Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BEL AIR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWN HALL MEETING December 2, 2024 The Board of Commissioners Town Hall Mee�ng was held on December 2, 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 Laura Bianca-Pruett, Planner II 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 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 ALLIEGANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Chance mo�oned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the agenda. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that the minutes of the Board of Commissioners’ mee�ngs held on November 12, 2024, and November 18, 2024, be approved as submited. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the minutes of November 12 and November 18, 2024. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Absten�on: Commissioner Chizmar (not present at November 12, 2024, mee�ng). Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4 yeas, 1 absten�on. 1 V. PRESENTATIONS A. Cer�ficates of Recogni�on for Department of Public Works’ Dona�on Drive for Hurricane Relief to Western North Carolina 1. Joli Long 2. Chrissy Mullaney 3. Kathy Pearce Chair E�ng thanked Ms. Long, Ms. Mullaney, and Ms. Pearce for all their regular hard work in addi�on to the work they did with the hurricane assistance. Chair E�ng read the cer�ficate of recogni�on, which listed how they collected dona�ons of supplies, gi� cards, and cash from Town of Bel Air staff with the assistance of the McComas family. The cer�ficate noted that the employees demonstrated compassion and caring. The commissioners recognized them as a great and posi�ve reflec�on of the town’s workforce. Mr. Hopkins added that Howard McComas sent his regrets for not atending tonight’s mee�ng. He was in North Carolina delivering supplies. B. Derby Trophy Presenta�on by the Bel Air Lions Club to Harford Re�rement Planners Dave Guzewich, Bel Air Lions Club, provided a brief history on the inspira�on to bring back soapbox derby racing to Bel Air. He said that the first derby in 2023 had 10 cars, then there were 20 cars in 2024, and for May 18, 2025, 28 cars are registered. Mr. Guzewich said that it is a tremendous community event where businesses and individuals partner with town staff and the Lions Club. Mikayla Quinton, Bel Air Lions Club, said the trophy is passed along to each new derby winner. She introduced Joe Conroy and his son Blake from Harford Re�rement Planners as the winners. Mr. Conroy said he had fond memories of growing up in Bel Air and he is happy to make new memories with the next genera�on. Mr. Conroy expressed his apprecia�on for the opportunity to have such a fun event like the derby. Commissioner Chance said the soapbox derby is an amazing event and commended the Lions Club for their efforts. Commissioner Chizmar said he remembered the derby when it took place in the 1960s and thanked the club for bringing the derby back. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolu�on 1242-24 Town of Bel Air Fee Schedule Amendments Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned that Resolu�on No. 1242-24, amending the town’s fee schedule be received by the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. 1. Public Comments Mr. Krantz said the fee schedule was last amended in June 2024. He said in this resolu�on there are a few amendments from town staff. These included a tax sale adver�sing fee descrip�on, a new fee for legal review of development requirements, and an updated billing/construc�on management fee. Mr. 2 Krantz said there are twenty-two changes to the fee schedule that are a result of changes in the Harford County fee schedule. Mr. Krantz listed the changes that fall under the categories of building permit fees, fees regarding residen�al buildings, addi�ons and altera�ons to buildings, and miscellaneous, which included such items as swimming pools and demoli�on. Mr. Krantz said there will be a public hearing and a vote on this fee schedule on December 16. Commissioner Taylor ques�oned the effec�ve date of January 1, 2025. Specifically, Commissioner Taylor asked if the town would start collec�ng the new fees a�er December 16 or not un�l January 1. Mr. Kline recommended that the town con�nue to use exis�ng pricing un�l January 1. Ms. Moody agreed with this recommenda�on, declaring that these are pass-through fees and the town should not collect the fees too soon. Consequently, Commissioner Taylor mo�oned to amend the effec�ve date from December 16, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the amendment of Resolu�on 1242-24 to change the effec�ve date to January 1, 2025. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. Commissioner Taylor asked about the increase in the billing/construc�on management fee. Mr. Kline said this fee relates to stormwater management. He said that some homeowner associa�ons are not able to maintain their pond facili�es in the proper manner so the town manages the project for them and bills accordingly. He said this fee encompasses the town’s cost to administer this process. Ms. Moody added that a project related to this fee will be coming up in the next fiscal year. She said the last �me the town billed for stormwater management was in 2012 and so her office conducted a cost analysis to determine this revised fee. She explained the billing process, rela�ng how a homeowner could decide how to pay the costs of the stormwater management project over one to three years and will s�ll be billed by the town the $65 fee each year. She noted that the invoice for these costs accompany the real estate tax bills for homeowners. Commissioner Taylor asked how these stormwater management projects are ini�ated. Mr. Kline said property deeds dictate that homeowners are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of pond facili�es in their communi�es. He said his department will reach out to the homeowners with an es�mate to bring their stormwater management up to compliance. He said he received a proposal for $31,000 for the upcoming project, which would be a cost of about $1,000 for each homeowner plus the town’s administra�ve fees. Commissioner Taylor asked if the town was the only op�on for homeowners. Mr. Kline replied that the homeowners have the op�on to do the project themselves or hire another en�ty. Chair E�ng ques�oned the wisdom of having a homeowner associa�on in charge of such a technical project and felt $65 a year is a very reasonable. Mr. Kline assured commissioners that even if a community would decide to take on the project itself, the town would s�ll be available to lend professional assistance since it was the town’s inspec�on that ins�gated the process. Ms. Moody noted that the town would most likely be able to nego�ate a beter price than the homeowner associa�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to receive the amended Resolu�on 1242-24. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. B. Contract for Gateway Drive Sanitary Sewer Pump Sta�on and Force Main Upgrades and Replacement Commissioner Rutledge mo�oned that the bid for Conewago Enterprises, Inc., 660 Edgegrove Road, Hanover, PA, 17311 to provide all labor, material, equipment, and supervision to make substan�al upgrades to the Gateway Drive sanitary pump sta�on and replace exis�ng force main, in accordance with 3 all contract specifica�ons and plans for an amount not to exceed $1,263,000.00 be accepted by the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Mr. Kline provided a history of this pump sta�on, which serves 147 residen�al condominium proper�es and nine commercial proper�es. He said many of the components are old, outdated, and in need of an up-grade. He said Conewago Enterprises submited the lowest bid. Mr. Kline said this project will be funded through ARPA in the sewer budget. He said the cost of $1,299,000 has a 10 percent con�ngency. Mr. Kline then described the detailed components of this project, which will include a complete removal and replacement of the exis�ng pump sta�on. He said Conewago Enterprises will provide all labor, material, equipment, and supervision. Mr. Kline explained for Commissioner Chizmar that, although the town has not used this company before, he received recommenda�ons regarding their work. In addi�on, he said the company only has to mobilize one �me because it is already working on the Shamrock Pump Sta�on. He noted that KCI Technologies will be overseeing the project and feels confident overall that this expensive project is in good hands. Commissioner Rutledge asked for clarifica�on regarding the 10 percent con�ngency. Mr. Kline said that it is a cost overrun provision to accommodate poten�al addi�onal costs. He said it is a 10 percent markup of the bid price. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote for the award of contract for Gateway Drive sanitary sewer pump sta�on upgrades. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5- 0. C. Contract for Construc�on Phase Services for the Gateway Drive Sanitary Sewer Pump Sta�on and Force Main Upgrades and Replacement Commissioner Chance mo�oned that the hourly labor rate bid of KCI Technologies, 1352 Marrows Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19711 as provided to and accepted by Howard County Government under Contract No. 4400004866 be u�lized by the town to enter into a contract to oversee the construc�on phase of the Gateway Drive Sanitary Sewer Pump Sta�on and Force Main Replacement Project in the amount of $42,209.22 be accepted by the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Mr. Kline said that KCI Technologies developed the design specifica�ons and plans for the Gateway Drive pump sta�on, and these plans served as the basis for the bidding process. He said that it is thus logical to have their engineers oversee the rehabilita�on and replacement of the pump sta�on to ensure the work meets their standards. Mr. Kline said the funds for this contract will come from ARPA, and the town piggybacked on a contract secured by Howard County government. Mr. Kline then listed the numerous du�es and responsibili�es that KCI Technologies will have under this contract. Chair E�ng referred to page 5 of the contract where it references the Shamrock Pump Sta�on upgrade. Mr. Kline and Ms. Moody said they would atend to this typo. Ms. Moody also explained for Chair E�ng how the costs listed on page 4 total $42,209.22. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote for the award of contract for construc�on phase services for the Gateway Drive Sanitary Sewer Pump Sta�on Upgrades Project. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. 4 D. Bulk Road Salt Contract Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned that Agreement No. 25-098 and any subsequent addendums between Eastern Salt Company, Inc. 134 Middle Road, Lowell, MA and Harford County Government to supply bulk road de-icing salt for $63.83 per ton be accepted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. Mr. Kline explained how the town uses bulk road salt to manage ice and snow on 41 miles of streets, alleys, and parking lots. He said funding in the amount of $35,750.00 for the purchase of bulk road salt was allocated in the streets sec�on of the public works FY25 budget. He explained that the town piggybacks on pricing secured by Harford County government, thus taking advantage of the $63.83 per ton cost, a reduc�on from last year’s rate of $71.50 per ton. He confirmed for Commissioner Chizmar that the town is paying for approximately 560 tons. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the bulk road salt contract. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. E. Street Ligh�ng Contract for the Thomas Street Streetscape Project Commissioner Rutledge mo�oned that the proposal of BGE, P. O. Box 1475, Bal�more, MD to provide all labor, material, equipment, and supervision to install seventeen street lights along the Thomas Street Improvements Project in the amount of $64,171.00 be accepted by the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Mr. Kline explained how the Thomas Street project is a part of the revitaliza�on of the Howard Park area. He said the streetscape improvements will reduce vehicle speeds, discourage cut-through truck traffic, enhance landscaping, improve stormwater management, and upgrade bicycle and pedestrian ameni�es. Part of the project includes the installa�on of seventeen new, energy-efficient streetlights to enhance security and visibility. Mr. Kline said this will be a sole source procurement with BGE, which has been the longstanding supplier and maintainer of the town’s streetligh�ng infrastructure. He noted that the underground wiring will be installed using direc�onal boring. Mr. Kline informed Commissioner Rutledge that the same type of ligh�ng was just installed on Office Street. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote for award of contract to install street light for the Thomas Street Improvements Project Phase I and II. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. F. Appointment to the Appearance and Beau�fica�on Commitee 1. Kristy Sudbrink Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that the reappointment of Kristy Sudbrink to the Appearance and Beau�fica�on Commitee (ABC) for a term of four years, effec�ve immediately, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Commissioner Taylor said Ms. Sudbrink is the treasurer for the commitee and does an excellent job. Chair E�ng commended her work on the yearly awards presenta�on. 5  Mr. Krantz asked for a vote for the reappointment of Kristy Sudbrink to the ABC. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. G. Appointment to the Commitee for Seniors and Ci�zens in Need 1. Debra T. Hanley Commissioner Chance mo�oned that the reappointment of Debra T. Hanley to the Commitee for Seniors and Ci�zens in Need for a term of three years, effec�ve immediately, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Commissioner Chance said Ms. Hanley has served for a number of years and has done a remarkable job bringing important issues to the commitee. Commissioner Chizmar said Ms. Hanley understands the needs and challenges of seniors because of her day job. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote for the reappointment of Debra T. Hanley to the Commitee for Seniors and Ci�zens in Need. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. H. Appointment to the Tree Commitee 1. Michael Simini Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that the reappointment of Michael Simini to the Tree Commitee for a term of three years, effec�ve immediately, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Chair E�ng said Mr. Simini has been on the Tree Commitee for many years and currently serves as chair. She commended his hard work and is thrilled that he will con�nue to serve. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote for the reappointment of Michael Simini to the Tree Commitee. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. VII. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair E�ng read the public announcements. The Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree-Ligh�ng Celebra�on will be on December 8. The Christmas train garden will also be open on December 8 at the Mt. Ararat Lodge, 136 E. Gordon Street. The christmasinbelair.com website provides informa�on on holiday events in Bel Air. The Bel Air Farmers’ Market will be open Saturdays through December 21 in the Mary E. W. Risteau building parking lot at South Bond and Thomas Streets. Main Street will be closed from 4:30-9:30 pm on December 7 for Winter Wonderland events. The Winter Wonderland Market will be at the armory on that day. The Bel Air Community Band will perform its Winter Concert on December 8 at Bel Air High School. Ms. Robertson corrected and said the concert will be on December 15. The Belle Aire Holiday Market hosted by the Downtown Alliance will be on December 7, 14, and 21 in the parking lot at 121 S. Main Street. The Harford Ar�sts’ Associa�on will host a Holiday Open House at its gallery in the Armory Marketplace on December 7, 8, 14, and 15. A Magical Motown Christmas featuring The Voices of Classic Soul will take place at the armory on December 15. The Planning Commission will meet on December 5. The ABC will meet on December 9. The Tree Commitee will meet on December 11. The 6 Board of Commissioners will meet on December 10 and 16. There will be a special closing ceremony for the Bel Air 150th anniversary �me capsule on December 16. The Town of Bel Air Municipal Ci�zens Academy will start January 29, 2025, with gradua�on on March 17, 2025. The academy will introduce town residents to municipal government. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was no public comment. IX. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS Commissioner Taylor said the recently installed crest behind the dais looks wonderful. He thanked the Planning Department. Chair E�ng reported that the Cub Scouts will be at town hall tomorrow evening. She encouraged staff and commissioners to join her, Commissioner Chizmar, and Mr. Krantz as they welcome the scouts. Chair E�ng and Commissioner Chizmar were pleased with the holiday celebra�ons in town. X. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Rutledge mo�oned to adjourn the mee�ng. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. All in favor. The mee�ng adjourned at 8:06 pm. APPROVED: December 16, 2024 Signature on file _____________ Paula S. E�ng, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 7