Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS June 6, 2022 The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to order on Monday, June 6, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland. MEMBERS PRESENT: Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Mary F. Chance Paula S. Etting Erin S. Hughes 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 Patti Parker, Community & Public Relations Manager Charles Keenan, Town Counsel Kevin Small, Director of Planning Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Kahoe moved and Commissioner Etting seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as written. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe, and Bianca Nays: None The motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Kahoe moved and Commissioner Etting seconded the motion that the minutes of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners’ meeting held on May 16, 2022 be approved as submitted. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe, and Bianca Nays: None 1 The motion carried. PRESENTATIONS: Promotion of Taryn O’Grady to Officer First Class Chair Bianca advised Officer First Class Taryn O’Grady began her career with the Bel Air Police Department in June, 2020. Prior to joining the Bel Air Police Department, Officer O’Grady earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Western New England University and attended the Carroll County Police Academy, graduating in 2021. Officer O’Grady has written 327 traffic citations, made 30 criminal arrests and executed 2 search-and-seizure warrants. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners and citizens, Chair Bianca congratulated Officer First Class O’Grady on her promotion and presented her with a Certificate of Promotion and gift card. Chief Moore informed Officer First Class O’Grady has exhibited excellent policing skills and has embraced and advanced our community policing efforts. Chief Moore congratulated Officer O’Grady on the promotion and looks forward to seeing her serve the citizens of the Town of Bel Air for many years. A reception to celebrate the promotion of Officer First Class O’Grady was held at the Armory. Bel Air Lions Club Presents “Heart of a Lion” Award to Senior Officer First Class Richard Krause Sandy Guzewich, President of Bel Air Lion’s Club, advised every June the award “Heart of a Lion” is presented to someone who embodies the attributes of a “lion” and this year Rick Krause was selected for being a volunteer extraordinaire. Each year, Rick Krause along with the help from the Explorers and Bel Air High School students, assists with the Christmas Tree delivery. Ms. Guzewich greatly appreciates Rick Krause and how he serves this community as a Police Officer, School Resource Officer and volunteer. Ms. Guzewich presented Senior Officer First Class Richard Krause with the “Heart of a Lion” plaque. Senior Officer First Class Rick Krause stated this would not have been possible without the Explorers; and working with the Explorer Post is a great part of my job. Senior Officer First Class Krause thanked the Lion’s Club for the award. 2 Student Achievement Awards – Samantha Cullison and Lily Quigley – Harford Day School Samantha Cullison and Lily Quigley attend Harford Day School and demonstrated interest in the school’s community, history, traditions, and events of the world at large. Samantha and Lily are role models for compassion, perseverance, and integrity. It is no doubt that they will continue to be an exemplary citizen of Bel Air and Maryland. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Bianca presented Samantha Cullison and Lily Quigley a Student Achievement Award and encouraged them to continue their commitment to excellence. Proclamation for Project Health Month - Shyama Bhatt, Miss Bel Air 2022 Mike Blum, 4th of July Parade Chairman, advised in March 2022, Shyama Bhatt was titled Miss Bel Air 2022 and in June will compete for the title of Miss Maryland under the Miss America organization. In this competition Shyama's social impact platform is Project Health: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Healthcare. Project Health's purpose focuses on bridging this gap by educating the population on healthcare services and preventative medicine. Shyama Bhatt is currently an NIH Post-Baccalaureate Fellow in Neurosurgery, and an NIH Fellow in Health Disparities, analyzing the health-care disparities experienced by minorities and lower socio-economic groups. Shyama will enter the Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2023. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Bianca declared the month of June, 2022, be designated Project Health Month in the Town of Bel Air and encouraged all Town residents to learn about healthcare resources offered. Shyama Bhatt is honored to be here tonight and explained Project Health focuses not only on legislation for health care disparities but bringing health care knowledge to lower socio-economic groups and minorities throughout Maryland. Shyama is excited to be the hostess for the Town’s July 4th celebration and having the opportunity to compete in the Miss America competition. 3 NEW BUSINESS: Resolution 1187-22 Town Fee Schedule Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that Resolution No. 1187-22, amending the Town’s Fee Schedule, be received by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Etting inquired about: • Page 1 - Amending fees for Traffic Impact Analysis and Christmas Tree Ornaments. Mr. Krantz, Director of Administration, advised it needs to be stricken because it was a carryover from prior years legislation. The Christmas Tree ornaments no longer exist but previous years ornaments are still available. • Fee clarification under Site Plan/Subdivision Revision – Industrial/Commercial. Mr. Krantz notified the fee is $300. • For Profit Events – amount will be included for Police and Public Works personnel. Mr. Krantz advised this language has been used for years and calculated on those who work the event at an hourly rate. • Fees doubling. Mr. Krantz informed fees will only double as a result of a code violation where no permit was obtained. • Permit cost for shed or fence. Mr. Small, Director of Planning advised $35. Commissioner Kahoe asked for clarification that the advertising fee is in addition to the $400 hearing fee for the Board of Appeals. Mr. Krantz confirmed. Commissioner Hughes notified staff did check on fee schedules from the other two Municipalities and this will bring the Town in-line. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe, and Bianca Nays: None The motion carried. A public hearing will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Personnel Policy - Classification/Classified Positions & Personnel Table - Employee Benefits Commissioner Chance moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion that revised Personnel Policy II.F.3 entitled Classification - Classified Positions & Personnel Table, including positions eliminated in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and positions reclassified reflecting the formation of 4 new pay grades for certain positions in the Department of Public Works be adopted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe, and Bianca Nays: None The motion carried. Award of Contract – Professional Auditing Services Commissioner Etting moved and Commissioner Chance seconded the motion that the proposal from SB & Company, LLC, to audit the Town’s financial statements as well as perform a Single Audit, if required, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022 through June 30, 2024, in the amounts of $18,000, $18,540 and, $19,096, respectively, and $3,000, $3,090, and $3,183, respectively, and include the two optional renewal years, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Etting asked how the cost for year 4 and 5 is determined. Ms. Moody, Director of Finance, notified the cost has been determined and reviewed the amounts. Commissioner Etting inquired if the Town checks with Maryland Assessment and Taxation to see if the accounting firm is registered. Ms. Moody advised this will be done. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe, and Bianca Nays: None The motion carried. Reappointment to the Cultural Arts Commission Commissioner Kahoe moved and Commissioner Etting seconded the motion that the reappointment of Brigitte Grubb to the Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission for a term of three (3) years, effective immediately, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ms. Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development, informed Ms. Grubb has been a long time member of the Cultural Arts Commission and the Town is excited she is willing to continue. Commissioner Kahoe is happy Ms. Grubb is continuing with the Commission as she is very active and engaged. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe, and Bianca Nays: None 5 The motion carried. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Bianca reported: • June 12th – Belle Aire Market at Black Eyed Suzie’s parking lot from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. • June 17th – Summer Movie Night 7:00 p.m. at Shamrock Park. Movie- Raya and the Last Dragon. • June 20th – Juneteenth observance – Town offices will be closed. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Vincent McHugh, 422 E. Broadway, Bel Air, Md., inquired about the agenda for the Closed Work Session on June 8th, specifically sections on Chapter 43, Code of Ethics. Chair Bianca informed the Board does not answer questions during public comments. Mr. Vincent advised there is no clarity in the agenda of what will be discussed on Chapter 43. Mr. Keenan, Town Counsel, informed the Town received information from Steve Chizmar regarding a potential ethics violation that referenced a specific section in the Development Regulation 165. The Town also received a response to this letter from the offices of Joseph Snee. These will be discussed with the Commissioners because of the need to be informed of the content. Mr. Keenan stated after being informed, the Commissioner’s decision will be made public. Barton Bodt, 330 E. Broadway, Bel Air, Md., would like to address the rezoning of 45, 53 and 57 E. Broadway and 38 and 44 Gordon Street. Mr. Bodt notified concerned citizens on East Broadway and 1,800 registered voters in the Town of Bel Air are not in support of the rezoning. This rezoning will change the face of a historic area in Bel Air and noted the rezoning of these properties were originally submitted as a proposed expansion of Klein’s ShopRite. Mr. Bodt heard from the Commissioners about the need for additional funding streams for the Town and heard from Chair Bianca there was no financial dilemma. Mr. Bodt asked do we need this project? Mr. Bodt wants the Commissioners to consider that the Town of Bel Air is not the City of Bel Air and does not want it to become a mini Towson. Mr. Bodt stated, “We expect elected officials to work on our behalf.” Laura Moody lives on the corner of Broadway and McCormick where many family members have lived since 1949. This is historic and history can be documented. Ms. Moody wants to return to the Golden Rule – do unto others 6 as you would have them do unto you. Ms. Moody asked the Commissioners to please consider the disruption of the proposed zoning change to your own neighborhood and how it would impact your lives. Rob Kahl, 432 E. Broadway, Bel Air, Md., has lived here 22 years and enjoys the small Town charm of Bel Air. As an avid runner, Mr. Kahl appreciates the extensive Ma & Pa trails and supports small businesses, restaurants and bars in Town. Mr. Kahl stated our Town now stands at a crossroad of trying to maintain the small Town feel or fall victim of becoming bigger with more residents and budgets which will bring higher taxes. Unfortunately, the Town and Commissioners are pushing projects in the direction of what Towson looks like. Mr. Kahl is concerned with the lack of information from the Town on the rezoning and more important the lack of input from the citizens. Mr. Kahl mentioned a traffic situation in 2017 where it was handled by gathering Town Administration and citizens for a resolution. Mr. and Mrs. Kahl strongly oppose the rezoning and any monstrosities put up by developers/builders. Fran Johnson, 124 Archer Street, Bel Air, Md., is aware of the issues through social media and has been personally approached. Ms. Johnson feels there has been a level of misinformation in what is being protested and takes exception with the comment nobody is in favor of the Commissioner’s decision. Ms. Johnson does not see this as a mistake but appreciates the opinions and reactions of citizens. Ms. Johnson lives in an area in Town that has changed in the last 20 years and stated progress happens. Ms. Johnson notified this is not a monstrosity being presented and finds nothing that tells her what is proposed. Ms. Johnson stated she did not attend the Planning Commission or Town Board meetings when zoning proposals were approved and suspects most people did not attend. Ms. Johnson believes many people who have joined this cause have not been informed and she is leaving this to the Town Board to reconsider what should be done. Ms. Johnson stated there has been a lot of hysteria here and she is not happy with it. Ms. Johnson stated the Commissioners are doing a great job. Jeffrey Campbell, Vice Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, challenged the citizenry to challenge constituents to make Historic Preservation capabilities in Town easier and more friendly for people to historically preserve properties. Mr. Campbell takes exception that there is a lot of misinformation but one can be certain that Historic Preservation has to happen on the front foot. Broadway was quoted in the paper as a Gateway to Bel Air but Mr. Campbell feels that time passed in 1952. Bel Air has many Gateways but if everyone in the Town including the elected officials care about preservation, we need to increase the tax rebate or look for other opportunities to get more properties involved. 7 COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Commissioner Etting thanked everyone for attending tonight and stated this is what small Town government should be about. Commissioner Etting commented, “You live here, vote here, and to receive 1,800 signatures is impressive.” Commissioner Etting welcomes the input. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Approved: June 21, 2022 Signature on file__________ Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file________________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 8