Board of Town Commissioners

BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION June 16, 2022 5:30 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Commissioner Mary F. Chance Commissioner Paula S. Etting Commissioner Erin S. Hughes Commissioner Donna L. Kahoe L. Jesse Bane, Town Administrator Trish Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development Michael Krantz, Director of Administration Lisa Moody, Director of Finance Kevin Small, Director of Planning ABSENT: Stephen Kline, Director of Public Works Charles Moore, Chief of Police Patti Parker, Community & Public Relations Manager OTHERS: Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion to approve the agenda as written. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe and Bianca Nays: None The motion carried. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT: None. TENATIVE AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING (June 21, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.) Public Hearing: Resolution 1187-22 Town of Bel Air Fee Schedule Amendments The Director of Administration advised the Fee Schedule corrections were made and the Public Hearing will be held. 1 Unfinished Business Resolution 1187-22 Town of Bel Air Fee Schedule Amendments The Commissioners will vote on approval of the amendments. New Business: Resolution 1188-22 Planning Commission’s 2021 Annual Report The Director of Planning advised the Annual Report is in the Commissioners’ boxes. The Planning Commission’s approval letter is missing and will be sent out. The Director of Administration notified the draft is posted on the website. Resolution 1189-22 Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Amendment The Director of Finance informed the Town has some savings in the FY22 budget to provide a bonus to employees and is recommending the Commissioners consider it. The Director of Finance advised the funds can come from savings or ARPA money. The Town’s recommendation is using savings ($180,000) and distributed: • Full-time employee - $2,000 • Part-time employee - $1,000 The Director of Finance notified of added revenues coming in and salary savings. There were no major expenses but gas cost has increased. Commissioner Etting asked if the Town has the money or are we anticipating it. The Director of Finance stated some is anticipated but she is comfortable with the plan. Commissioner Hughes inquired about the current Capital Fund balance. The Director of Finance did not have the figure with her but will inform. Chair Bianca stated this looks good. Commissioner Etting is pleased the Town is making efforts to help employees. 2 The Town Administrator noted the Town is giving a Merit and 2% COLA but with inflation our employees are making less. The Town Commissioners agreed to use savings for the bonus. Commissioner Etting moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion to approve a retention bonus for employees from savings in the FY22 budget. • Full-time Employees $2,000 • Part-time Employees $1,000 The Director of Finance advised the Budget Amendment will come before the Commissioners on June 21st. Lease for Vagabond Sandwich Company The Director of Planning advised behind the Vagabond Sandwich Company there is a place to load and unload. The owner would like to have the parking space next to the loading area for garbage cans and the area will be screened. Vagabond Sandwich Company will be charged $35 per month for the space. A copy of the lease will be sent to the Commissioners. Lease for Main Street Tower The Director of Planning advised the Main Street Tower patio was built on 4 parking spaces and the cost goes up each year. The Director of Finance stated there is a 2% escalation charge in the lease. Audio Visual Equipment Purchase Contract The Director of Administration advised this is a contract for Audio Visual Equipment for the Police Department expansion. The contract will piggyback on Harford County schools for $160,000. This contract does not include a camera or video for the Rotunda. STAFFING UPDATE: The Director of Administration reported: • DPW Labor – position offered and hiring process being completed 3  • DPW Labor – position pending – to begin in August • DPW Labor – interview on Friday • Computer Specialist - pending CALENDAR: The June, July and August calendars were distributed. Any additions/corrections should be sent to Ruth Seitler. CLOSED SESSION: 6:05 p.m. Commissioner Kahoe moved and Commissioner Etting seconded the motion that the meeting be closed under the provisions of the Maryland Open Meetings Act General Provisions Art. § 3-305(b) Topics of Discussion • § 3-305(b)(7) To obtain legal advice on outstanding issues including Bel Air Town Charter Article V. Registration, Nomination, and Elections, Sections 501, 502, 503, and 504, and related solicitations; Town Code Chapter 43. Code of Ethics. • § 3-305(b)(8) To consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation regarding the MacPhail Road connection. Reason for Closed-Session Discussion of Above Topics • Because public discussion of names, plans, concerns, or issues could violate an individual’s rights or protections regarding due process or confidentiality. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe and Bianca Nays: None The motion carried. The meeting reopened at 7:38 p.m. 4 MISCELLANEOUS: The Town Administrator notified there is a rumor that District Court is relocating to 510 Johnny’s. The realtor for 510 Johnny’s advised that is not true. COMMISSIONER’S REPORT: None. ADJOURNMENT: With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Approved: Signature on file_______ Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file______________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 5