Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS September 20, 2021 The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to order on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland. MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Kevin M. Bianca Erin S. Hughes Patrick T. Richards ABSENT: Donna L. Kahoe 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 Charles Keenan, Town Counsel Kevin Small, Director of Planning Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The Director of Administration notified the Commissioners will go into Closed Session to discuss the Business of the Year award. Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion to approve the Agenda with the Closed Session addition. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Kahoe The motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion that the minutes of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners’ meetings held on September 7, 2021, September 14, 2021, be approved as submitted. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Kahoe Abstained: Commissioner Richards – September 14, 2021 meeting The motion carried. 2021.09.20.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 1 of 5 NEW BUSINESS: Ordinance No. 804-21 - Ordinance Amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 272 Itinerant Dealers, Peddlers and Solicitors Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion that Ordinance No. 804-21 amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 272 Itinerant Dealers, Peddlers and Solicitors, be received by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. A Public Hearing is scheduled October 4, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Avenue. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Kahoe The motion carried. Ordinance No. 805-21 - Ordinance Amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 420 Tattooing Section 420-6 D Unlawful Acts Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that Ordinance No. 805-21 amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 420 Tattooing Section 420-6 D Unlawful Acts, be received by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. A public hearing is scheduled October 4, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Avenue. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Kahoe The motion carried. Resolution No. 1174-21 - Authorizing the Issuance and Private Sale of an Infrastructure Bond Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1174-21, a Resolution authorizing the issuance and private sale of an Infrastructure Bond, be received by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. A public hearing is scheduled October 4, 2021, at 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Avenue. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Kahoe The motion carried. 2021.09.20.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 2 of 5 Economic & Community Development Commission Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Bianca seconded the motion that the reappointment of Thomas F. McNulty to the Bel Air Economic & Community Development Commission, for a term of three (3) years, effective immediately, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Richards advised Mr. McNulty is a long time member of the Economic & Community Development Commission and a tremendous asset. We appreciate his contributions and look forward to another three years. Ayes: Commissioners Bianca, Hughes, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Kahoe The motion carried. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Chmielewski informed: • Chalk the Walk – Chief Moore advised September is National Recovery Month to support people in recovery of addiction and mental illness. It is also in support of the Town’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program, a collaboration consisting of the Police Department, Health Care providers, and the State’s Attorney’s Office. Chief Moore advised people came together to write chalked messages on the Town Hall sidewalk and encouraged everyone to look at the messages that are very inspirational. • LASOS bingo fundraiser – September 25th, 6:30 p.m. at the Armory. Tickets available on-line or at the door. • Wine Festival – September 25th, 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Rockfield Manor. The Explorers will be helping during the event. Chair Chmielewski encouraged using resources for a ride if needed. Chair Chmielewski notified several events are occurring in the Town of Bel Air this weekend. Please be mindful of the traffic and use crosswalks. • First Friday - October 1st – final event of the year. • Farmer’s Market – Saturday’s 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Diann Stumpf, 7 Ashley Way, Bel Air Md. lives in Bradford Village and informed several other residents are attending the meeting. Ms. Stumpf informed the current Board of Directors plan to erect a 325’ long and 6’ high fence along the road that looks like a sound barrier and against the HOA Architectural Guidelines, Covenants and Bylaws. Ms. Stumpf stated a permit has been issued by the Town for the fence and asked if the Town could revoke it until this can be resolved or point her in the right direction. There have been many trees already removed and the fence will cost approximately $30,000 - $40,000. This money is needed for improvement of three streets in the development. Ms. Stump questioned if the Town of Bel Air could take over the streets. 2021.09.20.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 3 of 5 Mr. Keenan, Town Counsel, stated the roads in Bradford Village are private roads and not constructed to meet the Town code. Commissioner Richards recommended Ms. Stumpf speak with staff after the meeting. Ms. Stumpf appreciates the help. Ray Alleman, 1755 Selvin Drive, Bel Air, Md. 21015 is a resident of Village of Greenbrier that was established 2018 and he is concerned with the cell service in the community. Mr. Alleman stated calls are being dropped and sentences chopped. Senior citizen communication is vital especially in an emergency situation. Mr. Alleman advised contact was made with the cell service and they informed we are a good distance from a cell tower. Mr. Alleman understands there was a proposal to construct a new tower near the Lutheran church but it has been delayed for several years. Mr. Alleman asked the Commissioners to expedite the approval of the tower because residents have become more isolated and emergency contact is important. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: None. CLOSED SESSION: Chair Chmielewski called for a motion to go into Closed Session. At 8:04 p.m. Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion to go into Closed Session to discuss the Business of the Year Award. Ayes: Commissioner Bianca, Hughes, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Kahoe The motion carried. Chair Chmielewski called for a motion to reopen the meeting. At 8:17 p.m. Commissioner Bianca moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion to reopen the meeting. Ayes: Commissioner Bianca, Hughes, Richards and Chmielewski Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Kahoe The motion carried. 2021.09.20.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 4 of 5 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. APPROVED: October 4, 2021 Signature on file___________ Amy G. Chmielewski, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_______________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 2021.09.20.MIN.BOTC.TH Page 5 of 5