Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BEL AIR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWN HALL MEETING June 17, 2024 The Board of Commissioners Town Hall Meeting was held on June 17, 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 Rowan Glidden, Senior Planner Edward Hopkins, Town Administrator Steven 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 Elizabeth Thompson, Town Counsel Jane Sudbrink, Recording Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Etting called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and read the roll call of commissioners. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Etting granted privilege to the commissioners to speak on the arrest in the Rachel Morin case. Commissioner Chance said that she was very glad that all the various public safety entities were able to work so well together. She said she understood how difficult this has been for the Morin family and they have been in her prayers. Commissioner Chance hoped that in time the community can recover from this horrible incident. Commissioner Taylor said this crime was a shocking occurrence in the town and county. He said he is grateful for law enforcement locally, nationally, and internationally. He was pleased that they were able to catch the suspect within a year, having worried that the family would never get justice. Commissioner Taylor said that now, as community leaders, they must help each other and the community heal. Commissioner Chizmar said he is very relieved and agreed with Commissioner Taylor’s and Commissioner Chance’s statements. He applauded the efforts of law enforcement to bring this person to justice. 1  Commissioner Rutledge seconded the commissioners’ sentiments. He recommended that citizens watch the sheriff’s press conference in full. He described it as well done and quite moving, particularly the comments of Ms. Morin’s mother. Commissioner Rutledge said the community is in good hands with the state’s attorney, Alison Healey, and he was confident that her office would ably handle the prosecution. Chair Etting was most impressed with the composure of Ms. Morin’s mother. Chair Etting spoke movingly about Ms. Morin’s family and hoped that they would find some comfort in the suspect’s arrest. She noted that the arrest was a result of outstanding police work—old school police work as well as cutting edge DNA technology. She described the work of the multiple law enforcement agencies to find this suspect, including traveling to El Salvador. Chair Etting thanked the sheriff’s office for their efforts in making Harford County and the town safer. Commissioner Chance motioned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Taylor motioned that the minutes of the Board of Commissioners meetings held on May 28, 2024, and June 3, 2024, be approved as submitted. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Ordinance 827-24 Amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 10: Boards, Commissions, and Committees Article V: Committee on the Elderly and Needy Citizens and Section 10-20 Membership; Terms of Office Mr. Krantz provided an introduction to this ordinance. He said the ordinance includes a name change of the committee to the Committee for Seniors and Citizens in Need. He said the ordinance will also amend the membership requirement to a maximum of 9 members, minimum of 5 members. In addition, the ordinance further defines that the majority of voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. There was no public comment so the public hearing closed at 7:09 pm. B. Resolution 1231-24 Town of Bel Air Fee Schedule Amendments Mr. Krantz said this resolution was brought before the board on June 3. He said a large portion of the changes is clarifying language. Mr. Krantz then listed the fee changes under traffic impact analyses, rezoning petitions, permits for signs and temporary use, and memorial bench or amenity. Mr. Krantz said the special events section was revamped with the formal language removed in favor of utilization of town services details. Specifically, he said the town recommends continuing to offer services at no cost up to a maximum of $300 dollars per year, per event. He said the town will charge the actual regular or overtime rates for each person from the public works or police department who must work these events minus $300. Mr. Krantz said organizations must also sign an MOU with the town for events. He then 2 listed the fee changes under fines and penalties and documents and publications. He noted the strikethroughs under photocopies and information requests to allow language of the Public Information Act to prevail. Mr. Krantz then detailed the fee/language changes under building permits and other related fees, stormwater management and erosion/sediment control, and sewer fees. There was no public comment so the public hearing closed at 7:19 pm. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Ordinance 827-24 Amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 10: Boards, Commissions, and Committees Article V: Committee on the Elderly and Needy Citizens and Section 10-20 Membership; Terms of Office Commissioner Chance motioned that Ordinance 827-24, Amending Bel Air Town Code Chapter 10: Boards, Commissions, and Committees, Article V: Committee on the Elderly and Needy Citizens Section 10-20 Membership; Terms of Office be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on Ordinance 827-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. 2. Resolution 1231-24 Town of Bel Air Fee Schedule Amendments Commissioner Rutledge motioned that Resolution 1231-24, amending the town’s fee schedule, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners with the following revisions: Under the Heading of Building Permits and Other Related Fees: Commercial/Industrial/Institutional: Harford County Fee: $0.09 per sq. ft., or $150.00 minimum; U&O Certificate Fee: $0.01 per sq. ft., or $125.00 minimum. Based on specific use, additional building permit review fee may apply. Group H: High Hazard Uses: Harford County Fee: $0.12 per sq. ft., or $225.00 minimum; U&O Certificate Fee: $0.01 per sq. ft., or $125.00 minimum Utilities, public or private, each structure (tower, transformer, poles, etc.): Harford County Fee: $50.00, U&O Certificate Fee: $125.00 Commercial Tenant Occupancy Certificate (Name change, ownership change, no structural changes): U&O Certificate Fee: $85.00 Commercial/Industrial/Institutional: Harford County Fee: $0.09 per sq. ft., or $150.00 minimum; U&O Certificate Fee: $0.01 per sq. ft., or $125.00 minimum. Based on specific use, additional building permit review fee may apply. Under the Heading of Group R (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4): Residential Buildings: 1- and 2-Family Dwellings (R-3, R-4): Harford County Fee: $0.06 per sq. ft., or $75.00 minimum; U&O Certificate Fee: $125.00 3 Hotel Buildings (R-1): Harford County Fee: $0.09 per sq. ft., or $150 minimum; U&O Certificate Fee: $125.00 Dormitory Buildings and Assisted Living: Harford County Fee: $0.09 per sq. ft., or $150.00 minimum; U&O Certificate Fee: $0.01 per sq. ft., or $125.00 minimum Multi-Family (apartments) and Condominiums (R-2) Individual Owned Units: Harford County Fee: $0.08 per sq. ft., U&O Certificate Fee: $50.00 Multi-Family (apartments) and Condominiums (R-2) Rental Units: Harford County Fee: $0.08 per sq. ft.; U&O Certificate Fee: $0.01 per sq. ft., or $125.00 minimum Decks, porches, and balconies, club basement: Harford County Fee: $0.05 per sq. ft., or $30.00 minimum; U&O Certificate Fee: $50.00 Occupant Structures (Room Additions), Residential Accessory Buildings: Harford County Fee: $0.05 per sq. ft., or $65.00 minimum; U&O Certificate Fee: $50.00 Sheds (over 200 sq. ft.): Harford County Fee: $0.05 per sq. ft., or $30.00 minimum; U&O Certificate Fee: $50.00 Under the Heading of Group U: Miscellaneous: Commercial/Residential Retaining Walls: Harford County Fee: $60.00, U&O Certificate Fee: $50.00 Swimming Pools: Residential Above Ground: Harford County Fee: $40.00, U&O Certificate Fee: $50.00; In-Ground: Harford County Fee: $75.00, U&O Certificate Fee: $50.00; Public: Harford County Fee: $125.00, U&O Certificate Fee: $50.00 Amended/Revised Building Plans Review After Initial Review: Harford County Fee: $25.00 per additional plan review Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion. Commissioner Rutledge reported for the record that most of these fees are pass-through fees for the county. He said that the public works department has carefully reviewed the appropriate charges for certification and the town is not profiting from these fees. Commissioner Taylor said these costs are collected to defer costs, which would have been borne by the taxpayers. Chair Etting described her positive personal experience working with the public works department. Mr. Kline added that, as per last week’s work session request, he determined that Havre de Grace’s fees are slightly higher than Bel Air’s, while Aberdeen’s are comparable. He also said the U&O certification fee has not been raised in over twenty years. Mr. Kline informed the commissioners that for next January, Harford County is considering adding an additional $100 flat fee on all the county-related charges just listed. He clarified for Commissioner Chizmar, as an example, that it would be $100 plus the square footage costs. Commissioner Chizmar questioned whether it would be feasible to just cite any changes that the county issues, rather than go through the procedural process every time. Chair Etting said this question 4 would be best addressed in a work session. Commissioner Taylor said that there is merit in reexamining procedures and fees each time a change comes up in order to review and update, if necessary. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on Resolution 1231-24, amending the Town of Bel Air fee schedule. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Ordinance 830-24 Amending the Code of the Town of Bel Air Chapter 145 Building Construction Commissioner Chizmar motioned that Ordinance 830-24, rescinding and reenacting Chapter 145, Building Construction, of the Bel Air Town Code be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the motion. Mr. Kline provided background on this ordinance. He described the various international building codes and said that Harford County had adopted 2021 editions of these codes in March 2024 with specific amendments. Mr. Kline said that to maintain consistency with the county’s building codes the town should also adopt these codes and amendments for proper building design, construction, and maintenance in the town’s jurisdiction. He said the proposed deletions and additions enhance the relevance of the 2021 codes to the construction requirements of the town. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on receipt of Ordinance 830-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. Mr. Krantz said there would be a public hearing on this ordinance, as well as Ordinances 831-24 and 832-24 at the next town hall meeting on July 15. B. Ordinance 831-24 Amending the Code of the Town of Bel Air Chapter 180 Electrical Standards Commissioner Taylor motioned that Ordinance 831-24, rescinding and reenacting Chapter 180, Electrical Standards, of the Bel Air Town Code be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion. Mr. Kline said that the 2023 National Electrical Code was adopted by Harford County with specific amendments. He said it is prudent for the town to adopt the same set of rules and regulations to ensure consistency and compliance in the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. Mr. Kline said the several modifications and amendments are intended to align the 2023 code with the specific construction needs of the town. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on receipt of Ordinance 831-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. C. Ordinance 832-24 Amending the Code of the Town of Bel Air Chapter 353 Plumbing and Gas Fitting Standards Commissioner Rutledge motioned that Ordinance 832-24, rescinding and reenacting Chapter 353, Plumbing and Gas Fitting Standards, Sections 353-1 through 353-9 of the Bel Air Town Code be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion. 5  Mr. Kline said that in March 2024 Harford County adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code and the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code with specific amendments. To maintain consistency with applicable codes in effect in the county, the town should also adopt the 2021 international codes with these amendments. Mr. Kline stated that the town needs a comprehensive set of rules and regulations to ensure proper installation and maintenance of plumbing and gas systems. He said it is sensible for the town to adopt the same codes as the county. The modifications to specific chapters aim to better tailor the code editions to specific construction needs in the town. Chair Etting noted for the record that the three ordinances are very technical and have already been vetted by international groups, as well as local experts. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on receipt of Ordinance 832-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. D. Resolution 1233-24 Fiscal Year Budget Amendment Commissioner Taylor motioned that Resolution 1233-24, amending the budget for the fiscal year 2024 for additional revenues/appropriations, monetary adjustments, and transfers between departments, be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion. Ms. Moody provided background on the budget amendment, saying there are several additional revenues/appropriations, transfers, and monetary adjustments that need to be addressed in the FY24 budget. She said the budget amendment decreases the FY24 general fund budget by $155,552. Ms. Moody then listed significant revenue changes, as follows: $350,000 income tax increase; $947,582 ARPA decrease; $104,531 increase from the Governor’s Office Crime Control and Prevention Act; $300,907 increase from miscellaneous income (e.g., LGIT reimbursement); $312,376 increase from interest on investments; and $365,414 decrease from transfer from the Capital Reserve. Ms. Moody said this last decrease is good news because the money can be used later. Ms. Moody listed significant expenditure changes, as follows: $99,000 bonus to town employees; $276,523 increase to fund the armory window project; $634,020 to fund the remainder of the town hall/police department building project; $145,000 increase for legal services; $1,578,967 decrease, mainly due to removing and delaying Planning Department projects; $285,257 increase related to police grants and vehicle accident costs; and $86,259 increase for the addition of the Office St/Courthouse Sq project, Ventrac tractor, and salary savings. Ms. Moody said the Special Revenue Fund also had budget changes. A community development block grant was reduced by $66,576 because of completion in FY23. A Community Parks & Playground Grant was reduced by $115,000 due to encumbering the Homestead Park project in FY23. Ms. Moody said with these changes, there is still a balanced budget. She said a public hearing will be held at the town hall meeting on July 15. She noted that the employee bonus will not be before the commissioners for a vote until July, but she had gotten their formal approval to process payment for this fiscal year. Commissioner Chizmar noted for the record that the bonus is a dividend received by the town from the insurance company for being accident-free in 2022. He said this is money earned by the staff and it is appropriated to return some of that money to them, as a one-time bonus. Ms. Moody said this money 6 is attributable to the town’s safety record, particularly in the police and public works departments. Chair Etting said that the bonus constitutes about two-thirds of the dividend. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on receipt of Resolution 1233-24, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Amendment. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. E. Live View Technologies Surveillance Trailer Lease Agreement Commissioner Rutledge motioned that the quote from Live View Technologies (LVT) for a one-year lease contract for the LVT D3 Live Unit surveillance camera system in the amount of $35,000 be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the motion. Chief Moore provided background on this proposed agreement. He said that, with the increase in retail thefts, the town had partnered with the Harford County Department of Emergency Services to use an LVT surveillance camera system. He said the town experienced much success with this system, enabling the police to capture suspect vehicle footage, registration plate footage, and suspect footage. He described the excellent technical capabilities of the system, and that its mere presence acted as a deterrent. When the lease ended with the county, the town decided to enter into its own lease agreement. He said the LVT system is in compliance with the Maryland Public Safety Code §3-509. In addition, Chief Moore said the town’s procurement regulations allow for this purchase based on sole source justification. In answer to Commissioner Taylor’s request, he said it is better to lease rather than buy the system, because under the leasing agreement, the town will have access to the frequent upgrades. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the lease agreement of Live View Technologies Surveillance Trailer. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. F. Purchase of Compact Multipurpose Utility Tractor Commissioner Taylor motioned that the price quote of J & R Sheds & Equipment, Inc., 3025 Churchville Rd, Churchville, MD, as provided to and accepted by Sourcewell for a Ventrac 4520Y Compact Multipurpose Utility Tractor with selected accessories in the amount of $38,221.40 be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion. Mr. Kline said the public works department last purchased its current utility tractor in 2014, which has aged and is in need of expensive repairs. He noted that this tractor is an essential asset for snow removal and grounds maintenance. Mr. Kline said he would like to piggyback on the Sourcewell Contract to procure a new tractor, as well as trade in the old tractor at a value of $22,000. Mr. Kline said funding for this purchase will come from the mid-year budget amendment. The total cost for the tractor would be $38,221.40. Commissioners discussed with Mr. Kline the composition of this tractor. Commissioner Chizmar said that ultimately, with the trade-in, the town will purchase a new tractor for approximately $16,000. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the purchase of the compact multipurpose utility tractor. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. 7 G. Homestead Park Playground Equipment Contract Commissioner Chizmar motioned that the contracted price from Gametime c/o Cunningham Recreation in the amount of $66,586.65 for equipment to replace the Homestead Park playground be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the motion. Mr. Glidden provided background on this contract. He said the original playground equipment was relocated in order to engineer improvements to Homestead Park. Mr. Glidden said that during the process of removal, the playground equipment was damaged rendering its reuse impossible. He said the new equipment will be funded through the FY24 budget amendment at a cost of $66,586.65. Mr. Glidden said the cost for installation, poured rubber play surface, and associated edging will be presented for approval next month as part of the FY25 budget. Mr. Glidden confirmed for Commissioner Chizmar that inclusive playground equipment is part of the materials. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote for approval of award of contract—Homestead Park Playground Equipment. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. H. Appointments to the Committee for Seniors and Citizens in Need 1. Franklin Jones Commissioner Chance motioned that the appointment of Franklin Jones to the Bel Air Committee for Seniors and Citizens in Need for a term of three years, effective immediately, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion. Commissioner Chance said that Mr. Jones is well-versed in the needs of citizens and he has already attended a meeting to gather information. Commissioner Chance said he will be a valuable addition to the committee. Commissioner Taylor and Chair Etting agreed, saying they were impressed with Mr. Jones’ enthusiasm when they interviewed him. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the appointment of Franklin Jones to the Committee for Seniors and Citizens in Need. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. 2. Gregory LaCour Commissioner Chance motioned that the appointment of Gregory LaCour to the Bel Air Committee for Seniors and Citizens in Need for a term of three years, effective immediately, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion. Commissioner Chance said that Mr. LaCour had been an active member in the past. She said he is a valuable asset to the community and he works very hard at Bel Air United Methodist Church. She said he has a vast knowledge of people’s needs. Chair Etting concurred, noting her experience with Mr. LaCour when she was a liaison to this committee. 8  Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the appointment of Gregory LaCour to the Committee for Seniors and Citizens in Need. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Chance confirmed that there are now seven members on the committee. VIII. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS All town offices will be closed on June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday. Summer Movie Nights begin on June 21 in Shamrock Park. The second annual Bel Air Town Derby will be on June 23 on Main Street. In addition, Tommy’s on Main and the Bel Air Lions Club are hosting the Vintage Car Show on W. Lee Street on Sunday. The Summer Concert Series continues on June 23 in Shamrock Park with a performance by the US Navy Band Commodores. The Cultural Arts Commission meets on June 18. The Committee for Seniors and Citizens in Need will meet on June 26. The Historic Preservation Commission will meet on June 27. The Board of Town Commissioners’ next work session is on July 9. A full day of events is planned for July 4, including the downtown parade and fireworks show. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ken Sorenson, 3906 Walters Rd, Edgewood, said he had two proposals to present to the commissioners related to making Bel Air more pedestrian- and bike-friendly. He described the pedestrian blind spot for drivers at the intersection of Linwood Ave and Heigh St. He proposed installing flasher lights to alert cars to pedestrians. His second proposal centered on safety for bikes and children in town. He proposed installing an area where children and teens can bike freely. He expressed concern for the children who now ride bikes carelessly through intersections and said it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. Chair Etting thanked Mr. Sorenson for his proposals. She said the Linwood St intersection is currently being studied under the Safe Streets for All program. She directed him to the town’s website for links to information on that study. Mr. Hopkins added that meetings will be held on June 20 and 21 regarding Safe Streets for All. He suggested that Mr. Sorenson attend the Bike/Pedestrian Safety Plan meeting to be held on Thursday, June 20. X. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS Commissioner Chance thanked Mr. Sorenson for coming to the meeting, and she said she shared his concerns about the intersection and the children riding bikes unsafely. Commissioner Chizmar said the outgoing president of MML came to Bel Air for a visit. He said the president had a fantastic tour and thanked Mr. Hopkins and Ms. Robertson, in particular, for their participation in the tour. He said the president was very impressed with the town’s projects, such as the incubator project. Commissioner Taylor recognized two new business owners in town, Jessica and José Rosado, at Üme Creative Agency and Grey Matter Counseling and Consulting. He said they are a testament to the town’s small-business-friendly environment and strong family values. 9 XI. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Taylor motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Chance seconded the motion. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. APPROVED: July 15, 2024 Signature on file _____________ Paula S. Etting, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 10