Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BOARD OF TOWN COMMISSIONERS November 20, 2023 The regular meeting of the Board of Town Commissioners was called to order on Monday, November 20, 2023, 6:00 p.m., Town Hall, 39 Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Md. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioner Kevin M. Bianca, Chair Commissioner Mary F. Chance Commissioner Paula S. Etting Commissioner Erin S. Hughes Commissioner Elect Steven T. Chizmar Commissioner Elect James B. Rutledge III Commissioner Elect Jakob D. Taylor ABSENT: 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, Director of Economic Development Kevin Small, Director of Planning David Anderson, Media & Public Relations Specialist Elizabeth Thompson, Town Attorney Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Chance moved and Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as written. Commissioner Etting moved and Commissioner Chance seconded the motion to amend the agenda for item #8 Public Comments on New Business to follow each item of New Business. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes, and Bianca Absent: Commissioner Kahoe Nays: None The motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Chance and Commissioner Etting seconded the motion that the minutes of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners meetings held on October 30, 2023 and November 6, 2023 be approved as submitted. 1 Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Etting, Hughes and Bianca Nays: None Absent: Commissioner Kahoe Abstained: Commissioner Bianca – November 6, 2023 meeting Commissioner Etting – October 30, 2023 meeting The motion carried. PRESENTATION: Proclamations and Citations Delegate Susan McComas appreciates the hard work of the Commissioners and presented Proclamations/Citations to Commissioner Hughes and Commissioner Bianca. Delegate McComas asked Mr. Krantz to pass on the Proclamation/Citation to Commissioner Kahoe. OUTGOING COMMISSIONERS PARTING ADDRESS: Commissioner Erin Hughes is grateful for her time as Bel Air Town Commissioner and plans to continue volunteering her time to the Downtown Alliance, Winter Wonderland and others. Commissioner Hughes is proud of accomplishing the Town Hall/Police Department expansion, revamped the pay scales for Department of Public Works and Police Department in times of budgetary difficulty, and the completed systematic revitalization of opened park spaces in Town. Commissioner Hughes thanked everyone for her tenure. Commissioner Kevin Bianca stated we as politicians come and go but Town staff come to work every day working hard on behalf of our citizens and deserve the recognition tonight. Commissioner Bianca learned much from each of them and has been an honor working with them. Chuck Moore: When Commissioner Bianca and his wife moved to the Town of Bel Air, they were looking for ways to get involved. Commissioner Bianca became a new member of the Citizens Advisory Board and learned a lot not only about the Police Department but also the Town. During discussions with Chief Moore and Sergeant Smith about the long overdue need for a new Police Station, it was mentioned they were looking at the next Town Commissioner. Commissioner Bianca appreciates Chief Moore’s support, kind words, encouragement and learned the power of positive thinking. Steve Kline: Commissioner Bianca went to the Department of Public Works to learn about operations and Mr. Kline talked about the miles of sewer systems treated and the management of pump stations. Commissioner Bianca thought if this man is this passionate about sewer systems, he must love his job. It is clear Mr. Kline is 2 dedicated to make sure all things we take for granted in Town run smoothly. Commissioner Bianca thanked Mr. Kline for teaching little things matter and passion for your job is a good thing. Lisa Moody: Commissioner Bianca called Ms. Moody a Budget Guru and notified new Commissioners quickly meet the reality that is the Town’s budget. It is such a complex topic and appreciates Ms. Moody’s willingness to always listen to ideas and trying to make it happen. Commissioner Bianca thanked Ms. Moody for teaching him the value of patience and working together to plan ahead. Angela Robinson: Commissioner Bianca advised while walking around Town, you see the impact Ms. Robinson has made on our community. Whether it be a wonderful arts project or the many businesses she helped to bring or thrive in the Town; it truly has made a difference. Ms. Robinson’s smile and easy demeanor will always be appreciated and her passion for trying to help economic development cannot be overstated. Commissioner Bianca thanked Ms. Robinson for teaching arts cannot only give us an identity as a community but enrich us as well. Kevin Small: Commissioner Bianca advised Mr. Small’s role is one of the toughest that involves the balancing of need for the business community and citizens. Mr. Small is always willing to listen to suggestions, give feedback and offer guidance. Mr. Small’s depth of knowledge and ability to explain the most intricate planning ideas was greatly appreciated. Commissioner Bianca thanked Mr. Small for teaching the value of planning ahead for the future of our community. Elizabeth Thompson: Commissioner Bianca advised under tough circumstances Ms. Thompson stepped into the role of Town Attorney with grace and understanding. Ms. Thompson’s hard work and diligence in helping us through many issues was always appreciated. She never seemed stressed and always had a kind word to say. Commissioner Bianca thanked Ms. Thompson for teaching the value of being diligent and detailed oriented. Michael Krantz: Commissioner Bianca advised in the Town our size Mr. Krantz wears many hats and his passion for helping others shines through every day. Over the years, Mr. Krantz was the sounding board for my ideas and always patient and understanding heling me think through many of my thoughts. Many people could learn from Mr. Krantz’s enthusiasm for serving our community and thanked him for learning public service. 3 Edward Hopkins: Commissioner Bianca has always been struck with the amount of passion and commitment Mr. Hopkins has as the Town Administrator. Commissioner Bianca enjoyed the discussions about work, life and the unique perspective of running a Town. Mr. Hopkins’ experience and skills are an asset to this Town and the Town is better served by having him at the helm. Commissioner Bianca thanked Mr. Hopkins for being a role model in teaching life in public service is truly a life well lived. Commissioner Paula Etting: Commissioner Bianca advised Commissioner Etting brought a unique perspective to the Board and appreciates her willingness to share thoughts and ideas. Commissioner Eric Hughes: Commissioner Bianca stated Commissioner Hughes’ passion and dedication to this Town is second to none and she often puts her money where her mouth is working hard to make a difference in the community. Commissioner Bianca informed there is hardly an event that Commissioner Hughes doesn’t work hard at and hopes others follow that example. Commissioner Mary Chance: Commissioner Bianca advised Commissioner Chance’s grace and compassion has served me and this Town well over the past two years. Commissioner Chance has such experience in wisdom and has learned much from her. Commissioner Bianca thanked Commissioner Chance for all the help. Commissioner Bianca thanked his wife who always believes in him, supported from the beginning and enthusiastically told me to go for it. Commissioner Bianca knows this job was not easy on her but could not have done this without her. You are my equal partner in everything I did and would not be the person I am today without you. Commissioner Bianca advised this has been an absolute honor and pleasure to work with the Town staff and hopes the incoming Board realizes how lucky they are to learn from an incredible staff. SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF COMMISSIONERS ELECT: Michelle Karczeski, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Harford County, conducted the swearing-in ceremony of Commissioner Steven T. Chizmar, Commissioner James B. Rutledge III and Commissioner Elect Jakob D. Taylor. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR: Elizabeth Thompson, Town Council, acting as Chair Pro Tem, called for nominations for the Office of Chair. 4 Commissioner Taylor nominated Commissioner Paula Etting as Chair of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners and was seconded by Commissioner Chizmar. Ms. Thompson called for other nominations. As there were no further nominations, Ms. Thompson called for the vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Rutledge and Taylor Nays: None Sustained: Commissioner Chance The motion carried. Chair Etting thanked her fellow Commissioners for their confidence in selecting her to serve as Chair of the Bel Air Town Board. Chair Etting thanked the outgoing Commissioners for their service to the Town and all the things they accomplished during their time on the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Etting knows they will continue to contribute to the Town in a separate capacity. Chair Etting informed a recent article in Today’s Homeowner ranks Bel Air as the #1 suburb to buy your first home and couldn’t agree more. Chair Etting will work with the fellow Commissioners to keep Bel Air a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. Chair Etting stated now it is time to get to work. Chair Etting called for nominations for Vice Chair of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge nominated Steven T. Chizmar as Vice Chair of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners and was seconded by Commissioner Taylor. Chair Etting called for further nominations for Vice Chair. As there were none, Chair Etting closed the nominations and asked Mr. Krantz to call the roll for the vote. Ayes: Commissioners Ruthledge, Taylor and Etting Nays: None Abstained: Commissioner Chance The motion carried. Chair Etting advised Commissioner Chizmar has been selected as Vice Chair of the Bel Air Town Board. NEW BUSINESS: Policy I.E.G Signing of Checks Amendment Commissioner Chance moved and Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion that Operations/Administration/Finance Policy I.E.6, authorizing the withdrawal of 5 Town funds on deposit with any commercial banking institution within the State of Maryland, be approved by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Chair Etting called for Commissioner comment. There were none. Chair Etting called for public comment. As there were no additional comments, Chair Etting asked Mr. Krantz to call the roll for the vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Chizmar, Rutledge, Taylor and Etting Nays: None The motion carried. Purchase of 2025 Freightliner Dump Truck Commissioner Chance moved and Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion that the quote of National Auto Fleet Group, 490 Auto Center Drive, Watsonville, California, 95076, for a 2025 Freightliner 108SD Plus with a Cummins L9 360 HP Engine along with other selected options in the amount of $246,565 be accepted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Chair Etting called for Commissioner comment. Commissioner Chizmar inquired when the dump truck will be delivered, outfitted and ready for service. Mr. Kline, Director of Public Works, notified the last trucks purchased were a year out and is hoping the time will be shorter. Chair Etting called for public comment. As there were none, Chair Etting asked Mr. Krantz to call the roll for the vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Chizmar, Rutledge, Taylor and Etting Nays: None The motion carried. Award of Contract: Removal and Replacement of Windows at Bel Air Record Armory Commissioner Chance moved and Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion that the Bid of Eastern Glass & Glazing, Inc., 7930 E. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, to provide all labor and materials to install seventy-three new windows at the Bel Air Armory for $310,500 be accepted by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Chair Etting called for Commissioner comment. Commissioner Rutledge inquired when the six month clock began. Mr. Kline advised July, 2023 and will need the contract in place by January, 2024. Chair Etting thanked Mr. Kline and everyone involved in the hard work to get to this point. Chair Etting knows it is difficult at times to provide the information needed for historical easements to get approved. 6 Chair Etting called for public comment. As there were none, Chair Etting asked Mr. Krantz to call the roll for the vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chance, Chizmar, Rutledge, Taylor and Etting Nays: None The motion carried. Ordinance No. 818-23 – An Ordinance Amending to Article II of the Development Regulations in Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code Commissioner Etting moved and Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion that Ordinance No. 818-23 amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 165.Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations, Part 2. Zoning, Article II, Administration and Enforcement, § 165.21. Annual growth report: adequacy standards, § 165-21B(1)(a) and § 165-21B(1)(b) Adequacy Standards (minimum acceptable level of service) and Preliminary Approval be received by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. In the Spring, Chair Etting made a motion to change the Town’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance regarding school capacity. That motion died for lack of a second. At that time, Chair Etting wanted to delete the language that permitted a residential project to go forward even if the enrollment of the school that serves the site is greater than 110% as long as the abutting school districts did not exceed that number. Chair Etting advised this was a law that changed in the Town of Bel Air in 2019. As a result, Chair Etting informed there are three overcrowded elementary schools that are over 110% of capacity in the County and two schools are in the Town: Bel Air Elementary and Homestead/Wakefield Elementary. This is not permitted in the County as they count only schools to which the project would go and not abutting school districts. Chair Etting does not think the children who attend schools in the Town should be at a disadvantage. Chair Etting’s second concern with the statue is why 110% and found that in the County initially, the number was proposed at 100%. There was a compromise reached and the number was 105% but had a sunset provision and at that point the number would pop up to 110%. Chair Etting thinks it is time to look at this number again and the 110% is not what people agreed to initially but was by default. Chair Etting stated crowded schools present a number of problems; it overburdens our teachers who have more students than they can take care of and more students than the school was built to handle. It results in early lunch time, noisier classrooms and rooms that have been converted into classrooms because of space restrictions. Chair Etting reported a Public Hearing will be scheduled on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Bel Air Town Hall, 30 N. Hickory Aveue, Bel Air, Md. 7 Chair Etting called for Commissioner comment. Commissioner Chizmar agrees with Chair Etting and advised the future of our Town is with children and they deserve not to be educated in an overcrowded environment. Commissioner Chizmar stated this is long overdue and letting it go to 110% or greater is only satisfying the pockets of developers and not satisfying our children. Commissioner Chizmar stated our children are priority one. Commissioner Taylor stated 110% is 10% over what is considered at capacity and full should mean full. It is a matter of good public policy if 100% is the absolute capacity, and beyond would be deleterious to the learning experience of our children. Commissioner Taylor feels there is an obligation to bring the public policy back in line with mathematical truth which is 100%. Commissioner Rutledge agrees and feels it is more important with the backlog in education and setbacks children suffered during the Covid crisis. Commissioner Rutledge stated it makes perfect sense to say full is full and let the teachers be able to do their work in classrooms that need to be done. Commissioner Rutledge stated many of our students need a little more help than just a lecture like in a college setting. Chair Etting called for public comment. Vincent McHugh, 422 E. Broadway, Bel Air, Md. thanked the old Commissioners for their service and congratulated the new Commissioners for being elected in an overwhelming landside in the recent election. Mr. McHugh endorses the Ordinance and is glad the word adequate is going to mean adequate public facilities that are available. Laura Moody, 341 E. Broadway, Bel Air Md., taught school in Harford County for 30 years and does not understand why 100% is realistic and asked how many of us can give 100% all the time. Ms. Moody had classes as large as 36 children to prepare for college in English. Ms. Moody did the best she could and advised there is already an insufficient number of teachers. Ms. Moody asked the Commissioners to alleviate the astronomical tasks given to educators. Erin Hughes, 113 Williams Street, Bel Air, Md. understands the Ordinance was written because the Town of Bel Air had zero influence over capital allocation for elementary schools being built or in how the schools redistrict. Changing this to take the burden off the school system to appropriately redistrict and appropriately build new facilities for education shuts down any sort of meaningful residential development in the Town of Bel Air in perpetuity. Ms. Hughes does not feel this is a great move. Ms. Hughes was shocked when seeing the agenda for this meeting and does not understand how this Ordinance or any of the three following it was placed on the agenda. Ms. Hughes notified these were not on the agenda for the Work Session and nothing was discussed. This is interfering with the Open Meetings Act, where no more than two Commissioners can discuss Town business together outside the bounds 8 of a public meeting. Commissioner Hughes stated it was not discussed in a public meeting and no one in the public got to hear these discussions. Ms. Hughes understands a sitting Commissioner was not invited to participate in the drafting of these Ordinances. Ms. Hughes stated the three candidates who hammered the previous Town Board about the lack of transparency, which is unfounded, and not letting people know what is going on, are off to a terrible start. Chair Etting called for Mr. Krantz to call the roll call for the vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Rutledge, Taylor and Etting Nays: Commissioner Chance The motion carried. Mr. Hopkins, Town Administrator, wanted the audience to be aware the meeting on December 11, 2023 is an off night for the Public Hearing. Mr. Hopkins advised the regular schedule of meetings will still be held. Ordinance No. 819-23 – An Ordinance Amending Article VII of the Development Regulations in Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code Commissioner Taylor moved and Commissioner Rutledge seconded the motion that Ordinance No. 819-23 amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 165 Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations, Part 2. Zoning, Article VII. Development and Performance Standards, § 165-52. Open space and recreation, and § 165-52C Fee in lieu of open space be received as amended to reflect the further deletion of Bel Air Town Code § 265-4D(4)(c) by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Chair Etting called for Commissioner comments. Commissioner Taylor advised one of the many reasons we love the Town of Bel Air is because it has a park feel and people love the green space that is often in the middle of a growing sea of concrete and blacktop. Commissioner Taylor informed this piece of legislation aims to remove from the Town Code a provision which would allow a potential property developer to skirt around the requirements to leave open space in their development by paying a fee to cover up the green space. This amendment deletes a section of the Bel Air Town Code that references the fee in lieu to be paid for open space and does not authorize it. Commissioner Taylor stated it is important to preserve our green space in the Town. Commissioner Rutledge stated the Town of Bel Air is the Heart of Harford and needs to save the Chesapeake Bay. If we cannot agree with green open space to maintain, protect, preserve and possibly expand, then we have failed our duty to the future generations to enjoy one of our greatest natural resources in the United States of America and that is the Chesapeake Bay. Commissioner Rutledge stated we must lean boldly on this issue and he supports the motion. Chair called for public comment. 9 Peg Lucas, 516 Robinson Street, Bel Air, Md. asked has anyone looked into what the fee in lieu has paid for in the Town. There has been quite a lot that has happened in the Town to benefit the community. Ms. Lucas feels this change will be doing a great disservice to the Town because more things can be accomplished by using the funds. Ms. Lucas wants the fee in lieu be retained in the Town for the future. Vince McHugh, 422 E. Broadway, Bel Air, Md. supports the elimination of this fee in lieu of the open spaces. When eliminating the fee in lieu it does not prevent anyone from developing property as long as they comply with the existing code and Charter of Bel Air. The allowance for continued existence of open space along with a development is something Mr. McHugh fully supports. Chair Etting asked Mr. Krantz to call the roll for a vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Rutledge, Taylor and Etting Nays: Commissioner Chance The motion carried. A Public Hearing will be scheduled on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Bel Air Town Hall, 30 N. Hickory Aveue, Bel Air, Md. Ordinance No. 820-23 – An Ordinance Amending Articles III and the Table of Lot Requirements of the Development Regulations in Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code Commissioner Rutledge moved and Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion that Ordinance No. 820-23 amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 165. Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations, Part 2. Zoning, Article III. Establishment Regulation of Zoning Districts, § 165-30C(4) Building setbacks ad lot width, § 165-31D Density, lot area, width, height and yard requirements, § 165-33C(4) Building setbacks and lot width, and the Table of lot Requirements of Table 165- 26 through Table 165-33 be received by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Chair Etting called for Commissioner comment. Commissioner Rutledge stated the proposed amendment addresses the height maximum in the Town of Bel Air. Many of the districts and uses in the Town have been under law and traditionally throughout the Town is no higher than 40 feet. Commissioner Rutledge advised there are some exceptions in the Code that can allow building heights go higher than 40’ and is making this proposal because of the environmental quality, the community is historic in nature, people like looking up at the sky to see the birds of prey and see sunshine without it being blocked by tall buildings. Commissioner Rutledge advised this proposal is going to make sure that the Town of Bel Air does not become dominated with a landscape of a skyline that becomes high like a city rather then the traditional town environment of Bel Air. Commissioner Rutledge advised the setback amendments are simply to recognize that when a building is built beside a traditional residential zoned district, the setback would have to be 25’ rather than 10’ 10 because it avoids the tunneling effect and the dominant overwhelming effect that would be dilatory to the homes of the residents who live in the Town. Commissioner Rutledge stated residents have put their blood, sweet and tears into the American dream of buying a home in Bel Air and one day will find a building that looms next door and up against the road. Commissioner Rutledge stated that is not reasonable or right in his view. Throughout the last two months, Commissioner Rutledge dedicated himself to speak to Bel Air residents about making sure things do not get built too tall so the sunlight, open air and protection of wildlife can be enjoyed in the Town. Commissioner Rutledge is grateful to bring this message of conservation to Harford County and the Heart of Bel Air. Commissioner called for public comments. Vince McHugh, 422 E. Broadway, Bel Air, supports this Ordinance specifically with regard to setting a maximum of building heights. This will set building heights that will be consistent with properties that are existing historic properties in Bel Air. Mr. McHugh is referring to residents in the Town of Bel Air who will have control over the height and be consistent. Mr. McHugh asked the Commissioners to review the Tables and mentioned Table 165-26 for the single family dwelling where it lists a minimum lot area of 8,750 square feet with a maximum density of 5 dwellings per acre. Mr. McHugh recommends the numbers be looked at. Peg Lucas, 516 Robinson Street, Bel Air, Md. does not support the Ordinance and is greatly concerned about the hast in which these four Ordinances have been brought forth today because three of the Commissioners are here for the first time. Ms. Lucas is overwhelmed the Commissioners have come up with these changes and asked have things been explored on how it has been in the past. Ms. Lucas stated it appears the Commissioners are trying to halt new construction that may affect residents in their home and she is concerned that such a drastic change can be put forth this early in the Commissioners tenure. Ms. Lucas asked have you looked into what the projected tax revenue will be. Costs will rise and our taxes will increase if there is no more development. Ms. Lucas stated this has been fine the past several years and she is disappointed. Bill Kelly, 582 Ridgewood Road , Bel Air, Md. advised when reading the agenda earlier today and saw what the four Commissioners are pushing through; it is your agenda. Mr. Kelly stated there are a lot of dimensions to this and seems the Commissioners are getting way ahead of a situation that you have not been involved in. Three Commissioners are new to public service, except Chair Etting, and you are making huge proposals that will pass because of having four votes. Mr. Kelly stated three to five years from now when revenue resources in the Town have stopped because of even moderate development, the expenses of this Town are not going to stop. Mr. Kelly is sure if a Town employee was told there were no raises even to keep up with the cost of living, they would be upset. As a Town resident, Mr. Kelly would be upset that many services enjoyed now would be disrupted because the expense structure of the Town was way above the revenue structure. Mr. Kelly asked about the projections this is based on, have any been 11 done so taxpayers/citizens can see. Mr. Kelly stated this will impact higher taxes. Patti Wade, 11 Jade Way, Bel Air, Md. is not a Town resident but feels it is important to know what is going on in the Town. Ms. Wade is happy seeing what is being proposed because it appears we need change. Ms. Wade attended the Planning Commission meeting and this seems what the residents were asking for. Ms. Wade believes the Commissioners need to look at the changes and make sure they are right. Ms. Wade thanked the Commissioners for listening to the people. Chair Etting asked Mr. Krantz to call the roll for a vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Rutledge, Taylor and Etting Nays: Commissioner Chance The motion carried. A Public Hearing will be scheduled on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Bel Air Town Hall, 30 N. Hickory Aveue, Bel Air, Md. Ordinance No. 821-23 – An Ordinance Amending Article VII and Article III of the Development Regulations in Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code Commissioner Chizmar moved and Commissioner Rutledge seconded the motion that Ordinance No. 821-23 amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 165. Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations, Part 2. Zoning Article VII. Development and Performance Standards, § 165-53. Performance standards and development guidelines by use and Article III. Establishment and Regulation of Zoning Districts § 165- 33. B-3A General Business Gateway District be received by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Chair Etting called for Commissioner comment. Commissioner Chizmar advised the current Development Regulations do not define the number of multi-family housing units per building block. The Development Regulations currently have unit density per building block requirements for townhomes so similar legislation is needed to address unit density per building block for multi-family housing. Commissioner Chizmar stated we need to define the number of housing units’ density per building block to keep the scale of buildings in proper proportion to existing structures and uses and is the desire of many citizens to maintain the scale and character of the Town. Thus, regulations to the number of units per building block are necessary to control the size of multi-family residential buildings. It is proposed that a multi- family building block contain no more than 4 units per floor and not exceed 12 units per building block or with Planning Commission approval six units per floor not to exceed eighteen units per building block. Commissioner Chizmar recommends the number of units per floor are similar to existing apartment buildings and townhouse developments within the Town. Requiring multi-family buildings to coincide with other existing complexes is needed to not significantly alter the character of our Town. 12 Chair Etting called for public comments. Peg Lucas, 516 Robinson Street, Bel Air, Md. has concern about how figures were determined when this is the Commissioners first meeting. These discussions have only been amongst yourselves and Ms. Lucas stated it is out of order. Chair Etting asked Mr. Krantz to call the roll for a vote. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Rutledge, Taylor and Etting Nays: Commissioner Chance The motion carried. A Public Hearing will be scheduled on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Bel Air Town Hall, 30 N. Hickory Aveue, Bel Air, Md. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Etting reported: • November 24th – Historical Society of Harford County will begin The Spirits of Christmas Past, a candlelight Christmas Tour. Tour dates are Fridays and Saturdays through December 16th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Tour begins at the Historical Society and tickets can be purchased on-line at Harfordhistory.org • November 25th – Small Business Saturday. The support means a huge difference to a small business owner and to our community. • November 25th – the beginning of Winter Wonderland in Downtown Bel Air. Light displays from 5:00 – 11:00 p.m. every evening until January 1st. Special events and horse drawn carriage rides will be available every Saturday, November 25th to December 16th from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Reservations are required for carriage rides and taken in-person on first come, first served basis. Enjoy shopping in our Downtown stores and have dinner with the family. • Christmas Train Garden – Armory Marketplace, Suite 103, opening November 25th and open every Friday from 5:00-9:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. through December 16th. Special thanks to Town resident Joe Bragg and a team of volunteers for bringing this amazing and much loved display to our community. • December 2nd - Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra will present Our Jazzy Holiday Spirit on December 2nd, 7:30 p.m. at Bel Air High School. Tickets are available on-line at SSOrchestra.org. • December 3rd – Town of Bel Air Christmas Parade begins at 3:30 p.m. A community sing-along at Shamrock Park will follow the parade with the tree lighting at Town Hall at approximately 4:45 p.m. The parade and tree lighting are weather permitting. Chair Etting advised to visit ChristmasinBelAir.com for a complete list of Holiday events, shopping, dining, Winter Wonderland, Christmas Parade and the 13 free parking initiative in the Town of Bel Air. Chair Etting notified all metered spaces on public streets in the Town starting November 23rd through January 1, 2024 are free to promote the ability to shop and visit restaurants in our lovely Town. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Scott Agar, 306 Plantation Lane, Bel Air, Md. is representing Tollgate Village Association and presented a Petition to the Board of Commissioners. The concerns are a result of the Planning Commission meeting on November 2nd which was a difficult situation. The positives were the number of public attending to be seen and heard plus their thoughtful questions/presentations showed interest in the development proposal. Mr. Agar advised the Police Department were awesome in trying to accommodate the high number of the public. Mr. Agar stated the first defect of this meeting was the choice of venue, treatment of the public and the general disorganization. Not anticipating the level of public interest in a radioactive development was a stunning oversight. Mr. Agar advised the developer did not do himself favors talking about their vision. To talk of their vision without illustrations was just talk. If the Planning Commission is the steward of the Comprehensive Plan, there should have been a discussion on how this proposal and history of Phase 2 deviates substantially from projections or outcomes that would be indicated in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Agar stated this development will monopolize the population growth, school capacity and traffic impact. The Planning Commission will serve hostile audiences and so will the Town Commissioners with your deliberations for this proposed development. Mr. Agar requested the future meeting for this or any development be held in a venue that would accommodate the level of public interest and should include the December 7th Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Agar submitted a proposal to the Commissioners on why regulations are needed. Chair Etting offered Mr. Agar to submit the balance of his comments by email to the Commissioners. Sam Cirko, 600 N. Shamrock Road, Bel Air, Md. has been listening to meetings and wants to be a good steward of the Town. Mr. Cirko is walking away with a lot of disappointment about hearing the actions and language of the community being childish. Mr. Cirko always hears about businesses, housing and Airbnb cannot coming to the Town because of crime. Mr. Cirko looked into crime in the Town and it has been down for the past 15 years. Mr. Cirko stated we should be proud of that and it hurts that the people of the Town choose to live in fear for the future. Terry Hanley, 314 E. Broadway, Bel Air, Md. congratulated the new Commissioners and commented on Chair Etting’s mailer when running that talked about protecting our small town values, keeping the town a friendly/family place to live, and to ensure everyone is treated fairly and no special rules for businesses. Mr. Hanley 14 stated the new Commissioners ran on what they believed in and in the past others running for Commissioner did not come through with their promises. This election was the people’s election and the largest turnout Mr. Hanley has seen since living in the Town of Bel Air. There will be a lot of work and balance. Mr. Hanley has confidence this Board of Commissioners will do what is best for the people, the community, business and the future of the Town, making sure there is tax revenue, great Police force, and fantastic Public Works. Mr. Hanley congratulated Madam Mayor Etting. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS: Commissioner Chance congratulated the new Commissioners and is hopeful we can work cooperatively together in the future. Commissioner Chance notified it has been her pleasure in the last two years to serve with the out-going Commissioners Kevin Bianca, Donna Kahoe and Erin Hughes who worked hard and greatly appreciated their efforts. Commissioner Chance advised we often overlook the outstanding work of the Department Heads and other Town employees who work tirelessly every day. Commissioner Chance appreciates the work and hopes they accept her sincere thankfulness. Commissioner Chance was surprised on Thursday of last week to be told the Agenda was changed for tonight's meeting and would address changes in Codes. Commissioner Chance notified she had no opportunity to offer input and found it to be extremely disrespectful and disappointing. Commissioner Chance hopes this does not happen again. Chair Etting reminded all Town Offices will be closed on November 23rd and 24th for the Thanksgiving holiday. Recycling for all Town residents will be collected on Wednesday, November 22nd due to the holiday. There will be no bulk trash pickup on November 22nd and no leaf/yard waste pickup on November 23rd and November 24th. Commissioner Taylor thanked everyone for attending the meeting and stated government only works when the people are involved. Commissioner Taylor thanked Commissioner Chance for the congratulations and looks forward to working with her and all Department Heads. Commissioner Taylor advised there is a wonderful staff and team in the Town of Bel Air who truly cares. Commissioner Taylor looks forward to the next four years and approaches it with tremendous optimism of what can be accomplished together when hearing all voices, even if we all do not agree. Commissioner Taylor is excited to move forward as a Town Commissioner who was born in the 21st Century and will be a lot of excitement with moving the Town of Bel Air into the next generation. Chair Etting commented Commissioner Taylor put it well, we will work hard together to move our Town forward. Mr. Krantz, Director of Administration, invited the audience to remain after the meeting for refreshments. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. 15 APPROVED: December 4, 2023 Signature on file________________ Paula S. Etting, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_______________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 16