Board of Town Commissioners

BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION August 9, 2022 5:15 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Mary F. Chance – via telephone Commissioner Paula S. Etting Commissioner Erin S. Hughes Commissioner Donna L. Kahoe 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 Kevin Small, Director of Planning Charles Keenan, Town Counsel ABSENT: Commissioner Kevin M. Bianca OTHERS: Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The Town Administrator called for approval of the agenda. Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion to approve the agenda as written. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes and Kahoe Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Bianca The motion carried. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT: The Town Administrator will report during New Business. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING (August 15, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.) Presentations: Introduction of Deputy Chief of Police David Hughes The Chief of Police introduced Deputy Chief David Hughes and advised he is motivated, compassionate and full of vigor. Deputy Chief Hughes stated it is an honor to be here and will do his best for everyone. The Town Administrator welcomed Deputy Chief Hughes to the Town. 1 New Business: Ordinance 810-22 Town Code Chapter 246, Historic Preservation Amendments The Director of Planning informed of changes: • define/correct the quorum • correction of references to the State code Commissioner Etting recommends checking on the actual majority needed. The Director of Planning advised Mr. Keenan will review. Appointment of new Town Administrator To be discussed during Closed Session. Proposal from the Committee on The Elderly and Needy Citizens The Town Administrator distributed a handout on The Village Movement/Aging in Place concept. There is a strong belief that in 2016 28% of senior citizens made up the population and the percentage will be higher once the Census report is received. The Elderly and Needy Citizens Commission is asking the Commissioners to consider the senior population in the Town. The Town Administrator reviewed concerns on the handout and spoke about the World Health Organization and AARP. The Town Administrator advised the Town can work on creating a non-profit similar to Rockfield Manor and the Downtown Alliance. Grant resources are available. The Town Administrator asked the Director of Economic Development to pursue grant funds available through World Health Organization and AARP for the Town to hire someone to establish a non-profit. Commissioner Kahoe inquired about the Office of Aging involvement. The Town Administrator informed the agency has a representative sitting on the committee. Commissioner Kahoe has concern with the elderly population not using electronics and recommends the ability to pick up information at Town Hall or other areas. Commissioner Etting agrees the elderly population needs information available on paper. Commissioner Chance feels it would be beneficial to talk with Habitat for Humanity. The Town Administrator notified few resources are available but having the time to contact is difficult. Commissioner Chance feels this is necessary to pursue. Purchase Patrol Vehicle The Chief of Police has been communicating with the Ford Motor Company regarding the 2022 patrol vehicles. The Town was informed there are no 2022 vehicles available and only 2023 vehicles are being sold. The new cost is $47,165 per vehicle with an increase of $21,495. Purchase Patrol Vehicle Accessory Package 2 The Chief of Police informed there has been no cost increase for the accessory packages. Purchase of 20 Cubic Yard Rear Loader Trash Truck The Director of Public Works advised the replacement of a dump truck was budgeted but he found the need to replace a trash truck because of the cost of major repairs. The new trash truck will replace a 2012 garbage truck with over 133,000 miles. The government contract is $226,454. Budget adjustments for the increase will need to be made. Purchase of Ford Explorer The Director of Public Works advised the Ford Explorer AWD cost is $43,405 and replaces a 2008 Chevy Impala with 123,000 miles. The purchase will piggyback off a Baltimore County contract. Award Contract to Install New Water Service to Town Hall and Police Department The Director of Public Works reported the contract with Maryland American Water Company is for installation of a new water source to the new building. The Director of Public Works advised this is needed because of new codes from the State and International Fire Association. The water hook-up was budgeted for the new building. Appointments to the Board of Building Appeals To be discussed during Closed Session. STAFFING UPDATE: The Director of Administration reported: • Laborer – position reposted. Several applications have been received and 2 hires are in the near future. • Police Officer – position will be posted. CALENDAR: The Director of Administration distributed the August/September/October calendar. Contact Ruth Seitler for additions or corrections. Added: L. Jesse Bane Retirement Open House Public Event Retirement Open House - August 30, 2022 from 12 noon – 3:00 p.m. at the Armory. The event will be published on the Town website and Facebook. Harford 250 Presentation 3 The date for the presentation to the Board about Harford 250 needs to be planned by the Commissioners. The Commissioner’s preference is during a Town Board meeting. The Director of Administration will coordinate the date. MISCELLANEOUS: Appeal Request Regarding Bel Air Board of Election Judges Decision on May 25, 2022 To be discussed during Closed Session. Development Regulations, Part III The Director of Planning distributed information on Development Regulations, Part III, Signage. It has been slightly updated from the earlier email sent to the Commissioners. The Director of Planning reviewed: • All signs • Residential Signs – Temporary The Commissioners had questions regarding temporary sign limit and duration. The Director of Planning advised concerns have been researched and will send information to the Commissioners. The Director of Planning requested the Commissioners to provide information on political signs. • Business – B1, B2, B2A – Permanent • Business – B1, B2, B2A – Temporary The Director of Planning informed of concern with the “air dancer” signs. Commissioner Chance stated they are very distracting. Commissioner Kahoe asked about control of signage. The Director of Planning advised enforcement takes up a lot of staff time and he will be looking to regulate these. • Business B3- B3A, M1 – Permanent • Business B3, B3A, M1 – Temporary The Director of Planning notified Part IV will not be reviewed until the Parking Study is finished. The Director of Planning will send the Commissioners the actual changes to the code in selected sections. Fire Lane Overlook at Gateway and Legacy at Gateway Condominiums The Chief of Police reported the Town has met with representatives of the Homeowners Association (HOA) for Overlook at Gateway and Legacy at Gateway Condominiums concerning fire lanes. The HOA is requesting permission to paint curbs red for violation enforcement. The HOA also has concerns with parking too close to intersections by non-condo owners who frequent the Ma & Pa Trail. The Chief of Police distributed a memo of their concerns and picture locations for the fire lanes. The Chief of Police advised when a call comes in for a violation, 4 the police will take care of the enforcement. The gate issue has been resolved for now. Commissioner Chance requested this information be placed in her mailbox. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS: None. CLOSED SESSION: At 6:33 p.m. Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion to close this meeting under the provisions of the Maryland Open Meetings Act General Provisions Art. § 3-305(b)(1) and § 3-305(b)(8) in order to: 1. Discuss the appointment of a new Town Administrator and appointments to the Board of Building Appeals. a. Because public discussion of applicant information could discourage people from applying for jobs or violate an individual’s expectation of confidentiality. 2. Consult with staff and legal counsel about pending or potential litigation regarding the appeal of the Bel Air Board of Elections Judges Decision on May 25, 2022. a. 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, and Kahoe Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Bianca The motion carried. The meeting reopened at 7:10 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m. APPROVED: September 6, 2022 Signature on file___________ Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Board of Town Commissioners 5 Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 6