Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS July 19, 2021 The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to order on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 39 Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland. 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 APPROVAL OF 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. PRESENTATIONS: Retirement of Deputy Chief Richard Peschek Chair Chmielewski advised Richard Peschek began his government service as a member of the Bel Air Police Department and faithfully executed his duties as a Police Officer hired on June 27, 1980, promoted July 1, 1981 to Officer First Class, promoted August 6, 1987 to Corporal, promoted April 3, 2006 to Sergeant, promoted July 1, 2010 to Administrative Sergeant, and promoted July 27, 2011 to Deputy Chief of Police. Chair Chmielewski thanked Richard Peschek for the many contributions and appreciates his loyalty to the Bel Air Police Department and the Town of Bel Air. On behalf of the citizens of the Town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Police Department, the Board of Town Commissioners expressed their sincere gratitude to Richard Peschek for his distinguished service. A Certificate of Recognition was presented to honor forty-one (41) years of service. 2021.07.19.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 1 of 8 Chief Moore appreciated the help from Rick Peschek when beginning his career at the Bel Air Police Department. Chief Moore commented, “You are dedicated and made an impact on me and the officers.” Chief Moore noted, “It will take a while to replace you.” On behalf of the Harford County Executive and County Council, Ms. Parker, Community & Public Relations Manager for the Town, presented a Certificate to Richard Peschek for his retirement. Ms. Parker thanked Richard Peschek for his service. Alex Maro, President of the Bel Air Police Union, has been fortunate to serve under Deputy Chief Peschek and thanked him for his service to the Town. Alex Maro appreciates the support and encouragement received and wished Deputy Chief Peschek a long and happy retirement. Albert Peisinger, Harford County State’s Attorney presented Richard Peschek with a Certificate for his years of service to the Town of Bel Air and Harford County. Richard Peschek thanked everyone for attending tonight and appreciates the honor and kind words. He loves the Town of Bel Air and stated the 4l years went by fast. Chief Moore invited everyone to a reception downstairs in the Police Department. Proclamation Celebrating 75 Years Harford County Humane Society Chair Chmielewski stated the Humane Society of Harford County, Inc. is a charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of animals that come to the shelter each year. The Humane Society of Harford County promotes the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, and adoptions. Chair Chmielewski advised the Humane Society opened its doors at its present location in a modified farmhouse on Connolly Road in Fallston on February 5, 1946 with a few dozen stray cats and dogs for adoption. The Humane Society now has more than 3,000 animals each year and provides them food, warmth, shelter and medical care. On behalf of the citizens in the Town of Bel Air, the Board of Commissioners proclaimed the Humane Society of Harford County, Inc. our premier shelter for the care of abused, unwanted and stray animals. Chair Chmielewski presented the Proclamation to George Heidelmaier and congratulated the Humane Society of Harford County on its 75 years of service. Mr. Heidelmaier thanked the Town of Bel Air for the Proclamation. 2021.07.19.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 2 of 8 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 June 21, 2021 and July 13, 2021 be approved as submitted. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None Abstained: Commissioner Richards – June 21, 2021 meeting The motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 1169-21 Budgetary Amendment – Fiscal Year 2021 Ms. Moody, Director of Finance, reported there are several additional revenues/appropriations, transfers, and monetary adjustments that need to be addressed in the fiscal year 2021 budget. The total of the recommended adjustments in this year’s final budget amendment increases the fiscal year 2021 general fund budget by $1,018,367 from $14,271,080 to $15,289,447. Some of the more significant changes to the revenue accounts are as follows: • Public Utility Taxes – $74,000 decrease based on an assessment correction to Maryland American Water Company • Income Taxes - $814,277 increase mainly due to a Town taxpayer’s 2019 taxable income • Red Light Camera - $25,000 increase due to increased projection based on to-date information • Transfer from Capital Reserve - $220,180 net increase due to new contracts for topo survey, Geotech, structural engineering, and construction documents on the Police Department/Town Hall building ($270,180) and postponing the Rockfield playground capital work until FY22 (-$50,000) The net effect of these changes is an overall increase of $1,018,367 in Total Revenues. Some of the more significant changes to the expenditure accounts are as follows: • Town Buildings - $229,909 net increase: $270,180 PD/TH topo survey, Geotech, structural engineering, and construction documents contracts and removing $50,000 due to postponing the Rockfield playground contract • Commissioners - $20,600 decrease: $13,800 reduction in travel/training/memberships and community events due to covid and removing the $6,800 budget for the quarterly newsletter since it is no longer published 2021.07.19.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 3 of 8 • Miscellaneous - $766,411 net increase: mainly due to the $772,708 monies received from income taxes which are being transferred to capital reserve for potential funding toward the Police Department/Town Hall building • Police Department - $64,560 net increase: mainly due to requesting the purchase of a replacement vehicle, including accessories, for the totaled vehicle and additional monies needed for unexpected major vehicle repairs • DPW Shop - $15,260 increase: due to unexpected major vehicle repairs • DPW Streets – ($27,857) net decrease: $40,000 decrease due to salary/benefit vacancies and $12,143 to replace a badly rusted truck body • DPW Refuse - $27,500 increase: due mainly to correcting the reduction in the last budget amendment for the overbilling error found by our condo trash vendor The net effect of these changes is an overall increase of $1,018,367 in Total Expenditures. The Special Revenue Fund also has one recommended change which would decrease the fund by $61,802. This adjustment is to remove the budget related to the CDBG Project. These funds had to be redirected from the original use and will fund paving on Old Orchard Road and Hall Street in fiscal year 2022. Chair Chmielewski called for public comments. There were none. Chair Chmielewski called for Commissioner comments. As there were none, the Public Hearing was closed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Resolution 1169-21 Budgetary Amendment – Fiscal Year 2021 Commissioner Kahoe moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1169-21 amending the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget 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: Ordinance No. 803-21 Chapter 420-1 through 420-12 Amendments to Tattooing Commissioner Kahoe moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that Ordinance No. 803-21 Amendments to Town Code Chapter §420-1 through §420- 13 (Tattooing) be received by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. A public hearing will be held on August 16, 2021, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. 2021.07.19.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 4 of 8 Resolution 1170-21 Intent to Expend Funds – Vehicles and Equipment Tax Exempt Financing Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1170-21 a Resolution declaring the Town’s intent to reimburse original expenditures from the proceeds of tax-exempt financing in reference to the acquisition of Town vehicles and equipment, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. Resolution 1171-21 Extending Temporary Tents and Outdoor Dining Allowances Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1171-21, extending the use of temporary tents and outdoor dining, due to COVID-19, in the Town of Bel Air, through January 15, 2022, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Chair Chmielewski thanked those who attended the Work Session and their comments. Chair Chmielewski stated this change will help everyone in the Town and be good for the community. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. Verizon Wireless Contract Commissioner Kahoe moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that the proposal from Verizon Wireless for cellular service totaling 105 units combined, for the Town of Bel Air, and the Bel Air Police Department, for funds authorized not to exceed fifty-four thousand six hundred ($54,600) dollars. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. Award of Bid - Purchase Three (3) Police Interceptors Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that the bid from Hertrich Fleet Services Incorporated for the purchase of three (3) 2021 Ford Explorer Police SUV AWD Interceptors, in the amount of $106,719.00, be accepted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. 2021.07.19.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 5 of 8 Purchase of Backhoe Loader Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that the proposal of Jesco, Inc., 118 St. Nicholas Avenue, South Plainfield, New Jersey, as provided to and accepted by Sourcewell Government Contract 032515-JDC for a 2021 John Deere 310SL Backhoe Loader along with other selected options and attachments in the amount of $107,298.46 be also accepted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. Purchase of Pick-Up Truck Commissioner Kahoe moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion that the proposal of Apple Ford, 8800 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, Maryland, as provided to and accepted by Baltimore County for a 2022 Ford F250 Crew Cab Pick-Up Truck along with other selected options in the amount of $34,650.00 be also accepted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. Purchase Leach 20 Cubic Yard Rear Loader Trash Truck Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that the proposal of Gran Turk Equipment Co., Inc., One Schuylkill Parkway, Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, as provided to and accepted by Sourcewell Government Contract #112014-LEG for a 2022 Freightliner 108SD Chassis with a Leach 20 cubic yard Rear Loading Body in the amount of $193,216.40 be accepted by the Bel Air Bord of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. Personnel Policy Amendments: Policy II.B.01.a-g – Working Conditions – Working Hours Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that amended Personnel Policy II.B.01.a-g entitled Working Conditions Working Hours, Section f. Holidays, 1. Recognized Paid Holidays, be adopted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Kahoe, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None The motion carried. 2021.07.19.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 6 of 8 Board of Ethics Appointment Commissioner Kahoe moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that the appointment of Susan Niewenhous to the Bel Air Board of Ethics for a term of four (4) 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 ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Chmielewski thanked the Independence Day Committee and volunteers for another outstanding event. The Bel Air Police Department and DPW staff were recognized for their assistance during the entire July 4th holiday. Chair Chmielewski thanked Black Eyed Susie’s for providing the tent for the Pancake Breakfast and the help from volunteers. Chair Chmielewski encouraged residents to visit the Town’s website to complete the Comprehensive Plan questionnaire for feedback. The Comprehensive Plan will act as a roadmap for the future of the Town. Chair Chmielewski reminded: • Free concerts at Shamrock Park on Sundays through August – 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. • First Friday – August 6th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Black Eyed Susie’s parking lot. • Farmers Market – Saturdays from 7 – 11 a.m. Risteau Bldg. parking lot. • Bel Air Community Chorus Concert – August 7th 6:30 p.m. Bandshell at Shamrock Park. • Belle Aire Market – August 8th from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Black Eyed Susie’s parking lot. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Alex Maro, the recently elected President of the Bel Air Police Department Union, looks forward to working with the Board of Commissioners to advocate for officers and families. Alex Maro invited the Commissioners and Town staff to a silent auction on July 30th at 6:00 p.m. at Route 24 Ale House to benefit the family of Kayhla Hendren. Mr. French Poole, Giles Street, was unable to attend the meeting at the Armory regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Small, Director of Planning, advised the next meeting will be held in October. 2021.07.19.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 7 of 8 Mr. Poole shared the story of going cross country in 1971 with his wife where major interstates were not developed and hoe pleasant it wasenjoying the Towns and scenery. A second trip was taken to Texas in 2019 where the interstates were built and towns/country sides abused. Mr. Poole asked the Town to put a great deal of thought into the future of the Town of Bel Air. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m. Approved: August 16, 2021 Signature on file___________ Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file________________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 2021.07.19.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 8 of 8