an increase in arts related investments, activities and events, thus attracting more shoppers and diners to our restaurants and retail stores. In addition to bolstering commerce, opportunities for enhancement of our commercial and residential real estate inventory have 2021.03.15.MIN.BOTC.Teleconference Page 2 of 5 also been increased by providing economic incentives for affordable housing and art studio workshops that rehabilitate underused properties and create jobs in the community. Ms. Heidenreich stated the redesignation of the Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District provides an important tool to attract investment to the Town. Economic Development staff plan to submit an application for redesignation of our existing District that is due on or before April 1, 2021. Chair Chmielewski called for public comments. Ms. Kristien Foss proudly serves as the Chair for the Cultural Arts Commission in the Town of Bel Air. Ms. Foss notified since the Town was designated as an Arts & Entertainment District, we have seen significant growth, a variety of art and cultural events offered in Town, and the beautiful public art pieces that have evolved. It all contributes to our Town making it a true vibrant place to live and attracts both visitors and new residents. Ms. Foss stated art defines a community and tells a story not just of the past but gives a glimpse of the future and aspirations as a community. It elevates the spirit of our Town as we share this common appreciation; it brings people together and celebrates our history. Ms. Foss looks forward to the Town’s future of the Arts & Entertainment District and is in full support of the redesignation. As there were no other public comments, Chair Chmielewski called for Commissioner comments. Chair Chmielewski stated every day and year we see more art in the Town of Bel Air making it colorful and fun. Chair Chmielewski recommends the Art Walk in Town where you will be amazed at the things you see along the way. Chair Chmielewski is looking forward to seeing more murals and art in Town and thanked Ms. Heidenreich and staff for their hard work. There were no other comments and Chair Chmielewski closed the Public Hearing. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Resolution 1160-21 – Redesignation of the Arts and Entertainment District Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1160-21 to redesignate 100 acres of land in the Town of Bel Air as a State of Maryland Arts & Entertainment District be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Resolution 1162-21 Regional Law Enforcement Compact Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that Ordinance No. 932-10, be rescinded and that a resolution for the purpose of endorsing the law enforcement mutual aid agreements/compacts between 2021.03.15.MIN.BOTC.Teleconference Page 3 of 5 the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Bel Air and the cities of Aberdeen and Havre de Grace be reenacted. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. Resolution 1163-21 Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Amendment Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1163-21, amending the budget for fiscal year 2021 for additional appropriations, monetary adjustments, and transfers between departments, be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. A Public Hearing is scheduled for April 5, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Reappointment to the Planning Commission – Don Coates Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that the reappointment of Don Coates to the Bel Air Planning Commission for a term of five (5) years, effective immediately, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Richards has deep roots in the Planning Commission and knows Mr. Coates well. Mr. Coates is a great asset to the Commission and the Town of Bel Air. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. 2021.03.15.MIN.BOTC.Teleconference Page 4 of 5 COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Commissioner Bianca expressed appreciation to citizens, DPW staff and Commissioners who helped during the community trash clean-up organized by Ms. Parker, Community & Public Relations Manager. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Approved: March 15, 2021 Signature on file_______________ Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file________________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 2021.03.15.MIN.BOTC.Teleconference Page 5 of 5