Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BEL AIR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWN HALL MEETING June 3, 2024 The Board of Commissioners Town Hall Mee�ng was held on June 3, 2024, at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Commissioner Paula S. Etting, Chair Commissioner Mary F. Chance Commissioner Steven T. Chizmar Commissioner James B. Rutledge, III Commissioner Jakob D. Taylor IN ATTENDANCE: David Anderson, Media & Public Relations Specialist Edward Hopkins, Town Administrator Stephen Kline, Director of Public Works Michael Krantz, Director of HR & Administration Lisa Moody, Director of Finance Charles Moore, Chief of Police Angela Robertson, Director of Economic Development Kevin Small, Director of Planning Elizabeth Thompson, Town Counsel Jane Sudbrink, Recording Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER Chair E�ng called the mee�ng to order at 7:00 pm and read the roll call of commissioners. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair E�ng granted the privilege for all members to speak on the Harford Mall incident. She said that this night would honor the memory of Zachary Miller who was the training coordinator, range master, and quarter master for the police department. Chair E�ng said that the phenomenal performance of the police department during this incident honors Mr. Miller’s memory. She par�cularly men�oned Sgt. Sergio D’Alto, Jordan Greene, Karla Melchior at the dispatch center, and all of the members at the police department for their hard work and professionalism. Commissioner Rutledge said words cannot adequately express his apprecia�on for the police department and its members who put their lives on the line to protect the town and the community. Commissioner Taylor said our community is one of the safest in the state because of the police department and he is eternally grateful to them. He said he is proud to be a commissioner of this town with this police force. Commissioner Chance said we o�en take for granted all that we have, and she thanked the police department. 1  Commissioner Chizmar commended the police department for protec�ng town ci�zens and for coordina�ng so well with other public safety agencies. He said the incident response is a testament to the coordina�on and coopera�on behind the scenes. Chief Moore thanked the commissioners and said the department could not have succeeded without its allied partners, including the state police, the U.S. Marshals Service, the sheriff’s department, and the police forces from Aberdeen and Havre de Grace. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Chance mo�oned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Chance mo�oned that the minutes of the Board of Commissioners mee�ngs held on May 14, 2024, and May 20, 2024, be approved as submited. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. V. PRESENTATIONS A. Miss Bel Air 2024, Gianna Romero Parade Marshall and Chairman of the Miss Bel Air Select Commitee, Michael Blum, added his deep honor and apprecia�on for the police department. He said the parade would not happen without the par�cipa�on of the police department, as well as the Department of Public Works. He then introduced Miss Bel Air, Gianna Romero. He described her educa�on, work and volunteer experience, and her training and cer�fica�ons. Ms. Romero said she was grateful and honored to be crowned Miss Bel Air. She detailed her love for the town and excitement to par�cipate in all the Fourth of July ac�vi�es. Ms. Romero then outlined her pla�orm, which was mental health wellness in athle�cs. She said her pla�orm is called “mind fit athlete,” which aims to create posi�ve experiences in athle�cs while priori�zing mental health for all types of athletes. She said this is a very personal pla�orm and described her life as an athlete and the mental health difficul�es she encountered. Ms. Romero also stressed the importance of keeping children in sports by making sure it is fun for all. B. Cer�ficates of Recogni�on for Assistance from Allied Agencies for Zachary Miller’s Funeral Services – Frank Krick, Jim Plumer, Mike Dunn 1. Frank Krick Chair E�ng outlined Mr. Krick’s lengthy career at the police department and the Department of Emergency Services. She detailed how Mr. Krick generously offered condolences and provided peer support a�er the department’s loss while overseeing the complex planning process for the funeral and 2 visita�on services. Mr. Krick created and designed the Incident Ac�on Plan that was used by leadership to plan and execute the funeral services. 2. Deputy James Plumer Chair E�ng described Deputy Plumer’s background, which included thirty-two years and coun�ng of service to the sheriff’s office. Chair E�ng said Mr. Plumer’s significant skills in honor guard procedures and protocols proved invaluable in ensuring that Sr. Officer Miller had a dignified tribute. In addi�on, Deputy Plumer provided guidance, support, and advice to fellow officers in naviga�ng the grieving process. 3. Michael Dunn Chair E�ng said that Mr. Dunn is a re�red police officer from the Bal�more Police Department and the Maryland Transporta�on Authority. She said his exper�se in honor guard movement, logis�cs, and planning brought precision and grace to the services. In addi�on, Mr. Dunn provided much needed peer support for the families and co-workers of Sr. Officer Miller. Chair E�ng commended his unwavering sacrifice and dedica�on to law enforcement and public service. Chief Moore read each cer�ficate aloud and formally presented the cer�ficates, again commending their efforts, exper�se, and sacrifice. C. Resolu�on 1230-24 Honoring Deceased Sr. Officer Zachary “Zack” R. Miller by Proclaiming the Bel Air Police Department Drive as Zack Miller Way Commissioner Taylor moved that Resolu�on 1230-24, honoring deceased Sr. Officer Zachary “Zack” R. Miller by proclaiming the Bel Air Police Department Drive as “Zack Miller Way,” be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Chair E�ng read the resolu�on aloud. It described his background, his forty-three years of service to the police department, his involvement with clubs and organiza�ons, his interests and hobbies, and his family, friends, and loved ones. Chair E�ng said that as mayor, she and the commissioners formally declared the police department drive as Zack Miller Way. Officer First Class Nick Rhodes and Cpl. Keith Smithson unveiled the sign. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on Resolu�on 1230-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. 1. Proclama�on Chair E�ng read the proclama�on regarding Zack Miller Way. It described Sr. Officer Miller’s public service and proclaimed that the street sign serves as a way to commemorate and honor his las�ng impact on the department and the community. Chief Moore provided personal words about Sr. Officer Miller. He described his posi�vity and his generosity of spirit to all. Chief Moore said it is s�ll incredibly difficult not to have Sr. Officer Miller at the department and thanked his family for such a wonderful, unique person. Chief Moore also said that Sr. Officer Miller was exact and precise in his words and deeds, especially insis�ng on important trainings. 3 He said this is reflected in the new design of the police department wing and in the response to the Harford Mall incident. Chief Moore said this ceremony and sign will help with the grieving process. D. Proclama�on for Narva, Estonia, Bel Air’s Sister City – Narva Days Celebra�on Chair E�ng read the proclama�on, which celebrated the ten-year sister city rela�onship and friendship between Bel Air and Narva, Estonia. She said the Board of Town Commissioners proclaimed June 3, 2024, as Narva Days. Barbara Tower said this proclama�on is a celebra�on of the hard work, dedica�on, and enthusiasm of the various town administrators, mayors, and commissioners over the past decade. She also recognized Angela Robertson and Mr. Krantz for their hard work. VI. PUBLIC HEARING A. Ordinance 826-24 Amending Ar�cle VII of the Development Regula�ons in Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code Fee in Lieu of Open Space Wayne Goddard, 128 N. Bond St, said he thinks it is a well-writen piece of legisla�on that serves to address the situa�on and provides an objec�ve way for owners or prospec�ve purchasers of property to think through the process and costs. Mr. Goddard said the Tower on Main Street is for sale. He said this building covers 100% of the land on which it is located. Mr. Goddard ques�oned what the procedure would entail if a prospec�ve buyer wanted to change the property to mixed use. He asked if the building would have to be demolished to achieve open space or would there be a carve-out for a building that encompasses the square footage of a lot. Chair E�ng closed the public hearing at 7:46 pm. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Ordinance 826-24 Amending Ar�cle VII of the Development Regula�ons in Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code Fee in Lieu of Open Space Commissioner Taylor moved that Ordinance 826-24, revising Town Code Chapter 165, Ar�cle VII, related to Open Space Fee-in-Lieu be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Commissioner Taylor thanked everyone who had a hand in the legisla�on. He said it was a six-to- seven-month process that resulted in a product that is reasonable, promotes posi�ve change, protects investments in town, and preserves the environment in town. In reference to Mr. Goddard’s comments, Commissioner Taylor said that ques�on would have to be addressed in different legisla�on because it has to do with the open space requirement. Mr. Small said the Tower is located in the B-2 zone, which allows for fee in lieu at 110%, so the new process would apply to this property. 4  Commissioner Rutledge said he supports the legisla�on and said he is interested in the overall concept of examining the unique nature of the buildings on Main Street. He said Mr. Goddard’s comments are thought-provoking and warrant scru�ny for a separate piece of legisla�on. He ques�oned whether there would s�ll be an open space requirement when there is already a complete structure in place. Ms. Thompson suggested that the commissioners could use a broader defini�on of open space (e.g., gyms, rec areas) in such areas where there is no land or trees. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on Ordinance 826-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Ordinance 827-24 Amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 10: Boards, Commissions, and Commitees Ar�cle V: Commitee on the Elderly and Needy Ci�zens and Sec�on 10-20 Membership; Terms of Office Commissioner Chance mo�oned that Ordinance 827-24, amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 10: Boards, Commissions, and Commitees, Ar�cle V: Commitee on the Elderly and Needy Ci�zens and Sec�on 10-20 Membership; Terms of Office be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz provided background on this ordinance. He said the commitee is proposing a name change to the Commitee for Seniors and Ci�zens in Need. In addi�on, the commitee would like to amend its membership to a minimum of five members, maximum of nine members. They would also like to add that a majority of the vo�ng members shall cons�tute a quorum for the transac�on of business. 1. Public Comments Bari Klein, Chair, said she appreciated that the board is considering increasing the number of members. She felt that by giving people the authority to be a vo�ng member and a voice on the commitee, more people will want to be engaged in this commitee. She said she appreciated the board’s assistance in the name change, which Ms. Klein said will be more searchable. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to receive Ordinance 827-24 for a public hearing scheduled June 17, 2024. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. B. Resolu�on 1231-24 Town of Bel Air Fee Schedule Amendments Commissioner Rutledge mo�oned that Resolu�on 1231-24 amending the town’s fee schedule, with the language that is highlighted on page 6 of the resolu�on omited, be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz said the fee schedule was last amended at this �me last year. Mr. Krantz listed each of the fees that will reflect a fee change. These include fees in the following categories: General Planning Review Fees: Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA); Rezoning Pe��ons: Piecemeal Rezoning; Permits: Signs; Temporary Use Permits; Other Miscellaneous Fees: Memorial Bench or Amenity; Special Events: U�liza�on of Town Services; Police and Public Works Service Fees; Fines and Penal�es: Work without a u�lity permit; Documents and Publica�ons; Building Permits and Other Related Fees: Commercial 5 Industrial/Ins�tu�onal; U�li�es-public or private; Commercial Tenant Occupancy Cer�ficate; Group R (R1, R2, R3, R4)-Residen�al Buildings, 1- and 2-Family Dwellings (R3, R4), Hotel Buildings (R1), Dormitory Buildings and Assisted Living, Addi�ons/Altera�ons, Decks, porches, and balconies, club basement, Occupant structures, Sheds; Public Works Review Fees: Erosion and Sediment Control, Sewer Fees, and County System Development Fee. Mr. Krantz also detailed language changes. Of note, he said all the special events language was struck through and replaced with new language to eliminate situa�ons where the police and public works departments have provided addi�onal work that was not compensated by the organizer. He said that the town will con�nue to offer basic services at no cost up to a maximum of $300. The organizer will reimburse the town for any addi�onal costs applicable to regular over�me rates of the officers or public works employees. Mr. Krantz said the police and public works departments commitments are to the community first and not the event. Commissioners entered into a discussion on the calcula�ons for costs for square footage rela�ng to building permits. Commissioners agreed they were unclear on the costs per square foot for DILP Review and Inspec�on Services and for the Use & Occupancy Cer�ficate. Mr. Kline said he would clarify these fees with Charlie Dawson. Mr. Small clarified for Commissioner Chizmar that the $200 fee for the memorial bench or amenity pays for the installa�on, the plaque, and any maintenance, not the bench or amenity itself. Mr. Kline explained for Commissioner Chizmar that the $100 fee for proceeding with work without a u�lity permit is $100 per u�lity. Commissioner Chizmar opened discussion on the fact that the permit fee for decks and porches is $150, which is similar in price to the cost for a house inspec�on. Mr. Kline explained the permit process costs, the inspec�on services, and the �e-in with the county. Commissioner Taylor asked about the reason for the increase in fees for sign permits. Mr. Small explained that the cost to process the permit is based on approximately one hour of Laura Bianca- Pruet’s salary. Mr. Kline explained for Commissioner Taylor that the Commercial Tenant Occupancy Permit is not a new fee. It reflects the fee a new business owner must pay to register with the town. 1. Public Comments No members of the public were present. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to receive Resolu�on 1231-24 amendments to the town of Bel Air’s fee schedule minus the proposed language on page 6 regarding public informa�on requests. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. C. Resolu�on 1232-24 Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned that the Board of Town Commissioners approve Resolu�on 1232- 24 endorsing the goals and objec�ves of Safe Streets for All to reduce serious injury crashes and traffic fatali�es by 2040 in the town of Bel Air. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. Mr. Small provided background on this resolu�on. He said the town partnered with Havre de Grace and Aberdeen to apply for a U.S. Department of Transporta�on grant under the Safe Streets for All program. The town worked with the consultant EXP to research selected intersec�ons and seek public 6 input. Mr. Small said the final dra� will be presented during next Tuesday’s work session. The goal set for the three municipali�es is 2040 to allow for grant proposals, not 2034 as listed in the report. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on Resolu�on 1232-24, Safe Streets for All. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. D. Sidewalk Tripping Hazard Removal Contract Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned that the proposal of Precision Concrete Cu�ng, 215 Middleboro Rd, Wilmington, DE, to furnish all labor, materials, and equipment to remove sidewalk trip hazards in a number of loca�ons in town for the amount of $41,500.00 be accepted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. Mr. Kline provided background on the contract. He said the project started eight years ago and has con�nued to be a successful program. The Department of Public Works along with the company iden�fied 732 sidewalk trip hazards in the Howard Park and Majors Choice neighborhoods. Mr. Kline said the proposed methods of Precision Concrete Cu�ng are the most cost-efficient and effec�ve ways to eliminate these trip hazards. He was also pleased with the three-year guarantee from the ini�al repair date. Commissioner Taylor asked about the sole provider por�on of the contract. Mr. Kline explained how the town works with this contractor based on a budgeted amount and on the contractor’s unit price. Commissioner Chizmar said the 610 repairs for Majors Choice and the 269 Howard Park do not add up to 732 repairs. Mr. Kline agreed and said that they will do more than one repair in the same loca�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to approve the Sidewalk Trip Hazard Removal Contract. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. E. Wayfinding Signs Contracts Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that the proposals of Signs Etc. Inc. for $32,795.95 to replace park iden�fica�on signs and rehabilitate iden�fica�on and direc�onal signs in Bel Air be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Mr. Small provided background on the contract. He said this is the fi�h and last phase of a graphics plan to integrate various signage improvements in the town. Mr. Small said this phase will install signage for park proper�es and will also repair and reinstall damaged signs. Mr. Small listed the costs for each sign. He believed that this contract would go over budget because of the unan�cipated damage to the signs. Mr. Small addressed ques�ons from Chair E�ng that included costs for delivery and the placement of the sign in Majors Choice. Chair E�ng also pointed out the typos on the Planning Public Works Sign (“705/710 Church Hill Road”). Commissioners and Mr. Small entered into a discussion on park rules. Chair E�ng said only some of the rules are in the code. She par�cularly ques�oned the rule that children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult—no�ng that it is not in the code nor is it necessary. Ms. Thompson said park rules on the website do not refer to an ordinance or resolu�on. Chair E�ng stressed that she does not 7 want to put rules on signs that the town has not properly adopted and is not willing to enforce. Mr. Small said the parks are town property and, therefore, the rules do not have to be in the code; the commissioners can decide those rules. Ms. Thompson agreed that the commissioners have that right and said she could do more research. Mr. Small said the rules have been in place for a long �me but changing them would not impact the costs for the signs. Ms. Thompson also concurred for Chair E�ng that under the state’s cannabis laws, the use of cannabis is prohibited on public property and this prohibi�on could be put on the park signs. Ms. Thompson said the parks and recrea�on sec�ons of the code do not men�on the role of commissioners. She suggested introducing legisla�on that would add the criteria already in place or modify them. She said if the commissioners are going to have viola�ons and penal�es for rules that are broken, those rules need to be in the code. Chair E�ng said future discussion is necessary. Ms. Thompson asked Mr. Small if such discussion would delay installa�on of the signs. Mr. Small suggested working with Ms. Thompson on the park rules and bringing the informa�on back to the commissioners as soon as next week. Commissioner Rutledge moved to amend the mo�on to say, “subject to subsequent determina�on of the appropriate rules to be printed on the signs.” Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on for discussion purposes. Commissioner Rutledge clarified that his mo�on is to give Mr. Small the opportunity to tell the contractor that the contract price is sa�sfactory, but he needs more la�tude in determining the park rules. Chair E�ng suggested approving the contract tonight and removing the rule regarding children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult. Commissioner Rutledge then withdrew his mo�on saying he proposed it out of an abundance of cau�on. Mr. Small clarified for Commissioner Chizmar that park rules vary between parks. Ms. Thompson noted that these individual rules for parks must also be put in the code. Mr. Small also assured Commissioner Chizmar that the �meline should not be affected by the rules work. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to approve the award of the contract for the wayfinding signs in the amount of $32,795.95. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. F. Reappointment to the Historic Preserva�on Commission Commissioner Rutledge mo�oned that the reappointment of Paul Edmeades to the Bel Air Historic Preserva�on Commission for a term of three years be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. 1. Paul Edmeades Commissioner Rutledge said that Mr. Edmeades is an integral part of the commission. His exper�se as an architect and his ability to facilitate conversa�on with the other members are invaluable. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to reappoint Paul Edmeades to the Historic Preserva�on Commission. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. 8 IX. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair E�ng reported that the Farmers’ Market con�nues weekly in June. First Fridays returns on June 7. The Belle Aire Market will be held on June 9. Maryland Community Band Day featuring community bands from around the state will also be on June 9. The Town of Bel Air Summer Concert Series in Shamrock Park has a show each week through August 18. The Appearance and Beau�fica�on Commitee will meet on June 10. The Board of Town Commissioners will hold a work session on June 11. The Tree Commitee will meet on June 12. The Economic and Community Development Commission will meet on June 13. X. PUBLIC COMMENTS No members of the public were present. XI. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS Commissioner Rutledge thanked the staff for all their hard work in prepara�on for this mee�ng. He also thanked Mr. Hopkins for keeping the commissioners updated on the Harford Mall incident. He said he has confidence in the town employees’ ability to handle emergency situa�ons. Commissioner Taylor congratulated the gradua�ng class of 2024 at Bel Air High School and noted the importance of ensuring that young people stay in the town. Commissioner Chizmar extended his thanks to Harford County Emergency Services and the Bel Air Fire Company for their efforts during the Harford Mall emergency. Chief Moore said the fire company was an integral part of the team. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Taylor mo�oned to adjourn the mee�ng. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. All in favor. The mee�ng adjourned at 9:16 pm. APPROVED: June 17, 2024 Signature on file _____________ Paula S. E�ng, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 9