Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BEL AIR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWN HALL MEETING August 19, 2024 The Board of Commissioners Town Hall Meeting was held on August 19, 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 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 Kevin Small, Director of Planning Elizabeth Thompson, Town Counsel 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 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 Rutledge motioned that the minutes of the Board of Commissioners meetings held on July 9, 2024, open and closed sessions; July 15, 2024, open and closed sessions; and August 5, 2024, open and closed sessions, be approved as submitted. Commissioner Chance seconded the motion. Commissioner Chizmar said he would abstain from the vote because of the July 15, 2024, closed session. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Abstain: Chizmar. Nays: None. Motion carried 4 yeas, 0 nays, 1 abstention. 1 V. PRESENTATION A. Certificate of Recognition for Preston’s Stationery Chair Etting presented to Robert Preston and family a certificate of recognition from the town of Bel Air. She read the certificate aloud, which officially recognized Preston’s Stationery as a landmark of Main Street from its opening in July 1926. The certificate stated that the business has been an integral part of celebrations of the community, and the family and staff have provided personalized service for decades. It also recognized Mr. Preston’s long dedication to public service. The certificate recognized Preston’s Stationery’s devotion and generosity to the town and stated it will be remembered as a pillar of the community. Brigitte Peters, representative for the Maryland Department of Commerce, presented a secretary citation to Robert Preston and family that recognized Preston’s Stationery as one of the oldest businesses in Bel Air and its support to the community. Robert Preston made remarks. He described how the business started 98 years ago as a newspaper and chewing tobacco operation. He described its growth through the 50s and 60s and its expansion into two buildings and then into its current building in 1968. He particularly discussed his father’s impact on the business and the many employees and family members who contributed to its growth and change. Mr. Preston named each employee and his or her contribution to the store and said that the store evolved and remained viable because of the employees and their influence. Mr. Preston thanked the commissioners and the town for the recognition. Commissioner Chance detailed her personal experience with Preston’s Stationery while working at the Department of Community Services. She spoke highly of Mr. Preston’s father and family. Commissioner Chizmar expressed his appreciation and gratitude. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 1235-24 Purchase of the Property Owned by Wakefield Management Associates, LLP on S. Atwood Road Commissioner Taylor motioned that the town of Bel Air approve a contract of purchase with Wakefield Manor Associates, LLP c/o Mount Royal Management Company, LLP 101 South Charter Road Apt. A, Glen Burnie, MD, 21061 for the purpose of purchasing an approximate .38 acres of property (land) owned by Wakefield Manor Associates, LLP and managed by Mount Royal Management Company, LLP 101 South Charter Road Apt. A, Glen Burnie, MD, 21061 and located within the Wakefield Manor Apartment Complex in the 700 block of South Atwood Rd at the intersection of West MacPhail Road in Bel Air for the purposes of creating an emergency access road as part of the Board of Education’s overall construction of the new Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School for a purchase price of $66,000 be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the motion. Mr. Hopkins provided background on this resolution. He said that in 2023, the Board of Town Commissioners met with the Harford County School Board to discuss construction of an emergency access thru road between Routes 24 and 924 as part of the construction of Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School. Mr. Hopkins said that to complete the road, a portion of land, owned and managed 2 by the above entities would need to be acquired by the town. In June 2023, Wakefield Manor Associates said it would sell the property. Mr. Hopkins said two appraisals were conducted that resulted in two different calculations. O’Neill Enterprises appraised the land at $6,000 and Everett Benfield Advisors appraised it at $66,000. Mr. Hopkins explained the reasons behind these different calculations and why the second appraisal was the preferred calculation. The town, in consultation with MacLeod Law Group, made an offer on the land of $66,000, and Wakefield Manor Associates accepted the offer. Mr. Hopkins said procurement of this property will allow for construction of the connecting road that will be gated and emergency access only for fire, EMS, HazMat, and rescue. The road will allow for easy access for emergencies at all local schools. There was no public comment. Commissioners Taylor and Rutledge thanked town staff and the attorneys for taking care of this important issue in an exceptional amount of time. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on approval of Resolution 1235-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. B. Resolution 1236-24 Accepting the Amended Civilian Employees Pension Plan Language Revising Article I Definitions Section 1.39 (g) and Adding Article I Definitions Section 1.39 (h) Years of Service Determination for Those with Active Town Sworn Police Officer Service Who Are Hired as a Civilian Employee in the Town of Bel Air Commissioner Chance motioned that Resolution No. 1236-24, describing the amendments to the Town of Bel Air Maryland Civilian Employees Pension Plan language in Article I Definitions Section 1.39 Year of Service regarding transfers between the civilian employees and sworn officers pension plans, be accepted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion. Mr. Krantz provided background on this resolution. He said the boards of trustees met on August 7, 2024, and voted to amend the plan language in this section. The amendment removes references to the word “automatic” regarding transfers in the case of a job change. He said Section 1.39 (h) was added to make provisions for active sworn officers hired as civilians to transfer monies and service from the sworn officers plan to the civilian employees plan. Mr. Krantz said that a sworn officer had recently accepted a civilian position. This person had not yet reached retirement age and wished to continue working in a civilian capacity. Mr. Krantz said it is essential that pension plans provide the flexibility to transfer benefits seamlessly and at the employee’s discretion. He said such changes will benefit employees and the town’s commitment to its staff’s well-being and career continuity. Commissioner Taylor asked for the benefit of viewers that the resolution be explained further. Mr. Krantz said that each plan is run by a board of trustees that works independently with outside agencies—T. Rowe Price and an actuary—to manage the plan and provide advice. Mr. Krantz said the plan document did not have language that allowed for the transfer of monies and service from the sworn officers plan to the civilian employees plan. He assured Commissioner Chizmar that the employee in question had a choice and that the actuary conducted calculations to determine what was in the best interests of this employee. He said removing the word “automatic” gives this employee and any future employee the ability to determine what is the best option. There was no public comment. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to accept Resolution 1236-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. 3 C. Resolution 1237-24 Accepting the Amended Sworn Officers Pension Plan Language Revising Article I Definitions Section 1.39 (g) (1.) and Adding Article I Definitions Section 1.39 (h) Years of Service Determination for Those with Active Town Sworn Police Officer Service Who Are Hired as a Civilian Employee in the Town of Bel Air Commissioner Rutledge motioned that Resolution No. 1237-24, describing the amendments to the Town of Bel Air Maryland Civilian Employees Pension Plan language in Article I Definitions Section 1.39 Year of Service regarding transfers between the sworn officers and civilian employees pension plans, be accepted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the motion. Mr. Krantz said the same explanation for the previous resolution applies in this case. He said the plans are very similar, the trustees always repeat the language in both plans, and, hence, the need for two resolutions. There was no public comment. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to accept Resolution 1237-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. D. Purchase of 14 Personal Computers and 3 Laptops Commissioner Chizmar motioned that the proposal from Dell Marketing LP for fourteen Dell OptiPlex Small Form Factor Plus 7020 desktop computers and three Dell Mobile Precision Workstation 3590 laptop computers in the combined amount of $19,050.36 be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the motion. Mr. Krantz said the town’s technology department has a proactive approach to maintaining and upgrading computer infrastructure by replacing and upgrading desktop computers and laptops at the end of their cycle life, every 5 years. Mr. Krantz said the key reason for adhering to the five-year-plan is to remain under warranty, which ensures necessary repairs and replacements happen efficiently and economically. He explained that updated, reliable computers ensure high productivity and less likelihood of disruptions caused by outdated computer equipment. Mr. Krantz said this procurement is piggybacked on a competitively-bid contract from Midwestern Higher Education and Dell Technologies. He reiterated for Commissioner Taylor that the funds for these purchases have already been appropriated and approved via this year’s budget. Mr. Krantz noted that the town purchases multiple items through Dell and the commissioners may need to approve future purchases. There was no public comment. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the purchase of 14 desktop and 3 laptop computers. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. E. Purchase of 8 Hard Drives for Technology Department Servers Commissioner Chizmar motioned that the proposal from Dell Marketing LP for eight Dell 2.4TB 10K RPM SAS ISE 12Gbps 512e 2.5 in hard drives in the amount of $3,880.64 be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the motion. Mr. Krantz said there is insufficient hard drive space in the current configuration. He said the storage capacity on the recently purchased servers do not meet the requirements necessary to run the 4 organization’s operations. Mr. Krantz said the purchase of these additional hard drives will provide the space to handle current and anticipated data demands and ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of the town’s information technology infrastructure. Mr. Krantz said this purchase piggybacks on a contract with Dell Marketing LLP and the Maryland Department of Information Technology. There was no public comment. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the purchase of 8 hard drives for the technology department servers. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. F. Thomas Street Revitalization Phase I and II Contract Commissioner Taylor motioned that the proposal of Ivy Hill Nursery Co., Inc., 1305 C Enterprise Court, Bel Air, MD, to provide all labor, material, equipment, and supervision to construct the Thomas Street Pathway and Road Improvements Project in accordance with all contract specifications and plans for an amount not to exceed $1,100,000.00 be accepted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion. Mr. Kline provided background on this contract. He said ECDC targeted Thomas Street as a focus for revitalization in order to connect neighborhoods, improve the streetscape, and enhance Thomas and George Streets. He described the improvements, which will include revamped landscape, additional lighting, and improved bicycle and pedestrian amenities. Mr. Kline said $890,000 will come from ARPA funds and $210,000 will be sourced from the capital reserve. He further described the proposed improvements, including installations of storm drain inlets, handicap ramps and sidewalks, and brick paving. Commissioner Chizmar asked if this project will include the potential for access to the town’s part of the Ma & Pa Trail through Heavenly Waters Park. Mr. Kline said the project ends right at Kelly Avenue where that project would begin, should it ever happen. There was no public comment. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the award of contract for the Thomas Street revitalization improvements Phases I and II. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. G. Leaf Vacuum Truck Purchase Commissioner Rutledge motioned that the proposal of Freightliner Western Star of Elkton, 189 Belle Hill Road, Elkton, MD 21921 as accepted under a state of Maryland blanket purchase order for a Freightliner M2 106 Plus Leaf Vac Truck in the amount of $195,637.00 be accepted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the motion. Mr. Kline reported that unit 30, a 2002 International leaf vacuum truck is in need of replacement. He said the engine is wearing significantly and it leaks oil. Mr. Kline said this purchase would piggyback on a state of Maryland blanket purchase order. He noted that the amount of $180,000 was dedicated in the FY25 budget for this purchase. He said the remaining funds will come from the capital reserve. Mr. Kline explained the use and importance of this truck to the functioning of the town and stormwater management. He also noted that the town will likely not have to purchase another truck for twenty-five years with proper maintenance. Commissioner Taylor appreciated the public works department’s care towards the town’s equipment. There was no public comment. 5  Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the purchase of the leaf vacuum truck. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. H. Reappointment to the Board of Ethics 1. Shelley Dolan Commissioner Chizmar motioned that the reappointment of Shelley Dolan to the Bel Air Board of Ethics for a term of four years effective immediately be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the motion. Commissioner Chizmar said he had served with Ms. Dolan on the Board of Ethics and the Historic Preservation Commission, and he appreciated her dedication to the town and supported her reappointment. There was no public comment. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the reappointment of Shelley Dolan to the Board of Ethics. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. I. Reappointment to Board of Building Appeals 1. David LaBella Commissioner Taylor motioned that the reappointment of David LaBella to the Bel Air Board of Building Appeals for a term of four years effective immediately be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion. Mr. Kline reported that Mr. LaBella was enthusiastic to join the board and noted that the board is well qualified should it be needed. There was no public comment. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the reappointment of David LaBella to the Board of Building Appeals. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, Etting. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. VII. MISCELLANEOUS A. Discuss Harford County Parks & Recreation Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Request Letter Chair Etting said this was the commissioners’ last opportunity regarding this request because the official letter is due by August 30. Mr. Hopkins provided background. He said this request was created last year with Mr. Small and the commissioners. They felt it was the most feasible option for a capital project request from Parks & Recreation. He is unsure where the request stands under the current proposal so he decided to renew the request. Commissioner Chizmar asked about another priority—a potential northern park. Mr. Small said he has not yet discussed this project with Mr. Hopkins, which would include meeting with property owners. Commissioner Taylor said he would like the northern park to be a priority for next year. Mr. Hopkins added that the current project request will dovetail nicely with the Thomas Street revitalization and he will reach out to Paul Magness. Commissioner Chance expressed her support for the project request as well. 6 VIII. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS The Bel Air Community Yard Sale and Flea Market hosted by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance will be on August 25. The Pick Your Favorite Art Show held in Harford Artists Gallery at Armory Marketplace begins August 28 and runs through November 3. The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the armory on August 28. The Red Cross has been holding blood drives twice a month at the armory since March 2020. The Historic Preservation Commission will meet on August 22. The Board of Town Commissioners will hold a work session on August 27. The Committee for Seniors and Citizens in Need will meet on August 28. Town offices will be closed on September 2 in observance of Labor Day. The Board of Commissioners town meeting will meet the next day, September 3. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS Tyler Gibson, 16 N. Kelly Avenue, said the Plumtree Park landscaping is lacking and asked that it be addressed. He then discussed pedestrian safety on Main Street, specifically the intersection at Bond Street. Mr. Gibson cited his participation in the survey and the community meetings, but he had yet to see any improvements. Mr. Small described the state highway’s temporary demonstration project and informed Mr. Gibson that he will see changes in that intersection within the week. Mr. Small said staff will be at that intersection to collect data and comments. Mr. Hopkins expressed his appreciation for citizen input and said it was this input that helped get the demonstration project to the town. Mr. Kline described the public works department’s non-toxic efforts to address the weeds and foliage at Plumtree Park. He explained that the play surface in the park area will soon be resurfaced and this has hindered the efforts to maintain the area. Mr. Kline was hopeful that the new play surface will be put in soon, but in the meantime, he will continue to try to keep the weeds down. X. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS Commissioner Taylor expressed congratulations to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new business, Little Haven on Main. He said the store will be a hub for young families and provide many resources. XI. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Taylor motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the motion. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 pm. APPROVED: September 3, 2024 Signature on file _____________ Paula S. Etting, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 7