Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS November 21, 2022 The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to order on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioner Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Commissioner Mary F. Chance Commissioner Paula S. Etting Commissioner Erin S. Hughes Commissioner Donna L. Kahoe STAFF PRESENT: Edward Hopkins, Town Administrator Stephen Kline, Director of Public Works Michael Krantz, Director of Administration Lisa Moody, Director of Finance Charles Moore, Chief of Police Angela Robertson, Economic Development Coordinator Kevin Small, Director of Planning Charles Keenan, Town Counsel Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary ABSENT: Trish Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development 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’ meetings held on November 1, 2022 and November 7, 2022, be approved as submitted. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe and Bianca Nays: None The motion carried. 1 PRESENTATION: Certificates of Achievement for Police Department Explorers Program Chair Bianca notified Gina Krause and Tammy Leighty are being honored tonight for volunteering with the Bel Air Police Department Explorers Post 9010. The Explorer Post trains young women and men for the future and provides quality candidates for Police Officers, Fire Fighters, EMS personnel, and other public service careers. Chief Moore advised Gina Krause is committed to the Explorer program and always attends/assists with monthly meetings, helps with events and youth camps. Ms. Krause typically volunteers 500 hours per year and is the caregiver for McGruff, the Crime Dog. Chief Moore informed Tammy Leighty is a dedicated volunteer advisor, attends events and youth camps. Ms. Leighty typically volunteers 400 hours per year to the Explorer program. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Bianca presented Gina Krause and Tammy Leighty with a Certificate of Recognition for their dedication, commitment and being an amazing example to the young people of Explorer Post 9010. Appearance and Beautification Committee Awards One of the charges of the Appearance and Beautification Committee is to encourage efforts and activities in connections with the beautification of the Town of Bel Air. Each award winner has property that embodies this spirit and provides great pleasure to our town residents and visitors. This year, in addition to the plaque, the award recipients will receive an Appearance and Beautification Award sign to place on their property. The properties were displayed on the screen. Jenny Dombeck and Kristy Sudbrink from the Appearance and Beautification Committee awarded the following: Business Award Bridget Lloyd - MaGerk’s Pub and Grill The landscaping at MaGerk’s is a standout with the Crepe Myrtles and hydrangea. The landscaping frames the front patio area and is well maintained throughout the year. Home Award Lisa Sparr – Roland Avenue The cottage is charming and overflowing with beautiful gardens, landscaping and flower boxes. 2 Phoenix Award Taylor Burrier and David Starleper – 433 E. Broadway Last year the Appearance and Beautification Committee created the Phoenix award to recognize those town residents that took their property up a notch and turned it into something to be proud of. Many residents have commented on this house. Proclamation for Small Business Saturday Chair Bianca advised Small Business Saturday is a nationwide campaign designed to encourage shopping local at small businesses to stimulate economic growth in communities across the United States. The Bel Air Downtown Alliance works to strengthen the economic base of downtown Bel Air and has registered our community as a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion. The Town of Bel Air supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, preserve the unique and charming nature of our community and contribute to our residents’ quality of life. On behalf of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, Chair Bianca proclaimed November 26, 2022 as Small Business Saturday. Chair Bianca encouraged residents of the community to shop local and support small businesses on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. NEW BUSINESS: Election of Chair and Vice Chair Charles Keenan, Town Counsel, called for nominations for Chair of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Kahoe nominated Kevin Bianca to continue as Chair of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the nomination. Mr. Keenan called for other nominations. Hearing none, Mr. Keenan called for a vote to continue Kevin Bianca as Chair of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, and Kahoe Nays: None The motion carried. Chair Bianca thanked the Commissioners. Chair Bianca called for nominations to the office of Vice Chair. Commissioner Hughes nominated Commissioner Kahoe to continue as Vice Chair of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the nomination. 3 Chair Bianca called for other nominations. As there were none, Chair Bianca called for a vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, and Bianca Nays: None The motion carried. Chair Bianca congratulated Commissioner Kahoe. Appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission - Joseph M. Wojciechowski, AIA Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Kahoe seconded the motion that the appointment of Joseph M. Wojciechowski to the Historic Preservation Commission, for a term of three (3) years, effective immediately, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Hughes notified Mr. Wojciechowski reached out to the Town wanting to get involved. Mr. Wojciechowski has an Architecture degree and worked with various municipal and state Historic Preservation projects throughout Maryland. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, Kahoe and Bianca Nays: None The motion carried. Mr. Wojciechowski thanked the Town Commissioners and is looking forward to serving. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Bianca notified: • Winter Wonderland in Town begins Saturday, November 26th at 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Hughes advised the lights will be on every evening beginning Saturday November 26th through January 2nd. Winter Wonderland activities will include live music, carriage rides, caroling, Santa and more. Visit Winter Wonderland November 26th, December 3rd, December 10th, and December 17th from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. • Town of Bel Air Offices will be closed on Thursday November 24th and Friday, November 25th to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. • Bel Air Turkey Trot – Thursday, November 24th, begins 8:30 a.m. • The Town of Bel Air Christmas Parade is Sunday, December 4th and begins at 3:30 p.m. 4 PUBLIC COMMENTS: Steve Chizmar, 321 E. Broadway, Bel Air, Md. proposed a change in keeping the public informed of meetings. Mr. Chizmar stated the agenda is always posted of upcoming meetings but would like to see more detailed information provided for each item. Mr. Chizmar stated residents have to come to the meetings cold and recommends a package similar to what the Commissioners or Commission members receive be posted on the website. With doing this, everyone will have an informed, intelligent exchange of ideas and comments. Mr. Chizmar looks forward to a response. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Commissioner Chance thanked all the volunteers who came out to help set up Winter Wonderland. Commissioner Chance acknowledged the efforts of Commissioner Hughes. Commissioner Hughes advised there was a nice turnout and expects to have a wonderful opening on Saturday. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. APPROVED: December 5, 2022 Signature on file________________ Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_______________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 5