Board of Town Commissioners

BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION September 12, 2023 5:15 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Donna L. Kahoe, Vice Chair Commissioner Mary F. Chance Commissioner Paula S. Etting Commissioner Erin S. Hughes Edward Hopkins, Town Administrator Stephen Kline, Director of Public Works Michael Krantz, Director of Administration Charles Moore, Chief of Police Angela Robertson, Director of Economic Development Kevin Small, Director of Planning Pamela Wockenfuss, Deputy Director of Finance David Anderson, Media & Public Relations Specialist Elizabeth Thompson, Town Attorney ABSENT: Commissioner Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Lisa Moody, Director of Finance OTHERS: Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Vice Chair Kahoe called for approval of the agenda. Commissioner Hughes moved and Commissioner Chance seconded the motion to approve the agenda as written. The agenda was approved by the Commissioners. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT: The Town Administrator attended the Army Alliance dinner on September 11th and discussion was on new initiatives. The Town Administrator expects them to approach the Commissioners prior to the new budget. The Police Department/Town Hall ribbon cutting is September 22nd at 11:00 a.m. The Town Administrator notified many guests are invited and to meet at the main entrance of Town Hall for better access. Light refreshments will be available. The Town Administrator reminded the Harford County NAACP will have their annual meet and greet event on Thursday the 14th, at the Armory from 5:00- 9:00 p.m. Contact Ruth Seitler for tickets. 1 The Town Administrator informed meetings have occurred with Barbara Tower and Toivo Tagamets concerning the Narva Estonia accord. Barbara and Toivo spent 3 weeks in Estonia on behalf of Maryland and reported the leadership was pleased with the Town’s participation. The Town Administrator wants to continue this relationship and a meeting is scheduled Monday, September 18th at 3:30 p.m. prior to the Town Commissioners meeting. LGIT Insurance will hold a webinar on “Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis” on October 11th from 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon. If interested, contact the Administrative Office for more information. The Town Administration met with the Lions Club and there are 10 cars enrolled for the Derby race. The event is Sunday, October 22nd, on Main Street, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The next two nights a safety session is scheduled from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Police Community Room. Black Oak Title/Mortgage Loans has a ribbon cutting on September 21st at 4:00 p.m. The Town Administrator reminded September 22nd is the election filing deadline. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING (Monday, September 18, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., Bel Air Town Hall) Presentations: Proclamation September 2023 National Preparedness Month The Town Administrator advised September is National Preparedness Month and the Town will present a Proclamation during the Commissioners meeting. Certificate of Recognition for Harford County Department of Emergency Services The Harford County Department of Emergency Services will be presented with a Certificate of Recognition. New Business: Resolution 1210-23 Holiday Parking – Temporarily suspending parking fines and meter rates on all public streets, in the Town of Bel Air, from November 23, 2023, through January 1, 2024 The Director of Administration distributed the Resolution draft regarding Holiday Parking. The Resolution temporarily suspends parking fines and meter rates on all public streets in the Town of Bel Air from November 23, 2023 through January 1, 2024. This does not include meters on lots and the 2 garage. The Chief of Police recommends getting information out to the public. The Director of Economic Development advised of issues last year when using stickers and showed a picture of an alternative. Bows with a hang tag (Free Parking) will be placed on the free meters. The Town Commissioners agreed. The Director of Economic Development advised all merchants will be notified and reminded that the free meters are not for employees. Resolution 1211-23 Amending Restrictive Parking Zones The Director of Planning reviewed the PowerPoint on Restrictive Parking Zones in the Town of Bel Air. The Chief of Police will reach out to Saint Margaret’s Church regarding the changes to Hickory Avenue and Lee Street for their feedback. The Resolution will be placed on hold until speaking with St. Margaret’s Church. Resolution 1212-23 Extending the use of Temporary Tent Permits and Temporary Use Permits, Due to COVID-19, in the Town of Bel Air Through March 31, 2024 The Director of Administration distributed the Resolution draft on extending the use of Temporary Tents through March 31, 2024. By extending the date, it will allow the Town to see what COVID may be in December and what legislation Harford County Council may pass. Force Main Sewer Line Design Contract The Director of Public Works informed in February the Commissioners approved a contract for design/engineering on the Gateway Drive and Shamrock Pump Station. While looking at the engineering of the Gateway Station, it was found now is the time to replace the force main. This contract will provide design and construction documents. The contract will piggyback on Howard County and not exceed $65,000. Reappointment to Board of Election Judges The Director of Administration notified Elaine Millard is interested in continuing to serve as a Board of Election Judge. The Commissioners will vote to approve her reappointment. Appointment to Appearance & Beautification Committee (ABC) 3 The Director of Public Works advised Peg Lucas has volunteered to become a member of ABC. Peg has been attending meetings as the Downtown Alliance Liaison and her appointment will raise the membership to seven. STAFFING UPDATE: The Director of Administration reported: • Police Officer Recruit hired – will start the Academy in November. • Accounting Clerk hired in the Finance Department. • Laborer – recruiting. • Police Dispatcher – recruiting. • Contractor for Recording Secretary hired. CALENDAR: The September/October/November calendar were sent on-line. Contact Ruth Seitler with additions or corrections. Commissioner Etting inquired if citizens were invited to the Police/Town Hall ribbon cutting. The Town Administrator advised a Press Release will be sent out. MISCELLANEOUS: Discussion on amending Chapter 165. Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations, Part 2. Zoning, Article VIII. Landscaping Standards, Article IX. Special Provisions and Modifications, and Article X. Accessory and Temporary Uses The Director of Planning advised the Commissioners had concerns about a section of the Code reviewed earlier based on public comment and it was brought before the Planning Commission for an opinion. The Planning Commission recommends the addition of: (4) The height of any proposed building within 150 feet of abutting residentially zoned properties cannot extend more than ten feet above the permitted height of the abutting properties. If more than one zoning district is abutting the proposed development, the most restrictive building height applies. The Planning Commission brought up that the 150’ is arbitrary and asked the Town to reach out to other municipalities in the State. The Planning Commission also discussed situations where properties like the hospital have no height restrictions and the bonus given if structured parking is provided. 4 The Director of Planning will do more research and bring this back to the Commissioners. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS: Commissioner Hughes informed the Board of Appeals will meet September 19th and Historic Preservation meets September 28th. Commissioner Hughes attended the Speakeasy event and advised it was well done and the date is set for next year. Commissioner Etting advised the Assisted Living before the Planning Commission was sent back for more information on the project. Taco Bell brought in new plans that look more pleasing. Commissioner Kahoe asked for an update on Raising Cane’s Chicken. The Director of Planning advised the company sent information back to the Town and feels the project can proceed. ADJOURNMENT: With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m. APPROVED: October 2, 2023 Signature on file________________ Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_______________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 5