Board of Town Commissioners

BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION December 14, 2021 4:30 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Commissioner Mary F. Chance Commissioner Paula S. Etting Commissioner Erin S. Hughes Commissioner Donna L. Kahoe 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 ABSENT: L. Jesse Bane, Town Administrator OTHERS: Lyle Sheldon, UM Upper Chesapeake Health President & CEO Mark Shaver, UM Upper Chesapeake Health Senior Vice Pres. Phillip Crocker, UM Upper Chesapeake Health Sr. Project Mgr. Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The Town Commissioners approved the Agenda. PRESENTATION: University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health - Lyle Sheldon Lyle Sheldon, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health President and Chief Executive Officer, is retiring in December, 2021 after 34 years with the health system. Under Mr. Sheldon’s leadership, UM Upper Chesapeake Health has expanded health care services and implemented programs to improve quality, safety, efficiency and compassionate care inside the hospitals and in outpatient settings. Mr. Sheldon presented a PowerPoint that included an overview of health care services, changes coming to the Bel Air campus, 20211214.MIN.WorkSession Page 1 of 7 renderings of the Aberdeen campus and the COVID-19 impact in Harford County. Chair Bianca congratulated Lyle Sheldon on a well-earned retirement and thanked him for what has been done for the Town of Bel Air. On behalf of the Town of Bel Air, the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners and our citizens, Chair Bianca presented Mr. Sheldon with a Proclamation, Bel Air flag and pin. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT: None. TENATIVE AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING (December 20, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.) New Business: Resolution 1176-21 Extending Temporary Tents and Outdoor Dining Allowances, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the Town of Bel Air (Amending Resolution 1171-21) The Director of Administration informed this Resolution extends the temporary tents and outdoor dining through December, 2022. The use of live music/entertainment will have to go through the standard protocol of the temporary permit. The Director of Planning advised this will extend anyone who has outdoor space for one year and prefers this use not include outdoor entertainment/music unless they specifically ask for it separately. The Director of Planning is recommending an establishment with a tent submit a new Temporary Use Permit. The Director of Public Works noted the tents that are currently in place may not be inspected. The Director of Planning advised if the submission requests entertainment/amplified music it will be limited and if complaints are received another request would be denied. Hopefully, this will send a message to the establishments. The Director of Planning will talk to those who have tents 20211214.MIN.WorkSession Page 2 of 7 individually and also reach out to those who have been disturbed. The Director of Planning stated in months to come, the Town will be looking at the current code and how this relates to it. The Community & Public Relations Manager advised complaints need to be verified because some may not be justified. The Chief of Police stated complaints will be verified. Commissioner Kahoe inquired about adverse impact. The Director of Planning explained it is a subjective standard that the Board of Appeals uses for judging certain types of uses. It could impact watching TV or sitting on a balcony. Commissioner Etting asked if the Town is concerned the tents will not be inspected. The Director of Public Works stated they were already inspected and feels there is no problem. Commissioner Hughes asked about the fees. The Director of Administration recommends they be suspended. The Director of Planning stated the Resolution needs to clarify the temporary use of music/entertainment for not more than 2 days. Commissioner Hughes suggested 3 days because it would include the entire weekend and be less paperwork. Discussion continued about receiving complaints, timeframe on temporary use for music/entertainment, revoking permits and reapplying. The Director of Administration will add the following to the Resolution: • Music/Entertainment – must apply for Temporary Use Permit on a monthly basis. • Permit will be suspended or revoked at the Town’s discretion upon receiving complaints. 20211214.MIN.WorkSession Page 3 of 7 English Country Manor Pumping Station Emergency Generator Purchase The Director of Public Works informed the emergency generator at the pump station is 30 years old and needs replacement. The parts are no longer available. The cost is $60,000 and will utilize ARPA funds for the purchase. Inspection and Testing Contract The Director of Public Works advised this contract is for the Police/Town Hall project. The Director of Finance notified this covers several types of inspections. Emails were sent out to contractors and the Town went with the lowest bid. The Director of Finance stated more information will be presented to the Town Commissioners during the December 20th meeting. The Director of Public Works advised these inspections/testing are required by the National Building Code and work should begin in January. Appointment to the Cultural Arts Commission The Director of Economic Development notified Peg Lucas has retired from the Historic Preservation Commission and is interested in serving on the Cultural Arts Commission. The Director of Economic Development advised Ms. Lucas is the perfect addition to the Commission. Commissioner Kahoe stated Peg Lucas has so much knowledge and recommends her appointment. STAFFING UPDATE: The Director of Administration reported: • File Clerk – began employment today. • Computer Support Technician – will begin in January. • DPW Labor – going through employment process. 20211214.MIN.WorkSession Page 4 of 7  • 2 DPW Equipment Operators – outstanding. • Dispatcher – being awarded internally and pending. • Police Officer trainee – internally. • Police Officers – outstanding. • Accounting Clerk – offer in process. CALENDAR: The December, 2021 and January/February, 2022 calendars were distributed. Contact Ruth Seitler with additions or corrections. The Director of Administration reported the last several years the first Town Board meeting in January has been cancelled. The Town Commissioners made the decision to cancel the Town Board meeting on January 3, 2022. MISCELLANEOUS: Comprehensive Plan Update The Director of Planning sent out the Goals and Objectives to the Commissioners and the Planning Commission will review the Comprehensive Plan the first week of January, 2022. If approved, it will come before the Town Board. The draft version will be posted on the website and sent to Commissioners by email. Chair Bianca will be out of Town and requested an earlier copy to review. The Director of Planning will place a hard copy of the text in the Commissioners mailbox. Discussion regarding noise concerns within Town of Bel Air Limit No further discussion. Maryland Opioid Settlement Update The Director of Administration advised the Town received a call from the attorney representing the Town in the Opioid settlement. The Town will be eligible to receive approximately $23,000 from the Johnson & Johnson settlement. The Director of Administration informed there are other litigations still pending. During the 20211214.MIN.WorkSession Page 5 of 7 Town Board meeting, the Town Commissioners will be granting the Town Administrator the authority to agree to this settlement. Commissioner Hughes asked if there are limitations on how these funds can be used. The Director of Administration believes there are restrictions on how it is spent. Disc Golf Course Update The Director of Administration received a call from Greg Adolph who would like to attend the Town Board meeting to thank the Commissioners and Town of Bel Air for installing the Disc Golf Course at Rockfield. Chair Bianca recommends having a ribbon cutting in the Spring. Town of Bel Air Closing December 23rd The Director of Administration informed Harford County Government will be closed Thursday, December 23rd and typically the Town follows as well. The Town Administrator is requesting the Town Commissioners grant Administrative Leave to the employees of the Town of Bel Air on December 23rd. The Town Commissioners concurred with the request. Police Station/Town Hall Groundbreaking The Community & Public Relations Manager notified the groundbreaking is Thursday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m. The Director of Planning reminded the parking lot at Town Hall will not be available beginning December 20th. Police Officer Leaving The Chief of Police informed a Police Officer will be leaving the Town of Bel Air with 20 years of service. A presentation will be made during the Town Board meeting. 20211214.MIN.WorkSession Page 6 of 7 COMMISSIONER’S REPORT: Chair Bianca notified the new officers of the Downtown Alliance are: • Ben Meyer, President • Kathi Schmidt, Vice President • Leslie Lookingbill, Treasure Commissioner Hughes reported the Historic Preservation Commission finalized their draft for the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Kahoe informed the Cultural Arts Commission have concluded for the year and their Christmas celebration is December 15th. The Director of Planning advised art projects from the Shops at Harford Mall and Upper Chesapeake Hospital are coming in for review. ADJOURNMENT: With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Approved: December 20, 2021 Signature on file_______ Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file______________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 20211214.MIN.WorkSession Page 7 of 7